Adria Caravan Ensuite Vanity Basin

[LJS]

Just curious on anyone's thoughts in relation to how they find the design and application of the wash vanity basin on the Adria's which is situated above the toilet which requires it to be pushed into it's recess and then pulled out to wash hands etc after using the toilet. In my opinion it is a cumbersome design all for the purpose of saving space and having to go through this exercise every time you want to use the bathroom. Possibly not an issue for most and I am perhaps being a little pedantic. However, it's enough of an issue for me in overlooking Adria's until such time they decide to return to the more conventional design. I would think after some time, the flexi- hoses with constant pulling and pushing may present a fail issue eventually.

Cheers LJS

 

[trevormonty]

We have 2009 432 with vanity outside far superior layout. Can setup toothbrushes etc without having put them away when using toilet or shower. I don't know why they moved vanity to over toilet and used space for more storage. We have more cupboard space than know what to do with. They is also lot space under both seats and bed.

If you do go for older models get one with kitchen next to double bed as it has extra bench space that folds down over bed.

2023 Swift Alpine 4 still uses this layout.
Pros. Oven, dual fuel heating & HW. (Our Altea is electric HW, gas heating). Smart control system. External battery box. More kitchen bench space.

2009 Altea 432
Pros. More payload (200vs 160kg), longer drawbar to carry ebikes. Lighter (MPTLM 100 vs 1300kg) Probably better build quality ie not likely to leak. Low tech control system ie less to go wrong. Shorter 6m vs 6.5m. No front window to leak or to be broken by stones when towing.

Dining area layout is personel choice thing. I prefer Swift's but Altea is OK.

The french bed isn't to bad to live with, wife is next to shower I'm against wall. Enough room for me to get in and out via end of bed without climbing over her. Can always make up the dining area bed if want to sleep separately.

While shower does involve wrap around curtain there is enough room without curtain getting in way. Unlike our previous 2 berth where it was like showering in curtain.
I assume swift would have just as much room.
.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

We had a 2016 Adria MH . It didn't have the bathroom sink design you have. Now we have a 2023 Adria Adora Seine caravan which also has a traditional sink layout. So I guess they no longer use the folding sink you describe. We did look at some when we first bought and it did put me off.

 

[trevormonty]

We had a 2016 Adria MH . It didn't have the bathroom sink design you have. Now we have a 2023 Adria Adora Seine caravan which also has a traditional sink layout. So I guess they no longer use the folding sink you describe. We did look at some when we first bought and it did put me off.

2023 sink over toilet

https://en.camperscaravans.nl/caravans/adria-altea-432-px-/55e224ad-2845-40c4-9ab0-2fb4e6e8e46e

2012 external vanity.

2012 Adria Altea 432PX fixed bed - Ezitow Caravans Waihi

English and German caravans for sale Tauranga hand picked for near new condition

www.ezitow.co.nz

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Glad I bought the Adora 😂🤣😭

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Adria Adora Seine 2023.

 

[otherclive]

Adria Adora Seine 2023.

Do they still have a vanity basin that looks like a fruit bowl?

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Ours doesn't. In my 2023 brochure it looks like some do, depending on the layout option.

 

[LJS]

Thank you for your replies in relation to my post on this topic

What prompted me in the first place was, I am considering upgrading from my current van, a 2013 Swift Challenger Sport 584. In the mix I was giving serious consideration to the Adria's. I reside downunder (Australia) and unfortunately we don't have exposure to as many models as you have. There are numerous Adria Altea's available which appear based on the numbers are/were popular however, all have the crappy ensuite vanity that I refer to. For me that is a serious turn off. Maybe why there are so many for sale LOL.

There are only a few of the Adora range for sale. I guess that has to tell you something, that has the conventional vanity I am seeking however, once again only available in single bed configuration, not what I'm looking for. The only reason I'm considering a change is to move from a single axle to twin axle, stronger chassis, higher ground clearance, more payload and possibly more stability. The Adora in the Adria stable for me, is their best configured van.

To add to my task, I'm looking at a van in the 2015-2020 range. Like most things today, caravan prices have taken a huge hike. Adria prices are certainly up there. May'be I might be waiting a long time!

Cheers, LJS

 

[trevormonty]

The caravan market in NZ has now become buyers market. I suspect Australia market will follow suit.
Don't be afraid to bargain and keep eye on used market. You will find lot have been on sale for months.
If you sell your caravan first then will be cash buyer when bargaining with dealers.

 

[LJS]

Hi Trevormonty,

An interesting point you make in respect to the change in the market in buying and selling. It had to happen, the market over the last few years or at least since Covid has seen a saturation of caravans hitting the road. Now that other forms of travel have reopened, there would be many deciding caravanning is not for them and opting to sell.

In my situation the jury is still out as I woudn't want to outlay on another van before I sold mine only to find I can't get my asking price. I continually keep an eye on the used van market and as you say, there are a lot that have been listed for a long time. I believe there are many that are still dubious in buying Uk/European vans because of our road conditions hence we are in a restricted market.

There are decisions to be made as it is my intention should I buy again to stick with our European counterparts if for no other reason than the weight. Not a very patriotic attitude I know, but Aussie built vans are far too heavy for my liking. The cars are getting more powerful and lighter and the vans are getting heavier. A recipe for a case of the tail wagging the dog should things go wrong.

Cheers LJS