Coachman. It could be shocking to many to see the name of Dutchmen Coleman in this list of RV brands to avoid. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. Jeff has been an avid outdoor person all his life. Fleetwood RV. The full-fledged kitchen has a stove, microwave, and a large fridge. However, technical and structural design issues are common among Keystone RVs. Forest River travel trailers often come equipped with cheap materials and questionable construction. 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. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer. Battery and large pull draw for, Latest review: Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. 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 . Avoid camper-trailers with below-par design, This Avan CruiseLiner is well designed - beware campers that aren't. Revolutionary designs and features. The slides and drawer are flimsy and cant hold heavy loads. The best camping trailer will check all the boxes of towing capacity, build quality, living space, simple setup, and comfortable bed. The Mitchell Trailer is one of Pioneer Campers' best off-road camper trailers. Many customers reported that the A/C is unable to cool down the temperature properly. Bruder is an Australian RV manufacturer. Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Zero Swag - Review. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Forest River was once the most reputable name in the industry. 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. Your email address will not be published. When choosing an RV, its important to make sure youre buying from a reliable source. But the first Australian camper trailer is generally considered to have been built by R.J Rankin in 1928. Users of many Winnebago models complain about bent panels and damaged walls during routine operations. Some brands dont hold up to the reputation they had in the past. 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. 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. The Pros & Cons Of The Briggs And Stratton Generator Range In Australia. Factors to consider when choosing a camper trailer. Some RV brands have reputations for poor customer service or build quality. Theyre usually more expensive than both hard floor and soft floor models, but offer better insulation and more comfort than regular camper trailers. 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. Fifth Wheel RV - This is similar to a Class C RV but is not equipped with an engine. ou have been saving up for years for the big one, the big trip around Australia. One of the main reasons to pick this trailer is its excellent storage and posh interiors. (image credit: Brendan Batty), SsangYong Musso 2023 review: XLV Ultimate - off-road test, Subaru Outback Touring XT 2023 review: snapshot. Intricate, rugged and darn good-looking, theres a reason the Patriot is the most desirable camper on the market right now. This list represents what, 90-95% of the RV or travel trailer manufacturers? 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. Most reputable imported camper trailers nowadays should stand the test of time and if properly maintained, hold their value. 11 Worst Travel Trailer Brands Out There. For your guaranteed peace of mind, we stand for: Reliability. The build quaility is fantastic. Luckily, camper trailers last for up to 10 years on average. Hymer is one of the best RV brands on there, offering a variety of classes . Jayco: Unreliable features, appliances break easily. We specialize in Forward fold campers trailers. MANUFACTURERS; SUPPLIERS; NEWS; Search for: Manufacturers AMCTG 2020-08-03T12:07:52+10:00. The caper encompasses a living area, kitchen, bed, and everything you'd expect from a trailer. 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. We cannot simply miss Pioneer Campers in the best camper trailers list. Whether travelling solo or with a large group, storage space always comes in handy. Escapod is a Utah-based company well-known for producing futuristic and top-notch teardrop trailers. 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. You hit the road. ADDRESS & WEBSITE. Snowy River SRC. Coachmen travel trailer brand: 5%. What do hybrid campers cost new? Introducing the 2020 Camper Trailer of the Year Winner, the Patriot Campers brand NEW X3. 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. Stove wasn't connected and fire extinguisher was 4 years old. There are reports of water leaks in Chinook RVs. So far it has lived up to the hype that these Hybrid campers get. Image Credits: Camping Made Easier With Cub Campers Frontier! Check your vehicles towing capacity those figures will be listed as unbraked and braked* in your drivers manual. Some initial issues but the guys at Ezytrail resolved quickly. Australia ranked first, USA second and China third - despite the relative unpopularity of camping in China. Well, the truth is many Coleman units are cheaply made and prone to deterioration. RVing Trends is the premier online resource with the main mission to inspire RV travel to US campers. There's also under-bench storage that can hold all the kitchen items. * Drum brakes can be in any condition. Have used it a few times & all we can say is LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Buy Australian made camper trailers. Battery and large pull draw for, Despite advertising this camper as offering 'precision engineering and unfailing durability' this has not been the case. For more on vehicle and trailer weights, read our special feature. These should be tucked away and well-protected, particularly those along the undercarriage, as theyre more vulnerable to flying rocks, dust, and debris. The affordable price tags may look attractive, but youll ultimately pay more for a unit because of broken parts and frequent repairs. By Jeff Roe November 26, 2021. Further details in the disclaimer. Also, being just 250 kg, it is the lightest camper trailer on our list! CARAVANS. Simply curious about the latest and greatest on the market? This Blue Tongue Overland XF Lite Series 2 is a well-priced camper. Coleman Light series Travel trailer. 