Family vans 3+ children???

[achjimmy]

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.

@Moto Moto considered this and discussed it with a dealer before buying an expanda instead. Great idea I reckon, the table convertor would be a right royal pain IMO and just make you transition to a bigger van faster ?

 

[Dobbie]

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.

Here was I thinking you'd got yourself sorted out!

Rainy days are definately more comfortable in an expanda ...

We were a bit iffy about the bed ends but have absolutely no problem with them, given the extra space they free up. Comfort of bed is fine with a mattress topper, sheets stay on when folded and just have to toss pillows and doona on when lowered. We've now got the whole setup down to max of 12 mins with beds set up and awning out and BBQ ready.

Also in hot weather you get a lovely breeze with canvas opened up and we've found it warm in winter. Rain is no problem once you get the hang of keeping mattress away from canvas and we just use the privacy screens for a damp deterrent so haven't even used our storm covers so far.

Good luck with your deliberations.

Your needs are different from ours but we had doubts about set up nuisance time, comfort and keeping dry. We had a Swan previously so all those things had to be addressed as they were a pain in the proverbial with the Swan, not in the expanda.

 

[achjimmy]

When we were camping with 5 we went with the 16:49-3 in L shaped lounge. Slept two on the front bed with a sheet divider down the centre pole and the third on the lounge. All we had to do in the morning was toss the sleeping bag on the front bed and we had the lounge back. It was a very roomy setup and to us felt more open than the 17 ft expanda ? My only issue with the 16:49-3 is really it's too heavy for a single axle setup. Maybe now with the heavier j tech suspension and get the 16" tyres it'll be satisfactory? You'll be well under the playdohs tow rating. As @Dobbie said setup is quick. TBH I would never go back to those bed ends and we did get wet which don't be rude me off but they do also have the other advantages he mentioned and the openess which allows the breezes is fantastic

 

[Matty4]

I've got 3 kids and we traded up to the Expanda 5 years ago from a triple bunk Galaxy van. The oldest at 12 was starting to struggle getting into the middle bunk, no headroom at all really.
We spent 3.5 months in ours just after we got it and it still works for us today.
My kids are 17, 14 and 11 now. The 17yo (girl) gets the rear bed to herself and the 2 boys have a bunk each, although I wished we had the bottom dinette made into a fixed bunk with cupboards under, rather than just at each end under the seats.

The boys are just starting to complain about the lack of length in the bunks but I'm not sure how much longer my daughter will travel with us once she gets her licence this year. Then the boys can alternate between rear bed and bunk.

This will do us until they've all gone, then it will be a van built for 2

 

[Dobbie]

That's what ours is ....built for two...and it feels like the Hilton at times.

We can't think of anything we'd change.

 

[FiveInAVan]

@Dobbie don't worry all good after reading all the advice and chatting to hubbie I am still convinced on the Starcraft. I have bypassed the tent, camper and expanda. I am just not a canvas gal

 

[FiveInAVan]

@achjimmy I spent a long time researching the 16's but unfortunately they just don't work for me in the interim as I need a double to co-sleep with my youngest until she's in her own bed full time. That was why the 17.56.2 was high on my list due to its versatility. But still, canvas......