Family vans 3+ children???

[FiveInAVan]

As we get much closer to ordering our new van and talk turns to extended travel in it I am starting to freak out a little that the choice of van might not be right after all (Starcraft 17.58.3 for 3 kids rather than Expanda 17.56.2 which is probably much better suited overall in terms of size). So, please tell me about the van you are in and how it has worked for you and your 3+ kids. Why you chose it and if it perfect for your family or would you upgrade given the choice. Also how far you have travelled in it and for what length of time (ie longest trip).
Cheers!

 

[davemc]

We had a 17.58-1 with 4 kids, if your happy to loose the dinette then do so. Maybe look at one of those gas lift table legs I am thinking to get one for the 22' as with the 17' I just left the table at home and left it a bed always.

I really liked the Basestation although we where not sold on the expanda bed.Hire a Expanda see if your happy with the bed.
Its not a cheap purchase we changed over within 18 months so lost $'s at the time we thought we only have space for a 17' and Sarah did not want a toilet. Twins Asthma and cold weather changed the Toilet situation and I made room for the bigger van.

If your wanting to keep the Prado you have to go touring on the 17' a touring 18' might fit as well. Not sure a OB will come under 2500.

There are a few other brands around that can do a van under 2500 ATM for the Prado with triple bunks.
Depends if you want to buy new or secondhand.
If you want triple bunks a few around like Kokoda.. ..
http://kokodacaravans.com.au/product/battalion/
second hand New Age Mantra Ray etc that could come in under 2500.
Coromal have a E636S 20' that could be under.
JB Caravans
Kingdom
Not sure a 20" Starcraft touring with triple bunks ends up? our 22' is 2780 so over the 20' I assume will be less?

its never ending if you like the 17' just work out if your happy to drop the dinette down.
We are there now with our 22' 3 bunks and 4 kids. Twins head to toe at the moment
We either move one to dinette again or kick the eldest into the annex

 

[17triton]

Just thinking outside the square here so bear with me. If you really like the 17-58-3 layout is it possible that you could get it and raise the top bunk a little and get the wardrobe made lower to accomodate a very short bed and have the kids sleep toe to toe if they are small enough to save the dreaded converting dinette dilema? Just a thought and might not be possible for you but worth thinking about.

 

[Smirke]

We have 4 boys. We started off in a swan, converting the lounge and table into beds, but we outgrew it. We now have the expanda 21-64 OB and swapped the ensuite for cupboards. Gave us heaps more room to store stuff, and we still have the outside shower if need be. We also went with the bunks, but the bottom is the dinette which the older 2 boys like to sit and play cards at. We picked our van up from the Melbourne factory and continued to NSW, QLD, back to Vic, SA then home to WA, and found it was perfectly sized. This year we are doing a 14 week trip across the top and I can't wait to live in her again.
Remember your kids are only going to get bigger. Picture what it would be like stuck inside the van with everyone and it's raining really badly. That is the situation we were in and what made us go the van we now have. ( the 3 oldest were in tents before we sold our old van, but it's that raining scenario that you need to think about).
Good luck with your choice. It also depends on how long you plan to keep your van for.

 

[Bushman]

Check out the Paramount Duet range, as said there is plenty out there, Coromal bunk van is one of the lightest out there, there is a 3 bunk version of my van but you'd be right up there on the Prado limit, that can be problem with a lot of bunk van

 

[davemc]

there is a place up Mackay that hire a 17.58-3. Found it ages ago.
https://www.facebook.com/Mackay-Whitsunday-Caravan-Hire-Pty-Ltd-1572034683036463/timeline

The the question is there a chance for a 4th
As 4 is a world of hurt van wise once I got the 22.68 I have seen 4 bunk vans for sale although most in mid $70's

 

[davemc]

