Forest River travel trailers often come equipped with cheap materials and questionable construction. By Jeff Roe November 26, 2021. If you've been seeking suggestions for the best Australian camper trailer, you've come to the right place! Worst Travel Trailer Brands According to Reviews. Scott Rivers is the Founder and CEO of RVing Trends. Suits the serious, long-term outback traveller. 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. The classic and reliable build of the Airstream Basecamp is perfect if you are looking for a camper trailer that will live for years to come. All Australian build and highest quality canvas and fittings. Some initial issues but the guys at Ezytrail resolved quickly. Latest review: We are really happy with Sean's service and enjoy the camper too. 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. Last but not least, we have the Jayco Eagle Outback trailer on our list. can cost you in the end. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Its latest models are also incredibly innovative. The capacity of the water tank should be enough for all the members. They have partners with Airstream in Australia. OK 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. Avoid camper-trailers built with poor materials. The functionality and complexity of Aussie camper trailer kitchens is one of their strong points. Check the weight of your potential camper-trailer it will be listed in the campers specifications. the manufacturer is permitted to fit a trailer plate under s.14A(1) of the Act and supply the trailer to the Australian market. Patriots are expedition-style trailers with great storage options, an excellent kitchen and innovative features and have one a stack of awards. Started in 1968, Cub Campers have now built over 20,000 camper trailers. This little fellow is perfect if you have a small tow. Camper trailers also come in small quantities from South Africa and very small numbers from the USA. 6. General disclaimer: All third party trademarks, images and copyrights on this page are used for the purpose of comparative advertising, criticism or review. 4.5 from 11 reviews. 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. All in all, it offers the best value for first-timers and people who are not looking to spend big bucks on campers. Of course, with the various features, the price tag of the Airstream Basecamp touches $38,000 USD. Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related. There are many RV brands you should avoid! These Aussie camper trailers come in bright colours and are among the least expensive on the market. Avoid camper-trailers with labour-intensive set-up and pack-up. Staying at home doesnt have to be a drag, even if youre isolating. 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. 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. This Australian-made camper trailer can accommodate seven people. During that time I gained a wealth of experience camping and travelling.With this site, Camp Outdoors Australia, I hope to bring tips and advice on general camping, caravanning and four wheel driving including product reviews and comparisons. 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. The toughest Toyota ever? The affordable price tags may look attractive, but youll ultimately pay more for a unit because of broken parts and frequent repairs. It is also one of the very few off-road camper trailers that include a washing machine. There's a tent and a shower, perfect for a trip with family. The Australian camper trailer world has undergone a massive revolution in the past decade. Some of the chief complaints regarding Fleetwood revolve around its customer service. Fleetwood travel trailer brand: 2%. Camper trailers let you live in comfort wherever you choose to go. Coachman. To understand which brands are the best, we recommend reading reviews and going to see the product yourself. 2023All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. Westlake. The Escapod camper trailers start at a price of about $17,000 USD. It is thoughtful how the brand offers resilient outlining and mosquito-proof nets. Since then, over 8,000 Kimberley Kampers, Karavans and Kruisers have been sold to passionate owners across Australia and 17 countries worldwide. The build quaility is fantastic. Our guide might help you choose the best RV brand. 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. This monster trailer weighs a whopping 2,000 kg and comes at a price tag of $70,000 AUD. Unit has been around Aus. Or email: enquiries@opuscamper.com.au. By contrast, the factories in China building camper trailers for local importers continue to grow and, at the same time, quality continues to improve driven by market demand and pressure from the Aussie builders and global markets. It means that this light trailer is easy to tow. 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. Loose and damaged electrical connections. There are reports about slide issues and defective awning and wiring. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa, plus a pair of twin bunk beds. 