MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => Introductions => Topic started by: Mungoman on September 17, 2011, 05:10:20 PM
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I'm married with a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old. Never been a camper and don't really want a caravan because I've just spent 3 years wrestling with a 5.3M boat, trying to get up my driveway with the Prado and park it in the backyard. I've got room in my garage (front of the house) to park a camper trailer though.
I will probably never off-road it except for the occasional unsealed road. My current box trailer rusted away in just 5 years out in the weather so I'm not real keen on painted metal--although the garaging will help. I don't mind a little set-up time. I like really durable, practicle stuff that has a good track record and I usually pay a little more to get it. I'm a bit of a handyman and a bit of a techno head, so if something is not designed well I'm not going to be happy.
Having holidayed in a caravan several years ago I realise that the annexe is a real important part of the set-up.
Can some of the camper trailer people guide me to a good product? I'm ok with secondhand, but I usually look for something previously loved and in great condition.
Cheers
Mungoman
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G'day & Welcome.
Yep, you're like a bunch of members, keen to do something, do more but not sure which direction to take.
A CT makes getting away with the kids much easier than tenting it. A wife who likes the CT makes everything easier still.
Where are you, and what sort of use do you think you'd like to try? CTs tend to be much better finished than box trailers, though plenty of dirt roads will mean they suffer stone chips. You can also get fully galvanised trailers if you live near the coast or will be using on the beach a lot.
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Hi Mungoman
welcome to myswag
:cheers: sheeds
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Welcome to myswag Mungoman, tough decision you have there. Have you looked at the Tvans? If you add the extra room you can house the kids.
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Welcome to the forum.
Another option could be an aluminiun trailer from Jimboomba or Desert Edge - probably worth having a look on their websites.
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Hi Mungoman and welcome to My Swag, you have come to the right place for good information on CT's :cup:
Good luck and enjoy finding the CT that will suit you and you family :cheers:
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We've just bought a Tambo Camper. http://www.tambocampers.com.au/index.html On this forum (and others) you will read LOADS of great comments about them. The complimentary feedback enticed use to go visit their showroom. Don't know if Wantirna South (Melbourne) is suitable for you? The owners (Amanda & Keith) are positively delightful people to deal with. As it's a small(ish) family business, and their product is extremely popular, there is a bit of a wait from "date of placing order" to "date of taking delivery". We don't take delivery until April '12, but for outstanding quality at an excellent price, we are prepared to wait. My partner scrutinises product quality to the nth degree. We bought the day we inspected - we didn't need to "think about it first". You will see on their website, a couple of families have done big trips around Australia using their base model. Good luck with making your decision.
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Hi Mungoman, welcome to MySwag and the wonderful world of camping. Our kids are the same age as yours - we have a Trackabout camper trailer and couldn't be happier with it. Built solid as and have a really room tent. Great company to deal with too.
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Similar situation to you with kids about the same age and concerned about rust, etc. Found a secondhand stainless steel CT which should sort out the rust issues. Suggest you go for a bigger tent size (12') as it gives a bit more room inside for the kids (we run ours on swags). They do exist, if you look long enough and hard enough.
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Thanks for the replies. I'm still sifting through some of the info.
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G'day Mungoman and welcome to Myswag. :cheers:
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Welcome.
You dont have a sister called Kelly do you?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3YhPQ7WsXC0/SwpTAvMDIaI/AAAAAAAAANA/nUrXUI5SB5Y/s1600/christina-applegate-101707.jpg.jpeg)
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Welcome.
You dont have a sister called Kelly do you?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3YhPQ7WsXC0/SwpTAvMDIaI/AAAAAAAAANA/nUrXUI5SB5Y/s1600/christina-applegate-101707.jpg.jpeg)
Nope...and she don't got dem no more. Double Mastectomy 2008. Today Christina leads the US version of McGrath foundation.
Hmmmm moved to 'Introductions':
Yep, that's how I usually introduce myself, "Hi I'm married with children and I'd like some advice on a camper trailer." Not a lot of cerebral mapping there, but that didn't seem to worry Forrest Gump.
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:D Welcome Mungoman + Co.
We've got a Galv. Customline with a 12 foot tent. There's the first drama, soft or hard floor, both my sisters have hard floors and fit 2 adults + 2 kids (older ones too), ours is over kill for 2+2.
You really need to have an idea what you want in a CT , or think you would like. In my opinion, CT's as bought, are usually just a base on to which you modify to your demands. I think it's been said before in other places, to try one (ie hire) or see if you can make a swag meet and see them in use, not just on display.
I like the way the tent folds out on mine, think the Trackabouts are similar, not a lot of poles. Don't know how handy your 6yo is but mine likes to help, especially hammering in pegs, he decided it's his job and gets annoyed if he's not allowed to do it, so the fewer the better, (at least for the main tent).
Then sort out what sort of kitchen.
Have a look around, and see what you need and like and what would bug you, make a list and go from there.
I reckon if you asked a couple of locals swaggers they'd happily show off their CT's if you're serious.
Good Luck + happy hunting
:cheers: Paul
p.s. depends on what part of Aus you're in might decide what's available 2nd hand to see as well.
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Nope...and she don't got dem no more. Double Mastectomy 2008. Today Christina leads the US version of McGrath foundation.
Shes been doing really well since then. Has her finger in many different pies...
I'd have bought her cans if they were on ebay :(