Hello Phil and Juliette. Thank you for your videos , we appreciate all the hard work that goes into them. Just a little suggestion for your open area under the tv , you could have a lovely shallow wicker basket, this would hold all your bits safely and look good. Take care Debbie Jones
Hi Phil and Juliet, I doubt if there is a caravan that everyone is 100% content with. One only finds out the good and bad points when you actually live in them for those short periods of time. My wife would agree with Juliet about the height of the microwave, describing it as awkward and dangerous at times. We changed our caravan from a 2014 to a 2021 Elddis Affinity. The layout of washroom moved from rear to centre which suits us, the main niggle is the TV in the lounge area has moved from the centre by the door, to the locker by the front window. It is not comfortable watching TV now and takes up space. Interesting to see and hear your comments.
Hi Noorman. You are quite right I doubt any of us could reach 100% happiness with our vans as they have to cater for so many needs. The microwave is an issue for us. I can understand your issue with the tv. The tv issue in the New Sprite Exclusive has put us off the that model. Thanks Phil & Juliet👍🙂
Hi both. Been a subscriber and watching you for a while. We have a Coachman Lazer 575 extra which is the same layout as you van. The only thing that I don’t like in our van is high level microwave as I am petite too. Like you, we love our front locker with drawers and instant dining space for 2 and the position of our TV. 👍
Hi Amanda. The Coachman Laser is a lovely van. The microwave has been an issue for most folk. Juliet says they were designed by 6 foot tall Blokes and no thought was given to shorter Folk. Thank you for your comment it is nice to know who followers us. Keep commenting we have a huge give away coming in December. Many Thanks Juliet and Phil. 👍🙂
My caravan a 2020 challenger.I had a Dutch gentleman on the pitch next to me in France this year. He was absolutely delighted with his 2022 Sprite (badged differently) built for the Eu market. Remarked how comfortable it was with seating and TV in a good position.
Hi John. I am glad its not just us saying this. A Couple German Gents remarked how lighter it was to tow compared to theirs. We have seen some Swifts owned by Dutch Folk. They seemed happy with them. Thanks Phil👍🙂
I am sure there are always things that could use improvement with no matter the camp set up one has. We only have a tent, but are looking at different camping options out there. Doing some UA-cam research for different ideas and set ups. Thanks for the tour.
Hi There is so much choice out there. I would visit this Februarys NEC Camping & Caravan Show. This would help make your mind up. Yes there are always improvements but you do have to decide that enough is enough and concentrate on maintaining it. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
I agree with Juliette on the microwave. I've often asked my 6ft 2" husband to get hot stuff out because I'm worried I burn myself. Our current caravan has a wetroom and I'd like a separate shower. Is the shower in this model spacious? Another review of the model suggested the shower was small and you might struggle to bend to wash your feet. I really enjoy your channel because you keep it real. Didn't realise until I watched one of your previous videos that this is your first caravan.
Hi tracey. Thanks for watching. Yes this is our first van, all the videos we produce are based on our experience plus I'm dab hand at diy and fixing things. The shower is not that big. I am 5 11 and manage to wash my feet but not by bending down. The New Sprite exclusives Shower is bigger than ours. Hope this helps. Phil N Juliet. PS yes the microwave is Juliets most hated thing. 👍🙂
The Swift pull out table top (centre chest) is far better designed than our Bailey, the Swift one locks securely and provides a level surface with the chest top. Centre washroom works for us as we take our grandchildren away regularly, so provide a three zone caravan. With the two door closure to the end bedroom it’s also more secluded if only one of you wants a quieter space. Great videos👍
Hi Stewart. Yes the chest table is a good design. I was not aware that some Bailey's table do not lock or provide a level surface. As I said the three section vans are a hit with others. There is only Juliet and I mostly. Alfie does come away with us less these days. Caravans need to meet your own personal requirements. Thanks Phil👍🙂
Hello Phil & Juliet With regards to the cutlery drawer ,I think it is a common problem, and that they are being fitted incorrectly at the factory. On my van I have repositioned the screw securing the runner to the drawer box which allows the drawer to be pulled out almost twice as far and can still can be pushed back in so that the drawer front is flush at the front . Simple job and worth a try. 👍 Did it on the front unit top drawer aswell . Enjoy your videos keep em coming.
