Hi we are looking to buy a fixed bunk end bedroom caravan such as the Geist AK 495 or the bailey bretagne series 7. If we can, we don't want to spend more than10k and if possible we would like to have an awning and motor mover within that price. Our tow car is a brand new Kia Sportage CRDi 1st Edition with a max tow ball weight of 80kg and will probably (just about) cope with a max tow weight of 1500.
Has anyone got any views/suggestions regarding a van we should be looking at. I did see a really nice Dethlets camper 520 but the nose weight was 100kg otherwise it would have been absolutely ideal and at the right price!!
Try the Swift Group caravans, We have a Fairway (Charisma 570), which weighs in at 1500kg, There are also Sterling and Sprite vans with this layout. £10K should get you one about 3-4 years old from a dealer.
The max nose weight is the maximum weight that can be applied. So if your car has a max tow ball weight of 80kg then the caraan nose weight should not exceed it. As said above the nose weight can be adjusted by careful loading. Correct me if i'm wrong but thats my understanding.
Many thanks for your responses. So if I am reading your replies correctly, as long as I adjust the nose weight to suit my car (within the cars max) that will make the caravan suitable? Also how easy is it to reduce a nose weight from 100kg to 80kg and will any of this have an impact on the insurance should there be an accident?
The 100kgs nose weight on a caravan would probably be the maximum not to be exceeded, you would need to check the nose weight as you loaded it with your equipment, to lower the nose weight you load equipment behind the axle(s), to raise the nose weight load in front of the axle(s) to keep the nose weight stable load over the axle(s), in general the higher the nose weight the more stable the van becomes: so aim to be as close to your car's limit as possible
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Try this site for layouts. We have a Geist with fixed bunks in end bedroom and can highly recommend these vans. Very well built and comfortable. Good luck with your hunt!
Many thanks (again) for all your responses. I think I have now got my head around the noseweight issue. However I must have got my nickers in a twist regarding the weights. I have just seen a Bailey Pagent provence which has a max weight of 1490 and matched it against my car on 'what Tow Car' website and it puts it at a 92%. Given that I am new to this game am I biting off more than I can chew here (even with the the ATC kit fitted?
Many thanks (again) for all your responses. I think I have now got my head around the noseweight issue. However I must have got my nickers in a twist regarding the weights. I have just seen a Bailey Pagent provence which has a max weight of 1490 and matched it against my car on 'what Tow Car' website and it puts it at a 92%. Given that I am new to this game am I biting off more than I can chew here (even with the the ATC kit fitted?
Many thanks
mark
Ok here goes, i expect a fair few people will jump down my throat for saying this but i will say it anyway...
Mark you can legally tow 100% of your cars max tow weight without any problems.
Personally, i believe the 85% rule is way out of date when considering modern cars and caravans.
weve just bought a bailey ranger series 6.fixed end bedroom and twin dinnet bunks plus large seating area that turns into double at front.This model works great for our family so i would strongly rec that you look at these models (great) we managed to get a great deal on ebay for a 360 porch awning for only 110 pounds too,,and it went up like a dream within 20 mins.Nice light vans to pull too :).just incase yr interested,,,we managed to get our 2010 model for 11k :).bargin!!!!!
Hello just seen your post, we have just purchased a new van and are selling our old one and is up for sale on this site. If you go to Free Adverts and ask for Burstner Caravans you will see ours a Belcanto 540TK 5 Berth 2007 (surrey) it could be just what you are looking for. Although a German make it is UK spec.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Fixed bunks end bedroom caravans
