Choice of Caravan

Linksdale
Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
edited September 2017 in Caravans #1

Hello All, Sorry to ask what is perhaps a recurring question but here goes.

Current van getting a bit tired and we are looking into replacement. Easy? NO. Simple demands are single axle, rear end bathroom and side dinette, any number berths. I have searched the main builders, Bailey, Coachman, Swift, Explorer etc but cannot spot one. Is there one I’ve missed? Thanks in advance to anyone with ideas.

Comments

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #2

    Lunar, Vanmaster

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited September 2017 #3

    Blimey, that was quick. Vanmaster too heavy, sorry I should have mentioned weight/length. The Lunar range was one I have never considered but having just looked at their site I can see the Quasar 524 or Clubman ES would be ideal  -- bonus, they have a dealer just over 50 miles from me. Thanks Oneputt.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #4

    We have a Lunar dealer special which is based on the Quaser 524, and although the layout suits us we have experienced a number of issues, (mainly quality based) after a year we had to have major floor repairs.  We were probably a little unlucky with our van

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2017 #5
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #6

    That is the layout our previous van had,  I would have thought it was quite common.  Must admit we have not looked at new vans for a while though.

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #7

    With the future restrictions on Fossil Fuel Tow cars being imposed by the Global Warming enthusiasts, you may want to look at very lightweight compact caravans, that's if you still want to go down the caravan route.  That will increase your choices of tow cars in the future. 

    K 

     

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #8

    Just  had a quick look at Swifts,  there is the Challenger 530 . It has the layout, no idea on weight, did not linger as we are away and using paid for according to use internet.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #9

    Coachman do a Vision/Pastiche/VIP520 3 berth with end bathroom with side dinette on a single axle kiss

    https://www.coachman.co.uk/ranges

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited September 2017 #10

    Put your requirements into this site. http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk

     

  • charlieboy2608
    charlieboy2608 Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited September 2017 #11

    I know people only tend to write on forums regarding bad experiences BUT I do have a Lunar dealer special and its been a peach!

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #12

    I have been pleased with Lunar ES which is now 5.5 years old. We have been away in it for 700 nights. 

    We were minded to replace with the same but unfortunately they have raised the front seat heights and now seats at front too tall for us. Side dinettes are less popular at present it would seem with many opting for fixed bed. We like the layout and use the two front seats as two singles. Make comfy beds with good width.

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited September 2017 #13

    Baily Madrid

    Swift and others do a similar design

  • pagan8c
    pagan8c Forum Participant Posts: 91
    edited September 2017 #14

    I have a 2016 Swift 580 and the other van we considered was the 530. We have been pleased with our Swift and it had its first service in June and was damp free. What I like is the lack of wood in the walls so that if damp gets in it will not rot. The Lunar 640 (2013) I had before had severe leaks through the front windows even after replacement of them due to a manufacturing fault. I also had a neighbour who had a 2016 Lunar Clubman ES 2 berth and he had to have floor repairs after the 1st year and he sold it and got a Bailey. I decided not to have another Lunar. My 580 is a dealer special and weighs in at 1550 mtpl and tows very well so I would suggest the 530 is lighter unless it is the next model up from the Challenger which mine is based on. 

  • andybe
    andybe Forum Participant Posts: 37
    edited September 2017 #15

    We own a Coachman Vision 520/4 bought new in 2015. Been superb so far. We have been away for nearly 70 nights without any problems. Like you, the side dinette is our favoured layout 

  • Linksdale
    Linksdale Forum Participant Posts: 32
    edited September 2017 #16

    Thankyou all, most helpful, now narrowed down to the Swift, VIP or Madrid. The Madrid didn't show up when I looked at the Bailey website. Your replies will save me a lot of time/legwork and fuel.

  • edmundl
    edmundl Forum Participant Posts: 37
    edited September 2017 #17

    Hi we have a 215 Lunar Cosmos 564 except for a problem with the floor  which was rectified without any hassle it's been completely trouble free. Unfortunately Lunar decided to discontinue this model in favour of the I think the 574 which is identical except the side diner has been replaced with a fixed island bed. We love the 564 layout and the fact that four people can sit around the table no problem

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