I really wanted to like a forward fold but ended up with a rear fold again for a number of reasons.
Inside storage - under the bed for clothes etc, in drawers, no bags - happy wife. On bed - solar panels, tables etc.
Inside mattress - proper one, with a topper - bed stays made, pillows stay too
Outside annexe - rear fold is bigger and that is where we live - no staircase right in the middle where everyone sits
Outside kitchen - much better laid out, at one end, again with nobody walking through it
Outside storage - one big gullwing box with space to fit what I want rather than numerous drawers
Outside storage - rear folds can have a large bag/box over the kitchen permanently for all the chairs, annexe, walls, pegs etc etc and don't need to be removed to unpack every time
Fridges - mine has swallowed a 110 evakool and could go bigger - FF's are very particular about fridge height
BBQ - in the kitchen and ready to go where you want it.
Annexe poles/canvas - forward folds pitch higher off the ground and need ladders. I do my rear fold off the ground - shorter people would need a ladder with a rear fold also
Drunk test - there is a flight of stairs to be negotiated in a FF...........
Rear fold bad points
Floor must be very clean before folding over your bed - I sweep and use a small tarp over the bed
Yes, a rear fold is longer on the ground when set up - forward folds would be better for overnighters in truck stops if that is your thing - we do plenty of overnighters touring, never had an issue, never stayed at a free truck stop either.
Kids beds - rear fold needs bunks or mats to be set up.
Invalid points
Only a forward fold can be set up on rough ground - not true. Rear fold have adjustable legs on the floor section. Any rougher than that and you won't be camping there anyway
Forward folds faster to set up - I don't think so
Forward folds are heavy on the ball - rear folds can be just as heavy.
This is just my perspective. Everybody is different and there is a reason why there are plenty of both in the market.
