If you want something quick and easy to erect, forget trailer tents etc and and think about folding caravans. I have a Rapido Orline 39s 4 berth folding caravan and we keep one area set up permanently as bed area.
From arriving at the pitch to putting the kettle on takes no more than 10mins. It really is that quick and easy. Then if you do need extra space there are plenty of quick erect awnings to go with it. We had one that could be erected in 10-15 mins, just feed into awning channel and insert 3 carbon fibre curved poles and peg out. No time at all you're done. (Revolution was the make)
As well as Rapido there are a few other makes including Gobur. Take a look on ebay to get some ideas or visit the Campers and leisure website (they are based by the New Forest and always carry a good diverse range of FC's, TT's and folding caravans.
Mark, I went on Tuesday. Not worth the trip for folding campers/ trailer tents. You will defo see a better selection at a dealers. If you haven't bought one yet, I'd go with the Raclet Quickstop as someone else said earlier, very versatile. Check them out on
' Raclet.fr ' on google.
The video says it all. Not quite the luxury of Pennines etc, but more versatile than trailer tents I reckon. I've just bought a 2002 model for a bargain, but the new ones have simple, quick erect awnings.
You did say that money was no object. How about Ysin Opera? To set up just requires the press of a button ! no tent pegs required at all. Warn you now that it makes Holtkampers look cheap. take a look
Not a lot of space, small single beds, and a big price tag.
If you want to see some thing different, what about the Aart Kok Livingstone? Very quick to put up and with a 200 x 220 bed and 1500 litres of storage space! Link
The easiest and by far the best is any of the dandy range. They can be put away wet and erected in 15 minutes when you get the knack. Contact Ian at Riva Dandy and he will point you on the right direction as well as being a lovely Human Being. there is also a you tube video showing the process of putting up a dandy. They are winterised in most cases and really easy to maintain.
Quote: Originally posted by Coolhatz on 14/10/2011
I don't think the Opera is so good.
Not a lot of space, small single beds, and a big price tag.
If you want to see some thing different, what about the Aart Kok Livingstone? Very quick to put up and with a 200 x 220 bed and 1500 litres of storage space! Link
Mind you you have to go to Holland to get one!
If you are going to Holland then look at Holtkampers. The Aart Kok is a rather poor imitation of the older models of the Cocoon, the build quality with its tacky bits of plywood and reduced storage space because of the bed extension is less, yet the Aart Kok sells for only £2k less. This is based upon the Livingstone which is the top of the range.
Trigano Alpha is better value than that.
Stuart, the Cocoon has 1000 litres of storage and the Livingstone 1500 litres and they both have a starting price of €9,995. I like the roof windows in the livingstone as well as the big bed.
Mind you I do think your Astro is very nice for wandering around in the summer. They start at €11,995 but you have to add around €2,000 if you want a kitchen.
Did not think to much of the Alpha, it is a bit heavy to manipulate and the bed was small and hard.Mounting the auvent looked way more complicated than say the raclet safari.
Quote: Originally posted by Coolhatz on 17/10/2011
Stuart, the Cocoon has 1000 litres of storage and the Livingstone 1500 litres and they both have a starting price of €9,995. I like the roof windows in the livingstone as well as the big bed.
Mind you I do think your Astro is very nice for wandering around in the summer. They start at €11,995 but you have to add around €2,000 if you want a kitchen.
Did not think to much of the Alpha, it is a bit heavy to manipulate and the bed was small and hard.Mounting the auvent looked way more complicated than say the raclet safari.
The exetnsion part of the bed and its attendant mattress go into the storage area when folded. This seriously reduces the usable storage.
The windows in the roof of the Aark Kok could be a problem in sunnier climes. I prefer the air conditioning membrane on the Astro, even though it costs more.
We use the Astro most of the year as it also has the fore tent with ZIG. Lowest temperature so far when camping -2deg C and still snug. (and smug!)
Stuart, The front part of your Astro has a ZIG? It's not on any of their pictures in the brochure! 'Course it could be mentioned in the text, but my Dutch is non existent.
Did you go for a kitchen? Which one? How do get on with it being over the tow bar? I have visions of falling over it every 5 sec.
The foretent goes across the floored cabin and the bedroom.
The Zig zips to the full length of the trailer and attaches to the side and front of the foretent with industrial strength velcro.
We have the basic kitchen but with a shelf that fits over the brake and hitchlock, so providing an L shape. There is no problem about tripping over it, after the 3rd time.
Often we are using the Hitech overdek, rather than the standard kitchen awning, and this gives more room.
Of course if you want even more space then the large awning goes in front of the foretent