Camper trailers are becoming increasingly popular with those who want to get out and experience the bush first hand. Nestled between the traditional caravan and the humble tent, a camper trailer is a terrific alternative - offering more comfort and facilities than a tent without the restrictions imposed by having to tow and store a caravan.
Not all camper trailers are the same as a look at the vast differences in prices between different manufacturer's products would suggest. Selecting the one that's right for you means a purchasing juggling act between the sort of places and time frames you intend using the trailer and strength of the family budget.
Basic camper trailers are little more than a fold out tent on a box trailer base. Often made locally from heavy duty Australian canvas, the tent section will incorporate a sewn in floor, a small annexe and a double bed sized mattress which sits above the trailer body. Although simple, they are very effective. Easier than a tent to erect (usually by one person in a couple of minutes) a camper trailer offers an above ground sleeping area and a host of extra storage space in the trailer body itself.
With plenty of room for things like tables and chairs, cooking equipment and collapsible bed bunks for the children, a camper trailer frees up space within the car. For many regular campers one of the genuine advantages is that they can leave their camping gear packed in the trailer, making a camping weekend as simple as hooking up and hooking off! After a trip to the supermarket of course...
Box trailer based campers usually have simple leaf suspension and a beam axle. This is fine for on-road work and the occasional dirt track but for people who intend serious off-road adventure in their 4WD, more clearance and heavier suspension is required. Most manufacturers offer 'off-road packs', incorporating either stiffer and higher leaf suspension or an AL-KO rubber block independent suspension. The latter has the advantage of extra ground clearance under the trailer, make it far better on worn tracks or soft sand where a low beam axle can act as a plough.
Usually with the stronger suspension packages comes the option of using wheels with the same stud pattern and tyre size as the tow 4WD, an enormous benefit for outback travellers who need at least two spare tyres. Off-road trailers have jerry can racks too, solving the problem of where to carry extra fuel and water safely. Lockable tool boxes and LPG bottle storage rings make the trailer even more useful.
Slide out kitchens feature in more expensive models and these have to be used to appreciate how good such a feature can be. The best offer a gas stove top, a sink, some storage space for kitchen necessities and a bench top light. Mounted on steel shelving rollers, the slide out kitchen can be unlocked and pulled out and it's supporting leg placed in position in less than a minute. The sink tap is usually a combination pump, drawing water from a plastic tank under the trailer.
In less than a minute, you can be brewing tea or making a meal on the side of the road. Cleaning up is just as easy and with the kitchen slid back in place, you're ready to continue the journey. Naturally a slide out kitchen unit adds to the price, but the convenience and ease of preparing meals on the go can save plenty of money in the long run.
It's rare that a camper trailer will offer a fridge - they are fairly delicate appliances and most manufacturers acknowledge that a fridge in the car is a better alternative anyway. However there is an increasing trend towards onboard power supplies - deep cycle 12-volt batteries powering a pump for the water tank and lights at night - usually charged from the car's alternator although solar panels can be connected for completely independent operation.
The top of the line off-road camper trailers often feature fully-galvanised chassis and body components, independent coil suspension controlled by shock absorbers and a trailer roof that unfolds to become a raised floor section. They are the ultimate in convenience and offer the sort of strength drivers need if they're planning to cross the Simpson or run to the tip of Cape York on the Telegraph Track along with almost caravan-like comfort.
The best feature simple clip-and-spring assisted operation that has the camper fully erected in seconds. Boat racks for a small tinny can be fitted to the roof and the motor carried on a bracket on the A-frame.
Before buying your camper trailer try a few out. Many manufacturers and camping businesses offer trailers for hire so try before you buy and make the right decision first time.
4WD
