can cost you in the end. After obtaining a Masters Degree in Automotive Engineering from Columbia University in the City of New York, Scott worked as an RV technician in Camping World and Outdoorsy for years. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. Jayco travel trailer brand: 15%. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Campers tend to enjoy being outdoors all the time, but they need a specialised sleeping system, such as the 23Zero Bandit Double Swag 1400. The Compact van . Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Zero Swag - Review. There are also different structural malfunctions and weaknesses. You'll find this trailer a worthy investment because it comes with all top-notch amenities blackout curtains, bathroom, shower, and kitchen with two-burner hob. 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. Pioneer Campers won Camper Trailer of the Year Awards 2017 with the design of the Mitchell. Not only the craftsmanship, but the experience of buyers with customer service is also taken into account to evaluate the brands. . Don't buy at the caravan shows . 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. You should also consider the number of sleeping arrangements you need, as well as how easy the beds are to reach. Our trailers are designed here in Australia for Australian conditions - with over a combined 40 years of trailer manufacturing, in-house and research & development - a camper from Platinum is like no other on the market. All these listed brands have a few units that run well and a large number of customers highly appreciate. Having been in the RV and travel trailer business since the 1960's, it is disappointing to place Coachman on this list. Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes, We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more, Buying used? Backpacker 2. Some RV brands have reputations for poor customer service or build quality. However, reports of poor performance and quality are enough to make it one of the worst camper brands. so you might have to wait a bit for yours, most desirable camper trailers on the market, Cub is the longest standing camper trailer builder in Australia, The latest trailer, based in the top-of-the-line X1. 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. Since there are a lot of different opinions for the question: Which are RV brands to avoid?, to provide a fair answer, we conducted a survey to Camping is our life a reliable Facebook group for RV campers with more than 128,000 members, in which there were appropriately 3,000 respondents. You'll find a stainless steel rollout kitchen, slide-out bench, cutlery drawer, sink, two-burner stove, and a large bench in this caravan. Opus also has hybrid caravans, some camper trailer models are the: Air Opus OP 2, Air Opus OP 2 and Air Opus OPLite. What are the Worst Travel Trailers? (7 brands to avoid) - Trail and Summit my Alpha 18 months Youll get better at set-up and pack-up with familiarity and repeated practise, but the process shouldnt be terribly difficult to begin with if it is, then thats not the right camper for you. Before I brought the camper from Prime Campers, we had been in search of hard floor camper for my family over a year: I went to, Bought mine from second owner. For Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers and Importers in Australia, the RVSA is set to completely transform the industry as we know it. The benefits of buying an Australian-made camper trailer go beyond the inherent quality manufacturers need to aspire to relevance in the market. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa, plus a pair of twin bunk beds. Stay away from a certain brand of trailer, I am unable to tell you, but we left ours in the desert . Travelling can be a huge expense, which is why its normal to try to score savings when you can. MEMBERS. Top 10 Campers Under $20K - TradeRVs Check for top-quality materials such as a hot-dip galvanised steel chassis, Australian-made canvas, aluminium or steel poles, and a high-density foam or open-cell foam mattress on the bed. You hit the road. The Australian camper trailer world has undergone a massive revolution in the past decade. These travel trailers are cheap, but the quality has been immensely compromised. We believe over 95% of these units are still in use today. Some of their models also have major issues with their electrical systems and the roll-up door mechanisms. Some campers will have extra features, so consider some of the following and decide for yourself whether each is a dealbreaker or not - its all down to personal preference. Name. You should also look out for where the cables, switches, and plumbing are. How To, off-road tips and adventure travel destinations, Not just utes. 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. Is Airstream (Basecamp) still good? Tell me your kid wrote this list and submitted it under your name. Local versus Imported Campers - HemaX Camper Australia Image Credits: The Futuristic Camper Trailer Every Camping Enthusiast Should Have! Read about 5th wheels brands to avoid. The clever design of the window transforms into a table when you want to dine in. Stove wasn't connected and fire extinguisher was 4 years old. A lot of our competitors choose to use a 14oz canvas, Platinum uses a 16oz canvas with good tight weaves. . All Australian build and highest quality canvas and fittings. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, its enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. Avoid camper-trailers your vehicle is unable to tow, This Ford Everest can easily tow this 1285kg Jayco Swan Outback. Founded in 1996, Keystone is one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America. This model has a rugged build. 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 . It's perfect for a pair with pets. Lastly, the large cooking area, hot water system, and off-road tires will make van life fun! The caper encompasses a living area, kitchen, bed, and everything you'd expect from a trailer. There are reports of water leaks in Chinook RVs. The body is made using laser cut and powder coated Australian steel to provide strength and durability. The trailer itself is a single-axle trailer, 3.5 metres from tow hitch to tail gate and 1.7 metres wide. The manufacturer has put together off-road tires, storage, and a double bed to make sure you have a pleasant time. Let the Adventure Begin With Airstream Campers! The UEV-490 offers individuals an Off-Road Hybrid Caravan, which is known to be the "Swiss army knife" of the Camper trailer industry. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. You might not need all of the above features, but having some can help you be more self-reliant in even the most remote places. The Mitchell Trailer is one of Pioneer Campers' best off-road camper trailers. Who are we? | Platinum Campers Trailers & Off-Road Caravans Designs evolved from there, though, and Australian builders were influenced by overseas designs from Europe and the USA. 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. Ideally, you should wait until December or January when everyones on holiday and camper trailer dealers are itching to make a sale. Long considered one of Australias best off-road camper trailers, the Tvan has been improved through constant modernisation. If you are looking for a camper trailer I can highly recommend you visit Matt at his Bibra Lake facility, and join the Bigfoot Facebook owners page, you won't be fissapointed.- Rob G. a year ago . 1. Many units show electrical and wiring issues, fuel problems, and poorly constructed cabinets. Westlake. 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. If you are not careful when buying, you can get a below-par unit from these brands. They have partners with Airstream in Australia. Their showroom is at: 13 Indian Drive, Keysborough, VIC, 3173. The flip side is that they dont have the same quality and construction that you would expect from motorhomes. Frontiertier also happens to be one of the easiest-to-set-up forward folding trailers. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by a fifth wheel & a truck with his wife. PDF Be Safe - Buy Australian - Beware Imported Chinese Campers The cabinet doors fail frequently and result in expensive repairs. Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. 1. If you ask us, Frontiertier harbours all the amenities you can get at that price tag. Rusting and leaking problems are the main concerns. Proper Ford Everest rival inbound! According to various online forums, most owners report problems with roofs, skylights, drains, waste valves, and flooring. If these are in good shape then chances are the manufacturers havent skimped on other materials. What you need to know about the next-gen Subaru Outback Sport XT 2023 review: snapshot. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. Spending under $10,000 can get you a camper with a few basic features and amenities, but youll find many more specced-out second hand camper trails at this price point too. Simply curious about the latest and greatest on the market? Very, Latest review: Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. Mon: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM: Tue: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM: The original X1 is the most "family friendly" 44 camper trailer in our range. 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. Sydney's Cub Campers turned 50 in 2018 and while you can spend up to $50,000 on one of their quality Australian-built campers, there are much more affordable options.. With a Tare weight of just 566kg and $18,000 drive-away pricing, Cub's entry-level, rear fold Weekender camper makes great buying for those who want a top-notch camper from one of the iconic brands of the . 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. Winnebago is an established RV brand, and compared to some of the other entrants on our list, they're not all bad. A Large camper van, family size. ou have been saving up for years for the big one, the big trip around Australia. 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. Coleman Light series Travel trailer. Camper Trailers - Outback Travel Australia Spoilt some holiday plans. The ultimate guide to buying a camper trailer - 4WDing Australia Top-5 cheap Aussie campers - caravancampingsales.com.au Since that time, they have produced over 750,000 recreational vehicles. Further details in the disclaimer. Simple, elegant and in great colours, the tents are top notch and the simple trailers are built around the corner. RVs are costly, so make sure your investment is worth it! How The myCOOLMAN Fridge Range Stacks Up Review. One major issue is the wrong weight rating on the hitch. Camper Trailer Size. Wild Boar has just released a brand new camper, the Lightweight Forward Fold Slide. The setup and pack down of the camper trailer should be simple. Australia ranked first, USA second and China third - despite the relative unpopularity of camping in China. Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget, Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. Besides, it packs all the latest gizmos and gadgets that you'll need during your camping trip. Australian made may need a little more explanation, as it is a claim many companies make. Not all products of these companies are low-quality and obviously their customer service can be improved day by day. With about 15 years in RV living, road tripping, Scott now uses this experience as a travel blogger. If youre looking for an even better deal, try shop on a weekday when dealerships are less busy and you can get a salespersons full attention. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Image Credits: The Latest Off-Road Camper Trailer From Escapod. Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%. Here are some highly rated camping products you can buy, and some of the best stores to buy them at. Arriving before christmas. Lack of quality and dependability. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. What's been recalled and why. Users have found problems with the tow bar and braking system. Many customers have complained about inferior parts and numerous mechanical problems. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, it's enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. As a 2nd time buyer, communication, Latest review: We bought an exodus 16 last year. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Australian Off Road Campers (AOR) 39 Ron Parkenson Crescent, Caloundra QLD 4551. Also, depending on your requirements, you might require additional accessories such as microwaves, Wi-Fi, air-con, and so on. Bruder is an example that nothing can beat an Aussie build! 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. The horizon is wide open. Even if not your topmost priority, storage should be one of your considerations. YKS. RV manufactures know this, expect this and rely on it. Of course, with the various features, the price tag of the Airstream Basecamp touches $38,000 USD. But over time, they lost consumers trust with their shoddy construction and poor quality and became one of the worst camping trailer brands. Because of this, some issues arise just beyond when the warranty period ends. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. However, they do have some problems with their quality control, which means you might experience a few issues right off the bat. 37 Best RV Brands & Manufacturers (Updated 2023) - Camper FAQs Off Road Camper Trailers - Patriot Campers - Australian Made Do you know that Australia developed the concept of the forward-folding camper? Theyre more pricey than their on-road counterparts, so dont fork out more for the extra specs unless you really think youll need them. While a caravan has solid walls and a roof, a camper trailer has canvas walls and an extendable tent section to complete the campers outer shell. 6 Myths About Chinese Manufactured Camper Trailers We think that the exterior is incredible and modern. This isnt just a boon for the end-consumer, as even importers of Chinese-built campers still find campers theyve ordered missing features they wanted or with surprises they didnt and so have to do some tinkering locally. This brand has two models of off-road trailer campers in their lineup, EXP-4 and EXP 6. This Australian-made camper trailer can accommodate seven people. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. For more on vehicle and trailer weights, read our special feature. They produce travel trailers, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, and other RV options. Even while off the beaten track, the durable build of this camper gives you a comfortable experience. It is also one of the very few off-road camper trailers that include a washing machine. Australian-built campers are usually lighter than even the best equivalents from China. Imported hybrid campers start off around the $40,000 new, with fully Australian made hybrid campers starting around the $55,000, and heading upwards to around $180,000 depending on what you want to buy.. All the rest were Chinese in origin, and almost universally they exhibited a common . Spoilt some holiday plans. A well-maintained gravel road doesnt call for a heavy duty camper, but if you think youll be tackling trails tougher than dirt roads, then an off-roader may be a good option. Still, only some Winnebago units meet the quality standard. There are reports about slide issues and defective awning and wiring. Keystone t ravel trailer brand: 26%. The batteries in some units show recharging issues? . In basecamp form its ideal for small families. Image Credits: Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget. Also, being just 250 kg, it is the lightest camper trailer on our list! 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. No matter which type of camper is catching your eye pop-top (almost like a caravan), soft-floor or hard-floor, forward-fold or rear-fold if its been poorly designed, youll be behind the eight ball before you even head off. The functionality and complexity of Aussie camper trailer kitchens is one of their strong points. Coachman. (image credit: Walkabout Campers/Craig Gall), Although its one of the most expensive forward-fold campers on the market, its simple setup, comfortable living space and Aussie build make it good value. Fifth Wheel RVs are large and practical but they need to be towed by a separate pickup truck or SUV. Owing to the extensive cost of buying a camping trailer, you might be wondering if they are worth the investment or not. * Buckled rims cost of new rims. When we didnt have to write an article about Australian made camper trailers, because, apart from a few notable exceptions (mostly from South Africa), all our camper trailers were built locally. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. Towing capacities can range from 640kg (unbraked) and 1200kg (braked) in a compact AWD SUV, to 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked) in many large SUV wagons and dual-cab utes, through to the 6989kg (braked) towing capacity of a Ram 3500 pick-up. Though costly, you would find the Sherpa Camper to be worth every penny. Lemon caravans and consumer rights | CHOICE There was a time when Australia was a proud camper trailer building nation. Before I brought the camper from Prime Campers, we had been in search of hard floor camper for my family over a year: I went to, Latest review: Bought mine from second owner. 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. Most reputable imported camper trailers nowadays should stand the test of time and if properly maintained, hold their value. This Australian trailer is a product by BRS Offroad. Cub Brumby. Do you include 5th wheels with travel trailers? Check your vehicles towing capacity those figures will be listed as unbraked and braked* in your drivers manual. Australia's Best Camper Trailer - Patriot Campers X3 - YouTube ADDRESS & WEBSITE. Our database has the answer, Everything you need to know to keep you and your family as safe as possible, Helpful advice before you finance your next car, Tips for getting the right insurance and how to make a claim, Everything you need to know when sizing up your new car. This brand offers convenience in compactness and versatility. 2. At the front there is a dedicated compartment for housing gas cylinders as well as a front box . Be sure to research and read reviews when considering what RV to purchase. If you can't find an Airstream camper in Australia, contact Jayco. But worry not! read more. Remember, this trailer is not as big as our previous picks. Bruder is an Australian RV manufacturer. 1/10. 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. There is more space than you'll ever need! These include: Your email address will not be published. (image credit: Brendan Batty), SsangYong Musso 2023 review: XLV Ultimate - off-road test, Subaru Outback Touring XT 2023 review: snapshot. Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials, Look for a camper built with top-quality materials. 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. Here are 5 RV brands we think are worth investing your money into: Hymer. Generally speaking, the more you spend, the better build quality you can expect - sometimes forking out a bit extra for a sturdier build can also save you more money in repairs in the long run. You should also check your vehicles ball weight, which is the maximum pressure that can be placed on your vehicles towball. RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers: Airstream: 4.3/5.0: . In general, campers with Australian-made canvas use a 275gsm Wax Converters Canvas generally considered the best canvas in the world, local bias aside whereas most imported campers use a heavier 450gsm canvas, again to make sure there won't be any problems with it down the track. 6 Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid (Don't Buy One of These) - Camper Guide The EXP 6 Camper can sleep small families of up to 6 members. Legislation if necessary as sometimes there are safety issues. 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.