Bunk beds in touring van

[StripyHorse]

I have been toying with the idea of a touring van. Possibly to get a seasonal pitch (but I know it often means a LONG waiting list).

DDs are 15 and 12. Are the bunks in caravans big enough for teens? They are both fairly slim, small to average height.

Ideally, I think a 5 berth double dinette would be the best layout, but potentially we might be able to get a 4 berth swift (with side dinette & bunk) really cheaply. Would it be too small?

If we do go for this 4 berth, we know there wouldn't be any hidden issues as it is from a relative who has looked after it well.

*sorry, should have said, Touring Caravan.

You will not all want to sleep in the caravan with kids of that age, very claustrophobic and no privacy. Most people get a tent for the kids to sleep in or an awning.

DS is 6’3” and can (just) squeeze into a bunk and sleep there. We have a 6 berth Swift with bunks. I’m looking to swap to a fixed double bed for DH and I now.

Thank you.

If we do decide to go ahead there is an awning. I can't see DD2 willingly sleeping in an awning or tent though!!

Persuading DH will be a challenge. I grew up with caravan holidays, whereas he had beach holidays abroad.

Some bunks are really small, so it’s worth measuring length, width and head height on the one you’ve got as an option. The Adria’s are good for bigger / wider bunks that can take an adult. You might be best with a five or six bed just to have more space all round. My two are 12 and almost 15 and still happy to sleep inside!

Deff go bigger you can.the difference each step up is huge when your holidaying in it.
If they don't sleep in awning make sure u have it.
It's essential as that "extra room".

Another recommendation for an awning.

We caravanned as a family and the extra room an awning gives should not be underestimated. Even if you don't use it as sleeping accommodation (which they are perfect for) then it is great for storage, somewhere to remove wet clothes etc.

Thanks for all the advice.

Up until now this has been a bit of an idle daydream (and wish list shopping). With an unlimited budget I would probably get a 5 berth as they tend to be the ones with the layout I want (2 convertable dinettes, bathroom centrally). I remember from family holidays as a child how useful the awning was.

This particular caravan is not my ideal - it has been used by a couple who got 4 berth for the space. There is an awning included. They have it priced far lower than I can find the equivalent online and I know it has been looked after well since new. It is sited on a seasonal pitch but the site is adults only, or we would have been able to stay for a couple of nights and try it out.

DH is reluctant so I don't think it will happen. He sees it as a barrier to holidays abroad. I will persuade him one day, but perhaps now isn't really the right time!

But you need your dream fulfilled! What about buying and selling straight on after one yet. Or even one stay.if you o you have it for limited year they might be more enthused or agreeable.you could have so.e lovely short stays away if nothing else.is that doable?

Plus if lot lower I price when you sell on you will make a profit for holiday you dp wants?way to sell it to him?

By the time we were teenagers my siblings and I all had little pup tents (now called 2 person tents) whilst parents slept in a four berth van- 1 fixed bed, one made up from sofas They went to bed early and didn’t want to be disturbed by teens coming into the van at 11pm when the pool table room closed. Also meant we didn’t have to get up early! On most touring sites you can get a larger pitch which fits two little tents and a van with awning. Means less mess in the van too!!

Our van is an adria and the (triple) bunks are adult sized. I never slept in a pup tent as a child and won't expect my kids to. If they want to they can

I'd suggest getting the 4 berth and upgrade if you all enjoy it. Otherwise it might be easier for you to take solo

We used to have a van with fixed bunks. They were 6 feet long and could fit an adult. They also had proper mattresses.
However the temporary /fold into the wall type bunk may not be so sturdy. Also if it’s under roof lockers there may not be much headroom either. So I would doubt the upper bunk would be suitable for anyone over 10 years old. You will need to check this well before buying.
Also mattresses for these fold out bunks tend to be made up of the spare cushions from the seats and usually aren’t anything like as comfortable as a made to fit solid mattress.

You may be better off with them sharing a double bed than having bunks.

We have a 6 berth with 2 fixed bunks and my kids hate it and end up sleeping on big bed made up at front which means dad is relegated to tiny bunk or awning - we have inner awning tent and good inflatable bed and he prefers sleeping there - bunks are good for storage but would change to fixed bed if could (which also has storage underneath)

You will limit how long they will be able to use it, but that might be irrelevant depending how long the older one comes for.

Some bunks have the top one very near the roof...is claustrophobic and difficult for a team to get into if they are growing taller...once 5'4 it can be tricky. Test it using your older team and then that will tell you how long you have to use it

We had a pretty luxurious air awning with a bedroom attached but reality is aside from mid summer it can be very cold outside so needs a heater all night (not climate friendly)

We changed to a fixed bed and kids put up the front bed but used it like singles with the bit in the middle. That worked for a while but reality was sons legs hung off the end.

Most kids when reaching 17/18 do not want caravan holidays so if you recognise it as short term it may work for you (different case if you offer a villa abroad..they jump at it)

Caravans and the bunk type are always in huge demand and more so now so might be worth buying if a good price and using for a couple of years. The salesman at the dealer we used quietly advised us to sell it privately such was the demand and (pre covid) we sold it after having 6 years from new £2000 less than we paid

Good luck..caravan holidays are great fun

Thanks everyone who replied. It's no longer an option as the caravan has been sold (they had already advertised it which we knew about) to someone who also has a long term pitch at the same site. While it would have been lovely to have a caravan I don't think that was the right one for us - I think a 5 berth with a 2nd double bed would have been better. I am glad relatives have sold it without any hassle.