Topaz vs Trident - Beds & Shower

Hi all, we are in the early stages of looking for a van, to replace our much-loved Eriba caravan. Initially, we were looking for a trident, however, having viewed a couple, we are concerned that the bed is super narrow. This led us to start considering a Topaz but are concerned about the bigger double being a bit of a faff to set up the bed. The functionality of a separate toilet is also appealing as we find the toilet in our Eriba pretty invaluable. 

So I'm throwing it out there to glean from everyone's experience, as anyone owned both over the years? and what are your experiences of sleeping in both?

I am also intrigued as to how useful the shower is in the Topaz?

Hi Jim, the topaz beds are set up by turning the passenger seat and drivers seats round on their swivels, this is easy enough to do. They can stay as 2 singles or by using a couple of infill cushions becomes a double which is the full width of the van and around 6 feet long .The shower is fine to use , close over the sliding doors and there are also nylon shower screens and water drains out of the tray into the waste tank. Time showering depends on the water heater (gas or electric on hookup) capacity !

Hi Jim,
We had a 2008 Topaz for 10 years for the 2 of us plus Tess our Golden Retriever. The rear shower/toilet compartment was excellent for the size of the van. The beds were ok, I am 5-8. Anyone approaching 6ft might find it too short. The T5 2.5 is a great van to drive, we now have a Stanway which has a much more commercial feel about it.
Overall I would say the rear bathroom is a big plus over other conversions. The Stanway also has a good layout for us with 2 Golden Retrievers!!

From the autosleeper website
Single bed near side 6 foot 1 inch long by 1 foot 10 wide, offside is 5 foot 10 inch long by 1 foot 10 wide, double is 5 foot 10 by 4 foot 10

Hi Jim, we have a T5 Trident and yes the bed is narrow however over the last 5 years of ownership we've found it very comfortable. Of course in the begining you bang elbows on the side of the van or the furniture when turning over but soon learn not to. We're both on the large side and i'm 6'5" We looked at the Topaz and the Symbol both seemed to have everything we wanted but l just couldn't fit!! So we bought a Trident. We only use campsites so showers are always available. In fact we seldom use the sink or water/waste tanks preferring to use washup facilities on site which avoids the faff of draining/filling water tanks each day. Good luck with your search.

Hi Jim we have a Trooper which is the same layout as a Trident, just a different roof. You’re right the bed is narrow, but extremely comfortable. We’ve slept in one for many nights over 20 years.  Each couple is different so the best thing is to have a dealer pull the bed out, take your shoes off and both lay down on it.

Hi Jim we have a Trooper which is the same layout as a Trident, just a different roof. You’re right the bed is narrow, but extremely comfortable. We’ve slept in one for many nights over 20 years.  Each couple is different so the best thing is to have a dealer pull the bed out, take your shoes off and both lay down on it.

The most valuable thing I read online when we got our first van was when somebody commented, "The first 10 nights or so are about learning how to get comfortable."

Not, probably, so relevant in your case, but I've always thought it was a good general guideline to give to new campervanners. That, and saving space to carry proper pillows!

Exxcellent advice. Pillows double up as cushions, ours travel on the back seat, vertically behind the rucksakcs that we strap onto the seat with the seat belts.

We have a 2000 T4 Topaz.  We are in year three of ownership and it was our first van.     The king size (it really is) double bed takes about 6-8 mins to set up.  There are three essential in fill cushions. One van I looked at had these missing.  Two more which flatten the front seats. I am 6’1” and Mrs Topaz 5’5”.  I sleep on the near side and roll the front seat all the way forward and I can sleep straight. Same for Mrs T on the offside.  We use a king size Panda mattress topper and the bed is super comfy and wide.  Easy to get up to go to the loo or make a brew in the morning. So far we love the T4 topaz.  Other tips. Use propane gas and swap spot light bulbs to led.