Camper trailers are a great, compact way to travel, and they’re a better alternative to caravans if you plan to go off-road.
However, their very nature makes them smaller than a caravan and space is at a premium.
To ensure you can fit everything you need into your camper trailer, you need to know how to pack smart. Here we’ll explore some of the best camper trailer packing tips.
[Read more…]There’s no reason you have to leave your furry friends behind when you go away, and there are plenty of places to go camping with pets. Just knowing that they’re safe and happy with you means you have one less thing to worry about.
Of course, a little extra preparation and planning will make your holiday with your pet easier on everyone.
[Read more…]What constitutes the perfect road trip in Western Australia?
Depending on how much time you have and your particular interests, the answer is subjective. To inspire those who are thinking about a road trip with your caravan or camper trailer, here are two WA road trips, one short, one long.
We’ll start in Perth for both routes, and because Western Australia is so large and diverse, we’ll make each route different so you can get a taste of everything WA has to offer.
[Read more…]You’ve chosen a destination, attractions to explore and mapped out road trips. But what’s the best way to get from A to B?
Between state-of-the-art caravans or camper trailers and the humble tent, camping in Australia’s great outdoors has options for any budget and lifestyle needs.
Each camping rig comes with its own set of benefits and challenges for travellers to consider. However, identifying the pros and cons of individualcamping styles usually comes with trial and error.
If you’re after comfort, many good caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers can provide it. For adventurers who prefer to rough it out, camping vehicle options offer the basics to luxurious homes-away-from-home.
Australia has some of the best road trips to drive. For the ultimate trip, your mode of transportation is one of the most critical decisions to make. Ready to explore what Aussie’s outback has to offer? Here are the pros and cons for each:
Caravans can be put into main categories, pop-tops and full.
Pop-tops have a lifting roof section, designed to reduce wind resistance on the road. Whereas the benefits of a full caravan areits solid design and minimal to no set-up – simply unlock the door and step inside after a day of exploring.
However, with the extra amenities, luxuries and comfort of a caravan comes a higher price tag.
Caravans are popular because of theirlarger living areas. They also offer:
• Kitchen space
• Double, queen and/or single and bunk bed options
• Shower/toilet
• Plenty of storage solutions
• Hassle-free camping as no setup required
• Variety in size and luxury features
The cons include:
• Restricted access to some locations, National Parks and roads
• Harder to park and store
• Pricier than other camping alternatives
• Heavy and may require a larger vehicle to tow it
If you’re after extended comfort or taking a longer road trip around Australia, a caravan can be an ideal choice.
Anyone travelling extended journeys or families bringing along the kids may benefit from higher levels of comfort, space and amenities caravans offer.
The Parkes 13 is a compact hybrid caravan designed for couples. These caravans offer enough comfort for short or extended trips, and push the limits of travel with an independent suspension system for off road adventuring.
On the higher end of the price and luxury scale, the same range also caters for familieswith up to two kids and anyone who wants to create a home away from home.
Off Road Travel
If you want to go off road, then choosing a caravan made specifically for the purpose is critical.
Regular caravans are not designed to safely tackle the conditions of unsealed roads. Nor do they have the right suspension. Off road caravans have a higher ground clearance, heavier chassis, all-terrain tyres and stronger cabinetry for rough-road travel.
Layout
Carefully consider how you intend to use the caravan and the space you need. The caravan manufacturing industry caters to a variety of requirements. Make sure to check the layout of your chosen model to ensure it’s right. Some caravans will also offer the flexibility to add extra storage, amenities and features.
Towing Capabilities
Make sure your vehicle has enough power to tow the caravan. Every car and caravan have critical towing-related numbers on the compliance plate or manual. These figures must be cross-checked for safety and braking considerations.
Plan Your Stay
Caravans are much harder than camper trailers to park and store. Plan your stay ahead to find the best caravan and camping sites for your road trip. You can find some more tips for caravanning around Australia here.
Camper trailers offer versatility and adaptability, and can be a practical option for those with smaller budgets and requirements.
