This my first topic and would like the advice of the members. We are in our very early 70s we thinking of buying a 2nd hand Pathfinder folding camper are we taking on to much ?. I do a lot of motorway driving and l have a Defender90 XS so the car l have is quite capable. I towed a caravan about 10/15 years ago so some experience (5 years). Your input would be appreciated.
Terry & Sheila
not to long in the teeth, however the pathfinder is a lot of canvas esp when wet, whatabout considering the Conway challenger? perfectly adequate for 2 even without the awning on
We are around your age and have just returned from 5 weeks in the Netherlands with our Pullman. We find it easy to manage but don't use the full awning for the odd night. We stayed in Harwich the night before and after the ferry and managed perfectly well with just the main camper. The Pathfinder is a bit bigger but I don't see any reason why you would struggle with it. If you are buying secondhand, why not ask if you could try erecting it first? If it has the gas struts on the beds it is easier to flip them over. I think all Pathfinders do have these. We have found a motor mover makes a big difference too.
I've just got back from trading in my Pennine Countryman for a Pathfinder (very exciting!!!) The gas struts mean the beds practically fold themselves!! It really does look a very easy caravan to work with.
I found it very easy to tow, all in all, in answer to your question, No!! I'm a woman on my own (my husband doesn't share the camping dream) and I manage alone, but the pathfinder looks much easier than the countryman.
I have seen second hand Pathfinders for an ok price,they have the new fabric so not as heavy canvas. You are never too long in the tooth. As Vivebunny says the gas struts do all the work. Especially opening the beds. We have an air awning, much lighter and easier to put up.
Go for it and have new adventures. 😊
Thank you your comments, after the last nights football. I decided to measure the space of my tandem car port and realised that l would only have a very small space to get past the pathfinder. We have our main doors along this passage so we have at to reconsider and look for a Fiesta instead . So we will have go to Pennine or Bastock over the weekend get our selves sorted with one.
This model has the same footprint that my Defender has so will hardly see it when towing could be the answer. I will keep you informed. Again many thanks for your input
Terry and Sheila