Hi Peter
We did a lot of research and looked and a heap of different trailers before deciding on the Camel trailers just recently. Having placed our order and deposit just last week we're still more than satisfied we got the best deal of all we looked at given the features and extras had for the price paid.
We decided on;
- Beachcomber trailer
- 13ft tent and annexe floor upgrade
- Thermal fly
- Extra off-side awning
- Electric brakes
- Extended drawbar to 1800mm (from std 1600)
- Drawbar reinforcing/sliders (same as the Discovery/Bushman)
- Boat rack mountings (for a carry rack in future)
- Automotive dust seals all round
- Kitchen wall with window
- Modified axel, hubs to suit Prado rims
- Spare move to tailgate
We elected to drop the kitchen box and tool box to both keep the costs down and so we could configure our own to better suit or needs. I suspect I'll be asking them to fit an off road hitch, handbrake, extra gas bottle holder, large swing up jockey, provision for a 2nd water tank (provision for one is std) and a high ton cover upgrade before the build commences.
Though Camel could deliver before Christmas we asked for delivery afterwards.
The staff there are particularly good compared to all the others I spoke with as well. I didn't give them an easy time of it when going through everything and I pushed them pretty hard. At no time did they lose focus on what I needed and were very supportive and patient during my 'harrassment'.
I've not had a CT before but I do go to an enormous amount of trouble researching and looking at everything before making a call. For me it came down to either Camel or Customline for an entry level CT and Camel ended up winning comfortably based on:
(in my opinion only)- far better tent design
- slightly better finish/craftsmanship on the trailers
- staff/sales approach and support
- willingness to work with me on options and cost
- overall price
There is a price blitz on the Camels here in Brisbane at the moment and the Beachcombers are far far cheaper than their RRP of $8,200. We took good advantage of this as well as the recent Caravan & Camping Sale deals.
Sure, I don't actually have my Camel yet but am more than happy with the whole experience and confident she'll be a ripper.
Good luck with it all, mate.
Marcus