data sheet - The Camping and Caravanning Club

DATA SHEET
#2 Choosing a trailer tent or folding
camper
Data sheet
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CHOOSING A TRAILER TENT OR FOLDING
CAMPER
A folding camper without its awning
A trailer tent with awning
Trailer tents and folding campers are a small part of the camping and
caravanning world, but an important one.
Speak to any relevant Club member about his or her trailer tent or folding
camper and you’ll soon be regaled with stories of why these represent the best
of both tent camping and caravanning.
Easy and economical to tow, stow and own, yet offering enough facilities for full
self-sufficiency if that’s what you want, they seem to represent the ideal
compromise between the joys of ‘canvas’ and the relative comforts of a ‘tin
tent’.
In fact, this style of camping unit can look expensive compared with a normal
tent, but often good value in comparison to a caravan or motorhome. As ever,
the choice is yours.
However, before you move to full ownership of a trailer tent or folding camper,
there are a number of factors to consider as well as general buying information.
Will your car tow it?
Where will you keep it? What are the key safety and maintenance concerns?
This Data Sheet is aimed primarily at those who are new to this type of camping
unit, whether you’re thinking of buying new or secondhand.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE...
There’s a key difference between folding campers and trailer tents, which isn’t
always noticeable when the units are pitched on site. The trailer tent is best
described as a tent in a trailer that pulls out and pegs to the ground, still using
the trailer part for a bedroom area. Once pitched, often the only thing to
distinguish it from a typical frame tent would be the trailer hitch.
Camp-let trailer tent with non-pegging trailer body
A folding camper is where there is no canvas (except the awning, if used)
pegged directly to the ground. Usually, bedroom areas will fold (or sometimes
slide) out from the trailer unit, remaining off the ground once erected. There
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are others that are a half way house as pictured to the left below.
Price-wise, folding campers – with their higher levels of equipment – typically
cost more than trailer tents, although this tends to even out if you’re looking at
the secondhand market, where you can expect to see good condition models
available for anything from £2,000 upwards. Generally, folding campers are
easier and quicker to put up and take down than trailer tents.
Note: Pennine for a short period produced a range of well-equpped folding
campers called convertible caravans. These shouldn't be confused with a folding
caravan as the latter has rigid sides, the Pennine product has fabric for the
sides and roof.
WHY CHOOSE A TRAILER TENT OR
FOLDING CAMPER?
A trailer tent generally needs pegging on grass
There are many advantages and a few disadvantages to trailer tents and folding
campers compared with other forms of camping.
These include:
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They are generally easier and more economical to tow than a caravan
They are acceptable on many campsites where caravans are not
permitted
They can be easier to pitch than an equivalent-size tent, although a level
surface always makes things easier
Ready-made beds with traditional mattresses that are ‘off the ground’
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Living space in folding campers that is off the floor
An extensive living area if an awning is fitted
The need to ensure your car can tow the trailer, including having a towbar
and electrics
On-board storage so you can keep most of your camping gear with the
unit at all times, ready to hitch up and go
Being easy to store
Folding camper only needs grass for the awning.
 Speed limitations, as applicable to all trailers. For example, you can’t go
over 60mph or use the outside overtaking lane on motorways with three
or more lanes. On single carriageway roads you’re restricted to 50mph
unless a lower limit is in place. However, there is no additional road tax to
pay for taking a trailer on the road in the UK and in most cases you won’t
need to supplement your driving licence to tow a trailer tent or folding
camper
 You’ll pay extra for taking a trailer on most ferry crossings, although the
Club negotiates favourable terms for its members with all leading ferry
operators
 Packing canvas away when wet is not only tricky, but can lead to
problems such as mould and mildew. If you find you have no choice but
to pack your camper away under such conditions, the advice is to unpack
as soon as possible and allow the material to dry completely before
putting it away again.
 Storage text box
 For many, a key reason for buying a unit like this is the ability to store it
at home – either outside or even in the garage. Many trailer tent units can
also be adapted to stand on their sides or ends, meaning they take up
even less space.
 If you don’t have room at home, any specialist retailer will be able to tell
you of storage compounds available locally (although you might also wish
to consider storing near your chosen camping locations to save further on
‘towing miles’). Many Club Sites offer storage, or there are the services
offered by the specialist organisation CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site
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Owners Association, www.cassoa.co.uk).
Another bonus of trailer tent or folding camper ownership is that theft is
rare. However, it has been known to happen, therefore do consider extra
security in terms of a hitchlock, wheelclamp or both. Also, consider
carefully any items of value (sentimental or otherwise) you choose to
keep in your unit.
WHERE CAN I BUY?
