Upgraded Jockey Wheel & Hitch now as Standard!
Platinum Campers Upgraded Jockey Wheel and Hitch Now Standard on All Our Camper Trailers! Your Feedback Made the Difference: Upgraded 350KG ARK Jockey Wheel and Ball Hitch Now Standard on All Our Camper Trailers Learn More Stronger, better, easier – all as standard. At Platinum Campers, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the highest quality and most reliable camping trailers. In response to overwhelming demand from our loyal customers, we have made the decision to upgrade our Jockey Wheels and Hitches to the industry-leading ARK brand. Our new ARK 350kg Swing up jockey wheel is the pinnacle of quality and durability, boasting an incredibly smooth ride that will make maneuvering your camper trailer an absolute breeze. Designed to handle the toughest off-road terrain, this jockey wheel is built to last and is sure to provide years of reliable use. In addition to our new jockey wheel, we have also upgraded our hitch to the ARK offroad coupling. This hitch is rated at an impressive 2t (with 3.5t options) providing you with the strength and stability you need for even the most demanding off-road adventures. What’s more, the ARK offroad coupling uses a standard 50mm ball for easy connection, giving you all the benefits of a poly block offroad hitch without having to switch to a poly block receiver. At Platinum Campers, we believe that quality should never be compromised, which is why we have made the decision to make these upgrades standard inclusions in all of our camper trailers. With our new ARK Jockey Wheels and Hitches, you can be sure that your camping adventures will be smoother, more enjoyable, and safer than ever before. The New Standard ARK 3.5T 50mm Ball Hitch – With full off-road articulation. ARK 350kg Swivel Jockey Wheel Handbrake Included Level 2t rated safety chains Anderson plug with trailer plug What’s next? At Platinum Campers, we are all about helping you create amazing memories with your loved ones, and we do that by designing camper trailers that offer unbeatable value for money. We take pride in our ability to develop top-quality products that will elevate your camping experience to new heights. If you’ve found the information we’ve provided useful, we would be thrilled if you could share it with your friends and family. You can choose to send it via email, social media, or even post it on your own website. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the thrill of outdoor exploration, and by spreading the word, we can help even more people discover the joys of camping. At Platinum Campers, we are more than just a camp-er company – we are a community of outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the great outdoors. So join us on our mission to create unforgettable memories, and let’s make every camping trip a journey of a lifetime! Are you ready to start your next adventure? Talk to us today!
Thinking of a second-hand camper? Read this!
Buying a second-hand camper trailer? Here’s what to look for. Some second-hand campers are an amazing buy, but some can hide damage – here’s what to look out for: Buying second-hand: Read this! When considering a second-hand Caravan or Camper Trailer, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks. Platinum Campers, a leading manufacturer in the industry, offers some valuable advice on what to look out for when making a purchase. One of the main advantages of buying new is the ability to take advantage of the latest technology. The caravan and camping industry is constantly evolving, with rigs becoming smarter, solar equipment becoming lighter, and batteries lasting longer. While some of this technology can be retrofitted, purchasing a new model ensures that everything is within legal weight limits and eliminates the need for risky DIY projects or costly installations. Another important factor to consider is the potential for hidden damage. While experienced eyes may be able to spot stress points on a poorly treated vehicle, some wear and tear may be hidden. The seller may not even be aware of the issues. Suspension, for example, may look good on the surface, but faded dampers can greatly impact performance. Neglected areas, such as bearings, can also compromise the overall integrity of the trailer or caravan. It’s also important to be aware of the possibility of a “rebirthed” rig, which is a written-off vehicle that has been disguised as new. This can cause problems when it comes time to register the rig and may not be a good investment. When purchasing new, you also have the ability to choose the features you want and forgo those you don’t need. Additionally, new campers and caravans meet all relevant Australian Design Standards and come with a warranty, while second-hand models may not have the same level of quality assurance. If you do decide to purchase a second-hand model, be sure to inspect it carefully and bring along a friend who has knowledge of mechanics. It’s also important to check for unexplained bolt-holes, water stains, and irregular weld marks, as well as ensuring all appliances are in working order. Additionally, it’s important to check the weight of the rig and take it for a test drive. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right camper trailer or caravan, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Platinum Campers team for assistance.
