Hi,
New to all this and researching what caravan to buy. Have narrowed it down to those our car can tow (1300kg) and then layouts.
We like the idea of a 6 birth with bunk beds (double not triple) and also ideally 2 double beds.
Think the Adria Altea S42DK, Bailer Ranger 540/6 (not sure if 2 double beds) also perhaps a Caravelair...
Finding it difficult to narrow down and also which 2nd hand models have this bed layout??
Better to buy new or try to hunt down used? Also Caravelair seem difficult to locate?
Any ideas appreciated! We live on Isle of Wight so can't just pop off to visit dealers etc!
We have Bailey Ranger 550/6 fixed bunks at rear, dinette that turns into another set of bunks and front seating turns into large double. We have found that the big thing is the usable worksurface and depth of over head lockers - the Ranger wins hands down
------------- Bee
Teenager for sale! Eye rolling, back talking, temper tantrums, and I already know everything attitude included. All sales are final!
He ww have the Adris Altea 542uk, and i could not give it more praise. Double bunks at the back and a single. Bunks are bigger than most and require no setup. Front is huge double and again is not problem. Ok the van is basic No oven grill etc. But everything else is there. We researched quite a bit for budget and was looking at the bailey range, but most 2nd hand van in our range were tired. We picked the altea up for 8k brand new.
it tows like a dream with a 2.0 tdci focus estate and now a volvo v70 estate. Would not part with for the world. Have had no build problem or things falling off.
i'd go for the adria thats the one i'm trying to convince hubby to get as the bunks are much bigger and if we manage to get away ourselves we can make the double up and close it off for the day.
------------- Autism= Awesome, unique ,Special, talented, Intelligent, Smart and Mysterious.
We looked at a Caravelair - main dealer is Freedom Caravans in Stafford just near to us. It was OK - the interior was a bit plasticky, the layout was less than ideal, nothing to really whinge about but it didn't really do it for us. We picked up a used Abbey Cabaret for half the price and have never looked back.
I have a 2010 Adria Altea 542 DT which is the tripple bunk version, I went for this over the 542DK because is had a bit more of an open feel to it and the big wash room, the DK is ideal if you want to close off the back bedroom / seating area or need 2 double beds. I wasnt that keen on the TV location on the DK which was on the kitchen area's work surface if I remember, but I am sure this could be moved to a different location.
All in all I think that the Adria Ranges are great for the price, size, weight and the quality.
Id say go for the Adria, I live in the northwest and found it very difficult to find a dealer that sells them and that could show me one last year. Eventually took a trip down to Daventry to see a dealer that that had them, As soon as we saw it we knew that that was the van for us. We then managed to get a great deal from Reads Caravans in Leeds.
I'd also say go for the Adria - we have a 2005 502DK which has fixed bunks across the back and we've loved it, esecially for the size of the bunk beds - still suitable for our girls aged 16 and 14. Try to find a dealer that you can have a look at them - theres nothing like actually seening them in the 'flesh'. Just had a look at where you are based - are there many dealers on the IOW? The caravan finder site mentioned is a good website if they have a video of the caravan you want to look at!
Another one who would say go for the Adria. I have the 542DK as the layout suited us. We had also looked at the Bailey and at the time we bought it and the Bailey was £2000 dearer (may be different now).
I also like the fact that when you turn up on a campsite you have something that not many have, bailey rangers seem to be everywhere ;0)
They tow like a dream, only having a small car I think the longer A-Frame help with the towing stability. The quality is good and having completed 1 full season and had it out on 7 trips varying from 3-7 days each trip, the van looks as if I have just picked it up new again.
Cheers
Richard
------------- If you Don't ask, you Don't get..............
Easter - Alton Towers
May - Aveniemore
Summer - South West London (theme parks all Around)
September - Not Sure
October - Blackpool (Yet more Theme parks and attractions
Life is a Roller coaster and we will be on loads this year...
Wow, thanks for all the response so far! I am very keen to go see some Adria Altea's! There are no dealers of any kind on Isle of Wight, I will do a google search to find nearest. I've looked on internet for 2nd hand ones but seem far a few between for the 6 birth Adria's. If buy new is it poss to ask for 'extra's' to be thrown in etc!!?
There are very few second Hand Altea's about, haven't been any around for a while. You should look around at Dealers etc as sometimes they sell last years model with a few grand knocked off and if you don't have a Part Ex you'll usually get a starter pack like Water Carrier, Waste Water container, Pipes and maybe a Awning and other stuff thrown in.
If you can make it to the Birmingham caravan show in Feb, there'll be plenty of Caravans to look around and there'll definately be Adria's there.
When I got mine last year I was completly new caravaning and I managed to get everything I needed including Gas, battery, spare wheel, alko 3004 stabalizer, alko hitch lock, wheel clamp, leveling rams, steady locks, awning, waste and fresh water carriers, mains hookup, and more for only £500 more than the cost of the van.(awning cost more than that itself)
You should be able to get plenty.
Good luck!
Cheers
Richard
------------- If you Don't ask, you Don't get..............
Easter - Alton Towers
May - Aveniemore
Summer - South West London (theme parks all Around)
September - Not Sure
October - Blackpool (Yet more Theme parks and attractions
Life is a Roller coaster and we will be on loads this year...
I got my 2010 Adria Altea at the end of Sept Last Year. I did a Part ex with a 1997 Crown Regent 5 Berth that I was hoping to get about £2000 for. I negotiated a good deal, where I got a 110AMP battery, Gas Bottle and fixings, Spare Wheel, Alko 3004 Stabiliser Triple Pack, Mains Hookup, Double Step, External 240v Socket, External Gas Socket, Directional Status TV Aerial with booster and swapping of the Motor Mover from my old caravan onto the new one. Then only paid £8150 to swap I was chuffed to bits.
I then picked up a Full Dorema Awning in their sale for around £450
I believe the Adria tends to have less in the kitchen department such as less workspace, storage and an oven. This may or may not matter to you. Trouble is you can't have lots of bed space, kitchen space and washroom space and still have something light enough to tow. You need to decide which of these things is important to you and choose a van which delivers your personal best compromise.
Our 2005 Altea has an oven fitted, it was something i wanted and we were lucky to find this one at Selston Caravans but had to move quick. Luckily hubby's boss allowed him to have the afternoon off at short noitcie to go and see it. As soon as we said yes we wanted it another couple come back to view it!
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: Adria Altea v Bailey Ranger v Caravelair?
