travelling australia in a jayco camper trailer

Travelling Australia, learning things the hard way

Traveling Around Australia with a Camper Trailer

For most people, taking the big step away from PLANNING your trip around Australia and actually GOING on your trip is a big one. For every person, couple or family actually out there on the road traveling around Australia there is another 5 at home planning their trip.

In my opinion, it’s two main reasons.

REASON 1: The fear of the unknown . How will I earn money on the road? (Or if you don’t plan on working, have I saved enough money?) Where do I start? When do I end? How long do I go for?

REASON 2: Worried about your setup . Is it adequate enough? Surely you need a big caravan to live on the road and travel Australia full-time?

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to let you answer reason 1 yourself. Reason 2 is why we are here.

Some people only use their camper trailer for long weekends. And there is nothing wrong with that. But I’m here to tell you that YES you can travel Australia long term and still be very comfortable with just your camper trailer. No need for big or expensive caravans.

Sure the caravan has a lot of benefits of comfort and ease of setup. Perhaps even some extra storage. But I assure you, there are times when the caravan owners are envious of your smaller, lighter and more simple camper trailer setup.

For one, a camper trailer is a lot lighter, so it’s not only easier to tow, but it also means you will be chewing less fuel. How often do you overtake an old couple towing a caravan at 80km/h in a 100 zone? All the time. It’s not because they are taking in the sights and sounds. It’s because they are saving huge amounts of money by burning less fuel.

I’m not saying that you should buy a camper trailer so you can drive faster. You can just be more relaxed about your fuel bill.

While actually on the road towing, I find the best benefit of the camper trailer is that I can see over the top of it in my rear-vision mirror. No need for big side mirror extensions like caravan owners have. I can see everything happening behind me.

After a big drive you want to be able to setup as quickly and easy as possible.

A little system that Jazz and I have developed is “the flop out.” If we plan on staying at this location for one night, and plan on leaving early in the morning to get to our destination, then we do a very basic setup we call “the flop out.”

We don’t even wind the leg stabilisers down. And definitely don’t disconnect the car. That’s just wasted time in the morning reconnecting.

We will unclip the camper top, fold it out, and raise only the poles that are absolutely essential to make sure we get a good night sleep. We will unpack only the essentials. Two chairs and some basic gear to cook and eat with. That’s it.

By doing this, we are able to be setup in 5 minutes and ready to go in the morning in 10.

On the flip side, if we plan on staying somewhere for more than 3 nights or so we will do a fairly extensive setup. In these “longer stay” locations, I really enjoy taking the time to setup things properly. It can be a very enjoyable experience once you have a procedure going. Jazz has her jobs and I have mine. If we deviate from the plan it will regularly turn into world war 3.

So once you have your routine sorted, you should enjoy the setup process.

Comfort is perhaps the biggest question mark you have over weather traveling Australia in a Camper Trailer is right for you.

If we start with the bed, I have owned two camper trailers and the bed in both of them have been huge. I’m a fairly big lad and on a cold night, we can end up with the bloody dogs jumping in the bed. And I’ve never complained about having no room in the bed.

We have stayed in caravans before and ALL of them without fail my legs hang over the end. Yes I am tall at just a whisker under 6 foot 4. But still, I shouldn’t have my legs hanging over the end of the bed in a caravan that claims to be queen size.

With general living areas during the day, your individual results may vary depending on what sort of camper trailer you have (soft floor or hard floor). Lucky I have owned both, so I can comment on both.

The soft floor camper was huge when you folded it out. Enough room for a whole family to sleep. And awnings on camper trailers usually come with an annexe you can enclose, creating even more indoor space if you want it.

A hard floor camper will be typically smaller, but it has it’s benefits too. For example, our hard floor camper folds out to reveal a small lounge area with a table. It’s off the ground and very comfortable.

But it’s not even about indoor living is it?

Weather it’s a soft floor camper, a hard floor one, or a caravan, I find I spend almost all my time during the day OUTSIDE. Inside is just for sleeping.

This is where I feel the benefits of traveling around Australia in a camper trailer really shine. A caravan might have a small BBQ outside, but the rest of your cooking needs to be done inside.

With a camper trailer, if you are lucky enough to have a slide out kitchen, it will slide out in your outdoor annexe. For me, outdoor living and cooking is what traveling is all about.

Weather you are in a $200,000 caravan or a $200 swag, your travels will be as enjoyable as you want them to be. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to go. You will spend your life planning the trip and never going on it.

Related Posts

Nt fishing adventures, finding work while traveling around australia, traveling australia and croc safety, free camping around australia, taking perfect sunrise and sunset photos, camp oven asian beef with rice.

Caravan, Camper Trailer or Tent to Travel Australia?

by Loreena Walsh | Trip Planning | 0 comments

What should you live in while you’re travelling Australia as a family?

We’ve travelled at different times in a tent, camper and caravan, and so we’ll give our thoughts on all of them. What will be best for your family? The answer to this question is one that’s almost impossible to refine, there are so many variables, and so many differences from one family to the other. If you’re new to caravanning and camping, the decision can be even tougher because you don’t quite know what you’ll like and what you’ll dislike about the options available to you, so hopefully we can make the decision a little easier for you.

My best piece of advice is that; nothing you travel in will fit every need you have. All choices have their own pros and cons, and it really comes down to what features and benefits are most important to you. Take time to look at what’s out in the market, and don’t purchase the first thing you see unless it fits your requirements perfectly and is a good price. We searched lots of online market places as well as local papers when buying, but Gumtree was where we ended up finding our caravan and our Jayco Swan, so that’s a great place to start your caravan shopping.

 Pros and Cons of Camper Trailers to Travel Australia

Camper trailers are a popular choice for families, and there’s plenty of people who hit the road to explore the country while living in a camper. There are different types of campers available to consider, and each will have it’s own benefits:

[column size=’1/3′] Soft Floor Camper Trailers

The biggest benefit of soft floor campers is that they are generally the most economic choice of camper trailer. They range from a few thousand dollars right up into luxurious campers priced $50,000 or more. For families, they are often a good step up from a tent, and allow parents to have a ready made bed, with some styles like the Trak Shak folding sideways to include 2 double sized beds. There’s usually plenty of storage underneath inside the trailer, usually stored in plastic tubs or sliding drawer systems. [/column]

[column size=’1/3′] Hard Floor Camper Trailers

Hard floor camper trailers provide the benefit of being up off the ground with the ease of a soft floor camper. Cub Campers are a great example of hard floor camper trailers. They are generally a little bit more expensive than soft floors, but have a few extra options and possibilities.Some can include inbuilt cupboards, and we’ve even seen them with a bunk setup inside. Many hard floor camper trailers are forward flipping, and do give the benefit of the fold down floor being up off the ground a bit. [/column]

[column size=’1/3′] Hybrid Campers

We originally chose to travel in a hybrid style camper, a Jayco Swan. The biggest  benefit of this style of camper is the caravan feel on the inside, the kitchen being all set up inside, with cupboard space, and the fact that you’re camped high off the ground. This option is generally more expensive, with fewer brand options available. Another benefit is being able to camp in areas where tents and camper trailers are not allowed. Options such as air conditioning can also be added to hybrid campers, as well as hot water services, and a variety of bed setups.

