Folding Camper
Posted by: JWM on 20 February 2009
Are there any Forum folding camper campers?
After several years of the family frame tent, the novelty of air bed on the ground is wearing off...!
We don't want a caravan - not least because of the uncessary expense for something that won't get used that much, and anyway we like the flap of wind and rain on canvas.
So we're thinking of going for a s/h folding camper (not trailer tent, which still has all that pegging-out to do). 4-berth. Design-wise there seem to be two basic types - folding out on both sides (eg Pennine Fiesta, Conway Countryman, Trigano 415) and folding out on one side with the lid forming the floor (eg CombiCamp and Raclet Solena/Allegra).
Question to the Forum folding camper campers (if there are any) - can you make any recommendations, types definitely to avoid, pitfalls to watch out for?
As owners of a 12-year old frame tent that's almost as good as they day we got it, we don't mind going for older models of folding camper if - though only if - it is not a risky strategy (also hoping to keep cost down!!!)
Thanks,
James
PS I imagine we'll try to keep it in the garage when not in use.
Posted on: 20 February 2009 by BigH47
Friends used to have a fold away tent thingy. Made by Conway if memory serves, (it's just as likely to be called out thought)!I am not sure if they are still made.
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by Jono 13
We have a half way house, a popup caravan. Only two berth, but very cosy, small behind a small car and it fits in a garage.
Try googling rapido, popup caravan or
www.campersandleisure.co.ukJono
Jono
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by northpole
James
A couple I know very well have a converted VW Transporter whose roof raises to create a cabin. They also have a rather large tent extension thing. They have been delighted with it, particularly as it reverts to a normal van size when travelling. If you are interested I can ask which company it was that fitted it out - I think there are many with a vast range of budgets (not all of which are accompanied by a matching level of quality!).
One thing they mentioned was that they tend to hold onto their value disproportionately compared with cars and the like. Do you have a budget in mind? (Then again, with the economy as it is, that may well have changed!).
Let me know if you want more info on the VW conversion - the couple are away this week.
Peter
Posted on: 22 February 2009 by JWM
Thanks for responses, chaps, both suggestions scratch my itch in various ways, but I'm really trying to keep the budget down to bargain basement level! Our youngest still likes to come on holiday with us (ahhhh....) so we want something for now that will do all of us, but without making too an big investment; and then perhaps consider a longer term 2-berth option in a few years' time.
Mind you, one British make of folding camper seems to hold its value s/h almost as much as a certain British audio manufacturer!
So, I am hoping that I have indeed come across the folding camper equivalent of the classic type of car ad, "12yo car, 6000mls, one careful owner who only went to the shops..."!
Good wishes,
James
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by Naim User - Graeme
Hi James
We owned a Pennine some years ago. Looking at the Pennine website they still appear to be going strong.
We were very happy with ours. Having owned two small caravans the ease of towing was just great. This is the main reason we changed. I just hated the drag of a caravan especially if there was a headwind on a long journey. I tried putting “Pennine folder” in Fleebay and came up with 18 results; some looked rather nice.
Problems we encountered:
When towing the strong plastic cover billowed up like a balloon. A few ties with a rope fixed that.
We had to store ours outside and the metal supports did corrode a bit.
In very strong winds on site there was only one problem: the end bed areas tended to lift at times. Easily fixed by guy-roping to the ground.
Ours was similar to the Pullman, so the end sections folded out from the front (tow) end and the back. It really was like a tardis inside. Great fun. Having owned this type we would definitely prefer one that no part touches the ground. Probably because we never really liked a traditional tent!
Best of luck! Graeme
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by tonym
Hi James. Some friends of ours acquired a rather old Pennine (until they saw the light & bought a caravan!)I must say when we first put it up, although obviously a little bit more of a fiddle than the 'van to pitch, I marvelled at its ingenuity, and it was certainly very cosy inside.
The said friends have since bought an Ariba caravan, which is very light & easy to tow. Built like a tank but quite pricey second-hand.
Posted on: 23 February 2009 by JWM
A s/h older Pennine is indeed what we are probably thinking of, so it's good to have the votes of confidence! We like the flap of the canvas, which a folding camper would still provide.
I've got my eye on a couple at the mo. It all depends on price, as they seem to hold their value well! Could have Pennine and NAC82 of same vintage!!)
Posted on: 04 March 2009 by JWM
Happy ending. Just bought this:
Conway Challenger. It's got all the awning and stuff too. A 'minter' at a fair price. But it's still made an unreasonably large dent in the Powerline fund.
Anyway, anything to keep 'er indoors happy.
James
Posted on: 04 March 2009 by Adam Meredith
quote:
Originally posted by JWM:
Anyway, anything to keep 'er indoors happy.
... 'er outdoors - Shirley?
