Hear from happy Vacation Camper owners!

Now, read their stories in the “Happy Trailers’ Blog” — a special diary we’ve set up for satisfied owners to write about their adventures, post pictures, and share holiday tips.

If you’re considering buying a Vacation Camper, you’ll read more about how our quality campers REALLY perform out on the road.

Keep logging on regularly to read the latest stories, pick up some great ideas for your next holiday, and learn more about how much a Vacation Camper will help you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors!

Happy Trailers’ Blog

Graeme and Bettyann Doyle: Hazeldean, QLD.

For five months of 2009, my partner and I travelled 22,000kms throughout parts of South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and outback Queensland, in our Vacation Camper.

As we are keen bushwalkers, we find ourselves in many remote areas of Australia, including Australia's "longest shortcut" — officially known as “The Outback Way” (Laverton W.A. via Uluru to Boulia Qld).

During our trip, we spent a lot of time on un-sealed, corrugated, sandy roads, which were often rutted with holes, and coated in plenty of bull dust. In fact, the trip incorporated well over 3,500kms of very rough road conditions, but we experienced no problems with our Vacation Camper Trailer.

A few of the outback places we visited in our Vacation Camper included: Karijini, Tom Price (including two trips across the miner's permit road to Karratha), Newman, Marble Bar, Sandstone, Leonora, Laverton, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warburton, Giles Meteorological Station, Warakurna, Docker River, Atitjere, and the Georgina and Barcoo Rivers.

We would like to thank Theo and Pauline for constructing such a solid and reliable camper trailer that withstood all road conditions and weather so that we were able to enjoy our wonderful holiday, problem free.

See more photos from the Doyle's holiday in our gallery.

Marisia and Rick Woolf: Albany Creek, QLD.

We first met Theo and Pauline at the Caravan and Camping Show. We were very impressed with their trailer, and found them to be very informative and helpful with all our questions. After shopping around, we purchased a Vacation Camper 'Tourer Light Off Road'.

Our purchase has far exceeded our expectations. We found our trailer easy to tow and easy to set up. It’s very comfortable and roomy (even for a family of four).

Our friends with camper trailers have commented on the amount of room, and the quality of the finish of our trailer.

The more we use our trailer, the happier we seem to be, because we realize the attention to detail and practical design ideas, such as the pull down shelf from the kitchen and the freestanding bench (just to name two), all help to make our time away so much more comfortable and easy.

We would not hesitate to recommend Vacation Campers, as you will be confident you’re purchasing a great trailer. It is a pleasure to deal with Theo and Pauline, as they truly believe in their product and are so friendly and helpful.

Gary and Lesley Stipanov: Maleny, QLD.

Hi Theo and Pauline,
Thank you both for our free trailer service. We put the tent-trailer through its paces on our six-month trip around Australia. Lots of dirt road travel with rocks blasting the trailer and getting bogged twice — not the trailer's fault (I ventured into a couple of places that I shouldn't have).

We ruined three tyres on the X-Trail due to punctures from sharp stones, but the tyres on the trailer gave us no trouble. Once I balanced the load, it towed so well that I often forgot that it was behind us.

We didn't expect you to touch-up the paintwork, or replace the broken reflector — thank you! And thanks heaps, Pauline, for adding the extra tie-points on the tent, and for making the other small changes that we requested.

Sharon and Steen: Woodford, QLD.

Sending you some photos of our camper trailer at Neurum Creek last weekend. We need you to send us some of your business cards please, as we have a lot of people asking about the trailer. A couple said to us that it was the best trailer they had seen yet, and we, of course, agree.

Since we got the trailer, in November last year, we have been on four camping trips. When we went to 1770 with our good friends, who also have a Vacation Camper, we were the highlight of the caravan park due to the flyers on top of the trailer and lots of other details.

Thanks for excellent personal service and fun times.

Frank Hemelaar's First Journey.

Our first trip away in the Vacation Camper was very enjoyable. We are in awe of the work the seamstress has done, and the well-thought-out layout and detail that makes up our camper.

With it being our first trip, we unfortunately got thoroughly bogged within the first 10 minutes of arriving on the beach, but that was more my fault than anything to do with the camper trailer.

We flagged down a passer-by, unhitched the trailer, and used the rear towing point to move it away from the rising tide. Thanks for so much for adding that practical detail.

I can't say I remembered too much of what you taught me the day before we departed (there was a lot to take in), but we got there in the end. I have attached a photo as evidence.

Meg and John Laidler: Emerald Hill, NSW.

Hi there,
Just to let you know we arrived home safe and sound this morning. We had a good trip.

First night: We set up camp in the dark at Toowoomba (obviously, we just put up the main section). Had fun trying to put the cover on first time, but we got there!

Yesterday: We arrived (in daylight) at Moree and put up the annex and kitchen screen. It looked great!

The camper packed up much easier this morning — seemed to take no time at all. John was very surprised.

Thanks for all your help and for putting together such a great camper. We've already had lots of people comment on how good it looks. It also travels beautifully.

Conner's River to Cooktown.