[/column][/row]

Pro for Camper Trailers: Cheaper option, generally more suitable for off-road travel, lighter to tow, easier to tow. Cons for camper trailers: Pack up and pack down time can be a hassle, Canvas can be restrictive especially in wet weather, generally an outdoor kitchen for soft/hard floor campers (although hybrids have a kitchen inside), storage can be a hassle without cupboards.

 Pros and Cons of Caravans to Travel Australia

Caravans are probably the most common choice for people wanting to travel Australia, of any age. But, where choosing a caravan might seem like a straight forward task, there are so many variables and options available that it can be really overwhelming. A walk around any caravan and camping show will open up a world of luxury, on-road and off-road models, and gadgets galore, so here’s our tips for caravan travel and shopping for your perfect caravan.

[column size=’1/2′] New vs Second Hand

Budget is a huge consideration for any family wanting to travel. There can be mixed opinions on buying new vs second hand when it comes to caravans. Purchasing a new caravan means you’ll be covered by warranty, where purchasing a second hand van means you’ll save money off the new price that you can use elsewhere. The time of year you purchase a second hand van can affect the amount you pay, as well as the type of van you’re aiming for; bunk vans for example tend to sell quickly and for more than other layouts. If you’re looking to purchase a new caravan, then “Caravan and Camping” shows can offer a good opportunity to get a great deal and have bonuses thrown in.[/column]

[column size=’1/2′] On-road vs Off-road Caravans

There is a school of thought that says an off-road van is essential to travel the country, and it’s one of the reasons we originally chose to buy a hybrid, because we couldn’t afford a full size off-road van. Off-road vans generally sit higher than on-road versions and may come with extras that toughen them up. The way I see it, is that while off-road vans can be handy when heading along dirt roads, corrugations and more remote areas, most of where you’ll want to go is going to be accessible with an on-road van. Also, if you’re paying $60,000 and more for an off-road van are you really going to drag it anywhere it can sustain damage? There are definitely benefits, but we carry a tent with us for really remote camping, and if we had to choose between an on-road van or not going at all because funding an off-road van was impossible, then give me an on-road van any day. [/column]

Pros for Caravans to travel Australia: Ease and speed, safety and comfort, are some of the biggest pros to travelling Australia with a caravan. Caravans are as easy as pulling up into your campsite and opening the door to step inside. This is a big bonus for saving time on holidays, overnight stops are quick and easy, and moving from one site to another is easier too compared to tents or campers. Safety is increased in a caravan, purely because of the increased ability to lock the doors and windows. While some vans such as expandas and rapids do have beds with canvas, a majority of vans have solid walls making break and entering more difficult. Comfort may just be the biggest plus for caravan travel.

Cons for Caravan travel in Australia: The size and weight of caravans can be prohibitive to some travel, especially in tight spaces, busy areas and driving in windy or hilly conditions. The size of your caravan will also be determined by the tow capacity of your vehicle and the bigger the van, the bigger your fuel bill will likely be. Yearly registration fees can be more expensive for caravans as can insurance premiums.

  Travelling Australia in a Tent.

Of course, not many families are likely to head off full time travelling with only a tent as their accommodation, but never fear, there are families out there doing just that! Our first ever expedition on a long distance trip was in a tent from Darwin to Kakadu and then down the centre to Adelaide in a hire car and a tent to sleep in and it was one of the best experiences of our lives and set us on the path to full time travel. If you are passionate about getting out to see the country and your only option financially is to do it in a tent, then why not! Of course it isn’t as luxurious as a van or even a camper, but there have been many moments we’ve been so sick of towing that we’ve joked about going back to only having a tent, and if we hadn’t decided to travel for such a long, open-ended trip then we may have done just that!

Final Thoughts.

Whatever it is you choose to travel in, do plenty of research, ask lots of people and talk to them about things they like and dislike about their set-up and know that nothing will ever be completely perfect, there is always compromise, and that’s ok, it’s all part of the experience and the journey. You can read more about our decision to change from the swan to our classic 70’s caravan here, and if you have any questions then just pop them in the comments below.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail

Connect With Us

Aussie Best Seller!

• Sell my car
• My Shortlist

Sign up / Sign in

• New to Carsguide? Sign up
• Welcome back! Sign in
• Edit Profile
• Find a Dealer
• What car should I buy?
• Instant Cash Offer

Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.

Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes

Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more

Buying used? Here's what to look out for and buy smart

Your thoughts could drive you to more than just your next destination 🚗💬

Buying guides

Our experts pick the top models

• People mover
• Convertible

What's happening in the automotive world

Get to know the personalities behind the team every week

The stars of the latest big events

The most interesting hints of what's to come

What's been recalled and why. Are you affected?

The latest and future car tech from around the world

We're here to help you with any car issues

Looking for tips on how to carry or travel with your family?

How To, off-road tips and adventure travel destinations

Not just utes. Detailed advice for you - the tradie - on what car is right for you and your job

Looking for an answer? Our automotive experts are here to help

If you're wondering, we've probably got the answer

Unsure of your car's maximum towing capacity? We've listed all relevant models here.

Wondering how much air to put in your tyres? Our database has the answer

Everything you need to know to keep you and your family as safe as possible

Helpful advice before you finance your next car

Tips for getting the right insurance and how to make a claim

Everything you need to know when sizing up your new car

• pricing + specs

adventure guide

• Trips and Trails
• Camper-trailer Reviews

family guide

• Family Advice
• 7 Seat SUVs

tradie guide

urban guide

• Armstrong Siddeley
• Asia Motors
• Aston Martin
• Austin Healey
• Automobili Pininfarina
• Corsa Specialized Vehicles
• EV Automotive
• International
• Lamborghini
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mitsubishi Fuso
• Pininfarina
• Rolls-Royce
• Vanden Plas

Jayco Eagle Outback 2018 review

• Camper Trailers

Daily driver score

Adventure score, adventure guide rank.

Dry weather gravel roads and formed trails with no obstacles, very shallow water crossings.

People with camper-trailers are increasingly looking to push their travel boundaries and so they head off the bitumen, onto dirt roads and go bush.

But on-road camper-trailers are not suited to cope with the extra stresses that dirt-road or gravel-track driving bring, which is why campers better equipped for light-duty bush driving, such as Jayco’s Outback versions of its models, are finding favor with buyers.

We took an Eagle Outback into the bush to check it out.

How big is this camper-trailer? How much does it weigh?

The Eagle Outback (from $28,266; our test camper was $32,373) has travelling dimensions of 5060mm long, 1910mm high and 2240mm wide. Its tare weight is 1270kg.

