We only went out for a look....

[GaryH]

...yep, you've guessed it, ended up buying one!

We are Gary & Amanda, Sam (2) and Ben (21 weeks) and are now the proud owners of a 2006 5 berth Sterling Trekker.

We'll pull it (hopefully) with our VW Passat estate. We were campers before the kids but decided to plump for the van as it's easier. Wife still worries about how we're going to get Ben to sleep (cot too big) but we'll figure something out.

We pick the van up a week on Friday so it's panic stations for me to get a towbar fitted, extra number plate ordered, mirror extensions and anything else I've forgot. Hello to everyone on here and be prepared for lots of daft questions from us newbies!

Gary & Amanda

 

[Nicola_374323910]

Just like you. We have had our first weekend away with our new sterling 5 berth with Adam (3) and Caleb (10 months). Had a great time. First night made up double bed at back and put kids head to foot with Caleb on the inside in a baby sleeping bag with seat cushions between both of them and this was great. Next night thought we would sleep them like in two singles. Used table on its side as a bed guard for youngest one. Caleb slept ok but Adams covers kept falling off so will stick to double bed arrangemet next time. I am sure you wll have a brill time. We were nervous about towing so this was our trial weekend before easter so literally went to a camp site 5 miles from home but was good to get your bearings and only went home once for a mobile phone charger and tray for high chair which we had forgotten. BTW it was a lifesaver just one of the ones that would normally strap to kitchen chair. Have fun the first time you go. Nicola

 

[Chaps]

Welcome to the Forum Gary and family. You'll find lots of good advice here.

We're off on our second outing on Good Friday having collected our first caravan last October half term. We love it already and Claire has spent the odd saturday afternoon in the van over the winter 'cleaning and tidying' - actually just an excuse for a bit of solitude and playing at caravans!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we already do.

Claire & Rob

Geist AK495 & Vauxhall Zafira cdti

 

[GaryH]

Just like you. We have had our first weekend away with our new sterling 5 berth with Adam (3) and Caleb (10 months). Had a great time. First night made up double bed at back and put kids head to foot with Caleb on the inside in a baby sleeping bag with seat cushions between both of them and this was great. Next night thought we would sleep them like in two singles. Used table on its side as a bed guard for youngest one. Caleb slept ok but Adams covers kept falling off so will stick to double bed arrangemet next time. I am sure you wll have a brill time. We were nervous about towing so this was our trial weekend before easter so literally went to a camp site 5 miles from home but was good to get your bearings and only went home once for a mobile phone charger and tray for high chair which we had forgotten. BTW it was a lifesaver just one of the ones that would normally strap to kitchen chair. Have fun the first time you go. Nicola

Hi Nicola,

Thanks for those words of comfort. It's nice to hear from other people in the same boat (or van).

I don't think we have the option of making it a double at the back (I need to check that next week when we pick it up!) - so it'll be singles for our 2. I'm thinking of securing the cot somehow on the single which has a table on it. Shouldn't be too hard. Our 2 year old loved it when we viewed the van. So many nooks and crannies to hide stuff! We'll need to hang the keys up high I reckon!

Glad your first trip went well. We haven't got to the point of booking anywhere yet (too many things to sort out before pick up) but we'll do the same I guess, a weekend somewhere local to get our bearings. Keep in touch and we can compare our progress.

Cheers,

Gary

 

[GaryH]

Welcome to the Forum Gary and family. You'll find lots of good advice here.

We're off on our second outing on Good Friday having collected our first caravan last October half term. We love it already and Claire has spent the odd saturday afternoon in the van over the winter 'cleaning and tidying' - actually just an excuse for a bit of solitude and playing at caravans!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we already do.

Claire & Rob

Geist AK495 & Vauxhall Zafira cdti

Hi Clare & Rob,

Good to hear from you. I've seen you on the forums quite a bit. Nice to hear from fellow novices, it's a daunting world when you buy your 1st van!

I'm sure we will enjoy it, just need to pick it up and have a weekend to get up to speed. Then we'll start to relax!

So much to do....!

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to talk and keep in touch..

Gary & Amanda

 

[Pat_374304630]

Greetings and welcome.

Your positive attitude to caravanning is a breath of fresh air.Our kids when they were young thoroughly enjoyed caravanning.It has taken us to some beautiful places both in the UK and abroad.

Enjoy.