Camper trailers thng to beware of

Billabong are made on the North Coast of NSW , near Kyogle from memory.

I had a look at them , and they aren't bad. Bit overpriced IMO

Whats your budget ?

The Tambo campers (advertise here) get a real good wrap by owners , but waiting time is getting long.

Few others around that price (for brand new) , are Dingo , if you can put up with the owner, Simon heard Canvas (I've got one of those), or alternately , like you are doing , a 2nd handy from the Trading post. Lots to pick from , some real good bargins to be had . . . used once , quick sale needed.

Skinny, if you are going to use it off road, look at the trailer construction before you worry about the kitchen etc. Is it built strong enough, is the draw bar integrated with the chassis or welded on, is it galvanised, is the canvas in good condition. Does it have adequate dust proofing when packed up. Are the wheels compatible with the towing vehicle (or cheap enough to change). Does the suspension seem robust enough? These are the things that will cost you money if they are not right.

I reckon lots of people worry too much about the stove (2 or 4 burner), the battery size, how many gerry cans can it carry etc. These things can be easily changed.

From my observation there are a lot of campers marketed as off road when the furtherest off road you would want to take them is into the back yard! Also, there are heaps available that seem to be very well built. Look around enough so you can tell the difference before you buy.

I don't have a camper, but I've spent the past 8 weeks pouring over them as I was looking to buy one. I've selected a hard floor model which is more expensive than you are looking at, but the basics are the same.

Hi Skinny - Two suggestions :
1. Join the Yahoo Campertrailer Forum. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/campertrailers/
Among the members, you will get feedback on almost every make in Aust.
In addition to the forum, they have files on what to look for when buying etc.
They also have a Thursday night chat group and State get-togethers.

2. Check out www.castawaycampers.com.au A Brisbane manufacturer - they hire their units for off-road (so they have faith in em). A mate bought one $7000 new about 5 months ago & we have given it work-out. Good value and seems tough.
There's not much to go wrong with them, so second hand would be the way to go.

They make it easy to get away - the thing is always packed ready (crockery; cooking gear; water; beds; gas etc. Throw in the food and clothes & off you go.
Good luck with your search.................regards.

once you see something look on ebay, last time I looked there were about a dozen or 2 for sale...
NickR

Skinny,
Don't know what your budget is but I've got an O'Brien off road family model camper trailer. O'Brien are over East somewhere, I look for something better every now and again but for the money I paid and the performance I've had out of this trailer I would buy another one any day, and for now I'm not going to seel the one I've got.

Skinny,

Brand new Cavalier, off road trailer, good suspension but no shockers (can be added), jerry/gas holder, 12 foot extra large main tent, awning and kitchen windbreak, fly screen for the rest of the awning, h/duty annex floor, good quality zip up soft cover, easy to use, all poles etc. $8800. Problem with hard floor not much room for 2 kids. we have portacot, all food/clothing/fridge inside and no problems. look at their website.

D-Jack

Hard floors are great, but they also add a significant weight penalty.

Dingo campers are cheap, spacious and great value BUT they are a repairers nightmare (unless this has changed on later models) The canvas is wrapped around the wooden base and stapled underneath to the base. Try getting a sewing machine onto that.

Skinny

why dont you consider Hiring both the soft & hard floor trailers and seeing what you think.

I dont know where you are but we are on Fraser Island's door step if you would like to give them a run!!

check out
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Thanks Guys, before the money burnt a hole in my pocket I bought a second hand camper trailer. Landed a good deal on an off road cavalier. Needs some presentation work after a trip around oz.
Can't wait to take it for a trip. Mrs not so keen as Mr frost makes himself known.

Perhaps I need a weekend on my own. Thanks for all of your input. Any sites I should look at ...like proud parent of camper trailer .com or the like.

Skinny