Our first CT was a basic Aus Made just a Tent and Annexe. After 3 years we knew what we wanted in a CT and the affordability of another Aus made CT was out of the question. So we looked and asked questions and bought an Ezytrail Buckland just before Christmas last year. Everything we needed 12v, kitchen, "semi-off road" (not that I would do anything serious in it) for a little $6k on special. Imported but assembled in Melbourne
The only "issues" I can recall when we bought it was a lot of swarf left over from drilling - but that was fixed by giving the kids the vacuum cleaner. The other issue was not enough silicone - but it was a 10min job and I had some lying around. Easy fixes as far I'm concerned. I've added a 240v point and a couple of extra 12v sockets in the tent. Also, replaced put in a Queen mattress which worked out well because it gives a little ledge on the bed area.
Having had it coming up 6 months and used it about 4 times already, the only down side is the paint seems a bit thin, so it chips and goes through the metal on the draw bar and rims a bit easier than a decent paint jobs. Not a huge amount though. But then again, we've travelled around 3,000km with some of that on gravel roads so it hasn't exactly sat idle. The pleasing part about the gravel roads, is the whole thing remained dust free in the tray and tent. Haven't towed in the rain yet, so I don't know if it leaks under towing. Had it set up in the rain over New Years and with 24 hours of rain, we ended up about 1/2 to a cup of water in the corner of the tent. But that because it was pooling and coming through the zip and eyelet. I put that one down to Mother Nature.
As an imported CT owner, I'd buy an other one. I would imagine in about 5 years when we upgrade, an Imported CT will be just as good as Aus made (unfortunately which means the "locals" miss out). People will still have to be wary though, just like when you buy anything.
My advice as an Imported CT owner, find a couple of manufacturers that tickle your fancy and then ask for opinions from those that own them. Go from there. A plus is the savings allow for anything you want to tidy up or add.
Enjoy.
Craig E.
