In 2009 we bought our first caravan a 2 berth 1994 Elddis for £1475, it came with a full awning plus annexe that easily fit a double airbed, this was our teenage daughters room, she loved it as it meant she could get up to go to the loo in the caravan without being spotted by other campers and not having to change from her pj's. Awnings with annexes are great for children as it gives them their own room for playing, music etc but much safer than a separate tent and if they don't always come with you, you will have the room as extra for storage.
The above may depend on your children's age but I'm sure that 2 together would love it as an adventure.
Our 2nd caravan bought end of last season is a 4 berth side dinette 2001 £2700, the awning is large enough that we could easily fit an inner tent in it or a little pop up tent if needed, however as we now holiday on our own mostly the idea was buy a larger caravan so we don't have to put an awning up for the extra space to eat.
This style is very popular and would get you a nice one for £3000, just make sure it has an awning. We find buying and selling late August has worked well for us.
Good luck in your search.
------------- "Close your eyes and pretend it's all a dream, that's how I get by"
You know... an awning for more room hadn't really crossed my mind. I had the idea that a porch awning would be nice to leave muddy shoes in and to sit in if it's raining but as an extra bedroom space... hadn't thought of it!
And so perhaps we'll just keep this one and invest money in keeping it going longer. If I'm willing to spend up to £3000 on a 6-berth that will also be old and have problems, then no reason why we can't use that same budget to keep our old caravan going.
Our DIY skills are lacking and we don't have a lot of tools but even if we pay for some things I think we'll get value for money.
If you don't already have an awning, measure your awning rail from floor to floor and keep an eye on ebay, you can buy universal annexe pods to add on, might just be a different colour from awning.
We got five years out of our first caravan before deciding to upgrade, more for size than age.
------------- "Close your eyes and pretend it's all a dream, that's how I get by"
Yeah, I suppose they will get chilly as there's no way to close off the bottom inside, under the van.
I've read how to measure and I'm going to be doing that soon. I'm probably going to buy at least a decent porch awning fairly soon. A full-size awning can wait a bit, I think.
HI Brandnewday you are talking of a 6 berth oldish van before you buy what sort of motor do you intend to tow with as this going to be quite a heavy van.
I presume it will be two adults and four kids, What are the kids ages.
Are two or more old enough to sleep in a full awning on camp beds with good sleeping bags.
This way you could purchase a good four berth with awning off a elderly couple who due to ill health have to give up caravanning.
You will most probably get a 5/8 year old van well looked after and cherished. For about£3000/£4000 depending on model which if you look after should last you 10 years.
I am sure where ever you go there will always be somebody to help and advise you on site as I have found most genuine vanners are always willing to help, and there again there are those that treat a van if a Wendy house in kids playground.
good luck in your search hope you find a "Goodun"
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Topic: At What Price Can You Get Decent?
