Help! Advice RE camper trailers

[Unsurecamper]

You know what you are all right! we just have to take the plunge and do it and then worry about what we need next and everything.

My biggest worry is buying something expensive, i really need to find a decent cheap CT that doesn't need to be owned by the bloody bank

Thank you it has just lightened my day and made it easier to think about...

Watch this space - new CT might be on its way

[Matto]

You know what you are all right! we just have to take the plunge and do it and then worry about what we need next and everything.

+1.

It's not what you have that's important, or how much you've spent. It's having something that you love, that you use, and that you get enjoyment out of. You don't need to spend mega bucks to get that. Flip-side, don't be afraid to wait to get the unit you want, and save up more $$$s in the process.

There's plenty of affordable trailers that don't sacrifice quality, and plenty of good barely-used second hand ones available.

As for the bed, we've got the standard foam mattress and both of us love it. I get a better night's sleep on it than I do on our bed at home. No eggshell topper or anything fancy, just the foam. I'd recommend starting with the standard mattress - if you don't like it, you can easily upgrade later.

Good luck!
Matto

[olddigger]

Matto comments: There's plenty of . . . good barely-used second hand ones available.
Indeed there are. Why is this? Do people buy them, go on one trip and hate it?
Does SWMBO pull the plug on the whole idea?
Do CT trips lead to divorces and subsequent sales?
Just idle curiosity really.
Cheers, Tony

[Unsurecamper]

Good Point, old digger. makes me wonder.

I think it is more the case that people have families and it becomes too much to travel with infants or they buy one to retire, decide its not a good idea sell it to by a RV or something.

I hope that is all it is.

[Chippy76]

Matto comments: There's plenty of . . . good barely-used second hand ones available.
Indeed there are. Why is this? Do people buy them, go on one trip and hate it?
Does SWMBO pull the plug on the whole idea?
Do CT trips lead to divorces and subsequent sales?
Just idle curiosity really.
Cheers, Tony

I think the reason is that in "better times" people had the money to spend (or borrow) and hence bought a CT with the intention of getting away more. However, the reality was  that it sat in the shed after the first trip and never made it out again. Then the realisation set in that there was a substantial amount of money invested in a trailer that is never used. And the decision is made to sell.

I have known a few people in this situation.
Gladly I picked mine up cheap and did the work myself, so havent "invested" a stack of money.

Cheers Chippy

[Matto]

Matto comments: There's plenty of . . . good barely-used second hand ones available.
Indeed there are. Why is this? Do people buy them, go on one trip and hate it?

Hey Tony,

To be honest, I think there's heaps of reasons. Personally, we've not used ours much in the last 6 months because we just had a little baby girl. So we've been more than busy enough elsewhere, and haven't had a chance to get out. Easter though, and we're gone . Incidentally, the bub is the main reason we bought a CT - much easier than a tent!

Some people buy a camper, then get a new job and don't get time to use it.

Some people buy a camper in the hopes of enticing the Mrs to come camping, then get upset when she won't go.

Some people buy a camper, but find it takes too long to set up, doesn't have AC, is too heavy for their car, doesn't have enough room, etc, and it just becomes a pain to use in their personal situation rather than a convenience.

Basically, I think people buy one, and then their life changes (sometimes suddenly or unexpectedly, sometimes gradually), and their priorities shift.

Let's face it, a camper trailer is a semi-luxury item, and like the rest of them it can be one of the first things shelved when priorities shift. Heck, I've got a 7yr old motorcycle with less than 8000kms on the clock, and it's not been ridden in at least 3 years. I know I should sell it, but haven't got around to it yet (plus I know I'll take a $10k haircut from the purchase price). I think it's the same deal with campers - there are a lot that have had an easy life, then just sat around in sheds until the fateful day comes.

