Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Contact Us

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Trailer Tents and Folding Campers
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Packing Up a Raclet Solena Post Reply Post New Topic
19/6/2023 at 2:07pm
 Location: North Somerset
 Outfit: Freedom Microlite
View CyberCynth's Profile View Profile   Reply to CyberCynth Reply   Quote CyberCynth Quote  
Joined: 26/3/2016

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   194
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 5  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 3
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

For ages I had been pondering which type of camping unit to try next (variety is the spice of life!) and thought a Raclet Solena should be on my wannado list, as it looked easier than many other trailer tents/folding campers to set up - and no pegging! (Of the main unit, anyway)

I had watched lots of YouTube videos, especially the one which I think is Raclet's own promotional video, of a young lady apparently setting up one of these units with consummate ease. Ha ha! What it doesn't show is of the same young lady packing up the Solena she effortlessly set up on her own.

It should really have occurred to me that the reverse procedure would be harder work, because you have to lift the lid of the trailer up from ground level. Crumbs. That's much harder!

My previous unit, a Pennine Aztec folding camper was a lovely bit of kit - I really liked it, but I found the bed boards far too heavy to open out/close up on my own. I only used it once and then reluctantly sold it on, deciding to stick out for a Solena, as all the gumph I'd been reading/viewing assured me that it could be managed by a solo camper...

Having a very independent nature I hate having to ask other people to help me do stuff, on campsites. So I'm left wondering whether I have made yet another naff choice of unit..

Tell me, peoples, am I the only idiot that keeps spending money buying units inappropriate for their situation??? (Single female camper, in mid 70s, who is not as strong as she thinks she is!)

Answers on the back of a £10 note please....

Seriously... comments welcome.


-------------
Life without dogs? I don't think so!


19/6/2023 at 4:17pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Raclet Solena
View Paulstewart's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paulstewart Reply   Quote Paulstewart Quote  
Joined: 31/7/2022

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You are correct about the Solena lid being heavy to pick up from the ground. We use a couple of lengths of broom handle with rubber stoppers on their ends and use these to prop the 'lid' open on the way up and down in a sort of intermediate position. It really helps us and I can do it on my own when pitching alone. We are both in our sixties.


19/6/2023 at 5:52pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3103

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0

what about using a high lift jack to raise it up from the floor to a height that will stop any damage to your back/shoulders


19/6/2023 at 6:38pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4652

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You need a fit young toyboy Cinth


20/6/2023 at 8:04am
 Location: North Somerset
 Outfit: Freedom Microlite
View CyberCynth's Profile View Profile   Reply to CyberCynth Reply   Quote CyberCynth Quote  
Joined: 26/3/2016

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   194
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 5  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 3
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

That's an idea I'd been fostering Paul, it might also be useful for pausing to clip/unclip the elastics at the bottom of the canvas to the lid rack. By the way, having just bought 12 new clips from Camperlands for this purpose, one of them has already broken. I don't know why I didn't think to order some extras. Back to t'internet...

Marg6: Thanks for that suggestion, I'll give it some thought, though I wouldn't want to add to the load of stuff I'd be carrying already, with such a heavy item, perhaps I'll take up navver's suggestion! - Ha ha! Chance'd be a fine thing....



-------------
Life without dogs? I don't think so!



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Trailer Tents and Folding Campers - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














4503 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement



Advertisement



Advertisement