Also maybe get the tri fold table someone had one they converted for a single bed it be a lot easier to put back together.
The problem with the table unless they fixed it is. The table does not fit between the grooves between the seats as its a too wide. Actually the width is a problem fully
So the bed convertor comes with a piece of wood and the cushion.
Once your setup the bed your left with a table to put somewhere.
My plan for the 22' is to get that table thing as it will work as a support arm and drop the table so its level above where the slots are.
Then all I need is a cushion to put on and off. No table to store and a quick push of the button and the table is back up.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Also maybe get the tri fold table someone had one they converted for a single bed it be a lot easier to put back together.
The problem with the table unless they fixed it is. The table does not fit between the grooves between the seats as its a too wide. Actually the width is a problem fully
So the bed convertor comes with a piece of wood and the cushion.
Once your setup the bed your left with a table to put somewhere.
My plan for the 22' is to get that table thing as it will work as a support arm and drop the table so its level above where the slots are.
Then all I need is a cushion to put on and off. No table to store and a quick push of the button and the table is back up.

Had the same issue with the 21.64-1 expanda bed coverter to the dinette.

The table was not a trifold, but they still supplied the extra bit of wood, seemed stupit to me, so I lowered the rails that the wood sits on so that the table is level with the rest of the seats, and it worked perfectly.

Used the leftover wood to create a door into the rear tunnel boot so we could access it whilst the bed was still folded in

 

[Bellbirdweb]

As we get much closer to ordering our new van and talk turns to extended travel in it I am starting to freak out a little that the choice of van might not be right after all (Starcraft 17.58.3 for 3 kids rather than Expanda 17.56.2 which is probably much better suited overall in terms of size). So, please tell me about the van you are in and how it has worked for you and your 3+ kids. Why you chose it and if it perfect for your family or would you upgrade given the choice. Also how far you have travelled in it and for what length of time (ie longest trip).
Cheers!

If you have the kids, I'd seriously consider the Expanda.

I have the same van as @Smirke but with the ensuite, but our kids are all grown up, so we rarely actually use the rear expander bed , nor the bunks, but the added space you gain by not have a permanent bed is incredible.

We are actually considering moving to 21.65-3 Outback Silverline, as we actually have too much unused space, and SWMBO hates having to climb over each other getting in and out of the bed.

Will still get a bed converter for overnight guests or grandkids when they come along, but if our kids were still little like yours, the expanda would be the only way I'd go.

 

[davemc]

Had the same issue with the 21.64-1 expanda bed coverter to the dinette.

The table was not a trifold, but they still supplied the extra bit of wood, seemed stupit to me, so I lowered the rails that the wood sits on so that the table is level with the rest of the seats, and it worked perfectly.

Used the leftover wood to create a door into the rear tunnel boot so we could access it whilst the bed was still folded in

Was your table to wide? ours is like 2cms wider then the gap between seats on the 17' and again on the 22' you think they make the table to fit

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Was your table to wide? ours is like 2cms wider then the gap between seats on the 17' and again on the 22' you think they make the table to fit

No luckily it was the right width, actually could have been 1cm wider to make a nice snug fit, but works well as it is. The foam cushion supplied it very hard though, my daughter complains that its very hard to sleep on, but we have fixed that with another mattress topper.

 

[davemc]

Our gap is 68cm the table 70cm
At least the backs come off the 22' with the 17.58 even though we ordered as dinette and came with flat seats the backs could not be removed for extra length

Picture show the problem easier
One end goes in

Other end does not fit so it wobbles on a angle

 

[FiveInAVan]

Was your table to wide? ours is like 2cms wider then the gap between seats on the 17' and again on the 22' you think they make the table to fit

I was told you have to buy a conversion kit, so this would explain why the table doesn't fit as they want you to spend the extra $300 on a fitted piece of board I guess. Not sure why Jayco don't do the table conversion as standard. Although I asked this about a floor stock model so maybe if you build the van they make the table fit.

