Lightweight, small camper trailers

Let me preface this post by writing the reason why we want a lightweight camper trailer. If you are intending to tow the majority of camper trailers or caravans you need a vehicle capable of doing so. Usually in Australia this is a vehicle with six cylinder or higher engine, or diesel engine. For our family of four who are environmentally conscious owning a vehicle of this size only to use it for every day activity and use it for its towing ability on the occasional holiday or weekend is fairly wasteful.

Therefore a small to medium sized car which can tow a small camper trailer is what is needed. Thus this is my first post of two is about the options for a light weight camper trailer and the second is about small to medium economical cars.

Camper trailers

Camper trailers are certainly in Australia taking on more popularity. They are effectively a canvas tent which is combined with a trailer. The only other non-negotiable is a bed. Camper trailers have many extras such as fridges, small cooking area, annex. Often they make there trailers for differing conditions, from touring to off road. When purchasing they are usually an 'option'.

Our Requirements

• As already mentioned we are after a light weight camper trailer. Ideally this would be between 400-700kg
• An annex
• Under the annex a small kitchen
• A fridge
• Easy to set up
• reasonable price
• we will be mainly going on sealed roads, though occasionally we will be going on dirt roads
• electric brakes, these are a very important requirement as the towing vehicle is medium to small.
  

There are a few light weight trailers which fit this requirement.

Cub Campers

Cub are well known for their light weight campers. There are two in their line up that fit our requirements.

Jayco Flite

These are one of the biggest manufactures in Australia of Camper vans and pop-up camper vans. They have a huge ranges, but only really the 'Flite' comes close to what we are looking for.

• weight 754kg
• easy set up with just a wind up system
• Many of the options which we want, come as standard. Although the kitchen is inside not outside under the annex.
• Can be fitted with an outback option though weight would mean an upgrade in car
• Comes with the option of electric brakes
  

Kamperoo

This is the camper which has my attention.

• weight 420kg
• set up is very simple. Just a wind up system
• Has all the requirements which I want.
  

Trek Campers Kudu

We have a friend who has one of these campers. I did find it fairly slow going putting up the canvas tent over the trailer with all the poles.

• Very light weight, starting at 200kg
• Web site doesn't report on any other options....Our friends have brought these as they go.
  

Trek make a lot of small trailer including some that can also be towed on the back of motorcycles!

At this stage I will be looking and doing a lot more homework on this topic until we purchase. So as I get more information I'll be updating this page, hopefully with the outlook of making an informed choice.