GIC Patron Camper Trailer Review | Do we recommend? | What would we change? | What have we modified?
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Bianca & Grant here from the Livin Like Kings! In this video we take you through our Camper Trailer, we go through what modifications we've done, what we would change, and if we recommend this trailer.
We are now travelling Australia Full-Time with our 2 dogs in our 2014 200 Series Landcruiser and 2003 Bushtracker Caravan, come join us on that adventure here.
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CAR:
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• Tyres - Maxxis Rasor MT 33” - livinlikekings...
• Drifta Wild Lands 1.4 Rooftop Tent - livinlikekings...
• Drifta 2.5 x 2.5 awning - livinlikekings...
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• HardKor 170w Solar Panel - livinlikekings...
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TOWING:
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4WDing & RECOVERY:
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CAMP COOKING:
• 9 Quart Camp Oven - livinlikekings...
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• Biji Barbi Hotplate - livinlikekings...
• Coleman 3 burner stove - livinlikekings...
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Feel free to ask us any questions about the trailer or our gear? and if you have a trailer, what changes have you made to yours?
I'm in Texas and I just bought a Black Series Classic Double. There are not a lot of good videos from people here in the States. I really like you walk-around video. What other UA-cam channels would yall recommend to watch with these? I am totally knew to RVs I've only ever tent camped.
Congratulations on the new trailer, I’m sure you’ll love it. I haven’t seen a heap of UA-camrs with Camper Trailers. But Wild Touring has some older videos with there camper trailer in it. Go check them out.
Finding your video was very timely. There is a Patron in Colorado, "used only once" for like $21K US. We really only need the Dominator and your comment was great about only get what you need. You mentioned you being the Patron through a lot of rain, did it keep you dry? I am in the SW USA, wind is a larger consideration. Have you been through any high winds? 60KPH? If you did, how did it hold up? Was the noise level like inside? Thank you very much.
thanks for the great video, where did you get the connectors for your pole ends
@@barrymcdonald9868 I bought them from Bunnings I think
This is a brilliant video, I have been looking at a black series dominator for a while,,so good to see someone just go through the whole setup and no fancy words trying to sell me something, mind you Aldi is brilliant
So glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Loved the video and honest and rationale info and opinions. Look forward to more videos.
Thanks Rob, we’re glad you found it useful 😊.
Awesome video from a lovely couple and dogs too. Many thnx for sharing your setup and experiences. I wish u happy and safe travels.
We own the same camper and there are many ideas that i will use from this video to improve ours.- start with annex roof rail spigots.
There are few things I can add. I cut out the second wheel holder and placed a large tool box in that empty space. I don’t think I will need 2 spare wheels. I also got 240v inlet plug installed & wiring connected to battery charger and 1 internal power and 1 external plug near the kitchen. Its very handy if you are at a caravan park.
We r family of 4 and love this camper.
Best.
Those extra mods sound great, especially the spare tyre, you really don’t need 2 of them.
You guys are the best! This is exactly the video I was looking for. My wife and I (I'm a big Yank living in the UK with my English wife) are looking at a forward fold like this (but the shorter version) for traveling to Africa with. We are both experienced overlanders but we have not used one of these. Herself is going to really enjoy seeing a real-world use review. I certainly agree with all the changes you've made and the wisdom of using the slightly smaller model. On the clothes storage issue, I was thinking of removing the cushions that run across the back the bottom of the 'U' ) and building in shallow storage for the clothes in that space. SInce we don't have kids (grown!!) or dogs anymore :-( , we do not need the entire U space. She loves the slide out kitchen and fridge. Her biggest complaint is having to unload the truck like a carboot sale just to make lunch! And she really wants a place to be inside in bad weather. Now I have to figure out either having my inlaws in Adalaide buy one for us and ship it or buy one in America (Black does now have US distributors) and have it sent. Decisions, decisions!! Many thanks!!
Thank you, we’re glad you found our vid useful. The smaller Dominator is the way to go and enables you to store more things inside, and adding a storage box would be great. Travelling Africa sounds amazing and we’d love to do that one day.
