camper trailer v tent

I'd do both just for the occasions that you have mentioned. A camper would be a lot better when travelling with kids if its raining as well. It will also allow extra stuff to be carried where it wouldn't fit in the vehicle.

Cheers Kev

A chainsaw and/or drag-chain are useful accessories for these sites.

It's all about camping formulas -you are looking at changing from one to another - different camp spots may be part of the deal - the plusses include less weight in the tow vehicle (6 tyres can now take the load - this can benefit the car a lot in my view) - more room to take spares and the "just in case" provisions - one downer is you'll probably take too much junk ! (I do :-o)...... and you can still take the tent !

When I was shopping for a camping trailer I ended up having a custom off road trailer built and bought a tent rather than a camper trailer.

I have camped at many places where I could not set up next to my vehicle, or I preferred to camp away from where I was able to park.

I can carry much more gear in my trailer without an attached canvas upper.

Tim, For me (a dad with 2 kids and a partner) it's really about convenience and storage. A well set up c/t should be up, beds ready and billy on stove inside of 10 minutes. In the old, all the camping gear stuffed in the vehicle, half an hour would be good. So, whether travelling or just grabbing a quick w/end trip, that's a lot of time and hassle saved (including the quick hitch on Friday night).
WE love having a c/t, and there is no doubt we go more often because it's easier. Carrying a lighweight tent for rare occasions is not a problem when you've got this much storage.
nigel

I have travelled with a camper trailer for the last 11 years and never found a place where I could not get the CT up.

The closest we came was at Chambers Pillar where there aer bollards set up to prevent cars getting off the road. We backed the ct into place with the rear of the camper over the bollards and were abel to set up OK. In every other place we have been there has been an alternative to the closed off areas.

For me the difference was 10 min set up as opposed to a 60 min set up with the tent. There is a cost penalty but we pay for convenience in every way why not when camping.

Duncs

Well my husband lived in a Tent in Darwin for a while so doesn't really fancy camping in one these days (I suppose we all start to show our age soon enough).

We've got a couple of kids now (about 2.5yrs & 4.5yrs old) and we have a camper trailer - recently purchased the All Terrain. With kids beds, nappies etc I reckon a camper trailer is just about a must and like others have said it's easy enough to carry a tent if you like.

The camper is really quick to set up which makes long trips with just overnight stops on the side of the road (parking bays etc) a breeze and not a hassle.

If you only go camping in good weather (summer etc) and if you find you prefer staying where you can't take a trailer then go for a tent. Otherwise if you can afford it a trailer may be a more convenient option. After all there are that many different types out there to choose from it will be a task in itself.

We have an All Terrain Camper Trailer and find that it can be up for sleeping in very quick time There are four of us that use it and we can fit lots of gear in the trailer, leavng the dog box for the fridge and other bits and pieces.

I vote Camper Trailor for a family.

Thanks for all the replies. I think we will end up going with the camper trailer- looking at the Tambo at the moment. Costs about $10 000 including some extras, and has been well regarded throughout the forum.The tent is tempting because of cost and not towing anything but we don't want to reduce the length of our trip due to getting fed up with packing and unpacking. Thanks again.
Tim