Hi, all,
returned to this forum after a long absence(family grown up)now its just the wife and I. We are thinking of buying a folding camper but are at a loss at which one to go for, some say a Dandy others say Pennine, others that have been suggested I have never heard of, so what I am looking for are some suggestions as to what to look for and why. It would probably be secondhand as I think the price of new would be too much. So all the help given will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Terry.
We are just two now and have downsized from an expensive caravan to a dandy designer. Dead easy to store and tow, don't need a big car, 500kg fully loaded. Gives us 2 double beds one of which makes a very comfy high backed settee. Cooker, sink dining table, storage etc. Very cool in summer and warm in winter. Can be used all year round. Solid walls with caravan style locking door and window. Can be packed away wet and left wet when we get home.
Tough as old boots, will stand up to gales, completely waterproof. Is there any other option?
Downside, no on-board toilet although there is room for a porta potti at night. No fridge but use a small portable 3-way inside. No oven. No shower, no hot water.
We bought a Conway Cardinal hard top last year and love it. Have had tents, Penine folders and 2 caravans but this Conway suits the two of us. Loads of internal space and the awning has a toilet compartment and a wardrobe
------------- "Money can't buy you happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes"
You need to get opinions from those who have experienced various types!
We have a Pennine Pullman, which we love ... but came to it via tents, and have no experience of any other type of folding alternative.
Your best bet may be to go to a big show and see various types, and try their 'on-board' feeling.
Good luck with your search ... I'm sure you'll find what you want, and will have a great time.
Oh ... one other observation .... your choice may be influenced by where you intend to camp ... continental Europe? UK? Elsewhere? Weather can be an important factor .... we are pretty well exclusively fair weather (summer) campers in France,Spain,Italy,Germany ... i.e., broadly, hot and dry ... if you intend a fair amount of UK weekend camping at different times of the year, then an outfit that is going to be variable weather friendly could be important.
I would agree with Kelper's comments. We came to our FC unit via campervans, tents and trailer tents.
If you plan on camping mostly in the UK then there are some considerations you must think about re the weather. What options do you have if you need to pack away wet? Can it be opened at home to dry? Can it be opened under cover to dry etc?. Can it be left wet until a suitable day?
Work out what is important to you, eg. my wife won't be without an onboard loo so that was a deciding factor for us. By looking realistically at your NEEDS rather than your WANTS, you will know the ideal unit for you when you see it.
------------- Phil
Blood, Sweat and Beers.
The more I learn the more I know, the more I know the more I forget, the more I forget the less I know
Booked so far:
June: Charity Farm
July: Gullivers MK
August: Tregurrian, Cornwall
Sept: New Forest
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: folding camper??????