There is a good network of specialist retailers around the country, many of
whom advertise in
Caption Some trailer tents have built-in awnings
Camping & Caravanning, the Club’s monthly magazine, selling new and
secondhand. You’ll often see units advertised in the magazine’s private
classifieds section too.
When buying previously-owned units privately, remember you won’t get any
kind of warranty if anything goes wrong or if anything is subsequently deemed
illegal – so be sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Look out also for displays of new trailer tents and folding campers at the larger
specialist camping and caravanning shows taking place throughout the year.
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WHAT CAN I TOW?
Trailer tents can often be towed by a small family car
A critical consideration before going ahead with the purchase of a trailer tent or
folding camper is to ensure your car is capable of towing it. In most cases, this
shouldn’t be a major issue. Some of these units use unbraked trailers that can
legally only have a maximum gross weight (Maximum Authorised Mass – MAM)
of up to 750kg, while trailers with MAM over 750kg must have brakes.
For comfortable towing, we recommend you should tow with the loaded trailer
weight no more than 85 per cent of your car’s kerbweight and of course keep
within your car’s maximum towing limits for braked and unbraked trailers, as
appropriate. 6
You may need extension mirrors to tow a trailer tent or folding camper
You also need to ensure your car’s noseweight limit is adequate for the trailer,
although this is only likely to be a problem with larger units. For more
information, see the Data Sheet Matching Car and Caravan.
Remember, trailer tents and folding campers are subject to the same laws as
any kind of trailer or caravan, including the legal requirement to use extension
doubt about your car’s towing capabilities, always
mirrors if necessary. If in
check with the Club’s Technical Department.
You’ll also need to check the limits of your driving licence before you take to the
road with a trailer tent or folding camper in tow.
Datasheet 40 – driving licences (pictured left) has detailed information about
the limitations of a licence.
BUY NEW
There isn’t a massive market for new trailer tents or folding campers, but
there’s still a decent choice of make and model, so it pays to do your homework
to decide exactly what’s best for you.
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A trailer tent (left) can be significantly smaller and lighter than a folding camper
(right)
Find out what you can get for your money in terms of unit size, layout and
features. As far as the latter is concerned, make a list of the items you want –
awning, kitchen, food storage facilities, general storage, toilet – then sub-divide
them into ‘essentials’ or ‘desirables’. 
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Visit more than one retailer. General advice may vary and they’re likely to
have different makes and models in stock, at different prices too. Rather
than just price, try to assess how helpful a dealer is going to be once a
sale has been made.
Ask for a demonstration of how to pitch and take down the unit. Trailer
tents sometimes have excellent kitchen units but they can be heavy to
manoeuvre into place. Similarly, while folding campers are usually easier
and quicker to pitch than trailer tents, sometimes internal furniture units
can be heavy to erect.
Check exactly what you get for your money. Look at the optional extras
list to see if there’s anything you deem essential. Usually a spare wheel
and carrier are optional but consider these essential. Similarly an optional
jockey wheel could be essential for ease of manoeuvring as would be a
leisure battery if the unit is fitted with 12V lighting and appliances.
If you’re new to camping, you’ll need to budget for other items such as a
gas cylinder, security fittings (such as a hitchlock and/ or wheelclamp),
water carriers etc. Again, a good retailer will be helpful here, and may
even have special offers in place for such scenarios.
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Bear in mind general availability as well as lead times for the building of
brand new units. Typically, the more options you want (especially factoryfitted ones) the longer you will have to wait.
Check compatibility with your car. Any specialist retailer will be able to
advise here (see earlier sections).
Other aspects to note vary from canvas thickness and type (generally the
thicker the better and water-repellent acrylic fabrics are starting to
become available) to ventilation, window size and how the unit is likely to
perform in extreme weather.
BUYING SECONDHAND
Much of the advice on buying new also applies to buying secondhand. But here
you’ll also need to assess further aspects of any unit for yourself. Always view
during daylight hours and, if buying privately, at the current owner’s home
address. In particular, for the trailer unit itself, these are the points to focus on:
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Tyre condition. Many trailers have long periods of inactivity and though
the tyres may look serviceable they’ll have aged. It may seem counterintuitive but an idle tyre ages much faster than one frequently use.
Inspect them and check the pressure prior to every trip. For more
detailed information about tyres and tyre care, see Data Sheet 15.
Hitching gear and brakes (where fitted) should be fully operational
Lighting should be functioning and in good condition, whatever the age of
unit. Check on the availability of replacement parts such as lights for older
models.
Look for signs of damage to the bodywork, especially on any leading
edges, and that all frame poles and their attachments are sound
Any hinges and locks, including corner steadies, should operate smoothly
and be suitably lubricated
Don’t be afraid to crawl underneath to look at the condition of the chassis.
