My wife and I had a good time on Saturday at the NEC MH&C show - looking around with a view to buying our first caravan for our family (us plus 2yr old).
We're both from caravanning families - spending most of our younger years having family holidays on-sites around the UK and France, so we know "what it's like" and for a variety of reasons, we're looking to buy a new van. Fixed bed and a lined shower cubicle are definite "must-haves" on our list.
It was great to be able to look around at the different layouts and we're leaning towards one of two 4-berth layouts - the fixed-side-rear-bed/rear washroom layout of the Swift Challenger Sport/SE 554, Bailey Pegasus GT65 Verona and Elddis Avante/Affinity 540, versus the "Rear bedroom" layout of the Elddis Avante/Affinity 550. Whilst the first layout offers an open and airy feel, the rear "bedroom" layout on the 550 Elddis maybe offers the opportunity to sit up and watch TV post-7pm/toddler-bedtime, without disturbing little one asleep "up-front".
I'd be keen to hear about any positive/negative experiences with these two layouts or indeed any of these vans specifically. We'll be towing with an 2.2TDCi S-Max auto, which should be heavy enough (~1735kg+) to be a reasonably stable, 85%-ish match with the vans we're looking at (sub-1500kg), especially with the ATC/iDC systems offered on these. (I have the necessary license to tow a heavier outfit, having passed my test in 1995)
Experiences of the layouts, vans and features listed above very much appreciated - thank you!
Layouts are very much a personal preferance, we have a new avante 462, and love the big corner shower in it. The layout that we would avoid is the one where you have to step into the shower tray to access the toilet, especially with a muddy footed todler, the trays become a magnet for grit and other stuff trampled in, even if yoo do use a mat they can become easily scratched.
If you need more knowlege on the Avante, then please feel free to ask me, ours is just 3months old now.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Hi we have an affinity 540, we actually intended to buy the 550 but didnt like the closed in feel at the front or the shower being in the bedroom. We have a 16 year old who still sleeps in the van if its too cold for a tent, and he just about manages on a front bench if he cant be bothered to make up the double, the front benches in the 550 are a couple of inches shorter.You can still seperate the two areas with the dividing blind. The shower room is great, plenty of room in the shower, we had a circular shower in our last van theres more room to move in this one. The alde heating is brilliant and very quiet. We also seriously considered the GT65 Verona but the whale heating put us off
Because you have a toddler the door at the front is best. Children can get directly to the seating area without coming past kitchen areas. I prefer a usable shower and separate toilet. Having a bedroom separate is great to put a small child into so you can have adult time. They are easily moved when you need the bed. We often have children and grandchildren with us so I like our toilet in the middle. We don't get disturbed in our bedroom if someone needs to go during the night. I love our island bed so I don't have to climb over the wife to get out.
Fred.
Thanks for the input!
Julia/ Romany Girl - good comments re: Shower Tray, something I hadn't thought of and another reason to go for something with a separate cubicle
Hollyjai - it sounds like we've been through a similar process, I went to the show confident the 550 would be ideal, but the more open feel of the 540/Verona has me thinking....
Frederico - yes, exactly what we were thinking about the separate room - either we could watch tv/read in there or little one could snooze until later in there and transfer to "his" bed when we turn in..
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: First-purchase - van/layout advice
