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2. campers and rvs

2011/2012 issue
ROAMER guide to
Slide on campers
& camper
trailers
ROAMER
40
we list over
Slide on campers
manufacturers
Choosing a
tow vehicle
OzRoamer
Directory
listings
4WD VS AWD
for towing
towing
restrictions
OzR Publications $8.99
ISSN 1839-3055
9 77 1 8 3 9 3 0 5 0 0 0 >
we list over
140
Camper Trailer
manufacturers
A-Z of buying
a Camper Trailer
caring for
your canvas
Choosing
a Slide on
Camper
power vs torque
for towing
The latest innovation in off road camping will go where no other caravan can
Introducing Vista RV, a new name to
the outback touring market
“Our concept is an innovative ‘crossover’
camper/caravan, providing a unique blend off road camper freedom and function with the comfort and security of a caravan.”
4/23 Jersey Road Bayswater, Victoria 3153
Phone: (03) 9729 1234 Fax: (03) 9720 9200 Email: [email protected]
ROAMER Guide to
Slide on campers
& camper trailers
from the
Editor
Contents
Editorial
6
Choosing a Slide on Camper
Editor
8
A-Z of buying a Camper Trailer
Welcome to the first edition of
OzRoamer Guide to Slide on Campers
and Camper Trailers.
20
OzRoamer Directory Listings
Rob Fraser
[email protected]
30
Power VS Torque for Towing
32
4WD VS AWD for Towing
2011 has seen the continued growth
of this segment of the market and with
over 180 manufacturers of camper
trailers and slide on campers there is an
abundance of choice for consumers.
34
Towing Restrictions
37
Caring for your Canvas
40
A-Z of Manufacturers
With all this choice comes confusion
for buyers and with many manufacturers
making conflicting claims it can be a
mine field trying to make an educated
choice about what to buy.
OzRoamer Directory Listings
Sub Editor
Chloe Fraser
[email protected]
Sub Editor
Vicki Fraser
[email protected]
Graphic Designer
20
Active Campers FT 1950 S 1
20
C & M Campers Ezi Up Camper
20
Explorer Campers Tray Back
21
Traymates Camper
Regular Contributors
That’s where we come in. This magazine
is full of important information to help
you, the buyer, make educated decisions
about what to buy to suit your travel
plans. We have done all the hard
work for you.
21
GT Campers
21
Tray Trek Tailgater
22
Travelander Evron DC1
Rob Fraser, Peter Wilson, Stephen
Lawson, Chloe Fraser, Anthony Hood,
Steve Tierney and
Paul Blundell.
22
Travelander Evron DC2
22
Travelander Evron SC1
In fact we have listed as many slide on
camper and camper trailer manufacturers
that we could find to help you and
there are 30 directory listings for some
manufacturers to help as well.
23
Travelander Evron SC2
23
Elite Campers
23
Emu Campers
Advertising Enquiries
24
Explorer Campers Lawson
[email protected]
24
Jimboomba Camper Trailers
24
POD KWIK KAMPA
25
Pod Touring Campers
25
Southern Cross Bushmate
Visit us at
25
XTrail Navigator
www.ozroamer.com.au
26
Camprite TL8s
26
GT Campers
ISSN 1839-3055
26
Travelander GEO Convert 1
27
Travelander GEO Convert 2
27
Trak Trailer Tvan
27
Independent Trailers
28
Ray Jordan Agencies
28
Autofridge portable fridges
On top of that we have an A-Z of what
to look for when buying your camper
trailer, help with choosing a slide on
camper and towing vehicle. There is
information on towing restrictions and
caring for your canvas as well.
Well enough of my ramblings, I hope you
enjoy this issue of OzRoamer Guide to
Slide on Campers and Campertrailers.
We are fairly relaxed and laid back here
and would love to hear from you what
you think about our magazine. After all,
this entire magazine is about you. Our
aim is to enhance your lifestyle. Without
you reading it and getting knowledge or
pleasure from it why would we bother.
28
Hillbilly Camping Gear
Happy days and cheers!
29
Korr Lighting 3 BAR CAMP KIT
Rob Fraser
29
LiftTrax Recovery Gear
29
So Simple Solutions
Editor
Natalie Sing
[email protected]
OzRoamer
Directory Listings
Information supplied by manufacturers
Editorial Enquiries
Ph: 0434 566 999
OzRoamer Guide to Slide on Campers and Camper
Trailers is published by Auto Alliance Group,
P.O.Box 305 Cherrybrook NSW 2126. The publishers
believe that all information that is supplied in this
magazine was correct at the time of printing. Prices
are supplied from manufacturers. The publishers
do not however guarantee that prices are correct
and suggest that you make your own enquiries and
are not liable for any information being correct. It is
not possible to ensure that advertisements comply
with the Trade Practices Act 1974 and therefore
it is the responsibility of the person submitting
the advertisement. The Publishers cannot be held
responsible for any errors or omissions. Copyright:
Material appearing in OzRoamer Guide to Slide on
Campers and Camper Trailers magazine and Auto
Alliance Group Pty Ltd. Publications is copyright
and reproduction in whole or in part without written
permission from the publisher is prohibited
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Visit www.ozroamer.com.au
ROAM
ER
4WD&S
ROAM
ER
TOWIN
TIPS G
UV
GUIDE
2011
OVE
4WD & R 35
SUV
REVIEW
S
OUTB
TRAVEACK
L TIPS
WE RA
4WD A TE OVER 150
FOR TOND SUV’S
OFF RO WING AND
AD ABIL
ITY
RR
P $999
UPCOM
MODEING
LS
THE DIF
F
BETWE ERENCE
EN AW
AND 4W D
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2011 |
For all things graphic design contact
nataliesing
ISSUE
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p 0404 808 090 | e [email protected] | w nataliesingdesign.com.au
Choosing
a slide on
camper
Slide on campers are becoming more popular in Australia and cover
the full range from tray back off road campers to what is essentially a
caravan on the back of a ute. The slide on camper converts your ute
into a fully-fledged camper simply by backing the ute under the
camper and driving off.
You can break them down into three categories:
Firstly the tray back campers which are mainly for off road use.
These are canopies with either a hard lid or a canvas tent top with
exceptional storage. Usually made of aluminium, steel or composite
fibreglass panels, they slide on the flat tray of utes and can be
standalone if you need the ute while at camp. The great advantage
of these is storage. Often they have room for a kitchen and fridge
along with drawers for other items.
Some of these canopies have lift up lids with canvas at the sides and
the bed on top; some you sleep inside the canopy and others have
a roof top tent on top.
Secondly the ute back campers that again are either hard top
or canvas tent top, sitting in the tub of the ute. The construction
material and configuration is usually similar to the canopy style but
the main advantage is that these can allow you to walk into the
camper if it has a pop top roof.
Often these will have the lid extending over the body of the ute
especially if they are dual cab utes. These are the pop top styles
and very popular.
Thirdly the ute style camper that is like a caravan on the back of the
ute. Made mostly from composite fibreglass panels, these can have a
6
nose cone over the drivers’ cab where the sleeping area is, similar to a
motorhome. They can be either full body or pop up style and are suited
to a couple although there are some styles that will sleep 4 at a pinch.
You get most of the benefits of a camper trailer or a campervan without
the extra costs associated with them. As there are no mechanical parts,
service and maintenance costs are minimal.
Lastly they are perfect for couples and small families that want
compact travel style.
Things you need to look for when considering your purchase include
whether you want to buy new or second hand. Like almost every other
choice of recreational vehicle the first thing you need to decide is what
style of travel are you looking to do. If it is on road the choices are
wider allowing for the more campervan style. If you are more
adventurous and want to go off road you would be advised to
avoid the higher style models as they can be very top heavy,
which is the last thing you want in off road situations.
There is a wide choice available second hand as well and unlike
camper trailers which can cop a bit of abuse the slide on camper
would only be likely to have some cosmetic damage as there are
no mechanical parts like brakes etc.
Most of these will come with kitchens, gas and water supply, lounge
areas, and shower/toilet areas, clothes cupboards and general storage.
In fact they are internally similar to normal small caravans or motorhomes.
They have the advantage of you being able to stand up inside as well.
With most utes the key thing to look at is weight. Like camper trailers
weight is the enemy. Make sure that the slide on camper and all the gear
you are taking won’t exceed the GVM of the ute. As most utes have
close to the 800 – 1000kg capacity this is unlikely. However some of
the ute back campers that are more caravan in style can be heavy.
This style of slide on camper provides the safety and comfort of a
small campervan. The disadvantage is that you cannot walk through
from the driver’s seat.
So what are the benefits of a slide on camper?
Firstly they are ideal for those travellers that don’t want to tow their
living quarters. Having the bed on the back of the ute is very convenient.
It allows you to be more adventurous, especially in off road situations.
With a slide on camper you can travel to places where it would be
impossible to get even an off road camper trailer into and have the
benefit of comfortable camping when you get there.
How difficult is the slide on camper to get on and off? How long does
it take and what are the legs like when it is stand-alone? Are the legs
manual wind down or mechanical and can you store it when off the ute?
Some slide on campers are very easy to put on and off the ute while
I have seen others that almost require a mechanical engineers’ degree
to work. Either way it will be more complicated than simply hooking
up a camper trailer.
Like all sleeping accommodation, space and ventilation are key
elements. Is the camper insulated? Dust and weatherproof? Does it
allow room for all your gear and does it look good on the back?
Secondly they allow you to tow a boat or bike trailer or horse float
behind. This is something you couldn’t do or would have difficulty with in
the case of a boat, if you had a camper trailer behind. Slide on campers
are ideal in this situation where you need to take something else along
on the trip other than sleeping accommodation.
Overall the slide on camper is a growing market segment that whatever
your travel plans, whether it’s weekends away or the big trip around
Australia, offers mobility, convenience and flexibility for a couple or
small family and a viable alternative to a camper trailer.
Thirdly they allow you to make maximum use of your ute and there are no
extra registration fees as the camper sits on the back of the ute. They
generally make the most of available space and are cheaper than what
you could buy as an equivalent camper trailer, caravan or campervan.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
7
A to Z
of buying
a camper
trailer
A
The coupling will probably be welded on but in
trailers over 1,000Kg they need to be bolted.
Check how far back the ‘A’ frame goes under
the body of the trailer; in off road trailers it
should be to the axle assembly and attached to
the spring hangers. Remember that the further
back the more distribution of the torsional
forces of towing throughout the chassis.
Often the first interactions are how they will
continue. Are the manufacturers or dealers
easy to contact and get answers from? Are
they patient with you or do they just want to sell
you a trailer and move on. Remember previous
owners are the best way to establish what the
after sales service is like.
The distance from the front of the trailer body
to the ‘A’ point makes a difference to the
characteristics and dynamics of the trailer
handling. The shorter the ‘A’ frame the better
articulation you will have in extreme off road
situations. The longer the ‘A’ frame the better
the trailer will tow and it is easier to reverse.
After Sales Service
A Frame
This is the front of the trailer often referred to
as the drawbar. It always houses the coupling,
safety chains and hand brake assembly. Also it
usually houses storage boxes, gas bottles, jerry
cans, battery box etc.
Make sure that the ‘A’ frame is long enough so
that when you open your rear door (especially
with side opening doors) the stone deflector is
far enough back to allow the door to fully open
and the handbrake assembly is below the door.
8
Before you buy is the best time to find out
what the after sales service is like. Somebody
has already bought the camper trailer you are
about to buy and the best people to talk to are
owners. Check out the blogs, camper trailer
Org, etc. If there are problems then you will
likely find out about it on these.
Can you inspect the factory? Do they have an
owner’s club? What is the warranty and where
do you have to get work done? If you are in
Broome and a wheel hub breaks you don’t
want to have to send the camper trailer back to
Melbourne to have it fixed.
Awning
Awnings can range from sunshades to fully
enclosed set ups. What suits you better
depends on what type of travel you like to do.
Go to a caravan park for three weeks over
Christmas holidays and you would be more
inclined to go for a fully enclosed awning to
give you extra space.
Travel the outback with overnight stops and
the last thing you want is a set of walls to put
up every night. Look for an awning that ideally
goes the full length of the trailer, including the
‘A’ frame or at least to the front of the storage
boxes. Remember that canvas is heavy and
an awning that is often 7 metres in length and
3 metres wide is not only heavy but needs
storage along with poles and ropes etc.
If you are travelling for any length of time an
innerspring mattress is a worthwhile option and
money well spent. Foam, no matter how dense,
can become uncomfortable after a while.
Do you want a queen size or will a double
bed size mattress do? Is the mattress the
same size all over or is it tapered to fit. Is the
mattress orientated sideways or longways? If it
is sideways one partner invariably has to climb
over the other person to get out.
Many seasoned travellers may take an end wall
section that can be applied with Velcro to assist
with protection from the elements.
Some trailers will have room to fold up the tent
section with the awning attached which can
save time every time you set up.
Battery
B
Do you need a battery system on your trailer? If
the answer is yes than you need to look for the
following.
The first thing is that the battery needs to be
of a deep cycle style that has some form of
charging system, preferably a trickle charge
through an Anderson plug as well as a 240v
charger.
Charging through one of the pins in the trailer’s
electrical coupling is ok but not ideal. Does the
battery have a management system to prevent
overcharging?
Ball Weight
The ball weight is one of the critical features
to look out for. It is here that many purchasers
come unstuck through either being misinformed
about the ball weight of the trailer, over packing
the trailer or having the wrong tow vehicle.
Generally you want to have between 10-15% of
the loaded weight of the trailer on the tow ball.
If in doubt, have the tow ball weight measured
at a weigh station or by using one of the clever
gadgets like the Hayman Reese scales.
Too heavy and you will be shooting possums
with the headlights shining into the trees
whereas too light and the handling of the trailer
will suffer.
Don’t take the manufacturer supplied weight as
gospel either, as they have a vested interest in
making the ball weight as low as possible, often
telling pork pies in the process. I have seen tow
ball weights that are advertised as 100Kg, be
as heavy as 250Kg when loaded. That’s a lot
of difference. Ball weight can be affected by
packing as well.
You need to match the vehicle tow ball weight
with the trailer tow ball weight. If the trailer is
too heavy on the tow ball you may void your
insurance and even your warranty on the vehicle.
Remember while not necessary it’s always
handy to be able to lift the ‘A’ frame if you have
to manoeuvre by hand.
The larger the battery (measured in amp hours)
the better, but this adds more weight. Check
where the battery in mounted and does that
comply with venting requirements etc.
Bearings and Hubs
This is an often-overlooked topic. The strength
of a camper trailer comes from the chassis
up and the bearings play a major part in the
robustness of the trailer.
What is suitable for a trailer that takes an
occasional load of rubbish to the tip is totally
unsuitable for a trailer to take you to the tip of
Cape York.
This is one case where bigger is definitely
better. Sorry Guys.
Heavy duty off road camper trailers should have
2500 – 3300Kg bearings to cope with the
loads and stresses of kilometres of corrugations
and articulation where the weight of the trailer is
often on one wheel.
On road camper trailers can utilise smaller
bearings as the loads and stresses are
substantially less. Ask the questions about
servicing; spares, inspection and size to endure
you have all the information.
Bedding
How many do you want to sleep? Some trailers
like the Camprite TL8S are ideal for up to 2
adults and 4 kids all up off the ground. There
are as many camper trailers for families as there
are for couples.
Is the bed easy to access? How many steps to
get into it? Is the ladder easy on the feet as you
will mostly be in bare feet when you’re going
to bed? Where does the ladder stow away?
Where will the kids sleep? These all seem like
small questions but if you travel for any length
of time they will become significant.
One key feature to look for is are you able to
pack the trailer up with the bed already made,
because making your bed every night if you are
touring will become tiresome very quickly. The
other thing to look for is does the canvas fold
onto the bed, and what happens if it is wet?
Boat Rack
Do you want to take a boat? If so most
manufacturers have options for lift off or swing
out boat racks and outboard motor holders.
How are you going to get the boat to the
water when the camper trailer is set up. Do
you need a fold up boat trailer? If that all
seems too much when you’re in camp, befriend
someone with a boat, chances are they will
jump at the chance to have someone go
along with them and help etc.
Brakes
Another topic that is often overlooked by
purchasers who focus on the bling. Firstly if
your camper trailer has an ATM over 750Kg
then it needs brakes. There are essentially
three types of braking systems and two types
of brakes.
The three types of braking systems are
hydraulic, mechanical & electric.
