Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Contact Us

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Which 6 berth ? Post Reply Post New Topic
28/8/2009 at 3:32pm
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
View madwoman4kids's Profile View Profile   Reply to madwoman4kids Reply   Quote madwoman4kids Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hello. We are thinking of selling our beloved folding camper of 4 years and moving up to a caravan to avoid wet packing up and have a longer camping season.

We have 4 children aged 5-11 (and a dog!) to accomodate and would like to know if anyone has experience of caravanning with 4 children and which layout they found the best with regard to beds etc

Any advice would be most welcome before I spend a fortune on something I may regret :-)



28/8/2009 at 3:53pm
 Location: Swindon Wiltshire
 Outfit: Toyota Landcruiser Avondale Dart 556 6
View theclarkes's Profile View Profile   Reply to theclarkes Reply   Quote theclarkes Quote  
Joined: 05/9/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4270

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0


We also have 4 children (no dog though), you will find a number of layouts for 6 berths, you need to go and see as many as you can, making sure that you get the layout that you want.

Our 6 berth layout is, double at the front, a side dinette that turns into bunks, and a fixed bunk at the rear, to be honest its not the layout that we would choose again. Our next van will be a double at the front, and the bunks opposite each other at the rear of the van, with our layout when the kids are on the side bunks, it reduces space in the kitchen, and also they just have a flimsy curtain around them, we just think that it would be better to have them all at one end, in their own bedroom, with a sliding door across, this means that we lose no kitchen space, and if we have friends around in the van, any noise will be reduced.

of course, this layout may not work for you, go and look at as many 6 berths as you can to get an idea of the layouts :o)

Good luck


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

28/8/2009 at 5:44pm
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Conway Classic Trio 2004
View ashwellgirl's Profile View Profile   Reply to ashwellgirl Reply   Quote ashwellgirl Quote  
Joined: 02/12/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2262

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Don't know what your budget is but we've got the 6 berth triple bunk Bailey Ranger 540/6 which is ideal for us.  My son likes to sleep out in the awning so we have the 2 girls on the top 2 bunks and dd's friend on the pull out bed and the dogs sleep on the floor/bottom bunk as that folds up against the side.  It really is a great 'van and very versatile.  We like that we can seperate ourselves from the kids at night.  Don't know what the price is for a 2nd hand one is as they only came out last year.  We got the GT model because we wanted an alko stabiliser and had a motor mover fitted too.  We started off with a 30 year old caravan just to see if we like caravanning then got a newer 20 year old Avondale Leda Malvern which had 2 long bench seats at the back which converted into bunks.  It was a lovely 'van and we were very happy with it.  My advise would be to take a look on ebay for the sort of layout you want and take a look around the dealers to see in the flesh what will suit you best.  When we were looking for our 6 berth i found narrowing my choice down by looking on ebay and then seeing them for real at the dealers the best way.

When it came to getting the Bailey we knew we wanted the 540/6 but when we saw the GT60 we knew that was the one.  I want a 'van that is versatile and adapts with us and the Bailey Ranger 540/6 is it.



-------------



28/8/2009 at 8:49pm
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
View madwoman4kids's Profile View Profile   Reply to madwoman4kids Reply   Quote madwoman4kids Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for suggeations so far. I have been looking at a Bailey  with the kids sleeping at other end behind sliding door as they are reasonably priced and seem quite practical . Just not sure by the triple bunk and side bed bit as they dont look very long beds- will have to take tallest child to lie in one. Other option I have seen has 2 bunks in rear with top ones folding away but not sure if they are as stable for lads as they get bigger ...


28/8/2009 at 8:52pm
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
View madwoman4kids's Profile View Profile   Reply to madwoman4kids Reply   Quote madwoman4kids Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

P.s Hi Ashwell girl. I am sure it was you who recommended Ashwell springs to me last year and it has reminded me I must make it there !! Will put it on my to do list for next few days since we are not going away. If you see a harrassed mum with 4 boys and a labrador x springer pup that'll be me !!


Advertisement

Handiworld


28/8/2009 at 9:06pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4659

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

What car have you got, you will need to check what weight you can tow.


28/8/2009 at 9:15pm
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
View madwoman4kids's Profile View Profile   Reply to madwoman4kids Reply   Quote madwoman4kids Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We have a Peugeot 806 people carrier which we are in the process of selling to buy an 807 or citroen c8. Having same dilemas over car as caravan at the moment. The more you look into things sometimes, the more confused you get .....


28/8/2009 at 10:39pm
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Conway Classic Trio 2004
View ashwellgirl's Profile View Profile   Reply to ashwellgirl Reply   Quote ashwellgirl Quote  
Joined: 02/12/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2262

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You know i thought i recognised the name but assumed it was from other postings lol.  Yeah that was me.  I really ought to look at where people are from when answering posts lol.  I think the fold up top bunks take about 11 stone like the Rangers bunks.

