First motorhome purchase - Fixed beds or not? (1 Viewer)

thearchitect

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There are just the two of us and having sorted out most of the main priorities for our first motorhome purchase, there is only one real decision left and this is one which seems to divide opinion and even nations, i.e., FIXED BEDS OR NOT.

As far as we can see MH's come in three sizes, small, medium and large. For a variety of reasons we have selected medium and by this I mean about 6 metres long, plus or minus 10% and not too high.

We don't mind whether it's a van conversion or a low profile coachbuilt, but it must have a toilet, shower, kitchen and somewhere to eat and relax. Build quality looks fairly consistent across the various makes on a sliding scale based on cost, with after sales service determined by the competence of the dealer.

Beyond that everything else imaginable, it seems, can be provided now or later, in a variety of different ways dependent on budget, but only one thing seems to determine 'lifestyle' and that is the 'fixed bed or not' decision.

It's not like we can borrow a van of each configuration to try in a number of different scenarios before we buy. I'm not sure this would help anyway because each layout is suited to a different way of living, the duration of travel and where it is used. Will we get fed up making the bed every day, but enjoy the extra relaxation space this inconvenience provides, or do we want a ready made bed and be willing to spend more time outside the van? We know there are variations on a theme, with fixed beds coming down from the ceiling, etc, but to us these seem better suited to spare beds.

At the moment we can see advantages and disadvantages in both options, but it really would be helpful to have some feedback from experienced MH users on the pros and cons, before we finally commit.
 
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thearchitect

thearchitect

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Fixed bed vs no fixed bed

Well, never mind the poll for salad cream vs mayonnaise, maybe we should have one for 'Fixed bed vs No fixed bed'. ::bigsmile:
 
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Snowbird

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Having owned more motorhomes than I can remember in the last 40 years, from a Standard Atlas Devon conversion to a 38ft RV. I am definitely in the fixed bed camp.
Because you have a fixed bed it definitely does not say you have nowhere to lounge. That is of course if the layout is right and built by a company that knows how a layout works and should look like. My present van is 6.7 metres with full almost walk-through garage and kingsize bed above. The lounge part is what is commonly known as a bar version, which consists of 3 swivel Isri pilot seats and a 2 seater couch. This gives ample room for 5 to socialise. I could fit a full size motorcycle in the garage if I didn't have so much other must have comforts in there such as, separate freezer,oven and hob extra fuel tank, tables and chairs etc,etc,etc. This van has all the comforts of my American RVs, but in a European size. No compromises whatsoever. It is possible to find the perfect layout, it just takes many years and a lora lora money and mistakes. By the way this van was not built recently but around the same period as my learned colleague JJs.

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Upvote 0
Nov 30, 2009
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Since 2009 with motorhomes several caravans then tents before that.
We have an over cab bed which is kingsize.
Then fixed bunks down one side. Which is great if you have kids .
I think that way you dont have to go tag axle and you still have lots of room for those typical wet winter evenings.
The link below is like our motorhome. But we had ours reupholstered to our taste , as the fabric was a bit worn on the knee rolls and it was a bit dated .
We chose right 1st time too as we had had a few caravans before and knew what layout suited us as a family. :thumb:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvMXvbZPWf8&feature=related"]CI Mizar GTL LIVING - YouTube[/ame]

When we get older and less agile , climbing up and down a ladder , we are going for a long wheel base panel van , which Ralph will do. The kids still come away with us every other weekend at the moment .
But when we are just 2 and have the PVC , we will have single bench beds , through the day .
So we can have the lounge about space , but not have to bother making up a bed .