Hi Dave. I did a video on this subject a while ago. It is better but not perfect. I do agree they are fitted incorrectly at the factory. I fixed the drawer misalignment the screws to the runners on the unit were loose. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet hope you're well. Having got the same caravan & year as yours I can agree with you on this one.Karen being on the shorter side also struggles with the microwave.Generally it's a very good layout, for us we find the seating area a bit uncomfortable mostly when watching T.V and i totally agree with you regarding the buttons on the seat base we use throws on ours. If it's winding the flap on the water inlet rattles so i alway put an elastic band on it and as Juliet mentioned that shelf by the door is a right pain, as things disapear into the corner we had a panic on out last holiday as we thought we'd lost the car keys(I only have 1 set) but they got pushed up into the corner of the aformention shelf. Best Wishes stay safe Jon & Karen
Hi Jon & Karen. I hope you are both. We are fine here. I think throws maybe an option for us too. Oh yes the shelf a right royal pain in bottom. The microwave is the most talked about thing. Take care Phil n Juliet👍🙂
Really thought you might enlighten us as to what the continental caravans are like for them to like uk ones. Seeing your curtains made us decide that we hate the fussiness of 4 curtains hanging at the front. Ours are much paler in colour but we still removed them. It looks far less cluttered. It looks much more modern. We have a 2016 Bailey Pegasus Moderna with a giant front window - plenty of blinds to pull down. PS have that bedding as our spare set - Asda purchase.
Hi Linda. Explaining what the Europeans like about our Vans would be a whole new video (Maybe next year). Curtains or no curtains I feel its personal taste really. I think Juliet got ours from there but I have only found the online since we bought it. Yes it is our spare too. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
On our sprite we found that the draw runners had slipped so opened them as far as possible then by using a little bit of force pulled the draw out and the runners slid out a little bit further
Hi David. Thanks we have tried that but it sadly didn't work. I have repositioned the runners which has helped slightly. Whilst away I have remove the draw and tighten the runner rails to re-seat the draw alignment. Many thanks Phil👍🙂
Hello Phil and Juliet, we have a unicorn Cadiz (twin beds) like Juliet says microwave is far too high up, tv bracket is at the side of the fridge and you have to pull it out and swing it around, but we have to be careful because the corner of the tv catches the fridge door and it’s a little bit too far away from where we sit, other than that we love your caravan, thanks for the video guys, 👍👍.
Hi Phil & Juliet, Dislikes aside you still have a very nice caravan 👍. The only thing we don’t like about our caravan is the rather poor payload (even with the weight plate upgrade). The one thing we do like however is practically zero problems. By the way, we love our front chest of draws / pull out table too. Best wishes, Rob & Gail 😀
Hi. We love our chest at frt the small table is great. The microwave is a bug bear with me having ms. (Another job for keith)😂. We have cover on locker to. Love love love it. We've got no buttons on seats . Xx
Hi Alison and ( Over worked ) Keith😂. Microwave duty is usually down to me too. I hate the dam buttons. Thanks Phil. PS I thought I'd give Keith a break this week.👍🙂
Hi really like this vid, we have the same van also from Longtons . Just looking at the front blinds I’m thinking of changing ours where did you get them from and were they expensive .
Hi Mal. Thanks we try our best to provide good helpful videos. The blinds were around £520. They are better made than the plastic blinds, very well built. They will out last your van. Here is the video I did on them... ua-cam.com/video/ZLaa--gkCnc/v-deo.html Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Love our caravan. But I don't like faff of making up the beds each night and taking them down in the morning. There never seems to be enough room. We're now looking for a 6 berth with fixed bunks for next year.
Hi. I have to admit I prefer our island bed. However like you I hate making the front up when Alfie is with us. I hope you find the right New Van for you and your family. Thanks Phil.🙂👍
My general dislike about uk single axle caravans is the very low user pay load compared to German vans. I am sure uk caravan designers expect user to only ever tow their vans empty.
