Author Topic: Advice  (Read 9938 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Advice
« on: November 28, 2010, 03:30:52 PM »
Have looked on this site for a while now and have decided to join. We are looking to buy our frist camper after many years of tenting it. I have narrowed the choices down to Customline, Austrack, Lifestyle and All Terrian campers. Can anyone offer any advice on these campers? Good and bad reports would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark

Offline HEM19X

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3000
  • Thanked: 49 times
  • Gender: Male
  • If I agree with you, then we would both be wrong!
Re: Advice
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2010, 03:38:18 PM »
Mark,

Your best bet is to make a list of all the "must haves" plus "luv to haves".

The one that has the most wins...provided of course that SWMBO agrees - remember "Happy Wife, Happy Life"

Hem
2019 BT50 with custom canopy and lots of fruit. Towing a 2014 Lotus Freelander [welcome to the dark side]

Offline Kit_e_kat9

  • It's all about the Journey ...
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 4121
  • Thanked: 2 times
  • Gender: Female
    • The Lyons Den
Re: Advice
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2010, 03:41:15 PM »
Mark,

Your best bet is to make a list of all the "must haves" plus "luv to haves".

The one that has the most wins...provided of course that SWMBO agrees - remember "Happy Wife, Happy Life"

Hem

x 2.  That's how we did it ...

Kit_e
2010 Hilux SR5 & 2010 Aussie Swag Rover LX
My Blog


Offline graylyn

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 740
  • Gender: Male
  • Kendall River Barramundi
Re: Advice
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2010, 03:49:38 PM »
X3.  Have fun.
The worst day fishing is always better than the best day at work.

2021 Isuzu d-max utility 3 litre
2012 Jayco Swan Outback
full 60 litre Engel

Offline Duchess

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1497
  • Thanked: 1 times
  • "Its not as hard as you think, you know."
Re: Advice
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2010, 04:34:48 PM »
Mark, I know that you were probably hoping for a more direct answer but if you go to the My Camper section of the forum, you'll find heaps of different opinions on most of those campers you've listed.

Good luck with your decision!  :cheers:


"I've got one job on this ship. It's stupid but I'm going to do it!"

www.duchessandthedukeontour.blogspot.com.au

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2010, 04:37:02 PM »
Thanks for that. I'm still a bit green on this site.

Offline BigJules

  • Administrator
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 7786
  • Thanked: 56 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Just Cruisin' - I wish...
    • I'm so much cooler online :D
Re: Advice
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2010, 05:03:02 PM »
G'day & Welcome Mark  :cheers:.

There is plenty of detailed discussion on the All Terrains, suggest searching from the home page, try also "All Terrian" as I think the last thread was mispelt. I worry they're a bit too heavy and tall, but there is no doubt they're well built.

I don't know enough about the Customline, Austrack or Lifestyle to offer you any advice. I do know there are/have been some nice Lifestyle campers for sale on here, if you're looking for a bargain.

Julian
Land Cruiser V8 + Trackabout Safari SV Extenda
MySwag Gallery, Photobucket
Sydney Agent for www.trackabout.com.au
Mallee Gear - Tough as nails

Offline Joff

  • "This is my Custom User Title"
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2181
  • Thanked: 365 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2010, 05:29:30 PM »
I can only help with the All Terrain.
They are built very tough. Everything is heavy duty so the camper ends up heavy. Loaded mine tops 1500kgs but that is probably one of the heaviest AT's in the country. Typicaly they will hover around the 1350 - 1400kg mark.

The canvas is 16oz and sewn together very well. There are a couple things that could be better but I haven't yet seen a camper that doesn't have one or two issues.

They come with 9 leaf rebound springs which will let you take in anywhere.

The brakes are cable override discs and they are nothing short of rubbish.

Kitchens are usable, ours is the SS version and works quite well.

The tent goes up with a bit of effort for the first lift (I've seen easier) but once over the center the rest is easy. We very rarely peg out the main tent.

The awning could do with a bit of a mod where the lateral poles attach to the tent frame but other than that it works well.

Ours is an 07 model so some things may have changed to some of what I'm saying here but I don't think so.

What has changed is that the std trailer is now 8' long instead of 7' like mine so that can only be good for internal space. They have also started offering a widened front end, an idea I'd say they got from some genius on a forum  ;D

PS I'd be interested to know what current new price is on an All Terrain if you get a quote
  
« Last Edit: November 28, 2010, 05:31:34 PM by Joff »
HDJ-105 full dresser plus modded Allterrain and NO BLING

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #8 on: November 28, 2010, 06:08:25 PM »
Thanks for the advice mate. I sent them an query a few days ago and the base price for 14 ft canopy & trailer was $16950, then you start to option up.

Offline Joff

  • "This is my Custom User Title"
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2181
  • Thanked: 365 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #9 on: November 28, 2010, 06:12:15 PM »
Everything I said above relates to the 17' model. I dunno how it relates to the 14 footer but I can't imagine there would be that much difference
HDJ-105 full dresser plus modded Allterrain and NO BLING

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2010, 06:17:18 PM »
The 17 is $17550 starting price.

