If you are new to the world of trailer tenting, or a seasoned pro looking for some new friends and discussion around your hobby, then you can plenty of great resources online. Using the Internet you can find other trailer tent enthusiasts looking to buy, sell, exchange tips and tricks and even recommend some great destinations. There are plenty of lively forums where you can chat about your favourite holiday, or anything you like and it’s a fantastic way of learning some closely-guarded secrets on trailer tenting. Here is a quick guide as to some of the best resources out there.
Trailer Tent Forums
New hobbyists are always given a warm welcome on these forums, with no question being a stupid question and plenty of top hints on saving money, where to go and how to keep your trailer tent in top condition:
http://www.touringandtenting.com/forums/ – The Touring and Tenting forums are always buzzing with hot topics. With a newbies area, plenty of tips and even links to manufacturers, this forum is a must for all trailer tent enthusiasts.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/ – UKCampsite.co.uk offers a busy forum with plenty of camping-related tips, along with a sub-section for trailer tents. They also offer plenty of competitions and meet-ups for members, with help on getting the right pitch at all the big events and destinations in the UK such as Cheltenham and Alton Towers.
Trailer Tent Guides
http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/newtotrailertents – The Camping and Caravanning Club has an excellent beginners guide to trailer tents, including help on towing, types of trailer tents, caring for your tent and a handy trailer tent check-list.
http://www.reviewcentre.com/products2193.html – The Review Centre offers some impartial advice and user reviews on all the types of trailer tents out there, which includes some useful tips as to which ones to avoid!
Buying and Selling
If you are looking to buy a new trailer tent, something second-hand or just checking out the prices and offers available for now, these sites are definitely worth a look. Many of these sites also allow you to sell your trailer tents and accessories, some even for free or just a small fee.
http://www.gocaravanning.com/trailer/index.htm – GoCaravanning offers a great beginners guide trailer tents.
Trailer Tent Holiday Tips
If you think you’ve seen it all and are looking for some more exotic and interesting destinations ‘off the beaten track’, or are new to trailer tenting and need some help with some easy first-time destinations, then these are the sites for you.
http://www.campingandtouring.co.uk/ – Camping and Touring offers a large section packed with the locations of both UK and International parks, sites and detailed information on what to expect when you get there.
http://www.gocaravanning.com/europe/campsites/index.html – The European camp-site section of the GoCaravanning site is a must-see, with a handy clickable map of all the countries offering top-quality pitches.
Trailer tents are popular and convenient alternatives to caravans that can be best described as consisting of a relatively small trailer unit, out of which a large canvas tent can be unfolded and pitched into the ground. Moreover, the trailer component of trailer tents folds out to form an off-the-ground sleeping area for occupants, whilst the large frame tent is typically of a solid and durable construction. Although different manufacturers of trailer tents tend to utilise the same design methodology in respect to fabric tents that fold out of trailer units, each make and model offers something a little bit different. Some manufacturers even specialise in certain types of trailer tent, such as the traditional and flip-top varieties.
The flip-top trailer tent differs markedly from the traditional trailer tent, which effectively unfolds to form a shelter that is only distinct from that of a large frame conventional tent in so much as the trailer’s tow bar pokes out from one side and the trailer unit itself converts into a bed. Indeed, the flip-top trailer tent combines a conventional tent design with what can only be described as pushchair rain cover technology. To be more precise, the lid of a flip-top trailer folds out to form the ground base (or a portion of it), whilst the canvas tent section is erected in much the same way as a large pram hood is pulled over a pushchair.
Flip-top trailer tents may seem a little peculiar from this description but, in fact, they look virtually identical to standard trailer tents. Furthermore, the key feature of the flip-top trailer tent is that it is incredibly straightforward to erect. Indeed, its installation comprises a simple two stage process that even the most inept of outdoor campers could achieve without much effort. Moreover, flip-top trailer tents do not usually require pitching into the ground, although this is sometimes an option.
Popular manufacturers of flip-top trailer tents in the UK include Camplet and Combi-camp, although many of the brand names associated with standard trailer tents will also offer a selection of flip-top trailer tents. Indeed, there are many different types of trailer tent manufacturers around the world but, when it comes to the UK, only a handful dominate the market. This is largely because companies such as Camplet and Combi-camp have acquired a successful reputation as niche suppliers of flip-top trailer tents, although they also happen to produce a range of other trailers – for instance, Camplet boasts a top quality Mustang horse trailer alongside standard trailer tents.
