Message Forums

Hi

Calling on you gurus for some assistance please.

At present we own a 2009 Pennine Pathfinder  but we are looking to move to a caravan. We have a 2 year old so we are looking at something sensible with a bunkbed (or 2) ACROSS the back from side to side (not sideways towards the rear) to basically reduce the length of the caravan. (this is so we can put our little chap to bed and still watch tv, eat and chat up the seated area of the caravan)

We would need heating, toliet and all the normal refinements and would ideally like to use the caravan most of the year.

I'm not overly keen on towing a caravan which is why I'm also looking for it to be reasonably short if possible without loss of facilities.

That's all, do I need a magic lamp?

Neil & Jayne

Our Avondale Dart 556/6 has good sized bunks across the back but only the top has any kind of rail,our girls love them.

Andy

Hi, bailey pageant bretange has bunk beds across the back upto last years model. Theres a lunar that has that layout too. and an ace courier.

I only know as this was our choivce of layout but ended up buying a bailey 2010 gt60, thats got the end kids bedroom with bunks across the back corner & corner dinette/ bed. We get it in 4 weeks!!!!! & can't wait.

Try google for caravan finder it shows you all layouts.

Claire

you do not need bunk beds if you get a 500/5 bailey.our young chap has a full size bed to himself and you have a full folding door you can close off.he has used this from 6 month old and he is now 6 years old.

Wow, many thanks all. loving the caravan finder site and looking good for the  Elddis Avante 464 at the moment.

Regards

Neil

Quote: Originally posted by ihategherkins on 03/1/2010

---

Wow, many thanks all. loving the caravan finder site and looking good for the  Elddis Avante 464 at the moment.

Regards

Neil

---

That van looks good but the door is at the back by the bed. We had that design years ago and it was very inconvenient..

Thats the layout in my Lunar, but its not for sale!

Our door is at the back next to the bed but we actually find that a good thing, as it enables you to use the seat to sit sideways and take your muddy boots off whilst using the doormat, so even without an awning, you dont spread dirt into the main living area of the caravan. A cheap rubber car mat at the door works well for this. 

We have got the simple slide out type of bunk thats suspended under the rear lockers and has a safety rail and net attachment to stop little ones tumbling out. Our last caravan, a Coachman had the canterlever type bunk and it was a real pain to take up and down, as you needed to take all the base cushions off to do so. Some people use the top bunk as a storage shelf and leave it up in the day, Just using the base for their little one to sleep, we have done this in the past and it enables you to shut away the clutter of toys and storage boxes if you dont have your awning up at the time.

Julia

Hi

We have an Adria 542Uk with bunks lengthways at the back of the van and also have a 3yr old. The van was bought new in 2008 for £8000 and is wonderful with all mod cons except Oven. (use George Foreman / Ramoska Oven). Would not be with out it after coming from a Trigano Camper.

Adrias are a lot of caravan for not much money when looking a second hand proices for the more common vans i.e. Bailey etc.

Hope you find what your looking for and enjoy.

You really need to decide what weight of van you can tow and also what budget you have. Many of the vans mentioned on here are quite heavy and many are only available in fairly new vans. The layouts have changed with fashion over the last few years. Also think to the future a bit, the little one will get bigger and maybe have a brother or sister or two.

If you could identify weight & budget that would narrow the search down a bit. It's not nice to find the ideal van and fall in loive with it only to find you can't afford it or tow it without buying a bigger car.

Quote: Originally posted by ihategherkins on 03/1/2010

---

we are looking at something sensible with a bunkbed (or 2) ACROSS the back from side to side (not sideways towards the rear)

---

Having single bunks across the rear is quite an old layout now. Bailey did a lightweight version called Discovery 100 which they discontinued in about 2008. They were lightweight and cheap, aimed as an entry level model for families. In 2004 the MTPLM was 1104kg and internal length 14' 11".

Alternatively there is the 5 berth twin dinette. More recently you'll find fixed rear bunks across the back as a 4 berth and triple fixed bunks at the back with a small table opposite making a 6 berth.

The side dinette rear washroom was and still is very popular as a 4 berth as it gives a lovely open feel to the van with a wonderful big washroom ideal for washing children. 

Quote: Originally posted by navver on 04/1/2010

---

You really need to decide what weight of van you can tow and also what budget you have...

---

Thanks

I have a 1 year old Kia Sportage 2.0l with a kerb weight of 1615 (75kg nose weight)

Money is not really a problem but in 3 years I've gone from new tent to new pathfinder so caravanning will again be very new. I want to "try" and get one that will suit us for a few years but also not be overly scary in towing (as the pathfinder was not overly long at Overall length: 478cm)

I love the pathfinder but it does stop us going away now for example plus all the fears of packing damp and getting soaking putting it all up with a little one sat bored stiff in the car if it rains.

I would say up to 15k, no twin axle as we have to store off premises and the places we store are not keen on them.

Regards
Neil

That's great having such a good tow car and budget. You can tow around 1372kg MTPLM or more if experienced.

Actually, I think you're worrying unnecessarily about the length. When you're towing a longer van (within reason) it doesn't appear that much bigger than a small one.

We started with a 10ft van which was too small for us and now have a 17ft. When it's behind you there is virtually no difference as long as the car is up to the job as yours certainly is. A longer van is easier to reverse as well, although if you are worried you can have a motor mover fitted.