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We are well and truly hooked - all we have to do now is buy a TT!  Can anyone advise what model/type of TT we should go for?  Considering this year will be our first time (although we have tent'ed it many times before), we are looking secondhand, relatively small (4 berth) and low maintence (if that's possible).  I particularly like the idea of storing the TT on it's side.

Also, my only worry is drying the tent if the weather is not on our side.  We are limited to a small drive outside our house.  We have been offered a place to store it, but it is not covered nor can't imagine they would let us dry it on their land.  Typically, how long should a tent be left out to dry?

Where do owners store their TT's if they don't have space at home?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Have a look at Dandys. They're made of PVC so you can fold away wet and not worry. There are some side storage brackets for the 4 berths but you don't see them for sale that often. See here for the brand new ones and here for some 25 year old being sold for £500.
If you want any more info let me know.

Julian

We have had both Dandy (old one ) and rapido exportmatic and still occasionally needed to open them at home.

Exportmatic couldn't be put up by one person and thankfully we never had to put it up in a gale.

Went back to tent camping as its a lot less hassle.

Marie

Hi take a look at conways. have a look on the web for conwayowners they have a for sale board of second hand ones, any question that you might have regards putting up taking down & storage, dont be afraid to ask as someone will be able to help.

Clive cocm

Most TT have sectional fronts so you can zip them off and put them up in the back maybe?

They all need airing so you need to figure out how to do it, if you got a rapido I'd set it up on the road if it's quiet enough.

Seeing as how everyone recommends what they're got I'll throw in the conway cardinal - hardtop roof so less canvas to dry! But managable by one person

Hi Winhill

Are you a coc member if not why not?

Clive cocm

hi have a look in the local free ads papers or ad trader, admag on line but stay away from e-bay people are paying much more than needed on there traders are buying from papers and selling on there for double.

we have had conway, trigano and cabanon its all down to choice. most caravan storage will store trailers but it is outside at most.

on a fine day they will dry within 1-2 hrs - if its too bad can always take canvas off and bring it indoors till dry.

stella

Quote: Originally posted by clivehead on 27/1/2006

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Hi Winhill

Are you a coc member if not why not?

Clive cocm

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You have chosen the best time of year to do your research so take your time.

We have camped for 40 years or more with tents, motorcaravans and caravans but it was not until 2 years ago that we discovered folding campers.  We visited the dealers showroom determined to buy a  small motorcaravan (up tp £35K) to return to camping after a 5 year break. We had tested ourselves out first by buying a tent and found we still loved the life but needed a bed off the floor and a toilet.

Anyhow when my wife saw how cramped the inside of the chosen motorcaravans are she burst into tears. Fortunately I spotted a row of folding campers and we purchased a Trigano which we later swopped for a Pennine Pullman.

So we saved about £26,000 and got far more space than the largest caravan we have ever had.

Last year we went on a cruise we have always dreamed of taking and it was excellent, our own stateroom and balcony, with the ocean stretching to the horizon but we still prefer waking up in fields. Mind you when we sailed right into Venice as the sun was rising that was a bit wonderful.

Visit the NEC in Birmingham for the Caravan and camping exhibition and have an excellent day out whilst you explore the options.