Hello! I'm going to look at a Pennine Sterling on the weekend. I've never seen a folding camper in the flesh, but like the look of the Pennines.
Is there anything I should be looking out for in a secondhand one? Smells, marks on canvas etc?
And does anyone have a Pennine?
How often should they have new tyres, and are they serviced? I'm used to a vintage Eriba caravan, so it's all new to me!
There is a good site on the internet. Search for Blue Sky Pennine. You should find answers to your questions there. Its a very comprehensive site to do with all things about Folding Campers
Hi we have a Pennine Sterling, similar age, and absolutely love it. When we bought ours we knew straight away that the seller was genuine, gut instinct is worth a lot.
Once it's opened up check the canvas carefully for marks or damage. Signs of mould is your main concern but ours has a little old mildew staining on the door canvas which has never been a problem. Campers can smell a bit foisty when they have been closed up so don't worry too much about that. Mould on the wooden bed boards is common and can easily be sorted.
Open every cupboard and locker, check for damp or damage. Walk up and down inside and check that the floor feels solid. Check the seat cushions and mattresses for damage.
Make sure you have the fabric bed pods, ask if all the curtains are there. Walk round the outside and check the camper body for signs of wear and damage. Look inside the gas locker. Open and close the camper door, does it close and lock properly? Does the door zip work ok? Look at all the poles from the inside, do they show signs of damage or repair?
You might not be able to check if the electrics or fridge works but ask. Is there a battery, is it in good condition? What extras are you getting?
Remember that a camper this age will show some signs of use but what you are looking for is something that has been looked after. Chances are that a well cared for camper will give you less trouble in the long run.
We had to buy a new water pump and after the first season replaced the transit cover as well as doing one or two minor repairs but that was fine. Be prepared to walk away if it seems like a lot of work needs doing.
If you search for for Blue Sky Pennine and go to the Information and Guides page there are loads of articles on there, including one on what to look for when buying, and another on tyres. Any questions it doesn't answer, I'm sure we can help with on here. Just sold my own 2002 Sterling and upgraded to a Pathfinder.
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
No.
We had a 2002 sterling, loved it but had problems when hubby broke his shoulder and no longer has strength to lift the ends out.
Have still got it, our son and family now use it.
We bought a 2006 pathfinder which does have gas struts, carry on camping in this household!
Just wanted to say thank you for all the brilliant advice. We went to look today, and it's a lovely example. Our new problem is how to move it on our gravel drive (see new thread) so we're thinking we may not be able to buy it after all! So annoyed.