Slide-on camper frenzy at Leisurefest
As many as 10 slide-on camper brands at country showThe annual Bendigo Leisurefest in country Victoria is not the biggest caravan show in the country, but it could be worth a visit if you’re after a new lightweight ute-based camper, with as many as 10 different slide-on brands expected to display their wares at the three-day show, which kicks off November 23.
Tasmania-based Penguin Composites, which builds a great range of moulded ute campers, should have at least a couple of lightweight fibreglass slide-ons at the show, while Jacksons Carry Me Campers, built in Murray Bridge, South Australia (the same town as the tough-as-nails Terra Trek), is expected to display some of its latest Hard Lid, as well as Tailgate and Walk In ute campers.
Also spruiking slide-ons will be long-standing Melbourne manufacturer Outback Campers, known for its range of single and extra-cab ‘Tray Toppers’; Tailgate Campers, who builds tough, custom-built campers at the foot of Victoria's High Country; and long-standing and popular Sunshine Coast manufacturer Trayon Campers.
New kids on the block Tommy Campers, run by a Ballarat, Victoria-based father and son team who aim to “build the fastest and easiest slide-on camper available” will also display their feature-packed aluminum campers, which start from $16,500.
Also at Bendigo will be Kyabram, Victoria-based retail outlet Jeff's Shed, which carries a large range of American-built Northstar slide-on campers. Melbourne’s Trailblazers RV and Sydney’s Millard Caravans also do slide-ons, and there's a good chance the big-ticket, LandCruiser-based motorhome slider from Traliblazers gets another airing at Bendigo.
Other new RVs expected to debut at the show include a new ‘expander’ caravan model from Willow RV, while Bailey Australia could unveil its long-awaited new 'British body/Australian chassis' lightweight caravan. Also expected to be at the show is the latest Nova Bravo Mini, a cheaper on-road version of Nova's compact 15ft off-road Terra Sportz.
All up more than 100 exhibitors, from RV brands to travel and lifestyle businesses, are expected at this year's Bendigo Leisurefest.
Also drawing in the punters will be the top prize in the ‘Go Make Some Memories Passport to Freedom’ competition -- a new Jayco JTRAK tent trailer valued at $18,990, while the free kids' entertainment includes reptile shows, rides, colouring showbags, and face painting on the week-end.
2018 Bendigo Caravan & Camping Leisurest
Where: Bendigo Racecourse, Bendigo, Victoria
When: November 23-25, 9.30am-5pm (4pm Sunday)
Cost: $13 adults, $11 pensioners, kids under-15 free (with adult)
Website: bendigoleisurefest.com.au
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