Buying a Pioneer Camper Trailer

Paul,

I'm basically an opportunist, however... A friend of mine has the Onyx, I considered it but was put off by it's weight (extra 140kgs dry) and bought an Argyle SE. Identical in all the essential areas.

Now I'll explain the opportunist bit:

My Argyle SE is for sale in the Trader section. Have a good look IMHO it's a BARGAIN.

I bought a Trakmaster caravan way earlier than I expected and the CT is for sale.

Yes, yes and yes.

I don't own one but have researched the Pioneer a fair bit and drooled over them at caravan & camping shows.

The Argyle is my personal choice but if you have the extra bucks for the Onyx, I don't think you would be disappointed.

Just a thought. Have you thought about hiring one first?


hireacampertrailer

Paul,
I have an Argyle which is 2 years old with the gulwing box's, all I can say is I am very happy and impressed with it.
Good weight, fair price.

Been to Birdsville on its first trip and then this year went to the Cape even up the OTL without a hitch.

Things I would change if I got another one
- Bigger water tank
- Thicker mattress - because I am a big bugger

I would definitely buy another one and would probable look at buying the Onyx.

Regards

Peter

Paul Mac,
I own the Pioneer Argysle SE camper and have just returned from a 4 month trip with it from Perth to N.Queensland and back.The camper had a good test over rough and dusty conditions and Icouldn't be happier with it.Ihad a minor problem with the slide out kitchen tap and electric brake adjustment which was all fixed promptly on my return(under warrenty).The Onyx has some nice additional features and is slighyly bigger in the sleeping area but I couldn't justify the additional cost as the basics are all the same.I think you will be very happy in your choice.

Paul,

By the sound of it you've done lotsa homework. The house is a bit wider than an Argyle, but the whole trailer is no wider than a Patrol or L/cruiser. Same wheel track width as well. Have owned ours for over 2 years now and spent about 5 months in it around Leonora to Meekatharra last year. No probs and I can close it by myself. Takes about 1/2hr to tidy bits away and hit the road.

Yer right about KK's $$ but that safari roof and Bedouin type awning does have some appeal.

Good luck with your choice,

Hi Paul Mac,
Mate go ahead and buy the Pioneer,I have had my Argyle since June and cannot fault it,tows like a dream behind our Terracan 2.9 CRDI,sets up in minutes(if you are in to erection times).We cart heaps of gear;Boat/Outboard/Icebox/Fridge Freezer/2 Gensets and all the other must have gear.Best of all my Wife made the decision to buy it.Cheers Mate and see you on the track somewhere. Snake

Well, the one we brought was junk. It was one of the lower level units and had nothing but dramas and absolutely shocking after sales service. If your on the west coast may have more success as you can drive to the supplier and demand service. We spent 4 mths in ours, across the Plenty, Tanimi, Gibb, etc, etc.

Leaked water and dust badly, bolts including those on the brakes fell off regularly, sink tap broke twice (different sections), struts died, battery switch stopped working, chassis filled with water (only found when drilling a hole), latches jammed, etc, etc. When I asked for assistance I was blamed for each drama, they did replace broken items but only after insisting. Things may have changed but last year I could have put a match to it.

One other thing, you do get sick of raising the roof, all other campers have fixed bows so you flip it over and it's up. Yep only minor but it's a pain and after a couple of hundred times the bows won't lock in place.

Hi Paul

We also have bought an Argyle SE although the gull wing boxes were modified to fit our 50lt Chescold, we are very happy with the whole rig. We probably would have bought the Onyx if we could have justified the extra expense. One thing to consider is use ridge poles on the annex roof, they take a bit longer to put up but then you only need 2 ropes and tent pegs out. Makes the annex much tighter.

Regards
Rocky