What to buy???

Have a look at the Camprite Camper Trailer. Made in W.A.

One or two ExplorOz members have given positive feedback.

http://www.campritecampers.com.au/

We've had the old Jayco type wind-up campers for years and have loved. After a trip to Central Aust this year and a bit on the Oodnadatta, we knew we had to buy something that was dust proof and wouldn't fall to bits on the rough roads because we're about to undertake a 'half-lap' of Australia next year for 6 months with kids (6 & 9). I've been looking at campers for years and always liked the Trak Shaks because we didn't have to put the kids in bunks and all 4 of us can sleep off the ground. They are also huge inside due to their unique way of opening so in bad weather we won't be packed in like sardines.

A few weeks ago we bought a 2002 model and we can't wait to take it for a test run in a few weeks. Look there's plenty of campers out there and I know they all have good/bad points, but for space and sleeping everyone off the ground, the Trak Shak is hard to beat as a true family camper.

Just be wary of newer models as they are now made in China (not always a bad thing) but their canvas and general quality is supposedly not as good as the made in Aust ones.

Cheers,

Mark.

I would strongly recommend a Jayco Camper Trailer. Go for one of the larger ones, Eagle or Hawk as a minimum.

Ma and Pa get the Q/S bed, two of the nippers share the double and the third offspring sleeps on the couch OR the drop down table.

Whatever you choose, expect at least 30 minutes set up time, possibly an hour, for each stop. The amount of stuff you need to get in and out is immense, especially with three nippers. Storage is always an issue regardless of which brand/type you buy.

Have a great trip.

Cheers,

Jim

Trace & Paul - we have had a number of Jayco vans and they all let dust in so we switched to Swagman Off Raod camper - built in WA - did not cost much to freight to NSW - tows well - up off the ground - great campertrailer

I used to have a Windsor Rapid Offroad van but currently have a Camprite camper trailer. Both of these are good off-road, but there is no comparison once you get past corrugated tracks and into goat-track territory. The Camprite will go as far (further?) than the tow vehicle while the Windsor simply becomes too big and physically cannot fit and becomes a boat anchor.

But both have their places, the Camprite gives a much better "camping" feeling, you cook outside and generally only use the inside to sleep and get changed. The Windsor is much more of a typical van and you tend to do most things inside like cook, washup and then tend to sit inside of an evening.

While you can easily setup camp chairs outside under the awning, it was something that just didn't happen as often whereas we always do that with the Camprite.

However, if going around Australia for a 3month plus trip I would be very reluctant to take the Camprite compared to the Windsor. Setting up every night, while only a 5 minute job without the awning, does become tedious after a while. With the Windsor, you simply open the bedends and its done. Plus the Windsor has more storage space that is easily accessable.

But the main reason is the weather. If it is wet (and in a trip around AUS you WILL get rained on at some stage) you have to cook outside and this then means the awning is required and that is tedious for a quick overnight stop.

When I was looking for the Campervan setup, I looked at everything on the market and IMHO nothing compares to the Windsor Rapid. While all Jayco's etc are good I just find the features of the Windsor Rapid to be far and away the best compromise.

I have since sold my Windsor Rapid but would not hesitate to have taken it around AUS. Its just that my style of camping is more long weekends and weeklong affairs and for this the Camprite suits me much better.

If you do decide a camper trailer is for you, then I have found the Camprite to suit my needs extremely well. All sleep off the ground (very important to me), it has a very quick setup and is the roomiest on the market for a hardfloor.

Cheers

Captain

Hi Trace and Paul,
I agree with most of whats been said. Really depends on what you intend to do in terms of where you want to take it. As far as Jaycos go, we looked at them and ended up going for the Goldstream. To me they seemed stronger. All the wind up campers are really limited in how much "off road" work they can do. Partly because of size. In the end you'll just prefer a camper and go for it. We love our Goldstream. We have 4 kids and were keen on it as the interior, the ply, the cupboards, table, everything seemed that bit more robust than the jayco. The foam in the seats and matresses seemed thicker and more comfortable. If you intend to mostly stay on the bitumen, you don't need an offroad camper which will be cheaper again. Take a tent and do some over night trips off road.

Very envious ..... good luck shopping and planning the trip
Greg

I have had a Trak Shak for 9 years now it has been around Australia (37500km Trip ), up center to the gulf via desert tracks several times & it is still as good as new. All i can say both me and my wife think its the best money we ever spent. they are cheap and more importantly they are comparatively lite. They have heaps of storage as well. 9 jerries and 2 gas bottles. The box form construction method they use is incredibly strong whilst still keeping the weight down.
Phil