BUYING ADVICE
In this section we assess the different camping options available. Your chosen style of camping can affect what vehicle you purchase and what other gear you need.
Camping through the years
These two Aussies are Outback Travel Australia devotees who gladly offered their camping experience as a guide for people who are just getting into outback travel, or who are part-way along the gear-upgrade path.
Lightweight caravan chassis option
AL-KO, a global leader in caravan chassis technology, has announced the AL-KO LightRTM Chassis: a lightweight chassis that has the potential to revolutionise Australian caravan design.
When things go wrong with a new caravan or camper trailer
Many caravan and camper-trailer owners have major problems and cannot get makers or dealers to rectify them. They face serious time-wasting and frustrating hassles, trying to have their legal rights respected and complied with.
Camper trailer finance
A financial contract may get you the camper you want, rather than having to settle for a lower-quality or second-hand unit.
E-Z Lube trailer spindles
A trailer running gear lubrication system that’s simple to maintain and completely submersible.
Buying the Right Camper Trailer
A camper trailer is the most versatile bush-travel home-away-from-home you can buy, but there are different types, intended for specific purposes. It’s important to determine your needs before you put down your hard-earned cash.
Checking Out a Used Camper Trailer
Some campers have been driven and used carefully and others have been abused, but it’s not always easy to spot the difference. However, there are ways to check out the vehicle’s condition.
Different camper trailer suspensions on test
In the fleet of six camper trailers we evaluated during a Camper Trailer Torture Test we had a selection of independent and leaf sprung designs that gave us an excellent opportunity for comparison under all operating conditions.
How legal is your camper trailer
Most camper trailers are designed around best practice, with an appropriate braking system, but thousands – thousands – are not, according to the Australian Manufactured Camper Trailer Guild.
Imported canvas fails laboratory tests
Tests conducted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on three different samples of imported camper canvas have shown that these particular products did not meet Australian Standard requirements for waterproofing.
Swag, Tent or Camper
We’re assuming at the outset that you’re going seriously off road, so a slide-on or camper trailer has replaced a caravan on your potential purchase list. That means your choice is between swags, tents and campers.