Camper trailer recommendations

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14th October 2008, 07:35 PM
justinc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jer

If your set on the Pop top type of campers then ignore my suggestions. However if your hubby is a bean counter and you are driving from up top then dragging a camper from there will cost you a fortune on fuel if it's a straight V8. I'd recommend hiring from O'brien's camper trailers in Vic and then take it with you across to Tassie. That way at least the fuel costs are reduced.The suggestion re the flights across and one adult takes camper and Truck is an excellent idea.

Tassie has beautiful beaches, pristine country, awesome fishing and some amazing history. It will be a nice cool change from up North. Melbourne has plenty of accommodation close to the ferry. A lot of wild camping is generally free in Tassie so you will not be spending that much unless your camping intentions are prescious and the kids are very young.

Anyway have a look and see.

J

Chris Bodens book 'Off road Tasmania guidebook - second edition' has a lot more info regarding free camping in Tassie etc. It has a fantastic list of tracks and trips all GPS guided etc with some historical references included. Well worth alook and you can order direct online from his website, Off-road Tasmania Guidebook

JC
14th October 2008, 08:45 PM
101 Ron

In 2005 I purchased a Jayco Hawk Outback with full options and a bit more.
I looked at Goldstream and Coromal and both were much better built than Jayco units.
I didn't go with Coromal as I looked at second hand units in the yards and they were not galvanised in the chassis which showed with wear and the fact that Coromal had had the expanable kichen which I though was more work and more canvas to look after........I did like the door swing down set up as it was much better than the Jayco.
The goldstream seem very good, but expensive and no dealers nearby/
Jayco won me on value for money.
The Jaycos are poorly made and the local dealer was not very good , but others have been better.
Issues have been with very poor wiring and self tapping screws falling out of thing on dirt roads.
The failed wheel bearing and bed slides were fixed under warranty
I found the factory couldnt cope with any other than there standard fittings as every extra the factory fitted was stuffed up and I
had to do much jumping up and down to get it sorted.
I am now happy with my Jayco, but I did much work my self to get it to that point.
The floor is ply wood so I water proofed it and corrected the poor wiring and as for dust issues get a two way Waeco fridge instead of the standard Dometic three job as it doesnt need the ventilation and there less holes in the bodywork and works better any how .
I have not found dust a issuse with the two way fridge as the vent holes are easy plugged.
The new smooth look models do not appeal to me as if you carefully checkout the smooth sides it is nothing more than some plywood with a millimeter thick bit of white resin over it........give me aluminum any old day.
I am happy with the Jayco but you get what you pay for.
14th October 2008, 09:22 PM
CraigE

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101 Ron

In 2005 I purchased a Jayco Hawk Outback with full options and a bit more.
I looked at Goldstream and Coromal and both were much better built than Jayco units.
I didn't go with Coromal as I looked at second hand units in the yards and they were not galvanised in the chassis which showed with wear and the fact that Coromal had had the expanable kichen which I though was more work and more canvas to look after........I did like the door swing down set up as it was much better than the Jayco.
The goldstream seem very good, but expensive and no dealers nearby/
Jayco won me on value for money.
The Jaycos are poorly made and the local dealer was not very good , but others have been better.
Issues have been with very poor wiring and self tapping screws falling out of thing on dirt roads.
The failed wheel bearing and bed slides were fixed under warranty
I found the factory couldnt cope with any other than there standard fittings as every extra the factory fitted was stuffed up and I
had to do much jumping up and down to get it sorted.
I am now happy with my Jayco, but I did much work my self to get it to that point.
The floor is ply wood so I water proofed it and corrected the poor wiring and as for dust issues get a two way Waeco fridge instead of the standard Dometic three job as it doesnt need the ventilation and there less holes in the bodywork and works better any how .
I have not found dust a issuse with the two way fridge as the vent holes are easy plugged.
The new smooth look models do not appeal to me as if you carefully checkout the smooth sides it is nothing more than some plywood with a millimeter thick bit of white resin over it........give me aluminum any old day.
I am happy with the Jayco but you get what you pay for.

Thats fair comment Ron and if that is your budget and you are happy with the product then thats fantastic. I am by no means totally ant Jayco and if one came up for the right price would fix the faults myself.

