G'day, thanks for the welcome. I'm currently doing a bit of research into campers. We're a family of 4 (2 kids - 7 yrs, 4 yrs) and we have a Jayco Expanda which is awesome for caravan parks, etc. and I have a roof top for quick get-aways with my son (and take a small tent when all of us). But I have room for a camper trailer down the other side of the house hehe
We've had an Austrack semi-offroad, 2009, which we only used 2-3 times - I found that a bit awkward on the back at the time and hot during the day (although not as important now - 16 mth old trying to sleep middle of day back then). Hence, why we went down the caravan route.
I don't expect to make a purchase until late August or September (our Caravan & Camping show here is mid-August), so that will help narrow things down I'm sure. Currently my mind set is for something that is fast and easy to set up (rear fold or 9-10ft soft floor with gas struts), to fit either 2 stretchers or bunk bed in tent room, practical kitchen, 12V set-up, good fall on the canvas (ie. doesn't pool up), good ventilation and quality made. Trying to keep the weight down to a reasonable amount ie. 800kg or thereabouts, depending on features. Preferably Aussie made, but the Ecomate is one of the imports I'm considering (I think a bit more quality control looks to go in these compared to others).
My budget will be at max $18-20k, but will be looking between $6-20k on the classifieds. Looking both new and 2nd hand - some of the package deals with tinnys/motor/foldable trailer look tempting too. Is it possible or reasonable to put a 3.6m tinny on a rear fold (ie. cub daintree?)
This camper trailer will mostly be used for 3 days to a week camping behind sand dunes, national parks, outback touring, and possibly The Cape.
At the moment NEW I'm considering:
Ecomate Traveller rear fold $16490
Aussie Jay's camper 'Crusher' $12500
Lifestyle Expander Elite $18950 - like the tent, except the tropical roof would flap a lot in sand dune areas, etc, and value for $$$ probably look for one on the 2nd hand market maybe
2nd HAND
Cub Daintree - noticed a few of these approx. 2009-2012 models about $9k-15k or upto $18k for 2013-14
Camel Beachcomber ie. in classifieds for $8k with good extras (draws, kitchen, 12v set-up, boat loader rack, etc) and boat/trailer negotiable
And quite a few others
Thanks again for the add, I look forward to reading and learning and also enjoying seeing what comes on the market and gauging what is selling for what $$$. Cheers