Top Trail Forward Folding Camper Trailer

[Wilko1970]

I'm thinking of buying one of these.   http://toptrailer.com.au/products/x7-forward-folding-hardfloor-camper-trailer.html    Does anyone know anything about these?   I don't want to waste 2 trips to Sydney (one to look and one to collect) if I don't need to.   

[muzza01]

I don't have this model but I have looked at a few like this that are for sale by other CT companies selling the same Imported version.

I think their price of $15k is very reasonable. Most companies are selling this version for $20-25k.
Just keep in mind that IMO, you will still need to spend a few $$ and man hours on getting the Toptrailer version up to the same standard as the more expensive models sold by other CT companies.

My imported CT cost me $10k for a hardfloor rear fold. Other companies sell the same CT as mine for between $14-16k.  I modified my CT a fair bit to the stage where I am happy with it.

My advice, if you are mechanically minded, ie can change wheel bearings, shocks and can weld buy the $15k version as you will save a lot of $$$.  If you are mechanically challenged, buy  the more expensive version from one of the more reputable CT companies that have already addressed these problems. Good luck.

PM me if you want more advice on the mods.
Muz.

[Tim - Stratford]

Welcome back Wilko! How's the leave going? 

Good advice by Muzza.....sounds like a project! 

[wilson79]

I have seen the Wild Boar version of this trailer and they looked good. Top trails pricing is very good compared to the Wild Boar Unit (20k) from memory but I believe they make some changers here in OZ.

The only thing I didn't like with this trailer is that you have to disconnect your car to open the camper as when opened the bed folds past the trailer hitch.

Good Luck..

[peter01]

Wilko, not sure what state your in however I believe top trail in NSW and EZY trail in Vic are one in the same, I have seen either this trailer or something very similar in there Kilsyth VIC show room in Nov last year

[Marschy]

Ezytrail also have links on their website to the TopTrail website. Ezytrail seem to be stretching their wings. I notice they have an SA office now.

[bobnrob]

Not sure if it's an oversight whenever they have their photo session...but whenever I see a picture of these forward folds, the main tent always looks to be sagging.
This one it looks like the middle bow hasn't been fully extended

[Goose]

I don't see the optional kitchen plumbed to the gas bottles at the front. That would annoy me.

The battery compartment looks big, which is a plus. But it's forward of the axle.

[Nig]

I have a Top Trail rear fold hard floor trailer that I purchased back in May 2013. Main reason I bought from them is that after doing the rounds of all the cheap trailers in Sydney, they were about the only company that appeared to care about the quality of their product. Most seemed to be more interested  in just moving product, along with other import lines like quad bikes etc.

The unit itself was reasonable quality,  but as muzza01 says, there will be things you will need to fix. The only real fails I have had with mine is failed gas struts, which I replaced with better quality local units, and a rock putting a hole in my water tank (should have  built that stone guard sooner). Otherwise it all works fine. And of course the mods continue anyway ;-)

[Wilko1970]

Thanks Guys, it's given me some food for thought.   I've checked out ENZ Trading and they have similar but not that forward folding one.   I've tried to contact them without success so far.   The forward folding would appear to not the have the ability to fit racks for bikes etc.   Might have to re-think.   

[wilson79]

I have seen a MDC  forward fold unit running around town here with the bike racks attached to the rear spare wheel holder.. not sure how it was attached as it was going the other way when I passed it..

[muzza01]

Thanks Guys, it's given me some food for thought.   I've checked out ENZ Trading and they have similar but not that forward folding one.   I've tried to contact them without success so far.   The forward folding would appear to not the have the ability to fit racks for bikes etc.   Might have to re-think.   

Tie the bikes down on top of the CT.

[bottleneck]

A bit more money but I like the look of these from a reputable manufacturer http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/capalaba/camper-trailers/modcon-campers-introduce-ecomate-campers/1036287362

[muzza01]

A bit more money but I like the look of these from a reputable manufacturer http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/capalaba/camper-trailers/modcon-campers-introduce-ecomate-campers/1036287362

What makes Modcon a more reputable manufacturer? Do they actually manufacture CT's or do they just import them?
Not  having a go but whats the difference between the two companies?

[wilson79]

I spent some time last week looking over the Ecomate unit at Gardian campers in Rocky. The Modcons are 100% built from scratch in Capalaba in Brisbane.
After talking to Mark at Gaurdian trailers I understand  that the Kerry from Modcon went to China and got the Ecomate trailers built to his standard, these things look good and you can see the comparisons to the Modcon it had 3ton axles and bolt on hubs with SKF bearings. The independant suspention is wheel alighnable  the finish is great.

They will still be building the Modcons but I understand that these will be a cheaper version to compete with the other imports.
Its definatly one I am looking at. Their dealer in Townsville will have a couple here in Townsville in 4 weeks.

I recieved a video from these guys last week ill try and post it up tomorow

[muzza01]

My brother bought the Ecomate from Savannah Campers in Townsville last year. Besides his fridge slides and toolbox being made out of aluminium and mine out of steel the two CT's are almost identical.  He has an innersprung mattress, mine is foam.
I have worked on his CT and I am in no doubt it came out of the same factory as mine. Both CT's can have a wheel alignment. We have the same stove and sink, same water tank

Oh yeah, both CT's came with the same piece of sh!t no name shocks and Treg copy hitch that we replaced.
$5000 difference between his and mine.

[wilson79]

Yes, looks like same factory for sure..Im not sure about the rear folds as I only looked at the forward fold unit.

[bottleneck]

What makes Modcon a more reputable manufacturer? Do they actually manufacture CT's or do they just import them?
Not  having a go but whats the difference between the two companies?

I did wonder if this new range were Chinese originated & yours and Wilson79's experience confirms that they are. The rest of Modcons range are built at Capalaba in Brisbane and from what I can gather they have a long history of quality trailers that retain their value even in the 2nd hand market. Personally I've looked at quite a few of the chinese hardfloor types and chatted to a few owners and with my lack of welding skills would like to have the comfort of a local company that could address any issues if they arose. Not quite sure that's worth the $5k difference in the hardfloor model though.

[wilson79]

I did wonder if this new range were Chinese originated & yours and Wilson79's experience confirms that they are. The rest of Modcons range are built at Capalaba in Brisbane and from what I can gather they have a long history of quality trailers that retain their value even in the 2nd hand market. Personally I've looked at quite a few of the chinese hardfloor types and chatted to a few owners and with my lack of welding skills would like to have the comfort of a local company that could address any issues if they arose. Not quite sure that's worth the $5k difference in the hardfloor model though.

yeh agreed 5K difference is a lot. From the pics the only difference I can see other that what Muzz has already said is that they have moved the spare wheel to the rear of the trailer. Not sure if that including the innerspring mattress and aluminium tool box is worth 5k.

In regards to the forward fold it seems to be different to all the other imported forward folds I have seen. especially the kitchen as it has a lot bigger storage draws and a storage box on the top at the back of the sink and the tent is also different  as you can open the whole side wall up like the Modcons.

[muzza01]

Mine has the spare mounted on the back the same as the Ecomate. Mine came with a spare on the front as well. It has since been removed



My CT looks a little different now with different hubs and bigger Cruza wheels on it. I had to modify and strengthen the rear swing away carrier as well.