Microcamper trailers - anyone using one?

[zax]

Sitting on the ferry at the end of another trip across Europe in my trusty old Subaru with tent for sleeping I find myself thinking about vans and camping trailers...

I've plenty of experience with vans but not the typical micro camper/adventure trailers such as those by https://www.minkcampers.com/

Anyone here running one having gone from tent to trailer? Or downsized from regular caravan to mini? Any issues or regrets? Is it the worst of both worlds being neither caravan or tent or has it been the ideal compromise?

Just me +1 and dog, so low occupancy. The possibility to use the roof of the trailer AND the roof of the car to carry bikes/boards/boats is appealing, as is a well insulated/ventilated sleeping space that I don't have to try and dry out when the weather turns bad for a few days. The cooking situation I'm not so sure about, likewise the lack of a decent tent "porch" for storing the inevitable muddy/wet gear etc...

[Mr.Chips]

Saw a couple of these at an Outdoor exhibition at the NEC earlier this year. Looked really good and I was quite impressed/interested, sadly SWMBO has arthritis and the idea of her sleeping in one of these meant that I would be using it on my own.

[LJF_97]

A bit pricey for what is essentially, a glorified tent.

[Bill]

There's a build thread for something similar here somewhere...

ETA https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Bill on Wednesday 4th September 17:26

[Martin315]

This look a bit (but not much) more spacious

https://diddyvans.co.uk/gallery.html

[Crafty_]

Biggest drawback from a quick look is the kitchen unit requires you to be outside - fine in summer, not so good in bad weather.
I think there are quite a few companies that make this sort of product, go-pods is one. Freedom make a more conventional looking van, but still small and light. Im sure there are others that don't come to mind at the moment.

[Veteran63]

Crafty_ said:

Biggest drawback from a quick look is the kitchen unit requires you to be outside - fine in summer, not so good in bad weather.
I think there are quite a few companies that make this sort of product, go-pods is one. Freedom make a more conventional looking van, but still small and light. Im sure there are others that don't come to mind at the moment.

Couldn't you add an awning to provide shelter for the cooking area? I suppose that adds to the equipment list, but extra space is always useful.

[vikingaero]

Something like a Swift Basecamp is about the same footprint with a bog/shower and indoor cooking.

[JFReturns]

Really like those mink campers and equivalents. Small, light, easy to tow and (look) beautifully made.

But then I saw the price, blimey

Our Eriba Puck cost a smidge over £3k and has so far given 8 years of use. Similar foot print but more room plus fridge and hob inside. Very well made and for us, loads of character compared to the white goods caravans. Thoroughly recommend you check them out.

[Bill]

vikingaero said:

Something like a Swift Basecamp is about the same footprint with a bog/shower and indoor cooking.

Very ugly though, even by caravan standards!