There was a time when Australia was a proud camper trailer building nation. 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. Since the kitchen deck folds out, you can enjoy outdoors while cooking your favourite camping dishes. The dream has become reality. 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. Remember, this trailer is not as big as our previous picks. CARAVANS. Here's a quick rundown of the 10 Best Mini Camper Trailers Under 10,000 in 2021: Kodiak Campers. Home RV Guides RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! After all, you don't want to end up spending on something that will no longer be functional after a couple of years. If yes, is it outside or inside? You'll dig its bold black paint the moment you lay eyes on this cool camping unit. Is Airstream (Basecamp) still good? You'll have a great sleep at night with the larger bed holding an innerspring mattress. Most reputable imported camper trailers nowadays should stand the test of time and if properly maintained, hold their value. 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 . 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. Users need to pay an extra charge for repair services. Off-road campers will usually have features like stone guards, a chequer-plate finish, more ground clearance, and dual-shock, airbag suspension. The heater vent under the dinette is incorrectly aligned. You can find a range of camper trailers costing anywhere from $6000 to $40,000. These travel trailers are cheap, but the quality has been immensely compromised. The Altitude Alpine 15 Camper Trailer is an Australian made and manufactured off-road and hybrid series of campers. Very, Latest review: Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. Gulfstream. Are you affected? Cost: $29,490. Water leakage is common, which causes damage to the floor. The Escapod camper trailers start at a price of about $17,000 USD. (1300 494 494) Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. He is an avid RV traveler and professional mountain biker with a great sense of humor. Users of many Winnebago models complain about bent panels and damaged walls during routine operations. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. Is it cheaper to book online or through a travel agent? A new VIN plate could be cause for alarm. Most caravanners are familiar with the Gall Boys and their wild adventures in northern Australia, but few realise one of them builds camper trailer tents from a small shed in Queensland. Stove wasn't connected and fire extinguisher was 4 years old. Inspect the number of batteries in the trailer and whether they are solar-powered or not. Avoid camper-trailers with poor construction, A well-constructed camper-trailer is worth the money. Cub Campers is one of the best camper trailer manufacturers in Australia. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, its enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. For most RV buyers, Thor Hurricane is one of the worst RV brands to avoid. Under the foot of the bed, you'll find six internal storage boxes. Its really only been in the last decade that thats changed. With about 15 years in RV living, road tripping, Scott now uses this experience as a travel blogger. Let's first talk about the EXP-4 off-road tailor. A lot of Chinese manufacturers are developing a lot of brand names for almost the same tires. . 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. 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. This savvy trailer has a full king-size bed, enormous shower and bathroom area, and leather seating to deliver a rich experience. One of the main reasons to pick this trailer is its excellent storage and posh interiors. Tell me your kid wrote this list and submitted it under your name. 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 awning should be easy to set up. The Pros & Cons Of The Briggs And Stratton Generator Range In Australia. Conversely, more expensive trailers may have less features. Some models may develop bent and damaged walls. Avoid camper-trailers with labour-intensive set-up and pack-up. Using low-quality materials that can rust easily. It has been way better that we expected. The first Kimberley Kampers rolled out of the factory in 1994. I have camped, Latest review: We bought our first camper trailer last September at Maitland 4x4 & Camping show. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. 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. This Australian built rear-fold camper comes at the best value of about $29,490. With recent upgrades to suspension and a time-honoured layout inside, the Eagle Outback continues to be a family favourite. The toughest Toyota ever? It suits travelling couples, although is one of the better forward-folds if youre considering one for your family travels. Improper sealing? The UEV-490 offers individuals an Off-Road Hybrid Caravan, which is known to be the "Swiss army knife" of the Camper trailer industry. If not , how about Intech? Things to Consider While Buying Off-Road Camper Trailers, Don't Forget the Modifications and Accessories, The Latest Off-Road Camper Trailer From Escapod, Have Great Outdoor Experience With Camper Trailers. Skip to content. get awnings fully erect, all canvas sides pulled taut etc. These include brands such as Hurricane, Keystone . Does the camper trailer come with a bathroom? CODE OF ETHICS; WHY USE AUSSIE STEEL? 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. Coachmen Industries was started by three brothers, Tom, Keith, and Claude Corson, in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana. 11 Worst Travel Trailer Brands Out There. 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. We specialize in Forward fold campers trailers. The latest and future car tech from around the world, We're here to help you with any car issues. There are difficulties in using the control board of these trailers. Exposed wiring, structural issues, and faulty parts are common problems. Even while off the beaten track, the durable build of this camper gives you a comfortable experience. 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 customers reported issues with faulty or disconnected wiring and improper installation. Unit has been around Aus. Coleman Light series Travel trailer. I read all the reviews good and bad. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Camping gear has unsurprisingly been at the top of a lot of shopping lists this summer. 