caravan advice please

[bakermum15]

We've decided to buy a caravan after years of pondering! We have 2.5yo and 13wo. After researching I knew exactly what layout I wanted (bunks at end with pull across door to shut away kiddies at night time) however our neighbour is selling theirs for a bargain with full maintenance history from new and loads of extras. However, the bunks are on the side and separated with curtain. They've used this with their 2 and 5yo. Seriously thinking of going for this but worried about getting kids to sleep with just a curtain. Dont want to sit in silence every evening! Does anyone have any experience or advice on this Please?

We have that layout and it works fine for us so far (only owned the 'van since May this year). Dh and I do tend to do our own thing during an evening though, him on his iPad and me on mine or reading my Kindle or doing puzzles. We have a tv that is used with headphones on occasion too. The other alternative is to have an awning and sit out there. We have done one trip with one and I would recommend that. It has gone back to the retailer temporarily (long story I won't bore you with) and we miss it already.

How old is your neighbour's 'van, is there any warranty left? If not, you might want to think about buying from a dealer. We bought a 2004 'van, manufacturer's warranty long since expired, but the dealer offered us a 12 month warranty. Not a bad deal for such an old item I thought! As long as the dealer stays solvent of course....

We are absolutely loving caravanning after years of tent camping. The dcs want to go away in it every week!

We have the layout with the end bunks and door (3rd old and 5yr old) which is great. We still decided to get an awning as it's better to sit outside drinking wine

Thanks for your advice CakeMakesEverythingBetter and SingSongSlummy. I think we're going to go for it. Its 12 years old but beautifully looked after and serviced every year. To be honest it's probably a no brainer. Dealer has offered them £3k part ex they're happy to sell to us same price but include awning and motor mover. Its feels nice and low risk at that price for our first 'go' at caravanning especially as we usually pay £800 for week in a static. Wish us luck!

Great news. Just do a damp check on it first, you can get a damp reader quite cheaply. Some secondhand caravans are riddled and it's not always obvious.

We used to have an end room to shut off, but now have fixed bunks at the side with a curtain. In terms of noise I don't think there's much difference between them, though to be fair, like cake we tend to read once dcs are in bed. If dh puts the tv on he uses headphones to stop the noise annoying me not the children. I'd love to have no tv on holiday.