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. RV Brands to Avoid: You Dont Want to Buy Your First RV From These! Are all electrics (plugs, wiring etc) neat, tidy and safely functioning? Winnebago. Cub Campers is one of the best camper trailer manufacturers in Australia. This camper trailer review and buying guide enlist some excellent recommendations. I have camped, Latest review: We bought our first camper trailer last September at Maitland 4x4 & Camping show. Patriot is like one of those kids at school who everyone loved and hated in equal measure because they were too good at everything. 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. I purchased a Trak Shak back in 2012 and I initially had concerns regarding the quality as I had heard that it had dropped. Lack of airflow in the cabin due to blocked heat vents. 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. Weve not maintained any order here. The trailer itself is a single-axle trailer, 3.5 metres from tow hitch to tail gate and 1.7 metres wide. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. . There's also a roof rack that lets you add more storage and portable showers. The camper can handle a total weight of 670 kg. At the front there is a dedicated compartment for housing gas cylinders as well as a front box . I have camped, We bought our first camper trailer last September at Maitland 4x4 & Camping show. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. We believe over 95% of these units are still in use today. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. 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. Off Road Campers. Here is the list of Genuine Australian Made camper trailer manufacturers and Guild members. Darling Super Tourer Package. 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. OPUS Camper Australia. 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. Handover was a shambles - shipped with the wrong fridge, and the handover rep seemed to know less about the unit than we did. Look for full, clean welds with support pieces in corners and crucial joins, including on the chassis and drawbar. The following is a list of some of the worst RV brands to avoid, including travel trailer and motorhome manufacturers. 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. Designs evolved from there, though, and Australian builders were influenced by overseas designs from Europe and the USA. Hopefully, you'll find yourself a perfect camper trailer from our list based on your needs and requirements. Australian made may need a little more explanation, as it is a claim many companies make. However, you'll not find many facilities and accessories in the Timberland Pika. Faulty electrical systems and leaking roofs. The HQ17 from Blackseries boasts quality off-road tires and excellent suspension, best for tricky terrains. get awnings fully erect, all canvas sides pulled taut etc. 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. Some of their models also have major issues with their electrical systems and the roll-up door mechanisms. Inside the HQ17 and HQ19 trailer, you'll find everything and anything you need for a comfy ride. If you go on outdoor vacations for a week or more, you'll need a lot of utilities in your camper. Let's help you on the journey to find the best camper trailer for your next adventure! Do you include 5th wheels with travel trailers? Watch on. The Eagle Outback is also a chef's delight. The latest and future car tech from around the world, We're here to help you with any car issues. Some trailers also offer the option of awnings and extra rooms, letting them sleep more people and offering more living space. 2000L STORAGE. Off-road campers will usually have features like stone guards, a chequer-plate finish, more ground clearance, and dual-shock, airbag suspension. The black water tank does not drain properly. The Sherpa Campers have also surprised us with their three layers of windows. You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. You'll fall in love with the exterior design of Escapod's simple trailers. 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. Using low-quality materials that can rust easily. Unit has been around Aus. *Your tow vehicle needs an electric/electronic brake controller system fitted and functional in order for you to be able to legally tow any camper-trailer, boat-and-trailer combination or caravan weighing more than 750kg. It is also wise to check the exterior canvas for holes. Many units show electrical and wiring issues, fuel problems, and poorly constructed cabinets. Intricate, rugged and darn good-looking, theres a reason the Patriot is the most desirable camper on the market right now. Hymer is one of the best RV brands on there, offering a variety of classes . 