From the humble, basic box-trailer to off road ready and power-packed with modern luxuries, camper trailers fold multiple ways to cater.
If you choose to travel around Australia in a camper trailer, there are three types to weigh up.
1. Flip-over Campers: Features a sealed hard top midst travel which becomes a suspended off-the-ground floor once unfolded
2. Soft Floor Campers: Ideal for one-night stays, these campers are set up by removing the vinyl cover, pulling the canvas out and extending the internal frame
3. Windup Hard Floor Campers: Have the closest interior layout to caravans out of the camper styles and involves mechanically lifting the hard roof to set up and expose the canvas sides and off-the-ground floor
You’ll find many variations of these camper trailer types to choose from based on your camping style, comfort levels and where you plan to take it.
The benefits of camper trailers include:
• Lighter and safer to tow than caravans and motorhomes
• Offers a closer-to-nature camping experience, with canvas roofing and sides more open and flexible
• Accesses more off road locations
• Consumes less fuel
• Easier to store
On the flipside, cons of campers are:
• Less storage and cupboard space
• Time consuming to set up and pack down (allow at least an hour)
• No instant access to interior if you pull over on longer drives
• Canvas walls offer minimal privacy and can encourage more bugs inside
• No amenities such as a toilet or shower
Despite their size, many modern camper trailers are still power-packed with essentials.
For creatures of comfort, consider windup hard floor campers which offer similar features to a caravan including beds, an indoor kitchen and living room area for a fraction of the price.
If you’re exploring Australia’s outback, here are the top five off road camper trailers to choose from.
Travellers contempt with less comforts will benefit from flip-over or soft floor campers. Soft floor campers offer more floor space than flip-overs, but can be a hassle for one person to set up and pack down. For this reason, solo travellers may prefer other caravan or camper trailer alternatives.
Whilst the fundamentals of camper trailers are similar, the biggest cost over a basic camper trailer is the options and accessories offered.
Buying a caravan or camper trailer is a big expense. But with the purchase comes endless adventures and the flexibility to be able to head off whenever the next trip calls.
At PMX Campers, we are camping and caravanning enthusiasts with over 8 years’ experience selling off road camping solutions. To find out which options are best for your needs, chat to our staff for more information.
Caravanning around Australia is an adventure that many people dream of completing at least once in their lifetime.
Australia offers many unique attractions and caravanning through diverse terrains is not a journey to take lightly. You’ll need the right preparation and a tough caravan that can handle the Aussie outback. However, with the right planning and equipment, your caravanning trip can be safe and successful.
Before starting your trip make sure your caravan’s fully loaded weight (Aggregate Trailer Mass or ATM) can be properly towed by your vehicle. If you’re having issues, you can always rent a vehicle with a stronger towing capacity or try reducing the loaded weight of your caravan.
Fuel can be one of the biggest expenses when caravanning. Keeping to a constant speed just under the road’s limit can help to conserve your car’s fuel while driving. When towing your caravan, it’s also important to keep an eye on the traffic behind you and to your side, as strong winds can be created from cars and trucks passing in the opposite lane.
Drivers should also try to drive with the wind blowing behind them if possible, as driving against the wind can increase fuel consumption and make towing your caravan difficult. To combat this, consider timing breaks to wait until the wind drops or changes direction.
While still important, taking enough food and water for your trip is only one part of stocking your caravan. Other important items that will help ensure a safe trip include:
When it comes to consumable goods, travelling with two to three litres of water per person per day is essential. Bringing enough fuel on your trip is also important as some roads may not have fuel stops for up to 375 kilometres.
Having a CB radio in your car can also be useful. As outback driving can often be single lane and high speed, this will enable you to contact trucks and other motorists to avoid dangerous driving situations and will also come in handy for emergencies. Two-way radio ‘walkie talkies’ are also a good addition to your car and can help when reversing and parking your caravan.
