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DH and I are thinking of purchasing a trailer or folding tent but have no idea what to go for.

There is 3 in the family (James is 6) but we would like something that he would be able to take a friend when older.

We have a honda jazz which has a tow on it so probably need something light and also easy to erect.

Oh and we dont want to have to spend a fortune on it.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Gilly

My advice is to start reading round and most especially have a look on Ebay as the second hand market starts warming up for spring. The descriptions on Ebay can be very educational! Also make a point of finding out the max weight your car can tow. (In the handbook.) Most TTs (trailer tents) come in under 600Kg fully laden, folding campers a lot more. TT's are cheaper too, by a long way. but they take more time to erect. You also have to think about where you're going to keep it and dry it out. FCs are bigger to store and need nearly the same security precautions as a caravan because they cost so much. A TT will be easier to store ie doesn't hog your entire garage if you are thinking of putting it there. Both can be stored outside of course, but you need some soprt of secure back garden or area for this. You also need somewhere you can erect it or at least open it out to dry after a wet camping trip. You can't store a TT or FC wet, with the honorable exception of the all-plastic Dandy.

My first reaction to reading your post btw is that what you need is a 4 or 6 berth second hand CombiCamp. Light, easy to set up, moderately roomy and a healthy second hand market. Buy a cheapish second hand one, use it for a few trips and you'll have a much better idea of what suits you and whether you feel the need for something bigger or fancier. You'll get your money back on the CombiCamp if you look after it. There are also good buys in older Conways. Cabanon are the best as Rex says, but the price reflects this and the fact there's not so many on the second hand market. Trigano, SunnCamp and Raclet are also reputable brands.

Some good advice from Val.

Watch the weights - check the unbraked max towing weight of your Jazz, a basic trailer tent won't be a problem but some of the newer Combis and some small older FCs were unbraked and heavier than the Jazz's limit for unbraked units.

The max towing weight for a braked trailer is much higher. A new Combi now comes with brakes, and I believe all new FCs do. The Jazz is a good match for a Combi Camp or a medium sized FC - but the likes of the Pathfinder and Crusader will be too heavy.

For ease of use a Combi (or similar type e.g. Camplet) or an FC would be better than a standard trailer tent, but they do cost more. You should be able to pick up an old Combi in not too bad condition for less than £500.

You don't say what size your engine is.  That will have a big impact.  Both engines will tow 1000Kg braked trailer.  The 1.2 will be working hard pulling that.  Camping & Caravan Club reccomend towing no more than 85% of the cars weight to be comfortable, which comes in at around 950Kg.  There are many campers that will do the job & their owners are all passionate about their brands.  Most are canvas & will need a bit of TLC to keep them rot free & waterproof, but as long as they are packed & stored dry, they are great.  We looked at many  makes, but as we have nowhere to dry a wet camper, we opted for a Dandy, as they are the only brand that can be packed & stored wet as their fabric is insulated PVC.  They were made by Riva Leisure in Wigan until last year when the credit crunch bit.  The firm still sells used ones as well as doing repairs & spares.  We are in a similar position to you as we have a 7 year old son.  We have a Dandy Designer.  It has 2 double & one single bed so can sleep 5 very good friends, but 3 in pretty good comfort.  Dandys last for years, so don't be put off by an old well loved one.  Get one with an awning, as they are as rare as hens teeth to find for sale on their own, & the evtra space is really useful.

Good luck hunting & enjoy whatever you buy.

Steve.

Thanks for all your advice.

I have a 1.4 jazz sport.

Having a look around, the trailer tents look good. We have a centre near us that sells them so we will go and have a look.

Thanks

Gilly

Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 08/1/2009

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You don't say what size your engine is.  That will have a big impact.  Both engines will tow 1000Kg braked trailer.  The 1.2 will be working hard pulling that.  

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No, that's the max. I towed a Cardinal with my 1.4 Jazz - at 850Kgs MTPLM it was exactly 85% of kerbweight. Frankly, although it was ok for most of the time, we had one worrying time at a T junction on a very steep hill in Stoke where I thought we were going to go backwards into the motorbike sitting two feet from the back of the camper. I certainly wouldn't recommend anything heavier for the 1.4, and not even that much for the 1.2, regardless of the max of 1,000 Kgs given by Honda.

Good luck in your search, Gilly, hope you find a good 'un.

Hello Gilly

I have just started looking at TTs and am lucky enough to live not far from Camperlands in Manchester.They have a good choice on display and have a Second hand sale on in February.

Ebay has already been mentioned but i find Pre loved an easier site to navigate.....

regards

tony