Sunnflair is another major UK producer of trailer tents, which are often sold under the SunnCamp name. Sunnflair trailer tents are renowned for their design quality and use of strong, durable tent fabrics. The Sunnflair Holiday 350 SE, for example, is perfect for large families and includes a number of features, such as a deep side extension kitchen, wardrobe, storage compartments and toilet. In demonstration of the Holiday 350 SE’s superb functionality, the luxurious kitchen extension comprises a double burner hob and grill in addition to a sink with drainer. Other popular manufacturers of trailer tents include Conway and Trigano, which has been in the business for over 40 years and supplies its products to many European nations. As with the luxurious Sunnflair products, Trigano supplies a range of top quality trailer tents that are notable for their stability and vast range of features, which include kitchen units and large storage spaces.
When it comes to camping trailer tents there are quite a few brands to consider. This article will highlight the features and benefits of Conway trailer tents, including the Countryman, the Continental, the Cruiser, and the Crusader models.
The Conway Countryman trailer tent -
Last year’s Countryman model offers an attractive and modern looking interior including the popular four berth (two double beds) layout making the Conway trailer a great choice when it comes to trailer tents. It also has a narrower body which means towing is less cumbersome and allows for more control on the road. Because the two double beds fold out to the left and right, the overall width of the caravan can remain narrow with an overall width of 184 cm.
A few of the interior specifications, considered standard equipment on the Conway Countryman, include a three way refrigerator, a mains electric system, a battery box so you’ll always have power, interior lights, a welcoming shelf unit, and bound edge carpets.
The Conway Continental trailer tent -
This surprisingly stylish Conway trailer tent is beautifully styled and offers the same luxurious interior normally reserved for more expensive Conway trailer tent models. The interior consists of subtle lightwoods and neutral tones making this trailer tent a superb mixture of modern comforts and style at an affordable price.
You’ll be please with the standard specs which include a Ten Cate KD48 canvas exterior, a welcoming seating area located offside as well as a seating area nearside. Get cooking with a fabulous stainless steel cooker and sink unit as well as a hob/grill for some real outdoor living. For a bit of privacy there are inner tents to each “bedroom”. Expect easy-to-clean vinyl flooring as well as a roof lining and freestanding table.
The Conway Cruiser trailer tent -
This trailer tent by Conway offers yet another stylish interior with high specs to appease even those with the most discerning tastes. The Cruiser is a larger trailer tent compared to other models easily sleeping six people including a king size bed, a true home away from home.
Standard specs include a 3-way refrigerator, mains electric system and battery box, interior lights, a shelf unit to accomodate a fully appointed kitchen, scatter cushions and bound edge carpets and a wardrobe to keep clutter to a minimum.
The Conway Crusader trailer tent -
The Crusader trailer tent by Conway is the most expensive of the others mentioned in this article. Whilst all trailer tents are beautifully designed, the Crusader is the top of the range model. Expect contemporary design coupled with a high spec, quality interior. It’s considered high value for its class of trailer tent.
This Conway trailer tent has a berth that sleeps six people, a fully fitted kitchen as well as a separate toilet and washroom. With this level of comfort, style, and amenities you’ll forget you’re actually experiencing a trailer tent.
The Crusader comes with a 3-way refrigerator, mains and battery power, interior lights with wardrobe and shelf unit, cassette toilet and hand basin, a water heater to keep you warm as well as an oven for true independence and comfort.
As with all Conway trailer tents, there are extras you can purchase such as awnings, heaters, outdoor storage covers to name a few. You’ll love camping in your Conway trailer tent and don’t forget, for true piece of mind you’ll want to be sure you have proper and adequate trailer tent insurance to protect your assets and belongings whilst on holiday.
If you enjoy the outdoors, from scenic hikes through the countryside to romantic walks along unspoiled coastline, then there’s nothing better camping when it comes time for that much needed holiday for you and the family. Imagine cooking fresh fish from your relaxing day on the lake or surfing the waves at the beach near your campsite. In the UK, camping is considered a popular pasttime and many people each year hit the roads in anticipation of a relaxing adventure.
Any given holiday, especially during summertime when the kids are out of school, it’s not uncommon to see a sea of caravans hit the motorways. While caravans are quite popular, they can also be expensive to purchase, including fuel costs of these large vehicles, not to mention a parking hassle when you get home. However, this does not stop most Brits because camping trailer tents are also very popular. They are much smaller and compact because the beauty of camping tailer tents is they can fold down to one quarter their size and be easily towed by most family vehicles.
Of course, one could simply buy a tent, however trying to pack a large tent fit for your family or friends can be quite cumbersome, not to mention all the additional luggage you might take on a fortnightly trip across the country. Camping trailer tents are excellent alternatives to tents that simply fold into the boot of your car or large, expensive caravans that are simply unaffordable or unrealistic for most camping enthusiasts.
Speaking of luggage and other items that could easily fill up your car making for a cumbersome journey is that camping trailer tents usually have spare room for other essentials such as sleeping bags, emergency supplies, food and cooking items and so on. Since trailer tents are much smaller than their caravan counterparts, you will experience less wind resistance as well as have overall better visibility, both in front and behind your vehicle.
Camping trailer tents are not only cheaper to purchase but fuel costs will naturally be less expensive leaving you more cash to spend on your holiday. Many people who go camping not only love the outdoors experience but they also want an affordable holiday and camping trailer tents are an excellent option to consider. Who says you can’t have it all?
Now, depending on the level of camping experience you’re after, perhaps the idea of sleeping on the ground in a traditional tent doesn’t appeal to you. Imagine finding the perfect spot along a river and placing your tent on the ground only to wake up in a few inches of water because you forgot about the possibility of high tide? Often times, even during the summer, there is rainfall which can also dampen your experience if your tent is directly on the ground. Well, another advantage of camping trailer tents is you sleep on a comfortable surface off the ground.
There are many great reasons to opt for a camping trailer tent for your next holiday. They store easily, they are cheaper to purchase and won’t break the bank when it comes to rising fuel costs, and they still give you the experience of camping outdoors while being compact and portable.
Finally, don’t forget that your camping trailer tent is a piece of valuable property and you’ll want to ensure you have proper trailer tent insurance before you embark on any much-deserved holiday.
One of the most popular and respected trailer tent manufacturers today is Sunncamp. Their award winning trailer tents are not only well built but affordable. As with most trailer tent makers, Sunncamp trailer tents come with a range of accessories so you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive is a cheaper model doesn’t have all the amenities of the larger models.
When it comes time to choosing your Sunncamp trailer tent, you’ll have a choice of five different models. These models are designed to accomodate everyone from the weekend camper to the full fledged camping enthusiast who wants a bit of that “home away from home” feel whilst on holiday.
Firstly, you have the Sunncamp Holiday 240 Duo trailer tent which sleeps two people. Although it may sound small, being a 2-berth trailer tent, it does come equipped with an awning and more space than you would imagine. The 240 Duo is easy to setup and opening the awning gives you more space straight away. Simply attach the awning to the front, pull up a couple of chairs, and enjoy the day in the shade or out of the rain.
This Sunncamp trailer tent is perfect for a romantic weekend away as it the large double bed is on one side and additional seating facing the other. What’s great about this trailer tent is you don’t need to secure the tent to the ground as the cabin does not rely on pegs to remain erect. So, no more driving around looking for soft ground!
The Sunncamp Holiday 240S trailer tent is a bit bigger than the Duo in that it sleeps up to 4 people with 2 double beds. As the Duo, it comes equipped with an awning which is a nice feature and is as easy to tow as its smaller cousin. However, this little beauty also comes with a kitchen area which comes in handy for longer camping trips. With prices starting just under £2000, you can see now how affordable it can be to get going on that camping trip of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a home feeling, take a look at the Sunncamp Holiday 240SE trailer tent. Essentially the specs are the same as the 240S however, the SE series comes with a luxurious fitted kitchen including a grill, a two-hob cooker, and a handy sink/drainer unit for cleaning up afterwards. Space, comfort, style come to mind with the Sunncamp 240SE.
The next step up is the Sunncamp Holiday 340SE trailer tent. This model is more suited for a family with not only a fitted kitchen but also a toilet and additional room to store your belongings.
Not to be outdone however, is the Sunncamp 400SE trailer tent which is comes with a massive 4 metre awning to truly create the illusion of space. You’ll be amazed at the room available once erected.
A fully installed kitchen, loads of storage space, additional modular sleeping components mean this is truly the perfect trailer tent for family adventures at home or abroad.
Whichever Sunncamp trailer tent you decide to buy, you can expect years of happy memories and good use with this product. Remember, keep your valuables safe and be sure to get trailer tent insurance so you can focus on the memories that count such as a good time with family and friends, and not on any problems that could turn to a nightmare if you were uncovered or underinsured.
A popular trailer tent manufacturer these days is Raclet. They not only have a good reputation but can be more affordable than other brands of trailer tents.
The cheaper of the Raclet trailer tents is the Minto. This four berth trailer tent starts around £2000 and is not only compact but makes it a breeze to tow. It can be quite surprising how much room is available after the tent is unfolded considering how small it looks when packed away. The length of the trailer is just over 2 metres which also makes it possible to park in your garage for added safety. This alone could help you reduce your trailer tent insurance if you tell your insurer that it’s not only parked on your property but secured inside your garage. Additionally, there is the option of purchasing a canopy which can easily attach or detach.
