Flip the Bailey Phoenix 640?

[nssimpson]

I'm currently thinking about getting our first caravan. I think the Bailey Phoenix 640 is the ideal layout. One maybe daft question and I'm sure there's a valid reason, perhaps weight distribution, etc...

Has any manufacturer thought about doing the 640 layout but the other way round so the bed is over the hitch? Then the door could be relocated to the end of the van (getting rid of the chest). Instead of a side door there would be more room for perhaps kitchen worktop, TV, another wardrobe, etc.

I appreciate a different awning solution would be required, just like the Basecamp.

Maybe it would be annoying when people try to squeeze in and out of the van when someone else is sat down.

 

[RogerL]

A number of European caravans have the fixed bed at the front

 

[nssimpson]

A number of European caravans have the fixed bed at the front

With central washroom and rear door?

 

[RogerL]

With central washroom and rear door?

Not with a rear door - that would neccessitate a rear awning which would be too big for conventional pitches, at least on a large caravan - the Swift Basecamp can use a rear awning as it's a short caravan.

 

[nssimpson]

So no technical reason they couldn't do it apart from the awning?

 

[RogerL]

So no technical reason they couldn't do it apart from the awning?

The level of customer demand is the usual reason for putting a layout into production.

 

[nssimpson]

Anyone think a rear lounge with rear door is a good/bad idea?

 

[RogerL]

I like the rear lounge - but not the rear door.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Anyone think a rear lounge with rear door is a good/bad idea?

That's a bit of a chicken and egg question, It's rare for customers to be in a position to tell the manufacturers what they would like, They are far more likely to comments on what is available and how it might be improved. But manufacturers will look at what selling well - i.e Caravans with side doors and they will just do the same again, and a again ....

I personally have thought that an end door could be a good thing especially for caravanners who like to go over seas, for dealing with driving on the "wrong " side of the road. But it would certainly make it difficult for awnings.

I don't see the idea catching on, it presents more challenges than it answers.

 

[Buckman]

Having the fixed bed in front will probably affect the nose weight which is generally limited to 100kg due to hitch limitations.

 

[RogerL]

Having the fixed bed in front will probably affect the nose weight which is generally limited to 100kg due to hitch limitations.

It shouldn't with proper design! The positioning of the axle determines the noseweight - but few caravan makers employ proper designers.

 

[Buckman]

It shouldn't with proper design! The positioning of the axle determines the noseweight - but few caravan makers employ proper designers.

and those designers have probably never ever used a caravan!