Folding Campers - Everything you need to know.
I have some general useful information on folding campers and trailers tents to share.
One of my family passions is camping/Glamping in our folding campers and trailer tents. We have owned and used folding camper and trailer tents since i was a child on family UK holidays.
The modern Folding camper is an amazing alternative to camping in tents. The top of the range models will give most caravans a run for their money whilst still keeping the feel of being under canvas
Folding campers.
A folding camper is a stand alone towable camping unit, normally weighing no more than 1000kg they range from 2-6 berths. These units have all the living features inside the main cabin, which could include a toilet. You are also able to attach large awnings for extra living space. The folding camper has a freestanding canvas or better foldout cabin, which has the capacity to be used on its own and does not require any pegging out. This will reduce the set up time on the campsite.
The addition of an awnings or annex will require pegging down.
Usually Folding campers have more added features included as standard in the main cabin. These added improved make folding campers more expensive than a trailer tents.
The more modern folding camper may include better fabrics such as acrylic, which vastly improves the unit. the may also have better braking systems and stabilisers attached.
Our current Folding camper is the Pennine Pathfinder. this is Pennine flagship 6 berth model give a family a great comfortable holiday, without having to tow a large caravan.
Trailer tents
These units vary in design, some have a pram style, one-piece canvas which once pulled out covers both cabin and living area. Others have a living area awning that zips onto the cabin canvas which is all stored and transported in a trailer. They have different sleeping capabilities but mostly have 2 fold out bed boards then a large awning attached. The attached awning form part of the structure and are used for the main living area whilst pitched The set up time for Trailer tents is generally longer than a folding camper as you have to peg out all sections of the unit.
The newer Trailer tents, like the Sunncamp Airvolution 300 now have blow up sections in the awning to reduce the set up time. While the cabin/main towing trailer section is the same as older units and designs the new zip on awning will erect in minutes with an electric pump.
Trailer tents, when folded, are normally much lighter than Folding campers. An average size 4-6 berth trailer tent will weigh around 500kg and will include a 3-4m awning.
Trailer tents do not have electrics and other features inside the trailer cabin like folding campers.
Folding campers are normally priced much higher new than trailer tents, they were once considered to be a niche purchase on the camping scene. The better quality of folding campers has now seen these types of units become extremely popular and are now considered to be a natural upgrade from tents and trailer tents. Newer units will be the closest to holidaying in a caravan nut still feeling the basic tent experience.
The benefits of owning a folding camper include:
- Practical and easy to tow, whilst also economical to tow, making them a greener option over towing caravans.
- Widely accepted on UK campsites either described as a trailer tent or folding camper. Under the site tent license.
- With little practise, considered easier to pitch. Once unfolded and fabrics secured you have ready-made beds and comfortable living areas.
- Easy to store reduced height can be kept in some garages/drives.
- Luxury features – Heating Hot and cold water, Cookers, Toilets, Electric and much more
- Eaisly more luxury and comfort than most trailer tents
Inside look at a modern Folding Camper
Inside a new style trailer tent.
Thinking of buying a folding camper?
Should you consider purchasing a folding camper?
If you love going camping you already know nothing beats sleeping under canvas, but you hate to be down on the cold, hard ground. Like trailer tents, you get loads of living space and you also benefit from on-board beds with included mattresses. Folding campers are easy to tow, over caravans the reduced weight and reduced height give more stability. Most license holders with a standard B class license will be able to tow a folding camper with a normal family saloon type car. this is not always the case with Caravans. especially with newer drivers. The biggest campers are only around 1000kg in weight.
This unit is 750KG braked trailer. Very easy to tow.
Although more expensive to buy Folding camper will considerably hold their value more over a trailer tent and most tents. a well looked after model even from the early 2000's will still hold good value but will require more through checks Value for money as folding campers will hold their value considerably more than trailer tents. Models made from 2010 onwards with improved acrylic fabrics, made by Isabella, are very sought after and some are considered rare.
(Pennine Quartz 4 highly sought after model)
With added features like fridges, cookers, 12V and 230V electrics, sinks and drainers etc, even heaters and lighting. There’s also locker and, usually, wardrobe storage, plus there will be extra stowage space for transporting items inside the folded unit. help to make folding campers a better choice to purchase over the more basic trailer tents.
Having owned and used many different brands and styles of Trailer tents and folding campers, over the years, it is easy to say that if you have the budget then you are wise to consider buy a folding camper over a trailer tent first. This is a common future upgrade anyway. At least you will have space in your vehicle as all you camping gear will be going in the trailer whilst in transit.
Floor plan of a 2012 Pennine Deluxe Countryman. 4 berth unit with toilet.
If your looking for a great family Holiday either in the UK or Europe then you must consider a folding camper or Trailer tent. Both are great for a base to explore store and use.
There are also some try/Hire before you buy companies in the UK from as little as £25 per night.
I have a wealth of information and i am happy to help anyone avoid those high dealer prices and find the perfect unit for their next holiday.
(all views here are my own gathered over years of experience and personal knowledge owning, buying and selling folding campers trailer tents and camping equipment)
