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Topic: Caravan layout for 4 with tall teenagers

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jimJAM71

via mobile 29/5/2019 at 10:02am
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We’ve owned an Adria 542DK with fixed bunks since new and although ideal when our boys were little they are now 16 & 13, with the 16 yr old over 6ft.
We’ve just returned from a weekend away and our 16 yr old is now too heavy for the top bunk and struggled for comfortable space in the bottom bunk.
I’m just wondering whether we should consider a change of van (bearing in mind time is probably limited for family holidays 😢) or just make do. Caravan would be used for weekend breaks in the UK and 2 weeks in France.
Has anyone found a manufacturer with a suitable layout? Needs to be suitable for a 2L diesel Ford Kuga to tow.
For short breaks we use the van without an awning so the layout is key.
Any suggestions would be welcome from any families in a similar position.

thechief

29/5/2019 at 10:39am
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Caravan and XC90

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If you don't change your van you could always get a hanging bedroom for the awning (assuming you have an awning?).

Or pup-tent?

My oldest is almost 6 foot and now prefers to sleep outside.

navver

29/5/2019 at 7:19pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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I'd be tempted to get a pup tent. They don't go caravanning with Mum and Dad much past 16 and tend to want their own space which a pup tent will give them.

JTQU

30/5/2019 at 6:24am
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S

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I very much agree that kids into their teens need their own space.
Therefore, awning annexes or own tents are IMO a far better short term option than buying into a different van for what can't but now be a very limited "life span" need.

jtaw45

via mobile 30/5/2019 at 6:26am
Location: Hull
Outfit: Elddis Tempest

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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 29/5/2019
I'd be tempted to get a pup tent. They don't go caravanning with Mum and Dad much past 16 and tend to want their own space which a pup tent will give them.

I agree 100%, another year at the most and you'll probably find there's only 3 of you. They'll probably enjoy having their own space and privacy as well. Quechua pop ups from Decathlon are excellent tents.

-------------
La Plage Blanche
Camping Solitaire Du lac
Camping Les Bouleaux
Val de Vesle

chicaguapa

18/6/2019 at 7:25am
Location: North West
Outfit: Unicorn Seville 2016

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We’re in a similar position ourselves. We can’t rely on using a pup tent as we caravan all year so need an option for the winter too.

We’re thinking of going down the fixed twin route, because that’s essentially what we have now at nighttime (having decommissioned the top bunk) but we’re still unsure about the practicalities of losing the dinette option during the day.

We have found that the bunk sizes are getting bigger now though and our tallest benefits from wider bunks rather than length, so our current van will work ok for another year at least.

Ideally the caravan manufacturers will cotton on that the twin sofa option was a good one and make those again. We’d be very happy with sofas at both end, with the back set long enough for 2 singles, but used as a living space during the day.

macarw

29/2/2020 at 5:33pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Swift Escape 694

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I know this is an old thread but does anyone know of a suitable layout? Our eldest teenager has grown out of the bunk and the younger won't be far behind.

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