Hi Andrew. Yes the payloads are low on UK Caravans this is down to the chassis type used by the Manufacturers. The European Pay loads are better. Thanks Phil👍🙂
Hi G&Z Juliet does hate the microwave position. My real pet hate is the sofa buttons, pointless and useless. Hope you are settling in. Will visit in the New Year when you are more sorted. Thanks P&J🙂👍
The only thing that I would disagree with you on is the camel head shower, it's a water saving shower head, there is a reason it saves water because you don't get much water out of it, I've changed mine for a conventional one
Hi Retro. Yes you are quite correct. I suppose you either like them or not. I noticed on the New Sprite Exclusive the Shower head is more conventional. I personally like it. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet great vlog which I can relate to with one I miss more than dislike. We had a 2021 Swift challenger with plenty of under store lockers you could access from outside. We changed to a 2024 coachman laser 545 that has none due to the layout we chose. My wife says we carry less rubbish with this van tho so I suppose you’re always going to have likes and dislikes with every van out there
Hi. Layouts and storage space is a very personal choice. This year we stripped out the van and very little is going back next season. Going to Spain taught us so much about over compensating with items we take. We will be towing even lighter next season which can only be a good thing. Thanks Phil & Juliet👍🙂
Hi Phil, We have a love hate relationship with our van. We love going away in it and hate having to take it back home 😂
Hello Phil and Juliette.
Thank you for your videos , we appreciate all the hard work that goes into them.
Just a little suggestion for your open area under the tv , you could have a lovely shallow wicker basket, this would hold all your bits safely and look good.
Take care
Debbie Jones
Hello Debbie. What a wonderful idea I will pass on to Juliet your suggestion. Glad you like our videos, we try our best. Many Thanks Phil & Juliet🙂👍
Thanks for the content, we are hoping to upgrade next year so helpful info 👍😃
Hi Simon. Yes if you are changing vans or buying for the first time it has to be right and work for you. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Hi Phil and Juliet, I doubt if there is a caravan that everyone is 100% content with. One only finds out the good and bad points when you actually live in them for those short periods of time. My wife would agree with Juliet about the height of the microwave, describing it as awkward and dangerous at times. We changed our caravan from a 2014 to a 2021 Elddis Affinity. The layout of washroom moved from rear to centre which suits us, the main niggle is the TV in the lounge area has moved from the centre by the door, to the locker by the front window. It is not comfortable watching TV now and takes up space.
Interesting to see and hear your comments.
Hi Noorman. You are quite right I doubt any of us could reach 100% happiness with our vans as they have to cater for so many needs. The microwave is an issue for us. I can understand your issue with the tv. The tv issue in the New Sprite Exclusive has put us off the that model. Thanks Phil & Juliet👍🙂
Hi both. Been a subscriber and watching you for a while. We have a Coachman Lazer 575 extra which is the same layout as you van. The only thing that I don’t like in our van is high level microwave as I am petite too. Like you, we love our front locker with drawers and instant dining space for 2 and the position of our TV. 👍
Hi Amanda. The Coachman Laser is a lovely van. The microwave has been an issue for most folk. Juliet says they were designed by 6 foot tall Blokes and no thought was given to shorter Folk. Thank you for your comment it is nice to know who followers us. Keep commenting we have a huge give away coming in December. Many Thanks Juliet and Phil. 👍🙂
My caravan a 2020 challenger.I had a Dutch gentleman on the pitch next to me in France this year. He was absolutely delighted with his 2022 Sprite (badged differently) built for the Eu market. Remarked how comfortable it was with seating and TV in a good position.
Hi John. I am glad its not just us saying this. A Couple German Gents remarked how lighter it was to tow compared to theirs. We have seen some Swifts owned by Dutch Folk. They seemed happy with them. Thanks Phil👍🙂
I am sure there are always things that could use improvement with no matter the camp set up one has. We only have a tent, but are looking at different camping options out there. Doing some UA-cam research for different ideas and set ups. Thanks for the tour.
