Quoted for truth.
What camping trailer?
- Thread starter 1Maverick
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Quoted for truth.
Another thing I'd suggest thinking about: frequency and length of time you'll be using the camper. Think about this real, real, REAL hard. Consider how much free-time you've had in the past years, how much you've camped/traveled or could have. If you're camping for a weekend, you can get by without a toilet, shower, interior kitchen, and many other niceties. If you're traveling for six months, you may want not only all those items, but even a washing machine.
There is no point in having the world's best travel trailer sitting in your driveway if you have one week off per year to actually use it.
If you have limited time to actually use the travel trailer, run some quick numbers on purchase cost, depreciation, maintenance/storage expenses, and contrast that against renting.
There is no point in having the world's best travel trailer sitting in your driveway if you have one week off per year to actually use it.
If you have limited time to actually use the travel trailer, run some quick numbers on purchase cost, depreciation, maintenance/storage expenses, and contrast that against renting.
That is a good point. One of the reasons I bought my Kimberley is that it fits in my garage. My first Camper was a Jayco Baja which sat outside and after a few years wasnt in great shape. Then I bought an Adventure Trailer with an RTT and that just wasn't for me. I bought my Kimberley Kamper and called it my Goldilocks Kamper being just right. That is a great lightweight kamper with lots of features. It was 15 years old when I sold it and still looked new. The only reason I sold it and upgraded to the Karavan is the Australian $$ was tanking compared to the USD. I bought it directly from the factory for $35K less than others had paid just two years below. If that hadn't happened I would still have the Kamper.
At the time I bought it I was in my mid 50's and looking to get something that would be great in retirement and outlive me. The quality and durability in my Kamper sold me on it
The reason I didn't get one of their bigger more comfortable Kruisers is my rule was it had to fit in my garage so it didn't age when not in use. Sun, Snow and temp extremes really weigh on the life of campers, or maybe my experience with my Jayco was unusual. So Garage was key item #1, also the Karavan would be better off road.
6.5 years after I got my Karavan it still looks new and with no issues.
At the time I bought it I was in my mid 50's and looking to get something that would be great in retirement and outlive me. The quality and durability in my Kamper sold me on it
The reason I didn't get one of their bigger more comfortable Kruisers is my rule was it had to fit in my garage so it didn't age when not in use. Sun, Snow and temp extremes really weigh on the life of campers, or maybe my experience with my Jayco was unusual. So Garage was key item #1, also the Karavan would be better off road.
6.5 years after I got my Karavan it still looks new and with no issues.
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- Thread starter
- #65
I appreciate the comment very much. This you said is so true. We have missed out on camping for years because we tend to travel with friends to places outside the U.S every year for two decades when we had our vacation time off. Now that I work from home and my wife is now working 5days on and 9off, we can just takeoff on a whim and because we’ve traveled so much outside the U.S, we have missed out on some pretty amazing camping around us. My wife isn’t a fan of hardcore off-road but likes to get off the pavement and get away to just see the stars at night and hike/fish during the day. Isolation camping is more our thing and these trips would be 5 full days once we reach our camp site. So much to explore here in the U.S.
We will most certainly rent a couple times before we buy.
I'm not sure it ever pans out financially. Though I agree these things deserve a hard look to understand what value you might derive.
Helps to have a group of friends with common interests. We all have different gear, contribute in different ways, and enjoy these trips together. Part of the excitement to use the gear and share the adventure with friends. Water is the single largest consumable and the trailers make a big difference there as most can haul 20-40 gallons. The convoys look ridiculous and adds to the excitement.
And don't forget to add bacon. Makes everything better
Helps to have a group of friends with common interests. We all have different gear, contribute in different ways, and enjoy these trips together. Part of the excitement to use the gear and share the adventure with friends. Water is the single largest consumable and the trailers make a big difference there as most can haul 20-40 gallons. The convoys look ridiculous and adds to the excitement.
And don't forget to add bacon. Makes everything better
If anyone is looking for a Kimberly, a used one recently came on the market. Seller is an okay dude as well.
expeditionportal.com
2013 Kimberly Kamper Karavan
Selling one of the best off road trailers I’ve found to date. Small and tows like an absolute dream, but then expands to 7’ ceiling heights and replicates the living space of a 19’ airstream (how I’ve comparing it when explaining to others). It runs on new 32” BFG KO2s, carries 50 gallons of...
expeditionportal.com
fireball
SILVER Star
OP - your list includes sleeping for 3, heat and AC, full bathroom with shower and ability to boon dock for 5 days?
I’d suggest an airstream a generator and some gravel or forest service roads. Airstreams hold their value really well so if you don’t like it you can probably sell for less than the cost of a few weeks rental.
I’d suggest an airstream a generator and some gravel or forest service roads. Airstreams hold their value really well so if you don’t like it you can probably sell for less than the cost of a few weeks rental.
- Thread starter
- #69
Airstreams are pretty slick. I saw a news clip showcasing a 20ft. w/dedicated work office for people who work remotely and want to travel at the same time. We could do that for a year if internet was consistent and download speeds exceeded above 150mps once our last kid is off to college.
I've obviously bought into the Airstream koolaid. While they're expensive and up to 3x of the price of some travel trailers, they will hold value and have utility for the longer term. An interesting dynamic is that some places have a 10-yr rule where they can legally discriminate against entry of older RVs and campers. Because that's how long some of them are only built to last. Airstreams generally will never see that discrimination, and will hold value well beyond that. Not to say they don't depreciate, and they will, but the opportunity may be to buy a gently used one that has taken the hit and are at the floor of depreciation.
While the structures are built for long term durability, do understand that even Airstreams use standard issue Dometic appliances and RV accessories, all of which are subject to maintenance and replacement. Campers have lot going on, exposed to mini earthquakes going down the road, meaning a certain amount of regular repair. Other drawbacks are tight storage with rounded corners, relatively low clearance, are at best a 2-3 season trailer (aluminum conducts lots of heat/cold), and rivets/panels that need regular sealing.
Still, it's an awesome camper to have. Great ergonomics, towability, and style.
It won't get me to more interesting off-road locations though. So sometimes I use it as a basecamp, then car camp for a couple day in the backcountry.
While the structures are built for long term durability, do understand that even Airstreams use standard issue Dometic appliances and RV accessories, all of which are subject to maintenance and replacement. Campers have lot going on, exposed to mini earthquakes going down the road, meaning a certain amount of regular repair. Other drawbacks are tight storage with rounded corners, relatively low clearance, are at best a 2-3 season trailer (aluminum conducts lots of heat/cold), and rivets/panels that need regular sealing.
Still, it's an awesome camper to have. Great ergonomics, towability, and style.
It won't get me to more interesting off-road locations though. So sometimes I use it as a basecamp, then car camp for a couple day in the backcountry.
- Thread starter
- #71
Very nice trailer you have there! I was told the reason many campsites don’t allow older rvs and trailers because people will leave them if they can’t sell it and don’t want to pay to have it disposed of.
I've lived in an Airstream in Arizona summers. Even with the A/C on full blast I could not get the interior temperature below 94 when parked in full sun. My house was under construction or I would have not used it in Arizona summers more than a day.
If you want the baked potato in foil experience, I recommend an Airstream in Arizona summers.
- Thread starter
- #73
We avoid Arizona in the Summer and stay north during that time of year or head up elevation when traveling
It's true. Airstreams needs 2x the A/C or twice the propane consumption to cool and heat. All curved windows are single pane tempered glass. Add to that additional skylights and vista windows, and it's a trade to have the airy vanity feel. The floor and lower frame is enclosed to help a bit there.
I have full awnings and that does help to a degree in full sun. Also upgraded to a single high power 15k Dometic Blizzard NXT. I much rather follow more temperate camping weather and we rarely use the A/C.
