So the time has come to buy a camper trailer. You’re off on that big trip and the idea of a quick setup and that extra space in your vehicle is so much more appealing than setting up those flimsy hike tents every night in the rain. You’ve had the “second-hand vs new” debate. You’re ready to start looking.

You would think the choice would be relatively easy; how many camper trailers could there be? Well, there are plenty. There are dozens of manufacturers and resellers out there, presenting a host of specifications, options and accessories, ranging from as little as $4000, to upwards of $40,000 for a hard floor camper. So before you hit the outlets and the camping shows, it will pay to have a few of the basics straight.

Firstly, what will you be doing with your camper? There are essentially two types of trailer out there – onroad and offroad. If you are touring largely on 2wd roads, a fairly standard onroad trailer may serve your purposes. Generaly similar to a standard 7×4 trailer, with the addition of a tent and a range of accessories from basics such a swingout tailgate and a jockey wheel to deluxe kitchens, jerry can holders, water tanks and electrics. (more…)

A good, strongly built camper trailer can be taken just about anywhere you can go in your four wheel drive. A trailer with high clearance, longer draw bar and a good offroad coupling will track and articulate over all manner of rough and uneven bush tracks, enabling you to get to the most remote outback or bush campsites and set up a comfortable camp with your trailer as the centerpiece.

However there are some important considerations before you head off into the wilderness.

Most trailers weigh between 500kg and 750kg, more when loaded or carrying water, extra fuel etc. That can be a lot of dead weight behind your vehicle. So remember that just because your 4wd will go there, don’t expect to go there just as easily with your trailer! Spend some time on some familiar offroad terrain to get used to the difference towing a trailer makes to the performance of your vehicle on these tracks. Hitting a steep hill in the wrong gear and running out of power could be a nightmare, and three point turns on switchbacks take on a very new meaning with a loaded trailer in tow! And dunes and slippery hills may prove impassable where a well equipped vehicle might have pushed though. Get used to slowing and stopping, especially down hills. Electric and hydraulic brakes work differently so if the trailer is equipped with brakes, get the feel of how they operate and how to use them. (more…)