Even while off the beaten track, the durable build of this camper gives you a comfortable experience. Let's take a look. Image Credits: The Futuristic Camper Trailer Every Camping Enthusiast Should Have! These packages have been thoroughly considered by our team, thus, by choosing to add a Super Tourer Package to your camper you will not be able to deduct or change any items from the list. Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%. Home RV Guides RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! The Blackseries HQ17 camper trailers cost $50,000 AUD! Here's what makes camper trailers worth it: When you spend that kind of money on a camping unit, you indeed want it to last for years. Wondering how much air to put in your tyres? Cost: $29,490. The Australian camper trailer world has undergone a massive revolution in the past decade. Latest review: We love our Cub Weekender with Transcontinental pack. See how easy it is to set up and pack down a trailer - if you can try it out for yourself at a dealership, then do so. Simple and bullet proof suspension. Whether you are looking for a camper trailer for family travels or just some solo time, we've got the best picks for you. RVing Trends is the premier online resource with the main mission to inspire RV travel to US campers. Coachman. Please read these Warranty Terms carefully. 03. Year round, our experts at Camper are out there doing real life testing of recently released camper trailers, camping gear and tow vehicles, from all the leading and lesser known brands, to provide you with the most comprehensive and credible reviews in Australia. Gulf Stream travel trailer brand: 1%. Dont Forget Your Camping Buddy! Moreover, you have to consider the build quality, tent setup features, living space, water tanks, and so much more. Hard-core off-road camper-trailers (built using heavy-duty materials and construction) or campers packed with features or options will be heavier than their cheaper, bare-bones or lighter entry-level on-road counterparts. 2. Under the foot of the bed, you'll find six internal storage boxes. All their units are built in Sydney, but they have sales offices all across Australia. Are you affected? However, it was once a great RV brand to buy from because of its admirable performance and reliability. 4.5 from 11 reviews. I would always ensure the Brake components are Alko or similar and available in Australia. . The Eagle Outback is also a chef's delight. Hinges, clips and latches need to be durable enough to cope with the rigours of camping and touring, and adjustable enough to squash tight in on dust seals to prevent water and dust ingress. Quality control issues have plagued the brand for years, and some owners have experienced frequent mechanical breakdowns and electrical problems. OK Itching for adventure and looking into buying a camper trailer? The slides and drawer are flimsy and cant hold heavy loads. Telluride. Last but not least, we have the Jayco Eagle Outback trailer on our list. Don't buy at the caravan shows . Is The Waeco CF50 Fridge As Good As They Say? If you are a camping enthusiast or want to live off-grid, the Bruder EXP 6 Camper is an excellent investment. Its likely youll have questions about your camper after you buy it, and you might even run into issues down the road that call for repairs, so hearing from other campers about their trailer experience is a useful place to start. 1.5/10. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. Avoid camper-trailers with below-par design, This Avan CruiseLiner is well designed - beware campers that aren't. Top 10 Best Rooftop Tents In Australia: The Ultimate Buying Guide. For 20 years Trackabout has been known as a tough-as-nails camper trailer builder. Jayco. The overall condition of the interior should be tip-top. Dutchmen Travel Trailer. We cannot simply miss Pioneer Campers in the best camper trailers list. Since the kitchen deck folds out, you can enjoy outdoors while cooking your favourite camping dishes. Compass Tires. Battery and large pull draw for, Latest review: Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. Latest review: I purchased a Trak Shak back in 2012 and I initially had concerns regarding the quality as I had heard that it had dropped. At the front there is a dedicated compartment for housing gas cylinders as well as a front box . Here are some highly rated camping products you can buy, and some of the best stores to buy them at. The horizon is wide open. You need to shell out $66,000 to bring home this camping buddy. These units are build with the campers needs in mind, I would give zero stars if I could. We love these camper trailers as they come with a bundle of features. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. But, for a price tag of just $11,000 USD, we think you can overlook those missing facilities. The awning should be easy to set up. The dream has become reality. Still one of the most desirable camper trailers on the market, its space-age teardrop design, incredibly clever tent system and military proven suspension system are the pride of many outback travellers. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. Part of that is a result of better engineering from Australian manufacturers and also a local understanding that lighter campers go further off-road (assuming, of course, theres no reduction in strength). Are water and gas fittings well put together, secure and in great working order? Off Road Campers. Let's help you on the journey to find the best camper trailer for your next adventure! Then arrived in January. The last thing you want at the end of a long day driving is having to fiddle with a difficult camper when trying to set it up. Winnebago travel trailer brand: 3%. Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related. Theyll give you a better idea of a camper trailer manufacturers after sales service and the durability of their campers. According to the surveys result, here are what we got for the query what RV brands to avoid: With the above result, we already did the research and interviewed some RV owners to understand the reasons which are shown below. Improper ventilation and missing parts are common problems. let us know in the comments. In this teardrop trailer, you get a comfy queen-size bed, solar panels, insulated walls, and every other van life essentials you'd want. Quality with a 'K'. * Drum brakes can be in any condition. These include brands such as Hurricane, Keystone . Revolutionary designs and features. Weve not maintained any order here. I have camped, We bought our first camper trailer last September at Maitland 4x4 & Camping show. Coleman Light series Travel trailer. Due to their inferior craftsmanship, lack of customer service, and wide range of issues with their RVs, most RV campers recommend Jayco as one of the poor quality RV manufacturers. Didnt they stop making TTs about 5 years ago? Companies like Forest River or Thor, and a few more have a history of poor customer service and reliability. Brands that dont offer high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer service should be avoided. A Large camper van, family size. Many customers reported that the A/C is unable to cool down the temperature properly. For Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers and Importers in Australia, the RVSA is set to completely transform the industry as we know it. If you are a first-time buyer, you might not be aware of the different camper trailers available in the market. It also gives you access to clean water with its 120-litre water tank. Cub Campers. Improper sealing? With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. Several factors determine whether the off-road camper trailer is a good choice or not. A new VIN plate could be cause for alarm. Since many mothers tend to spout selfless phrases like please dont spend any money on me, Christmas is a great opportunity to spoil your Mum. RV manufactures know this, expect this and rely on it. Analyze if the kitchen construction is durable or not. Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Zero Swag - Review. Cub Campers. Cargo like water tanks (you should aim to have at least 100L with you), jerry cans, a generator, and gas bottles can take up a lot more room than you think. Battery and large pull draw for, Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. Forest River Issues, Problems and Quality Control (Video) 3. While the entire Thor Motor Coach brand should be approached with caution, their most infamous RV line is the Thor Hurricane. Boat rack quickly started to rust all, Latest review: Tent Does not fit frame, dust and water leaks, chassis bent, These campers are made to be towed from home, Set up in van park for holiday period, then packed up and taken home. If youre a first-time buyer and youre interested in any models from these RV manufacturers, you should have someone with experience come and checked with you. This savvy trailer has a full king-size bed, enormous shower and bathroom area, and leather seating to deliver a rich experience. This camper trailer review and buying guide enlist some excellent recommendations. This brand offers convenience in compactness and versatility. When choosing an RV, its important to make sure youre buying from a reliable source. Watch on. In terms of durability and craftsmanship, theyre usually below average. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. Some initial issues but the guys at Ezytrail resolved quickly. Below, we have mentioned all the five elements that are a must for camper towing: Make sure you check the towing capacity of your tower before loading the camper onto it! Aspen Classic Mini Camper. Another sofa provides . Growing up close to the Flinders rangers in South Australia, he spent much of his childhood camping, dirt bike riding and four wheel driving both inland and in the coastal areas of SA. 1. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. Some RV brands have reputations for poor customer service or build quality. 1/10. Skip to content. 2000L STORAGE. In basecamp form its ideal for small families. The Eagle has the best floorplan, though, with a lounge next to the larger bed so adults can retire to it for quiet conversation and port, while the kids slumber at the other end. Hymer is one of the best RV brands on there, offering a variety of classes . Where 10 years ago there was almost no comparison between the quality of imported and local camper trailers, the lines are now much blurrier. Poor customer service and lack of responsiveness to customers complaints. Not all RVs are brand, even the worst brands have good models. Some of their models also have major issues with their electrical systems and the roll-up door mechanisms. 1. Campers tend to enjoy being outdoors all the time, but they need a specialised sleeping system, such as the 23Zero Bandit Double Swag 1400. A minimum of 2 years should be on all recreational vehicles and trailers. There's also under-bench storage that can hold all the kitchen items. Also, depending on your requirements, you might require additional accessories such as microwaves, Wi-Fi, air-con, and so on. Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. Some brands dont hold up to the reputation they had in the past. A camper trailer is perfect for groups, families, solo travelers, or couples fond of overland adventures and road trips. They cost lower as compared to hotels and rental accommodations. The Cub Frontier is the only fully Australian-made forward folding camper which has the best tent set-up, plus simple and comfortable features in a light trailer. Compare. Legislation if necessary as sometimes there are safety issues. The living space is more than we need, but it is nice to have all that space in the evening where we can relax in insect free comfort. Its a MUST have for those who plan on, Read More Top 10 Best Rooftop Tents In Australia: The Ultimate Buying Guide.Continue, When the power goes out, you dont have a HVAC system and cant keep your food cold. Quality has come a long way as the industry has grown and Chinese manufacturers have listened to the Australian consumer and their importing partners to fix problems and develop better ways to deliver a quality product. Thor Hurricane has some features in its Class A motorhomes that appeal to many RV owners. What you need to know about the next-gen Subaru Outback Sport XT 2023 review: snapshot. Name. MANUFACTURER. It has been way better that we expected. General disclaimer: All third party trademarks, images and copyrights on this page are used for the purpose of comparative advertising, criticism or review. You might find some manufacturers marketing their camper trailers at incredibly low prices in Australia but are unable to offer a variety of features. Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? This brand has two models of off-road trailer campers in their lineup, EXP-4 and EXP 6. It is thoughtful how the brand offers resilient outlining and mosquito-proof nets. . Check the paint work on non-galvanised chassis and drawbar; a powdercoat finish is plenty tough enough for touring and camping; hammertone is also hard wearing anything else can be a bit of a compromise. All of our base trailers are built to handle the tough Australian conditions by using real Aussie steel, Australian made canvas and locally sourced accessories. Is it cheaper to book online or through a travel agent? Although the Coachmen RV brand is a subsidiary of the Forest River RV Brand, one of the best RV brands around, their recreational vehicles have received a big number of complaints in the past few years. If you are thinking of buying a travel trailer, think twice before choosing one of these brands. With a repeated bombardment of complaints over the past few years, the reliability of the Coachman brand has diminished considerably and with many customer service issues . Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials. These travel trailers are cheap, but the quality has been immensely compromised. There is no comparison in the quality of a $7,000 cheap camper trailer and a similar $20,000 model. With over 10 years experience in trailer manufacturing, off-road real-life . Read about 5th wheels brands to avoid. Get access to our exclusive RV camping tips & RV product reviews to save your time and money! When comparing the different camper trailers for sale, there are a few things you should know - this guide will help you figure out what you might want or need from your camper so that youre well-equipped for your next adventure. The tent folds out to the side adding another 3.6 metres of living space to the width. SUSPENSION. Are you affected? They were mostly predecessors to the Jayco-esque camper trailers which are, in essence, just small caravans. The RVs electrical system can be prone to causing fire hazards. 4. Weve taken the time to review some of the worst motorhome brands out there. Since then, over 8,000 Kimberley Kampers, Karavans and Kruisers have been sold to passionate owners across Australia and 17 countries worldwide. YKS. A lot of our competitors choose to use a 14oz canvas, Platinum uses a 16oz canvas with good tight weaves. Patriot is like one of those kids at school who everyone loved and hated in equal measure because they were too good at everything. The camper can handle a total weight of 670 kg. However I had ordered and paid deposit for a brand new Alpha back in October and was given a Feb delivery d. With more people making travel plans, what better gift is there to give than something that your loved one can use on their holiday? The customer service has been very disappointing. Wild Boar has just released a brand new camper, the Lightweight Forward Fold Slide. Travel Trailer RV - This type of RV is smaller than a Fifth Wheel RV and are designed to be pulled on a hitch. So, keep reading to learn more and stay informed about which RV brands you should avoid or at least you should check the RV carefully before making the purchase! Opus also has hybrid caravans, some camper trailer models are the: Air Opus OP 2, Air Opus OP 2 and Air Opus OPLite. Many units show electrical and wiring issues, fuel problems, and poorly constructed cabinets. Lack of airflow in the cabin due to blocked heat vents. The R-Pod RP-193 travel trailer ($37,433) is a great match for family trips. into remote, pristine areas of D . Camping gear has unsurprisingly been at the top of a lot of shopping lists this summer. If I couldn't find a definitive answer as to where a camper trailer is made, or if it seems to be partially made overseas, I've added it to the 'Made Overseas' list down below. Early Australian camper trailers were built in response to rising fuel costs and cars with smaller capacity engines just because you drove a Fiat 500 in 1972 didnt mean you werent interested in towing a trailer on summer holidays, after all. Platinum Campers & Off Road Caravans are a specialist team of outdoor enthusiasts - that love camping. If your camper comes with accessories or recent upgrades, you should ensure that they are in proper working conditions. Almost all canvas materials used in Australia for use in camper trailers, swags, tents, and even most military equipment are made in China. Steel can rust in certain conditions, which is why you should ideally go for a hot dip galvanised chassis. Further details in the disclaimer. Weve got tips for everything from shopping sustainably to zero-waste packaging, so that you can have a greener holiday season. Here is a list of a few interior and exterior checks that will make it easy for you to pick the best camper trailers: These days, camper trailers come with accessible towing features to save you from back-breaking work. It means that this light trailer is easy to tow. Gibb River Rd and has held up well. Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK. The rooftop tent pops open in the pop-up camper trailers like these. One major issue is the wrong weight rating on the hitch. Despite costing 9K+ to have built and only asking $4500 people inquire and say it is too expensive but as I have tried to explain many times if their budget for an offroad trailer is $2000-3000 they seriously have to consider where they want to go and if they want to return safely with no problems. Some customers reported issues with faulty or disconnected wiring and improper installation. Well, beyond the realms of DIY outdoor shelters and tents, camper trailers offer a comfortable and reliable experience. All these complaints make them the worst toy hauler brands to avoid. But as far as newer models, Gulf Stream is definitely one of the RV brands to avoid. RVs are costly, so make sure your investment is worth it! The camera trailer looks straight out of some sci-fi or future film from the outside. CARAVANS. get awnings fully erect, all canvas sides pulled taut etc. Gulf Stream and Keystone are infamous for water leaks, while Jayco and Coachmen suffer with their few worse-performing models. The cabinet doors fail frequently and result in expensive repairs. Getting the best available camper trailer is also about getting the best features within your price range. Amenities such as sinks, microwaves, and refrigerators should be present. If you are a camping enthusiast or want to live off-grid, the Bruder EXP 6 Camper is an excellent investment. Image Credits: Say Yes to Living Off-Grid With Camper Trailers. Tool Box, Latest review: Bought this Camper Second Hand in Jul 18 from Metro RV in Melb (great to deal with) and have used it a few times now. We love our Cub Weekender with Transcontinental pack. Of course, with the various features, the price tag of the Airstream Basecamp touches $38,000 USD. Still, only some Winnebago units meet the quality standard. 1. Youre looking for a level of workmanship that matches the cash you plan to spend. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. All in all, it offers the best value for first-timers and people who are not looking to spend big bucks on campers. Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. The flip side is that they dont have the same quality and construction that you would expect from motorhomes. There are several things to avoid when buying a new or second-hand camper-trailer and here is our top 5 list of camper fails to give a wide berth. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable you'll be. Do you include 5th wheels with travel trailers? Wondering how much air to put in your tyres? Sharing his own experience and knowledge about RV life is now part of his passion and enjoyment. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Frontiertier also happens to be one of the easiest-to-set-up forward folding trailers. Here are 5 RV brands we think are worth investing your money into: Hymer. You'll fall in love with the exterior design of Escapod's simple trailers. Perfect for anyone, because their tent options are extensive. Ask the expert at a camper dealership for step-by-step instruction on how to set up your potential camper purchase, watch them do it, then have a crack at it, at your own pace. Do you know that Australia developed the concept of the forward-folding camper? read more. All the rest were Chinese in origin, and almost universally they exhibited a common . Rusting and leaking problems are the main concerns. Coachmen. This is one of the more bizarre lists Ive read from an experienced RVer? Arriving before christmas. Besides, if you don't have a vast budget to spare for hotels, camper trailers are your best vacay solution. The leading Australian manufacturers and pioneers of the Camper Trailer Industry of Australia have formed a Guild of Members to help guide potential consumers of the pitfalls that can . Wait until you see the fancy outdoor and indoor cooking area, a pop-top roof, and working shower! Because many caravan shoppers try to buy in time for their summer plans, sales tend to start nosediving in October, which is why you should at least hold off until then. Cub is the longest standing camper trailer builder in Australia and the Brumby is one of its most iconic models. Camper trailers also come in small quantities from South Africa and very small numbers from the USA. Most existing Jayco users also claim that the Eagle Outback gives you a lot of opportunities to upgrade and modify. Bruder Campers: The word Bruder means "brother". As a 2nd time buyer, communication, We bought an exodus 16 last year. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. It's a four-season swag made of. 6. Since that time, they have produced over 750,000 recreational vehicles. Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? Jayco is one of the leading RV manufacturers in the US and comes with many attractive features but has unfortunately received negative reviews from customers. However I had ordered and paid deposit for a brand new Alpha back in October and was given a Feb delivery d, We are really happy with Sean's service and enjoy the camper too. I purchased a Trak Shak back in 2012 and I initially had concerns regarding the quality as I had heard that it had dropped. The skies the limit, but you do not need a flash camper trailer with all the bells & whistles to get out there and have fun in our great outdoors, however, what you do want is something that is reliable. Whether youre hiking, car camping, or caravanning, youll need supplies for your getaway. Faulty electrical systems and leaking roofs. The Timberland Pike can be every minimalist's dream space. The HQ17 from Blackseries boasts quality off-road tires and excellent suspension, best for tricky terrains. If youre in the market for an RV, youll want to research and make sure youre purchasing a quality product with great after-sales service. MEMBERS. They jump significantly in pricing levels, with the imported ones at the cheapest end of the scale, some Aussie and Chinese made in the middle, and then the . It only takes between five and 10 minutes to get the bulk of a camper-trailer set-up done, then probably another five to 10 minutes more to finalise the process, i.e. The camper trailer model that is under this brand's review is the Eagle Outback. Image Credits: Let the Adventure Begin With Airstream Campers! Additionally, users complain about poor-quality construction and materials. Chaoyang. Quality Rating. Storage allows you to keep things inside the trailer organized and the space decluttered. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Not only are there several potential safety issues with their models, but they also need to add the latest same technology and amenities in their units. The Sherpa Campers have also surprised us with their three layers of windows. The classic and reliable build of the Airstream Basecamp is perfect if you are looking for a camper trailer that will live for years to come. Factors to consider when choosing a camper trailer. With a durable chassis, plenty of storage, and a variety of campers with on-road and off-road capabilities to choose from, Challenge Camper Trailers have the reliability and power to get you where you want to go. | Solar Panels Buying Guide. And theyre bloody good. The brand offers a diverse range of forward folds, soft floors, dual folds, and hybrid caravans. This Blue Tongue Overland XF Lite Series 2 is a well-priced camper. There may be second hand privately imported models for sale. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? Users of many Winnebago models complain about bent panels and damaged walls during routine operations. Owing to the extensive cost of buying a camping trailer, you might be wondering if they are worth the investment or not. You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. Tidy and bolstered woodwork with glued or screwed joins is much better. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. All the Jayco models follow a similar setup process, which is quite simple for beginners. A list of things to consider when purchasing a camper trailer: 1: Avoid any with bolt on then weld draw-bars unless you camp at caravan parks . So far it has lived up to the hype that these Hybrid campers get. Cub Brumby. Its a given. The Explorer is the smallest walk-up camper on the market a walk-up camper is one with a walkway inside the trailer body at the end of the bed, so theres no ladder to climb into bed thanks to its folding bed design. Our is, Latest review: I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. They have partners with Airstream in Australia. However, that doesnt necessarily mean you have to leave electric power, Read More A Review Of The Most Popular Camping Generators In AustraliaContinue, Your email address will not be published. SEND US YOUR STORY; STANDARDS. The highest-specified camper trailer in Outback Travel Australia's Camper Trailer Torture Test was Kimberley's Kamper Platinum edition and it also carried the highest price tag, with a RRP of $50,660. If you go on outdoor vacations for a week or more, you'll need a lot of utilities in your camper. Forget the Ford Maverick! Then arrived in January. Does the camper trailer come with a bathroom? The capacity of the water tank should be enough for all the members. The toughest Toyota ever? Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. We believe over 95% of these units are still in use today. Bruder is an example that nothing can beat an Aussie build! ALL of Forest River travel trailers are to be avoided but only their Coachmen line of motorized? . * Bent axle. 2023All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. Ive had importers tell me that they use heavier steel in their campers just to make sure theyre as strong as Aussie ones the weight a reasonable trade-off for warranty problems down the track. Info night with Dave @ Camper Trailers WA Wednesday 8th March 2023 7.30pm. The Futuristic Camper Trailer Every Camping Enthusiast Should Have! Also, check for a hot water system. All these listed brands have a few units that run well and a large number of customers highly appreciate. What's been recalled and why. We lived with the Platinum model for a month and assessed whether it was worth the asking price. Cub have been, We purchased our SC-WT in 2020. Our guide might help you choose the best RV brand. Your email address will not be published. Boat rack quickly started to rust all, Tent Does not fit frame, dust and water leaks, chassis bent, These campers are made to be towed from home, Set up in van park for holiday period, then packed up and taken home. You'll also appreciate the fact that it comes in great colours.