Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Trailer Tents and Folding Campers

Topic: Dandy FC ease of use

Beccylovespurpl

25/3/2016 at 8:58am
Location: hampshire
Outfit: Allsorts

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/7/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 504
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi,

I am looking at buying a Dandy 4 (due to the lack of canvas to dry). I previously owned a Penine Fiesta (an older version without gas struts) and found that I had great difficulty unfolding the bed bases to erect it. From looking at videos of the Dandys they look like the walls and roof are separate, unlike the Fiesta. Is this correct and does it make the Dandy lighter to assemble?

Also does anyone have any advice/ pertinent questions I should ask when buying an older second hand model?

Thanks

navver

25/3/2016 at 9:59pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4663

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

When you say an older second hand model how old do you mean. They stopped making them in 2008 but they do last for donkeys years so a 2nd had even an old one is a good proposition. the PVC etc cleans up just like new with a bit of work.

Not sure of your budget but by saying a Dandy 4 they will be the brown ones from the 80s or earlier. When light blue and white came out in 1987 they were called the Dart.

The only problems you may encounter are more to do with the chassis meaning wheel bearings, brakes etc which are all easily sorted or possibly rust. They were galvanised but after 50 years you may find a rusty chassis.

Another possible weakness is the corners of aluminium beds. They can crack especially if gas struts have been fitted.

Most are fine. They are so simple there is little to go wrong. Ian at Riva Leisure was the factory foreman for many years and later bought the company. Although they don't manufacture, he still services, repairs and sells 2nd had ones. He has masses of spare parts etc so you should be well covered if you need any.

The units themselves last for ever and oddly, the older they are the better built they were. They are held together almost exclusively by pop rivets. A selection of rivets and a gun are essential enabling most repairs to be done in a couple of minutes.

I don't know how heavy the canvas folding campers are to assemble. The dandy is quite heavy. Will you unfold it on your own or with a helper. For one it's heavy but for two not so.

Mine had gas struts and was a 2005 designer. This made it easy to unfold on my own. As you fold the bed over strings pull a hoop up which lifts the roof. Up until 2003 the beds were aluminium framed which was much lighter than the steel they used from then on.

It's useful to have some weight in the bed because having lifted it past upright the weight pulls the roof up. The roof is quite heavy being about 10mm thick. This means it can be better not to have gas struts. I would say aluminium beds do not need gas struts but steel do if you want to do it on your own.

The next thing is to lift the door wall. It is heavy as well especially for the initial lift getting it off the ground. A helper can lift from the other side and make it easy. Alternatively if you are on your own, you can lift it and rest it on a step or box then go to the other side to lift it fully. That makes it much easier. Once up you simply open the door and that holds it up.

The window wall is quite easy on your own. You can lift it a bit then put in a roof pole and simply push it up.

If you are old and infirm with a dodgy shoulder etc, you might struggle.

Beccylovespurpl

26/3/2016 at 5:05pm
Location: hampshire
Outfit: Allsorts

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/7/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 504
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. It's really useful to know about the aluminium or steel beds and the tip on putting the door up. I am fairly fit and strong but would be doing it on my own. I used to have help with the Penine, hence my concern about managing alone. It will probably be a Dandy 4, I go for or an early Dart due to budget.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Trailer Tents and Folding Campers - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

7319 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder