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Popular caravan layouts for the season ahead? The evidence is growing that more and more folk are seriously considering the merits of twin single beds.
Plenty of us have discovered the fixed double– and just as soon realised its biggest disadvantage: if one person wants to get out at the wrong time (middle of the night emergencies, for example) it so often means disrupted sleep for the other.
There are two solutions to this: an island bed (with space around it to get out either side – but that’s not always as simple as it sounds). And this, the two singles arrangement.
Add in the bonus of a generous size end washroom and you can see why this latest Quasar from Lunar has all kinds of appeal.
For how many, though? This is a four-berth with a bit of a twist. Or, it’s perfect for couples who just occasionally want to take the children (or grandchildren) with them.
Of course, Lunar’s enduring legacy is one of lightweight. There’s still quite a body length here. And it’s noticeable how much of it is beyond the wheels, although the lighter overall weight definitely brings it within reach of more potential towcars.
Inside, this all-new Quasar adheres to the current trend for a two-tone finish to the upper locker doors. Again, it’s an overall look designed to appeal to many and upset few. Consider that a big advantage, especially when it comes to trade-in time. Meanwhile, there’s nothing to stop you jazzing things up with anything from different cushions (or covers) to carpet runners etc.
The lounge tends towards cosy rather than out-and-out sprawling. As for the sleeping, the settees translate into 5ft long (child-size) singles, but you can make a double that’s a sizeable enough 6ft 7in x 5ft.
For full family use, then, this floorplan could see the children talking the single beds while mum and dad get the benefit of the use of the lounge when the kids have been put to bed, and it’s not too much hassle to turn the seating into that big bed.
The rear singles are both 6ft 2in long and 2ft 3in wide. Why is it that bed sizes are still easier to comprehend when we quote them in imperial?
The kitchen is also an area where there’s a bit of compromise. An add-on drainer means there is a bit of work surface when you need it, but there’s otherwise little elbow room. A microwave oven is standard (a Daewoo 800Watt model), but you could request it’s left out in lieu of cupboard space at the time of build; it’s a no-cost option.
Putting the fridge over the wardrobe frees up a lot of extra storage within the kitchen module. That fridge may look a bit small, but don’t forget it’s one of Dometic’s latest 8-series models. That means it has a removable freezer section, should you wish to use the whole space as a larder only. It makes a lot of sense for many folk.
Other cooking facilities include a three-ring gas hob with electric hotplate (always a boon if you’ve paid upfront for your electricity on site).
At the back, you’re unlikely to have complaints about lack of space in the washroom. A swivel-bowl toilet takes the offside wall, shower cubicle the nearside corner, a sink between the two. It leaves good changing room space, just bear in mind the wardrobe is a short walk away.
Did we mention family appeal? There’s provision to add a TV in two areas, and the ready-supplied aerial comes with a signal status indicator. Plus, there’s a stereo radio/CD with MP3 connectivity.
As well as being lighter, pricewise this Lunar also stacks up well against its obvious rivals. That indefinable quality that we often call “showroom appeal” is perhaps missing slightly here, but that’s no bad thing. It’s the bells, whistles and fancy bits that tend to break first. This ‘van sticks with good old traditional values – and is all the better for it.
Verdict
Luxury for two, but with the capability to take a couple more if needed
Plus: Comfortably fuss-free. Light weight. Comfortable beds. Large washroom
Minus: Lacks a bit of pizzazz
In-a-nut-shell: A worthy contender
Cost to insure: £270*
Fact file
- Price from £16,495
- Berths: 4
- Overall length 7.23m
- Interior length 5.62m
- Width 2.16m
- Headroom 1.91m
- Miro 1196kg
- Mtplm 1355kg
- Key options alternative interior trim £250, AL-KO secure wheel lock £219 (10% caravan insurance discount), AL-KO ATC £499 (5% caravan insurance discount), remote control alarm/awning light £279, leather upholstery £1149, touch control extractor fan in lieu of mini heki £179, wrap-around seating £119
- Security and safety Al-Ko AKS stabiliser, CRiS registration, AL-KO Secure Receiver
- More info: www.lunarcaravans.com
*Caravan insurance cost based on Lunar Quasar, £16,495. Fitted with hitchlock and AL-KO Secure axle wheel lock. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 20.11.12.
