Ezytrail - Parkes 15 Updated Review August 2020
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Gday everyone, finally I have had time to do a quick overview of the repairs and upgrades I have done to the Parkes 15. I hope this helps you all with making educated decisions on your caravan purchase. I'm looking forward to getting out of this van at some stage and into an explorer/compact trailer option for our remote trips and a normal van for our family relaxing holidays.
If you have any questions or recommendations on these, please comment or email or DM which ever you prefer. Thanks again, happy travelling...
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So don't buy one you reckon ? I'm so confused as to what to buy there are so many different brands these days and I honestly cannot make my mind up
I personally won't buy this way again, I will shop and buy for quality Aussie made, it will cost more but my peace of mind will be there. I'm not saying don't buy one or something similar, I'm just saying be aware of what your buying, be prepared to spend a bit on them before trusting them on any major trip.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 any idea of where I should be looking. ? I've been looking at the Tanami 15. Sorry to break your balls just after some direction no one can really give me a straight answer haha
@@Dee.Cee. have a look at the following, they are in the next price range up and some don't have quite the same layouts, but they are Aussie made. Rhinomax, Complete Campsite, Track Trailer, Australian Offroad Odyssey, maybe the Jayco Crosstrak or if you want smaller the Hitch Camper. Hope this helps.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 Jayco is looking the good and not priced too badly either.. actually cheaper than the Parkes 15. just doesn't include ensuite.
thanks heaps for the chat mate !
@@Dee.Cee. no problems at all, we have looked at the Jayco and a mate has one and is happy with it. Keep in touch, thanks if you have subscribed.
Great review.
Layout of this looks very similar to the Fantasy Caravan’s F5S-D.
Yep they are all very similar, we like the bunk setup.
Thanks Luke for a informative and honest review of your van. If you ever take up a job as quality control manager for Ezytrail, please let us know. Safe travels, Steve
Not a problem Steve, I just want people to have all to information to make informed decisions before they buy.
I'm not sure they would want me to work for them!
I'm going camping with you soon
Look forward to seeing you on a trip
Mate you ever look at savannah campers? Suv?
I have since then mate yes.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 what do you reckon about the navigator
My partner and I brought the 2020 PMX Parks13 EzyTrail from Perth WA but what we found when going on holidays our Parks13 was 220kg over weight as its was put over Certified weigh bridge so we checked everything we put in and it did not make sense to me as we weighed everything that went in so we hat to empty the front water tank and still 140kg over weight all that was in there was bedding 1 tank of water food and clothing 1 21kg Honda lighting plant, when returning home the Parks13 was emptied out of all gear out of the van and returned to the Certified weigh bridge. PMX tare weight: 2170kg , weight was 2390kg the Parks was empty (no water, No gas bottles, no annexes or poles just a empty van) so just be aware that your insurance will not cover over weight caravans. we are not paying to have Parks upgrade to 3000kg as PMX in Perth are giving us the run around. The cost is les than $600 PMX wants us to take it to Perth which will cost us $400 in fuel and $500 accommodation so we are going to have it fixed in Geraldton we will never buy another PMX product.
Up set PMX customer
Sorry to hear this, I hope it sorts out for you. Let me know how it goes.
Appreciate the update , we were looking at ezytrail but not going to bother now. Vision seem to have a decent offering (at a Aussie build premium price) but more research needed!
All the best!!!
Vision, I'll check them out. We sold ours finally and I purchased a adventurer style trailer, easy to use for our offroad tour business. Let me know what you end up with. Thank you for the comment.
What have you bought, and what do you like/ don't like/ don't like about it?
Cheers, r
Gday guys I watched your original review of the Parkes and when I went to look at them I specifically checked EVERTHING that you had an issue with and the Parkes MK2 addressed all of the issues that you had. I have bought a Parkes 13 mk2 from Cannington in Perth so hoping I have a better run.
Gday Nick, yep I was aware they had attempted to rectify some of the issues, I don't think they have sorted them all but I hope they have sorted the major ones for you. I would suggest to just keep an eye on as much as you can with every trip, check bolts, welds etc continually, stay on top of any issues. I do like the vans but I just can't trust them to do the right thing by the customer. I hope you have better luck then me, stay safe..
@@theoffroadtradies1002 Cheers
But really compared to buying an absolutely bullshit priced Aussie made one your still save money right?
