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Subject Topic: A question for the solo caravanners Post Reply Post New Topic
20/5/2011 at 4:46pm
 Location: South Somerset
 Outfit: nothing at the moment!
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I'm look at buying a 2 berth caravan as I'm going to be holidaying solo from now on and I just don't want the hassle of canvas, been there done that etc. So I'm just starting to look at what's out there and really consider what I want to use it for, how long I will holiday in it and so forth.

A thought has occured to me today: how big a van do you solo campers own/tow? And obviously same question to those of you who are no longer solo caravanners but once were :)

The reason I ask is because I went to view a new Elddis Xplore 302 which at only 10' internal length felt too small; today I've looked at 12-13ft 'vans which felt just right for me on my own and 14-15ft 'vans which felt too big for little old me.

Am I alone in thinking that over a certain size seems too large for a solo camper or is that just the view of a virgin caravanner?


20/5/2011 at 5:00pm
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I own a 12'6" van and it suits me fine, but I would defiantly get a bigger van if and when I change it to get a fixed double bed (single occupancy) as it's a pain to get the table down each night to make up the double bed as the two fixed singles are a bit too narrow and short for me to be comfortable. Otherwise it's fine and I have an awning for extra space when staying away for a week or more. Really it's down to individual choice.


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20/5/2011 at 5:22pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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We used to have a 1992 caravan with an end kitchen layout for six years with an 11 ft. body and although it was small regarding getting in each others way it would have been ideal for a person on their own. We now have a 1999 caravan with an end washroom that has about a 14 ft. body which the layout suits us needs perfectly. The end washroom is ideal for two people as one can cook breakfast whilst the other is out of the way getting ready so being on your own there's more choice but I think that a small caravan would be ideal for your needs. If you are away for longer periods you could erect an awning for that extra living space and wouldn't be too hard to put up in the appropriate weather conditions. Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for.


21/5/2011 at 8:21am
 Location: Halifax West Yorkshire
 Outfit: VW Amarok Crewcab Pickup Truck
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I think its more inportant to choose the right layout than the size of the van some layouts can make a large van seen quite small and vice versa so I would its worth looking at it from this angle and things work out for you


21/5/2011 at 9:07am
 Location: A quiet pitch with a lovely view
 Outfit: Cabanon Noumea
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Quote: Originally posted by idmainian on 21/5/2011
I think its more inportant to choose the right layout than the size of the van some layouts can make a large van seen quite small and vice versa so I would its worth looking at it from this angle and things work out for you


I think that's a very goood point.


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Tackling life the Western District way


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21/5/2011 at 9:13am
 Location: whitstable kent
 Outfit: sterling eccles sport 584 freelander 2
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Agree with OP above, we had a four berth with end bunks side bathroom which felt really small and corridor like, now our son no longer comes with us we decided to change our van to a two berth with end washroom and it feels so roomy for two.so I would say if you went for a two berth with end washroom you would be really comfy but not over vanned' if that makes sense lol.


21/5/2011 at 10:22am
 Location: South Somerset
 Outfit: nothing at the moment!
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Interesting murano because I really like the end washroom idea and had a look at some yesterday, both new and used. The shower cubicles were so spacious, I could actually see me using them. Those with end bathroom also were slightly bigger so that IF the teenager came away with me (it may happen ) there's a bit more room for us both.

Also I have a vague recollection of my father telling me he purchased his end bathroom caravan so that the kitchen was over the axles giving a better weight distribution.


21/5/2011 at 10:37am
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
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When you are a Solo Camper, there is more to think about than just the size of your van.

This is our last van;- 9 foot internal length.
Clio Sprintaway 1

Small but completely kitted out for either wild or site camping, with cooker, loo and 2 single beds.
When I used it on my own I had one side for dining and relaxing and the other side as a permanently made up single bed.

On site I could put up the quick erect awning and then the van itself became the bedroom.
Kyham Sunhouse

Or when wildcamping, even with 2, there was plenty of room for some comfort.
Harris Wildcamp

But, and this is a big but; as a single camper, you have the freedom to go where you wish and follow your own route, so don't restrict where you can go by buying a caravan that limits where you can tow it or where you can pitch it.

Freedom of choice must always be the goal.



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Lobey.


21/5/2011 at 10:56am
 Location: whitstable kent
 Outfit: sterling eccles sport 584 freelander 2
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Quote: Originally posted by icequeen40 on 21/5/2011
Interesting murano because I really like the end washroom idea and had a look at some yesterday, both new and used. The shower cubicles were so spacious, I could actually see me using them. Those with end bathroom also were slightly bigger so that IF the teenager came away with me (it may happen ) there's a bit more room for us both.

Also I have a vague recollection of my father telling me he purchased his end bathroom caravan so that the kitchen was over the axles giving a better weight distribution.

Like you say the shower cubicles are spacious , I always said I would never use the shower but I do in this van, i would also be confident to take it away on my own too, if Hubby didn't want to come, and like you say if your teenager does want to come still plenty of room and space for two, plus the end bathroom gives you space and privacy to get dressed ect.



21/5/2011 at 4:37pm
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Tin tent diddy tent BIG tent
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I think it all depends on how much you are going to use the caravan and if you will be living in it for extended breaks. I have just about the largest I can manage simply because I spend about six months or more each year in it and a couple of months in a small 'van during the winter months is not my idea of fun. I also frequently stay on sites with minimal facilities so a decent shower and bathroom is useful as is a large fridge to save frequent trips to the shops.

Effectively there is no simple answer to what size 'van is best for solo caravanners as we all have differing requirements and some of us also have visitors who may or may not want to put up with our snoring and farting during the night.....

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'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'



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