Most caravanners are familiar with the Gall Boys and their wild adventures in northern Australia, but few realise one of them builds camper trailer tents from a small shed in Queensland. Early Australian camper trailers were built in response to rising fuel costs and cars with smaller capacity engines just because you drove a Fiat 500 in 1972 didnt mean you werent interested in towing a trailer on summer holidays, after all. SLEEPS 2 - 8. Avoid camper-trailers with poor construction, A well-constructed camper-trailer is worth the money. As with most things in life, you only get . Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. Part of that is a result of better engineering from Australian manufacturers and also a local understanding that lighter campers go further off-road (assuming, of course, theres no reduction in strength). RV manufactures know this, expect this and rely on it. If youre a first-time buyer and youre interested in any models from these RV manufacturers, you should have someone with experience come and checked with you. Whether you are looking for a camper trailer for family travels or just some solo time, we've got the best picks for you. Their main focus is producing high-quality fifth wheel and travel trailers, with the popular Autumn Ridge travel trailer starting at $23,000 up to the Telluride fifth wheel starting at $67,800. The black water tank does not drain properly. But over time, they lost consumers trust with their shoddy construction and poor quality and became one of the worst camping trailer brands. After talking to many other Trak Shak owners, both online and in campsites. Besides, it packs all the latest gizmos and gadgets that you'll need during your camping trip. If you are a camping enthusiast or want to live off-grid, the Bruder EXP 6 Camper is an excellent investment. Scott Rivers is the Founder and CEO of RVing Trends. There are difficulties in using the control board of these trailers. Coachmen RV. Home RV Guides RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! It means that this light trailer is easy to tow. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. However, technical and structural design issues are common among Keystone RVs. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). 1. Inside the HQ17 and HQ19 trailer, you'll find everything and anything you need for a comfy ride. For more, read our towing advice story here. Business Hours. One of the most significant advantages of this camper trailer is its slide-out bed. Its a great, cheap option thats all Aussie. Are water and gas fittings well put together, secure and in great working order? Some campers will have extra features, so consider some of the following and decide for yourself whether each is a dealbreaker or not - its all down to personal preference. If you are looking for a camper trailer I can highly recommend you visit Matt at his Bibra Lake facility, and join the Bigfoot Facebook owners page, you won't be fissapointed.- Rob G. a year ago . Coleman: Poor build quality, bad assembly, unreliable appliances, subpar furniture. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. Though costly, you would find the Sherpa Camper to be worth every penny. Hinges, clips and latches need to be durable enough to cope with the rigours of camping and touring, and adjustable enough to squash tight in on dust seals to prevent water and dust ingress. The HQ17 from Blackseries boasts quality off-road tires and excellent suspension, best for tricky terrains. Jeff has been an avid outdoor person all his life. We cannot simply miss Pioneer Campers in the best camper trailers list. Tidy and bolstered woodwork with glued or screwed joins is much better. Which travel trailer is built the best? Cub Campers is one of the best camper trailer manufacturers in Australia. Camping essentials for your next road trip and where you can buy them, Make staying at home more enjoyable with these products and tips, How to be more eco-friendly when you're gifting this Christmas. But that's not it. Has Fleetwood resumed making travel trailers? Unit has been around Aus. Simple and bullet proof suspension. ADDRESS & WEBSITE. These include brands such as Hurricane, Keystone . The shape of the camper is teardrop-type. If you are thinking of buying a travel trailer, think twice before choosing one of these brands. After talking to many other Trak Shak owners, both online and in campsites. Bruder is an example that nothing can beat an Aussie build! If youve seen people struggle with a particular campers set-up or pack-up process, then you should consider another camper. After the research, here are the reasons weve collected: Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Forest River is one of the largest USA manufacturers of RV vehicles. This section will walk you through all the camper types! A list of things to consider when purchasing a camper trailer: 1: Avoid any with bolt on then weld draw-bars unless you camp at caravan parks . Australian-built campers are usually lighter than even the best equivalents from China. Problems with the tow bar and braking system? But the first Australian camper trailer is generally considered to have been built by R.J Rankin in 1928. We've listed all relevant models here. What do hybrid campers cost new? Its different strokes for different folks as far as towing and tow vehicles are concerned. Few minor cracked welds on frame easily fixed & gas struts need replacing but all is still, EzyTrail Buckland LX Mk2. Theyre usually more expensive than both hard floor and soft floor models, but offer better insulation and more comfort than regular camper trailers. Jayco. And it's still rolling, and rolling strong. Here's what makes camper trailers worth it: When you spend that kind of money on a camping unit, you indeed want it to last for years. Any of the Jayco camper range is a great family camper. The batteries in some units show recharging issues? What's been recalled and why. Our most popular model, this OG camper trailer is packed with power, storage, a huge outdoor kitchen and the CS3 Integrated Tent. Image Credits: Have Great Outdoor Experience With Camper Trailers. It doesnt matter how good the materials used are if theyve all been linked together in a chain of poor construction. Their extensive range of models are all hard floor and cater for couples, up to large families; and range in price from $10k - $45k+. get awnings fully erect, all canvas sides pulled taut etc. Revolutionary designs and features. Then arrived in January. Of course, you should always go after a product that suits you the most even if it comes from a brand in this list. Fifth Wheel RV - This is similar to a Class C RV but is not equipped with an engine. It's a four-season swag made of. Where once, many of us working to a budget were often satisfied with a steel box and a basic canvas tent over a foam mattress, we now expect more. All Australian build and highest quality canvas and fittings. Very, Latest review: Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. The R-Pod RP-193 travel trailer ($37,433) is a great match for family trips. Be sure to research and read reviews when considering what RV to purchase. Here is the list of Genuine Australian Made camper trailer manufacturers and Guild members. Perfect for anyone, because their tent options are extensive. So, are you ready to embark on our Australian expedition to find the best camper trailers? SEND US YOUR STORY; STANDARDS. Rhinomax Campers are all hand built completely within the walls of our workshops in Sunshine Coast Queensland by a team of experienced engineers and skilled craftsmen. 1/10. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). They have the hard walls and roof of a caravan, but have the width of a camper trailer - this compact size means the cooking is generally done outside. Gibb River Rd and has held up well. With that,, Read More The Pros & Cons Of The Briggs And Stratton Generator Range In AustraliaContinue, Going camping is a fantastic idea, especially if you have friends or loved ones to accompany you. These handpicked camper trailers in Australia come from only popular and renowned brands. After obtaining a Masters Degree in Automotive Engineering from Columbia University in the City of New York, Scott worked as an RV technician in Camping World and Outdoorsy for years. 03. The trailer has enough space for two campers. YKS. 2023All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. Simply curious about the latest and greatest on the market? However, it took a long time for anyone to have a good crack at it. Cub have been, Latest review: We purchased our SC-WT in 2020. Are all electrics (plugs, wiring etc) neat, tidy and safely functioning? With a durable chassis, plenty of storage, and a variety of campers with on-road and off-road capabilities to choose from, Challenge Camper Trailers have the reliability and power to get you where you want to go. Luckily, camper trailers last for up to 10 years on average. As a 2nd time buyer, communication, We bought an exodus 16 last year. Our database has the answer, Everything you need to know to keep you and your family as safe as possible, Helpful advice before you finance your next car, Tips for getting the right insurance and how to make a claim, Everything you need to know when sizing up your new car. the manufacturer is permitted to fit a trailer plate under s.14A(1) of the Act and supply the trailer to the Australian market. Worst Travel Trailer Brands According to Reviews. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. Christmas seems to go hand in hand with consumption, but that doesnt mean you cant be eco-friendly with your gift giving. Avoid camper-trailers your vehicle is unable to tow, This Ford Everest can easily tow this 1285kg Jayco Swan Outback. If you ask us, Frontiertier harbours all the amenities you can get at that price tag. Cub Brumby. my Alpha 18 months Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK. Inadequate insulation causes water leakage. How to Maintain the Optimal Tyre Pressure for your Caravan, The Best Solar Blanket for Camping: Kings Solar Blanket Review, What Are the Best Solar Panels for Camping? The original X1 is the most "family friendly" 44 camper trailer in our range. Glad we opted for two gas bottles and stone guard. Jayco travel trailer brand: 15%. Weve got tips for everything from shopping sustainably to zero-waste packaging, so that you can have a greener holiday season. The Eagle has the best floorplan, though, with a lounge next to the larger bed so adults can retire to it for quiet conversation and port, while the kids slumber at the other end. You can tow off-road camper trailers to a variety of terrains. These Aussie camper trailers come in bright colours and are among the least expensive on the market. The Explorer is the smallest walk-up camper on the market a walk-up camper is one with a walkway inside the trailer body at the end of the bed, so theres no ladder to climb into bed thanks to its folding bed design. Since many mothers tend to spout selfless phrases like please dont spend any money on me, Christmas is a great opportunity to spoil your Mum. There is more space than you'll ever need! Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. We've done the homework for you and put together a buying guide that will help you pick the best camper trailer. There are several things to avoid when buying a new or second-hand camper-trailer and here is our top 5 list of camper fails to give a wide berth. 