When set up, its length extends to 6200mm, 4040mm (in the body) and the interior tops out at 2070mm high.

Our test camper had the optional roof racks so was a touch taller than standard models.

Jayco reckons the Eagle Outback can accommodate two families, sleeping “four adults and two children, with an option to sleep a third child”.

How easy is it to tow?

This single-axle camper – at 5060mm long (including drawbar), 1910mm high, 2240mm wide, and with a 1270kg tare weight – towed smoothly behind the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport we used on this review.

It sat snug and steady on the towball (with a 150kg download ) during open-road driving, as well as during short sections of slightly bumpy gravel track and undulating dirt road.

The Eagle Outback has a hot dip galvanised Endurance Chassis riding on Jayco’s own JTech coil-spring suspension set-up.

Please note: Jayco’s Outback models are designed and engineered for, at worst, dirt roads and gravel roads, not 4WD tracks. Do not think that because these campers have been branded ‘Outback’ that they are actually able to tackle hard-core off-roading .

How easy is it to set up?

Jayco camper-trailer models follow a similar set-up process and one which is, even on the first outing, easy enough and quick.

Unclip a latch near each top corner of the trailer’s body, remove the winder handle from the camper’s rear storage space, lock that winder into position – there’s a space for it on the camper’s rear end – and wind away.

Your efforts will raise the Eagle’s roof until the support bars at each corner are at full lock-out.

Roll the bed out at each end, then take the bed support struts, which are stored underneath the mattresses, and lock them into place on each bed base and corresponding point on the camper body.

Then pull the canvas down and over the edge of the beds and secure that in place with velcro strips.

In very basic terms, the rest of the process involves putting in place the interior ceiling poles for each bedroom (easier if you’ve left some slack in the canvas walls), and rearranging furniture from its travel position into its camp-ready position.

How practical is the space inside?

These Jayco camper-trailers have a familiar touring-friendly floor-plan – check out the accompanying photos for proof of that – and most adhere to a similar approach to interior functionality – neat and simple – and that’s well suited to those who venture off the blacktop and hit the dirt.

Interior height is 2070mm, standard for campers of this type, so there’s plenty of stretch space for those of us not gifted with the vertical inches of Collingwood’s Mason Cox. Bench height, also standard for a camper-trailer, remains just lower than an average bloke’s hip so stooping to work in the kitchen is still an issue, but that’s part and parcel of the lifestyle, so stop whinging and get used to it.

Looking from the door, to the left is the front bed and club lounge; along the wall is the kitchen area (replete with four-burner stove, Dometic 95-litre fridge*, storage drawers and pantry); and to the right is the rear bed and dinette area. (* Outback models get the 95-litre fridge; Touring models get the 90-litre fridge.)

Overhead interior lighting includes LEDs for the main area and reading lights for the beds; there’s a fan for the beds.

There are also power points and USB port.

What are the beds like?

Jayco beds have innerspring mattresses – cushy enough – and the bases are unsealed ply.

The camper’s front bed is 1460mm wide; the rear one is 1140mm wide; a bit narrower than the 1310mm-wide rear bed in our most recent Jayco tester, the top-spec Swan, but not even really noticeable even when you’re on it. Still, put the triathletes down the back; the Crossfitters up the front.

The bedrooms each have a curtain to close off the space and, of course, canvas zippered windows and mesh screens.

This camper’s converted beds – which emerge from rearranging the club lounge (with bed converter option, which our test camper had) and dinette area (as standard) – are for children or that mate of yours who doubles as a circus midget.

What’s the kitchen like?

A big plus to this tester is that as well as the kitchen area inside – with stainless-steel sink, four-burner stove, fridge and bench space – it has the optional two-burner stove on a pull-out slide on the Eagle Outback’s front left-hand exterior wall.

Buyers are able to upgraded this camper’s kitchen with a microwave and hot-water service.

What options are available for it?

There are a stack of accessories available; an air conditioner, awning walls and bike racks are all options for Outback versions of Jayco campers.

We’d certainly go for the BBQ slide-out that our test camper had.

Any potential issues with it?

One of the minor issues with Jayco’s Outback range of camper-trailers is that a few people will see only the ‘Outback’ bit in the model’s name, they won’t read the warranty fine print, they’ll ignore the salesman’s advice and they’ll falsely assume that their brand-new off road camper is capable of heading into true 4WD country.

Jayco’s Outback versions of its campers, according to its warranty, are “for limited unsealed road usage” and “under no circumstances” should they “be exposed to water crossings at, or above, body floor level”. Outback campers “are not designed for hard impact or heavy landings or severely rutted roads or tracks”, the warranty states, and they “are not designed for use on four wheel drive only tracks”.

Also, we’d like to see a microwave as standard at this price-point.

The Jayco Eagle Outback , for me, is an example of a camper-trailer getting closer to what I reckon a truly off-road-capable Jayco camper will be like.

There's nothing in Jayco's current line-up that offers comfort and full functionality and is also capable of tackling decent off-roading, so we're looking forward to testing Jayco's first line-up of dedicated off-road campers, including the JTrak Outback and Outback X.

Is a camper-trailer's off-road ability important to you? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Hard-packed sand, slight to medium hills with minor obstacles in all weather.

Larger obstacles, steeper climbs and deeper water crossings; plus tracks marked as '4WD only'

Related cars for sale

::price:: ::priceSuffix::

Cars guide stories & articles.

Isuzu MU-X 2024 review

19 April 2024 · Andrew Chesterton

GWM Tank 500 2024 review: Hybrid

28 March 2024 · Byron Mathioudakis

Nissan Navara 2024 review: Pro-4X Warrior - off-road test

19 March 2024 · Marcus Craft

Suzuki Jimny 2024 review: XL off-road test 

10 March 2024 · Marcus Craft

GWM Cannon 2024 review: XRS long-term | Part 2

3 April 2024 · Mark Oastler

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2024 review: GX 2.8L cab chassis - GVM test

22 March 2024 · Mark Oastler

Chevrolet Silverado 2024 review: 2500 HD LTZ Premium

14 March 2024 · David Morley

GWM Ute 2024 review: Cannon-XSR long-term | Part 1

11 March 2024 · Mark Oastler

expert guide

Ferrari 296 2024 review: GTS

10 April 2024 · Andrew Chesterton

GWM Tank 500 Ultra 2024 review: snapshot

6 April 2024 · Byron Mathioudakis

GWM Tank 500 Lux 2024 review: snapshot

4 April 2024 · Byron Mathioudakis

Lexus LBX Sports Luxury 2024 review: snapshot

1 April 2024 · Tom White

Kia Sorento 2024 review: S Diesel

19 April 2024 · Marcus Craft

Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 review: Exceed

16 April 2024 · Mark Oastler

Hyundai Palisade 2024 review: Calligraphy 2.2D AWD 8-seat

8 April 2024 · Marcus Craft

Skoda Octavia 2024 review: SportLine

4 April 2024 · James Cleary

Related cars for sale on cars guide

Jayco Swan Review

The Jayco name has been synonymous with memorable family camping holidays since 1975, when the company first began building camper trailers. With the Jayco brand now claiming 46 per cent of the camper market, I had high expectations when I picked up our Swan test trailer — and I wasn’t disappointed! The boys and girls at Jayco have done their homework to deliver a visually striking package both inside and out. The body is finished in a high-gloss gel-coat complemented by contrasting coloured trims, decals and attractive alloy wheels. The canvas is colour matched, constructed from quality Australian-made Bradmill canvas and double stitched for durability.

