Has anyone tried the Opus folding camper? They look amazing (but beyond my price range). Like the fact that you can transport bikes and kayaks on the top.
Had a look at one a few back at the NEC Show, great bit of kit, but is missing a Cassette Toilet, on that basis alone I dismissed it.
To be fair though, I have looked long and hard at both TT and FC, over the last 8 years, and keep comming to the same conclusion.
In that it would only be a stop gap, until I got either a pop-top caravan, or regular fixed bed, 1200kg caravan.
With the above in mind, I will be sticking with the Tent and Trailer for some years to come, as they stand me at nowt, whilst I keep saving for the dream!, although for some folk it can turn into a nightmare going of some caravan posts that I have read on here.
As already said they are a bit expensive but no more so than a new Conway or a Holtkamper. Not quite as many features as the bigger Conways ( Cassette toilet or Hot water ) but they seem extremely well thought out / well built and there is a huge amount of living space inside. Also tows like a dream.
Can't comment on the canvas yet as we have only had it up in the garden, a lot heavier than fabrics like Isabella but it looks as if it's extremely tough and should stand up to heavy wear.
Have used Dandys for many years but unfortunately you can't buy a new one. Intend to keep the Opus for several years and wanted something new but which looked as if I could modify/add to myself in future.
Taking it out a couple of weeks after Easter so will probably post any comments then.
Have used it a few time now and so far it has lived up to expectations. After using various Dandy's for many years I was a bit concerned about how it would stand up to bad weather but have to say that it has coped with some really atrocious weather without any problems. Wind took down some tents and caravan awnings on one site but apart from some noise the Opus was fine
Originally had some problems tucking all the canvas in when folding it down but now we've done it a few times the canvas seems to have got a bit easier to fold.
Really like the huge amount of seating space and the fact that once it's set up you don't have to alter anything at night. Ditto the large rooflights and windows, even when the weathers a bit dull it seems very light and airy inside.
Another poster has commented on the lack of a grill on the gas cooker and I agree with that. During Spring and Autumn we tend to use sites with electric hook up and I picked up a small microwave with built in grill rather than the microwave Opus offer and that works perfectly. That said it would be nice to have a grill that could be used when off grid. Suspect it will be something that Opus offers in the future as they seem to take feedback seriously.
When first taking the unit out I was also a bit unsure about the lack of storage space/cupboards inside but in reality there is actually loads of space. Tend to keep all the kitchen stuff etc in plastic tote bins when travelling anyway and these just slide onto the shelves when you assemble the kitchen.
One of the other posts (strange that there are suddenly 3) has commented on the fact that the fridge is top opening and can only be run on 240V when set up rather than being built in/being capable of running on gas all the time and I do agree with the comment but it's the price you pay for keeping the overall height down and I prefer to be able to see over it when towing
On longer trips away off grid I'll figure out some way of setting it up in the awning probably running it off a seperate gas cylinder for convenience Don't use the skirts at the back of the awning so ventilation won't be a problem.
We did go for the portapotti but it only gets used for emergencies (throwing it down with rain in the middle of the night) so it's good enough)
Taking it out for a 2 week trip over the summer so will probably end up with a few mods, exta sockets etc and possibly "Windblocker" sides for the sun canopy rather than the full awning.
Overall I'm impressed with it even though it was quite pricey and it's definitely different to anything else around
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Topic: Opus folding camper
