A Closer Look

QUALITY COUNTS

Don't be fooled into thinking that all trailer tents and folding campers are the same, despite similarities in their layout, the quality and design of the final product will vary according to the manufacturer. Come along to Camperlands and see for yourself just how different they can be. Our sales staff are happy to discuss and demonstrate (where possible) the pro's and con's of all the leading manufacturers and highlight the good and bad points of each design.

DEMONSTRATIONS

Unlike many trailer tent dealers who find demonstrating their products impractical or simply too tiresome, at Camperlands we have a strict policy that encourages daily demonstrations of the latest trailer tent designs. Our undercover trailer tent display has a dedicated area, where demonstrations take place from January to October. We are able to demonstrate and explain the differences between Conway, Cabanon, SunnCamp, Trigano, TransCamper, CampMaster, Camp-let, Jamet and many more.

SECOND HAND

We are also able to demonstrate the vast majority of our second hand stock (some exceptions may apply).

TIME TO LEARN

The demonstration process will give you an instant understanding of the set-up and packing away processes. Our sales team will be able to answer any of your questions and put your mind at ease regarding any concerns you may have. With over 30-years of sales experience we are confident that in just a short while you will have the knowledge required to purchase a trailer tent or folding camper with complete confidence.

KEY FEATURES - MUD FLAPS - INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL

Internal mud flaps allow the water to drip and collect and the bottom of the tent wall and offer limited protection from draughts blowing into the living area and cabin (internal mud flaps are used by several manufacturers). External mud flaps on the other hand allow water to flow away from the tent and significantly reduce the level of draughts, maintaining a warmer and dryer living environment. Internal mud flaps also allow the pegging rubbers to be exposed to the elements and UV degradation, this causes premature perishing leading to repairs.

Visit Camperlands to find out who uses internal or external mud flaps?

LOCKERS AND BEDS

Some manufacturers use low cost M.D.F board, which is not very well suited to outdoor use. Other manufacturers use good quality ply board and slatted beds, which offer greater comfort and prevent mattresses from becoming damp by encouraging ventilation. It is very probable that M.D.F is used by manufacturers in order to control costs, visit Camperlands to learn more about these and other features.

STABILITY AND WARMTH

Manufacturers designs differ greatly, some designs provide greater stability than others. Features to look out for include cabin webbing straps, external mud flaps, reinforced guying points, cabin bracing poles and lateral pressure frames. These features and more are designed to improve usability, comfort and increase strength and resistance to wind and rain during the rough of camping. See in-store for more details.

CANVAS

All manufacturers claim to use quality canvas without mentioning the thickness of the canvas. Canvas thickness or weight varies from around 250 grams to over 300 grams. Canvas thickness can determine the life span of the product, with varying resistance to UV degradation and overall performance in adverse weather conditions. See in-store for more details.

VENTILATION AND WINDOW DESIGN

Window designs are very important. The window designs of awnings are in general very similar between manufacturers. However the window designs on the cabin sections differ greatly. Window designs are made up of panels i.e. mesh panels to provide ventilation and keep out the bugs, clear plastic panels which provide light and solid panels for total privacy and light seclusion for a good nights sleep. It's very easy for a potential buyer to overlook these features, which could lead to disappointment once a purchase has been made. Also bare in mind that some manufacturers window designs have small windows with only 2 panels. Some window designs are twice the size with 3 roll-up or unzipping panels, which allow twice as much light and ventilation to filter into the cabin and allow for good privacy and weather protection. See in-store for more details.

ZIPPED SEAT CUSHIONS (TRAILER TENTS)

Trigano and Jamet have zips fitted as standard to connect the seat cushions to the main bed mattress. This increases the overall size of the bed and ensures the cushions do not part company from the mattress whilst you are sleeping or sitting; a very simple yet very effective feature. The majority of manufacturers just butt up the seat cushions against the mattress and are not zipped-on. See in-store for more details.

LUGGAGE CAPACITY AND TRAILER SIZES

If you compare trailer sizes between manufacturers you will find that some are wider than others, however in general all trailer tents are still narrower than the average family car. Be aware that the length and width of a trailer tent will probably determine the size of the beds you sleep on. So if you decide to purchase a narrow trailer tent, be prepared to find yourself sleeping on a smaller bed than if you had purchase a wider trailer. Remember in general a larger trailer provides larger beds, wider trailers provide more comfortable seating and increased luggage capacity. The depth of a trailer may also vary and as a rule the greater the depth the greater the capacity to store luggage.

Trigano Chantily cabin with zipped seat cushions, deep trailer and two king size beds.

TRAILER AND CHASSIS HARDWARE

Most trailer chassis are now galvanised, which protects the chassis from environmental and road degradation. Chassis strength and load baring capabilities vary according to the size and configuration of the chassis. Some chassis are equipped with an automatic braking system, which incorporates a handbrake mechanism but this will depend upon the overall weight of the trailer design. Lightweight trailers are easily and safely operated by hand without the need for braking devices. For stability and horizontal leveling purposes some trailers are fitted with vertical drop-down corner legs, which require the user to physically lift the trailer in order to adjust the trailer level. Trigano, Jamet and Camp-let all fit caravan style corner steadies that are less strenuous and more easily operated.

SENSIBLE LOADING

Some trailer tents have hard tops whilst other manufacturers offer luggage racks as an optional fitting. A trailer tent fitted with a luggage rack is capable of carrying kayaks, bikes and other camping necessities, while inside there is the potential to transport portable fridges and cool boxes, chemical toilets, bedding, furniture and cooking equipment. Prior to loading you should make sure you do not exceed the maximum gross weight and nose weight. Sensible loading is easily achieved with a little common sense but you won't go far wrong with the following pointers:

a) Ensure even and correct tyre pressures.
b) Load evenly throughout the trailer.
c) Observe the maximum permitted nose weight of the towing vehicle.
d) Do not exceed the maximum loading weight of the trailer.

Trailer tent loading capacities vary but can be as much as 250 kg, camping equipment may only weight 60 kg, which is well within the permitted amount (more information available in FAQ section). See in-store for more details regarding loading.

METHODS OF ERECTION - TRAILER TENT CABIN

The method of erecting a trailer tent cabin area can vary greatly, however some models from Conway, Cabanon and SunnCamp use basically the same process. This design has been in use for over 20-years and needs 2-people to comfortably cope with the erection process. With a little practice this particular method of erecting the cabin section is soon mastered. Once the cabin framework has been opened a spring button inside the telescopic poles is used to tension the canvas, however it can be difficult to get the spring button to locate into the receiving hole.

At Camperlands there is an easier way to erect a trailer tent with models in stock from Trigano, which can be erected by a single person in around 10 seconds, using an action similar to that of a pram hood. The polework and bed boards are connected together with webbing straps, so as you open the bed boards the framework deploys at the same time, creating a very stable structure. But don't take our word for it - visit Camperlands and have a go for yourself!

SUMMARY

Be wary of basing your purchase decision purely on cosmetics or the promise of a glossy brochure, take a closer look at some of the finer details. Build quality, function, usability, practicality, comfort, longevity, innovative design and the peace of mind that comes from extended guarantee periods should be a primary consideration and take precedence over pure aesthetics, in order too avoid potential disappointment later on.