MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: theins on February 12, 2014, 04:41:53 PM
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HI,
just working on my shortlist, which includes a Pioneer camper.
I understand that the ownership of the company has changed a few times of recent years.
Does anybody have experience with hem? Any feedback appreciated!
Cheers,
Thomas
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Have a search, the previous models used to shear stub axles...
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Have a search, the previous models used to shear stub axles...
Really? I didn't see any reference to that when searching for mine.
HI,
just working on my shortlist, which includes a Pioneer camper.
I understand that the ownership of the company has changed a few times of recent years.
Does anybody have experience with hem? Any feedback appreciated!
Cheers,
Thomas
G'day Thomas - I've only had my Argyle SE for a few months - no dramas so far. In my opinion, they seem to be well designed and constructed. My brother has had the same for around 8-10 years and has taken his all around the country including 'real' 4wd tracks. Again, no dramas. I only limited my search to the Argyle SE as it ticked all the boxes for me. I'm not entirely sure how they compare against similar competition, but they are certainly worth considering. cheers
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Here are a few links on Pioneer CT's Thomas.
[url]http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?21876-Buggered-Pioneer-camper-trailer]http://www.pradopoint.com/archive/index.php/t-21876.html?s=d039e54956698f0df1034449e2553d92[url]
[url]http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?21876-Buggered-Pioneer-camper-trailer (http://www.pradopoint.com/archive/index.php/t-21876.html?s=d039e54956698f0df1034449e2553d92[url)
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=28337.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=28337.0)
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We were camped at Cape Leveque during July - two wonderful weeks. A couple came in for a few nights in a Pioneer camper, near new. Even as the original owners they were bitterly disappointed. Kitchen wouldn't close without a technical push with a screw driver, poor canvas work, poor zips on canvas, dust ingress, wrong sized fridge compartment/pantry.
They said the after sales service was such that they regretted their purchase.
Don't shoot the messenger please.
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Really? I didn't see any reference to that when searching for mine.
IIRC it was Cozzie
http://myswag.org/index.php?topic=15904 (http://myswag.org/index.php?topic=15904)
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Hi Thomas,
Suggest you call in and have a chat with Alun at A.J. Thomas in Caulfield. He's been in the business for decades and is the Vic rep for Pioneer. I dropped mine in for a service last weekend and he had a couple of 2nd hand units for sale.
You could also PM Shaker on this site. I bought my Argyle of him 3 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat - after he dragged it around some of the roughest tracks in the country.
Cheers,
Rohan.
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We have had a Pioneer Argyle camper since 2006 and have travelled over 60,000 km with very few problems. The trips have included Cape York, Pilbera, Gibb River Road, Gary Junction Rd, etc.
We purchased the camper based on the low weight and cost compared to a Kimberly Kamper. The problems have been an electric connection loosening, brake hoses damaged by stones and water damage to the ply floor of the hard top whilst parked at home.
We have had no problems with the axles, zips, canvas, etc and the camper uses the original Gaffa suspension. I believe Pioneer WA used their own suspension in the last few years before they were purchased by a large company in Victoria.
In 2012 I converted the camper to an Argyle SE and added a Hydrastar brake system. These changes give a huge improvement in storage and braking on dirt roads.
Have no hesitation in recommending the Pioneer Camper.
Brian
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Have a search, the previous models used to shear stub axles...
Was that an optional extra?
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2006 model Argyle SE. Seen most of WA's outback roads and a lot of the lesser tracks, Tanami, GRR, Gunbarrel, GCR etc. No dramas with mechanical or structural components so far. Several changes made - the original Trojan hand pump was crap, so changed to a Finspar hand pump, as was the sink tap - changed to a Shurflow one with the independent power switch. Added a Projector solar charger into the 12V system, extra Anderson plugs for solar charging, aux & fridge power, replaced the incandescent lamps for the later style LED ones, added LED lamps to the front gull wing storage boxes. Addd a bayonet type fitting to the stove instead of the original screw on type. Busted one zipper through jamming it while folding up-(own fault).
