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We have a crusader and we really like it.

The main unit is very easy to put up and only takes about 10-15 minutes, bit longer to get the water and drainage things set up, but not much.  The awning isn't necessary, but I would imagine with 3 children you would be grateful of the extra space - we have one 5 year old and it would be hell with just the main unit (but that might just be us).  It does take a while to get used to the awning, we can get it up in about half an hour now and take down is about the same timewise, but I think it would be difficult with just one person.  You will still have the problem with drying it out if its wet when you take it down - we've never taken it down in the rain yet, but from reading other posts on here, you'd have to open it up to dry it out when you get home.

Just been having a look at these via Google. They look very good epecially for a family as the Fiesta is fine for just us 2..

Looking at one on Ebay via http://for-sale.yakaz.co.uk/pennine-pullman-535-se#cc=UK&duniv=0&from=form&gid=QAhI&lo=1&match=msg&rid=1314905476964&univ=miscellaneous&v=txt&what=conway%20crusader%20folding%20camper

A lot of them on there also.

I'm a single mum who changed from a TT to an FC. For me it has been just the right thing to do, now my daughter is older she helps with the setting up, but when she gets bored and wants to go and play with the other children, I can potter about doing it on my own. Because it takes so much less time, I don't feel like I have to go at it like a whirling dervish to try to finish before it's time to go home! Last time we went away we sat at one of the picnic tables on site and ate a leisurely lunch before even starting to set up. It's just put a whole different face on camping for me.

My budget was tiny and i never thought i'd get anything that wasn't on its last legs, but the Conway quality has amazed me. Mine certainly isnt in concourse condition, but it is 25 years old and totally functional, most of the things that I would like to do are entirely cosmetic. With 5 of you make certain whatever you get has an awning - you would need it for anything other than a weekend with 5 of you, especially as your children grow. If you have the luxury of being able to afford new, properly looked after it should last you til you are taking your grandchildren away in it.

Quote: Originally posted by clairehope on 01/9/2011

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I'm a single mum who changed from a TT to an FC. For me it has been just the right thing to do, now my daughter is older she helps with the setting up, but when she gets bored and wants to go and play with the other children, I can potter about doing it on my own. Because it takes so much less time, I don't feel like I have to go at it like a whirling dervish to try to finish before it's time to go home! Last time we went away we sat at one of the picnic tables on site and ate a leisurely lunch before even starting to set up. It's just put a whole different face on camping for me.

My budget was tiny and i never thought i'd get anything that wasn't on its last legs, but the Conway quality has amazed me. Mine certainly isnt in concourse condition, but it is 25 years old and totally functional, most of the things that I would like to do are entirely cosmetic. With 5 of you make certain whatever you get has an awning - you would need it for anything other than a weekend with 5 of you, especially as your children grow. If you have the luxury of being able to afford new, properly looked after it should last you til you are taking your grandchildren away in it.

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Quote: Originally posted by arthur.daley on 01/9/2011

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That many people in an FC without the awning would drive me to drink. The thing to remember is the footprint of an FC without an awning is tiny compared to most trailer tents. If you just have the cabin up there is no where to put all the 'stuff' that you end up taking with you when you have children. If you are used to minimalist camping where you pretty much take just what you can carry in a ruck sack an FC would be easy,personally I prefer a bit more comfort!

Its also not quite so bad if you are the kind of campers who go out fairly early in the morning and don't come back until tea time or better still bed time as the FC is then just somewhere to eat and sleep. However the prospect of a wet day in an FC with small children doesn't bear thinking about - but thats just me isn't it?

I love our Pathfinder except for the awning. Its true that you could get it down and away in 30 minutes if you have had glorious early morning sunshine to drive off the dew or you are on a site that doesn't require you to be packed and gone too early. Putting away the awning damp is not much better than putting it away wet, even if the main body of the awning is dry you still have to clean off and dry the mudwalling - no point in folding away the awning and panels with muddy and wet mud walling. The awning is an absolute cow to try and fold up on your own - it has to be done on the floor, and if the ground is still wet.....

I live in fear of having to pack up wet.

The problems of an FC and awning are exactly the same as those with a TT.

One alternative is one of Lisas adapted porch awnings - light weight, quick to dry, quick to put up and take down and big enough for all your wet boots, kids stuff and a bit more living space. The downside is that they aren't cheap - I am not saying they are expensive given the costs and time involved in the adaption. An other and much cheaper alternative is you have a smallish quick erect tent or maybe one of the cheap pop ups that you can use as a store - the downside to that is that some sites will charge you as much for a pop up as they will for a full sized awning or worse still charge you as though it were a fully occupied tent.

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Quote: Originally posted by beanpark on 01/9/2011

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We had the big awning up the first 2 weeks but it is to heavy and hard for us to put up. But we did miss the sitting outsidewatching the world go by inside the awning. So we had to get the smaller version which Lisa adapted . Having out meals in the awning suits us fine.

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