So what's the deal?

ckkone · Jan 16, 2008

Why isn’t anyone in the USA making hard floor fully enclosed camping trailers? All these great options are available in Australia and some are imported here, but why doesn't anyone manufacture something like this?

http://www.aussieswag.com.au/index.html

http://www.modcon.com.au/index.html

http://www.cyt.com.au/index.html

http://www.desertsky.com.au/

http://www.castawaycampers.com.au/

http://www.tracktrailer.com/

http://www.kimberleykampers.com/

Spikepretorius · Jan 16, 2008

ckkone · Jan 16, 2008

Most of those are not fully enclosed and have a RTT on top. Although that is a good design I think a fully enclosed trailer is the way to go. The general consensus from most people I have spoke with is that no matter how good the cover is on their RTT they still have to sweep out the dust after its deployed.

wesel123 · Jan 16, 2008

Thanks guys i just totally wated an hour of my bosses time:jump:

Its true though we never get the really cool stuff.....ala trailers, diesle Patrols or Land Crusiers, awsome motorcycles........good nude beaches (you all know what im talking about)

Martyn · Jan 16, 2008

It's a good question, and there are several answers.

Both the South African and Australian trailers tend to be wider, and longer than the trailers here in the USA. Their conditions are more open with less obstacles, ours are tight, turny, and boulder strewn.

The clamshell trailer for all it's size carry’s far less cargo as the tent and bed occupies a large portion of the space. Americans like to carry a lot of cargo.

The Australian and South African markets will pay a lot more for an off road trailer than the average American will. The clam shell design is more expensive to manufacture but the customer won't blink an eye at the cost.

The designs you have shown have the tire tucked in under the trailer body. That works fine if your market is using 28" - 32" tires. Five years ago in the USA everyone was stunned that we were putting 33" tires on a trailer. Today most people are using 35-38 inch tires. To incorporate this into the clam shell design means you have to take the tires outboard. To do so increases the trailer width.

It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

Tucson T4R · Jan 16, 2008

Many of us have whined about the lack of US options compared to South Africa or Australia.

I finally bit the bullet and bought a King Kamper which is the US imported version of the Ausie Kimberly Kamper.

Love it.

I would like to see more similarly designed options in the US. I guess we have limited market for these trailers since they are more expensive.

Tucson T4R · Jan 16, 2008

Martyn said:
.............It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

Martyn, Glad to hear you guys are working on some additional clamshell type designs. Based on the quality of the current AT trailers, I can't wait to see your version when you bring it to market. :jumping:

ckkone · Jan 16, 2008

Martyn said:
It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

That sounds like good news!

Redline · Jan 16, 2008

x3!!!

Tucson T4R said:
Martyn, Glad to hear you guys are working on some additional clamshell type designs. Based on the quality of the current AT trailers, I can't wait to see your version when you bring it to market. :jumping:

trailerman · Jan 16, 2008

I sure want to look it over when you bring it on the market. Love our AT.

cruiseroutfit · Jan 16, 2008

Martyn said:
It's a good question, and there are several answers.

Both the South African and Australian trailers tend to be wider, and longer than the trailers here in the USA. Their conditions are more open with less obstacles, ours are tight, turny, and boulder strewn....

Well said Martyn (as always

).

A "clamshell" style trailer wouldn't last a single trip on some of the tight trails I pull my trailer through. It really comes down to your intended uses.

While I do see a market for the off-road clam-shell, its a small percentage of the overall demand IMO? Obviously you would know far better than I, the fact your investigating a clamshell trailer design is neat to say the least.

ckkone · Jan 16, 2008

cruiseroutfit said:
It really comes down to your intended uses.

I think you summed it up in one sentence!

Tucson T4R · Jan 16, 2008

ckkone said:
I think you summed it up in one sentence!

X2

I think there are a lot of us that have migrated away from the severe offroading and find enjoyment in the remote camping that rutted back roads and old minning roads lead to. The clamshell offroad trailers are perfect for that use. The added benefit is all the comforts you have once you set up your camp.

From there, you can always leave your camp and explore more local challenges without the trailer in tow.

Bergger · Jan 16, 2008

Martyn said:
It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

I spoke with Mario the other week and he said to think of a camper on steroids!! Can't wait.

stevenmd · Jan 16, 2008

Martyn said:
It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

Now that's what I'm talking about! :26_7_2:

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