Best of the imports?

[Onion]

So if we were to buy an import CT, which brand is considered to be "the best". OK, OK, I realise that is very subjective, but it seem's that no matter which brand of imported trailer is mentioned here, someone has bad things to say about it. So they're all bad. OK. So which is the least worst then? 

Obviously I'd prefer a well built Australian made example - but sometimes life (and finances) just get in the way 

Yes, a second hand Australian made CT is also on the cards - but please don't mention "buy a second hand Aussie one", as that's not what I'm asking...

[gronk]

Hard one to answer mate as there are a fair few brands that are made in the same factory in China and imported to their different clients.

If you want one, look at one in the flesh ( take someone with you if you need more expert advice ) and if you order one, make sure the one you get is exactly the same as the one you looked at.( which means another inspection )

[Spada]

Conqueror are an import................I'd recommend them in a moment.

[whitey001]

Check out the Aussie Jays CT's.  Trailer is made in Melbourne with an imported top put on it.  We, and plenty of others have them and they seem to be quite good for a reasonably priced setup.  They use "Aussie Spec Canvas", so not Australian made but it is proper canvas, not Ripstop.  Plenty of Youtube videos on setups also

Al.

[gronk]

Conqueror are an import................I'd recommend them in a moment.

I presume he was meaning a camper trailer, not a hybrid ! 

And I presumed he was talking chinese when he mentioned a tight budget.

[Snapman007]

Conqueror are an import................I'd recommend them in a moment.

Greg I'll trade you for my Aussie made.😬

[grantxx]

Well I have an MDC TBOX, soft floor, imported bits and I believe assembled here in Brisbane to a degree, they have big showroom and lots to look at before you commit, and huge range for every budget. Would I say they are the best import - no idea, I have only ever owned this one and can not comment on others, I looked at 2nd hand very much, just felt I was not getting value for money in comparison.

We have had it for 2 years now been to Fraser 4 times, many other trips long and short, no extreme off road at all and I dont think it would handle a long stretch of corrugated roads, but I am slowly improving it.

We bought it with just the kitchen added on as I felt the rest of the ad ons were way to pricy, plus gave me another hobby in regards to mods, adding power, water to sink lights etc, has been a fun project and will be adding a Joolca hot water this weekend. 

The tent is way to big for us, but overall pretty good quality, usually just 2 of us but we seem to use it all, dearly love to get a smaller tent but again 2.5k for a decent tent I will keep it for now. Takes me about 25 minutes to pack the tent and about another 1/2 hour to pack the car and trailer, we seem to have way to much stuff.  Any way have fun searching

All I would suggest is dont discount any just check them out thoroughly, I went with MDC simply because they had what I wanted pretty much off the shelf and well within our budget of sub 10k.

[GBC]

Conqueror are an import................I'd recommend them in a moment.

Not quite true, African built conquerors with the alko running gear and chassis have proven to be an abject failure over here, as did the African built jurgens stargazers.
Both brands are largely remanufactured here to cope with local conditions.

I am in the market at the moment and have been looking hard. If your budget is around $20k I'd be having a look at the MDC cape yourk special edition or the similar offering from Modcon international.
I am currently torn between the MDC for $20k or an Australian trailer for $35k. There doesn't seem to be much inbetween.

[sol]

Well I have an MDC TBOX, soft floor, imported bits and I believe assembled here in Brisbane to a degree, they have big showroom and lots to look at before you commit, and huge range for every budget. Would I say they are the best import - no idea, I have only ever owned this one and can not comment on others, I looked at 2nd hand very much, just felt I was not getting value for money in comparison.

We have had it for 2 years now been to Fraser 4 times, many other trips long and short, no extreme off road at all and I dont think it would handle a long stretch of corrugated roads, but I am slowly improving it.

We bought it with just the kitchen added on as I felt the rest of the ad ons were way to pricy, plus gave me another hobby in regards to mods, adding power, water to sink lights etc, has been a fun project and will be adding a Joolca hot water this weekend. 

The tent is way to big for us, but overall pretty good quality, usually just 2 of us but we seem to use it all, dearly love to get a smaller tent but again 2.5k for a decent tent I will keep it for now. Takes me about 25 minutes to pack the tent and about another 1/2 hour to pack the car and trailer, we seem to have way to much stuff.  Any way have fun searching

All I would suggest is dont discount any just check them out thoroughly, I went with MDC simply because they had what I wanted pretty much off the shelf and well within our budget of sub 10k.

Good answer mate

       

[muzza01]

Send a PM to Evo (Nick) Evolution
He has a great reputation on the forum selling imports under Modcon CT's
I have no doubt he will help and give you good advice.

What CT are you after? soft top, hard floor, what is your budget? What accessories on the CT do you want included in the dal?

[Luke_D]

Hey onion, I have a MDC offroad model with bits and pieces added to it. Very happy with it, got a lot for a small price. I'm @ glass House Mtns if u want to have a look at it. Happy to pull it out and set it up.  Pm me if u want any more details.

[Onion]

What CT are you after? soft top, hard floor, what is your budget? What accessories on the CT do you want included in the dal?

I was thinking a forward folder hard floor but from what I've read lately I don't think there'd be enough storage for us (me, wife, 9 and 7 year olds). So a decent soft floor is looking more likely. Budget is sub $15k. No real accessories other than kitchen (at least to start with). A power / solar setup would be nice, but isn't essential. No real need for a hardcore off road setup. We mainly visit camp grounds and don't go outback at all.

We're upgrading from a 24x18 tarp which covers a 12x18 tent. It's a reasonably large setup and we manage to have quite a few people visit when the sun goes down 

Any way have fun searching. All I would suggest is dont discount any just check them out thoroughly, I went with MDC simply because they had what I wanted pretty much off the shelf and well within our budget of sub 10k.

Thanks G, will do. MDC are looking like a possible contender if we go that way.

[Bird]

[muzza01]

Bird you crack me up 

My opinion, hard floors are great for couples, soft floors brat for families. Not saying a family of four can't use either style....just saying.

[Bird]

Your not asking, but I'd have this before any import - with the boat rack.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=45955.0

YMMV

[Onion]

Thanks Bird, we'll likely look into a second hand Aussie built - but see the original post...

Yes, a second hand Australian made CT is also on the cards - but please don't mention "buy a second hand Aussie one", as that's not what I'm asking...

PS - LOVE the picture, classic 

[Market Direct Campers]

Hi All,


You heard it here 1st, soon to be released officially by Camper Trailer Australia Magazine in a few days.


MDC has won Camper Trailer of the Year (for the 2nd time), in 2016 for the Sub 20k Market.


http://www.marketdirect.com.au/venturer-lt-cape-york-edition


Maybe one to have a look at in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Townsville or Sunshine Coast.
A lot of name brand gear included at $19,990


Happy Camping
MDC Insider

[GBC]

Hey mdc, some constructive criticism if I could.
One of the more appealing parts of this camper you don't even list, much less advertise. I came in during the week (third viewing) and spotted some extra canvas out the back of the camper. Bugger me if it isn't a touring awning which zips onto either side of the tent.
Not a photo, a line in the brochure or a mention on the websites is made about them. As a tourer and a static camper that extra awning means the difference between a sale or not for me and if I hadn't tripped over it and had the lady helping assist me to install it, I'd have never known about it. She had no clue about its size either.
Still haven't ruled out grabbing one yet. Nice product.

[Onion]

@ MDC Insider, budget is sub $15k, not $20k.

[UIZ733]

@ MDC Insider, budget is sub $15k, not $20k.

I would take that as an offer to bargain them 'down' to $15,000. You can't get any better encouragement than straight from the top. 

[lilstookie]

Why don't you get an Aussie made one. Go have a look at the Drifta soft floor. All Aussie made with Aussie components. Luke doesn't use anything that can't be sourced / made in oz. Apart from a hand pump tap which comes from NZ   
http://www.drifta.com.au/dot-7-army-green-camper/

$16,900 bullet proof and Luke's warranty and after sales service is worth its weight in gold.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Onion]

Why don't you get an Aussie made one. Go have a look at the Drifta soft floor. All Aussie made with Aussie components.

My in-laws (outlaws?) actually live in Gloucester. Have driven by Luke's shop, but not called in. Might have to make a point of that next time we're down there...

[The punter]

Why don't you get an Aussie made one. Go have a look at the Drifta soft floor. All Aussie made with Aussie components. Luke doesn't use anything that can't be sourced / made in oz. Apart from a hand pump tap which comes from NZ   
http://www.drifta.com.au/dot-7-army-green-camper/

$16,900 bullet proof and Luke's warranty and after sales service is worth its weight in gold.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My mate has a DOT and it's a really well made bit of kit

[gronk]

- but please don't mention "buy a second hand Aussie one", as that's not what I'm asking...

What about a brand NEW aussie made one ??

If you want all the bells and whistles, then maybe not, but there a few brands out there that would have campers under 15K.

[muzza01]

I was thinking a forward folder hard floor but from what I've read lately I don't think there'd be enough storage for us (me, wife, 9 and 7 year olds). So a decent soft floor is looking more likely. Budget is sub $15k. No real accessories other than kitchen (at least to start with). A power / solar setup would be nice, but isn't essential. No real need for a hardcore off road setup. We mainly visit camp grounds and don't go outback at all.

We're upgrading from a 24x18 tarp which covers a 12x18 tent. It's a reasonably large setup and we manage to have quite a few people visit when the sun goes down 

Thanks G, will do. MDC are looking like a possible contender if we go that way.

What about the Tbox by MDC Onion?  At less than $9k that leaves a lot of money for your extras that you wanted.  As a hard floor owner, I reckon the soft floor campers are much better suite for couples with a couple kids. Plenty of room under cover and enclosed for all the kids toys and extras.  Plenty of storage in the trailer. That's not really the case with the hardfloors which are more suited for couples.

For all the money you save you could afford a new 12 volt fridge, upgraded wiring to charge the CT batteries and a brake controller for your tow vehicle.

With what you save you could afford to buy a great battery system for the CT, solar panels to keep your batteries charged, some LED Core lighting for night time, new gas bottles, a Webber Q cooktop to cook on, decent bunk beds and sleeping bags for the kids to sleep on, new cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.  Some new camper chairs and tables, decent maps on the floor and a whole lot more and still save $1000s off ur budget.

Or as some have suggested, you could buy a brand new Aussie made one and and have nothing left over for any extras except the knowledge that you bought Australian made.

As you have probably worked out already. Some members on this forum will always try and convince other members that they should buy Australian made CT's as they are better made and never have any problems.  They will do it even when you have specifically asked them not to like you posted earlier in this thread.

Tough choices Onion, at the end of the day,  buy what you can afford as the most important thing is to get your family out there to enjoy camping. Good luck mate.