Fixed double bed suggestions

huskydog
huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
1000 Comments
edited December 2015 in Motorhomes #1

I am looking for fixed bed M/H about 6 to 6.5m in length.would be used and a budget of about £25,000, any suggestions to look at??????

Thanks

Comments

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #2
  • sloush
    sloush Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited December 2015 #3

    Me and wife bought a fixed bed swift bessacarr MH on a fiat chassis in august. Its 6.3 metres long and we are over the moon with it. Its 11 years old with 38k miles. Got it for 20k. Excellent quality would highly recommend. They are out there shop around.
    Ebay is good for comparing year and prices etc. Good luck .

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #4

    thanks, I will have a look at thoseHappy

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,866 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited December 2015 #5

    If you are looking for a fixed bed I would make sure its as large as you need. Many motorhomes have undersized double beds so take a tape measure with you. 

    David

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #6

    If you are looking for a fixed bed I would make sure its as large as you need. Many motorhomes have undersized double beds so take a tape measure with you. 

    David

    Write your comments here...good idea David, when we were looking we discounted UK band as the beds are so small and narrow, being over 6 foot we wanted a longer wider bed and we found in general the continental vans had the larger beds and were of the advertised size. Of course both ksy in it as well like you are buying a bed for home.

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #7

    If you are looking for a fixed bed I would make sure its as large as you need. Many motorhomes have undersized double beds so take a tape measure with you. 

    David

    Thanks , i will have a lay down on itSurprised. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

  • royandsharont
    royandsharont Forum Participant Posts: 735
    100 Comments
    edited December 2015 #8

    If you are looking for a fixed bed I would make sure its as large as you need. Many motorhomes have undersized double beds so take a tape measure with you. 

    David

    Write your comments here...good idea David, when we were looking we discounted UK band as the beds are so small and narrow, being over 6 foot we wanted a longer wider bed and we found in general the continental vans had the larger beds and were of the advertised
    size. Of course both ksy in it as well like you are buying a bed for home.

    MichaelT, not all Uk vans have small beds. Our Bessacarr 480G's is a standard 4'6" wide but is very long, the full width of the van in fact which is 2.24m externally, so I guess the bed length is well over 6'. Regards, Roy

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #9

    If you are looking for a fixed bed I would make sure its as large as you need. Many motorhomes have undersized double beds so take a tape measure with you. 

    David

    Write your comments here...good idea David, when we were looking we discounted UK band as the beds are so small and narrow, being over 6 foot we wanted a longer wider bed and we found in general the continental vans had the larger beds and were of the advertised size. Of course both ksy in it as well like you are buying a bed for home.

    MichaelT, not all Uk vans have small beds. Our Bessacarr 480G's is a standard 4'6" wide but is very long, the full width of the van in fact which is 2.24m externally, so I guess the bed length is well over 6'. Regards, Roy

    Write your comments here...Perhaps I should have been clearer, we did not want a side or transverse bed where one person had to clamber over the other so an Island bed.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #10

    Husky, there are a few types of 'fixed bed' but 6-6.5m is a relatively small van, so choosing the type of bed will influence the feasibility in that chosen length.

    fixed singles (high or low) are ruled out, i guess, as you wanted a double.....

    so, where does this leave you....

    island bed, great for entry/exit either side (as described by Michael) but is the most costly in terms of space ised and therefore lengthe of van. some modern vans now have a 'semi' island bed with shower alongside to help the length issue, but these are more modern (expensive) than your budget.

    transverse bed, good for keeping van length down, great for size and usually large storage underneath, but there is the problem of difficulty of exit for the sleeper nearest the rear wall.....

    french bed, good compromise....keeps length dowm, good storage under, but same issue with bed access.....

    i realise you need at least some storage for the scooter, hence the advantage of the 'fixed bed' design.....

    curved ball........have you thought of a PVC? pretty well all either 6m or 6.4....huge choice of fixed bed (plus storage under) layouts.....eg Adria Twin (and similar) layouts, many within budget, yet still modern designs and lowish mileages.

    6.4m pvc now available with twin rear lengthways singles that allow easy access and provide good storage underneath.....but also, can be joined with an infil piece (at head end) to simulate a double, yet with easy space around the foot end.....

    easy to drive and park (for first MH), good mpg etc....

    possibly worth a look.......?

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #11

    Thanks BB, plenty to ponder, i do have space on my drive for up to 8 meters, but trying to look for an allround compromise of big enough to be comfortable in, but not to big to cause parking problems, to be honest i'm not in a rush to buy ,as i want to try
    and get it as right as i can

    Yes , will give PVC's a look ,i'm not going to discard any thing........................

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited December 2015 #12

    We have a Hymer B564 which has a drop down double bed, a large L-shaped  lounge area which converts to another double.  A side kitchen and a big rear bathroom with a full shower cubicle.  It packs all that into a length of 6m.  It is also a version made for the UK market so it has an oven and grill although the door is still on the continental side.  We love it.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #13

    Seems like they've had a "topsy" moment. They're 7.3M now.

