Hello, I really want to know the truth about caravanning. My husband is keen that this is the way to go with holidays now as our 4yr old has started school and our twins are 18 months. Been to look at new Lunar Quasar615 as we like the bunks and single bed all at one end for the kids. The idea of this all sounds quite nice but I wonder how much hassle there is with caravanning. Are they easy to maintain, are they expensive to insure and what will it be like with 3 kids! Any comments advice appreciated.
whether to caravan or not?
- Thread starter Denise4
- Start date
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!
Sorry, just had to get that out of the way...
Firstly, We have never met anyone that has tried caravanning and not liked it.
Which is not to say it's a racing cert that you will, but the chances are good, depending on what you want from a holiday. You can't rely on British weather, for that you need to go abroad, but you can still take your van with you.
As for finance, it can be as cheap or extravagant as you want to make it. Go for the latest equipment and caravan and yes, it is expensive. Go for a cheap and cheerful van, park it at home and service what you can yourself and it is exceptional value for money. Even the expensive route can be cost effective if you use your van often.
Your asking the converted, on this forum, we wouldn't be here if we didn't like getting away, so your going to get a positive response to your question, what you have to ask yourself is, what do I want from the holiday? If it's relaxation, the chance to just pick up sticks and move at a whim or having your very own hotel room on wheels then give it a go. I would recommend you start with a good second-hand van first; you wont loose much when it comes to sell and it will give you the opportunity to change for your ideal van when you know exactly what you want.
Whatever you do, welcome to the club, and that reminds me, join one of those too!
Sorry, just had to get that out of the way...
Firstly, We have never met anyone that has tried caravanning and not liked it.
Which is not to say it's a racing cert that you will, but the chances are good, depending on what you want from a holiday. You can't rely on British weather, for that you need to go abroad, but you can still take your van with you.
As for finance, it can be as cheap or extravagant as you want to make it. Go for the latest equipment and caravan and yes, it is expensive. Go for a cheap and cheerful van, park it at home and service what you can yourself and it is exceptional value for money. Even the expensive route can be cost effective if you use your van often.
Your asking the converted, on this forum, we wouldn't be here if we didn't like getting away, so your going to get a positive response to your question, what you have to ask yourself is, what do I want from the holiday? If it's relaxation, the chance to just pick up sticks and move at a whim or having your very own hotel room on wheels then give it a go. I would recommend you start with a good second-hand van first; you wont loose much when it comes to sell and it will give you the opportunity to change for your ideal van when you know exactly what you want.
Whatever you do, welcome to the club, and that reminds me, join one of those too!
I may be in a good place to answer this as I have owned a van for the grand total of 4 weeks now. Here's the top 5 ups and downs so farYou want the truth? You can't handle the truth!
Sorry, just had to get that out of the way...
Firstly, We have never met anyone that has tried caravanning and not liked it.
Which is not to say it's a racing cert that you will, but the chances are good, depending on what you want from a holiday. You can't rely on British weather, for that you need to go abroad, but you can still take your van with you.
As for finance, it can be as cheap or extravagant as you want to make it. Go for the latest equipment and caravan and yes, it is expensive. Go for a cheap and cheerful van, park it at home and service what you can yourself and it is exceptional value for money. Even the expensive route can be cost effective if you use your van often.
Your asking the converted, on this forum, we wouldn't be here if we didn't like getting away, so your going to get a positive response to your question, what you have to ask yourself is, what do I want from the holiday? If it's relaxation, the chance to just pick up sticks and move at a whim or having your very own hotel room on wheels then give it a go. I would recommend you start with a good second-hand van first; you wont loose much when it comes to sell and it will give you the opportunity to change for your ideal van when you know exactly what you want.
Whatever you do, welcome to the club, and that reminds me, join one of those too!
ups
1) go away at the drop of a hat
2) you can stay at a haven site for probably less than a quarter of the price you would pay for a haven van and still use all the facilities. They do put you a bit of a distance from everything but that means theres no noise to keep the kids awake.
