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Subject Topic: Down size caravan again
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Personnora
30/7/2014 at 5:58pm
 Location:  Whitchurch shrops
 Outfit: Swift conqueror 480 View nora's Profile View Profile   Reply to nora Reply   Quote nora Quote  
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We up sized two years ago . But now my OH won't tow and I think a smaller van would be more manageable for me . I know I will miss the fixed beds they have been lovely and so comfortable . But I look on with envy at two berth vans that seem to be just more tow friendly and lighter etc.
My van doesn't seem to tow well . Unless it is just my mind .
Has anyone else done this . I feel we made a big mistake when we changed our two berth for this van . So will I feel the same to go back.


Personmickeyb
30/7/2014 at 7:27pm
 Location: Kent Coast
 Outfit: Adria Action + Xtrail View mickeyb's Profile View Profile   Reply to mickeyb Reply   Quote mickeyb Quote  
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Indeed we have, having started with a 12' Sprite Alpine back in the 70s, the van got bigger and bigger. However, a couple of years ago we downsized to the dear little 2 berth (piccies on profile) we have now. Got around the fixed bed factor by leaving the two lounge bench seats made up into twin singles and just remove the back rests at bedtime. Best thing we ever did, so much easier to tow and parks on the front drive so saved me storage. Certain compromises, just a 2 burner hob and no oven, but what the heck, we don't do a lot of cooking in the van anyway but take a microwave which lives in the back of the car. On the plus side, gas locker is on the side over axle with a large side hinged door and the fridge is eye level, no bending! should have done it years ago...Mick


Personnavver
30/7/2014 at 8:26pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
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You could try something like the Bailey Ranger 460/4 which is a small fixed bed. Quite light and easy to tow.


PersonSpanish5
30/7/2014 at 9:07pm
 Location: Arboleas Almera Spain
 Outfit: Mazda6 and Dethleffs View Spanish5's Profile View Profile   Reply to Spanish5 Reply   Quote Spanish5 Quote  
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I have a Dethleffs S-Lite, 2009 model, 3 berth FIXED BED caravan that I am selling. Unladen weight is 936 kgs. It has blown air heating, shower, toilet, fridge etc, etc. We are going the other way "up-sizing".
Let me know if you are interested and I can send full details and pictures.


Personfredted
30/7/2014 at 9:24pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 420 2 View fredted's Profile View Profile   Reply to fredted Reply   Quote fredted Quote  
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My sister has a Bailey Rimini and they had problems towing it to start with, until they put more weight in the nose!!
We've got a 2 berth Coachman Pastiche 420/2, no fixed beds but lovely to tow.


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Personnora
02/8/2014 at 8:02am
 Location:  Whitchurch shrops
 Outfit: Swift conqueror 480 View nora's Profile View Profile   Reply to nora Reply   Quote nora Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by fredted on 30/7/2014
My sister has a Bailey Rimini and they had problems towing it to start with, until they put more weight in the nose!!
We've got a 2 berth Coachman Pastiche 420/2, no fixed beds but lovely to tow.


Thank you for this .and all the replies. We are due to go away again in just over a week . I shall try reloading towards the front of the van to see if it makes it easier for me . I need to make a decision in the next few weeks.
I have more or less decided to down size but don't want to make another mistake.



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