Best caravan for family of 4 below 10k

[wrecker73]

So what's your recommendation for a caravan below 10k, for 2 adults 2 kids and a dog. Newbie to Caravanning so would welcome recommendations and experience. Needs to be for regular touring rather than weeks in one place. So much choice...help!!!

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

As you say there is so much choice. What sort of layout are you seeking, what age are children, bunks for kids or separate beds, etc? Do you want to make full use of on-board facilities or use toilet blocks on sites? What tow car do you have? Do you want an entry model or more fully equipped?

Click here for 4 berth layouts.

or here for 5 berth layouts (including 1 for the dog).

 

[wrecker73]

Towing vehicle not an issue. Don't want it to be to big so can store at home if needed. Like the idea of bunks so can turn up late to site and have kids beds sorted. Oldest 7, so wasn't sure how long bunks are suitable when get older. Generally what to make use of of camp services,.

 

[Craigyoung]

Hi there Wrecker73 ,
we have the Orion it is a 5 Berth, 3 bunk beds for the kids , our double bed at the front which takes only a few minutes to make up , the bottom bunk would do for the dog . We tend t let the kids have top 2 and use storage for the btm one . We are a family of four and done France twice in it no problem . Light enough to pull and everything you need, decent enough size to store on House Drive to .

Enjoy and good luck whateva the outcome.
Craig .

 

[Parksy]

It might help you to decide which layout suits you and your family best if you visit caravan dealers and have a look inside some of the used models on their forecourt.
Have a browse through the Caravan Buyers Guide to avoid the more common pitfalls associated with buying a tourer, enjoy looking

 

[Raywood]

It is very much like buying the car, everybody wants something different and frankly there is not a lot between makes. I would look for the layout you feel works best for you and find a good one and worry about the make later. Even the so called basic caravans are pretty good these days but again it is a matter of what you like with a choice of something newer with less frills or if you want more comfort and gadgets an older model.
We took three children with us and found that for us the best bet was an area for the children at the rear where they can play away from us during the day if it rains and are not disturbed by us at night.
Bunk size can sometimes be a problem so you need to check this but fixed bunks should not be a problem regarding weight although folding ones can have limits but you would probably be a few years down the line before it mattered.
If you have the car to tow it two fixed bunks at one side at the rear and a table that converts at the other might be the best but look at the options. This layout means a smaller toilet but if you use the site facilities this should not matter.
On most six berths the kitchen will be compromised but you may just have to live with this.

 

[Martin24]

At the end of the day the quick answer is one that has no damp and is in good condition. The layout is all down to personal choice and what you feel as a family works best for you . In answer to the bunks, we left fixed bunks behind two years ago when our youngest (top bunk) was ten. Most fixed bunk vans will be 5 or 6 berth. The sleeping space was never an issue but access and sitting up etc was. All three children are comfy in singles in the 6 berth and the three dogs find someone to sleep on most nights.

 

[crazyguider]

We have a 2004 Avondale Dart with rear fixed bunks, and two side bunks that make a second seating area during the day. We have had it for nearly 6 years and its suited us exactly.
Its also nice and light to tow. Don't buy one later than 2006, tho, as they went bust in 2008 after a management buyout and lots of corner cutting.
Best of luck with whatever you buy.