We have a freedom at the moment, and its great but would like more room (usually camp with 1 or more kids!) I'm thinking of going back to a folding camper, but OH not keen prefers caravans, but due to our car not towing much (1.6 c-max)we haven't got much choice.
As Garmister123 has pointed out, they're a rare van to find and you're best bet would be Freedom in Stafford as I believe they are the main importer/distributor.
For info too, you might be interested that the Summer edition of Caravan magazine contains a full review of the Stercheman Starlet 440CE 4 berth
Yes we dont live far from Freedom at stafford, have looked at them and they are quite nice, and light so tow, but just wondered if they were any good? I think they are fibreglass same as the Freedoms, so probably dont go damp, which is good?!
Hi my sister and brother in law have one of these- they really like it but Sterckeman seem to do vans that you have to have 'add ons'. Theres is lovely but no hot water, no shower, no heating and no oven. The seats at the front are not long enough to be used as 2 singles so it has to be made up into a double all day and night. A great lightweight van, bit querky but these are foreign vans made for the hot climate. If this is all you can tow then give it a go, we all had to start somewhere. Good luck. Gary
Just been to look at them, found one I like too Got everything on it, hot water, loo, shower, cooker, heating, even a fixed double bed! still only 970 kgs (max) Just looking at our finances so fingers crossed!
Only trouble is you have to buy all new stuff - awning, locks etc
Hi mzzy.we're thinking about a sterkeman for our next van too.did you find out if they are built like freedoms as well ie grp shells?we love our sunseeker but it may soon be time to get something with a bit more room.
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
But this one is 4K cheaper and we wont have to swap the car (if we go ahead) we are def going to give it lot's of research first, we must have learnt our lesson as didn't sign anything just, even tho we both really liked the van!!!
Dreadnought - the vans are fibre glass roof and plastic sides, the dealer said they are not buying any new ones in for the moment, they are selling their stock, as the euro has hit them badly making the vans too much to buy!
The sterkeman we are looking at is last years model, red inside (really nice!) our freedom is a 2005 and yes, you can put an annexe on the awning (we have only used our awning once) I drive my OH crazy think I have that manic buying thingy disease! Lol. The Freedoms are brilliant vans, but probably better for couples rather than families, I miss the loo, fridge and being able to sit and eat in the van.
Thanks for the info mzzy.we'll pop along to freedom when we can and have a look at the sterkemans for ourselves.im taking NO money chequebook or cards though because once the wife sees one she likes i know what will happen!
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
I have a Caravelair which is made by Trigano who also make Sterckmans. I have had it since February and I really like it. It is well built. Just one word of information. Mine does not have a water pump consisting of an inboard 40L water tank. If you are happy filling this from a water container(I personally use a Whale V pump and an Aquaroll) then thats fine. The layout is quirky with the fixed bed at the front and the kitchen and washroom at the rear, but I'm happy with that. I chose this van over two British vans because I liked the finish inside and the cost. I have been told they are very reliable. Go for it!
We have just got back from France and there are loads of Sterckemans on site there so they can't be too bad! It seems to me that there are far more small lightweight vans in Europe than in Britain.
There was also a Trigano Silver pop top caravan there which looked quite a bit larger than a Freedom and that was towed by a C-max so maybe that is something else for you to research?
Trouble with pop up vans I always wack my head on the door frames, have done it several times when looking at an Eriba and a silver, the doors must be smaller!
I think we would be better with a folding camper until we can afford a bigger car and caravan, but OH has said he doesn't want one I would prefer having more of a choice and although I really like the sterk its still bit small.