Help! Advice RE camper trailers

[Unsurecamper]

Hello,

Currently my husband is looking into buying a camper trailer, we aren't sure which brand or anything yet and still unsure whether to get brand new or second hand.

I have seen so many photos of so many camper trailers, walked through a few at some sale yards and seen others in town but I need advice, are they really as good as they are made out to be? I am a camper, love the great outdoors and the idea of them sound great, tent with all the extras but something within me is stopping me from letting him loose to buy the ones he comes across.

Also for all those women out there who have a camper, is there anything particular that you would love to have that your camper doesn't offer or something you do have in your camper that you couldn't live without - just so i know to keep my eye out for the important stuff and perhaps the little things that bring a little luxury to the camping trips or ease with travelling.

Help please, the more advice and information you can give, the better it would be. Thanks! 

[baldheadedgit]

take your time and have a good look around,,, like you say, there is a lot to look at and can be a bit confusing,,, find a new one you like, then look around for a second hand one of the same brand, there out there, been a few good ones on here for sale, at good prices.
be patient   

BHG

[waz65]

take your time and have a good look around,,, like you say, there is a lot to look at and can be a bit confusing,,, find a new one you like, then look around for a second hand one of the same brand, there out there, been a few good ones on here for sale, at good prices.
be patient   

BHG

X 2 , we borrowed my brothers camper trailer for a few trips before we bought ourselves one and even them I researched this site for a good six months before we got ours and mrs waz had a must have list of inclusions on our ct

[Frostd]

Unsurecamper, here are a few things.
Have a budget - most important thing.
Ask yourself, where do you want to take the CT (on/off road??)
Take your time - compare camper trailers in that budget.
The more CT you look at the more you become confused.  We found 3 that we liked and drilled down on them.
and from my wife
stick with the basics, as you can do DIY later
she says, most important, self contained water with water at kitchen on tap, usable kitchen and a great matress to sleep on.
Be flexible in your approach and make sure its important to you.

[HerGU]

If you have the ability and budget, once you narrow your choices down, hire one or 2 different ones for a few days / week, and that way you will physically see what you do and dont like about each one. Alternatively - if the choices are too many now and you are planning on an upcoming trip, hire 1 you think you might like and again you will soon figure out what you like/dislike.

If you have some friends, see about borrowing theirs as alot of soft floor campers now have very simialar options so you can ask them if the like it and how they pack it etc.

Scourer the camping shows and get as much info as you can as there are soooooooo many to choose from now.

[Unsurecamper]

Thank you all so much for being so helpful, the advice coming from everyone is fantastic.
So right saying the more you look at the worse and more confusing it gets!!

I have fallen in love with the "Challenge Camper Trailers - Meridian Walk in 2011 (i think) I walked through it in a CT yard and i think the size and the little extras they have and the convience of being able to walk up into your bed is a winner, instead of clambering over the other all the time. But at about $25,000 its far too rich for a first camper. One tip i was given was start small and simple and work up, your first doesnt have to be your last so don't spend a fortune on it straight away.

Does anyone know of anything similar to the Meridian walk in but cheaper?

[Tjupurula]

Hi Unsurecamper
I am not yet a CT owner (building one), but from what I have read here, in the many and various threads, it would be a good thought to purchase a "pre-loved" CT, and then spend your coin making it to how you want it for your use.  Just a thought.
Regards
Tjupurula

[clarky]

HI,

We bought a cheapie first time once we decided that a camper trailer was what we wanted. We (not intentially at the time) used it to work out what we wanted and didnt want in a camper...then moved on to the next one. There are a quite a few hire companies out there with different types of campers. It might help you ( and be fun too) to try a couple out. Even if you dont buy that particular type, you will gain an apprecaition for waht suits your kind of camping.
Cheers, Clarky

[LC]

Thank you all so much for being so helpful, the advice coming from everyone is fantastic.
So right saying the more you look at the worse and more confusing it gets!!

