Hi, after advice for a new offroad camper

[Jakster1]

G'day

I'm looking at upgrading the tent campsite setup and getting my first camper trailer. So I'm here to research what to buy.

Got about 20k to spend and still deciding to go new or a good few yer old second hand one.

I want something that will go upto the cape and back in one piece.

I have a pretty well setup patrol with barwork, lift, lockers, 33's and the usual range of accessories

Hoeing to pick up some good advice of what to get

[Bird]

Welcome.
I'd go and buy a good used trailer with all the goodies already done.
but you'll see 230948203948ty threads on that around the place.

[Clouty]

Welcome to myswag..
As Lost said check out the classifieds for cracking second hand trailers..
Good luck with your search..

[ozstickman]

As said above. Oh and when you do get one we all like pics!


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[Barry G]

I have never regretted going the used camper route.
Decide what you want in terms of sleeping capacity, etc and check out the used camper threads on here and you should find something great well within your budget.
Can then spend some of the $ you save on mods to get it exactly how you want and food / beer / fuel for the trip to the Cape!   

[scarps]

Welcome jakster1, great to have you on board.

[Jakster1]

Thanks for the welcome.

So now my next question is why everyone is saying to buy used?

I have seen some new ones that look good on paper for pretty cheap and then some a few years old that are going for about the same price. Is there much difference in the quality of the cheaper Chinese made campers or are they just as good quality and just a better buy?

[Swannie]

Thanks for the welcome.

So now my next question is why everyone is saying to buy used?

I have seen some new ones that look good on paper for pretty cheap and then some a few years old that are going for about the same price. Is there much difference in the quality of the cheaper Chinese made campers or are they just as good quality and just a better buy?

Mate, good questions & I'm sure you will get many responses!!! The thinking is that many people put a lot of thought & effort in adding to the standard camper that you will get more bang for your buck.

Swannie

[KingBilly]

Just want to say welcome to myswag.  Hope you find what you are looking for

Happy camping
KB

[GeoffA]

Hi Jak,

If you do buy new, and use it as you say you intend, it will look second hand soon enough.

My 2c.........aim for a used, quality unit.

Cheers,
Geoff

[nab]

I bought my first camper as a demo, was pretty basic but did the job.

When I sold it for half of what I paid for it almost 6 years later, the new buyer got extras like toolbox, battery and 12V system, water tank plus other bits and pieces. It had been used but still presented very well.

That is why everyone recommends 2nd hand. Much better bang for your buck and most of the expensive mods are already done!

[Jakster1]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
What I am after is something that is new or "as new". Not something that is "still functional" but a bit rough around the edges and a bit shabby. I'm after something pretty smicko!  Then if I use it and it ends up in that state, I can proudly say "yep I've used it" a bit like my new patrol and the bush pinstripes down the sides, used for what it was made to do best!
I've had a fair bit of camping experience using normal tents and tarps so I am aware that stuff, over time wears out, which also varies with the quality of the gear to begin with.
I guess I just don't want to buy into other people's problems, and the places that I want to take my camper would be pretty rough on them.
I'm just not decided if I should try one of these new "cheapies", I'm a bit worries it all looks good to start with but may not go the distance.
I'm still only early days into this research so all input and comments are appreciated.
Cheers

[Barry G]

If you up-date your info to show your location it would also help in giving advice as to options. There are usually more options in the big smokes than remoter areas.
Here is a fantastic near new Trackabout in your price range on the Gold Coast.  http://www.myswag.org/index.php? ausie built, 2011 model, always garaged, includes fridge. topic=34897.msg579376#new
Tambo Cooper in Melbourne for under $7,000! Looks pretty Schlick to me.  http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=35561.msg587511#new. You could do a huge number of mods with the balance of your budget. 
I have no interest in either ( or any other) for sale, just think these are fantastic value if in any way local to you. IMO, if it is within your budget 'as new' Aussie canvas on a recognised quality off-road trailer is always a better bet than the o-s synthetic 'canvas'.

[Blackheart]

Welcome jak.
I'm in the same position as you and although yet to purchase have pretty well decided on aussie second hand. B&B is correct in that the major centres have more choice. I'm in Tas and have already planned to hirer a camper interstate to get a better idea of what is on offer and hopefully check out some secondhand ones as we go. The plan is to come back with a camper!!
This is a great site for info and very willingly given.


