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Hi Everyone

We had a Sunncamp APS3006+ tent which hubby and the kids loved going away in, but I hated camping because I was always SO COLD!!
The Gods must have been smiling on me as the mice have eaten it and so we're looking for something else.

We had considered getting a caravan but my lovely Toyota Hi Ace can't tow the van I wanted as it was too heavy. Plus they were expensive and we would have had to pay to store it.

I have now started looking at folding campers as an alternative.
The kids will still feel like they're "camping" and hopefully I will be a bit warmer. Also, this would be easier for us to store as it could go in our garage.

Unfortunately I know NOTHING about them and have no idea where to start!!

We are a family of 2 adults, 3 children aged 12, 5 and 8 months and 1 loopy dog!! My 9 year old stepdaughter will come away with us occassionally too.
We need 6 berths with a large awning and probably an annexe too!!

We have a small budget (about £3000) so realise we're looking at the second hand market and even then we may be asking a lot, but any help or advice would be very much appreciated!!

What are prices like?
What should I be looking for?
Are they easy to put up and take down?
Any particular makes or models you can recommend?

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helen xx

without the awning we manage to get ours up in no time at all, the awning takes a little longer though as i'm sure is the case with other similar units.

im certain that every one who replies will recommend their particular make/model but it all depends on what you want, ie a toilet, inside storage space, will it fit in the garage etc. 

from experience most claim to sleep 6, but i think the awning would be needed to give you the lounging space.

hope this helps a little??

Quote: Originally posted by kimmie on 10/10/2006

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You cant go far wrong with a 6 birth Dandy - they are not easy to get (watch Ebay) but older ones can have underfloor heater or be rigged for electric. Check out rivaleisure site for more information.

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There's a couple here that might fit the bill. Personally I'd always go for one with an awning as you're likely to need it with the family. If you want more help with Dandys look here

Julian

'This has to be a Dandy because it is insulated with thermobond so it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.'

I thought Thermobond was the method used to join the pieces of plastic??

The folding camper has to be a da*n good compromise for warmth and canvas requirements.  Pennine, Conway, Trigano, Dandy and Sunncamp all produce 6 berth campers.  Each have varying facilities - from a basic set up, minus EHU up to and including the ones with Cookers/Fridges and Toilets.  It is rather nice though to have as much in terms of extras as you can afford.  EHU and a fridge, in my opinion are not luxuries, underfloor heating is (a blow heater does the job equally well). The awning is vital (but only for longer than a weekend).  You might look for a Pathfinder pre 2000 - but try to get one with the gas struts for the beds (easier opening).  On that basis you would only need the base unit for all of you for a weekend away.

We have a Jamet Arizona TT. It has a very big awning and can sleep up to eight.

It's only 6 months old and regretably it's up for sale. Anyone interested can email below for more details.