caravan or camper trailer for long trip

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 21:45
ThreadID: 43466 Views:6002 Replies:18 FollowUps:1
This Thread has been Archived
Hi,

We are planning/talking about doing 'the big trip' in two or so years - 2 adults, 3 kids (they'll be 4, 7 and 9).

Time away could be anything from 3 to 12 months, spending most of our time in WA and NT. I'm really torn between getting a caravan or camper trailer and would love to hear feedback from others.

The camper seems good because we can go more places, but bad because of all that 'setting it up and pulling it down'. The caravan seems more restrictive in where we can go, but more comfortable, which may be a huge factor with 3 children. I thought we could always take a tent and leave the caravan behind if we want to go somewhere the caravan can't.

Do you think we'd be missing out on a lot of places if we were towing a caravan? Also there's the extra cost of buying a caravan, then spending more on fuel because we're towing the extra weight.

I'm going around in circles a bit at the moment and would love to hear how it was for you. Did the setting up of the camper trailer drive you mad? Is the extra cost of the caravan worth it? Did you try the combination of caravan for more accessible sites with a tent for more remote places?

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: bob&loz - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:07

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:07
scruff
just think of all the places you will miss when you come home in 2 months instead of 12. With 3 kids for 12 months its a nobrainer. take a full van.
Bob
AnswerID: 228692

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:12

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:12
Hi Scruff

We went from a tent to a camper trailer to a wind up van and now have the Supreme getaway.

I should have gone for the Supreme in the first place and saved myself around 10K.

It has a shower and toilet, A/C, 4 berth and heaps of extra bits. Set-up time is 5 to 10 mins and it is only 2020mm wide and has the same track as the LC100.

Sure it was $50K but I love my camping and love the outdoors. It is worth the money and if set up well you will enjoy it.

Make sure of what you want and what you get. I had to work a few things out with the manufacturer but all is now good.





Regards

Derek.

AnswerID: 228693

Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:23

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 22:23
A camper is by far the best way to SEE Oz. As an example I was speaking to quite a few towing full sized vans accross the Nullabor & was surprised that barely any had stopped at the attractions on the way over like Cocklebiddy or the Eyre bird observatory. It's not that they didn't want to stop but with a short rough track out & nowhere safe to leave the van they just drove right past. Australia is full of destinations like this & although it's quite do-able with the caravan & tent, the camper will save heaps of back tracking. If routes like the great central Highway or the Gibb river road interest you the Camper option will certainly make the towing easier. Mitchell falls, Kalumbaru, Bungle Bungles.......the list of no caravan access includes many of the must see spots & where do you leave the van each time?
What it really comes down to is the level of comfort that you want to live in for that year. There are excellent fully featured campers around that are easy to set up but none really come close to a van particually if you are up there in the wet season trying to stay dry.
Cheers Craig...............
AnswerID: 228695

Reply By: japmel - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 23:05

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 23:05
Another vote for the full Van here.

Think of the situation where you want to travel from point A to point B but it's a two day trip. Personally I would find it a real pain too have to set up the Camper just for one night, Then pack it all away in the Morning.

With my Supreme Getaway Caravan I can pull up and pop the Roof up and thats me set up for the night.

Regards
japmel
AnswerID: 228706

Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 02:33

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 02:33
Scruffy Dog

I have a camper trailer and love it. It does not take long to set up and had a queen size bed. I feel claustrophobic and cannot get comfortable in a caravan.

The boss – well she doesn’t mind the camper for a while but then the absence of en-suite and air-conditioning get to her. I get told to get a caravan.

Now your situation is that you have the wife and three rug rats. I think you will find that a camper would be great for a few months but longer you would probably be better in a caravan. My suggestion is 3 months – camper. 12 months – caravan.

No one can make the decision for you. Whatever you decide will be a compromise.

