MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => Introductions => Topic started by: skapinad on July 04, 2011, 10:44:49 AM

Title: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 04, 2011, 10:44:49 AM

Hi All,

Adam here, just joined up and looking to buy my first camper.  Budget between 6 and 10k depending on what its got.  There seems to be a heap of choice around, but no doubt a lot of crap imported rubbish.  I am looking 2nd hand at this point as I would rather get a quality used rig, than a new chinese one.  Ive never owned one before so this may be the stepping stone before buying one of the ridiculously expensive ones !!!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, what brands to look for, what inclusions etc.  I have a 2010 Hilux to tow with and definately need an off road camper, but realistically not a super heavy duty one.  Will mainly use it for trips to Fraser, Moreton, Rainbow beach etc.  and besides the boys Fraser trip each year will only house the wife and our 3 year old daughter.  In saying that though the bigger the better !

Cheers,
Adam

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Gunna Do on July 04, 2011, 11:06:16 AM

Welcome to Myswag Adam. 

Don't be too hard on the Chinese campers, there are quite a few happy owners of them on here.

I can vouch first hand that buying secondhand enables you to get a tried and tested camper, with a few extras included in the price.

Good luck with your search.

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Bird on July 04, 2011, 11:11:23 AM

Welcome
Take ya time, shop around. go and hire a couple, adn find out what you like/dont like before you buy :)

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Snow on July 04, 2011, 02:18:23 PM

G'day Adam and welcome to Myswag. :cheers:

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 04, 2011, 03:15:14 PM

Quote from: Gunna Do on July 04, 2011, 11:06:16 AM

Welcome to Myswag Adam. 

Don't be too hard on the Chinese campers, there are quite a few happy owners of them on here.

I can vouch first hand that buying secondhand enables you to get a tried and tested camper, with a few extras included in the price.

Good luck with your search.

Yeah no worries, do you know any of the brands or sellers of these that arent too bad ?  it may end up being one of those things that doesnt get used very often anyway !! I hear they are like exercise bikes and gym sets !
I have looked around a fair bit on here, but brands not always listed nor prices...

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: earle on July 04, 2011, 04:06:55 PM

Quote from: skapinad on July 04, 2011, 03:15:14 PM

  it may end up being one of those things that doesnt get used very often anyway !! I hear they are like exercise bikes and gym sets !

But you can do many more modifications to a camper trailer.  ;D Modifications, we love em around here.

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: BigJules on July 04, 2011, 04:25:13 PM

G'day & Welcome.

I think you're on the right track looking for 2nd hand good'un. There are quite a few around, I was doing some research for another member last week and was astounded at what one can get in your price range.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: noel_w on July 04, 2011, 04:49:52 PM

Hi, I was in the same boat (or camper?) as you. I ended up buying a 2nd hand 2003 Trackabout Safari that looks like it is indestructable & virtually brand new for the same $$ as a new imported low end jobby. Very happy camper now & you can't do wrong with a Trackabout. Took it for it's inaugural trip down to Fingal Head for 4 days a couple of weeks ago & couldn't be happier with it. A few mods to do though as is the custom around here.
Welcome to the forum too by the way, a great way to spend your time when not camping.
regards
Noel   :cheers:

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 04, 2011, 05:03:47 PM

Thanks all for the advice.... I'll post up ones I am thinking about for comment.  There is one in cockroach land that isna detour ?  Seems pretty good, but not much info on them that I can find....

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: gunna on July 04, 2011, 06:39:11 PM

Hi Adam
Welcome to Myswag
 :cheers: sheeds

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Kit_e_kat9 on July 04, 2011, 07:13:50 PM

Hi Adam,

Welcome to MySwag!

It's hard deciding on what CT to spend the hard earned $ on.  Make it easy on yourself and whip up a list of things you definitely want or would like to have in your new 2nd hand CT.  Visit a few showrooms to see what's available size wise, look at boy things (like suspension) and check on the fancy stuff that's available.  You'll need a comparison against the 2nd hand one and some good advice right? 

