New CT - narrowed it down to a Modcon hard floor

[ripas]

Hi folks. 

Well after some time withoiut a CT the wife has agreed its time to buy a camper.  Lots of choice but pretty sure I have narrowed it down to a 2nd hand Modcon hardfloor (or maybe a new Ecomate).

Our requirements: needs to be easy to put up and pack down (time taken is not the issue) just needs to be simple due to a disability ; needs to accomodate two kids inside (bunks are fine) and the third kiddy is happy to swag it outside.

Can someone tell me why such a price difference ($12K) between these two - the first has accessories included but that cant be the only difference - they are both called Modcon solutions:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/tamborine/camper-trailers/modcon-imperial-solution-rear-fold-8ft-soft-floor/1061001704

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/nerang/camper-trailers/modcon-solution-rear-fold-heavy-duty-off-road-camper-trailer/1057445889

Also does anyone know if you can get a longer tent with the Ecomate ?

[wilson79]

Hi Ripas,

yes the Modcons are great Campers, the two that you have put links to are soft floors, and you mentioned n your post you were after a hard floor?

I believe the difference between the two soft floor Modcon solution campers is the first one looks to be the Imperial model which you will find was the top of the range model. you can tell by the storage rack on the main toolbox and the sides are "built in".

I think you will find also that the second one is a few years older than the first as well.

I could  be wrong but some Modcon Owners on hear may be able to clarify..

Good Luck with your search, I can give you a thumbs up on the Ecomate FF though...

[db]

Both are soft floor, the first is newer, and is top of the range with some great extras like fridge. It's a smaller tent, more like the size for a rear fold hard floor. I'm pretty sure it's being sold by a swagger, and if so I think it is its probably in great condition. The second has a huge area under canvas if that is what you want, and also looks like it's been well optioned up. Modcon canvas work is really good quality. But neither are hard floor :-)

[ripas]

Good Luck with your search, I can give you a thumbs up on the Ecomate FF though...

This is where I started looking but the table / kids bed area seems to be cramped and small.

Are the rear fold soft floors such as I linked above much fiddler to put up when compared to a hard floor.  I have searched youtube and can't find anything on Modcon setting up.  Have seen the videos on Ecomate and the rear fold looks really easy to setup - just thinking I need a bit of a bigger area for the kids.

[evolution]

It depends on what you consider fiddly, the soft floors are a little bit more work to set up but nothing major.
I had a customer who changed how the rear seating area worked on one of the travellers.
Basically what they did was make up a folding frame that levered one of the bases above the other about 1 and 1/2 foot creating bunks.
(he is an engineer though) so in effect he has created a 4 berth set up.
I'll see if I can see if he can send me a couple of photos through.

Cheers
Evo

[ripas]

Thanks Evo pictures would be great.

Do bunks fit inside the Ecomate Explorer?

[ripas]

Both are soft floor, the first is newer, and is top of the range with some great extras like fridge. It's a smaller tent, more like the size for a rear fold hard floor. I'm pretty sure it's being sold by a swagger, and if so I think it is its probably in great condition.

Edited

[evolution]

Thanks Evo pictures would be great.

Do bunks fit inside the Ecomate Explorer?

Not a worry, I will probably see them this weekend.
And yep they do, quite easily.

Cheers
Evo

[muzza01]

The Modcon trailers have a great reputation as being top quality trailers, in fact not just by reputation, they are definitely both quality units.
Are they really worth what the asking price the sellers are wanting? Not in my opinion. I think I'd you cut their asking price by 50% in both cases then I reckon the price is reasonable. Buying Australian made comes at a premium, I guess you as the buyer needs to work out how much that premium is worth. Good luck with your decision.

[ripas]

Can someone with the Ecomate FF make a comment on the room  and storage options with kiddies.

I had a quick look on thee weekend at a similar model from a different company and the dining / kids area looked small and cramped....looking for some feedback from real users......

[wilson79]

Mate there is heaps of storage in the camper, I have 2 boys aged 3 and soon to be 2 and the fit nicely in the seating area when turned into a bed, as they get older this will however change.

I have been looking at ideas to make bunks in the future for the kids but have not come up with anything as yet but I have a few years yet to worry about that, I will giving my unit is first shake down this weekend and ill let you know how the sleeping arrangement goes..

[ripas]

Thanks mate will be really keen to see how your sleeping arrangements go......would love to see pics of what you end up with as the multiple cushions look like they will move around a heap

[wilson79]

hi Ripas, my 2 boys aged 3 and 2 had no problems sleeping in the lounge area on the weekend, no issues with cushions as there is only two of them used to make the bed..

as said before though that this will change as they get older..

[ripas]

Thanks for the update.

Looking at a second hand Goldstream Wing this afternoon and then an Ecomate in Brisbane tomorrow.