Next in line is the Raclet Flores 230 trailer tent. This model is a bit longer than the Minto measuring at around three and a half metres but this longer trailer tent means more standard equipment such as storage space and more importantly, a kitchen unit. The Flores 230 can sleep 4 people and there is the option to purchase an extension if you require more space. Surprisingly, this tent trailer is not much more expensive than the Minto. If you absolutely need more space you may want to consider the Flores 480 but overall, the Minto and Flores models are very affordable and will suit you and your family well whether it be a spontaneous short stay or fortnight away during summertime.
Probably the most popular model of the Raclet trailer tent range would be the Solena. Still priced incredibly well at only £2900, this two berth trailer comes equipped with a hard top roof making it super easy to erect and collapse. This should inspire you to get on the road more often and take those little mini-breaks you’ve often thought about before the summer holidays.
The standard version of this trailer tent does not include a kitchen or awning but the space is available to purchase these additional addons making it more modular and flexible over time.
For a small amount more you could opt for the Raclet Allegra trailer tent which does include a kitchen and if you want, get the awning as an extension for a real feeling of extra space.
The top of the range however, is the Raclet Tamaris trailer tent. Equipment that comes standard includes a cooker, slide away tables, wardrobe, cassette toilet, mains for electrics and gas, as well as curtains for privacy to name but a few.
Overall, the Raclet trailer tent range is very affordable compared to other trailer tent manufacturers. The message is that if you are keen to go camping, looking to take mini-breaks with the family or friends, or simply want to get away for the summer, it is truly affordable to do so.
As always, no matter how much you spend on a new or used trailer tent, you’ll want invest in trailer tent insurance to protect your assets and keep them safe for years to come.
There are several trailer tent manufacturers that exists today and one of the more popular brands is Dandy. For many years Dandy trailer tents have hit the roads with camping enthusiats however, they have recently begun trading under the name of Riva Leisure.
Despite the new trading name, Dandy trailer tents are still known for their quality. Many Dandy lovers will attest to their build quality and endurance to last over the years. They are not only built well but are easy to tow making them a fantastic choice of trailer tents. As with most trailer tent manufacturers, there are a range of Dany trailer tents available offering plenty of choice depending on budget, size, and interior quality.
Today we’ll talk about 4 Dandy trailer tents, namely the Dart, the Designer, the Destiny and the Dimension.
The Dandy Dart trailer tent -
This styling trailer tent can easily be pulled by your average family car. A versatile trailer, the Dart can be coverted very quickly and is simple to operate. So, if it starts raining the moment you pull up to the campsite, you’ll be indoors in minutes!
Both spacious beds are two metres long and are protected by fire retardant upholstery. There are two double-glazed windows and two plastic windows that are heavy gauged, as well as insulated roof and walls, to keep everyone warm. Expect a sink and drainer unit next plus a two-burner cooker and grill. Overall weight of the Dart is only 350kg.
The Dandy Designer trailer tent -
This very well designed trailer tent can seat up to five people with ease. There is a main double bed, a settee that can fold out as a double bed as well as the table area accomodates a single bed. This is where form and function work together in unisom.
Along with sleeping up to 5, the interior is tastely decorated with wood effect flooring and furniture. There’s a cotton lined roof, privacy curtains, and colour-coordinated fabrics all fire retardant. Cooking is easy with a double cooker/grill and sink plus drainer to make cleaning a snap. This trailer tent only weight 395kg.
The Dandy Destiny trailer tent -
The perfect family trailer tent comes by way of this Dandy-Riva trailer tent. There is plenty of room here with double beds that convert from settees as well as WC which includes a cassette toilet and vanity wash bowl. This model has 3 double glazed windows, insulation and fire retardant fabrics to make your holiday as safe and warm as possible.
Cook your meals on the two-burner cooker and grill and eat with a smile on your face at the free standing table large enough for 5 people. Storage on this trailer tent includes wardrobe, cupboards that have drawers and seat lockers to keep your valuables out of sight whilst away.
The Dandy Dimention trailer tent -
Considered “luxury on the go” the Dart is the latest edition to the Riva collection. It can sleep up to 6 people comfortably which is perfect for the family holiday experience.
Standard specs include large double beds convertible from settees. There is quality simulated wood flooring and double glazed windows to keep you and the family nice and cozy. The walls and roof are also insulated. The Dandy Dart comes with a large capacity three way refrigerator and cooking is easy with a double burner grill/cooker/sink unit.