Hydraulic Override - these types of brakes
are rarely found on camper trailers. The
system uses hydraulic fluid instead of a cable
to activate the brakes. The fluid requires a
reservoir and is connected to the brakes
through a brake line.
Personally I would avoid these, as there are
extra complications with checking the fluid for
impurities, especially water and changing it
regularly and the possibility of nicking the brake
lines. They also don’t allow linear braking in the
sense that they are either on or off.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
9
Mechanical Override – often favoured by
manufacturers that like to keep things simple
and robust. The drum brakes work literally by
the force of the trailer running up the back of
the vehicle on the coupling. When this happens
a cable that controls the brakes becomes tight
applying the brakes.
These styles of brakes are simple and the tow
vehicle doesn’t need a brake controller fitted.
There are some downsides though. Similar to
the hydraulic brakes in that they don’t allow
linear braking in that they are either on or off.
They aren’t as effective in off road situations
when the trailer is at an angle to the vehicle or
on slippery tracks etc where they may make
control of the trailer more difficult.
Build Quality
Buy the best camper trailer you can for your
money. Don’t be tempted by all the add ons,
they have no intrinsic build quality. Look
for trailer manufacturers that actually have
construction standards that conform to the
Australian Design Rules (ADR) and Australian
Standards (AS). Some might also be Quality
Endorsed companies and some may offer a
lifetime warranty.
c
quality, is more susceptible to mould, mildew
and often leaking, as the seams are usually
single stitched.
Look for reinforced pockets where poles are
inserted or rub against the canvas and also
sewn in pockets for knickknacks etc. Have a
look and see if you can see through the canvas
in the light, cheaper canvas tends to be thinner.
The height of the tent will have a dramatic effect
on how hot it gets inside as will having large
windows with midge proof mesh that allow
cross ventilation. Believe me sand flies are
nobody’s friend.
Electric Brakes – are another example of you
get what you pay for. They are more expensive
than override brakes and require the tow
vehicle to have a brake controller fitted but are
far superior to override brakes.
They work on either drum or disc brakes and
apply a linear or constant pressure to the
brakes. The vehicle-mounted controller allows
adjustment of the amount of brake pressure
that is applied to the trailer. Some of the
benefits of electric brakes are that the trailer is
actually braking itself, not pushing up against
the tow coupling.
Another benefit is that through the controller
you can actually brake the trailer without
braking the vehicle, allowing for more control in
critical situations or to dry the brakes.
The electric brakes linear braking force can be
used to assist control in off road situations like
steep slippery descents etc.
You will need to spend between $300-$400
on a vehicle mounted control unit. This allows
control over the braking power through the
trailer wiring. The pendulum style of controller is
the better style.
If you have brakes on the trailer you should
also include a handbrake. If you ever try to
move a trailer on a slope without it you will
never do it again.
The two types of brakes are Drum and Disc.
Drum brakes will work with all the types of
braking systems. They are easy to clean,
maintain and find parts for. Disc brakes are
more expensive and better suited to on road
trailers as off road they can be vulnerable
to dirt and stones being trapped.
If you think that you are going to use the
trailer in lots of water or in salt water you
might consider marine drum brakes that have
stainless steel fittings. These are resistant to
corrosion and are cleaned by fitting a hose and
washing them out.
The next thing to consider is the size of the
brakes. They range in size from 8, 10 and
12-inch brakes with bigger being the better.
10
Chassis
Canvas
All canvas is not the same folks! There can be a
substantial difference between imported canvas
and canvas which is made in Australia.
The polyester & cotton canvas used in campers
these days are usually a mixture of 50/50 poly/
cotton blend or 65/35 poly/cotton blends.
The polyester is for the strength and durability
and the cotton is for the waterproofing and
breathing aspect. The cotton will take up water,
swell and sit in place. This combined with the
waterproofing; waxing agents etc placed on the
canvas makes it an ideal breathable waterproof
structure for camper trailers.
Some trailers will have lightweight polyester,
which is waterproof but doesn’t breathe.
Key things to look for are the weight. Most
will be either 10 or 12oz and sometimes
15oz. Often the walls and roof will be different
weights, generally heavier on the roof. The new
styles of 10 or 11oz canvas made in Australia
is as a double wrap, double weft weave. That is
two strands woven one-way, two strands woven
the other. This makes the end product being
tightly woven, just as strong and durable as the
15oz, just as waterproof as the 15oz but really
half the weight. Next check the sewing, is it
double seamed or single stitched?
Remember that canvas shrinks and often,
different weights will shrink at different rates.
Cheaper canvas will shrink more than better
The strength of a camper trailer comes
from its chassis. What is acceptable for an
on road trailer that is used once a year for a
couple of weeks at a caravan park is totally
different to what is necessary for a heavy
duty off road camper.
Is the chassis painted steel or hot dipped
galvanised, which is better for durability.
Chassis frames should be at least 50mm x
50mm x 3mm and often 75mm x 50mm x 3mm,
which is stronger and more robust. The ‘A’
frame will often be 100mm x 50mm x 4mm
for extra strength. The thicker the steel the
stronger the chassis.
Some manufacturers make the ‘A’ frame from
RHS Steel, which is a right angle bar. If the
chassis or ‘A’ frame is RHS make sure it is at
least 100mm x 75mm x 6mm and the ‘A’
frame should be at least 125mm x 75mm x
6mm for off road use. Smaller is acceptable
for on road use.
A full chassis is stronger and essential for off
road use. Remember the strength of a camper
trailer comes from what is underneath. Don’t
skimp on the chassis otherwise you will have a
trailer that has all the bells and whistles sitting
by the side of the road going nowhere.
There have been some questions over whether
hot dipping the chassis weakens it. The answer
is, if done right it doesn’t. However if there is
any breaking of the coating after it is done then
that will become and entry point for corrosion.
Cost
There really is no getting away from the fact
that to a certain point you get what you pay for.
Camper trailers can range in price from around
$3,000 right up to $50,000 plus.
Nobody in his or her right mind can expect to
pay $5,000 for a heavy duty off road camper
trailer and take it to Cape York and expect it to
come back in perfect condition, no matter what
the salesperson says.
By the same token it is hard to justify paying
$55,000 for what is essentially a tent on a trailer
with questionable bells and whistles.
The old adage of quality is remembered long
after price is forgotten applies. Buy the best
quality for what you can afford and you will be
rewarded in the long run with less hassles and
better resale price. Quality second hand camper
trailers can retain their value remarkably well.
If you’re not sure there are plenty of places to
hire and try before you buy.
These may have great articulation but the
first time you need to move a trailer in sand
towards the car you will remember these
words and curse me.
The styles that have a drop in pin like the
DO35 and McHitch are easier to use.
However the easiest to use and provides
more than enough articulation is the Hyland
Coupling. It fits over a standard 50mm ball
so dropping the trailer on is easy. If you need
more articulation than it provides then you
should probably check your insurance
because you might be in a spot of bother.
Extras
This is where things can get expensive. Some
extras are valuable for specific needs and some
are just bling. Its best to decide on what style of
travelling you intend to do and pick extras that
suit, not what looks good. Often you may be
able to find accessories that are just as capable
but cheaper on the market.
f
Finish
d
Dust Sealing
This is really important. Sleeping on a bed full
of dust is not anybody’s idea of fun. Nothing is
completely dust proof, especially from bulldust,
but many camper trailers do a bloody good job
at it. Some are appalling.
Hot dipped galvanising or quality paint is
essential. However do you really need the
trailer the same colour as your car? Finish is
also in the details, such as neatly tucked wiring,
clamps to hold down the roof in stainless steel,
KKK Zips etc. Look for quality not flash looks or
bells and whistles.
This is mostly important for off road camper
trailers that are more likely to be on dirt roads
or outback tracks. However on road camper
trailers also can suffer from dust as well.
Flat rubber seals will do an ok job but double
pinch weld rubber seals are much better. Check
the rear tailgate, as most dust and water will
come in there.
e
Coupling
The first decision you need to make is if you
need the trailer for on road or off road use. If
it is on road use then the choice is simple, a
standard 50mm ball coupling is all you need.
If you anticipate off road use then the next
question you need to ask is how extreme do
you intend to go. The ability to have 270 or
360-degree articulation is great but is needed
for only the most extreme situations.
For example, one of my fellow writers has
taken a pop up caravan to Cape York along
the Telegraph Track with just a standard
coupling. Something I wouldn’t recommend but
achievable.
If you are heading for the adventurous camping
then the choices are more diverse. The range
includes a Hitchmaster DO35, AT35, TREG,
Trig, Orac, Oz Hitch, McHitch Uniglide and
Hyland to name a few.
There are a couple of things for you to think
about. Any hitch that requires a pin to go
through a hole in a poly block is incredibly
difficult to line up in some off road situations.
Electrical System
Floor
If you are intending to stay anywhere away from
a powered site at a caravan park then you will
probably need a battery system.
The choices are hard floor or soft floor. Hard
floor is where the lid on the camper trailer folds
over to form a base to stand on. Soft floor is
where the tent section has a waterproof vinyl
floor attached.
The battery needs to be a deep cycle battery
minimum 100AH for any effectiveness. This can
be recharged by trickle charge when connected
to the trailer through the normal 7-pin harness
or by Anderson Plug. You should also look for
a 240V charger with overload protection from
overcharging. Ideally the charger should switch
on automatically when you plug in 240V.
More advanced management systems have
amp meters, Voltmeter and multiswitch panels
with built in fuses etc, which allow you to see
the charge and usage at a glance. These are
useful but can be expensive.
Ensure the outlets are in useful and practical
places throughout the living area and externally.
Some trailers are wired for 240V as well, which
to my mind is a complete waste of money, as a
decent power board will do the job effectively.
There are other variants such as the Camprite
TSL8, which has side-fold lids and the body
of the trailer forms the floor. Also the ModCon
camper trailer has the lid fold over the front
storage bins, which is a novel idea.
Soft floor trailers are usually cheaper but in
many ways it is like camping in a tent. Hard
floor trailers keep everything up off the ground
but are more expensive and usually heavier.
Fly Screens
Only get midge proof screens. You really will
wish you did if you don’t.
Make sure the wiring is neatly tucked away
or clipped and out of the way, especially
underneath. Loose wiring is a recipe for trouble.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
11
comprehensive cover for the car cover third party
property for the trailer?
j
Jerry Can Holder
where possible keyed alike. Water filler cap,
jerry can holders, gas bottle holder, external
storage bins, and the main body of the camper
all need to be locked.
o
These are a great idea for extra fuel and water.
Where are they located and can you lock them.
How many do you need? Some camper trailers,
like the Trak Shak, carry the water in them and
have heaps. External holders (to the body of the
trailer) for fuel may be illegal in some states.
Fridge
Is there room for a fridge in the camper trailer?
If so is the bin vented to allow the fridge to run
while driving. If you buy an Autofridge, which is
Eutectic, then that’s not necessary as it stays
cold without running.
If it is a three-way fridge, avoid running it on
gas as you drive and definitely when you are
refuelling.
g
Gas Bottle
If you have a kitchen in the camper trailer then
you will need a gas bottle. Do you want one
or two? Gas bottles are heavy and a 9Kg gas
bottle will last for ages. Often it’s better to swap
it or fill it before it gets empty, than carry a spare
that you are unlikely to ever use. If you want to
carry a spare carry two 4.5Kg bottles instead.
Consider the little butane canister stoves. At
$20 from Kmart, the canisters last a while, are
available almost everywhere and a hell of a lot
lighter than a 9Kg bottle. Always remember that
gas is dangerous and to check connections
and lines constantly. Once you see a bottle
explode you will NEVER forget it.
h
Hire vs. Buy
Buying a camper trailer is expensive but a quality
one will last for years. If it is for a one off trip or
only once a year consider hiring one and save
your capital. Also it can be advisable to hire
before you buy, especially for first time buyers.
Insurance
Has the manufacturer registered their camper
trailer as that or a box trailer? Can I get cover
for off road travel or only on registered roads?
Are the contents covered and does my
12
Jockey Wheel
The heavier the ball weight the heavier the
jockey wheel needs to be. Does it fold up and
if not is there a place for it? Clamps are also
a good idea on the ‘A’ Frame. Do you need
solid rubber, pneumatic or even twin wheel
with handle to assist in moving the trailer? The
jockey wheel is the only way to move the trailer
when unattached so it’s relatively important.
k
Kitchen
Kitchens can range from a camping table with a
butane burner stove and plastic tub for washing
up to a full on slide out stainless steel kitchen
with electric hot and cold running water. Both
do the same job funnily enough.
Ideally, you would be able to access the kitchen
without opening the camper up. Think about
how many burners do you actually need? Does
the gas need to be connected every time and
if not is there a cut off switch? Is the kitchen
under cover if raining? Do you need a grill?
Where does the sink water go?
Often a table with butane burners and a plastic
tub for washing up are just as effective and a lot
less weight and cost for your camper trailer.
l
Lighting
If you have power to the camper trailer you will
need 12V lighting inside the tent area. A good
idea is lights at the head of the sleeping area
for reading. Outside lighting is extremely handy
especially over the kitchen area.
Look for 12V outlets as well in practical places
and externally as well.
Locks
Pretty much everything should be lockable and
Off Road ability
If you are serious about an off road camper
trailer check the clearance, departure angle,
that everything is tucked away underneath,
length of ‘A’ frame, type of coupling etc. The
shorter the camper trailer the better off road it
will be.
p
Packing up
The dreaded pack up. Little things make a huge
difference. Can the awning be left attached?
Can the bed be left made up? Can I throw the
kid’s beds on top of the main bed? Do I have to
repack everything in the body of the trailer? Is
there a place for everything to stow away?
Plug
You may find this strange, however different
states have different plugs for the wiring
harness. Some are 7 pin flat; some are 7 pin
round and some 7 pin large round. Make sure
the trailer comes with a plug that matches your
towing vehicle. Also, somewhere to store the
plug when not connected is a clever idea.
r
Racks
If you want to take a boat, canoe, bikes or
even store firewood etc, racks are a great idea.
Make sure they are not in the way for set up as
unloading these items every night will become
tiresome after the first time.
Rear Stabilizer Legs
Spares Kit
Some camper trailers require rear stabilizer legs
as part of their design. Are they easy to set up
and out of the way when not in use?
A spares kit for bearings and seals, hubs,
shocks, water fittings etc is a great idea. Ask if
the manufacturer can supply such a kit, as it will
save you a heap of time and running around.
Rear View
With the camper trailer hooked up will I be able
to see over the top? How wide is it and do I
need extended side mirrors?
Make sure the purchase price includes
registration in your state. A simple thing
but a few buyers have been caught out.
How much storage do you need? Unfortunately
the more storage you have the more gear you
are likely to take, much of which will be unused
or unnecessary.
Where will you put your fridge, gas bottles,
jerry cans and outboard motor? Is there a
spot for items like chain saw, firewood etc?
Does the storage have easy access and does
the bed lift up? Do the front storage bins
have a door or wing lids and is it lined and
weatherproof with a light?
Recovery Hooks
s
Storage
There needs to be storage that is easily
accessed with the camper trailer closed. It
needs to allow for weight distribution, not all
over the ‘A frame and will fit your boxes etc.
Registration
Probably not necessary if it’s an on road
camper trailer but a good idea if it’s an off road
version. Make sure they are sturdy, attached
to the chassis frames etc and can take the
pressure of a recovery operation. You would
be surprised how many times you might have
to drag the trailer out backwards.
an extra set of large mud flaps on the tow vehicle
like the Rock Tamers you see at the shows.
Spare Wheel
The best place for the spare wheel is on a
swing away at the rear of the trailer. Next best
place is on the ‘A’ Frame and the worst place is
underneath. Have you ever tried to get a spare
wheel from under a trailer when it’s stuck in
mud with a flat? You will never do it again.
Also remember that awning poles are awkward
to store unless there is a specially designed
area for them, which is usually behind the
storage bins at the front of the trailer.
Set Up
This shouldn’t be a problem as apparently every
camper trailer on the market only takes 30
seconds to set up according to the sales people.
In reality, some are quicker than others and one
person can easily put them up, however some
need two people.
If it is a hard floor check the weight of the floor
when you are putting it up. It can be heavy,
especially if you have an injury and your other
half needs to do it. Some manufacturers have a
handy wind up system.
Soft floor tents tend to need a couple of people
to get it set up and also tend to take longer than
hard floor styles.
There are always two types of set ups as well.
