BEFORE we look at the Savanne in detail let’s consider its killer feature. Here is a family trailer tent that one person can pitch inside ten minutes – and erect to protect everything from the elements within two. It was this speed that converted me to trailer tents. Not just any trailer tent – it has to be a Camp-let.

Do not believe me? Let’s break down the pitching process.

1. Let down the corner steadies – an easy process if you use a socket on the end of a power drill.
2. Place the floor supports into the trailer’s roof bars
3. Unlock and swing out the kitchen unit – drop its legs to take the weight
4. Swing over the trailer roof so it becomes the floor of one of the two bedroom compartments – a gas strut makes this is easy
5. Pull out the frame support on the kitchen side of the camper’s body
6. Unzip the front canvas panel at its apex and use the short key pole to join the main poles
7. Pull up the canvas to create cabin and awning living space
8. Pull out the telescopic main poles to create shape and height
9. Peg out the corners
10. Brew up and relax

At this stage the unit can be used in mild conditions but more pegs and guys can be set if the weather looks like it might turn or you are on site for longer. If you still need convincing then check out the video on the website camperlands.co.uk – the Danish company’s UK importer.

If this is not enough we also have a superbly designed unit that has hardly changed in 30-something years. The fibreglass is hand laid, the fittings are stainless steel and the Ten Cate cotton is supplied from neighbouring Isabella – it has to be amongst the finest fabric around. No wonder these units last a camper’s lifetime.

The Savanne is based on the popular Concorde, but differs in one intriguing way. The whole of the front panel and half of the sidewalls at a diagonal can be removed to create a huge sun porch. Initially, the only advantage over the traditional design that I could see was if the unit was being used on hot Continental shores. But it turns out that the Savanne is the popular choice with anglers who can fish undercover from the big awning and have all the luxuries to hand when fishing overnight. The pitching speed, massive sun porch and quick-to-use kitchen also makes the Savanne ideal for days out – just picture it down at the beach or as a base for watersports...

As mentioned, the kitchen can be swung out and used for a roadside picnic when en route to your campsite. It features plenty of storage space, a gas hob and a 12V pumped cold water system that includes a tap.

On site storage includes a wardrobe situated between the two bedroom compartments and pelmet pockets. The skirt that cuts down the draft from under the trailer body has large integrated underbed zip-close storage bins.

Wooden lath sprung beds can be specified for comfort – as can full mat insulation of the cabin floor.
 
Camping says: If you are looking for a large quality tent of any description, consider Camp-let – you cannot fault its quality or the competitive price.

It is worth a day trip to Camperlands in south Manchester – here you can find upwards of 60 tents pitched along with Camp-let and competing units. No need for hard sell – you can see the difference for yourself.

Camperlands also offers a number of special package deals throughout the year. And, of course, you can discuss tailoring your unit by adding optional extras that include gas locker, jockey wheel, bike rack, sun canopy side and front screens, and a guest cabin.

FACTFILE

Folded: 323cm x 160cm x 95cm
Erected: 589cm x 400cm (Living area 275cm x 400cm)
Bed size one: 215cm x 160cm
Weight: 275kg (unladen); 500kg maximum
Materials: Hand laid fibreglass body; stainless steel fixings, Ten Cate cotton

CONTACT

Camperlands. Tel 0161 998 8523. Web www.camperlands.co.uk


This review was published in the February 2009 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.

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