After a nightmare weekend at a festival last year with the kids we have decided to take the plunge & buy a tin tent.
Ideally 6 berth with 4 bunks at one end (4 kids to house). Budget around 5k (don't want to go silly as this is our 1st - want to suck it & see as it were). Have towed before so no issues re size.
So far looked at Elddis (Avante 636) & Lunar.
Tips on what to look out for etc useful or recommendations for tin tent/good north east dealer/other kit needed/desired/useful.
Much appreciated.Paul.
06 Java Black HSE - gone
12 Baltic Blue HSE - gone
15 Fuji HSE Lux
Club Biscuits, mmmm nice!
Traxide/Luna hybrid & Yellow top
Some Prospeed bits
+ some other stuff
Club N.E.R.D.s.
25th Feb 2012 10:59 am
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
How old are the kids, when will you be using it, all year round or warmer months only. We have been caravaning for 12 years now and both of the kids prefer to sleep out in the awning or their tents if it is not cold. Might be worth thining about that as you would then mot necessarily need a 6 birth. had a Lunar Quasar 6 birth, lovley van but the quality was not great, now gone to a Bailey Unicorn Barcelona and love it.MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
Kids are 5 (x2), 3 & nearly 2 which is why we want the 4 bunks at one end (out of the way). Only really summer usage for weekends but we are thinking of Cornwall for a longer run.Paul.
06 Java Black HSE - gone
12 Baltic Blue HSE - gone
15 Fuji HSE Lux
Club Biscuits, mmmm nice!
Traxide/Luna hybrid & Yellow top
Some Prospeed bits
+ some other stuff
Club N.E.R.D.s.
25th Feb 2012 2:54 pm
wvlenthe
Member Since: 07 Jan 2009
Location: Arnhem
Posts: 1967
I have a Hobby 560 which has three beds at the end (over each other) and the table area can be converted for another two beds. And then there's the french bed in the front for the parents.
These are available with two beds at the end too which would then accomodate for 6 but two of them would need to share a bed.
We did not want to convert table to bed to table every day so we chose the 3-bunk version, but then again we only have 3 kids.
Regards,
WiljoD3 V8 HSE Auto in Zermatt silver - driveway version gone but not forgotten, only the living room cupboard version remains
25th Feb 2012 3:32 pm
mik
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Skoatland
Posts: 912
As posted a couple of weeks ago - we're considering selling our 2005 Fendt Saphir 490.
Only 5-berth (with 2 fixed bunks), approx 18ft long.
Great solid van - excellent quality of fittings etc as you'd expect of the marque. It's been great. I don't have any pics on the laptop, but it is in very good nick - almost identical to this one (I think these images are for an older 2003/2004 model?)
PM me if interested (we're in sunny Glasgow).
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Layout inside is as per this 2003 model. Ours has nicer upholstery / fittings / bathroom etc.
25th Feb 2012 3:43 pm
Madrunner
Member Since: 23 Oct 2011
Location: Dorset
Posts: 391
Hi. If you buy from a dealer make sure you get a first time buyer kit - this will get you all the accessories you need to get started - leccy cable, steps, aqua roll, wastemaster, locks etc.
I would certainly give swift and bailey a good look over - not sure lunars will be up to much around that price range.
Also check your licence for towing entitlement and your car for towing capability to make sure everything is legal.
Have a great time looking out a van, perhaps find a friend who's a keen vanner to look at potential tin tents with you.
You'll live getting away. We only started vanning sep 10 and have really taken to it, averaging around 90 odd nights away every year.
Keep us posted !
25th Feb 2012 5:33 pm
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
The point about the licences is a good one as a few people have been caught out due to their age and not having the right qualifications to tow a caravan. as for the car, he has a D3 so would think that would tow most vans MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
Am all ok with licence, car is D3 so not too much hassle there whilst the boss has a Caravelle (tow bar yet to be sorted) but mine will be the donkey as it were.
Thanks for input.Paul.
06 Java Black HSE - gone
12 Baltic Blue HSE - gone
15 Fuji HSE Lux
Club Biscuits, mmmm nice!
Traxide/Luna hybrid & Yellow top
Some Prospeed bits
+ some other stuff
Club N.E.R.D.s.
26th Feb 2012 12:46 pm
loopyles
Member Since: 25 Oct 2007
Location: Northumberland
Posts: 269
Not sure you could go wrong with the above Fendt. they are well built and finished compared to many British vans, so for the age it could be in far better condition. The lay out looks perfect for you. If you need any more help both Russell and I have vans. I might be able to borrow a damp meter.
26th Feb 2012 3:55 pm
D4mation
Member Since: 29 Jul 2011
Location: Ruralshire
Posts: 593
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