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We're currently finalising a holiday in France staying in several sites for different durations (3, 6, 6 and 4 nights). There are four of us, two adults and two girls. I've got a Trio complete with sun canopy (currently without side walls). Due to the length of time it takes to pitch I don't intend to take all of it. I'm debating on acquiring two side walls from TVS for the canopy and for the shorter stops having just the cabin and canopy, and for the longer stops the cabin, canopy and one awning (either the 1.5m or 2.5m). One problem with taking all of it is that there isn't much room to pack other stuff as there's an awful lot of poles and canvas to fit in somewhere.

Last time we went we didn't even take the cooker unit as my wife found it hard to manhandle off the back of the unit, so we used a camping gaz stove on a camp kitchen table. I'm possibly thinking of doing the same again.

Part of me is thinking that I should maybe sell this TT and get a smaller one . There's a Cabanon Discovery on fleabay at the moment which looks very similar to a Conway. Anybody know if I could get the Conway sun canopy to fit to the cabin?

I hadn't considered the effect on the nose weight. But then, when we went last time there was probably so much weight in the front storage box that the lack of kitchen unit was hardly noticeable :0

I'd been warned off keeping the awning attached all the time as it someone said that the extra weight could bend the poles - but thinking about it, some tent awnings don't zip off anyway, so it's no different.

I hadn't thought of putting the poles under the cover, I'll see if I can get them to fit okay.

Thanks for your opinions.

Quote: Originally posted by JerryS on 06/6/2013

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I hadn't considered the effect on the nose weight. But then, when we went last time there was probably so much weight in the front storage box that the lack of kitchen unit was hardly noticeable :0

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Cheers Val!

I usually end up erecting the cabin myself, shuttling backwards and forward moving each pole up one click at a time. I'm also pretty good at getting the cooker unit off by myself now. I'm sure a caravan must be quicker :) but not the same as being under canvas.

 

Val - do you leave the curtains attached as well, or remove them?

I'm thinking of taking the 1.5m extension as well, but leaving the sun canopy behind. With the Trio I can have the doors at the end of the 2.5m extension and effectively have the 1.5m bit as a suncanopy with side walls.

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 06/6/2013

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As to the speed of erection + packing space for canvas, it's not necessary to unzip the awning canvas from the cabin when packing up. Fold it back smoothly over the top of the cabin, then forwards again, then pick up the cabin skirts and make it into a neat package, keeping the folds inwards of the poles while folding. The running cover will look a bit humpbacked but it will be fine if you loosen the shock cord slightly. We do this with the awning sections on our old Camargue which are 2.5m and 1.5m, it definitely all fits. We sling the bag of poles in under the running cover too btw, the trailer well is for table, chairs, gas bottle, BBQ etc. I can pack 90% of what we need into the trailer well, side boxes and kitchen and that leaves the car boot for the fridge, clothes and personal belongings.

If I was only taking one awning section it would definitely be the 2.5m, it can still rain and be chilly in the evening and it will be nicer to sit indoors under cover. Plus the sun canopy.

I wouldn't sell a Trio just to get a Discovery. There's sod all difference in the erection time. Just leave the 1.5m section of the Trio at home and it will be just the same, give or take five minutes. If you are going to change models get one with a swing out kitchen rather than a lift-off one. If you want a faster set up get a TT that opens up like a pram, with the canvas all attached in situ.

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