Went for a Golf, came back with an Ocean

[BeeBee]

I would suggest a day trip first just to get the feel of the van, who sits where, is the dog to be harnessed ( sorry to hear that it may be at a time of the loss of one of your dogs, heartbreaking time for anyone).
We use an anchor point ( purchased from club shop) attaches to the rail nearest the sliding door and our boy is harness + short extension, attached to this. Pretty useful if your bairns are on the back seat.
It’s also common for newbies to have a 1st night sleep trial on the driveway, much to neighbours amusement no doubt, but it lets you try things out , with less fraying of tempers.

 

[BeeBee]

You can see the ‘anchor point’ bottom right of the photo

 

[jMacdent]

thanks for the comments! We did look at the beach as well, we’ve spent quite a while researching since last weekend and decided the ocean was the way to go for us and placed the deposit down on Friday…exciting times and now the planning for the first trip begins!

What’s the recommendation? Keen to hear people’s first trip experiences especially with dogs and kids (although sadly it may be dog before we pick it up)

Agree with your wife about the memories things....We also have 2 children (two boys aged 7 and 5 when first order placed, oldest will be 11 this year) and two border terriers. We did tent camping for a number of years before. Our first trip ever with the van was to the Isle of Wight. One of our favourites. Our most recent was to Marwell Resort with two other families, great for the kids. Heading to France and Bude in the Summer. Heed the usual forum advice....Don't buy loads and loads of stuff before you get the van. I've got a garage full of gear that I have never used. With so many feet onboard we use an awning. Love the early mornings when all 6 of us are downstairs having a cuddle in the king size bed!!!

 

[leondavies911]

You can see the ‘anchor point’ bottom right of the photo

View attachment 109618

This is really useful as we've been wondering where best to seat her, and as theres' plenty room there it looks like the best way. we'll look into that harness option...thanks for showing this. Also loving the amount of storage compartments you have on the back of the drivers seat!