Still newbies and can't make our minds up

I think youwill find there is already a thread up and running regarding this topic. It is just not your model.

Sorry,  SBos,  I'm  not  able  to  help  you  out  of  your  dilemma  here  'cos  I've  a  mid-length  van  conversion  and  I've  always  had  to  'make  up'  my  beds  every  night  -- it  becomes  a  normal  routine  just  like  cleaning  ones  teeth  etcetera.  Which  ever  you  end  up  with  please  tease  us  all  with  tales  of  Sbos  on  tour 

We are just in the process of changing from a semi fixed bed Bailey Orion 440 to a front lounge 2 berth with two big singles or nightly bed make up ,as in the same length we have far more space,and storage,that is missing with the "fixed bed"

I'd say only you can find the answer, no matter how many opinions you read.  I think it's your way of caravanning you need to think about.  If you entertain and like a lot of space to 'lounge' in, then longer front seats make sense.  If you live outside, or in the awning, and only come inside to go to bed (as we do) then a fixed bed may be best.  Read through all the answers in the fixed bed thread which might give you some thought!  

If you still sleep together, prefer proper bedding, and maybe have different bed times then a fixed bed makes sense.  If you like sleeping bags, and just throwing them out on the settees, and one doesn't go to be much later than the other, then stick to the re-arranging cushions layout.  Most people have a preference - we've changed from cushion-tossing to fixed bed, fifteen years ago, and wouldn't go back.  Others have done just the opposite!!

We have moved to a fixed bed as we get older. We were finding making and taking down the bed every night a chore and can live with the smaller lounge. Basically all caravans are a compromise unless you get a far larger model and you have to decide what suits you best. We all have our own opinions and priorities and between these two you basically have to ask yourselves if it is worth sacrificing the larger lounge for the ease of having the bed ready each night. 

Just what do couples get up to in the 'larger' lounge that is provided when there's no fixed bed? All we tend to do is read, play cards, watch TV etc. We don't need oodles of space and much prefer the fixed bed. Easy for the afternoon doze too!

Thank you for your replies and especially to ValDa who left the link to another thread on the subject. Read all 9 pages on that thread and it does look very much like an individuals preference. Would like to see if any Bailey Pursuit 430-4 owners have any comments to make.

Thank you for your replies and especially to ValDa who left the link to another thread on the subject. Read all 9 pages on that thread and it does look very much like an individuals preference. Would like to see if any Bailey Pursuit 430-4 owners have any comments to make.

...The Orion 430 and our 440 are identical in size and layout as the later Pursuit 430

Just what do couples get up to in the 'larger' lounge that is provided when there's no fixed bed? All we tend to do is read, play cards, watch TV etc. We don't need oodles of space and much prefer the fixed bed. Easy for the afternoon doze too!

We tend to have family round when on site so we need room.

Valda is right (!!!!!!!). You can only make your mind up about fixed beds by experience. If you have had a van with beds you have to make up and you are considering a new van because of the attraction of not having to do this task then I think you have your answer.

Coat hooks can be easily fixed yourself. Even I did that in my current van and I am a DIY idiot. Haven't a clue.  

Personaly I would not be without a fixed bed, but you always have to compromise on space.