Good review and tips , cheers
Glad you enjoyed it
Not sure if anyone pointed this out but the igniter for the stove only works when you have the light plugged in - runs off that 😊
Under the stove at the back there should be a red connector with wires that come from the piezo stove lighter. The connector is meant to go off to a power source but doesn't so the piezo does nothing. Just connect a 9 volt battery to the other side of the connector and you'll have a functioning piezo. Our 2017 Dominator has been working like that for a couple of years now.
Cool thanks Richard, that’s really handy to know!
Thanks for such an awesome run through of your camper, we have been camper trailer camping in our rear fold for years now and looking at changing to a forward fold. Absolutely love your tent pole idea. Cheers
Thanks Marcus 👍😀
absolutely great review guys !! we just got our dominator 3 days ago .. and noting the things you said.. my only other observation was the ability to plug into external power and shut the door on the DC charger section .. I will mod that door this weekend
but .. great honest review ...
Oh, thanks Glen, we’re glad you enjoyed it.
We forgot to talk about it in the video, but we used the Anderson plug on the drawbar and to keep it charged, using a battery charger from BCF or Super Cheap.
I hope you enjoy the new van and take it on some special adventures.
Great video guys. I got the dominator in 2020 as I knew I wouldn’t have other people sleep in it with us. I recommend the raawcon poke upgrade for your awning. Next thing I’m looking at is installing a diesel heater.
Yeah a diesel heater is definitely worth it.
Great video guys. Honest and straight forward.
Thank you David 👍
Ive had mine for a year now , used it last Christmas and this ... was planning a trip with kids to NT and back but covid happened so ive only really set it up a few times ... but this year I got a little quicker ...
Awesome Bianca and Grant loved all your of the video and little tips ... all these things make everyones life easier :)
The clips for the annex is the winner there ... Agree with front tool box storage I will take a gas and jerry can out and leave 1 each too.
IIdon'tcharger in the back storage section and they don't have a outlet plug into the side like caravans .. ive moved mine now from there and have put one a plug connection in .. don't have to leave the door open anymore to charge it up..
For extra storage I use Ezy bunker storage and lids from Bunnings that fit on the floor and the rear bed just slides over the top ... I can fit 3 in very easy... It helps as I have 4 kids and myself to think about too ... for the steel carrier on top , because Im a bit shorter I stand in the middle like im lifting a bar bell and lift up with my shoulder and then I can use 2 hands to unclip it .
I am going to buy a new mattress or a egg foam though as even 6 days in the camper gave me fairly shitty sleeps too.
I finally worked out why the back section you could put you head through from inside of bed to out lol.. zipper system worked out there .. felt pretty special to work that out lol... took a few set upset but got there ... :)
Anyway I have subscribed and probably talk to you guys again .. love your work .. stay safe
Shaun
Thank you for the really kind words mate, we’re glad you enjoyed it!
There is quite a bit to work out on your own, the manufacturer doesn’t give great instructions! At least other brands have tutorial videos on UA-cam.
Thanks for subscribing! We plan on releasing much more content this year so stay tuned!😃
Thanks for the support and stay safe mate!
Nice video, we are looking at this trailer and I found your info very helpful. Slide out is a requirement for us to house the kids... Cheers 🍻
Great review guys, thanks very much. I have been looking into this model for some time. Your honest review and recommendations are appreciated. Have confirmed this is the right trailer for me. Great job. Liked and subscribed
What a nice comment, we’re so happy our video has helped you. I hope you get your trailer soon and can go out and explore some great places.
Great Video guys!!! Good to meet some like minded people. Like you say, if cash wasn't an issue.... Well, for a lot of people, they wouldn't be camping. I have been looking at the Dominator. What I like about your video is that ingenuity. Identifying possible improvements and doing something about it! Thanks for your thoughts and the "Aldi" and other purchase tips. They all make for a better experience. I just need to convince my wife to go ahead with the idea. She likes 5 stars, I like thousands... :)
So glad you enjoyed it Mark. 1000s of stars ✨ are way better 😊
Awesome review specially like the internal blind parts which they should do from factory, we only just put ours on order can't wait to get it.
