We are also newbies looking for us and our 2 children. Think we are going to go for bunks as this seems to give more space. We are looking at Adrias as they are lightweight and have good reviews.
Adria is the manufacturer. There is a separate thread probably a few pages in now asking about views on the Adria brand if you want more info on them. In a nutshell, Adria are made in Slovania but do not let that put you off. They have an excellent reputation for build quality, towing well and being good value for money.
We have 2 children (age 4 and 7) and have just bought our first caravan. I would strongly advise you not to rush into making your choice and really take time to consider your layout options. The only reason I say that is because what I "thought" I wanted initially is very different to what we actually went with in the end!
I initially thought I wanted a separate cubicle shower and 2 dinette areas that converted into double beds. In the end we decided that a 6 berth van would suit our needs better with fixed bunk beds at one side, a 2 seater dinette opposite the kitchen and an n shaped living area at the other end which converts to a good sized double bed. The separate cubicle shower became less important and we prioritised a more functional living space in the end.
The idea of not "making up" our bed AND the kids beds appealed in that there's are fixed in place, but they still have a table and chairs to sit at and eat breakfast / play games without us having to rush to put our bed away to make an eating area (if not using an awning).
We also had never considered a 6 berth van as thought that it would have been way to heavy for our tow car. We went with the Adria Adora 532UK which has a max of 1400 fully laiden which was just right.
We also gave serious consideration to Bailey Ranger / Pagaent 5 and 6 berth models as they had great layouts too but the same age van was about 1k outside of our price range. Elddis firestorms / avante were the other consideration.
It is worth going to the dealers and actually going into several vans to get a feel of different layouts and the pro's and con's of each in terms of what works for you. That will help you to narrow your search.
Obviously, your tow car and tow capacity are also going to dictate the decision making process too.
Thanks pink panther your needs match my own and the fixed bunk and small dining area is the what I am favouring at the min also we intend on having a look round some this weekend
Hi we are relatively new to caravanning 5yrs and spent 3yrs looking for the right van, also starting from nothing so it had to be right we looked at every option available, and finally chose an Adria Altea 542 UK (bought new), our kids are 7 and 15 now but were 2 and 10 when we got the van.
It has a huge double bed upfront (needs making) and 2 rather larger than normal fixed bunks and a single bunk in the rear. I liken it to Ikea on wheel in terms of finish.
Just been in it this weekend to check all is Ok and it still smells like new after 5 yrs. It tows like a dream, is spacious, and is different to all the Baileys on the campsites, and have not any issues with awnings or getting spares either.
A most excellent van IMO.
We chose new because we had a lomited budget of 5-7 K, looked at loads of 3yr old vans for 5.5k, but were shabby. We did not want to shell out expense and find we did not like it a loose money in a re sale etc. We eventually found the Adria at 8.5k ok abit more, book price was 10,2K, so even if we did not like it we would recoup the vast majority of our money, However 5yrs on and we love it.
happy hunting, One will come along it is fate.
Chris W
We have a Bailey Pageant Provence which I would highly recommend - bench seating up frontwhich makes up into a huge double, bench seating at the back which makes up into a smaller double with a bunk over. Side bathroom with separate shower cubicle. we tand to leave the back made up as double and bunk for the kids (10 and 15, sometimes they bunk down together, sometimes we put the bunk up) and put our bed up at night ( a 5 minute job). Plenty living space (we have seated and fed 10) and comfy beds.
Julia Coops, yes we did extremely well, it was bought from Campbells Caravans just outside Preston, Lancashire. We were actually on our way back from viewing another van, and knowing the dealer had loos and cafe, we stopped and came out with a new van, and not regretted it since.
Yes Campbell s were getting rid of the last of the 542UK's with the new 542DK and DT's coming out.(Unfortunately Campbell's are no longer Adria agents) We bought one and paid £8000 new for a 2008 model.
We were just visiting and it was our first van and we felt we had little to loose. I hadn't done any research(not like me) but it felt right We loved it but as there was 5 of us and wanted the dinette as a spare we changed to the 542DT. When we sold it some 16 months later we got £7300 and I they are holding there value.
They are still going £6000 to £6500( for a £2008)private so residuals are rock solid.
The problem is that people want to hang to them.They realize that they wear well and hold their money. That said my wife is pushing me to sell ours. I am resisting at the moment as are the kids but she wants to do breaks in rented cottages. I like the caravan life but I know I could easly sell it especially with all the extras fitted. I sold my last Adria on here and the buyer travelled all the way from Norfolk to Southport just on the pictures I sent. We were both pleased with the deal.
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: Newbie looking for 5 berth
