4/5 berth caravan to be towed by Volvo xc60
Hi all,
we are shortly going to sell our lovely low mileage 2016 Autotrail Scout . We are looking to buy our first (new to us) caravan which we can use as a couple who like to hill climb, cycle , kayak and so forth. We have a fairly large dog(a Viszla) and occasionally take our grandchildren aged 8 and 6 with us . Our daughter occasionally comes as well when her husband is working away but would happily sleep in an awning annexe. Our friend loves his Coachman 520/4 vip and we like that layout. My question really is to ask what else would be similar or would people think our car would be suitable to tow one with fixed bunks if those are better for the children? Just starting our journey in research and I know there will be experts on here. Many thanks
Best Answers
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We liked our Bailey Madrid, which has a side dinette that converts into two bunks, and we towed it without any trouble with our XC60, @AileenW
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Take a look around dealers' forecourts and see what layouts take your fancy. Other people’s recommendations can’t compare to seeing vans 'in the flesh' as the layout one person loves could be one that you hate.
As for whether your car will be suitable, it’s not a question of what someone here 'thinks' but of you doing your homework on weight ratios to make sure you get a good car/caravan match.
Good hunting!
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Depends on what you prefer, what your priorities are.
Rather than fixed bunks, we have been looking at fixed single beds, which we could use when alone, and which will last the grandchildren for a long time, unlike bunks.
We also need a decent size of shower room, not the wet room type.
Both those requirements would mean a very limited choice of van.
We have found a Bailey Phoenix and a Cadiz (I think) would meet those requirements, but both have other downsides for us, so we are keeping our present van meantime.
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If you want a van that will be able to carry bikes, then look at the Bailey Discovery range (A frame rack capability) or the Swift Basecamp range (internal strap down). Otherwise, If you want bikes on the van, I think you will be looking at some of the continental vans, Eriba for example are the only ones I know are fairly common and sold in the UK, but I know there are other continental vans - just can't name any off the top of my head.
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Of the various makes of caravan we have owned I would say Coachman was he best built but they can be heavy. The worst was an Eldiss which was best described as flimsy compared to the Coachman. The others were somewhere in between. It is all a compromise and the towing limit of the tow car might be the deciding actor.
The choice though is very personal and I admit we all tend to be biased. A good look through any local dealers stock might be the best, to see what layouts and makes appeal to you.
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many thanks for these helpful comments. We unfortunately don’t have any dealerships too close but will be getting out and about in our Autotrail in the next two weeks so will be visiting as many as we can on our travels. The post mentioning bike racks is really useful. We do bring bikes on the motorhome and are cyclists. Our Volvo car rack is a towbar one so of course that affects things if we change to a caravan. Lots of really helpful and useful food for thought . I really appreciate all this. Thank you .
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@AileenW there are some caravans that are already set up to fit bike carriers on the back, our present one is, but you would then have to take in consideration of the effect carry your bikes there has on the nose weight of the caravan, especially if they are heavy electric bikes with fixed batteries.
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Answers
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Hi Tinwheeler.. thank you for taking time this evening to answer my long question!
As long time motorhome owners of various sizes , makes and models we'll definitely be doing our research into caravans without rushing into anything.
I was only asking for opinions as it's interesting to read thoughts of those who have owned various caravans for the sort of family we are.
Both of us are experienced towers of boats but I just wondered if someone might have towed with our model of Volvo and have thoughts.
Sorry if I have irritated. We are just beginning our caravan journey and three experienced friends suggested we ask on here. In the past I hope I was able to help others with questions regarding motorhome models.
We'll enjoy hunting and hopefully get what we want in the not too distant future!
Many thanks
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You haven’t irritated @AileenW and I’m sorry if I created that impression but there really is nothing like looking at vans to help you make your choice and then you need to understand weights to ensure your car matches the chosen van. It’s quite a complex issue. If you come back with details of a particular van and full details of your car, we'll be happy to help further.
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