I have fallen in love with the "Challenge Camper Trailers - Meridian Walk in 2011 (i think) I walked through it in a CT yard and i think the size and the little extras they have and the convience of being able to walk up into your bed is a winner, instead of clambering over the other all the time. But at about $25,000 its far too rich for a first camper. One tip i was given was start small and simple and work up, your first doesnt have to be your last so don't spend a fortune on it straight away.

Does anyone know of anything similar to the Meridian walk in but cheaper?

Complete Campsite do a walk through camper, but doubt that at brand new it would be cheaper than 25k. Redback campers at Taylors Beach (Port Stephens) also do a walk through version (think they also have hire units available).

I would suggest you hire a couple of different types before buying.

[Matto]

Unsurecamper,

Everything here is good advice. I'd also suggest spending time looking thought the "my camper" section on this forum, and using the search function to really drill into what you want. Ie, if you're interested in Extenda campers (good choice), then search for "Extenda", or "staircase", etc. You'll find a whole heap of options, some stock standard, some modded, and something for every price range.

Someone has a thread listing Extenda camper manufacturers? Can't find it on the iPad, but it shouldn't be more than a couple of pages back. That would be a good starting point. I'd suggest lifestyle, as a cheaper Extenda manufacturer.

As for budget, don't be afraid to wait, save up more money and get the camper you want rather than buying a cheapie. It took us years to save, and our budget went from $8k, to $10k, $15k and finally about $18k. We went from basic second-hand to brand new, and have since added the options we want.

Good luck!
Matto

[whatsa]

This is a hard question and getting the right one for you...

I have a cub camper 1992 and is good for me as I do long and short- stay (overnight) on my  trips.
This is good for me as the basic setup is 2 minutes ( open it up and go to sleep)
The full setup is 30 minutes awning/ tables etc etc .

A mate of mine has the standard trailer tent on top design and that is better for him
for the following reasons.
- always does long stays
- can have 3 enclosed areas 4m x 6m total.
- setup takes him 1.5 hours
- likes the space and for more people if needed.

The cost is an issue... I got my camper used (southern owned- canvas in very good condition) and have added all I need. for a under third of the price of new.
included in this I replaced all suspension and bearing/ added 12v power and battery/ added 55ltr frig/ added external stove and door/ cabled vehicle/ added longer 100x50 drawbar and ozhitch/ added 1500x550x800 box.

Try a few rentals or tag along
go out to a popular camping area near you this easter - have a chat to the owners and see what they like and dislike about their CTs.

I would try as suggested above.... trying one out first to get a feel for what you think you need.


good luck
 

[Chippy76]

Unsurecamper,

I too was a long time camper before I purchased our CT. My advice for youis the following

1. Research camper trailers that are available - there are som many different types on the market it can be a bit overwhelming. Take your time and compare what you get for the money you are shelling out. Note the options, and standard inclusions. Some options might sem like a good idea on paper, but your destinations might find money is better spent else where.

2.Have a good idea of your budget. Camper trailers can vary widely, and sometimes what is being offered for sale at $30k may not be that much more impressive than the $15k model.

3. Hire a few CT's of different models and go away for a weekend or two. Try  different models to find out what suits you. Hard floor? soft floor? off road? on road? etc etc

4.Look at 2nd trailers. There are ALOT of CTs being offered for sale second hand. Some of them have seen LESS that a week camping. Some bargains can be had by looking around.

5. Remeber you can always add to the trailer at a later stage. I bought my CT with no water tank, storage or lighting, however it came at a bargain price! And adding mods later makes it  "yours".

I hope this has helped. Dont be afraid to ask more questions. Us swaggers are a helpful  and (mostly) friendly bunch of people!
Cheers Chippy

[hairymick]

G'day Unsurecamper and welcome aboard.

Evia and I are  now on our third camper and we are still not real sure what is most suited for us tho our thoughts are getting a little clearer.

We are both in our fifties and with health issues, so ease of set up and take down are important to us. We started out in a traditional soft floor jobbie then went to a bigger, off road one and  there are several disadvantages in them for us. one is the weight of the tent to lift back onto the trailer. Two is climbing down a ladder from the bed.

