MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kapitaal on January 15, 2013, 12:02:42 PM
-
Hi all,
I'm looking at getting my first camper trailer and I was wondering if anyone has seen or purchased one of the flip out hard floor models fro Star Vision. The design looks very interesting and I'd be interested in hearing any opinions good or bad with these guys.
Here's a link to their site.
http://www.bhldirect.com/ (http://www.bhldirect.com/)
Thanks,
Heath.
-
A different style. How much !!
Mark
-
Sure are interesting, kind of like a Jayco pop-top style but with a tent.
They only seem to be selling on ebay at the moment, either auctions or buy it now for $7999. I've emailed asking if they have walls and floor the awning and a non-ebay price.
Will post the update when they respond.
Cheers,
Heath.
-
Even more interesting
--------------
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
starvision@bhldirect.com.au
Technical details of permanent failure:
Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the recipient domain. We recommend contacting the other email provider for further information about the cause of this error. The error that the other server returned was: 550 550 #5.1.0 Address rejected. (state 13).
-
Just spoke to them on the mobile number listed (1300 didn't work) and they have a walls and floor package for additional $600 and will sell direct for $6K picked up from Melbourne.
-
Hi Heath,
Welcome to MySwag and thanks for pointing out a very interesting option.
Do you have a link to the ebay item? I have tried to find them for a friend bt no luck.
Bunyip
-
Sure do. here's one I'm watching.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271137653974?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_13540wt_1271 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271137653974?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_13540wt_1271)
Also, checking with the completed options, they've sold 10 since Dec 31 averaging around the $5,500 mark.
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=NEW+DESIGN+HARD+FLOOR+CAMPER+TRAILER+WITH+2+BEDS+%2B+SOFA+LOUNGE+%2B+OFF+ROAD&_in_kw=3&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50 (http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=NEW+DESIGN+HARD+FLOOR+CAMPER+TRAILER+WITH+2+BEDS+%2B+SOFA+LOUNGE+%2B+OFF+ROAD&_in_kw=3&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50)
-
Thanks Heath.
-
Hmmmmm.. theres that MADE IN AUSTRALIA thing again...
it has suspensions.... engrish?
(http://www.bhldirect.com/eBay/star002/ad0211.jpg)
-
Hi Heath and welcome to the land of swaggers!!
Just had a look at their web site and my questions / thoughts would be:
1. Is there room for a bigger mattress? They look a bit thin for a good nights sleep.
2. I'd go for the traveller model. If you look at the other model,the kitchen seems to be in a weird place on the other side of the trailer away from the living area as per their pics. The traveller model, the kitchen is in the area you will spend most of your time.
3. What sort of battery system do they run? They mention LED lights and the kitchen tap plumbed into the water tank.
4. The spare wheel on the traveller is underneath the draw bar! Could end in tears if you go through or out of a steep spot.
All the points could be a good little DIY project for you. I'd change a few things just to make it my own like I did with my GIC trailer.
Just my thoughts.
:cheers:
Strvy
-
Hmmmmm.. theres that MADE IN AUSTRALIA thing again...
it has suspensions.... engrish?
(http://www.bhldirect.com/eBay/star002/ad0211.jpg)
Lets not go there Lost!! As long a pick up inspection is done, then there should be no problems!!
:cheers:
Strvy
-
Lets not go there Lost!! As long a pick up inspection is done, then there should be no problems!!
:cheers:
Strvy
That's providing hes an engineer and understands what he is looking at.
-
Maybe they are technically right as there is 2 shocks and 2 springs on each side
-
These look very much like some models I saw at the 2012 April Canton Fair in China. At the time I recommended that they not try to sell any units into Australia until they could improve their fit, finish and quality.
Does it look like the drawbars are bolts onto the chassis to anyone else?
-
I saw one of these at the camping show here in albury wodonga at the end of last year.
The points I took away from them after looking at them are,
*draw bar was BOLTED on.
*the "beds" which are the roof do not line up, nor sit flush. In places I could stick my pinky finger through, so it would have leaked like a siv.
*The independent suspension actually looked very flimsy up close, the coilovers honestly looked like they didn't do much and were already leaking whilst at the show.
*Honestly the whole thing felt like it would fall apart down a road with slight corrugations.
I spent the time looking over them because they were/are an interesting design, but in my mind after what I saw with those, I would very CAREFULLY check them before handing over any coin for them.
