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Totally agree about putting up the awning.I used to dread it and it would  always end up with a lot of foot stamping (on mostly my part I have to say!) I couldn't believe how easy a tent was in comparison.

I can see both sides though and you'll still have fun whatever you decide to do as you'll still be getting away.

We've also gone full circle tent - FC - caravan - TT- back to tent!  I can honestly say we've enjoyed every outfit we've owned but IMHO you can't beat a trailer and tent for  versatility, fun and economy. Just a few more points -

We sold our caravan because - it wasn't being used enough due to OH's work commitments - usually two weeks in summer hols and a few weekends.  I was happy to share towing the caravan with OH but didn't want the responsibility on my own.  So the caravan would sit in storage unused most of the summer  Now we are back to tent and trailer, I regularly take kids and dogs off for a couple of nights, stressfree

If both partners share towing the caravan, it takes a lot of stress off the OH, especially on long journeys, something else to bear in mind - towing a caravan is more tiring than normal driving.

Yes, the awning! Why do we all buy a caravan to save putting up a tent and then join 'a more difficult tent' to it  We had a modern fibreglass pole awning which was not too bad to erect - as long as it wasn't too windy!

We also thought our camping season would be extended i.e April to October and we did have two October half term holidays in the caravan.  Just be aware, it's dark and getting cold at 4pm and it is sooo easy to sit down in your nice,warm caravan in front of the idiots lantern for the rest of the night  If this suits you then fine, go for it.  We primarily camp for an outdoor experience, so off-season caravanning wasn't for us.

There is a lot of behind the scenes faff that goes with caravanning which isn't always apparent to tent campers - worring about noseweights, correct packing and loading is crucial, servicing, handling - art of reversing, water ingress and my biggest bugbear - cleaning the outside of the bl**dy thing!

Having two squabbling teenage children of the opposite sex was the last nail in the coffin for the caravan, as they really needed their own space. We did have a good time with the van and wouldn't rule out another in the future, when the kids have left home. Once again, I must be stress, everyones needs are different and this is just our experience. 

Have fun, whatever you decide

I find caravans claustrophobic. All those cupboards that make it possible to keep a lot of your kit stored in it all through the season take up a lot of room! And I'd be constantly tripping over one or other of the dogs.

I would hate using all that extra fuel, having the speed limited, and not being able to get down winding lanes or up steep hills more though. For me, camping is about being close to nature, not insulated from it.

Having said that, OH and I both have a hankering for a small motorhome to use for spur of the moment weekend trips, festivals etc. Very handy for staying overnight at parties, too.