Drop down beds

[candapack]

Can anyone advise on models with drop down beds, where it drops RIGHT down so you don't need a ladder to access.

Like the Chausson Flash 10 - looking for models to compare it with.

[gocro]

For a super compact drop down bed Trigano Challenger 100 or Chauson 50, stopped making them in 2006 but a super layout (I wonder why I sold it now)

[johnnerontheroad]

Have a look at Frankia.

 

Dave

[lennyhb]

Over the last few years most of the A class manufacturers have lowered the height of drop down beds, Hymer & Cathago ones are now quite low.

[Derek Uzzell]

candapack

 

Presumably you are interested in 'coachbuilt' motorhomes with drop-down beds, not A-Class designs where the bed is over the cab area? If that's the case, the Flash 10 may be unique regarding the very low distance above the floor attained when its bed is in the fully lowered position.

 

However, the Chausson achieves this low height by dispensing with roof-height storage lockers beneath each end of the roof bed - something (all?) other motorhome manufacturers don't do. The lack of lockers will be apparent in this Flash 10 video-clip

 

 

and this review shows how low the bed can come down

 

http://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/chausson-flash-10-motorhome-review-4189/

 

Having lockers fixed beneath a bed of this type means that the bed can't come right down as the lockers will interfere with the seating in the front lounge. But having no lockers reduces storage capacity.

 

We considered the Flash 10 as a possible successor to our Hobby (that has massive interior storage for its size), but immediately rejected it as being unsuited to our requirements. The Chausson (sort of) manages to cram a quart into a pint pot (and you certainly get a good bathroom), but our Hobby (at only 39cm longer than a Flash 10) has quart-sized storage capacity to begin with.

 

A better made and (in my view) more rational approach to a 5.99m-long coachbuilt design with drop-down bed was Autostar's Auros 58LP model. An example is shown in this advert

 

http://www.lemondeducampingcar.fr/guide-d-achat/autostar-58-lp.html

 

The lockers beneath the roof bed will be evident, so the bed won't come down as low as the Flash 10's - but you do gain much-needed high-level storage. Autostar haven't marketed in the UK (or at least not for a long while) and I think the Auros 58LP isn't in their current catalogue. This may be significant, as 'clever' designs (even 'clever' designs that are logical and well executed) often prove to be unpopular. Gocro mentions Chausson's "Welcome 50" that was very short and had a bed that hinged down from the rear wall

 

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/motorhome/print/dealer/951DF472CBF2068580257997003B9034/

 

I remember my wife looking at one at a French motorhome dealerships and thinking it was brilliant. "Where are you going to put all your stuff?" I asked her - and that was that!

 

[Brian Kirby]

Can't contribute different vans, but would offer a few thoughts on these layouts, in additionto those above.

 

First, the bed will be relatively heavy, and is inevitably high in the vehicle. From a driving dynamics viewpoint this seems undesirable.

 

Second, these beds seem mainly to lower on webbing straps fed off linked rollers - many electrically driven. This makes me uneasy, as it increases complexity. Consider how you might be affected if the mechanism fails or the habitation battery is too flat.

 

Third, you can't use the space below the bed, once the bed is down. This seems to imply a degree of co-ordinated rising and retiring on the part of the occupants. Needs to be taken into account.

 

Fourth, most such layouts seem to place the occupants of the bed crosswise. One occupant can easily climb out to visit the washroom, but the other gets the cab end of the van - with no loo!

[candapack]

Once again, thanks to all for the contributions and advice. As a (potential) newbie, at least I'm finding out that there is a wealth of experience and help available.

My main problem is the enormous variety of manufacturers, models and layouts available. As we say in (some parts of) Scotland, "ma heid's burstin'".

Also, the layouts I want to see first hand are always at dealers hundreds of miles away.

As for hiring before buying, great in theory but unless you can hire what you at least think is your ideal layout, how valuable would it be? Would the wrong layout put you off motorhoming altogether?

 

Sometimes, it's hard to believe that being in a position to buy quite a nice motorhome means you're actually a really lucky !!!!!!!!!!

[snowie]

Hi candapack;

 

you don't say very much about how you plan to use your van, so here's my 2pennyworth. My personal opinions you understand.

Transverse beds are a pain, someone has to sleep furthest from the access/ladder, and as you get older this can be a nuisance.; you may be years away from this?

Beds "in the roof" may look to be a good idea; get the permanently made bed up and out of the way; great. The problem is that if you like to read in bed, or sit up and watch t.v, it can be pretty claustrophobic; from most that I've seen. Also, once down the space underneath is not much use anyway.

The Flash 10 looks like a good layout; except for the sleeping arrangement.

We looked at a few vans with longitudinal drop-down beds, and rejected them because we couldn't work out which end we would have our pillows! Additionally, ladders in bare feet wouldn't work for us.

I've forgotten how long the Flash 10 is, but if it's 6M, then maybe you should look at a longer van and find a layout that doesn't need an"attic" The "A Class" suggestion makes sense.

Choosing a van is all about compromises isn't it?

Choosing the dealbreakers is the important thing; if you both agree on them, you'll find a great van. Choosing a "preloved" van makes sense for the first one; just in case you get it slightly wrong!

Good luck

alan b