Hi Guys,
I just bought a 2005 Pennine Pathfinder at the end of this season, to be used next year. She's stored away safely in my garage and is in great nick.
I have a young family (2 boys 3 and 4) and a somewhat reluctant wife - but I want to expose them to the most comfortable camping experience and this is why I went for the Pathfinder rather than starting with traditional camping.
Long term I think we'll save so much money on holidays and give the boys an appreciation for the outdoors.
If anyone has any tips on what I should do to make sure it's a success next year, I'd love to hear them.
I have all winter to make any mods needed!
I'm based in Ireland btw. these folding campers seem to be very rare here
I plan to add mattress toppers to the beds and rather than dye the tent pods dark, i was going to drape blackout curtain backing material between them and the canvas - with holes to allow the clips through. This keeps the brighter look for during the day and might help insulate / keep cool.
If anyone has any advice on the mattress topper depth, I'd appreciate it.
We use a 25mm matteress topper with a bed warmer underneath .This makes a tremendous difference. Have been away in some really cold weather with no problems.
We started with a tent then moved to caravans .
But I think a folding camper must be the best. easy to store lots of space . I’m sure you will have so much fun . It’s the best holidays for youngsters . As long as you have space to open it at home if it’s wet when packing up . Good luck have fun .
Make sure that after you have used it you pack it away dry. If you have to pack away wet (we often did) then try to put it up within 24 hours.
We absolutely loved ours and had them for 15 years. Only gave up on them because of back issues.
We had a trailer tent for a few years after stepping up from a bell tent. Absolutely loved it. Combi Camp Venezia with a built in kitchen. What you have will be great for the kids, playing outdoors instead of stuck in front of the TV playing computer games. But a big priority is making the wife comfortable, and a good mattress topper makes for a good nights sleep. We only sold our trailer tent this year as my wife has mobility issues and so bought a caravan.
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Forgot to mention, I thought it was a great purchase, a wireless thermostat which operates by sending a signal to the 13 amp plug where your heater is plugged into.
Obviously only of use when you are on EHU and sufficient amps so you don’t trip out the supply on the campsite post.
We only had the fridge on electric so it was never a problem.
I loved it, kept the camper lovely and toasty. Real luxury camping with the benefit of fresh air coming in because you are effectively in a superior tent.
Downside, the wife wasn’t keen said it was too dry and gave her a sore throat.
Oh well you can’t win them all.
Bear in mind the more you take the longer it takes to erect the camper. Don’t fall into the trap of taking stuff, “just in case” you won’t need it. Kids are really adaptable, waterproofs and decent boots plus warm layers, can’t go wrong.
Another good addition to your kit, get a Karcher or similar for wet pack ups.
Practice, practice, practise putting it up and get into a routine for packing away.
That way if the weather is turning the wife and kids can sit in the car in better comfort
Enjoy.
Quote: Originally posted by turnfan on 02/11/2023
Is a "bed warmer" basically an electric blanket or something else?
I have bed skirts, will use them for sure.
Loads of space at home outside to open it up - I may consider upgrading to Isabela Acrylic if I get enough use next year.
We placed heavy duty aluminium kitchen foil under the mattress. Makes life much warmer.
Just remember to raise the mattress a bit in order to air it occasionlly
It’s on Amazon and it’s a Wireless plug in Thermostat, now priced at £23.99. Called Lowenergie.
Although I see the icons above I don’t know how to attach the link!
Can see one at £24.99 of that brand, not sure if it's the one or not.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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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: New to Folding Campers - Pathfinder
via mobile 26/10/2023 at 6:30pm
