Maintenance & Restoration

agcoupe · 04-09-2018, 12:17 PM

This is a comprehensive REVIEW of OUTBACK CUSTOM TRAVEL TRAILERS and my experience with them.

I hope this will help shoppers make a wise choice as to where and what to look for when making their decision.

I have created a web page as a Review as it is too long & has too many photos to post here.

http://www.coupeservices.com/trillium-review/outback-custom-travel-trailers-review.php

David Tilston · 04-09-2018, 01:32 PM

Al, Thank you for your very detailed review.

katnz · 04-09-2018, 02:03 PM

As I said to you, I am SO appreciative that you took the time to write this!

rbryan · 04-09-2018, 03:41 PM

The extraordinarily poor workmanship here calls for getting a good lawyer and suing for your money back.

bsedwebt · 04-09-2018, 03:52 PM

Ouch! Now I see why the dealer in TN that had 3 refused to let me go there from VA to see them back in 2015.

**Jim Bennett** · 04-09-2018, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsedwebt

Ouch! Now I see why the dealer in TN that had 3 refused to let me go there from VA to see them back in 2015.

You must be thinking of Trillium RV (Tom Young) and not Outback Trillium (Joe Thoen), as I am quite sure Outback never sent a single trailer to a dealer.

bsedwebt · 04-09-2018, 04:30 PM

I can't keep track of Trillium anymore..... Too much going on. I do remember the dealer saying they were made by Great West and he had to send them back to the manufacturer for lots of repairs and he refused to even let me look.

**Jim Bennett** · 04-09-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsedwebt

I can't keep track of Trillium anymore..... Too much going on. I do remember the dealer saying they were made by Great West and he had to send them back to the manufacturer for lots of repairs and he refused to even let me look.

That was definitely Tom Young then. Years back he bought moulds from Joe Thoen. Escape for a short while in 2009 built a few trailers for him, but had to stop for various reasons including ramping up to build their own new model, the 19.

Raz · 04-10-2018, 04:29 AM

I have a Trillium made by TrilliumRV. Mine was made in California. After a stint in Arizona, Tom Young sold out to GreatWest. On mine the fit and finish was horriible and there were numerous build quality issues. But it was nothing like this. How could anyone allow a trailer in this condition leave their shop and expect to stay in business ? What a shame.

When faced with a similar situation I considered getting a lawyer. I concluded the cost of litigation could quickly exceed the value of the trailer and decided to put the money into repairs instead. Nine years later we have close to 70k miles on the trailer with numerous wonderful memories. The beauty of fiberglass is it's repairable with average skills and help is always here for the asking.

Thanks Al for sharing your tradgedy. I'm sure it will save others from a similar experience. Do keep us informed of your progress. All the best, Raz

rbryan · 04-10-2018, 06:39 AM

Excellent post Raz. Sometimes legal action is cost prohibitive. A shame for sure. Caveat Emptor.

BarbinBC · 04-10-2018, 01:53 PM

I own a 2004 Trilliuim Outback and know of others. These were built in Calgary, Alberta. And, no build quality issues like the ones described.

A distinction needs to be made between these two types as the Calgary manufacturer does not deserve to be in this category of poor quality. They build a good quality product that has the Outback name on the gravel guard.

The Outback Trillium Trailer | Trillium Trailers

Would the author please acknowledge and clarify your original post?

Thank You.

Kai in Seattle · 04-10-2018, 02:02 PM

Al, agcoupe, I feel for you. I really do. I feel your anger--and diligence.
Good review, very thorough, good pics. What a nightmare.

One would expect a brand new trailer to be darn-near perfect.

At least I would!

Our very best wishes to you.

Kai
Paul

agcoupe · 04-10-2018, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbinBC

I own a 2004 Trilliuim Outback and know of others. These were built in Calgary, Alberta. And, no build quality issues like the ones described.

A distinction needs to be made between these two types as the Calgary manufacturer does not deserve to be in this category of poor quality. They build a good quality product that has the Outback name on the gravel guard.

The Outback Trillium Trailer | Trillium Trailers

Would the author please acknowledge and clarify your original post?

Thank You.

I’m speaking of the same business as the one you bought your 2004 trailer from but the owner moved his business from the Calgary location to another property (home business).
The old address was: 6814 30th Street SE
Calgary, AB

The new address is: 235095 Range Road 284
Rocky View County, AB

The link you provided is the same business.

BarbinBC · 04-10-2018, 10:40 PM

Thanks for your prompt reply, Al. I am shocked that this is the same manufacturer as my 2004. I'm so sorry you had this experience with your Canadian built Trillium. I just assumed they would all be of the same build quality as mine and a couple of others in that age range. What a shame that things went so far downhill. They must have difficulty keeping knowledgeable staff if that's what's happening now.
Good luck with your repairs. I'd be hopping mad too. I think I'll drop in to the shop on my way back from the gathering in Winnipeg. Are you coming for that?

Glenn Baglo · 04-10-2018, 10:51 PM

Here's another recent post that raises concerns.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ice-75547.html

Ian G. · 04-11-2018, 04:13 PM

Just for clairification there are 2 trillium manufacturers, the Trillium Outback from Alberta Canada which the OP reviews in this thread.

The second was Trillium previously owned by Great West but this Trilium name and moulds have been purchased by Happier Camper in California who is working to release their version of the Trillium. When this version is launched I am confident it will be a top quality unit following in the footsteps of their HC1

**Jim Bennett** · 04-11-2018, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian G.

.... and moulds have been purchased by Happier Camper in California who is working to release their version of the Trillium.

Those moulds have travelled further than the majority of RV's ever have.

Looking forward to see what HC comes up with. We have Armadillo doing a great job with the Boler moulds, it would be nice to see something like this with the Trillium moulds.

Raz · 04-11-2018, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian G.

Just for clairification there are 2 trillium manufacturers, the Trillium Outback from Alberta Canada which the OP reviews in this thread.

The second was Trillium previously owned by Great West but this Trilium name and moulds have been purchased by Happier Camper in California who is working to release their version of the Trillium. When this version is launched I am confident it will be a top quality unit following in the footsteps of their HC1

Mike Mikmay made a mysterious comment about the return of Trillium a while back. That explains it. I love my Trillium and would love to see them made again. There's also a recommendation on Trilliumrv for Happier Camper.