You may also want to consider that some kids reach an age when they don't want to go away with you so you may regret investing in a set-up that ends up not being used or used differently to what you first planned.
Our three kids (5' to 5'8", slim build) seem comfortable travelling on our Reimo Variotech 3000. Other seats may be higher and headroom for occupants may be something you want to consider.
We can't all sleep in the van and we either use an awning or one or two of the kids will use a small tent. They sometimes like their own 'room', plus it gets their stuff out of the way and gives some on-site storage if needed when we drive away. However, with two swivel seats in the front, all five of us can sit around a table inside the van.
We have a LWB T6 Kombi Highline we got converted by CMC, Hythe and the extra length gives more storage and legroom which becomes more important with more people. Incidentally, we used the van for about a year before conversion and had a couple of camping trips before conversion which I think gave us time to better think about what we wanted. It's also means a lower outlay if you find that a T6, or a particular length of van, does not work for you.
Parking is no big issue for us, but we don't use it as a daily driver. If you use a rear bike rack on a SWB, you will face the same issues with parking space length. As with height restrictions, you learn to work around it.
A relative also has three kids (similar heights to yours) and has a Cali Ocean. He uses a single removable seat when all five travel (the same as mentioned in one of the above links), but it can get in the way when camped-up or needs a means of storage when not in use (both at home or on site). The Reimo Variotech I have is on rails and I think that a single removable seat can also be got for that.
As you suggest, a hire may be a good initial approach. Also, there is a Caravan and Motorhome show at the NEC in October which may give you and your family a chance to sit inside some to try for size.
Our three kids (5' to 5'8", slim build) seem comfortable travelling on our Reimo Variotech 3000. Other seats may be higher and headroom for occupants may be something you want to consider.
We can't all sleep in the van and we either use an awning or one or two of the kids will use a small tent. They sometimes like their own 'room', plus it gets their stuff out of the way and gives some on-site storage if needed when we drive away. However, with two swivel seats in the front, all five of us can sit around a table inside the van.
We have a LWB T6 Kombi Highline we got converted by CMC, Hythe and the extra length gives more storage and legroom which becomes more important with more people. Incidentally, we used the van for about a year before conversion and had a couple of camping trips before conversion which I think gave us time to better think about what we wanted. It's also means a lower outlay if you find that a T6, or a particular length of van, does not work for you.
Parking is no big issue for us, but we don't use it as a daily driver. If you use a rear bike rack on a SWB, you will face the same issues with parking space length. As with height restrictions, you learn to work around it.
A relative also has three kids (similar heights to yours) and has a Cali Ocean. He uses a single removable seat when all five travel (the same as mentioned in one of the above links), but it can get in the way when camped-up or needs a means of storage when not in use (both at home or on site). The Reimo Variotech I have is on rails and I think that a single removable seat can also be got for that.
As you suggest, a hire may be a good initial approach. Also, there is a Caravan and Motorhome show at the NEC in October which may give you and your family a chance to sit inside some to try for size.
lol