Hi There is so much choice out there. I would visit this Februarys NEC Camping & Caravan Show. This would help make your mind up. Yes there are always improvements but you do have to decide that enough is enough and concentrate on maintaining it. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
I agree with Juliette on the microwave. I've often asked my 6ft 2" husband to get hot stuff out because I'm worried I burn myself. Our current caravan has a wetroom and I'd like a separate shower. Is the shower in this model spacious? Another review of the model suggested the shower was small and you might struggle to bend to wash your feet. I really enjoy your channel because you keep it real. Didn't realise until I watched one of your previous videos that this is your first caravan.
Hi tracey. Thanks for watching. Yes this is our first van, all the videos we produce are based on our experience plus I'm dab hand at diy and fixing things. The shower is not that big. I am 5 11 and manage to wash my feet but not by bending down. The New Sprite exclusives Shower is bigger than ours. Hope this helps. Phil N Juliet. PS yes the microwave is Juliets most hated thing. 👍🙂
The Swift pull out table top (centre chest) is far better designed than our Bailey, the Swift one locks securely and provides a level surface with the chest top. Centre washroom works for us as we take our grandchildren away regularly, so provide a three zone caravan. With the two door closure to the end bedroom it’s also more secluded if only one of you wants a quieter space. Great videos👍
Hi Stewart. Yes the chest table is a good design. I was not aware that some Bailey's table do not lock or provide a level surface. As I said the three section vans are a hit with others. There is only Juliet and I mostly. Alfie does come away with us less these days. Caravans need to meet your own personal requirements. Thanks Phil👍🙂
Hello Phil & Juliet
With regards to the cutlery drawer ,I think it is a common problem, and that they are being fitted incorrectly at the factory.
On my van I have repositioned the screw securing the runner to the drawer box which allows the drawer to be pulled out almost twice as far and can still can be pushed back in so that the drawer front is flush at the front .
Simple job and worth a try. 👍 Did it on the front unit top drawer aswell .
Enjoy your videos keep em coming.
Hi Dave. I did a video on this subject a while ago. It is better but not perfect. I do agree they are fitted incorrectly at the factory. I fixed the drawer misalignment the screws to the runners on the unit were loose. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet hope you're well. Having got the same caravan & year as yours I can agree with you on this one.Karen being on the shorter side also struggles with the microwave.Generally it's a very good layout, for us we find the seating area a bit uncomfortable mostly when watching T.V and i totally agree with you regarding the buttons on the seat base we use throws on ours. If it's winding the flap on the water inlet rattles so i alway put an elastic band on it and as Juliet mentioned that shelf by the door is a right pain, as things disapear into the corner we had a panic on out last holiday as we thought we'd lost the car keys(I only have 1 set) but they got pushed up into the corner of the aformention shelf.
Best Wishes stay safe Jon & Karen
Hi Jon & Karen. I hope you are both. We are fine here. I think throws maybe an option for us too. Oh yes the shelf a right royal pain in bottom. The microwave is the most talked about thing. Take care Phil n Juliet👍🙂
Really thought you might enlighten us as to what the continental caravans are like for them to like uk ones.
Seeing your curtains made us decide that we hate the fussiness of 4 curtains hanging at the front. Ours are much paler in colour but we still removed them. It looks far less cluttered. It looks much more modern. We have a 2016 Bailey Pegasus Moderna with a giant front window - plenty of blinds to pull down.
PS have that bedding as our spare set - Asda purchase.
Hi Linda. Explaining what the Europeans like about our Vans would be a whole new video (Maybe next year). Curtains or no curtains I feel its personal taste really. I think Juliet got ours from there but I have only found the online since we bought it. Yes it is our spare too. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
On our sprite we found that the draw runners had slipped so opened them as far as possible then by using a little bit of force pulled the draw out and the runners slid out a little bit further
Hi David. Thanks we have tried that but it sadly didn't work. I have repositioned the runners which has helped slightly. Whilst away I have remove the draw and tighten the runner rails to re-seat the draw alignment. Many thanks Phil👍🙂
Hello Phil and Juliet, we have a unicorn Cadiz (twin beds) like Juliet says microwave is far too high up, tv bracket is at the side of the fridge and you have to pull it out and swing it around, but we have to be careful because the corner of the tv catches the fridge door and it’s a little bit too far away from where we sit, other than that we love your caravan, thanks for the video guys, 👍👍.
Hi BB. I feel there will never be a perfect van. We have to choose what works best for own circumstances. Many Thanks Phil👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet, Dislikes aside you still have a very nice caravan 👍. The only thing we don’t like about our caravan is the rather poor payload (even with the weight plate upgrade). The one thing we do like however is practically zero problems. By the way, we love our front chest of draws / pull out table too. Best wishes, Rob & Gail 😀
Hi Rob n Gail. Yes someone else mentioned the payload of Uk Vans. Love the front table. Glad you have had no issues and long may it be. Thanks P&J👍🙂
Hi. We love our chest at frt the small table is great. The microwave is a bug bear with me having ms. (Another job for keith)😂. We have cover on locker to. Love love love it. We've got no buttons on seats . Xx
Hi Alison and ( Over worked ) Keith😂. Microwave duty is usually down to me too. I hate the dam buttons. Thanks Phil. PS I thought I'd give Keith a break this week.👍🙂
@lostweekendscaravan Keith said gee Thankyou. X😂
😂😂😂
I agree with you about the buttons on the cushions when i sit down they dig into my leg its so annoying and uncomfortable
Hi Cameron. I feel your pain. They are so uncomfortable. Thanks Phil.🙂👍
When you say about the cutlery draw mines was the same but just pull it harder and it will be fine
Hi John. Thanks for watching. I have tried pulling it harder but to no avail. I have adjusted the runners which helps slightly. Thanks again Phil.👍🙂
Said it once before . Damn good band Rev Peyton. Give Ben Miller Band a listen Phil.
Hi John. They are. I will give him a try. Thanks Phil👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet I’m not a fan of centre washrooms, they make the van feel claustrophobic in my opinion. However it’s a very popular layout.
Hi Colin. I suppose it does offer more privacy and yes it is quite popular. Thanks Phil. 👍🙂
Hi really like this vid, we have the same van also from Longtons . Just looking at the front blinds I’m thinking of changing ours where did you get them from and were they expensive .
Hi Mal. Thanks we try our best to provide good helpful videos. The blinds were around £520. They are better made than the plastic blinds, very well built. They will out last your van. Here is the video I did on them... ua-cam.com/video/ZLaa--gkCnc/v-deo.html Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Love our caravan. But I don't like faff of making up the beds each night and taking them down in the morning. There never seems to be enough room. We're now looking for a 6 berth with fixed bunks for next year.
Hi. I have to admit I prefer our island bed. However like you I hate making the front up when Alfie is with us. I hope you find the right New Van for you and your family. Thanks Phil.🙂👍
@lostweekendscaravan looking at 1 in Stalybridge, that's maybe not far from you
My general dislike about uk single axle caravans is the very low user pay load compared to German vans. I am sure uk caravan designers expect user to only ever tow their vans empty.
Hi Andrew. Yes the payloads are low on UK Caravans this is down to the chassis type used by the Manufacturers. The European Pay loads are better. Thanks Phil👍🙂
Z always said about the microwave my issue was under the bed 🛌 and the poor finish and it could have been stronger
But it was only minor moans 😂
Hi G&Z Juliet does hate the microwave position. My real pet hate is the sofa buttons, pointless and useless. Hope you are settling in. Will visit in the New Year when you are more sorted. Thanks P&J🙂👍
The only thing that I would disagree with you on is the camel head shower, it's a water saving shower head, there is a reason it saves water because you don't get much water out of it, I've changed mine for a conventional one
Hi Retro. Yes you are quite correct. I suppose you either like them or not. I noticed on the New Sprite Exclusive the Shower head is more conventional. I personally like it. Thanks Phil.👍🙂
Hi Phil & Juliet great vlog which I can relate to with one I miss more than dislike. We had a 2021 Swift challenger with plenty of under store lockers you could access from outside. We changed to a 2024 coachman laser 545 that has none due to the layout we chose. My wife says we carry less rubbish with this van tho so I suppose you’re always going to have likes and dislikes with every van out there
Hi. Layouts and storage space is a very personal choice. This year we stripped out the van and very little is going back next season. Going to Spain taught us so much about over compensating with items we take. We will be towing even lighter next season which can only be a good thing. Thanks Phil & Juliet👍🙂