Tjilpi
Life's great and it just keeps getting better

Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 228728

Reply By: Vince NSW - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 08:48

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 08:48
If we do not put the aneex up, the CT is ready with the kettle on in 5 -6 min. The full annex takes extra 10 min set up - pull down.
I find that if I pack all the gear not needed in the morning, we can break camp about 15 min. That includes the washing up.
Mind you if we had kids, WELL!!!!
Vince
AnswerID: 228746

Reply By: Member - Franga (QLD) - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 08:50

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 08:50
Hi ScruffyDog,

We did a trip in 94, 2 adults & 3 billy lids, it was for 8 wks, went from CQ up to NT down to SA across through VIC and up through NSW back to CQ. A lot of K’s in a short space of time but had an absolute ball.
Accommodation was an 8 birth Jayco swan campervan, at the time we didn’t think much of the setting up and pulling down of the camper, of which we did a lot of overnight stops, now I don’t think we would do it that way again.(No we wouldn’t.)
We are in the process of planning to do what you are talking of and like you we are going around in circles as well, we still have the jayco and still use it when we can, although we seem to be using a tent more so now as there is only the 2 of us. (Which is a bit different to your situation).
Our latest scenario,
1. Tent for camping and going to the out of the way special places.
2. Sell camper and buy caravan to live in and keep loved one comfortable when not camping.
3. Options left open incase latest scenario changes because someone on the forum came up with a better one. (Told you we were confused)
Don’t know whether this has helped you in your deliberations, which ever way you do it don’t be in a hurry take in as much as you can especially for the billy lids, ours still talk about that trip and recall things you wouldn’t have thought they took in.

May see you on the road

Franga
AnswerID: 228747

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 09:14

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 09:14
Fact of life is each will be a compromise , c/trailer will get you to more out of the way places that a c/van can go , trouble is that there is no such thing as a " 5min setup and ready for bed " with any soft floor or even hard floor offroad camper trailer when you have 3 kids ,, The larger style soft floor c/t will give you all the room for a loooong time on the road but they are realy not designed for 1 night stands ,, we are now on our 2nd soft floor side fold c/t which when fully set up gives us 18'x18' under canvas ,even a so called quick setup averages out at a good 1/2hr + ,
AnswerID: 228754

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 09:38

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 09:38
Whatever you decide will be a compromise but there is a Camper Trailer worthy of closer investigation that may just blur the dividing line a bit.

Have a good look at the Ultimate Camper.
Better still, ask Roachie about the one he has.

Gee, 12 months even in a full Caravan with three ruggies, would test my patience but even compromises are better than giving the thought of forgoing the "big lap" while the kids are young. Should be the experience of a lifetime and something the kids will remember forever.
Bill


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 228757

Reply By: Birdy - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:39

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:39
Scruffy,

We too are heading off on a year long trip around Oz with our young baby and leaving in approx. 4 months. We have also been going through the same frustrating process as yourselves. I posted a similar question to this not long ago and got some good feedback - refer to post 42940

Both options definately have pros and cons as you are aware.

1. Pop Top Caravan. - We have actually been looking a these as a compromise between a caravan and camper trailer and to date my thoughts are as follows:

Pros
-Similar in size and weight as a camper trailer (no real size drwback)
-High level of comfort if going on extended trip, especially with kids
-Reasonably priced (found a few xheaper than good off road camper trailers)
-Great as a base for extended stays
-All beds are up off the ground
-Table, chairs and kichen inbuilt ready to go
-Can handle 'mild' off road conditions (wouldnt take to GRR/Cape York tho)

Cons
-Not true off road and still need tent for hard to get to places (this means need to also have fridge etc in car to be self sufficient in vehicle whilst away from van - additional costs / more luggage
-Additional fuel costs and inconvenience of towing and wear on the vehicle
- Still only canvas over sleeping areas (not any better than CT or even tent)!~
- If canvas gets wet, when folded down will this make your bedding wet ?
- No insulation (similar to CT and Tent) ie cant have aircon or heating
- Need to back track to pick up van if you head off tenting (to do the GRR will need to do approx 20000 klm return trip to pick up van - not a cherap exercise) !
-as mentioned in earlier post, need to arrange to have van left somewhere when heading off via tent - once again extra costs
-Not built as strong as hardcore 'Off road camper trailer'
-No treg hitch
-Limited clearance height
- another vehicle to have problems and maintenance with !!!

Summary

Probably be good for longer stays due to comfort although structurally not sure how some brands would fair on a long trip, especially if taken off road. Still has canvas sides so really no benefit in the wet , especially packing up and setting up. Handy to have kitchen and sitting area up off the floor however van still needs to be set up ie bed ends pulled out, annexe set up etc.