If you’re planning to travel around coastal Australia, be prepared for a journey of roughly 14,000 kilometres, not counting diversions or detours. The ‘rim route’ is best travelled counter-clockwise, driving from west to east at the bottom of the country and east to west along the top. This will help take advantage of wind patterns and reduce your overall fuel consumption. This route can be completed along ‘Highway One’, the only fully made up road around the continent. It also has rest areas with toilets roughly every 100 kilometres.
Climate in Australia varies most from north to south. The top end of Australia will be much hotter in summer, while the bottom of the country can get to freezing temperatures during winter nights. Planning to avoid the wet season (roughly from November to March) up north will also make your travels easier, severely reducing the chances of floods and cyclones limiting travel.
Mapping where you’re going to stay ahead of time can help you prepare and plan your journey. Powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites will give you a safe place to park your caravan and enjoy the community of other campers.
The campsites you visit may also have shared amenities like bathrooms, showers and laundries. These are great opportunities to refresh yourself from the road, especially for those with smaller caravans which may not come equipped with showers or other amenities.
Campsites can also have their downside. Washing lines and other shared amenities can fill up quickly or be left in bad condition, while the early morning noise and lack of privacy may leave you eager for your own space.
Caravan and other campsites can let you rest and recharge while also providing activities for the kids. Check with campsite operators ahead of time for further details, such as if pets are allowed.
With the right plans in place and a quality caravan to travel with, your trip across Australia will give you the experience of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for caravans, insurance or camper hire for your next adventure, contact the friendly team at PMX Campers today.
Heading off-road and looking for versatility, flexibility and easy towing on your next camping trip? Off road camper trailers are the best choice for all terrain capability while still offering some home-style comforts.
Made with the Australian outback in mind here are five top off-road camper trailers to consider. Before you make your mind up, don’t forget to check our guide on how to choose the right camper trailer for you.
The Coorong GT is a beautiful marine themed off-road camper trailer. Whether you’re enjoying your favourite spot by the river or peering out to sea, you’ll always be travelling first class with the Coorong GT.
The Coorong uses its forward folding system to quickly convert into an oversize queen bed and allow you to erect the main tent in a moment’s notice. With interior LED strip lighting and tough off-road capabilities, it’s the perfect companion for camping on the beach.
Main features include:
Trailer Size (Metres): 4.5L x 1.9W x 1.3H
Tent Size (Metres): Main Room 4.2L x 1.8W x 3H – Annexe 4.9L x 2.4W x 3H
Loaded Weight: 1500KG
The Lincoln Z is the newer model of our bestselling Lincoln LX camper, with improvements inspired by our customers feedback. A dual-fold hard floor camper, the Lincoln Z takes advantage of light-weight design without compromising on strength and durability.
The Lincoln Z has exceptional off-road capability with two 100Ah batteries and a 360° polyblock hitch, making it the perfect choice for your next family adventure.
Main features include:
Trailer Size (Metres): 5.4L x 2.1W x 1.8H
Tent Size (Metres): Main Room 5.8L x 1.2W – Annexe 6.5L x 2.4W
Loaded Weight: 1990KG
The Stirling Z is part of the next generation of tough and lightweight forward folding campers. With a fully galvanised drawbar and chassis riding on high suspension, it’s ready to follow any off-road adventure.
The Stirling Z is compact and ready for action with the quality and superior handling of the K-Series range. With full LED interior lighting, it also has plenty of room for a comfortable stay.
Main features include:
Trailer Size (Metres): 4.6L x 1.8W x 1.4H
Tent Size (Metres): Main Room 4.1L x 1.7W – Annexe 4.5L x 2.4W
Loaded Weight: 1600KG
The Stirling LX MK2 provides the ultimate camping experience in one of the best-balanced trailers on the market. Thanks to the fully automated electric roof system, opening your camper and getting set up has never been so easy.
The bamboo floored lounge room isn’t just stylish and practical, but also includes raised inbuilt speakers which can be enjoyed while seated or outside. The Stirling LX MK2 brings comfort to camping with well-planned design and keeps up when taken off-road.