If you buy from Amber Leisure they will throw in a starter pack but you have to ask for it! 

What dealers have you been too? 

We've just had to buy a newer car because there was something up with our old one.  My dh loves his Fords but we did consider other cars.  We realised when we were towing on our holiday that we'd need a newer car so dh got whatcar magazine and every time a car drove past us on holiday we reached for it to see what it had to say about it lol.  We both kept coming back to Fords mainly because of the service and road tax price being so much less than all the rest.  We got it from Fords in Letchworth and were very unimpressed with the customer service.  We were paying a lot of money for our new car but the bloke was always busy with other customers and we almost walked away when it came to picking the car up because he kept us waiting so long. 



-------------



30/8/2009 at 10:50am
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
View madwoman4kids's Profile View Profile   Reply to madwoman4kids Reply   Quote madwoman4kids Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for the tip Ashwell girl . We have looked at Galaxys but we like the sliding doors on the Peugeot/Citroen C8 . We have also looked at some of the smaller MPVs but with maybe getting a caravan too we need a decent tower now as well .

Nothing to do with towing, but if you see this in time, is Ashwell show worth a trip on Monday ??



30/8/2009 at 10:55am
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Conway Classic Trio 2004
View ashwellgirl's Profile View Profile   Reply to ashwellgirl Reply   Quote ashwellgirl Quote  
Joined: 02/12/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2262

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yes it is but bring plenty of money cos you will spend a fortune lol

-------------



Advertisement

Handiworld


30/8/2009 at 6:44pm
 Location: Barnsley south yorks
 Outfit:  Sorento XS Coachman Pastiche 2008
View lozzie's Profile View Profile   Reply to lozzie Reply   Quote lozzie Quote  
Joined: 02/7/2007

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   694

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hello, we have an immaculate Abbey Aventura 330 6 berth and its a 2005, yesterday i went to Lowdhams and spotted the exact same van as ours up for sale for £8.900, i asked for a trade in price against a brand new Swift....launching at Hull next week its based around the Bailey Ardennes that the Bramble family designed, bearing in mind the new van is £14.500 he offered me £6.100 !!!!! so thats alot of profit....£2.800, i am going to try Ebay with my lovely van for around £7000 ??? or anyone interested please contact me, take care lorraine

-------------
wishing everyone,,,,what you would wish for yourselves x


31/8/2009 at 8:46pm
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Avondale Argente
View Karen13's Profile View Profile   Reply to Karen13 Reply   Quote Karen13 Quote  
Joined: 22/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   899

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi

We have an Avondale Argente 650-6, and have two kids of 8 and 10.  I love the layout because in the back there's a bench seat one side and a dinette the other. You can either set them up as single beds (our choice), or you can make a double with the pull out bit on the rear chest, or (when you have 4 kids) you make up the 2 single beds with 2 bunks over. And the best bit is that there's a solid wooden door between the back room and the kitchen/living area so the kids aren't disturbed at night (or the parents aren't disturbed in the morning...). 

There's one on ebay at the moment, identical to ours, but they seem to have put two mattresses in the back, in place of the seat cushions, if you want to have a look at the interior.  I must confess the build quality isn't brilliant (they like to use staples/pins that aren't very strong), but my OH is a bit handy at making the weak bits stronger.  And the fridge is only 77litre that got put in all berths from 2-6 (for some really STUPID reason).

It is a big van (twin axle) so you have to watch what you tow it with. Ours is sited so we don't have that problem.  It also has an external electric and gas point which comes in handy, removable carpets and a locker for the microwave.

I did a lot of homework before buying and based on the layout I LOVE MY VAN!!!

Best of luck with the searching, its really exciting looking for a new van 17

 



-------------
Karen

www.utilityzoo.co.uk



01/9/2009 at 9:00pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Jason Neville's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jason Neville Reply   Quote Jason Neville Quote  
Joined: 26/8/2006

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   154

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have a Bailey Ranger GT60 540-6 Its great i would reccomend it. Cant see what else i would get with 2 kids.


01/9/2009 at 11:46pm
 Location: Kent (on East Sussex border)
 Outfit: Bailey S7 Pageant Bretagne & S-Max
View I Love Holidays's Profile View Profile   Reply to I Love Holidays Reply   Quote I Love Holidays Quote  
Joined: 14/8/2007

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   828
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We've just bought a Bailey Ranger 550/6, and are very happy.


03/9/2009 at 8:52pm
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Avondale Argente
View Karen13's Profile View Profile   Reply to Karen13 Reply   Quote Karen13 Quote  
Joined: 22/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   899

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Two friends of mine both have that exact van, they're very happy with it. I really like the floor cupboard with the baskets in, the size of the fridge, and the fact that they have really high-opening overhead lockers (they find it easier than me to store Vodka in them!)

Congrats!



-------------
Karen

www.utilityzoo.co.uk




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














3453 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement



Advertisement



Advertisement