A new family saying hello

[will_kennedy]

Hi Everyone

Just a quick post to say hello

The wife and I (plus 3 children) will be embarking on a 6 month tour of europe in the new year, we are just about to buy our first towcar and caravan.

Thought i would do the sensible thing and get opinions and advice from all the knowledgable people on here

Will

 

[Soozeeg]

Wow! That's ambitious of you......and brave! Most people just have a couple of nights away at a site about 10 minutes from home for their very first caravan outing.......lol. But good on you for having the spirit and sense of adventure, and for being prepared to seek advice first. Welcome, Will.

 

[will_kennedy]

Thanks Sue

It gets better, i am taking a loan to buy the car/caravan and we are selling the house to embark on the adventure

We will be doing a few test runs in the UK before we finally sell the house though, just incase we decide we can't cope

We are looking at buying a Bailey with triple bunk and seperate 'room' at the back, for the towcar i am after something bullet proof and reliable that i can get parts for cheap if required. The Toyota Hilux seems to be the most indestructable 4x4 in the world, second choice is a Land Cruiser, followed by a Shogun.
* prepares to be bombarded with all manner of abuse *

As i said though, we are here for advice so all bets are off until i get a real feel for what would be a good combination

Will

 

[Parksy]

Hi Will, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum where you will findy plenty of help and advice. The members who use the Overseas Parks & Touring section of the forum are experienced and helpful, I'm sure that they will pass on their extensive knowledge of Continental touring and a Japanese built 4x4 would fit the bill for towing because most of them are rugged, easy to repair although a tad expensive to run (I use a Mitsubishi Pajero).
The Hilux's hold their value as do the Land Cruisers, if you decide on a UK spec. Shoggy make sure that it's been undersealed correctly because the old seaside Shoguns from farms around Lincolnshire tend to suffer badly from rust on chassis members.
There are one or two full timers who live in their caravans in the UK on this forum, they will have tips to pass on as well.
Good Luck

 

[Mel]

Hi. As Sue said respect for your bravery and sense of adventure. I could barely organise getting my 3 kids down the park when they were young, never mind across Europe. Have a wild time.
mel

 

[NigelDonnelly]

Welcome to the forum - sounds like an awesome trip! Hope you find us useful!

 

[DianneT]

Welcome to the Forum you will pick up lots of tips. It will be a real adventure for you I know as my husband and I go to Europe every Spring for either 2 or 3 months and have done for 7 years. We have a twin axle Elddis Crusader and tow with a Kia Sorento Automatic XS have you thought of this for your tow car? It is marvelloous and never lets us down towing such a heavy caravan. There are many people on this Forum who have one too ours is 2005 but others have older, newer and the new model out now. The Caravan Club gave it top award 2 years running.
To make it cheaper while you are touring it would pay you to get an ACSI Camping Card which you can use on their recommended sites at 11, 13, or 15 euro's per night for 1 caravan, 1 car, 2 adults, certain amount of electricity at some, showers and other facilities. You would just have to pay a little more for the kids.
For more info on ACSI and review of some of their sites have a look at my Joys of Caravnning website address as below in my signature. Any more info just ask here on the Forum.

 

[ValA.]

Will - at the moment Norfolk Lines are running an offer - with the promotional code TEF04 you can book a return crossing for car and caravan (total outfit length under 12 metres) from£58.00 return. I've just checked two dates - May outward and June return comes in at £58.00, and August outward, September return comes in at £71.00.