3) if you take a site list with you then if you are on a site thats rubbish you can move to another
4) no unpacking of clothes when you get there is pretty much all done already
5) With 3 kids it gets busy when going home, if you get halfway home and suddenly realise you have left something in the van, no worries the van is right behind you.
downs
1) Can be a bit daunting towing the first couple of times, just take it easy you will get used to it
2) Remember to budget for all the extras you need to get started dont spend every penny on the van
3) Trying to remember all the do's and donts, best to make a checklist till you get used to it
4) other drivers, remember to read the road more carefully than you do without the van on the back, you nead to brake earlier and have much more time o speed up
5) other things stopping you gettng away every weekend, once youve done it you will want to do it every weekend
Denise, without repeating what Lol and Richard said you are talking to the converted it this forum. Do the same as I did, get a second hand van first to see if you like it. It didn't take me long to see it was the life for me and after about 6 months we sold the first van and bought a new one from the same dealers. That way we didnt lose much money, we got a good price for the old one, a 1999 Abbey GTS Vogue. You can also see if the layout is right for you. When I fetched my first caravan it was the first time I had towed but it didnt take long to get used to it. Just remember that after overtaking you have a van on the back so dont pull back in too soon.
If the weather looks promising for the weekend after a quick phone call to a site you can be away, theres no need to take a chance on the weather.
Until you get into a routine type out a "TO DO LIST" for hitching up to leave and setting up on site, get it laminated then you can tick off the jobs as you do them. If a neighbour or someone on site decided to chat to you as your going through this rigmarole you can guarantee you'll forget to do something.
If you know anyone with a caravan talk to those to bearing in mind they will be committed caravanners.
If you read these forums you will see although we are devoted vanners we are all different. For example the complaints about dog mess on dog walks, the need for 4x4s ⇦ (whispering), windbreaks, unsocial people who walk around as if they are in a Victor Meldrew competition etc.
I had my first van in Jan. 2003 and have since been from John O Groats to Lands End. We've been away about 15 times a year in the last 3 years the longest time away being just over 3 weeks in Scotland/Lake District. If we used hotels it would have cost us a fortune.
Another point is if you buy used see if the Aqua Roll / Wastemaster etc. come with the van because the cost of those items can soon add up.
Make sure your tow car is suitable for the van you are thinking of buying. Maybe if you are positive you will buy a caravan it maybe a good idea to join the Caravan Club first then you can ring their help line to see if the car and caravan are a good match before you part with your money.
I can assure you that you are 99.99% certain to enjoy it. Good luck.
If the weather looks promising for the weekend after a quick phone call to a site you can be away, theres no need to take a chance on the weather.
Until you get into a routine type out a "TO DO LIST" for hitching up to leave and setting up on site, get it laminated then you can tick off the jobs as you do them. If a neighbour or someone on site decided to chat to you as your going through this rigmarole you can guarantee you'll forget to do something.
If you know anyone with a caravan talk to those to bearing in mind they will be committed caravanners.
If you read these forums you will see although we are devoted vanners we are all different. For example the complaints about dog mess on dog walks, the need for 4x4s ⇦ (whispering), windbreaks, unsocial people who walk around as if they are in a Victor Meldrew competition etc.
I had my first van in Jan. 2003 and have since been from John O Groats to Lands End. We've been away about 15 times a year in the last 3 years the longest time away being just over 3 weeks in Scotland/Lake District. If we used hotels it would have cost us a fortune.
Another point is if you buy used see if the Aqua Roll / Wastemaster etc. come with the van because the cost of those items can soon add up.
Make sure your tow car is suitable for the van you are thinking of buying. Maybe if you are positive you will buy a caravan it maybe a good idea to join the Caravan Club first then you can ring their help line to see if the car and caravan are a good match before you part with your money.
I can assure you that you are 99.99% certain to enjoy it. Good luck.
go for it,weve been caravanning for 1 year,had a year off,couldnt stand not getting away when we wanted,missed it,and got back into it middle of this year,all be it in an old van,but the freedom it gives is great.join 1 of the clubs,we are in camping and caravanning club,and go on some rallies,and its a super,cheap way.rallies cost from about
Denise
My brother started caravanning when his first child was 6 months old and loved it.20 years later and 3 more kids still going.He begged my wife and I to start caravanning for years but my wife wasnt fussed.Eventually he talked us into it 7 years ago when our child was 2.Best thing we ever did.
My brother started caravanning when his first child was 6 months old and loved it.20 years later and 3 more kids still going.He begged my wife and I to start caravanning for years but my wife wasnt fussed.Eventually he talked us into it 7 years ago when our child was 2.Best thing we ever did.