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. Sun-Ray 109 Mini Camper. Image Credits: The Latest Off-Road Camper Trailer From Escapod. the manufacturer is permitted to fit a trailer plate under s.14A(1) of the Act and supply the trailer to the Australian market. The overall condition of the interior should be tip-top. Jayco. The manufacturer has put together off-road tires, storage, and a double bed to make sure you have a pleasant time. We've listed all relevant models here. Are all electrics (plugs, wiring etc) neat, tidy and safely functioning? Rhinomax Campers are all hand built completely within the walls of our workshops in Sunshine Coast Queensland by a team of experienced engineers and skilled craftsmen. We lived with the Platinum model for a month and assessed whether it was worth the asking price. Hymer is one of the best RV brands on there, offering a variety of classes . As a 2nd time buyer, communication, Latest review: We bought an exodus 16 last year. Keystone. Many customers reported that the A/C is unable to cool down the temperature properly. Jeff has been an avid outdoor person all his life. Look for full, clean welds with support pieces in corners and crucial joins, including on the chassis and drawbar. 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 . Image Credits: Say Yes to Living Off-Grid With Camper Trailers. It's a four-season swag made of. Since many people will swear by the brand, we have found many mixed reactions and this is why certain people tend to avoid the brand when it comes to buying a new trailer. Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related. Furthermore, customer service from this company could be better. The increasing number of complaints from the consumer, dealers universally who are trying to make a living, who are also fed up and embarrassed trying to sell units with poor or even missing materials and shoddy construction. You should also look out for where the cables, switches, and plumbing are. 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. Analyze if the kitchen construction is durable or not. Few minor cracked welds on frame easily fixed & gas struts need replacing but all is still, Latest review: EzyTrail Buckland LX Mk2. Moreover, the camper trailer should also have some scope for modifications such as upgraded bedding, a second battery, and larger water tanks. Where 10 years ago there was almost no comparison between the quality of imported and local camper trailers, the lines are now much blurrier. The EXP 6 Camper can sleep small families of up to 6 members. One option isnt necessarily superior to another - the right choice for you will largely depend on where you want to travel, how you like to travel, and your personal situation (such as your budget). The GIC Black Series Dominator can tackle tough terrain while offering caravan-like levels of comfort, helping you make anywhere feel like home. This model has a rugged build. Winnebago: Winnebago is one of the brands that has given us the most mixed reviews and many people will swear by the brand for the value that it offers. 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. They have partners with Airstream in Australia. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, it's enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. into remote, pristine areas of D . 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. Compass Tires. If your camper comes with accessories or recent upgrades, you should ensure that they are in proper working conditions. ou have been saving up for years for the big one, the big trip around Australia. Darling Super Tourer Package. I have added two jerrycan holders and there is plenty of room for a single bike rack on the. 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? Forest River Issues, Problems and Quality Control (Video) 3. The roof edges are made of plastic material that appears very thin and fragile. 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. Scott Rivers is the Founder and CEO of RVing Trends. Dutchmen Aerolite Travel trailer. There's a tent and a shower, perfect for a trip with family. 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. Image Credits: Camping Made Easier With Cub Campers Frontier! SLEEPS 2 - 8. Long considered one of Australias best off-road camper trailers, the Tvan has been improved through constant modernisation. Winnebago. Some owners complain about how flimsy and poorly built their Chinooks feel. Its common to hear complaints about their slow response time and lack of help. Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials. Jayco: Unreliable features, appliances break easily. It could be shocking to many to see the name of Dutchmen Coleman in this list of RV brands to avoid. The top 7 worst travel trailer brands: 1. Winnebago is an established RV brand, and compared to some of the other entrants on our list, they're not all bad. Unfortunately, finding a camper with all accessories and modifications can be tricky. By and large, Pioneer Campers absolutely know what they're doing with this camping trailer. Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%. It's perfect for a pair with pets. Simple, elegant and in great colours, the tents are top notch and the simple trailers are built around the corner. 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? We love these camper trailers as they come with a bundle of features. Wait until you see the fancy outdoor and indoor cooking area, a pop-top roof, and working shower! Problems with the tow bar and braking system? There are many RV brands you should avoid! How to Maintain the Optimal Tyre Pressure for your Caravan, The Best Solar Blanket for Camping: Kings Solar Blanket Review, What Are the Best Solar Panels for Camping? Let's take a look. Our is, Latest review: I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. 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. You have everything ready to go, the oil in the 4WD is changed, everything is packed in the brand new camper trailer and life is good. 4. The capacity of the water tank should be enough for all the members. You need to shell out $66,000 to bring home this camping buddy. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. . See the Cub Campers website here. But, for a price tag of just $11,000 USD, we think you can overlook those missing facilities. All the rest were Chinese in origin, and almost universally they exhibited a common . You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? Camper trailers should have stone guards to offer adequate protection. Moreover, you have to consider the build quality, tent setup features, living space, water tanks, and so much more. Its a given. Fleetwood travel trailer brand: 2%. Aussie camper trailers are increasingly innovative, and come in all different shapes and sizes. But with time, Gulf Streams quality has diminished, becoming one of the worst class C RV brands. Spoilt some holiday plans. The pricing is a tad steep at $50,000 AUD, but you'll understand that the various features make up for the pricing. her trailer fixed under warranty. 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. This is the first live-in camper trailer that combines our famous o. Read reviews! So far it has lived up to the hype that these Hybrid campers get. Theyll give you a better idea of a camper trailer manufacturers after sales service and the durability of their campers. Fleetwood. I would always ensure the Brake components are Alko or similar and available in Australia. Almost all canvas materials used in Australia for use in camper trailers, swags, tents, and even most military equipment are made in China. 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! Keystone. This weight is often also continued into the tent canvas. There are hundreds of camper trailer brands in the market fighting for your attention! Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? As a 2nd time buyer, communication, We bought an exodus 16 last year. 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. Whether travelling solo or with a large group, storage space always comes in handy. Dont Forget Your Camping Buddy! 12 Best Travel Trailer Brands To Consider In 2021. Not all RVs are brand, even the worst brands have good models. 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. We hand make all types of camper trailers including hard floor camper trailers, forward fold campers, soft floor campers and hybrid campers. Weve got tips for everything from shopping sustainably to zero-waste packaging, so that you can have a greener holiday season. 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 brand offers a diverse range of forward folds, soft floors, dual folds, and hybrid caravans. AKS Tires. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. 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. Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. Has Fleetwood resumed making travel trailers? Then perhaps you should take a look at the myCOOLMAN range, Read More How The myCOOLMAN Fridge Range Stacks Up ReviewContinue, A rooftop tent is a great way to explore the unbeaten and beautiful Australian outback tracks without having any fixed accommodation. Its different strokes for different folks as far as towing and tow vehicles are concerned. The latest trailer, based in the top-of-the-line X1, features a hard-topped roof, soft-floor tent which sets up in an instant. The shape of the camper is teardrop-type. Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. This monster trailer weighs a whopping 2,000 kg and comes at a price tag of $70,000 AUD. 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. Notably, one of the four RV manufacturers in Australia that are more than 50 years old is Cub Campers, which is one of the most vocal advocates of Aussie manufacturing in the sector. Revolutionary designs and features. Compare. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Its a great, cheap option thats all Aussie. Simple and bullet proof suspension. 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. The full-fledged kitchen has a stove, microwave, and a large fridge. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. Arriving before christmas. Here's a brief look at 9 travel trailer brands in 2023 and why should you avoid buying the: Hurricane: Poor material quality and workmanship. The Jayco camper range is perfect for families. All Australian build and highest quality canvas and fittings. 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. If you are not careful when buying, you can get a below-par unit from these brands. Like all fabric materials, there are different grades and qualities available to us. Opening at 8:00 AM tomorrow . I have camped, We bought our first camper trailer last September at Maitland 4x4 & Camping show. Gulf Stream and Keystone are infamous for water leaks, while Jayco and Coachmen suffer with their few worse-performing models. Buying Australian also ensures the quality of ancillary parts are high. Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget, Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Alright, let's pour some scorn as we look at some of the worst travel trailer brands to avoid and why. All-new HiLux takes shape alongside its Tacoma cousin, Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 5. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Winnebago, a company that has been in business for quite some time, provides several excellent options for you. Snowy River SRC. For your guaranteed peace of mind, we stand for: Reliability. Dutchmen Travel Trailer. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa, plus a pair of twin bunk beds. 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. 2. 3. But the first Australian camper trailer is generally considered to have been built by R.J Rankin in 1928. Required fields are marked *. many of the 120-plus caravan manufacturers in Australia are churning out faulty products. Make sure all the lighting and electrical outlets work properly. Storage allows you to keep things inside the trailer organized and the space decluttered. It is also worth mentioning that the camper trailer weighs 1300 kg. Check that a camper trailer has enough storage space for your needs. Travel Trailer RV - This type of RV is smaller than a Fifth Wheel RV and are designed to be pulled on a hitch. 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. Manufacturing defects lead to leaks and storage issues. Stand back behind the trailer & check wheels are upright & tires for uneven wear new axle & tyre costs. As a result, we suggest you prioritize your requirements to help you narrow the choices. MEMBERS. The build quaility is fantastic. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable youll be. Their extensive range of models are all hard floor and cater for couples, up to large families; and range in price from $10k - $45k+. RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! Although the forward-folding camper concept was invented in Australia, it took anyone here a long time to have a good crack at it. Factors to consider when choosing a camper trailer. Camper trailers also come in small quantities from South Africa and very small numbers from the USA. Chinook RVs customer service is pretty much a joke. 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. Lack of airflow in the cabin due to blocked heat vents. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable you'll be. Founded in 1964 and now owned by Forest River, Inc, Coachmen is another RV manufacturer with a long-standing production line and proven track record. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. There are also different structural malfunctions and weaknesses. 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. Australia. Don't buy at the caravan shows . The exterior trailer body features a clean and straightforward design. ADDRESS & WEBSITE. Arriving before christmas. I have added two jerrycan holders and there is plenty of room for a single bike rack on the, After waiting 7 months. 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.