Star Vision Campers

[Kapitaal]

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting my first camper trailer and I was wondering if anyone has seen or purchased one of the flip out hard floor models fro Star Vision.  The design looks very interesting and I'd be interested in hearing any opinions good or bad with these guys.

Here's a link to their site.

http://www.bhldirect.com/

Thanks,

Heath.

[McGirr]

A different style. How much !!

Mark

[Kapitaal]

Sure are interesting, kind of like a Jayco pop-top style but with a tent.

They only seem to be selling on ebay at the moment, either auctions or buy it now for $7999.  I've emailed asking if they have walls and floor the awning and a non-ebay price.

Will post the update when they respond.

Cheers,

Heath.

[Kapitaal]

Even more interesting

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     starvision@bhldirect.com.au

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Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the recipient domain. We recommend contacting the other email provider for further information about the cause of this error. The error that the other server returned was: 550 550 #5.1.0 Address rejected. (state 13).

[Kapitaal]

Just spoke to them on the mobile number listed (1300 didn't work) and they have a walls and floor package for additional $600 and will sell direct for $6K picked up from Melbourne.

[Bunyip]

Hi Heath,

Welcome to MySwag and thanks for pointing out a very interesting option.

Do you have a link to the ebay item? I have tried to find them for a friend bt no luck.

Bunyip

[Kapitaal]

Sure do.  here's one I'm watching.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271137653974?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_13540wt_1271

Also, checking with the completed options, they've sold 10 since Dec 31 averaging around the $5,500 mark.

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=NEW+DESIGN+HARD+FLOOR+CAMPER+TRAILER+WITH+2+BEDS+%2B+SOFA+LOUNGE+%2B+OFF+ROAD&_in_kw=3&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50

[Bunyip]

Thanks Heath.

[Bird]

Hmmmmm.. theres that MADE IN AUSTRALIA thing again...

it has suspensions.... engrish?

[StrvnMrvn]

Hi Heath and welcome to the land of swaggers!!

Just had a look at their web site and my questions / thoughts would be:

1. Is there room for a bigger mattress? They look a bit thin for a good nights sleep.

2. I'd go for the traveller model. If you look at the other model,the kitchen seems to be in a weird place on the other side of the trailer away from the living area as per their pics. The traveller model, the kitchen is in the area you will spend most of your time.

3. What sort of battery system do they run? They mention LED lights and the kitchen tap plumbed into the water tank.

4. The spare wheel on the traveller is underneath the draw bar! Could end in tears if you go through or out of a steep spot.

All the points could be a good little DIY project for you. I'd change a few things just to make it my own like I did with my GIC trailer.

Just my thoughts.



Strvy

[StrvnMrvn]

Hmmmmm.. theres that MADE IN AUSTRALIA thing again...

it has suspensions.... engrish?

Lets not go there Lost!! As long a pick up inspection is done, then there should be no problems!!



Strvy

[Bird]

Lets not go there Lost!! As long a pick up inspection is done, then there should be no problems!!



Strvy

That's providing hes an engineer and understands what he is looking at.

[chester ver2.0]

Maybe they are technically right as there is 2 shocks and 2 springs on each side

[BigJules]

These look very much like some models I saw at the 2012 April Canton Fair in China. At the time I recommended that they not try to sell any units into Australia until they could improve their fit, finish and quality.

Does it look like the drawbars are bolts onto the chassis to anyone else?

[evolution]

I saw one of these at the camping show here in albury wodonga at the end of last year.
The points I took away from them after looking at them are,
*draw bar was BOLTED on.
*the "beds" which are the roof do not line up, nor sit flush. In places I could stick my pinky finger through, so it would have leaked like a siv.
*The independent suspension actually looked very flimsy up close, the coilovers honestly looked like they didn't do much and were already leaking whilst at the show.
*Honestly the whole thing felt like it would fall apart down a road with slight corrugations.

I spent the time looking over them because they were/are an interesting design, but in my mind after what I saw with those, I would very CAREFULLY check them before handing over any coin for them.
IF they appear to be much better than what they were 6 months ago then all the better.

Like EVERYTHING made in china, some are good, some are CARP!. Depends on the level of quality the buyer has specified.
Make no mistake though, if He is selling them for between 5-7k, he is buying them for at least half that, so in my mind that is a low quality "chinese" trailer.

Cheers
Evo

[Kangaron]

Hope they are better than the scooters they sell
http://scootercommunity.com.au/forums/t/16158.aspx

[BigJules]

This is an excellent thread, and hopefully will assist folks doing research on these campers.

Do research
Online is a great place to look

New camper models deserve a thorough review
Onsite inspection is also a good idea
Try before you buy if possible

Be prepared to walk away if you're not happy
Use common sense when negotiating
You may want to take a friend who knows campers when you go to look at one

There are lots of models to choose from, so take your time
How much do you want to spend?
Essential items; what do you need in a camper?
Save yourself a lot of hassle and make sure you put up and pack away any camper you're considering
Enjoy yourself, once you've selected the right camper for you

And always read between the lines...or down

[Kangaron]

excellent advice, and look at the "photos" in the ads.
They are PC generated and Photoshopped, they couldn't even get the shadows right.

