Pacific Aluminium TrailersManufacturers of aluminium camper trailers since 2003
Russ and Geri Fidge
Haven't we all been to the camping and caravan shows researching what we need in a camper trailer, and coming away footsore, weary and confused? Russ and Geri went down the same track. They narrowed their search and..
THIS IS THEIR STORY
Requirement: Basic alloy camper trailer.
His
With brakes and springs.
The fact that the owner/builder was more than competent and open to suggestion. Had many years experience and listened to his customers.
The concept of custom building.
Hers
Would prefer square plastic basin to round one. Didn't need a stove, already had a neat 2 burner.
The creative streak in the owner/builder.
Both
Time was not crucial, not looking at going away for about 6 months.
They couldn't resist the offer to attend the factory during construction to check progress.
At the factory checking out production, they started talking about options.
He Wanted
Would like to carry more water - about 300 litres, water filtration would be good, and front locker would be excellent. Perhaps jerry cans could be locked up.
She Wanted
Liked the look of the kitchen extension.
Happy campers; took delivery. Absolutely delighted.
LATER...
They both just loved the camper, but could see many more possibilities: another project. Earlier specifications regarding water, water filtration etc still required.
Wish List:
He Wanted
Larger nose locker - more storage, locate the spare wheel in the locker. Rack on top to carry firewood, sides enclosed so everything is locked away. More battery power. Air bag suspension.
She Wanted
Bigger kitchen. Fridge on slide in trailer. Oh, and the 2 burner isn't so neat any more - would like a bigger stove, proper sink and pumped 12v water to kitchen. A pantry drawer in the kitchen would be appreciated. (Now she's getting picky)!
End result was everything they wanted. Travelled many k's on and off road - camper performed perfectly.
THEN TO THIS... THE VISION
Question: Is there a way to do it without the canvas?
Luckily for them there was a project under way at the factory to do just that.
He Liked
The two AGM batteries for extra power, on-board air management system to service the air suspension and the air actuators that lift the back (also very handy when inflating the vehicle tyres).
The exit angle of the Vision. The ability to pump up the suspension to give another 150mm clearance.
The airbag suspension, he thought it was an excellent tow - with no feedback to the vehicle from the Vision on those notorious corrugations.
His tool drawer and the jerry can/gas cylinder locker and generator locker.
She Liked
The internal storage - two overhead lockers for clothes storage. Under bed drawer and a couple of more lockers for ancillary storage.
Full insulation in the roof and the two caravan type windows with fly/privacy screens and the overhead hatch.
The state of the art (camper) kitchen and the large pantry drawer.
The gas hot water and the shower with annex.
The individually adjustable air suspension which enabled a level bed on uneven campsites.
Both Liked
The very easy set up. The ability to just roll up the rear curtains and clip them inside.
That the full annex stored in the boot lid at the back with appropriate poles.
The 'day annex' which was a quick-erect cover that runs along a sail track over the slide out kitchen and pantry. This kept the sun off on a hot day and the dew off overnight - just perfect.
That the concept of never having to pack wet canvas again had been achieved along with so much more.
The Vision turned out to be extremely comfortable. Very easy and quick to set up - just lift the lid, drop the curtains, zip in the floor and pour a drink!
Photos
Russ and Geri's Vision
Russ and Geri's Vision