Aussie Caravans: Booming Sales new normal

4X4Dodger wrote:
I think the most notable features of this trailer are on the outside:

The most significant is the huge "A" Frame which extends much farther under the unit than most here and is wider and longer resulting in added stability.

The second is what appears to be 4 wheel independent suspension WITH SHOCKS and real tires.

Also notice the stabilizer/leveling jacks and how beefy they are.

Of course that metal underbody (or so it appears) is very cool.

Now imagine the reaction of trailer buyers and mostly the MANUFACTURERS in this country if Trailer Life Magazine would do a real test and full Cover Page article on this trailer. It just might start a movement toward better quality and including some things (like real suspensions and Shocks) that are long overdue as STANDARD EQUIPMENT on American built trailers.

Thanks again for posting these pics. Always enjoy them and we need to be exposed to more of whats going on in the big wide world of RV manufacturing.

The Roadstar model would be classified as a on road not Dirt or Off Road Caravan, they are a lot tougher

proxim2020 wrote:
I wish we could get that style of finish over here. We're still stuck in the 80s/90s.

I agree they could do a lot to bring US Trailers up to speed

RoyB wrote:
Its seems like there are two types of RV'ers these days... RV CAMPERS and RV TRAVELERS... There is a difference...

I'll guarantee those Aussie trailers are built-up on the suspension and high wheels and will make outstanding OFF-ROAD trailers here in the USA....


They will also have a pretty good price tag haha.. They are also wired for 230VAC appliances...

Roy Ken

Yes they are not the really "hardcore" Off Road Caravans, but they do an acceptable job

2012Coleman wrote:

Available as a $2500 option, the Finscan system manages and controls functions such as lighting, battery power, water pump, tanks, air-con, and TV and entertainment, all from the one, user-friendly touchscreen display.

I can go without this - your supposed to be camping - right? :P Again, just let me know when they start selling a US model for export.

Do you have fifth wheels over there?

Yes we do about 6 local builders and someimporters of US ones

It's laughable - features we diodn't like - the placement of the furnace vent was in an inconvienient spot. LOL!

You will never read anything about crappy fit and finish. I've been in a few of the units that they reviewed. I won't be getting a job as a reviewer!

Their towing guide mentions payload once - didn't even refer to it as payload. Just a list of tow capacities for trucks in various configurations. Just more fule for the ignorant who think their F150 can pull 9k + pounds - its tow capacity is 12500 according to the taowing guide man!!! LOL X 10

You folks have hit the nail on the head. TT manufacturers only build what will sell.

Why should they tie up production time and materials, when they can sell all they make now.

TL mag is no different than Field and Stream or a dozen other niche magazines, they report what is in the market.

It would be interesting to see how well an up featured TT would sell.

2012Coleman wrote:
Trailer Life? What a joke. An even bigger joke is their towing guide.

I agree about Trailer Life. It's sad because it could play a real important part in improving RV quality if it just had some "Editorial Guts". Instead it is a creature of it's advertisers more than just about any magazine of it's kind out there.

TL has been around for more than 50 years. In fact if you watch the Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball Movie The Long Long Trailer, you will see a copy of TL on the table in one of the last scenes which takes place in a Trailer Park Office.

It is now basically a marketing tool for Good Sam Enterprises not a serious publication for anything more than "Press Release Journalism".

Trailer Life? What a joke. An even bigger joke is their towing guide.

I think the most notable features of this trailer are on the outside:

The most significant is the huge "A" Frame which extends much farther under the unit than most here and is wider and longer resulting in added stability.

The second is what appears to be 4 wheel independent suspension WITH SHOCKS and real tires.

Also notice the stabilizer/leveling jacks and how beefy they are.

Of course that metal underbody (or so it appears) is very cool.

Now imagine the reaction of trailer buyers and mostly the MANUFACTURERS in this country if Trailer Life Magazine would do a real test and full Cover Page article on this trailer. It just might start a movement toward better quality and including some things (like real suspensions and Shocks) that are long overdue as STANDARD EQUIPMENT on American built trailers.

Thanks again for posting these pics. Always enjoy them and we need to be exposed to more of whats going on in the big wide world of RV manufacturing.

While I never liked the “modern” interior; it looks like my mom’s 1950’s kitchen, there are several other features I do like. I suppose most of these could be incorporated into any TT. All you have to do is pay for it.

Probably not going to happen except for a few high end custom jobs you see on the Travel Channel.

The RV market is price driven. Except for a few dedicated souls, it is an expensive plaything used primarily on weekend or vactions.