Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Trailer Tents and Folding Campers
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: New to Folding Campers - Pathfinder
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
26/10/2023 at 5:51pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View turnfan's Profile View Profile   Reply to turnfan Reply   Quote turnfan Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2023

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 0
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 Guys,
I just bought a 2005 Pennine Pathfinder at the end of this season, to be used next year. She's stored away safely in my garage and is in great nick.

I have a young family (2 boys 3 and 4) and a somewhat reluctant wife - but I want to expose them to the most comfortable camping experience and this is why I went for the Pathfinder rather than starting with traditional camping.

Long term I think we'll save so much money on holidays and give the boys an appreciation for the outdoors.

If anyone has any tips on what I should do to make sure it's a success next year, I'd love to hear them.
I have all winter to make any mods needed!

I'm based in Ireland btw. these folding campers seem to be very rare here


via mobile 26/10/2023 at 6:30pm
 Location: Gloucestershie
 Outfit:  Fiat Ducato campervan
View kenles's Profile View Profile   Reply to kenles Reply   Quote kenles Quote  
Joined: 25/2/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1541

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

Well done I hope you have many years of camping experience this is site to get many tips


26/10/2023 at 9:32pm
 Location: Inverness
 Outfit: Hyundai Santa Fe & Pegasus Rimini
View macquatic's Profile View Profile   Reply to macquatic Reply   Quote macquatic Quote  
Joined: 25/6/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   843

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Welcome to the forum turnfan,

We also had folding campers, a Fiesta then a Pullman.
We had fabulous holidays with them both, hopefully you'll get as much enjoyment as we did.

-------------
I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.


27/10/2023 at 9:25am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View turnfan's Profile View Profile   Reply to turnfan Reply   Quote turnfan Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2023

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 0
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 All.

I plan to add mattress toppers to the beds and rather than dye the tent pods dark, i was going to drape blackout curtain backing material between them and the canvas - with holes to allow the clips through. This keeps the brighter look for during the day and might help insulate / keep cool.

If anyone has any advice on the mattress topper depth, I'd appreciate it.


27/10/2023 at 9:05pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View dimbles's Profile View Profile   Reply to dimbles Reply   Quote dimbles Quote  
Joined: 16/1/2015

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   197

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

We use a 25mm matteress topper with a bed warmer underneath .This makes a tremendous difference. Have been away in some really cold weather with no problems.


Advertisement



via mobile 28/10/2023 at 7:57am
 Location:  Whitchurch shrops
 Outfit: Swift conqueror 480
View nora's Profile View Profile   Reply to nora Reply   Quote nora Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
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: 21
Site Nights 2018: 0

We started with a tent then moved to caravans .
But I think a folding camper must be the best. easy to store lots of space . I’m sure you will have so much fun . It’s the best holidays for youngsters . As long as you have space to open it at home if it’s wet when packing up . Good luck have fun .


28/10/2023 at 9:29pm
 Location: Inverness
 Outfit: Hyundai Santa Fe & Pegasus Rimini
View macquatic's Profile View Profile   Reply to macquatic Reply   Quote macquatic Quote  
Joined: 25/6/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   843

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

No advice on mattress toppers, but for extra under bed storage and warmth (draught excluders), get a couple of bed skirts if you can.

-------------
I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.


02/11/2023 at 3:02pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View turnfan's Profile View Profile   Reply to turnfan Reply   Quote turnfan Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2023

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

Is a "bed warmer" basically an electric blanket or something else?

I have bed skirts, will use them for sure.

Loads of space at home outside to open it up - I may consider upgrading to Isabela Acrylic if I get enough use next year.



02/11/2023 at 8:16pm
 Location: Washington UK
 Outfit: Hymer Eriba Nova 485gl
View GWTE's Profile View Profile   Reply to GWTE Reply   Quote GWTE Quote  
Joined: 05/7/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   241

Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 11 
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 3  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 61
Site Nights 2023: 68
Site Nights 2022: 21
Site Nights 2021: 7
Site Nights 2020: 22
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Make sure that after you have used it you pack it away dry. If you have to pack away wet (we often did) then try to put it up within 24 hours.
We absolutely loved ours and had them for 15 years. Only gave up on them because of back issues.