Camping on Bribie During Christmas
Camping on Bribie Island over Christmas Discover the Magic of Bribie Island: Unforgettable Camping Adventures Await! Bribie Island, located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is a popular destination for camping during the Christmas season. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s the perfect place to spend the holidays. One of the best ways to experience Bribie Island is by camping with a camper trailer. This allows you to easily explore the island and all it has to offer, while still enjoying the comforts of home. Camper trailers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Many camper trailer campsites on Bribie Island have amenities such as electricity and water hookups, as well as shared facilities like bathrooms and showers. Some popular campsites on the island include Bongaree Beach and Banksia Beach. Both of these campsites are located near the water and offer stunning views of the ocean. Bongaree Beach is especially popular among families, thanks to its wide range of activities and facilities. The campground has a playground, BBQ areas, and a swimming pool, as well as a shop and café. Banksia Beach is a little more secluded, making it a great option for those looking for a more peaceful camping experience. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Bribie Island also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The island is home to a number of parks and nature reserves, where you can go hiking, birdwatching, or even spot some wildlife. For those who enjoy fishing, Bribie Island is a paradise. The island is surrounded by waterways and offers some of the best fishing in the region. You can go fishing off the beach, or rent a boat and explore the waterways. No matter what you’re looking for, Bribie Island has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go fishing, or explore the island’s natural beauty, camping on Bribie Island is the perfect way to spend your Christmas vacation. With its warm weather, beautiful scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, Bribie Island is the perfect destination for a holiday to remember. Website Link
Why you may need a Step-Up or Adjustable Tow Hitch
Why you may need a Step-Up or Adjustable Tow Hitch Does your camper ride low to the ground, are you struggling every time to raise your jockey wheel? If you answered yes, read this. Why you may need a step-up hitch? When it comes to towing a camper trailer with your vehicle, one of the most important factors to consider is the height of your tow hitch. If your vehicle’s hitch is too low, it can cause a number of issues, such as making it difficult to raise your jockey wheel, scraping the ground, bottoming out, and even damaging the trailer itself. One very easy solution to this problem is to use a step-up tow tongue, which is a device that attaches to your existing tow bar and raises its height. This allows your vehicle to safely and securely tow a camper trailer without worrying about the clearance issues that can arise with a low hitch. Before you go out and buy a new hitch, you may be lucky if your current one is a L shape like the one to the left, as these can simply be flipped to give you extra height. Sometimes you only need just that little bit extra. However, if this is not enough – you will need to invest in a new hitch. But why exactly is a step-up tow tongue necessary? To prevent bottoming out: When your vehicle’s tow hitch is too low, it can hit the ground or other obstacles while driving, causing the trailer to bottom out. This can not only damage the trailer, but it can also put stress on your vehicle’s suspension and create a dangerous driving situation. A step-up tow tongue can help prevent bottoming out by raising the hitch to a higher position. To improve visibility: A low tow hitch can obstruct your view of the road, making it difficult to see other vehicles and potential hazards. This can be particularly dangerous when backing up, as you may not be able to see the trailer behind you. A step-up tow tongue can improve your visibility by raising the hitch to a position where it won’t block your view. To reduce stress on your vehicle: When your vehicle’s tow hitch is too low, it can create a lot of extra stress on the suspension and other components. This can lead to premature wear and tear, and it can even cause your vehicle to break down while towing. A step-up tow tongue can help distribute the weight of the trailer more evenly, reducing the amount of stress on your vehicle and extending its lifespan. In conclusion, if your vehicle is too low for towing, a step-up tow tongue is a necessary investment. Not only will it improve your safety and visibility while towing, but it will also protect your vehicle and camper trailer from damage. So, if you want to avoid the headaches and potential dangers of towing with a low hitch, be sure to invest in a step-up tow tongue or adjustable tow tongue. Where can you buy them? Supercheap Auto, Repco, Trailer Spares – Are just a few of the places you would be able to pick one up. They range in price from around $120 and up. Just make sure when you select one, that it has the weight rating you require, the correct fitting for the hitch receiver you are using, and that it fits onto the tow bar of your tow vehicle. Questions? Still have questions? Shoot us a message or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding safe towing of your camper! Drive Safe & Happy Camping!
