Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 29/12/2021

---

I know just what you mean about pensions CyberCynth. Every year since I retired my pension increase has been more than swallowed up by bigger bills, and this coming year looks like being a record-breaker with both fuel and energy bills going up in leaps and bounds. Way more than my likely pension increase.

Our car is a bit of a gas-guzzler I must admit, but as we now only do a fraction of the mileage we used to do I don't worry about it too much. My one consolation is that when the caravan is on the back the car hardly notices it, and fuel consumption is barely affected. The car could cope with a much heavier caravan than ours as it is an older model which is very light when compared to later ones. A small car pulling at or near its limit will see a much bigger change in fuel consumption, especially if the car is petrol powered. Our financial position wouldn't allow us to change either the car or caravan anyway.

---

Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 29/12/2021

---

This may not be an option for you but have you considered upgrading your car a little ? Our Xplore 304 can easily be towed by a car with 1200 towing capacity, so it doesnt have to be huge.
Failing that, like a lot of others I would also look at folding campers although they can be cold out of season plus you've always one eye on the weather so you're not folding up dripping wet canvas (we had one before the Xplore)
Other alternatives :
A small motorhome that could also be your car eg a Berlingo ?
A teardrop caravan that you can use overnight but add an awning or tent to for longer stays and more comfortable cooking ?

Edit - I see others got in before me with similar suggestions.

---

Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 29/12/2021

---

£1800 for a teardrop seems v cheap, theyre normally as expensive as a normal size caravan.

---

Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 27/12/2021

---

TBH, id think id sooner have a tent than than a 'tear drop' van. Its a mobile bed, and not much more. And for the weight, you may as well have a camping trailer and a decent tent/gear. Or, get a 'folder' as suggested. (or a bigger car!)

---

Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 29/12/2021

---

btw I think your Yaris has a towing capacity of 880kg, and a folding camper like the Pennine Pullman has a max gross weight of 900kg, so would be towable if not packed to the max. Something like a Pullman or Conway Cruiser can be very comfortable.

Edit - I used to tow a Pullman with a Ford Fusion, 900kg towing capacity, no issues.

Post last edited on 29/12/2021 21:35:35

---

Quote: Originally posted by romperstomper on 29/12/2021

---

i have a rapido folding van 4 mins to set up same to get it down its one hell of a kit wouldnt change it for anything

---

Quote: Originally posted by Bridgelayer on 01/1/2022

---

SWMBO and I are both in our 70's and have no problems moving it, but I am thinking of a lightweight motor mover so she can set it up and leave me in peace to have a beer. (Nowt I do is right!)

---

Quote: Originally posted by Bridgelayer on 01/1/2022

---

Another vote for the Gobur from me. 5 minutes to set up, under the height of the car, aluminium body, no leaks, no damp and good back-up from the makers.

SWMBO and I are both in our 70's and have no problems moving it, but I am thinking of a lightweight motor mover so she can set it up and leave me in peace to have a beer. (Nowt I do is right!)

---

Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 01/1/2022

---

Quote: Originally posted by Bridgelayer on 01/1/2022

---

SWMBO and I are both in our 70's and have no problems moving it, but I am thinking of a lightweight motor mover so she can set it up and leave me in peace to have a beer. (Nowt I do is right!)

---

I have control of the motor mover, and set the caravan up, as my other-half is usually getting a brew on by then. Kettle goes on as soon as I plug in the EHU, we have it down to a fine art.

I love the motor movers, the first Gobur I had was fitted with one but the 12/2T that followed the Slimline didn't, but I managed without one perfectly well - I got reversing using the car down to a fine art!

I, too, love the idea of getting a brew on soon after arrival at a site!
Although I live and camp alone the Gobur was very quick and easy for me to set up, but then I never bothered with an awning. There didn't seem any point putting one up just for me and the dog! I've got a 'sun' canopy (haha) which takes 5 minutes to set up and keeps off the worst of the weather when coming and going.

Still vaguely tempted with th ideaa of a trailer tent, but the idea of having to dry out a wet canvas at home, following a wet pack-up, is putting me off, plus the fact that I just don't think I'd be any warmer in a TT than I am when using the frame tent for off-season camping, so I may as well stick with that until I can save up for a Gobur.

Thanks everyone for your interest, and comments.

---

Quote: Originally posted by navver on 02/1/2022

---

What sort of distances do are you thinking of going and what sort of speeds.

I'm thinking proper caravans will only be a problem with wind resistance etc at higher speeds such as on motorway and liveable with if only short distances.

---