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Hi

We have the Altea 542uk and think its great.

To answer your questions;

hot water is only thru' the 240v system, as is the water pump. The 2 reading lights in the lounge are 12v as far as I can remember but there is no battery. We asked about having one fitted but the dealer said it could mess up the electrics so we didn't bother, we just go to sites with hook-up, however we did try a couple of nights without & it was a bit awkward but not impossible. We had to use a jerrycan for water (no pump) & the hob to heat water.

The bed is made from the table, it lowers really easily and the cushions take a minute or so. The bunks are huge & we usually leave the rear seats made up as a bed, we have 3 teenagers and that is their space. 

I will recommend it to anyone who will listen. We searched many makes of van looking for one without fold down bunks as the kids are really too big for them & 2 girls & a boy can't share a double.

It's a great van & I can see us keeping it for years as OH & I can use the bunks when the kids won't come any more.

I can't actually think of any downside to the 542uk at all.

Hope this helps you make your mind up. Any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them. 

Quote: Originally posted by LostAgainAndAga on 06/1/2007

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Hi all

Happy New Year

We've been to look at the Altea 542UK, we saw it at the NEC a few months ago and are seriously thinking of having one.

Just a few quick questions about them really:

Hot water-it only has a 240v hot water system, can a gas heated system be retro-fitted if we ever need one?

Lightng-with it only being 240v, are there any 12v lights or do they got thru an inverter from the battery?

The front bed-is it made from the table lowered down?

Thats about it really, the rest of the van looks great, light and airy, plenty of storage-and a spot for the TV lol

Thanks in advance for your help.

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I think someone answered you on a new thread, it`s on page 2, I`ll bump it up to the top for you,

                                                     Sue

Hi, we bought an Altea 504DK in May last year. Before buying we looked at the same model you’re interested in buying.

Hot water works off 240v only, I suppose if you wanted the additional extra of gas it would be a new gas/electric water heater if they still make them? Gas fire only no electric with 12v fan.

12v lighting in the 504DK has 12V lighting to the light above the front table and to the bathroom that feeds though the grey plug that attaches to your car, I would think that this would be the same in the 542UK.  The water pump also runs off the grey plug that attaches to your car.  The lights that run off 12V and the water pump, when connected to electric hookup, run off a 12V transformer that is integrated into the 240V system.  The front table lowers to be made into the front bed.

The only other thing I would suggest doing is to fit an isolator switch to the water pump so if you ever run out of water your pump wouldn’t continuously run which would burn out your pump.  We have had a problem with the rubber seal on the sink tap which is a bit flimsy and caused leakage of water into the drawers below so keep an eye out for this – not too much of a problem and can be easily sorted.  Otherwise, extremely pleased with our caravan.  Lots of cupboard space.  Beds a lot bigger than in other caravans and very comfortable to sleep on.  Towing is great.  We tow with a Vectra, myself, wife and 2 teenagers with no problem.  Obviously, your van is slightly heavier than ours.  You can’t go wrong with this caravan for the price, very good value.  Hope this information helps you make up your mind.        

We have the 542uk and thinks its great...

We bought ours from selston caravans and they were very helpful. Our boys are 14 and 12 and they both sleep very comfortably in the bunks and have their own space, at the rear. The front double is very easy to put up a lever just drops the table...and its done. After looking at alot of vans (spent weeks going round everywhere in Nottingham area!!!) we are more than happy with our adria....Our youngest son has cerebral palsy and he manages in the van very well....

good luck in your search

Keren.