We're looking to change our caravan from the fixed bed with corner bathroom to a transverse fix bed with side bathroom and separate shower. The MTPLM must be 1400 or lower and we're looking at around 2005 models (for the price). I've got 3 models in mind that suit us....Compass Corona 540, Bailey Vendee S5 and the Lunar lexon CS (although there seems to be some confusion with the MTPLM on that one). Have I missed any? We've seen 2 out of the 3 models on the forecourts.Our absoulte must is a separate shower and lower MTPLM. I know that there are some models out there that have the shower over the basin but that's not for us. Thanks in adavance,
Thanks Vanessa, I thought of that too but the ones I glanced at seem to be a little heavier and from my experience, a made up bed is never as comfy as a fixed? I'll have a look at some, cos there's definately advantages with having the double dinette. There's only 3 of us but we do seem to attract stragglers when we're away.
alisonmc, the swift charisma 535 is on our short list!! Are the front seats long enough to be used as two singles?
adsheadv, many thanks for telling us about Chris Jones Leisure. Went on Friday and loved a 2007 Swift with fixed bed and the long front seats. It was in mint condition (just too much for us £9750) but going back this week hopefully to look at a 2005 Lunar Quasar 525 which we can just about stretch too. They really do look after the vans and staff are very helpful too. We thought the vans were well priced, liked a 2008 Bailey Bordeaux too but the front seats were too short for use as single beds. I'm watching their site several times a day now and they know what we're after!
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Unfortunately the front seats on the swift aren't really long enough for 2 singles unless you're v short. Our 9 year old moans like crazy when we make him sleep on it as a single, hence the reason we're changing. We like it otherwise, oh yes and not having a separate shower. We bought it 2 years ago when we first decided on getting a caravan. I tow as the OH doesn't drive and it was all I could cope with considering at the time. But it's been a great "starter" van for us but more suited to a couple I feel.
Full length front seats were a must for us too. Our last van (the Coachman Festival on Chris Jones website now) was a 5 berth & was great for just the 4 of us but when DS friend started coming too they'd be on the fronts as singles & we had to use the pull out bunk for DS(6). We nick-named the rear double 'The Coffin' when the bunk was out & OH was constantly banging his head in the night.
For now the 6 berth fixed bunks suits us better but as soon as DS(15) decides he doesn't want to come with us any more we'll be going back to the twin dinette layout with long front seats altho another Coachman will be out of the question as we don't want to have to buy another 4x4 to pull it (it's MTPLM is 1590 kilos).
Hope you both find your ideal vans soon - they're out there somewhere!
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