DH says we should get a Trailer Tent, come and tell me what you think.

[Ineedsomesleep]

For a bit of backgroud, we have a tent already. We've got 2 DC, one 6 and one 3 but haven't been camping since having them.

What do you think of Trailer Tents and is it a good idea to buy one off ebay?

We've just bought one, a bargain off ebay. It was DH's idea, but I think he was a little sad about it, he sees it as the loss of his 'camping cred' as he has always been a cool campervan man! But we have 2 dogs and a baby on the way (with plans for more) so the space is very practical etc etc. We're quite excited about using it, it is actually very cool in many ways.

If you do go for eBay make sure you can see before bidding I reckon, and check condition of canvas, seals etc etc. Ours is about 6 yrs old but the 'tent' part was new 2 yrs ago. The kitchen section needs new work surfaces but that isn't a biggie. We bought it for around £350, it sleeps 4 in big double beds and another 4 under them, and has a huge awning. I am planning on reupholstering the seats etc etc and making it a little kitsch, to make us feel a little cooler!

We have a trailer tent and love it! Bought it new a few years ago. It's much more comfy sleeping on mattresses and there's loads of space in the awning. We have a wardrobe in one section and loo in another which saves having to walk to toilet block in the middle of the night. Only downside is that it can take a while to set up and not fun doing it in wet weather. Definitely recommend it though - much better than tent camping.

We had one years back and i loved it but it did take ages to put up and then dh moaned as we kept it in the garage. We sold it having bought it of ebay about 4 yr ago and actually made a profit lol. We have now gone back to having a normal tent and whilst im happy with it i yearn for a folding camper now as an in between a caravan and trailer tent.

Can I ask what the advantages of a trailer tent are over a regular tent?

If you get a trailer tent, you can join the Caravan Club, and stay on their very nice, clean, warden controlled sites.

I would've got one for this reason, but DH wouldn't let me store it in the garage.

We have been talking about getting a trailer tent - we do go camping already on a small scale already. My parents have a big camper/mobile home and DSis has a caravan. They camp every other weekend through the year it seems and are involved in caravan club stuff.

My question is, we would need to get a tow bar fitted to our car and neither I nor DP have ever towed before. For local trips (and possibly storage) we could rely on parents but we would hope to go further afield. How easy is it a) to get a tow bar fitted and b) to tow?

towing a trailer tent as low dh found really easy, he fit our tow bar too but he is a mechanic so cant comment on costage.

I tow our folding camper and it's really easy as it's so low, unlike a caravan. One big tip is - don't go fast when going downhill, because that's when whatever your towing could begin to snake. Other than that, GFI. I would say an FC is even better than a trailer tent as takes only about 15 mins to set up, including cooking section and sink.

Whatever you choose and buy I'm sure you'll really enjoy. I definitely recommend going further afield - France - for the good weather.