The foundations for the trailer are a hot-dipped galvanised chassis and a drawbar of 100x50x3mm — fitting for a camper of this design. Jayco refers to it as its Endurance chassis, with cut-outs in the chassis members supporting the floor designed to offer superior strength for less weight compared to a box-section chassis. Suspension is courtesy of a simple Al-Ko six-leaf spring pack complemented by 10in brakes. An 82L poly water tank sits behind the rear axle shrouded by light-duty shielding to the front and base only.

On the drawbar you’ll find a standard ball coupling, handbrake and a removable jockey wheel. The latter is stowed in the large lockable front boot when on the move, adjacent to the 9kg gas bottle in its own compartment. A wind-up jack for tyre repairs is also supplied and there’s a winch handle for the roof, the latter neatly stowed on clips on the wall for easy access.

The Swan is one of the larger camper trailers in the Jayco range, measuring 5365mm end to end and 2240mm across its girth. Travelling height is 1660mm, keeping a relatively low profile and minimising wind drag, and with a tare weight of 1055kg it will be suitable for a range of family-friendly runabouts.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

The body uses the latest hail- and dent-resistant fibreglass skin on composite walls constructed from an interlocking aluminium frame, plywood and the interior panel. On the driver side there’s a secured water inlet, vents for the fridge and a TV aerial. The passenger side has a full-height two-piece insulated door (new for 2013), 240V outlet, a storage compartment (also accessible from under the lounge) and an awning light mounted to the body at chest height. Arguably, you might get a better spread of light if it was mounted to the roof, although light output might also be a factor. At the rear is a powder-coat bumper bar with the spare mounted to the body. The latter is dressed in an ABS gloss cover matching the trim, adding further visual appeal. The one-piece fibreglass roof provides additional strength.

The tent is a one-piece design manufactured in-house using computerised cutting processes for accuracy and quality. It employs large windows that bring the outside in, standard flywire and smoked clears that can be zipped down to allow maximum ventilation. The top half of the door is mounted to the roof in transit and swings down to join the lower section.

Setting up is a simple and quick process. Unclip the four catches and wind up the roof, which features an automatic brake to resist slipping backwards as it rises. Pull the bed ends out with the assistance of the built-in rollers and add the bed support poles. Inside, the bed-end canvas is supported by a bed bow that pivots up from the mattress adjoining a hockey stick that runs to a centre clip. As a first-time user on a brand new van, I found the canvas a little tight, even with my back on the bed and bracing the bed bow with my feet. With the door lowered from the roof and joined to the lower section, the set-up is complete.

LIVING QUARTERS

Like the exterior, the interior is warm and inviting with quality and attractive furnishings not unlike a well-appointed executive apartment. The outward bed ends allow for an impressive 6505mm internal measurement with plenty of room to move and the layout makes the best use of the available space. The Swan can sleep up to seven with a front queen bed, rear double, dinette drop-down table/bed and use of the front lounge with an optional bed converter. Arguably though, it’s best suited to four or five — at least if you want to coexist happily.

Attractive window curtains keep out the light and cold. The upholstery offers antimicrobial protection to keep mildew at bay and has also been given an anti-allergy treatment.

There’s a buffet on the right-hand side as you enter with four drawers and a cupboard with dual doors. Adjoining on the passenger side is the dinette, which seats four people in comfort. Over to the driver’s side, a full-size robe that folds down in transit provides hanging space for coats and clothes. A Smev four-burner stove/grill with glass splashback has three gas burners and one 240V one. It sits above a microwave, which rests at floor height. This is perhaps the only flaw in the layout. Ideally, it could be positioned just below bench height. Otherwise there is a large sink and draining board that provides some additional bench space when the sink is not in use and plenty of cupboards and drawers, the latter with catches. There’s a double power point near the three-way fridge and a second below bench height near the stove.

SELF SUFFICIENCY

Electrics are limited to a safety switch, 12V lighting, fuse panel and a Setec power converter managing incoming 240V current. The converter has LEDs indicating whether you’re under 240V or 12V power and basic fault detection. The unit also provides a trickle charge to the optional 100A battery when connected to 240V. Three interior lights are fitted, each individually switched allowing you to save power if needed. If optioned with a battery, this set-up is suitable for short-term free camping interspersed with longer caravan park stays.

On the road the Swan was barely noticeable behind our Nissan Patrol during the test loop, slipping through the air with ease and hauling up as required when on the anchors. Although not promoted as an offroad trailer, it tracked well along our dirt road leg, unphased by the low-level corrugations and dust.

OPTIONS, OPTIONS

If you have a curiosity to explore offroad, the optional Outback pack is a clear winner, offering improved ground clearance, shock absorbers, outback-rated springs, strengthened chassis and drawbar, offroad electric brake magnets and a bunch of other worthy additions. Other options include an auxiliary battery, roof racks, oven, external barbecue, awning, bed-end flys, hot water, external shower, electronic stability control and an electric winch for set-up.

Fit, finish and build quality was generally of a high standard, with only a few blemishes. The application of filler around the skylight wasn’t particularly attractive. Similarly, underneath the chassis there were a few screw ends poking through the floor by an inch or more, looking a little unfinished. These are small gripes in the scope of things and did not detract from the overall craftsmanship at eye level.

It is not hard to see why Jayco is an industry leader. Its trailers are bang on target for the family market with comforts, features and attractive styling, all at a sharp price point — $24,331 as tested, including on-roads.

Beyond the sharp pricing, the value-add is the three-year roadside assistance package and service agents all over Australia. At least if things should go awry, parts availability and help are close at hand. Few family campers offer so much for so little.

