Just got back from France after going in our pennine pathfinder, had a great time but now deciding if we should buy a caravan instead, pros and cons please would be appreciated
never really used a trailer tent before, so I cant really say what the pros and cons are of a caravan over it.
I can say though that in my mind caravans are easier to use in wet weather as I would imagine with a trailer tent you would have the same problems as a regular tent, it needs to be dried out if its packed away wet.
Also I would imagine that a caravan would be warmer in cold weather, plus they probably have more creature comforts.
First things to consider are what can you and your car tow, and where are you going to keep it?
An fc or tt can be towed by most vehicles but you may need to budget for a bigger car and worse fuel consumption for a caravan. An fc or tt can often be tucked away at home or in a garage but a caravan needs more space meaning you may have to pay for storage which eats in to the budget again.
Tha caravan avoids the wet pack up problem and is easier to pack with food and clothes etc. Easier to stop and use the facilities on a long journey instead of looking for safe parking at motorway services.
I have an Audi Allroad and a Kia Sorento so no problems with the towing, looked into the storage and there's a place right by me so that's not an issue. When we just got back from France had to set up TT as rained as we were leaving, that's a main reason for thinking about changing. Don't really want to spend a fortune on a caravan though incase we don't like it, are there any good twin axles about though for around £4000?
Have you got B+E on your licence? If so your choice of outfit will not be limited by the tow car. There are plenty of used caravans for £4000, it's just a question of deciding which layout suits you and then finding one you are happy with. Have a look on Ebay, Caravanfinder etc to get an idea of possible caravans, also there are lots of threads on here about checking used vans before purchase that would be worth reading.
It's bigger to tow than a TT and your fuel consumption will increase. You may be more restricted where you go or need to plan your route with more care. It's quick to set up and pack up. But you'll still get wet doing it if it's raining. I had a folding camper and I enjoyed using it but the caravan has the edge.
Having just changed from a FC (note, the Pathfinder is not a TT). Better with the caravan is set up time, no wet pack ups, ok, you will get wet, but not as wet and you won't need to fry it out (waits for Dandy owners to come in here!) no drafts, and most of all, not having to crawl under the front bed to get to the gas locker when you need to change the bottle. That was the killer for me as my back is not what it was. Cons are size when towing, extra fuel consumption, we find we are taking longer on our journeys, higher tolls on French Autoroutes.
We loved our Folding Campers and sometimes I miss them, but we really are enjoying our caravan.
One last point, pose this question on the FC foorum, someone will say "not having to make the bed up at night" as a benefit to the FC, well, do like us, get a van with a fixed bed.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
Never had a FC or TT, but used to camp in a tent. We have been caravanners for 2 1/2 years now and love it! So comfy! I tow with a 2 ltr diesel S Max and have to say, the fuel consumption is really good. I don't use much more than when not towing!
Its lovely sitting in the caravan when its cold outside. If the weather is wet, we don't put the awning up!
------------- Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!
You will get a twin axle LMC for under 4 grand mine was on preloved for 2500 passed survey and away,i now sleep in afixed double memory foam bed with an electric flush toilet in my bedroom ,have a full cooker,fridge andfreezer but am still in the field with my mates
Well update just picked up a TEC 540 Tour, single axle, 4 berth with fixed bed. Basically saw it advertised and liked the look of it with all the storage in it as with 2 kids with all the bikes ect it will all fit under the bunk bed, think I had it for a decent price to. Going to go away in this to make sure we like a caravan instead of our FC without forking out a loads of money first
We changed from a tent to a caravan three years ago and love it. OH wasn't too keen on towing but he has gotten used to it now. Packing up tents in the rain is NOT missed and being able to go to the loo in the night is wonderful!
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: Caravan?
