Awesome video as always Dan - On the new Bailey 8ft, I agree, the bed and loo should be flipped. But I really like the L-shaped lounge that way round -- having experienced the other way on our Elegance 850
Been following your Vlogs from New Zealand for a few years. Love the content from this NEC show visit to your trips away, and maintenance tips. Our camping in NZ is a bit different from the UK, but a lot of the info is applicable. We camp off grid a lot apart from a 2 week Xmas break where we crowd into a commercial camping ground. We have a Swift Eccles 645 and looking to upgrade to a Challenger All Road 645 (Export to NZ model only) It's on a 100mm higher Al-ko chassis which makes access to rough sites much easier.
I really like your videos Dan, you have a very pragmatic approach to reviewing products and I think you really consider what something would be like to use / live in. Thanks
A grate blog Dan and I must agree with your comments about buying new caravan’s, I must say I do like the new Bailey Alicanto Grande Deluxe Evora, thank you as well for sharing the time you spent on the Truma stand as well, the 2nd generation does look a great bit of kit.
Re: your comment about the loo being on the “wrong” side. Fully agree with this. Anyone who has a smaller awning (ours is a 390 on a Swift 650) and adds the bedroom extension at the rear of the van is going to have to drop the rear bedroom inner to access the toilet cassette - madness. The services access should always be on the opposite side to the entrance door/awning.
Good pair of videos Dan. I too suffered an SD Card failure this summer. They are a complete nightmare and despite best efforts at retrieving that info, it's gone. One of those things unfortunately. I feel your pain!!
I like the bed personality that side. Think it flows better on the Bailey. Microwave position is not good, think I won't be there only one on this point. Love the colour scheme.
Good vlog as always Dan. I like the Alvor, but can’t help thinking the microwave was an afterthought. They’ve designed the kitchen and then realised they’d forgotten about it. It would be too much faff having to open both cupboard doors to use it, and then have to step around them when you’re still using the kitchen. I can see broken cupboard doors and hinges being a regular occurrence!
Very interesting two part coverage Dan. I'm particularly intrigued by the new Truma Aircon unit. We might be in the market for a new caravan next year, so I will be interested to see the cost of the Gen 2 aircon.
Hi Dan I have to say I thought the new Alvor twin axle was quite disappointing regarding the microwave definitely at the wrong level to work with whilst using hot equipment and I certainly don't like the fact that you empty the loo cassette on the side where you may be sitting in your awning and definitely if it's a full awning I have to say I'm an avid elddis lover for the layout with central washroom I've always believed that at home our bedroom is our personal space and It still is when we go away in the van everyone can use the washroom and kitchen area and not have to encroach on our bedroom so not a fan of end washroom where people walk into your space if there are more than the 2 of you in the van but anyway great footage great insight thank you
Not sure it would bother me the toilet, as you are only taking a sealed box out of a cupboard. After seeing your vlog on Broadway we've booked a week there next May. Really enjoy your work.
Thank you. The toilet issue, is from experience. In our awning set up back in the day, we had a storage unit in the corner, that could only fit in the corner out the way. This also covered up the access to the loo, and it was a real pain to get the cassette in and out. Not, forgetting the time i spilt some blue chemical on the awning carpet. From that point, i was clear i wanted all services on the off-side of the caravan. You'll love Broadway i'm certain. Lots to do in the area. Let me know how you found it! Take care Dan
Very interesting and well informed video Dan. However, for a deluxe van there are some major design flaws which you pointed out. Such as the bed and toilet being the wrong side, also although I agree with in regard the kitchen quality and design, it falls down because of the positioning of the microwave. Stupid place to put it in my opinion. Thanks anyway Dan, another vid worth watching
Hi Dan. Great review and I agree on the position of the toilet, not well thought out. Also the microwave being at such a low level and in a cupboard seems a bit ridiculous to me. Both deal breakers I'm afraid!
So to use the microwave in the Alvor Kneel on the floor To take anything out to stir it PUT WHERE ? The floor ? When finished still on your knees or a low squat raise hot food above head put on work surface or try and balance while standing up Accident waiting to happen Cant see this being a seller
Thank you for another great video! The microwave in the lower cupboard would be a huge no for me; I can get down but would have trouble getting up again especially with a hot dish. I keep getting told that as a woman on her own (with a dog who unfortunately cute as she is is not up for assisting me) I should have a camper van; I just can't see the logic so am sticking to caravan reviews!
We didn't like the Alvor at all. Personally felt very cheap for the price of the van. We bought a winter cover from Specialised as last year the van took forever to clean. Excellent video as always Dan.
Hi Dan, an excellent 2 parter. I must admit, I was very disappointed with the Alicanto Grande. I didn’t like the microwave position, there didn’t seem to be a cooker extract? Where are the wardrobes in the caravan? I, like you, do not not like loo on the awning side. The bed I think is something a person could get used to. As with the coachman, I think the laser xcel 845 has better graphics and layout compared to the Lusso II. We are toying between the laser 845 and the swift elegance 860 at present. We love your input and would love to know your opinion of the swift 860, as you seldom talk about the swifts. Cheers, Mike
Hi, have yoy reviewed the new Lusso yet? Re the Bailey bed .... iit's the same as our caravans and never been a problem as we have curtains/blinds drawn until we are up and the bed put back into day mode as well as privacy "glass' so not an issue. Re the Truma A/C amazing how it can be used in different zones (partner hates cold) so even at 7am watching the Bionic Woman on the new Fire TV lol the A/C even at that time on a mild morning is amazing and the difference with it on or off is chalk and cheese...great also to quickly heat the caravan if I forget before getting back with a text from the Truma iNet app
Hi Dan , I enjoyed your vlog on the truma , like the use of using a new refrigerant 😊 ,I’ve been following the Radfords family,his unit fuse blew and had to strip it as it was not acceptable just to replace it 🤨, what are your thoughts on this. 👍thanks
Hi Dan always enjoy your content…. Just wondering if at some point you could go look at the new 2025 Buccaneer Barracuda range of vans as for us these are beautiful highly spec vans and wanted to know what your thoughts were after reviewing the range, we have the Aruba equivalent chatsworth special which Is a fantastic layout for us.
Hi dan & family , shame you lost your footage , im interested on a mid bathroom for my next caravan , would you give me your thoughts on that , thanx , 👍
Great vlog sir!! Can you possibly advise on weather their is such a van or motorhome that has a front drop down bed & a rear drop down bed with a lounge at the rear & a dinner area at the front? And that air conditioning unit was absolutely awesome can this be fitted to any van or motorhome?🤔 Kind regards Dave...👌🏻👍🏻
Dan I have had the Truma Aventa air con fitted on two caravans. A real lifesaver in france and I would not be without.. However I cannot understand why they have a heat facility when modern caravans are fitted with heating systems that are so good. EG Alde. I really do believe they should market them with or without heat. Surely air con is about cooling. Why pay for something you do not need and they could therefore make the price more affordable.
Thanks Dan. I'd meant to ask you before about the bathroom door... on the Evora, which we have too. Both of the brackets/hinges the door hangs from have sheared. Our kind dealer sent replacement for the first one when it broke but we couldnt work out how to easily get the door off and the bits still in the runner. We've had to tape them to one side as they jammed the door solid and took some freeing up... and blue air!! lol We have to manually lift and slide the door to open and close. Its a heavy door and has no floor runner to keep it in place either and take some of the weight. . Its gonna be a warranty fix at its service. Anyone else had this problem? Being only top hung and heavy on two little nylon pins.. shocking design flaw. it wobbles in transit which is why we think they sheared off. And dont start me on those stupid fabric straps and useless pop studs!!! lol Rant over. Looking at the new one you featured... design has gone backwards. Such a shame except for the lounge... loving that. Thanks for all the product reviews. We couldnt make the show... next time.
Dan lovely vid liked the holidays away and the how to vids as well these caravans are way out of touch of normal people i bought a 636 avante brand new 2007 £13500 may wage has not doubled in that time
Van looks nice but like you don't really want loo or fridge vent on the awning side. You didnt comment on the hob - 1 x electric & 3 x gas??? No rubbish location for the microwave. This is a) too expensive & b) too heavy for us. Far too many vanlifers on the road sonot impressed with campers!
Went to the NEC , wasn’t impressed with innovative ideas on caravans. Is it me or is the day of the oven an outdated appliance. Would you think a combi microwave would be better and possible halogen hobs.maybe there’s too many bed swapping around too. Singles, transverse and end bedroom are enough . Seems to be too many vans, camper vans, at the NEC show, it was like an indoor car park.
Awesome video as always Dan - On the new Bailey 8ft, I agree, the bed and loo should be flipped. But I really like the L-shaped lounge that way round -- having experienced the other way on our Elegance 850
Been following your Vlogs from New Zealand for a few years. Love the content from this NEC show visit to your trips away, and maintenance tips. Our camping in NZ is a bit different from the UK, but a lot of the info is applicable. We camp off grid a lot apart from a 2 week Xmas break where we crowd into a commercial camping ground.
We have a Swift Eccles 645 and looking to upgrade to a Challenger All Road 645 (Export to NZ model only) It's on a 100mm higher Al-ko chassis which makes access to rough sites much easier.