Main features include:
Trailer Size (Metres): 5.7L x 2.1W x 1.8H
Tent Size (Metres): Main Room 5L x 1.8W x 2.5H – Annexe 6.4L x 2.5W x 2.5H
Loaded Weight: 2250KG
The Portland LX MK2 is the largest trailer on the list with an enormous amount of tent and annexe space as well as multiple storage areas. This soft floor off-road camper trailer comes packed with features to make camping comfortable.
With beautifully finished internal laminated drawers and cupboards, a water capacity of 210L and a double speaker sound system, the Portland LX MK2 can take you off-road in luxury and style.
Main features include:
Trailer Size (Metres): 6L x 2.1W x 1.9H
Tent Size (Metres): Main Room 4.6L x 2.7W Annexe 5.7L x 2.4W
Loaded Weight: 2500KG
PMX Campers can help get your next adventure started. Contact us today for more information or to view one of our off-road camper trailers in store.
If you’re getting ready for an Aussie roadtrip adventure, you might be wondering how to keep everyone entertained. Going outback is great, but steering some kids away from the iPad to experience the wildness can be a challenge.
There’s no denying how much fun camping is though. And nothing severs our ties to technology quite like grabbing your caravan or camper trailer and exploring everything the outback has to offer. Most camping ventures need proper planning to be successful – especially if you’re bringing the kids. But your preparations should involve more than just choosing a location and preparing the caravan, plan for some fun activities too! Here are a few great ideas to get you started:
Water activities is one of the best parts of camping throughout the warmer months. This is the perfect time to explore some of Western Australia too, with beach camping and National Park water holes offering the ultimate cool off. Summer camping trips across Australia means you and the family can experience anything from kayaking to swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, snorkelling, tubing and so much more!
Waterside campsites make keeping entertained and active easier. Whether you want to laze around and soak up the sun or adrenalin-filled water activities is more your thing, there are a ton of exciting things to do.
Tip: If you’re bringing equipment for water activities, like canoes, fishing rods or surfboards, investing in a soft floor camper trailer or hard floor camper trailer can fit the bill just make sure you choose the right rig for your needs.
Hiking is another great activity to do when you’re camping. You don’t have to be a hiking enthusiast either. But finding some trails to explore can encourage you to get at one with nature and take in the country’s beautiful surroundings. Bushwalks can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you desire. Make sure you check the location you’re wanting to camp at prior to the trip and find out what trails are nearby to explore.
Nighttime landscapes can make for some beautiful photography. Tap into your creative side by experimenting with some nighttime photography. With a decent camera that allows you to set the shutter speed and lens aperture, you can capture the night sky in all its stunning glory.
Camping offers the perfect excuse to study the stars too. If you’ve gone outback away from the city lifestyle, the display of stars is much more vivid and spectacular. Look for the Milky Way with the kids, see who can find the saucepan and three sisters first and grab some great snaps of the nighttime sky while you’re there.
No camping trip is complete without a campfire! And with a campfire comes the urge to toast marshmallows and indulge in tasty treats. It’s an activity that children (and us adults!) rarely get tired off. Start by checking local regulations on open fires (great way of teaching younger kids the importance of safety)
Campfire CookingCampfire cooking isn’t just the ultimate excuse to get the melted chocolate and marshmallows out. It’s also great for trying new camping recipes and different food. Plus, it gives you the time-honoured tradition of bonding with family and friends. If you love fresh seafood and fishing adventures, try your luck with catching your own meal or two. Fishing with the kids can be a fantastic activity – and if you can get dinner out of the process too then it’s even better. Again check local regulations for this activity.”
Exploring new locations come with it a chance to experience the local culture too. Even if you’re only a few hours away from home, eating and living like the locals opens up a world of new opportunities and fun to be had. Put some time aside to visit the locals. Head into the town city, check out the shops and find some local activity inspiration from the tourist centre.
If you’d like more information on which camper trailer to buy, contact a team member today.
Heading off on a caravanning holiday across our great state?
