We looked at both and bought a caravan instead, so we didn't have to worry about drying out the canvas, and so we got a full size shower and could use the bathroom instead of on site facilties! Similar weight and price, too.
Them baileys are great value but much bigger to store (only a problem if you are tight like me and store at home), plus the site showers have everlasting hot water and us fc lovers never have to put a bed together while we camp. So you tin top lovers have a washroom, but us fc lovers have easier towing, made up BIG beds and easier at-home storage. That is why we all choose a different camper to each other - all have good points and bad points .......
Thanks everyone for your responses. After taking all opinions on board I today purchased a Crusader. Never been camping before, so can't wait to collect it and looking forward to experiencing the great outdoors.
John, didn't think it was worth paying the extra for a heater and cd player in the pathfinder. Also preferred the colour scheme and the larger seating area. I'm currently scouring this forum trying to answer the hundreds of questions I've got about FCs lol. Slightly nervous about using it the first time, but hopefully all my questions will be answered when I've collected it and had hands-on experience.
You will LOVE it. There's nothing like going into your new (or new to you) camper for the first time.
May I offer some advice which was given to me at the time?
Persuade a willing helper to write down exactly what you do as you do it, even for the first time. You will no doubt find some things to avoid doing, and some short cuts which work really well.
Also, watch the video instructions for the Pathfinder (now the same as the Crusader), available online here
Although, when you put the camper up, it will take less long if you don't constantly turn to the camper and point to the bit you've just done in a slightly patronising way.
Glad you chose your new camper and i was a first time user when i bought mine almost a year ago now. First few times of unpacking and packing were a bit scary but now we have it down to a fine art. Best advice i can give is do not rush setting up or packing away as it isnt a race, and as already mentioned it pays to have a list of which bit to do when. If your camper is new it will probably come with this supplied from the factory. If not, make your own list and laminate it so it cannot get wet hehe. I also like to open a beer or a bottle of wine as we unpack as it seems to make the whole affair that little bit more civilised! Hope you have many happy holidays.
Thanks for all the wishes of encouragement. I'm still very nervous about towing and assembling it for the first time, but fingers crossed I should enjoy it nevertheless. If, whilst on your hols, you see someone struggling to put up a FC and cursing his wife, please spare them some sympathy...it will probably be me lol!
Quote: Originally posted by phil75 on 08/6/2008
Thanks for all the wishes of encouragement. I'm still very nervous about towing and assembling it for the first time, but fingers crossed I should enjoy it nevertheless. If, whilst on your hols, you see someone struggling to put up a FC and cursing his wife, please spare them some sympathy...it will probably be me lol!
There is a first time for everything we do, I have had a careavan and a trailer tent and I to have just purchased a crusader and pick up next week I went for the 2007 as highbridge offered me a deal I couldnt refuse!!! good luck you will be fine and wonder why you worried so much!
we purchased a conway crusader last month,did not like the colour of the path finder also the interior of the crusader is more useful our grandson can sleep on the long sofa so we do not have to make up the extra double bed.Also they have change the sink in the pathfinder to a single bowl with no splash back to protect the curtains,and then stupidly fitted the tap straight to the worktops.This was done with some sinks in the 80's i remember changing lots of swollen worktops then. the awnings supplied with the conway crusaders are know supplied by Isabella awnings,the pathfinders are still supplied by pennine. The main structure and workings are identical.We are extremly happy with our conway crusader and i know we made the right choice.So good luck with your new purchase which ever unit you go for,we brought our unit from Highbridge caravans they were very helpfull.
Happy camping Phil75, hope you enjoy your new toy. If you join the Conway Owners club you will get a quarterly mag with lots of info and advice, and of course you would be welcome at a rally to get practical help from old hands as well as having lots of fun.