I am just in the process of trying to select a 6-berth caravan for my tribe. I presently have a folding camper and used to limited space and facilities...
I am completely lost in the choice of stuff out there. I have a SEAT Alhambra 2.0 TDi 140 bhp to pull with giving me up to about 1550-1600 kg to pull maximum.
Can anyone give me any advise on what to avoid ? This is affecting my sleep at night!!!!!!
I like the layout of a Lunar Quasar 615 but love the look and finish of an Abbey Vogue.
If you go to the caravan club website you can find several reviews of caravan brands with regard to how likely they were to need repairs for damp etc which makes interesting viewing.
The Baileys are very popular, have you considered the 550/6 Ranger?
I have just bought my first van, but the following were tips I was given that really helped:
1. Set your budgets. I say budgets, cos vans come with differing amounts of equipment, even if buying new. So set a budget for van on it's own, for awning, etc.
2. Look and see what's available in your price range. If you're finding what you want isn't available for your budget, think about going for a smaller van and add the cost of an awning+annexe, or consider looking at older vans that have been well cared for.
2a. Remember private sales will be 10 to 15% cheaper than a comparable van from a dealer, and may also include more equipment. Most dealers tend to get rid of everything from a trade in, apart from the awning.
2b. If you're unsure whether a price is reasonable, look for similar vans on google and also ask on here.
3. Look at as many vans as possible. You will soon get an idea of the layout you prefer, but don't close your mind to anything else. We initially preferred a double dinette layout but have ended up with an end kitchen due to the good price, condition & extras, and relatively high spec when new.
4. Always check yourself using whattowcar.com whether your car is a match for a van. Some dealers will tell you anything just to get a sale.
I take it if you are looking for a 6 berth you have a fair sized clan? If so, you probably will need the extra spacee afforded by an awning+annexe to stop you from falling over each other!
thanks for the ideas guys. i have looked on the caravan club site and got some good ideas, Coachmans have a good report, not looked at them yet. thanks Snowy.
Mature-student, we did have a rough buget in mind at the start, but as you know, you can get swept away with the extras. Lots of good advice, thanks
I had a 6 berth for over 12 seasons, it was a Compass reflection 490/6 single axle. The layout was double dinette with the door in front of the axle, giving space at the rear of the van for a long double with two metal framed sprung base bunks coming out from below these seats/beds. The rear of the van closed off with sliding doors & the double at the front went across the van. This layout was superb for us & we only sold it because of its age & I wanted to change it while it still had some value.
We've not purchased one of the 6 berths vailable at the moment because the only ones we can find with an identical layout is the likes of the twin axle Trekker & as we keep our van on the drive, it has to be a single axle due to space.
If you're happy to tow a tndem axle with your vehicle I suggest you look at the Trekker, this layout is brilliant & the bunks are nice & omfy for the kids to sleep on. I won't buy one of the so called 6 berts with fixed bunks or solid wooden based bunks because I want my kids to sleep in comfort & I don't want to lose the space in the van used up by built in bunks.
The day someone makes a 6 berth single axle in the layout of our old compass, I'll be their first customer.
We have just bought the new bailey pagent britange 6 birth its outstanding i have 3 children and they love it cos they can bring a mate depending on wat you wanna spend and whether you want single or double axel i wanted a single much easier on ferries and sites can b greedy with twins our first outing on friday for long weekend then off to france
I am completely lost in the choice of stuff out there. I have a SEAT Alhambra 2.0 TDi 140 bhp to pull with giving me up to about 1550-1600 kg to pull maximum.
is this going on 85 % of your kerb weight,to be safe on tow.6 berths are heavy.?
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
we have a lunar ariane and it is fab it is only 998kg and fully loaded with all our bikes and everything else that comes with 3 kids for a fortnight only weighed in at 1200kg give or take a few. it is an old van but i would highly recomend the Lunar gone are the days of leeky lunars . we are looking to upgrade to a newer model and are looking at another lunar. happy hunting and definitely set your budget for van and another to include extras that was good advice.
------------- HOUSEWORK go wash your mouth out with chocolate
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 6 berth nightmare!
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. we are looking to upgrade to a newer model and are looking at another lunar. happy hunting and definitely set your budget for van and another to include extras that was good advice.
