Caravan suitability for dogs.

marill replied on 29/01/2017 09:52

Posted on 29/01/2017 09:52

We come from the "roughing it" end of caravanning. Sites with caravans all in neat rows, mown lawns, shower blocks, community centres etc are an anathema, and we would rather stay at home. Give me a rough field and a water supply and l am happy. Give me great dog walking nearby and life is complete.

But where is the caravan that matches these slightly spartan requirements. All caravans are built with a view or eye towards luxury.  Nothing wrong with luxury, don't get me wrong, I enjoy it as much as the next man. But where is the praticle caravan for the doglover? Where is the caravan with vinyl floors throughout for easy wiping clean, the upholstery that is not velor trimmed or deep pile. Where is the caravan with a locker easily accessible from inside and out for leads, dog bowls, muddy wellies etc. Where is the caravan with all lower surfaces finished in melamine or vinyl so dogs can sleep or lean against it and thier dirt and grease can easily be wiped away. Where is the caravan with a "reverse stable door" so the bottom can be used as a dog door.

Country caravanning and dogs meld together beautifully. But the caravan that would make this perfect is yet to be built. 

Pippah45 replied on 29/01/2017 10:11

Posted on 29/01/2017 10:11

I saw one at the NEC in October that would probably have suited you - not sure what it was but German I think quite spartan and not cheap either!  Seats were covered in plastic etc etc.  I didn't like it because there was no front window - the bed being raised and in the front.  But as the owner of two largish dogs I don't find it hard to adapt with throws to cover the cushions - the vinyl floor is already there under the carpets.  I have hooks just inside the door for the leads and so it goes on.  At one point I did keep the cushions from an old caravan that was going to scrap and kept the current caravan one in the house.  But then the mice got those and I just cover the seats now! 

Metheven replied on 01/02/2017 17:29

Posted on 01/02/2017 17:29

Muck and comfort go together and I agree wipe down would be ideal but too spartan for me, our dog makes a mess and we clean it up. We don't mind how dirty she is, we just clean her up before entering the best we can and letting her share the comforts that we have, when I can get on the seat laughing

We do cover the seats though and crosswords do tire her.

Picture

 

Takethedogalong replied on 01/02/2017 17:48

Posted on 01/02/2017 17:48

Most dog owners are resourceful folks, they can take any form of home and make it dog friendly, including caravans. If you can't get a new one, (and I suspect you can as a lot of Euro design ones have wipe clean surfaces) then get an older one and kit it out yourself, exactly how you would like it. 

What kind of dog do you have Marril? We have kitted out three ourselves for our three/two dogs over the years.

compass362 replied on 01/02/2017 17:50

Posted on 01/02/2017 17:50

Hmm sounds like you're after something in between a dog kennel πŸ•with wheels on & or something you could jet wash out , easily & quickly ........A skip maybe .🐩

Something of a mongrel type caravan  , but nothing too pedigree . Good luck with your search , I'm sure there's something out there πŸ˜‡

 

huskydog replied on 01/02/2017 17:59

Posted on 01/02/2017 17:59

Thanks Dave , my dog has just seen the photo of your dog lounging on the seat and now she wants me to give her a good reason why she can't lay on the seats 

P.S, she's not to bad a crosswords surprised

Tinwheeler replied on 01/02/2017 18:00

Posted on 01/02/2017 18:00

What a great first post from a new poster. Sites, vans and dogs all in one post. Are you sure you'll enjoy CC, Marill?

Don't caravans have vinyl flooring under the carpet any more? 

Anyway, what's wrong with a bit of comfort on a nice tidy clean site with all mod cons?

 

 

Oneputt replied on 01/02/2017 18:02

Posted on 01/02/2017 18:02

Can't remember seeing you posting before Marill so if your new or a returnee then welcome!

Not a dog owner myself but most vanners seem to manage their pets pretty well, most we come across seem to pitch their awning, even in the winter.

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