TonyY replied:

Hi Lin,

we are currently going through the same process, off to the 4wd show tomorrow. I have checked out a few of the manufacturers around Perth, this is what I have found so far:

(I am only looking at the soft floor variety as the hard floor ones are too expensive)

West Coast (ARB): Pretty good construction, good canvas, overpriced. Not sure about the springs they looked a bit flimsy.

Cavalier: Ditto (slightly better on price).

Outback: Similar trailer, didn't like their kitchen, excellent canvas (probably best I've seen)

Camprite: Didn't really like the design, well built though.

Down Under Canvas (works out of his back yard in High Wycombe):
Trailer is from Leader Trailers which is the same as Cavalier, excellent canvas, excellent value for money.

Wandering Star: Loved these. The quality of construction is the best I have seen, leaf suspension looks far superior to anything else. If I can justify the extra $3k or so I will be tempted.

OziExplorer replied:

The major problem with all trailers is the narrow short springs. To put it mildly they are a lousy terrible suspension system. Just look at the rear springs on any 4WD cab/chassis and see how long and wide they are.
A friend a few doors up who had a camper trailer and has two kids, went to 2 x Oz 30 second tents, that they put facing each other and have mosquito screens that go between the two. They have the kitchen built into a plywood box that backs up to the two tents, and the mosquito screen goes over it and fits in a sail track guide to keep the mozzies out.
This is the tent:
http://www.discountcamping.com.au/oztent.htm
and they have found it quicker and more flexible and substantially cheaper than their previous camper trailer.
This also gives them a trailer they can use for any other purpose. Wish I had some pictures to show you how good they have set the unit up.

Cameron replied:

Lin, my 5c worth !!!
Camper trailers are a compromise. Regardless of what any one says and how good the trailer or suspension is, it is a bloody big anchor behind the vehicle that will limit where you can go. Also it is more that can go wrong. Having said all that it is certainly very satisfying climbing into a bed rather than sitting on the ground. In short trailers are a bugger whilst moving but brilliant when setup. We have four kids and need a trailer to take them and our "stuff" where ever we go. On a trip to Cape York we lost a wheel in a creek and ended up "eventually" leaving it a Weipa to get repaired whilst we continued to the top minus the trailer (and a lot of creature comforts). Although we still had a great time, it was certainly a lot more comfortable when we got the trailer back. Cheers

David replied:

Hi Lin
We have had a Cavalier Delux for about 4 years. Have travelled Great Central road , Plenty Hwy to east coast and back. This year we did Gibb River road, Mitchell Plateau, Bungle Bungle. Also trips to Albany, Esperance on a few occasions. So far we haven't had any problems at all. Towed by 80 series L/C, adds about 4 litres per 100klm.
Rgds David

Nick replied:

Lin

I have been researching camper trailers for some time including Wandering Star. I too went to the 4WD show last friday. After talking at length to John from Wandering Star both at the show and at his workshop I have just ordered one of his Trailmasters, customised to carry a boat and motor. In my opinion they are the best built, and certainly the best value for money, soft floor campers I have seen. I saw a trailer being built and the build quality was obvious. Heavy duty all welded construction, 9 leaf bronze bushed greasable springs, brakes standard, 14oz/12oz canvas, zip-out floor, simple set-up, awning standard, wheels/tyres matched to vehicle. When you look at the base price of a cheaper trailer and option it up to the level that comes standard with Wandering Star the price is usually more and the quality doesn't match up.

I have seen a few good reports of their performance, soon I hope to be able to supply my own.

Nick

TonyY replied:

Ditto Lin,

the 4wd show was a final comparison for me. I was only looking at soft floor trailers and I agree with Nick that the Wandering Star were by far the best constructed. They are also a local company which helped to sway the decision.

I have ordered a Trailmaster.

Cheers Tony.

Mike replied:

Lin, there appears to be 2 tiers of camper trailer:

Top shelf - Kimberley camper and Campomatic with hard floor
"Other" shelf - Wandering star, Cavalier, ARB one (forget the name!) with fold-way canvas and soft floors.

The "other shelf" ones are all the same. Basically canvas comes over and you sleep in it. I had Cavalier one for a trip round goldfields and it was very good.

At the end of the day all camper trailer are the same - THEY ARE SOMEWHERE TO SLEEP AND CARRY ALL YOUR STUFF (this is a very important point). They are all a pain to DAILY pack/unpack and tow real-off-road.

My choice now is a touring tent. Easier to erect and nothing to tow (which stuffs up your fuel economy and restricts your off road ability).

If you are only going to go on dirt roads then get one of those new or secondhand 4WD caravans (pop-top or otherwise) as they are easier to stay in each night and you don't have to fold away the canvas. Don't get a camper trailer where the ends pull out as they are just as a pain as the camper trailers with the canvas (+ the runners always give you gyp!).

Hope this helps...

Back to tenting convert!