LindaJane Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hello Everyone. I wonder if you could give me some advice. My husband and I would like to buy a caravan, however we have narrowed it down to that last few, and can not make a decision, please could you help me, let me know what you think of our choices. We were looking for a 4-6 birth, as we have 3 children, (ages 3, 11 and 13), however, the 2 older children are my step children and may not always come on holiday with us, so it'll just be the 3 of us. Do we go for a 4 birth, and manage when the 2 other children are with us, OR go for the 6 birth, and so we do have room when they are with us?????? HELP!!!!!!!! As we are new to caravans we're not sure if our shortlist is ok, and what are the pro's and con's. I really would appreciate some advice to help us make the right choice. Our choices are: Luner 525 Luner 546 Bailey Ardennes Bailey Provence. I look forward to your reply's. Kind regards Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Welcome to CT2, choices is really down to individual need, before yo go and spend your money thing that you will need to ask yourself is have you got the right car to tow your caravan. once you have establish then you will get a lot of opinions. to start with what car have you got. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 1, 2009 Author Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hi We have a BMW 320D Tourer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Idealy the lay out of the caravan will help you choose which one to buy. you said that it is very likely that there will be only the 3 of you therefore a 4 berth will be just fine and if you need more room then you can use an awning with annex. I can't tell you much about lunar as I have always have Bailey and the Provence is very popular with family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 1, 2009 Author Share Posted April 1, 2009 Thanks for your advice, Im in such a tiz of what one to go for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 (edited) Thanks for your advice, Im in such a tiz of what one to go for. Indeed it is not very easy to decide which one to go for. I am sure you will get more opinions from others soon. Edited April 1, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizzo Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hi We have a BMW 320D Tourer. It depends on the year of you car. 3 Series Touring In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Ball Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG 320 D SE 2002 1580 1343 75 1800 320d 2007 1580 1282 75 1600 320d Auto 2007 1595 1356 75 1600 If you have the 2002-2007 model you can tow 1343KG. We have the Adria Altea 542UK 5 birth which is 1300KG fully laden. This is a very light van for it's size and we love it. It's also very good for Families as it has 2 Full size bunk beds( top bunk 70Kg max weight) and the other single bed opposite. This whole section has a concertina door that partitions it from the rest of the van,which is great for us at night. We then have full access to the toilet,kitchen etc without disturbing the kids. I have seen brand new one's from the 2008 range for as little as £7500. What is your Budget? Quote Previous owner of Adria Altea 542DT 2010 with Ford Galaxy 2011 titanium x and powershift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyandrob Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 I agree, if you can find one then the Adria is the make to go for. We have two (lovely children ) of 7 and 5, but we still went for the 6 berth. Gives you more space and an option of catering for more people if you decided you wanted to share your pride and joy with others. Fixed bunks are also a better bet for ease of use. Most dealers I have spoke to have tried to put me off fixed bunks. Thankfully I never took their "EXPERT" advice . Hope you find a good un' Quote LANDY DISCO TD5(2003) ADRIA ADORA 532 UK(2005) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBS Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 There is an article in the latest Practical Caravan Mag on hiring a caravan. Might be worth a go - could save you from buying the wrong 'van. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi everyone. Thanks for to those who came back to me. We've made a decision and bought a Bailey Pageant Provence. Im really excited, cant wait to get it and go away!! Thaanks again. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Getting a new caravan is the closest thing I can get to that resembles the "Kid with a new toy" feeling I usually spend the first day cleaning it inside & out (even if it was clean in the first place!) The second day is arranging where everything is going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi everyone. Thanks for to those who came back to me. We've made a decision and bought a Bailey Pageant Provence. Im really excited, cant wait to get it and go away!! Thaanks again. Linda Good choice if you have any questions just ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizzo Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi everyone. Thanks for to those who came back to me. We've made a decision and bought a Bailey Pageant Provence. Im really excited, cant wait to get it and go away!! Thaanks again. Linda That van has a Gross weight of 1490kg. What year was your 320D? I don't want to put a dampener on it but is you car OK to pull this ? I am sorry if I am wrong! Quote Previous owner of Adria Altea 542DT 2010 with Ford Galaxy 2011 titanium x and powershift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan69c Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Now thats what I call decisive. 24 hours from posting to buying ! Welcome to caravanning, the best way to have a family holiday. The van may be a bit heavy for the car ? Go on one of the caravan clubs manouvering courses, makes towing a lot easier. Quote RegardsIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi everyone Thanks for your concerns regarding the weight. The dealer checked our car details on their computer system and it's ok to tow. Ive also a Nissan Terrano which I already use to tow a horse trailer with, and as BMW have given us a cost of just under £1000 to get a towbar fitted which is such a rip-off, im thinking of trading my Terrano in for a bigger 4x4. Im only in my 30's and Im excited about caravaning, I think its the way to go. I cant wait, and neither can the children, infact Im more excited then them!!!! Yeh you're right, it is like getting a new toy, and yes I cant wait to start buying the items to go in it. Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 oopp sorry forgot to mention the BMW can tow 1700. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Go to an approved tow bar fitter and it may work out cheaper than the dealer. anyway your nissan terrano will be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 oopp sorry forgot to mention the BMW can tow 1700. This may well be the case but that does not mean to say that you can tow a caravan of that weight. The manufacturers towing limit is based on the ability to restart on an 1 in 8 hill and gives no indication of stability. There is a big difference between towing a builders trailer loaded with bricks and a high sided caravan of the same weight. The recommendation of all caravan organisations is that for an inexperienced tower, the caravan MTPLM (max load) should be less than 85% of the car kerb weight. You will be running in the order of 95% so need to be careful. Caravan dealers are only interested in selling you a caravan and not necessarily in your safety. I would suggest you read the Caravan Club beginners guide. http://www. caravanclub. co. uk/NR/rdonlyres/...Caravanning. pdf The other thing you need to be aware of is that the sum of the max authorised weights of your combination is over 3500kg and therefore you need a B+E driving licence or have passed your driving test before 1 Jan 1997. Sorry to be a bit negative but you need to be aware of the regulations, otherwise you could be illegal and therefore uninsured. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan69c Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi everyone Thanks for your concerns regarding the weight. The dealer checked our car details on their computer system and it's ok to tow. Ive also a Nissan Terrano which I already use to tow a horse trailer with, and as BMW have given us a cost of just under £1000 to get a towbar fitted which is such a rip-off, im thinking of trading my Terrano in for a bigger 4x4. Im only in my 30's and Im excited about caravaning, I think its the way to go. I cant wait, and neither can the children, infact Im more excited then them!!!! Yeh you're right, it is like getting a new toy, and yes I cant wait to start buying the items to go in it. Thanks everyone! We tow with aTerrano, very stable outfit. The fuel consumption brings tears to my eyes though, 24 towing 31 solo. Quote RegardsIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil and lena Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 oopp sorry forgot to mention the BMW can tow 1700. Thats as maybe but its what is considered a good tow match for your car and the series 7 Provence at MTPLM of 1490 kgs works out at approx 94% match so your Nissan Terrano would be more suited to the weight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaJane Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 Hi Both my husband and I passed our tests well before 1997, like I mentioned earlier, I tow my horsebox, so im aware of towing regs. I agree Jan, the Fuel is not the best with the Terrano, but its a workhorse off the vehicle, its got me out of a few sticky moments when Ive been to competitions with my horse, when you see other folk stuck in mud or on wet grass, then I just pull straight past them, its a lovely feeling. ha ha. Thanks again. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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