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We have been looking to change our van. The one we are contemplating has a choice of either this new window, or the conventional front lockers.  We prefer the front lockers, but have noticed that (on our choice) the large Hiki roof light has been replaced by a much smaller fitting.  This, with front lockers, noticeably reduces light in the van.  We feel that we have slipped up by not going for the almost identical 2011 model.  This had the Hiki, and the walk-in shower; now discontinued.  For us, a retrograde step.

The new shower has a bi-fold door.  Regarding inward-opening shower doors, I do think there is a sfety issue, in that a person using it could collapse (stroke, etc) and be wedged up against the door, preventing quick assistance (and possibly need to break down the door) for the collapsed person.

Bertie.

Bertie

I don't like the new roof lights either. In the summer the only time we are generally in the van is when I am using my laptop or watching a Grand Prix and we inevitably end up pulling the blind of the Hiki across as the light shines on the screen!

Re the shower door, being safety glass a sharp hit with the peg hammer will shatter it with minimum injury to those concerned.

David

Hi, David. I feel sure that the bi-fold door of the van we have been looking at is of a plastic material, and fairly rigid.  Going for another look tomorrow, so will check this.

This front roof window does have a blind, but we still prefer front lockers and a Hiki.

Did drop a clanger at one showground.  Looking at the vans with these roof windows from the outside, a said to my wife that they look like bald-headed professors.  Then I turned around!  No prizes for guessing the description of a fellow standing behind me.

Bertie. 

I too would much prefare the front lockers to those rather odd looking new windows, its always good to have plenty of storage space.

Regarding the shower door, When we were looking to buy our present caravan we came across a lot of models that had sliding half doors or corner showers where both sides slide back for corner entry, not so good for the larger person as the opening in some was less than 18ins wide, and anyone who was larger than a size 14 dress size or likes a few beers and it showed in their girth lol, had no chance of getting in and using one! 

in a lot of respects the tried and tested shower curtain was a much better option, lighter in weight, easy to take down and wash, never came crashing off its tracks and causing damage in transit, and flexible enough to go around anyones size or shape of body, and cheap to replace from any local household store.. Sometimes the older style things are the best, and theres quite a few things on modern caravans i dont like, electric flush toilets being one of them, they simply drink up too much water and if the electric goes bang you cannot use your loo!

Julia

retrograde steps occur quite often with caravans, Julia.  When the designers come up with new ideas, they seem to forget the timeless value of some facilities and simply drop them out.  And it isn't always an improvement that is put in their place.

The walk-in shower (some call it 'snail' shower) was one of the best designs in recent years; roomy and easy to wipe out.   Our's is the circular shower with the sliding door.  To fully wipe it out you have to close the door whilst inside it.  Stooping down to wipe the lower part of the cubicle is awkward and uncomfortable when the old leg joints get rickerty. 

Bertie.

Just picked up a new dealer special Eccles Sport which includes the sunroof.  It is wonderful, we love it.

We didn't use the two front lockers in our previous van so don't notice the loss of storage.

Quote: Originally posted by Just do it on 05/12/2011

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We are also big fans of the front sunroof and with the lockers extended right into the corners we don't feel we miss the space and that's with to young nippers!

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Good point.  Our side lockers still go to the corners, but reaching their extremities is not easy.

murano, what are you up to on the flight deck?

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by The 2 Tops on 05/12/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Just do it on 05/12/2011

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We are also big fans of the front sunroof and with the lockers extended right into the corners we don't feel we miss the space and that's with to young nippers!

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Good point.  Our side lockers still go to the corners, but reaching their extremities is not easy.

murano, what are you up to on the flight deck?[IMG]http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley35.gif" width=34>

Bertie.

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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 04/12/2011

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Bertie

I don't like the new roof lights either. In the summer the only time we are generally in the van is when I am using my laptop or watching a Grand Prix and we inevitably end up pulling the blind of the Hiki across as the light shines on the screen!

Re the shower door, being safety glass a sharp hit with the peg hammer will shatter it with minimum injury to those concerned.

David

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Went for another look around yesterday.  It looks as though the van we will go for is one with a bi-fold door; clear plastic panels.

david, I found one with a full sized, inward opening door (think it was a new Elddis), and the door was rigid plastic, so would be a problem if anyone collapsed behind it. Strange that the N.C.C. haven't latched onto this as a safety concern.

Bertie.

I think, bev+jon, that they will collect dead insects, much the way that 'ordinary' vans do.  The vortex created immediately behind the towcar probably depletes any aerodynamic flow over the van.

It is an extra need for vigilance where low branches of trees are concerned, especially on some French sites.  Might be a bit less forgiving, to, in the event of even small falling branches in windy conditions.

Bertie.