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. Our is, I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. Every time I think Ive got a handle on all the different camper trailer brands, I hear about another while I was writing this, it was Hitched Campers and SUV Campers. Camper trailers are a lot less specced-out than caravans, but they should still have some basic amenities - such as beds and cooking facilities - that can help you be comfortable wherever you are. Thus, in this Engel refrigerator review, wego over what welike and, Read More The Pros & Cons Of The 60L Engel Fridge Freezer ReviewContinue, If youre going camping, you probably want to enjoy your time alone in the bush and bond with nature. The lifespan of your camper trailer also largely depends on the build and how you maintain it. ou have been saving up for years for the big one, the big trip around Australia. Bruder is an Australian RV manufacturer. Some initial issues but the guys at Ezytrail resolved quickly. The Timberland Pike can be every minimalist's dream space. So what are the worst RV brands? Not only are there several potential safety issues with their models, but they also need to add the latest same technology and amenities in their units. Winnebago is an established RV brand, and compared to some of the other entrants on our list, they're not all bad. Weve rounded up a list of practical gifts that all kinds of travellers - from camping enthusiasts to long haul flyers - will enjoy. So, are you ready to embark on our Australian expedition to find the best camper trailers? A lot of Chinese manufacturers are developing a lot of brand names for almost the same tires. 1.5/10. These travel trailers are cheap, but the quality has been immensely compromised. GVM Upgrade to 2400kg with polyurethane bushes. Many people wonder how long camper trailers last before purchasing the trailer. Our automotive experts are here to help, If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer. What you need to know about the next-gen Subaru Outback Sport XT 2023 review: snapshot. Whether you are looking for a camper trailer for family travels or just some solo time, we've got the best picks for you. Additionally, it would be best to consider the condition of the zips and velcro. When choosing an RV, its important to make sure youre buying from a reliable source. SLEEPS 2 - 8. Fleetwood: Bad customer service, water leaks, poor fabrics . Most existing Jayco users also claim that the Eagle Outback gives you a lot of opportunities to upgrade and modify. 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. Latest review: After waiting 7 months. Pioneer Campers won Camper Trailer of the Year Awards 2017 with the design of the Mitchell. At the same time, campertrailers.org noticed a high percent of their 1.5 million monthly hits were coming from China. 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. The better the materials used in the construction of your camper, the safer and more comfortable you'll be. Since that time, they have produced over 750,000 recreational vehicles. 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. It features road tires so that the muddy and tricky terrains don't use your journey. Avoid camper-trailers with poor construction, A well-constructed camper-trailer is worth the money. Thor Hurricane has some features in its Class A motorhomes that appeal to many RV owners. The park was occupied by 29 caravans and 42 campers, plus many tents. If yes, is it outside or inside? Business Hours. This Australian built rear-fold camper comes at the best value of about $29,490. Fifth Wheel RV - This is similar to a Class C RV but is not equipped with an engine. Theyre usually more expensive than both hard floor and soft floor models, but offer better insulation and more comfort than regular camper trailers. 8 tips to help avoid a lemon RV or caravan. SEND US YOUR STORY; STANDARDS. But, for a price tag of just $11,000 USD, we think you can overlook those missing facilities. This can lead to various issues, including rusted bodies and frames, crinkled roofs, and structural cracks. 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. Stove wasn't connected and fire extinguisher was 4 years old. Unlock a Plush Camping Experience with HQ17 and HQ19, Say Yes to Living Off-Grid With Camper Trailers. Many customers have complained about inferior parts and numerous mechanical problems. Of course, Australian-built campers are more expensive than imported ones, so feature for feature, you pay more. There's also under-bench storage that can hold all the kitchen items. Backpacker 2. 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. 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. Boat rack quickly started to rust all, Tent Does not fit frame, dust and water leaks, chassis bent, These campers are made to be towed from home, Set up in van park for holiday period, then packed up and taken home. Are water and gas fittings well put together, secure and in great working order? Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Zero Swag - Review. Even while off the beaten track, the durable build of this camper gives you a comfortable experience. Image Credits: Have Great Outdoor Experience With Camper Trailers. 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. Looking for tips on how to carry or travel with your family? Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK. 