In September 2008, my wife and I decided to buy a camper trailer. We took a trip to Brisbane to look at a few, and finally came across a small, but effective manufacturer, called Vacation Campers.

When we received our trailer in November, we decided to make a few additions to it, and Theo and Pauline helped us out — without any troubles.

We then started planning a few trips away. Here are some of the details about our first few trips:

Conner’s River

The first was only a short, 150km trip to the Conner’s River, near Lotus Creek, on the Marlbourgh Road.

On approaching our turn off into the scrub, we stopped at a beautiful river crossing and had some smoko.

As the trailer handled the corrugations on the dirt quite well, we decided to continue into the bush a lot further than we initially planned. After a lot of gullies and steep hills (and a few “Holy Mary!”s from the Better Half) we pulled up at another creek crossing and decided to set up camp for the night.

We really enjoyed the easy set-up of the Vacationer, which left us with plenty of time to enjoy a few cold ales.

The camping spot was excellent — great fishing, and a good swimming hole for the kids. It was so relaxing!

That afternoon, we didn’t see the storm bank building up behind the range that the creek backed onto…. All hell broke loose and we decided, after an hour of solid rain, that it was time too bail.

Bearing in mind the creek crossings that we had to negotiate on the way out, and the very slippery black soil country we had to cross, we hurriedly packed up and headed home.

The trip home was very exciting with lots of slipping and sliding! The trailer struggled a bit with the mud and torrential rain, and I decided to fit shock absorbers to it as soon as we returned.

All in all, our first adventure was good — we learnt a lot about the type of things we would need for other trips.

Teresa creek

In April, we were off to Teresa Creek. To complete the trip we would have to drive across about 120kms of dirt road or travel 200kms on bitumen. We picked the shorter, dirt track.

In preparation for the trip, we fitted some 12-volt power sockets to the front of the trailer, as well as in the kitchen, at the rear. These provided power for a few creature comforts — the stereo, fridge and LED strip lighting.

With the help of Theo and Pauline, we also fitted two 120-amp gel batteries, a 20-amp charger, and a 2kva Honda generator into the front toolbox. The toolbox accommodated these additions beautifully.

I also fitted a boat loader to the trailer and had no dramas at all with the trailer accommodating it. These guys really know how to build a trailer — I found good support for the mounting and saw no signs of weakness.

After fitting the trailer with shocks, I was surprised at how much the handling improved.

Again, the setting up camp was a breeze (it gets easier every time). This time we even put up the “spare room” to accommodate a few friends from Mackay.
We enjoyed two wonderful days of skiing with our friends and had a ball.

Dysart to Cooktown

This was the big trip we were planning for. It was actually supposed to be to a trip to Saesia, but time limitations restricted us.

Before setting out, we made another quick addition to trailer — fitting a water tap to right hand mudguard (in between the gas bottle and the tank fill point). This allows us to wash our hands, without having to open the rear tailgate.

After meeting our friends in Mackay, we left early and headed north. By the time we reached Townsville, our big fridge died, and we had to call a bloke in Cairns for help. He talked me through fixing it over the phone (what a champion!).

We arrived in Cairns that afternoon, and, the next morning, we headed off for the Daintree River. We crossed on the barge and went on to the Jungle Lodge camping area.

The camping was so good that we ended up staying there for four days. It was close to everything — the beaches, rainforest walks, and croc sighting areas.

We left camp and continued our journey to Cooktown via the coast road. This was rough, and very steep, with a few good, wet creek crossings, but the camper trailer managed it well.

We went to the Lion’s Den for lunch, and spent the night fishing off the wharf and getting to know some of the locals in Cooktown.

The next day, we had a look around — the cemetery has some awesome history, and the Museum was great!

We visited Archer Point, which, despite being very windy, is a really lovely spot. After returning to the Lion’s Den for lunch, we pressed on to Cape Tribulation.

Over the next four days, we visited Kuranda, Port Douglas, and the Mossman Markets, before heading off to Mission Beach via Paranella Park.

We stayed at Mission Beach for two days (had to stay and watch the Origin) and then went on to Bowen. We took at turn past Colinsville before going up to Glenden to catch up with some of our family.

Too soon the time came to return home for a few days of relaxing and reliving our trip, as we reflected on the photos and videos, before going back to work.

I can’t thank the team at Vacation Campers enough for the wonderful job they did in building our camper, and for always being willing to help out with the many additions I requested. It certainly made our travels more pleasant and comfortable.

Peter Barret: Strathpine, QLD.

I’ve taken my Vacation Camper trailer everywhere:

To the hilly country in S.A.: Hawker to Flinders Ranges National Park — Wilpena bound — Leigh Creek — Maree, and back (150kms of dirt road!); then back up to QLD,

From Quilpie to Toompine on the Thargomindah road, and then 75 km west on a dirt road and bull dust (pig hunting trip).

And next to no dust ever got past the zipper on the trailer cover!

So, why not head off into the sunset? Get lost for a week, or a month… or a year? The people at Vacation Campers can and will help you!

Tunnicliffe Family: Deception Bay, QLD.

