Advice on extras to add to soft floor camper

Not sure if your as fussy as we are, or should I say just me, but I use to have a huge tarp I would throw over the whole set up especially if under trees to stop the sap from getting on the canvas but only used it for longer stays. Also some green/black shade cloth on the floor under the awning part to allow the dirt to go through before walking onto camper floor, some small chocks of timber to put infront of & behind wheel (I didnt have trailer brakes) and also a small plate 3 mill thick to sit under the jockey wheel on soft ground/sand etc so it wouldn't sink down. Not sure if yours has the lift up lid to get to inside trailer part or not but some long boxes made up to slide so you can get to everthing, bit like a fridge slide but on a larger scale. We didnt go the kitchen on the rear door as we found after talking to a few people it intruded to much into the storage area, other people find them extremely handy (matter of choice I think). Soem carpet if you like (marine stuff doesnt matter if you happen to get it wet) on the floor of the trailer if you dont go the slide boxes to stop everything rattling as much and stop it from getting scratched. A cover for the spare wheel but the type with a pocket on the front and can be used for garbage (we just used your garbage bags you use for your kitchen bin at home) Sealed containers are a must if you intend going into extremely dusty areas. THEN all the usual stuff you need. These are only minor things I have mentioned But we found out when we used it for the first time what we needed and also what I forgot LOL. All the best and the more you use it the quicker it will become to put up and down and how to store things and where. regards Steve M

The main thing would be to make sure that you weather in your canvas (or water it in well) before your first trip. Unless your manufacturer says that you don't need to.

Really I don't think it's that different to camping without one, just that you can take a lot more gear.

Hey I'm not sure what type your trailer is (looking it up with my slow dialup would take too long) but depnding on the design and if it doesn't have one already I say pack a tarp that can be laid over the bedding and mattress (prevents damp canvas wetting it). Of course if you pack your camper in the wet you should unpack again asap to let it dry out.

As for options that can be a matter of personal preference and also experience. We found we didn't need an electric pump (had to be primed by hand anyway) or a proper kitchen sink so to speak (we use a plastic tub in any location we want). We also found that it was better having the fridge in the car, and having a battery & 12v wiring in the camper for night time lighting. That way we don't have to worry running our of battery power for the fridge if camped in one sport for 3 days or more (providing you go out for a drive during that time).

With two boys it could be a good option to look at some sort of bike rack if they offer it and if you plan on t aking the bikes along.

I can't really think of anyting else, unless of course you're a novice to the whole camping thing. In which case you're probably better off reading some of the comprehensive info on what to pack from this site.

Exciting times ahead! Happy camping!

Rin,
I had a Camper trailer custom made in 1996 and sold it this year, I had leather attached to all high pressure contact points and the canvas (18oz ??) was still in excellent condition, the trailer was often set-up for 18 months at a time.

I would consider having a slide out kitchen work-bench, 3 Jerry can holders, 2 spare tyres, 2 x 9Kg gas bottles with gas line to go to the rear of the trailer so it is available for use there where it will be required.
A large water tank under the trailer.
Fold up 'annex' sides with fly screens to all openings with "YKK" zips.
Decent suspension spring system and definitely a 'fold up' jockey wheel.
Maybe consider having electric brakes fitted.
The higher the sides of the trailer are, the more you can carry, must be able to get at least a 'milk crate' in there to hold stuff.

Mainey . . .

Dear Rin

If you wish to take your family to the out back these are some of the things you will need to safeguard your family.
Things you should take on an out back trip.

1. UHF 40 channel radio (Essential)
2. HF Radio with VKS 737 or Satellite Phone (Not Essential)
3. Good and large Tyre repair kit
4. Two spare Tyres
5. Good Quality air compressor and tyre pressure gauge
6. Snatch strap.
Affix Tow Hooks to Vehicle (front and rear)
7. Good Quality Tool Kit
8. Jack, and a timber Jack Plate.
9. Long handled shovel, Small dunny spade. Axe
10. Radiator curtain (spinifex protection)
11. 2 x 2 litre hand pump sprays. 600mm Spinifex Hook
12. Red Flag
13. Gloves, Hand lotion, Insect repellant, fly net
14. GPS (not essential) but very handy.
15. Cash (most communities only accept cash for fuel. Upto $3/lt)
16. Fuel for 1000km
17. Lots of Drinking Water
18. Meat can be vacuum packed
19. Fruit & Veg, should be wrapped in newspaper
20. Byo, should be cans or Cask
21. Camp fire cooking utensils
22. Spare belts, hoses , spark plugs, points and fuses for your vehicle
23. Check your battery. Service your vehicle
24. Epirb (Not Essential) but very handy if in serious trouble.
25. First Aid Kit
26. Maps of area
27. Compass

And dont forget to burn dunny paper after use.

Jeff

The single best option you can give a soft floor camper is side lift with struts. No more climbing in and out and finding that what you want is always at the back.

First thing I would get, would be a ground sheet for underneath
( I use doubled over, and stitched shadecloth )

Second thing I would do is get some Marine Carpet, thats to protect the inside, and top of the ground sheet.

No use in wrecking the floor from sticks or rocks, or the inside from people..

Cheers
Bucky

In regards to ground sheets, I highly recommend this Caravan Annexe Flooring It may be pricey but really worth the money.

We purchased it by the meter and cut so that we had one for under the tent and one for under the annexe. It really does keep the dirt down and stays suprizingly clean. And not to mention it's easy to brush down before throwing it on top of the camper. Also doesn't rip if you peg it down and has a slightly cushy feel.

Durability wise it's now been sitting for nearly 6 months in front of our current residence (shed manor?), it's had rain on it, gravel dumped on it, the dog (puppy) seems to like going to the toilet on it and it's still going strong.

We follow the minimalist camping strategy, known as miserable, in
some circles. That is only taking what is necessary, reducing weight
& costing less. So here is our must haves... Ground sheet, double
shade cloth large enough to protrude a metre all round your tent.
Sit stuff on it outside & no dirt on bottom, eg eskies. Silver tarp
to go over whole thing, can use 2, one to cater for overnights,
& one to cover full annex. Install grommets to suit any protruding
poles, spare tent pegs & oco straps to tie down. Reason....never
have to worry about leaks or all that sealing rigamarole, never have
to pack up wet tent, no staining, cooler. Get a standard soft, long
handled kitchen broom, fasten a plastic lawn rake to other end.
Use to clean site before setup & tent floor before packup. Take
hearth broom & shovel too. Use suitably sized plastic tubs with lids for storage in trailer, buy cheap at Autocrap or similar. Allocate one to each person for cloths etc, others for food, linen etc..
Get a simple shower set up for bush camping. Kids beds can be
stored on top of trailer bed, made up, & quickly moved to annex
when setting up, may require extension to vinyl cover. Thats
probably enough, with all the other good advice given....
Stay calm & enjoy........oldbaz.