An overnight stay and an extended stay set up. If
you are touring you want the quickest overnight
set up. For the annual holidays to the caravan
park, it doesn’t matter as much how long it takes,
as you will be there for a while. However a set up
like this with full awning and walls etc can take
an hour to set up, and longer to pack up.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be a useful accessory for
extended bush camping. However you should
question the viability of having panels on the
camper trailer. Portable panels are often better
as they allow you to position them to make full
use of the available sun without moving your
camper trailer or parking it in the sun.
Suspension
Stone Deflectors
There are two areas where deflecting stones
are vital. The first is from stones bouncing back
up into the rear window of your vehicle and the
second is behind the wheels of the trailer.
The stone deflector needs to be across the front
of the ‘A’ frame, facing down and loose. If it is
hard it’s like a trampoline and the stones bounce.
If it is looser, they are absorbed more and drop
down. If the deflector is angled sideways, then
the stones will just bounce off into other cars on
the other side of the road.
Underneath the front storage bins is an area that
also cops a fair punishment from stones that flick
up from the tow vehicle so it’s a good idea to
have something there as well.
Mud flaps behind the trailer wheels also save an
enormous amount of wear. It’s advisable to have
Choices include air bags, independent coil,
and independent leaf spring with shock
absorbers, heavy-duty leaf springs, solid axle
with leaf springs & shock absorbers and lastly,
torsion bar suspension.
Air bag suspension is really overkill on a
camper trailer. Independent coil is expensive,
heavy but effective, especially in corrugated
and off road situations.
Leaf spring set ups, in whatever form they take,
are well proven and robust. If you are going off
road, get shocks (with the right pitch) as well or
the trailer will bounce everywhere. Make sure you
get the right springs for the right weight/use of
trailer. If over-engineered, then your trailer could
bounce excessively on some tracks or if too soft,
it will “bottom-out”, potentially breaking leaves.
Solid axle and torsion bar suspension are fine
for on road camper trailers.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
13
Whatever type you decide upon ensure that
spare parts are easily accessible when travelling.
t
Trailer Track
If you are intending to travel off road, a school
of thought is to match the track (width between
the tyres) of the trailer to the towing vehicle.
This makes sense if you are only ever driving in
a straight line. As soon as you move the wheel
the trailer tyres make their own track. Matching
the wheels and tyres is a better idea.
Travel Cover
Applicable to soft floor camper trailers
where there is a vinyl cover over the tent.
The Australian sun is harsh so quality here is
paramount. So is dust proofing, best with zip
and Velcro overlap.
Type of Trailer
The key decisions you need to make include:
firstly do you want to travel on road or off road?
Then do you want a hard floor or soft floor?
Do you want a dedicated specifically designed
camper trailer or a box trailer that you can add
camping gear to? Do you want side fold or rear
fold? Do you want all people to sleep up off the
floor and is it for two or more people?
w
Warranty
Questions to ask are – How long is the
warranty? What parts does the manufacturer
cover and what is covered by suppliers eg
suspension or water pump? Where can
warranty work be dome while travelling?
Does it cover where you want to travel and
is the cost of getting the trailer to service
your cost or theirs? Do they have freight
services for parts? Etc.
All manufacturers have some warranty claims,
it’s part of the business but the keys are how
many and how do they handle them that make
the difference. It’s best to speak to existing
owners for the best assessment of whether
you will have issues after you buy.
Water
Carrying water is a good idea! The water
tank ideally should be mounted as close as
possible to the axle in the rear. If it is at the
extreme front or rear that can both help and
hinder with weight distribution.
14
Water tanks should be baffled to prevent
sloshing and be either stainless steel or food
grade material with food grade hoses. The filling
cap should be lockable and accessible. If you
have a hand pump make sure it is accessible
but tucked away. An electric pump is a good
idea but be careful, they can empty a tank in
minutes if left running. Maybe have both styles
of pumps. Having access to water without
opening the kitchen is also handy.
Two smaller tanks is often a good idea, that
way if you have a source of water that you need
but not sure about you can put it in the second
tank, and if you get a leak you still have spare
water. Make sure that stone guards protect
both the tanks and the hose connections
underneath. Are the tanks easy to empty to
clean for storage?
Wheels and Tyres
Firstly NEVER put retreads or second-hand
wheels and tyres on your camper trailer. If you
are buying an on road camper trailer ensure that
they are fitted with good quality road tyres. A
blow out on the trailer can be more devastating
than on a car as the weight of the trailer out of
control can flip a car.
If you are looking for an off road camper trailer
ideally you can match the wheel and tyre
combination (including offset and studs) to the
towing vehicle, especially if you are going to
remote destinations. With two spares, a good
tyre repair kit & a pump, you can get yourself
out of trouble & on the road again. If you can’t
match the wheel and tyres make sure that the
trailer has good quality off road tyres, possibly
even light truck tyres. The minimum size should
be 15-inch and ideally 16 or 17-inch tyres.
Weight of Trailer
The three things to consider are how heavy
is the camper trailer (tare weight), what is its
ATM which will tell you how much extra gear
you can legally load into it and what is the
tow ball weight loaded. Remember weight is
the enemy of economy, ease of driving and
manoeuvrability etc.
Weight Distribution
The layout of the trailer and packing can
have a dramatic effect on the tow ball weight
and handling characteristics of the trailer.
For example if the water tank is totally at the
rear when it empties there is relatively more
weight on the tow ball with less weight in
the tank. A litre of water weights 1kg so a
100L tank when full weighs 100kg. Look for
a chassis that has the water tanks as close
to the centre as possible.
If you have a storage box on the front of the
camper trailer full of gear, a couple of full jerry
cans and gas bottle, all of a sudden the tow ball
weight has increased dramatically from what
has been quoted. Look for trailers that allow
you to distribute items to allow you to manage
weight distribution.
Windows
The rule here is to have as many as possible
and as big as possible, with roll up awning
covers. You need large well-placed windows to
enhance the feeling of openness and fresh air.
Also insist on midge proof mesh, anything else
is just a waste of money.
z
Zip
There are more zips than you realise on a
camper trailer. They are on the windows, doors
and awnings. These are not like a zip on a pair
of jeans, if something goes wrong with the zip
on a camper trailer you often have to take the
entire tent off to fix it. One way of overcoming
this is to use a zip like the KKK style that has
replaceable teeth.
Zips also cop a lot of abuse, usually by
accident, but nevertheless are an item that
has lots of stress on them. Better quality
zips will make the camping experience more
pleasurable. If you’re at your favourite beach
camping spot and the zip gets stuck or breaks,
the sand flies will have a field day.
Choosing
your tow
vehicle
What comes first the
chicken or the egg?
Do you choose the
camper trailer or the
towing vehicle first?
Ideally you would decide on what type of travelling you are looking to do
first. Do you want to stay purely on the roads, venture slightly off road or
be adventurous and go far off the beaten track? What size camper trailer
do you want?
Not only do these choices decide what type of camper trailer you should
look for but also the type of tow vehicle as well. The best tow vehicle is
the one that suits your needs. Simple really!
Tow vehicles can come in all shapes and sizes; they can be petrol or
diesel, automatic or manual, car or ute etc. Here we will run through a
few of the choices, what works with what and hope to help you decide
what you need. These are the questions that all buyers have to answer.
If you have an existing vehicle and are not looking to replace it then you
may already have some decision parameters made for you. Make sure
that your existing vehicle can tow the camper trailer you buy legally and
safely.
If you are buying an on road camper trailer then you have the widest
choice. You can choose a normal sedan or hatchback as long as you
match the tow rating of the vehicle to the trailer.
16
Buying a normal sedan, wagon or hatchback has its advantages in
savings on purchase and running costs that can be substantial and
you have a normal car to run around in when you’re not towing. Power
is usually not a question and even some of the mid sized sedans have
adequate towing capacity for small to medium size on road camper
trailers.
However even if you are only keeping to the roads you may want to
buy a 4WD or SUV to allow more adventurous exploring from your
base camp when you are travelling.
Unquestionably the most popular tow vehicle is the larger 4WD followed
by the 4WD dual cab ute. For the larger on road camper trailer or an off
road version then you have little choice but to go for the 4WD vehicles.
For the most part they have a higher towing capacity, higher tow ball
ratings and stiffer springs. For the heavier loads the bigger 4WDs have
a 3500kg towing capacity and a 350kg tow ball rating.
One thing to keep in mind is that when towing, an added safety
feature is having excess capacity i.e. not towing a trailer that is
at the limit of the tow vehicle’s capacity. This places much less
stress on the vehicle and driver.
Remember that phrase - it’s horses for courses when it comes
to tow vehicles.
If you are looking for an off road camper trailer that will allow
you to be more adventurous but not necessarily wanting to head
to Cape York then you should have a look at the growing number
of AWD SUVs. These will tow with ease and some of them are
surprisingly capable on dirt roads etc.
Some have up to 3,000kg towing capacity but watch the tow ball
capacity carefully as some manufacturers (including 4WDs) reduce the
rating if the vehicle is loaded internally. The OzRoamer 4WD & SUV
Guide has the tow ball rating and towing capacity of over 150 models.
However like many segments of the car market there has been a trend
away from these cars and smaller, lifestyle vehicles have grown in
popularity. This has seen the proliferation of 6 cylinder front wheel drive
vehicles from manufacturers like Toyota and Ford that have adequate
towing capacities as well. Even some of the smaller 4 cylinder engines
are good if you are towing a smaller camper trailer.
Some of the hatchbacks and wagons have AWD without any pretence
of off road capability, such as the Volvo V70 T6 AWD. In this instance
the addition of AWD is an added safety feature for towing.
The key to towing with sedans is to ensure that you follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Most sedans can tow and the only
limitation is like all vehicles, the towing capacity and tow ball weight.
If you choose to tow with a front wheel drive vehicle you should
know that they are more affected by the weight distribution of the
trailer than rear wheeled vehicles although all vehicles are
affected by poor trailer loading.
When choosing what type of transmission the old school theory is that
manual is the way to go to tow. The arguments can go back and forward
but ultimately it’s up to the preference of the driver.
However if you are venturing off the roads into the vast beauty Australia has
to offer or if you have a heavy trailer to tow, then a 4WD is definitely the way
to go. While we certainly aren’t suggesting that a big 4WD is essential for
towing, sometimes there just aren’t many other suitable options.
Amongst the normal cars Australia has been traditionally the domain
of the big V8 rear wheel drive vehicles from Holden and Ford as the
choice for sedan tow vehicles. They have plenty of power and
adequate towing capacity.
There are some factors that should be considered though. In smaller
capacity vehicles the manual transmissions have less power loss.
The flip side is that manuals can show increased wear on the
clutch from towing.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
17
Often if you are towing heavy loads with an automatic it is advisable
to fit a transmission cooler as a precaution against transmission
overheating. Remember that heavy-duty 4WD vehicles are not immune
to transmission overheating as well.
You will find that many manufacturers have a higher towing rating
on their automatic versions of their vehicles. Personally I think that
automatics are easier and more flexible to drive and place less
stress on the driver.
The difference in fuel consumption between manual and automatic
transmissions really doesn’t make that much of a difference so
basing your decisions on that would prove to be false economy.
The next point to consider in choosing a vehicle is the choice of
fuel to run the engine. This is probably the most important decision
you need to make as it has multiple facets such as economy,
servicing costs, initial purchase costs etc
Diesel engines are more economical especially when towing
heavy loads. The torque characteristics of a diesel motor where
the power comes much lower in the rev band are ideal.
However they are often a little more expensive to maintain and service.
In addition to this for reasons that no manufacturer has been able to
explain satisfactorily they are sometimes more expensive for the same
model, even up to $10,000 in the case of a Toyota Landcruiser.
If you are travelling the outback there are places where the only
fuel available is diesel. This is more important than the fuel savings
and is a key factor in deciding what to buy.
Petrol motors will on average use significantly more fuel to tow, often
up to 30% more and with some of the larger petrol 4WDs the fuel
usage when towing can be staggering. However they can be less
costly to service and to buy.
A third option is to convert either to an LPG powered vehicle. They
have been very successful in reducing fuel usage, even when not
towing and LPG is available fairly widely. Often there is little
difference in performance on the road.
However it is not for everyone, as installing an LPG tank reduces internal
storage areas and necessitates more fuss when filling up, not to mention
the increased costs of installation. The Federal Government has offered
a rebate for LPG installation but there is a question mark over its future.
Given the increasing availability of Hybrid cars this may be an option in
the future. The electric motor has instantaneous torque, which is ideal
for towing, however they tend to be heavier and have atrocious towing
capacities. This is one to avoid for a while.
Other key factors when deciding are: how often do you use the
car to tow and over what distances? How heavy is the load? What
type of driving do you like normally as petrol and diesels have very
different driving characteristics?
If you choose a smaller motor for economy it may prove to be the exact
opposite. Small motors often use more fuel when towing as they have
less torque and therefore work harder in each gear.
No matter what type of vehicle you choose one thing will be constant.
Towing, especially for prolonged periods, is hard on the tow vehicle.
This will lead to increased service costs and often a reduced time
between services. Regular servicing is more important than usual and
most manufacturers regard prolonged towing as heavy usage and refer
to this in their service books.
In addition to service costs, increased wear and tear on items
such as transmission, brake pads, tyres, suspension etc are all
part of the equation.
18
If you’re buying a second hand vehicle with a tow bar attached check
that it’s not just ok for trips to the local tip. You will need to make sure
that the tow bar and tow ball are suitable for what you intend towing.
Be sure to install a hitch that is rated for more than you intend to
tow. Also if you have a monocoque body vehicle you will have to
ensure that the hitch is one that distributes the load across the
body not just at the rear.
Lastly you may need to beef up the suspension for towing. This
may be anything from installing a set of polyair bags to a complete
suspension upgrade. A good weight distribution hitch will certainly
help here, but make sure that your shocks and springs are in good
condition. Self-levelling suspension isn’t always the answer either
as some systems become confused with heavy loads attached.
Top 12 Hints:
1The best tow vehicle is the
one that fits the drivers’ needs.
2Money spent to set up the tow vehicle
properly is money wisely invested.
3Never exceed the vehicles
CVM (combined vehicle mass).
4Do not exceed the tow ball weight and
towing capacity of the tow vehicle.
5Weight distribution hitches
DO NOT reduce tow ball weight.
6Ideally the vehicle is as heavy as
or heavier than the load it is carrying.
7No matter what type of engine maximum
torque is better low in the rev range.
8You will almost definitely
need suspension help to tow.
9You will need additional brakes
for all but the smallest camper trailer.
10You will probably need extra transmission
cooling if it’s an automatic.
11You will use heaps of fuel,
just less in a diesel.
12You will place extra strain on the vehicle
so have it serviced more regularly.
BEST BRANDS
BEST SERVICE
BEST PRICE
For all your
4WD
tyre needs
For you nearest outlet call
13OO FOR TYRES
13OO 367 897
www.jaxquickfit.com.au
OzRoamer Directory
Active Campers FT1950
Model FT 1950
Model Price $24,850
Sleeps 4
Tare 460kg
Awning Rear and Side
Dimensions to fit ute back or tray back
Construction seamless fiberglass
skin & insulated roof
Kitchen Internal
Roof Hard
Legs Standard
Water Capacity 86 Litres
Warranty 1 year
www.activecampers.com.au
The Ft 1950 is the most popular slide on campers that
active campers produces, designed for dual and extra
cab vehicles it give the flexibility of one car for all your need
holiday, work and family without having to tow anything.
The compact low profile design gives excellent fuel
consumption and the ability to drive the narrow bush
tracks. The tough lightweight construction makes it a
true 4WD camper and will go anywhere from the deserts
to the beach and up the mountains there is nowhere this
camper won’t go.
Simplicity is the feature of setting up which only takes a
few seconds and is a one person operation. Once the
solid insulated roof is opened up the spacious interior is
revealed. Inside there is seating and sleeping for four, 2
adults get a huge queen bed and the dining table folds
down for second double bed for the kids. Inside you also
find your kitchen with fridge, stove, sink, water tanks and
storage cupboards.
Active campers has been producing quality Australian
made slide on campers for over ten years, with features
C & M Campers Ezi Up Camper
Model Ezi Up
Model Price From $15,500
Sleeps 2
Weight 390kg dry
Awning side
Dimensions 2400 long x width of tray
Construction Welded steel, Ally roof
Roof Hard
Kitchen Slide out
Legs Yes with roof gas
struts or electric
Water Capacity optional
Warranty yes
www.cm-campers.com.au
Here at C&M Campers we have designed the Ezi Up
Camper to suit the needs of most people who want to
reach all parts of Australia yet not tying up the tow hitch
as some people just don’t like towing, and or getting into
and out of some of those tight spots where towing isn’t
an option.
