Hi Dan, Angela and Chloe - I messaged you on one of your other Buying a Caravan videos. I suggested a Compass Casita 840 which is what we have. I said don’t be put of by it being a six berth. The reason I said that was because like you, there is just three of us that use the caravan (my wife, my 12 year old son and me. The reason we went for the Casita 840 was because we wanted a fixed bed, a decent sized bathroom, and we wanted somewhere that could be used for my Son to sleep and still have a living area. The Casita has a side dinette which converts to a good sized single or a double (with the use of pop up sides and additional cushions). There is also a curtain that goes around for privacy or a lazy morning. We leave it made up as a bed if we use the awning as we’ll have dinner at the table in the awning. If we don’t have the awning we put the bedding away and use the dinette. It is great to have that flexibility without loosing use of the lounge area. Let me know what you think. Regards Mark
Another great video Dan. I really like this mini series. Reminds me of our hunt 10 months ago. Caravan a didn't seem to change much from 1950-2005 but in recent years the quality of the interior and design has made light year sized jumps. If this pace carries on who knows what the vans of the 2020's will be like!
We have a Quasar 554. The one with the twin fixed beds. We solved the TV location problem by fitting a mounting bracket on the side of the cupboard near the main door. We run the cables from the sockets at the foot of the bed around the other side of the cupboard. This allows all 3 of us to watch the TV in comfort in the lounge area. We then remove the TV when we are not using it. I am 6ft tall and can fit on the single beds. We make up the lounge into a bed for our 14 year old. We like the single bed arrangement as it allows easy access to the top cupboards without stretching too much.
Just a thought, although the large sky light looks good as soon as there is any sun you will effectively start to cook. pulling the screen across helps but is not as effective as a standard roof.
One thing I come to realise when it comes to buying a caravan is there's always a comprises. You just have to find the comprise you can live with. Good luck on your search.
Hi dan we plan on up graging next year. Island bed a must but always the dame problem . Fixed bed means smaller lounge which i think is the most important heart of a van. Good luck
Hi Dan, you say you dont like central island bed but i have a 2017 Swift Sprite Major 4EB (Siena model) and it has a 6.3 foot sized bed and a large sofa, the toilet is on the right side and i think the price would be spot on for you. and all the other things your looking for. i got mine from Grantham Caravans.
Dan i love your videos you are almost like my mirror when it comes to caravan shopping, eg "£33000 for i caravan with fake tiled wall that flexes and is buckled, i don't think so" lol but my heart felt for you when you said you lets look at the delta RI, it's out of our price range but why not... i looked at the very same van when we were shopping (me,wife and 14 yr old daughter) and i knew straight away how you would feel about it. your reaction at 8.39 was exactly the same as mine. i spent 15 mins looking round the van over and over trying to work out if i could justify adding about £6000 to the budget.
Another great video. Might take a look at Lunars myself. What a patient girl Chloe is. So cooperative and willing in such heat. Take a pat on the back Chloe.
No Delta Ti there? If you can find one have a look at it before making a decision particularly the 2017 one, there gorgeous inside and in my option nicer fabrics than the 2018 version, same layout as the first one (clubman si) you looked at so you would have the rear bathroom but the lounge is 6ft long instead of the 5ft in the SI
A shame the Lunars didn't tick all your boxes. I noticed that my Planet Saturn has a smaller front seating area than the Coachman did. It is still more suited to our needs and I bought it on condition rather than spec.
Lunar were my favourites for many a year. We had a Clubman and two Deltas lovely caravans. Sorry this is not helping ;-) We had the 610-4 and the 520-2 We left the rear lounge made up as a double most of the time in the 610-4.