Offline Joff

  • "This is my Custom User Title"
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2181
  • Thanked: 365 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #11 on: November 28, 2010, 06:42:57 PM »
Thanks Mate
HDJ-105 full dresser plus modded Allterrain and NO BLING

Offline Snow

  • Follow me, I'll be right behind you.
  • Global Moderator
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 5575
  • Thanked: 70 times
Re: Advice
« Reply #12 on: November 28, 2010, 06:49:01 PM »
G'day Mark and welcome to Myswag. You've landed in the right spot to help come to a decision. :cheers:
A vision without action is a dillusion

The Snowmobile: 2017 Ford Everest Trend with heaps of fruit
The Snowcave: 2023 Austrack Tanami X13
2008 Cub Supamatic XTD

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2010, 08:33:19 PM »
G'day Snow,
Thanks for the welcome. I sure have come to the right place. I only joined a few hours ago and already I have been given more useful advice here than all the websites I have visited over the last 12 months!!  I should have come here earlier. I'm sure I'll have a heap of other questions so I hope everyone will be as helpful as they have been today.

Offline speewa158

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 12092
  • Thanked: 558 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2010, 08:40:56 PM »
This will be worth a watch , so ask away , & welcome to Myswag  ;D
You can go your own way . Treg Up & Make Dust

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #15 on: November 28, 2010, 08:48:50 PM »
Thanks mate.  Half of the questions I have are probably silly but if I don't ask I'll never find out. Should provide a few laughs along the way

Offline truck

  • Sleeping Bag User
  • *
  • Posts: 29
  • Thanked: 1 times
Re: Advice
« Reply #16 on: December 01, 2010, 06:11:31 AM »
Greetings Mark,

Welcome to the forum and it's good to see another Townsvillian join up.

truck

Offline escape

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 68
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #17 on: December 01, 2010, 08:14:53 AM »
Greetings Mark, There is no such thing as a "silly question" only silly answers so ask away and you shall receive the appropiate replies on here.This is the best and most informative forum I have ever had the pleasure to be involved with.
Trevor

Offline spargo

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 615
  • Thanked: 1 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "Love that car.."
    • Twitter
Re: Advice
« Reply #18 on: December 01, 2010, 08:38:55 AM »
g'day mark.

i'm picking up a Lifestyle Extenda very very soon, and can report back on my first experiences with that. so far my dealings with them have been great.

search for Lifestyle or Extenda in the forum, and you should see some similar questions from me about differences with models and features.

good luck!

Offline speewa158

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 12092
  • Thanked: 558 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #19 on: December 01, 2010, 07:27:05 PM »
X2 what Escape said . There are no silly questions , only those not brave enough to ask  :cheers:
You can go your own way . Treg Up & Make Dust

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #20 on: December 01, 2010, 08:19:24 PM »
G'day Spargo,

Keen to hear how the new camper goes and see a couple of pics as well.

Offline xmasbaby67

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 302
  • Gender: Female
Re: Advice
« Reply #21 on: December 02, 2010, 10:15:16 AM »
Hi Mark & welcome to the forum

We purchased our Customline in Nov 09 and love it.  We have the 12ft tent and full annexe, water tank, sunraysias, 2 pole carriers, checkerplate bigger toolbox, kitchen box with checkerplate lockable door, innerspring mattress, bigger cover, I think that was it.  We didn't opt for brakes or electrics yet but will get that done down the track when we need.  We paid just under $13K.

We have been extremely happy with ours and the quality of both the tent (15oz walls & roof - ozzy made) and trailer.  

The service we received from Ian & Nicole was nothing sort of outstanding.

Here is my post with pics on here http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=6882.0

Any other questions feel free to ask away as Im only too happy to answer them if I can.

A list is always the best way to go with pros and cons of each.  That said we liked the look of the Customline right from the word go.  We have also had a lot of people come up and ask us for a look when we are out there in it.
Hope this helps a little.
2009 12ft CUSTOMLINE towed by 2005 VX Prado

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #22 on: December 02, 2010, 07:18:07 PM »
I am trying to educate myself and would like other options on electric or mechanical brakes?
Which is better and why.

Also I have seen quite a few CT's with electric brake controllers on the draw bar. Any options on this type of setup?

Offline mark40

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 81
  • Gender: Male
Re: Advice
« Reply #23 on: December 02, 2010, 08:05:17 PM »
Sorry I meant opinions not options on the comments above. 14 hrs at work is not good for the old grey matter.

crackacoldie

  • Guest
Re: Advice
« Reply #24 on: December 02, 2010, 09:55:56 PM »
My personal preference is for electric brakes over mechanical, because, with the controler in the car you can control the trailer brakes independantly from the car rather than relying on the ct to push up against the hitch.

Just my opinion though.

 :cheers: Cracka