well, after speaking to a couple of other families who also do their share of camping, they didn't speak too highly of camper trailers. there are some convenience benefits, but there was still a fair set up and pack up time and not really any quicker, if at all, than if you had a modern decent tent. sure you get to sleep up off the ground on a nice mattress (but the kids don't) but everything else isn't much different to tenting. this is based on the fact that if we went down the camper trailer road, we would only be able to afford something at the lower end (eg $7500ish) and for this money, you don't really get a stove or power or any of the things that really set it apart from tenting.
so... after having the 'discussion' about the cost v return we kind of agreed that we could upgrade the tent to a newer one that is simple to put up and take down, and save about $6k. after browsing tents and discovering that to get something quality that is quick to put up and has a decent awning that you can actually use as a dining area, there was only really blackwolf turbo tents as the option.
for around $1200 though, these look to be the bee's knees, and plenty of youtube clips showing them being put up in 10-15 minutes. they have lifetime warranty and look to be built pretty well.
so, anyone got any experience with the blackwolf turbo lite twin 240 or 300, or even the turbo lite 450? or even anything similar. be great to hear from you.
before this weekend i wasn't really thinking about spending anything on the 'accomodation' part as we already have a good quality canvas tent, but it is quite a chore to set up, taking up to an hour, and pack up isn't much better. having something quick will improve the experience, and besides, i'm good at being poor and paying off debt
damn you caravan and camping show!