Cheers Dave

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Welcome to Both of you Jak and Blackheart,
As mentioned, just ask a question, someone will help I'm sure.
Might even be me on rare occasions.
A Good Looking, Second Hand, Australian Built, Camper Trailer would be the go.
All the little bugs and faults should all be sorted.
There are quite a few Brands still out there as already mentioned.
New is Nice, but it's still 'new to you' in the long run anyway.
There's plenty of members around.
I'm sure someone would help sort something out, if your having problems.
Good luck with your choice.

[TysGuUte]

G'day Jackster, plenty of good reading and advice on here. Also some bargain second hand campers on here. An Aussie made good quality trailer will give you the piece of mind to tow it anywhere you take your patrol.  For me it came down to what was going to last. The cheap ones are inviting and do look pretty when new and they do suit some peoples budgets. But a locally made camper with good quality steel, suspension, canvas, stitching, zippers, wiring......,will  ease the pain of the initial outlay in years to come when it is all still working and lasting. Good luck mate.

[dazzler]

I'm still only early days into this research so all input and comments are appreciated.
Cheers

Assemble one yourself;

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=36094.msg578367#msg578367

Match the wheel track to your patrol.

Match the wheels to the patrol.

If its extreme 4 x 4 then keep the drawbar shorter (within reason). 

Have fun.

[Bird]

Thanks for the welcome.

So now my next question is why everyone is saying to buy used?

You will get a $15,000 trailer for 9k, where *SOME* $9k trailers are only worth $2.50+gst

[noel_w]

Was in the same boat when I was looking to buy. Came down to the fact that to option a new lower end camper to the specs I wanted I could get a 2nd hand quality Aussie camper for less money and twice as tough with all the options already on it.

I have never regretted buying my Trackie and love it to bits even though it's old and has some battle scars. (bit like me and my GQ really) The quality remains long after the bling wears off. Also someone else has worn the depreciation cost when it is driven out the door of the supplier.

One advantage with mine is the tent and annex are mainly self supporting without adding 2986354 spreader bars. Lot less time to set up and more time for   

[Jakster1]

Righto so I've got a bit of a direction to head towards now.

What are some brands of good quality, strong, Aussie built that I should search?
Any suggestions?
Keeping in mind I'm looking for something newish, like not older than say a few years
I've heard the tracklander are good and also mod con, there are a few of them for sale that look good.

[GGV8Cruza]

Righto so I've got a bit of a direction to head towards now.

What are some brands of good quality, strong, Aussie built that I should search?
Any suggestions?
Keeping in mind I'm looking for something newish, like not older than say a few years
I've heard the tracklander are good and also mod con, there are a few of them for sale that look good.

Tambo
Customline
Trackabout

There's a few to start and there are a heap more. Check out the classifieds on the Forum

GG

[steppenwolf]

Depends on what you can carry over from tent-camping in the way of gear, but if it's any help to someone budgeting $20k, our new off-road started at $12k delivered, but by the time we reconfigured the towing vehicle, bought and had fitted 4 AGM batteries, got the fridge, the solar power, the lighting, the extra water capacity, the furniture, rego, insurance, the remote-camping firstaid kit, the solar device chargers, folding dunny, yatta yatta yatta (still need blankets and gas bottles) we weren't too far off your $20k budget.

And that doesn't include either the chandelier or the billiard table for the tent's mezzanine floor.....

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

What about the wrought iron staircase.
Did you leave that out after all Steph.

[smartyingreen]

I guess you need to sort out what you want ie hard floor vs soft floor, tent size, electrics, water etc etc. Then others may be able to give suitable suggestions.
I know you're in Qld but there are many good manufacturers across the country to choose from and especially in second hand.
Some good trailers built down this way include Cameron Campers, Challenge and Adventure. You can certainly pick up a good secondhand one of any of these within your stated budget.

Good luck with the decision, you should get a great trailer with that budget

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[Jakster1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys,
I'm going to check out the Mackay home and outdoors show in a couple of weeks so ill be able to compare  what is on offer. And actually see the difference between the locally built vs imported.
I'm particularly interested in the modcon ecomate rearfold hard floor model at the moment. But I've got to see what the prices are like and what they come with and if I need to spend more money to get it upto scratch. Including accessories etc..( hopefully not )
If not there is a nice 2nd hand modcon rearfold soft floor trailer that's up for sale.
1st choice would be the hardfloor but I think it's gonna blow the budget a bit too much.( unless I save for a bit longer or wait till tax time)