Hi all. We are about to invest in our first folding camper and I wanted to ask a few questions if that is ok...
We are looking at spending around £6000 for a second hand camper and I have been looking at probably either a pathfinder or a crusader, but would also consider a newer Pullman or similar.
First thing I wanted to ask is whether you recommend buying from a dealer or privately? I'm not convinced that I could spot any potential problems if there were any from a private sale - are there any common things to look for other than damaged canvas etc?
I have been following a number of campers on eBay but don't know what people's thoughts are of buying through there....
if I do buy from a dealer, what should I expect to get with the camper - e.g. A leisure battery? Gas bottle? Water carriers etc?
Any dealers that are recommended to visit? (We are based in Sussex)
Sorry for all the questions - we are very new to folding campers!
We have only ever bought from a Dealer. If your thinking of going down that road, call Terry at Camping International, they are in Gillingham in Kent so hopefully not too far from you. Always had good service from Terry Call 01634 577326 but note that Terry is not there on a Tuesday.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
We've bought 4 folding campers second-hand; early Pennine Sterling, Conway Cruiser (2003), Camplet (2007) and more recently a Pennine Conway Countryman (2012). Each time we asked the seller detailed questions, any damage, any issues with electrics or gas, any problems with canvas water ingress etc and do they have all of the original paperwork and had annual servicing. There's not a lot that can go wrong with an FC which can't be easily fixed, spares for earlier models can be found with Blue Sky Holdings or even Pennine themselves and any canvas can be repaired. Don't be screed by private sellers but look on gumtree, caravan club classified, Ukcampsite, auto trader etc but if you are worried try to go for newer models. Pennine and Conways changed their canvas from cotton to acrylic around 2010, this is an Isabella and much lighter.
For that money, you should be able to get a good FC.
One basic decision to make is whether, or not, you want a toilet/wash compartment in your FC.
We went for a Pullman because we specifically did not want to be sleeping/cooking within what is virtually the same space as ablutions.
But we do camp only on the continent, in summer, where a trip to the loo is usually no hassle.
That loo does add to the price tag, and so will reduce what you can afford i.e. a Pullman for £6K as opposed to a Pathfinder at £6K will be a lot 'newer'.
The other thing to consider is ... as you have £6K to spend, you will not be looking at older models that may have problems ... you will be looking at models no older than 5 years ... if you go through a dealer, yes, there are some plusses, however, a dealer will add on a percentage (he is running a business) .... a private seller will probably provide better value, and more room to haggle!
Thanks Kelper. The toilet is not a must-have for me at all - we will mostly be at campsites that have toilets easily available. I also have to say that the idea of newer without washroom is more appealing to me than older one with...
There are benefits to both, buying from a dealer you should get some form of warranty and hopefully the trailer will have been thoroughly checked over and serviced, buying privately will save you money and you may also get a lot of extras included if the seller is giving up camping or just wants all new with their new unit.
If your seasoned campers or have experience with caravans then you should already be aware of what to look out for, if your complete novices then you may be better off going to a dealer.
We bought our folder after a break from caravaning so we were aware of what to watch out for, buying privately got us virtually everything we needed in one swoop.
Well I have bought a Conway Cruiser - 2006 model so it has the pull out beds - not fold over. It has a load of extras with it (alko stabilising hitch, motor mover, hot water as I don't believe this was standard on this model and year, full awning, waste water container, 2 gas bottles, new leisure battery, and a few other bits and pieces), so we are well happy, and it came in well under budget :-)
I sell these, but more as a lifestyle business, as I have tow other main businesses, so I get to see it from both perspectives.
The advantages of buying from a dealer are obvious, in terms of warranty, etc, however, the market is very different from that of, say, the second hand car market.
Firstly, there's no Parkers Guide for folding campers. This means there's no means of establishing the 'right' price for a camper. Some are up for sale at way over their 'true' value, whereas others will be massively under value.
Typical case in point; last month I updated my own Pennine Sterling. I bought a new 2003 model, including two under bed skirts (worth £75 each, second hand) and an awning annex, with internal tent (worth £200 and £5, second hand, respectively) for the princely sum of £1,350, all in, from a private seller.
A week later, I was in my local dealers, who had an absolutely identical model in stock (but without skirts and annex). It was reduced from £4,995 to £4,495. Even at the reduced dealer price, that is still a saving of over £3,000. You will never get a deal like that if you don't buy privately.
Secondly, there is far less to go wrong, on a folding camper, than there is on a car. Obviously, at your sort of budget, there will be more than some, including gas, electrics, heating, hot water system, etc, however, you can have a full inspection done by a caravan service engineer for a fraction of the cost of what you can save, by buying privately.
Dealers have their place, and many find issues like warranty etc to make it worth the extra cost, for some, but, personally, I would take my time, and look out for the right private deal, then get it checked over, if you have any concerns about it.
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
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Topic: Newbie question
