I wondered how the new isatec/isabella fabric was coping with the summer? Is it really dry in minutes ? I also need some information regarding which of the folding campers come with the gas struts. I have got a challenger and wondered about upgrading as I am now finding it very difficult opening and closing the FC on my own. I don't want to tow anything much bigger than the Countryman/fiesta.
We have a Countryman 2010. It does dry quickly as the water never really soaks in. We use an extendable microfibre mop to clear the roof and a mit for other areas if we need to speed process up. We have experienced rain on every outing this year and it has done very well. All the new pennines have gas struts i think. Our 15 year old can open the beds on her own. It tows very well behind our 1.6 Cmax. Also fits nicely in the garage for storage.
We too have a 2010 Countryman. Fantastic bit of kit!
I am able to erect unit on my own ready for putting kettle on and feet up within twenty minutes of unhitching.
With the new style acrylic fabric, the rain runs off better and dries a lot quicker - water does not soak into fabric.
The only small issue is if you have to put the tent down in the rain (very often for us), the water tends to pool. This could lead to a lot of water congregating in pools which is likely to pour over the inside of the tent (or your head) if not carefully mopped up before hand.
Our little 'Baby' (Pennine Quartz 2+2) has done us proud too, we had plenty of wet weather thrown at us this year (and plenty of packing away wet too)
Packed away soaking wet last Monday, and we're still waiting for calmer weather to open out and air the unit. Parts of the skirting and the under bed tent (we use for storage) got very muddy, but they washed and dried off quickly at home.
I've heard some say that condensation is a bit of a problem with the acrylic fabric, a bit like polyester tents. Dunno if that's true, would be interesting to find out...
Quote: Originally posted by mrs jubbly on 08/9/2011
I've heard some say that condensation is a bit of a problem with the acrylic fabric, a bit like polyester tents. Dunno if that's true, would be interesting to find out...
Clare
No trouble with condensation at all.
This was our first trip away, and had awful weather. We had the blown air heating on in the evening but didn't get any condensation, not like we used to in the tent. (3 Adults and a dog)
When we packed up this morning it started raining slightly, so we opened Kev (The Camper) up again when we got home to make sure he was completely dry as we won't be using him again this year. We were very impressed with our stay and even got it set up without an argument, the zip on awning was so easy compared to our caravan. Looking forward to a good year next year.
We've had a bit of condensation in the awning, but nothing in the main unit. We've not had to do a wet take down yet, but have had lots of rain on our trips out this year and it does seem to dry quite quickly.
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 material on conway and pennine FCs
