A new caravan???.... Which one?

DSB replied on 22/02/2023 10:43

DSB

Posted on 22/02/2023 10:43

We are currently wondering if we should 'upgrade' our caravan, and are considering a double axle....

Our main reason for upgraging is that we want a fixed 'island' fixed bed with access from both sides. Arthritis and 'general oldness' (😀), means that it is becoming increasingly difficult for either of us to get to the 'wall' side of our fixed bed. (We currently have a Bailey Valencia 2016).

Other things we need to condider is the permitted user payload. Generally speaking, double axle caravans have a greater user payload, but, the possible need for a motor mover device on each wheel would eat into the payload.

Also, we do like our Thule windout awning. To add one of these to the roof of the caravan, not only would (again) eat into the payload, but some manufacturers may well consider this as a reason to void possible warranty claims. From past experience and conversations with retailers etc., we know that it doesn't impact on the warranty of Bailey caravans - and we like the alutech construction.

So:

A Bailey alutech caravan
An island fixed bed
To be able to install a Thule windout awning to the roof of the caravan
The greatest user payoad available after adding a motor mover
We do like the Alde heating
Prefer rear end washroom, but wouldn't dismiss central washroom.

At present we are considering an Alicante Evora, Porto, Unicorn Cartagena or Pamplona, Vigo, Cabrera. Haven't yet checked the weights... (towing not a problem... we have a disco)

How easy is it to get around the bottom of the fixed bed in 'night mode'...

Only ever towed a single axle caravan... what do folks think about double axle 'vans?

Any thoughts??

David

32 replies

KjellNN replied on 22/02/2023 14:56

Member

KjellNN

Caravanner

Posted on 22/02/2023 14:56

We have a 2008 TA with upgraded payload, I would say it is essential to get a van where the payload can be upgraded if fitting a mover. We have a 2 wheel mover and find it does what we need as far as getting into our driveway and positioning on pitch. And saves at least 30 kg of payload.

Are there any vans where the island bed is longitudinal rather than transverse? Then a centre split shower and toilet, which can be quite spacious. Personally, I would prefer to avoid the wider vans.

Like Rufs, we will be keeping our present van as I am now over 80, though still reasonably fit. The layout suits us, the shower is very spacious, it has Alde heating and various extras, and the new vans are extremely expensive!

DSB replied on 22/02/2023 17:03

Moderator

DSB

Caravanner from Staffordshire

Posted on 22/02/2023 17:03

Thanks for all the responses, folks. Been out for most of the day.... will take a more detailed read and ponder later... I'll keep you all up to date as to what we decide....

David

DSB replied on 22/02/2023 18:26

Moderator

DSB

Caravanner from Staffordshire

Posted on 22/02/2023 12:36 by commeyras

We are a little like Ruffs, coming the last years or so of our caravanning days with an elderly caravan which is in fairly good nick. I am currently getting some minor cosmetic work sorted and will keep my existing caravan. However, back to David's question. In the Feb magazine there was an article on the Bailey Alicanto Grand Evora which looks a splendid caravan which would seem to fit his requirements until you look at the payload. At only 161Ks a mover and Thule would bring the payload down to approx 100kgs which is not much for such a large caravan but maybe ok for David despite him wanting 'as large a payload as possible'.

Posted on 22/02/2023 18:26

At the moment the Evora is amongst the 'favourites'. Fortunately a weight 'upgrade' of 145kg is possible on the Evora... that turns the 160kg into 305kg..... one of the reasons we like the sound of it.

The Porto is even better... 160kg with an upgrade of 153kg making 313kg, but I've heard that it's pretty difficult to get around the bed in night mode...

All the single axles are pretty aweful...

The next one in the Bailey range is the Unicirn Cartagena which comes out as 234kg, including the upgrade.

If other makes can guarantee to honour wareanty with a Thule fitted, then I'll be taking a look...

David

Roger McNair replied on 22/02/2023 18:45

Member

Roger McNair

Caravanner from Gloucestershire

Posted on 22/02/2023 10:43 by DSB

We are currently wondering if we should 'upgrade' our caravan, and are considering a double axle....

Our main reason for upgraging is that we want a fixed 'island' fixed bed with access from both sides. Arthritis and 'general oldness' (😀), means that it is becoming increasingly difficult for either of us to get to the 'wall' side of our fixed bed. (We currently have a Bailey Valencia 2016).

Other things we need to condider is the permitted user payload. Generally speaking, double axle caravans have a greater user payload, but, the possible need for a motor mover device on each wheel would eat into the payload.

Also, we do like our Thule windout awning. To add one of these to the roof of the caravan, not only would (again) eat into the payload, but some manufacturers may well consider this as a reason to void possible warranty claims. From past experience and conversations with retailers etc., we know that it doesn't impact on the warranty of Bailey caravans - and we like the alutech construction.

So:

A Bailey alutech caravan

An island fixed bed

To be able to install a Thule windout awning to the roof of the caravan

The greatest user payoad available after adding a motor mover

We do like the Alde heating

Prefer rear end washroom, but wouldn't dismiss central washroom.

At present we are considering an Alicante Evora, Porto, Unicorn Cartagena or Pamplona, Vigo, Cabrera. Haven't yet checked the weights... (towing not a problem... we have a disco)

How easy is it to get around the bottom of the fixed bed in 'night mode'...

Only ever towed a single axle caravan... what do folks think about double axle 'vans?

Any thoughts??

David

Posted on 22/02/2023 18:45

Hi DSB,

We have a Coachman Laser 575 Excel with a transverse island bed and large rear bathroom. The caravan is on a single axle, upgraded MTPLM of 1800kg which gives us an ample payload. This caravan is 8' wide however we have towed in France, Spain, Cornwall, Devon and Cotswolds with only one incident at a choke point on A road having left Modbury CAMC site - we met a heavily loaded HGV on a blind corner......but that was the only slightly hairy moment we've had towing a wider caravan. The advantage of the extra width is masses of internal space and clearance to walk round the double bed when its pulled out.

Happy hunting!

Extugger replied on 23/02/2023 07:06

Extugger

Posted on 23/02/2023 07:06

David

I was in a similar quandary to yourself, back in 2015. I would strongly recommend having a look on the Adria stand at the show before putting pen to paper! They have models which suit your needs (some on single axle) Just saying 😀👍

Good luck whichever route you choose

Oneputt replied on 23/02/2023 09:34

Member

Oneputt

Caravanner

Posted on 23/02/2023 09:34

Think if we decided on a new van it would be single beds, no problem getting to the bathroom

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replied on 23/02/2023 13:37

Posted on 23/02/2023 13:37

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eribaMotters replied on 23/02/2023 18:33

Member

eribaMotters

Caravanner

Posted on 23/02/2023 18:33

Looks like this would fit the bill:-

https://www.jjcaravans.co.uk/detail/1240128/new-hobby-prestige-720-wqc-fixed-island-bed-end-bathroom-rhyl

Colin

Tinwheeler replied on 23/02/2023 19:00

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 23/02/2023 18:33 by eribaMotters

Looks like this would fit the bill:-

https://www.jjcaravans.co.uk/detail/1240128/new-hobby-prestige-720-wqc-fixed-island-bed-end-bathroom-rhyl

Colin

Posted on 23/02/2023 19:00

Is it legal to tow with a car and it's over 7m long?