The Ezi Up Camper is set up within minutes, you are off
the ground, you have plenty of room to stand and move
around and get changed without having to go outside.
On top of the long list of standard features the options
are endless as everyone has different wants and needs,
as every unit is built to order customising is what we
specialise in at as minimal cost to you as possible.
We can promise you that if it’s just the quick overnight
stay that you’ll be set up within no time at all, it’s just a
matter of undoing the four o/c locks, pop open the roof
and slide the bed forward. It really is that Ezi.
The Ezi Up Camper also comes with the side annexe for
longer stays, and you can leave the whole lot set up while
Explorer Campers Tray Back
Explorer Campers and Canvas are manufacturers of
premium, 100% Australian made, quality camper trailers,
Model Price $17,900
and ute-back campers. Explorer Campers and Canvas are
renowned for their personalised service, and honest and
Sleeps 4
professional advice.
Weight 300kg
We manufacture both tray-back and well-back style slide on
Awning Rear and Side
campers. Both styles are manufactured from premium quality
Dimensions To fit ute back or tray back 3mm marine grade aluminium, and first grade Australian
made canvas. Weighing in at just 300kg, our innovative and
Construction 3mm marine grade
lightweight design allows for easy slide-on/slide-off from any
aluminium Two pack finish
dual cab or xtra cab tray back or well back on the market.
Kitchen Standard
The campers come standard with a water tank, 12V package,
LED lighting, steel kitchen, fridge slide, and 8ft awning.
Roof Canvas
Beyond these inclusions there is an endless list of optional
Legs Standard
extras should you be looking for something a little different,
such as zip on bedroom walls and floor, annexe, rear kitchen
Water Capacity 53 Litres
awning annexe, and further 12V/240V accessories.
Warranty 24 month on tent,
The campers can slide off and free-stand on adjustable legs
12 month on camper unit
to allow for use of your vehicle easily and hassle free. A 24
Slide on camper
that have come from customer input and
personnel experience, we use and test our
campers whenever possible.
Active campers have other models to suit most
Ute’s from single cab, extra cab and dual cab.
Further info at www.activecampers.com.au or
phone our friendly staff on 02 6649 2783.
Slide on camper
you remove the unit from your vehicle if you want to go
for a day trip.
For more info call Mick on 08 90454555.
Slide on camper
Model Explorer Tray Back Slide-On
www.explorercampers.com.au
20
month warranty on the tent section and 12 month warranty
on the camper unit is also included.
When dealing with Explorer Campers and Canvas, you
talk to the guys who build your camper from start to finish
with no pushy sales people! Come and visit our factory/
showroom and talk to the guys who build your camper
from start to finish.
OzRoamer Directory
Traymates Camper
Model Mates Campers Traymate
Model Price $24,750
Sleeps 2
Weight 400kg
Awning Side
Dimensions To fit tray back
Construction Moulded insulated
fibreglass
Kitchen Standard slide out
Roof Hard insulated fibreglass
Legs Standard
Water Capacity 95 Litres
Warranty 12mth on camper unit
www.traymatescampers.com.au
Slide on camper
Traymate Camper can be taken in serious off-road
conditions, wherever your vehicle can go ”No Boundaries”
Are moulded hand laid fibreglass using Nyderplast (Plastic
Honeycomb) core. This has high impact strength and
excellent insulation properties.
It is designed to fit your traybback 4 or 2wd ute, in
single cab or extra cab versions. Some lighter utes
may require a suspension upgrades such as Airbags
for serious outback treks.
All hatch doors are lockable and the main door has a
deadlock. Fridge and kitchen slides are Aluminium and
stainless steel. Lifting legs, stove and sink are made in
Italy. Fridge supplier is Evakool – made in Queensland
and utilises a Danfoss compressor.
PACKAGES: Outback: Base model includes 95Litre Water
Tank, 1 Deep Cycle 12v battery. Internal /external LED lighting,
double size innerspring mattress, 2x 12v internal power outlets,
12v Anderson plug for charging from vehicle. $24,750
Premium: Consists of all the Outback Model features plus,
Australian roll out Awning, built in fridge slide, kitchen storage
GT Campers
Model GT Toyota Hilux conversion
Model Price $13,990 (dual-cab
mini-camper $7,990) on your Toyota
Sleeps 2
Weight N/A
Awning Rear wing
Dimensions To fit ute back
Construction Fibreglass and
aluminium
Kitchen Standard Drifta slide out
Roof Canvas
Legs N/A
Water Capacity 70 Litres
Warranty 2 years back-to-base
www.gtcampers.com.au
Slide on camper
The GT Campers converted Toyota Hilux is Australia’s
most capable and affordable outback/bush tourer. This
low-profile, light and nimble vehicle and doesn’t restrict
you in bushy or arduous terrain. When you arrive, set-up
takes just five minutes and the exclusive GT Campers
Bikini awning is self-supporting. It’s also the ideal tow car
for fishing boats or dirt bikes and does double duty as a
working vehicle during the week.
Each GT Camper includes a slide-out kitchen with tap,
wash-up basin and three-burner stove, 70L water tank,
exclusive GT Campers strut-assisted lift-up Hard Deck and
Bikini awning, GT Power Poles, pressurised dust resistance
package, LED kitchen light, double-sized fold-over tent with
storm fly/tropical roof, aluminium fridge cabinet with fridge
slide, mesh equipment rack, lockable pannier storage, opentopped storage bin, in-tub tie-down rings, carpet, 3x12V
power sockets, under-bonnet dual battery system and
in-cab storage pockets. The GT Campers Hilux conversion
includes installing a brand new vehicle tub to your presentmodel Hilux Single Cab (Work Mate or SR).
Tray Trek Tailgater
Model Tailgater models
Model Price From $22,950
Sleeps 2
Tare 350 - 450kg depending
on model
ATM
Ball weight N/A
Coupling N/A
Suspension N/A
Brakes N/A
Wheels/Tyres N/A
Water Capacity 90 litres
Warranty 12 months
www.tray-tekcampers.com
slide (not including sink and stove), 136w low profile solar
panels, 3 x 12v outlets. $28,200.00
Ultimate: Consists of the previous packages plus, External
Shower Module, zip up side awning, slide out kitchen module,
Smev stove & sink, 2 x spare wheel carriers, Air-bag roof
lifters with two way air supply compressor.$33,375.00
“When you have tried the rest...Buy the best”
GT Campers is an innovative company and its tough,
no-nonsense camper trailer and Toyota Hilux conversions
are the result of three years of development by a team
intimate with vehicle design and outback travel. Our
exclusively engineered, Australian-made components
have been tested over thousands of kilometres of Aussie
conditions. Each GT Camper is built to order. Booking
and deposit required. Prices are ex-Newcastle, NSW.
Slide on camper
Tray-Tek Campers are totally Australian designed and built.
The Tailgater model slide-on Tray-Tek Camper has been
designed to meet the needs of campers in all weather.
The camper has an inside kitchen. A hard top, insulated
roof is over the bed (no sleeping under canvas). All canvas
is heavy duty and all windows/door have flyscreens.
Built tough. Built strong, built light (all alloy construction),
built smart. The unique design of a drop-down tailgate
(hence the name Tailgater) and a full queen size bed, in
all models, that automatically lifts up into the roof cavity,
ensures a camper that provides a much larger and
more useable space than our competitors.
A table and chair features upstairs and the heavy duty
canvas have flyscreened windows and door. A hard
roof is above the bed.
All models are adaptable to suit any tray size or can be
custom-built to suit your needs.
The heavy-duty jacks are integrated into the design and also
act as tie-down points to attach the camper to your tray.
LED lights, deep cycle battery, 90 litre water tank, side
awning and battery indicator, are just some of the standard
features of all Tray-Tek Campers. There is a choice of three
models in our range, so no matter what your requirements
Tray-Tek Campers have a model to suit your needs.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
21
OzRoamer Directory
Travelander Evron DC1
Model Evron DC1 - Dual Cab Tray
Back Camper
Model Price From $20,000
Sleeps 4
Tare TBA
Awning Rear
Dimensions To fit Dual Cab tray back
Construction Fiberglass outer shell
Kitchen Slide out rear
Roof Canvas
Legs Standard manual wind down
Water Capacity 120 Litres
Warranty 12 months
www.travelander.com.au
The Evron DC1 - Dual Cab Tray Back Camper is
designed for a family of three or more to create as
much living and storage space for the average family
when camping. Designed as a hard floor, (left hand)
side folding camper, you can pull off on the side of
the road and prepare your lunch without having to
open the camper.
Our dual cab camper is roomy inside but compact when
closed. Even though it is the entry level it still features the
exclusive automatic set-up aided by a remote control key
ring. Packing up is just as quick and easy you don’t have
to push the weight of the hard-floor camper lid closed;
the camper does it for you.
The sleeping quarters is covered by canvas and includes
a queen bed with bed head storage and the hard floor
area which also allows for further bedding, or internal
table and chairs. The tropical roof prevents dew dripping
on you and most important, it reduces the amount of heat
from the sun. The kitchen sun shade protects you from
Travelander Evron DC2
Model Evron DC2 - Premium Dual
Cab Tray Back Camper
Model Price From $34,900
Sleeps 4
Tare TBA
Awning Rear
Dimensions To fit Dual Cab tray back
Construction Fiberglass outer shell
Kitchen Slide out rear
Roof Canvas
Legs Standard manual wind down
Water Capacity 120 Litres
Warranty 12 months
www.travelander.com.au
The Evron DC2 - Dual Cab Tray Back Camper is the
premium version of the Evron DC1. This model is
fitted with a 12 volt electrical system, with 2 x 240 volt
power plug outlets for your convenience. If you are not
set-up at a powered caravan site, then you can use the
generator to power this up instead. Solar panels can
also be purchased, however this camper is fitted with a
battery charger and inverter, along with 2 x 120 amp hour
batteries, which are charged as you are driving. If you are
standing still the batteries will generally last for up to 4
days, without the aid of a generator or solar panel.
The canvas provided for the tent, annex roof and walls
is made from a premier outdoor fabric which has been
Dynaproofed to prevent sun penetration. The area that
the canvas covers is to the sleeping quarters, which
includes a queen bed and the hard floor area which also
allows for further bedding, or internal table and chairs.
This particular area includes a tropical roof cover, which
prevents dew from building up and dripping on you from
Travelander Evron SC1
The Evron SC1 - Single Cab Tray Back Camper is built
for off road travel and will fit on the back of all single
cab Ute trays. Designed as a hard floor, (left hand) side
Model Price From $20,300
folding camper, you can pull off on the side of the road
and prepare your lunch without having to open up your
Sleeps 4
camper to access an internal kitchen. You can also open
Tare 400Kg
the hard floor sleeping quarters of the camper, anywhere
and have a rest.
Awning Rear
Dimensions To fit Single Cab tray back This particular tray back camper model, is not only for
the (budget conscious), but for those who already have
Construction Fiberglass outer shell
a great range of camping gear at home. This is fantastic,
as your own camping gear can be used instead of
Kitchen Slide out rear (optional)
purchasing the other model; which already has every
Roof Canvas
necessary accessory on board. You can however,
Legs Standard manual wind down
purchase a combination sink and stove, to create a
kitchen to the rear of the camper and other options.
Water Capacity 120 Litres
This model is roomy inside but compact when closed.
Warranty 1 year
Even though it is considered our budget camper it still
www.travelander.com.au
features the exclusive automatic set-up aided by a remote
Slide on camper
the sun if you are stopping and want to sit under
the kitchen area whilst eating and resting.
Perfect for those who want something modern, compact,
lightweight and cheaper on fuel (no towing). It’s so
easy to set-up, as there is no back breaking exercise of
opening and closing the camper.
Slide on camper
inside the camper and most important, it reduces the
amount of heat from the sun.
This model like the others features an exclusive automatic
set-up aided by a remote control key ring; which is a real
treat for ease of setting up camp.
Slide on camper
Model Evron SC1 - Single Cab Tray
Back Camper
22
control key ring; which is a real treat for ease of setting
up camp.
To sum it all up, the tray back campers are perfect for
those who want something modern, compact, lightweight
and cheaper on fuel (no towing) and easy to set up.
OzRoamer Directory
Travelander Evron SC2
Slide on camper
The Evron SC2 - Single Cab Tray Back Camper
(Premium Model) is built for off-road travel and will fit on
the back of all single cab Ute trays. Designed as a hard
Model Price From $35,200
floor, (left hand) side folding camper, you can pull off
on the side of the road and prepare your lunch without
Sleeps 4
having to access an internal kitchen. You can also open
Tare 670Kg
the hard floor sleeping quarters of the camper, anywhere
and have a rest..
Awning Rear
Dimensions To fit Single Cab tray back Fitted full of accessories, this particular tray back
camper, has been designed so that you can pack up
Construction Fiberglass outer shell
and go anywhere for a weekend getaway or a long
awaited travel holiday.
Kitchen Slide out rear
It has a 12 volt electrical system, with the allocation of
Roof Canvas
two x 240 volt power plug outlets for your convenience;
Legs Standard manual wind down
if running off the 240 volt power inlet. If you are not
set-up at a powered caravan site, then you can use the
Water Capacity 120 Litres
generator to power this up instead.
Warranty 12 months
This camper is fitted with a battery charger and inverter
www.travelander.com.au
which are located inside the camper, along with two 120
Model Evron SC2 - Single Cab Tray
Back Camper
Elite Campers
Model Elite Sprinter series
Model Price From $6990.00
Sleeps 2
Tare 180kg
ATM 300kg
Ball weight Up to 30kg
Coupling Std 50 mm ball or 360
degree for motorcycle
Suspension 3 leaf spring
Brakes optional hydraulic override
Wheels/Tyres 12 in alloy
165/70/12 tyres
Water Capacity N/A
Warranty 12 months trailer & tent
www.eliteproducts.com.au
Emu Campers Model EMU Semi off Road
Model Price $4,745
Sleeps Up to 5
Tare 400kg
ATM 750kg
Ball weight 40kg
Coupling 50mm Ball
Suspension Leaf Spring
Brakes Not Required
Wheels/Tyres 3 off 185x14 light
commercial
Water Capacity 70 Litre Roto
moulded & fitted with Hand Pump
Warranty 2yrs trailer & 1yr tent
www.emucampers.com
amp hour batteries. These are charged as you are driving
along by the aid of an Anderson plug which you will need
to fit to your vehicle.
With ample storage and the provision of electrical and
gas appliances you will be well equipped for a fantastic
holiday getaway.
Soft floor camper trailer
Elite Products has been designing and manufacturing
Elite camper trailers for motorcycles and small cars for
over ten years. Our product is dual purpose, easy to
store, lightweight but designed strong and can easily be
positioned by one person.
They are simple to erect and pack up with a queen
bed and plenty of storage. Options include a 12 volt
battery system, solar system and front storage pod to
accommodate a fridge or an esky.
The annex system can be added to create more space
and extra annexes can easily be attached to create extra
rooms. The mesh wall system for use in the tropics will
allow maximum airflow and maximum protection from
insects. All windows in the tent have internal and external
window flaps and insect proof mesh.
Our camper trailers can easily be converted to a cargo
trailer by removing the camper body and installing the
optional cargo lid. Other features are an all-aluminium
body with a full hot dipped galvanized chassis, 12 inch
mag wheels with radial tyres and easy to see LED tail and
number plate lights.
Why not hire and try before you buy. A four day weekend
package for only $180.00 and if you decide to buy within
three months we refund you $100.00. Call us on 1300
734700 and mention this article to get your special deal.
Soft floor camper trailer
Emu Camper Trailers is a proudly owned family
business with over 40 years’ experience.
We are pleased to announce the release of two
Queensland designed Trailer Tents. A NEW 9/15ft. Quick
Erect style, which enables the main Tent, including the
inbuilt Tropical Roof, to be erected in under a minute.
We also have a NEW 12/18ft Family Tent. Both Camper
Tents are made from quality 15oz. (440gsm) canvas
& include these special features – internal roof height
of 2600mm designed to enable campers to enjoy our
hot, rainy summers; front & rear doors; lots of windows;
internal & external window covers; innerspring mattress &
aluminium ladder; annex roof, walls & floor.
Our Hot Dipped Galvanised trailers are made by Nathan
Trailers in Brisbane. We stock 3 styles – Semi-off
Road, Off Road & 4x4 Extreme. These trailers feature
longer draw bars, large axle, 510mm sides, upright wheel
carrier & swing out tailgates.
