Hi, we are a family of 4 3 adults and 1 14yr old, I detest fixed bed models, as pref bigger living space, you spend more hours awqake than asleep! I prefer the double dinette models, as teenage daugter has a big bed to herself with own privacy at rear end of van, and space for her to watch tv/dvd, or read. Occassionally our 21 yr old son may join us, so ideally the long singles that a 6 berth model would make up would be ideal. Does anyone know if you could remove the upper bunks, to reduce weight? Would welcome any comments from anyone who has such a model. I would be concerned that our offspring may be too heavy for a bunk, in either 5/6 berth model.
Our last 5 berth had long enough seats at the front for 2 singles and the diner at the back made a double. I personally wouldn't base your decision on a 21yr old joining you occasionally though, a small tent may be an option?
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I caravanned with parents long after most kids probably would (I had the bug even then) and had a small tent alongside. when my sister came along too she had awning annex. each had their own space and privacy. worked well.
We recently upgraded to a 5 berth from a 2 berth and can honestly say I am glad I did, the seats are a lot more nicer to sit/sleep on, the rear L shaped seating is perfect for using as a double bed as there is a partitioned door that slides across, excellent for when we are away for a week or more as we can leave it made up. The front seats are more than ample as singles as there about 6"2 long. There are loads of storage spaces, the only downside is not being able to store anything forward of the axle as its quite nose heavy so for us we have no option but to place things behind the axle.
Hi, we have a Bailey Ranger 550/6 which we removed and stored the side dinette bunk bed to reduce the weight as we never used it, so I would assume you could do the same in another caravan. I note that you detest fixed beds, but ours has fixed bunk beds at the rear both of which are very long well over 6', the upper bunks hold upto 11 stone. The fixed bunks are out of the way and there is still plenty of living area in the van with 2 seating areas, we are a family of 5 our kids are 12, 13 & 15 - and not small!) We are now selling ours as we would like if we can a 5 berth caravan with a separate shower. This Bailey is a lightweight caravan at 1300kg loaded, we tow with a 1.9 diesel Touran.
I have a Swift Fairway 570 based on the Charisma. We are a family of 5, Ours has a fixed bunk across the back, the top bunk has a weight limit of 70kg, but it also has a side dinette that makes up into a bunk, (although we never make the second bunk up), Both of these bunks have curtains that can be pulled around for privacy. There is bags of living space, even for 4/5 adults, and the bunks take me easily(although I am only 5'6") They would be ok for an average adult but anyone 6' would struggle. It is fairly heavy though at 1500kg MPTLM so you would need a big estate/people carrier to tow it (I use a Galaxy). The layout IMHO is great, unfortunately noone seems to make this layout anymore.
Jon
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I have the Abbey Vogue 2 650 - sounds like the sort of thing you're looking for - I had the same sort of needs with long children :)
Two end lounges - each with a pair of 6 foot long beds on either side - both of which can be made into a double if required. The bunks at the rear are the fold away type and don't take up any space at all so you wouldn't need to remove them.
Only down side - it's a heavy van - coming in at around 1745KG MTPLM (think the letters are right :)
Upside - there's so much space inside that we haven't used an awning since we bought the van a few years ago.
Abbey are (were) part of the Swift group so I think there are several brands you can look at with the "650" designation.
Lunar did a similar design as did Eldis - both heavy vans though - so largely depends on your tow car.
We have a 5 berth Coachman Amara with 2 long seats at the front which our lads use as singles (also makes a large double) and a dinette at the back which we use as a double. The bunk over the rear bed is only suitable for small children. We found most 6 berths with bunks weren't any use to us as they all had weight limit on the bunks which is why we ended up with a 5 berth.....it will make an ideal 2 berth one day :) It only has a small side washroom but we always use site facilities so its not a problem for us, we only use the loo and the sink. We needed a van that we could all sleep in during colder months or on overnight stops without having to use an awning or tent.
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Topic: Reviews required on 5/6 berth caravans