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. The GIC Black Series Dominator can tackle tough terrain while offering caravan-like levels of comfort, helping you make anywhere feel like home. Jayco: Unreliable features, appliances break easily. Winnebago travel trailer brand: 3%. The best deal about this camper trailer is that most elements slide out, enabling more space. Search for: WHAT IS AMCTG? With about 15 years in RV living, road tripping, Scott now uses this experience as a travel blogger. It's a four-season swag made of. Simple, elegant and in great colours, the tents are top notch and the simple trailers are built around the corner. Stove wasn't connected and fire extinguisher was 4 years old. Where most forward . How The myCOOLMAN Fridge Range Stacks Up Review. However, reports of poor performance and quality are enough to make it one of the worst camper brands. Kick off your off-roading adventures with the Leisure Matters Trooper Deluxe Camper Trailer - its spacious, hardy, and has all you need to enjoy the great outdoors. 03. While leaks are a serious matter, other problems include locks on doors and hatches not staying secure. 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. Tidy and bolstered woodwork with glued or screwed joins is much better. Image Credits: The Latest Off-Road Camper Trailer From Escapod. 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. 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 Futuristic Camper Trailer Every Camping Enthusiast Should Have! 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 camper trailer model that is under this brand's review is the Eagle Outback. With over 30 years' experience in the engineering industry we utilise our industry . 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). 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. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. 1/10. However, they do have some problems with their quality control, which means you might experience a few issues right off the bat. Moreover, you have to consider the build quality, tent setup features, living space, water tanks, and so much more. It's the best value, Aussie-made rear-fold on the market. Battery and large pull draw for, Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. (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. The setup and pack down of the camper trailer should be simple. Bruder Campers: The word Bruder means "brother". Keystone. The Jayco range of pop-up camper trailers are conceivably the most popular in the country, especially with families. 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. RVs are costly, so make sure your investment is worth it! So how does a camper trailer stack up against a caravan? One of the notable features of this camper trailer is that it only takes a couple of minutes to set up. 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. And it's still rolling, and rolling strong. Camper-trailers are a big investment so you need to do your research and spend your hard-earned cash wisely. 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. 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. Four Couples & Four Arias. A Large camper van, family size. ADDRESS & WEBSITE. Simple and bullet proof suspension. Our is, Latest review: I have just picked up a second hand Delta in perfect condition and cant wait to use it. CARAVANS. Very, Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. The Blackseries HQ17 camper trailers cost $50,000 AUD! Manufacturing defects lead to leaks and storage issues. Besides, if you don't have a vast budget to spare for hotels, camper trailers are your best vacay solution. There may be second hand privately imported models for sale. Chaoyang. Starcraft Mossy Oak Travel Trailer. Most will have a kitchenette, multiple berths, and a lounge area. Are you affected? Ease of usage. Happier Adaptiv Camper van. What travel trailers brands to avoid in 2021: Forest River t ravel trailer brand: 45%. 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. Still, only some Winnebago units meet the quality standard. The heater vent under the dinette is incorrectly aligned? Be sure to research and read reviews when considering what RV to purchase. Because of this, some issues arise just beyond when the warranty period ends. Forest River Issues, Problems and Quality Control (Video) 3. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. This model has a rugged build. Today we are going to highlight the worst 5th wheel brands that you should avoid with the reasons why to do so. Customer service unable to properly handle the constant influx of service requests. These are absolute cheap nasty rubbish camper trailers. For Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers and Importers in Australia, the RVSA is set to completely transform the industry as we know it. Do you know that Australia developed the concept of the forward-folding camper? 2. 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. Campers tend to enjoy being outdoors all the time, but they need a specialised sleeping system, such as the 23Zero Bandit Double Swag 1400. (image credit: Brendan Batty). 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. The Altitude Alpine 15 Camper Trailer is an Australian made and manufactured off-road and hybrid series of campers. Our favourite camper trailers from the Escapod are from their Topo series. Youre looking for a level of workmanship that matches the cash you plan to spend. There is no comparison in the quality of a $7,000 cheap camper trailer and a similar $20,000 model.