Advice needed on the right van please!

Coleman HW system and camp shower surround would work OK in an annexe.

Sounds like you need a 3way fridge as opposed to 2way, bunks and a double bed or three singles at least. Solar to cover all your power requirements and at least an 18ft'r, larger would be better for long periods in my opinion, though with a full annexe 18ft may just scrape in to the livable. Plenty of vans actually have a dedicated external shower setup which would be heaps better than the Coleman/camp shower idea but they will add a fair bit to the purchase price. If you can afford it go the external shower and Gas HW system. Plenty of water filtration systems going around to solve water bugs problems but I have not had any experience with any of them so I won't comment on that.

Now all you got to do is decide on the manufacturer and go find it.....good luck hehehe.

Are you looking new or s/hand? Most new vans can be made to order by most manufacturers.

Cheers Trevor.

You say that "The twins are 12 and 13 ". I do get confused easily, but I thought twins were usually the same age give or take a few hours.

I dont really care if I get a secondhand van even if its a vintage one! The idea of a filter for water sounds good. Ive seen these collapsable water tanks that might give us extra water if there was a way to collect water off the van or fill them via the filter. There was another thing...my cruiser (2002) is stock standard, no turbo or anything to help with pulling weight. Does that mean I need to get a small van???

Hi Lindy

Independent vans usually have 3 or 4 solar panels, and a similar number of batteries. This provides sufficient power in all but the worst weather for a compressor 2 door fridge (around 190 litres), lights, an inverter for small 240 v appliances (including charging batteries/phones/laptop and the like). Most modern caravans have television and sound systems as well. If power needs are essential and you are in an area which may have several heavily clouded days in a row, you also need a generator suitable for running a battery charger to top up the batteries. Caravans can get quite hot inside if you are in hotter regions, so a generator to run an air conditioner may be highly desirable.

They also have four or five 80 litre water tanks (with one or two on a separate system for drinking water). When filling from a town supply all can be filled with the same, but if drawing on a suspect water source, you don't put it into the drinking tanks. There are some very good water filters available.

Some vans have an external shower from the HWS, and a shower tent can be used for privacy. If you have a built in bathroom, you will have shower and toilet on board. If not, a portable toilet and shower tent will be needed.

The girls (are they all girls?) could sleep on bunks in the annex. To fit beds for five in a caravan, you would be looking at something big (like 22'), and challenging for your Cruiser to tow. Alternatively, they could each have their own tent.

Motherhen