If using the awning with an FC and you open up the dividing 'wall' it really does seem very spacious when you are in the camper. that said though, as already mentioned you do not need to put the awning up at all to make use of the facilities.
once level we usually have the kettle on in around 15 mins, or have opend a bottle of wine a bit sooner
i can just about see over our camper when towing and even if it could be stored on its side, i dont think i would want to lift it personally!
------------- Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
The key difference is that a FC does not have to be pegged for overnighting, hence very quick to erect. I can't see over mine but it doesn't matter if you have a suitable mirror extension (one will do). The difference in height depends on whether the unit has a fitted fridge or not. Most FC owners will tell you an FC is vastly better than a TT. Have'nt come across anyone who changed back to a TT and preferred it. Also the FC is better to tow as they usually have larger wheels than a TT.
FC much quicker to put up. Cant see over mine when towing, but no problem with mirror extensions. Wouldnt wish to store mine on its side. We dont feel cramped in ours. FC is far heavier than a TT. Have to say though that mine is easier to tow than my previous TT.
Have a Conway Cruiser, used to have a Sunncamp 400SE.
Hope that helps
Steve
------------- Relax. You can do too much too soon.
It depends on the towcar as to whether you can see over the top. Couldn't see over the top of my Countryman with my Accord but when I towed my Cardinal with my Shogun I could, sat up higher. MPV or 4 x 4 and you will see over it, saloon or estate and you won't.
FCs cost a lot more but are much easier to put up and you've got mod cons inside so it's more like a caravan whereas trailer tents are more like tents. I wouldn't risk storing one on it's side as it could upset the fridge, cooker, heater etc.
Some feel cramped inside, some don't, it depends whether you get a big one like a Pathfinder/Crusader or a little Fiesta or Aztec. Bit like caravans, get a big twin axle and it's not cramped, buy a little 2 berth and it is.
You could always compromise with a Combi Camp - they fall somewhere between folding campers and trailer tents - more basic like a TT but very quick & easy to put up, no pegging on the main unit and you can use it without the awning if you want to. I know lots of people with them and they love them.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Our fc has all the benefits of a caravan, hot/cold water, no pegging out, off the ground, and electric/ gas lighting, heating andcooking.
But none of the problems of towing, storage and handling as ours is 25% of the weight of the caravans we had.
In addition they have other advantages over caravans such as big fixed interior sprung beds in dedicated bedrooms at each end an the rain does not rattle as it bounces off the roof.
You must have had some awfully heavy caravans then Edward. One of my caravans was lighter than either of my folding campers and one of the campers was heavier than or same as another 2 caravans I had. Even the 5 berths we've had aren't that much heavier.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
As I recall our caravans weighed about 1800 kg plus accessories, awning, barbe, chairs etc. 2 were twin axle and one was a Corniche, all were unstable behind 2 different new Discovery's.
Our Pullman is advertised as 600 kg with awning etc but I have removed the wardrobe as it takes up space and was not used.
It is a pleasure to tow it behind our Golf diesel auto.
...jackie - a few of us are going to Kingsbury nr Tamworth the last weekend of sept - you're more than welcome to come and have a drink and a nosey at the combis if you fancy....see my link too
Quote: Originally posted by edward452 on 18/9/2006
Caz,
As I recall our caravans weighed about 1800 kg plus accessories, awning, barbe, chairs etc. 2 were twin axle and one was a Corniche, all were unstable behind 2 different new Discovery's.
Our Pullman is advertised as 600 kg with awning etc but I have removed the wardrobe as it takes up space and was not used.
It is a pleasure to tow it behind our Golf diesel auto.
Ted
Gosh they were heavy vans weren't they ,Ted? My Avondale is the heaviest I've had and the MTPLM is a measly 1100 Kgs. The Cardinal FC was 850 Kgs, can't remember the Countryman, think about 690 Kgs.
Apart from one 2 berth caravan which was very light, less than the Cardinal, the others, 4 & 5 berths, have all come in at between 850 & 1000 Kgs.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
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: folding camper v trailer tent
derek
