Thread: Whats a good first camper trailer??

Having spent the past 4 years myself making up my mind on which one to buy I can agree about how they all sound the same.

For me it is about how long you intend to keep it, where you want to take it and weight.

If you want to tow one while doing hard core 4x4ing, then you want independant suspension, not leaf springs.

I do not like hard floors as they take up too much storage space but they are a bit better if you are packing up in the rain, only a bit.

I like alloy for weight.

Start doing a list of what you are going to do with it and work your requirments into that and that is why everyone will have a different opinion.

I would suggest getting a cheap second hand one or hiring a few different ones to see A, if you like camper trailers. And B, what configuration suits you. I recently bought a cheapie from gumtree. Love it, best thing we every did.

HTH

Dylan

We bought a camper trailer about 2 years ago at the Brisbane camping show.
It's basically an Oztrail camper tent on a high-sided box trailer.

Things about it that I like are that the tent is canvas, which is so much better than nylon both in summer and in winter, and it has a swing-away tailgate so I could mount an aluminium chequerplate box as a camp kitchen.
Apart from that, just make sure the trailer is sound for your intended purpose. I broke a leaf spring on mine after the first big run out the Cameron Corner, so the suspension has since been upgraded.

It cost around the $5k mark, and I've spent money on it as I go, upgrading to things like an onboard water tank, and solar panel/battery setup.
I think that for my budget at the time, it was a good buy - having said that if I'd had $10k to spend, I would have bought one with all the bits already done on it.

The best one to buy is one that you can use and use often - that's what it's about.

We bought our first old (70's) jayco about 4 year ago for a couple of grand just to get going and work out what we actually want/need. Used it half a dozen times in the first 18 months then bought another not so old (80's) Jayco for 4 grand. Having tarted it up a bit while we had it. I sold the first one on e-bay for $4K. The second one will also go on the market soon as I am modifying an ex-army trailer to take a roof top tent and become our new off roading camper. I'm hoping it will also go for a bit more than I bought it for to cover the total cost of the ex-army one.

With 3 primary school kids and Mrs, we have used our campers approx. 4-5 times a year with total days use a year being around 20-25 days (average). That is the primary reason we don't want to spend anymore... anymore than a couple of grand sitting around in the drive is just wasteful IMHO. The secondary reason is that young kids tend not to recognise if something is nice and new or a bit old and faded when they are putting their lovely muddy boots, or texta's, or whatever, all over it!

Whatever you buy, you will modify it to some degree... just get started and you'll be happy working it out as you go. From what I have seen on e-bay and the like, there is generally no problem selling a tidy second hand camper of any type. The lower budget ones especially.

we are first time camper trailer owner as well, we got a Castle Camper from Cleveland and are very happy with it. They have a new design in the tent now and should be in your price range. here is a link to their site

Camper Trailers Brisbane-Queensland | Campers fit for a King

cheers

My brother in law bought the exact same camper from Melbourne and although there are a few issues he his very happy with the purchase for the price. A bit of research found that several others have bought them and spent around $200.00 changing all the chinese bolts "U" bolts etc for better quality steel. Will let you know in 2 months how good they are as he is taking his to Cape York.
Cheers Rob

Originally Posted by newlandyowner

Hi Guys
Looking at getting our first camper trailer.
I've had a look around but there is a lot on the market it starts to get abit repetitive.

I've found these in Perth, they look pretty good and suit our budget (5-7k)

4x4 OFF ROAD CARAVAN CAMPER camping trailer + tent WA | eBay

Anyone know of any others worth a look at?

Cheers

I have just bought that exact trailer off e-bay. Having spent a year looking the price of these just cant be overlooked, especially as a first camper and if you win one of the no reserve auctions like me. I went and had a look first and all seemed well made, shown a mate in the know and he thinks its an unbelievable deal but only time will tell if the thing shakes apart. For me the Hard floor was an early decision as I want the super quick deployment they offer and the fact the floor is off the ground. I agree the storage available is not as good as the Soft tops but as I am going from a Tent and all the paraphernalia in the back of the car to this there will be plenty for my needs. Mine will be getting the full off road treatment so only time will tell if its a bargain or lemon. I pick it up on Thurs 10th, they are made / assembled to order. ( no doubt from a box of bits sent from China)
I had a look a campertrailers.org at all the info on there and these trailers seem to tick most of the should haves other more experienced owners recommend. I am optimistic this will prove a bargain buy

I recently purchased a new complete camper top and fitted it to my trailer. If you already have (suitable) trailer, it maybe a cheaper alternative as your first one anyway.

This is where I got mine. Good value for money and great service.

Austrack Camper Trailers & Tents Incl. Off Road & Motorbike