GIC Black Series Extreme Commando
Verified31 reviews
Not Great – Bought a 2015 model two years ago that had been used twice by the original owners. It had been stored undercover and appeared to be in great condition when I purchased it. However on first set up I found that 90% of the plastic pole clips had become brittle and cracked which all had to be replaced. Note also, this isn't the easiest camper to set… Read more
up which was the main reason the original owners sold it. Added to this I towed this to Bathurst over the weekend and after the 2.5 hour trip there I found that the zip-on cover had fallen apart and now has gaping holes through it! I have only used this twice myself and seems to continually be costing money in unnecessary maintenance. Called Black Series which takes you to 4WD Supercentre who then tell me that they cant assist and I have to email my inquiry. Have sent an email, 2 days later still waiting on a reply.
Great all rounder – Had a couple of teething issues, but this camper has been epic for our family of 4. The ammount of space is insane, setup and pack up is much better than a tent. Show details
Cheap Trailer, Bad service, Bad warranty – Was initially happy BUT as time goes on becoming more disappointed. 'Commando' series purchased 2016. Website stated chassis has a '5 year structural warranty' BUT when the suspension bracket welded to the chassis ripped off the trailer in Nov 2019, we are told this is not covered by the 5 year structural warranty. SO the 5 year warranty ONLY… Read more
covers the actual frame, NOT all the parts that the manufacturer welds to it. like suspension brackets. Asked for Manager to call me back so we can discuss my issues, but they never called me back. Trailer never been off road so was a little surprised by its lack of durability BUT reading other reviews there are numerous complaints about the suspension. Speaking of the 'suspension brackets' the the engineering company that repaired the trailer in outback SA laughed when he saw the flimsy bracket that broke. It did not break at the weld, it just tor the middle out of the bracket and left all the welded bits, still welded to the frame. I have since looked at Aussie made trailers and this plate is min 5mm (or more) steel. FYI these guys make boat trailers for Oyster boats (so we are talking BIG trailers. Pretty sure they know what they are doing
Other issues: - Boat Rack is totally useless, you can not put the tent up if the rack is on as the vertical supports are in the way AND friggin hard to get off on your own. I raised this with GIG and got the usual. 'Yeah, that's how they are." I notice the newer series now have a dogleg type bracket so the tent will now fit between them. Nothing dodgy here, just appalling design. - Water from tank has been undrinkable (foul taste and smell) since new. Eventually got onto the warranty people. Also not covered under warranty. - Zip on the cover broke first time i tried to zip it up. It was just the zip tab so now i have a keyring attached to the broken zipper to use the zip. - Powder coating is starting to flake off in some areas. - Initially very difficult to get them to return calls - Replaced foam mattress with something you can actually sleep on - Water hand pump broke first time i used it. (Always carry super glue when i camp) - Had so many issues actually getting CIG to return calls and emails. Shocking service AND looking at other reviews, I would have to question some of the reviews that comment on how great the service is. I have NEVER found this after numerous contacts with them
As our first camper, it has been OK I didn't expect miracles from this trailer BUT didn't expect it to break either. BUT we now know more and know what to look for in our next trailer. (FYI - It will not be a black Series)
At the end of the day, it is just a cheap overseas made trailer wearing nice clothes BUT you need to look at reliability and after sales service when spending your money. Nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere with a broken trailer and no support and no one returns your calls.
Difficult to put up and down – Have used ours 5 times. It is a nightmare to put up and down. Not as easy as t hey tell you. We are looking at selling it now. My husband couldnt be bothered witgh it anymore. It was purchased in name of Fornari. Dont have paperwork handy as requested proof of purchase. Is tghis your way of controlling reviews. Should not have to be accepted by you first. How controllong.
Great trailer – I bought my camper trailer second hand however, it has remained in great condition. Each time I have reached out to GIC in regards to replacement items due to my own fault they have replied timely amd effectively. Cheers guys
Like the camper but not the after sales service – Received 4 weeks ago. Came damaged and no one gives a damn will have to repair myself out of pocket before i even get to use it. This is crap.
Fantastic trailer – We purchased our commando from Brisbane in October 2016, fantastic service went over everything with us. I kid you not since then we have smashed the crap out of this trailer, off road, Sand, rocks, heavy rain, travelled in storms, up hills through rivers, creeks etc. We seasoned it as per instructions, I went over the whole trailer tightened and… Read more
adjusted what needed mainly for my own piece of mind towed hundreds of Klms with no problems, great value for money and does us to the tee. They way I look at it would you take $20,000 +in cash with you when you go off road camping ? I bet not so why would spend that in a camper.
