Trailers

I have a track trailer Tvan and can recommend them for a number of reasons.Go wherever vehicle goes [better suspension than vehicle].nothing overlooked in manufacture [stainless bolts,nylock nuts], very easy to erect, after sales you are still a person not a number,etc.

Chell, bit more info needed.

Budget ??
Hard floor . . . Soft Floor
Offroad (assumably) or onroad.

Just you & the partner ???

OK then.

I have just ordered an Adventurer Offroad Campertrailer from Simon Heard Canvas in Shepperton

http://www.simonheardcanvas.com.au/

I think the basic Adventurer starts at $6000. 13ft Tent, 7 ft Awning, rebound springs, offroad hitch. Then you can add your extras from there (water tank, kitchen, 12v system, annexe etc etc etc)

I ordered the optional 16ft tent, Couple of end walls, 12v system, and a few odds and ends for $7000. Stoked with that. I have a mate with one, been all over Aus, no probs. Know a couple of other people who have ordered from Simon and happy with their product and progress. He is also very easy to deal with, and is willing to deal, rather then just give you a price list and say "here's the price".

Another is Obriens Trailers

http://www.obrienstrailers.com.au/

He makes EXCEPTIONAL campers, but tend to a bit more expensive (around the $10 mark). Very good stuff though.

Doubt you will get a hard floor (even 2nd hand) for that type of money.

For a 12mth Trip, probably buying is the go. Customise it the way you want, and sell it on return. A good Trailer holds its value pretty well.

These are the 2 I have looked right into, as well as Jumbuck Campers in Newcastle. Plenty of others around . . . but these suited me.

best of luck

I got the Soft floor "Adventurer".

You can get a Deluxe Adventurer, and also the Hard floor Eureka.

The Hard floor wasn't for me, and the budget didn't stretch to the Deluxe. I think there is also another one, with all the extras. Didn't look into it though.

I didn't like the Halls trailers. I just thought the rear Kitchen look goofy . . . My Opinion only though. Didn't like em, so never checked the price out.

Chell

Took a brand new camping trailer around oz in 2001 via Cape York, GRR, Bungle Bungles etc. The suspension was the weak point. Mine had leaf springs that lost their set and shackles and shackle bolts that wore out on a couple of times.

Also had wheel hubs develop fatigue cracks.

If I did it again, I'd consider an coil type of suspension, not leaf springs.

If you were going to stick to mostly back top, leaves would be fine. Take spares and do daily inspections.

Rod

Thanks flappan, shall do!!

Have taken note of what you said Rod, thanks for that bit of info. Shall ask that question when I go around the showrooms, least that way it will sound like I know what I am talking about ;-)

Murranji Just wondering do you have the Tanami draws under your bed in the T-Van if you do , What do you think of them?? You are spot on with T van one would be hard pressed to find a better built trailer anywhere with exceptional after sales service. Even when travelling one phone call & what ever is required is on its way, we blew a koni on our 6yr old Group 2 at Kalumburu a year ago.Got to Broome 3 days later a new set was there, mind you that was the only thing that went wrong in 6yrs so I cant complain.

Cheers Steve

Have noticed a few references to Simon Heard campers. I saw a Heard product in Wantirna South at Tambo Campers. Might save you a trip to Shepparton.

Chell,
Getting back to your question. I would buy a new trailer, and sell it on my return. You will get almost all your money back. Hiring is very expensive.
From my observations on the road, and off the road, some of the campers mentioned do a good job, it just depends on your needs.

I, and my friends, are VERY happy with Tambo Campers in Wantirna.
TEL: 9561 8668. They also handle Simon Heard campers, so you don't need to go to Shepparton to see one.
You should check out Tambo. Then you can decide for yourself. They are not expensive.

The motor mechanic in Birdsville told me that there were only two brands of campers he had not had to weld back together at some stage: Tambo and Kimberley.

Ian

Chell,
I have an Obrien trailer as mentioned in one of the replies, I've had the trailer for about three years now I'm more than happy with the quality and versitiity of this trailer, the sliding drawer in the Obrien is something I haven't found in any other camper trailer, this is a really good idea and I won't be selling mine to buy another trailer without one. Leaves, 80 litre water tank Orac coupling,awning etc etc Keep the shiny side up