Drawbar weight = 185 kg with 2x full water tanks (60 lt ea), 2x 4Kg gas bottles, 2x 20lt jerry cans. Front box has 2x 100 amp batteries, bulky stuff - chairs, tarp, porta dunny, shower tent. Gullwing boxes - only tucker and cooking gear. Under bed storage is solar panels, table, annex and some other loose items. No spare under trailer - all wheels the same and have dual rear tyre carrier. Fridges (60 lt & 32Lt Engels) in vehicle.
Towed with a Troopy HDJ78RV HD-FTE - hardly know its behind.
Had a look at a new one at the last camping show - looks pretty gay and soft to me and wouldn't consider a trade. Each to their own though.
Bought it because it was a local WA company at the time, local design and components and aftermarket service, although I've never needed it. Gaffa independent suspension - local design and service parts easily available from Martins trailer Parts if needed.
More than happy with it over the time
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Thanks everybody. Good background.
Have been to A.J. In Caulfield a number of times. I suspect that they must be rolling their eyes when they see me coming into the door, wondering what kind of newbie question I have come up with now. 8)
Just wish they would offer a combined hot water / heating system... rather than two separate units, one of which is diesel and the other gas.... ???
Well, off to Albury this weekend for more research....
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Sometime between 2009/2011 pioneer changed there independent suspension from a WA made Gaffa brand to a cheap Chinese knock off called Grafta that they are still using on some models, also this is the brand suspension that were shearing the right hand stub axel. There are three that I know of, mine out of Coen, one out of Warburton and this one at Mt Dare, all about the same vintage https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.701691263181713.1073741828.190515687632609&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.701691263181713.1073741828.190515687632609&type=1)
Up till the wheel fell off it was a great camper, the Chinese Grafta mob may have employed someone who can weld by now.....lets hope.
Cheers
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Sometime between 2009/2011 pioneer changed there independent suspension from a WA made Gaffa brand to a cheap Chinese knock off called Grafta that they are still using on some models, also this is the brand suspension that were shearing the right hand stub axel. There are three that I know of, mine out of Coen, one out of Warburton and this one at Mt Dare, all about the same vintage https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.701691263181713.1073741828.190515687632609&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.701691263181713.1073741828.190515687632609&type=1)
Up till the wheel fell off it was a great camper, the Chinese Grafta mob may have employed someone who can weld by now.....lets hope.
Cheers
Thanks for that Cozzie, so it looks like the "gaffa" is good and the "Grafta" is no good is there a way of telling the difference as I to like the look of the Pioneer campers .
Trevor
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Trevor, have a read of the Facebook link, it describes how the Gaffa looks different - more curved.
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can the Grafta suspension be fix (before it breaks) with some extra welding or is it just a bad design all round?
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can the Grafta suspension be fix (before it breaks) with some extra welding or is it just a bad design all round?
The stub axel was only tac welded on my Pioneer also that was a few years ago now so hopefully they have fixed the problem, the manufacturers were made aware of the problem, previous manufacturer and current
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Have not asked the guys at A.J's about this - will do so tomorrow...
Cheers,
Thomas
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thanks everybody - didn't get around to asking them... Went to Albury for the camping show and ended up buying another model (can't believe I actually did it...) ;D ....
Cheers,
Thomas
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thanks everybody - didn't get around to asking them... Went to Albury for the camping show and ended up buying another model (can't believe I actually did it...) ;D ....
Cheers,
Thomas
So congrats on your new purchase. Fess up. What did you get and where are the pics?
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Thank You! So exited... but have to deal with delivery time now....
We ended up buying an Aussie Swag Ultra D.
I will start a new thread in the appropriate section tonight, with a pic....
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Congratulations, you can't go wrong with an Aussie Swag :cup: