Camper trailer advice

[Nalicia]

Hi, we are after a new camper trailer, looking for some advice, we have a budget of around 8k and would really prefer new if possible (her). We have seen a few and it has come down to 3. Skamper kamper ranger, MDC, and the ezytrail which only has 10oz canvas and im not sure how it would stand up to heavy rain, or insulate in the heat?
We like the setup of the skamper and noticed it was very cool inside in over 30c heat entering one at a recent caravan show, also camping in heavy rain is another thing that concerns us. so basically I need to know if anyone knows any thing about these particular ct;s and how the tent in particular performs.

Thanks Nalicia
 

[Champin]

Haven't seen an MDC in the flesh yet but seem to have a decent reveiw. Saw the ezitrail and the Skamper at the Bainsdale show. Just my opinion but I was very disapointed in the build quality of the ezitrail. Even for a low cost camper. The after sales service also has left a lot of people wanting. If I was given the choice I would go the Skamper any day of the week. We just bought a rear fold in the $20k range and it was a toss up between the one we got and the Skamper but it was very close. Didn't mind the Skamper at all. Rumour has it they all come out of the same factory but I definitly saw a quaulity diference there.
  Like I sez...that's only my opinion and they're like r soles. We all got one, and they all stink.

[nab]

From what I read on here I believe the general consensus on most campers in this price range is that they are all a good base with OK canvas, it's usually the extra bolt on parts that let them down. As long as the canvas is well seasoned they should be OK.

Things like wheel bearings should be checked and re-greased straight away, the wiring can be OK at best etc. Hit and miss is what I read about their quality.

As long as you don't expect a $30,000 trailer I reckon you will be happy with any of them.

[IanS]

I've spoken to one MDC owner in WA who was not happy with the quality of the product and in his opinion the poor after sales support, I inspected one 2012 PMX Camper which had only been used twice and ended up paying triple what they were asking for it, for a second hand 2013 Pioneer.
When I looked at the PMX  it was a sunny day and you could just about see through the canvas it was that thin where it folds at the front.
I haven't looked at the others that you have mentioned.
At the end of the day everything hinges on what you have in your budget, you can get new one with every thing that you want on it, or a second hand one that may need adding to later. Whatever you get I'm sure you will enjoy it and that's the main thing.

[McTavish]

I've got to say upfront that I have very little experience with the brands you mention - except seeing the MDC at a Rays Outdoors type of store and not being too impressed with the quality of the floor, window sizes, height inside etc at that time.  This was after we bought our second hand Vacation Campers so I was/am bias    We've had some cracking storms and not a drop inside our tent.  Other owners of these brands may say the same.
 
At the end of the day it comes down to whether you want new with warranty etc or second hand.  These brands seem to be stepping up their quality control lately so maybe less of a worry.   check the quality of the canvas, paintwork finish, locking mechanisms, quality gas struts, dust sealing and the hitch they provide (some can be a right pain to hook up to the car).

We're coming into Show Season - so if possible go and check them all out at the same time.   I won't get into the import v Ozzie comparison, or I have this blah blah brand so you should too. 

My best tip is - don't go for the bigger the better set up.   Too many poles, too much time and less time enjoying yourself.   

And make sure your tow vehicle is more than capable and allow for the additional cost of setting it up with electric brake controller and/or Anderson plug to the camper to charge the battery when on the move (handy when travelling and moving), solar / fridge and all the other bits and pieces which can all add up pretty quickly if you start getting keen - like the majority of members here.

Your thoughts?   

[Nalicia]

Thanks Mctavish, I will take on board all your advice I may google up comming shows and see if there is any i can attend. Also i may look at some aussie made on gumtree see if i can take a look at a few second handers. And yes additional costs is something to consider thanks. considering a second hand aussie jays aslo now. I will post what we decide on, and report afterward how it performed.

cheers

[whitey001]

Probably a bit biased but we own an Aussie Jays and for a first camper it's great.  Plenty of space with the 12ft tent.  Can add the kids room on later if you need even more space.  Very waterproof.  Our first trip was over Christmas in 2014 and Boxing Day absolutely bucketed down.  Stayed dry.  Tows easy for what we need.  Can easily add to it as you go.  We paid about 8k for ours and had only been used a few times.  RRP at the time was 12k.

Al.

[whitey001]

Just saw that the Aussie Jay's Crusher is now $9,999.  Can you stretch the budget?

Al.

