harrycatcat1 Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 I was looking at getting a small caravan then I saw trailer tents does anyone use one and can one person open them up if that is the term? I bought a 5 berth camper van a couple of years ago but none of the familly would go so got rid of it this option is not so expensive, mmmm what about a tent I was only thinking of using it in summer and they would be a lot easier to maneuver as you can see over them reversing. Not sure what do you think? Regards Hcc Oh dont forget the "getting behind them blocking the roads" type comments as they seem to make a thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Your family ran away from a camper van and this is your solution! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 (edited) Friend of mine used one for years, they have now progressed to one of them fold down caravans Edited April 5, 2013 by shaun4860 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted April 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Your family ran away from a camper van and this is your solution! yes I know how it seems but this project is primarily just for me and the dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted April 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Friend of mine used one for years, they have now progressed to one of them fold down caravans That looks easy enough to put up thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin lad Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 (edited) I was looking at getting a small caravan then I saw trailer tents does anyone use one and can one person open them up if that is the term? I bought a 5 berth camper van a couple of years ago but none of the familly would go so got rid of it this option is not so expensive, mmmm what about a tent I was only thinking of using it in summer and they would be a lot easier to maneuver as you can see over them reversing. Not sure what do you think? Regards Hcc Oh dont forget the "getting behind them blocking the roads" type comments as they seem to make a thread. not had trailor tent but went from tent to a folding camper and it was brilliant i could put it up by myself though i always told the missus i needed her help i would recommend one if you don't want a caravan though i now have a caravan and would not go back, take a look at the pennine pullman thats what i had i will try find a pic of one, oh and the reversing thing it is actually easier to reverse a large caravan than a small trailor colin here you go http://www.foldingcamperinformation.co.uk/html/pullman.html Edited April 5, 2013 by colin lad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted April 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Is the caravan the way to go as some folks selling the trailer tents say they have bought caravans like colin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin lad Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Is the caravan the way to go as some folks selling the trailer tents say they have bought caravans like colin i always said i would never get one but now i have one i wish i did it years ago they are so easy i got my 1st one in 2007 colin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clakk Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 3 years trailor tenting lead to a caravan if its for u the dog n some dead geese go straight to a caravan nice 12ft older van ,ideal.fridge gas fire cooker .warm as toast after a freezing day on the marsh .and the fridge will keep your beer cold .trailor tents get eaten by mice and take about 40 mins to put up ,caravans just plug in legs down 10 mins job done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 I have a folding caravan. A late 70s Rapido exportmatic. The interior has been updated from the drab orange to a tartan upholstery. The van folds down to a 7 foot long 5 foot wide and 3 foot or so height! Opens out to a 7 foot by about 14 foot full height caravan. All solid alloy walls not fabric. They aren't too bad to put up. I can manage to pop mine up on my own if its a calm day. Its about 600 kilo so can tow it with a small car too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftycarper Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 yes I know how it seems but this project is primarily just for me and the dog Now come on,......the real truth is she kicked you out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RED BEARD Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 i've got a nova NR trailer tent you can have for £475 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 Get one of these B) http://www.conqueror.co.za/supragal.php# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I had a trailer tent in my younger days - great piece of kit cost £750 and started to rot after 3 years. Unless you can open them completely and dry them out fully they will rot, as the canvas is always compressed and if wet !!! The folding caravan seems the best option for one person or better still a small eco-type van even better. These are caravans - better security and come with all the stuff you see in the folding one. My advice would be to also be careful you can leave open and dry out a folding van if you decide to go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 We looked into getting one and some are reallyt nice but at the end of the day they are not much of a step forward than a tent.I would buy a small caravan (you've kinda missed the best time to buy one)-with a TT if you arrive somewhere and get 3 days of rain you're gonna get wet.Caravans are more convenient and easier to keep warm plus,if you store it at a caravan site,you could rent out a few weeks to your mates during the season.If you get a TT look for one that tips on its side-saves a lot of storage problems.Whatever you get insure it-the ,erm, travelling community seem drawn to caravans like the scum...sorry,like a moth to a flame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilR Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I've had chalet tents then moved up to caravans when I'd outgrown my sleeping on the ground days. If you're going to tow something you might as well have a proper caravan that's sited quickly and is more secure than a fold up job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 (edited) as I see it there is more to go wrong leak hastle get a small caravan and put two fingers up to people who do not like them I think that the folding ones are mostly made for people who have to keep it in there front garden when not in use if you can store it off road and not in front of your living room window get a caravan. Edited April 6, 2013 by four-wheel-drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph5172 Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I used to laugh at caravans.... until a drunken night on E###!!! We now use it a lot of the time...... Last Year 1 Week Surfing in Norfolk 3 weeks Surfing in Newquay and about 15 nights for friends as a 'spare room' This Year 4 Days Norfolk 2 Weeks Newquay (Booked) Probably a few more if i can manage I have found that for a weekend (depending on distance, usually more than about 40 miles) its actually easier (and cheaper) to book a hotel or use the tent. For a week in Newquay we were saving about £400 per week compared to hiring a house or Static (admitted they are more homely) so if you UK holiday and have space to store they are good value. Trailer tents i also looked at but for the extra £500 i went for a caravan (as it had the Toilet and a shower!!(not that it gets used as we use the sites but its there) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 (edited) Mine goes from a trailer to a full caravan like this. I would like to add that the person erecting the caravan in the litrature is most likely over 6 foot tall. Room inside the van "cross section" inside of my van being erected. This section is my built in kitchen and the guest beds. Can be made into a double bed as in the pics above on the right! Or made into bunk beds. You CAN have the double on the bottom and a single above to accomodate 5 people but it is a bit over crowded! Kitchen area. Plenty space under the cooker for a small bench top fridge. Wardrobe and extra storage space in a cubby hole behind it. The cubby hole is approx 4 foot by 1 foot and 3 high. Great for bedding durin the day etc Dining area looking out of the largest window. "the only opening window, unless you modify the van" A few of the outside of the van and lastly a pic of one folded down. Edited April 6, 2013 by Lord Geordie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 These vans can be picked up for as little as £400 needing a little work. In good fettle they can still go on fleabay in the season for £1200+ They take up so little space to store and you can buy a bogey to store the trailer on it's side against a wall. It will take up 5 foot wide by 3 foot deep like that. Plenty breaking for spares too should you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I am still not sure tent, trailer tent or caravan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 Going against my previous advice -get a tent cos I love that warm.cosy feeling you get sat in a caravan in a heavy downpour watching people in tents panic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I used to sell them about 25 years ago. I remember thinking at the time that given the choice Id go with the trailer tent as they were a third the price and were a lot safer to put up in the wind. That may have changed. On the downside, trailer tents are harder to put up on your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 Going against my previous advice -get a tent cos I love that warm.cosy feeling you get sat in a caravan in a heavy downpour watching people in tents panic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pimpkiller Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 what do you exactly want it for? the odd night, weekend? will you be traveling far? going to proper sites or just sticking it in a field, do you have somewhere to store it out of the way on your own property or will it be on the street? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.