Exactly what I wanted! – I bought my Dominator in December 2016 and have taken it out twice. The camper it self has not failed me! I can't say a bad thing about it. Good value for money
Happy with ours – I'm writing this while sitting at our beach front camp at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. We brought our campers from the Melbourne showroom September 2016. We looked at many before picking Black Series. I rang to see if they were in stock, which they were so picked up 2 days later. Friendly team made they purchase easy. I didn't like the… Read more
option of boat racks that I didn't want or a toilet, as I all ready had one. We don't have a 4wd but the XR6 Falcon tows it easy. We have been in it when it's belting down with rain and not one leak, although water can pool on some sections of the roof. The outside tap works fine , but when I went to use the sink tap the top came off and it doesn't work, but I can fix that myself. My best tip would be to check every nut and bolts and tighten. I found several loose especially the not and bolts that hold the uprights next to the mattress . Set up is easy, we can do it in 10 minutes. Remember you only get what you pay for and we are very happy with our Commando. Cheers
Great value – We are very happy with our Commando and believe it be excellent value for money. We have ensured storms and had severly currogated roads without any problems. The hand tap is a bit flimsy but works. The mattress is an odd size and terrible but that's our only complaint.
Fantastic product, even better service – We are the very proud owners of an extreme Off road camper. We have never had an issue with it and we love it. Recently I asked if I could buy some replacement mudflaps for our stone guard. Mark emailed me after my request and promptly sent a brand new set out immediately. I could not ask for better service. Thank you Black Series campers. Show reply
Poorest Customer Service Ever! – I purchased Commando black series camper and still haven't received it. Suppose to be ready last week never called and haven't called back 4 times when they said they would. They are the worst ever people to deal with. Take your order and your cash and then don't want to know about you. Have missed all xmas holidays and Australia day weekend… Read more
holidays. Also have notice in the feedback that some people have received theirs after waiting to weeks very poor!
Hi Phippsy I apologise for the poor service you feel you… Read more (+2 replies)
Extreme Comando – Worst customer service ever. Out of the 5 time they said someone will call me back. Not 1 phone call. I haven't even got the trailer yet. I have now been given my 4th delivery estimate. Looks like our holidays will be cancelled.
Hi again Carle. People will be concerned that you didn’t… Read more (+1 reply)
Find out how GIC Black Series Extreme Commando compares to other Camper Trailers
Know better, choose better.
Brand new extreme off road with rust – Do not purchase from gic Black Series Campers. They do not return emails or phone calls and they threaten to sue if you leave a bad comment. I say sue me. No brakes as standard part. Shockies fitted without bushes. Twisted pole. Rust throughout chassis and very poor paint job as paint flakey on delivery. 4 months teying to claim warranty. They are aggressive and make threats.
Hi Readers to politely clarify the "Mark M"review's… Read more (+4 replies)
Great customer service – My experience with GIC was very good. Their customer service was terrific and they looked after all my needs. Would recommend!! Show reply
Simple Things Done Poorly, Sales Cycle Prolonged and QA Process Poor – I was promised a 6-8 week delivery - when in reality it was 12. I was told the trailer was built and ready to be shipped, so I made final payment. Reality was, it was not built and it was another 3 weeks before it was available. Water tank has leaked and I have been forced to remove, seal and test all pipes in the water tank. Both taps have broken… Read more
on the first outing. Gas bottle holders are terrible, they don't stay closed unless a padlock is attached. The tent however is great. Quality of the tent is not in question. Trailer build is pretty good. Tailgate when open still moves significantly despite the lock that is meant to stop that.
Thanks for the kind feedback about the quality of the Budget… Read more (+2 replies)
No attention to detail – Have owned our commando extreme just over a year. The trailer is great as blank canvas so you can customise all the electrics to your needs and be better quality. Gas bottle holders don't stay closed due to poor craftsmanship the water container holders are just as crap. The floor in the trailer wasn't cut properly so they just filled the gap with… Read more
liquid metal, that said the itself is good for the price. So people don't complain when your paying half as much than from anyone else. My real problem is with the customer service. Warranty bloke is a asshat called he said send me an email with photos and I'll have a look at. Two weeks pass nothing call and he advised I have to fill out the online form-did that two weeks pass again nothing. Called again got this really good bloke he said give me an hour I'll you back and he did he advised he has packed the pole and is awaiting tnt to pick up. Yes all this for a fooking pole. I'm writing this as I sit in the annex 45km winds and she is doing great. Top buy for the money. You blokes need to work on your customer service and attention to detail. These two things affected you rating. Camper trailer the bomb but customer service bits old mans balls
Hi Steve Thank you for the witty & truthful feedback on the… Read more (+1 reply)
Ordered in feb 2015 still haven't received the trailer we ordered – We ordered the GIC extreme commando in feb 2015 we were promised to receive the trailer in march then when it came time to pick up the trailer we were told they had ran out of tents and would have to wait for more to be delivered. After patiently waiting and waiting and and being told it will be done soon it is now the 5th of may and we are still… Read more
waiting. The trailer appears to be good value for money will find out when we eventualy get to use it i guess.
