Never done this before

Thank you again everyone.  

I didn't know that the gas would warm up the van quicker, I'll remember that.  Ours is a truma system.  The van warmed up quite quickly on the electric.   I think the ducting is under the van for the heating.   I covered the vents under my sons bed this time and it was much better - even with the high winds.  He also decided that he had to go to sleep in his dressing gown.  He slept all night through rain and strong wind.

I kept the heating on 17 overnight to keep the van warmer.

We have the vans carpets down and take our slippers.  Warm walking socks is a good idea too.

We had awful trouble getting the water in the van to come through.  Not sure if it was an air lock or if there is something wrong with the pump in the water barrel or if it was kinked or the connection to the van or if it was us.  We asked lots of other caravanners who really helped us. we still didn't get much water out of it.     

We learnt a lot from this weekend though.

What's a local centre?   Probably the most stupid question.  lol

Newone, thanks for coming back and updating us. Just a word of caution, if there are air vents in the van don't cover them, they are safety features to prevent CO (carbon monoxide) forming. They also keep the van ventilated to prevent condensation and damp. The heating vents have little flaps on them which can be adjusted or closed, these are safe.

Have a look under membership at the top of the page for details about centres and all the vanning events they organise, some offer lots of family activities.

Good luck with more trips, it will all sort out in the end! 

+ 1 here.

Congratulations for having enjoyed it so thoroughly at a challenging time of year, too!

Don't know what type of water pump you have, but make sure that the rubber cover on the water barrel (aquaroll) is not tight over the hole as if it is that can cause an airtight seal and the water won't flow properly. I'd also advise carpeting the floor under the seating area. 

I just covered the 2 vents under my sons bed.  There are more vents in the van. But I will be very careful.   The wind was that bad my sons bed was really cold.  We had a draft through the front windows the wind was that strong.  Next time we go it will be warmer and I won't cover them. 

Our van is brand new and thankfully has a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm. 

I'll make sure the cover on the aquaroll roll isn't on tight.  I don't think it was as it doesn't seem to fit on that well.

I'm blown away (no pun intended) by everyones help and the time you've all taken to help me.  Thank you all. 

Many will disagree but after 30 years of caravans and, more recently, a motorhome we find cold weather and caravanning incompatible. Yes, you can keep the van warm but what do you do during the day with young children (or adults come to that). There are only so many games of Snakes & Ladders, Scrabble or Monopoly you can play before getting bored out of your skull.  I’m afraid it’s hotels in hot climates for us.

The only proviso is that if you Caravan regularly it can be quite nice to go somewhere close to an interesting city or town BUT for two nights maximum!

How about getting out and about and enjoying our beautiful countryside. There are stacks of things that kids enjoy doing regardless of the weather. There's no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate clothing!!