FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to do anything to the canvas before I use my camper for the first time?
I already have my own trailer - can I buy just the camper top to fit onto it?
Can I remove the top section of a Cavalier camper and use the trailer on its own?
What are the differences between the Cavalier trailer models?
Do any of the Cavalier models come with a kitchen or annexe?
Have you got any second hand Cavalier camper trailers?
Will my car be able to tow a Cavalier camper?
Does a Cavalier camper trailer need to have brakes?
Does a Cavalier camper trailer have shock absorbers?
Can I take an on-road Cavalier on unsealed roads?
Can I get extra walls for my Cavalier annexe?
I need some work done to my camper trailer but it's not a Cavalier, can you help?
Do I need to change the wheel bearings on my trailer?
What bearings are used on a Cavalier camper trailer?
Is it possible to have the wheels on my camper the same as what's on my vehicle?
How do I look after the canvas on my camper?
How do I look after the zippers on my camper?
How do I look after the paintwork of my camper?
How do I stop water getting in through the seams of my camper?
How can I find out the price for a Cavalier camper trailer?
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.
Do I need to do anything to the canvas before I use my camper for the first time?
Yes, prior to using your camper-trailer for the first time it's very important that you 'season' the canvas. The process of seasoning applies to any canvas product - no matter what brand - basically any canvas product which has been sewn together using a needle and thread.
The seasoning process involves thoroughly wetting and drying your camper tent, at least three times (but maybe more), until it no longer lets water in through the seams. This allows the canvas and the stitching to expand and contract, thereby sealing the holes left by the needle and settling the seam into a solid, sealed shape.
The absolutely ideal way to season your camper is to set it up outside and allow it to endure a few torrential downpours, while being allowed to dry thoroughly in between. However, as this is not always possible, thorough drenchings (a light sprinkle is not good enough) with a garden hose - concentrating on the seams - and allowing the canvas to dry fully in between, is the next best thing. Even after all this, be prepared for some water seeping through the seams the first few times your camper gets rained on - this does not mean that your camper is faulty, it's just that it's not yet fully seasoned.
Unfortunately, seasoning is not an exact science - one camper might be seasoned after the first soaking and it might take another camper five, six or more times. The rule of thumb here is that your camper is not seasoned until it is - just be patient, it will happen, just maybe not over night!
I already have my own trailer - can I buy just the camper top to fit onto it?
Our camper tops can easily be fitted onto most box trailers sized from 6'x4' up to 7'x4', regardless of the brand of your trailer. The trailer on a complete Cavalier camper-trailer is 7'x4'. The height of your trailer is not really an issue as we can make the canvas to suit any height trailer. The specifications for our top-only's are exactly the same as if you bought a complete camper-trailer from us - without the trailer of course - and includes the mattress, aluminium bed base/frame which bolts directly on to the rim of your trailer, etc.
Can I remove the top section of a Cavalier camper and use the trailer on its own?
Yes, you only need to undo 6 bolts, lift off the top and you have a trailer you can use as you would any other box trailer. Note, this is not possible if your camper is fitted with the optional Gas Lift Top.
What are the differences between the Cavalier trailer models?
If you haven't already found it, we have a helpful comparison chart on our website, which sets out the differences between our on-road, rough-road and off-road trailers. Download our Comparison Chart in pdf format (25kb).
To read PDF files you will require Adobe Acrobat software. Download free Adobe Reader here.
Do any of the Cavalier models come with a kitchen or annexe?
Kitchens, awnings and annexes etc are all optional extras on all of our models. We find that everybody wants something different, so by pricing things separately people can make up a package to suit themselves and not end up paying for things that they don't need or want. Most of our optional extras can be added to any of our models.
Have you got any second hand Cavalier camper trailers?
Second hand Cavaliers are in huge demand and are therefore often quite hard to come by. If we have any second hand campers they will be listed on our Used page. Our dealers may also have some second hand stock, but you'll need to contact them directly to find out what they've got - find a dealer.
Will my car be able to tow a Cavalier camper?
Our on-road camper trailers weigh 390kg unladen (ball weight is 40kg) and the off-road campers weigh 550kg (ball weight is 75kg). Our campers are extremely light as far as camper-trailers go, so they can usually be towed by even the smallest of cars. However, you'll need to refer to your car's User Manual, or check with its manufacturer, to find out its recommended towing capacity.
Does a Cavalier camper trailer need to have brakes?
Our on-road camper trailers weigh 390kg unladen (ball weight is 40kg) and the off-road campers weigh 550kg (ball weight is 75kg). Our campers are designed to be extremely light as far as camper-trailers go, therefore we don't include brakes as standard on any of our campers.
As a rule a Cavalier will rarely need brakes, as it's well under the Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) limit of 750kg before the law requires that brakes be fitted. Very few of our customers find that they ever need brakes. However, we do offer brakes as an optional extra on any of our campers if you think that you're going to need them. The price will depend on what sort of brakes you want (we can do whatever sort you'd like).
You can download a weight table in pdf format (14kb) - this should help you decide whether you need brakes or not.
