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I am thinking of upgrading my gear by getting a folding camper but I have a couple of queries about them.

How much space is there inside the trailer for gear when it is folded up? Does the fabric, poles, beds etc. take up all the space or is there space for water carriers barbeques & the like?

What about loading the fridge before you leave? Is this not too bad or is it a right faff??

I am thinking along the lines of a Riva / Dandy. I live in a flat but will be able to keep it in a lock-up garage opposite where I work, so not having to dry it out before storing it appeals. Having read some of the postings on the forum people obviously like their F.C.'s what ever make but Riva / Dandy owners seem absolutely passionate about them!!

Any advice / observations on the subject will be greatly appreciated!!

I have a Designer which has two double beds and a possible 5th bed.

Hello Matt Ladd.... Right... Store inside my bedding, my crockery, cooking equipment, aqua roll, waste container, heater, basic food supply, tea coffee etc and double loo tent, lighting for camper and portable variety... Have two sets of curtains on board... There is still locker have not filled and other space.  The awning Has a storage area on the top of the folding camper and there is space there for me to put all my chairs, extra table I like to take. If my sister in law is coming I usually plonk her kynam tent up there plus her extra water container.  Have a bike carrier on the back of the car rather on top of the trailer as can use it when not pulling the trailer.  There is a locker for the gas bottles and battery etc. I still have space.

Fridges, the Destiny and Dimension are bigger folding campers and have installed fridges, designer does not.  Not sure how people manage those but somebody will be along am sure to tell you.  I actually have freestanding threeway job which I take in the car.  For me this works best because I do not have anyway of plugging in the fridge before I go and camping fridges off 12 volt do not have the umph that a conventional fridge do.. although people have told me ways around this... I pack the Fridge in the car and load it before I go/or on the way along with sandwiches for journey. Usually do the frozen milk trick to get a really cool temp and keep it plugged in on the journey. Works for me....

If you are interested in Dandy's the Dandy owner's club would help I am sure.

The really brilliant thing is though is NO drying out.... the design is for English weather... ie chucking it down at unpredictable times.

Hi Matt,

We upgraded to our present outfit  - Conway Crusader F/C from a Conway Trailor tent and I have to say there is no comparison in terms of kit storage inside or on top!

Actually, mine is up for sale if you want to discuss further?...let me know 

Hi everybody thanks for the replys!

It was after seeing the Conway Crusader at a show that I started to think along the lines of a folding camper . However the Conway is just too big to keep in the space available.

As I live in a flat I have no outside area for drying out so the Riva / Dandy's really appeal. I propose keeping it in a lock up garage opposite where I work so the idea is that I will leave work on Friday, take the camper away for the weekend & bring it back on Monday  when I get back to work, wet or dry!

Could anyone let me know the Riva / Dandy O.C. webby please??

I eventually landed on a Dandy cos I had a lock up and drying out would have been a huge problem. I cannot contemplate now buying a canvas folding camper.

Here is the Dandy owners club page there is a separate section for ads

http://www.dandyownersclub.co.uk/

Riva leisure for new and secondhand

http://www.rivaleisureltd.co.uk/

The dealers/makers have customer service second to none and they also sell second hand Dandy's.  Second hand dandys from them come with a generous warrenty.  If you buy new from them they will make one for you bespoke if you have some crazy or clever idea you want to incorperate nothing is too much trouble.

Quote: Originally posted by tentpegjenny on 01/10/2006

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Here is the Dandy owners club page there is a separate section for ads

http://www.dandyownersclub.co.uk/

The hyperlink doesn't seem to be working!!

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Sorry  here it is

http://www.dandyowners.co.uk

Try pasting it in if that does not work..

Also why not contact one of the Dandy Owners club they will be happy to advise.

Jenny