Folding camper owners guide

What is a folding camper?

A folding camper is a type of hybrid leisure vehicle that combines a hard-sided trailer base with a canvas-covered, expandable sleeping and living area, mixing elements of both a caravan and a tent.

A top end folding camper will have many if not all of the luxuries a modern caravan can provide, however with many practical advantages over a caravan. For example, folding campers are easier to store, much easier to tow (enabling you to tow them with a far smaller vehicle than required for a caravan), considerably cheaper for insurance, and far more economical on fuel!

Another reason for choosing a folding camper over a caravan is quite simply the sense of freedom that sleeping under canvas can provide without sacrificing too many luxuries!

The unique design of a folding camper allows a very large living area to be folded in what can only be described as a Houdini act; when you see a it fully erected it's hard to believe it could compact down into such as small area!

Buying a folding camper

Folding campers might seem expensive when compared to a low price range caravan. However, considering the engineering and design that goes into these units, it's easy to see why they can cost as much as a small caravan.

If you're looking to purchase your folding camper you must consider several factors, such as:

• How many berths you require

• Storing it at home (if you have space) vs. paying for a storage facility

• The cost of folding camper insurance

• Whether your vehicle is large enough to tow the size of unit you're after

If you're looking to buy second-hand, we would always recommend using an approved dealer. All too often we have heard of individuals who have purchased on an auction site online and ended up with a unit in very poor condition .

Storage and maintenance of your folding camper

One benefit of a folding Camper over a caravan is the size. Folding campers are much smaller than a caravan, making them easier to store at home without too much effort, whether it’s in the garage, on the driveway or even in the garden.

There are plenty of options when it comes to storing your unit, but wherever you keep your folding camper stored, make sure it is secure. There are plenty of security products out there, including hitch locks, wheel clamps and wheel locks that will reduce the risk of theft.

There are also storage compounds you can use which will offer extra security for your unit, especially if you use a CASSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners Association) registered site.

When keeping your folding camper stored for longer periods of time, especially throughout the winter, you not only want it to be secure from theft, but also from adverse weather and vermin. Folding campers left outside or in outbuildings can be subject to water ingress or damp if water ends up getting through the canvas.

Be aware that it’s quite common for insurance companies to not cover against gradual damage, such as water ingress, or damage caused by vermin or infestation, so steps should be taken to protect your unit. Make sure your folding camper is closed up properly and that there’s no water already inside the unit before you leave it for long periods of time. This is especially important if your folding camper has a kitchen unit included, as it is possible for any left over water in the system to freeze and cause damage.

Hear from our insurance expert…

What’s new or changed in the holiday home insurance market which I should be made aware of?

"One of the most common claims on holiday homes is for escape of water e.g. pipes bursting. Holiday homes tend to be left unoccupied for longer periods, so any damage may not be found quickly, resulting in high claim costs - especially with the cost of construction/living in recent years. Holiday home insurers have started increasing their escape of water excess to reduce claims, so if you are adding a voluntary excess, check if that’s on top of the escape of water excess."

Rob Neal, holiday home insurance expert.

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