What we did was to hunt around for an old Cub Drifter camper and I am just about to re-fit the inside to make it more user friendly and attractive. After that will come a suspension and chassis/drawbar upgrade to make it more off-road capable. There are some very good second hand campers about in whatever style you opt for. A good place to start would be the CT classifieds here on Myswag.

[Fun Police]

Does anyone know of anything similar to the Meridian walk in but cheaper?

It was my thread that has all the extenda type manufacturers listed. Search for that.

We had the same mind thought as you and have ended up going with the Great Aussie camper extenda version (Yengo with extras).

All up around $18.5k.

My wife loved the Complete Campsite but our budget was max $20k for everything. We narrowed it down to three - Great Aussie, Customline and Lifestyle - all extenda versions.

Have a look at the Great Aussie. You'll be impressed.

PM me if you have any questions

[phatassphairy]

Hi Unsurecamper,

We are about to buy our first CT ... we are picking it up in a few weeks (just need hubby to come home from work and a roadie will be on  ).

 Actually the truth is i got the sheeeets with hearing about this model and blah blah blah that goes with it..... so after a big day at work i come home and just said right enough talking about it lets do it. i rang the bank and had an appointment before hubby finished his chat. i am not sure what shocked him more. the phone call to the bank or that i applied for $$$$ more than we budgeted for..... but i figure he is going to want to get stuff for the car and electric stuff etc.... also it doesn't mean he can spend it .....just gives us flexibility in options and to do it correctly.

We hired a ct for a week and sussed out on what we both agreed on and what we liked. We got chatty with people in the camping area's (with the hired CT and other camping trips in our tent) and asked about features and ideas to make things practical ...most people are keen to have a show and tell. And i like that they are average joes ... not making commissions on their products ....with no disrespect to people who are just doing their jobs correctly . we also went to CT & CV shows and of course the hubby has joined here and taken tips and tricks upon board.

After spending a week in the CT i know for sure i do not want  to climb in and out of bed onto a ledge step for a couple of reasons .... my legs are too short and rolling onto my belly in the morning so i can wriggle off the side of the bed to find the step just about made my bladder feel like it was going to explode ....and then it was the drama of where the kids had rolled about and i was worried i would step back onto them ..... so i wanted and extender model ..... but after my hubby and i chatted we have come to a compromise ...because the $$$ are alot just for stairs.... plus it makes them heavier and longer so not as maneuverable ... Also i am not real keen to be climbing out onto a ladder either ..... so here's the deal for us ....when we get the CT and if i decide i don't like the ladder that's in there i am going to get a set of stairs made .... i have an idea in my head ....so they sort of fold up into a box so they can me stored easily ... i also want a kitchen the is an L'Shape .... no real reason ... i just like the bench space.

But enjoy your adventure and good luck with it all 
Sammi

[dazzler]

Apologies if this has already been mentioned.

1. Write a list of what YOU need;
-  Fast set up?
-  Light weight?
-   2, 4 10 people?
-   Max tow weight and Max towball weight?
- max $$
- Are you handy and can make your own modifications as time goes on?

Dont bother looking at anything that doesnt meet your checklist. 

2. Hire, hire, hire.  What the salesperson says takes 10min may take 40min.  It may look flash in the yard but whats it like in real life?  Hiring may save you thousands in a wrong choice.

3. Look outside the box.  A CT is not just a box trailer with a tent on or in it.  Maybe a quick tent (oztent, jettent, blackwolf etc) with a self contained trailer may work.  Maybe a slide on hybrid.  Maybe an off road teardrop?

4. Check out the build section.  Lots and lots of squares, circles and triangles  in there 

5,  Have fun!

[Bennlexx]

And to add to everything that's been said,  what sort of camping do you intend doing and is it for a couple or a family?

Generally speaking the rear fold campers (both hard and soft floor) are quicker to put up and pack up but do not have as much undercover canvas as the side fold soft floors.  ie the rear fold are great if you do a lot of short stays but have limited space for families unless you add extra tents to them.  The side folds come into their own if you camp in the one spot for longer or have a family to 'house'.

