Another point. I had an acrylic awning with my caravan, and obviously a cotton canvas one with the Raclet. If you put a heater on in the awning, you will get some condensation regardless of the material, as the moisture in the ground is drawn up and evapourates. A little ventilation goes a long way. Acrylic dries quicker, canvas breathes. Acrylic is newer so expect to pay more. Canvas has been around performing well for decades, so older good condition units can be bagged for a bargain. Each to his own. If you only camp 3 weeks a year, you probably only have to dry it out once or twice a year? - in which case I would look for the bargain every time.
Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 17/11/2011
Quote: Originally posted by fatbloke28 on 16/11/2011strange those plastic covered dandy's, spoke to two owners after noticing their sleeping bags drying in the sun ,both remarked positively about their capability on being put down in the rain but both become evasive about the condensation that made the bottoms of the sleeping bags
I take issue with you there. I owned one for six years & never had to dry anything due to condensation in the main unit. I cannot comment on old Dandys that did not feature insulated walls & roof, but mine was built in 1995 & we never ever had condensation.
Same here. We have one of the newer Dandys and never had any condensation at all. Best camping unit we've ever had.
take it from me go for canvas we are still getting over the trauma off the qaurtz 6 now bought a caravan with a fixed bed . when we had the conway crussader years ago we loved it canvas all the way IMO
Quote: Originally posted by evenstephen on 17/11/2011
Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 17/11/2011
Quote: Originally posted by fatbloke28 on 16/11/2011strange those plastic covered dandy's, spoke to two owners after noticing their sleeping bags drying in the sun ,both remarked positively about their capability on being put down in the rain but both become evasive about the condensation that made the bottoms of the sleeping bags
I take issue with you there. I owned one for six years & never had to dry anything due to condensation in the main unit. I cannot comment on old Dandys that did not feature insulated walls & roof, but mine was built in 1995 & we never ever had condensation.
Same here. We have one of the newer Dandys and never had any condensation at all. Best camping unit we've ever had.
not dissing them as the concept is good compared to canvas.
i had my doubts after seeing both (the only two i have seen) drying sleeping bags hence the question.
surprised that plastic doesn't get condensation as its not breathable (a wet plastic bag continues to be a wet plastic bag until its dried) but i take your word this plastic skin is different.
as for the folding away wet concept i'm in
We have a 2010 acrylic conway cruiser which we have used many times with no problems. We have camped in monsoon like conditions and not a drop has dripped inside. In frosty temperatures we have used the fan heater and our oil filled radiator and had no problems with condensation.
The cabin dries in no time and the only thing we do have to wipe somtimes are the windows which the water doesn't run off as quickly.
I understand from talking to a Pennine salesman the leaking problem was caused by a bad batch of acrylic cabins from Isabella which have been sent back.
We had a 2000 pennine Stirling for 10 years which was a super piece of kit but the Cruiser is better all round.
I don't work for Pennine I just speak from experience.
Many years ago the Dandy's were having a really rough time as they were so wet inside whether it was bedding or/mattresses, soaked through everywhere. But since they started getting down to looking into it, I mean really looking into it. They have done a lot more to the actual covering. It is far better nowadays & for many years also. It reminds you of Skoda cars and the name they had years ago a big joke. But not nowadays.Both have learnt and gone forward,leaps & bounds. Many Dandies I have seen without any problems except the basic we all have.Everything needs to be aired & have air running through it. The same as all needs warmth a dry heat.
So maybe it was because the dampness came through lack of air &/or lack of dry heat.How it gets treated
Quote: Originally posted by denise39 on 17/11/2011
take it from me go for canvas we are still getting over the trauma off the qaurtz 6 now bought a caravan with a fixed bed . when we had the conway crussader years ago we loved it canvas all the way IMO
Thats what put me off them Denise, don't want to risk a lot of money then have a nightmare like you and others I have read about!