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You sound as if you would enjoy a no fuss, no nonsense kind of set up!

Have a look at the Dandy. It has lots going for it. I have lived in it, for 6 weeks, in France; survived horrific storms; been cosy warm and dry, with 3 kids. It's made of PVC, not canvas, does not leak, and you sleep on beds - not rolling about on the floor. Comes with a sizeable awning. Cool in Summer, warm & dry in Winter. Basic sink & gas cooker. Ours has 2 double beds and a single bed. (5 berth model). You can get 4 birth and 6 berth models.

We have had fantastic touring holidays in ours - France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, as well as in the UK.

It folds down into a compact trailer unit and tows like a dream - you hardly know it is there.

Check out my profile pictures and consult other Dandy users - they will tell you the same.

i have had tents and a trailer tent, got rid of that cos way too long to set up. now got a folding camper, an old one, I find that much easier. Both the TT and the FC do quite a good job blocking out light, and have comfortable off the ground beds, but I don't think anything with canvas/pvc/nylon sides will do much good at blocking out sound, if that's major to you a basic second hand caravan can actually be cheaper than TTs and FCs, or maybe a folding caravan? Some of these are very cheap - the rapido ones in particular, maybe someone will come along who has owned one with advice on what they are like to live with (or you could ask in the caravan section?). If you arent bothered about showers, fridges and full size ovens, theres quite a big range of cheap, second hand options. Happy hunting :)

The Dandy is a Folding Camper not a tent. We've just bought our first one after 7 years tenting it. We absolutely love her and because the Dandy's are pvc no more worrying about the weather on the last day it doesn't matter anymore if we have to take it down in the rain.

I wouldn't go back to a tent now for love nor money, which reminds me anyone want to by a Khyam Chatsworth 2010 tent (only used once!)

Hi Hewaller, I think that the Rapido folding caravan such as the Confortmatic, Recordmatic or, if you really want the little kitchen, Expportmatic are fantastic bits of kit.   They need a bit of understanding to erect, dismantle but are secure and dry.  They can sleep up to 5 without an awning but get one with an awning if possible at it does make a difference.   However, get one only if you are prepared to have an audience when ariving and departing.  You'll not be alone.

The other types of folding caravans, i.e. Esteril, Orvis are the same towing length/width when down as up so no great storage advantage but reduced towing drag.

hi it has a pvc covering not cavas so no mildew or mould to worry about and can be put away wet, with canvas  you have to get it dry when you get back home if put away wet asap

kev