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Topic: Is a Fixed bed better than other layouts

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Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 10:58am
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Opal

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My husband and I are looking to buy our first caravan soon . It will just be for us and our dog as the kids are too "old" to come on holiday with us . We will use it for both Europe and Uk and due to the size of a car will need a reasonably lightweight one . I really like the fixed bed vans but they tend to be more expensive so I was wondering if we just get a 2 or 4 berth van and just leave the bed made up will it be as comfy ? Any disadvantages I haven't thought of ?? Any thoughts would be appreciated

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Babyfish

18/1/2014 at 11:15am
Location: Northants
Outfit: Berghaus Nightfall4

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We have to put our bed away every day as we have our small boy with us in our 4 berth so can't use the smaller seating area. OH and I have both said that when it is just us sometimes we will just leave it down and sit in the awning or use the smaller seats. When I'm on my own I have to leave the bed down as we have got a board that OH made that goes across the two seats to make the bed stable and I can't manoeuvre it to put it away.

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geoff+emmy

18/1/2014 at 11:19am
Location: Huddersfield
Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander

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We much prefer the fixed bed They tend to be comfier than the cushions and no pain of making the bed up every night...

Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 11:19am
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Opal

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Thanks Babyfish , I envisage using the little seating are when inside or hopefully sitting outside ! Is the bed comfortable ? I'm not sure if it's worth paying the extra for a fixed bed but I do like the look of it

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Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 11:21am
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Opal

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Geoff and Emmy thanks . I really like the look of them and it seems sensible if there are just 2 of you to leave the bed made up . The idea of upgrading from a tent is to make life easier

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Tc1962

18/1/2014 at 11:29am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Touring caravan

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We bought a 2 birth caravan at first because we didn't know if we were going to take to this caravaning life - we had it 4 months before we part exchanged it for a fixed bed caravan - for us it was a real pain putting the bed up every night - I envy those that seem to be able to do it with ease night after night. My OH says if you are teetotaller then it might not be such an issue - but after walking back from the pub it's the last thing you want to do ! If we had kept the smaller van then I would definitely have had a sleeping bag so I could dispense with the sheet and duvet, I guess that's what the experts do !! If you can tow and afford a fixed bed go for it.

bobsbabes

18/1/2014 at 11:33am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara

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You will have very little space if the bed is made up all the time . Also using the draws is a pain as is the under seat storage if you use it
I want a fixed bed soooo much after having 4 years if making and unmaking beds

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Tc1962

18/1/2014 at 11:36am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Touring caravan

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Yes I agree sorry I forgot about that part - it was impossible for us to leave the bed up due to the lack of space and we didn't have anywhere to put our clothes at night other than be incredibly tidy and put everything away!!

Tc1962

18/1/2014 at 11:38am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Touring caravan

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Also OH says if fixed beds are too expensive look for one with an end dinette you could leave the bed up then I guess - we looked at those at first as sometimes they are lighter and before we swapped cars that was more of an issue.

dinx

18/1/2014 at 11:45am
Location: north east
Outfit: sprite alpine 4

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hi i changed from 2 berth , to fixed bed sprite alpine 4 (lightweight) last year and i love it bed is very comfy has loads of storage space underneath.i just leave the table up at the seating area most of the time now,no more moving seat cushions and bedding about which i always found a pain.

Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 11:51am
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Opal

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Thanks guys that is great . I have wanted a fixed bed all along but as we have a fairly tight budget I didn't want to pay more for no extra advantage - however now I have your feedback I will def have to twist OH"s arm ( seeing as it's his bonus paying for it )

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Pickled Onion

18/1/2014 at 11:59am
Location: Near Alton Towers
Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H

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Quote: Originally posted by geoff+emmy on 18/1/2014
We much prefer the fixed bed They tend to be comfier than the cushions and no pain of making the bed up every night...

We too opted for the cumfy fixed bed layout as we had come from a fixed bed folding camper and so liked the ease of use. However, one drawback is that to get enough living space the vans tend to be that bit longer, We find this trade-off is one that we can live with. Any layout is a personal choice that suits your particular lifestyle and needs.

Dave

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VangoMan02

18/1/2014 at 12:14pm
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I think having the choice of a bed at each end makes more sense compared with a fixed bed.IMO

If you have an average sized van the fixed bed takes up so much room and cuts your living space down and is a dead space, so most go for a larger van and possibly require a larger tow car.

With beds each end you still have storage below and above in wall cupboards, the option of leaving one bed up if you want, the option of having room for family/grandchildren etc.

A four berth option or more is generally easier to sell as the two berth caravan has a smaller market, ask the dealers and see whats been sitting in the forecourt the longest..IMO

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Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 12:21pm
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Opal

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Thanks for that - we have a golf so have to go for a fairly lightweight van too .
Another question tho ? Is it better to go through a dealer - seems more expensive and a lot only do 6 month warrantys ? I suppose it would give you some peace of mind though

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VangoMan02

18/1/2014 at 12:30pm
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Its a question thats always asked on here.
I have always bought privately and haven't had any big issues like damp etc and saved a fortune doing so.

Dealers are more expensive and some will not give you a warranty unless you are spending thousands of pounds.

It is a minefield checking a caravan out for faults, dampness etc even for experienced caravanners.
There are people who can do this for you at a cost.

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Georgie girl

18/1/2014 at 12:58pm
Location: Swansea
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Thanks Vangoman I guessed as much - bit like buying a car . Thanks for your advice it's appreciated

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GG :)

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