Valco Trimode Twin EX-has anyone got one?

I have been researching (obsessing :headbang: ) twin prams lately and keep coming back to the Valco Twin TRimode EX.
I want to know if anyone has had one of these and how did they find it?

I have read some reviews online but still can't decide.

I have just realised really that I have about 11 weeks to go until my c/section - all going well - and we have not organised a pram yet. I have kinda held off until now IYKWIM but as we will probably have to layby we need to make a start.

Opinions on this particular pram and others welcome please!!!!

 

I had a Mountain Buggy Urban Double ... similar style / type. I loved it, easy to push, sturdy, great for walks, but not great for the car and/or traveling (I used a double McLaren for that). I had a kiddie board for my oldest, which worked great. Folding was easy, it's just very very heavy, but it walks like a dream. I liked the design of the MBUD better (simpler, less colors, stylish) so that's why I opted for that one. I just sold it last year in Europe (where it's way more expensive) so got a good price back, it cost me about $100 to have it for 2 1/2 years. They don't sell Valco in Europe so that was something else to consider.

I would say if you can afford it, go for it, however don't think it's the only stroller you would ever need ... at least not if you want to travel and take it in the car, but maybe that's me!

 

I was hoping to stick with the 1 pram to start with.
I realy like this pram so far, but am put off a little bit by the weight. Especially with having a c/section too. but then I figured that I probably won't be going to far in the first few aweeks at least and if I do, will probably have my husband with me to help with lifting it in and out of the car anyway?!

I've never had a double/twin pram before but from what I've read and heard they are nearly all wide and bulky compared to a single.

I do know I want something that won't fall over when a gust of wind comes along.

With my singletons, I had 2 prams though. A bigger more solid one for walking etc and a smaller folding one that more or less stayed in the car for shopping etc.

 

We have the Valco twin from 2006. It's now 4 years old and still looks brand new. It's our outside stroller (in addition to taking it all the places that we needed a third seat for) and still looks and rides awesome! We got it because it was one of the only strollers we could find that had a third seat (our DS was only 16 months old when the girls were born). But it pushes like a dream - even with 3 heavy kids in it! I can't say enough good things about Valco - and their customer service is wonderful too. We never had to worry about the stroller fitting into places either since it fits anywhere a wheelchair can go. And because it steers so easily it's easy to get in and out of doors. The only downside is that it's a heavy stroller (any well made heavy duty double/triple will be)but I can get it into our truck by myself. And if you have other kids at home with twins on the way you probably have a bigger sized car (so that this will fit in the trunk). I can't say enough good things about it! Well worth the money!

 

When we just had the twins we had the Mountain Buggy Urban Double - the BEST stroller ever!! Once number 3 came along we sold the Mountain Buggy and bought the Valco so that we could add the 3rd seat. The Valco is nice, but it isn't near the quality of the Mountain Buggy.

The Valco is much heavier, even without the 3rd seat. It doesn't fold as flat as the MB, or as easily. The tires go flat often. It doesn't steer as well. The straps/harnesses are harder to use and more difficult to switch from 5 point to just a lap belt.

I wouldn't recommend either for loading in and out of the car, although I did it with the MB for about a year. I ended up purchasing a Combi for the car. We lived in a city, so we used the MB/Valco everyday for getting around - more than we used the car.

Good Luck!!

 

I have a Valco Twin Trimode from 2007 and love it. Yes, its heavy, but you only have to get it in and out of the car. It turns on a dime and you can steer it one handed. I also have done alot of jogging behind it. I dont have any of the other issues that the PP mentioned. ardon:

I got it when my boys were very young and I had a toddler as well. We really need the toddler attachment. I still use it all the time and even my now 5 YO can ride in it comfortably if we go to one of the Disney parks and she needs a break.

A great investment for sure!

 

I have had offers to buy friends 2nd hand prams but with most of them being 3 wheelers, I'm not too keen. My husband doesn't like 3 wheelers much either.
Of lot of pp mention the great toddler seat attachment, but we won't be needing that. We have a 9 yr old, 4 yr old already.

The 2nd hand Valcos don't seem to go for under $400 on ebay etc (then add courier fees!). It's looking like we might be getting a NEW one if we do get a Valco. I can get one for $850 new, latest model. It IS alot of money, especially for something I haven't actually seen in person, but most reviews seem to love it.
It is goof to hear from twin mums though.

Our car is a mid size SUV which we will keep for now and upgrade to a larger car later on.

 

Just thought I'd jump in here...we got our valco in November because we'll need a triple in just a few weeks. We LOVE it!! I have yet to find a door I can't fit through and the babies really like it as well. It steers like a dream and is so easy to push even when the babies are in it. I don't know that I wouldn't even call it heavy if I wasn't pregnant, in fact I know I wouldn't but "heavy" means different things to different people. I researched triple strollers for months and loved the option of buying a twin stroller that could turn into a triple without adding width. My husband didn't know what to expect but after all the searching trusted me when I told him this was our best option...he now says "this thing is worth it's weight in gold!" Happy stroller shopping!

Check out Albeebaby.com - I bought the stroller, toddler seat (which I know you won't need)for less than what just the stroller was going for on other sites. Their site frequently has 15% off sales and it's always free shipping on orders over $100 I think.

