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. It could be shocking to many to see the name of Dutchmen Coleman in this list of RV brands to avoid. (image credit: Brendan Batty). Forget the Ford Maverick! If you ask us, Frontiertier harbours all the amenities you can get at that price tag. Quality Rating. With that,, Read More The Pros & Cons Of The Briggs And Stratton Generator Range In AustraliaContinue, Going camping is a fantastic idea, especially if you have friends or loved ones to accompany you. 5. Local versus Imported Campers - HemaX Camper Australia Spoilt some holiday plans. The best deal about this camper trailer is that most elements slide out, enabling more space. With the right products, you can still eat, drink, and relax as if youre on holiday, so that your summer staycation is something special. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. For more, read our towing advice story here. What you need to know about the next-gen Subaru Outback Sport XT 2023 review: snapshot. many of the 120-plus caravan manufacturers in Australia are churning out faulty products. Winnebago Minnie Winnie Travel Trailer. In this teardrop trailer, you get a comfy queen-size bed, solar panels, insulated walls, and every other van life essentials you'd want. Additionally, it would be best to consider the condition of the zips and velcro. Arriving before christmas. Exceed Campers - Australian Made Camper Trailer - Off-Road Camper 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. 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. We've listed all relevant models here. The horizon is wide open. However, technical and structural design issues are common among Keystone RVs. This weight is often also continued into the tent canvas. Fleetwood Travel Trailer. Fleetwood travel trailer brand: 2%. You may not even be able to open cans or cook. Forest River RV. Wait until you see the fancy outdoor and indoor cooking area, a pop-top roof, and working shower! We've taken time to explore each camper trailer and dig out all the details about its performance and features. Jayco: Unreliable features, appliances break easily. Many customers reported that the A/C is unable to cool down the temperature properly. The top 7 worst travel trailer brands: 1. 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. Campers tend to enjoy being outdoors all the time, but they need a specialised sleeping system, such as the 23Zero Bandit Double Swag 1400. Are all electrics (plugs, wiring etc) neat, tidy and safely functioning? 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. One of the main reasons to pick this trailer is its excellent storage and posh interiors. Coachmen. With over 30 years' experience in the engineering industry we utilise our industry . You should also look out for where the cables, switches, and plumbing are. We wish that the process of buying a camping trailer was as joyful as riding in one. Travel Trailer RV - This type of RV is smaller than a Fifth Wheel RV and are designed to be pulled on a hitch. There are several complaints from users including structural and technical issues and the website isn't to use and customer care is unreliable. It's perfect for a pair with pets. Problems with the tow bar and braking system? 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). Required fields are marked *. Proper Ford Everest rival inbound! In basecamp form its ideal for small families. Sun-Ray 109 Mini Camper. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. RV manufactures warranty periods are the biggest failure in the industry. RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! Dutchmen Travel Trailer. my Alpha 18 months The ultimate guide to buying a camper trailer - 4WDing Australia There may be second hand privately imported models for sale. Apart from black, the trailer comes in a whole range of colours. Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%. One major issue is the wrong weight rating on the hitch. Their showroom is at: 13 Indian Drive, Keysborough, VIC, 3173. Hymer is one of the best RV brands on there, offering a variety of classes . But with time, Gulf Streams quality has diminished, becoming one of the worst class C RV brands. If you have a family of four to six members, you can go on family trips on the camper. Gulf Stream and Keystone are infamous for water leaks, while Jayco and Coachmen suffer with their few worse-performing models. Where most forward . 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. If you are thinking of buying a travel trailer, think twice before choosing one of these brands. RVing Trends is the premier online resource with the main mission to inspire RV travel to US campers. read more. When choosing an RV, its important to make sure youre buying from a reliable source. 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. Image Credits: Say Yes to Living Off-Grid With Camper Trailers. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers: Airstream: 4.3/5.0: . Camping Made Easier With Cub Campers Frontier! Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. Even while off the beaten track, the durable build of this camper gives you a comfortable experience. The HQ17 from Blackseries boasts quality off-road tires and excellent suspension, best for tricky terrains. Stand back behind the trailer & check wheels are upright & tires for uneven wear new axle & tyre costs. The Escapod camper trailers start at a price of about $17,000 USD. But the industry should be responding to their very serious credibility problem. Keystone. You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. Getting the best available camper trailer is also about getting the best features within your price range. Regardless of your towing vehicle, you should check a camper trailers weight - both the tare weight (the weight of an empty trailer) and the Aggregate Trailer Mass (the total weight your trailer can weigh when loaded) - against your vehicles maximum towing capacity. . The batteries in some units show recharging issues. 