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We are considering our first Caravan having had a Folding Camper for a few years.

We have looked around a few dealers for inspiration and to get the layout we really like (fixed bunks for the kids, front lounge/diner/double bed, mid kitchen and washroom) it seems we will need an HGV licence to tow it and an airstrip to store it!!

Can anyone suggest any modern looking vans (used) to look out for in our budget of £5000 to £7000 with fixed bunks, sub 7mtrs and light. Does not need to be too flash - just a fridge, a washroom, a hob and an oven and maybe a heater would be nice for winter breaks. 

I have seen a couple of Lunar Chateau 500s in our price range and they seem to tick all the boxes but I cannot find much written about them and the examples I have seen advertised are located some distance from us. Are they any good?

We started off with 5 berth, rear bunks. Left the bunks up when away and closed them off with sliding doors during the day/night.

We soon realised that having a small cubicle shower room/toilet was a pain and the wardrobe location proved arkward when we were all in the van.

When then changed to a 4 berth van with side dinette/bunks and rear shower room/toilet and wardrobe, this made a huge difference as we normally use sites without shower block. It also made the kitchen area a lot lighter, with the dinette window.

Everyone has different views due to their needs. For example:

1. How old are the kids?

2. How many do you have?

3. Will you be using the site facilities for showering/toilet/washing up?

4. Eating in?

5. What time of year will you be using it. Awnings can have bedroom compartments, great for summer time.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search!!

Hi,

Thanks for the replies and advice. We favour the fixed rear bunks as we have 2 kids (8&11) who fight over bed space and we think this suits us best.

We always use sites with facilities so as long as the washroom is big enough for the 3am pee and has a basin for brushing teeth we are not fussed about the shower or lack of shower as we would use those provided by the site.

We tend to eat in or BBQ but kitchen size is not a great concern as long as it has an oven and a fridge.

The main criteria is that it is light and compact and has rear bunks. We have seen a new van which would be perfect but out of our budget.

Can anyone suggest a make/model to search for? in the meantime I will look at the link sent by Andi & Rob - thanks for that.

All help appreciated.

Derek

Sprite Firebrand?

Looks like a good size/weight and layout compromise. our friends bought a new er version this and its pretty nice (for a caravan ;)  )

Quote: Originally posted by sunshinetours on 02/8/2011

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Sprite Firebrand?

Looks like a good size/weight and layout compromise. our friends bought a new er version this and its pretty nice (for a caravan ;)  )

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That looks perfect for us - have emailed the dealer plus we now have another model to search for - many thanks

Derek

We are in a similar boat to you but currently only have 1 young baby but also want the room if number two comes along. We are probably going to go for a 2007 model Bailey Ranger 470 (4 berth) but they also do this in a 6 birth which is very lightweight and has the fixed end bunks. We did look at one of these at a local dealer last week but it is just a tad over our 85% weight limit plus the OH liked the end washroom on a 4 berth (the 6 berth has a mid section bathroom). If you have a look at 6 birth rangers around 2005-2007 you should be able to get one around £7k ish if you haggle!.

We also liked the Orion 440 but not sure we can justfify the extra money!

Well, we have been searching - the Firebrand is still a contender but they are all 100's of miles away - And is £7000 reasonable for a 6/7 year old van when you can get a new one for £13000?

Had a look at what the dealers have near to us last weekend and it is fair to say that there is very little on offer near to us currently and what there is seems over priced. From the dealers, our budget which is really £6000, will only get us (if we can find one) something produced in 2002 or older trimmed in lovely draylon.

Think we may leave it and pick something up at the end of the season - also liking the look of the Bailey 500/5 - just about as big as we dare get for our drive but it seems spacious inside compared to others and it is lightish.

Thanks for all the advice and replies.

Quote: Originally posted by audicab26 on 12/8/2011

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Thanks - looks great, however it is too long for our drive. Good luck with the sale.

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