Hiring a Jayco Flamingo Camper Trailer
Having trialled a tent and a camper trailer (the canvas/tent type) we wanted to see what the pop out camper trailers are like and what type of camping experience these provide. Being someone who appreciates the mod cons and is a ‘little’ fussy with how and where we camp, the Jayco Flamingo Camper Trailer we were hiring from Just Go Away seemed the ideal camping accessory.
More like a caravan and less like a tent the camper trailer has a hard based floor, pop out beds (with mattresses), bench tops and a sink. It packs away to the height of a trailer making it easier to store and transport compared to a caravan or RV.
We hired our camper trailer from Just Go Away. Located close to the F3 and the M2 in Sydney’s Thornleigh, Just Go Away specialise in hiring out the Jayco Expanda and Jayco Camper Trailer ranges. Just Go Away is a family operated business that understands the needs and concerns of families and have developed their service model accordingly. They had some fantastic toys and enough safe open space that having the children with us when we went to pick up and drop off the camper was not a problem making the hire process much easier.
Prior to the hire, Fiona spent time helping us to understand what is included in the hire, what cars are suitable (most are) and giving advice on towing a camper trailer. Located in a large commercial facility they provide the opportunity for you to come with your car and practice towing the camper (prior to hire) helping you learn a few tricks of the trade and build up your confidence.
Allow an hour for pick up as Fiona or Scott will walk you through the entire set up and take down procedure as well as giving you a manual, should you get stuck or have questions. They also say you can call them at any time and Scott answered his phone straight away (on the weekend) when I had a call during set up and the question was resolved immediately.
Hubby found the camper trailer easy to tow and both set up and take down was a breeze. The camper trailer had more than enough room for our family, good lighting and good airflow with fly screens on all four sides so that you could choose which ones to open, based on the wind. The biggest difference to camping in a tent or camper trailer (the ones like a tent) for me was the bench space and sink. The ability to prepare and store food as well as to wash the dishes easily and without hassle converted the experience from camping to feeling almost as through you are in a motel or at least glamping to the max!
For families that do not have all the camping gear, hiring the camper means that everything is included and you only have to pack bedding and your clothes. The camper was completely stocked with all your necessities like a wine opener to your nice to haves like your own personal BBQ. This took away a lot of hassle and potential expense if you are only looking to camp infrequently or if you are trialing camping to see if you like the experience. If you are worried about fitting everything into your car you are able to store some of your items in the camper trailer as well!
As we had a lot of our own fantastic camping equipment like our Coleman Chairs and the Coleman Picnic Table, we asked that they didn’t include these products and we packed them into the camper trailer prior to leaving.
Overall the experience in the camper trailer (pop out) model was fantastic! I didn’t feel like I was camping at all, except for all the positives of watching the children riding their bikes, the friendly environment and the excellent camping ground facilities. Hiring a camper trailer and camping is such a cost effective, family friendly option. Between the camper trailer and the campsite it only cost $1000 for a 7 day holiday! The only downside is that you have to book your camper trailer in advance with hire in the peak holiday periods (Christmas and Easter holidays) booking out 12 months in advance! On the plus side, you can always book the trailer, knowing you want to go on holiday and then decide your destination later.