Hello Trudgian family. I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect caravan. My husband and I are on our 4th ! Would love to be able to design it ourselves. Would love to capture bits of all the Vans into one. We have just gone back from fixed bed to two berth because we felt that a end bedroom or transverse bedroom was a wasted space, but then that's us and you have your daughter to think about. Chloe is 11. It won't be long before she doesn't want to go on caravaning holidays with you, you'll have it alllllllllll to yourselves 😊 and why isn't there a caravan emoji 👍🏻
The reasons why the seating is small maybe is because, like it or not, the bathroom on the side of the bed configuration, gives the most space in the kitchen/living areas,
although ive seen this before (we're looking for a new caravan) Ilove how you say your beading then ask Chloe in and put your hand on her sholder obviously not wiping your beading !!! on her LOL
Hi Mrr&Mrs T The Lunar 554 is the caravan we have just two point the side front not long enough for single bed but the front changes to double bed is long enough i am a similar girth (ha) as you and 5'11 tall and i am ok with the bed To watch tv from front is a no no the TV bracket at the bottom of the twin bed well we looked around and resolved the issue remove the bracket fit a triple arm cantilever folding bracket using the same holes as the original bracket and swivel the bracket with TV on (24") into the centre of the walk way and you watch the TV from the front if you want to watch from bed just swivel back if you want a picture just ask Dave
Hi, we purchased today a lunar Venus 2 berth (2015) and the shower walls is described as unlined - is anyone able to explain this? They are embossed to touch and not smooth and shiny but my question is - it will be waterproof won’t it?
Hi Dan good video as ever won't b long now before u hit the nail on the confin I didn't think u could get a seatting area at front of van long enough to make a single bed if your door entrance is in front of wheel axel with fix bed cheers,kev
Loving the videos. Currently having the exact same dilema as yourself. We have a delta fb but our 11 year old daughter is out growing the bunks. Biggest problem is finding a van with a big enough lounge so that she can sleep on the couch as a single! Loved the first delta but like you said seats to small! 🤔
As I put on a previous comment the Delta Ri is prob about the best on the market . But if you don't like the colour of the curtains and soft furnishings take a look at the dealer specials on the van you fancy. For instance we have the above mentioned van on a 2017 and the colour scheme was awful. However they do one exclusive to themselves with a sub name of the moon edition. Also don't buy from dealer at the moment, wait until the lawns show is the NEC, you will get a far better deal. We paid nearly £4000 less than window price with a free motor mover thrown in
Would touch a lunar if you paid me, bought a brand new one, second service 75% damp and the company were a disgrace...thank god Swindon caravans are brilliant
We changed our Bailey Cadiz for a lunar. Much better. Bailey beds too high, silly small side lockers leaked, tiny bathroom, ( you needed to open the door and stick your bum out so you could bend forward to rinse your face!) We prefer single beds, no climbing over each. Never liked side or middle bathrooms but each to their own. The Lunars seem to have gotten you closest.
Great video again Dan. I'm afraid a lot of the Lunars now have the shorter benches at the front. We have the Lexon SE which has the nice end washroom etc, but there is just the two of us, which makes a huge difference with that layout. With Chloe sleeping in the lounge area, and she wants to go to bed two hours before you, does that mean you're in the awning for the remainder? Good luck with your continued search ;))
Hi Sean, not really - the leaky aspect is one that can easily be fixed. Damp is only an issue if not found, resolved and repaired in a timely manor. A well looked after / serviced caravan that is in good condition will last years. Do remember that Lunars were simple in construction, hence very easy to repair and resolve their inherent weak spots. I'd have no issue in having another Lunar.
@@TheTrudgians thank you for the reply, can i ask your veiws on Elddis, more so the cracked rear panels. Appears to be no fix. On a slightly different note, I'm looking for a new van and like mentioned in your clip, have become totally disheartened.
Hi Sean, the truth is all caravan manufacturers have weak spots. They all suffer from very different issues. However, the entire industry is full of very capable and professional dealerships and engineers that are in business to resolve and fix any issues you may have. The point is, its wrong of me to enforce, endorse what I like onto you. The caravan, no matter the make should be a space you feel welcomed, relaxed and special. So, if you prefer an Elddis to a Lunar or a Swift to a Bailey, that should be your choice. Im not wanting to bypass the question, but hopefully provide you confidence that no matter your choice, you will have an industry that will support you in your purchase.
Dan, not sure why you haven't looked at the Delta Ti? We got a 2017 model, but brand new (we were the first owners), only built 5 months previously, for £22,995 in April this year. Pretty much identical to the Clubmen Si you looked at in this video but super long front seats - can easily be single beds, big transverse island bed, 7' 8" wide - not 8' but feels really spacious. Also, very light - 1568 kg MRO with 4x4 motor mover. We are absolutely delighted with ours. Just a thought?
