Lunar Ariva - good choice?
Hi all
I've been a motorhomer/campervanner for about 10 years now, but holiday funds are running out and the van needs new tyres next year 
So, now that my daughter is no longer a toddler (8) I'm thinking of selling the van (its getting valued later in the week...if it isn't worth what I think then plans might change again!) and buying a used caravan, freeing up some capital in the process to fund another few years of holidays 
We only have a small car (Vauxhall Meriva 1.4T (120bhp)) with max tow weight of 1050kg. Its just the 2 of us, and the cat, so was considering the Lunar Ariva. Found a few around the country for sale and would probably be looking at 2011 - 2013 models. Off to the NEC show next week to get more ideas/options but then I started looking at caravanning forum threads and am now terrified to buy one of any description! So many threads talking about leaks, water ingress, damp, delaminated (is that the right term?) flooring etc. Is this really as widespread a problem as it sounds? Is buying a van of the age I'm looking at likely to mean that if its going to be problematic it will already be apparent, or does it mean its getting older and more likley to be an issue? Are motorhomes less problematic, or are we just lucky with our 15yr old van? So I'm looking for some comments please on :
- how worried should I be about damp etc (I was thinking of getting club inspector report before buying anything)?
- Anyone any experience of the Lunar Ariva (particularly 2011 -2013) - good/bad?
- Any suggestions of other (better?) suitable vans with our towing weight restriction. Needs to have separate bed options rather than 1 double.
- Am I being unrealistic hoping to hitch up on my own (not sure an 8yr old can provide more than moral support)?
Really appreciate your comments as would hate to sell our van, free up holiday funds only to have to use them to repair a soggy caravan!
Daisy2
Comments
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I don't know much about the lunar ariva although I did consider one like your selves having a small tow car. We went for a Freedom Jetstream. We loved it and sometimes wished we still had it but moved onto a much bigger van for the grandson's.
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Thank you Jayvee, that's encouraging
Thank you Frank Gill. I hadn't come across the Freedom vans. I think it might be a bit too small for us but will definitely take a look at the NEC show as a possible option.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply.
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Perhaps you might want to consider one of the smaller Eriba's. They certainly are well-built and will allay your fears about damp. They hold their price though and cost more than your average UK van although equally you could look at an older one knowing it is a quality build.
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There aren't many around but one of the first incarnation Adria Action vans is worth a look. It's just been relaunched for this year. I was really amazed by how well the layout worked.
However there are plenty of good vans around in the second hand market. Damp isn't inevitable.
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We met a couple who had an Ariva and swore by it. They considered it well constructed, comfortable and ideal for there needs. They also had a lightweight awning. They towed it with a 1.6 Ford Focus and travelled all over the continent. Hope it all works out for you.
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I hate to burst your bubble and it may be models later than the one you are looking at but a friend and someone I met on a site had terrible trouble with a Leaky Luna (Ariva) so do make sure you get it well checked out for damp. Have you thought of a folding caravan or trailer tent - although I think these could be difficult solo.
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We have a 2009 Ariva and it has no damp problems. We chose the Ariva because it is the only standard caravan which is narrow. We have a width restriction at home and although we have the space for a larger van, nothing is made in a narrow width. Our last van was an Elddis Elf which we had for 18 yrs. Once upon a time all caravan manufacturers made vans under 7ft, but not any more. Funnily though, when we go to one of the shows and ask manufacturers about narrower vans, the response is "yes, a lot of people ask us that". So why don't they make them then.
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At least some MH builders are producing slimline vehicles now although I noticed quite a few placards drawing attention to 8ft wide caravans at the NEC.
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Thank you all for the feedback. We enjoyed a walk round at the NEC looking at layouts etc. We had to rule out trailer tents as unsuitable for camping with our cat. The Pennine Pathfinder folding camper was nice, but my daughter would worry about the security aspect and I think the cat would still find too much 'tent' to scratch. So we have narrowed it down to a 2012 - 2014 Lunar Ariva or Elddis Xplore 304. We like the Ariva most of the two but I think the Xplore might be a better layout for us. Comments on one versus the other would be gratefully received!
Thanks.
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