Caravanners- do you have a fixed bed and children? How does it work?

[Tobermory]

We currently have A van with bunks along the back wall, a but like This

Thinking about exchanging for a twin axle and DH really REALLY wants a Fixed bed, a bit like This but a cheaper version!

The dinette would be made into bunks for our DDs when we arrived and pacj
K away for towing, but I'm not convinced. Would the temporary bunks be a real hassle ?

Anyone got any experience of this set up?

Caravanners.... Where are you?

we had a dinette bit for our ds and I used to make it into a bed on arrival and leave it up as I was too lazy to do it everyday It worked well, although I have no experience of it like that with the top bunk but can't see it would be a problem.

If ds wanted not to sit on the sofa bit with us he would lounge on his bed

We never used to use the dinette to sit on as there was 3 of us and only space for 2 and the table was always in the cupboard again I was just too lazy to get it out

Those side dinettes are only usually good for smallish kids up to say 10/12. Not strong enough for older ones. Also bear in mind that some sites don't take twin axles/long vans.

A lot of caravanners will probably be away in their vans, might get replies this weekend!

Hi Tobermory
Our first caravan was an avondale, exact layout of your first example. This was before our own DC, we took friends and their two kids and it worked a treat.
I got too lazy and went for another Avondale with a fixed bed - bliss - will never be without one again. However we now have 2 DC, when they go to bed (front couches) we too have to sit in bed or if warm enough (hardly ever for me!) in the awning.
We have ordered a new caravan , a Bailey, in the layout of your second example. We plan to put the side dinette up and leave it up, until time to come home. It has a curtain that can be pulled round if I want to hide the mess DC make. Having said that our DD is only 10m so she will still be in her cot for a bit yet.
I'm sooo looking forward to my new one arriving. I hope you find a layout that suits you.

MMoM, I'd love the comfort of a fixed bed ut worry it might be an expensive mistake we might regret. We bought a heater for in the awning, an excellent purchase, and makes it really nice to sit out. We were in Cornwall this week and some evenings the awning was warmer than inside the caravan!

Our DDs are still fairly young, eldest is 5 but height of a 7-8 year old so still a few years before the temporary- ness of the side dinette bunk becomes any kind of issue.

Am v v that you are awaiting arrival of a shiny new caravan! Have you had new before? Lovely!

I see the convenience of a fixed bed - but do think that it takes up useable space.

Our DC are older - and in fact we now have to spread out into the awning if we all go.

We have a Swift Conqueror, about 12 years old though - there are sofas at the front which convert into a big double, and also a corner sofa at the very back which converts into an acceptable double. If just me and DH are using the caravan then we sometimes leave the back bed made up out of laziness.

They do seem very popular nowadays though.

If you don't mind making up the bed every night then don't change it. What worries you about having a fixed bed? I just got so fed up of making it, I think it would be worse for me know as I would feel I'd have to make it up before kids go to bed in fear of waking them. For us a fixed bed really suits and I wouldn't be without it now.
Not sure I agree with the fixed bed taking up usable space as the manufacturers would never leave that space empty, they would either shorten the van or fill it will something else.

We have a heater, there might actually be two under the bed! I am such a cold tattie though and am often found wearing a coat or fleece on a hot sunny day

I really can't wait on my new one coming, might even phone to chase it tomorrow . This is our 3rd new one, can't see me changing this one for a very long time though

I make up both beds at the start of our holiday and just leave them there. Can't be doing with making up beds every night. Only put them down occassionally, if say children want to sit in the carvan and do colouring or something. Other than that we live in the awning, eat outside. Only actually use the caravan for sleeping, emergency wees, cooking and endless tea making.
So in that case, although I don't like fixed beds, in practical terms, can't see what diffrence it makes.

A fixed bed takes up a lot of living space which you will need as your children grow. We can't find a fixed bed long enough for my DH so we're stuck with making them up each night. It's not an issue now we've got duvalays

Yes yes to duvalay - I really love mine, very snug and sooooo easy to make the bed - just roll it out.

Bit of a faff putting the mattress back in after washing the cover though, but I can forgive it.

Bloody pricey though

I got mine in the sale at Christmas. Still a scary price but worth every penny