 

[davemc]

Not sure they do as said you get a extra price of wood so you end up with a table to store
Hence thinking if we get smaller table or use this one and the gas leg so it sits on top 1cm each side

 

[FiveInAVan]

there is a place up Mackay that hire a 17.58-3. Found it ages ago.
https://www.facebook.com/Mackay-Whitsunday-Caravan-Hire-Pty-Ltd-1572034683036463/timeline

The the question is there a chance for a 4th
As 4 is a world of hurt van wise once I got the 22.68 I have seen 4 bunk vans for sale although most in mid $70's

I think I saw this. I am after one in Brisbane area, more a quick try before we buy kind of thing. No, three is definitely it for us! Took me a while to convince the hubbie to go number 3 and now she is here I am well and truly done. Four might push me over the edge lol and I'll buy a combi van and take off on my own and leave the family at home

 

[FiveInAVan]

Just thinking outside the square here so bear with me. If you really like the 17-58-3 layout is it possible that you could get it and raise the top bunk a little and get the wardrobe made lower to accomodate a very short bed and have the kids sleep toe to toe if they are small enough to save the dreaded converting dinette dilema? Just a thought and might not be possible for you but worth thinking about.

I did look at the wardrobe and wonder if I could put a cot mattress on it for the youngest. Unfortunately she co-sleeps with me still so the dinette conversion is a better fit. Plus I figure my 11yr old will be more comfortable sleeping there once youngest is sleeping in a bed and she can move to the bunk.

 

[FiveInAVan]

We had a 17.58-1 with 4 kids, if your happy to loose the dinette then do so. Maybe look at one of those gas lift table legs I am thinking to get one for the 22' as with the 17' I just left the table at home and left it a bed always.

I really liked the Basestation although we where not sold on the expanda bed.Hire a Expanda see if your happy with the bed.
Its not a cheap purchase we changed over within 18 months so lost $'s at the time we thought we only have space for a 17' and Sarah did not want a toilet. Twins Asthma and cold weather changed the Toilet situation and I made room for the bigger van.

If your wanting to keep the Prado you have to go touring on the 17' a touring 18' might fit as well. Not sure a OB will come under 2500.

There are a few other brands around that can do a van under 2500 ATM for the Prado with triple bunks.
Depends if you want to buy new or secondhand.
If you want triple bunks a few around like Kokoda.. ..
http://kokodacaravans.com.au/product/battalion/
second hand New Age Mantra Ray etc that could come in under 2500.
Coromal have a E636S 20' that could be under.
JB Caravans
Kingdom
Not sure a 20" Starcraft touring with triple bunks ends up? our 22' is 2780 so over the 20' I assume will be less?

its never ending if you like the 17' just work out if your happy to drop the dinette down.
We are there now with our 22' 3 bunks and 4 kids. Twins head to toe at the moment
We either move one to dinette again or kick the eldest into the annex

Yes, Prado is staying although there is an option of us upgrading our Ranger down the track as it's only 2wd and am pretty sure has the same towing capacity as the Prado.

I like the look of that Kokoda family van! If we were doing a lap I think it would be a no brainer. I've been chatting with the husband this morning and I still think we can make the 17.58.3 work for us so am going to stick with that option and go into battle with a salesman later this week eek!

 

[FiveInAVan]

If you have the kids, I'd seriously consider the Expanda.

I have the same van as @Smirke but with the ensuite, but our kids are all grown up, so we rarely actually use the rear expander bed , nor the bunks, but the added space you gain by not have a permanent bed is incredible.

We are actually considering moving to 21.65-3 Outback Silverline, as we actually have too much unused space, and SWMBO hates having to climb over each other getting in and out of the bed.

Will still get a bed converter for overnight guests or grandkids when they come along, but if our kids were still little like yours, the expanda would be the only way I'd go.

I totally hear you. And I was set on the Expanda but one I can't tow the outback I want and I am just not sold on the bed ends. But I may hire one in the next few weeks to test it out if I don't get anywhere with the salesman on the 17.58.3. I love the space in the Expanda and being rained in would be way more comfortable.

 

[FiveInAVan]

Not sure they do as said you get a extra price of wood so you end up with a table to store
Hence thinking if we get smaller table or use this one and the gas leg so it sits on top 1cm each side

I think you are right. I wonder if I can ask them to custom make the table to fit instead......

 

[davemc]

With the Kokoda I have seen three in the flesh all made by a different company. Which is a worry as who does repairs. Also at Geelong show there was a battalion with a differnt name with flat sides from a different company who said made by Kokoda he he. Confused

If your happy with expanda bed the 17.56 has more too it.. Although weighs more so not sure you can do outback.

We went for a third and they had a two for one offer.. I go for a five he he although we are not