MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: rastus on February 06, 2015, 02:01:38 PM
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Hey peeps, has anyone bought a Blue Tongue Camper. a friend of mine has just bought one from the Albury Jayco dealership and so far is happy. I am coming to the Caravan and Camping show in Melbourne next week to see one in the flesh, as there is no Victorian dealers as yet. They are loosely based on a Kimberly Camper and as I carnt afford one of them I'm keen to see this
http://bluetonguecampers.com.au/products-page/camper-trailers/overland-xr-rear-fold-camper/ (http://bluetonguecampers.com.au/products-page/camper-trailers/overland-xr-rear-fold-camper/)
Come on brainstrust what do you people think
Kind regards
rastus
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come on peeps....someone must have an opinion
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Can't really give you much but I have just put a deposit on a blue tongue overland elite and to my eyes it's a good looking bit of ki, and the up grade to the xr looks good too. But I am as yet to take it out in the world.
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Looks just like the myriad of other imported campers. :D
Just make sure you have a good inspection and if it will do what you want, then you have a bargain.
Good luck
KB
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Thx for the replies.
Prolly too late for you Crapsy but there is an Elite on gumtree ATM for $15000, looks new but not what I want. I currently have a Tambo Cooper XT and I am more than happy with the build and canvas they are a great camper. But SWMBO wants a rear fold hard floor. I would prefer to buy an Australian camper KingBilly but the 30- 40k difference between the Blue Tongue and the Kimberly is too much, thats why I am looking at this.
Once again thx for taking the time to reply
Cheers rastus
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Yes rastus I did see that one on gumtree after I got back from the camping show. I still came out ahead. Yes I get where your comming from re the price difference between a kk and blue tongue. I could not see a huge quality different at the show kk was next to blue tongue so I got a good comparison. But then again I'm no expert.
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I've looked over the bluetounges that they used to make in house (not sure if they still do). The quality was pretty good I reckon. Not sure if these come in as kits and is built here, or as complete units but I'm sure they'd try to make the same quality apply to the stuff they're importing that they had on the their Aussie built trailers
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That's a pretty impressive looking camper and a good price too. It could be a serious contender for the replacement of my old swag camper for next summer. Will keep an eye out for feedback and reviews and a personal inspection first though.
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........ They are loosely based on a Kimberly Camper and as I carnt afford one of them......
Have you had a look at this one?.....
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=30334.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=30334.0)
.....stretch your budget, then enjoy the real thing.
The Kimberley will always be worth good money. The Blue Tongue....??
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Nice looking unit, I Like the idea of the square end tent on the camper, looks like a much better use of space than the sloping end types that most seem to make. Might just be in the market for a second hand one in a few years time, as I can't convince other parties in the family ATM to trade up into one
Trevor
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GeoffA
.....stretch your budget, then enjoy the real thing.
Not sure what your idea of stretching is but more than double is more than I could get SWMBO to look at. But I take your Pont re Australian made. Blue Tongue do make some of their own trailers (trakka models) and from my eye they have tried to keep the os made trailers to as close to the same quality as they can.
With all the competition in the market now who knows what a second hand unit from any manufacturer will be worth down the track.
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Not sure what your idea of stretching is but more than double.........
Maths not a strong point?? 22g v 35.5g neg is not "more than double".
Only you know what fits you, but the real cost of ownership = purchase price - sale price.
The Kimberley will cream the Blue Tongue on that point alone, then there's the build quality...
:cheers:
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Sorry GeoffA i think were getting off the topic here a little and i meant no disrespect to your valued input.
My numbers related to the base hardfloor camper from blue tongue the elite at 17k to the KK 35.5k as their base model. Granted the kk base model is specd better than the blue tongue's top hardfloor model the xr.
As you said "Only you know what fits you" and its good to get all perspectives which is why this forum is so good. :cup:
My opinion may and probably will change with time but for now i think that it looks like a good unit and that's all i will say.
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All good crappsy.
Did you read the details in the link I posted? It's serious unit, with a LOT of good gear and quality extras.
Much better value for money IMO, even though not new. It's a personal choice, though.
:cheers:
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Thx for the honest discussion guys. This is why I started this on the forum.
I know KK will always be a superior camper and would dearly love to have one, but ATM they are out of our price range. I will keep you posted on what I decide after I see one in the flesh.
