Have finally ordered a CT, Now What..???

Hi Shane

You have a cooling off period in the contract.

If you are not sure of what you need then NOW is the time.

You are best to cancel now. Ask the questions and then re-order.

I know I may sound a bit harsh but it is always best to be cautious with any order. To add or modify later will cost you big. Decide on power, battery, solar, charger, brakes, pump, tanks, lighting and annex now !

You sound a little underdone Straps.

On insurance, you need to speak with your car insurer - some include trailers; some don't; some include enough to cover an expensive camper; most don't.

I can't see any eventuality except burning down with the house that would cover it under your home and contents.

You should plan some gentle trips with it, and ensure that you check out how it is performing and that everthing is working - brakes, bearings, lights, water-resistance etc.

On plastic tubs, I can tell you that they are the bane of my life, and I am still looking for ones with lids that will withstand more than 1 or 2 trips.

Cheers
Andrew.

Shane, I have just picked up my CT from Queensland and I live in NSW.
I made enquiries regarding comp insurance with various companies. and arranged insurance after I got the chassis no. from the manufacturers.
I got various quotes and finally arrange insurance from the day I picked it up. I am sure you will have to have separate insurance for your CT.
What about getting the measuremants of the drawer storage from Cavalier, the go looking with your tape measure in hand.

Dave

The only thing I can say is ring the caravan insurance company you see advertised at most of the yards in your state, and take the camper on as many holidays as you can as often as you can.

It will take lots of trips to get absolutely familiar with it, and most of all........HAVE FUN.

Re plastic tubs:- Don't waste your time trying to find tubs to fit your drawer. Most tubs are V shaped ie., smaller at the bottom than top, or have a 2-5cm lip around the outside edge which takes up usable space in your drawer. Not much camping stuff can be wedged around the tubs.

I have used the Woollies/Coles zip top Cooler bags since shortly after buying our CT. I prefer the firmer Coles bags as they have a foil insulation - keeps heat and light out - inside the bag which enables it to be used to store vegs/fruit while camped.

Six bags will fit inside our drawer, with quite a few bits and pieces packed around/between/under them.

One person can carry at least two bags at a time when unpacking/setting up camp, although I don't pull them all out at once as I used to, leave them in the drawer until contents are needed.

As each bag is emptied, just fold up and voila! more space inside camper for dirty clothes etc,.

Zips keep crawlies out. Cost $2.50-3.00 each.

Haven't had one collapse/break/wear out yet. I hope this helps.
OzeSheila.

Hi Shane just picked up a CT myself and was told by the rep to set up the camper and water it 3 to 4 times to condition the canvas and so that all the sew holes pull up otherwise the first time it rains on you it will leak, the rep should let you know this when you pick the CT up and should run through the hole set up with you.
When I picked mine up I was there for about 2 hours going through the hole process of setting up and packing up the trailer.
You will need to get some insurance as the ct will be worth too much to be covered by your car insurance( but check with your insurer before you do).
With the plastic containers I just buy the cheap ones from bunnings or woollies and just replace them whenever they brake.
As a few of the other guys have said take a few short trips first and work out how the trailer set up and packing goes.
Otherwise have a great time in your new CT and hope it all goes well for you

Hi Straps, if you looking for plastis tubs and are in Adelaide there is a place called Adelaide Merchandising, Grove Ave Marleston. Maybe contact Cavalier to get the specs on the size required but Adelaide Merchandising have a huge range-not cheap but all sizes.

Thanks to everyone for your replies thus far. I have some empty plastic tubs at home, so might look at these but I like the idea of the cooler bags as well.

Can anyone suggest some rough prices for their respective trailer / caravan insurance. I could only find one online calculator last night and it quoted about $160 / year.

As for watering the tent, we are probably collecting it on the 17th / 18th ish and leaving on the 20th..!! guess still time to give it a whirl..!!

Oh, and if there are any Frontera Owners than have Campers, can they let me know how they tow / sit behind you on the road, (have a feeling I am asking for trouble with such an open question like that..!?!?!?) :)

Thanks again
Cheers
Shane

Straps,

Congrats. We just got a CT this year too.
Another vehicle to play with and set up.

We have a customline. About $120.oo a year insurance from memory. Did look at the cavalier, but settled on something more local.

Planning our first dirt road touring trip in the next few weeks.

So got my spare wheel bearings, put the stone shield on. Have had a couple of weekend trips and sorted the kitchen with new laminex and a s/steel sink. S/steel is on the SWMBO wish list.

Still playing with plastic tubs. Various sizes now we have worked out which table/chairs etc fit in. Still playing really.

That last question about towing. Left yourself open on that one. :o)
Yes, I hope it does tow behind!

This trip is a chance to play with tyre pressures to get the best ride. Find they make a big difference between a bouncy ride and a smooth ride.

Best wishes on a good trip and plenty of tinckering.

Give CIL a ring for insurance. We pay about $11 a month.

i thought there were better alternatives at the show than a cavalier...my prefernces would have been challenge, cameron or spirit...not neccessarily in that order....

maybe i had better go have another look at the Cav eh?

As for crates measure the room available draw to scale and then go down to Adelaide Merchandising for prices and a brochure with sizes at 9 Grove Avenue Marleston. Or they may have details of stuff on their web site admerch.com.au

But check out same products ...apples for apples.... elsewhere as they are a tad pricey but they seem to have most makes on show.

As for same products make sure it is same as some others have cheaper copies of nylex etc etc

Straps,
a) Check with your insurance company.
b) Measure the place where you want boxes and measure the available boxes.
c) All canvas needs wetting. Maybe need proofing too depending on its quality.
Are you really new to camping? Suggest you read all you can about the basics - you need to be a whole lot more independent than you are at present before you venture off road because if you are out there in the bush there will be noone to help you with everything! Good luck and always carry an EPERB.

I have a Cavalier Off road CT with the Annexe. I've had no problems with it. Insurance costs $116 from Allianz.If you'd like to send me an inquiry I'll tell you a few minor mods I've done.

If you are in SA, you will need to Register the CT and as for Insurance, you will have to take out a seperate (policy) cover for comprehensive and other items such as annex, etc. Before heading off from the Dealer, make sure you understand how to operate the unit and that all your lights, brakes, coupling (inc chains) are functioning correctly. Finally check to ensure that your tow vehicle mirrors are adequate to allow good view to the rear of the CT. Enjoy yourself.