Last night this unit arrived on site....
Yes... a trailer tent..
It's the ideal compromise for those who cannot make up their minds between a caravan and a tent.... This unit saves you having to make that difficult decision.....
Bottom half is a caravan..Top half is a tent.... The best of both worlds I suppose..
This particular trailer tent has a kitchen on board and has electric hook-up for lighting, water pumps etc..
It's obviously easier to move around to get it lined up on your pitch than a caravan (without a motor mover) would be... It is also lighter and therefore doesn't require a large vehicle to tow it....
When we were looking at all the options that were available before we ordered Eva the Eriba, we looked at trailer tents, but decided that it was far to big a compromise to make on all the things we required of a camping unit for the sort of touring that we had in mind....
These aren't a cheap option either, as a good quality brand new trailer tent can cost you as much as a good pre-owned starter to mid range caravan......
Back in the late seventies and early eighties you could see quite a few trailer tents on UK campsites but they don't appear to be as popular nowadays......
Moving on to our weather..........
The really strong wind gusts have finally given way to lighter winds and today the weather has been really pleasant with the sun shining and a much milder temperature....
Since we have been at this site I have had little chance for any bike riding due to all the rain and wind. In fact with all the bad weather I decided to take the bike off the front rack and bring it into the awning for a bit of bike cleaning and general maintenance....
Although this awning can be a real pain to erect as I have already explained, it is a very useful bit of kit providing us with a 'conservatory' like space in which we can sit and take in the view as well as a useful 'garage' for bikes!!
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| Trailer Tent- The Latest Arrival |
It's the ideal compromise for those who cannot make up their minds between a caravan and a tent.... This unit saves you having to make that difficult decision.....
Bottom half is a caravan..Top half is a tent.... The best of both worlds I suppose..
This particular trailer tent has a kitchen on board and has electric hook-up for lighting, water pumps etc..
It's obviously easier to move around to get it lined up on your pitch than a caravan (without a motor mover) would be... It is also lighter and therefore doesn't require a large vehicle to tow it....
When we were looking at all the options that were available before we ordered Eva the Eriba, we looked at trailer tents, but decided that it was far to big a compromise to make on all the things we required of a camping unit for the sort of touring that we had in mind....
These aren't a cheap option either, as a good quality brand new trailer tent can cost you as much as a good pre-owned starter to mid range caravan......
Back in the late seventies and early eighties you could see quite a few trailer tents on UK campsites but they don't appear to be as popular nowadays......
Moving on to our weather..........
The really strong wind gusts have finally given way to lighter winds and today the weather has been really pleasant with the sun shining and a much milder temperature....
Since we have been at this site I have had little chance for any bike riding due to all the rain and wind. In fact with all the bad weather I decided to take the bike off the front rack and bring it into the awning for a bit of bike cleaning and general maintenance....
Although this awning can be a real pain to erect as I have already explained, it is a very useful bit of kit providing us with a 'conservatory' like space in which we can sit and take in the view as well as a useful 'garage' for bikes!!
 |
| Tiffany the Tifosi in the awning during cleaning |
I loved trailer tent camping growing up. My aunt had one we sometimes borrowed. Alas its no longer in the family. I keep checking fleabay for a bargain, but ouch those things are crazily expensive. So tenting it is!
ReplyDeleteInteresting design. I prefer the pop top campers we have in Australia. Like the Jayco Finch, I'm looking for an older one like this: http://www.baycitycaravans.com.au/images/finch3.jpg
ReplyDelete*Georgie Ormrod*
ReplyDeleteI've been camping since the age of about eight Georgie, staying in a whole range of different type of tents and other units, but I have never actually slept overnight in a trailer tent.....
It's something that is missing from my camping history.....
As you say they are "crazily expensive"...
*David J*
The Jayco appears to be a nice bit of kit....
My Eriba Troll is a 'pop-top' of course, although the canvas section is only about 12" deep when raised, unlike the Jayco which appears to be a proper trailer tent with a solid roof...
Interesting bit of kit David...
I hope that you find one....
Ever thought of constructing a ' Our Journey ' map Trevor. A sort of growing ant trail with dots of where you have been? I am talking here of resting places, not the day trips from base.
ReplyDelete*Peter Roberts*
ReplyDeleteThat's an idea I will give some thought to Peter....
Mind you, as we plan on spending about three weeks on average at each stopover it might take quite some time to develop into a worthwhile visual record. :-)
We bought a pop-up camper and used it for a number of years. We loved it because it let you hear the outdoors like a tent (which you don't in a hard-side trailer or motorhome) but it had all the conveniences of a motorhome--more if you count that it had TWO queen size beds. The longest trip we ever used it on was just under 3 months. While I know people who full-time in one, I couldn't. Not enough storage!
ReplyDeleteLove reading about your new adventures!
*Marsha*
ReplyDeleteYes Marsha...I can see that adequate storage could be a problem if contemplating full-timing in one.
It is nice to be able to hear the outdoors when camping that's why I enjoy tent camping so much....
Because we have a small section of pop-top on our trailer, we feel that we are still in touch with the great outdoors...
Trevor, may I ask where you bought Eva. I have been looking out for an Eriba but they are hard to find, and dealers are few and far between. The nearest one to S Wales is Bournemouth. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteDave
*Dave*
ReplyDeleteYou are right Dave, at last count there were only three official Eriba dealers in the UK to the best of my knowledge...
People do travel many miles to view and purchase them.
We were lucky as we were living in Bournemouth and the closest dealer was Automotive Leisure in Poole...about 5 miles from our home...
They are the largest official UK dealer with the largest stock of pre-used caravans although we did buy Eva new.....
I see from your blog that you have visited Corfe...just a few miles from Poole of course...
It might seem like a good compromise, but I think I’d rather go with one or the other. Of course, I’d be more preferable with a caravan, but there are also good spots that only a good camping gear can reach. Anyway, thanks for your detailed account and the pics, Trevor! Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteAndrea Wilkins @ Getaway Outdoors
*Andrea Wilkins*
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and comments Andrea....
If it was just down to me it would be tents every time... On this type of trip though it has to be a compromise, as although I love tents Anne wants a bit more comfort....