My friend who bought his just after xmas has already replaced the C-TEC charger, this is not a reflection on Blue Tongue but on the Shit quality of where they are now made. When we were in Cape York July-August 2013 I spoke to a man who had just spent $80-90k on a 4x4 van and in 6mths he was on to his 3rd C-TEC and was still having charge issues.
once again thx...food for thought
rastus
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Plenty of us have imported hardfloors like the BlueToungue. I am more than happy with what I have got for my money. Be aware that not imported CT's are well made and that you really need to look over your purchase very carefully. A few of us (including me) have discussed the good and bad with these campers in the "my camper" area on the forum.
I love the KK'S's, pretty much my favourite camper and not compatible in quality, fit out and finish to the imported campers, not even close. Like you, I just can't justify spending that sort of $$ on a CT.
Good luck with your purchase.
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I had a look at the one they have in Jayco Albury yesterday. Turns out they build the cheap ones here from ALKO parts and then put an imported tent on it. The more expensive ones are wholly made overseas. Go figure. (Happy to be corrected if wrong).
Anyway, the base model they had looked good value at around $6k for trailer, tent and then add a Drifta in the back. No electrics but what do you want for that price. The trailer looked well built and the Jayco bloke said he had replaced his ancient Cavalier with one and was happy with the quality of the canvas on the Blue Tongue (well he would wouldn't he...)
Happy to hear comments from others because this little camper is looking like what we want at the minute - my wife is tossing up between it and a $30k Cub along with swapping her Passat for a Discovery. Usually it's me that needs to be reigned in from dream world back to reality lol. I'm hankering towards a 14 foot Cavalier but it's nearly twice the price.
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Looks like a new Camptime model also
Sent from my ZTE T83 using Tapatalk
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Both there forward and rear fold were on display at the Melb show must admit now the FF has made the list for our next camper, quite impressed. The guy mentioned that the FF was assembled in Kirrawee NSW the body and canvas are imported and the fit our occurs in Sydney
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Peter, I was also impressed by their product and the honesty shown by the two salesmen ..The campers are put together in China using Indian canvas. When they arrive they are wired and plumbed [gas and water] to Australian standards in Sydney then sent out to the dealers, I had full intention of buying the demo model, but did not like the external speaker setup. My choice.
I opted to order a slightly different setup, now I have to wait 3 months to get what suits us....bugger...but we get what we want.
I also liked the fact the camper had been up over night and unlike some others had no water inside despite seriously bad weather overnight.
Like I said Scott and Carl were really helpful, no pressure and even suggested we look at other campers before we made a decision, then we went back 3 hours later and put our order in.
carnt wait
cheers rastus
P.S. My beloved Tambo Cooper XL has gone to a good home...sad face
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Rastus did you go with the XR. I got a call today and am picking up my elite on Wednesday so here's hoping for you you get a call early too.
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I did go with the XR Crappsy....suits what we want to do ATM. I hope your happy with your purchase. I'm yet to be convinced about the complete quality of all the fittings [poles etc] but I believe they are value for money.
GeoffA posted a link to a second hand KK and I know they are the benchmark but it was 7 year old and still 15k dearer.....maybe when I win tatts lol
cheers rastus
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I did go with the XR Crappsy....suits what we want to do ATM. I hope your happy with your purchase. I'm yet to be convinced about the complete quality of all the fittings [poles etc] but I believe they are value for money.
GeoffA posted a link to a second hand KK and I know they are the benchmark but it was 7 year old and still 15k dearer.....maybe when I win tatts lol
cheers rastus
I see your maths hasn't improved, and that you didn't compare the total package.... ;D ;D
When you get your new camper, your first job should be to change the wheel bearings.
Hopefully it'll take a std, readily available, quality bearing.
Enjoy your purchase Rastus... :cup: :cup:
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Just an FYI rastus my elite was fitted with ford bearing same as the territories, that said blue tongue guys did say that some models had different bearings in it.
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thx crappsy, I am following this up with the guys at BlueTongue now
cheers rastus
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Crappsy,Have you got your new camper and how has your camper stacked up so far...is it what you expected
Cheers rastus
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Ratus,
I have had the new camper for a few weeks now
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=41641.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=41641.0)
However yet to get it dirty that will be this long weekend. I only just have the room out the front of my place to set the camper up which i have done and put the annex roof on. This was a a little laborious by myself (sh*T ladder did not help ether)but only have to do it the once. The polls look good/ok quality wise and all fit together well will have to wait and see what it like in a big wind/rain.
