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We changed from tent to caravan at the end of March this year, (after 15 years) and have been away 4 times so far. Absolutely love it.   Each time we pack up I sit in the car on the way back and comment how much less stressed I am than when we packed up the tent.  I feel like I have had a holiday as well as hubby & children!!!!!

Key word is "research" and this site has proved invaluable to us for advice & tips. We decided to get a caravan in October last year and have spend 6 months getting ideas.

It is much easier to see the funny side of camping holidays in a caravan. I wouldn't have been sitting on the sofa with glass of wine in hand, laughing hysterically whilst hubby emptied toilet cassette in pouring rain.  I'd have been miserable as well in the tent.

We have kept 2 of our tents just in case, but like previous comments I can't see us using them in the near future.

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Mop on 23/5/2010

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Most people move to caravan after enjoying camping purely because of the unpredictable weather.  At least you can do something inside whilst it's raining.

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Thank you so so so much everyone for all the wonderful advice and tips, its really helped, I know we will love caravaning, and so will the kids, and I wont have to worry about chloe coming home with a cough like everytime we camp!! I will do lots of looking into it b4 taking the plunge, ie what weight van we can tow, how much it will cost to store etc, and will also be making sure I dont get lumbered with a caravan with damp!!! thanks guys, its really helped

Lisaxx

We use both a caravan and a tent.  We are going in the tent next week actually.  Yay!! We have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.0DTI which to be honest as a car is fab but as a towing vehicle - not very impressive.  But, we have a 4 berth Marauder which is a very lightweight caravan.  Except there are 5 of us and the dog.  Well he's only little so doesn't take up much room but with the awning we manage fine.  Me and hubby in double bed.  Middle and youngest in bunks and teenage daughter who demands privacy in the inner tent in the awning.  Everyone happy, everyone got their own bed, easy lightweight caravan to tow with crap car and still plenty room in awning if it rains.

Quote: Originally posted by WendleC on 20/5/2010

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We've made the upgrade this year and absolutely love it. Originally hubby said that we should keep the tent - we've been away twice now and he's thinking that we'll try and sell it now

Go round a few dealers and get an idea of the layout that would suit you best and an idea of what you will get for your money.

Incidentally we were set on the idea of getting a twin diner - changed our minds and got an end bathroom model and we love it.

The awning gives us enough of a tenting fix (the smell and the sound of the zip).

I agree with you there, that sound of zips and smell inside the awning :) We too upgraded from tent to caravan, no going bk now, although we have kept one of our tents in case we fancy a weekend away :)