Forward folding camper trailer models are quickly becoming a camping favourite. After all, they’re sleek, compact, and completely comfortable for a family of four. Forward folding trailers aren’t always easy to find; in fact, Cub Campers has the only 100% Australian manufactured forward folding camper trailer, but it’s a classic for a reason. This type of camper trailer makes camping easy for even first-time campers, with a setup that can be done quickly and efficiently by one person. This guide to buying a forward folding camper trailer will help you figure out if this is the camper model for you, what to look for, and why these features are worth it. Keep reading for the inside scoop on the camper trailer model you’ve been hearing about non-stop.
- Space
If you’re camping in a trailer, the reason is probably due to the fact that a tent just can’t match a trailer in terms of comfort and space. A forward folding camper trailer is compact but feels just spacious enough to relax during your vacation. There’s a good amount of liveable space inside, thanks to the forward folding models having a convertible dinette that also becomes a double bed when needed. This allows families to use the space in multiple ways, for maximum liveability. Plus, forward folding camper trailer models generally have an outdoor area that functions for both cooking and relaxing under the shelter of the awning.
- Weight
Most forward folding camper trailer models are quite heavy, but the Cub Frontier is the lightest on the market. Featuring a ball weight of only 137 kg and a tare of 1222 kg, you can often tow them with any vehicle that has 4WD. This makes them a great, accessible trailer that most families can work with, without having too much strain on their vehicles. Forward folding campers are generally hard-floor trailers, which adds a bit of weight, but the trade-off is that it’s much more comfortable in bad weather or in cold areas (not to mention it keeps the dirt and creepy crawlers at bay!). One thing to note is that the bulk of the weight tends to be at the front of the trailer due to the hitch, so when you’re packing your new forward folding camper trailer, try and distribute the weight towards the rear of the trailer to keep a good balance for your driving.
- Beds
It’s good to know that in a forward folding camper trailer, the queen-sized bed is located at the front of the trailer and stays in a fixed position. With the dinette being able to convert into a double bed, this means that forward folding trailers can generally accommodate up to four people comfortably. If the extra bed isn’t needed, it means you’ll have a ton of storage space under the dining table and seats, which can be helpful.
- Storage
Forward folding camper trailer models tend to have just as much storage as rear folding campers, so they work well for most families. There’s creative storage situated in slide-out boxes near the front and rear of the trailer, plus under-bed storage and space under the seats around the dinette when travelling. Most forward folding camper trailer models also have storage racks on top of the trailer, which work great for carrying bulkier items. It’s a good idea to keep the items you’ll need right at the camper entrance door, so that when you get to the campsite you have what you need right away without having to dig. This can be anything from a tool box to tables to place items on as you unpack the camper.
- Driving
As mentioned, the forward folding camper trailer range is generally quite lightweight and easy to tow. They also can be designed for off-roading, which is a huge benefit if you plan on camping anywhere off the beaten path or exploring ungroomed side roads. Some great things to look for are independent suspension, durable alloy wheels, electric brakes, extra gas holders, a second battery, and a second water tank. This helps indicate that the forward folding camper trailer is designed to be tough and durable no matter the terrain or weather. Even if you’re not planning on off-roading, these can be valuable add-ons that ensure your camper trailer will last years for your family to enjoy.
