We are thinking of changing our Abbey Aventura, rear bathroom to a fixed bed model. Has anybody that has done this regreted it or thinks its the best decision that they made?
anne, we had a swift baronette with a large rear washroom;lovely for that sort of thing, but we had to make the beds up. sold the swift and bought an elddis avante 534. fixed bed, pokey washroom. sold that and now have an avondale argente 642-4. big fixed bed and enormous rear washroom. seriously, once youve had either a fixed bed OR an end washroom,you cant really do without either of them (wifeys opinion not mine obviously) !!!
Anne, we bought a Bailey Moselle as our first caravan - this is the one to have according to my partner. Making the bed swiftly ecame a chore. Then Bailey brought out the Vendee and it seemed idal to us - L shaped lounge with fixed bed at the end whilst still having a separate shower. So one was bought. What a joy it has proven - no more making and unmaking the bed and whilst he shower is still not as big it is perfectly adequate. We rejected the idea of buying a caavan with a combined shower / wc due to the wc getting wet and requiring drying (I note that Swift? is now putting in screen to shield the wc but think this may not still be ideal). Our experience with the Vendee led us to buy a Series 5 Vendee as there is a proper lining to the shower, more space in the kitchen etc. Would we go back to a non-fixed bed - not likely. However, you can have the best of both Worlds if you go twin axle, such as Bailey Wyoming, which has a fixed bed AND an end washroom. If you do not wish to tow a twin then consider - how much time do you spend in the washroom and how much time in bed?
Hi Anne we expect to pick up a new Abbey Vogue 420 at the w/e to replace our Senator Vermont for the same reason -a fixed bed.
On the face of it the storage looks better, the side washroom has a separate shower, we think the L shape is less claustraphobic, the stabiliser is better; but there's no alarm or radio but that seems insignificant.
Will be testing it out mid Feb so will let you know.
Just two things to consider. Do you want to waste the rear 6ft(+?) of your 'van to a space only useable for sleeping OR do you want the rear 3ft or so to be only used as a bathroom ?
we had a rear bathroom coachman genuis it was freat while the family were growing up, but now as they are late teen it is just my hubby me and the dog last easter we got a ace award northstar with end fixed bed and a side toilet and hand basin and shower we love it as just two of us we have seating and if need be share our van with guests!! so nice not have to clear the bed and find somewhere to store the quilt etc while we live in the rest of the van, go for it!!!
We made the change about two years ago, as far as we are concerned it was the best thing we did as found continually puting the bed up and down a chore especially when doind an overnight stop, the only down sides are weight ( they are usually about 1400 kg or more and the bathroom is very small, this however can be got over by having twin axel (again very heavy) with a fixed bed and a rear bathroom. Hope this helps
We did the same thing and have never looked back,I don't know what size van you are thinking of but we went from a lunar delta 610/3 to a swift conqueror 630 sal super layout and still has a nice end bathroom.
We had a rear bathroom van an Elldis,got rid because it leaked from new.We changed it for a Hobby 460 ufe, the fixed bed and shower are at the front on these vans. We are very happy with this layout and love the bed,a real mattress and no messing around when you get back from the pub at night or before breakfast in the morning.We go abroad for a few weeks each year and these type of vans are quite common. Go for it ,you spend more time in bed then in the bathroom.
We have not changed van layout but have recently gone from trailer tent to fixed bed van ,although physically a long van it is light for its size. we think it the best thing since sliced bread,there are only two of us so the available floor space is ample. Van is a Lunar Lexon
We echanged the Lexon CS for a 640 which has the island bed and the shower is a stand alone on one side and the washbasin and toilet or on the other. Absolutely love it especially as we paid
We are about to take delivery of a Bessacar Cameo625GL which has a rear bathroom,separate shower & a fixed bed.You will not regret never having to make up the bed every night again!!
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