Hi everyone
So after reading a few posts over the last few days I have decided to register so I can kindly get some first hand advice for the purposes of purchasing a new camper trailer. What started out as a simple idea to start camping again, now that we have 2 children (2yo & 5yo), has now turned into a confusing situation of “What brand to buy?”.
Prior to the kids arriving in our lives we would tag along with my wife’s parents who had a basic soft floor camper and we would sleep in a simple 2 person tent sharing their BBQ etc. So apart from the in-laws camper we have no first hand experience using one. We have just been asking plenty of questions and reading as much as we can so we can make the best choice possible. I guess this post is part of that process.
The plan is to have one for at least the next 10-15 years so it looks like an Australian made camper is the way to go – if anyone has a different view or experience on this then I would love to know why (Early on in the piece the missus had her heart set on an MDC Venturer Cape York Edition). Our budget started out at $10-$15k but I think to get something that is good quality and that will last we are going to be looking anywhere between $30-$45k. At the end of the day we are happy to pay the extra if we are confident in the product we are buying.
A list of things we know we want are:
• Rear fold hard floor - We really like the quick setup with the kids
• The ability to go off road – It is Australia after all.
• The ability to travel to places without amenities therefore needing water storage, an electricity management system including solar & an ensuite shower with hot water
• Reasonable sized kitchen with a couple of burners, sink, large fridge slide and good storage for food, pots, pans etc
• Full annex and kids room – Extra security or in case of bad weather
• Tropical roof – Keeps that heat out
After Googling and visiting a couple of show rooms/shows we really like the following 2 campers in order of preference:
“Altitude Campers – Ultimate Hard Floor”
Pros: Liked the sales guy as he was the only one out of about 20 sales people who didn’t bag the opposition. Great design, great quality and includes a diesel hot water system and 80ltr Waeco fridge/freezer.
Cons: Full Annex not included (roof only), only a new company (future after sales service?) and don’t advertise the “Australian Camper Trailer Manufactures Guild” logo but claim to be fully Australian made.
“Pioneer – Longreach”
Pros: Good reviews, they have offices in most states
Cons: Only has one battery, no Annex included
I would be interested to get everyone’s’ thoughts on these two campers and obviously if anyone has any first hand experience with either camper I would love your personal feedback.
Alternately if you think another brand of camper trailer may suit our “wish list” then feel free to mention it because there’s every chance we may have not seen it yet because there is so bloody many.
Thanks in advance.
Michael
