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We are having to change our Abbey/Cosalt Clubman which fits perfectly beside our house, though I am finding modern caravans all seem to be much wider than it.

I measure it at roughly 2.01 metres across the front, though the official width is 2.08, which I assume includes windows as well.

Can anyone advise me of any modern or past caravan that would be similar in width?

Storage is not an option due to finances, so we really are restricted by this factor when seeking a replacement for ours.

I have previously commented about the manufacturers' obsession for making ever larger vans.   Apart from your problem of home storage (our son will hit the same problem when he next updates), most campsites are down narrow, winding roads.

My last van was 2.16 M wide, whereas our new one is 2.23 M wide.  We would have been just as happy with the new one if it had been 2.1 M wide.

I think the increase in width is connected with the craze for fixed bed at rear.  Frankly, I can never see myself buying a fixed bed model; its a shear waste of space  for us.  End bathroom and long twin bunks are, for us, the best arrangement.  All opinions have to be satisfied, of course, but the manufacturers could still make the narrower models where no fixed beds are involved.  As in the case of Jane Coles, they could be designing people out of the market.

Bertie.

I think it was the Lunar Ariva we saw at the NEC that was narrower, worth a check. Lunar vans are lighter so these might be suitable for you. Good luck.

Just to let you know how this came to a conclusion.  We did come across some of the overseas suggestions, we were particularly keen on the Caravelair, but could only get it new at £12k plus, so was out of our league.  We set EBay to inform us when particular brands came up, which was helpful.

We found the spec of all brands available in the back of a regular caravan magazine that we read second or third hand and the Lunar Ariva got a mention.  The whole spec is superb for those of us who don't need or can't accommodate a big caravan.

As soon as I stopped looking at the overseas manufactureres and started looking at the Lunar on the internet we found a cracking caravan and are thrilled to bits with our purchase.  We will probably never change from the Lunar Ariva model (unless they decide to 'go large' like everyone else!).

Thanks for all the advice, we have passed it all on too.

Many thanks, Jane.