Your camper has mould – Now What?
The worst has happened, your Camper has mould, now what? How to clean mould from your camper trailer tent without scrubbing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fEjt5Not04 What Causes Mould? Simply, moisture, time and heat. If you pack your camper away when it is damp, and then don’t dry it out before storing it long term – this is a recipe for mould and the next time you open it, you may find mould growth. And once mould takes hold it can be very difficult to remove. That is until Canvas Magic hit the scene. Canvas Magic – Now Available at Platinum Canvas Magic is a new product that guarantees mould removal – and the best part, there is no scrubbing required! And it is now available from Platinum Camper Showrooms! Make sure the area being treated is well ventilated. As a precautionary measure, always do a small colourfast patch test in a hidden area to confirm there will be no loss of colour, as Canvas Magic is a chemical product. Spray liberally onto the dry canvas mould with a pump-up weed sprayer from close range, then wait 15minutes for the mould to disappear. Repeat process until all mould is gone. After the mould has vanished, but before the product dries, rinse down with water to wash any residual chemical out, and let your canvas dry thoroughly. Once dry, you will need to re-waterproof your canvas. Dynaproof Waterproofing After you treat your canvas with Canvas Magic, you will need to re-waterproof your canvas. The proven & tested re-waterproofing product we sell is called DYNAPROOF, (also available at Platinum!) Dynaproof is formulated by an actual Australian canvas manufacturer… so quality is assured, and it’s made to suit all canvas. Easy to apply, water based, and you only need to apply to the outside of the canvas with a brush or roller. Coverage is approx: 1L per 5sqm (4L should cover a standard size camper trailer). https://youtu.be/fkWM3SL3ALc Questions? Still have questions? Shoot us a message or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding mould removal and the Canvas Magic Product. Drive Safe & Happy Camping!
A trip to Lone Camel Bush Camp
Meeting Saltbush atThe Lone Camel Bush Camp CAMPSITE SPOTLIGHT Lone Camel Bush Camp Meeting Saltbush @Lone Camel This was a great trip away from the office! Nathan Price from Saltbush.au had given us a call earlier in the week, and asked if we would like to come out for a day and answer some questions about the Camper trailer industry in general. How could we say no, what a great opportunity to take out the Chase, put it through its paces at a 4×4 Only campground, and to check out a local campsite, that I personally hadn’t been to yet. Saltbush is an outdoor media company specialising in Outdoor news, and stories from around Australia. While here exploring Lone Camel, Nathan asked me a few questions about the industry, and what we as a business have noticed changing since covid. But before we get into that – Let’s check out the camp site. HiCamp The Lone Camel Bush Camp This is an awesome campground situated only 45 minutes from Brisbane city. You will need a 4WD Vehicle as this location is not suitable for cars. While you can take your camper trailer – Caravans are a no go. It’s a little tough to find – so make sure you get directions from the owners. 4 Campsites Up to 22 guests per site No electricity, water, sewage or TV. Must be self sufficient It appears this place is currently not available. Will update if we hear anything. Biggest Trends 2022 Nathan asked me, “What have you noticed changing in regards to customers’ needs and wants?” And for me, I think the most notable thing I have noticed is people’s power needs are growing! Lithium battery upgrades, 240v fitouts are becoming more and more popular. https://youtu.be/jTVnGIh22q4 How Camper Trailers Are Made Nathan asked me, “What’s your build process, and how does it differ from others in the industry?” This is a great question. The Camper trailer industry is essentially made up of 3 styles of manufacturing for camper trailers. (Does this cover every manufacturer in the industry, no! There are more methods, these are just the most common). https://youtu.be/O56wCyOhNUM Why Don’t You Go to Show? This question is one we get asked a lot, “Why haven’t I seen you guys are a camp show?” For us, it is a couple of reasons. With demand as high as it currently is, it is difficult for us to maintain a full showroom and visit a show at the same time. We would have to gut our showrooms to go to a show, and right now, we have decided against that. The logistics involved are a nightmare – and hey – entry to a showroom is free! We also now have been selling a lot online and over the phone with virtual tours etc. We hope to head back to shows soon when things calm down a little. 🙂 Images from Lone Camel Some images of the Chase S4 out on the trails at Lone Camel Bush Camp Ground
