We are hoping to buy a folding camper to tour europe this summer and need a bit of advice please. (2 adults and kids age 9 and 11)(possible teenager but he's not sure yet and could sleep in pup tent if needed))
We have about £2000 to spend and need one that has as much space as possible from as small a trailer as possible. Does anyone know which gives best space to trailer size.
We will need to store it outside or pay for winter storage as we have no garage are any models better for storing outside, we would get good winter cover.
We would also like one that has main bit thats quick to put up for one night stops.
I have been looking and like the look of the conway excel but there seems to be few of them arround. I also like the look of the Conway cruiser but can only afford a quite old one.
The raclet quickstop seems good value for money I know it's more basic but we could afford a newer one.
Would we be better with a newer lower spec or an older higher spec when it comes to resale value in a few years.
Does anyone have any opinions on these or any other suggestions that would fit the bill.
Also any tips with regard to camping in europe would be greatly appreciated. I think we need an electric hook up converter and different gas bottles is this the case.
Since you're buying used, its better not to fine-tune your model choice too much - let what is available to you define that.
You will, I think, get a better pitched size to trailer size ratio from a trailer tent rather than a fc - would that be an option? The TT in my gallery (a Trigano Chantilly) had a trailer size of about 25% that of my current FC, also shown. The TT's main unit was quick to set up, but only had sleeping facilities: cooking and toileting would require the full awning to be rigged.
Two bottles of gas ( a 6 and a 4.5kg) is easily enough for my annual trip, for 4 to 5 weeks for a family of four.
There are plenty of threads about electric hook-up abroad, and other things you'll need to know, so have a good browse.
Thanks for the reply. I think we really would prefer a camper as we will be doing a few 1 night stops and the quick fold out and ready to sleep/eat option is what we want
Lots to choose from. There are two basic layouts. Smaller trailers accomodate up to four people in 2 x double beds folding out of the sides, over the wheels with the door on the back.
Some have a 5th "child bed" alongside one of the doubles. Larger models can sleep six, with beds folding out from the front/back of the camper, & another bed made by folding down the dinette.
Some have a pop up roof, most fold the roof out as a sheet of fabric over a tent type frame. Hereis a guide by the Camping & Caravan Club.
They are all pretty good. Most are made from canvas. Dandys are the odd ones out as they are not canvas, but PVC & so are the only FCs that can be packed & left stored wet without rotting. They were made until last year when the credit crunch bit, for over 40 years by Riva Leisure in Wigan, who still sell second hand as well as doing spares + repair work. Lots of good used ones about within your budget.
I got a raclet quickstop for easy erect small trailer sleeps 4 bought from ebay as new
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Thanks to everyone who has replied. I think I have decided on what I would like now and am going to keep and eye out for either a pennine fiesta or conway countryman but as these semm quite rare at moment may need to look at others.
Does anyone know of anywhere in west yorkshire that has campers on display?
I can recommend the Conway Countryman. We got a bargain on a lovely condition 1997 model and it suits us perfectly, me, hubby & 7 year old daughter. The trailer fits in our small garage with room to spare. We used it at the end of July for a few days in wet'n'windy conditions and found it very stable. We took the awning down the evening before we were due to leave as it was dry and found the cabin big enough to use on its own. Bed skirts are very useful as we stored loads under the trailer (blow up boat + oars, cool box etc) to keep the awning nice & tidy but also of course you can get a pup tent under there.
Depending where in West Yorkshire you are, you could try Caseys camping, behind Stephen Smiths garen centre at Otley http://www.caseyscamping.com/ they usually have a fair few used ones; although I'd give them a ring first if you wanted to look at this time of year as I wouldn't expect many to be erected.
Alternatively we are currently looking to sell our 1996 Conway Cardinal (hard top) - 6 berth with awning, toilet extension, and various extras, maybe out of your price range, but we're looking for around £2500. Let me know if you want anymore details - we also have a made to measure winter cover that will be for sale once the camper goes...
Thanks for the info I have emailed them asking for info on any in.
I would have come to look at your camper but we don't have a lot of space to store it so we have decided to get as small a trailer as possible. So the Cardinal is a bit big trying to keep as close as possible to 4m length.
I have read your posting about buying a folding trailer and a although you are looking for a conway you might be interested.
We have a very good quality combi camp Venezia which is for sale. It was bought new in March 2002. The main use has been in Europe for 4 weeks in the summer. It is very easy to tow and quick to errect and would be in your price range. The combi camp web site would give the details. We spent a lot of time researching and the combi is much better to errect in poor weather as all the beds area is covered all the time.
It is the model with full kitchen,fridge and 3 burner cooker, sink, full awning and the king size bed. This bed is superbly comfortable but makes it 2 berth. It is possible to get an extra zip on annex but most combi camp users with families seem to prefer a second tent .
It has in addition full wired electrics and a proper combi camp cover and is for sale with hitch lock and various other items.
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Topic: buying a folding camper
