I'm considering buying a folding camper (currently have a tent) and would be really interested in hearing experiences of people with young children who own these. Mine are 2 and 5, and very lively! The main problem with a tent is the set up time and difficulty with overnight stops on long trips to France - we have to stay at a hotel, which is not ideal after a long day in the car and little legs that need stretching. Ideas gratefully received. Thanks.
We have two energetic 3 year olds and a 8 year old and they love the FC. We are used to minimalist camping and bought the FC as it was impossible to keep tabs on everyone so close to the ground. The FC is a perfect compromise in the interim period until we can go minimlaist again. The awning is a great help as you can appreciate the clobber we have to take to keep them occupied. haven't tried the bedroom annex yet.
We took our Vaude base dome to France last year as a dstop over but even tho it was lightweight the FC puts it to shame for assembly time and would suggest the FC is a better option, from stop to brew 15mins.
Our 6 year old loves going away in the camper. He has his own "bedroom" for all his junk, (sorry toys). EAsy to put up for overnights and lots of room in the awning on longer stops.
We 'top and tail' them in on of the beds and close the privacy curtains on a night and its almost as if they're not there! Plenty of space for their stuff when the awning is up. We find it much easier and more comfortable than our previous family tent. Don't ever regret getting it.
Agree with the above. We have 5 children - 10,9,5,3 and 18 months. They all love it even when we do an overnighter on the way down to the south of France.
We have a lively 7 year old boy and he loves the folding camper. It takes us 10 mins to set up if were not putting the awning up( excluding unpacking the car and all the other fafing us campers do). At first he used to want to join in with the setting up, so we gave him his jobs to do, he`s now bored with that so we give him his bike as soon as we land and hes off to the playground making friends.
You won`t regret getting a folding camper in fact you`ll wish you`d bought one sooner. We wish we had.
------------- The British soldier must be driven to digging in the moment he occupies a piece of ground,lest he waste time in sightseeing,souvenir hunting & drinking tea.....
Maj Gen F.W. Festing (GOC 36 Inf Div )
Thanks for all your replies so far - it's sounding very positive! A couple of other questions:
Anyone have any experience of a caravan and a FC - which do you prefer?
Also, what are FCs like in colder weather? Would say one of the Pennine/Conway modesl with a heater be OK at October or February half term, or would it just be too cold? I'm thinking this may be an area where a caravan scores better?
I have had a tent, caravan and now have a Pennine Fiesta folding camper, there are advantages and disadvatages to all, I hated towing the caravan but I hardly notice the camper. Just been away in the Pennine for 2 weeks with the wife, mother-in-law and 2 kids (13 and 11),i dont see a problem with using a camper in Febuary or October as long as you can dry it if you pack up wet.
"Anyone have any experience of a caravan and a FC - which do you prefer?"
We had 3 caravans - a single and 2 twin axles, all new, all unstable behind 2 different new LR Discovery's.
We also had 3 different motorcaravans all about 24 ft diesel. They were great on the road but we were stuck once they were sited.
The Pennine Pullman we now have is total fun, with no snags. It is easy to tow and stable with a normal family car. Has a lot more space than the largest caravan but 25% of the weight and virtually no drag. Is almost as quick to set up as a caravan but once set up we dont have to prat about making settees into beds and vice versa twice a day.
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: Are FCs good for young children?
