Opinions Please - Help me decide on what camper

[Prado BB]

Hello All - it's time to buy a new camper.

Firstly - I have made the decision that I no longer want to spend big bucks on a camper.  I have however decided that nothing is not an option either, motels are too expensive and I need to get away more.

Secondly - I only want to spend around 5-6K and want a "camper trailer".  I know that quality and features may be an issue at this price, but I except this.

To this end, I have been looking at secondhand units and most are way too old, nearing the end of their useful life, no-name items or very lightweight construction.  So I have been looking (online only) at the Mars Off Road - Road King  http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200628109465&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

and

EzyTrail Off Road http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250852719346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Both appear to be packed with good features, strongly built (check out specs) and most of all, value for money.  I don't really care if they are built o/s as the stated materials used, exceed some Aussie built units.

What do you think? I have to be in Melbourne at the end of next month and plan to check both out, but if anyone has done so already, please let me know.  Alternatively, is there anyone close by that can duck in and check them out?

Your comments are welcomed, even if you tell me to quit dreaming!!

[schmik]

Yes... they do look good in the pics and they do look good on a spec sheet.

But the Chinese are geniuses. They can invent was for things to fail that you have never even thought of. They can invent materials to use that you would never have imagined.

If you have a wife and kids (as your avatar shows) then I would steer clear. This cheap stuff will let you down at the most in-oportune moment possible. The kids will be miserable, the wife will be mad and it will be up to YOU to fix it.   Do you need that stress on a holiday?

mike

[John Connor]

Hello All - it's time to buy a new camper.

Firstly - I have made the decision that I no longer want to spend big bucks on a camper.  I have however decided that nothing is not an option either, motels are too expensive and I need to get away more.

Secondly - I only want to spend around 5-6K and want a "camper trailer".  I know that quality and features may be an issue at this price, but I except this.

To this end, I have been looking at secondhand units and most are way too old, nearing the end of their useful life, no-name items or very lightweight construction.  So I have been looking (online only) at the Mars Off Road - Road King  http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200628109465&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

and

EzyTrail Off Road http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250852719346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Both appear to be packed with good features, strongly built (check out specs) and most of all, value for money.  I don't really care if they are built o/s as the stated materials used, exceed some Aussie built units.

What do you think? I have to be in Melbourne at the end of next month and plan to check both out, but if anyone has done so already, please let me know.  Alternatively, is there anyone close by that can duck in and check them out?

Your comments are welcomed, even if you tell me to quit dreaming!!

Stick to Aussie made second hand they do come up occasionally in your price range and generally less trouble.

Camper Tragic

[MDS69]

Andy,
If you ever want to call around and check out my GIC you are welcome to. Even though the showroom for GIC is in Sydney anyway you can see one after it has been on a couple of trips.

Mark.

[Prado BB]

Andy,
If you ever want to call around and check out my GIC you are welcome to. Even though the showroom for GIC is in Sydney anyway you can see one after it has been on a couple of trips.

Mark.

Thanks Mark

will PM you

[Campout35]

Campers are like cars, there are sooooooo many different models, and varieties and something to suit everyone.. but there are a few things to remember..
1. Buy what suits your family. Not all campers suit all dynamics.
2. try and buy Aussie made.
and most importantly
3. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.... cheap isnt always great... usually if its cheap, then it's made that way. You end up with leaks and rips, and broken zippers, etc. little things that end up making your holilday not so enjoyable for you or the family.. hope this helps...   

[D4D]

What about an Xtrail Xplorer?
http://xtrailcampers.com/xtrail_camper_trailer_package_Xplorer_STD_DLX.php

If you buy from MEL, I'm sure a swagger would be able to deliver to the border for you

[Signature035]

G'Day Andy,

Still in Sydney?

Can I interest you in a well equiped Eagle 

[Bird]

If it was me I'd have a look around for a good name brand unit....

YMMV

[areyonga]

X2 Xtrail, worth a look and give Sam a call

[Prado BB]

Thanks for the responses.

I was having a discussion with someone today and they suggested that I invest in a quality trailer for around $3-3.5K and then adding a quality tent on top for $2-2.5K, that way the basics are quality items and then I can add-on from there.  This sounded like a good alternative to me

I'm enjoying the research this time and will not rush into things as I want something that won't let me down, even if that means going with fewer luxuries, that's how we came into this world isn't it?

[bullfrog]

I put strong & simple well ahead of fancy & flimsy. Oh, big $$ don't always = big results either.

[Prado BB]

G'Day Andy,

Still in Sydney?

Can I interest you in a well equiped Eagle 

Hey mate, yep still in Sydney
thanks for the offer  but no thanks

[Prado BB]

I put strong & simple well ahead of fancy & flimsy. Oh, big $$ don't always = big results either.

Agreed

[Bird]

I was having a discussion with someone today and they suggested that I invest in a quality trailer for around $3-3.5K and then adding a quality tent on top for $2-2.5K, that way the basics are quality items and then I can add-on from there.  This sounded like a good alternative to me

Look into it lots first.. it always sounds that cheap and easy until you start ordering in bits and pieces...

[Prado BB]

Look into it lots first.. it always sounds that cheap and easy until you start ordering in bits and pieces...

Yeah, that's what scares me, I know that's what I did with the Prado.....

[bullfrog]

At the time we bought our CT, I also looked at option of buying a solid off rd trailer  + tent top + extras ++++. In the wash up, it cost me about $1000- $ 1500 more to tow a Trackabout out of the showroom than building up a CT to the same level. If you have the spare time to do it, great !! I didn't & couldn't be bothered for the difference in $$. Something to factor in is YOUR time to put it all together if doing it bit by bit.

[Prado BB]

After looking at one imported camper in Sydney (I won't say anymore), I decided that I would assemble one myself, using a quality built off road trailer and "reasonable" imported tent.  After visiting a trailer maker, I have ordered a trailer as follows: 7 x 4, Off Road Trailer, Fully welded box, 7 Leaf off-road rebound suspension, shock and vibration proof fully sealed LED lights, 4 x 50 x 50 mm tube chassis, 4 x 75 x 50 mm tube drawbar, 45 mm axle, 6 stud hubs (Patrol / Landcruiser) brand new sunraysia wheels (15x7), 2 jerry can holders, 1 9kg gas bottle holder, rear support stands, 1800 mm long drawbar, swing tailgate on rear, water tank with guard, tap and filler, electric brakes, stone guard, Chequer-plate floor and mudguards and Chequer-plate jerry can stone guards, poly block coupling, rear bike/recovery mount. I also came across a tent importer who appears to stand by the product, provides you with his phone number, email etc and a reasonable warranty.  After answering all my questions he gave me a great discount (probably got sick of me), so I am now in the process of buying all the other bits and pieces to make this suitable to our needs.  I hear "Lost's" echo in my head, therefore I am keeping a spreadsheet, detailing every cent.  I will probably start a new thread in "My Camper Trailer" section when it all arrives, ready for me to start tinkering.
Cheers
Andy

[morgue]

Thanks for the responses.

I was having a discussion with someone today and they suggested that I invest in a quality trailer for around $3-3.5K and then adding a quality tent on top for $2-2.5K, that way the basics are quality items and then I can add-on from there.  This sounded like a good alternative to me

I'm enjoying the research this time and will not rush into things as I want something that won't let me down, even if that means going with fewer luxuries, that's how we came into this world isn't it?

Yep, you may be on he right track, but keep in mind what you want to do with the trailer, hardcore offroad, mild offroad or black top, that will determine the trailer to build...price $2k will get a good trailer that will cover mild off road to black top.
The biggest investment will be the tent, why? It's what it is all about...an easy set up after a drive and sleeping at night in comfort in all sorts of weather, get that right and it will make camping all that better.
There are cheapie tents available..$1500 for trailers..chinese stuff..does the minimum, if want ozzie stuff...about $3000 starting off will get you a good quality tent.

