Hoping that any experienced members may be able to give me a few recommendations and tips.
I think we’re in the market for a caravan, costing up to about £10k. This is to be our 1st caravan, although we have been camping for many years.
We’re a family of 4 (children are 2 and 5) and of what I’ve seen so far, we are favouring a 6 berth layout with the fixed end bunks. Only very occasionally would we use the side bunks, but we do like the extra space the 6 berth model affords.
We have seen a Compass Coronna 556 and a Sprint Major 6, and although the local dealer said the Sprint is a cheaper range van, we did prefer the interior of this model. I’ve read a lot about Bailey and they do seem very popular.
Should I be hunting out any other models?
At this price, would any still have a manufactures warranty?
Dealer or private.... buying privately, apart from checking the CRIS registration what other precautions can I take?
Should I be trying to buy as new as possible, or for a older, more costly model?
Hi Just wondering if you wouldn't fancy the triple/double bunk end dinette caravans. Obviously, different van layouts work for different families but our children are 3 & 6 and we find this layout works perfectly and we think it will work even better as the children get older as they in effect have their own bedroom & seating area which can be closed off from the rest of the van - particularly good at night when its a bit chilly for you to be out in the awning. We have the triple bunk version of this van but some are double & the dinette can be converted into another bunk. We use the bottom bunk for valuable storage and this is where the aqua roll and wastemaster live when in transit. Triple bunk is handy as we have already had a little friend stay with for the weekend and it was great having that extra fixed bunk without having to make up an extra bed each night.
We paid just over £11,500 for our 2009 model and we are thrilled with it - we bought it privately. Spending so much on your first caravan I'd recommend that you get a CRIS check (you can ask the seller for the CRIS number before you even view van) which costs around £15. I'd also advise that you get an MCEA approved engineer (www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk) to accompany you to inspect the van you intend to buy and ensure that the van can be attached to all services so that they can check all your appliances and heating etc - this is what we did ours cost £60 but some charged up to £100 but included the CRIS check - they will do all the damp checks, tyres, ours was very thorough. Also if the van is pretty new and warranty is important to you, check that they have had it serviced in accordance with the manufacturers requirements i.e within each 12mth anniversary of purchase and by an approved workshop.
We bought the Bailey Ranger 550/6. Ultimatly becasue of the bunk layout for the kids (2 & 4) and becasue the OH liked the colour of the interior!
Havent regretted a single thing, cracking van for our family.
------------- Enjoying caravanning, realising what an expensive hobby it is and spending the family’s inheritance before they can get their hands on it!
You should also have a look at the Adria 542DT and 542DK.
They are both great vans. If you like a large end washroom go fot the 542DT. this has a triple bunk with a curtain to close of the kids together with a side dinette. If you want a separate area for the kids the 542DK may suit. This has a concertina door that blocks of the back of the van,the downside is that it has a small central washroom.
Both are well made. The sidewalls are polyester( on 2010 model) so no more dings from bike and awning poles(very tough).
You should get a 2009 or even 2010 model
The bunks on Adria are huge at around 6'3" long and 2 1/2 foot wide
We have a Adria Altea 542 UK, and its absolutely brilliant, if not a little quirky. Spacious, Easy to tow, bunks are massive, and reasonably priced. Ours is a 2008 New model and it has been used continuously for two years and still not showing any wear and tear, still smells like new. Winter touring no problems even at Sub Zero temps, if you are prepared for it. You should get a good 2009 / 2010 model for around £10K and maybe a 2011 if barttered for.
We have a Adria Altea 542 UK, and its absolutely brilliant, if not a little quirky. Spacious, Easy to tow, bunks are massive, and reasonably priced. Ours is a 2008 New model and it has been used continuously for two years and still not showing any wear and tear, still smells like new. Winter touring no problems even at Sub Zero temps, if you are prepared for it. You should get a good 2009 / 2010 model for around £10K and maybe a 2011 if barttered for.
Enjoy.
Chris W
The 542DK is the replacement for the 542UK, similar layout but 6 birth. This was as from 2009. We also had the 542UK and it was a great van but a little dated from the outside. The new Adria's have a very distinctive look from side on.
Yesterday, we looked at a Bailey 540/6 and a Sprite Major 6, both of which had the triple bunks at the rear. I really liked the Bailey, but the wife liked the Sprite, saying it was more airy inside... tbh I'd be over the moon with either one!
I now need to keep a close eye on eBay etc to see what comes up for sale, hopefully before next spring as I can’t afford the prices the dealer is asking for these nearly new models.
Do you think there will be more caravans for sale at the beginning of next year, or do people generally sell now, ready for a cash deal in the spring?
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Topic: Help 1st time buyer, 6 berth with bunks