Outback adventures in your trusty caravan are one of the best ways to explore our vast country. There’s nothing like venturing into the Australia’s outback while still having the luxury of a kitchen, beds and a full bathroom to come back to.
However, without proper preparation and planning, the exciting trip you’ve been waiting months for could soon come to a halt. Malfunctioning vehicles, mechanical faults or lack of (forgetting) necessities are sure to top the list of trip ending issues. Luckily, with proper planning and a comprehensive checklist, you’ll be exploring the amazing outback of Australia, prepared for whatever the open road throws at you.
Tips for Your Next Caravan Holiday
Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing and travelling Australia.
It’s important to pay close attention to the features and benefits that come with your caravan. What is it capable of? What are some of the drawbacks? Can it handle rough off-road terrain? If you’re purchasing a new caravan, ask your dealer to take a test drive of the caravan to get a feeling of how to drive it attached to your vehicle on the road and learn how to park it before taking it on your trip.
Plan your trip and make notes of the fuel stations and towns along the way. Create a checklist and ensure your caravan is properly stocked with everything you require, including emergency equipment. Don’t forget to inform family and friends where you will be travelling, so they can check in with you to ensure your safe and well.
Before leaving your starting location, and each location along the trip, ensure your caravan is properly packed for safe travel. The first step is to ensure all cords (such as the electrical cord to power mains) are disconnected from the caravan. Store all appliances in secured cupboards and secure your clothes and belongings.
If you have a pop-top caravan, lower and lock in the roof for travel. Turn off the gas, fill up your water containers and pack away external accessories such as caravan awnings and fold-down tables. Check the fluid levels of your vehicle including brake fluid, petrol and coolant.
Finally, do a walk around your caravan to ensure it is all secured for travel. Hook up the caravan to your vehicle, turn off the handbrake and remove chocks. Also, check that the jockey wheel has been removed or raised and secured.
Once you get to each location, look for even ground to park your caravan. Put on the handbrake, lower the jockey wheel and place wheel chocks under each tyre to make sure the caravan is stable and secured. Dismount your vehicle from the caravan and connect your caravan to power mains (if available). If you have a pop-top caravan, raise the roof and secure it in place. Open your caravan awning and set up your equipment, tables and chairs.
Checklists
Your caravan holiday checklist will usually become overly complicated due to the lengthy list of items you might need. One way you can help to keep it organised is to split it into categories, such as caravan, vehicle and personal checklists.
If you’re looking to live in pure comfort on your next trip away, have a chat to the friendly staff at PMX Campers on (08) 9455 1454 or head over to our contact page to find your ideal caravan.
Australia is a magical place with pockets of wilderness and adventures to be had. And one of the best ways to explore it all is with a quality camper trailer. As opposed to bulky caravans or the hassle of putting tents up, camper trailers make a good investment for anyone that loves to go outback. Designed to go off-road with almost all the comforts of home, they’re a practical and robust solution for tackling the country’s beaten tracks.
Weighing up the features and different types of camper trailers can be hard work though. There are multiple styles and sizes on the market and budget considerations to cater for. Aside from the usual features which range from kitchen and cooking facilities to furnishings and hot water on demand, consider what flooring type is better based on your needs and priorities. Hard floor and soft floor camper trailers have a few key differences to weigh up. Here are the essentials to get you started:
One of the biggest deterrents from camping around the country is the lack of homely comforts many travellers miss. It’s these comforts that make caravans or booking a hotel appealing. But what if you can have the at-home essentials in a smaller, compact trailer? Camper trailers go wherever your 4WD drive can go!
Hard floor camper trailers are designed with the hearty off-road traveller in mind. Because the base of these are solid instead of soft, they tend to be more durable and suited to all terrain. Typically, they’re created to flip-over or wind up to set up. Hardfloors are a common and popular camper trailer type due to their sturdiness and better protection, but they still come with their own set of pros and cons.
Quick Set Up: These camper trailers are much easier and quicker to set up and pack down that soft floor campers. The trailer has a hardtop and when it’s time to unfold and use, it’s as simple as flipping over the top to reveal the roof and sides. The hardtop on the camper trailer then forms the floor. One of the downfalls of camping is constantly setting up – especially if you’re planning on staying at multiple places. If your trip involves a new location every night, hardfloors are a better option.