2. The first Kimberley Kampers rolled out of the factory in 1994. Four Couples & Four Arias. 950KG DRY TARE WEIGHT*. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by a fifth wheel & a truck with his wife. We discuss whether its cheaper to book your trip yourself or through a travel agent, and go through some money-saving tips for during the planning stage. Next on our list is the Sherpa Camper. Last but not least, we have the Jayco Eagle Outback trailer on our list. Weve rounded up a list of practical gifts that all kinds of travellers - from camping enthusiasts to long haul flyers - will enjoy. into remote, pristine areas of D . A list of things to consider when purchasing a camper trailer: 1: Avoid any with bolt on then weld draw-bars unless you camp at caravan parks . It means that this light trailer is easy to tow. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. Although its only small and light, the Brumby has long been Cubs most sought after camper trailer. Youll need to understand the different types of camping trailers, weight attributes, and a slew of other features. Whether you are looking for a camper trailer for family travels or just some solo time, we've got the best picks for you. Camper trailers let you live in comfort wherever you choose to go. These are absolute cheap nasty rubbish camper trailers. Designs evolved from there, though, and Australian builders were influenced by overseas designs from Europe and the USA. If these are in good shape then chances are the manufacturers havent skimped on other materials. 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. Alright, let's pour some scorn as we look at some of the worst travel trailer brands to avoid and why. . Off-road campers will usually have features like stone guards, a chequer-plate finish, more ground clearance, and dual-shock, airbag suspension. So what are the worst RV brands? We've done the homework for you and put together a buying guide that will help you pick the best camper trailer. The worst tire brands you should avoid buying include: Goodride. The awning should be easy to set up. You must be surprised to see it in this list of RV brands to avoid. The HQ17 from Blackseries boasts quality off-road tires and excellent suspension, best for tricky terrains. This website and AMCTG has been established as a result of poor quality componentry and workmanship in many cheap camper trailers being imported into Australia. Challenge Camper Trailer. 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). Although the forward-folding camper concept was invented in Australia, it took anyone here a long time to have a good crack at it. Its common to hear complaints about their slow response time and lack of help. Staying at home doesnt have to be a drag, even if youre isolating. If you are a camping enthusiast or want to live off-grid, the Bruder EXP 6 Camper is an excellent investment. can cost you in the end. 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. Tool Box, Latest review: Bought this Camper Second Hand in Jul 18 from Metro RV in Melb (great to deal with) and have used it a few times now. Dont Forget Your Camping Buddy! Very, Latest review: Can take a while to set up being a very large soft floor but build quality is exceptional. Let's take a look. 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. Its also super quick to set up and has a patented awing arm system. They cost lower as compared to hotels and rental accommodations. Winnebago is an established RV brand, and compared to some of the other entrants on our list, they're not all bad. Dutchmen Aerolite Travel trailer. Even if not your topmost priority, storage should be one of your considerations. Gulfstream. 3. Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related. Wild Boar has just released a brand new camper, the Lightweight Forward Fold Slide. Their extensive range of models are all hard floor and cater for couples, up to large families; and range in price from $10k - $45k+. However, they do have some problems with their quality control, which means you might experience a few issues right off the bat. Conversely, more expensive trailers may have less features. Few minor cracked welds on frame easily fixed & gas struts need replacing but all is still, EzyTrail Buckland LX Mk2. If you are a first-time buyer, you might not be aware of the different camper trailers available in the market. The black water tank does not drain properly. Simple, elegant and in great colours, the tents are top notch and the simple trailers are built around the corner. Darling Super Tourer Package. There's also a roof rack that lets you add more storage and portable showers. As a result, we suggest you prioritize your requirements to help you narrow the choices. Long considered one of Australias best off-road camper trailers, the Tvan has been improved through constant modernisation. The Cub Frontier is the only fully Australian-made forward folding camper which has the best tent set-up, plus simple and comfortable features in a light trailer. Users need to pay an extra charge for repair services. The best deal about this camper trailer is that most elements slide out, enabling more space. Stand back behind the trailer & check wheels are upright & tires for uneven wear new axle & tyre costs. However, reports of poor performance and quality are enough to make it one of the worst camper brands. This isnt just a boon for the end-consumer, as even importers of Chinese-built campers still find campers theyve ordered missing features they wanted or with surprises they didnt and so have to do some tinkering locally. Is Airstream (Basecamp) still good? There are difficulties in using the control board? Keystone t ravel trailer brand: 26%. How To, off-road tips and adventure travel destinations, Not just utes. Manufacturing defects lead to leaks and storage issues. The flip side is that they dont have the same quality and construction that you would expect from motorhomes. The kitchen in this caravan has a four-burner cooktop, stainless steel sink, 90 L refrigerator, and sufficient benchtop space. 