Your next caravan...

[NigelDonnelly]

Had a discussion in the office today about the way the caravan market is gearing itself at present. Plainly, the market is pushing away from the middle ground.

Lunar is launching a new lightweight 'holiday' range, Sprite has the 'Lite' and we have a whisper that Coachman has plans for something similar for 2013. Elddis is doing nicely with the Xplore.

At the other end of the market, Bailey is launching a two-tonne, 2.5m wide twin-axle designed exclusively for seasonal use and Coachman, Bailey and Elddis are enjoying stellar sales of their range toppers this year.

Just interested whether (theoretically) you would be going big (comfort, space, luxury) or going light (More MPG, smaller towcar) if you were shopping for a new van?

Cheers

 

[Parksy]

Definitely lighter and more MPG Nigel.
We were on a seasonal pitch for a few years after I was taken ill and couldn't tour so I can see the merits of going seasonal, but having recovered, we'd miss the anticipation of trying somewhere new, finding different places to visit and of course rallying in some really picturesque locations not normally available to tourers.
Even entry level models have fixed beds, which we prefer, and good standards of fittings and comfort but we don't need items like a microwave oven or Alde heating.
I remember your editorial in the Practical Caravan magazine a while back when Swift were about to launch their Sprite Light model and you wondered whether other manufacturers would grasp the nettle and invest in a basic lightweight design.
It looks as though the manufacturers have seen the writing on the wall as far as fuel prices are concerned and even the large and luxurious semi-static Bailey is designed as a result of escalating fuel costs.

 

[RogerL]

Layout and physical sizes of beds are the critical factors for us.
Our current 2-berth caravan is 11+ years old so much lighter at 1046kg MIRO** than it's modern equivalent at 1215kg MIRO - we'll probably change to a new 4-berth caravan later this year but by using a different brand it'll only be 1284kg MIRO so an increase for us.

** It's MIRO is 1001kg but I've adjusted it to the current method of calculating MIRO - ever the anorak!

 

[xtrailman]

I intend to keep my caravan for the usual 7 years.
My xtrail will be replaced in the next 18 months, probably, as usual around 4.5 years.
But the next towcar will probably be lighter, for reduced VED, and more MPG.
As i tow at 91% now, i expect that ratio to increase.
Considering a Mazda CX-5 173bhp 310 pound feet, twin turbo, 2.2 for my next car.
But it may not be heavy enough.

 

[RogerL]

for the usual 7 years.

That's sounds a carefully thought out length of time - can I ask what the basis is?

 

[NigelDonnelly]

** It's MIRO is 1001kg but I've adjusted it to the current method of calculating MIRO - ever the anorak!

That is anorakism of the highest order!

 

[NigelDonnelly]

It looks as though the manufacturers have seen the writing on the wall as far as fuel prices are concerned and even the large and luxurious semi-static Bailey is designed as a result of escalating fuel costs.

I think that it is right to say that lightweight vans and the Bailey Retreat are a response to fuel prices, even if they take fundementally different approaches

 

[otherclive]

I have looked at a number of new vans over the last couple of years but frankly have not been that impressed with the offerings so I have stayed with the Bailey S5 Bordeaux. Fixed bed and side bathroom which is okay for showers etc if the site has no facilities. Nice sized lounge which is comforable for 4 people or two tall ones just lounging. At 7m long it is below the next price grade for ferries. Payload of 250kg (very useful) in MTPLM of 1400kg so quite light for payload and within range of numerous towcars. Can provide own TV, sound system and micro wave if needed. So it is feasible to go large, light, good payload and practical; the S5 Bordeaux proves it.
Nearest equivalent was Ranger GT60 but why bother changing when ranger GT60 was so similar, and since then nothing comes close. If manufacturers gave option of increased paylooad upgrade I might think about buying a new van. I know current definitions of payload do allow for some equipment but trying to compare like for like is quite difficult just from brochures. I still think ex work MIRO weight was better and gave the owner total discretion.

 

[Beachball]

We were thinking of getting rid of our present van that is a 2008 Bailey Discovery Mercury Series 5 but it has fixed bed and a side washroom the unladed weight 910KG Laded weight 1130KG . ( But we could not see the point of changing it for a 2 berth end washroom. ) Because the van is in execellent condition .

 

[Martin24]

We were sorely tempted at Lawns to change our Amara 640/6 (2010) for a Laser 655/6 but we'd just ordered the Defender. The plan at the moment is to wait until Lawns next year and look at the Laser again. If they change the Amara to the Pastiche upwards shell we may consider the 655/6 Amara and then spec it as we want it, which is what we did in 2010 as the Laser wasn't available in the 640/6. We are however hoping to keep the towcar until SWIMBO joins me in retirement (about 20 years) so the weight and size is of little concern. At that point we'll probably consider downsizing but may not.

 

[xtrailman]

for the usual 7 years.

That's sounds a carefully thought out length of time - can I ask what the basis is?

Generally the caravan starts to look dated at this age.
Plus its time for a new set of tyres.
And i can afford too.
Plus i usually takes two years to get the warranty work done.
Still waiting for my 3rd set of doors to the wardrobes on my present Valencia.
Plus the kitchen tap is tight on the swivel again, and the roof blind needs changing.

 

[NigelDonnelly]

for the usual 7 years.

That's sounds a carefully thought out length of time - can I ask what the basis is?

Generally the caravan starts to look dated at this age.
Plus its time for a new set of tyres.
And i can afford too.
Plus i usually takes two years to get the warranty work done.
Still waiting for my 3rd set of doors to the wardrobes on my present Valencia.
Plus the kitchen tap is tight on the swivel again, and the roof blind needs changing.

Well reasoned!