How to select a camper trailer in Australia?
Camper trailers in Australia are often used to explore the country. Whether you are travelling solo or travelling as a couple or with your family, you can enjoy a fabulous time in a camper –But only if you select the right one for your needs.
So many factors go into finding the best off-road camper trailer for your situation. In this article, we discuss in length how to select a camper trailer in Australia.
When selecting a camper, there are 2 main things that you should consider.
- Your requirements
- Your Budget
01. Your requirements
You need an off-road camper trailer that ticks off your whole checklist. This is a no-brainer. But the real question is what should be on your checklist when you are shopping for a camper trailer in Australia.
If this is not the first camper trailer that you are buying, then you should have an idea of what we are talking about. For those who are looking for their very first camper trailer, here we’ve listed what you need to look for when you are selecting a camper trailer to buy in Australia.
Who you are travelling with
If you are travelling alone, you will have only a few requirements that you need the camper to fulfil. You don’t need much room and can be happy with small storage space. But if you are travelling with your family, you will need a lot more space, and you will have to think about the sleeping arrangement, features, functions and amenities everyone likes to have.
Room and storage
This is crucial when selecting a camper. For this, first, you will have to understand how much room and storage space you need. This can depend on how long you are planning to go camping at a time and who you are travelling with, what you need to carry, etc.
Where are you travelling to?
Not all camper trailers can be towed in all areas. If you are someone who camps only a few times a year and always looks for main campsites, you don’t have to worry about this.
However, for those who are going on off-road adventures on serious gravel roads, you need something that suits the nature of the road. There are many brands that cater specially for off-road adventures.
Functionality
You need a camper that not just functions well but functions well for you. You should be excited to use your camper and go away in it for weeks without having to worry about anything.
If something is confusing or not convenient with your camper- like long setting up time you might not want to go camping as much as you want to. Although you will be excited to go camping in it first, it will fade away because of the hassle you have to endure every time you have to set it up somewhere.
Compatibility with your vehicle
Before buying your camper trailer, you need to be well aware of the weight that your existing vehicle can carry and the tow compliance required by the authorities. This affects the fuel consumption, payload, your vehicle and your safety. So check if the trailer you are selecting suits your vehicle.
02. Budget
Finding a camper in Australia that is within your budget is as important as finding a trailer that checks all the boxes on your checklist. The price makes a huge difference here. However, having a budget limit before looking for a camper will help you narrow down your options, which can otherwise be overwhelming with all the options available out there.
Make sure to find the balance of quality and functionality at your price range to get the maximum value for your money.
Types of Off-road Camper trailers in Australia
Camper trailers come in various sizes and styles, but all of them fall under the following 3 categories.
Soft floor tents
Comes with a soft vinyl tonneau that covers the extendable frame. Comes in different sizes and styles. This is one of the great options for beginners. However, setting up requires multiple people and can be difficult.
Hard floor campers
These are similar to the caravan and come with beds and a hard floor. These types of campers come with many customizable options and suit all types of travellers- couples, families and solo travellers.
Hybrid Campers
They are a mix of caravans and campers and are ideal for those who are looking for a convenient stay. They are perfectly insulated and feature everything you can ask for in a camping experience.
The types of off-road camper trailers you want to buy will depend on your preference and requirements.
So now you know what to consider when buying a camper trailer in Australia. But how do you know if a camper trailer is for you? look at the pros and cons of camper trailers.
PROS of a camper trailer
- Less expensive than caravans.
- It is easier to tow.
- Uses less gasoline.
- Faster than caravans.
- Towing is much safer since there is a better view out the rear and less fishtailing.
- It is easier to store.
- The size makes it more suitable to travel more off-road.
Cons of Camper trailer
- Time-consuming to set up.
- Limited storage space.
- Not comfortable in bad weather conditions.
- Not suitable for long drives.
- Bugs can easily enter.
Select your camper trailer in Australia with confidence
Buying a camping trailer is a big decision to make since it’s a considerable investment, even if you are going for the cheapest one on the market. So understanding your requirements and budget can help you make a good choice and get the best out of your investment, and have amazing camping experiences.
When buying your camper trailer in Australia, make sure to buy it from a licensed motor dealer so you can get a great after-sales service from repairs to servicing to keep your camper in good condition for a long period of time.