hi folks im trying to convince the wife to convert from a tent to a folding caravan , she says that she doesnt want to has she is scared of towing it , i dont drive so im stumped . if i were to get one some of my friends have got cars with towbars and they will go away with me i am looking for a small camper ie fiesta or aztec or challenger has anyone got any ideas or tips of them and i am trying to find pics of challengers but cant seem to find them , also is it worth buying one minus the awning hope you can help ..stewey
Dandy Dart pretty much the same layout as Aztec & Fiesta but PVC not canvas so it will not go mouldy if packed away wet.. Used to be made, & are still sold by Riva Leisure in Wigan. Been making them for years so lots available second hand, but not many at the moment. Things will pick up towards the spring. Keep an eye on eBay for campers too. Towing is not an issue. You won't notice a camper behind you as they don't suffer with wind like caravans & are lighter in weight.
There is a firm hiring them out in Staffordshire, so you can try before you buy.
For longer breaks over a few nights an awning is really useful. They are sold as extras when campers are new, & getting a second hand or new awning to match a camper can be very difficult, so go for a camper with an awning included. Good hunting.
We changed from a Camplet to as Trigano 415 Randger folding camper last year. Our new unit is easy to tow and very quick to erect. We only put up the main awning for long stays. Have a look at Somerset Camping's web site
We had that hard decision to make last year and eventually chose the Pennine Sterling FC - really glad we did, it is so easy to put up and comfortable to live in.
I must admit the comfort thing is a biggy. Just being off the ground and able to sit in a comfortable chair and sleep in a proper bed. Some may say thats not camping. Well its the sort of camping that we like!!
Totally agree, we have been camping for several years now and enjoy being outdoors, but we have got to the stage now where we wanted a bit of comfort and something fast to erect. You don't have to put the awning up, but it does give you a lot more space for longer stays or if you have a larger family.
Hi stewey,my other half towed our pennine fiesta for the first time last yr Nottingham to Cromer and back,she was nervous to begin with,she said it was a doddle ,and cant wait to do it again.
As other said above ,very fast to put up ,everything off the ground all mod cons ,can use on hard standings ,just about perfect in every way,and still get the feel of [proper]camping.!!
We always use the awning on ours even if we're just away for the weekend - I said I wouldn't tow but once you've done it it's easy.
Have a look on ebay for folding campers ( they come up under Trailer Tents) lots more coming on now. Also try here you can download brochures (try early in the day as the site has limited bandwidth)
If your wife enjoys driving a car loaded with camping kit, she will love driving with a folding camper behind. They are light low profile and very stable and easy to move on site, unlike a caravan.
But once you are pitched you have loads of space, permanent beds and are off the ground with proper seats and equipment such as cooker and fridge and h/c water in our Pullman.