Oh dear, after all that we have decided to change our tow car so it is back to the drawing board as can now tow one or two axle caravans. My only requirement is a fixed bed in an island bed layout (hope that keeps everyone happy!), 4 berth and not a lavatory / shower layout where you have to walk through the shower to use the loo.
As you already have a Swift, I would strongly recommend that you look at the Charisma 610, and it's Sterling Europa equivalent, depending on whether you prefer darker or lighter woodwork.
Twin-axle though not as heavy as a lot of them, an island bed, and a pretty spacious toilet and shower room, as side toilets go!
Have a look at the Bailey Limousin for fixed non island, wyoming or louisiana for island fixed. All very nice indeed and great value (we checked them all out and went for the Limousin )
As far as L shaped for the dog goes , we have 3 dogs and the van is that spacious they are not under our feet any more than if the lounge was a different shape. I can see exactly why people like the island bed (I was keen on one to start with) but I to my mind they do waste space unless youre uwilling to play climb over
We have a gorgeous Swift Conqueror 645 - island bed, full size lined shower, lovely washroom, big kitchen, and the living area is huge, with both seats also as full size single beds (or make up a huge double). The island bed is wonderful, fully sprung, good lighting for reading. we often use it in the day, so its not wasted space and fantastic storage. The advantage with the island bed is you have space all round it, so you don't have to climb over each other, no cut-away section with legs hanging off the edge, and if you are an insomniac like me, you don't disturb your partner getting up and down through the night!
We have a lunar Solaris 3 that has a fixed island bed used to have a fixed bed would not swap for the world no more crawling over the better half when needing the loo it was like waking a sleeping bear lol
I'd love an island bed van but cant afford one yet so are planning to buy a normal 4 berth but keep the one end made up as a permanent bed.
Just out of interest to the folk who have a fixed bed, is there enough room for two to sleep comfortably? the ones we have seen always seem to be curved on the one edge to allow a walkway so the person on the edge has a short bed, I can imagine having cold feet!
We have the fixed side bed. I get the outside, so the cut off at the feet bit! We are both short so it is not really a problem. If I need more space I just shove OH up against the wall! I always put my feet over to heat up on him anyway.
Pat. We have got this one Challenger 560. It has wardrobes either side of the bed with the dressing table (most important) in and cupboard at the foot. Some designs with the island bed put the wash basin in instead of the dressing table. It does mean that if one of you wants to go to bed early then the other can still shower in private. The bathroom and shower is excellent but you can be restricted a bit when you walk round the bed. Anyone a little large might find it awkward.
The only major snag is the lack of a small table at the front. We have bought one and put it in so that it can be removed. Saves using the very large one. We have rewired the TV so that it is on the window sill in the front which gives us a lot more room on the original TV cupboard. If you can't tow a twin axle I would recommend the 560. Tows very well. We swapped it from a twin axle island bed because it was too big to lug around for just 2 of us particulalry if you want to tour.
Quote: Originally posted by Patc49 on 09/11/2008
I am about to purchase a new caravan and would like one with an island bed. I think we have to stick with a single axis van because of towing. Does anyone have a model they would recommend or suggest steeringclear of? I like the look of the Bailey Senator Virginia.
Just got our new van Bailey Virginia and we love it have looked at loads wanted a fix bed so many to choose from but we wanted the island bed so this was the one.
You could go for the twin axle indiana but the extra few inches is not worth another £3000 then theres the insurance.
Hi well we wanted the same as you had fixed bed once one wants to get out of bed it wakes the other with fixed bed.
We bought the Elddis Odysey 550 and found it great.
I am 16 stone and found plenty of room for me to get undressed the side of the bed.
It has a great l shape lounge so you can move around instead of being trapped behind a table.
Would suggest anyone wanting a modern usable caravan to take a look at it.
I have had over twenty Caravans over the years this far exceeds any other we have been in and still with single axle.
the Elddis Odyssey 550 has l shaped lounge island bed separate toilet shower you walk through toilet to get into shower that has glass door.
I spent many hours looking for my next caravan and after having over 30 over the years makes what i like a lot harder.
Also driving a twin axle caravan is a lot harder and uses a lot more fuel witch is why most people end up siting the vans most of the year.
Worth having a test drive with single axle then twin to find out.
I am a HGV class 1 driver driving does not bother me but lots are after trying.
good look in your search hope you find the right caravan for you.
happy caravaning
We have a coachman pastiche 545 with the island bed........love it......ok so there isnt as much "living space"but it is more than compensated for by not having other half scrambling over you in the night after a few tinnies lol.We are more than pleased with the quality of our coachman caravan.We have had several layouts over the years and this suits us best.Hope you find the layout you need soon
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Topic: island bed
and went for the Limousin )
