Hello all, My names Sharon and I'm an alcoholic (couldn't resist - sorry!)
I'm looking for my first Dandy, haven't been camping since I was about 6 (a long time ago)and never towed anything; therefore looking to spend very little just in case the whole idea soon wears off. Not fussed about cosmetics, as long as its roadworthy and watertight. I'm based in the NW. Any information on Dandy's for sale and advice on what to look for would be gratefully received. Thanks.
Rustyshaz wrote:Hello all, My names Sharon and I'm an alcoholic (couldn't resist - sorry!)
I'm looking for my first Dandy, haven't been camping since I was about 6 (a long time ago)and never towed anything; therefore looking to spend very little just in case the whole idea soon wears off. Not fussed about cosmetics, as long as its roadworthy and watertight. I'm based in the NW. Any information on Dandy's for sale and advice on what to look for would be gratefully received. Thanks.
Well Sharon I'm here to share with you. No we're not doing that are we.
Brilliant post. It contains information. Try and mug a friend or relative with a towbar and something to tow, or don't if your easily put off. It's natural to be uneasy when first towing but one of the most comforting things you can learn is how stable the rear entry (o'er missus) Dandys are when compared to a longer type side entry folding camper. It's not to say that 6's or other longer campers are unstable but you can provoke or find situations and the tail wagging the dog feeling is not a fun one. I have a 4 and a Designer. You can feel the weight of the designer a bit more but that's all never any unpleasantness. I'm planning a trip to Spain this Summer and the French towing speed limit is 81mph. I may have towed in excess of this already there are never any issues. One downside is that shorter trailers are more difficult to reverse. Or reverse in the required direction. Dandys are a bit harder than 12' or 14' trailers but can be controllably reversed unlike the very short type trailers that require great skill or being unhooked. I'd normally offer the Designer to tow but I need to sort out the coupling and the brakes at the moment. Don't think that Dandys require lots of attention I greased the hubs and set the brake on the 4 when bought I didn't do the Designer and I wouldnt be surprised when I service it if it's the first proper service in it's 33 year life.
Sort of covered towing. You have not been camping since you were 6. What makes you suddenly want to go now? It's not just the towing and Dandys to cover you might just think camping is pants. Again any friend or relative to mug some camping equipment off? I know the Dandy should be more comfortable but some people just don't do camping. How do you see yourself with the Dandy. Top campsite with EHU WiFi luxurious showers perhaps a pool and more or field toilet water and anything else is a bonus?
Not wanting to question you too closely about how long ago being 6 was but did you pass your test after 1997? It would affect towing the latest, biggest Dandys and it would also affect some of your other towing options.
Do you live close enough to [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] to go have a look? You might not be buying but it's an easy way to see lots of kit.
Blimey, so much information in my first reply - thank you Tow Itch!
Unfortunately, I am old enough to have passed my test prior to 1997 so towing test isn't an issue. I don't think I would go for anything bigger than a Designer, there's only me, the hubby and our 5 year old so don't need that much room.
I have friends that are into camping with their kids and would love the opportunity to spend more time with them, but the thoughts of airbeds and canvas are far from appealing. The in-laws have a static on a very basic site which gets a little cramped with us all there and so having spent 12 months debating I think that the Dandy is my best option (although my husband is far from convinced )
I do live very close to Riva and had thought of popping in for a nosey (prices are too much for me and I don't like to waste anyone's time) although I don't think it would do any harm if I was upfront with them.
Hi Sharon and welcome to the Dandy Campers ...... we tend to do our confessions around a campfire surrounded by empty bottles
Hope you find your Dandy soon ... drag the hubby along to riva and have him sit inside one, convince him he can't ever camp again without one As for towing, it's easy to forget they are tagging along behind you ...... unless like me you have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure it's still there and it's not magically uncoupled itself
Home
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to the forum,there will soon be loads for sale 
Rustyshaz.
As for towing, it's easy to forget they are tagging along behind you ...... unless like me you have to keep looking in the mirror to make sure it's still there and it's not magically uncoupled itself 
