We've made the upgrade this year and absolutely love it. Originally hubby said that we should keep the tent - we've been away twice now and he's thinking that we'll try and sell it now
Go round a few dealers and get an idea of the layout that would suit you best and an idea of what you will get for your money.
Incidentally we were set on the idea of getting a twin diner - changed our minds and got an end bathroom model and we love it.
The awning gives us enough of a tenting fix (the smell and the sound of the zip).
We changed from tent to caravan at the end of March this year, (after 15 years) and have been away 4 times so far. Absolutely love it. Each time we pack up I sit in the car on the way back and comment how much less stressed I am than when we packed up the tent. I feel like I have had a holiday as well as hubby & children!!!!!
Key word is "research" and this site has proved invaluable to us for advice & tips. We decided to get a caravan in October last year and have spend 6 months getting ideas.
It is much easier to see the funny side of camping holidays in a caravan. I wouldn't have been sitting on the sofa with glass of wine in hand, laughing hysterically whilst hubby emptied toilet cassette in pouring rain. I'd have been miserable as well in the tent.
We have kept 2 of our tents just in case, but like previous comments I can't see us using them in the near future.
Most people move to caravan after enjoying camping purely because of the unpredictable weather. At least you can do something inside whilst it's raining.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Mop on 23/5/2010
Most people move to caravan after enjoying camping purely because of the unpredictable weather. At least you can do something inside whilst it's raining.
My mind is beginning to boggle
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
Go for it! If your worried about what your car can tow, then go for something lightweight, like a freedom or similar microlite caravan. No difference in layout, etc., but made from lighter materials.
I've towed mine twice now. For years I had a tent until a back injury forced a change. Then a campervan, and finally - a Kip! And I love it. I tow with a 1.6 Nissan Almera Autmatic.
Thank you so so so much everyone for all the wonderful advice and tips, its really helped, I know we will love caravaning, and so will the kids, and I wont have to worry about chloe coming home with a cough like everytime we camp!! I will do lots of looking into it b4 taking the plunge, ie what weight van we can tow, how much it will cost to store etc, and will also be making sure I dont get lumbered with a caravan with damp!!! thanks guys, its really helped
We use both a caravan and a tent. We are going in the tent next week actually. Yay!! We have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.0DTI which to be honest as a car is fab but as a towing vehicle - not very impressive. But, we have a 4 berth Marauder which is a very lightweight caravan. Except there are 5 of us and the dog. Well he's only little so doesn't take up much room but with the awning we manage fine. Me and hubby in double bed. Middle and youngest in bunks and teenage daughter who demands privacy in the inner tent in the awning. Everyone happy, everyone got their own bed, easy lightweight caravan to tow with crap car and still plenty room in awning if it rains.
------------- Smoke me a kipper ............ I'll be back for breakfast!!!!!
Don't dismiss folding campers as a candidate. Easier to put up and take down than a tent, an easier to handle and tow than a caravan. There is at least one trip to the scottish borders where the wind was shoving our cars around that I was thankfull I didn't have a 'van on the back.
------------- My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.
4 years ago we a started camping in a tent. We had the most dreadful weather and decided we needed something a bit easier to set up. So we bought a folding camper, it was more comfortable, but it took just as long in the end to set up as we found we needed the awning. Also we had to move everything out of the camper before we could get in. So we took the plunge this year, after the OH saying when we got the camper "I am never towing a van!" to get a van. We love it, it is so much easier when we get to site. You still have a bit of fiddling around, but we can choose whether to put the awning up or not and still have plenty of room. We also take the awning down the night before we leave so it is easier to get away. I did sell my big Outwell Norfolk lake, but kept my cabanon barbados. It is a wonderful tent and so easy to set up, but to small for the 4 of us. So I am going to use it for romantic weekends away. We did have to upgrade our car as the Van we chose was heavy.
Well we upgraded from an Aztec Cantera 9 to a 1989 Elddis Wisp 400-5, with an NR awning, Wastemaster, Aquaroll, Thetford toilet (with level gauge), full documents, water heater, gas cylinder, stakes, stabiliser, the works, cost £620 from Ebay. Just needed a new side window.
Wife uses a Vectra 2.0 tdi, tows it easily, quicker to set up and pack away. Go for it but be careful, dont be sold something too big and remember salesmen are not always right and real bargains do exist!
------------- Just remember, if it is older than yours, smaller than yours but next to yours, there is probably no credit owing on it...
Well we upgraded from an Aztec Cantera 9 to a 1989 Elddis Wisp 400-5, with an NR awning, Wastemaster, Aquaroll, Thetford toilet (with level gauge), full documents, water heater, gas cylinder, stakes, stabiliser, the works, cost £620 from Ebay. Just needed a new side window.
Wife uses a Vectra 2.0 tdi, tows it easily, quicker to set up and pack away. Go for it but be careful, dont be sold something too big and remember salesmen are not always right and real bargains do exist!
------------- Just remember, if it is older than yours, smaller than yours but next to yours, there is probably no credit owing on it...
We've made the upgrade this year and absolutely love it. Originally hubby said that we should keep the tent - we've been away twice now and he's thinking that we'll try and sell it now
Go round a few dealers and get an idea of the layout that would suit you best and an idea of what you will get for your money.
Incidentally we were set on the idea of getting a twin diner - changed our minds and got an end bathroom model and we love it.
The awning gives us enough of a tenting fix (the smell and the sound of the zip).
I agree with you there, that sound of zips and smell inside the awning :) We too upgraded from tent to caravan, no going bk now, although we have kept one of our tents in case we fancy a weekend away :)
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: from tent to caravan??
