Trackabout trailers

We have just taken one over to Wa doing 17000ks over bitumen and dirt roads.
No major problems.
We purchased our one new so got the same rims as our vehicle.
We got a drifta kitchen fitted. Worked a treat. The added bench space was used all the time and this bench stopped any thing moving when put toggether as well as stopping any dust getting into the kitchen. We even carred real glasses including wine glasses and proper coffee cups. Hate to drink coffee or wine out of plactic or tin. Only problem we had was on the really corrigated roads and there was quite a few the water pump would pump water out. We fixed this by putting a rubber band around the tap. Have since spoken to John adn he said they had a faulty batch of taps and bring back trailer and he would replace.
The seals on the trailer prevented most of the dust getting into the trailer. Found one side had more and discovered a small hole which allowed the dust to get in but it was such a small amount we werent worried and we went on some very dusty tracks.
The only concern we had was the weight on the front towbar. We had a tilting boat trailer on the trailer, boatmotor and fuel tank on the front on top of the pole carrier which was put onsideways and not upright to allow this as well as a aluminum box which we got made especially to hold buckets standing up.The 4 jerry cans are also in front of the axle so we were right on the weight limit for our car but if you didnt have a boat etc would not be a problem. OUr spare wheel is on the back of the triailer. The stone shield worked well although we had to replace some of the zip clips along the way. We carried between the shield and the storage box a bag containing starter timber for fires with the heavier timber on top of the vehicle. LOts of places u could have fires but no timber available so we always carried a supply with us. We creased the stone shield when a roo hit the car and trailer and we just pushed back into position.
The canvas stood up to realy heavy rain with no leakage and the thickness stopped lights and moon etc from coming in made for great sleep ins in the mornings.
We carried under the bed which we used fitted sheets and a doona a 5ft table - will take smaller next time unless going to one place for a week, 2 large comfy reclining chairs-was I in trouble for them, the ladder and the awning and kitchen and side ends. The cover still fitted and we put the shade cloth for under the tent - a definate must to save the floor of the tent from mud, rocks, prickles etc as well as the kitchen area on top of the folded up tent.
We rarely put up the awning and kitchen end but of course when we go to one place for a week it goes up.
If you want any futher info please contact on email jenkie@optusnet.com.au.
Looking forward to my next trip with the camper.
Cheers
Robyn

Crazy Dog
Had a look at the Safari a few weeks ago and was quite impressed with the willingness of the workshop to meet my needs, even when I asked about 17 inch wheels. How many manufacturers are flexible like that? Sharp price too.

As 'faults' I guess you could list absence of some of the mod cons that $30k+ trailers have like 240V and stainless steel slide in and out drawers but I guess (like me) you're not in the market for an expensive trailer.

I am trying to make up my mind between TrackAbout, Paramount and Castaway and all of these manufacturers appeared very genuine and flexible to me. I don't have the expertise to say which is tougher (if any is).

If you don't mind doing it I'd be interested in your final choice and why.

EV700

Crazy Dog

We hired a Trackabout Safari for a trip to Fraser just before Easter.. Another party in our group was looking at purchasing a Jayco but were so impressed by the layout and attention to small details they bought one.... After 8 months of research I am pleased to say we are now waiting for delivery of our Safari. All the trailers had good and bad points.. but we felt overall the trackabout came out on top... They did offer the Stainless Kitchen as an option but after using the Drifta we were impressed with its versatility ...

Good Luck

Hi

Took a Trackabout Safari round Oz from Briz for 4 months in 2001 including the Cape, GRR, Bungle Bungles etc.

Good unit, but made by the previous owner of TrackAbout - Hank.

Good points:
* Basic Trailer construction resulted in a rugged unit
* Canvas work was superior to competetion in a similar price range.
* Were flexible with options, changes.

Problems:
* Suspension was too soft. Springs lost their set by Darwin. Reset plus new leaves.
* Shackle plates and bolts wore out on corrugated cape roads
* Trailer hubs developed fatigue cracks (noticed at Margaret River). Replaced with heavier duty ones
* No Chassis bumpstops. Axle left dents in chassis rails. See problem 1

Overall trailer construction is excellent. Just think the suspension components were underspec. Believe they may have changed supplier from All Trailer Supplies to ALKO since but not sure. Customer service from previous owner was good. Never heard any issues with customer service from current owner.

I'd buy another, just pay attention to suspension components.

John at Trakabout does make a very good trailer, but have a look at a Outback Camper Trailers at Browns plains or the Camper Factory at Capalaba. Wayne and fiona at Outback have a bit more of a different selection and have been in the busines about ten years longer. As for a Castaway camper, if your soft roading, it is possibly alright, thinking the Cape or the Gulf think again. The big picture is simply you get what you pay for, and sometimes not that. Ask if these people have actually done the hard yards with the trailer themselves. I know personally most around Brisbane haven't. I've taken people to the Cape with a wide range of brands of Camper, and some worth $30k didn't perform particularly well against some costing $9k to $11k. It's all in the experience of the manufacturuer, not the amount of advertising. Choose wisely and ask the questions and you won't go wrong. happy camping.

Good to see those with practical experience giving their opinions.

Not trying to hijack the thread but has anyone seen Paramounts off-road and can comment on them or compare and contrast with a Tracbabout?

Paramounts have alloy or stainless steel construction so the anti-corrosion factor is there - but do they stand up to the rough stuff?

Thanks for any comments.

EV700

gday crazy dog go to a mob called casuarina campers in melboure they will be more than happy to help you there good on price ill give you a number 0397869113 but get in quick there a small company that take pride in there work and we just purchased one recently and it is unreal you wont be disapointed

hello crazy dog they currently dont have a web site but they can send you a very detailed dvd of there campers. just ring them and tell them what your interested in, and what you wanna see on the dvd and they will do you your very own dvd quiet smart trailers they do ill give you a number i have here its 0397869113

Roger that Lloyd - I will give them a call .

Ta for the info..

Lance

Crazy
I recently purchased a Safari after much research and got it down to a Johnnos and the Safari. The attention to detail and the sharp price tipped the balance. I am intending to do a shake down cruise on the Atherton Tablelands.

Thanks mate,

If you get 2 Cairns email me and we will have a tinny and chat if u like.

Lance

hello. we have a trakshak 4 sale. It is the hybrid with all the options including solar,boat rack,ect ect. It is only 4 months old & has to go due to a recent back injury. www.trakshak.com.au