Entertaining in a (fixed bed) caravan

[Royston]

Hi jennifer,

Have you cosidered the new Baileys Pageant Vendee series 6 range

They have the fixed bed in the front, with wrap around seats in the rear, ( like the motorhomes do).

Being in the rear you have no head height problem with the flat back as opposed to the sloping normal front of the vans.

I would buy one tomorrow but slighty to heavy for my present tug.

Royston

 

[jennifer_374227268]

Thank you all for your comments against and for fixed beds. We spent to-day looking around dealers and there is quite alot to choose from we still have not made up our minds i think the problem is that our present caravan suits all our needs except for the missing fixed bed. We'll keep looking its just finding one at the right price.

Thanks again jenny

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

hi jenny, we are a family of 4 with a 5 year old and a 13 year old and a 2 year old staffie. we have an avondale dart 556/6 2005 godiva special (6 berth) and cant wait to change it to a fixed bed. we are having the new swift charisma 620. the 2008's come out in sept and this time they will be having a microwave, digital fridge, and cd player. some dealers will be bringing there specials out with elec loo, better seating and upolstry, alarm, heavy duty corner steadies etc etc for about 300 more. the 620 at the moment is about 13,895 approx. the layout is good size front bench seats, front chest, sideboard opp kitchen, side fixed bed, big end bathroom, twin axel, fully loaded approx 1600.

i do understand that some people say they lose living space. my in laws have just px there 06 spectrum island bed for a 2 berth swift 460 special edition. they do have more living space in the 460.

i will be waiting for the special 620's because of all the extras you get.

the 620's also come in ace ( viscount), sterling, swift and abbey.

i HATE making the bed up a night so thats why im changing i have checked out the living space in this van its great.

jo-anne

 

[Lol1]

Living space can always be extended with a decent awning and a heater in winter. What you have to think about is, what do you want, not what's best for visitors.

Entertain in the awning, it's what it's there for.

Relax in your van, it's what it's there for.

Life is full of what ifs and maybes, it's also rather short, so take a gamble. Better that, than to not try at all.

The Philosopher.

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi jo anne,

In the July magazine, preview of the Senator series 6, the Wyoming looks to be the same layout as the 620 you are looking at, so you could have a Bailey.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

hi keith, thanks i know its now the same layout but its about

 

[Del_374232870]

We are on our 2nd fixed bed van and would give up caravaning rather than go back to making up beds. 1st was a Lunar Lexon EB s/a, full length seats at the front so plenty of seating 7ft 6 in wide so roomy. We changed for a twin axle Delta 640, similair front seating , wardrobe moved from opposite the cooker to the bedroom (making it feel more spacious) , full size rear toilet and shower. Whilst we have the side bed even though my wife suffers from arthritis we have no problem getting in or out of bed.

daughter and son in law often come away with us and there is plenty of room , plus at night the van changes to 2 seperate sleeping areas.

 

[jennifer_374227268]

Getting more positive response now, think i had my mind made up before posting question but just wanted abit of reasurrance. We'll keep looking round dealers and hope there will be one that ticks all the boxes.

Thank you all for taking the time to answer me its alot of money to regret it later ands its good to hear from those of you who have fixed beds and have been enjoying your trips away.

I let you know how we get on.

Happy caravaning to all

Jenny

 

[Glenn_5132962]

Hi Jenny,

Why not consider a 5 berth double dinette layout? You can leave the double bed made up at the back end when it suits.

Would appear to be the best of both worlds to me unless i'm missing something??

 

[jinty0_0]

We bought a 16ft Ace with fixed bed to rear of van - worst move we ever made. The fixed bed takes up almost half the floor space and is a d**n nuisance. Also whoever sleeps on the wall side has to climb over the other to get out thereby disturbing the sleeping partner. We are both in our early 60s. but like to think of ourselves still quite agile but it is a nuisance climbing over. We are seriously thinking of going back to a five berth layout similar to the Bailey 500/5 and doing away with the fixed berth van (part ex.) If you live in south Wales and want to purchase it you are quite welcome. New Oct 2006 but 2007 model and used twice. Selling with awning.

even if you dont have the fixed bed, once you make up the front bed how does the one sleeping at front of caravan get out? would love to hear as my husband refuses to sleep at outside incase the kids get up during the night but he needs to get up about 3 time to go to toilet and wakes me up to let him out. i can never get a good night sleep.