Hello, I am not used to being the Newbie !

[captaindan]

Hello all,
Just joined the site as my wife and I are considering our first caravan. We live in Wigan, (north west), and have decided that a caravan is the only way to get a holiday as we have two cats, one of which needs daily injections of insulin.
Having looked around for a while, we are leaning toward a Swift Charisma 550, but I really would prefer an island bed.
My tug is a Skoda Superb Estate 170 automatic which arrives in November, (currently a Volvo S80D5).
I will carry on reading the boards and looknig for advice, but any extra is always welcome.
Darren

 

[Parksy]

Hi Darren, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum and indeed to the world of touring caravans.
Caravanning is the best way to enjoy a holiday or break with your pets, try taking your cat or dog to a B&B!
I'm sure that you've researched weights etc, there is some really good basic information to be found by clicking the Advice tab at the top of the forum page.

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/advice/your-essential-guide-to…-matching-cars-and-caravans
If there is anything that you're unsure about just ask!

 

[captaindan]

Thanks Parksy
You get the feeling that most people in the caravan world, just want to help. I like that as I may need it!

Being in the market for our first van, I do not want to make any silly mistakes so I will need advice on all sorts.

Darren

 

[swift2008]

Hi Dan,

We upgraded to an island bed last year. My advice is, if you can, do it, you wont regret it.
Good luck

 

[mealsonwheels]

Have a look at the Swift Challenger 580 (or the earlier 560) - both have island beds and are on single axles. The longer 580 followed the 560 which has slightly longer front seats and a centre chest with a flip-over table top (A centre chest can easily be put in the 560, instead of the narrow chest, if you prefer) The earlier 560 has an Omnivent, but the newer 580 does not, it just has an opening light.
I'm in full agreement about the island bed - with an offset bed you disturb the person sleeping on the outside, if you need to get out of bed in the night. An island bed also means an end to having to haul cushions around late at night making up a double bed. We make our island bed up before we leave home on each trip and it's easy to tuck bedding in too, as you can walk all around the bed. We don't find having a dedicated 'bedroom' a waste of space, but a real plus, when all things considered.