Hello, I've been thinking about buying a 2 berth and just wondered what you good people think I should go for? I quite like the Avondale Wren, but I've read that Lunar vans are really lightweight. I drive a 406 diesel estate (2.0 ltr) and hope this will be powerful enough to tow either make. Also, does anyone know (roughly) what yearly insurance would cost for a 15-20 year old caravan? Thanks.
we have the Avondale sandmartin and we love it. However it will be going up for sale in a month or so due to family circumstances. We tow it with a 1.8 astra and have no problems. If and when I can get another caravan I would have no doubts in going for the Avondale again.
Ours is a 1991 model. It's kept in is secure indoor storage and we pay around £70 insurance for the year through the caravan club
Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
Thanks for the reply Miss B. Very useful.
I think I will end up going for an Avondale just because of the good reputation they have. It'd be interesting to hear from people who've experienced Lunars - to see what they're like?
My van would be stored at the side of my house, off the driveway, and off the road. I'd imagine insurance will be more because its not as secure as your storage. Would I be looking at double the cost? Cheers.
We have owned a couple of Avondales in the past, the last one being a 1993 Olympus Pearle custom, and it was the only van we ever had damp problems with, despite it being only a couple of years old at the time. We now own a 2006 Lunar Zenith 4, and are quite pleased with it. no problems so far with build quality, and nice and light to tow at 1150max laden weight for a 15ft bodylength van. i think i prefare the Lunar between the two brands, although if weight wasnt an issue, i would buy another Coachman.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Hi we have just bought a Lunar, yes its very lightweight, infact its the same weight as our old 24year old 2 berth abbey and this is a 4 berth twin axle with a length of 7.8metres!
A good finish, with no faults that we can find - yet!
But to be honest, we only bought it as it had the layout we wanted, it could of been anymake, so our advice would be to go for the layout you want and worry about the make later!
Lunar zenith owner here, love it can't fault it, very light airy lightweight to tow, also remember Avondale are not around anymore lunar are so sourcing parts could be harder, bit echo the above go for the van you like, we bought the lunar because it was the right one for us, I'm not loyal to makes, if the van fits in with your needs then that's the one regardless of who makes it, but if I could have any it would be a coachman laser but that's not going to happen unless my lotto numbers come in lol.
Better redress the balance then : Avondale Argente 2 berth rear washroom owner here. Can't fault it. The lay out and finish are perfect - for us. One of the things it has that I haven't seen anywhere else is the work top opposite the cooker and fridge is actually full height so you can use it as a food prep surface not just a TV stand ! But as above - as soon as we walked into it it we knew it was the one for us. And even though the company had gone under most parts that wear are generic !
I have a little Elddis Wisp 1991 model kept at home in my garden insured with CC for appprox £55 year. It is the driest little van going- had a leaky Lunar years ago, so probably wouldn't have another one! Avondale is a make I was looking at too- seem good as older vans go- luck of the draw really as you hear good and bad about all makes.
Cheers for all your feedback folks. Certainly given me lots to think about! I think I can rule in a rear kitchen and an overall length of no more than 17ft. From what I can see, layouts dont differ that much on small 2 berths with rear kitchens. The search continues...Have a good weekend.
Mine is a real baby 300/2- only me and the dogs, so big enough! I see Elddis have brought out a new version of these tiddlers- wonder if they will last as well as the oldies?