950KG DRY TARE WEIGHT*. (image credit: Brendan Batty). Thor Hurricane has some features in its Class A motorhomes that appeal to many RV owners. For more on vehicle and trailer weights, read our special feature. One option isnt necessarily superior to another - the right choice for you will largely depend on where you want to travel, how you like to travel, and your personal situation (such as your budget). The GIC Black Series Dominator can tackle tough terrain while offering caravan-like levels of comfort, helping you make anywhere feel like home. It features road tires so that the muddy and tricky terrains don't use your journey. Quality has come a long way as the industry has grown and Chinese manufacturers have listened to the Australian consumer and their importing partners to fix problems and develop better ways to deliver a quality product. It is also one of the very few off-road camper trailers that include a washing machine. Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? You'll find a stainless steel rollout kitchen, slide-out bench, cutlery drawer, sink, two-burner stove, and a large bench in this caravan. Of course, with the various features, the price tag of the Airstream Basecamp touches $38,000 USD. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Winnebago. Keystone. Its likely youll have questions about your camper after you buy it, and you might even run into issues down the road that call for repairs, so hearing from other campers about their trailer experience is a useful place to start. And theyre bloody good. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); RVing Trends may earn a commission (at NO extra cost to you) if you purchase a product through one of our links. Dutchmen. The batteries in some units show recharging issues. Image Credits: Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While the entire Thor Motor Coach brand should be approached with caution, their most infamous RV line is the Thor Hurricane. Fleetwood. Bruder Campers: The word Bruder means "brother". He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by a fifth wheel & a truck with his wife. All in all, it offers the best value for first-timers and people who are not looking to spend big bucks on campers. You should also check your vehicles ball weight, which is the maximum pressure that can be placed on your vehicles towball. We've taken time to explore each camper trailer and dig out all the details about its performance and features. Here are the best camper trailers that can be a part of your adventure in 2022! Its really only been in the last decade that thats changed. Gulfstream may as well offer an open-roof on all their RVs, as this brand is notorious for leaks with its newer-year models. Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. But, the variety, brands, types, and features of camper trailers available these days make it a painstaking task to spot the best one. By and large, Pioneer Campers absolutely know what they're doing with this camping trailer. You'll also be delighted to learn that this ultimate camper trailer harbours a plush queen-size bed, an enormous fridge, Wi-Fi, TV, and air conditioner. Wild Boar has just released a brand new camper, the Lightweight Forward Fold Slide. If not , how about Intech? However, reports of poor performance and quality are enough to make it one of the worst camper brands. The latest and future car tech from around the world, We're here to help you with any car issues. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. It's perfect for a pair with pets. There's also a roof rack that lets you add more storage and portable showers. There are reports of water leaks in Chinook RVs. Although the forward-folding camper concept was invented in Australia, it took anyone here a long time to have a good crack at it. Wait until you see the fancy outdoor and indoor cooking area, a pop-top roof, and working shower! can cost you in the end. Since buying a camper is a substantial financial commitment, you must be aware of the RV brands to avoid, so you can get the most for your money. Loose and damaged electrical connections. All the Jayco models follow a similar setup process, which is quite simple for beginners. (image credit: Brendan Batty). Regardless of your towing vehicle, you should check a camper trailers weight - both the tare weight (the weight of an empty trailer) and the Aggregate Trailer Mass (the total weight your trailer can weigh when loaded) - against your vehicles maximum towing capacity. The exterior trailer body features a clean and straightforward design. Its a MUST have for those who plan on, Read More Top 10 Best Rooftop Tents In Australia: The Ultimate Buying Guide.Continue, When the power goes out, you dont have a HVAC system and cant keep your food cold. Not made for touring, We first contacted Black Series Campers in November for a warranty repair and after numerous follow up calls and emails I was today told that the defect is not covered by warranty. | Solar Panels Buying Guide. Despite costing 9K+ to have built and only asking $4500 people inquire and say it is too expensive but as I have tried to explain many times if their budget for an offroad trailer is $2000-3000 they seriously have to consider where they want to go and if they want to return safely with no problems. Weve rounded up a list of practical gifts that all kinds of travellers - from camping enthusiasts to long haul flyers - will enjoy. Happy travelling! Several factors determine whether the off-road camper trailer is a good choice or not. Is Airstream (Basecamp) still good? Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes, We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more, Buying used? Tool Box, Bought this Camper Second Hand in Jul 18 from Metro RV in Melb (great to deal with) and have used it a few times now. The slides and drawer are flimsy and cant hold heavy loads. The best part about traveling in a camper trailer is that they allow you to hit the open road and ride in comfort. So, keep reading to learn more and stay informed about which RV brands you should avoid or at least you should check the RV carefully before making the purchase! SUSPENSION. The last thing you want at the end of a long day driving is having to fiddle with a difficult camper when trying to set it up. Many people wonder how long camper trailers last before purchasing the trailer. FAQ; CONTACT US. Some brands dont hold up to the reputation they had in the past. Not all RVs are brand, even the worst brands have good models. With recent upgrades to suspension and a time-honoured layout inside, the Eagle Outback continues to be a family favourite. Where 10 years ago there was almost no comparison between the quality of imported and local camper trailers, the lines are now much blurrier. Bruder is an example that nothing can beat an Aussie build! Your email address will not be published. Those innovations have led to campers that are, as a rule, quick and easy to set-up and pack-up and very well suited to the Australian styles of travel, which often involves days of travel before finally setting up at a dream location. The Blackseries HQ17 camper trailers cost $50,000 AUD! Cruisemaster D035 Hitch. Notably, one of the four RV manufacturers in Australia that are more than 50 years old is Cub Campers, which is one of the most vocal advocates of Aussie manufacturing in the sector. In this teardrop trailer, you get a comfy queen-size bed, solar panels, insulated walls, and every other van life essentials you'd want. Some owners complain about how flimsy and poorly built their Chinooks feel. This is one of the more bizarre lists Ive read from an experienced RVer? They produce travel trailers, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, and other RV options. Arriving before christmas. These units are build with the campers needs in mind, I would give zero stars if I could. Jayco Eagle Outback: The most famous Australian made camper trailer among families in Australia is the Jayco range of pop-up camper trailers. Ideally, you should wait until December or January when everyones on holiday and camper trailer dealers are itching to make a sale. Escapod is a Utah-based company well-known for producing futuristic and top-notch teardrop trailers. Some worst travel trailer brands to avoid are Forest River, Thor, and Winnebago. If you are a camping enthusiast, you should give the Blackseries HQ17 and 19 a look. A Dutchman travel trailer. This Australian-made camper trailer can accommodate seven people. Small vehicles will be able to legally tow smaller, less weighty camper-trailers and large 4WDs will be able to handle larger burdens at the back. The heater vent under the dinette is incorrectly aligned? These should be tucked away and well-protected, particularly those along the undercarriage, as theyre more vulnerable to flying rocks, dust, and debris. See the Cub Campers website here. A minimum of 2 years should be on all recreational vehicles and trailers. Inspect the number of batteries in the trailer and whether they are solar-powered or not. 1. Camper trailers let you live in comfort wherever you choose to go. If you think the above camper trailer is beyond your budget, you'll love the Oregon Camper Do Drop that costs as little as $6,200. The overall condition of the interior should be tip-top. The build quaility is fantastic. Cub Campers. Camper trailers allow outdoor adventures without limitations for cooking and bathing. I have added two jerrycan holders and there is plenty of room for a single bike rack on the. Some initial issues but the guys at Ezytrail resolved quickly. You'll dig its bold black paint the moment you lay eyes on this cool camping unit. Make sure all canvas on awnings or tented sections is well-stitched, blemish-, damp- and tear-free, and that there are no large holes in the sewing. Make sure all the lighting and electrical outlets work properly. The best camping trailer will check all the boxes of towing capacity, build quality, living space, simple setup, and comfortable bed. When we didnt have to write an article about Australian made camper trailers, because, apart from a few notable exceptions (mostly from South Africa), all our camper trailers were built locally. The cabinet doors fail frequently and result in expensive repairs. Opus is based in Victoria and can be contacted on (03) 9068 5914. A Large camper van, family size. Introducing the 2020 Camper Trailer of the Year Winner, the Patriot Campers brand NEW X3. ALL of Keystones travel trailers? Dutchmen Aerolite Travel trailer. Australia ranked first, USA second and China third - despite the relative unpopularity of camping in China. Image Credits: Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget. Lastly, the large cooking area, hot water system, and off-road tires will make van life fun! The camera trailer looks straight out of some sci-fi or future film from the outside. 4.5 from 11 reviews. A Review Of The Kings Battery Box Pros & Cons, Check the bedding to see if they are in good condition. Some other problems include fire hazards, gas leaks, and improper components. Factors to consider when choosing a camper trailer. Their one-year warranty coverage often leaves RVers helpless if something goes wrong. You will need different components to ensure a proper towing mechanism. According to various online forums, most owners report problems with roofs, skylights, drains, waste valves, and flooring. Look for quirks and design flaws that may pose bigger problems down the track a bit: winder handles that dont work as smoothly as they should, gas struts that arent doing their job properly, bed bases that are vulnerable to outside moisture, pinch-points on hinges, canvas that doesnt tuck away or unfold neatly enough when setting or packing up, awnings/tented sections with too many spreader bars and no end wall, or those with a flat roofline which are prone to catching water when it rains.