Quote:
Originally Posted by po3po3
I've been considering Patriot and Turtleback. Really prefer Patriot but concerned about after sales support since they are based out of AUS. This trailer group buy seems interesting. Never heard of this company and unsure of their after sales support as well. Are there any clear reasons other than weight why you or anybody would choose this over a patriot considering they are the same price?
Sorry I'm not trying to detract from the OP but never heard of this trailer company and I am sincerely interested since I'm in the market for one in this price range. Thanks.
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No worries all good questions, will do my best to answer.
Echo 4x4 is one of the leaders in off-road camping trailers in Africa and has been in business since 1989, with 250 employees that have built over 20000 trailer/caravans to date.
The premises in Centurion between Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa, has a 4wd fitment centre, a 4wd shop, café and showroom as well as the steel fabrication, paint shop with its own steel chemical treatment plant and a powder coating facility and assembly lines.
The premises consist of a high tech manufacturing plant with a design and retail outlet.
State of the art equipment is utilized such as;
C.N.C Robotic Welding (steel),
C.N.C Router Milling,
C.N.C Turning/Milling,
Laser cutting and CAD (computer aided design),
CNC 3D plastic printing
CNC (computer numerical control)
CAM (computer aided manufacturing) is utilized.
C.N.C High definition Plasma Cutting
C.N.C Punching (sheet metal fabrication)
PVC Welding
CO2 Welding (steel)
Tig Welding (specialized)
Sheet metal Fabrication
Canvas Fabrication
Powder Coating Plant
Spray Painting Plant
Composite Manufacturing Plant
Additional services rendered
Special Trailer Manufacturing for mines, Defence Force, Police etc.
Special Vehicle Body Modifications
Special Electrical 12v Vehicle modification
Special build mast trailers for mines
Camping Equipment Manufacturing
Single Quad Trailer
Double Quad Trailer
Vehicle Transport Trailer
National Tent & Sails is a wholly owned subsidiary of Echo 4x4 that has been supplying quality products including military products for over 40 years.
To simplify, last time I was in S Africa this was the main brand that I saw everywhere, and when I checked the pricing for used Echo 4x4 trailers they really held their value.
As of October 2017, these are now available in the US and have been available in Canada for the last 3-4 years, so there will be support on either side of the border. I did contact all of the major manufacturers and did decide to go with Echo 4x4 based on quality/workmanship and usable/workable/well-designed space in their trailers based on how they are set-up on how I would want to camp with comfort for myself and with up to 6 other people. As a side note this all stemmed from my girlfriend saying last year was the last year for sleeping in a tent, so I set up the 4-Runner as an overland vehicle for us to use in preparation to being able to import these trailers for us and others that would appreciate what they have to offer.
As for pricing I believe we are a bit less being I have priced these 2 models in Canadian dollars in the first post, so the Tec2 model would be in US Dollars about US$23,500.00 and the Tec5 would be about US$31,500.00, this is based on today's exchange rates and is an approximation using a currency app.
I did look today at the Patriot models to try and compare. First off they look very well built as well, and I had considered importing this model as well to Canada however decided to go with Echo 4x4 instead. There is not a lot of information or pictures on the US website for me to compare what is offered based on cost, it does seem like a fridge/freezer is not included and can be added for a price on all of their models, where it is included in the packages I am putting together. I will be putting together a complete package for both models once I am there and see their newest product line that I will be importing and finalizing all details/specs etc. My goal is to make it so that when someone wants one of these 2 models there are only a few small add-ons they can choose from based on their camping lifestyle instead of a multitude of add-ons/costs, to simplify the experience for everyone.
Regarding turtleback trailers, they do have a good reputation as well and I did price them out and I do believe that we are a similar or lower price point based on everything offered.
I believe all 3 trailer models you are comparing have a lot to offer, it comes down to what you want, my preference after months of research is the Echo 4x4 line. And at the end of the day you will choose whichever one suits you best. I will be taking more pictures and getting more information once I am there and will add this when I have time, which will give a better perspective on everything they have to offer.
Hope I answered your questions for now and if you have any others let me know. Also I have been contacted by people here that have purchased the older Echo 4x4 models from the last company that had the Canadian distribution rights and all they can say is how happy they are with their trailers. I have seen and set up their older models and the attention to detail is there and the usable space is very impressive to make the camping adventure no matter what the weather comfortable for everyone involved. I am very excited to see the newer Tec5 and Tec2 models that offer even more than what was originally imported here.