Black Series Alpha camper trailer long term review.
Back at the start of 2017 we purchased a brand spanking new Black Series Alpha soft floor camper trailer. Now a few years on this is what we think of it.

Where to start? The reason we brought the Black Series. It seemed good value for money, had plenty of storage with lockers down each side. It had power, water and even the kitchen sink. And on top of that it wasn’t a bad looking trailer.

For around 6 months we ummed and erred about buying a good quality Aussie built trailer instead, a 40k one and also a 22k one that was similar to the Alpha. Now 3 ½ years on I’m glad we didn’t spend that cash on a soft floor trailer. Before pulling the trigger we did a heap of research and the main thing that come up was don’t get a soft floor. Even after everything saying don’t (even close friends) we still did it.

DON’T BUY A SOFT FLOOR CAMPER! This is also my opinion now we’ve had one.

The soft floors are cheaper for a reason, they are a pain in the arse. The tent is always in the dirt (obviously). This means it’s harder to keep clean, it always has ground moisture on it (not to mention if it rains), and the lay of the ground will always determine how you need to set it up. In my opinion now a forward fold camper or any that is up off the ground is the way to go! Aah to be up off the ground living like kings.

What is wrong with the Alpha?
• Suspension is crap, the shocks don’t work, the springs aren’t sufficient for the weight. As a result it tows poorly. Most imports are the same.
• The paint, we have had paint peeling from new. Not huge sections, but still from new!?
• Hinges break, pretty much all the non stainless hinges have seized and broke. Most are on the toolbox so it’s an easy fix.
• Nylon disintegrates, pretty much anything that is nylon straps turns to dust and falls apart.
• Travel cover, after the buckles turned to dust it flogged out and also started to fall apart. The zip also broke.
• In heavy rain the tent pools water on the roof and starts to weep.
I can’t help to think these issues will be across the Black Series range to some extent.

What we love about the Alpha
• The tent is massive, and that’s without all the other rooms (that we have never set up).
• Storage for days, there is a spot for everything. It is easy to overload it though.
• It makes for the perfect family base on camping trips.
• It was cheap (compared to others)
• The mattress (with K-mart Egg shell topper) is quite good.

So while it definitely has its faults I still kind of like it. I definitely don’t regret buying a cheap import trailer. Being cheap it has allowed us to be able to get away more, explore in different ways.

With what I know now, I would definitely would be having second thoughts on a 20k or 40k trailer.

If you can lower your standards, except that things will break and not be perfect. I honestly think an import camper trailer is not a bad option for your family camping trips.

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