Family caravan

Flick

Firstly on our side of things, we have 17, 12 and 5 year old. Caravan comfortably seats/sleeps 4 and so we found since our youngest arrived, that the caravan became very very claustrophobic. We now use the Caravan basically for cooking, sleeping and storage, the annex the living, and our 17-year-old is still coming along with us but is now sleeping in a tent (three second type). I reckon with five boys you couldn't live in any average Caravan and would have to do something like what we're doing as well.

On our set up, we have a two bunk set up where the top one goes up so that bottom can become a seat. However we just tend not to bother putting it up for one reason or another, but that's a hassle because you can only get in and out of the table seating on one side (so everyone's got a move). Therefore (I think) fixed bunks is basically all you need and be sure you can get in and out of table seating on two sides.

We never put the table down - this is basically the centre of activity and where we put clothes etc at night, so using that area for a bed just doesn't make sense to me.

We have v.nice annex that I refuse to put up unless we staying at a place for a few nights - very elaborate but quite a job to get up / down (we didn't get an awning because Caravan won't fit through our roller door at home). With you're big family I suggest you need an annexe /awning set up, that's easy to put up including sides. We even put up the sides in summer for security (so our stuff out of sight and out of mind).

Have found we couldn’t put up annex in wet at times, and have also been where ground so wet that using annex / tent difficult – bear that in mind. We find this really frustrating because we just can't move in our van with five people.

If you are going to do your eating in the annex like us then get a good sized table.

I'm sure there's lots of other things but this is all that comes to mind for now. Most of all give yourself some time to find the setup you most like (after you have bought the van). On one hand our setup has taken years to evolve, but on the other, with the children constantly growing/changing, you also have to be prepared to make changes.Well, caravanning and 4wdriving have meant everything to us in terms of family enjoyment and experiences so best wishes. JD

Thanks for your advice, we did the Sydney Caravan Show, and last week did a 2000km trip visiting 15 different yards, so we've had a good look around - just really wanted a few different views as to what other people have tried and found. Thanks JD for your advice, very helpful and informative, always good to hear from families that have done what we hope to do!

Cheers

Flick

Thanks for your advice JD, we really appreciate it, and will keep you posted as to what we finally decide on!

Flick