Campers ??

[Blokeman Member Find all posts View Profile Close Blokeman]

I have a standing question on another forum concerning a Jayco I recently bought, and what it is capable of (when delivered mid-may).

The yahoo group has a lot of info, you have to join, and then wade through to find the stuff you need. Should be helpful in cross checking advice you get elsewhere.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/campertrailers/


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[Sim Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sim]

I have several relatives interstate who own an Adventure Offroad Camper and they speak quite highly of them:

http://www.adventurecampers.com.au/

I'm considering getting the new Grand Tourer model when I get my Prado next year (just got made redundant, so plans have been put back a bit).

Very capable campers apparently, great offroad, have a unique bed arrangement (King size and height at normal bed level - no climbing), and a great kitchen and heaps of waist level storage.

Can't comment from personal experience yet though :roll:

[Chuck Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chuck]

Picking up a camprite in the next week will let you know how it goes.

www.campritecampers.com.au

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

Good luck choosing Matt,

There is a constellation of different campers out there and there are even more different opinions.

I guess it always comes down to what you want and what you can afford. I've been eyeing the new Adventure campers recently - but their prices are very high.

We bought our Jayco new second hand, an elderly couple bought it and after going on one trip decided they couldn't make the climb up into the beds so they traded it in on a caravan. We got a six month old Finch Outback for $15k, they sell for about $20k new with all the accessories we got (flys, awning and stuff).

We used to have a pop-top camper (Cub Drifter) so the Jayco appealed because we were familiar with the format.

The Jayco is very comfortable, nice kitchen, good beds. The beds are a pain in the arse to climb up in to though. With a bigger family the Finch might be a bit cramped though, but getting a big awning and eating outdoors might be the solution, given that a lot of campers give you no other option.

The other thing that makes a good camper for me is how you set it up - what modifications you carry out and such like solar power, stereo, inverter, water pump and bigger tanks, lighting. You know me - can't help myself when it comes to gadgets and also can't help modifying everything. :-)

I'm not going to tell you you should go and buy X brand because everyone's needs and budget are different. The Jayco works for us and we could afford it.

One thing that was important to me was the ability to use flys over the sleeping areas, we do most of our camping in the cooler months and these help keep a bit warmer. They are great in the warmer months also as they keep the sun off the canvas. Not all campertrailers are suitable for flys.

Good luck,

Drew.

[HGMonaro Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close HGMonaro]

We have a 'off-road' Goldstream wind-up (similar to Jayco Swan). Haven't taken it 'off road' and I think it's too heavy to consider dragging places that camper-trailers seem to get taken, however there's always someone who's taken something places most wouldn't! In the latest 'On The Road' magazine there's an article about a Jayco Hawk (I think) that a guys had for quite a while. He gives a good run-down on the pro's and con's, well worth a read.

I was thinking a camper-trailer until the wife saw them and said, I'm not living in that for 3mths. We looked at some while looking at the wind-ups and to have room for 4 people you need one that has more than just the flip-over section. We didn't want to have to make the kids beds ever night, etc. Having just had a look at them again at the latest Caravan show we were reassured with our decision.

Why WE choose a wind-up...
- and not a camper-trailer... cause the Mrs didn't want to live in a tent for 3mths.
- and not a Full Van... cause I wasn't going to tow it for 3mths

The wind-up camper is a compromise between creature comforts and size. Fridge, cooktop, microwave, sink, proper table, lots of living space but easyish to tow and store. Still have to deal with the possibility of wet canvas and not as 'off road' capable as a camper-trailer.

I've read lots of account how people with camper trailers can set them up in 10mins, but I've watched enough 'with my own eyes' to know that means the basic tent section only. They then have to get the fridge out of the car, put up the annex section, errect stretcher beds for kids, etc. and maybe errect a fly over the whole lot. For an overnight stay with 2 people the 10mins is a reality. Our wind-up takes 10-15mins (depending on the leveling required, plus an extra 10mins if we errect the bed flys as we're not to efficient doing them yet) and we are completely set up.

At the end though, everyones circumstances and wishes are a little bit different and what some like, others don't. 'Things' apply to some, not to others. We've stayed in my in-laws 20 odd ft dual axle ensuite van, and it's useless for our family... only has the main bed in the van and you need to errect the annex for the kids!

Anyway, good luck with your decision!

[lc120_man Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lc120_man]

Matt,

It is all comes down to two things:

1. How much you want to spend
2. What is yours/family's needs & wants

There are plenty of good campers out there... One you make the list
of the requirements, you'll know which camper suit your circumstances
best



P.S. I got Tambo Cooper with the lot

http://www.tambocampers.com.au/Cooper.html

[Warby Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Warby]

camper trailer

Hi Matt,

We have had a camelgroup beachcomber for 4 years now and it suits the 4 of us fine.

www.camelgroup.com.au

Good luck as there are sooooo many out there to choose from.

Warby 8)

[jeff s Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close jeff s]

We have a challenge camper trailer.

Ours is perfect for us.
me, wife, 2 kids.

120Lts water, up to 7 jerry cans. but we take 4, 2 gas bottle holders.
inner spring queen size mattress. 12 volt outlets and lights.
We got extra length in the camper with the annex to suit. Full sides with full windows(screens made of midge proof mesh)

As mentioned earlier it takes about 10 mins to set up for 1 night, (no annex) Our fridge is in the car so no dramas there.
If you do want to spend 2 or more nights then we put up the annex. best was about 25mins. same for pack up.
We have stretchers for the kids and they are good at doing their own. Sometimes they just use camp mats.
We keep their sleeping bags on the main bed and use the camp mats over everything to keep any wet canvas off the bed, We also have a full plastic sheet if we are worried about it.
But touch wood it hasn't been that bad yet.


http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/2005seach/2007TripPics

check out this link for what it looks like both up and down.

Best bet for you is to go to a camping show and check them out for yourself.
Ours was roughly $20K optioned up to the hilt with matching size wheels and tyres, and we can get a boat carrier when we want. Bolt on accessory.
But the challenge was what we wanted at the show we went to.
And as said before there are hundreds out there to choose from.
$7,000 to $50,000 and up. flimsy road only to hard core off road.
Solid axle with slipper springs basics all the way to independent coil with shocks.

Good luck chosing, and have fun using.

Jeff.

[againagain Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close againagain]

Jayco has had many customers receive their pre-wired travel trailers for solar or solar-ready. Having a solar-ready RV can include one of two kinds of connections.

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[lilycollins Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close lilycollins]

Regardless of where you seek advice, it's always a good idea to cross-check any information you receive to ensure it's accurate and reliable.
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