We started caravanning when the kids were 3 and 4 when we lived in Germany and continued until the kids were 15 & 16 and didn't want to come on holiday with us any more. Sold the van but have come back to it again this year after a few years of renting cottages and hotel rooms. Much prefer the freedom of caravanning and much better and easier for the dogs (substitute kids who still want to come on holiday with us!). Start cheaply. Try to find a second hand van at this time of year from somebody who is giving up as there may well be quite abit of equipment with the van. Go to dealers to sort out which style of van suits you and then try searches on the internet on you preferred choice. To find our current van we literally typed in Abbey Vogue GTS 215 into a search engine and up came a van for sale from a vicar living only a half hour drive away, complete with everything we needed (even those we didn't realise we needed like a caravan mover - a wonderful devise for us older folk who don't have children to help push). So glad we've returned to the fold.
Mikes wife.
Mikes wife.
Denise, go for it, join a club and give the cs/cl sites a try(small 5 van sites) there are alot situated out in the wilds, it a great way to introduce the kids to the country side, and when they get tired of walking running and climbing their bed is nearby. come and join us you`ll love it.
good luck Tony A.
good luck Tony A.
Hi Denise,
Many years ago when our own children were of similar age to yours, we were on holiday staying in a hotel. When the kids went to bed around 7pm we were left sitting in a small hotel room watching TV !! Next summer I bought a caravan and when the children were sleeping in the caravan after a full days adventure, we sat relaxing outside sipping on a glass of wine and talking to the many other friendly caravaners who passed by our door - safe in the knowledge that the children were only a few feet away and within easy earshot.
Go for it !!!
Many years ago when our own children were of similar age to yours, we were on holiday staying in a hotel. When the kids went to bed around 7pm we were left sitting in a small hotel room watching TV !! Next summer I bought a caravan and when the children were sleeping in the caravan after a full days adventure, we sat relaxing outside sipping on a glass of wine and talking to the many other friendly caravaners who passed by our door - safe in the knowledge that the children were only a few feet away and within easy earshot.
Go for it !!!
Denise - you have probably read all the replies on this topic and there appears to be no negative responses. There is also some very good advice. My wife and I have been caravanning for almost 36 years with only one mishap. Therefore on sound advice from the replies go out and study what is available and let your heart win over your head and go for it. By God you wont regret it - we haven't. Good luck.
you want negatives,got a brand new van in 2003,have to keep it in storage as no room at home,2003 went local at weekends,rained, awning saturated every time,2 weeks in france brilliant weather at summer. 2004, same,rained every weekend,awning wet again,summer 2004 france again fab weather. 2005 same wet weather at weekends, awning in dinning room to dry out again, summer in spain scorching,got seriously cheesed of at the amount of effort involved in getting ready to go away, then when you come home it takes about a week to get back to normal,plus haveing to get van back out of storeage the next weekend to clean the mud out of the carpet,all that work to get a couple of nights lying in bed listening to the rain rattleing on the roof. well guess what, van now sold and going to use statics both here and abroad, spain 06 booked already and no more towing
Denise
I am a diet late on getting to this one. A lot as been sad that I wound have sad my self.
Me & wife & kids have only been doing caravanning for 1 & hare years. Whished we had started sooner as we love it.
Mark
I am a diet late on getting to this one. A lot as been sad that I wound have sad my self.
Me & wife & kids have only been doing caravanning for 1 & hare years. Whished we had started sooner as we love it.
Mark
Hi Denise,what everyone says is true just think about it your own country or seaside cottage in whatever location you want.But please go to the front of this web site and click on the advise sections,where you will find out all you need to know about towing.welcome to our world!Paul
We are new to caravanning too, we bought a coachman amara a couple of months back.