I know, we had the internal blinds in our rooftop and soft floor trailer before this one and just assumed it came with them. After traveling for 7 weeks and taking the poles out each night and putting them back in each morning, we went and had them added.
Hopefully you get it soon, and have many adventures with it. Enjoy 😊
we are about 4 weeks from getting our Patron v4 and feel alot more confident in our purchase now. in reguards to the gas burner ignitor, you can attach it to the battery system so you no longer need a BBQ lighter. (it is mentioned in one of the owners books we were emailed)
How exciting! Enjoy your new trailer.
Thanks for that, I’m glad they’re adding that into the handover now
gday guys, great video! a few questions as I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2020 patron
- how did you find the storm cover on windy days ? the fabric seems extremely thin when competitors use full convas
-what made you go for the black series rather than the competition like mdc or ezytrail.
Thanks again for the video, we watched it with my wife and felt like you answered 99% of our questions!
Hi!😁
Honestly, we should’ve looked more closely at the ezytrail but was a little more pricey.
We were happy with the Patron but there was and probably is better quality trailers out there.
Despite this, you’ll find that one thing they all have that you may not like!
As for the “fly” or storm cover, ours had buckle tensioners on all corners to make it taught. We didn’t have a problem, though I know some people did, I’m not too sure why!?
Anyway I hope this helps 😁👍
@@Livin_Like_Kings_ thank you guys for the quick reply! What makes you say that about the ezytrail? The lincoln lx is also a very close contender
The mdc also has the inside window cover you had retro fitted which i didnt realise the patron was missing when I looked at it.
Overall I feel the ezytrail/mdc feel a tad better built on the canvas but the patron has aome great features the others dont (that door you can close to keep the dogs in at night seems perfect)
I think I meant the mdc and ezytrail were at the time better quality and had better features. We haven’t looked at any camper trailers for years so have no idea what they are like now!
I think you’ll love you’re patron
Happy camping!😁👍
what an awesome set up, thank you for sharing....now i just need to win tatts hahaha safe travels guys.
Thanks Skye, we hope you can get out traveling soon. 😀
Great in depth review. Really appreciate this video! May I ask where you got the block out window covers from? Thanks 😀😀
We’re in Sydney and we used Bell Canvas in Orchard Hills, but any custom canvas manufacturer will be able to make one for you
Absolutely loved the video ! we have a mdc which is a lot the same do you have any problems with moisture ie we left some pillows inside on the floor near the step area and after three weeks being locked up we opened it up to find the pillows were starting to go mouldy as we don’t have a shed or garage to put the camper in ! The mattresses were fine though any feedback would be greatly appreciated ! Keep up the good work cheers
We didn’t have a problem, as ours was In the shed. But what I can suggest is maybe putting a couple of moisture absorbing pouches in there when it’s stored, something like a “hippo” you can pick up ones from Bunnings.
Identical to the MARS Spirit 2 pac except for the slide out bed.
I think most actually have the same layout and most likely come from the same factory.
yep, longhaul also have one as do MDC and star vision did one untill recently. i think most of the companies get the same base model and alter it as they need.
Hey Guys thanks for the review. My wife and I ( plus 3 kids) are considering the Patron. We liked what you have done with the canvas blinds being fitted internally. Could you please give an indication of cost to do that?
Thanks
I think it was about $1,200, I can’t remember the exact amount.
Great review guys, What is the weight limit on the boat rack ?
Thanks 😊
I’m not sure! Never really used it!
The gic website may have updated specs
You mentioned that you don't use the shower annex but that this model did come with one. Does it also come with a toilet? (Apologies if you mentioned that and I just missed that.) Personally I could make do without, but a camper without a toilet area is a deal breaker for my wife. :) Thanks! Great video.
Hi Jason, yep came standard with a shower\toilet tent that zips onto the annex wall. The package we got also came with a hot water system and portable cassette toilet. But you can pick one up from BCF for about $100.
Just regarding the flooring in the trailer, what type of material did you use?
