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Offline Extraordinary

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Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« on: May 16, 2011, 01:32:55 PM »
Hi there,

I'm in the market, as they say for a Camper Trailer. My parents and I have decided to hit the road with my 5yr old son on a round Aus trip in 2012- which leaves me 18months to save our pennies and afford us some living quarters! :) My parents have a caravan which they'll be taking along with them and my son and I will be finding z's in a Camper Trailer (hopefully).

For the past month or so I have been searching, reading and calculating what I want/need and what I can/can't afford!

My DESIRE? A Complete Campsite or Mountain Trail. Do you think I can afford it? Doubt it. Unless we live in the street for the next 18months!!! :D

I'm a Mum, so my main worry (apart from the roof over our head bit) is the kitchen! :D I want a nice one. Second is lots of compartments/storage space. I'm not all that handy so building one myself is out of the question.

Can't wait to see people's ideas/tips/advice. :)
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Offline Bird

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2011, 01:35:42 PM »
Welcome.

What car are you towing it with?
What is your budget Range?
Does it have to be new?

If you only have 18mths to save, I'd be checking the trader section.
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Offline Extraordinary

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2011, 01:42:42 PM »
I have a 2007 Toyota Aurion.....I hope this doesn't limit us too much as there is little to no chance of us trading it in. :(

Budget- I've worked it out that I can probably stretch it to approx $20K (with no added extras). Hmm, which reminds me- does this site have a 'budget' section? For example- finding out an ideal budget to have week to week for a 12month trip? I want to make sure I have all my bases covered.

Doesn't have to be new but I like the kitchen attached- not the portable ones (not real sure why). I also like the idea of the slide out fridge compartment. Fairly new/good condition. At least 2 rooms, if not the option of a 3rd annex in case of bad weather.
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Offline WogsRus

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2011, 01:45:07 PM »
20K buys a lot of camper. Personally, if you are only looking at sleeping say 3 people and a nice kitchen, you can't go past one of these

http://www.xtrailcampers.com/xtrail_camper_trailer_package_Ranger.php

Or the navigator

http://www.xtrailcampers.com/xtrail_camper_trailer_package_navigator.php

But there are many others and certainly Complete Campsites is a great setup, but for 20K you might even get a good quality hard floor camper second hand.

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Offline WogsRus

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2011, 01:45:58 PM »
ok sorry did not read the Aurion thing.
I think a light semi off road cub would be a good thing to look at
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Offline DANBRI

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2011, 01:47:07 PM »
Any reason why you're skipping the caravan? If you are in it day in day out, I would be looking for something with very little setup.

'Living' out of a caravan is very easy, where living in a camper is harder (setup, cupboard space and general - home likeness - of a caravan is user friendly).

A 14-16ft van like a Gazelle Champion with twin beds would be ideal, around $16-$18k for a tidy one.
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Offline D4D

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2011, 02:21:37 PM »
Quote from: DANBRI on May 16, 2011, 01:47:07 PM
Any reason why you're skipping the caravan? If you are in it day in day out, I would be looking for something with very little setup.

x2
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Offline Extraordinary

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2011, 02:23:07 PM »
My parents have the caravan. It sleeps 2 people and while we could make do for an overnighter and such- at this stage we are planning on a 12month trip and will need our space (you know what family is like- love/hate relationship! :laughing:)

Might have a peek at the Xtrails. :) Thanks! :)
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Offline DANBRI

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2011, 02:28:34 PM »
No, no - buy a caravan instead of a camper...
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Offline BigJules

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2011, 02:32:00 PM »
G'day & Welcome.

As the guys have said, what is about a CT that appeals to you? For the budget you mention you could certainly get something fancy, but not perhaps as fancy as you'd prefer. If you proceed with a camper, I'd spend half that and be assured of a quality unit that will go anywhere, and keep you both in comfort.

Kitchen and lighting will be the other considerations most important.
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Offline Bird

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2011, 02:36:46 PM »
Quote from: D4D on May 16, 2011, 02:21:37 PM
x2
x3.

I would also be looking at a Caravan.
Like Trailers, there are 1000's of differnet sizes and models out there.