Totally agree with you on the first caravan’s microwave- strange where that was placed 🤔
I really like your videos Dan, you have a very pragmatic approach to reviewing products and I think you really consider what something would be like to use / live in. Thanks
I appreciate that!
A grate blog Dan and I must agree with your comments about buying new caravan’s, I must say I do like the new Bailey Alicanto Grande Deluxe Evora, thank you as well for sharing the time you spent on the Truma stand as well, the 2nd generation does look a great bit of kit.
Re: your comment about the loo being on the “wrong” side. Fully agree with this. Anyone who has a smaller awning (ours is a 390 on a Swift 650) and adds the bedroom extension at the rear of the van is going to have to drop the rear bedroom inner to access the toilet cassette - madness.
The services access should always be on the opposite side to the entrance door/awning.
Great presentation Dan well done
Good pair of videos Dan.
I too suffered an SD Card failure this summer. They are a complete nightmare and despite best efforts at retrieving that info, it's gone. One of those things unfortunately. I feel your pain!!
I like the bed personality that side. Think it flows better on the Bailey. Microwave position is not good, think I won't be there only one on this point. Love the colour scheme.
Good vlog as always Dan. I like the Alvor, but can’t help thinking the microwave was an afterthought. They’ve designed the kitchen and then realised they’d forgotten about it. It would be too much faff having to open both cupboard doors to use it, and then have to step around them when you’re still using the kitchen. I can see broken cupboard doors and hinges being a regular occurrence!
Crikey yes - that's a very odd position for the microwave 😜
Very interesting two part coverage Dan. I'm particularly intrigued by the new Truma Aircon unit. We might be in the market for a new caravan next year, so I will be interested to see the cost of the Gen 2 aircon.
Hi Dan I have to say I thought the new Alvor twin axle was quite disappointing regarding the microwave definitely at the wrong level to work with whilst using hot equipment and I certainly don't like the fact that you empty the loo cassette on the side where you may be sitting in your awning and definitely if it's a full awning I have to say I'm an avid elddis lover for the layout with central washroom I've always believed that at home our bedroom is our personal space and It still is when we go away in the van everyone can use the washroom and kitchen area and not have to encroach on our bedroom so not a fan of end washroom where people walk into your space if there are more than the 2 of you in the van but anyway great footage great insight thank you
Good to meet you .
It really was. Did you have a good day?
Not sure it would bother me the toilet, as you are only taking a sealed box out of a cupboard. After seeing your vlog on Broadway we've booked a week there next May. Really enjoy your work.
Thank you. The toilet issue, is from experience. In our awning set up back in the day, we had a storage unit in the corner, that could only fit in the corner out the way. This also covered up the access to the loo, and it was a real pain to get the cassette in and out. Not, forgetting the time i spilt some blue chemical on the awning carpet. From that point, i was clear i wanted all services on the off-side of the caravan.
You'll love Broadway i'm certain. Lots to do in the area. Let me know how you found it!
Take care
Dan
The somewhat 'elaborate' Bailey names still make me smile a little... 😀
Very interesting and well informed video Dan. However, for a deluxe van there are some major design flaws which you pointed out. Such as the bed and toilet being the wrong side, also although I agree with in regard the kitchen quality and design, it falls down because of the positioning of the microwave. Stupid place to put it in my opinion. Thanks anyway Dan, another vid worth watching
Hi Dan. Great review and I agree on the position of the toilet, not well thought out. Also the microwave being at such a low level and in a cupboard seems a bit ridiculous to me. Both deal breakers I'm afraid!
So to use the microwave in the Alvor
Kneel on the floor
To take anything out to stir it
PUT WHERE ? The floor ?
When finished still on your knees or a low squat raise hot food above head put on work surface or try and balance while standing up
Accident waiting to happen
Cant see this being a seller
But also, keep the doors open when in use.
😢 Agree with you completely. Back to the drawing board...
Toilet and microwave are deal breakers for me. Love the bed and lounge though.
Thank you for another great video! The microwave in the lower cupboard would be a huge no for me; I can get down but would have trouble getting up again especially with a hot dish. I keep getting told that as a woman on her own (with a dog who unfortunately cute as she is is not up for assisting me) I should have a camper van; I just can't see the logic so am sticking to caravan reviews!
We didn't like the Alvor at all. Personally felt very cheap for the price of the van. We bought a winter cover from Specialised as last year the van took forever to clean. Excellent video as always Dan.
Hi Dan, an excellent 2 parter.
I must admit, I was very disappointed with the Alicanto Grande. I didn’t like the microwave position, there didn’t seem to be a cooker extract?
Where are the wardrobes in the caravan?
I, like you, do not not like loo on the awning side.
