Does anyone have one of these - I've been advised by our local Lunar dealer that Lunar are actually sold out of this van for 2009 so there must be a few about. We've looked at this model, 2 Baileys, Swift, Coachman & Adria being all single axle rear bunk/dinette models and really like this one because its fairly light (good 85% match for both our cars) but has the separate shower which we prefer. We'd love to hear any opinions from those who either have one or are familiar with this model.
We're about to pick one up - it's arrived at the dealers (so excited), I liked this layout but initally wasn't sure of the short front seats on the quasar, the seperate shower swung it for us though. I thought if we got a swift or bailey we'd never use the shower. (We're coming from camping so want the use of all the mod cons!). We also liked that it seemed to be finished off really well (hope our one is too).
We looked at all the ones you've looked at too, but like you the weight is a big factor and so we picked the 546. Don't think there is many people on this forum with them - I asked a couple of questions about it, think most people went for the bailey gt. I like our choice! Once we pick it up we're going away for the weekend to test it out (the shower had better be blooming good!)
Nicky
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Thanks for the response Nicky. We got chatting to the a couple who had the Quasar 615, very similar layout but on the twin axle and they only had good things to say about it. Short seats to front don't really worry us because there are only 4 of us so the layout seems to suit us perfectly.
You will have to let me know how you get on with yours when you try it out - fingers crossed its perfect!! How exciting
We were nearly swung by the separate shower, but the killer for us on the Lunar is that the brochure quoted bed size (in double mode) is with the centre chest removed. This is a pain compounded by the fact that the chest is also the TV point so having to move both of these every night swayed out decision towards the Pageant S7 Bretagne. We were disappointed by the Lunar because until we realised we would have to disassemble the front end each night, we thought it would be our perfect vanas we liked the idea of the bigger kitchen and more spacious washroom.
Before people say you do not have to remove the chest, if the bed was big enough with it in place why do Lunar quote the bed sizes with it removed?
Yeah, we noticed this too about the brochure and bed size. In fact we had a caravan mag which reviewed 3 vans (inc the quasar) and they gave it top marks for the front bed over the bailey and (i think) fleetwood!! (did they even try one out! - it's obviously smaller). We're not bothered about having to take off the front chest as we don't take a telly, it comes off easily and (as long as we don't fill it with rubbish) it's not very heavy. With only having to make one bed up at night think I can live with that. OH did volunteer to have the bottom bunk so we don't have to make up the front bed but i'd be a bit worried he'd get stuck!!
(There is a telly ariel in the back too)
We liked the bailey too, but the thought of still having to share a draughty shower with our youngest at the shower block made my mind up for me. Showering in peace with no "i can see your....." being chanted!!
There's only four of us too so the lunar ticks all the boxes. Good luck in your search Fiona, if you did decide on one think lots of dealers probably have them in stock although it might mean travelling. look on caravanfinder.co.uk
We've already spoken to dealers about moving the tv point & socket and installing a fold down shelf from the side of the wardrobe - not too expensive apparently but definitely worth doing as then moving the chest, should we need to wouldn't be too complicated.
Hi
I have had two Lunar caravans a Quasar and a Solaris both with fitted front sets of drawers. When I ordered the vans I asked for extra cushions so I could have the option of wrap round seating. Have a chat with your dealer I an sure this option is still available and make more room in the front area.
Sandy
Are you going over to the dark side? LOL. Is that your Montana 6 on ebay ( guessed it may be by the location, cornish holiday and frame tent mention!!)
I would love a caravan but OH has made me see sense, we have free use of the inlaws fab MH (see my gallery) so the caravan is madness really. Its a womens thing he dosent understand!! Bought a drive away MH awning off ebay today which should give us more living space which has been my real niggle with the MH.
I see from the above link on the vans for sale that one of the dealers is Swindon Caravans. I can recommend them, very helpful when we've paid them a visit. Not pushy, just helpful.
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Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Was just about to say same as pager. When did you decide to go for van? How difficult was it to convince oh??
We had one a few years ago and oh hated it, I am now trying to persuade him to try again as I think we would get more use out of it now. I might even go a learn how to pull one to take pressure off him. Anyway in mean time, good look with whatever you choose!
Aagh caught out big time ha! Its actually OH who is behind this tbh he hates all the packing up of the car and driving for miles just to unpack it all again, to then pitch tent & set up the inside, when we have a large driveway where caravan can be stored making the whole process much easier and we could therefore get away more frequently. Personally, I'd have been happy in a tent but I can see it from the family perspective, especially as he works long hours with a long commute so weekend tent camping has not really been possible without him eating into annual leave.
However, we are keeping the Athena tent just getting rid of the Monty - it was so unbearably hot inside it last week we decided that between the two tents its just not that practical for us.
OHs going on one of those towing courses - might go along myself, best to be safe than sorry but Im sure I will be a disaster at it!!
Pager, I noticed before you had a fab motorhome in your gallery and wondered if you used it. As I keep hearing that once you get a caravan you never tent again and Im hoping I will still be able to tempt OH away in the tent at some point.
We just need to decide whether we order a 2010 model in August/Sept or wait for the NEC next Feb really to buy.
You must get your husband to tell mine (at the Pillaton meet) how good a caravan would be! I do know where you husband is coming from. I find the packing incredibly stressful tbh and even though having the MH is so much easier because it isnt ours (although it lives on our driveway) it hasnt got all our stuff in it making a weekend away easier. So our dining room which we never use is now a right tip, piles od bedding, towels, food box etc ready for the next trip as I got sick of lugging it up and down to the spare room. My parents are coming to stay this weekend but I have told OH we will make room round the kitchen table as I refuse to put all the camping stuff away!! Perhaps he will see sense one day.
If we do go for a caravan we like the Adrias and the Lunars as they are so light as we are limited as to what we can tow with a renault laguna est.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Just finished our first year with the 546. We were lucky and ordered before last Christmas and took delivery Feb this year. Van has been excellent, children loved the area at the back and the shower is superb - often better than the ones on site! We looked at the Bailey and new Swift models, and prefered the Lunar because of the seperate shower and superb kitchen area - the Bailey has zero useable worktop space.Yes the front bunk is smaller than normal, but we have found it perfectly acceptable - even with the locker in place, and it is a worthwhile compromise to get the bigger kitchen and seperate shower. Anyway - it brings you closer together - and isn't that what it's all about !!!
The 2010 model of the 546 has been modified to give it longer front seats. (apparently). Can't remember where I read this though, but I would look into this before buying an 09 model.