New Lunar fixed end Bedroom van issues?

Posted on 31/12/2018 11:46 by lornalou1

just because you have lots of storage space in the back doesn't mean you have to use it while travelling. all our stuff, cloths and food goes in storage boxes in the car and load the caravan when onsite and do the same for the return journey. if heavy stuff still left to take we put un caravan on floor above the axle.

Posted on 31/12/2018 12:26 by Riggers

We have this layout in our Elddis Affinity 550 and would have gone with the Clubman SR as this was our first choice. We went with the Elddis because it has no bulkhead at the end of the bed. The Clubman’s bed wasn’t long enough for me.

We have had the 550 since May 2017 and have enjoyed the van and it’s layout and have not regretted the decision. It’s perfect as a couples van or when having guests. Yes you sacrifice living space but that’s to be expected on a single axle. 

The van has always towed well behind initially our VW Passat estate and more lately a Ford Kuga without issue.

We always load carefully and ensure the outfit is safe as you would do with any van.

As with any van it comes down to personal preference and compromise. We will look to stay with this layout when we come to change the van if it’s still available in a few years!

 

 

Posted on 31/12/2018 18:50 by allanandjean

Hi Steve, we have a Lunar SR that we bought new open May 2018. We have not had any issues with the towing behaviour.

When we first looked at the van I was concerned at the small size of the locker space that can be accessed from the outside and, as you said, goes across the back of the van.

However this also means that you are not going to be putting too much in there which counters the disadvantage of its position right at the back. We store 4 Crespo chairs and a table in there as well as a windbreak , all our stock food is in the front as is the bedding and usually everything else is in the car. This is due to the van being in storage so all our clothing and fresh food etc for a trip is packed in the car at home. This is the norm when it’s just the two of us but if taking Grandchildren then the awning is placed in the van and a roof box used on the car. 

Having often had ‘light’ towcars I have habitually loaded heavy items in the car ever since attempting to leave home with a new van for the first time many years ago and failing to make the first, very steep, hill and whilst I can see that it may seem odd not using the vans space it has served us well and we have not had any issues whilst towing.

We chose the layout having had three other fixed bed vans one on the offside, one on the near side and one transverse. This layout allows privacy for both us and our Grandchildren and means that occupants of eithe end can use the facilities without disturbing the others.

As said the bed could be longer but we have never had a van that did not compromise in one area or another.

As with most things it’s down to personal taste and this was a van that we instantly liked when we first stepped inside.

Posted on 31/12/2018 14:58 by Steve2514

Cant see the point of having all that storage in the van if you have lug it all in the Car!!

Looks like I'll be looking at a different layout! Like the interior of the Lunars but having trawled the forums people seem to be having having very early issues.  Warped front windows causing water ingress. Delamination of floors at the kitchen etc.

Think I may stick to Swift as only had a few minor issues with my current van. Had it from new for 13 years.

Posted on 01/01/2019 12:25 by

I think you would be very wise to stick with what you have. Speaking as the owner of a Lunar bought new in 2012 my advice would be don't.

Posted on 01/01/2019 11:04 by allanandjean

Hi Steve, the Alde heating is, in our opinion, a big improvement on blown air with the whole van getting the benefit and not just ‘hot spots’ where the outlets are.

We find that the front of the van usually feels warmer, due to that being where the people and activities are, but that suits us as we don’t like a warm bedroom anyway.

One comment heard is that it takes longer to warm up when not used for a long period but we have a back up fan heater that we place in the bedroom area, when we first set up, and keep the door open till it’s how we like it.

Not sure where you are but we got ours at a better price than it was available at the NEC simply by asking. Please come back with any more questions if I can help.

Edit-just realised that you are in Lancashire and recall comments re vans for sale at Campbells. One thing we do is get our vans serviced by an independent service centre, NCC and Club Approved, which is service and warranty approved by most manufacturers . This means that we can be more flexible re the location of the supplying dealer.

Our last van was from Campbell’s but it was serviced and had some minor warranty work done there which saved on a 700 mile plus round trip.