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Nov 30, 2009
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Depends on how heavy you are ! Im 5.11 and find them just about long enough. Plenty wide enough ( size 14 , on a good day :winky: ) .
I think the top one is up to 8 stone though . Not sure without checking the manuals.
Our 16 year old twins use them and our 18 year old uses the L shape . That makes into a double BTW , if needed , and the bench on the other side is suitable for a child up to about 5 foot tall. Its a very solid motorhome all round. They dont make it anymore BTW , so you need to be looking at 2004 2006 to get it. We could have got the newer version for about 6k more when we bought ours but it didnt tick the boxes in build and layout for us , ours was 3 year old then.
Both front seats swivel round too. Making a good size lounge.
 
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thearchitect

thearchitect

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I was interested in the bunks because they seem like space savers. How long is your MH? I really don't want to go beyond about 6m.

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kiwicamper

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There seems to be a balance in favour of fixed beds so far, but do these tend to be in the longer vans (i.e., 7 metres +), I was hoping for something in the region of 6metres. In JJ's case how much is your opinion governed by the fact that you full time in a warm and beautiful part of the world (AVB land), or do you tour widely as well?

I also wonder if the fixed bed option, which can allow a garage below the bed, in which you can store a scooter or similar, makes it a good option for touring as well, when you can then get out and about without the van?

that's my prefference.fixed single beds over rear garage with a pull down bed over drivers area.Have ordered a Hymer Exsis-i 578 , not overly large and on lightwieght fiat AL-KO chassis.
 
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Nov 6, 2011
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Without a doubt - fixed.

Who wants to make up a bed twice a day and as for lounging - do it in the sunshine!! :thumb:
 
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R&B

I was interested in the bunks because they seem like space savers. How long is your MH? I really don't want to go beyond about 6m.

I think its just under 24 foot, without looking up the spec. You can still get them now and again . The newer version has better upholstery but has not got the same internal layout or solid build , though it does still have bunks.

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Nethernut

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I would vote for fixed bed, especially for long term touring for a couple, there will be many occasions when you either don't want to go to bed at the same time or get up at the same time.
 
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DP+JAY

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[HI][/HI]
There seems to be a balance in favour of fixed beds so far, but do these tend to be in the longer vans (i.e., 7 metres +), I was hoping for something in the region of 6metres. In JJ's case how much is your opinion governed by the fact that you full time in a warm and beautiful part of the world ([HI]AVB land[/HI]), or do you tour widely as well?

I also wonder if the fixed bed option, which can allow a garage below the bed, in which you can store a scooter or similar, makes it a good option for touring as well, when you can then get out and about without the van?

:Doh:I thought this was a typo & should have read ABV land(usually 12%)::bigsmile:

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Mar 29, 2010
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It's all a matter of personal preference. We had that same basic asks as you seem to and ended up with a Hymer B544 with bench seats, rear kitchen, swing wall in the bathroom and drop down bed. It comes in at 6m which is what we wanted. If I am honest it is a bit of a pain having to climb out over the missus in the middle of the night for the essential relief a few pints require, but then that also applies to a fixed bed unless it is an island bed. On the whole a very good choice for us. :thumb:
 
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Jan 11, 2010
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Well that`s our 13th year & still loving it.
fixed bed

This is the classic case of "one size doesn`t fit all"

Personally we can`t understand why anyone would want a fixed bed, apart from physical reasons.
Motorhomes are generally bought with limited space in mind so why would you give up prime space to a bedroom that is only used for sleeping in at night and is a coat hanger in the daytime.

We have an over the cab bed which is excellent, Chris can stay in bed in the morning whilst have the run of the motorhome without disturbing her.
For us the "U" shaped lounge is the perfect lay out.
The front lounge is just to chilly, there seems to be drafts coming from everywhere, plus we have sat in the drivers and passenger seats for the journey, we like to get out of the cab area and lounge in comfort.

So we would suggest you look at all layouts and spend time in them until you find the best one that suits you.
 
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themountaintiger

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This is the classic case of "one size doesn`t fit all"

Personally we can`t understand why anyone would want a fixed bed, apart from physical reasons.
Motorhomes are generally bought with limited space in mind so why would you give up prime space to a bedroom that is only used for sleeping in at night and is a coat hanger in the daytime.