Emu Camper Trailers carry a large range of
Australian designed and manufactured Trailers and Tents
built to go any distance – anywhere. We have a reputation
for paying attention to detail to make your holiday in our
great outdoors ultra-comfortable and hassle free for you
and your family.
Built “tough as” for the tough Australian conditions, our
Camper Trailers and Tents come with a range of ‘included’
features that many other companies charge as extras.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
23
OzRoamer Directory
Explorer Campers Lawson
Model Lawson off Road
Model Price $15,500
Sleeps Up to 6
Tare 820kg
ATM 1500kg
Ball weight 70kg
Coupling Trigg
Suspension Alko Outback
Rebound Shackle
Brakes Alko off-rd electric drum
Wheels/Tyres 6 Stud 31x10.5/R15
Water Capacity 70 Litre Tank
80 Litres of Jerry Cans
Warranty 24mth tent, 12mth camper
www.explorercampers.com.au
Explorer Campers and Canvas are
manufacturers of premium, 100% Australian made,
premium quality camper trailers, and ute-back campers.
Explorer Campers and Canvas are renowned for their
personalised service, and honest and professional advice.
We offer a range of camper trailers to suit any budget,
including the Blaxland On-Road (starting from $9,990),
the Flinders Light Off-Road (starting from $11,990), the
Lawson full Off-Road (starting from $15,500), and the
Wentworth Supreme Walkup (starting from $29,990).
All our trailers are made from duragal steel and zincanneal
sides. We oven bake powder coat our trailers for a
premium finish. All Explorer camper trailers come standard
with electric brakes, brand new wheels and tyres, as well
as jerry can and gas bottle holders.
We use 100% Australian made Wax Converters Textiles
Dynaproofed canvas. We list a range of optional extras in
our brochures, as we recognise that our many customers
have varying needs. The entire camper is sewn right here
in our factory, and therefore you may customise your
Jimboomba Camper Trailers
Model Various
Model Price $7,000 - $37,000
Sleeps 2 - families
Tare From 425kg
ATM Up to 2000kg
Ball weight From 50kg
Coupling various
Suspension Leaf, independent, coil
Brakes 10” electric
Wheels/Tyres Various
Water Capacity From 85 Litres
Warranty 2 year structural
www.jimboombacampertrailers.com.au
Sleeps 2
Tare From 250kg
ATM 750kg
Ball weight 25kg
Coupling 50mm ball or Tregg
swivel hitch
Suspension 5 leaf slipper or
5 leaf eye to eye or Independent
Brakes Available on request
Wheels/Tyres 14-17” or matched
Water Capacity Optional 65L
Warranty 3yrs tub & lid; 1yr others.
www.podtrailer.com
24
camper to suit your needs.
When dealing with Explorer Campers and Canvas, you
talk to the guys who build your camper from start to finish
with no pushy sales people! Come and visit our factory/
showroom and talk to the guys who build your camper
from start to finish. Call us on 02 4322 8870 for your
next adventure.
Soft floor camper trailer
JIMBOOMBA CAMPER TRAILERS pride themselves on
building quality aluminium custom-built trailers which are
designed with all types of budgets in mind. Starting with the
On Road Maddison at $7850, which is a great entry-level
trailer for on-road use, to the Light Off Road Condamine for
$6500, or the Off Road Maddison for $8350 which gets
you out on to the sand and into the bush.
As the range steps up you come into the Staircase Range
starting with the Maddison Staircase which is the entry level
of the Staircase Range for $12,350 then up to the Explorer
Staircase $14,400. These give you more space for storage
and bedding.
Then there is the flagship model, Excalabar, for $35,000,
which is fully lockable, with compartmentalised sides and a
staircase ready to go anywhere. Jimboomba has a camper
trailer for everyone and if they don’t have an existing trailer to
suit you – they’ll build it for you, just bring your ideas.
We manufacture high quality aluminium camper trailers
that live up to the conditions that this harsh Australian
landscape throws at us. Aluminium does not rust, so it is an
POD KWIK KAMPA Model Price From $6,990
Soft floor camper trailer
excellent construction material that will provide many years
of travelling around the countryside with the best camper
trailer kitchen options available
To view the full range, visit the showroom at
86-89 Anders St, Jimboomba Our website is
www.jimboombacampertrailers.com.au, or
phone Terry or Sue on 07 5547 8617.
Soft floor camper trailer
The Pod Kwik Kampa has an easy 60 second set up
which is ideal for touring and longer stays.
Leave the double bed set up for a quick getaways. 2m x
1.22m x 75mm supa foam mattress. No pegs required in
overnighter set-up mode! Zip-on rear awning walls and
optional swing-outside awning, Add side walls to enclose
if the weather turns nasty. The Pod Kwik Kampa also has
an optional 65 Lt water tank and rack options for bikes,
kayaks, boats and surf boards.
Kitchen options include 1. Weber Baby BBQ and clip-on
sink tub stored in toolbox. Option 2 - Full length slide out
rear kitchen with dual burner Smev stove and 4 legs for
re-location.
Starting at 250kgs and with its smooth aerodynamic lid,
the Kwik Kampa is the most economical to tow camper
on the market. Ideal for desert or beach trips or for those
who are looking at saving on their fuel bills, or don’t want
the annual running costs of large 4WDs.
The tent is made of heavy duty 1000 denia polyester
which won’t leak or get damp and mouldy when wet!
“Just shake the due off and slam the lid. Done!”
The tubs are roto-moulded in thick recycled polyethylene
similar to wheel barrows and water tanks. No Rust or
paint chips. Hot dipped Galvanized chassis and LED
lights optional.
Winner of Australian Plastic award 2006 ARMA.
Designed and made in Australia.
OzRoamer Directory
Pod Touring Campers
Model Pod Touring & Family Size
Model Price From $7,990
Sleeps Up to 5
Tare From 280kg
ATM 750kg
Ball weight 25kg
Coupling 50mm ball or Tregg
swivel hitch
Suspension 5 leaf slipper or 5 leaf
eye to eye or independent
Brakes Available on request
Wheels/Tyres 14-17” or matched
Water Capacity Optional 65L
Warranty 3yrs tub & lid; 1yr others
www.podtrailer.com
Starting at 280kgs, the POD TOURING AND FAMILY
CAMPERS are extremely economical to tow. Ideal for
desert or beach trips or for those who are looking at
saving on their fuel bills, or don’t want the annual running
costs of large 4WDs.
The tent is made of 8 oz Wax Converters Australian
made canvas. The tubs are roto-moulded in recycled
polyethylene similar to wheel barrows and water tanks.
No Rust or paint chips. Hot dipped Galvanized chassis
and LED lights optional.
Double mattress or Queen size options. Double - 2m
x 1.3m x 75mm. Queen x 2.02 x 1.5 x 75mm supa
foam. Zip-on 2m x 4.2m awning with kitchen end wall as
standards. Optional extra awning side walls or fly wire.
Options include tropical fly, 65 Lt water tank and racks
for bikes, kayaks, boats and surf boards.
Kitchen - Full length gourmet slide out kitchen with large
laminated bench top, dual burner smev stove, three large
slide out drawers, swing up hand pump and wash tub.
Southern Cross Bushmate
Model Bushmate
Model Price From $17,000
Sleeps 2-8 adults
Tare 650kg
ATM 2000kg
Ball weight 95 kg
Coupling Cruise Master
DO 35 Hitchmaster
Suspension Vehicle Components
Independent Wishbone
Brakes 12” Electric Brakes
Wheels/Tyres Brand New
31/10.5/R15 General Grabbers
Water Capacity 85 litres
Warranty 2yrs on trailer, 5yrs
manufacturers warranty on canvas
Soft floor camper trailer
Winner of Australian Plastic awards. Designed and made
in Australia. Removable camper module to convert
trailer back to handy tuff box trailer. On-road, All-road
and Extreme off-road models available and tested in the
harshest Australian conditions.
Soft floor camper trailer
Southern Cross Campers have been manufacturing
camper trailers for over 30 years, and are highly regarded
by travellers across Australia for their practical and tough
design attributes born out of the personal experiences of
our people and feedback from our customers.
Manufactured using only the highest quality Australian
made canvas, fittings and mechanical components by expert
trades people we continue to develop products to reliably
withstand all weather and terrain conditions encountered
across the harsh Australian landscape.
There are four models in our range, however the fact that
we can manufacture a camper trailer to your specific needs,
means that you can be confident in purchasing a Camper
Trailer that is tailored for you and your travel requirements.
With our trailers all 100% made in Australia to the highest
standards of quality and workmanship in which we are
renowned for, you can have absolute confidence in our
trailers providing a home away from home wherever you
may choose to go, time and time again.
For further information on any of our trailers, visit our website
at www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au or feel free to contact
our friendly staff on 03 9729 5056, and they will be more
than happy to assist you in your enquiry.
www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au
XTrail Navigator
Model XTrail Navigator
Model Price $19,980
Sleeps Up to 6
Tare 950 kg
ATM 1400kg
Ball weight 80kg
Coupling polyblock
Suspension Independent coil spring
Brakes 10” Electric
Wheels/Tyres 31x10.5R15
Water Capacity 108 Litre
Warranty 3 years
www.XTRAILcampers.com
Soft floor camper trailer
XTRAIL NAVIGATOR is a deluxe model with lots of fruits.
Features independent suspension, electric braking with back
up mechanical brake, kitchen, stove, 12v and 240v electrical,
lockable storages, 108L stainless steel tank, slide out jerry
can holder, lightings etc.
Manufactured by XTRAIL campers in Australia with Australian
Duragal RHS and Zincanneal sheet, the quality and
workmanship are second to none on their price range.
XTRAIL is a professional camper trailer developer,
manufacturer and supplier focusing on developing heavy duty,
high quality semi-off-road and off-road camper trailers and
camper vans, as well as custom design and custom-made
trailers of various applications for the Australian market.
XTRAIL specialise in designing and manufacturing not only
heavy duty off-road camper trailers, but also manufacture
many of our own parts such as independent coil spring
suspension systems, Nylon/Polyurethane bushed shackle
spring hangers, stabilising legs, coil and leaf springs, electric
brake backing plates and drum hubs. In addition to this,
XTRAIL also manufacture our own accessories including
stainless steel kitchens, stainless water tank, stainless gull
wing box, Pure Sine Wave inverter chargers, switching power
systems, the deluxe battery box and camping mats.
All our trailers are designed, fabricated and manufactured in
house, in Australia, which allows XTRAIL to have impressive
quality control. We are capable of creating both custom
made and standard design trailers of various types, not just
camper trailers.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
25
OzRoamer Directory
Camprite TL8sHard floor camper trailer
Model TL8s
Model Price $37,600
Sleeps Up to 8
Tare 950kg
ATM 1350kg
Ball weight 70kg
Coupling Tregg
Suspension Independent
Trailing Arm
Brakes 10” off-road electric drum
Wheels/Ttyres 3 new 16’’ tyres
Water Capacity 95 Litre
Warranty 12mth on camper unit
www.campritecampers.com.au
The Camprite TL8s is a rugged, thoughtfully designed
off road camper trailer that will appeal to families.
Watching the Camprite TL8s being opened, you begin to
realise all the normal terminology for describing campersside opening, rear opening etc. fails to adequately
describe the TL8s’s unusual cantilever opening system.
To toss down for the night is not a hassle with a Camprite,
just park up, leave your vehicle hooked on and within a
short amount of time, mum, dad and the kids are up off the
ground in comfort, with beds made up. The end result is a
comfortable and well separated sleeping arrangement for
a family of four, or more with the addition of bunk kits.
No ropes, poles or pegs, just a few simple steps and your
accommodation is looking at you.
Another benefit of this design is that everything is up
off the ground and without any guy ropes. The TL8s
also includes a swing out kitchen on tailgate with
removable stove, sink with electric and hand pump,
storage area and cutlery bag.
At Camprite, we have designed our campers with the
rough, rugged terrain of Australia’s vast outback, beaches
and forests in mind. The toughness required, and soft ride
that protects your belongings and allows you to get on
with driving without being buffeted around, is provided by
independent coil suspension, with parallel bearings, twin
kings springs and quality shocks.
GT CampersHard floor camper trailer
The GT Camper was developed as a light, nimble, durable,
attractive and – most important of all – fast-set-up trailer for
Sleeps 2
adventurers who travel to a new location every day. Set-up
and pack-up takes one person just five minutes. The GT
Tare 660/700kg
Camper’s compact, self-supporting, peg-free design means
ATM 1100kg
you can camp on any terrain, from solid rock to rolling sand,
without searching for a large flat area.
Ball weight 35kg (empty)
Every GT Camper trailer features a galvanized chassis,
Coupling Hyland off-road
slide-out kitchen with tap, wash-up basin and three-burner
Suspension Outback-spec leaf
stove, 85L water tank, exclusive strut-assisted lift-up GT
45mm solid axle
Campers Hard Deck and Bikini awning, double-sized flipBrake Override drums with handbrake over tent, aluminium fridge cabinet with fridge slide, mesh
equipment rack, in-tub tie-down rings and carpet, LED
Wheesl/tyres 16x7” six-stud steel
kitchen light and 3x12V sockets. The tent doesn’t require
with 215 section tyres
ropes or pegs and the exclusive self-supporting GT Bikini
Water capacity 85 litres
awning sets up in seconds for shade during track-side
lunch breaks. The Off-Road model features extra equipment
*
Warranty 2yrs back to base
such as 16x7-inch off-road wheels and tyres; heavy-duty
www.gtcampers.com.au
suspension; pressure-fed dust exclusion system and gravel
protection; pannier storage boxes and an off-road coupling.
Price $17,500 - $19,990
The GT Campers tough, no-nonsense camper trailer and
Toyota Hilux conversions are the result of three years of
development by a team intimate with vehicle design and
outback travel. Our exclusively engineered, Australianmade components have been tested over thousands of
kilometres of Aussie conditions. Each GT Camper is built
to order. Booking and deposit required. Prices are exNewcastle, NSW.
Travelander GEO Convert 1Hard floor camper trailer
Model GEO Convert 1
Model Price $33,800
Sleeps Up to 6
Tare 870kg
ATM TBA
Ball weight TBA
Coupling All Terrain
Suspension Independent Coil
Brakes 10” off-road electric drum
Wheels/Tyres Landcruiser
Water Capacity 120 Litres
Warranty 1 year
www.travelander.com.au
26
GEO Convert 1 - Hard Floor Off Road Camper Trailer
(Standard Model). These true off-road camper trailers
have a robust and rugged chassis, which is constructed
with 150 x 50mm beams, manufactured with lugs,
scrub bars and other anchor points, before being
hot dip galvanised so you can be assured of a safe
and trouble free trip.
The off-road camper trailer is fitted with our ever popular
(automatic set-up) aided by a remote control key ring. It
is extremely easy to set-up, as there is no back breaking
exercise of opening and closing the camper. Packing up
is just as quick and easy.
There is ample storage in the front nose cone and the
interior and exterior layout provides separate areas for
sitting, dining and sleeping, as well as the shower cubical
which is also attached to the (right hand - driver side),
underneath the side annex roof of the camper trailer.
The sleeping quarters is covered by canvas and includes
a queen bed with bed head storage and the hard floor
area which also allows for further bedding, or internal
table and chairs. The tropical roof prevents dew dripping
on you and most important, it reduces the amount of
heat from the sun. The kitchen sun shade protects you
from the sun if you are stopping and want to sit under the
kitchen area whilst eating and resting.
OzRoamer Directory
Travelander GEO Convert 2Hard floor camper trailer
Model GEO Convert 2
Model Price $48,700
Sleeps Up to 6
Tare 870kg
ATM TBA
Ball weight TBA
Coupling All Terrain
Suspension Independent Coil
Brakes 10“ off-road electric drum
Wheels/Tyres Landcruiser
Water Capacity 120 Litres
Warranty 12 months
www.travelander.com.au
This model is fitted with our ever popular (automatic
set-up) aided by a remote control key ring. It is extremely
easy to set-up, as there is no back breaking exercise of
opening and closing the camper.
Designed as a hard floor, (left hand) side folding camper
trailer, you can open the hard floor sleeping quarters of
the camper trailer, anywhere and have a rest during the
day. Or if you are feeling like a snack, you can pull off on
the side of the road and prepare your lunch hassle free,
from the rear kitchen of the camper trailer.
Fitted full of accessories, this particular tray back camper,
has been designed so that you can pack up and go
anywhere for a weekend getaway or a long awaited
travel holiday.
