Castle Campers - Any opinions?

[lCaml]

Hi All,

As the title suggests..

I am looking at a 2nd hand 2009 Castle Camper deluxe. It's a 12", a "tropical double roof" system, complete with all annex walls and floor, all electrics (done WELL by the owner), hand pumps, led lights, heaps of kitchen space etc etc. Pretty much ready to go, and perfect for what I am looking for given I am planning on tripping around the country for a year with my son. It is only a light offroad camper which suits me, as I will be staying on the black stuff due to not having a 4x4..

I have checked out their website and all I can find is that it is "ripstop" canvas, no other details at all. I am wondering if anybody has any experience with these campers? I have emailed them but I dont suggest I'd get an honest response if the canvas was not of great quality! Thus why I am looking for some advice from you all!

Also, the owner has fitted electric brakes, all work is VERY well done however it was brought to my attention that with a round axle welded to the chasis this may not be ideal with electric brakes.. Due to the possibility of the axles tendency to want to spin and break the welds.. Also what is the legality of having someone add electric brakes?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Cam

[JRF1973]

[img]Hi Cam

I have one.  I think I bought mine in 2009, but they were called something else then. I do know what they were called, but the brain must be mush...  I paid $6k new and we use it.  Easter 5 nights, September 5 nights, New Years 3 nights and then a few fishing club trips per year for only 1 or 2 nights.  Probably not a lot of use for a lot or members here, but life gets in the way.

I've had a few things break, like the fly screen and a hinge inside the tent, but I don't blame them for that. It was a cheap camper that we have had a stack of fun with.  We were in a good hail storm at balina and it sagged and we got some water in one corner, but we also made a snow man, so that's how much hail we had.  Mine needed some more spreader poles, so I fashioned them out of old stuff and some C clips. 

To be truthful, a second hand one would want to be cheap, because the new ones aren't that expensive.  I like the owner (Darren at Redland Bay) but the website is crap.  Darren - proof read the bloody thing...  Makes your product look shyte.  Have a website or don"t but the current one doesn't do you justice.

Not sure if this helps, but we are happy with ours.

Justin Fraser

[blueblade900]

Hi Cam,
I have a 2011 Budget Deluxe 12" Castle Camper ( the one they don't sell any more ). I bought it second hand at only three months old. The previous owner had bought it new and only used it once. They were selling it as they had been transferred for work and didn't want to take it with them ( or so they told me ).
It is a basic unit but I am happy with the quality. We have done both bush off road camping and also caravan park stuff as well. It has been absolutely drenched a couple of times with no leaks and is plenty big enough for a family of six.
I have had a number of mods done since buying it - deep cycle battery, solar panel, anderson plugs, fridge slide, led lights, eyelets in the windows, battery charger etc. ( It certainly helps to have a couple of clever, handy mates ! Heaps cheaper too. ) I plan to add a Drifta slide out with return kitchen as soon as I can save up the cash. The quality of the canvas is good but I would be wary of a few things such as the fly screen in the door ripped easily and there needs to be more eyelets in the windows so you can peg them out still offering protection but also catching the breeze.
As far as dealing with the company goes, I have visited Daren's factory and found him to be quite a friendly fellow as a mate of mine was considering buying a castle camper on my recommendation. HOWEVER, when I asked him about activating the tent warranty to fix the fly screens ( at that stage the camper was still less than 12 mths old ) he didn't want to know about it and mumbled something about people getting pissed and falling through the flyscreens ! Also, I asked him to quote me on a few other mods for the trailer ( adding extra storage boxes, modifications to the canvas and a camp kitchen ). He happily took all of my details and then never got back to me........ Strange considering my mate was interested in buying his product. He didn't follow him up with a phonecall either. Needless to say, he ended up buying an EMU camper instead. Also a good product and good value for money.
I agree with the other posted comment about his website as well. It is rubbish and he needs to check and update it far more regularly.
Overall, I'm very happy with my castle camper and since yours is a 2009 model and is well optioned, you wont need to deal with the company anyway. If its a good price, go ahead and buy it !
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jarrod.

[lCaml]

Thank you both for the very detailed replies, that is a massive help! It's now looking like it may be the way to go.. Considering it's going to be my "house" whilst I treck around I just need to be sure before spending the cash, especially when I am so inexperienced in the CT world..

At the risk of another myswagger snapping it up the link is below, highlighting all of the mods. I do have more pics of it as well:
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/joyner/caravan-campervan/castle-campers-light-off-road-camper-trailer/1000480530

I am really not sure what to offer him, considering now I have seen what they sold for new, and taking into consideration the mods to it.. Any advice?? I am useless at haggling..

Also, any advice to the legality of having the electric breaks fitted after it's purchase?

[blueblade900]

Cam,
Just had a look at the link on gumtree. Have you had a look at the camper up close yet or just spoken to the guy ? Judging from the pictures it sure does look the goods and if its as good as the description and pictures say, I'd be getting in quick with an offer. Depending on if its still got rego or not I'd start somewhere late sixes or early sevens cause he has certainly spent a bit of money on it and you don't want to insult the guy with too low a starting offer or he'll just think that you are a tyre kicker.
Regarding the electric brakes, all I could suggest is to contact either your state transport authority or someone who installs them. I presume that if it is currently registered then it must be ok. I'll be keen to find out how you go. Keep us posted.
Cheers,
Jarrod.

[lCaml]

I have been and seen it, the guy was really helpful too.. All work that he's done looks top notch..

Think I might email him an offer... Will contact QLD transport tomorrow and see what they say, it's currently regoed..

[cruisindub]

I have been and seen it, the guy was really helpful too.. All work that he's done looks top notch..

Think I might email him an offer... Will contact QLD transport tomorrow and see what they say, it's currently regoed..

So, Did you buy it?

When do leave for your trip.?