We have an over the cab bed which is excellent, Chris can stay in bed in the morning whilst have the run of the motorhome without disturbing her.
For us the "U" shaped lounge is the perfect lay out.
The front lounge is just to chilly, there seems to be drafts coming from everywhere, plus we have sat in the drivers and passenger seats for the journey, we like to get out of the cab area and lounge in comfort.

So we would suggest you look at all layouts and spend time in them until you find the best one that suits you.

I currently have Sundance 630G, great for stuffing things in garage, great that we have a fixed bed over garage, but also agreeing with Drew getting legover with misses is difficult after a couple of beers (pun was intended)... On this basis Im currently looking at dinette area with rear u lounge model...

There is another reason which is that rear u lounge models seem (and of course will have) more floor space. Have someone cooking in my motorhome and it seems half the length of the motorhome is in use. Went looking at different motorhomes last week and the rear lounge models just seem more spacious.

I appreciate that making up the bed is going to take time, but I'm not full timing so wont happen that frequently to be an issue (shame..)

I personally agree with RobnChris...especially re flexibility. I could always lounge in dinette area and keep u lounge made up as bed if I wanted.... The main downside for me will be the loss of a garage.... I will have to wait and see if my reasoning works in practise....looking for 2nd motorhome...and have to choose fast....misses doesnt want me to have legover any more...:Eeek:
 
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Jul 24, 2009
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I've not gone through all the postings on here but here is our experience of fixed bed. We bought a new Laika with a fixed bed which initially we thought was great. This was due as much as anything to the fact that we were only away for weekends. However as we got to the main holidays and a couple of weeks away, it soon became apparent that there was nowhere to relax properly. The dinette proved too uncomfortable giving a very upright seating position which in turn lead us to reclining on the rear bed trying to see the TV at the front of the van. We persevered for 4 years before we swapped for an A class with drop down bed. Result, a relaxing van to lounge in with a bed readily available in a matter of seconds.

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oliandstu

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Fixed Bed or Not

Hi...We have recently purchased our first motorhome...with a U shaped lounge...we started off making up the double bed and gave up....now we are very happy in our single beds...so easy and all we use is a double duvet each.....but everyone needs to find out which suits them best....:Smile:
 
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micky drip

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As these replies show, there are as many preferred layouts as there are Motorhomers

YOU MUST TRY BEFORE YOU BYE

I know this is easier said than done but will save you in the long run.

 
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Jan 11, 2010
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Well that`s our 13th year & still loving it.
I currently have Sundance 630G, great for stuffing things in garage, great that we have a fixed bed over garage, but also agreeing with Drew getting legover with misses is difficult after a couple of beers (pun was intended)... On this basis Im currently looking at dinette area with rear u lounge model...

There is another reason which is that rear u lounge models seem (and of course will have) more floor space. Have someone cooking in my motorhome and it seems half the length of the motorhome is in use. Went looking at different motorhomes last week and the rear lounge models just seem more spacious.

I appreciate that making up the bed is going to take time, but I'm not full timing so wont happen that frequently to be an issue (shame..)

I personally agree with RobnChris...especially re flexibility. I could always lounge in dinette area and keep u lounge made up as bed if I wanted.... The main downside for me will be the loss of a garage.... I will have to wait and see if my reasoning works in practise....looking for 2nd motorhome...and have to choose fast....misses doesnt want me to have legover any more...:Eeek:

Hi, have a look at this baby, we saw it at the motorhome show and decided this is definitely our next motorhome.
Broken Link Removed :thumb:

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Peter JohnsCross MH

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These are three examples of fixed beds to ponder over, as your in London, give Andy a ring and pick his brains. It does depend on what your budget is and where and what you want to do:thumb:

