Caravan questions....

[countrywide]

Didn't read the bottom bit

[Kingmav66]

Always read the small-print

[Bigcarpchaser]

We were actually thinking about changing to a fixed bed model.
1. It's a pita to keep making the bed every night
2. It's blooming uncomfortable when made (a memory foam topper might sort that)
3. The sprogs grow out of the bunks pretty quick, stick em in the awning inside a pop up

[CDS]

We went to a couple of dealers and kind of picked the bits of layout that suited us, then came home and spend ages on tinternet looking for a can that had all those features, took ages but we found it eventually. Often you won't find what you want in current new vans due to the way the manufacturers change the layouts year on year (web we Eloise's last year there wasn't a single new van on the market with triple bunks)
Got one 2 years old with triple bunks after much searching

[Discoteca]

Makes? At 5 grand it won't matter.

The most sensible thing said so far. Remember almost every uk van sold in the last 15 years has either an Alko or BPW chassis. All the mechanical bits (i.e. brakes, axles, drawbars, hubs) are broadly the same regardless of make.

At this price level I would have my priorities as follows:
1. Any signs of damp/water ingress
2. Layout
3. General condition
4. Evidence of regular servicing
5. What works/doesn't work inside (most things on a van can be fixed/changed easily)
6. Décor/trim/do you actually like it
7. Make

When you do buy, you will almost certainly need to replace tyres as well, a dealer is unlikely to do it at 5k sticker price. Unfortunately many caravaners think that because their tyres have 6mm tread they are fine, forgetting that they are 10 years old. I change mine religiously at 6 years (remember they will have a date of manufacture code on them, although cunningly on the last van I bought the tyre date codes were on the inside of the tyre where they couldn't be checked so easilly). Most common cause of caravan accidents is blow outs on motorways due to poor tyres.

Al

[Bodsy]

I havent even clicked on the link you posted Stu, but I know exactly the one you've put

[Stu]

Actually I thought it was a bargain as the damage was minimal, although the price was below the reserve.

As for kids sleeping in the awning.

That means two things as I see it:

1 - You're always going to have to use an awning, which is probably more of a PITA for a weekend than making the bed twice.

2 - will that limit the time of year you can use it? No point in assuming you can go away in Feb if you leave little Max out in the awning in minus temperatures.

Also can you get memory mattresses in the right shape, or cut to the right shape?

[Bodsy]

The aim would be Max in the van and if James wants to come (the single bed wouldn't be long enough for him now) then he'll have another tent or pitch in the awning.
Generally though it is likely to be the three of us.
Memory mattresses are available in the right shape.

[Stu]

I see Hannah is sensible and must be either staying at home or sleeping in a hotel nearby!

[Kingmav66]

That's when the house-parties start
It'll be all over Facebook and Twitter