hi guys, after our hols which were fab, the only problem being that we really struggled to get tent etc into car on the way home despite having a top box, so have decided to look into getting a trailer for next year, so kids aren't quite so cramped and we don't have to leave stuff behind!!
only thing is that i have no ideas of what is best, where to look and prices etc.
You can pick up a bargain on Ebay, We got a Daxara 158 with hardtop, side extenders, jockey wheel etc etc for just under £300 as the wheel bearing had gone. Cost £40 to fix. Trailer new would be around the £1400 mark. But what ever trailer size you decide on go one size bigger as they to very quickly fill up.
A mate of mine gave (yes, gave) me an unused Duuo Easy Store trailer on Saturday. It was bought last year for a project that died before it started, and it was just 'in his way', so he asked me if I wanted it.
It needed a new plug and cover, and hey presto - a new trailer for under £50!! I feel like I have won the lottery! Sad, I know....
Anyway, it seems to be spot on for my needs size-wise as we have a lot of gear, and it can also be stored easily on its end if space is a problem (hence the name). I think they are usually about four hundred quid, but you might get one cheaper if your shop around.
Buy as big as you can afford, cos believe me you will fill it!!!! We bought an Erde 102 trailer for a bargain price of £46 from eBay, but sold it (for a fair profit) on our return as we could only get our huge tent and the kitchen bits and bobs in it. We ended up taking the trailer and 2 cars!!!!!!
we have just done exactly what you want to do, we went from saloon to estate to roofbox and finally went for trailer. Got a Daxara 198 with a hard top and its is fantastic - went to the yorkshire coast for a week at the beginning of this month and it was brilliant being able to get everything in and the kids did not have to travel with stuff all round them and a cool box on their laps!
The dax range are viewable here and I am sure there will be a dealer near you. We got ours locally and with a list price of over 1400 quid we paid just £700 and its worth every penny. The advice to get as big as you can afford is sound advice as or camping buddies are already asking us if we can squeeze in some of their gear :)and having it packed and ready to go is brill - no more trailing up into the lot to get the sleeping bags and stuff down just wheel it out of the garage and away we go.
The only downside is that the list of must haves has got longer and I can't use the "we'll never get it in the car" excuse .
Quote: Originally posted by JKSara on 14/8/2007
We got ours locally and with a list price of over 1400 quid we paid just £700 and its worth every penny.
It was the shop's display model, so it had been there a couple of months, and we use Kendal Camping Centre for everything we buy 'cos there is always a deal to be had.
I agree with all the comments made so far but would also add that a good traler is an investment. They do tend to hold their value so if at a later stage you decide you dont need it you wont have a problem selling it. I say this because £400 plus seems alot to pay out for a good metal trailer but in fact it will always hold its value.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle