I just joined the forum and am looking for some advise please.
I fondly remember caravan holidays as a child and as I now have children am considering buying one myself. However, the other half is not yet onboard with the idea of caravans so she came up with an alternative plan; as my hobby is restoring classic cars she suggested we get an old VW camper and do it up. Apparently they are cooler than caravans...
So I bought a Vintage VW, spent a year restoring and modernising it and to be fair it is pretty much spot on now; cool / modern interior, popup roof, LED lighting, fridge sink, cooker sound system etc. However, obviously it is too small for a family of four; we have been on a couple of trips and my wife agrees it is far from ideal. Fortunately though the work I have put in is not wasted as these old Dubs are fetching top money and are an appreciating asset.
So we have now migrated to Wife plan v2: Sell VW camper, buy a more modern big motorhome. OK so this is not a bad plan as it will be more or less cost-neutral (if we don't go too new or big) and will give us more space. However I pointed out the practicality concerns of arriving and setting up onsite with no transport other than the motorhome itself. Of course we have this issue with the VW right now but at least it is relatively small; driving a large motorhome around Welsh seaside towns or Devon country lanes will be challenging.
This discussion resulted in the relatively short-lived Wife plan v2.1; get an even bigger motorhome with a more powerful motor, an A-frame and a Fiat 500 to tow. Financing such a setup would be interesting but the main issue is we do not have the space.
So, we have now come more or less full circle to the most obvious choice. Financially and practicality a caravan makes more sense: more room and cheaper to own than both the camper and motorhome, we can budget less for a caravan and get something more modern into the bargain, plus we can unhitch the van and have a car to get us about. What's more (and by happy coincidence) I recently changed our family car for a turbo-diesel Honda CRV 4x4 which as luck would have it is a great towing car. Apparently....
So, almost all the pieces are in place. All I need now is to scope out the type of van that meets all the criteria I imagine she will like and casually show one to her if/when we just happen to pass a caravan sales site that has one in stock. OK, this might be a challenge but there are a few big second-hand dealers in the SE and hopefully Wife plan v3.0 ("perhaps we should consider a caravan") will be born as a result!
Now, this is where I need help from you lot please. I need a list of vans that ideally have the following features:
Maximum length (incl hitch) of 6.5m (21'04") but ideally 6m so my hedge can stay.
4 or 5 Berth
2 bunk beds for the kids in separate area from the lounge / double bed.
Shower, ideally in a separate area to loo or sink.
Electric hookup
leisure battery
Cassette / flushing loo
Heating
Hob / Oven / Microwave
Sink, tap and ideally hot water
Lots of clever storage
Is there such a beast? I have spent quite a while looking at layout pictures on Caravan-Trader and eBay etc and referencing them with specs via Google but the only possibility I have so far is the Bailey Orion 450-5.
However, apart from identifying potential candidates I have also read a few horror-stories about build quality so I need advice on which makes / models I should go for and the best way to achieve both is to ask right here....
How much are you thinking of spending
How old are the children
Do you want fixed bed or convert the dining table.
When did you pass your driving test was it pre 1997
Whatever you go for will be the best compromise for you. If you have a big bathroom or fixed bed etc then something else will have to be smaller to make room for it.
Ok, so it's not a caravan, but you could try a folding camper. Lots of space and easy to store. Something like a Pennine Pathfinder? (See folding camper section on this site). Good luck with your search for the right vehicle!
I am budgeting 10-12K.
Kids are 7 and 10.
I want fixed bunks for the kids and happy for a dining bed for us.
Really fancy a separate loo from shower too.
And yes; I passed my test a long time before 97....
I don't think there are many with separate shower and toilet. They are usually in together.
Good healthy budget
Be aware that bunks are usually child sized and kids grow. We had 3 boys all well over 6 foot now. The bunks lasted until they were 12 or 13. But they went into pup tents then.
I could be wrong, but I think the only layout with a separate toilet and shower, is the rear island bed. But you can't have it with bunks though.
I know all about doing your homework and having something concrete to present to SWMBO, but I would suggest that in this situation it would be worthwhile for both of you, even the children too, to have a wander around some caravan sales places, initially just to see/compare the various layouts. Then having decided on a layout, have a further wander around looking for what's available in the particular layout you've decided on.
I have the 2015 Adria Altea Severn with the twin fixed bunksand it is ideal for grandchildren or younger children. Bsthroom is a bit small but functional.
Cost 13495 From the Caravan Company in Corfe Mullen Dorset.
I hadn't realised that some bunk beds may be small. I had been looking at the specs of the Bailey Orion 450-5 and the 2011 brochure lists them as 6ft so I had assumed all would be about the same. Thanks for the headsup!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Buying Advice Please