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited December 2015 #14

    Seems like they've had a "topsy" moment. They're 7.3M now.

    ...I think that may be the B654 CY. Ours is a 2004 B564

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #15

    i did highlight small (ish) drop down bed models like ypurs and the archetypal B544 but Husky doesnt want a drop down bed, although i dont think he's seen an A-class one in the flesh, as these dont obscure the lounge area and also drop far lower than most
    'central' drop downs.....

    if i were happy to have the bikes on the back of the van (rather than in our garage, id have a B544 like a shot....

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #16

    The Chauson 620 is an innovative design. Worth a look! It's featured in the latest MMM.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #17

    The Chauson 620 is an innovative design. Worth a look! It's featured in the latest MMM.

    yes, a central drop down island bed, with a garage.....very useful.

    however, HD set a budget far below that of this brand new design.......

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited December 2015 #18

    A Euromobil (636 and the like) should suit your budget HD. A good German build that should remain sound in spite of age. The 636LS is on a Merc base, but there are cheaper Fiat versions. These are A-Class, with one of the lowest drop down beds I’ve come
    across, but no garage (put bikes on a carrier). The rest of the living space works very well for a vehicle that’s 6.5m. Of course, you’ll need to find one, first.

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #19

    I'm open to any suggestions and will have a look ,but i do have a max budget, Sad

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #20

    A Euromobil (636 and the like) should suit your budget HD. A good German build that should remain sound in spite of age. The 636LS is on a Merc base, but there are cheaper Fiat versions. These are A-Class, with one of the lowest drop down beds I’ve come
    across, but no garage (put bikes on a carrier). The rest of the living space works very well for a vehicle that’s 6.5m. Of course, you’ll need to find one, first.

    Write your comments here...problem is once you put a bike rack on the back you are up to 7m so is it better to get a bigger van with a garage and keep the bikes clean and secure?

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited December 2015 #21

    i did highlight small (ish) drop down bed models like ypurs and the archetypal B544 but Husky doesnt want a drop down bed, although i dont think he's seen an A-class one in the flesh, as these dont obscure the lounge area and also drop far lower than most
    'central' drop downs.....

    if i were happy to have the bikes on the back of the van (rather than in our garage, id have a B544 like a shot....

    ...If you like Hymer, have a look at
    THIS
    one for sale now.  I spotted it on the internet today.

  • Discovery4
    Discovery4 Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited December 2015 #22

    We have a Hymer B564 which has a drop down double bed, a large L-shaped  lounge area which converts to another double.  A side kitchen and a big rear bathroom with a full shower cubicle.  It packs all that into a length of 6m.  It is also a version made
    for the UK market so it has an oven and grill although the door is still on the continental side.  We love it.

    Aren't most drop down beds in A-classes transverse though?  If so, I would have thought that would lead to the same aversion Husky has to bed-over-garage setups. 

     

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #23

    We have a Hymer B564 which has a drop down double bed, a large L-shaped  lounge area which converts to another double.  A side kitchen and a big rear bathroom with a full shower cubicle.  It packs all that into a length of 6m.  It is also a version made
    for the UK market so it has an oven and grill although the door is still on the continental side.  We love it.

    Aren't most drop down beds in A-classes transverse though?  If so, I would have thought that would lead to the same aversion Husky has to bed-over-garage setups. 

     

    D4, i don't have an aversion to that type of set , the reason i would have to look hard at that type of layout is the fact the wife has a mobility problem and cant lift her legs very high,she struggles with starirs,  but when we go to a dealers to have a
    look round ,we will look at everythingHappy. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #24

    We have a Hymer B564 which has a drop down double bed, a large L-shaped  lounge area which converts to another double.  A side kitchen and a big rear bathroom with a full shower cubicle.  It packs all that into a length of 6m.  It is also a version made
    for the UK market so it has an oven and grill although the door is still on the continental side.  We love it.

    Aren't most drop down beds in A-classes transverse though?  If so, I would have thought that would lead to the same aversion Husky has to bed-over-garage setups. 

     

    D4, i don't have an aversion to that type of set , the reason i would have to look hard at that type of layout is the fact the wife has a mobility problem and cant lift her legs very high,she struggles with starirs,  but when we go to a dealers to have a
    look round ,we will look at everythingHappy. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

    Write your comments here...HD thats the best thing to do, go to a large dealer that has all sorts of makes and layouts and leave the vans unlocked and just go round and try them out, oyu quickly decide what works and what does not you can then hone in on
    the right van for you.  We found it did not take too long to whittle down what we liked and did not like based on our initial list then it was finding teh best value for us.

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited December 2015 #25

    The model I pasted above has a drop down bed but also has a French double bed at the back.  Our B564 has a convertible double in the living area as well as the drop down and still comes in at only 6m.