So far I have avoided getting AC. Although I know Karavans that have it
I look at it this way. I go to Utah in the Spring and Fall and the Colorado Rockies in the summer. I have also gone to South Dakota camping in the summer and didn't need it there, at least when we went. For my use Heat is important. I wouldn't camp in Arizona in the summer. Lived there for 3 years and summers are for inside
Even if 90's in the day, it is down to reasonable to cold temps where I go at night and I have two monster fans that blow in or out based on the setting. That to me is the big need and I upgraded my Karavan to a Diesel Espar Heater that compensates for Altitude
I look at it this way. I go to Utah in the Spring and Fall and the Colorado Rockies in the summer. I have also gone to South Dakota camping in the summer and didn't need it there, at least when we went. For my use Heat is important. I wouldn't camp in Arizona in the summer. Lived there for 3 years and summers are for inside
Even if 90's in the day, it is down to reasonable to cold temps where I go at night and I have two monster fans that blow in or out based on the setting. That to me is the big need and I upgraded my Karavan to a Diesel Espar Heater that compensates for Altitude
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Yes will try to post some when we settle down…
Our local dealer stopped carrying them, noting warranty and quality issues… no first hand experience otherwise
I had a feeling, I was wondering why this particular one isn't selling at the asking price. I recall they were built under a different name in the past and they had a lot of issues and even sued some people for negative publicity which is pretty wild.
We have an Opus 4, and it's been fantastic for both dispersed camping and staying at campgrounds. We just got back from a 2 week road trip through the Sierra mountains into Oregon, camping the majority of nights. The opus is a breeze to tow with the v8 on highway and forest roads, especially if you air down the LC and trailer tires for washboard sections. I've rock crawled the Opus, and really didn't notice it back there. Limiting factor is the weight on the rear of the LC200, as I have stock suspension right now and the hitch dragged once or twice. However, with my lifted Taco I've easily crawled it into one of my hunting spots.
Build quality wise, it's held up well to AZ heat and usage. There was some delaminating happening to the interior cabinetry surface, but I also live in PHX and it's surviving a second summer here. Easy fix. Some of the stitching on the straps on the fabric tent came loose, but again, an easy fix with a canvas stitch kit. It's been in 60mph+ gusts a few times, so I can't complain if it has some wear & tear. AC was an option on the OP4, but it required shore power to operate due to power draw. Seemed like a waste so we skipped it and went heat only.
In case it matters, the Opus 4's frame, suspension and body are built in China*, and at least the frame/suspension is the same as the Black Series pop-up camper. (I parked my Opus next to a Black Series I came across in AZ a few months ago and visually compared the two, and it was incredibly similar.) At least part of the Opus interior is also made in China, but that's where it gets a little murky as to origin and assembly. Black Series uses a metal frame vs the Opus air beams, and their body shells are very different. The hard sided opus, the OP15, from what I have researched, is a rebadged generic trailer from China that is mostly built there but *some* interior finishes happen in the US. Poking around online there are a few companies importing that trailer to the US, one of which I *think* is at least one of the Black Series.
As configured, my Opus was around $34k out the door. There are some other minor things I could be picky about, but for the price it doesn't bother me, nor does dinging it up from use. If I get at least 5 years of use out of it, at my current usage it will be on par with having slept in a pricier hotel all the nights I used it.
*Poking around Alibaba I can find cheap looking copies of Patriot campers, BruderX, etc, which claim they are Australian made.
These look like Bruder X models:
www.alibaba.com
www.alibaba.com
What appears to be a Patriot knock-off:
www.alibaba.com
Build quality wise, it's held up well to AZ heat and usage. There was some delaminating happening to the interior cabinetry surface, but I also live in PHX and it's surviving a second summer here. Easy fix. Some of the stitching on the straps on the fabric tent came loose, but again, an easy fix with a canvas stitch kit. It's been in 60mph+ gusts a few times, so I can't complain if it has some wear & tear. AC was an option on the OP4, but it required shore power to operate due to power draw. Seemed like a waste so we skipped it and went heat only.
