Hi Guys

[Grabitanrun]

Hi to all,
I'm Geoff, bought a 2001 Bailey Ranger 2 Berth this year, really easy to pull with my Merc (R Class) and both myself and my wife are thoroughly enjoying it. Although we've got an awning with the van, we haven't used it yet as we've mostly had weekends away, and it seems a lot of bother for a few nights.
We're going to the caravan show in Oct to get some ideas - what we've realised is that we really want a fixed double bed as we keep falling asleep before we put the bed together! So if anyone has any advice, it will be appreciated - our wish list is fixed double bed (I'm 6' 2"), separate shower enclosure (not a curtain like the Ranger) and ideally an 'L' shaped lounge area (seems to give more of an idea of space). I'm guessing my Merc will pull most caravans and even if I change it, it'll only be for a Q7 or similar.
Learning lessons - 1. The bigger the water carrier, the better! 2. Make sure the van is level (the shower doesn't drain away otherwise)
3. Practice makes perfect where reversing is concerned! 4. There is no such thing as too much wine............

Met some really nice people, the caravan club have been really helpful and we're getting lots of exercise (joined the National Trust). Looking forward to some more trips away this year!

So if anyone knows of a 'van that fits the bill - shout out!!!!

Grabbit

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Grabitandrun, welcome to the forum
Learning lesson 5; When you go to the show leave all cheque books and credit/debit cards at home

 

[Parksy]

Hi Geoff, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum.
The NEC show will allow you to compare the various layouts, good luck with the search.
We'd never go back to the nightly ritual of having to assemble cushions into a bed after having a fixed bed

 

[Grabitanrun]

and Lesson 6 - never try to plug a 12v aerial booster into a 24v socket......................

 

[Mel]

Hi grabit. Welcome to the forum. Fixed bed is essential as far as we are concerned. Cash flow decides the rest.
Lesson 8. Putting a bottle of juice in an overhead locker before towing can lead to severe ear bashing and near divorce.
Mel

 

[Grabitanrun]

and Lesson 7 or 9 (who's counting) - Learn how the Thetford flush toilet works BEFORE taking it out...........

I think I'm well on my way to producing a learners book of Do's and Don'ts.....Ok, Ok, mostly Don'ts

 

[Gagakev]

Lesson 9 (back on track now) DO take a bottle opener

 

[Sproket]

Hours of fun to be had with one of these

must put new batteries in ours as they have had a lot of use recently, would not want to only half fry a wasp.

 

[mealsonwheels]

Lesson 10: Sheets and a duvet are so much nicer to use on a fixed bed, than sleeping bags.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Grabbit A belated welcome to the practical caravan forum
The caravan you after is what we would like for a seasonal but ours would be a L shaped Lounge Twin Bunks end Bathroom we like the Buccaneer Clipper but the Corsair could be yours and also i am 6ft 5ins Tall enjoy yourself at the caravan show...