Cheers!
Matto

[RobnJayne]

Hi Unsurecamper
I too have been in your situation, I was the one that was unsure and hubby was real keen.  We looked at so many, new, secondhand, ones that needed some attention, we even looked at ones that should be retiring to the tip ! - they all began to confuse the hell out of me    This is all new to me but OH really wanted to get back into camping, so instead of spending heaps of dollars, decided on a secondhand one.    Go with your instinct (my personal opinion), as it turned out we picked up a good  one.  There will always be things that you want to change/modify, but OH says that parts of the fun.  Go for it 
Happy hunting
RobnJayne

[BigJules]

I too love the walkway campers, but after having a close look at a Lifestyle recently I was dismayed at how much harder it was to erect. Yes, it was new and the canvas will soften up, but the pole arrangement seemed more complex than it needed to be, IMHO.

I always say that setup and pack away is the most important feature, because if it is not easy the rest won't mater as you won't use it often enough.

I am intending to look at more of the walkway models.

[Matto]

I always say that setup and pack away is the most important feature, because if it is not easy the rest won't mater as you won't use it often enough.

To be honest Jules, that's what sold us on the Trackabout. It's so easy to erect, despite being a 10ft tent on an Extenda camper. I can have it up in about 5-10 mins, no pegs needed, etc. The annex takes a bit longer (we leave it zipped on all the time), and erecting it involves 4 poles at a min, and another 4 spreader bars for a Good Job.

Some campers I've seen on here have a dozen poles for the annex - that would take me forever to set up. Likewise, the F-I-L's Oztrail top has the most convoluted annex structure I've ever seen - for one of the upright poles you need to thread (and balance) 3 spreader bars onto the spike, then thread it through the canvas, then finally loop the rope over the top. The fun then becomes hoisting that up to normal height, without the weight of the dangling spreader bars pushing the rope and canvas off the top. It's madness.

So yes, I'd strongly agree with you on this bit. I think this is really one area where the old-skool camper manufacturers (that have been making these things for years) really have the upper hand. They know what works, and have spent years refining the concepts.

Cheers!
Matto

[Dreama]

Hi Unsurecampers,
We have been through exactly what you are going through as well.
We looked for over 12 months and ended up buying a second hand unit (downunder camper made here in WA) in case we made a mistake. We love it tho, done quite a few mods to it.
Basically our rules were that the bed has to be comfortable, hd foam with eggshell in the end, better than the one at home.
The setup and pack up had to be quick and easy. This was our real priority after tenting it for 15 -20 years.
We can set up in 6 - 7 minutes. pack up takes about 15 minutes, depending how long the stay was, if over nighter then 15.
I think someone quoted this once upon a time, "good things come to those who wait"
It will happen, so enjoy and keep asking questions.

All the best
Ray

[BigJules]

To be honest Jules, that's what sold us on the Trackabout. It's so easy to erect, despite being a 10ft tent on an Extenda camper. I can have it up in about 5-10 mins, no pegs needed, etc. The annex takes a bit longer (we leave it zipped on all the time), and erecting it involves 4 poles at a min, and another 4 spreader bars for a Good Job.

Some campers I've seen on here have a dozen poles for the annex - that would take me forever to set up. Likewise, the F-I-L's Oztrail top has the most convoluted annex structure I've ever seen - for one of the upright poles you need to thread (and balance) 3 spreader bars onto the spike, then thread it through the canvas, then finally loop the rope over the top. The fun then becomes hoisting that up to normal height, without the weight of the dangling spreader bars pushing the rope and canvas off the top. It's madness.

YES! That is why I want a Trackie Extenda now too. D'oh.

[Kit_e_kat9]

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

You couldn't do too badly with an old or new Aussie Swag! 

Check out mine HERE.  I love it.  We bought new and haven't really done much to it at all.  I like the kitchen and the under bed draw.  He likes that it tows really well and can follow the 4x4 everywhere.  With the rain we've had here in Qld of late ... we love the fact that you can get out of the torrent when required.

As a camper in total ... it's just the Bees Kness as far as we are concerned.

Kit_e

[Unsurecamper]

Thanks again guys.

I am so glad I logged on to this forum and asked me your help - everyone on here is so great and full of really helpful advice.

It looks like we are going down to Melbourne is October to see the 4x4, CT, RV something something something show to have a look through them all on display and see what we like. Maybe it will help and maybe it will be an expensive exercise haha wait and see i guess, if anything at least a nice week away

[noel_w]

Heck, I've got a 7yr old motorcycle with less than 8000kms on the clock, and it's not been ridden in at least 3 years. I know I should sell it, but haven't got around to it yet (plus I know I'll take a $10k haircut from the purchase price).

