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Hi there,

This is one of those 'how long is a piece of string' type questions...... What would be a good trailer tent/folding camper to buy for 2 adults and 2 kids? I am bewildered by the choice available. I like the raclet quickstop as it appears to be able to be erected quickly. Is this the case such as when just doing an over nighter? I would like an entry level model, but one with a kitchen. Any advice on what to look for etc would be greatly appreciated. I would be towing it with a 2L Laguna, so don't want too heavy a choice.

Try Conwy Campers direct

http://www.conwycampersdirect.com/index.htm

I that they've got some end of season absolute bargins.£3500 for a hard top camper that you would expect to pay £7000

I bought one and cant believe my luck.

Have a look at the Dandy site http://www.rivaleisureltd.co.uk/index.html There are loads of these about from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Basically the designs haven't changed that much. By the way how old are the kids?

Julian

Hi again, thanks for the quick replies. The Conwy camper looks like being more than I need. It is certainly a fine looking piece of kit but it appears to be too big when folded for me to store and I would be buying secondhand. The Riva looks more like what I'm after. Something that folds up to a small size and could be stored on it's side. The kids are aged 6 months and 30 months. Small at the moment but they will grow and I can't afford to be changing kit.

Brendan

Hi, Have you consiered a Combi-Camp?

http://www.combicamp.com/

Hi brendanm,

Welcome to the site.  While I appreciate your need for entry level kit, - I think for ease of overnight stopping and cooking in unit you  would have to be looking at a folding camper - of whatever make.  The trailer tents mostly have kitchens - but to be erected in the awning - not in unit.  Be careful not to buy one that says 4 berth - which I am certain would be fine for now with little children - but they have a habit of growing and if my memory serves me well, once moblie they need more space than the average teenager!  The more space you have the less likely it is that murder comes to mind........   Try and ensure that whatever you buy has an awning included - vital!

As for the price, once bought, you will find the unit retains much of it's cost, good news for the owners if not for prospective buyers.  So in addition to the above suggested sites may I add the Pennine owners site, have a look at Barrons (prices are high but they may give you an idea).  You don't say where you are located but there are many UKC members all over the country and they will all be able to recommend retaillers.

Good luck - whatever you plump for you'll love it.

Merry Christmas

Would suggest a look at the Conway Owners Club website too, they have pre-owned units advertised, plus they have PDF files with all the brochures for Conway trailer tents and folding campers showing the layouts, dimensions, weights and specifications, click HERE to find it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the size and weight for towing, your Laguna will be up to towing most on the market, except maybe the very heavy American imports which are larger than you are considering anyway. We used to have an H reg Renault 21, 1.7 litre petrol, and towed a 1970s 4 berth caravan the length and breadth of Britain with it.

Have a look at this group and in the photos as the older style of big Dandy (Dandy 6) was what we started with before our kids were born and we've only just changed it. They're 8 & 6 now and we fit a greyhound in it as well. You can expect to pay up to £2000 for a really good one with awning.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dandyowners/

Julian

hi

yes i can recommend the raclet quickstop we have not long sold ours, it takes just a short time to put up and is very good. it also tows really nice as well, what ever your choice i wish you well.

we are going for a pathfinder, be sure to check them out too, although cost is higher the extra comfort is well worth it, and the awning doesnt really have to be put up.

be lucky.