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Hi all

Which one is quicker to erect - fc or tt?

Can they both be stored on their sides?

Which are heavier?

Does an fc feel cramped like a caravan can?

Can you see over an fc when towing?

Many thanks for advice

Jackie H 

 HI YA  fc is a lot quiker to erect.

            fc can not be stored on side .

            fc  is not cramped like a tin top.

             i can see over the top of my fc when towing

with a fc you only need put up the cabin if you stop for one night or weekend

  you do not have to put the awning up like you do with a tt  derek

If using the awning with an FC and you open up the dividing 'wall' it really does seem very spacious when you are in the camper.  that said though, as already mentioned you do not need to put the awning up at all to make use of the facilities.

once level we usually have the kettle on in around 15 mins, or have opend a bottle of wine a bit sooner

i can just about see over our camper when towing and even if it could be stored on its side, i dont think i would want to lift it personally!

The key difference is that a FC does not have to be pegged for overnighting, hence very quick to erect. I can't see over mine but it doesn't matter if you have a suitable mirror extension (one will do). The difference in height depends on whether the unit has a fitted fridge or not. Most FC owners will tell you an FC is vastly better than a TT. Have'nt come across anyone who changed back to a TT and preferred it. Also the FC is better to tow as they usually have larger wheels than a TT.

cheers, Terry

FC much quicker to put up. Cant see over mine when towing, but no problem with mirror extensions. Wouldnt wish to store mine on its side. We dont feel cramped in ours. FC is far heavier than a TT. Have to say though that mine is easier to tow than my previous TT.

Have a Conway Cruiser, used to have a Sunncamp 400SE.

Hope that helps

Steve

Folding camper as opposed to trailer tent:

Weight                    heavier                          

Towing                    higher (depends on which camper you choose re seeing

                               over top while driving).                     

Speed of erection   quicker as can be used without awning.

Storage                  not on its side

Does not feel cramped because beds can be left up and interior therefore feels quite spacious.

Negative                more expensive, but holds value.

Positive                  all mod cons on board – up to and including toilet and vanity sink, and electric points, fridge etc.etc.etc.

It depends on the towcar as to whether you can see over the top. Couldn't see over the top of my Countryman with my Accord but when I towed my Cardinal with my Shogun I could, sat up higher. MPV or 4 x 4 and you will see over it, saloon or estate and you won't.

FCs cost a lot more but are much easier to put up and you've got mod cons inside so it's more like a caravan whereas trailer tents are more like tents. I wouldn't risk storing one on it's side as it could upset the fridge, cooker, heater etc.

Some feel cramped inside, some don't, it depends whether you get a big one like a Pathfinder/Crusader or a little Fiesta or Aztec. Bit like caravans, get a big twin axle and it's not cramped, buy a little 2 berth and it is.

You could always compromise with a Combi Camp - they fall somewhere between folding campers and trailer tents - more basic like a TT but very quick & easy to put up, no pegging on the main unit and you can use it without the awning if you want to. I know lots of people with them and they love them.

Our fc has all the benefits of a caravan, hot/cold water, no pegging out, off the ground, and electric/ gas lighting, heating andcooking.

But none of the problems of towing, storage and handling as ours is 25% of the weight of the caravans we had.

In addition they have other advantages over caravans such as  big fixed interior sprung beds in dedicated bedrooms at each end an the rain does not rattle as it bounces off the roof.

Thanks for all the into.

Hubby still wants to 'give up camping' but he is not coming up with any ideas of how to replace tent so we can still go away for weekends.  

I may well look at the combi camps.

Once again, thanks

Jackie H  

Caz,

As I recall our caravans weighed about 1800  kg plus accessories, awning, barbe, chairs etc. 2 were twin axle and one was a Corniche, all were unstable behind 2 different new Discovery's.

Our Pullman is advertised as 600 kg with awning etc but I have removed the wardrobe as it takes up space and was not used. 

It is a pleasure to tow it behind our Golf diesel auto.

Ted

Quote: Originally posted by edward452 on 18/9/2006

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Caz,

As I recall our caravans weighed about 1800  kg plus accessories, awning, barbe, chairs etc. 2 were twin axle and one was a Corniche, all were unstable behind 2 different new Discovery's.

Our Pullman is advertised as 600 kg with awning etc but I have removed the wardrobe as it takes up space and was not used. 

It is a pleasure to tow it behind our Golf diesel auto.

Ted

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Gosh they were heavy vans weren't they ,Ted? My Avondale is the heaviest I've had and the MTPLM is a measly 1100 Kgs. The Cardinal FC was 850 Kgs, can't remember the Countryman, think about 690 Kgs.

Apart from one 2 berth caravan which was very light, less than the Cardinal, the others,  4 & 5 berths, have all come in at between 850 & 1000 Kgs.