Hard floor campers

Submitted: Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 21:30
ThreadID: 137473 Views:10306 Replies:12 FollowUps:22
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Hi everyone!

This is my first post.

I am looking for recommendations for a hard floor camper. Must be quick setup (and ezy setup) and of good quality construction. Not interested in buying something that has to get repaired all the time. We are only 2, but on the odd occasion maybe 3 adults. (have a camp bed and S.bag)

no price as yet.

What brands are good and which ones should I avoid?

I do not want to get into a slanging contest and bagging brands out, as everyone has different needs and not one size fits all.

Thanks for the input.

I was thinking of one of the companies that build on the imported chassis, but was told by someone that some of the welds may not be totally 110% correct on our rough roads (Kimberlys, gib river etc)
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Reply By: BobR4 - Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 21:51

Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 21:51
Maybe look at used Kimberley Kampers, or Aussie Swag. Reasonably priced and rugged. As long as canvas is ok, good value and can be resold at close to purchased cost. Both close to unbreakable, particularly the KK. Based on personal experience.
AnswerID: 622165

Follow Up By: Gronk - Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:01

Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:01
Yep, buy an old strong chassis versus a newish imported chassis.
Some imported campers may be fine, but knowing which ones aren't is the problem.
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Follow Up By: PhilD - Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:34

Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:34
You can add AOR Odyssey to that list as well.
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Reply By: Lurchwa - Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:53

Thursday, Nov 15, 2018 at 23:53
I would suggest looking for an older camper that was built in Australia.
Rear fold hard floor campers in good condition can be had for approx 10-15000. You can generally pick up a few extras as part of the bargaining.
AnswerID: 622166

Reply By: Member - Mark C (QLD) - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 05:21

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 05:21
Cub campers are bullet proof also. Have been around for a long time. Same as the AOR Odessey and KK and Aussie swag. The last two sadly have closed down in the last year. AOR don’t make the canvas Odessey anymore either. All are available on caravancampimngsales.com.au, just use the search function.
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Reply By: Member - cruza25 - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 09:24

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 09:24
We just went through the same thing as we plan doing a lot more traveling over the next few years.

We decided on a new cub escape. It’s slightly larger than the Brumby model 2.6 body as opposed to the brumby 2.2 meters

Both are capable off-road and Aussie made steel chassis with proper Aussie canvas (not the leaky Chinese stuff)


https://cubcampers.com.au/range/2-6m-series/escape/

Or as others have said look at second hand kk or similar.

Don’t be attracted to imported cheapies with lots of bling, whilst there are some improved model there seem to be lots of horror stories including suspension failures, leaks and premature rust appearing.

AnswerID: 622178

Follow Up By: Malcom M - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 09:44

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 09:44
Cub make their own independent suspension.
No camber or toe in adjustment whatsoever.
Uses a custom made shock which is also the suspension drop limiter.

If the shock breaks, the spring falls out.
Very expensive shocks that you can only buy from Cub.

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Follow Up By: Rangiephil - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 10:04

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 10:04
Its pretty easy to fit limiting chains or cables as is fitted to my Camp'o'matic as standard.

I have to mention Camp'o'matics pre 2004 which were Australian made by a very meticulous bloke in Yatala.I have a 1997 with the original canvas , and my daughter bought a 2002 on the basis of my positive experience.
Camp'o'matic like the others has gone belly up as it was owned by Aussie Swag which has also gone belly up.
The main objection I have to the Chinese ones is that they weigh typically 1400Kg Tare and loaded much more.
This would make it very hard to drive in sand etc and the added weight can cause component failure, vs say my basic Camp'o'matic at 750Kg.
A Tvan is also very strong and light if you can afford it, and of course an Ultimate which has also gone belly up.
The main problem I have is that there is no parts list for Camp'o'matics. I understand that KK is better in that sense.

Regards Philip A
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Follow Up By: Gbc.. - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 13:58

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 13:58
We have had over the past 15 years a campomatic M3 - loved it, then a trakshak - loved it but harder work, and have had an MDC Cape York since early 2016. Love it. It has probably 20,000 kms on it now and has done a lot of offroad and long distances on corrugations. No leaks, No rust, no probs. I put name brand shock absorbers under it as insurance before our Cameron corner/Flinders/Darling run trip last year. I won't badmouth CUB as the above owner has had a shot at others, but climb under both a cub and an MDC and have a look with your own eyes at the chassis and running gear of each. It is true imports are not all the same. The one in the photo above is mass produced and sold on the open market in China to whichever company wants to put a sticker on it. Others own their own factories and produce their own product. MDC and Modcon are two such examples.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 15:31

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 15:31
Hi Phil

Don’t rule out Ultimate just yet.

Negotiations at the moment with a new buyer and utilising the same factory.



Cheers



Stephen
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Follow Up By: Greg J1 - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:53

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:53
Hi Cruza, It’s not just the Chinese ones that break independent suspensions.

There was a cub abandoned on the gunbarell in 2015 with the independent suspension failing the obvious cause. And seen another cub abandoned on the Anne beadell in 2016.

We also seen a Chinese thing abandoned on the useless loop rd in 2016.


Cheers Greg
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Follow Up By: KevinE - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 21:06

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 21:06
Yup, Camp O Matic. The older ones can be seen on GumTree dirt cheap & they are very well built.

$4K - $5K for a very well built, easy to tow, set-up & pack away, Aussie built camper.

Why spend $25K plus, unless you need bragging rights around a campfire about your camper.
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Reply By: Shaker - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 10:48

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 10:48
You didn’t really mention new or used, or budget.
Assuming used with a $25,000+ budget, I would go for an Australian Off Road Odyssey, or say around $15000+, a Pioneer Argyle or Argyle SE.
Both campers are extremely capable. I did a trip that included the Gunbarrel Highway, Canning Stock Route & Tanami Track with both of those makes of camper involved & both performed faultlessly.
AnswerID: 622181

Follow Up By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:29

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:29
I own a pioneer argyle se which I have had for nearly 12 years.It is vertically indestructable and has been around Aus twice,around Tasmania,Cape York twice,Gibb River road 6 times.These trips have included a lot of very rough tracks as I do a lot of hunting in the N.Territory.It has the original canvas and only thing changed was the shocks once.It was built in WA and I can highly recommend these campers if you intend doing serious off road trips.I can't vouch for the new ones as they are a bit different but should be well made.Please stay away from the chinese imports.
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Reply By: rumpig - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 12:47

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 12:47
I’s say get something like about a 8 year old Kimberley Kamper.... oh what do you know, I just so happen to have one coming up for sale soon...lol.
Seriously though, we have travelled over a lot of Australia in ours with no major dramas at all...just had to replace a couple of door zippers and a fridge slide that wouldn’t lock shut recently, but after 8 years of usage that sort of stuff is to be expected IMO.
AnswerID: 622188

Follow Up By: Member - DickyBeach - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 15:56

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 15:56
My daughter and family are using my 15yr old KK this weekend and it's still as tough and reliable as when I bought it. And the canvas is still waterproof. Unbreakable?
Has done the GRR, CSR, OTT, and so on.
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Follow Up By: rumpig - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:50

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:50
I wouldn't say they are unbreakable, because some people can manage to break anything....but they are certainly a well built tough trailer that literally takes 5 minutes to set up when we are touring. Only reason we are getting rid of ours is becaue the wife wanted something more caravan like, which is what we are getting early mid next year once they finish building it. I'd be happy to keep the Kimberley, but reality is we want the money from it to help finance some of our new purchase.....only wish I could remove the Webasto diesel hot water system and internal heater from the camper to go in our new purchase, those things have been fantastic to have.
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Follow Up By: Member - DickyBeach - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:55

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:55
"Unbreakable" ............... poetic licence on my part :)
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Reply By: Sigmund - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 13:50

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 13:50
Hire a few of different designs so you can learn what you can and can't live with.
AnswerID: 622189

Reply By: Shmang - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:27

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:27
A Tvan from Track Trailer would fit your requirements.
We have one and can't recommend one enough for a quick set up, reliable and functional trailer.

Regards
Chris

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Follow Up By: Jackolux - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:54

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 18:54
Yep agree we have a Mk2 and our daughter has just bought a Mk2 , we are on our way home after delivering it to her in Malanda Qld from Vic ,

The great thing about a Tvan no wet canvas ever touches the bed , set up for us is about 6mins .
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Follow Up By: Gronk - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 20:25

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 20:25
Love the style of the Tvan, but the inside room isn't for everyone. Great quality though.
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Follow Up By: Ticking Along - Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 22:11

Friday, Nov 16, 2018 at 22:11
T van is out. Wife is claustrophobic. Tried one and she couldn’t get out quick enough!

Thanks for all the answers it has really been a very big help. Thank you everyone
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 11:14

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 11:14
Hi Guys, CUB, or Kimberley Kamper would be my choice. I have had both, and know first hand how strong & reliable they are. As KK is no longer trading, (not sure if there is any chance of it being resurrected), that leaves CUB. Australian designed & built, using mostly Australian components.

There are good & bad with a lot of equipment, including cars, but campers & caravans seem to feature strongly with regard to customer complaints and poor build quality.

