Dithering - Second hand CT or Off road Box trailer -comments?

[tk421]

Ok - Comments please. I've been chasing my tail for a few days.

We've currently got all the camping gear including an otent rv5 and tagalong that we are happy with. But the Prado just can't cope with all the gear now we are a family of 5. (well it can, but we sacrifice some stuff including water capacity). So I was heading down the path of getting a decent braked offroad box trailer with hard lid to haul gear and take some load off the truck. But I've seen a 2014 Johnno's all rounder for sale for less than $10K (still to view it) and now I am struggling to decide on CT vs Box trailer. The price I've been quoted for the trailer (think CT without the tent) is 1/2 of that of the Johnnos. What are you thoughts on the pros and cons of each including CT vs box/Oztent? (I'm also thinking a rearfold with Oztent and shared annexe combo could work too)

We don't do long touring trips yet but may do the lap in a year or two.  And I should say we are the type who spend most of the time outside the tent when camping. Tent is really only used for sleeping.

Convince me either way....

Box trailer:
Less coin
Dual purpose - hauling/tip and general other stuff
Flexibility of the Oztent including space in bush camp sites - but I am dubious about setting it up in overnight rest stops on a long trip
Tare is about 440kg less
Needs a brake controller fitted to my tug
Can have built with matching wheels to Prado
Can fit tregg/hitchmaster etc
Can fit Tent later if required.

JCT:
Everything just there.
Ready to go
hyland hitch
Brake controller already fitted to trailer
15" wheels
More space than the Oztent???
Inbuilt Kitchen
Build quality issues? - this is a 2014 so should be ok?

Other reasons to consider at CT?

[#jonesy]

Downside with the Johnnos brake controller, you are driving along and conditions change, eg road surface/ traffic volume and needs a slight tweak you have to pull over and get out

[tk421]

Yeah. This is true.   Vehicle mounted is preferable for me.  I presume its not too hard to swap?

[Green rv]

Gday Tk

my pros and cons

JCT
dont like the hyland hitch
possible quicker packing time
possible better bedding
no matter what will spend extra coin
more maintenance
possible better on rainy days

box trailer
longer pack time
dual purpose but i dont need a trailer have ute and probably only go to dump 1-2 times p/y
can be custom built same track and wheel size
no matter what will spend more coin on upgrades
less maintenance  (but still need to maintain camping gear)

in my case it would come down to my personal comfort and usability 

 
Adam

[#jonesy]

Yeah. This is true.   Vehicle mounted is preferable for me.  I presume its not too hard to swap?

I think the Johnnos setup has a bypass switch for people who already have a brake controller.  That way you could lend it to your friends, not!

But it would allow you to tow it with another car if need be.

[Humphreythebear]

Throwing out there .......Try a pre-loved camper ?

Lots of good simple aussie made trailers for well under $5-$7 grand , if you like it update ...if its not for you you haven't lost the lot .

Then you have a better idea of what you might 'need ' as opposed to want . It seems that you have all the gear just need a way of moving it all about .

I bought an Outback Sturt with the intent of using it and then updating , hasn't happened yet , nor can I see the need to at present - there are a couple of these for sale ( and they are reasonably priced )
An older Cameron trailer would be awesome , even a camel camper .
Just get one with good 7 leaf suspension, solid 4inch drawbar - at least with a pre -loved you know it got out and back !

[Humphreythebear]

Without import bashing ....Any of the above inc the johnnos would be better long term value than an imported cheapie .......

[tk421]

Thanks for the comments so far.  I don't like the Hyland either.

I have been thinking of 2nd hand local ones - and there are some cheaper ones out there that are appealing but they are all a bit older. This just seemed a good price for its age. I've now a bit more info about this one - its ex hire and has done pretty much the whole of Aus incl. Strzelecki, Oodnadatta, Cameron Corner, Cape York, Fraser, Gibb River. So its worked hard, hence the price.

Doing a bit more thinking today and I could get a brand new trailer custom made to my spec for less than half the price, and if we want to go that way get a good quality Aussie Canvas tent added later for similar total price, or just chuck an Oztrail on top or just get a brand new customline

Without import bashing ....Any of the above inc the johnnos would be better long term value than an imported cheapie .......

Yes Agree.

It seems that you have all the gear just need a way of moving it all about .

That pretty much sums it up exactly - I don't really need a full CT

Gday Tk

my pros and cons

JCT
dont like the hyland hitch
possible quicker packing time
possible better bedding
no matter what will spend extra coin
more maintenance
possible better on rainy days

box trailer
longer pack time
dual purpose but i dont need a trailer have ute and probably only go to dump 1-2 times p/y
can be custom built same track and wheel size
no matter what will spend more coin on upgrades
less maintenance  (but still need to maintain camping gear)

in my case it would come down to my personal comfort and usability 

 
Adam

Dual purpose appeals immensely.
If its anything like my Prado I'll spend on upgrades no matter what!
With the Box trailer I'm starting with more of what I want.  Hitch and track and wheel size. ...