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I've had to set up / down several times in the rain including, having to close it up in the middle of a thunderstorm in France where we were pushed for time has we had to catch a ferry so we couldn't sit it out and it's never really been a problem, The only things that we have to take out are the water/waste barrels. Everything else can be put on the beds as I set up. Awnings are a pain in the backside for every unit, van or fc one day everything goes perfect, the next, complete disaster.

the awning on my combi camp was a doddle. the easiest awning of any fc or caravan I have ever owned, due to the fact that you didnt have to remove it from the unit just fold it in. That and being able to store it in my garage was the only plus point in my opinion. I always panicked about getting it away dry as I could not dry it at home.

Robin

If you,ve got the wonga try a Dandy (Riva) Destiny. Its the best of both worlds. Its reconised as a caravan by the CC (as are all Dandys). It has fixed beds, can be used all year thanks to the thermabond covering & blow heating, dont need drying out, Has a 3 way fridge, cassette toilet/ fold up basin etc.Its also got hard sides (exept bedrooms) & a proper locking door & windows. Its easier to tow & you maybe able to store it at home. More info here www.rivaleisureltd.co.uk .

THUMPER.

Quote: Originally posted by zaccy123 on 14/8/2006

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"not need any drying out when you get home" 

 but this surley makes all the furniture damp etc. even in a caravan if you leave damp gear in there it gets smelly and damp, so is that much of an advantage over canvas ?

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It does,nt though. I,ve packed away wet loads of times & I,ve never noticed ant damp or smells. Even after I did,nt open it for 5 months once  I,m currently refurbing an old 80s one & after I ripped out the interior & prodded around with a damp meter I was plesantly supprised to see to see it dry as a bone. I know it was packed away wet on several occasions aswell.

THUMPER.

I have packed it away soaking left it for 2.5 months and opened it up again no problem.  The soft furnishings are protected as you pack away there are bed boards, and the inner solid sides that cover them automatically when you pack them away. The wet outer roof and walls are kept safely away from the inner furniture. There are lots of gaps as you pack it away so that the air can circulate when you leave it in store so the water evapourates.  If you are worried  you can whip the cover off on a fine day and allow the wind to whistle through the gaps to speed the process. But I cannot erect it at home which is the reason I bought the Dandy and I have to say I worried like mad about it for all sorts of reasons...... But it works like a dream.

The trailer will give up before the roof and walls so when you search for one unlike other folding campers you are more worried about the trailer than the roof and walls.

I never used to worry about packing away the FC wet and never used to suffer from damp etc.  The turfing out etc was usually due to my other half packing a months gear for a long weekend?.  PS: she still does.  But I did have to erect the main unit before putting on the awning.

I personally liked the unit awning as the poles hooked into holes ok and aprart from the high middle bit the rest was a piece of cake.  I had 2 end annexes which could be used if we were looking to sqeeze extra bodies in all in all I enjoyed the FC.

I have partly enjoyed the van for different reasonsbut still favour the FC.

I guess that what makes the world go round it would make life too boring if we all liked the same thing.  I may have a closer look at the Dandy the next time I pass near one.

Island ranger