It has a 12 volt electrical system, with the allocation of
two x 240 volt power plug outlets. Solar panels can
also be fitted, however this camper trailer is fitted with
a battery charger and inverter which are located inside,
along with two 120 amp hour batteries. These are
charged by the aid of an Anderson plug to the vehicle.
The kitchen is located at the rear, which when open
is sheltered from the sun, as the kitchen door when
opened sits hinged on gas struts above your head.
You are also supplied with a sun shade which protects
you from the sun.
Trak Trailer TvanHard floor camper trailer
Model Tvan “Model Range”
Model Price $34,900 - $49,300
Sleeps 2-4-6 depending on options
Tare 840kg - 950kg
ATM 1400kg-1500kg
Ball weight 70kg - 150kgs
Coupling D0-35
Suspension MC2 Asymmetric link
Brakes 10” electric drum
Wheels/Tyres 16” steel, 60/40
on/off rd tyres or customer spec
Water Capacity 70L -140L in tanks
+ up to 6 Jerry cans 120L
Warranty 3 to 5 years
www.tracktrailer.com.au
Track Trailer is an Australian owned and operated company
that has been producing high quality off road camper
trailers for more than 20 years. Track Trailer’s goal is to
continually produce new and innovative products, which
has resulted in the Tvan & Topaz becoming the bench mark
in the serious off road touring.
Our products have been thoroughly put to the test by
the Australian military, air force, press and of course the
thousands of Track Trailer owners.
Track Trailer developed its exclusive MC2 Asymmetric Link
chassis and suspension system from a “clean sheet of
paper” to ensure it not only met the required specification
but also took advantage of its potential to minimise the
need for service and maximise the ease of controllability
of the tow vehicle – trailer combination on rough terrain.
Its distinctive trademark asymmetric links are another
example of form following function and will no doubt be
imitated, but the innovation that created them and applied
them cannot be copied easily nor can the track record be
granted to imitators.
Track Trailer will continue to be proudly Australian owned
and manufactured. It remains committed to working
with its local suppliers to bring the best technology and
insightful design to the market and will be particularly
focused on the environmental impact of its products,
increasingly addressed by enabling more fuel efficient
tow vehicles to use them.
Independent TrailersDealer
Dealer Name Independent Trailers
Brands Track Trailer
Stock Available Tvan
Sales Yes
Hire Yes
Accessories N/A
Service N/A
Finance Available N/A
Open 8am - 8pm Mon - Sun
Contact 0412 866 375
39 Eggleston Cres Chifley ACT
[email protected]
www.independenttrailers.com.au
The Tvan, Australia’s most advanced, versatile camper
trailer with MC2 suspension allows you to camp anywhere
your vehicle can go, be it on the Canning or Cape York or
the deserts and National Parks in between. Its compact,
sets up in a few minutes, the skylights allow excellent
ventilation and the large picture windows offer superb
views of your surroundings. A solar panel and battery
powers the fridge, interior lights and 12v outlets.
Sleeping in comfort under a solid roof in a queen size bed
and cooking from a stainless steel kitchen with running
water you’ll want for nothing. The tent packs up away
from the bed so no damp canvas on your pillow! The
industry experts voted this trailer the Camper trailer of the
Millennium and it won Off Road Camper Trailer of the Year
2010 in its class.
Independent Trailers is a specialist operation with over 20
years of off-road trailer experience, established to meet
the need for informed and knowledgeable comment on
off-road camper trailer travel.
We work from home so just ring to make a time for hands
on demonstration, or try out the Tvan by hiring it first. We
offer your hire fee (up to one week) as a rebate on a new
Tvan if you order within a reasonable time.
To arrange a demonstration of the Tvan or to book a hire
ring 0412 866 375.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
27
OzRoamer Directory
Ray Jordan AgenciesDealer
Dealer Name Ray Jordan Agencies
Brands Pod Trailer
Stock Available Yes
Sales Yes
Hire No
Accessories Yes
Service No
Finance Available No
Open 8.30am - 4pm Mon - Fri
Contact 0427574430
Unit 5, 6 Production Crt
Toowoomba 4350
[email protected]
www.rayjordanagencies.com.au
We supply a range of pod trailers including the camper
versions. As well as the trailers we have a complete
range of accessories available for the manufacture and
modification of trailers including suspension, lighting
Internal and external, water tanks for trailers, utes and
motor homes. The water tanks are made of food grade
polyethylene, 6 to 8mm thick. Picture depicts a 65 litre
tank mounted under a trailer.
These poly water tanks are specially designed to be used
for Utes, Trucks, Trailers, Campers and Horse Floats.
They are available in various sizes ranging from 15 to 400
litres and most models are conveniently equipped with a
hand cleaner bottle. They are made of UV stabilized food
grade polyethylene. This formula makes them strong and
able to withstand all types of weather. The heavy duty
anchor points on all models allows these tanks to be easily
installed on most vehicles
Ray Jordan Agencies are distributors for a wide range
of products in the automotive and RV industries. We
specialise in: Automotive & RV Water Tanks, Blazalight
Spotlights & Remote Controls, Emergency Lighting,
Portable Fuel Tanks, LED Lighting for all types of Trailers,
Trucks and RVs, Mine Flags, Rotating Beacons, RV Solar
Power Systems, Spare Parts for all types of Cars, Trailers,
Trucks and RVs, UV Rated Sun Protection Gear, Trailer
Parts, Pod Trailers, Pod Compact Camper Trailers, 44
Gallon Drum Lifter.
Autofridge portable fridgeAccessories
AUTOFRIDGE Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian
owned company that is now in its 24th year. The
AUTOFRIDGE project began in 1986 after a
prototype portable fridge was built to test out
the eutectic refrigeration principle that had been
used in the marine industry for many years.
The first AUTROFRIDGE portable eutectic
refrigerators for 4WD applications were
produced in 1987 and the product quickly
gained acceptance due to its exceptional
efficiency and high quality.
Today, the product is still hand built with the
prime objectives being efficiency, reliability
and a high standard of finish.
In a conventional compressor powered
refrigeration system the evaporator is mounted
inside the fridge cabinet and makes everything
cold when the compressor is running. When the
compressor turns off, the fridge warms up. The
system starts up again to bring the temperature
down. This process continues constantly and is
controlled by the thermostat - all very simple and
in most cases reliable.
Eutectic refrigeration is simply the use of a
compressor-driven refrigeration system coupled
to a cold storage device, i.e. eutectic tank
(sometimes called ‘ice bank’ or ‘ice wall’). The
eutectic tank contains a liquid which is chilled
and frozen during the refrigeration cycle.
This mass of ice housed within the tank is
capable of keeping the temperature of an
insulated box at refrigeration temperatures
for long periods of time without running the
compressor. When the eutectic tank or ice bank
has thawed, the refrigeration system is run again
to re-establish the ice bank.
In a properly designed eutectic system the
refrigeration system only needs to be run once
or twice daily with very long periods between
each run. It is not necessary to have an auxiliary
battery just to run the EUTECTIC fridge.
The advantage of the eutectic system is that the
refrigeration unit does not need a power source on a
continuous basis, whereas a conventional system must
have power available at all times.
For enquiries, contact us at E: [email protected]
P: (02) 9316 9539 F: (02) 9316 9871
Hillbilly Camping GearAccessories
HILLBILLY Camping Gear is Australian Made
cooking equipment ideal to use anywhere from
the backyard to the bush. Made from uncoated
blue steel, all Hillbilly frypans, camp ovens cook
stands and BBQs are made to last a lifetime of
camping use with minimum maintenance required
Hillbilly camp ovens have earned a reputation as
the best camp oven cooking system available.
The BushKing 12.5 litre is manufactured from
spun blue steel, making this camp oven much
tougher, harder wearing and easier to clean
than cast iron alternatives.
The unique design makes the BushKing a
most versatile fireside companion as camp
oven, frypan and saucepan. To heat the camp
oven you can choose to use campfire coals,
Heatbeads, dry sticks or the purpose designed
Hillbilly KingCooker gas conversion for
maximum flexibility in use across
environmental and weather conditions.
28
Take a look at the range of accessories available
(including baking trivet, vegie roasting ring, pot
stand, gas conversion, carrybag and cookbook)
and you’ll know it really is the most versatile camp
oven system available. Check out our complete
BushKing Kit packages. Dimensions: 12.5 litre,
415mm widest diameter - lid, Weight 4.6Kg
The Hillbilly Cookbook - featuring 200 easy
recipes to try out with your Hillbilly Camping
Gear is written specifically for the Aussie
camper, it is a must have to make your
bush cooking a gourmet experience.
Hillbilly Camp Oven Carrybag Manufactured from
a tough heavy weight canvas the carrybag keeps
your camp oven and all its accessories together
and easy to transport. Weight 0.8Kg
Now there is also a broad range of Hillbilly
products that will add even more pleasure to your
outdoor living experience. These include frypans,
woks, cooking stands, tent pegs, tent peg puller,
Billy cans, kettles, hot water boiler, BBQ grills, fireside spit,
general camping accessories, etc.
Contact us at: Hillbilly Camping Gear, 21A Kevin Avenue,
Ferntree Gully, Vic, 3156.
P: 0407 540 005 F: 03 8678 3931
E: [email protected]
OzRoamer Directory
Korr Lighting 3 BAR CAMP KITAccessories
Finally a new quality LED light ideal for camping,
4WD’s, caravans, boats and more! These
weatherproof lights provide more than enough
light to see what you’re doing at night.
Installation is a breeze! This DIY kit comes with
all the necessary cables, quick connectors and
mounting hardware so you can install yourself
in nearly all applications. Due to its aluminium
casing and fully waterproof (IP68) LED’s, the
Light Bar light is extremely tough. We back our
product with a 2 year warranty. 30 day money
back guarantee.
You no longer need to pack the lantern/torch
when camping.
Never have to cook before it gets dark, No hot
elements from gas lamps, Leave them on all night
and it will not affect your battery, A dimmer switch
is supplied so you can turn down the brightness
in the kids room, All lights are IP68 rated, that
means they will run under water, 50,000 hour life
span, Power consumption being only a mere
0.5 amp per light bar means you could run this
light off a normal car battery for 100 hours
before the battery goes flat.
FEATURES: 2 year warranty / 1 year commercial,
Waterproof (IP68), 12 volt, 7.2watt per 50cm bar,
120 deg beam angle, 50,000 hour life span, Little
to no heat, Durable / impact resistant, Massive
450 lumens per 50cm Light bar, DIY install, no
electrician required
3 BAR KIT CONTAINS: 3 x high power 50cm
Light bars, 1 x dimmer switch “The dimmers are
on/off switches as well”, 1 x 10m quick connect
cable with cigarette attachment, 1 x battery
terminal clamps to cigarette adaptor, 2 x 1.2m
cables with quick connects, 2 x 2.5m cable with
quick connects 2 x splitter cables with quick
connects, 6 x Velcro wraps for mounting, 6 x
magnets for mounting 6 x zip-ties for mounting,
1 x reusable container, 6 x mounting Clips
Contact us on Ph: 07 3801 8332
LiftTrax Recovery GearAccessories
LiftTrax (originally called pillowtrack) is the
ultimate gadget for anyone with a Truck, 4x4
or AWD vehicle. A drive-on device for when
your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud or other
difficult terrain, this ingenious device rolls out
of a small carrying bag and inflates to become
mobile traction.
Developed by 4x4 Enthusiasts Dan Hermann
and Eyal Benjamin who are both engineers by
trade. Made from a special reinforced fabric,
LiftTrax are strong enough to support a four
tonne vehicle by using the pneumatic power
of trapped air, but are lightweight and compact
enough to roll up into a small duffle bag.
Therefore, with no heavy metal bars, no hard
to store long plates and the extra advantage
of being able to lift the vehicle not just give it
grip, Their solution is one of the most
versatile on the market.
A fraction of the size and weight of metal or
plastic boards used by off road vehicle owners
to get unstuck, LiftTrax are a compact insurance
policy against getting held back by Mother
Nature. In addition, while other off road gadgets
only work in specific scenarios such as mud,
sand or rocks, LiftTrax are multi-purpose as,
with their built in flexibility, they mould
themselves to the shape or texture of the
different terrain or obstacle.
Another distinct advantage of LiftTrax is that
they don’t just provide stuck vehicles with
traction; they simultaneously lift the vehicle as
well. Boasting twice the bursting pressure of
the commonly known exhaust jack, LiftTrax
raise the beached vehicle up and allow it
to drive away.
They even have a specially designed version
for AWD SUV’s so owners can be adventurous
with some comfort.
Inventor Dan Hermann says “It’s an all-in-one
device that is compact enough to keep in your vehicle
at all times but big and tough enough to get you out of
some really sticky situations.” “People are finding LiftTrax
useful everywhere”.
To get your LiftTrax in Australia contact Ian Oake and the
boys at Opposite Lock Brookvale on (02) 9939 5133 or
email them at [email protected]
So Simple SolutionsAccessories
Smarttouch induction cooker represents the
newest development in electromagnet induction
technology for home and kitchen use.
Utilising the patented hi-flux conductor,
Smarttouch will boil water 3 times quicker
than gas and 5 times quicker than electricity.
That represents a saving of 60% on your
energy bills, and that’s a fact.
Cool to touch, Smarttouch does not heat the
cooker surface, just the base of the pot or
pan on it by scrambling the molecules in its
the base, causing rapid heating of the entire
surface area of the base and ensuring an
even distribution and heating of the food.
The SmartTouch induction cooker uses
electromagnetic energy to heat cookware
made of magnetic materials (steel, iron, nickel
or various alloys).When the cooker is turned
on, the coils produce a high frequency
alternating magnetic field.
Each unit is equipped with a sensor that
continually monitors the heat and temperature
of the base of the pot. The power output will
automatically be reduced if and when the sensor
detects any overheating. If you forget to turn off
your cooker, the heating zone will automatically
shut down after a 2 hour period.
The benefits of induction cooking: heats up
food, cools down kitchens, totally portable,
great for entertainment areas, caravans and
motorhomes save space on carting heavy, bulky
and cumbersome gas bottles, place a cast iron
griddle on it, turn your induction into a barbeque,
even in a total fire ban
The advantages of using a Smarttouch induction
cooker are: weighs just 1.5 kg, operates at
220-240 Volts and only 6.8 Amperes, uses
only 2000 Watts, suits 2 kVA generators,
wipes clean with warm, soapy water, is double
insulated, it is a very healthy way to cook,
uses 50% less fats or oils, snap locks the flavours and
nutrients into food, comes with a 12 months warranty.
Contact us at www.sosimplesolutions.com.au or phone
us on (02) 9712 1022
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
29
Power Vs
Torque for
towing
Today we look at the difference between torque
and power, what do all the figures mean and
how do the differences actually affect your
everyday driving towing.
If you have a look at the table in our OzRoamer
4WD & SUV magazine you will see that power
and torque figures are listed for every vehicle
there. Now most of you know that both power
(measured by horsepower or kilowatts) and
torque (measured by Newton metres) play a role
in performance but probably don’t understand
exactly how or why.
You will know intuitively that a vehicle that has a
lot of power is capable of going faster than one
that has less power, but why is that?
To find out we need to go back to Isaac Newton
30
and his second law that proposes that if you
multiply an object’s mass by its acceleration,
you can calculate the force acting upon it.
To start a vehicle moving you need to overcome
inertia. We all know inertia, its that feeling that
we can’t get started in the morning, so to move
an object from rest takes energy.
The amount of energy used to move that object
is measured by multiplying force by distance. If
you then calculate the amount of energy used
over a defined time you have the measurement
of power, expressed in watts. Multiply by 1000
and you have kilowatts.
Torque is turning force, which for automotive
applications is most often measured in either
foot-pounds (ft-lbf) or Newton-meters (Nm) and
represents how much twisting force is at work.
Here’s a simple way to visualize torque. Think
of this turning force applied through a lever to
a wheel nut when you are changing a tyre. The
more force you apply on that lever, the more
torque you apply to the wheel nut, the more
readily the nut turns.
This measurement of torque does not include
time; one hundred Nm of torque is always
one hundred Nm, whether it is applied for five
seconds or five years.
So simply the difference between power and
torque is that power involves the amount of work
done in a given time, while torque is simply a
measurement of force and is thus a component
of power. Torque is actually a measure of the
ability of an engine to do work.
Power and torque are related by a simple
equation: Kw = (Nm x r/min) / 9554 or
Nm = (Kw x 9554)/rpm.
So with the technical bit done, let’s move
beyond that to some real-world examples.
The initial energy that moves a car comes from
an explosion of fuel in the combustion chamber.
