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 Topic: airbeam or folding camper
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19/3/2014 at 10:25am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
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Joined: 24/8/2009 Diamond Member 
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I reckon it's a bit of a process of elimination: what do you like and dislike about a) camping and b) caravanning, and how would you be looking to transport a tent.
Did you like your caravan, but just dislike the associated storage/servicing/insurance costs? Did you like the way that everything is already there and in situ, or do you enjoy setting up a tent?
A folding camper really still needs servicing and - especially if you're paying a lot for it - it might be worth insuring. Less outlay than with a van, sure, but still maybe something to consider.
Towing costs of a FC will be significantly less than a van (in terms of fuel used) but you'll still be restricted to how fast you can drive etc.
If you go down the Airbeam route, do you have room enough in your vehicle to comfortably carry the tent and associated camping gubbins, or would you be looking at getting a trailer as well?
Then, there's purchase price. That old chestnut! Would you be getting the Countryman at a bargain price, or paying full whack? Are you comfortable with the outlay, or would it add to the stress?
Both the tent and the FC will have drying-out issues, do you have room to pitch them both? The Countryman cabin would be a doddle if you have room to put it up, but the awning needs thinking about.
Lastly, do you camp all year round or in summer only? Neither is really ideal for out of season camping, IMHO, compared to a caravan. Will this bother you, at all?
Pros and cons for everything in camping!
Have you already sold your van, by the way?
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19/3/2014 at 10:34am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
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Joined: 24/8/2009 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 4494
| Site Reviews Total: | 57 |
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| Site Reviews 2024: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 10 |
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Have you got camping gear already?
The reason I ask is, I've just noticed the Inspire 600 is not a million miles away, design-wise, from the Palena DLX 600 (I know the pitching style is totally different, but layout and tent fabric looks to be the same).
Why not get the Palena - which is on offer at the moment - to see if you like living in it and if the space/fabric etc works for you, then decide whether to splash out on the Inspire (to get the benefits of an inflatable version) or go straight for the Countryman? That way, you'd not take too much of a financial gamble (am pretty sure the Palena would sell well enough, without too much loss on original outlay)but could base your decision (which is an expensive one, either way) on first-hand experience.
Pitching a tent is one thing, living in it and liking it is quite another matter and equally - if not more than - important.
Best of luck, whatever you decide!
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