I think you can get the Coromals with galv chassis, but I think you have to order them. Will ask my FIL as he will be down with his on Thursday and I am sure both of his have been galv chassis. He did however custom order both the ones he has had, not just bought off the lot.
I have spoken to Coromal reps and they can do a fair bit of customising if you are happy to pay for it obiously, as when we get one I would like a longer draw bar, motorcycle ramp on the back, galv etc. One day when I can afford it and trade up from the Cavalier Camper.
Cheers
CraigE
14th October 2008, 09:23 PM
101 Ron

Found some photos of my Jayco and it shows you how it decked it out.
First the specs...................
Two water tanks with 140 lite cap at up.
600w inverter.
Micro wave
pintle hook loop( easier to hook up than other off road couplings)
Override brakes only ( no electric)
Alko indepent suspension
two 64 watt unisolar panels
Fanima wind out orning
Twin gas bottle holder with jerry can holder at front.
Jerry can holder on rear bumper.
Spare wheel can swing up if hit.
Waeco 90 lt two way fridge.
22 lt suburban 240 volt / gas hot water system with external taps and shower head on hose
On board battery and internal spaces reworked to give more storage space
The biggest draw back now is weight........you cannot tow it up and down some of the 4wd tracks I sometimes want to go.....but the 101 landy helps alot.
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007001.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007006.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007013.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007011.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007012.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk26122007027.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jayco2005campervanhawk2612200703-1.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
007.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
006.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
15th October 2008, 06:37 AM
gromit

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101 Ron

In 2005 I purchased a Jayco Hawk Outback with full options and a bit more.
I looked at Goldstream and Coromal and both were much better built than Jayco units.
I didn't go with Coromal as I looked at second hand units in the yards and they were not galvanised in the chassis which showed with wear and the fact that Coromal had had the expanable kichen which I though was more work and more canvas to look after........I did like the door swing down set up as it was much better than the Jayco.
The goldstream seem very good, but expensive and no dealers nearby/
Jayco won me on value for money.
The Jaycos are poorly made and the local dealer was not very good , but others have been better.
Issues have been with very poor wiring and self tapping screws falling out of thing on dirt roads.
The failed wheel bearing and bed slides were fixed under warranty
I found the factory couldnt cope with any other than there standard fittings as every extra the factory fitted was stuffed up and I
had to do much jumping up and down to get it sorted.
I am now happy with my Jayco, but I did much work my self to get it to that point.
The floor is ply wood so I water proofed it and corrected the poor wiring and as for dust issues get a two way Waeco fridge instead of the standard Dometic three job as it doesnt need the ventilation and there less holes in the bodywork and works better any how .
I have not found dust a issuse with the two way fridge as the vent holes are easy plugged.
The new smooth look models do not appeal to me as if you carefully checkout the smooth sides it is nothing more than some plywood with a millimeter thick bit of white resin over it........give me aluminum any old day.
I am happy with the Jayco but you get what you pay for.

Ron,

As I think has been mentioned the Coromal is now a Gal chassis, not hot dipped like the Jayco but made from pre galvanised steel. This means that they have to paint all the welds, in fact they silver paint the whole chassis. Not sure if they offer hot dipped as an option.

A mate has just ordered a new Jayco Outback, because he included the option of an oven he has to wait untill March for delivery !! Seems that they cannot make them quick enough.

Not sure what make camper is in the attached photo ......

Colin
15th October 2008, 09:09 AM
noodlemac

Not sure what make camper is in the attached photo ......

Oh dear!
15th October 2008, 04:17 PM
101 Ron

I dont want to split hairs but dura gal is not in the same class as hot dip gal.
as i said I wasnt knocking the Coromal products.......they are better built than Jayco.
A fellow is importing a american camper van chassis and adding features to suit aussie condition.
I can not remmeber the brand except the model was called Saturn and they are good value and well made......worth a look.
15th October 2008, 10:21 PM
gromit

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101 Ron

I dont want to split hairs but dura gal is not in the same class as hot dip gal.
as i said I wasnt knocking the Coromal products.......they are better built than Jayco.
A fellow is importing a american camper van chassis and adding features to suit aussie condition.
I can not remmeber the brand except the model was called Saturn and they are good value and well made......worth a look.

Ron,

I'd agree that hot dip gives much better corrosion protection.
Duragal is a little easier to weld to should you want to make mods in the future (or carry out repairs !) because you don't have to grind back to remove the zinc.

Wonder whether Coromal don't hot dip due to the logistics, cost or some other reason ?
Jayco chassis only have to travel from Dandenong to Kilsyth (GB Galvanising) not that far. GB have a site in Dandenong but not sure if they are hot dipping yet or it's just a forwarding depot.

When we were looking for ours I found this site campertrailers.org they don't really cater for wind-up campers, more for proper off-road camper trailers.

This looks like the Saturn unit you mentioned Getabout Campers Home

Colin

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