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. Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? Of course, Australian-built campers are more expensive than imported ones, so feature for feature, you pay more. Today, Starcraft is a part of the Forest River, Inc. company, along with Jayco, Airstream Dutchmen, and many more. Australian made camper trailers are, as a general rule, amongst the best on the market and often the ones setting the trends. There are also features for internal lighting, storage. Not only the craftsmanship, but the experience of buyers with customer service is also taken into account to evaluate the brands. Looking for tips on how to carry or travel with your family? 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 Credits: Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. 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. Simple and bullet proof suspension. Manufacturing defects lead to leaks and storage issues. SUSPENSION. With Slide out gas stove and kitchen. However, it took a long time for anyone to have a good crack at it. The pricing is a tad steep at $50,000 AUD, but you'll understand that the various features make up for the pricing. SLEEPS 2 - 8. Timberlead Pika Trailer Camper for Buyers On a Budget, Camper Trailers Your Best Shot at Outdoor Adventure. Quality Rating. The trailer also takes care of cooling your beverages with its 35L refrigerator. This brand has two models of off-road trailer campers in their lineup, EXP-4 and EXP 6. Apart from black, the trailer comes in a whole range of colours. Lastly, the large cooking area, hot water system, and off-road tires will make van life fun! Fleetwood Travel Trailer. Exposed wiring, structural issues, and faulty parts are common problems. Bruder is an example that nothing can beat an Aussie build! Broadwater Campers is a family owned and operated Camper Trailer business Established on the Gold Coast in 2006. 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. 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. One of the most significant advantages of this camper trailer is its slide-out bed. (image credit: Brendan Batty). These Aussie camper trailers come in bright colours and are among the least expensive on the market. We love these camper trailers as they come with a bundle of features. 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. In this teardrop trailer, you get a comfy queen-size bed, solar panels, insulated walls, and every other van life essentials you'd want. For more, read our towing advice story here. Here are the best camper trailers that can be a part of your adventure in 2022! 4.5 from 11 reviews. Of course, you should always go after a product that suits you the most even if it comes from a brand in this list. They were mostly predecessors to the Jayco-esque camper trailers which are, in essence, just small caravans. In terms of durability and craftsmanship, theyre usually below average. If you ask us, Frontiertier harbours all the amenities you can get at that price tag. Camper Trailer Size. Inadequate insulation causes water leakage. At the front there is a dedicated compartment for housing gas cylinders as well as a front box . Lack of quality and dependability. 03. Its really only been in the last decade that thats changed. 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. Here are a few brands we've seen RV-owners have had regrets with not long after making a purchase. The Australian camper trailer world has undergone a massive revolution in the past decade. Cruisemaster D035 Hitch. Steel can rust in certain conditions, which is why you should ideally go for a hot dip galvanised chassis. Happier Adaptiv Camper van. Another sofa provides . Weve not maintained any order here. The EXP 6 Camper can sleep small families of up to 6 members. Inspect the number of batteries in the trailer and whether they are solar-powered or not. There is more space than you'll ever need! Cub Campers. 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 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. Let's help you on the journey to find the best camper trailer for your next adventure! While the entire Thor Motor Coach brand should be approached with caution, their most infamous RV line is the Thor Hurricane. Ive had nothing but multiple issues just like many others. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job, Looking for an answer? It is also one of the very few off-road camper trailers that include a washing machine. The rooftop tent pops open in the pop-up camper trailers like these. The Blackseries HQ17 camper trailers cost $50,000 AUD! The Compact van . 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. 1. During a recent trip we discovered a fracture at the 'elbow' of the metal rear. Having been in the RV and travel trailer business since the 1960's, it is disappointing to place Coachman on this list. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. (image credit: Brendan Batty/campertrailerreview.com.au). Dutchman is one of the best travel trailer brands that has been selling fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers for more than 20 years. Its different strokes for different folks as far as towing and tow vehicles are concerned. The following is a list of some of the worst RV brands to avoid, including travel trailer and motorhome manufacturers. Unit has been around Aus. This brand offers convenience in compactness and versatility. Companies like Forest River or Thor, and a few more have a history of poor customer service and reliability. Didnt they stop making TTs about 5 years ago? He is an avid RV traveler and professional mountain biker with a great sense of humor. But over time, they lost consumers trust with their shoddy construction and poor quality and became one of the worst camping trailer brands.