Hi Dan. Another good vid. I reckon today’s vans were the nicest so far. I suspect, however, that you are leaving the best until last, you little tinker. If you can’t find a layout you like with Swift then it probably isn’t made. Hope you find something you all love soon. Steve.
Hi Dan & family, Perhaps you should look at one of these, this is what we want because our older one doesn't have an island bed. One of these I suspect would give you the space you would like within the lounge / living area. www.lunarcaravans.com/brands/lunar/stellar-lexon/lexon-660 Hope this helps. Craig & Kristen, ( hope to see you at #tf19 ) .
Delta Ri is cracking - when launched a few years ago it was a great layout and still is again more a couples van - stick to your budget you are looking at vans way over your budget stick to what you can afford
Perhaps it's because I'm not a caravanner but all the caravan "colour schemes" look the same to me; beige and floral and utterly horrendous. Does no one offer anything that's properly different?!
All of today's had a hob up against the wall, that is an awful way to have to cook, with a multi-pan meal you end up with at least one that you can't get at without risk of burning yourself.
Hi Dan, Angela and Chloe - I messaged you on one of your other Buying a Caravan videos. I suggested a Compass Casita 840 which is what we have. I said don’t be put of by it being a six berth. The reason I said that was because like you, there is just three of us that use the caravan (my wife, my 12 year old son and me. The reason we went for the Casita 840 was because we wanted a fixed bed, a decent sized bathroom, and we wanted somewhere that could be used for my Son to sleep and still have a living area. The Casita has a side dinette which converts to a good sized single or a double (with the use of pop up sides and additional cushions). There is also a curtain that goes around for privacy or a lazy morning. We leave it made up as a bed if we use the awning as we’ll have dinner at the table in the awning. If we don’t have the awning we put the bedding away and use the dinette. It is great to have that flexibility without loosing use of the lounge area. Let me know what you think. Regards Mark
Another great video Dan. I really like this mini series. Reminds me of our hunt 10 months ago. Caravan a didn't seem to change much from 1950-2005 but in recent years the quality of the interior and design has made light year sized jumps. If this pace carries on who knows what the vans of the 2020's will be like!
We have a Quasar 554. The one with the twin fixed beds. We solved the TV location problem by fitting a mounting bracket on the side of the cupboard near the main door. We run the cables from the sockets at the foot of the bed around the other side of the cupboard. This allows all 3 of us to watch the TV in comfort in the lounge area. We then remove the TV when we are not using it. I am 6ft tall and can fit on the single beds. We make up the lounge into a bed for our 14 year old.
We like the single bed arrangement as it allows easy access to the top cupboards without stretching too much.
Just a thought, although the large sky light looks good as soon as there is any sun you will effectively start to cook. pulling the screen across helps but is not as effective as a standard roof.
You likes the long sunroof! We got one in our Elddis Osprey (dealer special Avante) and it’s fantastic! So much light!
One thing I come to realise when it comes to buying a caravan is there's always a comprises. You just have to find the comprise you can live with. Good luck on your search.
Hi dan we plan on up graging next year. Island bed a must but always the dame problem . Fixed bed means smaller lounge which i think is the most important heart of a van. Good luck
Another great insight into your caravan buying adventures 👍👍
Hi Dan, you say you dont like central island bed but i have a 2017 Swift Sprite Major 4EB (Siena model) and it has a 6.3 foot sized bed and a large sofa, the toilet is on the right side and i think the price would be spot on for you. and all the other things your looking for. i got mine from Grantham Caravans.
Dan i love your videos you are almost like my mirror when it comes to caravan shopping, eg "£33000 for i caravan with fake tiled wall that flexes and is buckled, i don't think so" lol but my heart felt for you when you said you lets look at the delta RI, it's out of our price range but why not... i looked at the very same van when we were shopping (me,wife and 14 yr old daughter) and i knew straight away how you would feel about it. your reaction at 8.39 was exactly the same as mine. i spent 15 mins looking round the van over and over trying to work out if i could justify adding about £6000 to the budget.
When we were looking at all vans for our change I found a lot of Lunar vans had short front benches, not big enough for a single.
Another great video. Might take a look at Lunars myself. What a patient girl Chloe is. So cooperative and willing in such heat. Take a pat on the back Chloe.