To read PDF files you will require Adobe Acrobat software. Download free Adobe Reader here.
Does a Cavalier camper trailer have shock absorbers?
At 550kg unladen, even our off-road campers are too light for shock absorbers to be effective, as shockers are really only of benefit when the camper's weight is a ton or more. It's also harder to get shockers repaired if they are damaged while you're off the beaten track. We use Alko, 7-leaf shackle springs on our off-road campers.
Can I take an on-road Cavalier on unsealed roads?
Our on-roaders will happily travel on unsealed roads, just the same as most sedans can. However, it's important to remember that they don't have the dust sealing, suspension or ground clearance that our off-roaders do. If you only want an on-road camper, but you regularly travel on dirt roads, a Rough-Road upgrade will probably be the way to go. Click here to for more information on our rough-road upgrade.
Can I get extra walls for my Cavalier annexe?
Yes, we can add walls to your annexe or awning at any time, to turn it into any one of our annexes (visit our Annexes page to see our annexes). Generally we need to get your existing awning or annexe back off you to do so, to sew on the extra zips which are required and to make sure the walls all line up properly.
I need some work done to my camper trailer but it's not a Cavalier, can you help?
We get asked this question a lot by "non Cavalier owners" when they find out that the person who made their camper trailer is not in business any more, or they are in China! Sorry, but we only deal with Cavalier campers.
Do I need to change the wheel bearings on my trailer?
As with your car, your trailer will benefit from regular maintenance. We therefore recommend that you check the wheel bearings on your trailer at least annually, or before a major trip. If you can't do this yourself an auto mechanic will be able to do it for you.
What bearings are used on a Cavalier camper trailer?
The bearings used depend on whether your trailer is on-road or off-road. Refer to the tables below for the correct bearings for your type of trailer.
| On-Road / Rough-Road Trailer | "Standard" A Type Bearings |
Cup |
| Small (Outer) | LM11949 | 11910 |
| Large (Inner) | LM67048 | 67010 |
| Off-Road Trailer | "Heavy Duty" B Type Bearings |
Cup |
| Small (Outer) | LM12749 | 12710 |
| Large (Inner) | L68149 | 68110 |
Is it possible to have the wheels on my camper the same as what's on my vehicle?
Our off-road trailers are fitted with Sunraysia style rims (6 stud pattern) and tyres that are interchangeable with most off-road vehicles. However, we can put any wheels you like on your trailer, or we can change the stud pattern to match your vehicle.
How do I look after the canvas on my camper?
Looking after the canvas on your camper is easy and if done properly the canvas should last you many, many years.
Click here to download Canvas Care Instructions in pdf format (48kb).
To read PDF files you will require Adobe Acrobat software. Download free Adobe Reader here.
How do I look after the zippers on my camper?
Always try to keep the teeth of the zipper as clean as possible, as this stops the dirt and dust from wearing away the insides of the sliders.
Zippers should be cleaned using cold running water only.
Never force the zippers. If the zippers are a little stiff to operate, a light application of a dry (silicon) lubricant will make for smoother operation.
Never use a wax stick or oil based lubricant on zippers, as these will only attract dirt and make the zipper harder to work.
How do I look after the paintwork of my camper?
Regular washing of the trailer will prolong the life and look of its finish. A mild detergent and a soft cloth is recommended - do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
It's important that you touch-up any stone chips or other damage on the trailer's finish as soon as it is noticed. This is very important, as prompt attention will help prevent rust setting in. If left unattended, rust will spread underneath the finish and will eventually lift the paintwork or powder coat.
Spray cans of the touch-up paints relevant to both our painted and powder coated trailers are available for purchase from Cavalier Camper-Trailers.
Please note, areas of rust larger than a small stone chip should be sanded back lightly and treated with a rust converter (available from hardware stores) prior to the application of two or three light coats of the touch-up paint.
How do I stop water getting in through the seams of my camper?
The canvas we use on our camper trailers is waterproofed, so if water is leaking into your camper it's more than likely seeping in through the seams where the canvas panels are sewn together. This is called 'wicking' and is not a fault, but a possible issue with ANY canvas product.
All instances of leaking seams in relatively new campers come down to the fact that the canvas is not yet seasoned (see question 1. above) - remember, it could take a few good drenchings.
You may, or may not, experience wicking, but if you do it's extremely easy to fix by using a seam sealing product made for this exact purpose, but we strongly recommend that you give your camper time to season by itself, as this gives the best results in the long run.
However, if you feel that it's necessary to intervene, then there are lots of different seam sealers on the market - they are inexpensive and are available from camping/outdoor stores. Different brands will have different methods of application, so just choose one that suits you. However, we still believe that the old fashioned (and cheap) wax stick will work just as well as most other products.
How can I find out the price for a Cavalier camper trailer?
The price charged for a Cavalier may vary, depending on which of our dealers you buy from. Under agreements we have with our non South Australian dealers, we can't freight our camper-trailers directly to customers outside of SA. So, unless you are in SA, you will need to contact the dealer closest to you to get a quote including freight and other on road costs - for a list of our dealers click here. SA customers are welcome to contact us directly for a quote.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.