Choosing your Camping Trailer
The Tvan has been engineered and designed to deliver a functional package. It rides on a MC2 Asymmetric Link suspension and chassis. It is 1.86m wide, which is similar to the width of most four wheel drives, which means it can ride in the same wheel tracks when the going gets tough. Its coupling is fully articulated which provides plenty of potential for serious off road travel. As you can see left) the top and bottom open up like a pair of jaws to reveal a work area and bed. For extended stays or in bad weather there is a full awning with wind break wall at the kitchen.
Standard features in all Tvan models:
Stainless steel pullout kitchen with 2 burner stove and wind shield, 70 litre water tank, electric pump to sink plus a hand pump, 500kg of cargo space, 5 jerry can holders, gas bottle, mounting and regulator, hard floor under tent, 2 roof hatches for ventilation and lighting, 2 interior 12v lights, 12v power outlet. Track MC2 Asymmetric suspension with 250mm wheel travel, highly functional body with hard roof and walls, fully articulated AT-35 coupling for easy entry into channel, 30 degree exit angle, 750kg unladen tow weight, off road electric brakes, efficient parking brake, spare wheel mount and cover, stone deflectors, on board battery for operating accessories whilst the Tvan is unhitched.
www.tracktrailer.com.au
Introducing Topaz
The team from Track Trailer displayed this final prototype of a brand new product at the Caravan Show. Called Topaz it will be released later this year when we can bring you a full report. It is built on the same platform as the successful TVan and despite its looks and size, can easily be pulled by vehicles such as the Nissan X-Trail or Subaru. It features opening windows, fridge, micro-wave, double bed - well all the comforts you would expect - plus retains the off road durability that Track Trailers are renowned.
CHALLENGE Camper trailers
South Australian company Challenge Camper Trailers manufacture on and off road camper trailers, all styles of trailers and awnings. Their trailers are of heavy duty construction in a choice of steel or alloy, they are lightweight for towing and fuel economy. They also manufacture tents and awnings on site, so they always fit perfectly. They come in three sizes and 7 canvas colours. They have several off road 'Outback' trailers packages, with the 'Family Camper', which is ideal for large families or 2 couples. It features twin queen size beds, 150 litre water tank, full 12v electrical system and detachable kitchen. There is an optional, Engel fridge, and even a kid's bedroom can be added. It is priced from $26,950.
Bulloak Camper Trailers
Put simply, Geelong-based company Bulloak have a camper trailer to suit every application. From weekend on road tripping to the full blown 'Raging Bulloak' 4WD off road adventure camper. They have a number of floor layouts from which to choose and they will custom build to your specifications. Bulloak will offer advice from many years experience every step of the way to ensure you receive the camper you want to go where you want. They have four "standard" campers, with the enticing names of Bulloak on road, Bulloak off road, Mighty Bulloak and Raging Bulloak . Each model is progressively equipped for more adventurous touring, with the Raging Bulloak extremely robust with independent suspension, 16" wheels, checker plate protection, 50 x 50 RHS?chassis, 10" electric brakes and much more. It has a 60L Engel fridge, 2 burner stove, slide out pantry, 12v power and best of all a king size bed and 2.4 metre square annex.
TRU BLU Camping trailers
Tru Blu Camper Trailers built a number of robust camper trailers to suit Australian conditions. All feature heavy duty 7x4 full chequer plate trailers with 20 inch sides. They use a choice of suspensions, from the 2 tonne stub axle Alko independent suspension with 12" electric brakes and hand brake, through to 5 and 7 leaf eye springs, depending on which model.
Tru Blu used the Caravan Show to launch their new 4x4 SS Eagle.
4x4 SS Eagle Camper features
- Heavy duty 7x4 full chequer plate trailer
- 2 tonne stub axle Alko independent suspension with 12" electric brakes and hand brake
- Powdercoat finish with zinc undercoat
- 3 burner kitchen with stainless steel sink, stainless steel fold down tap &?glass lids.
- 85 litre water tank with 12v built in electric pump
- 12v battery system with 240v charger
- 1 snap on gas fitting with 2x4.5kg bottle & regulator
- Key locked swing out tailgate with stainless steel shelf & towel rack
- Gas strut access to trailer, internal & external
- 2 metre awning with side walls and 1 window
- Queen size mattress _ Bed area 2200 x 1800mm
- Floor area 2400mm x 2200mm
- RRP $20,450
CAMEL GROUP Camper trailes & canvas
Comprising several brands - Beachcomber, Bushman, Discovery and Nomad - the Camel Group has an answer for all your camping and touring needs, with a classy range of camper trailers.
