Hi, We love the great outdoors but find errecting and taking down tents in rain etc too stressful with kids, and feel they would sleep more easily in something that a) does a better job of blocking out the light and b) has a little more noise insulation. We basically want a space to sleep and aren't bothered about a toilet, sink, etc. I assume this exists but don't know what such things are called (boxes?!!) or where to look.. Can anyone help? Looking for cheapest option, as ever!
You sound as if you would enjoy a no fuss, no nonsense kind of set up!
Have a look at the Dandy. It has lots going for it. I have lived in it, for 6 weeks, in France; survived horrific storms; been cosy warm and dry, with 3 kids. It's made of PVC, not canvas, does not leak, and you sleep on beds - not rolling about on the floor. Comes with a sizeable awning. Cool in Summer, warm & dry in Winter. Basic sink & gas cooker. Ours has 2 double beds and a single bed. (5 berth model). You can get 4 birth and 6 berth models.
We have had fantastic touring holidays in ours - France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, as well as in the UK.
It folds down into a compact trailer unit and tows like a dream - you hardly know it is there.
Check out my profile pictures and consult other Dandy users - they will tell you the same.
i have had tents and a trailer tent, got rid of that cos way too long to set up. now got a folding camper, an old one, I find that much easier. Both the TT and the FC do quite a good job blocking out light, and have comfortable off the ground beds, but I don't think anything with canvas/pvc/nylon sides will do much good at blocking out sound, if that's major to you a basic second hand caravan can actually be cheaper than TTs and FCs, or maybe a folding caravan? Some of these are very cheap - the rapido ones in particular, maybe someone will come along who has owned one with advice on what they are like to live with (or you could ask in the caravan section?). If you arent bothered about showers, fridges and full size ovens, theres quite a big range of cheap, second hand options. Happy hunting :)
The Dandy is a Folding Camper not a tent. We've just bought our first one after 7 years tenting it. We absolutely love her and because the Dandy's are pvc no more worrying about the weather on the last day it doesn't matter anymore if we have to take it down in the rain.
I wouldn't go back to a tent now for love nor money, which reminds me anyone want to by a Khyam Chatsworth 2010 tent (only used once!)
Hi Hewaller, I think that the Rapido folding caravan such as the Confortmatic, Recordmatic or, if you really want the little kitchen, Expportmatic are fantastic bits of kit. They need a bit of understanding to erect, dismantle but are secure and dry. They can sleep up to 5 without an awning but get one with an awning if possible at it does make a difference. However, get one only if you are prepared to have an audience when ariving and departing. You'll not be alone.
The other types of folding caravans, i.e. Esteril, Orvis are the same towing length/width when down as up so no great storage advantage but reduced towing drag.
------------- Mavericks don't get to lead the herd - not that they want to!
I brought my old Export for 300 quid last year & haven't looked back. The only problem with Exports is that you need two people to put it up whereas The Records & Conforts can be put up by yourself although I've never tried.
I like the additional space in mine & as fidgad says you'll get an audience putting it up. My advice is if you went for one of these get one with an awning as they are hard to get nowadays. I have managed to modify a standard 11ft awning to fit by modifying the awning rail.
I then came across a proper awning late last year along with a Record-Matic I had for spares. I've now got bunks for mine so it can be made into a 6 berth if required, you could sleep more in the awning if you wished!! For something that folds down to less than the width of a standard car & weighs 650KG I think it's a very clever bit of kit.
Also setting them up needs a bit of figuring out but after you've done it a couple of times they're pretty easy enough to do.
I'd add that it may be possible to put up a Recordmatic singlehanded (with some modifications which I have yet to do ) it's only the Confort that is truly a single-handed van. I always get offers of help though from interested byestanders.
------------- Mavericks don't get to lead the herd - not that they want to!
I may stand corrected on the Rapido Records then although I did come across these pictures on eBay which made me think putting it up on your own was possible. Mind you the guy could just be posing for the pictures lol..
He's got an 8 foot wide arm span then if he did it on his own. It the unfolding and swinging-out of the end walls that requires the two people. On the other hand he may have perfected a technique and he's a big lad. It's not even the 'matic' model!
------------- Mavericks don't get to lead the herd - not that they want to!
Going back to the original post re letting in a bit less light and having a bit more noise insulation - if you could get one of the older Dandys they were brown and were fantastic for blocking out the light! Even better would be one with double insulated walls (really cosy too). Have a look on the Riva Leisure website. Don't be put off by age - they just go on and on!
love our dandy wish i had got one ten years ago.....no worries with it,..put it up in the rain and put it away in the rain....saves a lot of guessing the weather all holiday....
hi it has a pvc covering not cavas so no mildew or mould to worry about and can be put away wet, with canvas you have to get it dry when you get back home if put away wet asap
We put our Dandy away sopping wet last September, then got caught up in the business of moving house and had to leave it in storage, and did not open it out till last week! Everything was absolutely fine - no smells or mildew, and we were even able to light the gas rings with matches that had been left in the kitchen drawer! They are not glamorous or fashionable but practical they certainly are.
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: New to world of folding campers/caravans
) it's only the Confort that is truly a single-handed van. I always get offers of help though from interested byestanders. 
