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Subject Topic: Packing Up a Raclet Solena Post Reply Post New Topic
19/6/2023 at 2:07pm
 Location: North Somerset
 Outfit: Freedom Microlite
View CyberCynth's Profile View Profile   Reply to CyberCynth Reply   Quote CyberCynth Quote  
Joined: 26/3/2016

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For ages I had been pondering which type of camping unit to try next (variety is the spice of life!) and thought a Raclet Solena should be on my wannado list, as it looked easier than many other trailer tents/folding campers to set up - and no pegging! (Of the main unit, anyway)

I had watched lots of YouTube videos, especially the one which I think is Raclet's own promotional video, of a young lady apparently setting up one of these units with consummate ease. Ha ha! What it doesn't show is of the same young lady packing up the Solena she effortlessly set up on her own.

It should really have occurred to me that the reverse procedure would be harder work, because you have to lift the lid of the trailer up from ground level. Crumbs. That's much harder!

My previous unit, a Pennine Aztec folding camper was a lovely bit of kit - I really liked it, but I found the bed boards far too heavy to open out/close up on my own. I only used it once and then reluctantly sold it on, deciding to stick out for a Solena, as all the gumph I'd been reading/viewing assured me that it could be managed by a solo camper...

Having a very independent nature I hate having to ask other people to help me do stuff, on campsites. So I'm left wondering whether I have made yet another naff choice of unit..

Tell me, peoples, am I the only idiot that keeps spending money buying units inappropriate for their situation??? (Single female camper, in mid 70s, who is not as strong as she thinks she is!)

Answers on the back of a £10 note please....

Seriously... comments welcome.


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Life without dogs? I don't think so!


19/6/2023 at 4:17pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Raclet Solena
View Paulstewart's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paulstewart Reply   Quote Paulstewart Quote  
Joined: 31/7/2022

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You are correct about the Solena lid being heavy to pick up from the ground. We use a couple of lengths of broom handle with rubber stoppers on their ends and use these to prop the 'lid' open on the way up and down in a sort of intermediate position. It really helps us and I can do it on my own when pitching alone. We are both in our sixties.


19/6/2023 at 5:52pm
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 Outfit: 
View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

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what about using a high lift jack to raise it up from the floor to a height that will stop any damage to your back/shoulders


19/6/2023 at 6:38pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

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You need a fit young toyboy Cinth


20/6/2023 at 8:04am
 Location: North Somerset
 Outfit: Freedom Microlite
View CyberCynth's Profile View Profile   Reply to CyberCynth Reply   Quote CyberCynth Quote  
Joined: 26/3/2016

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That's an idea I'd been fostering Paul, it might also be useful for pausing to clip/unclip the elastics at the bottom of the canvas to the lid rack. By the way, having just bought 12 new clips from Camperlands for this purpose, one of them has already broken. I don't know why I didn't think to order some extras. Back to t'internet...

Marg6: Thanks for that suggestion, I'll give it some thought, though I wouldn't want to add to the load of stuff I'd be carrying already, with such a heavy item, perhaps I'll take up navver's suggestion! - Ha ha! Chance'd be a fine thing....



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Life without dogs? I don't think so!



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