More then likely mate, as long as you are aware of the the costs going into any decision. All I am trying to do is give everyone information so they can make educated choices that suit their individual circumstances. For me I made my choice and I fixed all the issues and it was now a decent van, my issue was the back up support from Ezytrail. I'm by no means saying don't buy, just be aware of as much as you can going in.
Thanks so much for this update, it's a huge shame that Ezytrails Warranty/Aftermarket Service is crap, as the layout of this Van would suit us hugely. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
I have any ezytrail lincoln mk 3, its the big dual fold camper alot of the same parts as yours, suspension, kitchen, wiring etc. I have 2 mates bought new trailers at same time as i bought mine, mdc, ezytrail and austrack. All trailers have had very similar issues, all 3 companies have been shit house with warranty. Aslong as your half handy most are easy fixes, its to be expected for a chinese trailer. I would buy another one, and probaly do the basic upgrades myself straight away instead of wasting my time chasing warranty. I think the lay out and the main base is a good starting point bit of work here n there you can end up with a wicked trailer 👍 cheers Dan
Gday Danny, true mate, I have mentioned in the comments to a few people, it's not about not buying them it's about knowing before what you may have to fix, and if you do buy one spend a few dollars and sort it out before it's an issue. Most of the Ezytrail range is quite good layouts and specs it's just their back up service. Keep an eye out for us and we can catch up for a beer or two.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 👍
Mate, just wondering what van would you go to next if ya had your time again what would you buy now? Loving the honesty mate, hard to get on UA-cam these days!🍻
Thanks mate, appreciate your feedback, we have looked around a bit and we liked a couple of Aussie options but they were out of our budget (Lifestyle campers and Mountain Creek I think, Bushtracker). I'm still looking, but we might head more towards the adventure trailer style like Drifter or Patriot, but a different brand for our adventure or remote trips and then a normal van for our family relaxing holidays. If I see any I'll put something up for you. Or if you find something, let us know, happy to chat with like minded people. Happy travelling...
@@theoffroadtradies1002 yeah mate. We've got a Ultimate Camper Trailer and love it, especially how lightweight it is! We're now looking for more room inside so looking for offroad caravans.....geez it's a hard choice eh! Loving the channel 👌🍻
@@baumie4618 Cheers mate, the channel is a work in progress, still trying to get used to being in front of a camera and remembering to talk and describe whats happening. Something you just get caught up in what your doing and forget to do it. And the editing was very hard to get my head around, being a hands on sparky to a computer program was mind blowing. Hoping to get out a snow 4wd trip shortly and we are heading to Lithgow this weekend to get some footage.
Do you know anything about the Eagle Warrior? Or if they still make it the Avan Ray? I'm after something for 2 kids and the wife and love the looks of the layout of your van just not the problems and weight
@@mikemiller5958 we looked at the Warrior when we were first in the market, but didn't like the layout or warranty on it. The Avan I haven't had much to do with sorry. I have just bought a small adventurer still trailer now with a roof top, similar to a Patriot but home made. Then we are going to go with a normal style van for family trips.
Wonder if the MK11 is any better
To my knowledge they have addressed some of these issues, but the price tag has also gone up...
mate, last few days been looking at the hybrid 15 ft styles. came across the first video of things gone bad, which shouldnt happen when your paying a lot of money, then was looking for the next stage in getting things fixed...2 years later!..so obvioulsy ezytrail dodged and weaved...so sorry but looks good now and thanks for the warning...ill be looking at those little things when inspecting any future vans...why do you think the silicon etc keeps breaking its bead?
Thanks for your comments, I think its the quality of the build and how much movement is in the structure of the van when it's travelling. I just carry it with me and touch up when ever I notice it, the shower/toilet area is the main part, most of the rest of the van has been good since I fixed the first time. I gave up trying to get help form Ezytrail, I even offered to take the UA-cam review down if they would help. They came back with the same thing, happy to look but if it needs fixing and they believe it was my fault I would have to pay for it. After the very first attempt at warranty repairs I would never go back.
Hi mate just watched your video. sorry to hear about the problems we feel your pain. We purchased an Australian made camper and had issues with little help from manufacturer. Our last trip scrubbed out both inside tyre edges and were wondering who you used to do the suspension upgrade cheers Andrew an Kate
Andrew Powell I bought a kit through Lovells Special products, ELLY really knows her stuff, they had kits ready to go. It was delivered in2 days and I put it in with a mate. Then had a wheel alignment done and no issues after that.
