Caravan pecking order?

[MoelyCrio]

Is there one?

Looking for a first van. Considering 6 berths as we have two toddlers and fixed bunks appeal. Rear dinette and ability to close it off in the evening also appeals.
Quite happy comparing age/condition/extras etc at a given price point, but is there a 'brand' thing in caravans?
We sat in a Swift Freestyle today which was noticeably better quality than an Elddis for the same year (2011). Sales lady also said don't compare a Swift Freestyle with another we'd mentioned (Swift Challenger) as the Freestyle was leagues ahead??

Also amazed at how much 5 year old vans are compared to their original invoice price!!

Anyway over to you, what's the BMW/Peugeot/Dacia of the van world?

[MoelyCrio]

Doesn't that just mean you have to make the kids beds up rather your own? Still one set of beds to make up. Plus, having the fixed double uses up a lot of space during the day.

[MoelyCrio]

That's the layout we want ^^

The Sprite has an even more budget brand now, the Freedom. Like you say, quality weighs and cheaper vans are light. New Freedom 6 for £14k seems good. Missus is not so keen on used.

[MoelyCrio]

We've bought a Bailey Pageant Auvergne 5 berth in the end. Bunk over at the end with seperate closed area. Front singles are long enough for me at 6'3'' (I think).

Decided against paying more as its our first van and we're not sure we'll like it. Its going on a seasonal pitch for the rest of this year and we'll decide whether to tour if I get more confident towing. Never towed before and I'm getting it delivered to the site (too chicken!)