Kimberley vs Kamparoo

[ThomD]

After a couple of years of dreaming, we are ready to get a trailer sometime before next Spring. We've narrowed down our decision to a clam shell style trailer. Understanding that KKs are fairly rare in the US, we are not in a rush to buy something. We can either get a Kamparoo or wait to see if a KK comes on the market.

Has anyone done a comparison between the two? The KK seems a little bigger and heavier all around, with a bit more storage. Otherwise, they basically look the same to me. What am I missing?

 

[Tucson T4R]

After a couple of years of dreaming, we are ready to get a trailer sometime before next Spring. We've narrowed down our decision to a clam shell style trailer. Understanding that KKs are fairly rare in the US, we are not in a rush to buy something. We can either get a Kamparoo or wait to see if a KK comes on the market.

Has anyone done a comparison between the two? The KK seems a little bigger and heavier all around, with a bit more storage. Otherwise, they basically look the same to me. What am I missing?

I am not a Kamparoo expert but from what I can tell the primary sleeping area is similar, but the KK has more internal storage, built in LED and Halogen reading lamps and a diesel heater.

The KK has a lot of canvas expansion options like the main 200 SQ FT front porch that can also be fully enclosed and heated with a wood burning stove, zip on bathroom or kids room off the back door. The newer models have a kids room that is zipped on to the end of the main tent where the large back window is.

The KK also has an amazing built in kitchen with a large slide out for a fridge up to the 84 Qt size that I use.

I'm sure the KK is heavier but with that you get frame built like a tank with excellent ground clearance and independent suspension with coil springs, limit straps and Fox Shocks. The KK tows like a dream even at speed on washboard roads.

I'm not bashing the Kamparoo, it looks like a great trailer too. I think it boils down to your price point and are all the extras on KK worth it to you and your family. New KK's from Australia now even have running hot water built in but importing one at the current exchange rate pushes the cost up pretty high.

 

[Romer]

from the pics on this site i believe the KK is a bigger unit with lots more options than your standard kamparoo. The overall build quality of the KK looks to be better and the onboard storage is REALLY nice. The price difference seems to be HUGE (from what i see on this site) That price difference can buy you a lot of customization to a kamparoo.

Used Kamparoo 2k-3.5k
Used KK 10k-15k?????

I believe Romer has a KK and I (currently) have a Kamparoo. I'd be happy to meet up and do a side by side comparison if he is willing (I believe we live close to each other. As you know mine is for currently for sale so no telling how long i will have it.

Glad to help

I know Ali has modified his Kamparoo and takes it on lots of trails.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Wow! looking forward to a great write-up...and pictures too!:wings:

 

[ThomD]

A side by side comparison wold be cool.

Importing a new KK is out of the question, so any "options" would be limited to what might come up on the used market. We don't have a lot of interest in setting up the full base camp that can be done with all the extra canvas, so again the KK's potential doesn't appeal to us.

The kitchen thing is a little more interesting. Kamparoo has an optional kitchen, but I'm leaning toward this kitchen setup instead. It would allow us the flexibility to locate the kitchen away from the trailer (think bears).

KK's suspension is a plus, but I think I'd have to actually see the Kamparoo not meet my needs somehow before I was sold on the need for the KK.

A new, loaded Kamparoo is similar in price to the used KK's that show up. I think it will come down to timing. If a KK shows up at the right coast, we'll might go that way, but a Kamaparoo is more likely.

 

[ExpoMike]

Not that I am bias or anything but we love our Kamparoo and here is an idea of some of the terrain we have taking it over. We have not had any issues getting it anywhere our Cherokee could get.

 

[ThomD]

Thanks for the picts. I think the limit will always be my comfort level. Now I just have to get a few other projects wrapped before I order one.

 

[spressomon]

Ali has pulled, behind his 80, his Kamparoo up and over Elephant Hill among countless other tough trails. Having been over Elephant Hill a couple times sans a trailer/my KK I doubt I would want to attempt it with my KK: Weight and length being the biggest issues.

The Kamparoo, being 1,000lbs or more lighter (comparing loaded to loaded), is a definite advantage. Had I not followed...er tried to follow...Ali towing his Kamparoo down South Pass road in DV while I was pulling my then AT Horizon I would never have believed the beam axle with slipper springs could handle so well; weight certainly plays a roll in how well they do function...but don't discount the KRoo just on the suspension (or lack of).

Both the KK and the KRoo are relatively low CG trailers that are super stable in any terrain!

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Ali has pulled, behind his 80, his Kamparoo up and over Elephant Hill among countless other tough trails. Having been over Elephant Hill a couple times sans a trailer/my KK I doubt I would want to attempt it with my KK: Weight and length being the biggest issues.

The Kamparoo, being 1,000lbs or more lighter (comparing loaded to loaded), is a definite advantage. Had I not followed...er tried to follow...Ali towing his Kamparoo down South Pass road in DV while I was pulling my then AT Horizon I would never have believed the beam axle with slipper springs could handle so well; weight certainly plays a roll in how well they do function...but don't discount the KRoo just on the suspension (or lack of).

Both the KK and the KRoo are relatively low CG trailers that are super stable in any terrain!

Nice, any pictures of the Kamparoo in action at DV!

 

[spressomon]

No action shots...but here's a few of what I do have.

 

[alia176]

Hee hee, I think Spressomon is still scarred (in a good way) from that famous DV trip we took few years back. :wings:

It sounds like excellent points have been raised by both trailer owners.

One thing to keep in mind is the ability of the tow vehicle to tow either a 1500# trailer (wet) or a 2500# trailer through difficult terrain and high elevation (>5,000'). There is no way either of our 80 series LC's can tow a KK anywhere but sea level in a comfortable manner. Sure, both rigs are tow rated for 5,000 lb but reality is that after the usual lifts and mods, and considering the age of the vehicle, that 5,000# rating should be derated to a more realistic number. This is just my opinion of course, YMMV.

I have some pics at this link

Just for the record, I don't make a habit of pulling the Roo through crazy trails or obstacles. The Elephant Hill/Beef Basin was my maiden voyage with the trailer and I simply wanted to see what it and I can do. Here is the
link to that trip's album.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[ExpoMike]

In this pic, this was going up Mengel Pass in DV. Found out later that most people go down that pass and many have had problems trying to make it up. What did I know? LOL

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Just for the record, I don't make a habit of pulling the Roo through crazy trails or obstacles. The Elephant Hill/Beef Basin was my maiden voyage with the trailer and I simply wanted to see what it and I can do. Here is the
link to that trip's album.

Let me know if you have any questions.

You are a stud!

Nice trailer!