I checked the hubs and found them to be adequately greased and all of the bolts and nut were done up tight etc.
I have just replaced the jockey wheel as it was at full stretch getting in on the Prado when empty. Plus it was underrated weight wise for the TC (see comments in link).
I will post a bit more about how it goes after the Easter long weekend and i have used it.
How is the wait going for you .
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Thx Crappsy for the detailed reply, the wait seems to be going on forever and missing out on camping weekends is really bugging me to say the least, good luck with your first weekend away and keep me posted on how it performs
cheers rastus
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wooohooo 1000 views, never had a post that peeps were interested in before.
and still waiting, maybe another 3-4 weeks
cheers rastus
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Nice will keep us posted I'm keen to hear your conclusions. By the by I'm planning on installing a hand pump off the water tank just incase the battery dies might be something to add to your list when you get it.
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Both there forward and rear fold were on display at the Melb show must admit now the FF has made the list for our next camper, quite impressed. The guy mentioned that the FF was assembled in Kirrawee NSW the body and canvas are imported and the fit our occurs in Sydney
Please correct me if i'm wrong for i'm not real sure....But aren't the majority of CT's flat packed out of China and assembled in Aust.. ?? Are shocks,springs couplings and fittings actually manufactured in Australia any more ??? ........Just asking as i'm not sure....
Cheers Tracker. ??? ???
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Please correct me if i'm wrong for i'm not real sure....But aren't the majority of CT's flat packed out of China and assembled in Aust.. ?? Are shocks,springs couplings and fittings actually manufactured in Australia any more ??? ........Just asking as i'm not sure....
Cheers Tracker. ??? ???
Not even flat packed Tracker. Assembled in Australia means the suspension, wheels and shocks are bolted on. That is about it. CT importers love to use the words like "assembled here in Australia" to win over purchasers that are umming and Arring about the Oz vs imported issue.
The suspension, wheels and shocks are not made in Oz but in reality I don't think anyone in Oz makes shocks and wheels anymore.
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Not even flat packed Tracker. Assembled in Australia means the suspension, wheels and shocks are bolted on. That is about it. CT importers love to use the words like "assembled here in Australia" to win over purchasers that are umming and Arring about the Oz vs imported issue.
The suspension, wheels and shocks are not made in Oz but in reality I don't think anyone in Oz makes shocks and wheels anymore.
Thanks Muzza
So in reality my Ecomate forward fold is an imported Chinese CT......Butttt...with German bearings......lol.. ;D
Ahhh welllll . We will see how it goes when we leave for the Cape on August the first
Cheers Tracker.
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Not even flat packed Tracker. Assembled in Australia means the suspension, wheels and shocks are bolted on. That is about it. CT importers love to use the words like "assembled here in Australia" to win over purchasers that are umming and Arring about the Oz vs imported issue.
The suspension, wheels and shocks are not made in Oz but in reality I don't think anyone in Oz makes shocks and wheels anymore.
I bought a Blue Tongue rear fold last year. I have to say that the guys at Blue Tongue were very transparent about the camper being made in China. They were open about the work undertaken once they hit Australia; bolting on suspension and wheels, fitting gas lines, any mods requested and quality control before delivery. It was refreshing to find a manufacturer with their level of openness and is one major reason why I decided to purchase from them.
I have no vested interest; I'm just a happy owner.
James
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Big difference between someone trying to make a quick buck and someone who knows what they are doing and applies quality control. Blue tongue started out making their own so they have an idea.
Majority of Apple Inc hardware is made in China, and the quality is fine with that. Just sayin.
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galstonejim, thats why I decided to go with them, they gave me a good deal and were transparent, now I just got to cool my heals until I get it......zzzzzzzzzz
cheers rastus
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called the Blue Tongue agents in Albury today and was told still on a slow boat from China, possible 3-4 weeks before it arrives. Scott rang back half an hour later and said "maybe just maybe" arrive in the next shipment 7 days from now, a week to process then deliver.
So best case scenario 2-3 weeks delivered woooohoooo, happy face
cheers rastus
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Nice :cheers:
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called the Blue Tongue agents in Albury today and was told still on a slow boat from China, possible 3-4 weeks before it arrives. Scott rang back half an hour later and said "maybe just maybe" arrive in the next shipment 7 days from now, a week to process then deliver.
