Dandy folding camper

[blobby10]

Has anyone got/had one? I've always favoured Pennine/Conway but having seen some pics, the Dandy looks better made. New ones aren't available any more but I'm interested in how well the second hand ones have worn/stand up to English weather etc.

We have had three. They last extremely well. Our first was made in 1979/80 and we sold it last year after owning it for 15 years. It had a heater and we used it year round.

Equipment wise they are probably a bit basic when compared to the latest folding campers. The best thing about them is the insulated roof and that there is no cotton fabric to rot.

Our current one has insulated walls and double glazing.too, I believe the former was an option, as was the awning which is definitely worth having.

Thank you so much @etulosba . Are they easy to put up for one person? I will be holidaying by myself much of the time and would like to use an Air awning but wasn't sure if the Dandy could accept one of these? Might give the Riva place a call and ask them - I'm not too bothered about having all the equipment in a modern one - electric hook up is essential, as is a hob/grill and fridge working off gas but other than that, ease of use is way more important.

I wouldn’t say that they are that doddle to put up on your own but it is definitely doable. Our current one has the optional gas struts which helps.

It is possible to use a non Dandy awning but the Dandy one is made to fit perfectly with no gaps/leaks. To be honest, putting up the awning is a bit of a pain as the PVC material is heavy. We don’t tend to bother with it for weekends. Factory awnings are very difficult/expensive to buy separately so a good negotiating point if the Dandy you are looking at doesn’t have one.

As far as I recall, only the biggest Dandy/Riva had a fridge built in. We use a stand alone gas one. Definitely fit a CO alarm if you are use one inside.

As I said before, the Dandy suits us because it can be used comfortably year round and isn’t too precious about being folded up damp… but there are definitely compromises to be made.

They tow well too as they are braked so don’t push the car when you slow down. Reversing can be a bit of a trial, but all short trailers are the same.

@etulosba thank you again for your insight - I will definitely give them a ring. Hope you have many more happy trips in your camper!

Happy to help. Feel free to message me if you want more info.

I had a Dart and used to put it up on my own. It did become a bit of a faff and ended up selling and getting a small caravan. But the Dart had so much more space than my caravan. I do miss it.