Slide on campers

Wannabe nomad · Senior Member

Slide on campers

Radar · Guru

Wannabe nomad wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with slide on campers. As we are hoping to travel 2021 onwards. We have limited funds and were looking at replacing our sadan with a small campervan because neither of us are into towing and I like the idea of not having to set up camp, but then we really need (When not travelling) to ferry 3 grandchildren around and don't really want to lug fridge ext around when not travelling so thought perhaps a dual cab ute would be easier to drive shopping ext. We have just about enough room to store a small camper when not in use. I've been looking online and have seen pop top ones that are more like caravans then tents. Anyone have ideas/suggestions

Hey this would be better in general section as its to show your set up.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

We owned a slide on for 12 years.
The biggest problem is weight. Many overload the vehicle by the time they are on the road.
If you intend to cart 3 kids around too, you have another, more serious problem in that the vehicle will need to be a dual cab and too much of that considerable load from the slide-on will be behind the rear axle and that is a recipe for disaster. That weight (including the water) is also quite high which will effect the stability.
They are also a pain in the butt to get on and off the vehicle.
I would strongly suggest you see if you can find a conventional campervan that can be legally fitted with seat belts in the rear.
Cheers,
Peter

Wannabe nomad · Senior Member

Thanks for that, I think we will go back to our original plan of finding a 5 seater campervan that has provisions for 5 seats hoping for room for 2 booster seats.

Taffy · Member

Try Carry Me Campers, they are in Murray Bridge. At least have a look at options and prices. They will advise on suitable vehicles too.

Eaglemax · Guru

Wannabe nomad wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with slide on campers. As we are hoping to travel 2021 onwards. We have limited funds and were looking at replacing our sadan with a small campervan because neither of us are into towing and I like the idea of not having to set up camp, but then we really need (When not travelling) to ferry 3 grandchildren around and don't really want to lug fridge ext around when not travelling so thought perhaps a dual cab ute would be easier to drive shopping ext. We have just about enough room to store a small camper when not in use. I've been looking online and have seen pop top ones that are more like caravans then tents. Anyone have ideas/suggestions

I personally don't like the slide ons. They are usually top heavy, yes a pain to get on and off and don't have enough room for your extra grandkids. I go along with the suggestion of something like the following.

Tony

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/st-clair/campervans-motorhomes/1996-winnebago-6-berth-isuzu-motorhome/1218790050

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/tullamarine/campervans-motorhomes/2012-vw-crafter-talvor-6-berth-motorhome/1224812288

Wannabe nomad · Senior Member

Thanks for your responses; I ended buying a 2012 Nissan X-trail that I slept in the back of, while taking my time driving it home to Murray Bridge S.A. from Newcastle, (just before Covid closed traveling down). When we can travel again I'm going to continue to travel this way but as it's deisel and 4x4 it should be gutsy enough for me to have the option of adding a trailer later on if I feel the need and can afford it.