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. Starcraft Mossy Oak Travel Trailer. The heater vent under the dinette is incorrectly aligned? If you think the above camper trailer is beyond your budget, you'll love the Oregon Camper Do Drop that costs as little as $6,200. While the entire Thor Motor Coach brand should be approached with caution, their most infamous RV line is the Thor Hurricane. There are reports of water leaks in Chinook RVs. Australia. However, Craig does only have capacity to make 45 a year, so you might have to wait a bit for yours. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. Fleetwood has been a leading and trusted brand in RV manufacturing for over six decades. Here's what to look out for and buy smart, Get to know the personalities behind the team every week, The most interesting hints of what's to come. They produce travel trailers, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, and other RV options. . (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). 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. We've listed all relevant models here. If your camper comes with accessories or recent upgrades, you should ensure that they are in proper working conditions. Check the weight of your potential camper-trailer it will be listed in the campers specifications. Believe me, those days are long gone; now there are hundreds of different makes and models, with more differences than you can poke a stick at. Its common to hear complaints about their slow response time and lack of help. 4. Conversely, more expensive trailers may have less features. 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. We love our Cub Weekender with Transcontinental pack. Aussie camper trailers are increasingly innovative, and come in all different shapes and sizes. 2. Unlock a Plush Camping Experience with HQ17 and HQ19, Say Yes to Living Off-Grid With Camper Trailers. 2. I have added two jerrycan holders and there is plenty of room for a single bike rack on the. her trailer fixed under warranty. 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. Thor Hurricane has some features in its Class A motorhomes that appeal to many RV owners. The full-fledged kitchen has a stove, microwave, and a large fridge. The build quaility is fantastic. Well, the brands recent RV models are less reliable than the older ones, so use your best judgment if you still want to buy from this company. Fifth Wheel RVs are large and practical but they need to be towed by a separate pickup truck or SUV. 7 Worst Travel Trailer Brands to Avoid. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 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? 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. Avoid camper-trailers your vehicle is unable to tow, This Ford Everest can easily tow this 1285kg Jayco Swan Outback. 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. 5 Best RV Brands In 2023 (With Costs And Ratings) - Motor 1 Our is, Latest review: I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. 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. So what are the worst RV brands? 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. However, it was once a great RV brand to buy from because of its admirable performance and reliability. 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. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable you'll be. Not made for touring, Latest review: 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. Didnt they stop making TTs about 5 years ago? Finding the best Australian-made camper trailer is an adventure in itself. Simple, elegant and in great colours, the tents are top notch and the simple trailers are built around the corner. This is one of the more bizarre lists Ive read from an experienced RVer? MEMBERS. They are roughly divided into three camps: the Jayco-esque campers, the tent-trailers, which are mostly steel trailers with a canvas tent incorporated, and hybrid camper trailers, which look a lot like small caravans or teardrops, but are made by camper trailer manufacturers and usually very handy off-road. * Bent axle. Chinook RVs customer service is pretty much a joke. The clever design of the window transforms into a table when you want to dine in. Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related. More details. let us know in the comments. 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. Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Zero Swag - Review. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. 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. 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. Customer service unable to properly handle the constant influx of service requests. 7 Best Australian Made Camper Trailers - QuickRevs.com.au Your hunt for a travel buddy is all set to come to an end with the Bruder EXP 6 Camper. Challenge Camper Trailer. Coleman Light series Travel trailer. Its really only been in the last decade that thats changed. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. 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. 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. Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials, Look for a camper built with top-quality materials. Very, Latest review: Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. Youll also quickly start to see the costs add up the more features you choose to include in your camper. Youre looking for a level of workmanship that matches the cash you plan to spend. What do hybrid campers cost new? 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). This is the first live-in camper trailer that combines our famous o. twice incl. For 20 years Trackabout has been known as a tough-as-nails camper trailer builder. AKS Tires. This monster trailer weighs a whopping 2,000 kg and comes at a price tag of $70,000 AUD. TRAILER TYPES. The Eagle Outback is also a chef's delight. This list represents what, 90-95% of the RV or travel trailer manufacturers? After all, you don't want to end up spending on something that will no longer be functional after a couple of years. It suits travelling couples, although is one of the better forward-folds if youre considering one for your family travels. (image credit: Brendan Batty). The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2023 - GearJunkie This Blue Tongue Overland XF Lite Series 2 is a well-priced camper. All the Jayco models follow a similar setup process, which is quite simple for beginners. Fleetwood. A Dutchman travel trailer. RV Brands To Avoid: We Conducted A Survey & Here Are The Reasons - RV Talk The following information relates to warranties offered by MDC. Avoid camper-trailers with below-par design, This Avan CruiseLiner is well designed - beware campers that aren't. OPUS Camper Australia. Scott Rivers is the Founder and CEO of RVing Trends. Sharing his own experience and knowledge about RV life is now part of his passion and enjoyment. MANUFACTURER. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? One of the notable features of this camper trailer is that it only takes a couple of minutes to set up. We supply Campers throughout Australia particularly from Brisbane to Cairns and across most parts of QLD. Ive used the normal soft-floor tent version, which goes up in about two minutes. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa, plus a pair of twin bunk beds. 4.5 from 11 reviews. Water leakage is common, which causes damage to the floor. Avoid campers with stapled woodwork in cupboards and kitchen where possible as it is prone to weakening and separation (after prolonged exposure to general usage and travel). Some brands dont hold up to the reputation they had in the past. Image Credits: Heading Out for an Adventure? While leaks are a serious matter, other problems include locks on doors and hatches not staying secure. That said, there should be different storage spaces to lug your baggage, kitchen items, and personal items. Those innovations have led to campers that are, as a rule, quick and easy to set-up and pack-up and very well suited to the Australian styles of travel, which often involves days of travel before finally setting up at a dream location. Many customers have complained of electrical malfunctions and access problems. Since the kitchen deck folds out, you can enjoy outdoors while cooking your favourite camping dishes. All the rest were Chinese in origin, and almost universally they exhibited a common . The 5 RV Brands to Avoid: Our Guide to Buying the Best RV - Travel RV Life 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 functionality and complexity of Aussie camper trailer kitchens is one of their strong points. Where are Platinum Camper Trailers Made? Moreover, you have to consider the build quality, tent setup features, living space, water tanks, and so much more. 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. Battery and large pull draw for, Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. Someone in your travelling group who has limited leg mobility, for example, might not be able to climb a ladder to get into a raised bed. With recent upgrades to suspension and a time-honoured layout inside, the Eagle Outback continues to be a family favourite. SUSPENSION. So, the lists are not for travel trailer ratings best to worst brands. Their extensive range of models are all hard floor and cater for couples, up to large families; and range in price from $10k - $45k+. We've done the homework for you and put together a buying guide that will help you pick the best camper trailer. 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 . But worry not! Buy Australian made camper trailers. 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. You'll also appreciate the fact that it comes in great colours. What's been recalled and why. Many people wonder how long camper trailers last before purchasing the trailer. The black water tank does not drain properly. The ultimate guide to buying a Hybrid Camper - 4WDing Australia Forest River was once the most reputable name in the industry. These days its hard to find a bad Aussie camper trailer builder, but these are some of the best to buy. However, this can be a tricky feat if your mum hasnt told you what kind of gift shed be happy with. . 2. Jayco travel trailer brand: 15%. The Sherpa Campers have also surprised us with their three layers of windows. Do you include 5th wheels with travel trailers? MANUFACTURERS; SUPPLIERS; NEWS; Search for: Manufacturers AMCTG 2020-08-03T12:07:52+10:00. 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. Camper Trailer Reviews, Information & Tips For Australians - Camp Outdoors These are absolute cheap nasty rubbish camper trailers. This Australian trailer is a product by BRS Offroad. The RVs electrical system can be prone to causing fire hazards. OK Does the camper trailer come with a bathroom? 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. We lived with the Platinum model for a month and assessed whether it was worth the asking price. 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 Pros & Cons Of The 60L Engel Fridge Freezer Review, A Review Of The Most Popular Camping Generators In Australia. Lack of quality and dependability. 11 Worst Travel RV Brands To Avoid In 2022 & Why - Camper 101 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. 6. 950KG DRY TARE WEIGHT*. 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. [So much crap for sale]. Unfortunately, not all RV brands are created equal; some are notorious for poor quality and unreliability, while some are claimed about the unsupportive customer service. Offroad Caravan And Camper Trailer Warranty Terms. Things to avoid when buying a Camper Trailer | 4x4Earth Are you looking for camping equipment that can keep your drink cold and food fresh for a long time? The flip side is that they dont have the same quality and construction that you would expect from motorhomes. Their one-year warranty coverage often leaves RVers helpless if something goes wrong. Is The Waeco CF50 Fridge As Good As They Say? But, for a price tag of just $11,000 USD, we think you can overlook those missing facilities. Faulty electrical systems and leaking roofs. The overall condition of the interior should be tip-top. I read all the reviews good and bad. The exterior trailer body features a clean and straightforward design. 9 Worst Travel Trailer Brands To Avoid and Why - RVing Know How This section will walk you through all the camper types! I have added two jerrycan holders and there is plenty of room for a single bike rack on the, After waiting 7 months. Analyze if the kitchen construction is durable or not. It is thoughtful how the brand offers resilient outlining and mosquito-proof nets. If youve seen people struggle with a particular campers set-up or pack-up process, then you should consider another camper. Few minor cracked welds on frame easily fixed & gas struts need replacing but all is still, Latest review: EzyTrail Buckland LX Mk2. Long considered one of Australias best off-road camper trailers, the Tvan has been improved through constant modernisation. So, are you ready to embark on our Australian expedition to find the best camper trailers? There are difficulties in using the control board? 1. Compass Tires. Winnebago travel trailer brand: 3%. Cub Campers. Manufacturing defects lead to leaks and storage issues. Its space-like design and hi-fi cooking area have our appreciation! 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. Info night with Dave @ Camper Trailers WA Wednesday 8th March 2023 7.30pm. Ease of usage. In 2008, Coachman was bought out by Forest River Inc., which also owns Palomino RV, Shasta RV, Dynamax, and more. Most will have a kitchenette, multiple berths, and a lounge area. Furthermore, customer service from this company could be better. The engineering of the Cub Campers Frontier feels like a breath of fresh air. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. See below our current Super Tourer Packages. After talking to many other Trak Shak owners, both online and in campsites. Those with a 4WD should generally find that towing a trailer is easy enough, even in more difficult weather and terrain, while those with an SUV or 2WD may have to be a bit more careful, and will probably have a much smaller range of campers that they can safely tow. The Mitchell Trailer is one of Pioneer Campers' best off-road camper trailers. The brand offers a diverse range of forward folds, soft floors, dual folds, and hybrid caravans. Fifth Wheel RV - This is similar to a Class C RV but is not equipped with an engine. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. 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. As a 2nd time buyer, communication, We bought an exodus 16 last year. 8 Worst Travel Trailer Brands To Avoid In 2021 - Go Hymer They specialize in fifth wheels and travel trailers, and have sold over 600,000 RV units to date. The capacity of the water tank should be enough for all the members. Users reports that cabinet doors falling off and having poorly designed control boards. Pioneer Campers won Camper Trailer of the Year Awards 2017 with the design of the Mitchell. Coachman. We think that the exterior is incredible and modern. Top 5 camper-trailers to avoid - CarsGuide These include: If these are in good shape then chances are the manufacturers havent skimped on other materials. Glad we opted for two gas bottles and stone guard. Timberleaf KESTREL Camper. In addition, some owners report that parts and pieces break down more frequently than other brands. But over time, they lost consumers trust with their shoddy construction and poor quality and became one of the worst camping trailer brands. High quality-made 4wd camper trailers. Off-road campers will usually have features like stone guards, a chequer-plate finish, more ground clearance, and dual-shock, airbag suspension. Brands that dont offer high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer service should be avoided. According to various online forums, most owners report problems with roofs, skylights, drains, waste valves, and flooring. 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.. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. Avoid camper-trailers with labour-intensive set-up and pack-up. Weve got tips for everything from shopping sustainably to zero-waste packaging, so that you can have a greener holiday season. 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! Are water and gas fittings well put together, secure and in great working order? How To, off-road tips and adventure travel destinations, Not just utes. What's the difference between a camper trailer and a caravan? 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.