This explosion forces a piston down in a straight
line, which pushes on a connecting rod and
turns the engine’s crankshaft. It’s in this turning
crankshaft where the twisting force of torque
initiates. From there, the force is carried through
a flywheel, transmission, driveshaft, axle(s) and
wheel(s) before moving the car.
We all know that a car moves from a dead
stop in 1st or low gear, yet as the car’s speed
increases, you must move up through the gears
to maintain acceleration. This is because at
low speeds the transmission’s gears work to
transmit maximum torque from the engine to the
wheels. You want this because it takes more
force, or torque, to move a vehicle that is at
rest than it does to move a vehicle in motion
(Newton’s 1st Law).
At the same time, once a vehicle is underway,
you want less torque and more power to
maintain a higher speed. This is because power
is a measurement of work done and includes
a time element (such as wheel revolutions per
minute necessary to maintain constant speed).
Since a gearbox changes the speed at which
your wheels turn relative to engine speed, it
either increases the torque at your wheels
at a cost of speed (lower gears) or increases
the speed of the wheels at a cost of torque
(higher gears).
Every engine has differing torque characteristics
and the torque a motor produces is not
constant. It changes with engine speed.
Typically all motors start with very little torque,
improving as engine speeds increase, and then
peaks at some value before dropping off. A
diesel engine produces strong torque at low
rpm, but stops producing torque fairly soon and
runs out of breath. A petrol engine produces
less torque, but carries on towards a higher rpm.
need to be revved as hard to produce the
necessary power.
Let’s have a look at some examples. The
Mercedes Benz GL350CDi V6 produces a
maximum 195Kw of power at 3750rpm and a
maximum 650Nm of torque at 1,600rpm.
That is not the full story though; depending
on the application you may want the engine
to produce maximum torque for a longer
period. In the example the Mercedes Benz
350CDi V6 produces its maximum 650Nm
of torque between 1,600 and 2,400rpm. This
is the torque band. You can also see that
although the motor has a maximum 195Kw of
power, it is able to produce that for relatively
short period at higher rpm. You can see
that the characteristics of the E350CGi are
totally different. The lower the engine has its
maximums, the easier the vehicle is to drive on
a daily basis.
Hopefully this column has helped a little.
Engineers and scientists with much better
brains than mine have written books on
the subject of power and torque so this is
just an introduction to help with the simple
understanding of the concepts.
However let me leave you with a pearl of
wisdom: Power is what you read about,
torque is what you feel.
Therefore when towing a caravan you will need
a vehicle that has more torque at low rpm to
help get things moving, but as you are moving
you want more power to keep momentum
going. That is why diesels are ideally suited to
towing as they typically produce most of their
torque quite low in the rev band and as such
use less fuel.
The same often applies in off road situations
where you are travelling at quite low speeds but
require constant power. The higher torque at
lower rpm means that the vehicle is better able
to cope with tricky situations, as the car doesn’t
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
31
4WD vs AWD
for towing
Perhaps one of the most confusing areas of the
4WD and AWD SUV market is just what is the
difference between them and what do these
terms mean? The fact that the manufacturers
often use them out of context for their marketing
purposes means that the average buyer has little
chance of knowing the difference.
The most common misconception is that 4WD
actually drives all four wheels all the time. Lets
look at this a bit closer. Wheels must be allowed
to rotate at different speeds as the vehicle goes
around curves. A design that fails to account for
this will cause the vehicle to handle poorly on
turns, fighting the driver as the tyres slip and skid
from the mismatched speeds.
A differential allows the two output shafts to
operate independently with different speeds.
The differential distributes torque (angular force)
evenly, while distributing angular velocity (turning
speed) at variable rates. Each powered axle
32
requires a differential to distribute power between
the left and right sides.
This system handles extremely well, as it is
able to distribute power evenly and smoothly;
making slippage unlikely. Once it does slip,
however, recovery is difficult. If the left front
wheel of a 4WD vehicle slips on a muddy patch
of road, for instance, the slipping wheel will spin
faster than the other wheels due to the lower
traction at that wheel.
Although the amount of torque applied to each
wheel will be identical, the amount of traction at
each driven wheel will be limited to that of the
wheel with the least traction. This problem can
happen whenever a driven wheel is placed on a
surface with little traction or raised off the ground.
The introduction of a limited slip differential was
one way of overcoming reduced traction but the
more sophisticated traction control was invented
to solve this problem. When one wheel spins
out of control the brake is automatically applied
to that wheel. By preventing one wheel from
spinning freely, power is divided between the road
for the non-slipping wheel and the brake for the
slipping wheel. By extending traction control to
act on all four wheels the simple three-differential
4WD design will see limited wheel spin.
Locking differentials work by temporarily locking
together a differential’s output shafts, causing all
wheels to turn at the same rate, providing torque
in case of slippage. This is generally used for
the center differential, which distributes power
between the front and rear axles.
The two most common factory-installed centre
locking differentials use either a computercontrolled multi plate clutch or viscous coupling
to join the shafts, while other differentials more
commonly used on off-road vehicles generally use
manually operated locking devices.
In the multi-plate clutch the vehicle’s computer
senses slippage and locks the shafts. In the
viscous coupling differentials the stress of
high shaft speed differences causes a dilatant
fluid in the differential to become solid, linking
the two shafts. Some designs use gearing to
create a small rotational difference which
hastens torque transfer.
When the front, centre and rear differentials are
locked it’s the only time you have a true 4WD
and that can only be for a short period in
extreme off road suituations.
A third approach to limiting slippage is the Torsen
differential. A Torsen differential allows the output
shafts to receive different amounts of torque. This
design does not provide for traction when one
wheel is spinning freely, where there is no torque.
Finally, many vehicles entirely eliminate the
center differential. These vehicles behave as
2WD vehicles under normal conditions. When
the drive wheels begin to slip, one of the locking
mechanisms discussed above will join the front
and rear axles. Such systems distribute power
unevenly under normal conditions and thus do
not help prevent the loss of traction, instead only
enabling recovery once traction is lost. Such
systems may be described as having a 95/5 or
90/10 power split.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy for
drivers to get confused by a barrage of acronyms,
each more meaningless than the last. For most
buyers, there are three basic options: part-time
4WD, full-time 4WD, or AWD.
Part-time 4WD
This most basic system provides a choice of
settings that can be changed depending on your
driving situation, but cannot be left engaged on
dry pavement. If it is, the transfer case will wear,
resulting in mechanical damage. The settings
range from 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low. In
vehicles that have part-time 4WD, each of the
four wheels constantly gets 25 percent of the
torque to prevent wheelspin when in the High or
Low setting.
In newer models, the driver can shift from 2WD
to 4WD High while driving, but must come
to a complete stop to shift into the 4WD Low
setting. 4WD Low should only be engaged in
extreme off-road situations. This type of system
is best for people who really don’t need 4WD
for everyday use only for off-roading.
situations. AWD systems work well in SUV’s
because they don’t add much weight and make
them true all-weather vehicles.
Take a look at what kind of driving you
normally do. Once you determine what type of
vehicle best suits your needs, you can assess
what type of system you need to get the job
done. In some cases it may simply be AWD, in
others, you may want to consider a more robust
4WD system with a low-range option. Choose
wisely and remember you don’t necessarily
need a heavy 4WD to tow a small or medium
campertrailer or caravan.
Full-time 4WD
Unlike part-time 4WD, full-time 4WD is just
that, a system that can continually remain
operating. This more advanced, convenient
form of 4WD allows you to choose between
all of the same settings, but can remain
engaged while on dry pavement. Added to
the High and Low settings is an automatic
or full-time 4WD setting. As with part-time
4WD, the shift from High to Low must be
made during a complete stop on most vehicles.
All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive is similar to full-time 4WD in
that the system is always sending power to
the wheels. There is however no low range
option. When the road gets slippery, the AWD
system locks the centre axle and automatically
distributes power to all four of the wheels. Some
AWD systems are more rugged than others,
though most can’t be taken into extreme off-road
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
33
Towing
Restrictions
When you decide to tow a camper
trailer there are certain restrictions
you need to be aware of.
The first is the towing capacity of the tow vehicle and the tow ball
capacity. The manufacturer of the vehicle will specify the maximum
towing capacity of its vehicle and the maximum tow ball rating.
Things to look out for are:
• Sometimes different model variants will have different towing
capacities within the same range. This is often dependent
on the engine capacity etc.
• Maximum towing capacities and tow ball capacities are
often specified with heavy duty towing kits only.
• Some manufacturers reduce the payload capacity of the vehicle by the
weight on the tow ball. Nissan is an example of this where if you are
towing, the payload is dramatically reduced for some models.
• Some vehicles have a relatively acceptable towing capacity but a low
tow ball rating which restricts the towing capacity anyway. The VW
Tiguan is an example of this where it has a 2000kg towing capacity but
only a 100kg tow ball rating. This makes it a poor towing vehicle.
• If you exceed any of the payload capacity, towing capacity or tow ball
rating you can place your insurance and vehicle warranty in jeopardy.
Not many people realise that there are regulations in place for the
national towing limits for light vehicles. The national towing limit was
developed by the NRTC in consultation with transport agencies,
motoring clubs, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, police,
yachting clubs, caravan and other organisations.
A motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) not exceeding 4.5
tonnes must not without the approval of an Authority, tow a trailer with a
mass (including any load) exceeding:
• The capacity of the towing apparatus fitted to the vehicle; or
• A relevant maximum trailer mass specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
34
In the unlikely circumstance where the manufacturer has
not specified a tow capacity for their vehicle or the limit
cannot be identified, the following is taken to be the
manufacturer’s limit for the purposes of the above:
• One and a half times the unladen mass of the
motor vehicle if the trailer is fitted with brakes;
or
• The unloaded mass of the motor vehicle, if the trailer is not
fitted with brakes.
It is unlikely that you will ever need to apply these regulations as
almost every manufacturer specifies a towing capacity for their
vehicles. The OzRoamer 4WD & SUV Guide has the towing
capacities and tow ball ratings for 150 popular models.
However alongside these regulations sits the regulations for trailer
brakes. If the camper trailer has an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
less than 750kg then there is no requirement for brakes on the trailer.
If the ATM exceeds 750kg then the camper trailer must be fitted with
brakes. If the ATM exceeds 2000kg then the camper trailer must be
fitted with the extra security of breakaway brakes in the event the
camper trailer comes loose from the towing vehicle. This last limit
may change from state to state.
The other restriction you need to be aware of is the towing
speed. Since December 1998 all trailers can be towed at the
speed limit for that particular road with the exception of Western
Australia where the maximum speed limit is 100km/h for vehicles
towing a trailer with an ATM of over 750kgs.
Check your vehicle’s manual as some manufacturers place speed
restrictions on a vehicle when towing over a certain weight or
depending on what type of towing equipment is used. Spending
a few minutes reading the trailer towing section in the owner’s
manual is highly recommended.
In 1989 Australian Design Rules (ADRs) were introduced which
affect the construction and towing of trailers, including camper
trailers. Currently there are no towing regulations, which
specifically refer to ‘camper trailers’.
The ADRs include the requirement for VIN plates on trailer
drawbars, which amongst other information states the aggregate,
or maximum, mass of the trailer and data on the towbar, which
indicates the rating of that towbar.
C Load – boat, timber, gas, water, food, clothing, etc;
whatever you are putting in/on the trailer
It should be noted that ADR 62 states that the rated capacity
of the towbar. “Shall not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations”. While there are rules, common sense
also applies in the following ways:
• The trailer really shouldn’t be bigger or heavier than
the driver can safely control,
• The total or laden mass of the trailer must not be more than:
– The maximum mass (A.T.M.) determined by the trailer
manufacturer and as stated on the trailer plate
– The load rating of the trailer’s coupling of the
towbar fitted to the towing vehicle,
– The total load rating of all the trailer’s tyres.
How Heavy Is A Trailer?
Trailers are designed for a specific and maximum load capacity.
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) – the mass transmitted to the ground
through the axle(s) of a trailer when the trailer is loaded.
GTM = B + C
A Tow Ball Mass – the vertical down force placed on
the towbar of the towing vehicle
Tow Ball Mass (TBM) or Ball Weight (BW) – the mass
exerted onto the towing vehicle through the towing hitch
TBM = A
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) – the total laden mass of the trailer.
ATM = A + B + C
B Weight on Wheels – the vertical down force transmitted to the
ground through the trailer axle(s) excluding the load
How Much Can A Trailer Take?
Trailers can legally carry the difference between TARE and
AGGREGATE mass specifications stated on the trailer’s
registration compliance plate.
LOAD = ATM – Tare
Determined by trailer manufacturer based on:
• Trailer construction
• Axle load rating
• Wheel and tyre load rating
• Load Distribution
Be mindful of the trailer’s centre of gravity:
• Heavy items low and close to the
axle or centre of the axle group
• Light items only up high
• Light items only to be placed
in drawbar storage containers
Tare Mass – the total unladen mass of the trailer
Tare = A + B
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
35
TBM = 10% of ATM
When trailer is loaded to ATM, a properly set up camper trailer will have
about 10% of the ATM of the trailer on the tow ball, transferred to the
rear of the towing vehicle This makes for safer towing. Loads can be
carried more efficiently in a trailer: E.g. a 100kg load carried in a trailer
would transfer only 10kg to the rear of the towing vehicle.
Also you need to ensure that the vehicle and camper trailer when
attached is level i.e. not with the rear of the vehicle sagging. This will
often mean that you will need load distribution hitches. These are not
suitable for off road camper trailers in off road situations though. If off
road make sure you unhook them or you could do some real damage
to your tow vehicle. Coupling system aids really shouldn’t be used to
balance out a badly loaded trailer.
If a trailer has a heavy mass at the front, then do NOT counter balance
this with a heavy mass at the rear of the trailer – doing so will create a
“bell” effect that dramatically increases the chances of trailer sway.
• Reduces trailer sway – as speed increases the TBM reduces, therefore
if it is already low, at speed the trailer will start to “float” which means it
will be harder to control (has its own mind)
Oversized Loads
Loads should be confined within the trailer as much as possible. Where
a load must project, it must:
• Not extend more than 150mm beyond trailer’s width, or trailer width
must not exceed 2.5m, whichever is less
• Have a red flag, at least 300mm square, attached if the load extends
more than 1.2m behind the trailer
• Not exceed a combined (vehicle and trailer) length of 19m
Dangerous Loads
The Effect of Incorrect Loading
The main guide to carrying dangerous goods is the Australian
Dangerous Goods Code; however some states and territories have
variations, as a guide:
Incorrect loading effect can be:
• LPG – store only in current service life gas cylinders
• Front too heavy – puts too much weight on the towing vehicle’s towbar
• Diesel – considered to be combustible, but not dangerous; must be
carried in approved containers and in a safe manner
• Rear too heavy – lifts weight off the back of the towing vehicle
• Front & Rear too heavy – “bell effect” the trailer tends to “porpoise”
The effect of an incorrectly loaded trailer on the towing vehicle:
• Petrol – no more than 250 litres carried in AS2906
containers in a safe manner
• TBM too heavy – overloads rear axle; lifts weight off
front axle (we call this shooting possums with the headlights)
A half empty fuel container of unleaded fuel is far more volatile than one
that is full – it is the fumes that ignite easier. When storing dangerous
goods on a trailer, ensure the container is:
• TBM too light – becomes a zero TBM as vehicle
speed increases (due to wind resistance)
• Protected from road damage (stones thrown up by
either the trailer wheels or the towing vehicle wheels).
• Negative TBM – lifts weight off rear axle; transfers
too much weight to front axle
• Stored away from any other item which may rub or
vibrate against the container
• Zero TBM – has no effect on the axles of the
vehicle, however leaves the trailer without direction
• Secured using non stretchable tie-down straps
The 10% Rule
The Tow Ball Mass (TBM) should be approximately 10% of the
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). Having a TBM of 10% has two
distinct advantages:
• Positive trailer control – when the towing vehicle changes direction the
TBM forces the trailer to follow the vehicle
36
Well hopefully this has helped with an understanding of the
basics of trailers. Like all things, education is the key. If you are
serious about towing a camper trailer make sure you know the
restrictions and rules and abide by them to avoid costly mistakes.
*Thanks to Julie Eggenhuizen of tow-ed for some of the information
in this article. You can contact Julie on Ph: 1300 305 660 or
www.tow-ed.com.au
caring
for your
canvas
For those who are looking at buying or who already own some
sort of a camper trailer or slide on camper, you will come across
canvas somewhere, somehow. It’s a material that has been used
for many years, in truck tarps, touring tents, camper trailers and
even in some caravans, the list goes on with its applications in
the great Australian way of life outdoors.