Thanks for the update mate. Very restrained in the vid. I don’t think I would of. Once again thanks for saving me some dollars as I will never buy from this company.
I've mellowed over time Charlie, I just fix things when I need to and hope at some point I will be able to get into something better.
Hey mate I know it's a few years later but how did this van shape up in the end? Or did you offload it ?
Gday Daryl, I have sold the van, to my knowledge the new owner hasn't had any more issues. hey don't tow it far though just down to the river and back from their home. Once I had made all the changes it did tow quite well, but I had lost faith in it and we went with different options.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 g'day mate thanks for replying. I've just seen the mark 111 at an expo, it looks the goods but it's heavy. My research told me that it is Chinese built, when asked about why the version updates the salesman was non committal on these questions.
You said you've gone a different direction and what may I ask is that...
@@daryllee9033 we have bought a small offroad trailer for remote touring, homemade but small, light and strong and a Jayco pop top 17 foot for family holidays.
@@theoffroadtradies1002 thanks for the chat.
@@daryllee9033 no worries, anytime mate.
Such a shame, this was at the top of my list, looking at 15-18ft Hybrids around this price that sleeps 2 adults and 2 kids (dedicated beds) but your issues have me concerned
Don’t write it off just be aware of what you are purchasing and be ready. If you spend money when you buy it on some upgrades you can have a decent van. They are very heavy also so be aware of that.
did the weight of these 15ft hybrids give you any dramas off-road or limit you much ? 2.5 - 3t loaded hey ?
Gday Benny, yes they did mate, the extra weight was an issue on quite a few occasions. For a small van they are quite bulky to get around. We have gone to an offroad adventure style trailer now.
Hi ya - We have a 2019 Parkes 13 and have made many of the upgrades you have described and it's getting there....what locks/latches did you fit and where did you get them? Thanks
Sorry for the delay, we got our new latches from Bunnings, they are Goliath Brand and seem to be pretty good, we did buy 1 extra just in case but to date no issues.
Cheers, Thanks
Hi there. Just wondering Who in adelaide did your wheel alignment?
Barclay OnSite Truck & Trailer Wheel Alignments
Wheel Alignment & Wheel Balance - Lonsdale, SA 5160
Shed 5 / 206 Dyson Rd, Lonsdale SA 5160
Thanks for the review, I was looking to buy the Parkes-15 but given your feedback I am now looking at MDC Trailers.. Cheers
Dont even bother with mdc they are wose I have ended up with austrack
@@232george isn't it the same van with different badging?
Mraussielad it comes out the same factory as the parkes but put together a bit better and after sale service is way better at Austrack just by researching a lot about the two yes there are things u got to upgrade but for the price and everything that’s included! They use enerdrive gear too so u get a lot for the price I ve seen bad things even with the top of the line caravans that people pay 150k for Aussie built ones
@@232george can give some feedback about Austrack van??is it worth to buy??
Aus track just as bad
Thanks so much for your review. i was looking at an ezytrail and wasn't impressed with the sales person who seemed disinterested with regards to showing me the trailer. Just said if i wanted one i would have to wait 14 weeks. After watching your review, I wouldn't wait 4 seconds. You have saved me a lot of grief and i'm very grateful. I will keep looking and researching. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. The van should have been replaced at their expense but integrity is not a common commodity these days, nor pride in workmanship. I hope you and your family have hassle free motoring from now on. Best wishes, KB
Cheers KB, all it would have taken is some care/responsibility in what happened, instead of passing the buck. after completing all my repairs I was happy to finally sell it. Hopefully we can find an Aussi made van in the near future to continue our adventure. Hope to catch up for a chat on the roads/tracks in the future. Cheers Luke
@@theoffroadtradies1002
Fantastic review! I really like the layout and capability to go on dirt road (nothing serious) whats the price when you purchased this 2 yr ago?
@@rauls587 we paid $47000 for it when we bought it new mate. I think they are about $53000 now.
Man that's bad when you have to rebadge it to keep anyone from buying this unit because it's piece of crap!
thanks heaps, will be looking at other brands now, what a s#@t company
Happy to help mate, just want people to make informed decisions