Matto, bikes need to be ridden, I'll take it off your hands for a small fee and ride it like it deserves to be ridden, Sacrilege I tell you not riding it for three years. 

My biggest worry is buying something expensive, i really need to find a decent cheap CT that doesn't need to be owned by the bloody bank 

Unsurecamper, yes I was in the same boat as you I guess, drooled over all the new wares on the market knowing full well I couldn't afford even the toolbox on the drawbar on some of them. Reality came and hit me on the noggin after looking at some of the cheaper end as well. My end result was to look at 2nd hand and after a couple of months looking around I found my dream CT, a 2003 Trackabout Safari in my price range. Sure she ain't all pretty and blingy like some you see around and has done some K's but she is sure as hell stong and is in good nick even though well used. Needs a lick of paint here & there & the 12v stuff needs replacing but she is all mine and i love her.
All the advice on setup is something you should listen to, I have seen some of the setup's around and I would be well & truly pi$$ed before I got all the poles & spreaders up. That is one of the good things about my trackie is that it has minimal poles and no spreaders which means more time sitting enjoying a refreshing beverage or three.

[Matto]

Matto, bikes need to be ridden, I'll take it off your hands for a small fee and ride it like it deserves to be ridden, Sacrilege I tell you.

I know! I was one of the most ardent "A Motorcycle is for life, not just for Sundays" riders you could find. Rode the old bike into work every day, rain, hail or shine (yes, twice through hail). Put 30,000kms on it in just under a year, and didn't think anything of servicing every month, new rear tyre every second month (It *was* a VTR after all, should never have sold it). These days though, with the way my back and neck are, I just can't do it.  :'(

Whoever does end up buying this one will get themselves a real bargin. A brand new '05 Sprint ST1050, for under $10k - it makes me cry to think about it (so I don't, which is why its still in the garage, waiting for me).

Likewise, there's similar bargains to be had with second hand campers. Sure, you might need to look for a while and kick a lot of tyres, but there'll be someone in my circumstance selling exactly what you want. You'll get a brand new camper, for significantly less than new price.

Cheers!
Matto

[Sharshebelle1]

Speaking from a womens point of view, obviously a comfy mattress is an advantage with a campertrailer, but Storage is my most important thing,  I dont want to be digging in bags or going through crates,  I want everything to have a place and the camper to be pretty much clutter free,  I understand men will have different priorities,  but this can be the difference for me between a good and a great experience.

[Blinky Bill]

You know what you are all right! we just have to take the plunge and do it and then worry about what we need next and everything.

My biggest worry is buying something expensive, i really need to find a decent cheap CT that doesn't need to be owned by the bloody bank

Thank you it has just lightened my day and made it easier to think about...

Watch this space - new CT might be on its way

As usual the advice on here is quality. 

Just an idea from me. I'd like to suggest that you drop by a caravan park or two & talk to people with camper trailers. I'd wager that they would be very friendly, open & honest when you explain that you're looking into getting one and are seeking their opinions.

I'd reckon they would also let you know the good & the bad with their set-ups, and perhaps even which CT they would get if they had their time again. 

We have found that talking to people face to face is often a good way to explore your options.

Anyways.............

Cheerio - Wayne

[GGV8Cruza]

Join in on one of the MySwag meets, you will be welcomed in a tent and you can check out all the other types of campers and options available. It would be 10 times better than going to a camping show.

GG

[fuji]

Hi Unsure Camper
I owned a Customline camper from Beenleigh but had to sell. Now 6 years later I can afford to buy something to see me out. Customeline are great and they now have the staircase and they are pretty affordable. I am not affliated in anyway with them. I am only recommending a good quality aussie made camper and tent. There are plenty of 2nd hand trailers and affordable. As others have said head to the camping and caravan shows and you will get an idea of what you want.  Good luck
Wayne
P.S. we spent 6 weeks travelling around Oz in a rooftop tent. As soon as we pulled up for the night I would go and pick other campers brains about their CT.