We are wanting to upgrade next year to a reasonably priced fixed twin bed. Really liked the look of the Venus 550/4 at the NEC show. Does anyone have one or any knowledge of what they are like quality and comfort wise? We can only get about 30 nights a year at moment so don't want a really expensive van.
We looked at the Venus 2013 model when we bought our Elddis, we liked the one with the twin single beds, but disliked features like the lack of a propper lining to the shower cubicle, it was just the printed wallboard which is harder to keep clean and dry from soap and colouring from some shampoos. The Majority of entry level models are narrower than most caravans, which can be a problem when you have tall people who like to sit with their legs out and crossed feet like my OH does, as the gap between the front benches is much narrower to allow this, and you end up with feet bunched up uncomforably against the bed base opposite.
Its very much the old adage that you only get what you pay for, and with any entry level caravan there are bound to be cutbacks, both in weight and equipment, and this includes things like the thickness and quality of the upholstry which for some caravanners they dont realise on these cutbacks until they are actually out on site and using their caravan for the first time. In the end, we struck lucky with an end of season deal after looking at the lightweights due to the weight restrictions we had with our previous towcar, and we came across our mid range caravan being offered on the dealers forecourt for just a few hundred pounds more than the price we would have paid for a basic lightweight, and with a heap more features and upgrades included in the deal too. Sometimes its worth just waiting for the right deal and van to come your way instead of buying from the glossy brochures and at the early first in stock prices.
Good Luck with your search,
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!
I had the older version, a 2013 500/4. Brilliant van and couldn't fault it for someone of probable normal size. I say this as I am 6ft3 so I found the space around the bathroom sink for washing or cleaning teeth etc was too small. I know the 550/4 is longer and wider.
I liked the van so much that we upgraded to another Venus, the 580/6.
Admittedly we wanted the single beds for the kids but the 580/6 with bunks does the job well, the advantage also of having longer front benches, a side dinette and most importantly a much bigger bathroom for me.
Being so tall, any other problems I encounter, I would encounter in all vans.
The matresses on the single beds where probably cheap ones too, as you could feel the springs inside but wont cost much to upgrade.
The quality of the fixtures and fitting for an entry level van I found very acceptable, yes different to a top of the range van but far superior to anything Ikea could throw at it.
I would recommend.
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: Venus 550/4 - any thoughts?
