Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) replied:

Have a look at the GIC campers, They have different levels of duty and as you say, you can leave out the kitchen and do it your self if you wish to save some money. You dont need to pay $28,000 for a camper trailer to go camping.. MIchael

tim_c replied:

Rule No. 1 - Don't buy something like that without inspecting it first! Make sure you're happy with the build quality and quality of materials used and the way it sets up etc.

My bro-in-law's parents bought a cheap camper trailer (I think around $2-3k) and it was cheap because it was very basic - simply a 7'x4' trailer (or similar) with a platform across the top, a mattress and a canvas tent over it which opened to the rear. You just load everything else you need under the bed platform. They were very happy with it and the quality of the canvas work was quite good, they just didn't need all the extra solar systems, shower, toilet, kitchen, etc.

Don't be scared to buy one, just make sure you know why it's cheap: ie. it's basic, or it's rubbish, or both!

olcoolone replied:

You can buy a 6x4 trailer for $600 and a tent for $200, this is what you are going to get for $3000.

CHEAP is the word.

It's the old thing....you pay for what you get.

If you think it is value for money then buy it.

Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW replied:

Hi Speranza, where are you situated? I agree with other replies... you don't need to spend big bucks for a super brand name C/T, but you have to know what you are getting. I bought a new one advertised as "Heavy Duty Off Road". As it was local to me, I could inspect it, and my thoughts were that it was a fairly well made "Medium Duty Off Road". It is a high sided 7' X 4' trailer, fully seam welded, heavy leaf springs, long draw bar, off road wheels, queen size bed that's 5" thick foam, and an Oztrail 9 tent section. I also bought the 'sun room' (annex and walls). All up, new on road $6300. Have been camping heaps and very happy with it, but haven't been in an real off road situation yet, just gravel tracks, not too rough. I have no doubt it will handle rougher than we have been so far. I built the kitchen/pantry/storage cupboard, added a tool box to the A frame, and will add a water tank soon. It's not exactly 5 star, but looks the part, and as I said, does everything we need with ease. Actually the name of the company I bought it from is Five Star Campers in Newcastle area of NSW (actually Belmont). The price was right, and we could see what we were buying, I think that was very important... inspecting it.
Having said that, one of the regulars on here bought one off eBay, and is disappointed, can't remember who, hopefully he will give you the heads up on his experience.
Good luck, Dave

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Member - Johny boy (NSW) replied:

Hi Arnaud,

What area do you live in as there are builders everywhere so if you go and have a look at a few you will see the build quality and understand the terminology and may be able to ask a few smart questions on E bay or you might just be pointed in the right direction for a bargain by one of us ,more info mate and good luck .

Member - Oldbaz. NSW. replied:

Old shearer mate has just paid $4.5k for an offroad GIC & it looks fine to me.
I bought a good offroad trailer & added an Oztrail 9 tent, made a front box & kitchen, reg & insured for less than $5k. Did the GRR, Tanami, Bungles etc
& it worked fine. Why you would pay $20k plus unless you want to live in it is beyond me. Sure, they are basic but we dont need the bells & whistles, so if
you are in the market have a close look at one & try to find $15k of extra
value in the dear ones........oldbaz.

brushmarx replied:

Hi Sperenza
I had a Perth based nephew who looked at buying one from that company, and the sold auction prices seemed pretty good.
I went to thier warehouse in Brissie for a quick inspection for him.
The one they had on display looked half decent.
The solid axle was 38mm diameter, 7 leaf springs with shackle mounts (non geasable) both ends.
The trailer wasn't a real heavy thickness but looked like it would handle reasonably rough use, and according to the salesman, was locally made to Aussie Standards, whatever that entails.
The setout was pretty good (the display trailer had a tailgate mounted kitchen) but an underslung poly water tank would need additional protection. One gas bottle holder and two jerry can holders were standard on the display model.
The annexe was large for the trailer size, but relied on a meccano set of framework to hold up the additional width, and looked like it would take another 10 minutes in setup compared to a telescopic frame style.
Canvas looked useful, but not excitingly thick (typical Chinese material).
Overall, it looked like a reasonable setup for the price, good window size and placing for cross flow ventilation, and wouldn't be an embarrasment at camping grounds.
The trailer on display had no electrical system, this was an optional extra, but when I went there, the price for a 12 volt setup seemed expensive for what they proposed.
If you are interested in the Coopers Plains Market Direct one, and have any queries that they can't answer by email, just give me an message, and I can have a look at what they have, because it's only 10 minutes from where I work.
Cheers, good luck, and remember that most people who bag Ebay, Cihinese imanufacturing, and Nissan's, do not have any real experience or knowledge of the bagged items.
Ian

Member - Jo Q (NSW) replied:

Hi Arnaud,

I also live in Sydney and looked at the same campers when l was doing research on buying. They did look a bit cheap and nasty. I shopped around and ended up with a Billabong Camper trailer which l cannot praise highly enough. They are made in Kyogle in NSW and are very reasonably priced. Like you I didn't want to go over the top with the price tag, but still wanted something reliable and of good quality.

They make both on and off road versions. I got the on road: queen size bed, fold out tailgate kitchen with lockable storage area & 2 burner gas stove, tent floor size is 4800 x 2100 and a zip on annex that literally doubles the size of the entire set up. Very easy to set up and gas struts allow you to get into the camper before set up without having to crawl under. As I said, can't recommend them highly enough! Hope this helps?

(That's it in my profile picture!)