Lifestyle tents - china?

[Mik01]

hope this is in the right area...

trying to decide between buying a second hand 2012 Lifestyle (walkthru model) and 2009 models - its not clear anywhere on the interweb, but is it correct that the later model Lifestyle (walkthru) campers have chinese tents?

would the 2009 model have Aussie made?  I think I would lean towards the older model with Aussie tent (hopefully dynaproof) rather than the newer one with imported tent.

would appreciate anyone in the know if you can confirm.

cheers, Mike

[Trackabout Off Road Campers]

Mik01, have you considered giving Darren or John a call? I'm sure they will be willing to help with your questions.. Good luck Dave

[Mik01]

Mik01, have you considered giving Darren or John a call? I'm sure they will be willing to help with your questions.. Good luck Dave

no mate I hadn't considered this.

wasn't sure if appropriate, given I am buying second hand.

I don't want to suggest anything is poor or lower standard - however all I can see on their website is the campers are Aussie made, yet I read a comment that they are using overseas tents on the cheaper models (ie walkthru) in their range.
need to know if this includes the 2012 model.

[Turbojohn]

Hi Mike
The 09 model will be aussie dynaproofed canvas, not sure about the newer one, that was about the time lifestyle started offering the Chinese canvas.  I have a lifestyle explorer + and it has a label stitche onto the inside of the wall near the bed stating dynaproofed canvas etc.  Most campers that use this canvas have this label somewhere inside.
Go have a look and see if it has this label. Happy hunting. 

[Lori]

My understanding is the walkthru is assembled in oz with Chinese components, including a Chinese tent.

The all australian component equivalent is the Extenda. Smaller tent, but Aussie made. More expensive.

But give lifestyle a call and ask questions. The used camper market helps move the new camper market along.

[Mik01]

ok - thanks all.
seems I was correct in my thinking.

[02-SR5]

I have the Lifestyle Explorer model. Got it last year just before Christmas.

I came from a G$& camper that was suppose to be Aussie made. It was a complete POS.

I was very sceptical about buying imported. Their entry Explorer is imported but built to their specs.

It was 1000000 times better than the G$$ one I had before.

Explorer imported tents have the grey cover, their Aussie made tents have the blue cover.

Their "explorer" range is aimed at the budget end. Just like a Magnum "Warn" winch.

I am very happy with it. It only cost me $6850 drive away. Not bad for a brand new camper.

[Blueroo]

We have a 2006 explorer and its still going strong. Great camper and goes anywhere we are game to tow it.
Lifestyle still give us excellent support and advise when we need it even though its an old trailer. We just had them install a rear wheel carrier to give us the option of carrying 2 spares when we do remote trips. All done with no fuss and a good price.
My experience is that Lifestyle have a good reputation and back up their product.
cheers
Stu

[Cracker74]

I recall the canvas is made in Thailand.  IMO its all about QC (quality control) and John or Darren told me about their QC practices and the fact they were not happy with the initial imported product and made some changes for the better.  I agree with Bluroo, Lifestyle have a very good reputation for quality and aftermarket service and they would not want to drop their standards and tarnish the good work to date.  I have seen some aussie made canvass products fall short in this area, so just because its imported doesn't mean its a bad thing.  However, I have seen some nasty imported jobs too.  This leads me bac to my initial point of QC.

So I guess its all relative and it is all part of the joy of looking and finding whats right for you.

ps - I pick up my Lifestyle walkthrou Delux tomorrow.   

Cracker74

[Mik01]

Hi, yeah you're probably right, BUT, it's confusing to know and trust whose imported CTs are good quality - especially tent fabric.

I don't understand why manufacturers can't source top quality canvas in Asia which is as good or better than ours and just as heavy duty. Would be cheaper to source and stitch.

[Brumbypt]

I would go the older aussie made trailer and tent..

but it all depends on you and how often you wanna use it..

but you dont wanna be settle down, about to go to sleep and the stitching opens up right above you in the rain.


Carry on...

[02-SR5]

However, I have seen some nasty imported jobs too.  This leads me bac to my initial point of QC.

This is what made me decide on mine.

The whole Aussie Made (IMHO) only kicks in when you are looking at a top end camper (Trackabout or Customline are my two picks of a top quality Aussie Made camper).

Just because something is Aussie Made, doesn't mean it is a quality product.

Look at some of the lower end budget campers that use to be endorsed by 4wd magazines. They are Aussie made, and the are complete rubbish.