Tasmania Campers Review

Editors Review

Last Updated: 8/13/19

I don't normally do this but there is some confusion about all the names for Tasmanian campervan rental company, so I will give you a quick breakdown first so you know you are in the right place...

 Tasmania Campers (this review) is a Tasmanian campervan rental company with a logo that looks like this.   https://www.tasmaniacampers.com.au/

Tasmanian Campervan Hire, which can also mistakenly be known as Tascamper because it's web address is http://tascamper.com, has a logo that looks like this.

Tasmania Campervan Rentals is a different company but very similar name and have a logo like this. http://www.tasmaniacampervanrentals.com.au/

Tasmania Campervan Rentals is owned and operated by Tassie Motor Shacks so their campervans look the same across both sites. Tassie Motor Shacks have a logo like this. http://www.tassiemotorshacks.com.au/

Right. Let's start the show..... 

Tasmania Campers

Running a fleet of older and fairly modern sleepervans, bush campers, and bush challenger, Tasmania Campers takes you to some scenic landscapes and off the beaten tracks. This Hobart-based company is a budget premium campervan hire, catering to couples and small families only.  

About Tasmania Campers

Focusing on standard vehicles for budget-conscious travellers, Tasmania Campers also offer 4-wheel drive bush campers and bush challenger among their vehicles. They prioritise “driver-friendly” campervans at low rates, which means you get what you pay for while self-driving their vehicles around Tasmania. They are part of a collective of campervan hire companies, including Captain Billy's 4WD Hire and Devil Campers in Australia, as well as Tui Campers, Tui Sleepervans, Freedom Campers, and Budget Campers in New Zealand. Their depot in Hobart is just a few minutes from the airport. Plus, they have one-way rentals.

Fleet

The Tasmania Campers fleet now consists of eight models—one sleepervan, four campervans, and three 4WDs. As to the age of the vehicles, these are fairly old units, ranging from 2003-2011 models. All vehicles, aside from the sleepervan, are suitable to be equipped with child seats. So, if you're travelling with kids, these units are suitable for an awesome family adventure. Just in case you do not know, they have the same vehicles as Devil Campers. It's because they are sister companies under the Tui Campers. 

Vehicles

Devil Sleepervan

The most basic model offered by Tasmania Campers, the 2003 Sleepervan features two front-cabin seats and a small double bed that converts from a daytime couch. Running on unleaded, it allows for both automatic (4-speed) and manual (5-speed) transmission, making it an adaptable vehicle for a budget-conscious couple. Although it’s certainly not roomy, Tasmania has also managed to squeeze in a mini-kitchen with a built-in gas stove, a separate cooler box, and storage under seats.

Devil Finder

Because of its size and layout, the Devil Finder is such a coveted camper. This manual unit lets you travel around Tasmania in an economical way. It has a decent double bed and a single bed that provides sleeping space for up to 3 persons. Further, it's stocked with all sorts of camping essentials such as cutlery, crockery, towels, linens, and more! 

Trail Finder 2+1

The Trail Finder 2+1 is a step up from the Sleepervan—slightly larger and more spacious. The front cabin features belted seats for three, while there’s an additional fold-out single bed in the roof area, which is above the convertible couch. This is an automatic transmission campervan is built on a 2006/ 2007 model. The extra space is used very economically, allowing for the inclusion of a 2-ring gas cooker and the Trail Finder’s fridge. The fridge runs off the 12V battery when driving and off the mains when the vehicle is plugged in at a campsite. In our experience, this is a much better option than having a cooler box with ice that’s susceptible to melting and spoiling food. Rear-cabin heating is also available when the vehicle is hooked up to power, giving the Trail Finder an edge over the Sleepervan if you’re planning to travel in the winter months.

