Swaggers attending Brisbane Caravan & Camping Show- Help Needed

[Crosslander]

Was hoping I might be able to get some opinions on the stainless steel campers that are on display by Wholesale Camper Trailers (Building 7 - Display 704). My brother in law and I are going up to look but neither of us have previously owned a ct nor are very technically minded so would really appreciate some comments/opinions on build quality, design. ease of setup value for money etc.  think they re asking around the $17,500 mark.

Brother in law loves the idea of a 100% stainless trailer both I guess from a bling point of view but also for longevity etc - particularly if he is going to pay that sort of money. My concern would be ease of scratching etc so any comments on the material side of things welcomed.

I know this is a bit of an ask bu I figure a host of swaggers would be going anyway and i know you all love crawling over campers so thought it may not be too big an imposition.

and because  here is what it looks like:



Thanks guys (and girls!)

[randan]

Hi Mark,

I hope to go this weekend so i'll give them the once over and give you my report after. My first thoughts though is; how long are you really going to keep the camper, the actual trailer is one thing but it's the tent that keeps the elements off and that is what you need to look closely at. But as i said i'll look and provide my personal opinion.

randan

[luxabout]

I'm heading in this afternoon so I'll check em out for ya

My first thoughts looking at that picture were: 1 - that would have to be the worst place to put a fire extinguisher as you would get mud and dust in the nozzle, and 2 - that toolbox will need some pretty solid gas struts to hold a spare wheel on top and it wouldn't be able to open all the way when you have the tent up...

If it was me, I would probably look at an ally trailer like the Jimboomba Campers instead. $17K will get a fair bit of gear!

[Crosslander]

Thanks guys - keep the opinions coming - thats what i love about the site.

[BigJules]

Are they painted? I can't quite tell from that photo. If not I'd be concerned about how damn hot the thing would get and the rust spots that stainless inevitably develops.

If one didn't want a steel camper I'd be leaning towards alloy over SS. The bodies last well, it's the surface finish, running gear and tent that take punishment.

[earle]

Just had a look at the website http://www.freedomcampertrailers.com.au/ which has lots of details about the trailers but none about the tents and only one tiny photo showing a tent. This suggests to me they manufacture the trailer bodies and pop a cheap imported tent on top. Quite expensive for a trailer with an imported tent if that is the case. On that basis I would steer away from them. The Jimboomba suggestion of a previous post is a good one if your after something corrosion resistant.

[MrCruza]

IMO stainless is too brittle for that application. Like using aluminium, you'd end up with fatigue cracks all over it.. If you want longevity get a hot dipped galvanised trailer.

[areyonga]

IMO stainless is too brittle for that application. Like using aluminium, you'd end up with fatigue cracks all over it.. If you want longevity get a hot dipped galvanised trailer.

I agree, having worked with it for many years, the last use I would use it is in a trailer

[Crosslander]

Thanks all for your comments. A few points.... that price is with a locally made tent -  think they have an imported tent option for around $1500 less.

Appreciate all comments about the use of stainless.... must admit I wasn't sold on the stainless.

Still would be interested in build quality etc as they have a 'cold rolled steel' version available as well.... dumb question - is cold rolled steel likely to be galvanised?)

[rodw]

I agree, having worked with it for many years, the last use I would use it is in a trailer

IMO stainless is too brittle for that application. Like using aluminium, you'd end up with fatigue cracks all over it.. If you want longevity get a hot dipped galvanised trailer.

X2 - on the too Brittle remarks. I just posted on how my stainless steel water tank has split twice and I have resorted to having it coatd by Rhino Linings to stop the leaks. I won't be using it in an offroad situation again.

[luxabout]

Hi Mark,

I had a look at the trailers today. The owner was a nice and friendly bloke to talk to.

They didn't have the model you have shown in the pic because they didn't have enough room (everyone is packed in to one side of the RNA this year).

A few points:

• There is an option for a Chinese or locally made tent. The canvas maker apparently used to work for Camel Campers.
• They fit a 9ft tent and comes standard with the annex roof on the back
• The layout of the tent was good and includes a slide in step to get to the bed
• I asked if the trailers where made in Australia, and he said they were imported. He is planning to start making them locally when the business get off the ground a bit better. I'd imagine they would be more expensive though!
• They had a good amount of access into the storage and were a pretty similar design to the Desert Edge trailers
• The kitchen was basically a folded piece of stainless...

Overall I think you'd have to check out the other players in the market for that sort of money but that's up to you

Cheers,
Bryan

[Crosslander]

Hey Bryan.

Thanks for that much appreciated. Yes I suspected they were imported but wasn't sure. My Brother in law has bee put off a bit by some of the comments here re: stainless.

How did they look construction wise for a chinese trailer? For that sort of money there's an awful lot of good Aussie brands out there.