My wife and I are just about to order our first caravan prior to my retirement. I have researched the market pretty well but one final decision eludes us... fixed or make up bed. We very much like the rear bathroom with separate shower/toilet a dressing area and a wardrobe all as one, then side dinette with two front settee's that can either be used as singles or made up as one double. Question is should we really forsake the rear bathroom for a fixed double. The one thing here we don't really like is the shower cum toilet and loosing the dining area. Your views on both would be very much appreciated before we part with our cash!.
Fixed bed/Make up bed ?
- Thread starter GrahamF.
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If you routinely sleep in single beds then I'd say go for the end-bathroom side-dinnette layout (with single beds at the front & you can simply throw a sleeping bag on at night). However, if you usually sleep together in the same bed, you will quickly tire of having to make the bed up every night (especially after a nice dinner and few sherries!) You could consider a larger twin-axle van where you can have an end-bathroom AND a fixed bed. Our Elddis Super Sirocco has one of the most spacious end bathrooms of the fixed-bed with end-bathroom models (including a heated airing cupboard for hot towels when you step out from the shower!) If a single axle is your thing, there are now a few fixed-bed-across-the-back models with decent sized side-bathrooms, including a proper shower cubicle, e.g. Elddis Avante 540, Elddis Odyssey 540 or the Bailey Pageant Vendee, all of which are lovely vans. I could never, ever go back to making up the bed each night - It simply has to be a fixed bed every time for us. ...
Hi Graham,
We've just gone from rear washroom side dinette to fixed bed, corner washroom. The new layout seems more cosy, some may say cramped, the big plus is the fixed bed, and we now eat at the front fold over chest instead of the side dinette, new van is easier to get warm on blown air, the old one had washroom at the back and we never really got it warm. I was doubtful about the corner shower arrangement but the shower tray is the same size as the one in our old separate shower.We will get used to the shower curtain in time. If you want a fixed bed with 'proper' shower you will need to look at the caravans with the fixed bed across the back with a side wasroom. Hope this helps, Keith
We've just gone from rear washroom side dinette to fixed bed, corner washroom. The new layout seems more cosy, some may say cramped, the big plus is the fixed bed, and we now eat at the front fold over chest instead of the side dinette, new van is easier to get warm on blown air, the old one had washroom at the back and we never really got it warm. I was doubtful about the corner shower arrangement but the shower tray is the same size as the one in our old separate shower.We will get used to the shower curtain in time. If you want a fixed bed with 'proper' shower you will need to look at the caravans with the fixed bed across the back with a side wasroom. Hope this helps, Keith
Our last 4 'vans have had an end shower room, side dinette and two singles at the front. My wife and two teenage girls would not cope without their end shower!!!!When using the awning we leave the front double made up as the bed, and then we have a 'fixed' bed layout.
We have just ordered a new 'van which does have the end shower and a side fixed bed........but it is a BIG twin axle 'van. For a new starter you may be better for a year or two to stick to a smaller 'van, but don't let me put you off, go and have a look at the dealers. Happy travels BarryB
We have just ordered a new 'van which does have the end shower and a side fixed bed........but it is a BIG twin axle 'van. For a new starter you may be better for a year or two to stick to a smaller 'van, but don't let me put you off, go and have a look at the dealers. Happy travels BarryB
We wouldn`t go back to anything other than a fixed bed, having purchased a Bailey Pageant Bordeux earlier this year. Of course it is always personal choice, and there are sacrifices to be had with having a fixed bed, but there is nothing better than coming in from a night out and not having to make a bed up. We are looking at replacing our van in the near future with either a Bailey Senetor Wyoming which has a fixed bed, but also has an end washroom (and a decent sized one at that!) or and an island bed where you get a seperate shower and toilet cubical, such as an Ace Supreme Globestar (see following link )http://www.swiftleisure.com/s_pages/products/modeldetails.aspx?TOP=ACE&BRAND=2&RANGE=24&MODEL=80
Hope that helps a little
Hope that helps a little
'Horses for Courses'. For me no hesitation - it would have to be the end bathroom etc. The luxury of own, modern facilities is such a treat!
We don't find making the bed (an L shaped arrangement even) in the least bit inconvenient to deal with. Its not as if you have to make it up 365 days of the year!
Really depends on your priorities - think about where you want to compromise. Thats where the decision lies.
We don't find making the bed (an L shaped arrangement even) in the least bit inconvenient to deal with. Its not as if you have to make it up 365 days of the year!
Really depends on your priorities - think about where you want to compromise. Thats where the decision lies.
Got our fixed bed van in 2001 and havent looked back. Wouldnt contemplate anything othere than a fixed bed model now. As for most of the time there is only the 2 of us now its great to have a proper double bed, with the flexibility of the front 2 singles or double when our daughter and son in law come away with us.