Peter

Burstner Travel Van T620G

Length: 21'8" / 6.60mWidth: 7'2" / 2.18mHeight: 9'4” / 2.85mMTPLM: 3,500kgModel Year: 2009Three BerthRear Fixed Single Beds Over GarageFiat Ducato 2300cc Diesel Engine13,650 miles
t620g.jpg


The Burstner Travel Van T620G has two fixed single beds over garage which can be made in to a double berth if needed. An optional third berth is available at the dinette.
====================================
Autotrail Excel 640g

Link Removed

Length: 21'2" / 6.44m
Width: 7'7" / 2.32m
Height: 9'2" / 2.79m
MTPLM: 3300kg
Model Year: 2010
Four berth
Fixed Bed Over Garage
Fiat Ducato x250 100 Multijet 2198cc Turbo Diesel Engine
1,500 miles
==============================


Kentucky Camp Royal 4 Automatic

Length: 23'7" /7.20mWidth: 7’3" / 2.20mHeight: 9'8” / 2.94mMTPLM: 3,500kgModel Year: 2005Four BerthFixed Bed Over GarageFord Transit 2402cc Diesel Engine15,934 mile
 
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Snowbird

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These are three examples of fixed beds to ponder over, as your in London, give Andy a ring and pick his brains. It does depend on what your budget is and where and what you want to do:thumb:

Peter

Burstner Travel Van T620G

Length: 21'8" / 6.60mWidth: 7'2" / 2.18mHeight: 9'4” / 2.85mMTPLM: 3,500kgModel Year: 2009Three BerthRear Fixed Single Beds Over GarageFiat Ducato 2300cc Diesel Engine13,650 miles
t620g.jpg


The Burstner Travel Van T620G has two fixed single beds over garage which can be made in to a double berth if needed. An optional third berth is available at the dinette.
====================================
Autotrail Excel 640g

Link Removed

Length: 21'2" / 6.44m
Width: 7'7" / 2.32m
Height: 9'2" / 2.79m
MTPLM: 3300kg
Model Year: 2010
Four berth
Fixed Bed Over Garage
Fiat Ducato x250 100 Multijet 2198cc Turbo Diesel Engine
1,500 miles
==============================


Kentucky Camp Royal 4 Automatic

Length: 23'7" /7.20mWidth: 7’3" / 2.20mHeight: 9'8” / 2.94mMTPLM: 3,500kgModel Year: 2005Four BerthFixed Bed Over GarageFord Transit 2402cc Diesel Engine15,934 mile

Is the lift to get me in and out of that bed an optional extra Peter ?
 
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Oct 25, 2008
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Have a look at a Frankia FF2 or FF4

We had a Burstner T625, with rear 'french' bed, from new for 9 years and did 125,000 miles in it. Earlier this year bought a Frankia FF2 from Germany (self import etc). At 6.48 metres and < 3.5t the layout is superb with singles/double bed in rear U shaped lounge. Much more storage than the Burstner and get 2 quality fold up bikes plus chairs tables etc etc in full width boot. Full double floor gives super insulation as all tanks etc are enclosed.
Now done 13,000 miles (Norway and Alps) and pretty pleased. Much more comfortable than the Burstner with large very open bright lounge area. Only downsides are lifting the sink (easy and good size and quality) in large full width bathroom/changing room, and the table (not fixed) which moves and folds.
Perhaps a bit more expensive than a Swift but less than an Autosleeper on MB. Generally high quality fittings.
The FF4 is the same as ours but has a pull down bed over the lounge. We met a couple in Germany who had one and who were very pleased with it. So large U shaped lounge WITH fixed bed!!

Good luck
:RollEyes:
 
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themountaintiger

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Hi, have a look at this baby, we saw it at the motorhome show and decided this is definitely our next motorhome.
Broken Link Removed :thumb:

Yes seen a few models like this. They do get round the issue of leg over, but still aesthetically and practically, reduce daytime living space...rather than single beds over garage, might as well have single beds in rear lounge model and not bother making up double bed...

I think...







-
 
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