My wife and I want to buy a used caravan but we are struggling to find one that meets our criteria. What we would like is a 4 berth, end washroom, side dinette bunks and a shipping length under 7 metres and, preferably, about 6.5 metres. The basis for these criteria are two grandchildren who might come with us occasionally so we need a 4 berth but we don't want too much to lug around the rest of the time. Also we are now both in our 70's. We don't want a fixed bed. We anticipate that any van that we buy will be 8 or so years old or, more likely, older.
Any suggestions of a make and model that would fit our criteria would be appreciated. I have found several at, or just over, 7 metres but finding one at 6.5 metres is proving a problem. Perhaps there isn't one?
Many thanks. Peter
My (2016 in my case, but model around before and after that year) Lunar Quasar 524 (mines actually a dealer special upgrade, called a Cosmos 524) comes pretty close to your requirements with a shipping length of 6.765m, and all the other requirements. It's also fairly lightweight for size, with a MTPLM of 1310Kg, which opens up a wider range of suitable tow vehicles. You won't find very many 4 berth vans lighter, unless looking at very much older vans (vans have got heavier over the years!). Following the 85% advisory max weight ratio for novice towers, your tow car would need to be rated at 1550Kg or more towing capacity.
Be careful looking at the shorter vans, the bed/bench lengths can be shorter as well, and may be a compromise too far for comfortable sleeping for taller folk! Also look into the bunk bed dimensions and weight limits, they are rarely adult size/rated, and teens beyond 13-14 may be too tall/heavy for them! Think ahead, kids may rapidly outgrow the bunks, even if they fit now! Get flexible, teens often want their own space, so inner bedroom tent(s) in an awning may have some scope!
As said, look at your car first to see it's towing capacity, that may well limit your choice of van! Towing capacity is often stated in V5 registration document, and manufacturers statistics (brochure/hand book). The caravan's MTPLM weight is what you need to work with, ignore MIRO weight, it's of no importance.
Thank you for the replies so far. I am familiar with the weight issues to be considered and my car is fine for what I want but thanks for the reminder. I think that Colin has pinpointed a major problem and my experience reflects that same issue. However SWMBO wants an end washroom and, actually, I wouldn't disagree even if I was allowed to. Thank you Monty for your comments as they tend to crystallise my own thoughts on the subject. I am avoiding Lunars because as far as I know Lunar no longer exists and spares might prove a problem in the future. This is a pity as they made some nice vans. A two berth with a decent awning could give us the flexibility suggested with a smaller unit to tow and no loss of bed length (although we are shorties). I will do some more research with that solution in mind.
Thank you all again. All very helpful.
As most equipment and fittings on vans are standard 'bought in' items, shared across multiple van manufacturers, there is not really a spares problem with them, spares are plentiful for many years. As to manufacturer specific parts, which really are quite few, like body panels, interior trim etc., they often don't seem to be available after a few years anyway, even from makes still in existence, often second hand from caravan breakers is your only option anyway.
I wouldn't have any qualms about defunct manufacturers with regard to older van spares, you're on your own to a large extent and unsupported by manufacturers regardless of brand. Lunar vans hold their price well in the marketplace, despite being a defunct brand, as usually well appointed, as good a build quality as any other brand (and better than some!), and generally lighter than comparable vans, which enhances their appeal for many, as you can get a higher spec, or greater berths for the same weight as a lesser competitors van.
Bailey Ranger 510 4, 6.77 length light weight for the layout you want 1281 kg. We had a new one in 2009 but the uprated GT 60 model. Took 2 teenage grandchildren who used the side bunks
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 27/7/2024
Bailey used to make a Ranger 470/4. Same layout as the 510/4 but shorter front seats. We had a 510/4 and it was a brilliant layout.
Thanks for the comment. You will see that we previously owned a Bailey Ranger 2 berth. We then bought a brand new large Swift that was a bitter disappointment. The Ranger was a fantastic van but we needed space for our grandchildren. We still hope to be able to accommodate them but would like something more modern than another Ranger that might feel like going backwards. We are now thinking about Monty's suggested solution that would have a number of advantages. Decisions, decisions!
BTW If people really need to know our car can tow more than 1.5 tonnes.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 28/7/2024
What was wrong with the Swift?
What was not wrong with it?
One of the cushions was stained when we collected it. Pointed this out and it was purported to be cleaned or replaced. In fact neither happened and we later discovered that the mark was still there although we couldn't see it originally as the cushion was wet. It took over 12 months to get a replacement. When we got home and took the van to the storage site the alarm kept going off. Following written instructions received with the caravan we contacted Sergeant Electrical and they sent us a (wrong) replacement unit and, over the phone, guided me through the (simple) procedure for changing it. We then had to repeat the process when the correct replacement part arrived. The problem with the alarm reoccurred a year or so later. The supplier, Grantham Caravans, then disclaimed all responsibility for it because I had done as instructed by them and Sergeant Electicals. In the end the alarm company suggested not contacting me as the alarm was activating about 5 times a week. I agreed with this because I couldn't keep going to the van every time it activated. In January 2023 the van was burgled and damage caused as well as the battery, curtains and mattress being stolen. It was apparent that the battery had been removed because the voltage suddenly registered zero. We didn't know this at the time as the alarm company still did not tell us about it.
Prior to the burglary we had discovered that there was severe cracking to the panoramic window. When first noticed it was one small crack but, by the time it was replaced there were about 10 cracks that I had to cover with duct tape to avoid leakage into the van. A problem with the wardrobe occurred as the door started swinging open. Closer examination showed that the side panels were warped and Grantham Caravans decided that they should be replaced. It took months and months for them to get the necessary parts. We returned the caravan the 180 miles but after keeping the van for a day longer than planned they had failed to replace the panels and we later had to get the van delivered back to them for the work to be carried out.
The repairs needed after the burglary took months to get sorted out and the replacement door supplied by Swift was also damaged so had, itself, to be replaced. The repairer then fitted the wrong curtains that took another few months of arguing and lies from either the repairer or Swift to get the right curtains fitted.
The whole thing was a complete nightmare and we determined to give up caravanning completely and sold everything at great loss to us. However, after our daughter and family bought a caravan our enthusiasm for caravanning has returned but we are having to start again on a lower budget.
Buy a new Swift Caravanfrom Grantham Caravans at your peril!
Sadly I trusted Grantham Caravans and did not pay by credit card. A lesson learned the hard way!
Thank you. It looks a nice van but nearly a 3 hour drive away for me. Although it is within the towing capacity of my car I favour a smaller caravan if possible. I had seen adverts for Archway caravans and now I know where they come from.
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: Small 4 berth advice
via mobile 27/7/2024 at 7:47am
