Intro from a new to Auto Sleeper young family

Hi everyone

Never been one for camping, my other half has decided that our young daughter (9 months) would probably love to go on holidays/weekend trips etc and a van is the way to go - I'm delighted!

I love vans, camping, the outdoors and this was great to hear, so here we are...

I've owned VW Beetles and a Westfalia in Mexico whilst living there but will definately not be buying another! I'll be looking for lots of advice and like to get to know all about a vehicle before buying as I'm keen that my family has everything we need.

I'll be posting in other forums (as I understand this is just the intro section) but after doing my research, I think we'll go with a VW Trident or similar as I rate VWs and we have around £6K - £8K to spend, so hopefully we'll be able to find something that will suit our needs and is decent for that money - I'd be keen to see whether people think this is feasible.

I'd be looking to buy over the Winter, as I believe there are good value buys to be had(?) and our big trip will be a drive down to Austria in August 2015 for a half ironman event where we'll camp for a week when I do the race - so we need something reliable, spacious and fun.

So, that's us...I really enjoy being part of enthusiasts forums as I think they can be a huge help and worthwhile, so hopefully this is the beginning of our great adventure, with lots of great memories to be created for us and our little one.

Cheers all!

Hello and welcome to the forum   
Have fun searching for the van of your dreams.

Frank

Welcome from N.E Wales

Hello and   from Leicestershire, great idea.

Hi and welcome,   you'll be able to get lots of advice on this forum.
In terms of £s these day 6-8k will unfortunately not secure much in the vw market. Even the early T4 tridents still seems to fetch close to double figures, but it's worth looking all over the internet to get a feel for prices and go and see a few to get an idea of condition.

Enjoy
John

Hello & welcome from S/Yorks. 

Welcome to this excellent Forum!
We had a Trident (well actually it was called the VHT then) on a VW base. Had it from 1988 - 98. Brilliant when the children were small - they slept in the "chicken loft" (which is the pull-out upper bed above the transverse bench seat / main bed). During the day we could store a great deal up there. Bike racks and a free-standing awning (which we carried on the small roofrack) were v useful. Got a propex underfloor heater installed, too - which made it snug in winter. A good choice if you can get a sound one.
But whatever you get, enjoy the motorhome. You'll be hooked for life!

Hi and welcome to the forum from Peterbough .
Boaby (in transit)

We have a Trident and love it. Been to the northern tip of Scotland, Cornwall, Ireland, Belgium and Holland. Just returned from a fab break in Brittany. However, your budget could restrict you to an older model. Can't believe just how much they retain their value. If you find the right one, you won't be disappointed. Good luck in your search.

Brilliant - thanks everyone - really helpful. I'll copy and paste all your replies and show my other half...that way we'll be able to up the budget!! 

Hi there and a big welcome to the forum  

Welcome to the forum!  I first went camping (in a tent, with the school, sixty seven years ago, when I was eight.  Had there not been the inconvenience of a world war, I'd probably have tried it earlier!  Welcome to camping and to this wonderful forum.  Never be afraid to ask ifyou need help.

My son and his young family have the bug too...indeed, my 6 & 5 years old grandchildren slept in a tent in their garden last night...equipped with head torches and walkie talkies!  Enjoy!