Most structures are galvanised, but rust might develop over time. Also
check for signs of rotting to the flooring.
Also, on the camping side:
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Check on the operation of all services, especially electrics (12V and/or
230V)
Gas cookers should burn with an even, blue flame.
Canvas condition is a critical area. As well as any possible areas of wear
(usually caused by rubbing at corners and stress points), look out for
mildew caused by the unit being folded away when wet
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Make sure all appropriate cushions and mattresses are supplied. Again,
check for signs of damp here as well as on the seats and bed bases
themselves
Kitchens. Some trailer tents and most folding campers come with a
kitchen as standard. With others it’s a (sometimes pricey) option. As well
as determining for yourself whether you need one (or would rather supply
your own gear), check out its location and accessibility.
Ask for any details of repair and/or regular servicing work. This will give
important clues as to the fastidiousness of previous owners and the likely
roadworthiness and safe condition of gas and electrical systems
Ask about any warranty, exactly what it covers and for how long
Always get a receipt from the seller when you buy or pay a deposit.
TOP TIPS
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Whether buying new or secondhand, make sure you get a full
demonstration of all aspects of the unit. As well as being shown how to
pitch it, have a go yourself so that you are confident of the processes
involved.
Make sure you are happy with the hitching and unhitching processes.
Again, practise soon makes perfect, but before you set off on any journey
always check the roadlights are fully functioning. It’s also a good idea to
get into the habit of making a final all-round inspection just before setting
off to ensure everything is secure, properly connected and working.
Although it shouldn’t affect your current policy you must inform your car
insurance company if you have a towbar fitted and that you will be
towing. The same goes for any breakdown recovery service you use.
Finally, before you set off with your new trailer tent or folding camper it
will need an approved, illuminated number plate, to match your car’s
registration.
PUTTING UP A TRAILER TENT
It’s always worth trying to pitch the unit before you commit to buying. In this
traditional trailer tent the two beds fold out from the trailer and the unit can be
used in this form. The awning extends the living area and has a separate
section for storage, a kitchen area or washroom.
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MAINTENANCE
Luckily, such is the established design of most trailer tents and folding campers,
there’s not a
Ensure all the moving parts work smoothly
lot to go wrong. However, since they are road vehicles you are responsible for
keeping them roadworthy, so a minimum of an annual service by a recognised
service technician is recommended. The larger units with more sophisticated
electrical and gas systems will also benefit from an annual service of these
systems, again by a recognised service technician. You’ll find more details in
owners’ manuals (and sometimes on manufacturers’ websites), but generally
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you need to consider:
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Brakes, wheel bearings and suspension – keep in good working order and
properly adjust or grease as appropriate
Tyres – keep inflated to correct working pressures, including the spare,
and check for any uneven signs of wear. If the unit is stationary for long
periods, turn the wheels occasionally so it doesn’t rest on the same patch
of tyre
Tow hitch – check for easy operation and grease where needed
Breakaway cable (braked trailers) or secondary coupling (unbraked) –
check in good working order
Jockey wheel – check for smooth running. Apply grease as needed
Lights – check and replace as needed.
Rubber gas hoses – check condition and the date marked on it. The
recommendation is to replace within five years of any such date, or earlier
if there are any signs of abrasion or cracking.
Further information
You won’t find any newsstand publications devoted solely to trailer tents and
folding campers but the Club magazine, Camping magazine, Motorhome &
Caravan Trader and Caravan, Motorhome and Camping Mart can be useful
sources of information.
The Camping Manual, by Peter Frost, devotes a whole chapter to trailer tents
and folding campers. It’s published by Haynes, ISBN 9781844253197.
Finally, do look for advice from the Club’s own Special Interest Section, the
Trailer Tent and Folding Camper Group (see also www.ttfcg.co.uk).
There are also a number of owners’ clubs for both existing makes and those
that are now no longer in production, for example Pennine (
www.pennineownersclub) and Dandy (www.dandyowners.co.uk).
CONTACT US
The Camping and Caravanning Club
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The Camping and Caravanning Club
Greenfields House
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JH
024 7647 5442
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Cabanon
www.cabanon.com
Campmaster, c/o Camperlands
0161 998 8523
www.camperlands.co.uk
Combi-Camp
01844 215900
www.combi-camp.co.uk
Camp-let and Jamet, c/o Camperlands
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0161 998 8523
www.camperlands.co.uk
SunnCamp
01245 329933
www.sunnflair.com
Pennine Outdoor Leisure
01254 386978
www.pennineoutdoorleisure.co.uk
Trigano
ww.trigano-trailertents.com
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