Not sure about this option..

Off Road Camper Trailer

Pros
- Access to nearly all off road areas
- Stronger structurally and better designed for off road
- Good storage areas depending on models
- Can have reasonably quick set up times
- Beds can be left made
- some beds are off ground
- flexible living areas due to annexes etc depending on length of stay
- Good water/fuel storage options
-
Cons
- Associated fuel costs with towing
- Initial outlay could be expensive
- waiting times to have camper trailer made (in our case anyway)
- Wet canvas when setting up and packing away
- Not real good for kids in heat / rain
- Set up and pack down after few months may become bit of a chore
- Living area (if soft floor) is on ground - If hard floor option is chosen then this area is quite small and really only sleeps 2-3 people

Summary

Best option for off road however long term living may not be too good. The general reply we get is yep great for a couple of months but any longer than that get a caravan if you have kids.

Caravan

Not keen on this idea but definately has a couple of advantages.

pros
- Everything pretty much already set up
- Can air con and heat as has solid walls (subjec to power availability)
- Mini version of a house
- Can have toilet and shower etc

Cons
- Can be expensive
- Heavy to tow and lot of drag
- Limited access, need to leave van somewhere before heading off to tent it

Tent

we have seriously looked at this option as it is cheap, can be quick and huge savings on initial outlay vs caravan or camper trailer. Also huge savings in fuel costs and you dont have to tow anything.

Drawbacks include possible set up times, limited kitchen setup, beds not off the ground, packing away wet canvas, limited space etc and storage limited to your vehicle

Pros include no towing required, full access to where ever your vehicle can go, savings on fuel and purchase price etc.

The money saved not buying a CT or van could be used to stay in cheap accomodation options when needed (if too hot, storm coming etc) for the duration of the trip. Considering a good CT or Van really starts at around $20,000 - this would be a lot of stays in accomodation given the options start at around $50 per night !!!

Anyways, keep us posted as to your final decision. Hopefully we make our decision soon also as it is sending me crazy !!!

Regards

Birdy



AnswerID: 228766

Follow Up By: scruffyDog - Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 at 00:13

Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 at 00:13
I read your post 42940. Lots of very useful advice there.

For us, a lot of the decision probably comes down to how long we'll be away. We could do the year long thing - do home schooling for kids and really take our time. We could also rent out the house if gone for that long. But it is a long time, and what if we all just drive each other mad? Or if the kids hate it?

So the other option is doing a number of shorter trips. Which means we'll see a lot less or have to do it a lot faster, which isn't my ideal.

Anyway, like someone else said, it's not a bad problem to have. :)
0
FollowupID: 489709

Reply By: live4theweekends - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 13:25

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 13:25
As others have said, what ever you decide will be a compromise. We are travelling for almost 4 months with 2 children and although we will miss out on some of the more 'off the beaten track' areas we have opted for the pop top van.

For a family of 4 (or 5 in your case) storage was a big concern and there is definately more in a van than a trailer! If there were just adults I would look at the camper trailer but with kids go for the van and take a small tent for any 'adventures' you want to go for. One thing to look at is how your children cope with heat? Air con in a van could be a huge bonus.

12 months is a long time in a confined space so my suggestion is make your self as comfortable as possible (happy kids = happy parents!!!), think of it as a home you'll be living in for 12 months which is vastly different from a few weeks holiday!

Have a great trip!
AnswerID: 228793

Reply By: greydemon - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 16:04

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 16:04
I'll vote for an Off-Road Camper trailer with hard floor. We (2 adults 3 kids) currently use a soft floor camper, set up is pretty quick into 'overnight mode' without the annex. Probably 5 minutes max to 'beds made, kettle on' stage. The girls mattresses are stored on top of our double bed, all made up and ready to go.

We have taken this rig up to King Edward River on the way to Mitchell Falls (and would have gone all the way to the falls except that we didn't want to camp there) and into the Bungle Bungles (no caravans allowed).

The only real draw back is that it is almost impossible for one person to set up without advances gymnastics - just the initial pulling over of the frame is the problem. For this reason we are going to change to a hard floor CT, we saw several demonstrated at the Camping show and set up was unbelievably quick and easy.