> Family-friendly proportions

> Interior comfort and finishes

> Zoned sleeping

I WOULD HAVE LIKED

> A battery as standard

> An alternative location for the microwave

> A better finish on the skylight

• Getting Started
• Home Schooling and Travelling
• Activity Sheets for the Kids
• Homeschooling
• Homeschooling Options
• Homeschooling Hints and Tips
• Roadschooling
• Roadschool or Homeschool?
• The Planning
• How much do we need?
• Must have items for Kids
• Things to Consider
• Budget Tips
• Finance Tracker
• WikiCamps Australia
• TAWK Starter Packs
• Camping Check List
• What to travel in?
• TAWK Membership Card
• South Australia
• New South Wales
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• Dog Friendly TAWK Parks
• All TAWK Camping Spots
• What is the TAWKer Supporter Program
• Become a TAWKer Supporter
• Do you REALLY want cheaper camping?
• Products and Services
• Attractions
• Ask your question here
• The TAWK Pose!
• TAWK Sticker
• TAWK Quiz Book
• TAWK Quiz Book Score Sheet Download
• Road Trip Games
• TAWK Directory
• Our Newsletter
• Our Facebook Page
• Map Download
• Australia Scratch Map
• First Aid Kit for TAWKing
• Current TAWK Featured Families
• 2018 TAWK Featured Families
• TAWK Featured Families 2017
• TAWK Featured Families 2016
• TAWK Featured Families 2015
• Your Favourite Photos
• Free Camping
• Free Camp Recommendations
• Lane Poole Reserve
• Hamlin Pool Shark Bay
• Cape Range National Park
• Shannon National Park
• Parrys Beach
• Best of the NT for Kids
• Western Australia for Kids
• Best of QLD for kids
• Best of NSW for Kids
• Top Ten Must See Australia
• Top Ten Must See WA
• Must See SA
• Start a Travel Blog
• Other online business ideas
• Australia Travel Blogs
• Our Travel Blog
• My Personal Blog
• Travel Help Books
• Kids Books to Read on the Road
• TAWK Parks List

What should we travel Australia in?  Caravan, camper trailer, tent or something else?

The question of "What should we travel Australia in?" Caravan, camper trailer, tent or other suggestions, comes up constantly. And of course it is a great question as you will need it to suit your requirements and of course all of our requirements are different. 

Other TAWKers are always happy to give their thoughts and below are different snippets and answers that they have given over the last year or so to the question of whether to travel in a caravan, camper trailer, tent, bus or something else.

We also asked for our TAWKers pictures of their caravans, camper trailer, tent or what ever they had chosen - we were overwhelmed with the response! We have many the photos here too for you to get a good visual of what others are doing.

So is it to be a Caravan, camper trailer, tent or something else for you?

The following are answers and thoughts from other TAWKers (names omitted to protect privacy) to help you.....

• I love the space our Jayco Expanda Pop Top caravan has. I could not imagine living in a camper trailer or a tent. We have 4 kids. Packing away depends how long we had stopped for. It's 10 - 15 min usually (if everything has already been packed away inside the van). It's so easy to pack away, one of us could do it.
• We started with a tent, then went to a Jayco Dove caravan trailer and now have a full sized family caravan. A lot of our decision was based on the age of our kids. We just wanted quick and fast. Some days it still isn't fast enough!
• You want to be off the ground , and be able to cook and 'live' in all weather conditions, not have 3 kids sitting up off the flooded ground on your bed whilst you brave the elements to cook dinner.. I initially looked at a camper trailer, then ended up with an old 14ft pop top caravan instead. They are easy to pack up, especially compared to waiting for a canvas tent / camper trailers to dry in winter to avoid mold.

• If you're going for a while, moving regularly and you have young children, I would suggest whatever requires the least time and effort to set up. Also think about heating/cooling and mosquitoes.
• When living on the road long term , things DO go wrong, having a hard solid roof over my head and being up off the ground is just something that I now consider a necessity.  So caravan for us.
• Go with the best you can afford. We are 6 months into our 9 month trip in camper trailer and whilst it's nice and big and for the most part we have enjoyed it, it is a lot to setup and pack away. The canvas and poles are the cheaper end and will just about last us. If we were going any longer, it would have to be a pop up. We stay mostly in caravan parks and make the most of the facilities.

Grab your TAWK Bumper sticker today!

A great way to recognise other families who are  Also Traveling Australia With Kids

• Think about where you plan on staying. That can make a big difference, especially when it comes to storage. We did 100% free / bush camps, so having the space to prepare / eat / clean up meals is more of a challenge then you'd imagine with a larger tribe, even inside the van!
• We have an Outback Expanda pop top with kids 11, 8 & 2. Having 2 separate tables in the van is great for doing school work & is a saviour when it's raining. It's a manageable towing size yet when folded out is quite big. At times I wish we had a full van to minimise the packing up but it really isn't too bad.
• I reckon choose either caravan or off road camper trailer. The pop top slide out bed style are good but about the same or longer setup as camper trailer for long term travel and you have less places to take them. A caravan will go less places but significantly less setup so bit of a tradeoff. We have done tent with trailer, pop top and camper trailer. Tents are fine but its nice being up off the ground, especially in wet weather. You could also consider rooftop tents.

• We've done the lap in a pop top, now doing it in a full family van. Much easier now to pull over, grab something from the fridge and boil some water on the stove for a quick cuppa.
• We love our full van, it's an off-road and we haven't had any issues with it yet, been away 10 months so far. Great to have your own bathroom and washing machine.
• We have an off road van caravan , but only because we are travelling indefinitely and it's our home. I think if we had planned to do a 1 year big lap we would have been happy with a camper. It's a personal preference and depends a bit how long you'll be on the road.

• I started our trip with a full caravan and 4 kids . I was happy to switch to a camper trailer within a month of being on the road but I didn't get a chance. Caravans can limit your ability to go places but they are very comfy. Just need to work out what works for you and your family.
• Definitely caravan . Those little creature comforts come in handy....especially if you have a sick little one like we do today.
• We live in our camper trailer. Down sides are more setup/pack down and prolonged wet weather can be challenging. Up sides are; you have a home that will go most places a 4wd will go, less weight to tow and you will be doing most of your living outside, meaning your life will feel more connected.

• We've squashed a family of 4 into a Vista crossover - will go anywhere a camper trailer will go but without the canvas and set up time.
• We opted for a caravan and have taken it everywhere so far . But we also stop for work (3-6 months at a time) and the extra space, security and bathroom are really handy then. We aren't avid 4 wheel drivers but enjoy the back roads, just drive to the conditions.
• You just need to think about all the places you cant go in a caravan , that you can in a trailer, and decide what it is you want to experience. Obvious pros and cons for both. We have a forward fold trailer, we love it. Very quick to set up, and where you can get it  - amazing!

• Pop tops are good but for more of a permanent setup maybe a full caravan would be better. However, full off road could be difficult, don't bother up the cape unless you get a camper trailer. Might be best to focus on the van that suits take a tent for off road stints.
• I recommend a Jayco Expander Outback , half way between full van and a camper and went just about everywhere. Sometimes we left the van and took camping gear for the real rough spots. We had 2 kids and all loved it as it's got the best of both worlds.
• Having owned both a Jayco Swan and now a Jayco pop top caravan , I would go for the pop top. It's really easy to set up and pack up no having to push the sides in and fold cupboards down. I also think you can pack more in the caravan and the bonus of being able to stop anywhere and have a cup of tea without unpacking anything.
• Waiting for a sunny day for a camper trailer to dry so you can pack it up, or to try keep the mold off because it's wet is not the most fun you'll have if you chose to travel in a camper trailer. For me, the time that it takes to setup, the ability to live happily and to pack up and relocate in really bad weather made my mind up and had me buy a pop top caravan.
• We had a camper trailer and every time we set it up we'd think "this is the same as a tent to set up" It  took us at least an hour. So we brought a Jayco Flamingo outback (pop up & out). Never looked back. It's up in 10 minutes. So if you can afford it definitely go a pop up & stay clear of the camper trailer. 
• Our camper is amazing!! Pull up to basic setup in 3 minutes!! Love it!! We also have small children and have not found issues yet.  Can go lots of places that full vans cannot.

