Trak Shak

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LCOOL 200 Series

talk to Richo7. I bet he's a member here anyway with another Nom de Net.

We have an Aussie made Trak Shak but I'm not to sure about the Chinese made ones.

Trak Shak got taken overs about 3 years ago and the new owner...well you get my drift.

Very hard to deal with now and I think there product is OVER PRICED.

The were originally made and based in Adelaide but about 6 months ago they moved there head office to somewhere in NSW.

I think for $30,000 there is better and Aussie made.

Try Trak Trailers.



Regards Richard

G'day Ricky,

Today I checked out a camper trailer made by a company in Clare, South Australia.

They are just getting started and if they can keep up the good work, I believe will make a dent in the camper trailer market.

Google 'Discover Campers' and have a look.

The website is still under construction but at least you can email them for additional information.

Quality appears to be very good and a lot of attention to detail.

--no affiliation/association etc etc, just call it as I see it.


Cheers
Michael

We have a Aussie made one. I had a look at a Chinese version at Wilsons Prom over Xmas. Paint was peeling on the metalwork and there were big patches of rust. Looked very poor for $25k. However, if you go to the campertrailers.org website and join the Yahoo group there are a few people with Chinese ones that have either had no problems or had early issues fixed. Functionally they are almost identical to the Aussie versions so you could save many thousands by buying one that's pre-2005 and be absolutely confident that it will have just as much life in it as a new one (most TSs seem to have very caring owners!). Problem is finding a used one.

Adrian

Yeah ive got a 04/2008 TRAK SHAK just come back from eight days camping at warroora station in north WA, it is BLOODY fantastic for our family of four and two dogs.

Not sure about durability but they are well built,fairly well finished off.Just remember they are serious offroad trailers and if you want to treat it like a palace then this is probably not the trailer for you.

I haven't fouind any faults with ours yet , but its only new and they may come.I am off again in 5 weeks for another 8 day fishing trip to the same place but with just the boys going this time and we plan to sleep 6 inside comforatbly.

Anyway not sure what state youre oin but if youre in WA come and have a look if you want.

Matt

I know it doesn't help you with the chinese question but I have a 1996 model which needs a little cosmetic cleanup but other than that is still in great condition.

It has done lots of miles and been lots of places that many people reckon you can't take a trailer but you can if you have the right trailer.

Duncs

Hi Ricky,

I have a Chinese made trak shak - Made in Oct 2006.

I've replied to a couple of these Made in China Trak Shak threads now......and been following these threads for ages.

My reading of the situation is this.

Some of the made in China Trak shaks have had early problems......which seems to be fixed now. I have read of rust being a problem, but someone posted that a different grade of steel is now being used.....someone else reported holes in canvas which was fixed by manufacturer.


I bought my camper 2nd hand, 10 months old, and 'as new.'
Was used 4 times only. I'm not having problems with rust and the canvas is great. I have been through some torrential downpours without leaks (once the canvas was seasoned).


The trak shak design has been around now for quite a long time, and has been refined and improved over the years. There are lots of positive testimonials, most of which will read something like this:

*Love the interior space, especially on rainy days, when everyone can be inside together without living on top of each other and feeling cramped.
*Tows well, handles rough roads with ease.
*Huge storage area for gear
*Boat rack/roof rack very handy for hauling extra gear or tinny.
*Kitchen unit, while looking basic, is very functional and flexible.
*People can't help but watch the thing being set up and are amazed at how spacious it is, and then how small it packs away.
*Lightweight compared to some trailers - About 800kg unladen, and around 1100-1200 kg fully laden.
*high level of standard extras - including annex flyscreen, windbreak, independant suspension, electric brakes,12v system, boat rack, 2 fridges, kitchen, stone deflector, storage tubs, 2 queen size beds.

My personal belief is that they are a bit over priced when new (as are a lot of campers) - but there are very few alternatives when looking for campers with this range of features. (That's why I bought second hand.) So you either pay up for the features you like, buy second hand, or shop for something else.

For the money, I would have liked to have seen a good interior lighting system and powdercoating (instead of paint) and charging system.

In my opinion, the quality of a Chinese made model is not an issue.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a camper with a lot of interior living space and storage space. It's comfortable, reliable, spacious and has made going away camping a lot more fun. My wife and my kids love it. Can't see myself going back to a tent again.

If you are in Melbourne, you're welcome to come and have a look.

Eugene

Have an Oz made one and wanted some new struts, so I rang them up, in S.A.,,,,( why not ? I thought )


" we do not carry parts " was the answer,, I was bewildered, but managed to source the bits from elsewhere,,,,

What will happen if need some serious stuff like suspension bits and pieces ?

Not sure of that one ..
Cheers
Bucky

Thanks for all you reply's guys has answerd a lot of questions.

Cheers Ricky

Hi Rookie,

I'm one of those guys who have questioned the new Trak Shaks, only because an owner of a new one dragged me over to have a look at holes in his canvas and rust on the boat rack - he wanted to know if this was normal. I have an Aussie made 2002 model.

The latest 4wd Action magazine has a write up on them and an owners point of view. They are happy with it but mentioned they have a warranty claim with TrakShak with rust on the stainless steel boat rack. Trak Shak have told him he may have to wait 12 months before they find a new supplier of better quality steel.

They're a great design, we love ours and have spent 4 and a bit months on the road with it and 2 more to go. I have no doubt the Chinese ones will continually get better, it's all trial and error when someone new takes over hey?

Cheers,

Mark.