Hi all, I'm new here and also new to the world of camping. My wife and I will be buying the vango eclipse with extension in a few weeks as well as everything we need to get started. I'm just wandering whether to buy a family car, estate or something like a vito van. We have 3 kids but my reason for these vehicles is the boot space. I'm tending to side more toward an estate car. Has anyone experienced and overcome this dilemma? Will everything go in an estate I wonder! I'm limited on budget of about £2k so let's no go crazy on ideas lol
Thanks
we have a van and an estate, wish i had bought the van years ago, it swallows everything, is convenient to get in and put waterproofs on and doesn't matter if it gets dirty, and we have never had a problem finding campsites to take us, even though its a tranny with a caravan on the back
Hey thanks guys, I hadn't thought about getting changed anywhere other than the tent. Good thinking 👍 I might go for something like the vito providing I can get one cheap enough and also with enough seats for my boys.
I was looking for quite a while for a way to transport camping gear kids and dog.Ended up with a Mercedes Vito crew van.Plenty about problem is finding a good one.In retrospect a decent sized MPV with the last row of seats removed would probably have done but i like the idea of the bulkhead between me and numerous KG of gear in the back
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-NISSAN-ELGRAND-3-2-DEISEL-SILVER-8-SEATER-PEOPLE-CARRIER-/251286086404?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a81d16304.Friend has one of these with the last row taken out.It carries all his gear and family.
I had a 5 seater swb Vito for a few years. Excellent for camping. Nice to drive too. Easy to park (had really tight turning circle, and would fit in any multistory etc that I came across). Loads of room around the seats, especially in the back, much much more than my current large estate car.
It was partly glazed, partly solid, and we did on 2 occasions have to wrangle with wardens about whether it was really a commercial. Got on in the end though, both times.
We'd probably still have it now but, cutting a long story short, it would have had to become my wife's commuting 'car' and being a van, and with a manual gearbox, she just wouldn't have it.
Can you not buy a trailer and then you can put all your camping gear in that and you won't have to worry about boot size.
I also used a cycle carrier - a few times to carry my tent as that took up alot of space - wrapped in a plastic bag and strapped on with bungee cords. Just the job!
------------- Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x
Ford transit van 2.0 diesel - medium wheelbase medium height roof and fwd ( gives more head height than the rwd models) Can stand up inside, put bicycles inside. Thinking of getting an awning for it so gear can go in awning as its got a fold down bed in there too with fridge and heater if ehu available.
Mines lx model with hi axle ratio - economical on motorway, has electric windows, air con, electric heated front screen n mirrors great sound system + armrest for drivers seat.. All comforts of a car. But space in back is fantastic. Can get 40mpg if driven gently as its basically a big empty box.. Or fully laden ( mine has 3000kg carrying capacity ) around 33mpg.
For that budget you ll get a choice of transits, the fwd, 2.0 diesel is economical choice with low floor height at back. High roof is lovely inside but do you really need such a tall vehicle? Standard roof ok can't stand up in it. Medium roof seemed a sensible option. Also be aware of ( for ford anyways ) 4 floor lengths, standard, medium, long and jumbo.
I didn't realise so many options till I started doing my homework & I'm very happy with my medium roof medium wheelbase for my needs.
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Living the Dutch Dream - Karsten 300 pod + extns in Sea Green and Pure Cotton
Wow, all this advice is fantastic, thanks everyone. I dignity think I'd be able to get a trailer into my back yard as I only have a single gate entry and figured a trailer would be too heavy to turn sideways and lift through. Apparently I was wrong as my neighbour said they aren't they heavy. Looks like I will be taking that option. Thanks everyone, and hope to chat on here again soon
Quote: Originally posted by trevlunar on 13/6/2013. Can get 40mpg if driven gently as its basically a big empty box.. Or fully laden ( mine has 3000kg carrying capacity ) around 33mpg.
3tonnes carrying capacity? think thats the overall vehicle weight, 1400kg would be more like for a med wheelbase transit.
trevor
Was thinking this myself
Nicely kitted out van though
------------- Never look down at anybody....
.....unless to offer a hand, to help them up
Quote: Originally posted by cidermush on 13/6/2013Wow, all this advice is fantastic, thanks everyone. I dignity think I'd be able to get a trailer into my back yard as I only have a single gate entry and figured a trailer would be too heavy to turn sideways and lift through. Apparently I was wrong as my neighbour said they aren't they heavy. Looks like I will be taking that option. Thanks everyone, and hope to chat on here again soon
We have got a trailer and a single gateway and lift it over the gate no problem
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Topic: van or estate car
