Campervan

[jollymummy]

Do any forumites own a campervan and can you tell me is it practical with two small kids, 5 and 2 years?

We (I say we but my hubby is yet to be convinced) are considering either buying or converting a van as thinking of ways to travel Europe and keep the costs down now that we are tied to school holidays.

[Convex]

We own one, a vw T2 bay window camper. We have had it for about 5 years I think.

They are lovely to own and we have had real pleasure from it. But we have found with a very young baby we didn't use it as much. Our son is 2 now but we are expecting another, we want to camp a lot this year so decided to go for a newer van. Basically there is less prep involved per trip and we tend to do short trips.

But with your ages I would have thought a vintage van would be brilliant! You need to be prepared for some upkeep though, they are old vehicles and need to be looked after, I think that's why everyone ends up naming them and treating them like extended family rather than simply as a car.

If you decide to go the vintage vw route then we will be selling ours in the spring. You would be welcome to come and have a look at it, though we aren't ready to let go yet I think.

But do look into converted vans - if you are willing to go for something less attractive then your options are much greater.

Also have a look on as many online forums as you can to get lots of impressions and gauge how it might fit in with your family.

[Convex]

Meant to say you could post your query on the just kampers forum, you will get lots of advice and opinions there!

[Dodie]

It's something we've been thinking about recently too. We thought about hiring one for a week this summer and seeing how well it works for us as a family. I was walking down Upland Road the other day and saw three campervans in the street which are owned by a hire company called Dub Dub and Away (they've got a website). May be worth checking out?

[jollymummy]

Thanks everyone, I think the way to go is to start actually looking at the different vans. I LOVE the traditional VW vans but a bit worried they are not roomy enough.

[HannahSE23]

Have a look at the VW t25 viking conversion. Masses of room up top!

[jonbateson]

We spent six weeks in NZ in a camper van with a 6mo and an almost 3yo it was amazing, so much fun, I would be keen to get a camper van if we had the space to keep it, go for it!

[fl0wer]

If I might suggest, the way to see whether it really suits you ALL is to hire one for a shortish holiday.

There'll be a hire cost - but much less than an expensive mistake.