Hi all
We currently have a Swift Challenger 2 berth for the two of us, but I've been thinking (dangerous I know), about getting a van with either a fixed bed, or the option of a double bed at each end, so I can put the bed up and leave it up.
Any thoughts, experience or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Jackie
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We always promised ourselves that when the kids grow up and go to bed the same time as us that we would buy a fixed bed model and we have and absolutely love it, get out of bed and sit in the lounge area with a cuppa and then just fall into bed when you want to.
When our DS no longer came with us we sold the side dinette van and bought a swift challenger 480 two berth, we soon realised it wasn't the van for us and went on to buy a swift challenger 540 fixed bed, it was the best decision we made its fantastic for two people, we are currently trading it in for another fixed bed caravan but with the bathroom at the back ( only because I like to use the vans shower and the 540 is a loo/shower thing) but for two people a fixed bed van I think is the way to go, I certainly wouldn't go back now.
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Just 2 of us, we have a Sprite Alpine 4 fixed bed. Plenty of room, no need to make up the bed and a proper mattress and with a memory foam topper on sheer comfort. You have said the rest.
Quote: Originally posted by jackie h on 26/10/2013Hi all
We currently have a Swift Challenger 2 berth for the two of us, but I've been thinking (dangerous I know), about getting a van with either a fixed bed, or the option of a double bed at each end, so I can put the bed up and leave it up.
Any thoughts, experience or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Jackie
Mmmmm my thoughts entirely.... We have a swift 2 berth the same layout as yours. It takes me no more than a couple of minutes to set the bed up as we use a double sleeping bag which we find very comfy. Me being 6'3" tall its long enough to sleep that way. At the show last week we were testing out fixed beds and found the swift and sprite models with the beds in the rear corner were long enough but the island beds across the width were to small. Plus I didn't like the idea of loosing 2 grand in one season just to upgrade to a fixed bed. Incidentally the swift 2 berth layout is voted the best 2014 caravan for couples in Practical Caravan magazine.
We went to a fixed bed and definitely the best way to go. They are much more comfy than a made up bed. I used to get terrible back ache after a week on the dinette.
The convenience of just going to bed and getting up in the morning is brilliant.
we've just bought Swift challenger 580 fixed island bed, waiting to collect it, so excited. we did look at quite a few, and decided we didn't like the side beds as someone has to crawl over the other to go to the loo at night, and have experience of this with our folding camper.
We currently have a fixed bed with a corner washroom ... love the bed but miss our full width washroom ... so have a new van on order (Swift Challenger 570SE) which has a fixed bed and end washroom so best of both worlds.
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We have the fixed singles at the back with the seats at the front to be made up at the front if wished.
I never wanted a fixed bed but love the comfort of it. As said no back ache and going to bed and getting up is lovely.
My son came with us for a weekend and used the made up double at the front he liked it very much.
There are just the two of us but the comfort must make it more appealing .
There is a lot of choice and different makes just look for one that you like .
Our 'van has a larger than usual side dinette, with a TV/Sat/DVD/Radio point, drinks cabinet and 6ft of worktop opposite. This provides extra flexibility in the living and sleeping arrangements, so we can use the front seats as two full length singles, a normal double, or a king size double. The front bed/beds can stay made up, as there is plenty of living space besides them. Having the front of the 'van as a permanent bed has the advantage that it is as far from the large end washroom as is possible, so although some care must be taken whilst getting out of bed, the sound and light disturbance is minimal. When the front bed/beds are put away there is the maximum amount of room for socialising (meals for 7 or 8 - no prob).
For us, this beats any other arrangement. Its just more adaptable. We use Duvalays, and Mel timed me at putting the fully made up bed away and restoring the 'van to seating only status. 97 seconds! We can crash out on one or both of the front singles any time (another TV point at the front, surround speakers too!), or just sprawl on the dinette seats. The kitchen has a fridge, separate freezer, microwave and gas/240V cooker. The washroom has a full domestic type radiator (Alde heating) so no cold toes when showering!
We have a twin diner and tend to leave the back double bed up unless we are getting visitors then we put that bed away and there's plenty of seating for everyone this works well for us.
My first van (perle argos) was a front dinette converting to a double and bunks at the side. Next was a ABI Award Transtar a front dinette converted to a huge double bed. 3rd was a Swift challenger double dinette, left the rear dinette made up as a bed permanently. then along came a Lunar lexon EB, fixed bed, about as big a van as you can get on a single axle. Then I bit the bullet and bought a brand new Bailey orion 430-4 fixed bed.
NO WAY would I go back to making up a bed every night, especially with a head full of beer
We also have a fixed bed. I can't see how making a bed with cushions can provde the same support as a mattress. And the cushions do "give" after a while where you sit and you still need to use them as a mattress.
Also with a fixed bed you have a huge storage area below, this is where we transport our waste master, aquaroll, chairs, windbreak, wellies, Cobb bbq, hiking boots........
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Topic: 2 person caravan advice