As others have said, some people can break anything. Most issues with suspension are caused by driver/operator error. By this I mean poor driving for the conditions, incorrect tyre pressures for the conditions or lack of adequate maintenance. This can also be true with regard to others items breaking such as doors & draws.

While MDC build a good looking unit, there have been a number of complaints re customer service with regard to warrantee repairs. These seems to be more prevalent elsewhere in Australia except in Victoria. I believe their head office and final assembly plant is in Vic.

Macca.
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Follow Up By: Member - RobnJane(VIC) - Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 13:40

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 13:40
In respect to Tvan, don’t write it off without trying the idea of sleeping with your head at the Open end, we do this and it works a treat. Given the other attributes of this design and particularly performance and durability it is worth a revisit.

We started with a Mk 2 hence the idea of sleeping that way and now with a newer one still sleep that way.

Good luck with your search.

Rob
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Follow Up By: Ticking Along - Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 16:58

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 16:58
Good point re sleeping with head at the big end. Will try it at the next camping show. Thanks!!
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Follow Up By: Crusier 91 - Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 11:08

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 11:08
Another good point about the Tvan is the toilet can sit on the floor whilst travelling then can be easily moved to the rear of the tent when set up, very convenient. Also when travelling remote, just drop the half floor open the hatch and used the toilet in the shade with the best views :)
The military style suspension is second to none and with a 500kg pay load ATM 1250kg..............................try finding another camper with those specs :)
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Reply By: Member - robertatsaenth - Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 17:41

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 17:41
Reading your post reminds me that we were once in your position.
I agree the CUB-KIMBERLY-SWAG New very expensive entry levels into camper trailers all great brand trailers and hold their value well.
The more buget concious opt for the 2nd hand brand Aussie Made or Chinese Base Camper Trailers it all depends on your budget.
If you intend on new, chinese based Camper trailers they are now coming into their own (5yrs or younger) MDC-JUMBUCK-EZY TRAILERS-STONEY CREEK- EAGLE all very much on par with each other. I have owned a Chinese Base rear fold now for near on 4 years, it has done around 35,000km and am happy to report had no serious issues with the suspension , chassis or warranty work from the suppliers. I can asure you we have travelled on some seriously rough outback roads with it ( The Gunbarrel - Anne Beadell - Eagle - Great Central) to name but a few.
We have now just Purchased a new Forward Fold Chinese base Camper Trailer after 2 years of research and have the same outlook we had when we first got into the market "if we look after and maintain itcheck it daily after each drive it will last the distance as well."

Cheers,
Rob
AnswerID: 622205

Follow Up By: Gronk - Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 21:04

Sunday, Nov 18, 2018 at 21:04
Check it daily ?? Geez, I used to check my Aussie made hard floor every year !!
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Follow Up By: KevinE - Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 09:28

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 09:28
So, Gronk, you only checked your Aussie made hard floor once a year while traversing the Gunbarrel - Anne Beadell - Eagle - Great Central Rd etc?

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Follow Up By: Gronk - Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 22:32

Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018 at 22:32
Mate, they are dirt roads. Maybe iconic ones at that, but driven sensibly, no different to other dirt roads I've driven.
When the camper has been on a long day, especially dirt, every time I stop, I put a hand on the outside of the hubs to check for heat. Nothing else.
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Reply By: rocco2010 - Monday, Nov 19, 2018 at 23:44

Monday, Nov 19, 2018 at 23:44
Lots of good advice there. You would most likely be happy with any of the brands mentioned.

The unmentioned factor is weight. Some of the high end hard floors can be heavy on the tow ball and not best suited to towing with some vehicles, notably 4wd Utes.

Good luck with the search.

Cheers

AnswerID: 622216

Reply By: Darian - Wednesday, Nov 21, 2018 at 09:59

Wednesday, Nov 21, 2018 at 09:59
Keep Campomatic in mind too (rear fold hard floor). We bought a new one years back when built by the Eastwell family (the company was later acquired by another maker). We found ours to be excellent all round...very robust throughout with top shelf suspension...the canvas work was first rate too. They had options when ordering, re storage configs for the drawbar boxes. After looking at Aussie Swag, Kimberley and a couple of others we settled on the Campo mainly because of towball load. That said, there are of course heaps of excellent (quite expensive ?) Aussie made trailers out there...as to whether the cheaper imports can do the job reliably, and represent value, is the question. Good luck with it !
AnswerID: 622223

Reply By: Member - abqaiq - Friday, Nov 23, 2018 at 07:35

Friday, Nov 23, 2018 at 07:35
Can't fault our Ellis Recreational Vehicle BASE CAMP. It is built to follow a Troopy anywhere. Very sturdy!
AnswerID: 622254

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