I think it was marine carpet from memory
The canvas on the tent looks in very good shape. You said its a 2016 model so are you the original owners (purchased new)?
Hi Tim, yep we purchased this new. It’s been looked after well.
the newer trailers have come a long way
They sure have! Before this trailer we had a soft floor trailer that didn’t have a kitchen or anything.
What do you have?
Naaawwww hello Frank and Baxtor
They have missed you
Hey, how do you rate your patron now after you've had it for a while. We are looking at this model as we have small kids and the rear pull out bed suits us for the next 5yrs. Any issues you have encountered? How does it tow as it on the heavy side and from previous reviews its a bit front heavy. Thx
Hi Gary, we found it to tow really well, provided your tow vehicle has some grunt!
Yes it is front heavy as the long draw bar creates distance from the axle.
Without knowing what you’re budget is, there are other trailers that would be better all round!
The Patron for the money is pretty good but ours (a 2016 model) lacked some things that we missed later on that most other makes have standard! Eg: internal window flaps to close the windows. We took the whole tent canvas off and had them installed (a pain in the butt).
Issues- susceptible to rust…they used the wrong fixings, ours didn’t have a tool box so we installed one on the a frame. The winches never seemed to work properly to open and close the trailer. We got around that as I’m tall and just flipped the lid open.
The kitchen needed a windbreak, it didn’t have one so I made one. I hope they’ve addressed these issues in recent models.
Nice vid. Where did you get the pole clips from and did you change the matre matters?
Hi Adam, we got the clips from Bunnings. Nope didn’t change the mattress we just added a eggshell topper, it was pretty comfortable after it was worn in, probably took about 4 weeks of use.
Thanks for the reply. Look forward to more vids form you both
Hi I love the clips what are the names for them I can't find them
Jezza Field-jones I can’t remember the name (maybe a lobster claw clip), but I think is saw them the other day at the counter where they cut the keys.
@@Livin_Like_Kings_ ahh awesome thanks mate I'll see how I go
What is the arc jockey wheels like? Are they any good on rocks/gravel? Or only good for concrete? I have the dominator and have definitely been looking at upgrading it.
Any hard wheel jockey wheels aren’t great in rocks and gravel. We haven’t had any problems on dirt, concrete and grass.
How did you find the seals went for dust (particularly the lid seals)? Cheers
We travelled in a lot of outback dirt tracks and development roads, and only had dirt come in through the drop down step door once. And that dirt didn’t go in very far.
We did get some dirt in the fridge section due to the air vents, but other than that no dust came in through the lid seals, but we were quite careful to make sure all the canvas was tucked in properly and never left much bedding on the bed so it closed well.
If you could go back in time, would you get the same camper again?
If there were models the same price? Maybe!?
It’s a great trailer, it suits us but sometimes it was a case of the grass is always greener!
At the end of the day, do your research - compare - then get what you can afford! Compromise is key.
How much did it cost and was it a massive effort to get the internal window coverings made up and installed?
It was about $1200 for the windows, we had to remove the canvas for them to be installed and then put the canvas back on. We did that part ourselves to save some $$, it was probably about 30mins to take off and 90mins to put back on. It was a bit fiddly but definitely worth it.
Does it come with a dc-dc charger?
Not when we purchased ours in 2017, not sure what they’re offering now.
How long does the tent itself take to setup. Just the tent
Just the tent without the awning is about 5-7min set up once you get the hang of it. We had one of us set up inside while the other did the outside kitchen etc.
@@Livin_Like_Kings_ thanks mate what about the pack up :)
About the same amount of time to pack it up.
Hi
From where i can get the new clamps for the annex pole?
You can get them from Bunnings. www.bunnings.com.au/taskmaster-nickel-plated-trigger-swivel-snap-hook_p4220904
@@Livin_Like_Kings_ thank you mate. I ll have my Patron next week
That’s Awesome, I hope you can get out in it straight away.
Have anyone tried to fold down the annexe roof only when packed up
@@muxevents I’m not sure I understand the question
nice reveiw , i love the d i y stuff
Thanks Jono, we’re glad you enjoyed it 😊