Trail Finder 4+1

For bigger groups up to 5, the Trail Finder 4+1 might be the perfect, economical choice for you. This automatic camper gets you to your destination comfortably. It comes with three seating at the driving cabin and two forward-facing seats at the rear, which can fit child seat restraints. Featuring its vertical space, this gives the interior a roomier ambiance, without leaving behind the essentials―two double beds, dining area, kitchen, and storage spaces. 

Devil 3 + 2 Finder

Slightly pricier but ideal for families of up to two adults and two children. The 2003 3+2 Trail Finder campervan is also an automatic transmission vehicle, which runs on unleaded. Although it has the same dimensions as the Trail Finder, there is space for a full rear awning kit to accommodate two camp beds, along with the fold-out double bed and the single bed above it. Hence, this camper can sleep up to five in total. Its inner layout is also different, with two rear forward-facing belted seats in the living area, as well as the three front-cabin seats. In addition to the 55-litre fridge and 2-ring gas cooker, identical to those of the Trail Finder, there’s a 240V mains-connected microwave.

Bush Camper 2 berth

The 2011 Bush Camper 2 Berth—a Mitsubishi model with manual transmission—is suitable for adventurous couples. If you’re looking for more space than you’d get with a Trail Finder campervan, but don’t want to shell out for a full-blown self-contained motorhome, this is your best option. Unlike the Sleepervan and Trail Finder models, it runs on diesel fuel. One permanent double bed in the overhead cab and a fully furnished kitchen await couples inside this off the road camper. 

Bush Camper 4 berth

Also built on a 2011 model running on diesel, this 4WD unit is also dubbed as the 'Outback Camper'. It is designed for family adventures and lodges in up to 2 adults and 2 children. Featuring full cooking facilities, this unit comes with a convertible couch from the living room and another permanent cab-over bed. Its kitchen amenities—a microwave, a 2-burner gas stove, and a 64-litre fridge-freezer—make it ideal for feeding a family with no fuss. Plus, everyone will enjoy the large retractable awning and external cold-water shower, although it lacks toilet facilities. 

Bush Challenger

One distinct unit on the fleet is the 2/3 Berth Bush Challenger. This 2011 4WD sports a custom-built interior for extreme outback comfort. The rear lounge alters into a double bed while there is a rooftop bed for one. For added adventure and convenience, a manual awning is provided, as well as external cooking facilities.

Insurance

Tasmania Campers requires the bond to be paid by card imprint upon entering into the rental contract, to be refunded later if the vehicle is returned without damage and with a full tank of fuel. 

Option 1: Sleepervans and campervans- $20 per day ($25.00 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces the excess to $850. Trailfinder and bush camper-  $28 per day ($33.00 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces the excess to $1,200. 

Option 2: Sleepervans and campervans- $29 per day ($34.00 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces the excess to $0. Trailfinder and bush camper-  $38 per day ($43.00 per day for drivers under 25 years) reduces the excess to $0. This option also includes two tyres, one windscreen, and multiple windscreen chips, along with other extras like baby seat, LPG bottle, airport transport services, and more. 

Whatever your choice, you will be required a credit card imprint upon vehicle collection.

Reputation

Going by the principle that ‘no news is good news’, Tasmania Campers’ reputation can be gathered from the fact that they have been in business for years. They have plenty of reviews available online, with a mix of positive and negative assessments. The innovative, space-economising designs of their vehicles, particularly the Bush Campers, have garnered some praise; however, many reviewers have noted disappointing customer service and older and badly maintained units. Be warned that they won’t consider broken items like a stove, water pump or fridge “mechanical breakdowns”—some other companies take more responsibility for faulty amenities. Also, none of their vehicles are self-contained, meaning you can’t freedom camp unless specifically permitted to do so by national park regulations. On a positive note, the close proximity of their Hobart depot to the main airport terminal on Tasmania and one-way rentals are plus factors. 

Summary

With inexpensive excess reduction options and budget-friendly prices, you can take your pick of the vehicles in Tasmania Campers’ small but serviceable fleet, and get the freedom of a low-cost self-driving experience around the island.