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Hiya

We have 4 children aged 1,2,10 and 18.

Last week we went to Norfolk (very sunny!) in our caravan with full awning. Anyone who knows me will know that Im a bit oif a collector of camping units and have tried most things. Last week though tested our patience to the limit. We have to keep the caravan as its fairly new and wed lose too much on it.

The youngest is just crawling and climbing onto everything so that was a bit of a nightmare trying to keep him from hurling himself out of the van- we had to move the steps as he banged his face on them!. The 2 yr old kept trying to get under the awning, leap out of the window or get under the van as well as trying to break every gadget we have! Glad to get back home for a rest! The older two had their own pup tent so are out of the equation.

Anyway, Im getting a yearning to be in a basic canvas or pvc (sorry had to include Dandy's) structure that we could go away in that does matter if it gets scratched or generally "toddlered". Do you think Im insane? -polite replies only please! Id like something that I can use when from Spring to Autumn.  Are the canvas ones up to cooler weather? At what age does the canvas become dodgy? Seen a few cheapies that I can afford on ebay but have only had Dandy's in the past. And at the moment these are too expensive for me.

Thanks folks

Kim

Hiya

No I couldnt do with out the loo! That would have to be in the awning. Just wondered about the older canvas models  and if anyone takes babies away in them within the 3 seasons.

If Id got a pathfinder I wouldnt let the babies near it! Far too expensive for a baby toy. lol!

Cheers Kim

Hi we have a 2006 Pennine Continental with electric and children aged nearly 2 and 4.  Bought fc last spring as couldn't keep camper van and have 2 child seats in it.  Absolutely marvellous!  Last year kids shared bed at "built up" end, son in pop up travel cot there.  this year added bed guard to stop him falling out.   Steps always a bit of an issue but they soon learn!  Made the most of having microwave and heater on cold mornings to keep little ones cosy and full of hot chocolate & porridge, as fcs don't keep the heat in like a caravan. We always use the awning which blocks off one side underneath and makes getting under the unit a bit more tricky. My toddler does try to climb up onto the kitchen bit but at least the canvas sides are kinder to the head! 

Going to invest in a loo tent and loo next year as daughter now too big to use the potty in the night!

Good luck!

Sounds like a TT would be ideal.

2 large double beds (little ones could share), underbed tents either side for older 2, large awning all pegged down so pretty toddler-proof, with roof linings in place they form a wardrobe/toilet compartment and you can curtain the kitchen area off too.
Our Cabanon Mistral also has a large sun canopy at the front of the awning.

You can still use EHU if you need electric lighting, heating etc....

PS: our Mistral is for sale if you're interested!!!

Hi Helen

Thanks for the offer and the suggestion but I think Im gonna go down the folding camper route. I would like to go away for weekends and the thought of putting up a tt isnt really a quick set up. Just gotta find a cheap one now......

Byee Kim