campomatic converter

[dekeri]

  Hi All, Any info on campomatic converter would be much appreciated, history,tare,gvm,things to watch out for.
I am still trying to buy a used hard floor camper but there dont seem to be many listed in Vic & I am wary of buying something sight unseen. I want to put a boat on top, but think most of the newer ones Aussie Swag Campomatic etc are pretty heavy at > 1500 kg gvm so am looking at 1996-2000 models but info is a bit scarce.
Currently a 3.4 Prado but will think about upgrading to a diesel once I try out the camper trailer, wife insists on hard floor N-S bed but I want to be able to handle it myself for 3-4 day fishing/hunting trips.

All comments welcome.

Derek 

[Gunna Do]

Can't help you out with any information on the converter, however if you see anything "out of state" which takes your eye, post it up on the forum here, and perhaps a local Swagger would be able to do a preinspection for you, and save a little travel if it's not worth while.  I know there has been some pretty good buys done this way.

[dno]

     

[ziggy]

We have a 96 Converter. What would you like to know?

Ours has the swing out kitchen, gvm is 750 kg, tare is about 550kg. Fairly good unit, we love it but it does have its limits.

[dekeri]

Hi Ziggy,

Thanks for replying, has it got any electrics 240/12 & if you put them in ? cost.
I assume independent suspension. They look to have a one piece roof/floor frame (differs from ranger/getaway etc) how easy is it to set up & repack ( I assume the canvas folds down onto the bed so a waterproof cover would be needed over the bed?.
How strong is the floor frame ie for a 11.5 tinny. Does the whole back of the trailer open ie in the galv rear section (I know the bed flange drops down)
The one for sale had electric brakes but has been reverted/converted to override, ? good or bad idea.
Would a new controller would be available to suit or would it require some specialist searching to setup (ie suitable used unit).
What are the drawbacks on yours.
Sorry for the questions guess you can tell I am new to the game (hence the research and surprised I could only find one referral to them on the net)

regards Derek (taking to long to get out there) 

[ziggy]

Hi Ziggy,

Thanks for replying, has it got any electrics 240/12 & if you put them in ? cost.
I assume independent suspension. They look to have a one piece roof/floor frame (differs from ranger/getaway etc) how easy is it to set up & repack ( I assume the canvas folds down onto the bed so a waterproof cover would be needed over the bed?.
How strong is the floor frame ie for a 11.5 tinny. Does the whole back of the trailer open ie in the galv rear section (I know the bed flange drops down)
The one for sale had electric brakes but has been reverted/converted to override, ? good or bad idea.
Would a new controller would be available to suit or would it require some specialist searching to setup (ie suitable used unit).
What are the drawbacks on yours.
Sorry for the questions guess you can tell I am new to the game (hence the research and surprised I could only find one referral to them on the net)

regards Derek (taking to long to get out there) 

Zero electrics. Wouldnt be hard to put some on though, but havnt bothered yet.
Suspension is the biggest drawback, leaf slipper very basic on ours, but there are some called 4x4 which i think had better.
No brakes on ours and doesnt really need it, but and this is the biggest - the frame from the axel back is pretty poor in that it is only 1.6mm steel. This is a weakness we found when the shocker broke off the frame  after some I admit fairly hard dirt track, so don't think it is a offroader.  The design of the shock is pretty poor too, so I have remved the shock from both sides as repairing will need the entire thing taken apart and new frame put on
Packing up and opening is the marvel of hard floors - love it - very easy, but needs 2 as our gas lifts are broken.
Water tank on ours is good feature, dont know if its stock.

Inside the centre section of the bed folds downbut thats about all, the rear trailer door also opens fine in the set up position. Has good storage under bed, but we have the swing out kitchen, slide out would make that smaller. Annex is small but easy to put up, with strong zips, and canvas is of good quality even after 15 yrs.

Im my opinion great for a couple - like us, but for a family probably not

[dekeri]

Thanks Ziggy,

Looks like the one for sale is update and sounds like it will be good if the price is right (on ebay).
You've been great as so little info available, almost looks like they were a developmental stage or an offshoot from the main stream. Other option is an Aussie swag classic (beam axle) or Challenger(trailing link I think) but both are dearer and not quiet as compact.

I will update with photo if I get it and also mods as I do them.

Yours Derek   

[eldo]

Is this the one that is for sale on eBay in Sydney? Im looking at it also but there is just no information on it. The owners are not real helpful either. I have been lookin for a few weeks now and I'm thinking that I will have to spend a bit more to get a god unit

[eldo]

here is the link to it, it has independent suspension so is different to the one decribed above
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160543056962&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

the kitchen looks a little ordinary as well, really need to see pictures of it setup with the annexe on it...

[dekeri]

Hello Ziggy,

If you are still on, 2 more questions.
Do you get any dust in, are they car type seals.
and would a normal old codger like me (semi retired deskbound) be able to pack it up & down by himself.
Forgot to ask the owner

thanks Derek (ebay ends Tues am)

[ziggy]

Seals are good, IF they are maintained, ours needs replacing a few, - had a water leak from all this rain, but have now replaced so seeing how it goes.

I can't close it on my own, but as said our gas struts are buggered, also when we were looking I found a few pictures around, that showed a piece of timber that held it in position about 90deg   , which made it possible for 1 person closing  and opening- you need to sort of have it in a half way position to firstly pull the canvas out so it doesnt tear at the hinge and when closing to poke it in at the hinge and around the sides.

I looked at that on on ebay , and it looks like it fixes the problem I have had,

[dekeri]

Thank you all
I didn't get it, haven't worked out maximum bids and ebay's 1 click bidding yet.
I will keep looking.
Xmas is a fair way off.
Dekeri