Practical Motorhome often has a section at the back of the magazine that describes all of the current year's motorhomes layouts, sizes etc, that might give you an indication of what to look for either if you want to buy new or go for an earlier iteration of that model.
I haven't looked to see if they offer that service online.
Struggling to think of a layout with end lounge (which won’t have seat belts) plus a foreword facing bench seat behind the driver (which has belts).
I have seen a rear fixed bed above a “garage” with drop down bed over the lounge, which has the passenger seat belts & front seats rotated to face the table.
Friends had a MH with drop down bed & changed after a short time because of the faff of climbing out in the middle of the night to use the loo, so I’d strongly suggest you try one before committing to make sure you like it - if you’re able to, get to the NEC this month (caravan & camping show). Or try it out at a dealer.
If there are snagging problems with the MH you buy, you have to go back to the dealer: so ideally don’t buy from one at the other end of the country.
Thank you all for your help. We are going to the NEC for the show so hopefully get some ideas there. I’m with your friend there Fiona. I have mobility problems so a drop down bed over the cab is a no no for me. I have seen one( when googling) which comes down over the end lounge which appears lower.
I cannot understand caravan manufacturers which make a four berth but only have two traveling seats. Elddis have extra traveling seats folded up which are a great idea. They can be taken out when not needed.
Path20, take photos of the drop down beds because they’ll merge together after a long NEC day! We did briefly consider this option, because it can make for a very short vehicle if there’s only the kitchen & washroom beyond the bed-over-lounge. But we kept bumping our heads on the undersides of the beds & decided it wasn’t for us.
There’s a range of methods for getting the bed down - an electric up & down; undo strap and lower it yourself; a clever cantilever one. One time we saw the bed stuck half way because the complex mechanism had failed, no one could get into the vehicle.
So don’t just check how easy it is to hop on and whether you can read in bed or not, check how much effort it takes you to lower it too. And mind your head…
We choose chasson 720 for large lounge with 5 belted seats. The double bed drops over lounge and it has two bunks at rear 1 a electric dropdown.
Bye dropping double down half way it can sleep 5 as lounge converts to bed. Check it out at NEC
Quote: Originally posted by path20 on 12/2/2022
Thank you all for your help. We are going to the NEC for the show so hopefully get some ideas there. I’m with your friend there Fiona. I have mobility problems so a drop down bed over the cab is a no no for me. I have seen one( when googling) which comes down over the end lounge which appears lower.
I cannot understand caravan manufacturers which make a four berth but only have two traveling seats. Elddis have extra traveling seats folded up which are a great idea. They can be taken out when not needed.
We had an Elddis, was contemplating taking ours out as didn't need them, they will only be bolted down so should remove easily enough.
Well, we made it to the NEC. We stayed overnight at the Moxy so we could feel fresh for a long day.
We looked at many drop down bed motorhomes but for various reasons decided against one.
We ended up ordering an Elddis 285 with twin beds at rear and two fold up travel seats.Longer than what we really wanted but fits the bill otherwise.
Just can’t wait now for delivery, could be this summer but more likely autumn.
Thank you all for your advice.
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.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets