Why Buy a Camper Trailer?

Road trips are a huge recreational endeavour in Australia; with so much amazing land to see, it's not difficult to go for an adventure and be away for months at a time. As such, the caravan and camper trailer industry in Australia is booming, and the options are very diverse.

The decision to purchase a caravan or trailer is a big one – the financial outlay is significant and there are pros and cons for either option.

What camper trailers have over caravans is their travelling convenience. While it is true that today's caravans have all the mod cons imaginable, are cosy and involve no work to set up, one is still limited as to where they can be taken – they are not suitable for rough terrain and isolated places.

The camper trailer, on the other hand, is perfect for remote and even 4WD exploration. It is more convenient also for city and town driving, much easier to haul and to park. Storage at home is also much more convenient than it is with a caravan. This home away from home is lightweight to tow, and while it is true that assembly once at your destination takes a little time and effort, the rewards outweigh any perceived drawbacks of unpacking and packing up.

A trailer option is also more likely to comply with your vehicle's towing capacity – for many, the purchase of a caravan would require a new vehicle as well in order to be able to tow it. Whatever option you might choose, ensuring compatibility with your vehicle's towing capacity is of paramount importance.

So how do you choose your home away from home? DO YOUR RESEARCH. Things to consider include chassis; suspension; protection from dust; tyres and rims; canvas and awnings; bedding size and quality; towing hardware; and protection for the camper, including stone guards. There is also a range of optional add-ons to consider personalising your product for your needs: kitchen type; tool box; water tank; storage; power; electric brakes; a boat rack; and a bike rack. Annexing options are important to consider as well – especially if you are travelling with children. Finally – consider your budget!

Travelling and towing your accommodation has many advantages. Not only a hobby (particularly for retirees), it facilitates relaxed, unstructured itineraries and allows for travel off the beaten track. If you love camping, are comfortable in a tent, and don't need all the bells and whistles of a caravan, the trailer could be perfect for you.

If you're unsure whether a camper trailer is right for you, try before you buy. They can be hired, and some retailers even offer this option so that you can try out the same model as you are considering for purchase. It's a win-win situation and before you know it, you'll be on your way to explore our wide and varied land.