We were in a dilema. Had a couple of thousand in the bank so didnt know whether to buy a cheapie to see if we liked caravanning before spending loads of money, or to go the whole hog and buy new. The risk is of course, if you dont like it, spending
We were in a dilema. Had a couple of thousand in the bank so didnt know whether to buy a cheapie to see if we liked caravanning before spending loads of money, or to go the whole hog and buy new. The risk is of course, if you dont like it, spending
Steve can you keep me posted where you go to in this country using statics because I didnt realise it never rained on them ;O)you want negatives,got a brand new van in 2003,have to keep it in storage as no room at home,2003 went local at weekends,rained, awning saturated every time,2 weeks in france brilliant weather at summer. 2004, same,rained every weekend,awning wet again,summer 2004 france again fab weather. 2005 same wet weather at weekends, awning in dinning room to dry out again, summer in spain scorching,got seriously cheesed of at the amount of effort involved in getting ready to go away, then when you come home it takes about a week to get back to normal,plus haveing to get van back out of storeage the next weekend to clean the mud out of the carpet,all that work to get a couple of nights lying in bed listening to the rain rattleing on the roof. well guess what, van now sold and going to use statics both here and abroad, spain 06 booked already and no more towing
Hi
Caravanning with small children is harder than caravanning as a couple, especially as there is so much to remember to take. Therefore, try a few trips and if successful try and duplicate as much equipment as you use in the house as you can and then there is much less to remember. At the very least., get a second kettle, pans, crockery etc. which you can leave in the van. If you do take to it you will always be buying something new for the caravan which makes life easier, even if it,s only a sharper potato peeler! It just becomes a hobby!
Caravanning with small children is harder than caravanning as a couple, especially as there is so much to remember to take. Therefore, try a few trips and if successful try and duplicate as much equipment as you use in the house as you can and then there is much less to remember. At the very least., get a second kettle, pans, crockery etc. which you can leave in the van. If you do take to it you will always be buying something new for the caravan which makes life easier, even if it,s only a sharper potato peeler! It just becomes a hobby!
who said it does not rain on statics,who cares.i wont have a awning in my dining room for a week to dry or time cleaning it again. with a static, a quick clean and walk[drive] awaySteve can you keep me posted where you go to in this country using statics because I didnt realise it never rained on them ;O)
I'm in the Lake District this weekend with a wife in a wheelchair, kids are easy, if you are within distance you are welcome to come for a visit, see a good site and ask anything you want. Don't expect perfection, its an van, an old towcar and an old goat with em.
cheers
big al
cheers
big al
We're in our 3rd year we have a 6 year old and a nearly 2 plus 4 dogs and we love it. It doesn't matter what you spend the enjoyment is the same, just more luxury in the top end vans. Try one out first would be my opinion first, but beware its addictive
I hope you don`t waste money on the lottery ,you must be the unluckiest bloke I`ve heard of.you want negatives,got a brand new van in 2003,have to keep it in storage as no room at home,2003 went local at weekends,rained, awning saturated every time,2 weeks in france brilliant weather at summer. 2004, same,rained every weekend,awning wet again,summer 2004 france again fab weather. 2005 same wet weather at weekends, awning in dinning room to dry out again, summer in spain scorching,got seriously cheesed of at the amount of effort involved in getting ready to go away, then when you come home it takes about a week to get back to normal,plus haveing to get van back out of storeage the next weekend to clean the mud out of the carpet,all that work to get a couple of nights lying in bed listening to the rain rattleing on the roof. well guess what, van now sold and going to use statics both here and abroad, spain 06 booked already and no more towing
Tony A.
G
Guest
I think the main points have already been made. We all like caravanning very much but I think it should be made clear that this is our 'choice' of holidaying type, not necessarily the cheapest etc. In fact if you only use the van for a few weekends and one fortnightly trip per year, then maybe it is not such a good idea. However, it is indeed a wonderful experience for children and when they have all left home you can enjoy the hobby in a different vein as a couple. Do make sure the children are entrusted with some chores to do. Mine used to get the water, empty the waste, (much to their annoyance) and my son was adept at getting under the van to put the legs down. This was long before cordless drills were invented. Also as they get older they can do some of the navigating, and don't get too annoyed if they direct you up a one way street the wrong way, it happens to us all.
You don't mention your towing vehicle but I assume you have checked out weights and power outputs etc. As already mentioned there is plenty of advice from either this Fortum or either of the main caravanning clubs.
If you are still undecided what about trying one of the self contained camping holidays from Eurocamp etc? This would allow you to see what camping on a site is like and give you an idea if you like the lifestyle. I know it is a tent but it does have all the gizmos included, and usually the weather is warm in the south of Europe. Nothing can be a bigger dampener than the first weekend of total rain. Then go buy your own caravan and take it from there.
