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Hi Just wondering if you wouldn't fancy the triple/double bunk end dinette caravans.  Obviously, different van layouts work for different families but our children are 3 & 6 and we find this layout works perfectly and we think it will work even better as the children get older as they in effect have their own bedroom  & seating area which can be closed off from the rest of the van - particularly good at night when its a bit chilly for you to be out in the awning.  We have the triple bunk version of this van but some are double & the dinette can be converted into another bunk.  We use the bottom bunk for valuable storage and this is where the aqua roll and wastemaster live when in transit.  Triple bunk is handy as we have already had a little friend stay with for the weekend and it was great having that extra fixed bunk without having to make up an extra bed each night.

We paid just over £11,500 for our 2009 model and we are thrilled with it - we bought it privately.  Spending so much on your first caravan I'd recommend that you get a CRIS check (you can ask the seller for the CRIS number before you even view van) which costs around £15.  I'd also advise that you get an MCEA approved engineer (www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk) to accompany you to inspect the van you intend to buy and ensure that the van can be attached to all services so that they can check all your appliances and heating etc - this is what we did ours cost £60 but some charged up to £100 but included the CRIS check - they will do all the damp checks, tyres, ours was very thorough.  Also if the van is pretty new and warranty is important to you, check that they have had it serviced in accordance with the manufacturers requirements i.e within each 12mth anniversary of purchase and by an approved workshop.

Good luck with whatever you buy!

Have a look at threse threads as they may have info that will help you in choosing.( if you do a search there are even more simialr threads)

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=190592&SearchPagePosition=1&search=1st+time&searchMode=phrase&searchIn=Topic&forum=8&searchSort=dateDESC&ReturnPage=Search

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=214507&SearchPagePosition=1&search=6+berth&searchMode=phrase&searchIn=Topic&forum=8&searchSort=dateDESC&ReturnPage=Search

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=206016&SearchPagePosition=1&search=6+berth&searchMode=phrase&searchIn=Topic&forum=8&searchSort=dateDESC&ReturnPage=Search

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=178260&SearchPagePosition=1&search=6+berth&searchMode=phrase&searchIn=Topic&forum=8&searchSort=dateDESC&ReturnPage=Search

Hi, we were in your situation 2 years ago.

We bought the Bailey Ranger 550/6. Ultimatly becasue of the bunk layout for the kids (2 & 4) and becasue the OH liked the colour of the interior!

Havent regretted a single thing, cracking van for our family.

Hi

We have a Adria Altea 542 UK, and its absolutely brilliant, if not a little quirky. Spacious, Easy to tow, bunks are massive, and reasonably priced. Ours is a 2008 New model and it has been used continuously for two years and still not showing any wear and tear, still smells like new. Winter touring no problems even at Sub Zero temps, if you are prepared for it. You should get a good 2009 / 2010 model for around £10K and maybe a 2011 if barttered for.

Enjoy.

Chris W

Quote: Originally posted by TrigGLX on 25/10/2010

Hi

We have a Adria Altea 542 UK, and its absolutely brilliant, if not a little quirky. Spacious, Easy to tow, bunks are massive, and reasonably priced. Ours is a 2008 New model and it has been used continuously for two years and still not showing any wear and tear, still smells like new. Winter touring no problems even at Sub Zero temps, if you are prepared for it. You should get a good 2009 / 2010 model for around £10K and maybe a 2011 if barttered for.

Enjoy.

Chris W

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