Camper Trailer Tents

We just bought a CT, and most of the CT manufacturers offered a deal where if you supplied the trailer, they could supply a top and canvas.
In most cases, it is a ply base, hinged one side with catches the other side, and bolts onto the top of the trailer. I assume they will need to measure to height of the trailer for the floor work.

You need to check the usual:-
quality of canvas
the layout of the tent
the position of hoops
what type of floor do you want, i.e. material?
do you want extra pockets inside.
what sort of access do you want under the bed?
do you want to whole top to open? will need gas struts for this.

I am in Brisbane, and only checked out the local people.
Suggest you try a camping show for a start. See what types are supplied, and ask a few for a cost of supplying the canvas etc. This is how we narrowed our list down to about 6 preferred people. Then we got serious :-)

Hi Dan,
Go to www.campertrailers.org
There are a few of us here that are members of that group. you can join the campertrailer list on Yahoo from there. There is a lot of info there specifically dealing with campertrailers.

Hi thanks for that,

I'm kinda hoping I can just purchase a unit that will fit bolt on. With a new job I have just started I can't seem to find the time to ring around etc.

I'll easily modify anything to suit, fitter / electrician / now engineer so I shouldn't struggle too much!

Some good points though, I will aim for the top on gas struts to access all the gear underneath.

Ideally, I will build this unit and see how we like it. If it suits then I will look at investing some serious cash into one.

We have come from a roof top tent, which is great but your car is stuck and you can't explore which is what I'm trying to get away from.

Did something similar and we went to Tru Blu campers, we paid a little more than you want to but we also had an annexe, sides and a floor for the annexe, inner spring mattress, bunks and fitting to our trailer.
we wre happy with the result, would be happier if we could use it more!!!
NickR

G'day mate,

what about something like this?

The more I read, I'm leaning towards the Oztrail 9'.

hi dan

i will get some info for you about imported tents for campers, my mate got one recently, bloody cheap , good quality too
will keep in touch
froomey

Recently at the Melbourne Caravan & Camping show the Oztrail Camper was on display.
I was not impressed with the quality of the canvas & zips (smallish type that break easily) the windows rollup from the outside? And the shape lacked tautness (would probably move a lot in the wind).
You will also need to ensure your existing trailer is the correct height from the ground to match the tent. The Oz trail has one of the highest beds I have seen (They were sold at the show with a 3 step ladder to acces the bed!)
As already stated in this thread most camper manufactures will do a deal and supply the camper pack on your own trailer.
If you live in Vic try the following for camp pack on your own trailer:
www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au
www.walkaboutcampers.com.au
www.qualitycampers.com.au
www.redrockcampers.com.au
Southern Cross do a pack on your own trailer (7x4) for $3900.
While $900 more than your budget, the tent quality is superior to the imported oztrail & primus options.

willo

I reckon this is hard to beat for $2000.00 ......................

Primus tops details are as follows:

- The PolyCotton canvas roof and awning are 340g/m2 = 12oz (US) and the walls are 250g/m2 = 9oz (US) making them the easiest to put up due to the lessened weight
- Tent Size: 260 x 175cm
- Awning Size: 435 x 230cm
- Centre height: 230cm
- Wall height: 194cm (left) 175cm (right)
- Weight: 145kgs
- Poles are 19mm and 22mm Zinc plated
- PVC floor
- Windows feature strong PVC mesh with zippered awnings
- Zinc plated pegs
- Peg points feature nylon webbing abd chrome plated metal "D" rings
- 6 Windows and 1 Door
- Comfortable queen sized 10cm Viscoelastic foam mattress
- Plywood frame with internal hatch openings for inside trailer access
- Metal frame under plywood board (2000mm x 1450mm)
- Leather reinforced patches on high stress points
- Power inlet access portal
- Room divider in sleeping quarters for extra privacy
- Suits any 7' x 4' trailer with an overall height between 900mm and 1000mm (from top of trailer to road)
- Complete item comes with 12 month warranty from PRIMUS