 

What the difference between the Baby Twin Trimode Twin EX and the Runabout Twin? They are the same price and look the same so I'm not sure which one I should be looking into.

Also, thanks about the recommendation for Albeebaby...great discount. On Craigslist, most used ones are $450 and they are a few years old. I might as well get a new one. I'm concerned about spending hte money because we bought a bugaboo for our older son since everyone had one and I HATED it. so clunky to fold up and I'm concerned about the same thing here, but we have few options.

 

We just bought one off ebay for $350 - and $13 postage! Ours is being couriered across the state via stateliner (greyhound) bus - they are SO cheap!

 

Here from what I can see online, the Trimode Twin Ex has a hood which extends alot further, easy adjust recline system and a bigger basket. Also the footplate is black instead of silver (?)

 

Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I just ordered a Valco since we need the toddler seat and got a great deal! I used Country Moose Kids they have them on sale for 659 right now and also give a twin discount! Just email them and inquire about it, it was stated around the botton of their main stroller page highlighted in yellow. Also when you are checking out they offer the option to add on accessories for cheaper than they are in their store by themselves. For example a toddler seat and hood for 120 vs 99 and 40 separately, a cupholder for 6 vs 14.99 etc. I did a lot of research to find the best price (that ships to Canada) and this was it. I found a lady a few towns over who had a used one for $600 ummm yeah no thanks, just like ebay. Anyway I haven't received it yet since I just ordered a week or so ago but am soooo excited to get it and be able to leave the house with all 3 kids in tow. Oh and you can also get one of those hitch-hiker boards for an older child to stand at the back too so with older kids that may be of interest to you too. Good luck deciding!

 

I can tell you that you wont regret it. It was the best investment we made!! :good:

 

I paid $658 for the latest model (back then) of the MBUD and older models (brand new) were close to $499 or $550. I would rather do that, then buying a second hand stroller for only $100-$150 less, but that's me. Possibly something to consider. The MBUD has 2 front wheels about 1 1/2 feet apart, so very stable.

 

Prams seem to be quite expensive here in australia, I've noticed. The MBUD retails here for around AU$1300 (US$1180)!

I found my choices quite restricted too, as I was after a double pram that takes a toddler seat (for my DD-2). I saved nearly AU$700 by buying second hand, which certainly made the decision worthwhile for me!

 

We have the Runaabout and LOVE it - the newer models have fixed the quirks that I could have changed (ie seats recline easier, more storage underneath etc) I have never regretted buying it - its an '06 model also and have NEVER had issues with the tires etc - maybe added air 3 times total - it IS a bit heavy, and takes a lot of space, but I have no issues with it personally.

 

I understand, same in Europe, close to euro 900! I paid the equivalent of 500 euro for mine in the US, sold for a little under euro 400 in Europe 2 1/2 years later, which is considered a good price for second hand there. Crazy isn't it! Must be a volume issue in the US why it's so much cheaper?!

 

It's even worse living in the country like we do. We live in a town with a population of about 13,000, 8hrs drive from the major city in our state. It is hard enough trying to buy anything baby related (we do have a couple of smaller chain stores, like target), but everything is SO much more expensive! I'd be paying an extra AU$200 for a pram if I bought it here...yet I can order it from the city & get it couriered for less than $20!

We haven't really bought anything for the twins here & are waiting until we get to the city (I have to deliver in the city)- will save $$$$.

 

I have a Valco Twin Trimode from 2008. It is very heavy for me and I cannot lift it in and out of the car. It's hard to store because of the size (we have it sitting in our entry way and it takes up a lot of space. I would never use it as my only stroller- but we do love it for walking and outdoor activities. It is sturdy, easy to steer, good storage and the kids seem very comfortable. Honestly though- I wouldn't have spent the money if I had seen it in person and tried to lift it/collapse it before buying as I would have thought it was too much work for an everyday stroller.

 

I just bought a Valco at letsgostrolling.com with 3 extra items for only $725. We got the cup holder, the runabout thingy (a board for older kids to stand on) and a UV sunscreen.

 

We live in a place that has about 3000 people and our nearest target, Big W etc hardly stock any twin stuff let alone prams. There was one on display, but it was only a cheap stroller type thing. There also aren't many baby stores nearby. The nearest decent ones are probably 3-4.5hrs away, and with already doing so much traveling to aps, etc I'm not going all that way to get a pram.

Anywayyy, we ended up ordering the Valco through a baby store where we are getting new carseats from. They have never had one in stock before so didn't know much either. Should be there in a couple of weeks. Am a little nervous - I hope its going to work okay with our car etc and about the cost! Although if it's as good as what people say it is to me it will be worth it.

 

We picked ours up yesterday. Be prepared that it does look enormous, but it handles really easily. I am very glad that we have a big car though - as it takes up A LOT of space.

 

We have a medium size 4 wheel drive and although the boot space isn't huge, I did compare measurements from websites with the measurements of my car. Going by those it should fit!? :unknw:
I am having a c/section too and so am also nervous about the weight, but as some other pp have said just about all side by sides are heavy. I also figure that I won't be going too far from home for the first few weeks anyway and if I do, hopefully my husband will be with me.