Image Credits: The Futuristic Camper Trailer Every Camping Enthusiast Should Have! We discuss whether its cheaper to book your trip yourself or through a travel agent, and go through some money-saving tips for during the planning stage. We hand make all types of camper trailers including hard floor camper trailers, forward fold campers, soft floor campers and hybrid campers. 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. This brand offers convenience in compactness and versatility. This is the first live-in camper trailer that combines our famous o. Let's first talk about the EXP-4 off-road tailor. into remote, pristine areas of D . Chaoyang. The build quaility is fantastic. Weve got tips for everything from shopping sustainably to zero-waste packaging, so that you can have a greener holiday season. MANUFACTURERS; SUPPLIERS; NEWS; Search for: Manufacturers AMCTG 2020-08-03T12:07:52+10:00. One of the main complaints about Coachmen is that their vehicles are less reliable than other brands. The Blackseries HQ17 camper trailers cost $50,000 AUD! Local builders often have more scope to customise their trailers to suit more personal needs, as they are usually built to order, rather than by the container-load months in advance. Read about 5th wheels brands to avoid. With about 15 years in RV living, road tripping, Scott now uses this experience as a travel blogger. We think that the exterior is incredible and modern. Has Fleetwood resumed making travel trailers? Additionally, it would be best to consider the condition of the zips and velcro. 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. The Compact van . And it's still rolling, and rolling strong. Handover was a shambles - shipped with the wrong fridge, and the handover rep seemed to know less about the unit than we did. * Bent axle. According to RVInsider, its one of the worst travel trailer brands to avoid because most consumers gave it an average rating of only 3.6 out of 5.0 stars overall. So far it has lived up to the hype that these Hybrid campers get. Brands that dont offer high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer service should be avoided. Furthermore, customer service from this company could be better. Keystone t ravel trailer brand: 26%. Image Credits: Heading Out for an Adventure? But the first Australian camper trailer is generally considered to have been built by R.J Rankin in 1928. 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. There are reports of water leaks in Chinook RVs. Image Credits: The Latest Off-Road Camper Trailer From Escapod. Of the camper trailers there were four recognisable Australian brand campers: a Jayco, an Aussie Swag, a Camp-o-Matic (though these have in recent years been built in China) and a Challenge. Even if not your topmost priority, storage should be one of your considerations. Weve rounded up a list of practical gifts that all kinds of travellers - from camping enthusiasts to long haul flyers - will enjoy. 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? Of course, you should always go after a product that suits you the most even if it comes from a brand in this list. Off Road Campers. (1300 494 494) Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. The manufacturer has put together off-road tires, storage, and a double bed to make sure you have a pleasant time. The slides and drawer are flimsy and cant hold heavy loads. 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. Simple and bullet proof suspension. We also find the interior space to be highly functional and optimal. Quality control issues have plagued the brand for years, and some owners have experienced frequent mechanical breakdowns and electrical problems. Worst Travel Trailer Brands According to Reviews. A Large camper van, family size. RV manufactures know this, expect this and rely on it. The original X1 is the most "family friendly" 44 camper trailer in our range. 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. Not made for touring, We first contacted Black Series Campers in November for a warranty repair and after numerous follow up calls and emails I was today told that the defect is not covered by warranty. Items like water tanks, suspension components, tyres, bearings and electrical components have often been weak points in Chinese-built campers, but quality in these areas have been points of pride amongst the Australian industry. The benefits of buying an Australian-made camper trailer go beyond the inherent quality manufacturers need to aspire to relevance in the market. Coachmen. 4.5 from 11 reviews. Finding the best Australian-made camper trailer is an adventure in itself. Gulfstream. These units are build with the campers needs in mind, I would give zero stars if I could. The build quaility is fantastic. Exposed wiring, structural issues, and faulty parts are common problems. If your vehicle is legally able to handle the burden, then youre good to go; if not, think about changing your target camper-trailer or upsizing your tow vehicle, if your budget allows. Heading Out for an Adventure? Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget, Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. 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. Analyze if the kitchen construction is durable or not. Please read these Warranty Terms carefully. Spoilt some holiday plans. Lastly, the large cooking area, hot water system, and off-road tires will make van life fun! In 2008, Coachman was bought out by Forest River Inc., which also owns Palomino RV, Shasta RV, Dynamax, and more. We cannot simply miss Pioneer Campers in the best camper trailers list. Make sure all canvas on awnings or tented sections is well-stitched, blemish-, damp- and tear-free, and that there are no large holes in the sewing. 1. They have the hard walls and roof of a caravan, but have the width of a camper trailer - this compact size means the cooking is generally done outside. Jayco travel trailer brand: 15%. Any of the Jayco camper range is a great family camper. Users reports that cabinet doors falling off and having poorly designed control boards. the UEV Boasts an incredible reputation of Off-Road capabilities with its Patented Suspension systems, along with the Versatile Sleeping & Set up configurations this compact trailer provides. Loose and damaged electrical connections. 4. The Indiana-based company is known for manufacturing innovative vehicles that are equipped with standard features and equipment. Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. However, it took a long time for anyone to have a good crack at it. Let's take a look. If not , how about Intech? The engineering of the Cub Campers Frontier feels like a breath of fresh air. Its a given. The best camping trailer will check all the boxes of towing capacity, build quality, living space, simple setup, and comfortable bed. The trailer has enough space for two campers. Companies like Forest River or Thor, and a few more have a history of poor customer service and reliability. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers: Airstream: 4.3/5.0: . 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. Pioneer Campers won Camper Trailer of the Year Awards 2017 with the design of the Mitchell. Winnebago travel trailer brand: 3%. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by a fifth wheel & a truck with his wife. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? Camper trailers are generally less luxurious than caravans, but it all boils down to what you prefer - some people love having the extra comfort of a solid roof and walls, while others feel closer to natures sights and sounds in their trailer. ALL of Forest River travel trailers are to be avoided but only their Coachmen line of motorized? Tidy and bolstered woodwork with glued or screwed joins is much better. 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. 11 Worst Travel Trailer Brands Out There. The EXP 6 Camper can sleep small families of up to 6 members. 950KG DRY TARE WEIGHT*. 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. * Broken leafs on suspension remove & repair or re-new costs. There may be second hand privately imported models for sale. Winnebago. This model has a rugged build. Some trailers also offer the option of awnings and extra rooms, letting them sleep more people and offering more living space. Long considered one of Australias best off-road camper trailers, the Tvan has been improved through constant modernisation. As a 2nd time buyer, communication, We bought an exodus 16 last year. 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. Let's help you on the journey to find the best camper trailer for your next adventure! Whether travelling solo or with a large group, storage space always comes in handy. Which travel trailer is built the best? Looking for tips on how to carry or travel with your family? Moreover, you have to consider the build quality, tent setup features, living space, water tanks, and so much more. Their main focus is producing high-quality fifth wheel and travel trailers, with the popular Autumn Ridge travel trailer starting at $23,000 up to the Telluride fifth wheel starting at $67,800. The Australian camper trailer world has undergone a massive revolution in the past decade. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. 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. Forest River is a motorized RV with a weight capacity of 28,349 pounds; it tops some of the best sales that could be found. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lack of quality and dependability. In the end, you have to be happy with that and satisfied that you arent just buying a list of components bolted together, but the pride and expertise of local manufacturers. The Pros & Cons Of The Briggs And Stratton Generator Range In Australia. Are you affected? This Australian-made camper trailer can accommodate seven people. All-new HiLux takes shape alongside its Tacoma cousin, Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 5. Avoid camper-trailers with poor construction, A well-constructed camper-trailer is worth the money. Gibb River Rd and has held up well. Our is, I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. Winnebago Minnie Winnie Travel Trailer. Proud to be a part of the Australian Manufactured Camper Trailers Guild, here's just a few reasons on why you should invest in Trackabout's off road camper trailers. 2. Showers spew water and toilets leak in many units. There's also under-bench storage that can hold all the kitchen items. In this teardrop trailer, you get a comfy queen-size bed, solar panels, insulated walls, and every other van life essentials you'd want. The customer service has been very disappointing. Today, theres a shrinking, but passionate number of camper trailer manufacturers operating in Australia, but because they cant compete on price with most of the imported product from China, they compete on quality and innovation. The functionality and complexity of Aussie camper trailer kitchens is one of their strong points. Cub Campers. The EXP 6 Camper can sleep small families of up to 6 members. Handover was a shambles - shipped with the wrong fridge, and the handover rep seemed to know less about the unit than we did. It doesnt matter how good the materials used are if theyve all been linked together in a chain of poor construction. One of the most significant advantages of this camper trailer is its slide-out bed. However, you'll not find many facilities and accessories in the Timberland Pika. 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. These include: After talking to many other Trak Shak owners, both online and in campsites. Gulf Stream travel trailer brand: 1%. Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials, Look for a camper built with top-quality materials. Forest River RV. This little fellow is perfect if you have a small tow. If youre after an off-road trailer with adjustable suspension, spacious quarters, and a durable construction, then the GIC Black Series Patron might be what youre after. let us know in the comments. TRAILER TYPES. Tool Box, 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. You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. Sun-Ray 109 Mini Camper. As a result, we suggest you prioritize your requirements to help you narrow the choices. Check the weight of your potential camper-trailer it will be listed in the campers specifications. Look for quirks and design flaws that may pose bigger problems down the track a bit: winder handles that dont work as smoothly as they should, gas struts that arent doing their job properly, bed bases that are vulnerable to outside moisture, pinch-points on hinges, canvas that doesnt tuck away or unfold neatly enough when setting or packing up, awnings/tented sections with too many spreader bars and no end wall, or those with a flat roofline which are prone to catching water when it rains. All the rest were Chinese in origin, and almost universally they exhibited a common . Telluride. It's the best value, Aussie-made rear-fold on the market. In touring form its great for travellers who move often or those who want a lightweight off-road camper trailer. ou have been saving up for years for the big one, the big trip around Australia. Opus is based in Victoria and can be contacted on (03) 9068 5914. Arriving before christmas. We've listed all relevant models here. What's more, the hard-topped roof also lets you mount rooftop tents and showers to unlock more utility. Cub Brumby. Ease of usage. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. Read reviews! Fleetwood RV. Australia ranked first, USA second and China third - despite the relative unpopularity of camping in China. Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. The capacity of the water tank should be enough for all the members. Happy travelling! Sharing his own experience and knowledge about RV life is now part of his passion and enjoyment. Having been in the RV and travel trailer business since the 1960's, it is disappointing to place Coachman on this list. 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. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable you'll be. One major issue is the wrong weight rating on the hitch. Since buying a camper is a substantial financial commitment, you must be aware of the RV brands to avoid, so you can get the most for your money. Some of the chief complaints regarding Fleetwood revolve around its customer service. Some brands dont hold up to the reputation they had in the past. According to various online forums, most owners report problems with roofs, skylights, drains, waste valves, and flooring. ADDRESS & WEBSITE. Dont Forget Your Camping Buddy! Storage is a key factor when it comes to camper trailers and the Exceed Camper brings 2200 liters of weather sealed storage across 5 compartments. Gulf Stream and Keystone are infamous for water leaks, while Jayco and Coachmen suffer with their few worse-performing models. This list represents what, 90-95% of the RV or travel trailer manufacturers? You can find a range of camper trailers costing anywhere from $6000 to $40,000. Next on our list is the Sherpa Camper. (image credit: Brendan Batty). One of the notable features of this camper trailer is that it only takes a couple of minutes to set up. If you are a first-time buyer, you might not be aware of the different camper trailers available in the market. But as far as newer models, Gulf Stream is definitely one of the RV brands to avoid. All these listed brands have a few units that run well and a large number of customers highly appreciate. 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. You should also consider the warranty when comparing prices - many camper trailers have five years of structural warranty, and a lifetime warranty for a winch. Some customers reported issues with faulty or disconnected wiring and improper installation. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, it's enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. Forest River travel trailers often come equipped with cheap materials and questionable construction. 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. 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. 5. 5. For 20 years Trackabout has been known as a tough-as-nails camper trailer builder. 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. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. You should also consider the number of sleeping arrangements you need, as well as how easy the beds are to reach. He is an avid RV traveler and professional mountain biker with a great sense of humor. Their one-year warranty coverage often leaves RVers helpless if something goes wrong. Small vehicles will be able to legally tow smaller, less weighty camper-trailers and large 4WDs will be able to handle larger burdens at the back. The first Kimberley Kampers rolled out of the factory in 1994. Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. If you are a camping enthusiast or want to live off-grid, the Bruder EXP 6 Camper is an excellent investment. . This savvy trailer has a full king-size bed, enormous shower and bathroom area, and leather seating to deliver a rich experience. The camper can handle a total weight of 670 kg. Offroad Caravan And Camper Trailer Warranty Terms. Dutchmen. YKS. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. Not all products of these companies are low-quality and obviously their customer service can be improved day by day. There are many RV brands out there to choose from, but there are some RV brands to avoid when making a purchase. 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. Perfect for anyone, because their tent options are extensive. 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. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. All the Jayco models follow a similar setup process, which is quite simple for beginners. 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. If you have a family of four to six members, you can go on family trips on the camper. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. The roof edges are made of plastic material that appears very thin and fragile. Almost all canvas materials used in Australia for use in camper trailers, swags, tents, and even most military equipment are made in China. The lifespan of your camper trailer also largely depends on the build and how you maintain it. When choosing an RV, its important to make sure youre buying from a reliable source. Chinook RVs customer service is pretty much a joke. Camper trailers should have stone guards to offer adequate protection. The Eagle Outback is also a chef's delight. The Sherpa Campers have also surprised us with their three layers of windows. So what are the worst RV brands? Improper sealing? There are difficulties in using the control board of these trailers. 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. 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. They specialize in fifth wheels and travel trailers, and have sold over 600,000 RV units to date. 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.. 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. Patriots are expedition-style trailers with great storage options, an excellent kitchen and innovative features and have one a stack of awards. This section will walk you through all the camper types! Customer service unable to properly handle the constant influx of service requests. Discover the advantages. Starcraft Mossy Oak Travel Trailer. We supply Campers throughout Australia particularly from Brisbane to Cairns and across most parts of QLD. Tell me your kid wrote this list and submitted it under your name. 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. The caper encompasses a living area, kitchen, bed, and everything you'd expect from a trailer. But over time, they lost consumers trust with their shoddy construction and poor quality and became one of the worst camping trailer brands. Image Credits: Let the Adventure Begin With Airstream Campers! 3. Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? 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. 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. Also, depending on your requirements, you might require additional accessories such as microwaves, Wi-Fi, air-con, and so on. However, if you found this review, it means youre looking for a convenient, Read More Is The Waeco CF50 Fridge As Good As They Say?Continue, Are you considering purchasing an iconic Engel fridge but are hesitant to spend over $1,000 on a camping fridge? Then arrived in January. 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 . The clever design of the window transforms into a table when you want to dine in.