[McTavish]

I know I said I wouldn't push my own brand (we own).  But checked out Vacation Campers on Caravan Camping Sales and found a couple you could compare for research.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/buy/used/OAG-AD-12364981/2012-Vacation-Campers-Tourer?cr=1&category=camping-trailers&psq=%28%28%28SaleStatus%3D%5BFor%20Sale%5D%26Make%3D%5BVacation%20Campers%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3DDealer%20Used%7CSiloType%3DDealer%20New%29%7CSiloType%3DPrivate%20Used%29%7CSiloType%3DDealer%20Near%20New%29%29%26Service%3D%5BCaravancampingsales%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

and

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/buy/private/SSE-AD-3653985/2009-Vacation-Campers-Tourer?cr=0&category=camping-trailers&psq=%28%28%28SaleStatus%3D%5BFor%20Sale%5D%26Make%3D%5BVacation%20Campers%5D%29%26%28%28%28SiloType%3DDealer%20Used%7CSiloType%3DDealer%20New%29%7CSiloType%3DPrivate%20Used%29%7CSiloType%3DDealer%20Near%20New%29%29%26Service%3D%5BCaravancampingsales%5D%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

These prices are making me cry as they are so cheap - but are well inside your price range.   Less than half of the original price.    As I said - I'm bias as I love ours.   Good for a comparison if not for anything else. 

[hempo]

We have a 2011 Jimboomba that has been great.  I see there are a few used ones of these in your price range also. 

Where are you located though?

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/buy/results?IndustryAll=jimboomba&Q=%28%28%28%28%28SiloType%3DDealer+Used%7CSiloType%3DDealer+New%29%7CSiloType%3DPrivate+Used%29%7CSiloType%3DDealer+Near+New%29%26Service%3D%5BCaravancampingsales%5D%29%26SaleStatus%3D%5BFor+Sale%5D%29&sort=Premium&SearchAction=Refinement

[aocc]

We had to upgrade our Tent top and after a bit of research (interweb,4x4 shows etc) we ended up with the Kamper Skamper 9` quick set up. Fantastic unit great canvas real well made....Just my 2 cents worth

[Lori]

My parents own an MDC.

After sales service is shocking. They had issues from the get go, the issues they had were things that should not have been hard to fix but happened because quality control was non existent. It took ages for MDC to fix the issues, they didnt give straight answers and rarely answered emails or returned calls. They did fix them in the end but they made it alot harder than it needed to be.

later they had another issue with a part failure, which they tried to write off as user error and not covered under warranty- it wasnt user error, the part failed. When they finally agreed to send a replacement part (it took backwards and forwards communication for weeks before they agreed to cover it under warranty and send a new one), they sent the wrong one. The problem was painful and time consuming to fix and the trailer was mostly not usable during that time.

just recently they had another breakdown, this one was on the side of the road (this trailer is around 2 years old.) they managed to limp the trailer to a repair shop, once there they found the part was obscure and could not source it from the normal channels. Mechanic rang MDC who told him that the part isnt available and they wont be getting anymore compatible parts in. Ended up getting an emergency (and expensive) non permanent fix from an engineering firm. limped home.
Rang MDC again this time with the backing of fair trading, was told the part IS available but is in china and will take 8 weeks to get here it will cost $xxx do you want it? Parents are out at least $1000 in trying to get this fixed and its still not resolved (if the part was a normal size or readily available it would have been an easy fix and not anywhere near as expensive)
MDC have been exceptionally unhelpful in helping to fix the issue, they didnt answer the email my father sent regarding how he would like to see the issue fixed and they ignored communication from Fair Trading. The matter is now going to the tribunal.

from first hand experience we have seen that buying the cheapest is not always the cheapest.

[slydar]

these used to be sold by GIC Campers:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-LARGE-CAMPER-TRAILER-TENT-RipStop-Canvas-EASY-SETUP-Camping-pop-top-only-/331732255844?hash=item4d3cc88464:g:cAIAAOSw8cNUNQ9Z

yes its HUGE but we literally live in ours (bought from GIC complete with their trailer and kitchen) for almost a month over summer so the space is great, its also probably the only one on the market you can get out of either side of the bed so less disturbing yr partner in the 'wee' small hours.

if you have the time and little more than basic handyman skills its not hard to get a decent box trailer to attach this to, and you then have the option (with the right tilt/hinge setup and struts) to be able to remove the camper top and use the trailer for other purposes. you also then get to choose the stabilisers, kitchen, water tank, tool box and electrical system you want based on the priceless advice you can get on this site and there are plenty of options out there for all of this - the research alone is interesting and rewarding when you decide on what youre going to buy and instal it