Exodus Campers
Exodus manufacture two of the neatest, and smartest looking camper trailers available. It's hard to believe that this impressive look van is actually sitting in a traditional trailer base. Exodus believe that customers are ready to step up from traditional canvas flip over campers to a camper that is filled with maximum comforts. The Exodus Camper has a fibreglass composite body and a hard top, manufactured using high technology marine grade materials. This provides a 'shell' which is aerodynamic, super strong, totally waterproof and lightweight. The exterior is of a high gloss gelcoat finish, while the interior is fitted out to the standards found in luxury yachts. Exodus make the 'Kingston' and the more upmarket 'Barrington' models. Both have a heavy duty off road trailer construction and independent coil suspension. Both have a double bed and external kitchen.
"Kingston" features
- Heavy duty off road trailer construction
- Independent coil suspension with gas shocks
- Cooper 31 x 10.5 R15 all terrain tyres
- AT35 (all terrain) coupling
- 10" electric brakes
- 4kg gas bottle holder and 2 x jerry can holders
- 150 litre water capacity
- Fibre composite, high gloss body
- Large forward and side storage boxes
- External slide out kitchen unit & bench
- Internal kitchenette and benches
- Interior slide out table
- Screened windows and security door
- Moulded steps with hand rail
- Double bed with side storage and shelving
- Day lounge
- 200AH battery system & twin solar panels,
- 80 litre upright fridge
- 240V multi-start smart charger
- Interior/exterior lighting package
- Roll out shade awning & ground sheet
CAMERON CANVAS Campers & Ute Back
Cameron Canvas have been manufacturing camper trailers for more than 20 years. They have numerous models to choose from, starting from the basic on road, heavy on road, off road and heavy off road. Best of all they require no pegs, poles or guy ropes. All Cameron campers can be modified or constructed to suit individual requirements.
Ultimate Campers
The Ultimate is an aerodynamic and lightweight camper that offers a number of advantages over traditional camper trailers. The entire body, galley, lid and components are hand moulded from high tech materials considerably lighter than steel or aluminium. It is shaped for minimum wind resistance, and as its height is less than the average 4x4, is economical to tow. The Ultimate is water and dust proof and is under pinned with a Y frame high tensile chassis, independent suspension, long travel springs, adjustable shock absorbers and a Treg 360 degree coupling. Ground clearance is 570mm, all of which means you can virtually tow the Ultimate anywhere. Once at your destination the Ultimate expands with a king size bed, modern galley with cook top, 90 litre 3-way fridge, 83 litre water tank, 12v lighting, on board charging system and 9kg gas bottle.
TRAK SHAK campers
Trak Shak have designed a spacious camping system to accommodate the biggest of families. Their campers include 2 queen size beds, holders for 9 jerry cans, and they can supply a solar pack of 3 x 64watt panels and regulator to provide power for those long stays off the beaten track.
OUTBACK Campers
Outback Campers of Carrum Downs (Vic) have four off road trailers and three on road camper trailers. The Sturt 4x4 Camper is the top of the range at $10,750. It uses a 7x6 trailer with a tent floor area of 2550 x 1850mm. The tent frame is gas strut assisted. There is a queen size bed, slide out kitchen and 59 litre water tank. The trailer has AL-KO torsion bar suspension and off road swivel coupling.
OZ TENT
OZ Tent is known as the '30 second tent', as that's all the time you need to erect it. If you like hassle free camping an OZ Tent is for you. Simply spread it out and lift from one side. The tent utilises a unique internal aluminium frame which is connected to the canvas. A number of awnings are also available to extend its versatility.
Active Campers
If you own a ute or cab chassis vehicle, a slide-on camper will provide you with the flexibility of converting your car into a camper whenever required. One of the latest is this impressive unit from Queensland company, Active Campers. Suitable for most popular makes of vehicle, all you have to do is lift the roof and you're ready for the night! Active Campers include a permanent queen size bed, seating for 4 people, a 2 burner gas stove, fridge, 86 litre water tank and deep cycle battery.