No Delta Ti there? If you can find one have a look at it before making a decision particularly the 2017 one, there gorgeous inside and in my option nicer fabrics than the 2018 version, same layout as the first one (clubman si) you looked at so you would have the rear bathroom but the lounge is 6ft long instead of the 5ft in the SI
Hi Dan,. Another great video. If you loved the lunar clubman ri please check out a Swift Quattro EB great value for money or the more expensive 635.
Try looking at the venus 620/6 its got plenty of room.
Excellent video! Love the lunars 😎
A shame the Lunars didn't tick all your boxes. I noticed that my Planet Saturn has a smaller front seating area than the Coachman did. It is still more suited to our needs and I bought it on condition rather than spec.
Agree would have been too similar, nice to get something completely different to your last one .
Lunar were my favourites for many a year. We had a Clubman and two Deltas lovely caravans. Sorry this is not helping ;-) We had the 610-4 and the 520-2 We left the rear lounge made up as a double most of the time in the 610-4.
Hello Trudgian family. I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect caravan. My husband and I are on our 4th ! Would love to be able to design it ourselves. Would love to capture bits of all the Vans into one. We have just gone back from fixed bed to two berth because we felt that a end bedroom or transverse bedroom was a wasted space, but then that's us and you have your daughter to think about. Chloe is 11. It won't be long before she doesn't want to go on caravaning holidays with you, you'll have it alllllllllll to yourselves 😊 and why isn't there a caravan emoji 👍🏻
The reasons why the seating is small maybe is because, like it or not, the bathroom on the side of the bed configuration, gives the most space in the kitchen/living areas,
although ive seen this before (we're looking for a new caravan) Ilove how you say your beading then ask Chloe in and put your hand on her sholder obviously not wiping your beading !!! on her LOL
Look at the Osprey 860. Layout you want. Toilet on correct sides. TA so long lounge. Stargazer sunroof. Ticks a lot of boxes you have to agree?!
“I just had a moment in the rear”. Lol
Hi Mrr&Mrs T
The Lunar 554 is the caravan we have just two point the side front not long enough for single bed but the front changes to double bed is long enough i am a similar girth (ha) as you and 5'11 tall and i am ok with the bed
To watch tv from front is a no no the TV bracket at the bottom of the twin bed well we looked around and resolved the issue remove the bracket fit a triple arm cantilever folding bracket using the same holes as the original bracket and swivel the bracket with TV on (24") into the centre of the walk way and you watch the TV from the front if you want to watch from bed just swivel back if you want a picture just ask
Dave
Really enjoying these! Thank you!
Hi, we purchased today a lunar Venus 2 berth (2015) and the shower walls is described as unlined - is anyone able to explain this? They are embossed to touch and not smooth and shiny but my question is - it will be waterproof won’t it?
Hi Dan good video as ever won't b long now before u hit the nail on the confin I didn't think u could get a seatting area at front of van long enough to make a single bed if your door entrance is in front of wheel axel with fix bed cheers,kev
Sorry ,I meant to say no brainer .looks like you have a big enough car, go for it ,there are so many advantages,good look.
Loving the videos. Currently having the exact same dilema as yourself. We have a delta fb but our 11 year old daughter is out growing the bunks. Biggest problem is finding a van with a big enough lounge so that she can sleep on the couch as a single! Loved the first delta but like you said seats to small! 🤔
As I put on a previous comment the Delta Ri is prob about the best on the market . But if you don't like the colour of the curtains and soft furnishings take a look at the dealer specials on the van you fancy. For instance we have the above mentioned van on a 2017 and the colour scheme was awful. However they do one exclusive to themselves with a sub name of the moon edition. Also don't buy from dealer at the moment, wait until the lawns show is the NEC, you will get a far better deal. We paid nearly £4000 less than window price with a free motor mover thrown in
Try twin axle if you can tow and afford ££. We found the lounge area is longer than single axle.
Would touch a lunar if you paid me, bought a brand new one, second service 75% damp and the company were a disgrace...thank god Swindon caravans are brilliant
We changed our Bailey Cadiz for a lunar. Much better. Bailey beds too high, silly small side lockers leaked, tiny bathroom, ( you needed to open the door and stick your bum out so you could bend forward to rinse your face!) We prefer single beds, no climbing over each. Never liked side or middle bathrooms but each to their own. The Lunars seem to have gotten you closest.