Good luck with what ever you decide.
You don't mention your towing vehicle but I assume you have checked out weights and power outputs etc. As already mentioned there is plenty of advice from either this Fortum or either of the main caravanning clubs.
If you are still undecided what about trying one of the self contained camping holidays from Eurocamp etc? This would allow you to see what camping on a site is like and give you an idea if you like the lifestyle. I know it is a tent but it does have all the gizmos included, and usually the weather is warm in the south of Europe. Nothing can be a bigger dampener than the first weekend of total rain. Then go buy your own caravan and take it from there.
Good luck with what ever you decide.
G
Guest
By the way I forgot to mention the issue of costs. The price of your outfit, insurance, is, as has already been mentioned, entirely up to you and the size of your wallet.
However, you also need to recognise that using the caravan will entail costs as well. My experience suggests that a figure of 80 - 100 pounds per day will cover the costs of fuel, sites , food, and reasonable entertainment etc for a family of 2/3. As children get older , and much bigger in appetites, then the food budget can increase drastically. It should also be noted that living costs in Europe are generally much cheaper than the UK and the equivalent figure of 80-100 Euros can be achieved, a significant saving. Even the cost of getting there is getting cheaper all the time, with competition on ferries and of course some cheaper fuel costs in Europe.
Some of your costs will be covered by your normal budgeting, but don't underestimate what you will end up spending. Of course if you just go 5 miles down the roasd and never move off site then the costs will be cheaper than what i have mentioned, but what would be the point?
However, you also need to recognise that using the caravan will entail costs as well. My experience suggests that a figure of 80 - 100 pounds per day will cover the costs of fuel, sites , food, and reasonable entertainment etc for a family of 2/3. As children get older , and much bigger in appetites, then the food budget can increase drastically. It should also be noted that living costs in Europe are generally much cheaper than the UK and the equivalent figure of 80-100 Euros can be achieved, a significant saving. Even the cost of getting there is getting cheaper all the time, with competition on ferries and of course some cheaper fuel costs in Europe.
Some of your costs will be covered by your normal budgeting, but don't underestimate what you will end up spending. Of course if you just go 5 miles down the roasd and never move off site then the costs will be cheaper than what i have mentioned, but what would be the point?
Remember the cardinal rules
No 4x4
No new caravan/car
No dogs (I agree with that one)
No tv/dish
No washing line
No isolation
No flowers on show
Must speak to all and sundry
Must be in bed before 11 pm
Allow all to wander over your pitch
To encourage football and other games
within easy range of your van/car
Entertain others when reversing rig or
erecting awning (not a problem when
experienced.
Etc Etc Etc
yes my family and I enjoy caravanning.
roger
No 4x4
No new caravan/car
No dogs (I agree with that one)
No tv/dish
No washing line
No isolation
No flowers on show
Must speak to all and sundry
Must be in bed before 11 pm
Allow all to wander over your pitch
To encourage football and other games
within easy range of your van/car
Entertain others when reversing rig or
erecting awning (not a problem when
experienced.
Etc Etc Etc
yes my family and I enjoy caravanning.
roger
You forgot windbreaks!Remember the cardinal rules
No 4x4
No new caravan/car
No dogs (I agree with that one)
No tv/dish
No washing line
No isolation
No flowers on show
Must speak to all and sundry
Must be in bed before 11 pm
Allow all to wander over your pitch
To encourage football and other games
within easy range of your van/car
Entertain others when reversing rig or
erecting awning (not a problem when
experienced.
Etc Etc Etc
yes my family and I enjoy caravanning.
roger
Denise, this is our first year of caravanning and our two children (7 & 4) love it-they have so much space & freedom to play,ride their bikes etc, something you wouldnt get in a hotel or apartment.That means you also get a bit of time to relax. Once you get past the initial expenditure (which as others have said can be as much or as little as you like) and get use to the setting up/putting it all away routine it is well worth it. Put it this way, last year we had one holiday (peak summer holiday time), this year we have had five (between Easter and half term) and it hasnt cost that much more. Get as much info as you can before you buy - I never knew there was so much to take account of when towing - kerbweight, nosewight etc. Try the camping & caravan club website where you can download some factsheets. Go for it!
Practical Caravan is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
Facebook
Twitter