Just brilliant! Everyone should get one – Just finished a 2 week trip around Tassie and trailer performed perfectly. Very spacious with the 12ft tent too! Followed behind my DMax as if it wasn't even there, even off road. Already has all the features you could want to add. Special mention to the sales crew for brilliant after sales service as well. Thanks heaps.
Excellent service with a smile – From the start prompt reliable service, always happy to answer questions, discuss options. Kept us full informed of process, time factors, Happy staff. On day of pick up staff ran through details of trailers and tent, ensured our lights were working before we left, and to top it off, we got an extra bonus, keep it up guys, I will recommend GIC Campers to everyone and anyone.
very impressed – picked up our new commando on Saturday with no delays, staff were very helpful and willing to answer any questions. Towed extremely well behind my hilux. Set it up when I got home and it appears to be very well built, seasoned canvas no leaks, very happy can't wait for our first trip. Highly recommend GIC.
Extreme Commando – After doing copious amounts of research on campers we decided to go with a GIC Extreme Commando. The Commando comes with all the extra upgrades we were looking for and we were quite impressed with the over the phone sales service we received. Jamie in Finance was easy to deal with and got the deal done quite quickly, with delivery due any day now we are getting excited on having our maiden voyage.
Find out how GIC Black Series Extreme Commando compares to other Camper Trailers
Know better, choose better.
Better than the rest – I looked around for few months but could not go past gic campers Great service Receive mine soon keen as to get it out there and show up the rest
Extreme commando review – after looking around at different campers for the last 2 years we decided to go with GIC as we have seen them set up and was very impressed with the quality we ordered ours on the 4/2/15 and have been told it is on its way 7/3/15 we are so looking forward to go camping in about 3 weeks time can't wait .
Extreme commando review – Communication has been good, we were extremely lucky to have received an extras pack for no extra cost with the new year deal. We are eagerly looking forward to our first family trip away with it. Show reply
great value, great product and great service – Bought a camper trailer due to them having a sale, we are very impressed with our purchase. Service staff were all extremely busy but very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Hands down the best quality and value – This is our first camper trailer and without a doubt we will have it for many years. It is built tough right throughout from the base to the canvas and everything in between. The customer service was great and everyone I dealt with was more than helpful. My family and I will be having adventures of a lifetime in nothing but the best. Thanks for everything GIC Campers
Great Value for money – Ordered our camper mid January great company to deal with. Picking our camper up on Monday we are super excited to begin our camping adventures.
One tough camper - GIC best value for $ – I would like to provide a testimonial for your excellent customer service and for the quality of my recently purchased Extreme Commando with options pack, 12ft deluxe tent and boat racks. From the very first contact with GIC I was impressed with the product and professionalism of the sales team. No fuss, excellent knowledge of my needs and correct… Read more
product for my budget. I recently used my camper for the first time and on the 2nd afternoon I was set up was caught in a freak storm near Batemans Bay in NSW. There was 85mls if rain in 30 mins with extremely high winds! One of the worst storms I have ever been in. The GIC camper stood up to the test whilst unfortunately other people staying in tents had there sites and equipment destroyed. All I had to do is adjust a couple of poles, re-tighten some ropes then was able to go and help them fold up their damaged and destroyed tents and bid them farewell as they headed home. I was able to go back to the comfort of my GIC camper and enjoy the rest of my holiday. I would highly recommend a GIC camper to anyone. Excellent product at a great price by those that have been in the game a long time. Jade and Costa who I dealt with know their stuff, good blokes, don't talk rubbish and stand behind the product they sell!
Regards and happy camping.
My GIC camper experience is – My GIC camper experience review is on hold as at 10 February 2015 Negotiations with GIC to improve my customer service experience are continuing. GIC monitor these posts, "GIC please feel free to give me a call"
New Extr Offroad trailer (18ft tent) was Damaged – Collected our Extreme Off-road trailer with 18ft tent on a Saturday. Set it up on Sunday, and found the wood where the mattress goes is split and chunks broken off. Contacted GIC (Costa - Sydney) and confirmed once new tents get delivered they will inform us to replace whole tent as all comes in one piece. NEVER received any phone calls and chased… Read more
them up on numerous occasion after which they confirmed that they received delivery and our trailer can be fixed. (2.5 months of waiting)
We returned our trailer, and after setting it up again to check if all is ok, we found that the repair has never been made. But not only that was the tent facing the wrong way on the trailer!!! Contacted Costa (GIC Manager-Sydney) again and he was not just arrogant but discriminating towards me as I am a South African, and said it was because of people like us that the whole country (Australia) is in this state!
After a long struggle we took the trailer back a third time to be repaired as per GIC's request. Waited more that 5 hours, and left the Sydney branch without our trailer!
To date are we still waiting on the trailer to be repaired and returned!
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Hi Steve, Thank you for your detailed review, it is a shame… Read more (+3 replies)