Camper Trailer Storage & Care
How to Store Your Camper Trailer Learn about how to store your camper and keep it in great condition ready for adventure at moment’s notice. Storage & Care This article is all about extending the life of your camper trailer, and to help you protect your investment. The main goal here is to keep your camper in great condition so you can hit the trails at a moment’s notice. UV Light & moisture can have serious, adverse effects on your camper when left unprotected outside. Where to Store your Camper? Your first thought should be – where can I store my camper? The best answer to this is in a locked-up garage, away from the elements, dry and safe from opportunistic thieves. But a Garage may not be an option for everybody. The next best place is under a car port, or under cover, again, protecting your investment from the elements. If stored outside though – you will need to consider things like moisture getting in. If this isn’t an option – and you will need to store it outside – We highly encourage you to buy a Camper Trailer Cover. We use Camec covers here at Platinum – they have been designed to protect your camper from the elements. With a composite of two materials, 1 – The top which is highly water resistant and 2 – the sides which are breathable panels, this allows moisture to evaporate to resist mould and mildew. We cannot recommend enough, if storing your camper outside – use a cover! At the very least – a tarp. Exterior Protection Other than keeping the trailer clean and free from debris, there are a couple more things you need to look out for on the exterior of your camper trailer. Ensure all your seals have proper compression, 30-50% compression. (When you latch down, take note of how far the seals compress) Make sure seals are free from dirt, and don’t have anything protruding past the seals. UV light and other elements can overtime cause seals and fittings to perish and become brittle, requiring replacement. Just use warm soapy water to clean seals. And you can add a layer of WD40 to protect the Hammertone finish. This will help stop dirt sticking in the first place. Interior Protection Time, heat and moisture are you enemy here. Moisture, even in the smallest amount, if left long enough in the right conditions can and will cause mould on your canvas. High humidity and cooling temperatures can create condensation – which in turn can lead to mould. Make sure to check under your mattress before packing up, as warm bodies and cool temperatures can lead to condensation. Check under mattress and allow to dry before packing up. Use moisture absorbing packs or dehumidifier packs in the camper to help draw out any water vapour. If you need to pack while raining, or still wet, open & dry the camper as soon as possible when you return home. Dry all Canvas thoroughly, and check everywhere. What to do if you get mould? Once mould takes hold, it is very, very difficult to clean. And once mould has been inside your camper, it is more likely to return again. Never pack your camper and leave it wet. If you had to pack your camper while it is wet – it is very important for you to open the camper as soon as possible and let it dry. Mould can develop in just a few days (or less!) – so never take the risk. Use dehumidifier packs, especially for long term storage. And if keeping it under a cover, make sure the cover has breathing holes, like the Camec Camper Trailer Covers. If you do notice mould – there are a number of commercially available canvas mould cleaners, however these are harsh on your canvas, and if possible, a less harsh option is advisable. Note: There are many different ways to clean mould from canvas. After googling, you will have many options to choose from. It all really depends on how bad it is, where it is etc. This is for minor to moderate. But again. Many different ways you can proceed. 1) Dry the Canvas. Yes, it may be too late to prevent the mould, and moisture is what has led to this problem in the first place. So, start with drying out your canvas. Leave for at least a good 24-hour period. (Resist the urge to just get started cleaning) 2) Prepare the Canvas. Remove any debris, loose materials, bird droppings, dirt, grease – everything before attempting to attach the mould. 