I'm happy with my Trigano Chantilly, though the time it takes to pitch is a bit of an issue, as with the drying issues in the event of wet weather to the point where we've stopped nipping away for weekends, and are now considering having a regular tent in addition for that purpose. Pitch / un-pack time for the full monty is a good few hours, although the bed area on it's own can be ready in about 30mins.
The main reason we went for a trailer tent was for longer trips, and for those it's ideal, because it's big. Smaller ones will be quicker to pitch.If you want a quick pitcher, look for one with a fold-out awning, such as the Camplets.
Best bet is to visit a big dealer and see what's out there. Time spent looking at as many different makes as possible will be well worth it in the long run.
There seem to be three different types of trailer tents. You have the standard variety which have flaps which open out on each side of the trailer body to give raised sleeping areas. People seem to recommend makes like Cabanon, Trigano, Conway and they come in a wide variety of different sizes. Pitching time for these seems to be anything from an hour upwards.
The second sort is quite new on the market and is made by Cabanon. They have two models called the Stratos and the Neptune which are a large and small version of the same thing. Basically, they have a similar main cabin area with the flaps on each side but the major difference is the awning. It is more like a tunnel tent with a lot less poles than the standard TT and therefore can be pitched a bit more quickly. These also have a zip in ground sheet which makes them creepie crawlie proof.
The third sort are the quick pitch trailer tents made by a number of companies such as Combi Camp and Camplet. These are a lot more expensive than standard trailer tents but take less than half the time to put up as they sort of fold out a bit like an old fashioned pram hood. The main unit of our Combi Camp takes 30 seconds to put up and the awning about another 15-20 minutes.
There are a lot of second hand trailer tents of all varieties around at the minute so if you are looking second hand you could get a bargain. My advice is to visit a few dealers and have a really good nosey round a few erected ones to see what feels a good size and layout for your family. Then when you have decided what you like you can either buy new or look for a similar model second hand.
Hi we have a raclet trailer tent which we have had for just over a year, To put the bedding/traier bit up it takes 10 mins. If we have just the main awning it takes about an hour and if we do the extension and main awaning it can take up to 2 hours. But we do have loads of living space so is worth it. Just a pain about drying out if wet when we leave
hi we have a trigano vendome can put up basic livin area in about an hour,OH does inside while i peg .However if we are stayin for a week or more an she wants every thing just right it can take a couple of hours,and to put away especialy at the end of the season if she has had every thing out and wants to pack it away perfect but who am i to complain she holds the purse strings!!!!!.
Gotta take this chance to big-up my Cabanon Neptune! I've only been away in it once but it was straightforward to put up and it will only get easier over time. The beds are huge and the awning is so spacious that you don't even notice there's a kitchen unit in there.
And the zip-on SIG is a real blessing as far as the OH is concerned!
As Pixie_Hez mentioned, there is another version called the Stratos which hasn't got the kitchen extension on the side and is slightly narrower but it still provides a great living area and has got that same unique look.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Cheers,
James
------------- "Log off, that cookies s**t makes me nervous!"
At the end of the day it is what you feel is best for you.
Have had a suncamp 400se for the last 3 years bought secondhand and it has been fantastic.This is from a geezer who spent 3 weeks under canvas in the worst summer France had on record!!! and swore never to camp again.
My choice was made purely based on space. Cost also played apart (cheap, got lucky) but must say if push came to shove I would by another Sunncamp.
First time up 2hours now fully fitted to 45 minutes, without colour coding! We do mulity centres (3 sites last season in one go!) and it is a breeze because that is what we are uesd to.
Agree with Trekkin Tekkie best to get out to local dealers and 'ave a good butchers, go with your instincts.
It takes about the same time to put our tt up as it did with the tent, but it's much easier to do, and we don't have the problem of packing everything into the car at either end! I'd say we're ready to sit with a coffee within the hour, the beds are already made up, the awning is easy as long as one person knows where it all goes. (And the rest do as they are told )
Don't be persuaded to part with a huge amount of cash for a brand new top of the range tt, the old ones, as long as they have been well looked after, are just as good. Space is a funny thing, get a big roomy tt, and you have more canvas to dry if you pack up wet. Get an average sized awning, and there's enough room if its wet, it all seems easier. The more room inside, the longer the whole thing takes to put up. And lets be honest, even if its wet the kids would rather be outside anyway! Good luck with your impending purchase, we've never regretted ours.
------------- Gone are the 'sleeping on the floor' times, I love my TT.
Quote: Originally posted by Pixie_Hez on 23/6/2007
Hi Mick
There seem to be three different types of trailer tents. You have the standard variety which have flaps which open out on each side of the trailer body to give raised sleeping areas. People seem to recommend makes like Cabanon, Trigano, Conway and they come in a wide variety of different sizes. Pitching time for these seems to be anything from an hour upwards.
The second sort is quite new on the market and is made by Cabanon. They have two models called the Stratos and the Neptune which are a large and small version of the same thing. Basically, they have a similar main cabin area with the flaps on each side but the major difference is the awning. It is more like a tunnel tent with a lot less poles than the standard TT and therefore can be pitched a bit more quickly. These also have a zip in ground sheet which makes them creepie crawlie proof.
The third sort are the quick pitch trailer tents made by a number of companies such as Combi Camp and Camplet. These are a lot more expensive than standard trailer tents but take less than half the time to put up as they sort of fold out a bit like an old fashioned pram hood. The main unit of our Combi Camp takes 30 seconds to put up and the awning about another 15-20 minutes.
There are a lot of second hand trailer tents of all varieties around at the minute so if you are looking second hand you could get a bargain. My advice is to visit a few dealers and have a really good nosey round a few erected ones to see what feels a good size and layout for your family. Then when you have decided what you like you can either buy new or look for a similar model second hand.
Happy hunting!
As Pixie has said, Combis are very quick to erect. It's lovely to pull up to a site and open the Combi out within seconds and be inside nice and dry, while others are still erecting theirs.
Quote: Originally posted by nohopeleft on 24/6/2007
hi folks,
many thanks for all your replies,i`ve been looking at a conway cardinal dl on the web,it looks a god size and well set out,whats your opinion?
cheers
The Conway Cardinal isn't strictly speaking a trailer tent - it's a hard top folding camper. Inside it is more like a caravan with fridge, hob, wardrobe etc.
It is a lot quicker to put up the main unit than a trailer tent (Combi-Camps excepted) and it can be used without the awning. There is no pegging of the main unit.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: the ideal trailer tent
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