$20k budget, your saving is better than mine in 12 mths :(
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Offline Mav

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2011, 02:44:50 PM »
Obviously you do not need an off road camper trailer as you are not going to be going off raod in an Aurion. I have to agree with Dan that you should skip the camper and go with a small caravan. No setup hassels and you can just pull over if need be to cook up some lunch etc without setting up the kitchen. Something like these would suit your needs I would think:

1. http://www.ozrvsales.com.au/full_view.asp?id=2741

2. Jayco Freedom

3.Compas OMEGA

Nothing worse than having to spend long periods of time in a camper trailer if it is bucketing down with rain as then you have to contend with wet canvas. If you were just doing a weekend trip and returning home this not a big problem but if you are living in it on the road for 12 months then I consider it to be something to keep in mind.
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Offline Extraordinary

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2011, 02:51:53 PM »
Oh, a caravan instead of a camper? I get it! Hehe Well, I figured a camper trailer would be less weight on my car, esp seeing as I don't have a 4wd. It's bigger inside- I love my son, but I don't think I want to be cooped up inside a 6mx2m space with him on a wet day. And than there's also the added benefit of a larger space for increment weather for all 4 of us.

Although I will be buying this Camper Trailer foremost for this 12month trip- I also want something that is sustainable over time, to continue our trekking for years to come. It has the added benefit of perhaps housing my sis and her 2 kids as well when they come away with us.

Edited to answer: Wow- would my car even tow something that big?

P.S. excuse the novices questions! :)
« Last Edit: May 16, 2011, 02:55:35 PM by Extraordinary »
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Offline Silvo

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2011, 03:03:02 PM »
this little review might help..

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/reviews/2007/tow-test-toyota-aurion-20825
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Offline DANBRI

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2011, 03:06:00 PM »
Yep, caravan all the way.

The Aurion will tow it, my parents towed a 16ft van with a LPG Falcon all over the country. The falcon now has 270km on it and has only ever had a radiator put in it!
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Offline Bird

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2011, 03:07:35 PM »
Quote from: Extraordinary on May 16, 2011, 02:51:53 PM
P.S. excuse the novices questions! :)
nothing wrong with asking questions, might save you thousands by asking them.
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Offline Heiny

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2011, 07:37:13 PM »
Hi Extraordinary and welcome to My Swag :cheers:

I say if its a camper trailer you want, then get one. :cup:

What about a Jayco camper like these below ???


http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Caravans/AdNumber=TP004450843?AdOnTop=

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Caravans/AdNumber=TP004545166?AdOnTop=

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Caravans/AdNumber=TP004546873?AdOnTop=

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Caravans/AdNumber=TP004309182?AdOnTop=
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Offline MDS69

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #17 on: May 16, 2011, 08:08:17 PM »
 No offence but I don't know how much hassle you will have setting up/packing up a soft floor camper trailer by yourself but have you also considered a hard floor camper. I have no experience with them but I think if it is just you and the 5yo it could be ideal. I have posted a link below to one of the manufacturers and I have no idea on new or second hand prices but there are several manufacturers out there.
http://cubcampers.com.au/camper-trailers/kamparoo/vacationer/

There should be a heap of info on this site also, as well as myswag members who have a hardfloor camper who could share their knowledge
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Offline ausmarvin

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2011, 08:50:42 PM »
Hey and Welcome. We have a Soft floor rear fold camper and the wife and kids have headed away a few times. She has no problem setting up and packing up.

Having sold campers for a few years.. I do have a few stories...
But the one that stands out the most was a 76 year old lady whos hubby had just pasted away and she decided she wanted to get out of the house and see some of the country. She had an old falcon, and got a basic rear fold. I remember her when she came in to have a go at putting it all up by herself. She got it all up but had a little trouble pulling the tilt bed down ( thou there was nothing to her) But she got it all up and packed away.... she took one we had in stock and headed away.

6 months later she dropped in on her way north and said she had not been home since packing the weekend after she picked up the camper.
As far as I know she still out there travelling around Australia and that was six years ago.

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Offline MC 031

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #19 on: May 16, 2011, 09:01:05 PM »
You might also want to have a look at this site.  http://www.campertrailers.org/camper_trader.htm


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Offline Snow

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #20 on: May 16, 2011, 09:37:39 PM »
G'day Extraordinary and welcome to Myswag. You've come to the right place to help you achieve your travel goal. The Hardfloor type camper like the Cub is very easy to set up and pack away and with a low profile is easy to tow.  :cheers:
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Offline gibbo301

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #21 on: May 16, 2011, 10:15:26 PM »
All i can say is get what suites your needs and get out there and go for it  :cup:
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Offline bobnrob

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Re: Single Mum + a Camper Trailer
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2011, 09:26:51 AM »
Also think hard-floor would be good

Have a look at this MySwag post for 'setup' video links for a visual idea.

Particually the
Xtreme Track Hardfloor Camper video Small | Large
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