Saturday, Apr 24, 2004 at 21:47
OK then,
We have a side folding, soft floor, offroad trailer and also use a separate '
Southern Cross' style single pole canvas tent for the kids. We chose this in preference to a hard floor camper mainly because with three kids the hard floor designs were too small.
Ours is fitted with a full length rollout kitchen, 60 litre
water tank, annexe with full covers, large drawbar mounted toolbox, pole carriers, 2 x 4kg gas bottles, 3 x 20l jerry can holders.
The main thing we like about it is that it makes taking off for a weekend quick and easy - most of the camping gear, recovery equipment and non-perishable foodstuffs stay in the trailer permanently so getting ready to go is a matter of throwing in some clothes, fresh food, water and whatever specialised equipment is appropriate for the destination (campfire hotplates, chainsaw, boogie boards or whatever). On return there is no rush to packup either.
An advantage of soft floor trailers is that all sorts of stuff can be stored under the cover if you make it loose enough. We always use a groundsheet under the tent area, lay annexe matting in the annexe, put a doormat at
the entrance and carry a selection of large tarps for general shade and protection from inclement weather. All of these store under the trailer cover without eating into other valuable storage space, and boogie boards, fishing rods, the kids tent, spare mattressesd etc can all go under here as
well if required.
We also specified an external pole box so that the trailer does not need to be opened at all when setting up
camp, all the poles, guy ropes, pegs, awning and covers are stored in the toolbox and the pole box which makes a quick setup much easier. Some useful bits and pieces we have added along the way include a drawbar mounted spirit level,
Other things we like about ours are the canvas awning over the side window that provides shade in the middle of the day to the side window on the bed section even with the window open, lots of pockets in the canvas at each end of the bed for storage of books, keys, wallets and cups of coffee in bed, the floor level vents to allow fresh air to flow into the tent from under the trailer, the flyscreen end wall with lift up shade cover for those really hot days, and the gas struts under the bed base to make access to the trailer easier.
Pay close attention to the layout and access to the storage spaces - some trailers make it very difficult to get to things on the road which can be a major PITA. Everything that is needed to setup
camp or that may be needed on the road should be readily accessible - this included things like toolboxes, recovery equipment, shovels, brooms, etc.
My main suggestion is to hire a selection of trailers before you commit to a design so that you can work out what is important for you.
Cheers,
Pete
AnswerID:
55803
Follow Up By: Member - Jeffrey - Saturday, Apr 24, 2004 at 22:04
Saturday, Apr 24, 2004 at 22:04
thanks pete....by the sounds of it you have a
well setup system....we will be taking some of the layout ideas you have on board...btw...how big is your trailer and do you have brakes?....if so...do you think they are necessary?
Jeffrey
FollowupID:
317656
Follow Up By: Hedonist - Saturday, Apr 24, 2004 at 22:41
Saturday, Apr 24, 2004 at 22:41
The trailer is 6 x 4, with a very deep box. Photo here:
http://www.offroader.com.au/overlander/4Bikes1.jpg
Yes we have brakes fitted - I believe they are necessary for peace of mind if your travelling at high speeds. We settled on mechanical override brakes for their simplicity and reliability. Second choice would have been electric for the superior control.
The handbrake is extremely useful when the trailer is parked as it negates the need to chock wheels just to stop the trailer moving on uneven ground. (I still use chocks on slopes though).
And having proof read my response after posting - this is what I meant to say on additions:
"Some useful bits and pieces we have added along the way include a drawbar mounted spirit level, lights in the rollout kitchen (powered from a Waeco battery pack) and shock absorbers on the leaf spring
suspension."
A couple of other ideas: Get some 'D' rings sewn into the underside of the awning (Near each poles is a good spot) to hang lights, keys, clotheslines and stuff from - very handy. A couple at strategic locations on the outside for attaching guy ropes or hanging lights from can be useful as well.
Cheers,
Pete
FollowupID:
317664