Scoey (QLD) replied:

G'Day Tima,

I'd say that you're comparing apples with oranges to a degree. It realy depends what you're after and how much you want to spend to achieve that. Both have very different pro's and con's and I guess it will come down to individual choice.

My personal opinion would be that a Jayco type camper might be more comfortable the Camprite will probably follow you to more places. etc

Good luck with your choice!
Cheers, Scoey!

Allan3198 replied:

Haven't seen the TL8 in the flesh but looks quite good. I wouldn't buy a Jayco if you are going into rough country as they have been known to rattle apart. Your light duty bush work would probably be OK.

I went to the Melb Caravan Show and are now going to look at the companies that were not at the show like Tambo, Walkabout, Dingo, Trailermade. Different style to what you are after however.

Good luck

Al

Marc replied:

stay clear of jayco. 7 outta 10 have problems with the offraod models. shcoks and springs have welds break interior lining moves and cracks offroad. Jayco know about the issues but due to price won't address them yet.
All companies spend $80.00 an hour in labor to build them few $K diffence is in the materials.
Yet to see the TL8 in real life but the specs look good but shop around as a number are now making great campers for 4

SimonW replied:

Hi Tim,
Horse for courses, we saw a family (ages of kids similiar to yours) with a TL8 in Kings canyon last year & it is a quality bit of kit, took them about 15min for a full setup & it is all off the ground with the kitchen on the tailgate, nice bit of kit but that comes at a cost. We earlier this year checked out the Jayco off road range also as we have a little guy & another coming & in our case floor space was high on the priority so we ended up with a Kanga, a quality unit & easy for a single person setup, handy with kids.

Cheers Simon.

G&R replied:

G'day Tim, we have an 8month old bub, and use a Kimberly Kamper. Solid as a rock, goes everywhere the cruiser does, and is quick and easy to setup. Plenty of room inside for a porta cot. I think 2 kids would eaisly fit a bed on the floor. Our young fellar will sleep inside until he is old enough to brave it in a tent of his own! (A few years away perhaps!)

Cheers,

Greg

Jimbo replied:

Tim,

We've had a Jayco Outback Eagle (traded up from a flip over tent on trailer type) for seven months (many bush trips) and for your needs:

"not climbing mountains, but some light duty bush work"

It will suit you perfectly. Queen size bed for you and the GLW and a double down the other end for the nippers. A four seater table plus a separate couch. Fridge, stove, griller, 12v lights, water tank etc etc. The table AND couch come in real handy when your stuck inside and it's raining.

You simply won't get the kind of comfort in a "real" camper for the money. The supposed quality issues (shocker mounts etc) were dealt with years ago. We had a few minor warranty issues that were happily fixed by the dealer.

Add a porta dunny, Coleman HWS, shower tent and you've got real comfort in the middle of nowhere. We were away bush a few weeks back and it was bitterly cold and started to rain, so we couldn't sit around the fire. We hopped inside the van, lit up the little gas heater, plugged the laptop into the inverter, watched a movie and had a nightcap or two.

There is no need to be uncomfortable to enjoy the bush.

Cheers,

Jim.

Lyds replied:

Hey Tim,

I've got a TL8 and luv it.

You can take it anywhere, and as long as the ground is fairly level, you don't care what the ground surface is eg you could set up on the sand, on cement, or in a puddle!

You don't need a peg (unless you put the awning up), and everyone is off the ground.

Its compact for storing in the garage or a smallish area.

Being compact means you have to pack up; I get a bit jealous sometimes of Caravaners who just hitch up (if they have to) and drive off. But it doesn't take too long and I don't get annoyed with it if we're touring and setting up and packing every day.

The other thing is that they don't seal completely, so there's no stopping the bugs.

Where are you?