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We have a 2008 Adria Altea 542UK with fixed bunks along the side and a side dinette for the kids to use through the day, we have found the layout to be excellent and works really well for us the van is quite basic but being previous tent campers it is positively luxurious. 

The bunks are a really good size compared to fixed bunks at the rear and even adults could use.  The washroom is on the small size but we tend to use site showers anyways so no problem for using the toilet and having a quick wash.

We looked at the new Bailey triple bunks also loved the layout but hubby being 6ft4 kept banging his head as only 6ft3 headroom compared to 6ft5 in the Adria.  Added bonus is the van is comparitively light compared to others.

If you after a Twin axle you can get the bunks at the back but lenght ways and a table opposite that is what i have so they still have they own space at the back of the van, it works great it's like another bedroom. Lunar and swift do these i have a Elddis Firestorm 630 FB.

We are a family of 6 & although a 6 berth would be nice we won't entertain fixed beds or bunks because it ties up too much of the caravan space. When the chips are dow, we need seating for every one more than we do fixed beds to avoid the job of making up beds.

We now use a five berth & awning annexes to sleep everyone in comfort & space. It means that we have to use the awning if all the kids (2 are young adults) come with us. All down to personal choice at the end of the day, we've several family friends who wouldn't have anything other than vans with fixed beds or bunks.

BB

TEC do a twin axle that has bunks at back width ways of van with a little table and seat this closes off so like a proper room. Also it has a fixed double  in next part o van (middle ish) then you still have kitchen and living space as normal for a single axle. Not sure but I think it is a 710.

We were looking as making up the living room to a bed is becoming a bit of a pain for us plus this  gives the option of kids (and us) having our own room.

Another vote from me for the Bailey Ranger 540/6, we are getting the GT60 model which comes with alko hitch and microwave.  We have dogs too and during the day we can fold up the bottom bunk and put the dogs beds there.  I love the thought of being able to leave a table up all the time and not having to make up at least 4 beds every night.  Not that that really bothers me as its part of the holiday but our bedding can be thrown on the bunks during the day which means not having to use the wardrobe to store bedding.  Eldest dd likes a duvet which means she can have one without me worrying about the space it takes up lol.

We are off to Scotland in August with my mum and dad who are hiring a static and the kids will mostly sleep with them so we can leave the front bed made up all the time and use the side dinette in the rear.  And i can go and sleep in the bunks, shutting the door, if dh's snoring becomes unbearable lol

For me when i pick a 'van or a car it must be the most versatile.  We are a family of 5 but have taken 5 children away with us and any van must be able to cope with this.  My son likes to sleep in the awning but i need a bed for him just in case he can't sleep in the awning.  For 2 night weekends we won't want to put up and awning so ds can sleep in the 'van.

We are lucky in that we can buy this ouright but i did see the repayments at the dealers were pretty good if you decide to buy new and need a loan. 

This 'van truely is the best lol.  Take your dh off to see one in the flesh and if he's like mine he will sign the deal there and then lol.  I'm the sensible one who says wait...

hth

Fixed bunks are great, & I couldn't imagine us going without if we ever change van

The bed's permanently made up for the littlle-un & friend. It's their space for their things. Bedtime is always there, no need to think ahead about making up. Also good for a siesta (them or us)

 we really wanted a van with beds for the kids or a fixed for us , as we had a smaller 5 berth , and had no room at all if we left the beds made up .

 unfortunately the layout we really liked, which would have been end lengthways bunks with a dinette by the side to make another bed , and the whole area being able to be shut off , was way out of our price range,

 we ended up falling in love with a fixed bed 4 berth, ( we have  2 girls , 14 and 9, and a boy of 8). so have the flexibility of either kids in the main bedroom( girls sharing and lad on campbed, yes there is that much room in there ) and us on the lounge double. or more likely us in the main bedroom , and all the kids in annexe bedrooms, which is their preffered choice right now.

 we have our first holiday in it in 2 weeks and will see how it works, but i like the idea of not having to make up any beds, the kids will have loads of room in their inner bedroom tents for all their stuff, and we still have the lounge to chill in.