The bed I think is something a person could get used to.
As with the coachman, I think the laser xcel 845 has better graphics and layout compared to the Lusso II.
We are toying between the laser 845 and the swift elegance 860 at present.
We love your input and would love to know your opinion of the swift 860, as you seldom talk about the swifts.
Cheers, Mike
Hi, have yoy reviewed the new Lusso yet?
Re the Bailey bed .... iit's the same as our caravans and never been a problem as we have curtains/blinds drawn until we are up and the bed put back into day mode as well as privacy "glass' so not an issue.
Re the Truma A/C amazing how it can be used in different zones (partner hates cold) so even at 7am watching the Bionic Woman on the new Fire TV lol the A/C even at that time on a mild morning is amazing and the difference with it on or off is chalk and cheese...great also to quickly heat the caravan if I forget before getting back with a text from the Truma iNet app
Hi Dan , I enjoyed your vlog on the truma , like the use of using a new refrigerant 😊 ,I’ve been following the Radfords family,his unit fuse blew and had to strip it as it was not acceptable just to replace it 🤨, what are your thoughts on this. 👍thanks
Hi Dan always enjoy your content….
Just wondering if at some point you could go look at the new 2025 Buccaneer Barracuda range of vans as for us these are beautiful highly spec vans and wanted to know what your thoughts were after reviewing the range, we have the Aruba equivalent chatsworth special which Is a fantastic layout for us.
Hi dan & family , shame you lost your footage , im interested on a mid bathroom for my next caravan , would you give me your thoughts on that , thanx , 👍
Great vlog sir!! Can you possibly advise on weather their is such a van or motorhome that has a front drop down bed & a rear drop down bed with a lounge at the rear & a dinner area at the front? And that air conditioning unit was absolutely awesome can this be fitted to any van or motorhome?🤔 Kind regards Dave...👌🏻👍🏻
Dan I have had the Truma Aventa air con fitted on two caravans. A real lifesaver in france and I would not be without.. However I cannot understand why they have a heat facility when modern caravans are fitted with heating systems that are so good. EG Alde. I really do believe they should market them with or without heat. Surely air con is about cooling. Why pay for something you do not need and they could therefore make the price more affordable.
Hi, I’ve used the heating - when initially setting up in the winter. I must admit it was great adding instant heat while the Alde was warming up.
Thanks Dan. I'd meant to ask you before about the bathroom door... on the Evora, which we have too. Both of the brackets/hinges the door hangs from have sheared. Our kind dealer sent replacement for the first one when it broke but we couldnt work out how to easily get the door off and the bits still in the runner. We've had to tape them to one side as they jammed the door solid and took some freeing up... and blue air!! lol We have to manually lift and slide the door to open and close. Its a heavy door and has no floor runner to keep it in place either and take some of the weight. . Its gonna be a warranty fix at its service. Anyone else had this problem? Being only top hung and heavy on two little nylon pins.. shocking design flaw. it wobbles in transit which is why we think they sheared off. And dont start me on those stupid fabric straps and useless pop studs!!! lol Rant over. Looking at the new one you featured... design has gone backwards. Such a shame except for the lounge... loving that. Thanks for all the product reviews. We couldnt make the show... next time.
Cheers Dan, like the air con unit, But how much £££££££, 👍👍
Not known at the moment, maybe when it arrives in the dealerships next year.
Maybe the microwave is there for transit and lifted onto the worktop when on site
Hi, no the microwave is held in place.
Dan lovely vid liked the holidays away and the how to vids as well these caravans are way out of touch of normal people i bought a 636 avante brand new 2007 £13500 may wage has not doubled in that time
Love the Avora but microwave is in a ridiculous place 😮
I think one day caravan designers may use a caravan and maybe things will get better, they haven't got a clue.
Is that a real cat behind dan its awfully still if it is
Luna was (prob still is) fast asleep. She keeps me company in the office every day.
Van looks nice but like you don't really want loo or fridge vent on the awning side.
You didnt comment on the hob - 1 x electric & 3 x gas???
No rubbish location for the microwave.
This is a) too expensive & b) too heavy for us.
Far too many vanlifers on the road sonot impressed with campers!
Yes, the cooker is dual fuel hob, separate grill and oven. 👍
Really like the new van all the way until you get to the toilet. Sorry, that's a deal breaker.
Went to the NEC , wasn’t impressed with innovative ideas on caravans. Is it me or is the day of the oven an outdated appliance. Would you think a combi microwave would be better and possible halogen hobs.maybe there’s too many bed swapping around too. Singles, transverse and end bedroom are enough . Seems to be too many vans, camper vans, at the NEC show, it was like an indoor car park.