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Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and after many months of deliberating on motorhomes v caravans v tents, I've decided that a folding camper the way forward

I've been looking, on the web, at Pennie, Conways, Dandy's and Trigano's... am still not decided... all suggestions and recommendations gratefully received.

I've a few questions which i hope some of you more experinced campers can help me with... are there any dealers of new and/or used up in the Newcastle area? 

We'd really like to hire one before we buy one, but again are struggling to find anywhere that hires them..again if anyone knows of anywhere, local or national, that would be really helpful too.

We have a 2.0 litre diesel automatic freelander.. Do you think that this will be ok for towing?  The handbook suggests a tow weight of about 1,400kg at 85% but any real life experiences would be welcomed.  Does it being an automatic matter ?  How much would it be approximately to have a towbar fitted?  Are anti-snake devices worth thinking about?  I've never towed before, although am a very careful driver, do worry about snaking etc. 

Finally, Dandy's!  Can these be bought new?  Same with Trigano's too.. can't seem to find anything except used (which we may ultimately get, but would like to look at the options). 

Many Many thanks in advance

A very confused newcomer

Sorry more questions....

Do you pay the tent rate on campsites?  Do you need to pay extra for an awning on the pitch?

We could potentially store the folding camper in the garage, although this would mean emptying it  although we have a decent / safe driveway.  Can they be stored outside?  Are there covers sufficiently waterproof that you can buy?

Thanks in advance

Hello, Many makes have their pro's & cons.  Pennine/Conway (same firm) are the biggest names in the UK & are very well made.  Trigano are I think still on the go.  Both used to be sold by Discover until that company went into financial meltdown & I don't think it is now a dealer for new ones.  They have a branch at Birtley (used to be Tyneside Caravans), but the main centre for FCs round here was their Darlington branch (formerly Barrons).  There was always a massive selection of new & used ones there.  There have been very poor reports about them this year though.  If you want a big choice, then I'm afraid you're off to Camperlands in Manchester.  They are agents for pretty much everyone. 

Don't know of anyone who hires them out.  Would suggest snooping around on campsites.  I have had a few folk come asking about mine.  You'll be sure of honest feedback.

A 2.0 Freelander will pull anything on the market!  Automatics tow very well, some say better than a manual transmission.  Try Hedley Towbars in Durham.  I've had two cars fitted by them.  They'll come & do it at your home or work.  They also fit them for a lot of the main dealers.  The 85% thing is a guide.  Aim to tow no more than 85% of the cars weight.  Stabilisers are a must for caravans, but FCs are much lighter & lower, therefore don't suffer from the wind buffeting them nearly as badly.  I haven't got one, & I honestly don't know the Dandy is behind me (except when pulling away). 

Dandys were made until last year by Riva Leisure in Wigan.  The company got its backside bitten by the recession & laid all of the staff off.  They are still open & do spares & repairs as well as second hand sales.  Dandys are quite unlike anything else on the market.  They are made from PVC rather than canvas so they are the only campers that can be packed & stored wet without worry of the thing rotting.  This means you can come after a wet weekend without needing to put the thing back up to dry out.  Look on eBay (that one in Devon is a beauty) & Pre Loved, as well as the Dandy Owners Club website for second hand.  Don't be put off by age either, mine was made in 1995 & has at least 15 more years to go. 

On campsites the fee can vary.  Some charge for the pitch whatever goes on it, others charge per person, others have different rates for tents, caravans etc.  If you can, pay as a tent as they then don't charge again if you want the awning up.

As for covers, yes they can go outside no problem, but obviously indoors is much better if you can manage it.

Good hunting!

Steve (in Chester leStreet)

WOW  thats really helpful Steve. Thank you very much for your reply.  WIll give discover darlington a ring today to see what stock they have to see if it's worth a trip.  (went to birtley discover a couple of months ago looking at motorhomes/caravans and they didn't have any FC's in)

Again Many Thanks