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It's a rare event when we change our van, but we've just been obliged to do it.  Last time was about seven years ago, when we bought a 2000 Abbey Spectrum 419.

As I've always said, I'm not interested in the latest or smartest, and we would only change it because of something like damp.  My wife, out of the blue said to me on Wednesday that she thought she could smell damp, so we got that checked, and she was right - as always.

We looked through various adverts, but found nothing suitable.  I won't buy a caravan with a motor mover.  I just refuse to lug all that weight around with me.  Most of the vans seemed to have one fitted.  My friend is also looking for a change at the moment, and he made the same comment.

Also, I won't buy a caravan that has had an awning fitted.  I used to do a bit of sailing, and I know the power of canvas in even a moderate breeze.  When you consider that the awning is only attached by means of a small rail, it's not hard to imagine that the rail will "work" in a strong wind, allowing damp to enter.

We also wanted a fixed bed, but we both need to get up in the night, so we never thought it was convenient.  I bought my first caravan in 1967, and I didn't know what an island bed was.  You live and learn, don't you?  So there was a solution.

Life's too short to mess about, so we wandered off to the preferred dealer on Thursday, but the same problems ruled out a few vans I liked. Now, I know I said I would never buy new, but there was a good offer on a 2010 Coachman Laser 650.  Unsold dealer stock, never been on the road.

I was informed by a higher power (my wife) that it was a Good Thing, especially when she compared it with an Eldiss next door, so we bought it on the spot.

I can't have it yet, surprisingly the dealers are very busy, but it will be here in plenty of time for our next foray into Wales in June.

I was just a little surprised at how hard it was to get what I wanted.

Jim

It seems the older vans are holding out better than the newer ones. Older ones you expect trouble with lookign at the members comments but they are all hanging onto hem by doing the job themseves if it is possible with advice fro the other members also. But I was surprised readin about others problems also just how mnay fairly new vans have worse than older ones problems. They do not seem to be made as strong

A motor mover some of us have to use as the ticker needs looking after by some members

I agree with the awning as it does seem to be a problem especially by the ends  pulling off/on through &  of letting in damp at the corners and strain. Winds, we have seen ourselves poles bent, wind ripping the corners at the bottom.

Still do know what you meant by island bed? So just what is it?

We bought an old 1991, did not know much what to look for at the time, so crying over spilt milk we will not, we are mostly doing the bit & pieces ourselves. But no damp, jut other things we had. Were getting there with help from members pointing us in the right direction.

Tough when you have to compromise on a brand new van...and a Coachman. Ah well I suppose you will get to enjoy it eventually Jim. All the best. Off to Wales ourselves this next week...stopping off in the Peaks for a few days on the way down. Will try and leave it tidy

Phil

Hi Chrissie

Motor mover isn't essential - I can hardly walk these days, butI certainly don't move the caravan by hand.  That's what the car is for.

I'll share my new found knowledge, that tokk me 45 years to learn.  An island bed is one that isn't up against the wall.  It's in the middle of the room, so either occupant can getout to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, without disturbing each other.  Just what we were looking for!  We can't climb over very well now.

Sounds like you have a bit of work on your plate.  I certainly wish you all the best with it.

Hi Phil

Yes, life's always a compromise.  I'm sure I will learn to love it fairly quickly, but it seems a bit like the Starship Enterprise inside, compared with the old one.  Still, it should be quite a bit more comfortable for us. I'm quite limited these days, and need a comfy bed.

Where do you go in Wales?  We always go to a CL in Llanrug, near Caernarfon.  We're very friendly with the owners now, and it's very relaxing.

Have a good trip.

Jim

Hi Jim,

We are at the CC in Pandy.

Phil

Looks very nice, but I've never been.  It's hard to think about moving from where we normally go really, with a view of the top of Snowdon from the caravan window, and such lovely people.

Have a great time.

Jim