Camp-o-matic camper trailer

Thanks Banjo...would be great to get an update once you have tried your new camp-o-matic out on the tracks. Do you have any immediate plans for it?

Nothing specific - don't have a confirmed supply date yet. The first trip will of course be a 'softy' - fair bit of blacktop, and some sand travel probably....I'm a bit of pedant when I outlay mid to high $20's - I use a trips checklist that is quite detailed - after the soft run, I'll know a bit more about some of the Campo's requirements. Already we know we'll need a small plank or two for trailer levelling (or dig a wheel in - ground is rarely perfectly level), some small pieces of wood to level the hard floor, a plastic sheet for the bed (keep it dry if canvas is wet on close) and some thin carpet or similar for the hard floor (and a doormat !). We plan to preserve the value, so stone protection will be studied closely.
Once this is all in place, off back up the Strzelecki and maybe the Tanami
to the northwest. Pays not to underestimate the stones - I've seen the underside of a KK that did a big an outback trip and it was one hell of a rock blasting job ! You don't just loose paint - it dings the metal too.

Rosco

I agree with the overpricing...however, as I look around more and more, it seems that they do hold their value quite well. I just have concerns about the box trailer type for durability when out on the rough tracks and corrogations..."A poor man pays twice"???

I don't believe durability to be an issue if you buy the correct rig.

It's certainly not a concern to me with ours. Suspension and chassis every bit as bullet proof as any I've seen. Standard leaf springs which I consider a definite advantage. But then again, as always .. it's horses for courses and a personal choice.

Best of luck whichever way you go.

Rosco
Yes they seem at first to be overpriced. but if you want the comfort and convenience which is why they are considered and invented they are a good option between your old tent n tarp setup and the 'can't go there!' 60k offroad caravan. resale is about 75% of original to.
just an observation.

Jac

Correct re the comfort and convenience aspect and they certainly are a much better looking unit when folded up, as compared to the soft floor jobs.

The soft floor ones have the same creature comforts and more pluses for storage and I believe hold their resale value quite well too.

I have no probs with anyone's decision to opt for the hard floor units, it's just that they didn't fulfil our requirements.

So we made a decision not to spend a motsa on something we were not entirely happy with.

Cheers

Gamefish

Please ignore this response if the question was not sent in my direction, however that would appear to be the case.

Brand ... Camel
Had it for just on 12 months. No seriously hard work to date .. trip to Fraser, a few trips to Straddie and a few up bush. Heading off for the Cape in a fortnight .... YAHOO !!!

Tows extremely well. 440kg tare, which is somewhat surprising given the solid construction.

Off road durability ... hot dip galv a must, together with good chassis and overall construction. Leccie brakes are a must have in my opinion.
All the wiring and water hoses etc should be well protected from stones.
Off road hitch a must ... have an Orac, but in hindsight maybe should have gone for a Hyland, but then again that may possibly be a weak link ?? Matching wheels to the vehicle is very important.

I think that about covers it.

Cheers

Thanks Rosco
Great insight. I notice the Australian offroad campers (the expensive ones made up the coast at caloundra ) are powdercoated rather than hot dipped in gal...your thoughts on hot dipped versus powdercoated for durability and rust?

No comparison, galv EVERY time. Power coat looks flash and galv quite industrial. But powder coat very prone to stone chips and before you know it they look very ordinary and then the maintenance starts.

When we were looking around in the first place we noticed most, if not all of the non galv jobs were powder coated and a lot had rust spots in the little nooks and crannies where the coating had not been applied .... and they were brand spankers.

Misunderstanding on the kitchen. Aware it comes out the side, meant it is worked from the drawbar side - on the latest models anyway. Preferred the reverse.

Hi Bob

I'm with you.

I'm heading out through Western Qld, Gulf in a couple of weeks. Tow with a Defender and wouldn't know it was there. A touch heavy on the ball, for some, however never been a problem for us.

Yet to see any dust inside, and it has had plenty of chances for that!

Cheers

AORC XR is 25,000. This is the base model (has everything except shower/hws). Once you visit the factory you will be sold. Bias I know. :)

poppy
are you talking the same kind of dollars for your cape york explorer as the mid range camp-o-matic (i.e $27K)?

Poppy...just another thing.

I agree with your analysis on the suspension. I too believe independent to be the way to go. All the Camp-o-matic trailers now are built with a hot dipped gal A-frame trailer and independent suspension (Lovell coils and tough-dog shocks). They may (read I hope) have improved since your friends version??? Certianly hope so, as the wife is sort of set on the camp-o-matic (saw it at the Brisbane camping show last week) and I need a camper that will last the distance - tassie planned for Christmas, then the cape planned for August 05!

Hi Gamefish
Mate I paid $22.5k about 4 years ago but I believe they are a lot dearer now but with more options like a bigger storage box on the drawbar.
Don't let me sway you against Campo-Matic as I don't really think my mates was built for serious offroad work.
From my understanding Campos make a great trailer if you go for the offroad model
Cape York Trailers phone No (07)4035 5000
They had a web site but can' find it now give them a call and get a brochure
All the best in your choice
Regards Poppy

Oddy

Not quite. Supagal is a relatively light zinc coating which is applied when manufacturing the steel sections. The weight of zinc per sq. metre is much less. Hence when fabricating the trailers the welds and raw end cuts are not galvanised.

Hot dip on the other hand means just that. After fabrication the entire unit is dipped.

Cheers