Camper Suggestions for New Member

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Woody99
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Joined: Sat Jun 03, 2017 7:35 am

Camper Suggestions for New Member

Post by Woody99 » Sat Jun 03, 2017 8:52 am

Hi from a new member. Firstly thanks to the forum organisers for setting up such a great resource on camper trailers. It would be great if we could get some advice from experienced members on a new camper trailer.

Having looked at both caravans and motorhomes we feel that we are tent campers at heart and in our upcoming retirement would like to camp in a little more comfort than we have been used to in the past. Tow vehicle is a Landrover Discovery and we will be heading off for weeks at a time to visit different parts of the country (but not a big lap). Whilst we are not heavy duty off roaders, we would like our new camper to be able go wherever the Disco goes and deal effortlessly with dust and corrugations. It should be able to go off-grid for several days and also needs to fit in our garage which is 5m long x 3 m wide by 2.2 m high.

We are unashamedly looking at the top end of the hard floor or hybrid camper market - we need good chassis and suspension, an inner sprung mattress, diesel heater, plenty of tent space (and height, we are both tall), quality canvas and of course an ensuite with portapotty. We are heading to the Brisbane show next week to review our short list - on the list so far is Tvan, Mountain Trail, Pioneer, Kimberley and Ultimate. Have we missed any? What do members think of these?

As well as any general brand or model recommendations, we'd appreciate any thoughts on the following issues:

- how do you keep the mattress dry if you're packing up in the rain with soaking canvas packed on top? Does humidity cause mould problems to inner sprung mattresses over time?
- what are the 'must have' camper options for safe and comfortable travel?
- how essential is solar and should solar be fixed or portable?
- are lithium batteries worth it?

Many thanks in advance.

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robcaz
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Location: Stockton NSW
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Re: Camper Suggestions for New Member

Post by robcaz » Sat Jun 03, 2017 5:07 pm

Hi Woody,

Welcome to the forum & thanks for the introduction. If you would like to chat camper trailers, travel or just camping in general, you will find you are right at home with a bunch of like-minded people. Members come from all walks of life, but have a common interest in the great outdoors.

Thanks for the positive comments on the forum. You will also find plenty of info on camper trailers on the www.campertrailers.org website. It has built up into a fantastic resource on everything camper trailers thanks to the input from members.

The Tvan & Ultimate are a little different in setting up to the rear folding campers on your shortlist. The style will depend on what suits you. All brands mentioned are built in Australian & well regarded in the industry. You may find this page of help http://www.campertrailers.org/buying_a_ ... railer.htm

We have found an easy accessible kitchen a great asset for making morning tea or lunch when travelling during the day as well as the evening meal. Gas & water hoses that are permanently connected are also an advantage.

A quality 'silver' tarp will keep your mattress dry if the inside of the canvas tent area is damp. There are also canvas mattress bags to place the mattress in. We place the mattress in the sun as part of our routine when we return from a trip. It is not unusual to get moister in the mattress from your body particularly when the air is cooler overnight. Some members have found an underlay useful http://www.hyperventmarine.com/

A portable solar panel can follow the sun & get maximum input over the day, especially when camped around trees & of a morning & evening. We have a ten metre length of 6mm twin core which usually gets around the shade & with no voltage drop.

You will find Richard's solar spreadsheet an invaluable tool in helping you set up a 12volt system to suit your own needs http://www.campertrailers.org/solar_spreadsheet.htm

I have also put together this page that hopefully explains the ins & outs http://www.campertrailers.org/12volt_system_setup.htm

A quality DC to DC charger his helpful in fully recharging your 12volt battery when on the move. I installed a Redarc BCDC1225 http://www.campertrailers.org/bcdc1225_install.htm We bush camp & with the Redarc charger never have to camp in a caravan park to recharge the batteries.

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are great for camping needs with plenty of positives. The only downfall is the initial set up costs over the usual AGM deep cycle battery http://www.campertrailers.org/lithium_batteries.htm

A lithium battery install by Dave http://www.campertrailers.org/lithium_b ... nstall.htm
happy camping
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner


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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year

Woody99
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Jun 03, 2017 7:35 am

Re: Camper Suggestions for New Member

Post by Woody99 » Tue Jun 06, 2017 8:45 pm

Thanks RobCaz, some really helpful suggestions and tips, thank you.

We are concerned about the wet canvas against mattress issue, we both have very sensitive noses and can smell mildew/moisture some way off. Even if there is a physical barrier between bed and canvas during travel then I'm guessing over time if they are stored in the same compartment the bed will get wet and/or smelly?

Re the Ultimate, I hear that it's not possible to use the kitchen for quick stops - the whole van needs to be unpacked first. Can any Ultimate users comment?

Further research on the Tvan suggests its a great van but could be too small for extended stays?

Given these concerns I've been told to look at a Vista Crossover which is canvas free, has an outside kitchen and more space than the Tvan. What do members think of this one?

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robcaz
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Location: Stockton NSW
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Re: Camper Suggestions for New Member

Post by robcaz » Wed Jun 07, 2017 12:19 pm

Hi Woody,

The Vista Crossover has a great name in the industry, several members own these who attend the weekend get togethers & the national meet.

Sometimes you just have to pack up wet when travelling from day to day & set up mid afternoon when the canvas quickly dries.

Every camper has some comprise, the Ultimate does not have kitchen access for quick roadside meals & also the bed needs to be made each time the camper is set up.

With regular airing after trips our foam mattress is still in good health after 27 years http://www.campertrailers.org/robcazeag ... update.htm
happy camping
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner


Image
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year

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