folding campers - any advice please?

[mitsuko]

Hi
We haven't camped for ages - used to have a trailer tent (pre-children) but sold it when we could no longer borrow a garage to store it in.
Now we want to get into camping again (2 kids, 4 and 2 yo), I've been looking at tents first (mindblowing, all the different types) as we didn't want the expense of a caravan (and I don't fancy towing). But maybe a folding camper would be a compromise? We've room to store it outside, plus it would have some stuff built in, and should be easier/quicker to put up? I'm wondering if we'd be likely to use it more often if it's less effort, but have to weigh this against the higher cost (would be aiming for second hand).
Anyone got any thoughts? I don't even know anyone who has one.
Thanx
Mitsuko

We've got a 1991 Conway Cruiser and it is FAB. Cruiser is a nice compromise between layout and compactness, much easier to tow than a caravan and are REALLY quick and easy to put up. Dh can put it up on his own within 10 minutes (okay, the sun awning takes quite a lot longer, but if it's pissing it down, you can get in pretty quick ).

The Cruisers are particularly popular so they tend to go quickly when advertised - we gave up on Ebay because every time we saw one we liked, they'd sell it privately within 24hrs and withdraw it from the site. Some sort of local bargain pages are the way to go.

Definitely would go for either a Conway or a Pennine (now owned by the same people) as there's plenty of 16 year old ones out there in really good condition so they're made to last.

There's a great message board site: The Conway Onwers Club Forum which has lots of chat about owning a folding camper and accessories etc. If you have any more specific questions feel free to ask (Sorry I didn't see this message earlier btw)

(oh, our conway cruiser fit in our garage too!)

Many thanks for this - have checked out the link you posted, and this is just the sort of information I need to persuade dh!

Mitsuko