In case it matters, the Opus 4's frame, suspension and body are built in China*, and at least the frame/suspension is the same as the Black Series pop-up camper. (I parked my Opus next to a Black Series I came across in AZ a few months ago and visually compared the two, and it was incredibly similar.) At least part of the Opus interior is also made in China, but that's where it gets a little murky as to origin and assembly. Black Series uses a metal frame vs the Opus air beams, and their body shells are very different. The hard sided opus, the OP15, from what I have researched, is a rebadged generic trailer from China that is mostly built there but *some* interior finishes happen in the US. Poking around online there are a few companies importing that trailer to the US, one of which I *think* is at least one of the Black Series.
As configured, my Opus was around $34k out the door. There are some other minor things I could be picky about, but for the price it doesn't bother me, nor does dinging it up from use. If I get at least 5 years of use out of it, at my current usage it will be on par with having slept in a pricier hotel all the nights I used it.
*Poking around Alibaba I can find cheap looking copies of Patriot campers, BruderX, etc, which claim they are Australian made.
These look like Bruder X models:
Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom - Buy Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom travel Camper With Bathroom And Proof Top Te
Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom - Buy Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom travel Camper With Bathroom And Proof Top Tent camper Trailer Offroad Campers Product on...
Onlywe Off Road Hybrid Caravan Overland Camper Trailers Australian Standard Offroad Camping Caravans Travel Trailers With Toilet - Buy Off Road Trailer Offroad Camper Overland Trailer Travel Trailers Overland Trailer Camper Overland Camper Trailer Of
Onlywe Off Road Hybrid Caravan Overland Camper Trailers Australian Standard Offroad Camping Caravans Travel Trailers With Toilet - Buy Off Road Trailer Offroad Camper Overland Trailer Travel Trailers Overland Trailer Camper Overland Camper Trailer Offroad Camper Trailer Hybrid Caravan Hybrid...
What appears to be a Patriot knock-off:
Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale - Buy Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale mobile Offroad Camper Trailer camper Trailer With Single Axle Prod
Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale - Buy Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale mobile Offroad Camper Trailer camper Trailer With Single Axle Product on Alibaba.com
The shameless theft of IP always amazes me. I bet the weld quality is as bad or worse than I’m imagining.*Poking around Alibaba I can find cheap looking copies of Patriot campers, BruderX, etc, which claim they are Australian made.
These look like Bruder X models:
Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom - Buy Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom travel Camper With Bathroom And Proof Top Te
Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom - Buy Ecocampor Australian Standard Small Travel Camper Trailer Offroad Rv Caravan With Tent And Bathroom travel Camper With Bathroom And Proof Top Tent camper Trailer Offroad Campers Product on...Onlywe Off Road Hybrid Caravan Overland Camper Trailers Australian Standard Offroad Camping Caravans Travel Trailers With Toilet - Buy Off Road Trailer Offroad Camper Overland Trailer Travel Trailers Overland Trailer Camper Overland Camper Trailer Of
Onlywe Off Road Hybrid Caravan Overland Camper Trailers Australian Standard Offroad Camping Caravans Travel Trailers With Toilet - Buy Off Road Trailer Offroad Camper Overland Trailer Travel Trailers Overland Trailer Camper Overland Camper Trailer Offroad Camper Trailer Hybrid Caravan Hybrid...
What appears to be a Patriot knock-off:
Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale - Buy Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale mobile Offroad Camper Trailer camper Trailer With Single Axle Prod
Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale - Buy Ecocampor New Design Fashionable Mobile Offroad Camper Trailer With Single Axle For Sale mobile Offroad Camper Trailer camper Trailer With Single Axle Product on Alibaba.com
The Chinese made Conquerors that Australia and the US are getting take a big hit in quality and attention to detail. It’s the only option in the US but for the Aussies it’s the budget option… you get what you pay for and if you plan on dragging anything off the beaten path you’ll exploit any shortcomings in build quality with a swiftness.
