Trailers

First thing I would try and do is work out what style ya need/want - then try and hire one to see if it works out.

So many styles out there to choose from and it is easy to get carried away into buying the flashest bit of gear around.

Hi paul Kylie, we looked around for a second hand CT but couldn't find exactly what we wanted and ended up buying new. If you have the time there are some great deals to be had in the second hand market, you could try ebay, the trading post and one of my favourite sites
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If I was going to buy another CT I would organize the building of it myself, but I think you have to use one for a while and do somef research to know what you want.

If you haven't used a CT I would recommend that you hire a couple for a few short trips, most brands seem to be available for hire.

Good hunting

Keith

Hi Paul,

Just been thru this whole saga myself and bought a Camprite trailer last Tuesday!

But where to start? How many of you (kids?), soft top, hard top, hard floor etc... as all have their advantages and disadvantages.

I went for the Camprite as it is "off the ground" ie. no problems with rocks, sloping ground or wet ground etc... (same for hard floor campers). But the double bed + 2 singles + floor space is what sold me on the Camprite (I have 2 kids).

Went for the first trip this weekend (only got back tonight) and am absolutely wrapped with the Camprite. Loved the swingout kitchen and personally wouldn't be without it.

Previously had a Windsor Rapid offroad van and while this had more "luxury" (great for young kids), the Camprite is much more in the mold of outdoor living.

Campers are such a compromise and its all a matter of working out you priorities and then what you want/need will fall into place. Plus your budget will obviously play a part!!!

Cheers

Captain

Hi Paul

I like new but settled for second hand

I was looking around when I came across a 2nd hand Cameron's (best canvass work I've seen and this is my second camper of theirs) priced it up new a shade under $20k (battery, kitchen, timer draw in side, front roll out steel draw, annex, disk brakes, front store box, 3 jerrys 2 gas bottle's shocks with leaf new bfg's and the list goes on) They had it out for $14k 2nd hand I offered $10k and go it. Spend $200 on a service plus new battery and I am away.

Dam thing will go any where I prepared to take the car.

I guess what I'm saying is if you are patient and proactive you will find what you want at a good price. I have made some sacrifices on what I wanted but I guess for the $ i saved I can live with it.

TM2CW

Happy hunting
Trevor

Hi paul Kylie,

If I may post links to a couple of great sites (moderators please assess suitability of this post);

Go to the Yahoo Campertrailers forum http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/campertrailers/ and you will find various files including a checklist for buying new/used camper trailers as well as testimonials etc.

Another great site which is linked to the above and contains a lot of usefull information is The Australian Offroad Campertrailer site http://www.campertrailers.org/.

These sites have helped many and have a wealth of knowledge on tap from its members - as with the ExplorOz forum.

Regards
David

After buying new & being bitterly disappointed, to the extent that we never used it, we decided to buy second hand.
I set my parameters in this order of importance.

First ..... Buil quality, storage volume & abilty of the trailer itself to cope with extensive off road.

Second ..... Canvas work & ease of erection in camper section, bucket floor was preferred option.

Third ..... Bells & whistles!

Result ....... Track Desert Eagle with MC2 suspension & after 2 years we couldn't be happier.

How handy are you with DIY ?

The advantage of brand new is that you can either get it built to your own specs from the start , or , buy a basic setup , and build the rest to your own requirements.

2nd hand you are buying someone elses setup including possibly any mistakes.

2nd hand also tend to hold their value , so you really need to shop around to get a good deal (they are certainly out there if you look hard enough).

IMO , a decent kitchen is one of the most important items to have , and I have found my swing out kitchen to be excellent. It can be used for quick lunch breaks as its easily setup and accessable.

Go and hire a few differnt ones for a few weekends first... thats the best way....

Mate,

Your budget is going to be your starting point. Depending on how much you have to spend is going to dictate what Camper Trailer you will be able to go. I started with a Camping Trailer (No Canvas) and then went to a Soft Floor Camper Trailer that was reasonably priced at $8000 new (Customline Camper Trailers, Brisbane) and once I was 100% sure of what I wanted I bought a Kimberley Kamper. All have served me well. To give a better choice of trailers and give more accurate advice we would need more information from you, such as;

1. Budget
2. How many to sleep.
3. Prefer Hard Floor or soft floor. ( I personally prefer the Hard Floor)
4. Tow vehicle has draw bar weight and trailer weights vary.

Hope this helps,

Teabag.

P.K.,
some have said already that you first need to decide exactly what you want. Hard or soft floor, off road on road, how many sleeping capacity, how much storage etc. Once you work that out then begin shopping.

Personally i can't see the point in buying new unless you are picky about what you want. I bought a s/hand cameron for 6k, immaculate condition. It was 10 years old but only used several times. CTs tend to be one of those things that some people buy but rarely use, if you can find one of those then you will get a bargain. But you have to know what you want and be patient when looking.

I saw many on the s/hand market that would do the job for good prices. Here in SA cavalier are popular and the second hand market is full of them in all forms. Swing out kitchens are good, if you find a trailer without one they are easy to make and bolt to the gate.

Go for a reputable company, i have seen some new trailers with holes in the canvas still sitting in the yard! New they were 6 1/2k so i am happy with my buy. Apart from that look at as many as you can, don't be afraid to ask the salesman stupid questions and also ask the wife what she wants, because if she's not happy with it then you both may be in strife.

Barnesy

Have a good look at a Trak Shak ,, either new or second hand,,the room they have inside is brilliant

They will literally go anywhere you dare to drag it ,,, and they willl do it with ease,,

One drawdack is they take between 5-10 minutes to set-up ,,, ( hehehehehe )

The only way I would part with mine is to go to an Ultimate ,, that may be on the cards, too !

Cheers Mate
Bucky

Not sure where you are based Paul but certainly try hiring first. Some may even offer weekend hire just to get a feel for the camper type.

Certainly look for easy set up and importantly easy access for roadside stops. Road or off road versions are priced very differently, due construction costs. Once you have hired you will have an idea on what features you felt worked and that may determine if you want some custom features or the standard model will do the job

Some hirers have both hard and soft floor campers available. If in Victoria www.gobushcamping.com.au hire both types. Not sure about others but a web search may help.