Camper Trailers

Don't forget Aussie Swag. I have a 2001 model and the towball weight is in that range.

Also if you speak to most manufacturers they can make compromises to achieve what you are after.

Cheers

Tez

Hi ADP2006,

First thing you might want to consider is your towing capacity. As this will determine what you can and can't tow.

When looking for a camper, ask them if the ball weight is when it is empty or fully loaded, as this makes a huge difference.
Most manufacturer's will state a ball weight of around 10%-15%.
With most of the camper's you have looked at they would weigh in at around 850kg-950kg empty. (85kg-95kg min ball weight).

One thing to be very careful of is the "optioning" up of your camper as this will just add more weight (and more ball weight). {I know this as we have a Cape York Trailer's, Deluxe Explorer(hard floor) and they said around 920kg empty. This was before we added a second battery & upgraded the wiring, 2nd gas ring + bottle+ other bits and pieces}.

If you want some more info then the campertrailer.org website has some great information and tips on what to look for when buying a camper.

If you want to ask me anything about our's then you can email me on grvlsobczak@aapt.net.au

Cheer's Greg

G'day,
Sounds like you do your homework and it can take a while as you obviously know.
I went through the same process over an 18mnth period and the weight was an issue with me, so if it was over 750kg, then I put it to one side.
Went to shows and gathered as much info as I could and you won't get all the good ideas on the one you finally go with so you have to compromise a little.
finished up going to the Kimberly dealer after spotting a relatively light model on the net and walked out not totally convinced that one would do. It had issues with silly annexe designs, but seemed pretty good, and the options brought the price from $24,500 to $29,500 so we weren't really convinced that it was good value for the dollars. Great camper but.....
We were on our way over to probably buy on the Sat. coming and I received an Email from CUB for their opening and as it was on the way, we decided it would be worthwhile calling in to see what they had.
5hrs we were there and they had a dam good set of campers to offer and we chose the Supermatic Regal Offroad (hardfloor) and the options didn't tally over the 1000.
We paid just on $21,000 and it had more to offer than the Kimberly. Like upright
60 L fridge and more water 80 L tank.etc , etc.
It weighs in at 700kg and it has matching wheels for the truck and I had them install a reversing camera while they built it. We could have saved $1000 if we opted not to take the fridge.
I find a lot of them have over-engineered the drawbar with 150mm deep, too much extra weight. ( the salesman said people think it's stronger so we give it to them) thing.The Regal is only 100mm. deep.
It's more spartan under the bed area but we covered that in rubber non-slip anyway. Also no independent suspension, (I can fix a leaf spring ) but good design and with ultimate shockers. Can also access the fridge when on the road, but probably won't as we already have the Engel in the truck. Outside kitchen with pantry. Not too large aluminium box on drawbar would fit a generator or a fair amount of gear, very nice stone guard.
Picked that up and took away to Robe for Nov. weekend and loved it, towed beautifully.
It was good to be able to see the whole range at their showroom.
HAPPY CAMPERS :>)))

So, Crazy dogee, how many CT's have you owned, and yours is a soft floor anyway, so come on, compare apples with apples, the guy is asking for knowledge about hard floor CT's ya dork.

Most of the CT's your looking at are in the region of 800 - 950kg's ( unladen ) so the ball weight will ( or should ) be at least 80+ kg's, and this will go up when its laden.

If you don't want to run illegally and you don't want to upgrade your 4x4, I would suggest you look at some lighter soft floor campers ???

Have you looked at the KK Sports RV ? Stated ball weight is 60kg's ?? But whatever you buy, make sure you personally measure the ballweight ( never rely on the manufacturer to "assure" you of a weight )

G'day,

I think the Cub range are definetly worth a look, as we have a 2004 Offroad escape which weighs in at 570 kg unlaiden. There is no internal fridge as we use one from vehicle but are very happy with the unit overall. We live in the Gascoyne region of WA where there is plenty of dust and some heavily corrugated roads inland and have had no problems what so ever with suspension or dust leakage.
Extremely quick and easy to erect & pack away, plenty of storage and nice and light. ( as long as you don't take half the house with you )
I personaly prefer the hard floor campers as opposed to soft floor, for keeping dirt, ants and any other nasties from getting inside.
Happy camping !

Alastair, is your low ball weight a limitation of the vehicle, or the tow bar? If the tow capacity is 1850 KG, most vehicle manufacturers (though not all) would specify a 185 KG (10%) ball weight limit.

Some tow bars, even factory fitted ones are rated below the maximum capability of the vehicle.

If you haven't done so, it might be worth checking this out. There is a chance that for the cost of a new tow bar (without wiring, as current would be OK), you can solve the problem. But then again.......maybe not.