Touring Caravan with 4 kids (inc a baby)

[Mkaiser1]

Hi all,

Searched for a thread on this and whilst there are many on caravans, nothing covers this query really. Hence the new post.

I’m looking at a new 6 berth caravan formus all for holidays. We have 3 children and one more die in a few weeks (our fourth and final one). Holidays are now dictated by school holidays which means they’re expensive and the fact there’s soon going to be 4 children means that they’re expensive too!

So I’ve been looking at a new touring caravan. I’ve never towed before but I’m fairly confident I’ll manage towing easily enough. I can always do a course too if necessary.

I understand the towing weights and lengths rules too.

My query really is whether we’re mad to be considering caravanning with 4? Or whether we’re mad to be considering caravanning with a baby? And all of this considering we’re looking at a touring van (a big touring van, but a tourer nonetheless)?

Any positives, negatives, comments or input would be VERY welcome!

Thank you all!

PS - first post too, so pleased to meet you all!

We had some wonderful caravan trips with 5 kids. We had a 5 berth caravan and an awning. The two oldest slept out in the awning, one in the single bunk and two in the second double bed. When the youngest was a tiny baby (5 months) we tucked her bed on the floor partly under our bed so I could still reach over and pick her up in the night when she needed feeding. When she was older she still slept in the pram but we put the body on the double bed with her sister.

The children are all adults now but still talk about the great times we had and say that they would like to take their own families in a 'van in years to come.

For us the awning was a godsend. It more than doubled our living space and in bad weather it gave the children space to be apart if necessary.

The other thing I appreciated about caravanning was that we always had our main meal out or had a takeaway. I don't think I could have coped with feeding 7 people from two small gas rings and a pathetic grill. When we had cooked breakfasts it would take forever but that was always my husband's job so I was happy to wait!

You're not mad at all - loads of families manage perfectly well and have s lot more holidays/family time at weekends... we were late to start - my youngest was 4 (now nearly 18) and can't remember the time before we got a caravan...

We're out all year for weekends, holidays etc - recently returned from 2.5 weeks in France and Spain in the 'van at a fraction of the cost of renting somewhere.

I suggest if you can get there, go to the show at the NEC next month ... loads of new caravans to view and lots of info, stalls for accessories etc. All the major manufacturers have just launched their 2019 models do there are good offers on new and last years models.

Towing course is a good idea as it also reduces your insurance costs.

And consider joining Campjng n caravanning club or caravan club ... both have local groups that run temporary sites and meets or rallies for a few £ per night...

An awning does sound a necessity! Especially with 4 kids! Eating out and having takeaways sounds sensible too to reduce the workload.

Even with meals out/takeaways and buying things to start off, it all seems better value for a holiday than hotels for 6 in school holidays.

Our main concerns I think are the cost and where the newborn would sleep. The other three would definitely be getting bunk beds in their ‘room’ at the end of the ‘van.

We could look at a crib without a stand to put on the large double bed for two years until they move into a bed I suppose. Only just thought of that though so not sure if there’s downsides to that.

Going to the show at the NEC is a great idea! We knew about it and completely forgot! Thank you!

We’ve seen something we like that’s new and a 2018 Model (so last years) and got £5k discount!! Just worried we’ll miss out as the layout is perfect but very rare!

You'll find beds etc work out ok... carry cot on the bed to start with, then a bed guard on a bunk or share a double works fine for under 4s...

In terms of food, you don't need to eat out .... cooking... gas barbecue outside can be used all year (propane rather than butane) and you can manage all sorts of dishes - and if you have hookup, slow cookers or pressure cookers are a good option.

Awnings are great for longer trips but can take time to erect/dismantle so for weekends a sun canopy gives shelter but is quick and easy...

If you go on sites with facilities and hook up, it's pretty much home from home, or if you're more adventurous, Caravans can run totally on gas and battery....

We have 5in a caravan from babyhood.

I recommend you hold out for the layout you want. A proper door between their bedroom and ours was non negotiable and an oven not essential for example.

We had a baby travel cot type thing in the massive bed with us for about 18 months and then a normal travel cot on the floor of their bedroom where the table should go.

The bassinet thing was good as they were in their own bed which meant not coaleeping which meant 🍷.

Nec is fun!

If you want 6 berth with triple bunks, there were quite a few models from different manufacturers last year, or if budget isn't too tight, and you want a twin axle, swift have quite a good range in the new 2019 brochures...

One thing to be careful of with small DC if you are going to go to smaller sites or meets and use your own bathroom is to get a fully plastic shower ... some of the budget models have a shower curtain and boarded walls ... not great when mixed with DC and water

Thanks so much for the comments so far everyone!

I must say, a slow cooker full of chilli and microwaveable rice at the last minute sounds a perfect caravan dinner! As does burgers on a barbecue!

The layout I like has 2 solid doors between their room and ours and a proper shower door. It does have a twin axle which gives us a longer van and I think if we’re going to do it with 4 kids we might be grateful for the added space!

I’m intrigued by the sun canopies! I’ll have to take a peek at those! We had been looking at the inflatable awnings as they seem so strong and really quick to erect. Again though, comments on anything is going to be really useful.

When planning your ‘set up’ make it possible for one person to do. Minding toddlers / excited young mobile children while you grapple with the blocks and the hook up and awning is one of the pinch points.