Hi, we are a family of four who would like to buy a folding camper. We have narrowed our search down to either the Opus or Pennine Pathfinder. We have considered the following aspects; living space, simplicity and time to erect the camper, equipment ( eg. cooker, sink unit, fridge, etc. ), storage, height, price, value if selling on, and bathroom/toilet facilities. However, despite considering this for quite some time we still can't make up our mind which would be our best option. We were wondering if other members of this group could pass on their advice to see if this could help us come to a decision.
Many thanks for your help,
Andy
hello! I'm a camping mum to 2 teenage girls (ages 17 & 16). I also have a son (21) and a husband, but both males are non-campers so it's only the girls and I who camp.
We started off in a Pennine Countryman which is toilet-less. Which meant we were fixed to campsites with facilities. I bought a portable cassette toilet and a tent loo, but the girls hated using it.
Then I took the plunge and part-exchanged for a Pathfinder. Not only is it more spacious, the bathroom facilities meant we're all happy campers and much more flexible which campsite we choose. The bathroom is really amazing. You can wash, do facials (oh yes), brush your teeth and use the toilet all completely separate from the living area/kitchen.
You don't say the age of your kiddies, but don't underestimate the possible aversion to a makeshift toilet. You know kids, if they take a dislike to something there's very little you can do to change their mind!
Yes, you can put the toilet tent in the awning (even though mine said 'ew' at that too) but that means you're fixed to putting up the awning all the time.
Opus' are beautiful, but the good old sturdy Pathfinder with its practical loo wins hands down for our fam-a-lam. I think all the elements you mention (height, kitchen, fridge etc) are all comparable.
Exciting times ahead for you! All the decision making is part of the fun process. Hope you find what you're looking for.
Hi,
Thanks very much for your reply. We are still undecided after days of deliberation, but thanks for your views. I have a teenager and a ten year old, so your comments are very helpful to us. We are still looking at the Pathfinder. The toilet does seem like a bonus.
Thanks once again.
Andy
Gedsjeep, they are spectacularly beautiful . I once saw one at a big church festival, it was across a field and I made a bee-line to it and asked the owners if I could see inside (they were very hospitable!) It was so high inside, almost cathedral like and very light and airy with the big windows.
I guess it all boils down to the toilet facilities....
Have used both and both have their good and bad points but settled on the Opus as it suits us better. Try looking at the Opus UK Facebook site as I believe there are a couple of people who rent them out so you could try one out before you finally make your mind up.
Quote: Originally posted by Vivebunny on 22/9/2020
Gedsjeep, they are spectacularly beautiful . I once saw one at a big church festival, it was across a field and I made a bee-line to it and asked the owners if I could see inside (they were very hospitable!) It was so high inside, almost cathedral like and very light and airy with the big windows.
I guess it all boils down to the toilet facilities....
i love the futuristic look of the awning and unit together. almost organic.
We had a Pullman 535 for seven years ... chosen for all the opposite reasons to a Pathfinder ... i.e. we didn't want to be sleeping, eating, living in a room shared with a toilet!
Always used campsite facilities ... but always used on continental holidays.
We loved it ... huge awning ...
Switched to a caravan after much deliberating ... all the kit we carried bacame too much ... set up was taking too long ... we tend to go away for up to nine weeks at a time, so carry more gear (boats/bikes/clothes, BBQ's etc) ...
Still miss the Pennine ... but not the fit up time!
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: Which folding camper?
via mobile 21/9/2020 at 9:20pm
. I once saw one at a big church festival, it was across a field and I made a bee-line to it and asked the owners if I could see inside (they were very hospitable!) It was so high inside, almost cathedral like and very light and airy with the big windows. 