03/11/2023 at 6:00pm
 Location: Bucks
 Outfit: Sun Living S70SC
View Bramidan's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bramidan Reply   Quote Bramidan Quote  
Joined: 28/7/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   272

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
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: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We loved our Pennine Fiesta, like a tardis.
Had everything we needed, well engineered.
Reason we changed? Age.


Advertisement



via mobile 04/11/2023 at 9:01am
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2 berth caravan.
View Waynetod's Profile View Profile   Reply to Waynetod Reply   Quote Waynetod Quote  
Joined: 02/10/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   231
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
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: 7
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We had a trailer tent for a few years after stepping up from a bell tent. Absolutely loved it. Combi Camp Venezia with a built in kitchen. What you have will be great for the kids, playing outdoors instead of stuck in front of the TV playing computer games. But a big priority is making the wife comfortable, and a good mattress topper makes for a good nights sleep. We only sold our trailer tent this year as my wife has mobility issues and so bought a caravan.

-------------
You don`t stop playing `cos you get old, you get old `cos you stop playing!


04/11/2023 at 9:26am
 Location: Bucks
 Outfit: Sun Living S70SC
View Bramidan's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bramidan Reply   Quote Bramidan Quote  
Joined: 28/7/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   272

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
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: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Forgot to mention, I thought it was a great purchase, a wireless thermostat which operates by sending a signal to the 13 amp plug where your heater is plugged into.
Obviously only of use when you are on EHU and sufficient amps so you don’t trip out the supply on the campsite post.
We only had the fridge on electric so it was never a problem.
I loved it, kept the camper lovely and toasty. Real luxury camping with the benefit of fresh air coming in because you are effectively in a superior tent.
Downside, the wife wasn’t keen said it was too dry and gave her a sore throat.
Oh well you can’t win them all.
Bear in mind the more you take the longer it takes to erect the camper. Don’t fall into the trap of taking stuff, “just in case” you won’t need it. Kids are really adaptable, waterproofs and decent boots plus warm layers, can’t go wrong.
Another good addition to your kit, get a Karcher or similar for wet pack ups.
Practice, practice, practise putting it up and get into a routine for packing away.
That way if the weather is turning the wife and kids can sit in the car in better comfort
Enjoy.

Post last edited on 04/11/2023 09:32:33

Post last edited on 04/11/2023 09:36:52


06/11/2023 at 12:25pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View turnfan's Profile View Profile   Reply to turnfan Reply   Quote turnfan Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2023

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

at Bramidan

Thanks so much, this is awesome advice!

That wireless thermostat will be a winner - if you have a link, much appreciated!

I hope to practice on dry days over the winter and spring season!
I was able to pack away in about 15 mins last week (although the trailer was empty)


06/11/2023 at 2:44pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98

Quote: Originally posted by turnfan on 02/11/2023
Is a "bed warmer" basically an electric blanket or something else?

I have bed skirts, will use them for sure.

Loads of space at home outside to open it up - I may consider upgrading to Isabela Acrylic if I get enough use next year.





We placed heavy duty aluminium kitchen foil under the mattress. Makes life much warmer.
Just remember to raise the mattress a bit in order to air it occasionlly


06/11/2023 at 3:49pm
 Location: Bucks
 Outfit: Sun Living S70SC
View Bramidan's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bramidan Reply   Quote Bramidan Quote  
Joined: 28/7/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   272

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
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: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

It’s on Amazon and it’s a Wireless plug in Thermostat, now priced at £23.99. Called Lowenergie.
Although I see the icons above I don’t know how to attach the link!


07/11/2023 at 5:29am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9850

Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Can see one at £24.99 of that brand, not sure if it's the one or not.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.



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

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

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

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5930 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


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

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

Request a Reminder