IF they appear to be much better than what they were 6 months ago then all the better.
Like EVERYTHING made in china, some are good, some are CARP!. Depends on the level of quality the buyer has specified.
Make no mistake though, if He is selling them for between 5-7k, he is buying them for at least half that, so in my mind that is a low quality "chinese" trailer.
Cheers
Evo
-
Hope they are better than the scooters they sell
http://scootercommunity.com.au/forums/t/16158.aspx (http://scootercommunity.com.au/forums/t/16158.aspx)
-
This is an excellent thread, and hopefully will assist folks doing research on these campers.
Do research
Online is a great place to look
New camper models deserve a thorough review
Onsite inspection is also a good idea
Try before you buy if possible
Be prepared to walk away if you're not happy
Use common sense when negotiating
You may want to take a friend who knows campers when you go to look at one
There are lots of models to choose from, so take your time
How much do you want to spend?
Essential items; what do you need in a camper?
Save yourself a lot of hassle and make sure you put up and pack away any camper you're considering
Enjoy yourself, once you've selected the right camper for you
And always read between the lines...or down
-
excellent advice, and look at the "photos" in the ads.
They are PC generated and Photoshopped, they couldn't even get the shadows right.
-
looks ok for the money................. from my point of view i would hate having to make the bed when setting up all the time
-
Great advice guys.
I'm definitely not a hand over 6K sight unseen kind of guy unless there are some solid recommendations from personal contacts or on the interwebs (hence this thread!).
I think the design concept however is a winner and if someone produced a well engineered example this would be a great alternative to a Jayco and sell like crazy, even in the 15-20K bracket. So I think i'll hold off hitting the "Buy it now" button until I can check one out in the flesh.
Cheers,
Heath.
-
Probably the best idea mate,
Just a question for you though mate. Your obviously in the market for a camper trailer.
Rather than look at a photo of something shiny (we all do it >:D ) and say that will be great for me,
Have you done a list of what you do and don't want in a camper trailer?
such as
is quick set up important?
does it have to go everywhere (off-road)
do you need one or more beds made up inside?
do you have children?
If so how many?
do you require a full kitchen, or will a tap and a portable bbq suffice?
do you plan on staying "off the grid" so require self sufficient power?
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor?
do you need the extra room of a soft floor?
how much "stuff" will you take with you?
what is the weight limit of your tow vehicle?
how long will you expect it to last?
what is your comfortable budget?
Not all "chinese" camper trailers can be insured, can the one you are looking at?
what power requirements will you need? (lights, sockets, water, tv etc etc)
how much storage room do you have at home for a trailer?
how often will you use it?
and finally my favourite, does it have to be new?
I know of at least 6 of my friends who have used this sort of list as a basis, two of them ended up with traditional CARAVANS!!
only one stayed with the style he was looking at (single bloke) and bought a small cub second hand.
Allot of people build their own, not because its cheaper, but because that is the only way they can have a cake and eat it too.
Im not suggesting everyone do this, but I would certainly look too see if its an option.
With the trailer your asking about, my question to you is this. Do you plan to use the lounge area as a lounge or as a bed?
If a bed, it will be very cramped. Do you really think whilst camping you will sit inside or would an annex suffice?
Cheers
Evo
-
Great advice guys.
I'm definitely not a hand over 6K sight unseen kind of guy unless there are some solid recommendations from personal contacts or on the interwebs (hence this thread!).
For $6k, I'd look for a good used Tambo, or other top shelf trailer and live with the peace of mind..
YMMV
-
Its a Piece of Sh!t. Whether its a good Piece of Sh!t or a sh!t Piece of Sh!t I can't say yet.
I watched one sell at auction for just over 5k a week or so ago and thought...........yep its definately in the piece of Shit category.
-
Probably the best idea mate,
Just a question for you though mate. Your obviously in the market for a camper trailer.
Rather than look at a photo of something shiny (we all do it >:D ) and say that will be great for me,
Have you done a list of what you do and don't want in a camper trailer?
such as
is quick set up important?
does it have to go everywhere (off-road)
do you need one or more beds made up inside?
do you have children?
If so how many?
do you require a full kitchen, or will a tap and a portable bbq suffice?
do you plan on staying "off the grid" so require self sufficient power?
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor?
do you need the extra room of a soft floor?
how much "stuff" will you take with you?
what is the weight limit of your tow vehicle?
how long will you expect it to last?
what is your comfortable budget?
