Air Opus Folding Camper Review

Folding campers are a good compromise for people who want the convenience and comfort of a caravan as well as the feeling of freedom you get with camping. You have the joy of sleeping under canvas with the comforts of a caravan.

They have the advantage of being 'low profile' when you tow them, which reduces the amount of drag. And, therefore, you use less fuel than when towing a caravan. Folding campers are easy to tow and, with their low weight, you can tow them with a wider variety of cars.

Who buys folding campers?

Camping is great fun. But, it can be a hassle packing up your car to go camping for a weekend, or longer. It's a challenge to get your camping gear, tent, family (and all their gear), your dog and supplies into your car.

But, a folding camper makes it easier to 'tow and go'. Just hitch up your folding camper, sling your food, kids, clothes and pets into the car, and hit the road.

Folding campers are good for that, and for people who want a bit more comfort than available in a tent. They work well for someone who is not convinced by owning a caravan, but loves to camp. Folding campers are good for people who have had enough of uncomfortable camp beds or blow up mattresses, and want a good sleep each night.

When you get to your campsite, reverse your trailer onto the pitch, fold out the 'lids' and you are halfway to having your home ready. Campers in tents will have barely got their tent out of the car by the time you have the kettle on in your folding camper.

When it comes to folding campers, there is one that stands out.

It's the Air Opus folding campers.

John Sootheran, editor of Caravan Magazine, took a look around the Opus Air on display at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.

Here's his review.

The Opus Air is a glorious example of the luxury you can have under canvas. It has two big double beds (although for anyone over 6 feet tall, it might be a struggle to sleep without their head and feet touching the sides).

Inside the trailer you have a luxurious, semi-circular seating area around a table at one end, with a kitchen in the middle. The kitchen has a gas hob, fridge and sink, plus quite a bit of storage.

When you fold out the lids, you erect the tent by blowing up the 'poles' with a pump. Within a few minutes your tent will be up, and you will be sitting around the table eating your dinner.

How much?

A new Air Opus, with a stack of extras, will set you back about £18,000 (April 2018). That's cheaper than most new caravans. The Opus is well-made and designed. It should last you a lifetime.

If you've got beyond camping, but you're not ready to get into caravanning, consider a folding camper. And, if you want to go for luxury and quality, buy an Opus Air.

Read more about the Air Opus on our Camping website here.