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Hi,

We have just returned from our first camping trip with a tent.  We loved the whole camping experience, except for the large amount of equipment that we need and couldn't fit in our small trailer and the amount of time it takes to put it up and down. 

We saw somebody come on site with a folding camper and it seemed to be a lot quicker and easier to put up and looked like it could be done by one person. There also seemed to be a lot of stuff stored in the trailer and seemed like an idea solution to us.

Before we can decide if it is, I wondered if anyone with a folding camper could answer a few questions. 

Is there any other costs associated with it? I'm guessing there's insurance and do you have it serviced? On average what are the costs each year?

Can you fit a lot of your stuff in the trailer and leave it in there for storage when not in use? Is it easy to set up and can you do it with only one person? How long does it take you to set up camp?

Is there anything else we should know and weigh up when considering it as an option?

Thanks

Hi, we have had a Dandy folding camper for the last couple of years and can thoroughly recommend them.

Being quite small it fits into the garage, being made from PVC there is no canvas to rot should they need to be put away wet.

I guess we ought to insure it but as it is locked in a garage most of the time it seems pretty secure, we can store a lot of stuff inside including the awning, chairs,table and cooking utensils.  We have not had to have it serviced since buying it as the trailer is in very good condition although again this may be advisable.

We bought this after being frustrated with a camper van which we loved but found that due to other comittments we could only rarely use - the folding camper doesn't need to be taxed, parked on the road,mot'd or insured by law and at only 350 kgs makes little or no difference to the mpg of the car when towing. Unlike the old VW we don't have to cross our fingers every time we want to go!

don't have to be that sort of money,paid £200 for mine put a new roof on the main unit for £300. now have a very usable unit for £500.

yes have good storage

the conway slideout beds are easier for one than the older pennine folding beds(pre gas struts)

don't insure mine

service the running gear myself

you will need towing mirrors

We were impressed by it and (I should say I, as hubby didn't see it!) bought it and went to Clumber Park today and put it all up.  We've got a Conway Crusier 2004.  It took us ages to put it up, but then we only had some very vague instructions to get it up, as we didn't see the seller put it up, only down. We put up the awning as well, which was quicker, lol.  Putting it down was a lot faster and hopefully, now we know what we are doing, it will be quicker to put it up.  That's a good idea about numbering the poles, and I think I might have to do something similar.

We found a hole in the awning, which we didn't know about.  The seller didn't have it up and never has since owning it, so we were a bit disappointed to find it.  I would like it professionally repaired and need it doing before our holiday in July.  I've also got to change the booking from a tent to the FC, so I hope it doesn't cause any problems.

Quote: Originally posted by the black fox on 04/6/2011

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tent valeting services at bolton should be able to repair /patch your awning it depends where it is ,how big and there work load ,but at least there not to far from you ,give them a ring on 01204-708131 as they tend not to answer e/mails

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