Not all "chinese" camper trailers can be insured, can the one you are looking at?
what power requirements will you need? (lights, sockets, water, tv etc etc)
how much storage room do you have at home for a trailer?
how often will you use it?
and finally my favourite, does it have to be new?
I know of at least 6 of my friends who have used this sort of list as a basis, two of them ended up with traditional CARAVANS!!
only one stayed with the style he was looking at (single bloke) and bought a small cub second hand.
Allot of people build their own, not because its cheaper, but because that is the only way they can have a cake and eat it too.
Im not suggesting everyone do this, but I would certainly look too see if its an option.
With the trailer your asking about, my question to you is this. Do you plan to use the lounge area as a lounge or as a bed?
If a bed, it will be very cramped. Do you really think whilst camping you will sit inside or would an annex suffice?
Cheers
Evo
All good advice. I hired a few campers when I was in the market. My wife and I wrote lists of things we did and didn't like about the campers while we were using them. Started off with a Modcon and ended up with a KK. Loved the Modcon but the soft floor didn't suit our usual style of travel. I don't know if you can hire the cheap Chinese campers. I doubt they would withstand the flogging a hire camper goes through on a regular basis. The people who hire them out will give you a good idea of reliability issues too. Most hire campers do a normal lifetime of work in a couple of years.
-
I like the concept of these campers. Unfortuantly the execution is average to say the least. I wonder how that almost flat roof would go in heavy rain?
-
I have been down this road before.
Glossy adverts, cool adverts and a price to good to be true. I don't want to say don't buy imported, but I would like to provide some advice,
DO NOT buy sight unseen. See it in person, and I don't mean the the demo model. Look at the one you actually purchase from the dealer.
Ask about back up warranty, are they in the same city as you. I have found if you purchase interstate, it is difficult to get service. This is why I purchased my new camper locally.
Hope this helps.
-
The tent appears to take up if not all, the majority of the trailer area. Where do you actually get to put stuff. And are you really going to use a little dining/sitting area inside a trailer..................the idea of it all sort of defeats the purpose of having a ct with storage to take your gear.
-
Hey evo,
Thanks for the checklist - here's my repsonses
is quick set up important? - Yes, lots of weekend trips planned.
does it have to go everywhere (off-road) - Preferably, not extreme but long days of corrugations and steep downhills a must
do you need one or more beds made up inside? - Yes
do you have children? - Yes
If so how many? 2 under 9
do you require a full kitchen, or will a tap and a portable bbq suffice? Yes, swmbo wants a good kitchen, I'm happy with the one I built for camping
do you plan on staying "off the grid" so require self sufficient power? Yes - couple of days at least
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor? Not sure, never used one but they look small and good ones are exy
do you need the extra room of a soft floor? Probably
how much "stuff" will you take with you? All of it ;D
what is the weight limit of your tow vehicle? 2500kgs
how long will you expect it to last? 5 Years
what is your comfortable budget? 8K
Not all "chinese" camper trailers can be insured, can the one you are looking at? Don't know
what power requirements will you need? (lights, sockets, water, tv etc etc) - Lights, Fridge
how much storage room do you have at home for a trailer? Purpose built carport complete
how often will you use it? 6-8 trips per year
and finally my favourite, does it have to be new? Not necessarily - also looking at local 2nd hand but supply is limited
So what's the verdict guys??????
-
I would keep my eyes on the classifieds, a great second hand Tambo just popped up, and yes I am a little biased but know quailty when it appears
GG
-
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor? Not sure, never used one but they look small and good ones are exy
i know its way off your budget but my hard floor camper has just as much room as one of those GIC style campers if i set up my 2nd annex
-
So what's the verdict guys??????
I think most have said steer clear.
But I don't think that's the answer you want to hear.. so just tell us what you want to hear and save a lot of time.
Theres so many better trailers for that money in the trader section it aint funny.
-
I think most have said steer clear.
But I don't think that's the answer you want to hear.. so just tell us what you want to hear and save a lot of time.
Theres so many better trailers for that money in the trader section it aint funny.
Answered that a few posts ago and said i'll be steering clear. This was a response to the checklist evo posted. If this is a waste of your time, read another thread.
-
Where abouts are you mate?
Cheers
Evo
-
ACT - willing to travel to South Coast and Syd for a good 2nd hand model. I'm checking through the classifieds section now so will hopefully find something aussie made and budget friendly.
-
Ok, so I'll try and help out a bit here, Im only in wodonga, so not too far away.
*Seeing as you have two children,
*SWMBO, likes a little luxury
*Set up time is important,
*Off road is important,
*you have a good towing rating,
*I may have a suggestion.
Check your pm ;D
Cheers
Evo
-
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=27399.0;topicseen (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=27399.0;topicseen)
-
I have had one since Feb and have done the Daintree and Creb tracks with no problems. I found a couple of little problems and changed a few things around, like the bed at one end is now lengthways instead of sleeping side by side. This was an easy thing to do. I have another storage box on the front and have moved the gas bottle holder, useless, and merry can holder, will not fit a jerry can. In the slide not kitchen I cut the top out and fitted a storage draw with a hinged top.
The welding is all good and strong and it tows beautiful behind my Ranger. They did sent me the wrong annex top but they replaced it quickly.
In wet weather it stands up well but we did have a tarp over the top. No leaks at all.
For the money they are good value but like everything you will want to make changes to suit yourself. We are currently at Karumba and the trip over was a breeze compared to some of the more expensive so called best on the market we saw broken on the way over.
-
Hi Guys
Does anyone in Brisbane own a camper trailer purchased from Star vision that I can look at
Cheers
les
-
A mate just bought a Star Vision forward folding CT from bhl direct in Melbourne (his first CT) for under 9K off flea bay. Towed it home to Sydney and was very happy with its on road manners (he does a lot of towing with his work so is "towing aware"). He asked me to have a look and give a verdict >:D.
Yes there are a few things that need attention to make it "Cape York" ready and general camping friendly, such as welding the bolted drawbar to chassis, stabilizer legs and handbrake assembly are vulnerable to damage on creek crossings, front mud flaps, redo mesh on stone guard with shadeclothe, better battery / electrics, replace cheap looking water hoses, redo the storage cupboards / seats (too low), put a latch on the slide out kitchen to keep it in position when opened, and so on. Most of the mods are minor things and certainly would not stop you from using it straight away (which my mate will shortly be doing).
Having been at the shows and looked hard at similar style / design "locally made" CT's that are double the price or more ::), there are also lots of things on these CT's that I would modify before taking it to places like Cape York etc.
So with the Star Vision, my mate is starting with a base CT that's in the style he really wanted (forward fold) and was around half the price of most others. With a bit of modifying (who doesn't do that anyway ;D) and strengthening here and there (a days welding 8)) I reckon he's going to end up with a great trailer at a great price.
As far as the other designs that bhl sell I cant say, but overall if I was looking for my mates trailer then I would have been more than happy to buy the one he did, do the mods and hit the tracks, knowing I have exactly what I want without having a third mortgage to do it.
:cheers: avo
-
G'day avo,
Just wondering how your mate is going with his camper.
:cheers:
-
Hi Hairs,
Was just talking with him about it the other day.
They (just him and the missus) have been using it a bit in the last six months or so and are very happy ;D, mainly caravan parks etc with the longest stay being a week. They have had a few people chat to them when set up and everyone has been impressed with what they got for the money they spent.
So far its just been all on road stuff but they are gearing up to come to Cape York next year with my family and some other friends. At the moment we are building up their Navara and once that's done, then the CT mods will begin >:D
:cheers: avo
-
Hey avo ,
Cheers for getting back to me so quickly.
I guess it's a matter of knowing what you are paying for and being prepared to change things to suite your own needs and budget.
The reason I asked is we are looking at down sizing from our Swan, the kids are moving into Swags and tents.
And the coin that these are, makes it a possibility to setup and travel a little lighter.
Happy & Safe travels.
:cheers:
Jon
-
Hairs,
Just one thing to consider with these CT's is that the seats are very low due to how the canvas packs up. If you are outside all the time then that's ok, but if planning to spend a lot of time sitting inside you might want to make up a seat extension piece (from plywood etc) that lifts the seat cushion height so your knees are not hitting your chin!
Not sure about other brands of forward folders seating heights but from photos it looks like a few of them are the same vertically challenged.
:cheers: avo
-
Cheers mate,
Thank you for the heads up. :cheers:
We've been looking at a couple of these type of designed campers, forward folding. ;D
We do tend to spend a lot of time outside of our camper now under the annex roof without walls.
-
Spending time outside is the best ;D but sometimes (rain, bad flies >:() its good to go inside.
All the best with your search!
:cheers: avo