Quote: Originally posted by malkeiron on 19/7/2015
Hi Lobby
is that a raclet iris trailer tent, Looks the same one we had some years ago.
That brings back memories.
Keiron n Mal...
Yes it is a Raclet.
When we first went to see it, the floor was totally rotten and the seller had just put his foot through the floor.
He had wanted £250 for it but because of the floor, I got it for £100.
It took me one weekend to take all the pop rivets out and put a new floor in before riveting all back together.
Over the winter I installed a mains system and a 12v system, with running water to the kitchen and over the next few years we towed it to Morris Minor rallies all over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
We had a chest type 3-way fridge and a cassette toilet and these sat between the seating when travelling and really it was a brilliant unit for rallying and so comfortable to use.
These day age and health necessitates us using a caravan, but at least nowadays there is a unit to suit everyone.
Over the years we have had tents, TT's, FC's, Motor caravans and caravans.
Each one was brilliant at the jobs they did and the places they took us to.
Really, looking back none were any better than another. They gave us many very pleasurable holidays and it is only now, because of our lifestyle choices, that a caravan suits us best.
Whatever type of unit you choose, don't expect it to cover all types of camping/caravanning. There are thousands of sites out there and some are more suited to other types of units.
Choose the sites that suit you and your unit best and you'll have a ball with whatever you have.
Trailer tent if you are going somewhere and setting up for an extended period.
+ves More space and a feeling of camping, storage and ferries cheaper/easier
-ves set up time
Caravan if not.
+ves set up time and extended season
-ves more enclosed in your little box , initial price on going maintainace
if travelling in abroad ( specific clay france) remember if the trailer is light and the car is light you can ( and its only advisable if you are quite light in the trailer ,) travel at up to 130 KPH
whereas a big van and big car will be limited to 90kph
can make a big diff on a long journey
UK will still be limited to 60 MPH
------------- 2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
La tranche
I have had everything and slept under an army basha for many a year in different countries, but for ease of packing up and sensible storage and taking clothes ironed, then a caravan is the one! if you want the great outdoors and you have extra bit of spare cash you can break up the year by using a air tent in the summer and caravan for the rest of the year. Your kit could be used for both aspects. I have both and it works for my family. We use tent for short breaks (get always) and van for 4 days or more. Regarding folders or trailer tent, we had Conway crusader, (see profile pics), nice but too much work pitching, with awning and take down, hence lost money in trade in for caravan, but worth it. Rain or shine it works! gold luck what ever you go for, also consider hiring a caravan to test it out! I think its a bit pricey but U will get a feel for it, or loan from a trusted friend for a weekend, or I guess do they trust you with their surrogate family member!
on a final note, caravanning can be a constant draw on the pocket, with annual servicing (if new) £165 to 230 or untimely unforeseen repairs if older. Don't be alarmed by this, always consider insurance if you spend more than a few quid on it, piece of mind. Good hitch and wheel locking device, go for gold standard for insurance purposes on one of these. Insurance can be anything from !!!! I pay £ 165 on a bailey Orion. This obviously can vary! good luck.
We had a trailer tent for many years, and they have a great deal going for them. You actually feel as though you are camping.
As for being hard to put up, all it takes is a little bit of practice and being methodical. It never used to take more than an hour to put the TT and awning up or down, even with a couple of small children hampering progress.
Mind you, we've had some really good laughs on campsites watching the way some made a complete pigs ear of the job.
currently have a caravan and have had tt's in past...my trailer tent of choice is a DANDY, all mod cons if you want them,easier to tow,erect and store, also keep their value fairly well PLUS you don't get all the damp issues that ALL caravans suffer from at some stage in their life.If i had my way it would be a Dandy all the way but as you know life isn't always like that !!
Two years ago we changed from tent to TT, we did our research and bought a new one with the intention of keeping it for 10+ years. We picked up our caravan on the 1st May this year!
It used to take us a good half day to set it up all how we wanted it for the holiday (we don't do sparse) and the better part of a day at the end of the holiday to pack everything away (and if it was wet it would all have to come out again when we arrived home.
We went away in the caravan and about 30 mins after arriving we were settled for the night and had a brew on, awning and finishing setting up took a couple of hours the next day.
Health reasons and a very wet Easter pushed us down the caravan route and we are very pleased with the end result.
Downside of a caravan:
1. Buggered if I can think of one!
------------- Nick
2017
April - New Forest(9)
May - Dorset (9)
August - Camping Le Pin Parasol, Vendee (18)
October - East Mersea (8)
and five nights in the one man tent!
We had a Vango Icarus 600 for 4 years, needed a new tent but would have had to have bought a trailer. So we decided to buy a TT. We used it once, I felt very exposed and could not get to grips with it. So we sold the TT and bought a Caravan.
We don't take a TV, the kids sleep in the awning in an inner tent so it's still like semi camping!
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: Help!! trailer tent or caravan
