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 Topic: Recommendations please - new to caravans
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11/6/2021 at 8:46am
Location: Liverpool
Outfit: Swift Challenger 560
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Joined: 05/7/2003 Diamond Member 
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As Rob say, the most important first couple of considerations are whether you have the B+E category on your driving license and what the kerb weight and max towing limit of your car is.
Once you have ascertained what you can legally and safely tow, then start to think about the most suitable layout for you. If you have kids, what size are they? Many models have bunk beds for children which are great for small kids but if you have a teenage boy growing like a weed, he may quickly outgrow the bunk. Think about whether you want a fixed double bed or not and if you do, where you want it positioned. In most modern fixed bed caravans the washroom is in one of two places, either along the rear of the caravan or across the middle, separating the bedroom at the back from the living area at the front. If you have 4 adults or older children, this mid bathroom may provide a bit more privacy at night time and allow everyone to access the bathroom more easily. Many 4 berth caravans with a fixed bed make use of the front seating to make up into a second double bed to provide the 3rd and 4th berth but consider if your third and fourth guests would be happy sharing a double bed. If they are little kids it is not a problem but as they get older, they may not want to share a bed!
If you have 2 adults and 2 older kids, also think about whether it would work to have the kids in a pup tent outside or if you plan to use an awning, you can put up a bedroom annex in the awning for the kids which does away with worrying where you can put them inside!
There are so many considerations that will depend a lot of personal preference and whether your 4 people are all adults or, if some are kids, what age and size they are.
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Pixie
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11/6/2021 at 11:04am
Location: London
Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524
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As others have said, you've got to start with weight/towing limits first, then whittle down the complying range of vans that suit your needs/likes.
As previously said, Caravan Finder is a good place to look to shortlist potential vans, but absolutely no substitute for 'hands on' experience of seeing a van in the flesh to get the feel of if it is right for you. Simply visit as many showrooms/exhibitions as you can to get a feel for what's out there. Don't just look at the glossy brochure type 'star' features, look for the things that will irritate if you have to live with them, things you bang your head/elbows on, uncomfortable/awkward cabinet handles etc. - you'll find them if you look!
Take any manufacturers 'berth' figures as point of further enquiry rather than literal! Many vans, mine included, are rated as 4 berth, but really only 2 adult plus two 'up to young teenager' size beds (that is never/rarely mentioned in the sales blurb, you need to check in the dimension details for yourself!)! The fold up/down type bunk beds will likely be undersize and weight limited! Even fixed bed/bunks may not be full size! Your eldest could already be on the point of outgrowing them! You need to check in detail.
One of the issues with 4 people is storage space for clothes and personal effects, and if your dogs are like my dog there's 'doggy baggage' as well! An awning will be almost essential and gives space for fold up tent storage type units (wardrobe, chest of drawers, etc.). You can get bedroom inserts/extensions for many awnings which may improve the berth and layout options of your van.
Why is no one pointing you at brands and models as you asked for? It's a personal choice, and no two people have the same view. Besides, a fair few people hate their own choices when they bought without due consideration of living with a particular van, so guiding someone else is fraught with multiple ways of giving wrong advice.
Good luck. The search is both fun and frustrating! 
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via mobile 11/6/2021 at 6:48am