Before you buy make up the beds (at the front with at least 4 cushions) and see how flat/comfortable the bed is. At least fixed beds have either a complete mattress so you know it's flat. Whatever bed you need to know that your (retired) bones will sleep comfortably!
Go for the fixed bed and put up with the comprimises. We changed from an end bathroom/front bed make up to a fixed bed eccles jewel with side bathroom. This was a bit tight on space at the loo door/cooker area. We did'nt like the fixed bed with rear side bathrooms due to the shower curtain problems and wet toilet are after a shower. However the 2005 model Sterling eccles Onyx now have a folding shower screen and front shower door. We think this will be a much better arrangement that gives you a fixed bed (sheer bliss) a decent toilet/shower area and some where to to get dressed in private, and all on a single axle. Great van, I hope so, we've just ordered a 2005 Onyx. Happy days.
We bought our first caravan 8 months ago and went for the large bathroom and a bed you put up each night, and we have never looked back.
My partner loves the bathroom and even prefers to use it when we are on sites with showers. (muggins me has to keep filling up a.rolls, but anything for a quite life!)
We don,t find it a burden making up the bed each night, its just a case of pulling out the sliding base, pull the seats down, chuck the quilt on we lie on and the quilt to go over us, 2 pillows and 5 mins later all is done!
Even after a few beers its not rocket science.
But like some others say, its down to personnal choice at the end of the day.
My partner loves the bathroom and even prefers to use it when we are on sites with showers. (muggins me has to keep filling up a.rolls, but anything for a quite life!)
We don,t find it a burden making up the bed each night, its just a case of pulling out the sliding base, pull the seats down, chuck the quilt on we lie on and the quilt to go over us, 2 pillows and 5 mins later all is done!
Even after a few beers its not rocket science.
But like some others say, its down to personnal choice at the end of the day.
There's nothing to stop you leaving a "pull out" bed permanently set up with a proper mattress on it provided you buy the right layout that can take it. The Bailey Auvergne we have would be OK with the rear double made up permanently.
That way you have both options. Some of the swift Conquerors would be suitable too for this option.
That way you have both options. Some of the swift Conquerors would be suitable too for this option.
I am in this position myself right now. I have researched lots of vans, both UK and abroad. I am waiting until after the earls court show to decide. What I have discovered is that you cannot have all four options, an end shower room, fixed bed(s), a side dinette and the normal seating area, without going for a van with a total length of about 9 metres. This is a bit long and I have had to cut one out. The question is which one? With me it will probably be the side dinette as the awning is a second place to scoff if needed. I am also looking at year round vanning and am after central heating, probably of the liquid type as the electric underfloor is not much good when you have no hook up. Good luck with your decision. If you think that you know a van with all four attributes please let me know.
Graham
Just been through the same dilema. We decided that a fixed bed was the way to go for various reasons. Try looking at the Avondale Eagle. Fixed bed and seperate shower and seperate toilet.
Just been through the same dilema. We decided that a fixed bed was the way to go for various reasons. Try looking at the Avondale Eagle. Fixed bed and seperate shower and seperate toilet.
Graham, firstly have a long & great retirement! Personally we prefer the luxury of an end shower-room, it's great to have a seperate dressing room, in a 15' 2 berth 'van. No matter where we stay we can always use our own facilities & the 'vans small enough to easily maneouvre. The only problem with some fixed bed designs is that the shower can be a bit cramped, and there's nothing worse than a wet soggy shower curtain sticking to you, or soaking the loo in the combined units. Go for a 'van with a circular shower and rigid sliding door, seperate to the loo. You pays your money etc.......
Wife and I bought our first 'van last year ... Lunar Chateau 470, with fixed bed. Things we considered (a) we almost always use full-facility sites; (b) light enough for our "tug" (Skoda Octavia); (c) super comfy bed, with no time needed to make it up each day; (d) the price was right.
In answer to someone else's query regarding storage of mattress - we leave it in the van, with a dehumidifier pack; so far no problems with damp at all.
After 17 months or so of use (totalling some 60 + nights away) we are convinced we made the right choice!
In answer to someone else's query regarding storage of mattress - we leave it in the van, with a dehumidifier pack; so far no problems with damp at all.
After 17 months or so of use (totalling some 60 + nights away) we are convinced we made the right choice!
Hmmm. It depends on your caravanning style. If you typically tour (stop for a night or two then move on, or go 'resident' (stay in one place for your holiday). If you're touring, perhaps just staying one/two nights in each place, then you'd expect to take up/put down the bed a lot. But if you're more static, for example spending a month in one place, then a non-fixed bed could turn out to be a pain in the back!
