Thinking about a camper trailer?

**jonesfam** · 22nd April 2018, 12:47 PM

SWMBO & I have been thinking about how we can take holidays.
But we are Mob Handed.
We have 7 kids aged 9-14 so motels etc are out, they just can't accommodate us.
We thought about a cruise, need 2 more adults for that number of kids??

So, we have been thinking about a good, second hand camper trailer.
We will still need to take 2 cars but I figure the 5 seat D2a could pull the trailer, have the fridge & 2 or 3 kids. SWMBO could fold up the back seats in her Delica, carry the rest of the kids + a heap of gear. Maybe put a large pod on the roof of the D2 for bed rolls etc.

Anyway, found this on Gumtree:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cami...-1-/1164902242

I really need educating re-camper trailers, before we had the kids we always camped in a tent, usually just the 2 of us, & that was no stress.
Anybody know much about these?
Are they any good?
Dumb idea or what?
Would a camper trailer even be practical?
Ta
Jonesfam

Tombie · 22nd April 2018, 02:01 PM

How can is say this?

In wouldn’t recommend that brand in a Drunken Fit.

**Markf** · 22nd April 2018, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Tombie

How can is say this?

In wouldn’t recommend that brand in a Drunken Fit.

X2

**Rextheute** · 22nd April 2018, 02:16 PM

JF ,
If possible - I understand distance is against you !

Have a shortlist , here are my picks in the softfloor trailer dept - All are / were Aussie made , so Great Dynaproof ( waxconvertors canvas ) all are Aussie steel , all were rented or had rental operations based around them .
Johnnos camper trailers
Camel Campers - pre MDC ( approx 2013 )
Customline or Armadillo
All of the above are no longer in business , but all were great Campers , well designed and well made . They are not fancy , try to get a leaf sprung version , they travel fine and are a lot more reasonably priced as young bucks only want independent suspension .

Also , have a look for an Outback Campers - not the qld ones ,Chase one from VIC - based in Carrum Downs , still in business and great Campers

Ps , if the listed one is your budget ( approx) you can get a far better Aussie made camper - it may be older tho ,
In my opinion , most people do not abuse a camper - they are used infrequently and generally for long distance travel.carrying those who you love the most , a holiday ruined is not a win. !

Good Luck with your search , a camper is a very convenient way to carry all your gear , and it’s great fun !

**87County** · 22nd April 2018, 02:17 PM

jonesy, as tombie hints, the brand you linked to does not enjoy a good reputation

**rar110** · 22nd April 2018, 02:32 PM

I reckon that set up would take about 2 hours.

I would look at one of the older Aussie made hard floor campers and a couple of RV3/4 Oztents. You can put bunk beds in the hard floor section for the younger kids.

Something like this.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hatto...rce=ios_social

**jonesfam** · 22nd April 2018, 03:06 PM

Sorry, I forgot.
Budget including going & getting the camper is $10000.
It has to be off-road capable because I want to take some of the kids out to Dry Creek, Old Doomadgee & so on for week-ends so SWMBO can have some "Me Time" & it has to be pretty dust proof.
And if this works out it will become our holiday home.

Jonesfam

**harro** · 22nd April 2018, 03:36 PM

Have a look at the Trackabout campers, few on gumtree.
A mate here in Cairns has had one for about 10 years.
Taken it pretty well everywhere up here and still loves it.

Not had any problems that I am aware of.

Cheers,
Paul.

**87County** · 22nd April 2018, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by jonesfam

Sorry, I forgot.

... & it has to be pretty dust proof.
.....

Jonesfam

hmmm... that may be a BIG ask

DiscoMick · 22nd April 2018, 04:31 PM

As a side note, consider buying the kids a dome swag each. They can be had for about $100-150 each. Anaconda's Dune range are better quality than the 4WD Supercentre ones.
My nephew did this for his six kids and it works well. Each kid gets their own personal space to set up where they like. In rainy weather they can be under the camper awning for extra protection.
That way you can focus your dollars on the camper.
For $10k new it will be imported, or a good used Aussie made one. Focus on these points:

Strong frame and suspension
Comfortable bed
Practical kitchen
No leaks
Ten minute setup
Not more than about 1200kg to tow
Water tank at least 50 litres
AGM battery with chargers to run a fridge
Electric brakes

With these basics covered, you should be fine.

Buy a kit of LED lights

No need to overspec your camper. Just cover the basics.

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