Hi Dan fix bed mean you lose the space at the front for the sitting area
I was told that the front draw unit is detachable or you can go for the wrap around seating option I am currently looking at luner clubman sb
Great video again Dan. I'm afraid a lot of the Lunars now have the shorter benches at the front. We have the Lexon SE which has the nice end washroom etc, but there is just the two of us, which makes a huge difference with that layout. With Chloe sleeping in the lounge area, and she wants to go to bed two hours before you, does that mean you're in the awning for the remainder? Good luck with your continued search ;))
Swift Challenger 635? Same as the Delta you looked at. Enjoy your search cheers Oliver
Think build quality is far the best and better P/R than most
Well done Chloe, you should have an appearance rider for an ice cream or cold drink between each shoot x
Does the "leaky lunar" reputation not concern you.
They're lovely looking vans but the notorious damp problems would be a constant worry to me.
Hi Sean, not really - the leaky aspect is one that can easily be fixed. Damp is only an issue if not found, resolved and repaired in a timely manor. A well looked after / serviced caravan that is in good condition will last years. Do remember that Lunars were simple in construction, hence very easy to repair and resolve their inherent weak spots.
I'd have no issue in having another Lunar.
@@TheTrudgians thank you for the reply, can i ask your veiws on Elddis, more so the cracked rear panels. Appears to be no fix.
On a slightly different note, I'm looking for a new van and like mentioned in your clip, have become totally disheartened.
Hi Sean, the truth is all caravan manufacturers have weak spots. They all suffer from very different issues. However, the entire industry is full of very capable and professional dealerships and engineers that are in business to resolve and fix any issues you may have.
The point is, its wrong of me to enforce, endorse what I like onto you. The caravan, no matter the make should be a space you feel welcomed, relaxed and special. So, if you prefer an Elddis to a Lunar or a Swift to a Bailey, that should be your choice.
Im not wanting to bypass the question, but hopefully provide you confidence that no matter your choice, you will have an industry that will support you in your purchase.
Dan, not sure why you haven't looked at the Delta Ti? We got a 2017 model, but brand new (we were the first owners), only built 5 months previously, for £22,995 in April this year. Pretty much identical to the Clubmen Si you looked at in this video but super long front seats - can easily be single beds, big transverse island bed, 7' 8" wide - not 8' but feels really spacious. Also, very light - 1568 kg MRO with 4x4 motor mover.
We are absolutely delighted with ours.
Just a thought?
That is the best so far! Perfect if it was for me! Buy me one T family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤣 xx
What about German and Sweedish Caravan's too expensive?
You should try a twin axle, no brainier
Got to be the Swift 635 then Dan 👍
Si is basically made for two not really four
Hi Dan. Another good vid. I reckon today’s vans were the nicest so far. I suspect, however, that you are leaving the best until last, you little tinker. If you can’t find a layout you like with Swift then it probably isn’t made. Hope you find something you all love soon. Steve.
Hi Dan & family,
Perhaps you should look at one of these, this is what we want because our older one doesn't have an island bed.
One of these I suspect would give you the space you would like within the lounge / living area.
www.lunarcaravans.com/brands/lunar/stellar-lexon/lexon-660
Hope this helps.
Craig & Kristen, ( hope to see you at #tf19 ) .
The search continues....
keep em up.
Delta Ri is cracking - when launched a few years ago it was a great layout and still is again more a couples van - stick to your budget you are looking at vans way over your budget stick to what you can afford
lunar love it
Perhaps it's because I'm not a caravanner but all the caravan "colour schemes" look the same to me; beige and floral and utterly horrendous. Does no one offer anything that's properly different?!
All of today's had a hob up against the wall, that is an awful way to have to cook, with a multi-pan meal you end up with at least one that you can't get at without risk of burning yourself.
I hope you dont find one to soon, then we will get treat to more great videos.
Fendt caravans Norwich
Bathroom at the back a no no
Poor Chloe looks very peecky.
Klik gulv til fortelt
First 😀
would never ever waste even 1 minute of my life for viewing most terrible make lunar