Tunnicliffe Family: Deception Bay, QLD.
Thanks for all your knowledge, guidance, assistance, and the personal attention that you gave us during the manufacture and purchase of our camper trailer.

We knew little about camper trailers, but, after researching and checking out many of the other options, we found that Vacation Campers was the one that most suited our needs.

From the moment we stepped into the workshop, we felt welcomed and at ease. It wasn’t even a problem for you guys to open the workshop on a public holiday (Australia Day) to show us around.

When Theo and Pauline showed us around, they left no stone unturned! They covered everything — right down to the metal fabrication of the trailer, and the canvas and mesh.

Suspension, brakes, electrics, galvanising, canvas grades, stitching thread, Velcro, poles, ropes, pegs, and fittings — nothing was missed!

If we had a question, it was never a problem to get an answer. Everything was explained in full detail. No one else we talked with provided us with the same quality service or knowledge that you both did. Your knowledge, expertise, and many years experience in the industry made us more confident and happy to purchase our Vacationer Camper Trailer.

Our first adventure in our new camper took place at Easter, on the beach at Teewah. We were a bit worried about towing the camper trailer on the beach at first, but the camper handled it with no problem!

Setting up camp was easier than we thought, and we are so glad we took the fully enclosed annexe and kids’ room options.

The weather started off great, but turned sour. We had 50-knot winds and torrential rain for 3 days! But the camper held up no problems.

We are so glad we invested in a Vacation Camper — it certainly makes camping a lot easier. It would be safe to say that it’s one of the best investments we ever made.

We are looking forward to many more adventures in our camper over many years to come!

Peter and Deanne Newcomb: Kelvin Grove, QLD.

In January 2007, my wife and I decided, after many years of camping in tents, to go the next step by purchasing a new camper trailer. We were sick of setting up a tent, which would take 2 days to build, and a day and a half to pull down!

After looking around at half a dozen camper dealerships, it did not take us long to make the decision to go with Vacation Campers.

As soon as we arrived, Theo and Pauline were more than happy to stop building and sewing to show us their wonderful and smart design. After an hour with them, my wife and I were well convinced that this would be the best camper for us.

Theo has got it all, with the care and time taken in building the trailer you can’t find anything he has not thought of in constructing them. And with Pauline’s many years in the field of fabricating tents, she has thought of all the necessary needs of a camper. They are innovative and professional!

It's two years now since I purchased my Vacation Camper, and I've been back to Theo and Pauline for numerous additions, and some minor repairs (due to wear and tear). Every time I've visited their factory, I've been greeted with a smile and they have both been eager to help me. They always say, "No problems, we'll get on to it straight away" and they get it done.

I believe they are the best 'builders of fine camper trailers' and that's why we chose Vacation Campers.

Bruce and Lyn Carey: Elimbah, QLD.

We ventured around NSW and Victoria and along the Great Ocean Road for six weeks. And I must say that we are totally wrapped!

We have a Falcon Station Wagon and found it a breeze to tow and reverse our camper trailer with it! It was also quick and easy to erect and everything has proven to be exceptional quality and really well designed.

Having the ability to pull over anywhere we wanted, pull out the tailgate and enjoy a cup of tea, without having to unpack everything, was fantastic!

We even had the opportunity to test the camper in some very heavy rain and, true to your word; we stayed completely dry (unlike some others in tents around us!).

We could tell by the glances we were getting from our fellow campers, that they were truly impressed with the ease with which we erected the camper and also with its appearance. We expect you’ll be getting some calls, as we certainly answered a lot of questions!

We are already planning our next adventure with the camper trailer — we’ll be heading north, across the top of Australia and into WA.

Lyn and I both agree that the Vacation Camper was, without a doubt the best value for money on the market. It has given us a great deal of pleasure, and we look forward to many more years of camper holidays — we are extremely happy with our purchase!

John and Meredith Button

Our Honda Civic has no trouble towing the trailer and the extra long drawbar makes it a breeze to reverse. The tent section and annexe area are so easy to erect it is almost child’s play!

It’s a fact that is especially appreciated after a long road trip, when you just want to set up as quickly as possible, and then relax!

The Wilson Family

I didn’t like camping, but my wife and kids loved it. So I decided I had to do something to make it more enjoyable for myself. Having decided that a camper trailer was the way to go, my wife and I looked at over 30 manufacturers — what they offered and, of course, at what price!

Then we found Pauline and Theo. And we’re so glad we did! Sure, everyone has basic set-ups that you can ‘option-up’, but we decided to make our purchase on three counts:

Value for money,
Quality, and
The flexibility to do a few things we wanted that were out of the ordinary.

(The camper trailer also had to be light enough to be towable behind our mid-size car.)

Theo walked us through what he does to make the trailers (and how he keeps them as light as possible). Pauline showed us her skills with tent design and manufacture. The quality of the workmanship and the thought that had gone into the trailers was obvious!

We wanted a few different things done — a bike rack added; the jerry can holder removed and a 12v power system (ready for the battery) installed; and a window enlarged. Pauline and Theo offered the flexibility to do things we wanted — flexibility that we couldn’t find anywhere else!

In the end, how could we not choose Vacation Campers and Pauline and Theo?