THE
NEXT
STEP
UPGRADING FROM
A CAMPER TRAILER
TO A LARGER RV CAN
BE DAUNTING. WE EXPLORE
THE REAL WORLD DIFFERENCES.
WORDS: MIKE AND ANITA PAVEY
For many, canvas camper trailers are the obvious choice for
those seeking their first steed. This style of camper offers basic
accommodation, storage and improved ease of use (relative to
tenting), particularly with the option of slide-out kitchens, power,
water storage and more, all adding to the ease of use and enjoyment.
But as the years roll on, canvas can lose its appeal. There’s more physical
effort required, particularly the awnings, which sometimes encompass large
volumes of canvas, countless poles, guy ropes and more. Then there’s the
exposure to the elements, particularly rain and wind, the latter causing annoyance
from flapping, particularly during the wee hours of the night. And drying out canvas
between trips is just another job that could be avoided.
Let’s look at the alternatives…
HYBRID OR SMALL VAN
Fortunately, there is plenty of choice these days, with an increasing number of small caravans
or hybrids entering the market. These provide improved protection from the elements, less setup
effort and greater enjoyment. For example, a Track Trailer Tvan cocoons the sleeping quarters
within hard walls and roof, while its pop-top roof alleviates the feeling of being closed in. A fold-
out hard floor with canvas top and sides provides room to get changed or to house a small table
and chairs in bad weather. And with less canvas in play, setup is limited to a few minutes.
The 10ft Rhinomax Scorpion micro hybrid, meanwhile, takes a different approach towards a
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