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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: ozynorts on November 15, 2011, 10:18:31 AM

Title: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 15, 2011, 10:18:31 AM
 ???
Ok we are at the point of "yep lets get a CT". I have narrowed it down to 3 makes and models.
Lifestyle Extenda
Jimboomba Maddison Staircase
Trackabout SV Safari

Now the problem is to narrow it to one. Unfortunately for the time being I don't have to option of going to see the trailers at the factory to help in my decision. I have seen both the Lifestyle and Jimboomba at shows but have never seen a Trackabout.
I don't want to go over 15k and I will be adding a boat rack to the order. We have done a heap of camping so we are fairly kitted out so extras are not really high on the priority list.
We have 2 kids under 6 so we need enough room for the young ones to sleep and play.
I know that there will be plenty of opinions on what is best but I want to know is why they are the best.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Bird on November 15, 2011, 10:21:46 AM
For me out of the 3 its a no brainer - Trackabout.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 15, 2011, 10:24:06 AM
that is whsta alot of peopl say on here but although they list all the specs on their website they dont list a price so am not sure it is in the price range. am waiting to hear back from them with a cost.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Bird on November 15, 2011, 10:31:44 AM
Quote from: ozynorts
that is whsta alot of peopl say on here but although they list all the specs on their website they dont list a price so am not sure it is in the price range. am waiting to hear back from them with a cost.
even if it was a bit more, it would be worth it for the service and care you get afterwards. Try and find a bad word anywhere about JT or his gear...  8)
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: noel_w on November 15, 2011, 10:33:57 AM
Quote
For me out of the 3 its a no brainer - Trackabout.
Like he says.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 15, 2011, 10:41:13 AM
that is what makes it so hard because I haven't heard a bad thing about any of them.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Bird on November 15, 2011, 11:13:44 AM
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=8571.0
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: FZJ on November 15, 2011, 11:30:08 AM
I know that there will be plenty of opinions on what is best but I want to know is why they are the best.

 "Best".Best is what suits you not someone else. Everyones "best"is different.We looked at all of the above campers  but there were things about them  we didnt like (including the one that everyone goes on about), and went elsewhere.Im sure any of them would be a great camper though.Make a "what you do and dont want" list and see who does it to your best.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Squalo on November 15, 2011, 11:53:27 AM
I love my Maddison, it's perfect for me and my family (kids are 4,5 and 7). It has a vast amount of internal space, plus enclosable annex, plus additional annex off that - wet weather is no issue for us at all.

Having said that I was set on getting a Trackabout due to its known quality and unmatched aftermarket support.

Trackabouts weigh more than Jimboombas so that was one factor to consider for me - 3 litre Patrols aren't the most powerful tugs around. I also wanted a walk-up to the bed, both for the additional tent size and for the convenience - I wouldn't have a CT without it. I also like the look of the Jimboomba because I prefer something that looks like a dedicated recreational trailer, rather than the more conventional box trailer look - although of the latter, the Trackabout is one of the best looking box trailer styles.

You really need to make a list of what you need, then tack on what you want, then compare what you get from the manufacturers.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Redcherokee on November 15, 2011, 11:58:51 AM
Don't know where you are located, but Trackabout web site says they do rentals out of some place near Penrith.

That could be an option for getting to see one.    I found hiring campers before I made my decision was a very useful thing to do - clarifies what is essential and what we just preferred.  If you don't want to hire it, they might be persuaded to let you open it up and look.

Or see if any of the owners on here live near you and wouldn't mind letting you have a look at theirs....
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: pommiedic on November 15, 2011, 12:06:04 PM
Pedeosar,

There are Trackabout deaters at West Gosford and GLoucester.

Won't express an opinion as I'm an happy Trackie owner. Each to there own.

Good luck with your choice

dic
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: FZJ on November 15, 2011, 12:23:29 PM
Pedeosar,

There are Trackabout deaters at West Gosford and GLoucester.

Won't express an opinion as I'm an happy Trackie owner. Each to there own.

Good luck with your choice

dic

Wrong bloke... not my thread sorry  ;D ive got my camper
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: mystq on November 15, 2011, 12:25:38 PM
From the amount of happy people on MySwag I would go with the Trackabout.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: pommiedic on November 15, 2011, 12:31:48 PM
Wrong bloke... not my thread sorry  ;D ive got my camper

Sorry,  meant for Ozynorts
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 15, 2011, 12:40:21 PM
thanks sqaulo, that was the sort of response i was hoping for.
as for hiring a trailer, i have in the past hired a lifestyle 360 and almost hired a maddison(weather ruined that plan). i loved the size of the tent and annexe with the lifestyle but the step into the bed was way too big hence the search for an extended camper.
we currently live in central qld so it is not as easy to get to the shows etc as it was in the past.


also does anyone know if you can salary sacrifice a CT?
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: cancan on November 15, 2011, 01:15:16 PM
also does anyone know if you can salary sacrifice a CT?

I have tried working out how I can purchase a CT through the company, would be nice if possible.

I have not looked at the Jimboomba but have been to Trackabout and lifestyle a few times.The trackabout SV extenda is still top of my list for a replacement CT, I liked the storage options in the walkway and within the trailer, more so with the latest offerings. Also the tent setup and annex setup appear to be very easy and very quick compared to the lifestyle (although only possibly half a stubbie quicker). Also to me the trackabout appears to be built a lot stronger and I prefer the looks, not a fan of the checker plate on the sides.
My second choice is the Modcon although the trackabout nudges ahead due to the walkway, wifes choice is a Jayco so we wont go there.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Cam and Deb on November 15, 2011, 01:21:56 PM
Ummmmmmmm..........let me think............Trackabout way to go



 :cheers:


Cam
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: dno on November 15, 2011, 03:33:05 PM
I have tried working out how I can purchase a CT through the company, would be nice if possible.

Site hut, relocatable acomadation, =  T@x deduction.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: earle on November 15, 2011, 04:09:28 PM
I have a feeling that i'm depreciating "trailers" for a few clients. Why you would spend over $10K on a box trailer for carting a few tools is beyond me ...... But anyway thats what I've been told they're for.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Willow Girl on November 15, 2011, 04:44:20 PM
I would go for the maddison extended version. They look fantastic. no rust & they are HUGE!
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 16, 2011, 10:55:48 AM
well the guys at Trackabout got back which was great. unfortunately it is a little over budget, by a little I mean 10k. have to go through the specs and see how much we could trim from the extras and then see what the cost is. bummer.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Bird on November 16, 2011, 11:28:24 AM
Quote from: ozynorts
Unfortunately it is a little over budget, by a little I mean 10k
Keep saving :)

Remember you dont have to buy new as well. There are bargains out there in the used market if your smart and wait around..
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Isuzumu on November 16, 2011, 03:52:10 PM
Jimboomba.....there is one for sale second hand in Brisbane do not find that very often so great value for money.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: mystq on November 16, 2011, 06:00:27 PM
Site hut, relocatable acomadation, =  T@x deduction.

Please tell us more,,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: dno on November 16, 2011, 06:06:28 PM
Please tell us more,,,,,,,,,,,
Talk to a good accountant  8) self employed ?
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Johnny Trackabout on November 16, 2011, 07:12:13 PM
well the guys at Trackabout got back which was great. unfortunately it is a little over budget, by a little I mean 10k. have to go through the specs and see how much we could trim from the extras and then see what the cost is. bummer.

Hmm bit like wanting a new 200 series cruiser with a 50K budget....did you get my latest quote $24990 worth of Safari SV Extenda for under $15K not a lot of options in the quote but good tent on a great trailer with brakes water tank, gas and jerry can holders and a good solid foundation for you guys to build off......We do everything as a package, but if you tell us your budget really makes it easy to see if we can fit the bill. We loose jobs all the time on price, but if you put your hand up and say what you wanna spend we can generally fit the budget.

I had a guy last sat comparing us to a local competitor, the local guy started at under $8K and they were comparing them to our $15990 4x4 Deluxe Tourer (not really a level playing field)....thank god for online quoting on there website ;D Got on there site and quoted there trailer with all the options we give on our 4x4 Deluxe Tourer and surprise surprise we were $2000 cheaper 1ft longer in the tent and ours came with a Hot dip Galv Chassis and a powder coated finish compared to what they were offering and the quality of our components won them over at the end of the day at around $14K (with a few deleted features).....so just remember, if it comes down to price, sometimes the dearer quote may be "still" the best "bang for buck"....when you buy a Trackabout you will have great resale value down the track, its built to a standard and NOT to a price and will give you and your family many years of enjoyment.........just my $2 worth and ask anyone here who has one....if there is issues we fix it....if they want special mods, we accommodate there needs and sometimes thats what makes the difference between what we do and what our competitors offer !