New! Comments

Disclosure: Throughout our site there may be some affiliate links including but not limited to Amazon. If you click them, we may get a small commission for your purchase but this is at NO additional cost to you. We might also get a benefit from our TAWKer Supporters BUT again at no additional cost to you. You get to something you want and we get to keep the lights on here at TAWK. #worksforbothofus Thanks for your support of us supporting you :)

TAWK accepts no liability for any situation arising from suggestions or businesses on the TAWK Site.

Follow Our Socials

LIST OF CURRENT TAWK HOSTS HERE  

Join the community here, with  'now we're tawking' .

Grab yourself a copy of TAWK's Guide to Traveling Australia With Kids

Click here to get 10% TAWK Discount!

Kids and Adults Full Faced Snorkel Mask

Trip Tracker Map

GET THE KIDS A JOURNAL! The perfect way for the kids to record their trip (and please their teachers!)  

Privacy Policy

© Traveling Australia With Kids (TAWK) TM 2022

PO Box 667 Moss Vale NSW 2577 Contact Us

CAMPING – CAMPER TRAILERS

In this section we assess the different camping options available. Your chosen style of camping can affect what vehicle you purchase and what other gear you need. We can’t keep up with the myriad brands and models now available, so we’ve chosen representative trailers.

Ambush Camper

The Ambush Camper is a unique, power-erecting, rear-fold camper trailer that’s designed to carry motorcycles or a quad bike, while providing tent accommodation for singles, couples or families.

Cub’s classy cross-over vans

After more than two years of development, Cub Campers has released C16, L16 and H16 off-road ‘caravans’.

Blaze Trailers’ versatile range

You may not have heard of Blaze Trailers, but you’ve almost certainly heard of Triple M aluminium ute and truck bodies that have been produced in numbers totalling over 700,000 units, for nearly 50 years. Blaze Trailers is a trailing equipment arm initiative, reflecting three generations of family involvement.

Cub Drifter double-fold camper trailer

Building on the original Drifter’s success and drawing inspiration from market demands for double-fold camper trailers, Cub Campers has released the Drifter II. The Cub Drifter six-berth family off-roader was launched in the 1970s and continues to evolve today. The GT version was launched in 2023.

ARB enters the camper trailer market

At first sight we thought ARB’s Earth Camper was the latest iteration of Track Trailer’s Tvan, but it’s not. ARB is now in the camper trailer business.

Pioneer Verve

Pioneer Campers was taken over by Track Trailer – makers of the famous Tvan – in 2020. The Verve is a derivative of the original 2015 Pioneer Mitchell cross-over van, with input from Track’s engineering

Cameron Campers

This South Australian manufacturer produces three levels of camper trailer specifications: tent-tops for your box trailer; the Commando camper trailer and the top-shelf Conquest.

Upgraded Cub Escape

Cub’s Escape has been one of its staple rear-fold campers since 2016. It’s a popular off-road Cub model for couples or families wanting more room to move and has been significantly upgraded.

Kerfton Fouray Camper

In a world of mainly look-alike camper trailers, it’s always great to see a different design and the Melbourne-made Kerfton Camper is certainly that.

Ezytrail Parkes 15 Mk2

At OTA we purposely avoid testing caravans, because we reckon there are enough people doing that. However, we do like to check out the cross-over van market, typified at the top end by pop-top, single-axle units like Ezytrail’s Parkes Mk2.

Cub Frontier Forward Fold camper

Forward-fold campers occupy less ground space and provide a dinette area – just like a small caravan. Cub’s model is truly off-road compatible as well.

Cub Scout forward-fold camper trailer

The Cub Scout is one of the lightest forward-fold camper trailers on the market and as close to 100-percent Australian-made as you can get, Cub claims.

Stockman Rover camper trailer

Stockman has been producing well-engineered, Australian-designed, compact Pod campers for more than 15 years. The company’s latest product offers rapid set-up and pack-away.

BRS Pursuit 2020 Platinum Limited edition model

Camperact plans to unveil the latest product from BRS Offroad at the Canberra Caravan, Camping and Lifestyle Expo on the 25th October 2019. This is a limited edition release from BRS Offroad that extends the Pursuit Platinum range.

Track Trailer T4 crossover camper trailer

The T4 replaced the Topaz cross-over camper trailer in early 2019. It’s a beautifully Australian designed and built unit with a customisable interior, but this individuality comes at a price.

BRS Off Road Sherpa

The BRS Sherpa is a great eye-catcher, but at around sixty grand is at the top end of the ‘teardrop’ camper trailer market. We took one away for a test.

Track Trailer Mate

Track Trailer’s Mate is essentially a Track camper, without the teardrop camper bodywork on top. Instead, the Mate has a box-trailer tub, with an optional pull-out storage drawer, customisable flat panels and storage spaces.

Jayco’s CrossTrak hybrid camper

Jayco’s 2019 CrossTrak hybrid camper is aimed at off-roading couples, with low ball weight and tare weight, yet generous payload.

Jayco JTrak camper trailer

Australia’s number one caravan and RV manufacturer with over 43 years’ experience, Jayco, has launched its inaugural tent-trailer range: JTrak.

Stoney Creek Campers

This brand has been around for a few years now and seems to have a loyal following. The model range covers the whole camper trailer spectrum, from soft-floor shorty to forward-fold models.

Pod Campers

The Pod Camper range is one of the few offerings in the Australian camper tailer marketplace that is designed specifically for lightweight camping. Many camper trailers are too heavy and have far too much ball weight for towing by SUVs and small 4WD wagons.

Air Opus camper trailer

Melbourne-based Opus Camper Trailers has released a joint China-UK-Australian product that is said to be the world’s first self-inflating camper. The canvas roof section is fitted with ‘air beams’ that are electric-pump inflated, to form a camper trailer tent, without the need for booms and poles.

Echo Kavango

Designed, engineered and extensively tested in Southern Africa the crossover Kavango incorporates Australian componentry that has been tested here – notably independent coil-spring suspension.

Pioneer Mitchell

Some hybrid and crossover camper trailers make the mistake of being too bulky to fit on many bush tracks, but the Pioneer Mitchell crams a lot of features into a small package.