  • Discovery4
    Discovery4 Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited December 2015 #26

    We have a Hymer B564 which has a drop down double bed, a large L-shaped  lounge area which converts to another double.  A side kitchen and a big rear bathroom with a full shower cubicle.  It packs all that into a length of 6m.  It is also a version made for the UK market so it has an oven and grill although the door is still on the continental side.  We love it.

    Aren't most drop down beds in A-classes transverse though?  If so, I would have thought that would lead to the same aversion Husky has to bed-over-garage setups. 

     

    D4, i don't have an aversion to that type of set , the reason i would have to look hard at that type of layout is the fact the wife has a mobility problem and cant lift her legs very high,she struggles with starirs,  but when we go to a dealers to have a look round ,we will look at everythingHappy. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

    Do ask the dealers, though, because there could be combinations which would help.  For example, I had an Autotrail Cheyenne 696G in the past, which (along with being a bit long for what you want) had the fixed bed over the garage so would be unsuitable for your wife.  However, there's a rarer 696 (no G) knocking about which has the fixed bed at seat height, albeit with consequent loss of garage space - it's the sort of thing you'd not find out unless you got into a conversation with a good dealer.

    The only thing I would say (& with respect to Oldgirl as no two of us are the same) is that the combination of <7M and fixed bed is a tough challenge - it's achievable but something has to give, and typically it'd be lounge and/or washroom.  Motorhome lounges are an acquired taste, and if you're coming from a caravan background the compromise of loss of lounge space may be too much when compared to either a) getting a longer van or b) getting a van with an easily assembled bed, e.g. Elddis Autoquest 115.

  • rayjsj
    rayjsj Forum Participant Posts: 930
    500 Comments
    edited December 2015 #27

    A Euromobil (636 and the like) should suit your budget HD. A good German build that should remain sound in spite of age. The 636LS is on a Merc base, but there are cheaper Fiat versions. These are A-Class, with one of the lowest drop down beds I’ve come across, but no garage (put bikes on a carrier). The rest of the living space works very well for a vehicle that’s 6.5m. Of course, you’ll need to find one, first.

    Write your comments here...problem is once you put a bike rack on the back you are up to 7m so is it better to get a bigger van with a garage and keep the bikes clean and secure?

    Write your comments here...But a bike rack can be folded up, a garage can't. And a bike sized garage makes the rear double (or 2 singles) too high for folk with mobility problems to access.Exactly the problems we found when looking.We ended up with an Autotrail Savannah, which still suits us 3 years on, even if it is 7.6 metres.

     

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #28

    A Euromobil (636 and the like) should suit your budget HD. A good German build that should remain sound in spite of age. The 636LS is on a Merc base, but there are cheaper Fiat versions. These are A-Class, with one of the lowest drop down beds I’ve come across, but no garage (put bikes on a carrier). The rest of the living space works very well for a vehicle that’s 6.5m. Of course, you’ll need to find one, first.

    Write your comments here...problem is once you put a bike rack on the back you are up to 7m so is it better to get a bigger van with a garage and keep the bikes clean and secure?

    Write your comments here...But a bike rack can be folded up, a garage can't. And a bike sized garage makes the rear double (or 2 singles) too high for folk with mobility problems to access.Exactly the problems we found when looking.We ended up with an Autotrail Savannah, which still suits us 3 years on, even if it is 7.6 metres.

     

    Write your comments here...I would be interested to see how you fold a bike rack up with 2 bikes on Happy  I did not say it was better I said is it better?, our M/H on order has an island bed but as its not a full height garage its a normal height bed or maybe slightly higher but no stairs to climb so you can have the option of a normal height bed and a smaller garage to put bikes in and keep the length the same as having a rack on the back.

  • Graydjames
    Graydjames Forum Participant Posts: 440 ✭✭✭
    edited December 2015 #29

    I have a van with a huge garage (the bed moves up and down so you can vary the available space - height wise anyway), but I found the securing of the bike in the garage was an absolute and total pain in the neck. This was despite a good system of available and moveable eyes, in a runner, into which one could hook bungies. (I have noted such devices are absent from lots of other garage vans I have seen. Goodness knows how they cope.) Anyway, for me it got to the ridiculous point that it was so much of a hassle getting the bike secured then getting it unsecured and out of the garage again to use that I was barley using it.

    So I got a bike rack! I am so glad I did. I could still garage the bike without the need to secure it when on site and keep it out of the rain.

    I shall miss the garage when I pickup my new van next year which has a French bed and hence only underbed storage. The garage had lots of wooden cubby holes to keep things secure in - such as hose, tools, hook up lead, cleaning stuffs and much more. I am going to have to learn how to keep these things secure in a huge underbed area in my new van. 

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #30

    Gray, we have the Fiamma Bike Garage.....just wheel the bike in and fasten tomthe rack on the floor and on the rear garage wall, takes as little time as our previous external rack.

     posted a picture from the fiamma site but guess what.......no pic....