Hi swift , we went from a caravan to a tent and have just bought a folding camper , we have had one before we got the caravan so knew what to expect .
We have gone for a 4 berth (even though there are 5 of us) as we too didn't have loads to spend .It will depend on what you want /need from yours as to what you get.
we have a trigano randger 415dl and it's great but we used to have a conway and that was fine also.
We went from a tent to a FCamper and loved the feeling of almost being in a caravan but still tent camping. At the time there were 4 of us and the 2 x double beds and seating area going into a double bed were fab and met our needs. In addition as the children got older and friends came along, we upgraded our FC to a conway cruiser, had a huge awning with an annexe to cater for kids and friends - Now the 2 children are in thier late teens and at the stage where they have outgrown camping (I am sure they will come back to it soon) we wondered if we should be upgrading to a small caravan. Our dilema is though that we really enjoy not having to make the beds up at night and we don't want to tow a big van.
I think we will just go with the cruiser for a while yet! We both still enjoy it and when we use the awning, we have loads of room!
Go for a folding camper. Not much more than a TT, but much more cosy. Look out for a Dandy. PVC not canvas, rot proof, no mildew to worry about. Can be stored wet. Last for years.
We're upgrading from a tent, and pick up the tt next week, so will keep you posted!
We got tired of being forced to drive a people carrier all year for the sake of camping, so thought about a trailer. From there we thought 'well if we're going to tow, we could have proper beds...". So tt it is. Knowing nothing we've bought a new Camplet Concorde from Camperlands in Manchester. We looked at quite a few others, but with kids we knew we would always need the awning, so went for the one which looked to have the quickest set up. Once inside it feels like a frame tent, and that suits us, we like tents! So I think you need to identify your particular needs, likes & dislikes, because theres lots of choice. Once you have lots of people on here will advise!
You know, as the happy owner of nine tents and two trailer tents, I don't like reading comments abour being "relegated to a tent" or "upgrading from a tent"! A tent can be just as comfortable as a TT and infinately more suitable for some sort of camping, as anyone who's put up a TT for an overnight stop or weekend can testify. And many big tents cost more new than a second hand TT...my big Camargue (see profile pix) cost me £200, for example, less than many big family tents.
No snobbery on the campsite, svp. Bad enough getting this from the vanners!
Quite agree Val. We have just moved from a tent to a TT. But that is only because we have one year of earning left before we retire and want to keep camping right into our old age. Nothing to do with better or worse, just a bit easier as we get older, we hope, and will save on overnight hotels as we head for the sun.
There was a beautiful Bear Lake 6 at our last trip. Yes, we were still very jealous of it, and had a lovely chat with the proud owner even though we were trying out our brand new TT.
Well, okay. Although everybody knows that TTs and FCs are far better than tents.
<ducks well aimed shoe hurled by Val>
Actually, I have all three. A tent for speed and weekends, a TT for longer holidays and space, and a FC because it was £150 on ebay and I couldn't resist.
I can currently sleep 32. Is there a cure for tent addiction?
My dad still regularly camps in the tent he has owned since the early 1950s. Granted, the poles have had to be replaced in that time, along with the groundsheet, the zips, the awning and most of the actual canvas, but it's still the same tent, right?
Sorry Val! But it is an upgrade for us; as I said the Camplet feels like a frame tent, and I do like tents. Anyway, please don't tell me all that money isn't going to get me a more comfortable camp! I shall clarify; we are upgrading our beds by buying a trailer tent, and by doing so don't need yet another bigger car to carry the kit! I love the freedom of camping, and sleeping under canvas, but sleeping on the floor is not one of the attractions, and I hope that the new tt will give me the best of both worlds.To be honest I see it as a really posh tent!
Anyway regardless of my tactless wording, I think Swift needs to identify the things that matter to him/her to get good recommendations.
We went from lots of tents to caravan, to tent, then to FC, glad I didn't get a TT, me and hubby just haven't got patience when it comes to putting stuff up!
Our FC is not too bad, just the awning that takes bit of practice and time. Would love a small caravan (as hate the rain and cold) but just too expensive at the mo)
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Topic: To trailer tent or not??
