we also spent a full day looking for the right van at nec, considered vans that you looked at also, hubby really likes the open feel on Indiana, but i did not like decor and wanted sep shower and better quality, in the end both agreed on compass liberty air, a special from wandahomes that came with a host of extras including upgraded pump, air con,mp3/dvd/ipod,for around about same price of the Bailey and challenger, and also has proper shower cub.,on the other side of the toilet.
I spent a couple of hours at White Arches this week looking at the fixed bed concept in big twin axle units.
Being a big bloke and challenged in the mobility department, I have to say that for me the island concept would be best. What I saw in the Elddis and Swift vans would be OK if you and your partner are midgets and didn't move around much in the night.
You also seem to sacrifice an awful lot of washroom/shower/loo space to the high altar of the fixed bed concept. Only one of these had a full width bathroom but it was very narrow.
The one I thought offered the best compromise had the bed at rightangles to the offside sidewall. This provided the island concept and also gave a good size full width bathroom. Buggered if I can remember the make, but I remember it being very expensive and very heavy.
We have had a Hymer twin berth for over six years now and would not contenance any other layout. We use home style bedding and the beds are as comfortable now as they were when new.
We have a fixed bed fitted lengthways across the bottom of the van, seperate shower unit with toilet and washbasin opposite, then kitchen, then seating area which can be made into a large double or two singles, its perfect for us, but my OH never gets up to go to the loo during the night, it's all a matter of personal choice, it's a head ache is'nt it
We have the Indiana, and I like closing the middle door, having a shower, coming out to get dried and dressed then sitting on the bed to do my hair and make up, its cosy and private and you cant have that with a island bed, as we thought that might suit , but we imagined trying to get dressed etc in the bedroom and realised there would be no room left.
------------- A diplomat thinks twice before saying nothing ... Pam
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Topic: Fixed side bed or Island bed.
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