I'm throwing caution to the wind and seriously contemplating buying a second-hand folding or pop-up camper/caravan.
After a recent life-changing situation, I've decided to start living life the best I can with my daughter to make memories and have fun. A camper is out of my price range, and I don't like the thought of having to drive one around each time we want to go out. A caravan is too big and scares me a little. I keep seeing folding campers/caravans and pop-up campers/caravans on the market. I quite like them. I like the Pennine Pathfinders and the Conway Crusiers.
I need convincing. I'd love to hear from others with folding/pop up campers. Pros and cons.
I'm taking it very seriously Having never towed a vehicle in my life, I'll be sure to get a lesson or 10 before I start any adventure. I'm a good driver, so I have that going for me.
I'd be really interested to hear what anyone has to say.
I had a Pennine Pathfinder folding camper and loved it, the only con was , for me, a bit cold for sleeping.
I sold it and bought a caravan but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
saxo1
One of the first things to consider Tanya is your physical ability to erect and put down a Pathfinder / Crusader.
If there is a dealer near to you that has one pop along and try it out.
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Quote: Originally posted by saxo1 on 16/7/2022
I had a Pennine Pathfinder folding camper and loved it, the only con was , for me, a bit cold for sleeping.
I sold it and bought a caravan but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 16/7/2022
One of the first things to consider Tanya is your physical ability to erect and put down a Pathfinder / Crusader.
If there is a dealer near to you that has one pop along and try it out.
Physically I'm able enough (I think) - I am going to a dealer to check a few out, I'll ask them if I can have a go.
Quote: Originally posted by seanfdh on 16/7/2022
Can't help except to say go for it. And if your budget stretches to it get a Holtkamper, they really tempt me to break my 'no towing' rule.
Wow! They're pretty cool. Sadly, budget wont' stretch that far but thanks for the reply
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 16/7/2022
One of the first things to consider Tanya is your physical ability to erect and put down a Pathfinder / Crusader.
If there is a dealer near to you that has one pop along and try it out.
My first thought as well. We've had both a Pathfinder and a Crusader in the past but had 2 people to pitch with relative ease. Even folding the cover back will take some doing solo.
Pros : very easy to tow, lots of room when set up , you can leave stuff stored in the cupboards when travelling, quick set up when compared to trailer tents or other tents, most of the comforts of a caravan. Don't take up us much storage as a van of any sort.
Cons: bit more effort to set up than a caravan, not as warm inside in cold weather (but warmer than a standard tent), bit noisier in windy weather as the material will flap a bit, if cotton canvas need to be allowed to dry if packed up wet (some makes are now synthetic materials)
Quote: Originally posted by Lukeledge on 17/7/2022
Pros : very easy to tow, lots of room when set up , you can leave stuff stored in the cupboards when travelling, quick set up when compared to trailer tents or other tents, most of the comforts of a caravan. Don't take up us much storage as a van of any sort.
Cons: bit more effort to set up than a caravan, not as warm inside in cold weather (but warmer than a standard tent), bit noisier in windy weather as the material will flap a bit, if cotton canvas need to be allowed to dry if packed up wet (some makes are now synthetic materials)
On the same thread as the others, if you are putting up on your own then try and get a slightly newer one as they will have gas struts which will make opening and closing the bedrooms on your own much easier.
We took the plunge and bought one two years ago (just before covid!) and it was the best decision we made having upgraded from a TT. I can even tow it myself and that was something i didnt think i would ever do.
If you are really lucky you may also find one with a motor mover on it and that would be a godsend for you to maneover it onto a pitch.
If you can find one that ticks all your requirements, then i would say go for it. (highbridge caravans near taunton sell them if you want to see one at a dealer)
Have a look at Pennine Fiesta 2 plus 2.
Relatively easy to set up, two small double beds already made up, fridge, 4 burner hob plus grill.
Hot water. It also has an electric warm air heater which runs when you are hooked up to electric.
Big plus for us, the toilet!!!!!!! Saves those night time hikes to the toilet block.
They have acrylic covers not canvass, we never found it cold even when it was very cold outside. If it is a quick blast with the heater soon warms it up, I purchased a remote thermostat which turned the heater off and on when required.
Easy to tow.