Buyers have the choice of many different types of canvas on the market,
some which are all cotton, some which are all polyester and some
a mixture of the both. It’s important to understand the differences in
canvas and their different applications. The importance is whether
you’re using the right canvas for the right situation, and if you are
finding difficulties in use, then this article may help you know why.
To the average person the world of canvas is something they
probably never really have thought about, it’s there, you use it,
you don’t touch the sides in the rain and hopefully you keep it
clean, what more is there to know other? Well heaps actually!
100% all cotton canvas, is not used much in the RV industry any
more, its history lies in the times before polyester came on to the market.
Cotton canvas has a number of advantages
There are a few different types of canvas but only one-way to care
for it. Treated right, quality canvas should give the owner many years
of faithful service. The first thing to know is that Canvas has come
a long way in the last 5-7 years. The canvas today is vastly different
to the canvas when you were a kid.
Firstly, it’s a fabric that breathes; this allows the canvas to be used in
applications such as tents etc. Secondly, cotton canvas helps the
water proofing process because the cotton soaks up moisture or water.
Unfortunately 100% cotton canvas also has some disadvantages, the
main one being that 100% all cotton does not stand up to the harsh
elements of the Australian weather and the life expectancy is shortened
due to the breakdown of the fabric. You may still see all cotton in swags,
where they’re not exposed to the elements for great lengths of time.
100% all polyester canvas is used in sunblinds & shades and outdoor
structures. Polyester gives the fabric its strength and due to its all man
made content it’s not susceptible to staining and mould. However it’s
not a breathable fabric like the cotton or poly/cotton blends and using
this type of fabric in a camper is like sleeping inside a plastic bag!
The polyester & cotton canvas used in campers these days are usually
a mixture of 50/50 poly/cotton blend or 65/35 poly/cotton blends.
The polyester is for the strength and durability and the cotton is for the
waterproofing and breathing aspect. The cotton will take up water, swell
and sit in place. This combined with the waterproofing; waxing agents
etc they place on their canvas makes it an ideal breathable waterproof
structure if used correctly in the manufacturing of camper trailers etc.
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
37
accept that it’s really not necessary to use heavier canvas, even on the
roofs, when you have a cloth that has all the same capabilities as the
15oz but you don’t have to break your back lifting or working with it.
Now you need to go back a few steps in this article, the part where
I was describing the poly/cotton canvas and how it behaves. If you have
a camper trailer with new canvas work, and it is a poly cotton blend,
you will need to “weather” it before heading out on your trip. Despite
the pigment proofing and water proofing process the manufacturers
put their canvas through, the canvas sewer will cut and sew the
canvas, and in this process puncture the cloth with needles and
join cloth-to-cloth, cloth to zips and cloth to binding etc. This all
produces holes in the canvas.
If you pierce a poly/cotton canvas with a sewing needle, the cotton will
move back in to place around the thread once it has been taken up with
water, the pure polyester canvas won’t.
Much has been made of the weight of canvas with many manufacturers
claiming different weights are better for different applications. To the
normal person this is again confusing, so I’m going to focus now on the
poly/cotton canvas and the 2 main weights of canvas used in the RV
Industry – 15oz and 11oz.
15oz canvas is usually 50/50 poly/cotton blend; this weight of canvas
has been used in the industry for many years. It is made by one thick
single strand of canvas woven one way, one woven the other, then
proofed by a substance that may contain rot proofing agents, UV
stabilizers, water proofing agents and an acrylic binder. The material is
usually placed in a bath of this mixture, the excess squeezed out and
placed through a roller so the pigment proofing process penetrates the
fibre. Once this occurs it is either dried or cured by rolling it over a hot
roller twice or by a gas fired drying process, almost like a convection
oven, depending on who the manufacturer is.
All of these outdoor poly/cotton canvas products should have quality
poly/cotton threads used as well, this again helps with the water
proofing process when you have penetrated the material, even a zip!
Any good canvas manufacturer of outdoor products will also use lock
seams in areas of extreme exposure to the elements to minimise
the risk of leakage.
There are 3 manufacturers of canvas in Australia, Wax Converters,
Bradmill and Defab. Two of these manufacture bring the base cloth in
and then do the proofing process as described above, the other weaves
proofs the base cloth here. There is some very fine canvas produced
here in Australia, suited to our particular climate and temperatures,
combined with the strength and durability and waterproofing needed
to help us enjoy the great out doors in a very comfortable manner.
That is not always the case with fully imported canvas.
A good Australian manufactured canvas is legendary and for very
good reasons, it’s developed specifically for Australian conditions.
Australia has been producing canvas for canopies, tents, swags, and
multitudes of outdoor covers and camping gear for many years and
as a nation, we generally like to make sure as mentioned we get the
most out of our investment.
There is now product being imported in to the Australian market in
the RV industry with canvas not produced here in Australia. Despite
spending a lot of time researching on the Internet, the only product
specifications I have found so far on it is it’s a poly/cotton blend, but
documentation on the percentages, shrinkages, tear resistances and
breaking forces, etc are a little hard to ascertain.
We have yet to see how long this canvas maintains its integrity under our
normal harsh Australian conditions. From what has been seen so far the
quality of the canvas does not match what is produced here in Australia,
and this opinion is not based on a patriotic bias but one from a number
of manufacturers that have a long history of experience in the canvas
industry working with the product.
As with most things in this fast moving world we live in Technology
has now caught up even with canvas.... The new breed of canvas is 10
or 11oz poly/cotton canvas. This starts life as an 8oz base cloth but
once the pigment proofing process occurs it then becomes a 10 or
11oz. There are 2 manufacturers in Australia who use the base cloth
as a double wrap, double weft. That is two strands woven one-way,
two strands woven the other. This makes the end product, being tightly
woven, just as strong and durable as the 15oz, just as waterproof as the
15oz but really half the weight. This particular cloth knocks on the head
the “ heavier is better” belief, because it’s not necessarily so!
In the old days the heavier the canvas the better the wearing capabilities
but having this knowledge now may prompt some of the old school to
38
So you have taken delivery of your new camper trailer or slide on
camper and are excited to get going. Before heading off on your trip
with your new camper, it is wise as mentioned, to proof your canvas, as
the canvas is not an un-touched piece of fabric, but a product that has
been converted from a piece of cloth to a canvas structure.
The final product should be wet down or proofed as it is called, dried
between applications, and repeated 3 times. This is where the cotton
component will take up the water, swell and sit in to place, this is
especially important in the areas where the needle has penetrated
the cloth. This is the best way to proof your canvas especially when
combined with proper manufacturing of the cloth by using lock
seams in positions where extreme exposure to the elements is likely.
Despite the Australian manufacturers using an anti mildew agents in
the final preparations of their canvas, mildew and mould problems will
occur if you fold your canvas product away wet or damp. If you have
packed your camper away damp/wet there is a general rule of thumb,
that you have approx 36 hours to open it up again and air your canvas,
even if the weather is still inclement. To open the camper or to expose
the canvas to proper ventilation will prevent the mould process taking
hold, but in saying that mildew can start while the camper is set up
for no apparent reason as well.
Unfortunately mould is very destructive to the cotton component to
the canvas as well as other materials, and will decrease the life
expectancy of the canvas and may impinge on its integrity.
So what to do if mould is found? Open the canvas product to its
full extent, place in a spray bottle, a mixture of bleach and water,
1:20 ratio, one being the bleach to 20 parts water. Spray the affected
area and either hose off immediately or let dry and gently brush off
with soft brush, do not have a stronger concentration of bleach.
If you have enjoyed a camping spot amongst many of our bird life
and they have left their calling cards on your roofs, then these
droppings will also have an effect on the canvas, it is wise to remove
them at your earliest convenience, by simple water and a gentle
brush. DO NOT use detergents on your canvas, as this will
remove the water proofing aspects of your canvas.
39
Dirty marks and stains on your camper? These will be a normal part of
your camping adventures, those who will accept this won’t worry about
a camper demonstrating where its been, but it is wise to hose down
your camper when you get home, this will remove any major dirt stains,
or animal droppings, or leaves left on your roof which will decompose
and again degrade the canvas.
Gently brush off after drying any remaining stains with a soft hearth
like brush, but do not in any circumstances, as mentioned before,
use detergents, this will remove the water proofing agents. If by
chance you have done this prior to reading this article, you may
need to re-spray with a waterproofing agent, the area you have
used detergent on to regain its waterproofing integrity.
Finally, when storing your camper away, make sure you’re 100% positive
the canvas is thoroughly dry, and if you’re in a position to leave the cover
slightly ajar, this may help with preventing mildew in high humid areas.
There is no better return on your investment than buying a great
quality canvas. Follow these steps to look after it and it will give
you many years of wonderful memories, and you should be able
to pass it on to the next generation.
A to Z
manufacturers
camper trailers & slide on campers
Camper Trailer
Manufacturers
Bushmate Campers
ABL Campers
QLD
About Fabrication
QLD
Ace Campers
Adventure Campers
NSW
SA
All About Camper Trailers
NSW
All Terrain Campers
NSW
Aluminium Trailers
QLD
Armadillo Campers
QLD
AT Campers
Atrek Campers
Aussie Road & Trak
WA
QLD
VIC
Aussie Swag Campers
QLD
Aussie Teardrop Campers
QLD
Austrak Campers
QLD
Australian Custom Campers
QLD
Australian Off Road Campers
QLD
Avan Campers
VIC
Bayside Campers
QLD
Belco Custom Trailers
QLD
Bell Canvas
NSW
Best Campers
QLD
Bilby Camper Trailers
QLD
Blue Tongue Campers
NSW
Deluxe Campers
Bushranger Campers
VIC
Desert Edge
C&M Campers
WA
Desert Sky
Camel Campers
QLD
Detour Campers
VIC
QLD
SA
QLD
Cameron Canvas
SA
Dingo Campers
VIC
Camplet Campers
SA
Downunder Campers
WA
VIC
Campomatic
NSW
Eco Camper
Campapack
NSW
Elite Campers
QLD
Camp in Comfort
QLD
Emu Campers
QLD
Mod Con Campers
QLD
Explorer Campers
NSW
Camprite Campers
WA
Evolution Campers
QLD
Cape York Trailers
QLD
Evo Pod
QLD
Castaway Campers
QLD
Ezy Trail Campers
VIC
Castle Campers
QLD
Far and Wide Campers
VIC
Casuarina Campers
VIC
Flying Fish Campers
QLD
Cavalier Campers
SA
Follow Me Campers
WA
QLD
Central Coast Campers
NSW
Freedom Campers
Champion Campers
NSW
Galaxy Campers
WA
Getabout Campers
NSW
NSW
Great Aussie Campers
NSW
Country Campers
NSW
GIC Campers
NSW
Complete Campsite
NSW
Goldstream
Conqueror Campers
QLD
Golf Caravans
QLD
WA
GT Campers
NSW
Challenge Camper Trailers
SA
Clarkes Country Campers
Coromal Caravans
Cub Campers
Customline Campers
40
QLD
NSW
QLD
VIC
Gulf King Campers
QLD
Hans Trailers QLD
Heaslip Campers
SA
South West Trailers WA
C & M Campers
WA
High Rise Campers
VIC
Southern Cross Canvas
VIC
Davsher Campers
VIC
QLD
Hunt & Rover
NSW
Superior Campers
WA
Detour Campers
Imagine Campers
NSW
Sunset Campers
VIC
Escape RV Glide On
Swagman Offroad Campers
WA
Evolution Campers
QLD
QLD
Explorer Campers
NSW
VIC
Freedom Northstar
NSW
Gadabout Campers
QLD
Indigo Campers
Innovan Campers
Jayco
VIC
QLD
VIC
Sweet Az Campers
Tambo Campers
NSW
3Dog Campers
Jimboomba Campers
QLD
Tanami Trailers
Johnos
QLD
Thommos Campers
QLD
Heaslip Slide On Campers
SA
Jellybean Campers
NSW
VIC
WA
GT Campers
NSW
Kanga Campers
NSW
Tough Country Trailers
QLD
Highrise Off Road
VIC
Kimberly Kampers
NSW
Towtel Campers
QLD
Innovan Campers
QLD
VIC
Islander Campers
TAS
QLD
Kanga Campers
NSW
VIC
Mates Campers
WA
Metal Form Industries
VIC
Liberty Campers
SA
Trak Trailer
Lifestyle Trailers
QLD
Trakabout Trailers
Limit Seeker Campers
QLD
Trailer Made Campers
Long Point RV
QLD
The Trailer Shop
Making Tracks Campers
QLD
Trak Shak
QLD
NSW
Millard Caravans
NSW
Mario Campers
NSW
Travel Bug Teardrop
QLD
Mustang Campers
Marlin Campers
NSW
Travelander
QLD
North Star Campers
NSW
Trek Leisure Camper Trailers
QLD
Naked RV Slide On
QLD
Tru Blue Campers
VIC
Outback Campers
VIC
TP Camper Trailers
QLD
OzCape Slide Ons
QLD
Pacific Aluminium Trailers
QLD
Market Direct Campers
QLD
Mountain Trail Campers
NSW
Obriens Campers
Opal Trailers
Outback Trailers VIC
QLD
VIC
Ultimate Camper Trailers
Vacation Campers
QLD
Piggyback
QLD
QLD
Roswal Trailers
QLD
NSW
3Dog Campers
NSW
Outlaw Camper Trailers
QLD
Vista Campers
Ozzie Off Road QLD
Wallaby Trak Canvas
Pacific Aluminium Trailers
QLD
Wandering Star
Pam Trailers
VIC
Weekender Camping Trailer
Pod Trailers
VIC
QLD
Poly Campers
Pinnacle Campers
VIC
Pioneer Campers
WA
Quality Campers
WA
Hooked on Campers
VIC
Ranger Campers
VIC
NSW
WA
VIC
West Lat Campers
VIC
Travelander
QLD
Wilmax Fabrications
SA
Tray Trek Campers
QLD
X Trail Campers
VIC
Traymate Campers WA
Trayon
Slide on Camper
Manufacturers
Utility Campers VIC
Waymark Campers NSW
NSW
Wedge Tail NSW
AHA Piggyback Camper
NSW
Wilmax Fabrications
SA
Wombat Conversions
VIC
VIC
Auslide Campers
WA
Aussie Eagle Campers
QLD
QLD
Custom Body Builders
NSW
SA
VIC
Active Campers
Red Rock Campers
Sar Major Campers
Turtleback Campers
NSW
QLD
NSW
QLD
Ace Campers Red Hot Campers Roo Camper trailers
QLD
Trailblazers
NSW
Robust Campers
Top Form slide on
QLD
Redback Campers Red Track Campers QLD
Carryvan Slide Ons
Carry me Camper
VIC
QLD
SA
Guide to Slide On Campers & Camper Trailers
41
PTH0326
Ti model shown
There’s no better way to find your own path than with a
Nissan Pathfinder. And we’ve filled it up for you. To start with
there’s the upgraded 2.5 litre turbo-diesel engine that produces
an awesome 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
*
iPod is a registered trade mark of Apple Inc.
That gives you a 3,000kg braked towing capacity. It also
gives you reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
All models feature Bluetooth®, the versatility of 7 seats, and
the additional safety of Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Nissan Pathfinder.
Find your own path.
The ST-L model offers 6 airbags, Intelligent Key, leather
seat trim, reversing sensors, plus heated and electrically
adjustable front seats with driver seat memory. While the
top of the line Ti adds Sat Nav, reversing camera, music box
hard drive and full iPod* connectivity. So whether your
path leads to the beach, the mountains or the outback,
make your first trip to nissan.com.au/pathfinder or
your Nissan Dealer.
ToughR.com.au
When it comes to power and safety, the stronger the better.
With class-leading power and torque, the award winning Santa Fe R’s advanced R-2.2 turbo Diesel engine has
plenty of muscle. The new seven-seat Santa Fe R is stronger and more equipped than ever.
• Push button start °
• 6.7L/100km*
• 145kW of power
• iPod® connectivity
• Rear-view camera†
• Electronic Stability Control
• Up to 1,200km on a single tank*
• 436 Nm of torque^
MAKES TOUGH LOOK EASY
2010 Wheels Gold Star Car Winner for Best Medium SUV awarded for Santa Fe Elite. *Source: ADR 81/02 static laboratory combined average city & highway cycle test for manual. ºAvailable on Elite and Highlander models only.
HMCA2933/FPC/OZR
†Available on Highlander models only. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. ^Automatic.