As others have recommended, hire both sorts if you have the opportunity.  While the hard floors are a lot more expensive, you can buy them used for the same price of a quality soft floor. 

[Unsurecamper]

Thanks again for the replies, the advice is getting better each time.

Just to answer a few questions and i know (sorry) that i am going to miss some, hopefully they eventually get answered, just keep asking me haha

Currently just hubby and I both mid 20's so no family as yet but will surely come along soon enough so trying to think ahead for that as well but at the same time, more than aware that don't need to have the first one to suit a family when we havent got one!   

Living in NT smack in the centre! so constantly travelling out of town to deserted areas to set up camp and admire the beautiful views that this part of Aus has to offer - lucky to have it all so close, no big trips to get far.

Hubby wants to do Cape York, Simpson Desert, Vic high country etc etc etc which is fine but yeah will definately be offroad.

Have looked into both Soft and Hard floors, liked the idea of Hard floor for the design of the bed - crawl in/out of bed from the bottom (as do walk in) but I am a little unsure about the size and the look (great idea being able to store things on top when camper is closed) but really that is the only thing that appeals to me.

Seem to be a soft floor girl  and I love that you can (in most cases) buy with or organise at a later time to have extra canvas added to the CT so you have the extra rooms or more space or whatever you need, i think it is a fantastic idea and due to that i want one that has the ability to extend or already has the extensions.

We have an 07' prado so definately ready to hook up to anything we get but I don't know a great deal about what is too big or too heavy.

I don't want to be spending forever to set up camp nor to be exhausted at the end just from flipping it over - wow saying it out loud i feel incredibly fussy.

Hopefully this helps answer some questions to lead once again to some awesome advice and tips coming through from all you campers!

P.s Does anyone have a review on the beds? i know there are so many different options, wondering if anyone has opinions on the ones to go with, we are discussing the innerspring (more for comfort that anything) but maybe the foam or normal matteresses may be just as good or better?

Thanks,

[Fun Police]

Beds are tricky.

With our Great Aussie we've been advised to just get the standard 10cm foam, an eggshell topper and enjoy.

Then if we then don't like it purchase an innerspring. They reckon that we will be fine with the standard mattress. I know I will be fine! SWMBO OTOH.......

[Chippy76]

I have to admit that it is nice to have a decent inner spring when camping ....
Cheers Chippy

[Campa]

I have to admit that it is nice to have a decent inner spring when camping ....
Cheers Chippy

yep I agree. We bought a cheap innerspring mattress from Fantastic Furniture heaps better than the std foam.

[Unsurecamper]

Thought so... Innerspring it is, we have one at home so I figured it was going to be just as good out in the CT.

Replying to Fun Police - I had a look at your Extenda list for walk in's, thank you so much for directing me there, I am still new on here so I am trying to work out what to search or what area to go into to find what i am looking for.

Unfortunately i feel more overwhelmed and confused than i started haha after staring at the screen for a good couple of hours comparing differences and talking about what we do and don't like i decided i didn't want one at all which was just frustration, its not quite as easy as choosing a house or a car, something always jumps out and says I'm different and its perfect, these all look the same  Decided I need a small break away from them for a while and to come back with a fresh mind. I just wish i could find "the one" 

[Fun Police]

Ha ha! Been where you are.

Think of it as a funnel, with thousands of options swimming around at the top, and as you get towards the spout, one option will drip out and that'll be your choice.

We had the same journey.  It will work out ok!

[Chippy76]

Unsure,
It isnt a life and death decision. If the decision you make is wrong for you, then you can always sell it. If you invest in a quality trailer the resale is usually pretty good.

Cheers Chippy

[Bennlexx]

And the reality is - there is no one right answer and no perfect trailer for all situations.  Keep looking and you'll find something you like.  Buy it and the decision you make will be the right decision - even if down the track you sell that and buy something else.