We are leaving the boating world and going into caravaning. Mainly because of two new puppies. We are planning to take a year out to tour UK and Europe. We have a Mercedes ML 350 to tow. We don't know an awful lot but our budget is up to 30k. We would prefer new. We want fixed bed and fridge with bigger freezer. 4 berth. Just the two of us but may invite friends. Length 7.94 mts. We have looked at both Bucaneer, Swift elegance and sterling continental. Any other ideas on makes. Twin or double axle? Any other advice would be more than welcome.
Buccaneer Schooner would fit the bill. Or if your motor can tow it what about the Adria Astella Glam-Rio Grande, I have seen inside one of these and it's more like an apartment than a caravan, only problem from what I remember is it doesn't have the large freezer you are looking for.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Not easy .
I would say have a look at the models and styles to see what you like first . Then check the makes by asking people on here or ask for reviews.
Most caravans have some problems some more than others . It a bit like a very costly lottery .
Advice: go to a few big caravan dealers and pretend the display models are your own and you're living in them.
We had a short list on paper that all seemed to fit the bill before we plumped for our Swift.
But after we spent literally hours and days in dealers, pulling cupboards out, making up bunks and beds and pretending to sleep, standing in shower cubicles pretending to shower, perching on toilet ... You get the picture.
We found that some seats were too short or uncomfortable, all the beds with their cut-off mattresses left us unimpressed, food preparation space was non-existent and mid-placed gas lockers used up valuable cupboard space, etc. etc. etc.
Dealers take care to dress their 'vans just like show houses, and just like show houses they try to minimise shortcomings. On the plus side they were all very patient (disinterested?) and no one ever asked us what we were doing.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
We have had a number of caravans but then changed to a motorhome Next year we are going back to caravanning. We have experienced different layouts over the years and have decided to go for the twin side beds option with the end bathroom.
We are going to go to a couple of large caravan shows before we buy one and look at all the different manufacturers. Quite a few do the twin side beds.
Whatever you decide don't go for the sided double bed, It was a pain in the neck and wasted space.OH had to make up part of the bed through the window.It was the easiest way to reach the window side.
Island beds look good but have no experience of these.
Strange we never have a problem making our sided double bed.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
New Buccaneer van coming out very soon..twin axle..wider than previous models and with self-levelling set-up.Called a cruiser...should help you to spend 30k.
Not to be brand biased but if I could afford to do what you are going to do, I would look at the coachman laser range, they really look great, or the buccaneer range seem to be popular but read of problems.
Hi Lizzylee...It will be at the lawns show near Hull on 6+7 sept..and then at the NEC from 14 oct. I have seen it out on a photoshoot for the new brochure..very nice!! You can place a request for the new brochure if you log on to ELDDIS website