[bussoboy]

looks ok for the money................. from my point of view i would hate having to make the bed when setting up all the time

[Kapitaal]

Great advice guys. 

I'm definitely not a hand over 6K sight unseen kind of guy unless there are some solid recommendations from personal contacts or on the interwebs (hence this thread!).

I think the design concept however is a winner and if someone produced a well engineered example this would be a great alternative to a Jayco and sell like crazy, even in the 15-20K bracket.  So I think i'll hold off hitting the "Buy it now" button until I can check one out in the flesh.

Cheers,

Heath.

[evolution]

Probably the best idea mate,
Just a question for you though mate. Your obviously in the market for a camper trailer.
Rather than look at a photo of something shiny (we all do it  ) and say that will be great for me,
Have you done a list of what you do and don't want in a camper trailer?
such as

is quick set up important?
does it have to go everywhere (off-road)
do you need one or more beds made up inside?
do you have children?
If so how many?
do you require a full kitchen, or will a tap and a portable bbq suffice?
do you plan on staying "off the grid" so require self sufficient power?
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor?
do you need the extra room of a soft floor?
how much "stuff" will you take with you?
what is the weight limit of your tow vehicle?
how long will you expect it to last?
what is your comfortable budget?
Not all "chinese" camper trailers can be insured, can the one you are looking at?
what power requirements will you need? (lights, sockets, water, tv etc etc)
how much storage room do you have at home for a trailer?
how often will you use it?
and finally my favourite, does it have to be new?

I know of at least 6 of my friends who have used this sort of list as a basis, two of them ended up with traditional CARAVANS!!
only one stayed with the style he was looking at (single bloke) and bought a small cub second hand.
Allot of people build their own, not because its cheaper, but because that is the only way they can have a cake and eat it too.
Im not suggesting everyone do this, but I would certainly look too see if its an option.
With the trailer your asking about, my question to you is this. Do you plan to use the lounge area as a lounge or as a bed?
If a bed, it will be very cramped. Do you really think whilst camping you will sit inside or would an annex suffice?



Cheers
Evo

[Bird]

Great advice guys. 

I'm definitely not a hand over 6K sight unseen kind of guy unless there are some solid recommendations from personal contacts or on the interwebs (hence this thread!).

For $6k, I'd look for a good used Tambo, or other top shelf trailer and live with the peace of mind..

YMMV

[Nomad]

Its a Piece of Sh!t. Whether its a good Piece of Sh!t or a sh!t Piece of Sh!t I can't say yet.

I watched one sell at auction for just over 5k a week or so ago and thought...........yep its definately in the piece of Shit category.

[Chris F]

Probably the best idea mate,
Just a question for you though mate. Your obviously in the market for a camper trailer.
Rather than look at a photo of something shiny (we all do it  ) and say that will be great for me,
Have you done a list of what you do and don't want in a camper trailer?
such as

is quick set up important?
does it have to go everywhere (off-road)
do you need one or more beds made up inside?
do you have children?
If so how many?
do you require a full kitchen, or will a tap and a portable bbq suffice?
do you plan on staying "off the grid" so require self sufficient power?
is there enough room for you in a typical style hard floor?
do you need the extra room of a soft floor?
how much "stuff" will you take with you?
what is the weight limit of your tow vehicle?
how long will you expect it to last?
what is your comfortable budget?
Not all "chinese" camper trailers can be insured, can the one you are looking at?
what power requirements will you need? (lights, sockets, water, tv etc etc)
how much storage room do you have at home for a trailer?
how often will you use it?
and finally my favourite, does it have to be new?

I know of at least 6 of my friends who have used this sort of list as a basis, two of them ended up with traditional CARAVANS!!
only one stayed with the style he was looking at (single bloke) and bought a small cub second hand.
Allot of people build their own, not because its cheaper, but because that is the only way they can have a cake and eat it too.
Im not suggesting everyone do this, but I would certainly look too see if its an option.
With the trailer your asking about, my question to you is this. Do you plan to use the lounge area as a lounge or as a bed?
If a bed, it will be very cramped. Do you really think whilst camping you will sit inside or would an annex suffice?



Cheers
Evo

All good advice. I hired a few campers when I was in the market. My wife and I wrote lists of things we did and didn't like about the campers while we were using them. Started off with a Modcon and ended up with a KK. Loved the Modcon but the soft floor didn't suit our usual style of travel. I don't know if you can hire the cheap Chinese campers. I doubt they would withstand the flogging a hire camper goes through on a regular basis. The people who hire them out will give you a good idea of reliability issues too. Most hire campers do a normal lifetime of work in a couple of years.

[kylarama]

I like the concept of these campers.  Unfortuantly the execution is average to say the least.  I wonder how that almost flat roof would go in heavy rain?