You do have to erect it, with practice about 10 to 15 mins. It does have an awning which doubles the size of the accommodation. Like most awnings can be a pain, we only put it up if we were staying for at least a few days.
Whilst the claims are you can put it away wet you would still need space at home to erect it to dry it out properly other wise mould will stain it.
Biggest pain, the weather, if you have to put it up in the rain and of course a wet pack up.
Somebody else mentioned it can flap about in high winds, still secure but can be noisy.
We are now changing ours because we want to be able to stop in aires and parking spots which we were never comfortable thinking about with the folding camper. If you are going to stay on campsites then that would not be a problem.
If you are touring with just overnight stops then it does get wearing, obviously staying longer means you only have to put it up and take it down once.
We have loved our FC and there is so much room inside, the only reason we are changing is because our travel patterns have altered.
Quote: Originally posted by kareandsi on 17/7/2022
On the same thread as the others, if you are putting up on your own then try and get a slightly newer one as they will have gas struts which will make opening and closing the bedrooms on your own much easier.
We took the plunge and bought one two years ago (just before covid!) and it was the best decision we made having upgraded from a TT. I can even tow it myself and that was something i didnt think i would ever do.
If you are really lucky you may also find one with a motor mover on it and that would be a godsend for you to maneover it onto a pitch.
If you can find one that ticks all your requirements, then i would say go for it. (highbridge caravans near taunton sell them if you want to see one at a dealer)
Quote: Originally posted by Bramidan on 17/7/2022
Have a look at Pennine Fiesta 2 plus 2.
Relatively easy to set up, two small double beds already made up, fridge, 4 burner hob plus grill.
Hot water. It also has an electric warm air heater which runs when you are hooked up to electric.
Big plus for us, the toilet!!!!!!! Saves those night time hikes to the toilet block.
They have acrylic covers not canvass, we never found it cold even when it was very cold outside. If it is a quick blast with the heater soon warms it up, I purchased a remote thermostat which turned the heater off and on when required.
Easy to tow.
You do have to erect it, with practice about 10 to 15 mins. It does have an awning which doubles the size of the accommodation. Like most awnings can be a pain, we only put it up if we were staying for at least a few days.
Whilst the claims are you can put it away wet you would still need space at home to erect it to dry it out properly other wise mould will stain it.
Biggest pain, the weather, if you have to put it up in the rain and of course a wet pack up.
Somebody else mentioned it can flap about in high winds, still secure but can be noisy.
We are now changing ours because we want to be able to stop in aires and parking spots which we were never comfortable thinking about with the folding camper. If you are going to stay on campsites then that would not be a problem.
If you are touring with just overnight stops then it does get wearing, obviously staying longer means you only have to put it up and take it down once.
We have loved our FC and there is so much room inside, the only reason we are changing is because our travel patterns have altered.
Had a couple of friends who briefly had older TT's for just one season a few years back, can't remember which models but seemingly basic ones, one lot, an able couple in their 50/60's the other a single fit chap in his 50's, and they decided they were just too much faff/effort with the setting up/breaking down and drying, both moved on to full blown caravans.
Think there's a lot to be said for later models, less urgent need to dry wet synthetic fabrics than cotton canvas, easier/quicker assembly/disassembly etc., and of course you get more mod-cons, which really do make life more comfortable, virtually up to caravan spec on latest ones. If you are going to be hauling a trailer with it's inherent inconveniences - limited speed, storage space, servicing, security etc., then to my thinking you might as well benefit from some luxuries, rather than what amounts to little more than a basic tent in a trailer with the older models.
I looked at various options when upgrading from a tent, including TT, folding caravans etc., looked at Gobur, but whilst robust and durable and hold their value incredibly well, they were a bit basic compared to full blown caravans at the same price, found pop-top caravans just a little too claustrophobic with my head in the pop-top! Of course I didn't have any qualms about towing, as decades of experience with assorted trailers. So I discounted all the intermediate alternatives and went for a full blown caravan, and very happy with it too, but that was my logic and choice, your reasoning and choice is down to you, and we should help and support you in that.
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Topic: Throwing caution to the wind...
Having never towed a vehicle in my life, I'll be sure to get a lesson or 10 before I start any adventure. I'm a good driver, so I have that going for me. 
via mobile 17/7/2022 at 6:21am