Good Luck

[Withy]

After looking at one imported camper in Sydney (I won't say anymore), I decided that I would assemble one myself, using a quality built off road trailer and "reasonable" imported tent.  After visiting a trailer maker, I have ordered a trailer as follows: 7 x 4, Off Road Trailer, Fully welded box, 7 Leaf off-road rebound suspension, shock and vibration proof fully sealed LED lights, 4 x 50 x 50 mm tube chassis, 4 x 75 x 50 mm tube drawbar, 45 mm axle, 6 stud hubs (Patrol / Landcruiser) brand new sunraysia wheels (15x7), 2 jerry can holders, 1 9kg gas bottle holder, rear support stands, 1800 mm long drawbar, swing tailgate on rear, water tank with guard, tap and filler, electric brakes, stone guard, Chequer-plate floor and mudguards and Chequer-plate jerry can stone guards, poly block coupling, rear bike/recovery mount. I also came across a tent importer who appears to stand by the product, provides you with his phone number, email etc and a reasonable warranty.  After answering all my questions he gave me a great discount (probably got sick of me), so I am now in the process of buying all the other bits and pieces to make this suitable to our needs.  I hear "Lost's" echo in my head, therefore I am keeping a spreadsheet, detailing every cent.  I will probably start a new thread in "My Camper Trailer" section when it all arrives, ready for me to start tinkering.
Cheers
Andy

Andy
Was reading through all the blogs(should've read last one first)and i was going to suggest Southern Cross(saw one at xmas up central coast).But it seems you have it all soughted out and there's nothing better then completing something yourself(I took the easy way out).

Be good to see the finished item.

Mike.

[Black Diamond]

Very nice Andy Look forward to the read up on the build and im sure there are many others that would be interested and on a similar budget.
I reckon thats a good path you have taken. At least you can bank on your workmanship which is something you cant do with some of these cheapo CT's.
Cheers John

[harvs]

Hi Prado BB

In your price range you can find some good, known brand  name Aussie campers that ate not at The end of their useful life. I recon that anything under 5k is too old or too cheaply made, and anything older than 10 years is too old.
I just had a quick nation wide look at the second hand market on eBay. I. Found a handful of quality branded units. The best one for the dollars was a well kitted out Tru Blu for 8k.
You can get some bargains in winter,
and when it comes time to sell, the resale of a quality local unit will all ways beat a little known import.


There are bargains pit there. My Obriens I bought for $6300. I recon probably worth about 10-12k. The seller had the worst photography, and write up you could imagine.

Anyway food for thought. Good luck.
Harvs

[Prado BB]

Thanks for all the comments.  I agree that you can sit around and wait for the right unit for around $8k, however I first started off with a budget of $5-6K, most quality campers that I have seen advertised are either interstate or miles from me, which means allot of travel costs involved to inspect these items.  I figured, if I assemble one, then I know exactly what I am getting, get some sort of satisfaction in knowing I had a hand in creating it, get a warranty with the trailer and tent and do it all for about $7k (includes electrics and other bits and pieces, which I was expecting on top of my initial investment).  Granted, that the tent is Chinese, but so are so many these days on under $15k campers.   

Cheers
Andy

[Sharshebelle1]

What about an Xtrail Xplorer?
http://xtrailcampers.com/xtrail_camper_trailer_package_Xplorer_STD_DLX.php

If you buy from MEL, I'm sure a swagger would be able to deliver to the border for you

Our first campertrailer was an xtrail,  we never had any problems with it.

[Prado BB]

Yeah I like the Xtrail campers, but again, the off road start at $9,650, so they are little out of my budget. The std is just not sturdy enough for what I am planning.