So best case scenario 2-3 weeks delivered woooohoooo, happy face
cheers rastus
Ain't it the longest wait....lol :cup: :cheers: :cheers:
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Thanks Muzza
So in reality my Ecomate forward fold is an imported Chinese CT......Butttt...with German bearings......lol.. ;D
Ahhh welllll . We will see how it goes when we leave for the Cape on August the first
Cheers Tracker.
All the best for the Cape Tracker. I'm sure your chinesecamperhome will do it easy. We went there in Aug 2013 and had a sensational time. We camped at the Umagico caravan Park as we couldn't get the boat any closer, great spot natives friendly and a good base.
cheers rastus
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Update.....just heard from Scott at Jayco in Albury, should be ready by end of next week [22nd]. All going well may have our camper ready for the Queens birthday weekend for its first shakedown trip.
Whhhoohoooo
rastus
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What's the word rastus?
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Hey crappsy. Picked it up Sunday....been too busy trying season it and to fit all my stuff left over from my Tambo into it to post pickies, but will do shortly.
Cheers rastus
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Finnaly piccies as promised
1. Home at last
2. Start the seasoning process
3. The annex floor....its huge, wont be taking the full annex to the Kimberly's
4. The shower floor, all walls and roof comes with the camper, might not make it on the trip also
5. Space for our new [flybuy's Webber Q]
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Cont.
1. Bed made ready for our first shakedown on the Queens B/Day weekend, not sure about the new drawer setup, not very deep, but too late to change now
cheers
rastus
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lookn good. enjoy your shake down trip
Don't know if yours is the same as mine re where the fire extinguisher is mounted, but on mine it has no cut uot for it on the skirt, which is a little inconvenient if it where ever needed.
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never thought of that crapsy
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Rastus here are some pics one of the locking pin and one of where the fire extinguisher is but no access flap
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Crappsy, my extinguisher is mounted inside the drawer next to the fridge slide. Nice and close to the kitchen and no worries with the skirt.
Also, my spare wheel locking pin is mounted vertically where yours is horizontal.
They obviously made some minor changes as the camper was developed. Can take photos if it helps.
Rastus, nice looking camper.
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Ill take pics of my swing arm, yours looks a different setup crappsy. My fire extinguisher is mounted on the slide out pantry in the kitchen next to the fridge and im sure I can access both cooktop and kitchen thru my draft skirts, like galstonjim said....minor changes as they progress
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I would expect some differences as mine is a different mode, as well. The model down from Rastus v.nice look camper
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Thx crappsy, have come up with a plan to lock the spare wheel in place. will try tomoz and post the results in case they dont change anything on the next model.
cheers rastus
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Hi Crappsy,
Here a couple of photos showing the spare wheel locking pin and extinguisher location.
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thx galstonjim, thinking of doing something similar to mine
cheers rastus
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Ok crappsy, galstonjim this is what i come up with.....
1. spring bolt and galvanised eyelet bolt
2. view from above
3. closed and pinned together
spring bolt and Nyloc nut $14, gal eyelet bolt from back shed. could have used two eyelet bolts with a third as a pin but I thought the spring setup looks more pro
cheers rastus
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Rastus, that looks good.
How is the wheel meant to lock from factory? Does the hinge bolt tighten to lock in place?
Cheers,
James
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not as far as I know Jim, the pin you see in the photo is just that, a greased pin
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rastus how is the trailer going now you have had if for a few weeks now.
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only had it out once crappsy, still learning, its very heavy over the front....ball weight is 340kg fully loaded, trying to tweak how we load it, also we are going to use a hayman reece weight distribution kit to improve ride and handling.
other than that, very happy
cheers rastus
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Christ that's a heavy tow ball weight. What are you towing it with?
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only had it out once crappsy, still learning, its very heavy over the front....ball weight is 340kg fully loaded, trying to tweak how we load it, also we are going to use a hayman reece weight distribution kit to improve ride and handling.
other than that, very happy
cheers rastus
Holy crap.
How do you propose to load it different ? There isn't much choice when all the storage is in front of the axle. Even a KK with all the options ain't that heavy.
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Rastus what is the dry ball weight ?
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not sure what dry ball weight is, didnt have the scales before we loaded it. As oldmate said, all the storage is forward of the axel
cheers rastus
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We had the same issue with our Overland Elite. All storage is forward of the axle including the battery. We hit 310kgs fully loaded.
I moved as much as I could to either under the bed or in a spacecase on top of the axle. With that we're now down to 250kgs fully loaded including 2 jerry cans of water on the drawbar.
None of these campers are lightweights on the tow ball.