Look, I'm just going to come out and say it. I have searched on carvansales and gumtree and ebay and others, and I just can't see where the 'justified' bargains can be had for used. Sure, I can save at most a few thousand dollars on a forward fold that is pre-owned but when I'm spending over $20k I (personally) just don't see the value in that. If you offered me a 10 year old Kimberley Kamper (or alike) Hard Floor for $20k, or a quality top of the range brand new import for $22k, I'd take the import everyday of the week. Until someone can tell me what exactly IS wrong with the imports I'm always going to have this view. For example, I have visited Eagle Camper Trailers here in Adelaide and have been shown around the showroom and workshop where they fit-out these imports. The quality of the workmanship is impressive I must admit. I am not affiliated with them by the way. The owner of Eagle, I think his name was Brett or Brent, went to great lengths to reassure me on the China imported chassis. He tells me that his companies reputation rests on these trailers being reliable and up to the harsh Australian conditions. He backs that up with a 7 year warranty on his models and is willing to respond to any issues wherever you may be in Australia.
The Eagle Cherokee at just under $22k is featuring quite high on my list at the moment and I am particularly drawn to them because Eagle is based in in my local city of Adelaide, the after sales seems to be very good.
I read a lot of negative comments about imports, presumably from owners of more expensive Australian manufactured CT's
Until someone can give me a very good reason that makes practical and financial sense I have to admit that I am always leaning towards brand new import. People are simply asking too much for their 5 year old and IMO inferior (specs) trailers. That is my view from what I am seeing on the classifieds etc. Sure, there may be the odd give-away bargains to be had but very rarely do you get the particular model you have had an eye on.
I'm sure there are plenty of people who disagree with me but the truth is I just don't see enough advantages to plump for the used model, especially in the forward fold category. Hybrid and softfloor are a completely different subject and I do see some bargains at the high cost and low cost ends. We'd love a good quality off-road hard roof but the cost for a decent one would be too much of a stretch I feel.
So far these are the campers that are currently sitting highest on our shortlist;
Eagle Cherokee
Skampa Kamper Dingo
Modcon FF1
Admittedly the Skampa and Modcon have not been seen in person yet but look quite impressive value.
Ezytrail's latest Stirling GT FF seemed to be fairly good quality but is extremely heavy at 2250kg ATM. Too heavy.
The Patriot X2 is a bit pricier and not hard floor/forward fold but one we are quite impressed with (or atleast the marketing of it) but we'll reserve judgement until we see one in the flesh as it were. If the X1 were anything of a guide it's going to be a smash. We are concerned that the price tag of the X2 at $28k basic entry-level model brings us close to hybrid/pop-up CT territory there and may be a no-goer for that reason.
I could list a dozen other FF makes and models I've seen at shows or showrooms that I would deem to be of low quality, but some of these companies can get quite sensitive about negative comments...
So, a polite request. Don't just tell me that I should look at second-hand just because I have never owned a CT. Give me a valid reason or opinion why the imports are not up to scratch. Rant over LOL.. I do appreciate all the advice I'm getting and it's interesting to read other threads on this subject.
The Adelaide 4WD show is on later this month and we see if we can pick up a bargain there. Otherwise, we may take a trip interstate to weigh up the other competition.
