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<<< Folding campers are easier to tow, but colder when set up and the awning is a vital part of it. They still take up the same ground space, be that on site or in storage.>>>

While some of this is true for some FC's, not all of it is true for all FC's.

Our pathfinder certainly does not need an awning and, when opened out, although the footprint remains smaller, the overall length is bigger than an average 2 berth van.

On a number of commercial sites, the wardens, looking out their windows at the FC  on arrival, have tried to put us on a small pitch and were surprised when I told them that we required a large pitch for our unit.

After we had set up, they invariably came galloping round to ooh and aah at such a spacious layout from such a small trailer.

Many thanks for all the really helpful replies. This has been a bit of a voyage of discovery for me because the world of TTs and FCs was always a long way from me in our nice cosy caravan. however circumstances change, retirement looms and costs must be cut to suit.

I really like the Freedom Jetstream 1st Class 2 berth, MIRO 650kg MTPLM 750kg. It has everything, toilet with washbasin & shower, hot & cold water, heating, fridge, good storage, comfort etc. No wet pack up problems and the internal layout really works well. Being fibreglass, they should last 25years and having had one, I believe that.

Only problems I think the Panda will struggle, not so much with the weight but with the wind resistance, and storage at home because of the height.  If only the Panda was a diesel it would be fine.

 http://www.freedomcaravans.com/freedom-jetstream-1st-class-i65.html

Yes the FCs could suit us, but we really do need a toilet and would love a shower. Looking at them it seems the toilet is only available on heavier or too expensive models. The Countryman DL would stretch our budget a bit too much. I wonder why they only have an external shower. I don't fancy bearing all outside. Maybe it's for hosing down dirty kids & dogs after a day at the beach.

The bigger units do seem to be much more fiddly to set up and although they look lovely to live in, they seem to be missing the point by being heavy, time consuming to set up and expensive. 

I also don't really like the internal layout of what seems to be the rear entry versions. In the caravan we can lounge on the parallel seats and watch telly. The parallel seats with no headrest at the ends seem very unsuited to that. The larger side entry units would be fine. Is there a side entry unit within the 750kg MTPLM? I could forgo the toilet by using a Porta-potti.

Possibly a good solution would be the TT that thinks it's a FC, the Racelet QuickStop. It is light and quick to put up.  We could use a Portapotti in the awning, perhaps with a curtain round it. Also use comfortable folding chairs in the awning for sitting rather than on the rather uncomfortable looking ones in the FCs. Heating could be a small infrared heater. Would need an absorption fridge, but can get one for £2-300. Basically we would have to live in the awning and use the cabin for sleeping only. This may be a bit cold out of season.

Having gone that route, why not go a bit further and go for one of the Camplet TTs. Very light & compact, easy to erect but still having to live in the awning.

Somehow I just don't fancy living in the awning. They get very cold and gloomy out of season when it's dark.

I must admit, I am amazed at how the FCs & TTs grow out of such a small trailer. It's fascinating to watch the set up videos on youtube. I also very much like the idea of fixed beds. The space in a FC will be vastly superior to the little Freedom caravan and the towability and storage advantages may well swing it. I think I need to find the right layout, caravan like, side entry within the 750kg MTPLM.

Quote: Originally posted by sunshinetours on 27/8/2012

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Op also mentioned a mobility scooter which will not be light. A FC will weigh far more than some of the newer TT and with a porta loo may give a better option for towing. Larger side entrance models will certainly be out for a 1.2 petrol tow car. Check out max rear axle loads

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The scooter is 85kg and breaks into 6 pieces which I distribute around the car. Still not sure how I will get it into the Panda yet though. The tow hitch limit is 60kg, the same as a Peugeot 407. The Freedom has a 50kg towbar limit.

The Panda is actually a very good little car. It's the same engine as the Punto with 60HP. It just seems low on grunt to me having had diesels for ages.

One thing I must bear in mind is, we normally go to Cornwall from Bristol so don't want to be too slow and there's a few hills around Bodmin.

This is the van we had before we "upsized" and bought our FC.

It was specifically designed to take a mobility scooter through its wide rear door.

However they went out of production after only 30 were made because the high cost of production meant that they had a very limited market and further production was uneconomical.
Brilliant design, but no market.