I always wanted a caravan with a bathroom and convinced myself that an end bathroom with all the extra space was the best. I also opted for the twin beds as this gave more space to move about in also. So I bought a Geist with these very specs. Beautiful caravan and the only option of this spec at the time. But the end bathroom meant that if anyone got up in the night to go to the loo they had to open the bathroom door onto the bed. Very distrubing! And not so practical. I later bought the Lunar Lexon SB – the one with the CENTRE bathroom. This works so much better on several levels. The whole of the bedroom area can be closed off including the bathroom and loo. The loo can be used separately. If anyone wants to go to the loo in the night – off they go!! Everything is at the foot of the beds. After trying both specs I would not willingly go back to the end bathroom.
I read the article with interest but then get to the weak point as to why fixed beds are not so good had transmuted to the singles. I am 6′ 2″ and a bed only that long is no good – I would sooner have 6″ less sofa space. At least with the fixed bed I can have the outside and hang me feet over the edge.
My Wife Janice and I attended the Autumn Caravan Show at the NEC. We currently own a Lunar Conquest 494, based on the Quasar, Shipping length 6.37 m. This is a 4berth van suitable for taking away grandchildren. We were most disappointed that this and the smaller 464 had been dropped from the range. We cannot have a larger van as we cannot store it at home and would be forced to keep it on a storage site with the resulting gross inconvenience and additional costs. When attending any show if the caravan shipping length exceeds 6.4 m we just walk away and tell the salesman why. Lunar are not the only manufacturer to blame Bailey and Swift are just as guilty. Manufacturers recently have been concentrating on weight and have largely ignored length. If a 4 berth van is made this is only largely available in the basic range only, within the shipping length we require. We have stored our van at home for over 35 years and are grossly disappointed at the very limited choice available to us in the mid to clubman ranges.
There is no way we could consider the Quasar/Conquest 554 model and we do not want to move home to buy one!!!!
it was cheaper in caravan club magazine this decembers issue
We have just converted back to a caravan from a motorhome but previously had a double fixed bed (Compass 534). We liked the fixed bed but it took up too much room and the washroom was small. Having looked at several new vans at the NEC we were very pleased to see a van with 2 fixed single beds with a double at the front end (the Lunar 554 Conquest). We were very impressed with the magnificent rear washroom which is very spacious, has a large shower unit, and a dometic ceramic lined swivel toilet(dealer special add-on). We were also taken by the very light interior,possibly enhanced by another dealer add-on of a large heiki front roof vent. The van gives a very spacious feeling to it which was absent in the double fixed bed and we feel it is ideal as a luxury unit for us OAP’s who take the grandchildren away 3/4 times a year. We have been back to the local dealer several times to see if we can better it but every time we have decided that this was the one! Needless to say we have one on order and cannot wait to start the 2013 season in it both in the UK and Europe.
In closing, I would point out that in the article above you mention that the fridge is OVER the wardrobe. In fact, the converse is true, and the fridge is more spacious than ones we have had previously even with the freezer section in place. Finally, a very important point to mention. Strictly speaking,the front double bed is not 5′ wide. It only measures 46″!!! I took this up with Lunar and they confirmed it IS 5′ wide, BUT, wait for it, only if you remove the front drawer unit. Quite honestly, I cannot imagine anyone wanting to unscrew this unit every night, and where would you put it anyway? We have tried the bed in situ and it is a bit of a squeeze but adequate so it is a minor inconvenience. If a purchaser wants the full 5′ then they can opt for the drawer unit to be left out and have a wrap around front dinette. Overall, we think this layout is long overdue and is a useful addition to the range.