CAMPERVAN EXPERTS please help me - thinking of buying, thinking of renting one out to try

[pollycazalet]

We're debating between replacing our tent and getting a campervan. I know nothing about campers at all so really need some advice. There's 4 of us - kids are 7 and 10. I love the idea of having a van packed and ready to go when the mood takes us and not having to put a tent up.

I have a few questions

• Would we all be able to fit (ie to sleep) in one or do you have to do the awning/ tent thing?
• Anyone have a T4? Recommend them?
• What are the cheaper van options (although I love the look of the old VWs they are too expensive for us)
• Any advice on running costs?
• We'd like to rent one out to have a go and see whether we like the campervan experience - has anyone done this and would you recommend who you rented it from?

Thanks so much anyone who can help with this!

I don't have a campervan but we do have a trailer-tent which we've had several successful family holidays in. So if you're interested. just say and I'll post more info.

Sandripples tell me more about trailer tents please!

Any campervan-ites around?

We have a motor home... probably bigger than you are talking about and we love it. After having tents collapse on us in the rain, we would never go back. Although it is very expensive to run!

A caravan might be a cheaper option and you can choose awnings to suit your needs.

We have a vw t25 and we love it. It has a 3/4 width bed on the bottom (makes the rear seat)
and has a pop top roof which has another double bed in it. Our two chilren age 3 and 2 sleep up there with no problem.
We also take an awning which is free standing so that we can leave stuff in their and go to the beach or whatever and we don't lose our spot! We tax it for six months that we use it, have had to call the AA once (so worth getting) and would not be without her! I do love the older vans but alas out of my budget at the mo not to mention being quite a bit smaller. Hope that helps. There are loads of websites you can look for info on but not sure if I'm allowed to put them on here...?

James I would love to know about websites - yes you are allowed. Can you let me know?

I have a T25 as well, they're bigger than T4s and are cheaper than Bay VW Campers.

Mine sleeps 4, 2 up and 2 down. I have a high-roof camper so the roof is up all the time. High top campers are warmer than pop-ups and also the roof space can be used for storage while driving about. I keep all the sleeping bags, pillows, etc up there.

You can get a cab bumk which a child or short adult could sleep in. Its basicly a hammock that goes widthways across the cab above the drivers seat and passenger seat.

There is a T25 pop-up conversion which sleeps more than 2 upstairs, I think it fits 4 upstairs. I think its the Viking conversion.

forum.club8090.co.uk/index.php

Get a diesel or a petrol that's been converted to LPG. They don't have good mpg.

I was right, it is the Viking.

www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.showadvert/index-1032668451/6bbbb29f.html

www.volkszone.com

www.volksworld.com

www.vwcampervans.com

www.vwcampercrazy.co.uk

www.du bs4sale.com

vwtype2.co.uk

And my ultimate fave site to drool over:
www.snailtrail.co.uk

However I have just had my heart broken. My van needs a £1,000 job on the engine doing!!!! I am completely gutted. The cam belt has gone so two options 1. Buy new engine and start from scratch or replace belt both really expensive. think I may be forced to sell ehr and let someone else do the work. Am now thinking about getting an American Airstream....

We have a 21' motorhome and used it last weekend. My son and his fiance came with us but they hired an old VW campervan. They decided after two days that it was far too small so be very sure that is what you want and not something roomier. We have fixed bunks, brilliant for kids and a kingsize over the cab. We also have a double that we dont use as I dont like struggling for space when in the kitchen area.

Get a campervan! You have to really love them though, there will be some tears along the way (like when you have to park them in a small space, and can't get under height barriers)

For two, we just used the van but with DS we now have a nifty awning, so in some ways you get the same hassle as with a tent.

James, can I have quick hijack - what do you us to keep the DCs up in the roof, I'm scared of mine sleeping there as expect him to come flying out in the night.

Hi Iggi, I was really worried the first time but they have never fallen out! I put them to sleep next to each other with their heads up one end and their feet towards the gap iyswiim. Ours has two solid bits at the top so we just slide them together. If they wake up in the night they just call out to us but usually the busy days and later nights mean they sleep really well

Ah, don't think I could trust DS with that yet. Had thought maybe of putting some kind of cargo net over the gap! Though if it's windy the whole roof can lower a bit, think I'll stick to the awning for now,despite its nuisance factor! Thank you