In my view a caravan is every bit as cramped as a CT - check out the available floor space - and the disadvantages in terms of access are huge.

Whatever you choose don't go for a tent for a long term trip - that REALLY is a pain unless you are stopping a week at each place.

Have fun.
AnswerID: 228833

Reply By: lenni - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 20:26

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 20:26
We did a big trip with a Jayco 1982 swan camper trailer with the beds that slide out each end and the top that winds up.There werer two adults and a very demanding young teenager. We all had a ball. It was very easy to set up and we even used a heater when it was cold and we had power. It was very cosy , heaps of room ( 21 foot when set up without annex) and took about 10 minutes to set up without the annex . We even went down some rough tracks and it was not an off road camper! It survived suprisingly well and we actually miss it a lot.
If I were you I would look closely at the off road newer jaycos or coromals. They are not true hard rugged off road trailers but a good compromise with all the comforts of home espcially if you have children. Plenty of room and cool in hot weather woth an insulated roof and plenty of ventilationin the sleeping areas.The are easy to tow with little windage. Have fun looking and enjoy your trip.
Lenni
AnswerID: 228865

Reply By: Member - lyndon K (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 21:19

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 21:19
We have just ordered a Tvan, they have great resale and will go anywhere,fantastic to set up. Would be a real tight squeeze though!. In your situation i would go a Kimberly Karavan and take a big dome tent for when you want to leave the van behind. Iv'e been around oz before and MOST really great places you just cant get to with a normal van!! Remember that!! as i guess you won't be doing it again the following year. Bush trackers are a good van too.
The Kimberly is 60-70k, a Tvan will set you back about 37k with the bits and pieces and will re sell in 12 months for aprox 30-32k.
Re the tent, we take a oz trail mesh dome with a fly incase it rains. Canvas is just to hot up north!!!. the tent is about 3.3 X3.3, total cost aprox $250.(get better pegs)
Have fun and good luck
Now is the only time you own
Decide now what you will,
Place faith not in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still

Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 228881

Reply By: Jimbo - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 21:23

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 21:23
Our progress so far has been

Tent
Camper Trailer, flip over tent on trailer style
Jayco Eagle Outback
Jayco Freedom pop top Caravan

Set up is a pain in the date. Storage room is a big factor. Hence we have gone to the van.

You'll go out of your brain setting up and packing up every few days.

Caravan every time IMHO.
AnswerID: 228883

Reply By: scruffyDog - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 23:26

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 23:26
Fantastic replies - I'm really impressed and grateful to everyone for taking the time to reply, lots of good points for us to think about. And a great introduction to the site for me, on my first post. Thanks!

It's still early stages for us, the big trip is still a couple of years away and we're still considering our options. It may be that a few shorter trips spread over a number of years may work better than 'the big one'.

Like everyone said, horses for courses. So we've decided to hire a camper trailer for a shorter holiday (something between 3 to 6 weeks) around Vic or Tassie this summer. That should help us decide.

Keep the stories and advice coming. Now I just have to drag myself away from the computer. I'm spending waay too much time here.
AnswerID: 228915

Reply By: Kevern - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 23:27

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 23:27
I don't know if this has been said yet, hire one of each for a trial see how they work for you, and with a camper trailer hire a couple of different types ,hard and soft floor.
AnswerID: 228916

Reply By: Im.away - Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 at 00:03

Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 at 00:03
This truly is a personal decision for you. Birdy did a great job with his summary. We weighed up pretty much all of the factors birdy mentioned before deciding that a hard floored, off road camper was what we wanted.

Our reasons included:

Less weight and drag than a caravan when towing, to be able to go pretty much everywhere so a caravan would be a bit limiting, we weren't worried about setup/pulldown time - we're not in any hurry (takes less than 5 mins to have the bed ready and the billy boiling), there is only the two of us so space and beds weren't an issue. ease of carrying a boat on top - we got a swing-over boat loader rack that I can operate easily by myself and finally ease of parking/manoevering into place as well as taking up less room to stow away than a Van does..

It's horses for courses. The idea of hiring each type and trialling them is a good one.
AnswerID: 228920

Sponsored Links