First step done ... you've joined MySwag.  Everyone here will be only too happy to voice their opinions on what's what and who's who ... and convince you that you need this modification or that modification ... trust me it's not all bad! 

Spend the time to get to know how things work as it will make it easier to make decisions.  Ask lots of questions, spend hours looking at what's available on the web (sale wise), keep an eye on the classifieds here ... and when you've decided what you'd like ... try to find it.

Much easier said than done though ...  Good Luck with your search.

Kit_e

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Heiny on July 04, 2011, 07:22:49 PM

Hi Adam and welcome to My Swag :cheers:

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: ehsc on July 04, 2011, 07:25:33 PM

Hi Adam

Welcome to myswag all the best with what ever you decide  :cheers: ehsc

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Manjimike on July 04, 2011, 07:30:47 PM

Welcome Adam,
I bought a basic cheapy to see whether Brenda was going to enjoy it and to find out what I did/didn't like about it, so that I had a better idea of how to make my own when I get around to it.
I also 2nd the idea of hiring various types if you can't get an idea from the forum members fotos

Cheers Mike

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Old Croc + plus one on July 05, 2011, 10:33:01 AM

Hi Adam
Welcome to My Swag Happy Trails good luck with chosing a camper

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 06, 2011, 05:39:53 PM

Well I have narrowed the search down, taking a look at this one tomorrow, any comments or advice on what to look for appreciated.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190551297957&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123#ht_2172wt_922

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 06, 2011, 05:49:32 PM

And perhaps this one, 2007 model.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250845622262#ht_500wt_922

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Black Diamond on July 06, 2011, 10:00:15 PM

Gday and welcome  :cheers:


Good luck with it all and make sure you keep an eye on the classifieds  :cheers:

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: speewa158 on July 08, 2011, 07:08:34 AM

Skapinad  Looks as though your on to a winner 1st of all you have joined MySwag thats a good start . The EvilBay can be helpful to find your CT & as always if you dont know ask    ;D

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 10, 2011, 04:29:57 PM

Well, the trackabout above sold before could look.... And have gone off lifestyle....BUT... Bought a modcon today.  04 model upgraded in 07 to off road specs, really does look barely used.  I actually looked at another track about first, but was very well used and a few k dearer...just need a battery, solar panel, fridge and endless mods and it will be awesome !

Anyway, picking it up Tuesday, will get a red arc in the hilux this week and heading off to borumba dam on the weekend for it's maiden run... Will start a thread and put some pics up after the weekend, will be a longggggg week at work in anticipation!!! Not gonna bother setting it up at home first, will try it at the camp ground.....should be interesting !

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: ehsc on July 10, 2011, 07:26:07 PM

Hi skapinad

There is a group of my swagers heading to borumba deer park this coming weekend check out thread se qld nth nsw get together in trip reports .Anyway all the best with the new purchase might see you on the weekend   :cheers: ehsc

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: Mel87 on July 16, 2011, 03:21:23 PM

Hi Adam

Welcome to Myswag. Our first camper was a second hand soft floor 2008 Koala Camper out of Bundaberg QLD that we paid just $7000 for. It has served us good, never had a problem. We have just upgraded to a OB Eagle tho. I guess as you would already know just check out the trailer its self, grade of canvas & what things you would like to already be on the camper when you buy it eg: kitchen, water tank, front box storage etc.

Goodluck  :D

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: skapinad on July 16, 2011, 05:47:57 PM

Hi ehsc, work got in the road so heading up there next weekend now.... Hope your having fun, the weather is pretty crap anyway, hopefully it hasent been too bad up there...

Thanks for the advice Mel, already Picked up a camper last week and started planning the mods required, I started a my camper thread with some pics, will throw some more up once it is set up next weekend....

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: ehsc on July 17, 2011, 06:27:57 PM

Hi Skapinad
Not to worry those .things happen you missed a great weekend wasn't to wet anyway enjoy the new camper might catch you next time just keep a eye for a trip post. :cheers: ehsc

Title: Re: Hello from Brisbane
Post by: rodsswag on July 23, 2011, 02:34:48 PM

Hi, welcome to My Swag, you missed out on a great weekend away, but there is alway another on the way

Rod