I think we have now decided on a 530 and the question is fixed bed or not?

Initially we were going to order a 430 which due to the small front dinette we were definitely going to go for the rear seating rather than fixed bed, although on the 530 the front seating area is a much better size.

We originally thought that the extra seating area would give greater flexibility but after looking at one today, it appears the seats slide over some metal rails to create the bed. Whereas if we go fixed bed, it would be a sprung base and a proper mattress.

Has anyone got any experience using both of these and which is more comfortable? Also if we ever go to resell wonder which option would be best?

We have a troll 550gt with a rear fixed bed, you lose out on lounge space but gain on storage, the beds nice because it is all ready made up for you at night, we use a bologna awning for lounging in but if you don't take an awning with you it might be worth having more lounge space in the van without the convenience of a permanent bed. I'm afraid it's horses for courses. Take your pick. Brian.

We have a Triton and like the option of bed or dinette. The previous owners had installed a permanent bed but, as you say, the front dinette is small. We like to spread out over dinner.

As part of the order of our 410 we decided to have the beds uprated to sprung - which also included the option of the bed bases being the conventional legged slide-out as seen in most modern vans, rather than the pivoty metal things. Also we both hate sleeping on foam because of the way it pushes heat back at you.

Since it has no bathroom the 410 - which we think of as a Mega-Puck - provides a more open living space which means you get the choice of leaving the beds made up or not without feeling cramped. You do lose the big underbed space of the fixed beds, but it does seem a bit more flexible.

As Aaron said, with an awning as well you can just make and forget! There are a couple of Practical Caravan Eriba reviews on YouTube, I recall one of them featured a fixed bed - may help you decide???

Colin mentioned the climbing across your partner.....
In most cross way layouts the exit from the bed is between the fridge and wardrobe which means that crossing your partner is across the chest or stomach area, it's not just a simple job of slipping across legs or feet!
Some may like the intimacy, some may need crampons, some may not even notice but for many it is not a comfortable exit 'cos of the restriction of the furniture. 😄

It's very important to try it out before committing to buy and not just by laying on it!

Quote: Frantone wrote in post #7

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In most cross way layouts the exit from the bed is between the fridge and wardrobe which means that crossing your partner is across the chest or stomach area, it's not just a simple job of slipping across legs or feet!
Some may like the intimacy, some may need crampons, some may not even notice but for many it is not a comfortable exit 'cos of the restriction of the furniture. 😄

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We have a fixed bed 530 and have had fixed bed 550s and a non-fixed 540.

You do gain a huge contiguous usable under-bed storage area wth the fixed bed compared to the benches, but lose flexibility if you want to seat more than 4 around a table. The front dinette in the 530 is much larger and more user-friendly than that in the 540, and you can seat four round the table at a push, but probably not for eating.

The 530 with either fixed or benches also allows two adults to have large beds separately provided sleeping across the caravan is acceptable, and I think the modern vans are a bit wider than the older ones.

For me it's a trade off between storage and sleeping/seating flexibility.

Your answer will probably only come after a few outings and how you use the van and what ends up being a priority for the next one you buy!

Hi, we've just bought a 530 with dinette. We previously had an adria caravan and used a mattress topper to be ultra comfy. The 530 has a slatted base and I've found it really comfy and its massive! You're welcome to come take a look at ours if you're anywhere near!
Fiona

Thanks for all the comments. We've ultimately decided on a 430 due to towing weights on my car. We've also decided on fixed bed as in reality we will probably never want to make up the rear dinette each day. The thought of a proper slatted base and mattress also appeals.

The other point is the underbed storage will be much bigger for an awning. We're off to pay the deposit on Sunday and delivery is due around March.

Congrats but a word of warning. The Eriba Touring range of vans have a maximum hitch (nose) limit of 100kg and Hymer recommend loading the van so that this limit, or as close to it as possible, thereby ensuring as much towing stability as possible. If the cars towbar limit is less than this then of course that figure should serve as the maximum.

However, experience has shown, certainly with our 430 and judging from what a lot of other forum members have to say, achieving 100kg on the hitch is almost next to impossible. The pointy front end of the van is a Hymer feature they say and this long front end assists in good towing stability. In the past we have carried 2 full gas bottles in the front along with a few other bits and bobs and still can't achieve 100kg or anywhere near it. That said though, in my opinion you will be doing yourself no favours by compounding the issue with putting the awning at the rear of the van which will make the hitch end even lighter. We always carried ours laying on non-slip matting in the middle of the van and over the axle tending towards the front just a touch.

Other than that, here's wishing you many happy years of Eriba touring.

What the different between sprung seats and foam ones? Does it affect/improve/reduce sleeping?