Good luck with your decisions
Cheers
JT

Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Jon on November 16, 2011, 07:22:05 PM
Not just apples for apples.
In the commercial AC field we get done all the time by backyarders and bigger cutthroats. Further down the track people come back to us with moans about poor quality, no back up etc.
People are cheap, they pay peanuts, they get monkeys.
It is the old adage, you get what you pay for. From the sounds of things the true cost of the cheaper options may be somewhat higher than expected.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: rockman on November 16, 2011, 07:32:16 PM
Whats that old saying ' a poor man pays twice '
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 16, 2011, 07:34:21 PM
Hey JT. Yep got your latest quote. Going over everything atm and will get back to you. I am doing my best to compare apples with apples but as you are aware there are a lot of little things that make or break a decision. Just out of interest what is your delivery time from order to pickup. Roughly.
Cheers
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Cam and Deb on November 16, 2011, 07:39:38 PM
Hmm bit like wanting a new 200 series cruiser with a 50K budget....did you get my latest quote $24990 worth of Safari SV Extenda for under $15K not a lot of options in the quote but good tent on a great trailer with brakes water tank, gas and jerry can holders and a good solid foundation for you guys to build off......We do everything as a package, but if you tell us your budget really makes it easy to see if we can fit the bill. We loose jobs all the time on price, but if you put your hand up and say what you wanna spend we can generally fit the budget.

I had a guy last sat comparing us to a local competitor, the local guy started at under $8K and they were comparing them to our $15990 4x4 Deluxe Tourer (not really a level playing field)....thank god for online quoting on there website ;D Got on there site and quoted there trailer with all the options we give on our 4x4 Deluxe Tourer and surprise surprise we were $2000 cheaper 1ft longer in the tent and ours came with a Hot dip Galv Chassis and a powder coated finish compared to what they were offering and the quality of our components won them over at the end of the day at around $14K (with a few deleted features).....so just remember, if it comes down to price, sometimes the dearer quote may be "still" the best "bang for buck"....when you buy a Trackabout you will have great resale value down the track, its built to a standard and NOT to a price and will give you and your family many years of enjoyment.........just my $2 worth and ask anyone here who has one....if there is issues we fix it....if they want special mods, we accommodate there needs and sometimes thats what makes the difference between what we do and what our competitors offer !

Good luck with your decisions
Cheers
JT



Here here................JT's service time taken explaining the in & out of your new camper attention to detail is second to none. I work with some of australias best boiler makers & welders when they inspected my trackie they said its been along time since they have seen the quality of work & attention to detail as my ct...........onya JT
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: torsion on November 16, 2011, 08:04:17 PM
This thread should be renamed - Time Waisters -
Ive got no time for emmmmm  >:( >:(
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: ozynorts on November 16, 2011, 08:13:04 PM
This thread should be renamed - Time Waisters -
Ive got no time for emmmmm  >:( >:(
and i thought all the people on this forum were helpful.
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Johnny Trackabout on November 17, 2011, 01:14:42 PM
and i thought all the people on this forum were helpful.
Most people here are fantastic mate, but there is always one in the crowd who likes to get noticed.....stick with it here I have made some life long friends off this site and love to catch up when I can to the my swag meets ;D

Cheers
JT
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: cancan on November 17, 2011, 01:48:41 PM
This thread should be renamed - Time Waisters -
Ive got no time for emmmmm  >:( >:(

I actually have found this thread interesting, hadn't thought of getting my next mobile office as a company tax deduction or the fact that JT will do an non optioned basic extenda, although I am more than happy to pay for an optioned version and pick it up close to how I want it but I wouldn't call this a Time wasters thread and I would know as I class myself as a great time waster although there is always a result at the end of my time wasting....now I better do some work today and stop wasting more time
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: Willow Girl on November 24, 2011, 12:02:03 PM
Isuzumu, where is the jimboomba one for sale secondhand, what site?
Title: Re: Decisions, Decisions
Post by: mystq on November 24, 2011, 12:09:56 PM
This thread should be renamed - Time Waisters -
Ive got no time for emmmmm  >:( >:(


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 ;D