Camper and caravan

[Nay-DMAX]

Sort of a follow on from the post about do you go camping enough to warrant the purchase of your camper.  Is there anyone out there who has both a camper trailer and a caravan?  Perhaps a better version of one and cheaper version of the other?  If I could afford to I would like this option for some of the following reasons.  I prefer the space that we get with the camper including the room for the dogs to sleep.  However I would like to get more camping time in during the year and think if we had a caravan that we didn't have to worry about drying canvas would do more trips throughout the colder months. We did get the swag for shorter trips and put it on a tarp but for similar reasons if it gets wet still have to find somewhere to set it up at home.  This caravan and camper option will probably never happen for us unless we end up having to buy one when we build the new house to stay in, or we win lotto.  Do others think this way or am I just over complicating things.

[The punter]

Sort of a follow on from the post about do you go camping enough to warrant the purchase of your camper.  Is there anyone out there who has both a camper trailer and a caravan?  Perhaps a better version of one and cheaper version of the other?  If I could afford to I would like this option for some of the following reasons.  I prefer the space that we get with the camper including the room for the dogs to sleep.  However I would like to get more camping time in during the year and think if we had a caravan that we didn't have to worry about drying canvas would do more trips throughout the colder months. We did get the swag for shorter trips and put it on a tarp but for similar reasons if it gets wet still have to find somewhere to set it up at home.  This caravan and camper option will probably never happen for us unless we end up having to buy one when we build the new house to stay in, or we win lotto.  Do others think this way or am I just over complicating things.

This is why we bought one of these:

http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/reconn/

[Bird]

Dan has a Trackmaster and a Softfloor camper for all occasions....

[Nay-DMAX]

This is why we bought one of these:

http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/reconn/

Looks good we will be less likely to afford that than to buy a cheap caravan unfortunately.

[IanC]

We too have ordered a Reconn.  Which I think is the perfect touring camper.  Quick set up for over night stays.  Quick beside the road lunch etc etc etc

HOWEVER in saying that we have a 2000 Kimberly Kamper which we have up-specced with batteries solar hws etc etc  and I must say I am reluctant to sell as it is the perfect thing for long term camping.  Has lots more internal room.  A much larger covered area from the annexe, easy to throw kayaks, boats, bikes firewood etc on the top.  Possibly no lighter to tow though.

At the moment the Reconn will be our main camper of choice, due to business commitments we are only able to go on weekend trips. 

So I agree having both covers every situation.

Its always the wallet that keeps you honest.

[Redcherokee]

We have both.  The soft floor camper will go through much tougher tracks, and is light enough to tow behind the little 2 door Jeep.  The caravan wins on comfort and set up time.   

We have used them both roughly an equal number of trips over the last year.  We have even taken both setups to seperate Myswag events this year!

[gronk]

This is why we bought one of these:

http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/reconn/

After 2 KK campers,  the only bad thing to say about one was wet weather packup and reopening when at home to dry out......

Why we also bought one of these...seems to be the best of both worlds..

[Nifty1]

We have both. Had the caravan (15' poptop) for years and it has been great, especially after we fitted a diesel heater. But we wanted/needed to spend more time on shorter local trips in Eastern Victoria where there are so many places to go offroad, or off the bitumen anyway. In many ways I prefer the camper. And like everyone else, never have enough time to play with the toys.

[AJ]

We have both.
A 19' Windsor Rapid for most trips and a soft floor camper for the desert trips or off-road tracks.
Most times we use the van as a base camp and do day trips.
Some trips are swags only.
The van is best for bad weather. It has toilet, shower, gas hot water, aircon, etc and plenty of space inside and under the awning.
Setup time is a clear winner for the van.

[Garfish]

My in laws have both the KK for bush camping/ gulf trips and a caravan for the black top generally when they are off the the line control flying championships.


Sent from my fingers via my brain

[Tim - Stratford]

What about a big shed for Lino? Then when you come home with a wet camper just set it up in the shed!

Tim

[Nay-DMAX]

What about a big shed for Lino? Then when you come home with a wet camper just set it up in the shed!

Tim

That is more the plan but still have to set it up whereas a caravan you dont. The reason getting a caravan is unlikely is it takes us further away from building new house and new shed.

[swanny]

The boss has floated the idea more recently about a Van, whilst I wouldn't mind the creature comforts they offer at times im not completely ready to give up our CT, I enjoy being able to go into remote areas without worrying to much about whats on behind me.....so i thru the idea up that we keep the CT when the time is right for a van, I explained this way we could still do our remote stuff, and then enjoy the van on other times....and to my surprise she liked the idea, given we own the CT its not real extra cost, just means we save a bit longer for the van...more remote touring...

[AJ]

The boss has floated the idea more recently about a Van, whilst I wouldn't mind the creature comforts they offer at times im not completely ready to give up our CT, I enjoy being able to go into remote areas without worrying to much about whats on behind me.....so i thru the idea up that we keep the CT when the time is right for a van, I explained this way we could still do our remote stuff, and then enjoy the van on other times....and to my surprise she liked the idea, given we own the CT its not real extra cost, just means we save a bit longer for the van...more remote touring...

It really is the best of both worlds. Camper is really a fuel trailer for our desert trips. Can load it up with 14 jerries of fuel and 4 of water and disappear for an outback or desert explore for a couple of weeks. The caravan on the other hand is perfect for weekends as it's quick to setup and pack up and so comfortable.

[AdrianLR]

We have an onsite van under 2 hours from home and the camper is for more remote trips or trips with friends.

[Marschy]

Yes, I have both, the van is going on an outing this weekend to the Murray. The camper is going on an outing to Mungo NP in September when it's warmer.

The van is more appealing during winter as it has a reverse cycle air conditioner