Easy to Clean: With camping comes mud, dirt, dust and debris. Hard floor campers have a solid floor which makes it easier to keep the sleeping/living area clean. This leaves you and your family with more exploring time and less worry about tidying.
Creates a Suspended, Safe and Self-Contained Unit: The hard floor is suspended off the floor on legs which encourages a more comfortable camping unit. This elevated flooring keeps your living/sleeping area protected against water and dirt coming into the unit and is handy with rough or uneven grounds. Because of the elevated flooring, the unit has better protection against the elements, animals and pests. For extra protection consider the flip-over style campers.
Cost: Hard floor campers may be tougher but that means the price goes up too. Because the range of camper trailers are plentiful, they are becoming competitively priced across the market though. If you’re looking specifically for an off-road camper, these will be more expensive than camper trailers designed for sealed roads.
Towing Capacity: The solid floor makes these camping units heavier than their counterparts which affect towing capacity. Before purchasing a camper trailer, always check the desired product doesn’t exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. If you can only tow a small size, soft floor campers may be better suited.
Lack of Room: Internal living space is kept to a minimum with hard floor campers. Whilst they still have cooking, dining and sleeping facilities there’s still less space than soft floor campers. Consider how many occupants will use the camper trailer and whether you have enough space for equipment storage.
On the flip side, soft floor trailers don’t have solid flooring but PVC covering which is similar to tent floor. Whilst they’re not as robust as the hard floor units, their lightweight properties create an easier load for country adventures. Soft floor camper trailers are perfect for travellers that don’t mind spending a little more time setting up camp, but need the extra storage space or weight benefits as primary preference.
Room to Move: One of the biggest benefits of soft floor camper trailers is the extra space. The internal living area is incomparable, with extensive options to cater for families and groups of friends. There are so many different sizes on the market with soft floor units so it’s very easy to find one within budget. If you wanted to add extra space, it’s simple to create additional rooms making them perfect for taking the kids or larger groups. Campers with soft floors have better and more flexible storage capability too.
Cost: Soft floor units tend to be the most economic options because of the materials used and lightweight properties.
Easy to Haul: Generally, these units weigh a lot less without the solid flooring making them easier to haul along the outback. The towing capacity is lower and because of the material flexibility they can manoeuvre into tight spaces better.
Maintenance: When you’re on holiday it’s easy to forget about the daily campsite maintenance but after a few days on the road, the evidence starts to show. Soft floor camper trailers require preparation and upkeep. You won’t be able to get away with leaving the floor unswept unless you want the dirt to funnel into the sleeping area when packed away.
Setting Up/Packing Away: For travellers on the go, these units are much more time consuming to set up and pack away than hard floor trailers. The effort can be a challenge. Even more so if you’re having to prep your camper home at every pit stop.
Extensive Campsite Preparation: More campsite prep is required, especially if you’re in the middle of the bush or camping on uneven grounds. Like with pitching a tent, you’ll need to plan where the canvas will fall and then prep the ground. This can take a lot of time if you’re in the bush, clearing away rocks and levelling the ground.
Determining which camper trailer is right for you should be done on a case-by-case basis. Consider budget, how many people will most likely be travelling and the towing capacity of your 4WD. Weigh up your preferences and must have features and find which unit fits with your wants and needs best. For more information about what camper trailer is better suited for you, contact one of our staff today.
Get the kids excited for Sparkling Summer Fun with Nearer to Nature. Kids will love adventure caving, looking for ladybeetles or going for a sunset paddle.
To view all the activities and to book, please visit Nearer to Nature or phone (08) 9295 2244 or email [email protected].
For more school holiday outdoor adventures Nature Play WA has a heap of super fun activities to get involved in at home in your backyard or out in a national park!
Visit Nature Play WA for more information
—This article is originally posted by Touring Western Australia.
