Trailer tents...talk to me...

[Hard-Drive]

Me and the OH do a bit of camping...usually a couple of times a year, but we now have a baby. As babies seem to come with an inordinate amount of clobber I'm thinking of picking up a trailer tent. I like the idea that in a monsoon you're going to be off the ground, it will never be affected by wind (even a very well pitched tent can really "bow" if it suddenly blows up), the kitchen will make feeding all of us easier, and the extra space under the awning will give us loads more room for gear.

Any thoughts or experiences? I don't want a caravan as my mind has been conditioned by Clarkson and co, I don't want to look at at for the 99% of the time I won't be using it, and I want to go places where trailer tents are allowed but caravans aren't.

I'm looking at picking up something fairly cheap second hand...apart from the bleeding obvious (leaks, rips, mould, wheel bearings) is there anything else I should look for?

[Hard-Drive]

chrisga said:

We looked at a few trailer tents. To my eyes they seem to be the worst of both worlds. We succumbed to a cheap caravan for use at Amys agility competition weekends but have kept the tent for "camping". The caravan is pretty good for being able to hook up after work, arrive, lower the legs and open the door and you're done as we keep everything in it ready to go. The tent is for a nicer camping experience in Wales etc etc.

You're welcome to come and have a gander at the caravan if you want. Heck we aren't precious over it, you can even borrow it if we aren't using it, then you could see if you like it. I think it would be quite a good option for you guys now. Just have to get over the stigma and you can buy green covers for them so you wouldn't have to look at it when you aren't using it..... Ok you might be more limited in places to go but the ease and dryness/warmth of the young family in the caravan if its raining bit might outweigh the not being able to get on some sites perhaps?

Edited by chrisga on Wednesday 27th July 13:20

Cheers mate. TBH as we've already booked the site and it's "no caravans" it's not really an option for now but really appreciate the offer.

I totally hear what you are saying in terms of just hook up and go, and I also realise that if I'm towing a TT I lose my ability to tow a load carrying trailer or put bikes on the tow bar...however I do have a full length roof rack for the 110 which can go on if needed. I guess all of these are a compromise but I don't think a 'van is right for us just yet.

Ultimately, I'd quite like to do a proper conversion job on the Defender and add a pop top or roof tent. That way you don't need to tow anything...but of course then you have to take your bed apart when you use the vehicle during the day!