3) Cleaning the CanvasHere comes the fun part, cleaning the mould from the canvas, and killing it. If it is minor, you can probably get away of a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts), if it’s getting bad, you might want to look at rubbing alcohol and water (equal parts). Dampen a rag with the mixture and rub the canvas thoroughly. And start scrubbing. And then scrub some more. 4) RinseFinally, rinse out the mixture with cold water – and allow your canvas to dry for min. 24 hours. If these methods fail. We have had great results with Canvas Magic Mould Remover. Battery Storage When packing away your camper for even a couple of days, we highly recommend you switch off the battery management system from the Main Isolator Switch. Switching off your camper makes sure that you will not drain your batteries over time. You should use a battery charger on maintenance mode, at least monthly when stored. This will ensure you do not risk damaging your batteries by letting them drain to below 12v. Secure Your camper When your camper is unhitched for storage, we recommend the use of wheel chocks, blocks etc to prevent your camper from moving in the unlikely event of a handbrake failure. Even just putting a brick under the wheels will do the job, but make sure you use something. For
How to setup your Elecbrakes Brake Controller
Quick Setup Guide for your new Elecbrakes brake Controller Learn how to setup the app for your new Elecbrakes brake controller. Elecbrakes Setup Instructions If you have purchased an Elecbrakes system for your new camper – this will come pre-installed on your trailer. Your next step is to set up the Smartphone app on your phone and make sure it is communicating with your controller. Here’s the instructions on how to set it up, and how to configure and test your controller. App Setup 1) Download the Elecbrakes smartphone app. Android Play Store / Apple App Store 2) Connect your trailer to your tow vehicle and sit in the drivers seat. 3) Either switch your headlights on, or just your parkers (Do not use automatic headlights, as this may switch off during your trip) – This is what powers up your Elecbrakes Unit. 4) Check your phones Bluetooth has been turned on. 5) Open the Elecbrakes app. It should search for your controller for a few moments and then connect. You will know this is working because the big tick will appear in the home screen circle. IMPORTANT – Keep your headlights turned on while driving to ensure Elecbrakes stays powered on and operating smoothly. Mounting Angle The Elecbrakes unit itself can be installed on your trailer in any angle, while Platinum will always install it on your drawbar, in a horizontal position – the unit needs to set this angle before your first major trip away. It is an automatic, relatively simple process to do. 1) Connect the trailer and take for a drive. On a straight road increase speed to at least 50 kph and press moderately on the brake pedal for 4-5 seconds. 2) The angle the unit is mounted at will be measured, and an installation angle set. 3) To confirm installation angle is set go to: Settings Page > Device > Angle After braking the angle should be set between 0-360 4) If the angle is not set after the first braking effort, continue braking the tow vehicle and trailer. The Elecbrakes controller will assess each brake response and set the angle for you. This could take 405 brake responses. 5) The mounting angle is continuously measured and refined on every application of the brakes. Installation is now complete. Configure and Test your Brake Controller After you have the app communicating with your controller, the next step is to make sure your controller is getting enough power from the tow vehicle, via the headlight and brake light circuits. What you will do next is open your app, wait for it to connect, and then click on the data tab. Like in the image below. The first section “VOLTS IN” is where you need to look, this shows you how much voltage is being received by the controller – Basically we want to see a number of at least 10 here. The tail light subtitle is where the number should be – as this is showing you that your headlights are on, and they are supplying voltage to the controller. You should also see a green light next to tail light. Now – Press your brake pedal down. A number should appear next to the brake light subtitle, and a green light next to Brake light in the “ON/OFF” section. If both numbers are above 10 – You are good to go. If they are not showing up, or they are too low – Elecbrakes have an amazing customer support team, give them a call on 02 4058 3980 and they can help you troubleshoot the problem over the phone. Configuring your Response Settings Your Elecbrakes controller has 5 braking programs. These are there so you can have different brake response settings ready to go based on your trailer load weight and driving conditions. For example: We recommend you setup a program for Unloaded, Fully Loaded, Beach Driving, and Off-Road. In your brake programs, there are 4 settings you need to set: 1. Forward Response – Driving in normal conditions (> 50kmh). 2. Reverse Response – Backing trailer in reverse. 3. Minimum Response – Driving in normal conditions at slow speed (25kmh). 4. When Tapped – Manual Override When you are ready to configure your brake response settings, go to settings and select a program you want to edit. Setting Forward Response 1) Tap on Program 1 to open 2) Select ‘Forward’ under Brake Response -Factory set at 40 3) When driving at 50kmh apply moderate brake pressure and assess trailers braking response. 4) Increase or decrease brakeresponse to suit conditionsand weight of trailer. 5. Continue adjusting responseuntil satisfied that the traileris responding correctly.Elecbrakes recommend adjustments in 5-point increments initially. Fineradjustments can be made to gain a smooth braking response. Note: Trailer should brake evenly with car in normal driving conditions. Examples:• Car Brakes > Trailer Pushes Car >Increase Trailer Brake Response• Car Brakes > Trailer Pulls Car >Decrease Trailer Brake Response Setting Minimum Response 1) Select ‘Minimum’ under Brake Response – factory default is set at 10 2) When driving at 25kmh apply light pressure and assess trailers braking response 3) Increase or decrease brake response to suit conditions and weight of trailer 4) Continue adjusting response until satisfied that the trailer is responding correctly Elecbrakes recommend adjustments in 5-point increments initially. Finer adjustments can be made to gain a smooth braking response. Note: The Minimum Response should be set up to ensure a smoother braking performance. Poorly adjusted Minimum Response will have the trailer brakes lock up or shudder at low speed. Example: Driving slow in a town and the brakes lock up Setting Reverse Response 1) Select ‘Reverse’ under Brake Response – factory default is set at 10. 2) When driving slowly in reverse apply light brake pressure and assess trailers braking response. 3) Increase or decrease brake response to suit conditions and weight of trailer. 4) Continue adjusting response until satisfied that the trailer is responding correctly. Elecbrakes recommend adjustments in 5-point
Day 1 with Your New Camper Trailer
From Driveway to Wilderness: Celebrating Day One in Your Camper Trailer
How to use a Poly Block Hitch
How to hook up your camper trailer with a Polyblock Hitch Learn all about your new Poly Block Hitch, and how to connect your trailer to your vehicle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzOEcfcv8xM&t The Anatomy of your Poly block Hitch Before we start hooking up your trailer – I believe it is a good idea to get to know your hitch and understand what all the parts do. In this article, we will be looking at the Platinum Poly block Hitch, the same that is included as standard with your new camper trailer. There are a number of other hitch options that we can offer, but this is a great hitch for first timers and seasoned campers alike. It is very easy to hook up with a 70 degree up and down motion and a complete 360-degree turn. From back to front, you have: – A Handbrake – Brakes the wheels.– Grease Nipples – You need to periodically grease these nipples, it keeps everything moving smoothly.– Mechanical Brake Latch – Used for mechanical braking, for most camper trailers you should Always leave this down. – Spring Pin – Connects your hitch to the receiver. – Poly Block – The main block– Couple / Hitch Receiver – This gets installed on your vehicle and replaces your tow ball.– Lynch Pin – This locks the Spring Pin in place How to Hitch up using a Poly Block Hitch We have made this quick video to show you what you will need on your vehicle, how to remove the old tow ball (if you had one), how to connect your new receiver and of course, how to hitch up your new camper trailer to your vehicle. Step 1: Remove your spring pin Step 2: Reverse closer to your camper Step 3: Raise or lower your camper with the jockey wheel, to line up the hitch with the receiver Step 4: Move the camper, or reverse your vehicle to insert the block into the receiver Step 5: Drop in the Spring Pin and secure with the lynch pin Step 6: Cross and connect chains to your vehicle Step 7: Connect your Anderson plug (optional) and trailer plug Step 8: Check your lights and also check your brake controller is communicating with your brakes Step 9: Raise your jockey wheel, and handle is secured Step 10: And of course – check your wheel nuts before every trip Questions? Still have questions? Shoot us a message or give us a call and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding our hitches, how to use them and how to maintain them over time. Drive Safe & Happy Camping!