HEASLIP Campers
Heaslip design and build innovative traytop campers and camping trailers. The traytop is popular with those that want the flexibility of a working vehicle that converts to recreation, just by slipping on the camping top unit. At any stage during a journey the kitchen elements of the camper are accessible on the side of the vehicle, while the sleeping quarters (including a queen size bed) are accessed when the spacious tent is erected. Heaslip also have a unit that is capable with most one tonne dual cab vehicles. They also manufacture a variety of popular camper trailers and boat racks.
TRAYON Campers
Trayon Campers provide a complete camper in a single unit to suit single or dual cab vehicles. The standard model weighs 360kgs and can be left freestanding to camp or for storing when not required. Trayon is a well known brand and have a neat well thought out interior layout.
Single cab specifications
Powdercoated aluminium exterior, gas strut assisted fibreglass roof, fixed top quality canvas tent section, 4 large internally zippered screened windows, 124 v/12v/gas, dining table with bench seats, fridge, stove, stainless steel sink, double bed on folded out roof remains in place, 110 litre water tank, van to tray brackets
KIMBERLEY Kampers
The 2008 range of Kimberley Kampers are proven performers in rough conditions. They are designed with independent suspension, in a range that stretches from a lightweight body with electric brakes suitable for towing behind a Nissan X-trail, to the top-of-the-line Platinum model with fridge, LED?lighting and large water tank. All these models have a queen bed, stainless steel kitchen and pantry. They can be configured with a simple awning for the couple on the move, or can take all the canvas options for the large family. Boat loaders, rear wheel carriers and outboard motor carriers are options.
ROOF TOP CAMPERS
Universal Canvas Products
Speaking to Ernie Nagy, proprietor of Universal Canvas Products, there is an easily detectable pride in his company's range of products. He refers to them as "hidden treasures" - as he is sure many camper trailer buyers would be happy with his roof top tent option, rather than towing a camper behind. The roof top tents are easily erected with a folding ladder providing quick access. For longer stays, walls can be added for protected floor space on the ground. Universal Canvas also have an interesting range of bag awnings which again, fit on the top of any vehicle with roof bars. To set up simply unclip the straps, open the zip and roll the awning out and put up two poles. This is a great means of providing shelter when looking for a quick meal stop when travelling. Universal also manufactures van/4WD?annexes which connects a tent to the rear of a vehicle. Great ideas and great products are just a phone call away to Universal on (08) 8445 9333. Tell Ernie, we sent you!
Camper Trailers Buyers Guide
Companies highlighted in this feature:
Active Campers -
Ph. 02-6649 2783
www.activecampers.com.au
Bulloak - Aikman Engineering
Ph. 03-5278 5933
www.bulloakcampertrailers.com.au
Camel Group (Nomad on road, Beachcomber off road, Discovery off road, Bushman off road)
Ph. 1300 788400
www.camelgroup.com.au
Castaway Campers -
Ph. 1300 302077
www.castawaycampers.com
Cameron Canvas P/L -
Ph. 08-8186 6666.
www.cameroncanvas.com.au
Challenge Camper Trailers -
Ph. 08-8277 9853
www.challengecampertrailers.com
Cub Campers -
Ph. 03-9357 7170
www.cubcampers.com.au
Exodus Campers -
Ph.02-4951 8681
www.exoduscampers.com.au
Heaslip Campers -
Ph. 08-8280 9488
www.heaslipcamp[ers.com.au
Kimberley Kampers -
Ph. 03-9744 4422
www.victoriancampertrailers.com.au
Lyal Eales Campers -
Ph. 03-5461 1911
www.lyalealesstores.com.au
OZ Tent -
Ph.02-9757 4466
www.oztent.com
Track Shak -
Ph. 02-9638 0771
www.trakshak.com.au
Track Trailer -
Ph. 03-8727 6100
www.tracktrailer.com.au
Trayon Campers -
Ph. 07-5476 5355
www.trayon.com
Tru Blu -
Ph. 03-9580 3038
www.trublucampers.com.au
Ultimate Campers -
Ph. 02-4474 4410
www.ultimatecampers.com.au
Universal Canvas Products -
Ph. 08-8445 9333
www.universalcanvs.com.au
Victoran Camper Trailers -
Ph 03-9744 4422
www.victoriancampertrailers.com.au