Hi!
After many happy years of tent camping we have talked for a while about buying a trailer tent. We've never stayed in one, been in one or seen very many on our travels.
We are off to look at a secondhand one this afternoon.
So the question is what do I particularly need to look for please??
hello! one of the things we looked for was if it included a kitchen and were it would go when set up, so as it was'nt in the way! also what storage does it have, can you get any bedding in it when folded down, kitchen utensils and things like that. Inner tents/pods also a must as can be very drafty they are included in most but just check as have seen a few up for sale without. We have previously owned conways but last year purchased a raclet.
If you're looking at a trailer tent (rather than a folding camper) then the main concern has to be the canvas.
Cotton or poly/cotton canvas will rot and mildew if packed away wet (or even damp) if it's not aired out within 24 hours or so.
If you see dark 'speckles' or blotches it means mildew - which is extremely contagious and will spread throughout the rest of the canvas like wildfire.
Mildew in its early stages can be tackled with a mild solution of Milton fluid, or similar. This will kill the spores and prevent further damage but it won't remove the speckles - and might lead to slight discolouration of adjacent sound canvas.
Best advice would be to leave mildewed cans well alone - there are plenty of TT's that don't have mildew which would be much a much better buy.
If you're looking at a folding camper, the above advice applies, in addition to other checks relating to the body structure.
TT's use a simple simple single skin construction for the trailer body. Usually metal, sometimes plastic or GRP.
There is nothing to rot, so apart from rust or cracks, not much to worry about.
Folding campers, otoh, use caravan-type 'bonded' trailer walls made of a sandwich of interior board, foam core, and an exterior aluminium skin.
They are very susceptible to rot if the seams have not been well maintained.
You really need a damp meter to test the walls - but other signs of rot are 'soft' patches or swelling on the interior wall boards.
It's wise to assume that any FC more than a few years old will be 'damp' (which is the wonderful industry euphemism for a caravan that has suffered water ingress and has interior boards quietly rotting away to a black fibrous pulp!)
The use of vinyl faced decorative boards compounds the problem - it's not unusual to find that the wooden board has completely disintegrated, leaving behind a hole that is simply bridged by the vinyl skin - which you can easily push your finger trough.
If buying a FC, I'd strongly suggest taking along someone who knows what to look for.
A TT should be a much easier purchase, providing you check the canvas and other common sense things like lights (cheap and easy to fix) the condition of poles, etc, and the operation of things like the cooker (if it has one)
Good luck.
EDIT - couple of further points relating to Combi-Camp trailers (possibly also Camplet)
These are very convenient - the top swings up and over to make the cabin floor, all the canvas is attached, and set-up can be done very quickly.
Points to watch are the large hinge that attaches the top to the trailer body - these are subject to a lot of stress, so ensure it's not broken or coming adrift, and [ii] the canvas immediately adjacent to the pivot points.
This is a favourite wear area -usually hidden behind the canvas 'skirt' that is meant to keep rainwater out of the canvas fixing channel that runs right around the trailer and floor.
Often the canvas at those two points (one either side) can wear into a hole, while the remainder can be in excellent condition.
A small patch can be applied on both sides of canvas so affected - you won't notice it due to the skirt covering, but it might be a useful bargaining point with the seller.
Post last edited on 12/01/2013 14:03:18
Post last edited on 12/01/2013 14:04:14
------------- Getting Old, Staying Active (much to Mrs Folder's dismay..)
Personally I would prefer a canvas that has not been reproofed - often reproofing canvas is done due to poor condition of the canvas, if this is the case then it will be a temporary fix and will need reproofing frequently to maintain its waterproof nature.
Look for rotten floor especially around wheel arches in a Cabannon / Conway, Sunncamp style TT (not sure about others)
Hinges on the kitchen lid (not that difficult to fix)
Have a look at zips - you can live with a tricky zip, but make a price allowance
Rubbers may have perished, especially if TT has been used extensively in the sun - budget accordingly.
Put up the awning, to see how it is done, to make sure poles are all present and canvas is in good condition
I would say generally, if it has any wood in its construction then be very wary.
Check the kitchen set up. Some have instant hernia boxes on the back of the unit that needs to be moved before use. Others have mobile units on wheels.
Does it need pegging down every where?
Can it be easily manoeuvred by one person?
How quickly can you erect the main part? This is important if it is raining.
If your veiwing a camper thats already set up ask to see the trailer cover because these can sometimes be very poor in condition and not that cheap to replace.
Dont buy the first one you see, take your time and its worth travelling to see whats on offer.
Thank you all for your replies.
Well we did it! We have a 1993 Conway Canterbury DL.
today has beenthe first opportunity to put it up and it's great except that since we bought it home the rats have managed to get in and have chewed the canvas of one sleeping compartment and one sleeping pod! Gutted as everything else is in top condition except that the rats have urinated all over the place!!
So we will repair pod and canvas and buy new mattresses ( could do with some guidance on that?)
Can't wait for our first trip out - which will be after Easter as we've booked a static in Normandy already.
Just a note to oldfolder, We have a 1995 Pennine Fiesta we purchased last year to see if I could still cope with camping , all be it up off the ground in a folding camper as I have a really crook leg!!!anyway NOT ALL!!!!! older campers are damp this old lady is as sound as a pound both the chassis, the body and the canvas. we have used her on Shell Island many times last year and their storms are re-known for being real corkers!!! she never leaks or becomes damp at all in any way. PLEASE do not assume what is not ALWAYS the case Yvonne.
------------- If it doesn't kill you it only makes you stronger!!or so they say!!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Advice please?....
