THE GREAT DEBATE

With several different camper trailer designs available, choosing the perfect one to suit your needs can be tricky. So, here are a few considerations to point you in the right direction!

Let’s face it, there is no shortage of camper trailers on the market to choose from. In fact, if you’re a first-time camper trailer purchaser deciding which one to squeeze the trigger on, it can be quite overwhelming. In our experience, we’ve found it’s always wise to pinpoint which particular style of camper trailer before you start dissecting every available model on the market. The big question is, which type suits you the best? Well, that’s what this article is all about; understanding the little details that often go under the raider when determining the right category of camper trailer to suit your needs. So, let’s take a look at the pro’s and con’s of your next home away from home.  

HARD FLOOR

PERFECT FOR COUPLES

The traditional hard floor camper offer’s a fairly quick set-up with a bed that’s usually quite low and easy to access. The hard floor itself provides sure footing, an easy to clean interior, the ability to set-up on a rugged surface without damaging a traditional PVC floor, and good insulation from the cold ground as well.  

Storage capabilities can be limited compared to other camper styles, although you do have the option to secure larger loads such as a boat (tinnie), bike, or storage boxes up on top during transit. 

The overall length of the hard floor camper when set-up often means you have to unhitch from your vehicle for tighter campsites in caravan parks, which is an inconvenience for a quick overnight stay. And if you are relying on the annex to house the kids, you’ll need to factor the time it takes to erect into your overall set-up time too.  

THE FORWARD FOLD

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Perhaps the most popular of camper trailer styles these days, the forward fold camper allows you an authentic night of camping under canvas with the added advantage of including an internal lounge and dinette. This also provides internal under seat storage, and the option of secondary sleeping arrangements as well. The main bed is kept well off the ground, and the overall design allows for a very well-appointed kitchen, depending on the brand and model you choose. There are a few down sides, though. For example, the typical forward fold design tends to produce disproportionate ball weight, placing more strain on your 4WD. There are also a few stairs to climb in order to get inside the camper, so those with bung knee’s ought to give that a second thought, as should those with infant children who like to escape.   

SOFT FLOOR CAMPER

BUDGET FRIENDLY

Usually considered the entry level to the camper trailer market, the humble soft floor camper has the massive advantage of unrivalled internal space and storage capabilities, which makes it ideal for larger families looking for adventure. Being a tent on wheels does mean there is typically a bit more setup involved, however there are most definitely easy to set-up models out there that are re-setting the trend. On the downside, there is simply no way around the tendency of the soft floor’s PVC base to get muddy or damaged on rough terrain, apart from laying a ground sheet on the bottom first. Plus, an abundance of canvas can be heavy to handle if it’s soaking wet from last night’s downpour. Perhaps the biggest draw card to this design it its ability to be sourced on a budget, along with its simple design lending itself well to basic DIY upgrades if you’re handy on the tools.

HYBRID CAMPERS

SUPER COMFORTABLE

A supremely popular style these days, the hybrid is a cross between a conventional caravan and a camper trailer. They offer four solid walls, insulation and lockable doors for security and protection from the elements, along with the ability to house a bunch of luxuries inside. Plus, there is minimum set-up involved, especially for a quick overnight stay. The full-bodied design means that heating or air conditioning appliances are much more effective compared to when used in a tent, too. 

On the downside, they’re usually heavier than a traditional camper trailer and create more wind resistance when towing, so fuel economy and the right choice of tow vehicle is more of a consideration. If you’re looking to tackle the tough tracks, the overall size and increased number of internal components means there is simply more to go wrong on the tracks. However, there are plenty of high calibre models on the market that are built for the job and more than equipped to handle the punishment.