Rhinomax Discovery Hybrid

The Discovery Hybrid is a 4.3-metre (14ft) pop-top camper that is designed to offer the benefits of a caravan with the agility of a camper trailer.

Camper trailer for the mobility-challenged

Outback Travel Australia is proud to be associated with a venture to design and construct a camper trailer that’s purpose-built for wheelchair people. The first such product is now doing sterling service for Jol Fleming and his crew,

Wedgetail Camper Trailer

This company is well known for its high-quality slide-on campers, but the latest release is a Wedgetail factory-designed and built trailer that can mount any of the Wedgetail slide-on variants.

Ultimate Xplor

The Ultimate approach to camper trailer design was unique and the brand had a loyal band of followers, before the company was placed in liquidation in October 2018. The OTA Team has put one through a long-term evaluation.

Quokka Camper with ‘toy’ storage

Although the 2014 Quokka is dimensioned like a camper trailer and weighs about the same, it has ample interior space and payload capacity to carry two dirt bikes.

Trayon TMO Gen III

Trayon is best known for its tough but lightweight slide-on campers and the company also uses its slide-on as the basis for a modular camper trailer. It features one of the best suspension designs in the market.

Pioneer Campers

Pioneer Campers is part of the giant Actco-Pickering Group that also makes TSB service bodies for working 4WDs. This fabrication specialist employs the latest CAD-CAM design software and up to date metal cutting and forming tools, giving Pioneer a head start on less equipped camper trailer makers.

Patriot X1 camper trailer

The Patriot X1 camper combines a galvanised steel chassis with aluminium body panels and a roof-top tent, for a dry weight from 700kg, making it one of the lightest campers in the marketplace.

Camel Campers’ Bushman Expedition

The Expedition is Camel’s top model and is one of the best soft-floor camper trailers in the market. The trailer is Australian-made in Brisbane and comes with a leading five-year warranty.

Mountain Trail EDX hard-floor camper

A hard-floor camper keeps the main living area out of the dust and mud, but it can be a business packing a hard-floor camper away when it’s time to move on. Mountain Trail has solved the problem with electric opening and closing, letting one person do the job.

Conqueror UEV-490

Conqueror has made a name for itself as the producer of tough, steel campers that can take a bush hammering. The UEV-490 Evolution is the company’s top-shelf model.

Vista RV campers in close up

Vista RV campers are ‘crossover’ designs that blend camper trailer and off road caravan characteristics. These revolutionary vehicles are built in Melbourne, with a very high degree of Australian content. We’ve also tested one in severe outback conditions.

Cub Supavan Stockman

Cub pioneered the flip-top, hard-floor camper in this country and has expanded its range to suit virtually all budgets. The new Supavan Stockman is top of the line and comes with all the bells and whistles you’d want in a camper trailer.

Complete Campsite Fraser

Complete Campsite’s hard-floors are available across a broad price range and the Fraser sits towards the top end, with a RRP of $49,450. That’s a fair amount of cash, but the tag includes all the bells and whistles: there’s hardly an option list necessary.

Conqueror UEV-345

Conqueror has managed to pack an enormous amount of storage space into the UEV-345’s three-metre body length. It replaces the previous UEV-360 and promises good family camping.

The fourth generation Tvan was launched in 2016 – the 18th year of manufacture of this revolutionary camper.

MDC Walk-Through

Market Direct Campers arrived on the scene in a similar way to that of other low-priced camper trailer importers, but MDC has developed new models and incorporated more local kit.

Kimberley Kamper Platinum

The highest-specified camper trailer in Outback Travel Australia’s Camper Trailer Torture Test was Kimberley’s Kamper Platinum edition and it also carried the highest price tag, with a RRP of $50,660. We lived with the Platinum model for a month and assessed whether it was worth the asking price.

Cub popularised the flip-over, hard-floor camper design and now has a host of imitators. The Brumby is a true go-anywhere camper, as our testing has shown.

Challenge Meridian

Challenge soft-floor campers are built around a basic trailer platform, to which a long list of equipment and options can be added, so it’s possible to customise your trailer to best suit your needs.

Camper Trailer Torture Test

We started organising the OTA Camper Trailer Torture Test almost a year before and we chose a variety of off-road camper trailers for the final six. We towed with two Pajeros, two Challengers and two Tritons.

• Bush Kitchen
• Buying Advice
• Camping Gear
• Campers – Slide-on
• Camper Trailers
• Camping – Owners Reviews
• Power and Lighting
• Tents and Swags

Advertisements

If you find our site helpful, perhaps you would consider a small donation to assist with the costs of providing our impartial journalism. Dismiss

30 Australian Made Camper Trailers (+ 33 Imported Brands)

Gone are the days where a camper trailer is a simple canvas tent sitting atop a box trailer. Over the years, camper trailers have evolved into very capable and well-equipped recreational vehicles, providing us with all of our adventurous needs, yet still being wrapped up in a lightweight and low-profile package.

The rise in availability of more affordable camper trailers has reduced the barrier to entry for many Australian families who are wanting to own a camper trailer, yet may not have had the funds to do so in the past.

Just like everything, China is able to replicate what the consumer wants, but at a fraction of the cost. However, with the cheaper cost, comes cheaper quality.

Many people are still opting for Australian made camper trailers purely for the superior quality and the extra bells and whistles that come with the locally-built trailers.

Australian made camper trailers are generally constructed using lighter materials, with higher-quality canvas, fittings and components. They are designed with true Aussie off-roading in mind.

Look for the ‘Australian Made, Australian Grown’ logo ↓

When looking for Australian made camper trailers, it’s important to read the company’s wording very carefully. Just because a business is 100% Australian owned and operated, that sheds no light on where the bulk of the trailers are actually manufactured.

In fact many businesses are falsely advertising Australian made camper trailers, even though the parts have been manufactured in China and shipped over as a flat pack. Simply being assembled in Australia is not enough to claim the 100% Australian Made title.

In this article you’ll find:

• Types of camper trailers
• List of Australian made camper trailers
• List of camper trailer brands that are partially or fully manufactured overseas

This camper trailer brands Australia list is solely focussed on Soft-floor, Hard-floor and Pop-up trailers. Hybrids are a category unto own and will be covered in a separate article.

We are a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to ebay.com and other affiliated sites. We may earn a commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our disclosures here .

Types of Camper Trailers

Soft-floor camper trailer.