Graham,
We have a Bailey Senator Wyoming twin axle.It has a large rear washroom with a good size seperate shower.The fixed bed is very comfortable.Good size wardrobe and kitchen.We leave the fold over coffee table at the front to eat off.We use the caravan as a two berth.We know it is a matter of choice,butwould not go back to bed making. It is like having a small flat on wheels!
Enjoy your retirement!!
Hamer
We have a Bailey Senator Wyoming twin axle.It has a large rear washroom with a good size seperate shower.The fixed bed is very comfortable.Good size wardrobe and kitchen.We leave the fold over coffee table at the front to eat off.We use the caravan as a two berth.We know it is a matter of choice,butwould not go back to bed making. It is like having a small flat on wheels!
Enjoy your retirement!!
Hamer
One thing to consider, is how tall are you, & how do you sleep! I am 6'2" & sleep flat. Most fixed beds are 6'2" long, so I am hitting head & feet on solid boards, the trouble with make up beds (even though the are longer) is that they have to be made up, & are even more awkward by the lumps at the front
we started caravan life with a end bathroom front bed side dinette,(coachman genius) this was great as having 3 growing teenagers it was great for changing and my privacy as the only female!!! but really did get fed up making the bed every night, i know it is lazy ness but all the clambering over the beds tucking in sheets phew!!
so decided on a fixed bed,earlier this year and i must say we love it, now the boys only come on big hols with the awning up. It is just right for the two of us and the dog, and still ok when the family arrive.
we have a ace award northstar 2002 model,4 berth and still enough room to shut the sliding door and dress and undress beside the small sink beside the bed,plenty of room in the loo
The kitchen area is fine as the new award series is just a little wider than most standard caravans and plenty of room at the cooker and not a congested area when someone wants to
get by.
wouldn't look back love the fixed bed and lovely to see a tidy caravan when we go to bed, the rest of the caravan always seemed untidy when we had to make up the front bed each night,
so decided on a fixed bed,earlier this year and i must say we love it, now the boys only come on big hols with the awning up. It is just right for the two of us and the dog, and still ok when the family arrive.
we have a ace award northstar 2002 model,4 berth and still enough room to shut the sliding door and dress and undress beside the small sink beside the bed,plenty of room in the loo
The kitchen area is fine as the new award series is just a little wider than most standard caravans and plenty of room at the cooker and not a congested area when someone wants to
get by.
wouldn't look back love the fixed bed and lovely to see a tidy caravan when we go to bed, the rest of the caravan always seemed untidy when we had to make up the front bed each night,
I retired this year and we bought a swift Challenger 490l. We bought the 5 berth so that we coulddtake our grandchidren away. When there is just the two of us we leave the rear bed down and partition it off during the day. It has a seperate shower and toilet we absolutly love our caravan. Which ever one you chose enjoy every minute and have a harry retirement.
Graham, as you will have seen from the replies so far, there are those saying go for the fixed bed and those saying for for making up the bed each night. The fixed bed brigade seem to be in the majority. Having started with the end washroom and making the bed each night (Bailey Moselle) quickly became tired of that and the ridges etc in the bed from the separate cushions and changed to a Bailey Vendee and have not looked back - but, a separate shower was a strong criteria. If we were retiring and not just using for weekends then it would have been the Bailey Wyoming as this seems to give the best of both worlds apart from one person haing to have their left leg amputated because it is not a rectangular mattress. Do give it some deep thought and perhaps try putting up the bed in a number of vans before making your decision.
Graham, what a response you have received, When we first decided upon retiring that caravanning was for us, We checked the lenght of our drive to see what The max lenght of caravan we could store there,The max weight we could tow with our car, then we visited several dealers within our area, We settled for a ABI dalesman 380/2 two berth, second hand because we did not know whether towing and sleeping in a caravan was our cup of tea.We picked a inline lounge where you can make up either two single or a double bed in less than 5 mins,soon dicovered that the most inportant item would be end shower arrangement,because unless you get up with the birds you find queues awaiting the showers.We found a Pageant Imperial two berth inline lounge which has the rear section as a complete toilet/basin/square
shower with a flat door.This answered all our problems
Dining area we use the fold up table supplied with the van,we sit oposite each other plenty of room.
shower with a flat door.This answered all our problems
Dining area we use the fold up table supplied with the van,we sit oposite each other plenty of room.
Hello Graham
We are now on our 4th van, a Bailey Vendee with fixed bed. I could not contemplate a van without a fixed bed it's grat.
We are now on our 4th van, a Bailey Vendee with fixed bed. I could not contemplate a van without a fixed bed it's grat.
Great reading, this one kept me going all lunch time and now I am desperate to know what Graham went for? Come on Graham have you made your decision....and enjoy your retirement!
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