Top-5 tough Aussie toy hauler camper trailers

For some people, pulling up to a postcard-perfect campground with their camper trailer or caravan, kicking back with a coldie and bag of saltie snacks, and watching the sun go down around a crackling campfire, just isn't enough...

We're talking about those restless types who can't hit the road without a few extra-fun things to explore with... like a surf-ski or dirt or quad bike, or other motorized thrill-seeking machine or portable aquatic conveyance.

Luckily, there are quite a few small and large trailers on the market that double as camping and toy-transporter base stations, but for this yarn we're gonna focus on those that are light enough to drag deep into the bush and get there in one piece.

While there are a few cheaper options around, we're also highlighting some of the more premium Aussie-built 'toy trailers' that have caught our eye in recent years...

This is arguably the duck's guts of homegrown toy hauler campers, built by the Gold Coast, Queensland based manufacturer of some of the world's finest bush campers.

After offering three variants at one stage, Patriot Campers' toy hauler range is now largely focused on the 6.1m long TH610 model, priced from $129,990.

That might seem like a lot of dough for a humble toy lugger but you do get plenty of features to go with Patriot's trademark 'bulletproof' design and build, including up to 1820kg payload (1580kg dry Tare, 3400kg ATM) and a claimed 2400 litres' total storage.

The 2.4m x 3.1m rear deck is big enough to carry a four-wheel ATV, and features eight tie-down points, high lift jack and recovery planks holders, LED lights, Fusion stereo speakers and a service hatch.

Also part of the standard drag-anywhere package is self-levelling Cruisemaster XT dual suspension with double convoluted airbags for a smoother ride, Patriot's L-shape kitchen, a 300Ah battery system, 115L water tank, hot water unit and 180 degree awning.

Read more: Patriot boosts toy hauler range

Adelaide's Offline Campers launched the Ryder camper trailer for revhead campers in 2022, and the beauty of the design is that it shares both chassis and lower body components with the other two Offline models, and is built to the same high standards using composite materials at Offline's dedicated Elizabeth, SA factory.

The rear tray has tie-down points and wheel tracks for transporting up to three motorised dirt bikes or mountain bikes (payload is 800kg), with tubular external frame supports for mounting an optional rooftop tent for sleeping.

The Ryder also comes with a full stainless steel kitchen, integrated hot water system, over 2000L of general storage and an additional 500L of storage just for bike gear.

Priced from $57,500, standard components are top notch including a hot dipped galvanised chassis and Level 3 airbag suspension, ARK jockey wheel, 95L Waeco fridge, 100Ah lithium battery, and 180L water tanks with a shower outlet.

Read more: New Offline toy hauler breaks cover

Arriving on the scene with a bang about six years ago, CRZR Industries specialises in one-off custom builds, and while the focus is on big ticket expedition caravans, the Shepparton, Victoria based manufacturer did roll out a unique custom-built CRZR Toy Hauler in 2020.

Essentially a versatile 'transporter' trailer with a few camping accessories built in, it featured the same rock-solid underpinnings from the bigger CRZR 'vans, including a 150mm steel chassis, DO-35 hitch, stone guard, 120 litre water tank, plus CRZR's bespoke, 'live axle' coil spring suspension set-up.

Described as the "ultimate blank canvas", the 1550kg Tare and 3500kg ATM delivers a massive 1950kg payload, while other standard or optional features included a Dometic external kitchen, 120lt water tank, 12V water pump, 100Ah battery, and roof platform.

Big enough to transport a shedload of toys, the checkerplate covered deck delivers 5.1 metres of space, or room for at least four motorbikes and a quad bike, while there's another 3.2m on the roof for kayaks, tents, etc.

Read more: Ultimate toy trailer released

Priced from $24,990, the Gibb Toy Hauler from Queensland's Hitch Campers is a 4.7m long x 2.2m wide, tough bare-boned trailer which incorporates a large 2.8m x 1.6m tray for carrying motorised toys, with the Tare mass starting at just 400kg, and an ATM of 1600kg.

You also get all the good off-road bits including a hot dipped galvanised chassis and 25 degree departure angle, Cruisemaster XT coil suspension, AL-KO off-road coupling, 10in electric brakes, 16in steel wheels with off-road tyres, plus gas bottle and jerry can holders.

While other standard features include a 150Ah AGM battery and Redarc manager, a rear work light and various electrical sockets including a solar input.

Read more: Hitch Campers expands tough-road range

Launched a few years back, the locally-built Ambush Camper is cleverly designed so that the heavy toys are stored on the roof of the folded-down tent trailer, helping reduce its overall weight and size.

The brainchild of Sydney-based engineer and motorcyclist, Mark Nelson, the off-road version of the Ambush toy hauler offers a payload of up to 600kg and as much as 1200L storage, along with 55L water storage and 100Ah lithium battery system, while top-spec versions also come with airbag suspension and an airbed queen mattress to go with a better equipped outside kitchen.

With a loading height of just 700mm, it’s easy to roll on and secure up to three motorcycles, a quad bike or side-by-side, or even some kayaks or mountain bikes, using the rear ramps. Pull into camp and the power-erecting, rear-fold camper trailer provides accommodation for both couples and families.

"Press a button and 60 seconds later you have your home away from home. Similarly the pack up takes about three minutes," Ambush claims on its website.

Pricing starts at around $44,000 for the basic on-road model, with pricier and better equipped off-road variants including variable-height air suspension and a more upmarket slide-out kitchen among other upgrades.

Read more: Ambush reinvents toy hauler camper

Australia's biggest RV manufacturer already offers caravan-size toy haulers, but recently dipped its toe into the hardcore bush-basher 'boys' toys' market with its bare-boned new CrossTrail.

Priced from $22,590 RRP, it features powdercoated aluminium bodywork and a hot dipped galvanised chassis with JTECH 2.0 independent coil suspension, and has the capacity to transport up to three large motorcycles (road or off-road) or a single quad bike on its heavy-duty tread plate floor, with the assistance of aluminium folding loading ramps, 'lay flat' front wheel supports and recessed tie points.

Depending on what's fitted, the 3.53m long Crosstrail Outback trailer has a Tare weight of just over one tonne, with an ATM of around 1800kg.

Buyers can also customise their setup with a wide range of optional upgrade packs and accessories available, including a power pack, plumbing pack, slide-out kitchen, rooftop tent, front tool box, and 180 degree awning.

Read more: Cheapest Jayco camper goes on sale