Is your caravan "see-through"

[Rubix]

I am new to this caravan marlarkey (well I haven't even got a van yet!!), and would like your peoples' advice.

I like the idea of having a clear view through the van whilst towing. The only thing is, this would seem to then restrict the layout I can have. This new trend for fixed beds is out as there is no window on the rear of the van at all. I always thought end washrooms had opaque or no windows, but I have seen some washrooms that seem to have blinds with a clear window.

As I am looking at a 4 berth, I assume then a rear-dinette would proabably be my best choice. I am also not so fussed about having a shower (cos I smell !!) as I aim to stay on a site with lots of facilities as we have a 5 month old son, and a holiday park type site would suit us better.

I also have another question regarding single or twin axle vans. About 10/15 years ago I am sure I saw vans that were much shorter in length but twin axle, whereas now for a caravan to be twin axle it seems to need to be as long as a football pitch.

Is this due to the fact that caravan chassis' are much stronger ans don't need to be twin axle anymore ? I suppose my concern is if a tyre blow-out occurs you only have one good wheel until you can drive to safety (twin of course you have more backups till you can pull over).

Apologies for the essay - thanks for your help.

 

[LMH]

Hi Rubix

I'm just responding to your query about being able to see through your caravan windows whilst towing. I've only had two caravans one older van with rear window and a new van, much longer than my other one with a clear rear window. However, I've never managed to get a view of the road through the caravan so to speak. I personally don't think it is necessary. If you have a suitable pair of towing mirrors on your vehicle, and tow sensibly, that should be perfectly adequate.

Regards

Lisa

 

[Ian.L]

Hello Rubix

I agree with lisa I have had a few caravans with rear windows the last one was a elddis firestorm but you can only see out full view if you are pulling it with a 4x4 or a mpv am a lorry driver and its better using your side mirrors anyway whats ahead is more important.Ian.L

 

[Anita_5109950]

Hi Rubix, Welcome to the world of caravanning.

Our current van is the first van we have had without a window at the back (Elddis Crusader Storm), and my husband doesn't find it any more difficult. In his experience (only 2 years, but 4 caravans!!) you could never really get a clear view of behind you anyway. A good set of wing mirror extensions, properly adjusted is almost as good.

Our Storm is a twin-axle which we prefer, as they seem to hold a bit steadier on the road as a single axle, and also, like you say you have a 'spare set' of wheels in the case of a blow-out. However, on the single axle we did have we had Tyron Safety bands fitted to the tyres. It seemed a small price to pay for the peace of mind it gives you.

Good luck with your search for a caravan, and happy caravanning!!

Anita

 

[Rubix]

Thanks LMH, Ian, and Anita for your comments.

I appreciate what you have all said about it not being that clear, but I just thought some view is better than none whatsoever. I have driven 7 & 1/2 tonners before when moving house, and after a while I aggree the sideys' are enough but then with that no rear window there is no option.

I suppose I was just thinking in the event of an artic' approaching me from behind at speed (or similar), I MAY stand a chance at least of trying to get out of the way. They would be in my blind-spot if I only had wing-mirrors.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Vicky_5078445]

Hi Rubix,

We have a Compass Librerte with fixed bed and it's a see through model, so you can have both. I think the the Bailey Vendee is a similar layout , but I could be wrong.

Vicky

 

[RichardS1]

Hello Rubix, there are at least a couple of people who regularly contribute to this forum who have fitted small cameras to the back of the van which give a clear view of all the road behind via a small monitor on the dash. If you are concerned about having a clear view of vehicles approaching from behind it may be worth going down this avenue.

 

[Jennifer_5121998]

Rubix, there is many layouts for caravans now on the market and my husband and I looked at most to accommodate our needs with having a 17 month old daughter and the best we found was a 5 berth Coachman Highlander or Amara. We lay our daughter on one of the sides and put up a Tomy Bed guard which keeps her in place. There is a door that you can pull to allow for some privacy aswell as to keep the telly noise away from her area. Best setup we have found. We only bought recently and just love it. First time caravanners too. Hope you find something suitable.

 

[RayS]

Like you i always thought it would be a good idea to "see through" and so all my vans were chosen with this feature. have just changed to fixed bed van without and it's really no problem. Even with a 4x4 and supposed see through, the reflection from the front caravan window and / or the road much which seems to accumulate on the rear van window in wet weather means that there is not much vision at the best of times.

Get some good firm extension mirrors and then choose the van layout you want, regardless of rear windows.