we have the sprite major 6 with the fixed bunks. have had it from new and it has just turned 4 years old. We had it in its basic form so no real extras, no microwave. But this is how we like it.
We had the quattro before and were happy with Sprite. We were sort of forced into the major as a result of the quattro getting written off in an an RTC, but have no regrets.
we have only used the temp bunks once, but they work well.
The space on the dinette is great for carrying bikes.
additions:
added extra sockets, tv point, shelves to front wardrobe, solar panel, wifi
gripes:
Heating and hot water controls are in 3 terrible locations, and its easy to knock the hot water off.
The front wardrobe likes to swing open while traveling.
The bed is starting to get a little uncomfortable now (we do 30-40 nights per annum).
issues:
had to replace faulty water pump (its the internal type) and replaced kitchen sink tap.
everything has been really good, and we are looking at a change, but sprite is on the list.
let me know if you want any specifics, but i see that the heating has changed now so is much better, and i haven't looked at any other new electronics other than they have moved the controls to a better location.
it has held its value well. we got a good deal on purchase and at 4 years old we have been offered £9,500 as a trade-in.
Thanks Jasie, this is all looking very promising and I think the major 6 layout would work really well for us as we have two young daughters (who'll now get a fixed bunk each still giving us fully use of the dinette but with the option from them to take away friends too)
I think we are looking at adding the diamond pack and sunroof options and probably the ATC and solar panel too.
Did you add an external main socket? as that would be useful for awning duties...
How is the interior trim holding up after 4 years?
May I ask what other vans are on your list when you change please?
We were going to buy a sprite major 6td last year but Lowdhams do an upgraded version of it with all of the extras you have listed above plus upgraded interior and exterior. It is called a Swift Freestyle 6td and is not that much more expensive. We have had a few problems with it which i think from reviews of all makes and models is just down to luck of the draw more than anything else. They also were selling them at a reduced price at the NEC so make sure you take a look. All the extras etc were well worth the slightly higher price especially if you are looking at adding them anyway
Quote: Originally posted by Dobboanddobbo on 07/9/2016
Forgot to say that we love it! The lay out is perfect for us although we haven't needed to use the occasional bunks as yet
I'm getting a good feeling about the Sprite major 6 and will definitely take a look at the dealer specials.
We are looking at the latest major 6 with all the bells and whistles....also seen a compass corona 576 and a coachman 580. But not really looked at them properly.
Re sockets, i haven't added an outside one as we run an extension lead out the window from a seperate internal socket to run the beer/wine fridge and a hot plate if in use outside.
I added in a socket next to the front wardrobe as we attached a tv bracket to the side of that, and plan to add another to the kids bunks as they always seem to need something charging.
Re the trim, it's holding up quite well, a couple of edging strips have needed a scrape of unibond just to put them back, and the cupboard handles need a little squirt of silicon spray once a year to be effective....all in all they are well looked after and not really seeing any issues with these. Although I have had to re silicone the kitchen area as that wasn't holding very well. But all easy did jobs to keep in tip top shape.
Also, we use the shower to its full ability and that's all going well, and there is no report of any damp on the annual servicing.
Re the bunks the top one is getting a little difficult for our 11 year old, so she moved to the bottom bunk this year, so check headroom and access is comfy for the kids.
Thats great. Our youngest daughter is 9 and has already bagged the top bunk!
so no major issues just routine maintenance....good to hear.
Sounds like we are on the same page as we have looked at the coachman 580 and new compass caista 586, value for money the major6 even spec'd up with diamond pack, sunroof, ATC and solar panel is still slightly cheaper and that's before any wrangling for a deal at the show.
How does yours tow? I have an Audi A4 Avant shouldn't be a problem..
Tows ok as long as you load her right. She hates too much nose weight, and she can be a bit wallowy if you leave the hot water in the system as the tank is quite close to the front.
And for left right I find she is better with our bikes onboard in the dinette area to balance.... ie there is a slightly more weight on the cooker fridge side, so you need to balance it with something.
We tow with an Audi q3, which is quite light so you do feel it when it's windy. When we had a volvo xc60 it was easy to forget it was behind us.
She is very happy at a max of 65mph (using gps as speed here, not the speedo.), I have taken it higher momentarily to know what happens, but I would not take it over 70!
We just need to get to a show to decide if it's worth changing or not as we are quite happy with what we have, but it all needs a bit of planning to decide when kids might not need bunks etc
if you have 2 kids, why not look at the coachman pastiche 525/4, caravan of the year, really great layout and should be able to pick up a nearly new second hand one for Sprite money, but a far superior caravan.
Our friends have one and they love it. They have 3 children and find the van perfect.
------------- Lyn xxx
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