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Quote: Originally posted by jenhug on 06/8/2009

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and take a damp meter with you and have a good poke around the cupboards etc.

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Thanks folks for all the very useful and relevant advice.

It might be an idea to spend less and get the feel of carvanning first

Many thanks

Arpsy

Remember the girls will grow. If you get an end washroom side dinette the bunk will only be suitable for a child. Our 12year old son who fitted our bunk is now 6'3''. However the big end bathroom will provide the privacy you will need for dressing etc.

You really need two full size singles and a double.

You could go for a 5 berth with twin dinettes. The back will make a double and the front will make two singles. However the kitchen & washrooms in these tend to be a bit small.

Alternatively a fixed bed will do but, unless its a big van, you won't have two singles, only another double. Would that be OK for the girls? Smaller fixed beds tend to be used as 2 berths as the lounge can be a bit small for four, but fixed beds are lovely.

Many teenagers prefer to sleep in a pup tent so they have more privacy and can stay in bed till lunchtime.

Multiply your cars kerbweight by 0.85 and that is the heaviest MTPLM you should tow. Then check your cars tow weight.

Not spending too much on your first van is sound advice. Live in one for a while and you'll form a much better opinion of what will suit you.

nawer

Very useful advice. any suggestions regarding model of caravan which would have any of the formats you mentioned would be appreciated.

Regards

Arpsy

SEAT Toledo (05-09) 1.9 TDi Reference 5d

1507 kg kerb weight

Towing weight 1280 kg

Passed test 1990

Arpsy

You should be OK with an older 5 berth then.  We currently have a 1999 Elddis Firestorm (basically and Avante but a dealer special) that weighs 1250 fully loaded. 

The newer ones tend to be a bit longer & substantially heavier.  We've just ordered a new Coachman Amara, same kind of layout but nearly 2 foot longer & weighs in at 1590 when loaded.  Big difference between the two!

Have a look on here to get ideas for layout & price:  www.caravanfinder.co.uk

You can check the manufacturer websites for weights etc... if they're not listed in the adverts.

Happy hunting!