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Hi we are looking to buy a fixed bunk end bedroom caravan such as the Geist AK 495 or the bailey bretagne series 7.  If we can, we don't want to spend more than10k and if possible we would like to have an awning and motor mover within that price.  Our tow car is a brand new Kia Sportage CRDi 1st Edition with a max tow ball weight of 80kg and will probably (just about) cope with a max tow weight of 1500.

Has anyone got any views/suggestions regarding a van we should be looking at.  I did see a really nice Dethlets camper 520 but the nose weight was 100kg otherwise it would have been absolutely ideal and at the right price!!

I look forward to your comments!!

Plenty around in this layout,

Try the Swift Group caravans, We have a Fairway (Charisma 570), which weighs in at 1500kg, There are also Sterling and Sprite vans with this layout. £10K should get you one about 3-4 years old from a dealer.

Jon

Many thanks for your responses.  So if I am reading your replies correctly, as long as I adjust the nose weight to suit my car (within the cars max) that will make the caravan suitable?  Also how easy is it to reduce a nose weight from 100kg to 80kg and will any of this have an impact on the insurance should there be an accident?

Many thanks

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/vandata.htm

Try this site for layouts.  We have a Geist with fixed bunks in end bedroom and can highly recommend these vans.  Very well built and comfortable. Good luck with your hunt!

Many thanks (again) for all your responses.  I think I have now got my head around the noseweight issue.  However I must have got my nickers in a twist regarding the weights.  I have just seen a Bailey Pagent provence which has a max weight of 1490 and matched it against my car on 'what Tow Car' website and it puts it at a 92%. Given that I am new to this game am I biting off more than I can chew here (even with the the ATC kit fitted?

Many thanks

mark

Quote: Originally posted by MJP1234 on 18/10/2010

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Many thanks (again) for all your responses.  I think I have now got my head around the noseweight issue.  However I must have got my nickers in a twist regarding the weights.  I have just seen a Bailey Pagent provence which has a max weight of 1490 and matched it against my car on 'what Tow Car' website and it puts it at a 92%. Given that I am new to this game am I biting off more than I can chew here (even with the the ATC kit fitted?

Many thanks

mark

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Ok here goes, i expect a fair few people will jump down my throat for saying this but i will say it anyway...

Mark you can legally tow 100% of your cars max tow weight without any problems.

Personally, i believe the 85% rule is way out of date when considering modern cars and caravans.

I dont tow at 100% but i would.

ok im ready for the telling offs 

hi

 weve just bought a bailey ranger series 6.fixed end bedroom and twin dinnet bunks plus large seating area that turns into double at front.This model works great for our family so i would strongly rec that you look at these models (great) we managed to get a great deal on ebay for a 360 porch awning for only 110 pounds too,,and it went up like a dream within 20 mins.Nice light vans to pull too :).just incase yr interested,,,we managed to get our 2010 model for 11k :).bargin!!!!!

good luck with yr search