Johnno's Camper trailers

I'm looking at camper trailers but haven't bought yet, but my thoughts are moving towards getting one from someone who has been in the business for a long time at the same place, and close to my home base.

At the recent Sandown show there were lots of campers from lots of "new" manufacturers who are into the game because there seems to be a good fast buck to be made, judging by the prices they sell for.

I'm now thinking of finding a regular trailer manufacturer who can build me a tough off-road trailer for a sensible price ( say $3000), to which I can add my own canvas top. These can be bought for $2000-$4000, have seen some on Ebay. I figure I can put something together for $5-6000 which would cost $14000 from the "Camper Trailer" marketplace.

Sorry about the off-topic response, but it sometimes helps to think aloud!!

But check out how long Johnno has been in business as part of your diligence.

Drew,
I dont know the Johnnos trailer however I have been thru the whole selection process over the last 12 months. I initially bought an entry level CT about 9 years ago for $6500. It was tough and saw out our camping needs with 3 kids. Kids are now all 20+ and we needed something we could erect quickly and meet the needs of 2 ageing but still fit campers on a round Oz trip. We arrived back last week and we are very happy with the choice we made. I won't bore you with an "ours is better than yours response" rather why and how we made our choice. Firstly, we knew that where we were heading would be pretty rugged and, travelling alone, we didn't want to be hung up with breakdowns. It had to be tough. The tent needed to be easy to erect. Not necessarily a 5 minute up / down but simple and not needing lots of pegs and securing for an o/nite stay. Many places have compacted gravel camp sites and the language that can be heard when campers attempt to drive pegs in would make a shearer blush. Our choice was internal frame with gas struts to assist in easy packing up. The wheels had to match the car to provide most efficient use of resources. The dealer had to be local to enable any hicups to be resolved face to face. Water tanks, cookers, towing weight and wheel tracking (not width of trailer) were also important. If you plan on travelling thru sand, wheels should be same track as towing vehicle, believe me it makes a difference. Storage needs to be adequate also. Ours has a 100l frige in it and battery. We also carry all our clothes in draws that sit under the bed which we can still access when the trailer is packed up. This was very handy as weather conditions varied.
A quick look at the Johnnos website suggests to me that you are on to a product that would interest me - except that they are not local for me. Hiring is always money well spent as a try before you buy exercise. Good luck with your decision.

Peter d,
I went in via Google using Johnno's Campers. Try www.campertrailers.com.au. They must have been early to get that address.

I live in Maryborough, where the Johnno's Trailers are made. I did the rounds of all the manufacturers with about 200k. Heaps of them.
I came to the opinion that the Freedom trailers from Tiaro were better built & cheaper than the Johnno's Trailers. The Freedom trailers were in my opion the best in the local area.
Saw a 2003 Johnnos Trailer for sale, heaps of surface rust all over the Trailer. That one might have copped a hard life though.

Marty.