Firstly, sincere apologies if this isn't the correct area to post this... I figured we'll be using the trailer for camping so it should go here :)
So! It the usual issue... Love camping... Filled car... Got roof box... Filled roof box... So, now looking for a trailer!!!
The Anssems are very much taking our fancy as they appear well made, decent sizes, easy to maintain, well supported for spares and upgrades AND have that awesome top that can carry bikes or what not!
But, the dilemma... which one?! We can pretty much go for anything between the GT500.151 and the GT750.201 with our budget. So here's the bullet points of where my wife and I are at so far:
1. A GT500.151 is almost EXACTLY the same volume as our boot and roof box is now. In theory, more than enough space - but could get a little tight as our (3) young girls grow up and we upgrade from our Hayling 6 to a polycotton 8 birth tent? If so, there are side extensions available, but is that a false economy?
2. A GT750.201 is 1.5 times our current volume... So, could literally carry everything we currently own with room to spare. It's definitely big enough and we should never need more space (if we did it ALSO has extensions available) - but I have NEVER towed ANYTHING! Is a 2m trailer biting off more than I can chew as a first timer?
Storage space for the trailer isn't a problem as we own a commercial garage. Also, we have presumed the only difference is in the size (and weight capacity) of the models - there aren't any other differences , right?
Thanks for any knowledge and experience you can send our way! :D
Like most trailers the base trailer is really quite shallow ~30cm so any bulky gear may be a struggle and you'll need either high sides and a cover or a raised lid to properly contain and keep dry.
The GT500 and GT750 with the hinged hard top state they're 48CM high. I'd struggle to get my Kampa Croyde 6 polycotton in there as the pack size is given as 80 x 51 x 51, however in reality its more like 80 x 55 x 60 using my best tent rolling skills even on a nice dry pack up so I'd be wanting the side extension + the hinged lid to have 80cm internal height, or at least the side extensions and a fitted cover. Those pesky folding chairs, a table, sims etc soon eat into the space!
It's surprising, if you have the space there is always more you can take. Reclining chairs, sun lounger, barbecue, oil filled heater ... it's endless.
The GT750 in similar config would be a bonus space wise, though an expensive one.
When I replace my trailer, I'll be looking to go big GT750 size so I can have everything packed up and ready to go except clothes without the 500lt roof box which I can't leave on the car due to car park barriers at work.
Then it would just a matter of hitching up and throwing a few bags of clothes in the car for those opportunistic getaways.
A big trailer is actually easier to reverse than a small trailer and won't really affect your driving too much. Just make sure the heaviest items are over the axle and the trailer is loaded nose heavy. Camping equipment tends to be bulky rather than particularly heavy so a trailer needs to be satisfactory rather than industrially robust. Most of the known brands are good, just avoid any no-name specials which may be a challenge to get parts for later in it's life or have limited accessories.
It may be worth looking at the Brenderup 1205S, plenty of good feedback, good size wheels etc. while still being reasonably priced. You'd need side extension plus either the hard top or the ABS cover ideally. The side extension give 55cm which should just squeeze in most bigger tents given either of the lids adds a little bit more headroom.
Hi, we had a GT500 when we tent camped. It was a great trailer that towed really well. However, with us two and two teenagers all our kit filled the trailer and a Tiguan boot to capacity. We had a big tent and a table top fridge in there though!
I would go for the bigger one, with 3 kids you will soon fill it up with extra bits and bobs. You never know, for the time being you may well get away with no using the roofbox.
Will be easy to add roof bars and bike racks as we planned on doing, then went down the FC and then caravan route so no storage problems now!!
Thanks guys... Really appreciate the responses! We'll go bigger and if we ever have an issue with the height we'll get side extensions. And I'll take a look at the couple of other brands you have suggested :)
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Advice sought - GT500 vs GT750