Soft-floor Campers:

• Extra living space (especially with a full awning & annex)
• Lots of storage inside the camper trailer
• Smaller towing weight
• Vinyl flooring that sits on the ground
• Slower to set up & pack away
• Larger campsite may be needed to accommodate the camper size once open
• Budget-friendly cost

Hard-floor Camper Trailer

Hard-floor Campers:

• Hard floor that sits off the ground
• Quick & simple to set up
• Easier to clean (having the hard floor rather than vinyl)
• Less living space
• More expensive than a soft-floor version
• Heavier than a soft-floor

Pop Top Camper Trailer

Pop Top Campers:

• Easy set-up
• Beds & living space off the ground
• Internal kitchen, dining & fridge
• Built-in solar & battery power
• More expensive than traditional camper trailers
• Heavier than traditional camper trailers

Hybrid Camper Trailer

Hybrid Campers:

• Mix between a camper trailer and a small caravan
• Often completely lockable
• Kitchen & dining can vary from internal to external
• Solid side walls (handy for awnings, lighting, external kitchens etc.)
• Optional toilet/ shower options
• Heaviest of the camper trailers
• Most expensive camper trailers

100% Australian Made Camper Trailers

This Australian made camper trailers list only includes campers that are 100% manufactured within Australia (which is usually proudly displayed on their website).

If I couldn’t find a definitive answer as to where a camper trailer is made, or if it seems to be partially made overseas, I’ve added it to the ‘Made Overseas’ list down below.

Camping Food Checklist + Menu Planner

Reuse the Camping Food Checklist for each of your camping trips & organise your meals with the 7-Day Meal Planner.

• Pre-filled with 100+ items
• 12 categories
• PRINTABLE  – fully customisable
• DIGITAL  – completely interactive

Camper Trailer Brands Partially or Fully Manufactured Overseas

The following camper trailer brands list includes campers that are either partially or fully imported into Australia, then distributed.

Many camper trailer manufacturers will import the parts, then assemble the trailers here (sometimes with additional Australian parts). However, those products cannot stake a claim at being 100% Australian made camper trailers, so this is where they land.

Any camper trailer brands that don’t clearly advertise or state that they are Australian made in any way have also been added to this list. We can only assume that they’d be advertising it loudly and proudly if they were.

To further your research, check out my post on how much camper trailers weigh (including a comparison weight chart with averages).

Notice any camper trailer brands Australia that need to be added or removed from these lists? Let me know in the comments down below.

MORE CARAVAN & CAMPER POSTS ◆ Pop Top Caravans (Full Guide) → ◆ 160+ Caravan Brands → ◆ What is a Hybrid Camper? →

CAMPER TRAILER ESSENTIALS

Pegless Clothesline →

Collapsible Bin →

Mozzie Patches →

Travel Planning Resources

2 thoughts on “30 Australian Made Camper Trailers (+ 33 Imported Brands)”

Hi, loving the lists with my research to buy a tailer. Just a correction for your list. Offroad RV should be Offroad RVS (offroadrvs.com.au (not offroadrv.com)). Cheers Keith

Thanks, Keith, that’s been updated.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

STARCRAFT POP TOP

Journey pop top, all-terrain pop top, all terrain, basestation, jrv campervan, optimum campervan, all terrain campervan, conquest motorhome, optimum motorhome, where functionality meets comfort, sleeps up to 3, 4-burner cooktop, 9 kg gas bottle, 100 ah battery, innerspring mattress, 95l fridge with freezer, bright, modern and ready for the road, floor plans, flexible floor plans to suit your touring needs.

Select a model

PENGUIN.CP-MY24

Specifications, 360 virtual tour, uncomplicated adventure, key features, feature packed and ready to roll, jtech independent suspension (outback only), 9kg gas bottle, alloy wheels, packs down small making for easy storage in a conventional garage, 4 burner gas cooktop & griller, 100 ah lithium battery with bluetooth phone app monitor, 95l universal energy select 3-way fridge/freezer, external storage hatch, large top opening front toolbox and 9kg gas bottle (outback only), fan & bed light, innerspring mattress, on board water tank and mains pressure tap, unique aluminium framed furniture construction, 12v lighting, rear abs smooth styling, interior decor, decor to match your style, urban ash (standard), why buy jayco, experience the jayco difference, industry leading support.

When you invest in a Jayco, you are backed by 29 dealerships and 100+ authorised service agent representatives nationwide who know your RV better than anyone. Our support network is here so you have the peace of mind, support, and expertise at your fingertips to adventure with confidence. That’s caravanning, the Jayco way.

Built in Australia for Australian conditions

Choose Jayco for quality, value, and local expertise. Our RVs are built in Australia for Australian conditions, using premium components from reputable suppliers. As the largest RV manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, we take pride in employing over 1100 locally skilled specialists and supporting more than 900 jobs around Australia and New Zealand across our network of Dealers, Service Centres and Suppliers. Invest in a locally made RV and experience the difference of Jayco today.

Construction you can rely on

Built in Australia at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, every Jayco is built from the ground up, using quality materials and the highest safety standards to ensure your RV stands the test of time.

Leading warranty

Guaranteed peace of mind.

Jayco’s comprehensive warranty promise offers 2 years manufacturing and 5 years structural warranty coverage. Our warranty provides added peace of mind for our travelling customers. All warranty repairs are managed by our extensive network of dealerships and authorised service agents, who have direct access to Jayco’s knowledge bank and systems for warranty repairs and delivery of parts.

Relax. You're in a Jayco.

24/7 jayco assist.

*Images shown may have optional extras. Images used for illustration purposes only, please contact your local dealer to view stock in store. Refer to specification and options list. Features subject to change.

Price is RRP based on a standard 2024 model. Drive away/tow away price includes all on-road costs including dealer delivery, stamp duty, CTP insurance, registration and weight tax if applicable in your state/territory according to the postcode you entered on this site. If you did not enter a valid postcode the price displayed is for a NSW registered vehicle. Any optional extras you select may increase the applicable taxes and charges. The Jayco Terms and Conditions apply.

For New Zealand customers, options may vary slightly and we recommend you discuss this with your Jayco dealership

^ This weekly repayment estimate is provided by Jayco Financial Services Pty Ltd (CRN 513573 of Australian Credit Licence: 481374) (“My Local Broker”). Jayco Financial Services is a finance broker.

This repayment is calculated with an interest rate of 7.49% p.a. over a term of 84 months with a 0% residual / balloon payment. Other residual / balloon amounts are available. The Recreational Vehicle price shown may not include other additional costs such as stamp duty, government fees and other charges payable in relation to the vehicle.

The comparison rate of 9.73% is based on a Secured Personal Loan of $30,000 over a 5-year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

In order to provide this estimate, Jayco Financial Services is required to make several eligibility assumptions, including full-time employment status and property ownership. To comply with regulations, consideration must be given for credit score and loan to value ratio (LVR), this estimate has been calculated with a credit score of 800+ and an LVR Max of 100%. Home Owner will excellent credit history with 3 Years F/T Employment in the same role and 3 Years in the same residential address.

This estimate is based on several assumptions outlined above and should be used for information purposes only and is not an offer of finance on particular terms. Credit fees, service fees and charges may apply.

Subject to lenders Credit Criteria and approved applicants only, rate and approval are not guaranteed.

A quote, with details of all fees and charges, may be obtained by contacting Jayco Financial Services through our Website or calling 1800 865 262

Jayco E-Newsletter