A Just a few questions...

[DanPaula]

Hi All.

We are due to collect our 1st caravan in a few weeks(bailey ranger 470/4). Now I am trying to get a rough idea on how everything works on the van before I collect so I'm not completely in the dark.

I've downloaded the owners manual from bailey website which is very useful but there's a few other things I would like to know such as:-

1) How long does a water heater take to re-heat? For example 2 of us want to shower in the van.

2) Do most people tend to cook in the awning rather than using the van cooker?

3) Am I right in thinking 7kg propane gas bottle? Do some people take 2 so you have a spare ready for change-over?

4) Re annual servicing. Can I take it to a local caravan dealer or does it have to be a bailey retailer for warranty reasons?

Think that's it for now but if anyone has any suggestions as a first timer it'll be much appeciated.

Thanks, Dan.

 

[Mike_5040866]

Cooking

Often entertain using van cooker or gas barbie

+ Go to Pub, Takeaway or chippie

Use 2 small butane never used 7 KG This would last a long time

Hot Water

Plenty for all uses if thoughtful

service

Back to original dealer.

Previous van had agreement from compass to take to registered

dealer. May be a problem if local dealer well busy

 

[Guest]

Mike has mentioned most things very well.

We personally use the site showers, especially on Club sites as these are domestic and the water is endless (ok, not abosolutely but as good as home). However, your on board system should give 2 showers, unless one of you decides to wash everything umpteen times.

I used to carry to butane cylinders but becasue most sites have electrical hookups, I have now found that one is sufficent for a season. I also carry a Camping Gaz 907 cylinder for the BBQ, and for use on the Continent, and as back up if necessary.

Cooking locations is matter for you, and the 'boss'. I suspect many people tend to BBQ a lot in the summer months and this is obviously outside. In bad weather then you can cook whatever you like inside, but again many people have a microwave oven in the awning, and use M&S etc. Why go to a lot of work when you are supposed to be relaxing??

If it is a new van then take it back to the original dealer for the 1st service in case you wish any Warranty work to be done as well. They are more likely to be accomodating than trying to get a dealer, who didn't actually sell you the van, to do the work. Some will, some won't.

One suggestion. Don't go too far on your 1st trip, and don't be surprised if something doesn't work perfectly. You have to learn the van, be patient, and ask if you don't understand something. If you see a similar van on site, then have a chat. Most people will be only too willing to assist you.

 

[BeemerMal]

Most of your queries have been answered.

A tip about cooking, if you use mains hook up sites I think it is worth investing about

 

[GeorgeB]

Dan,

A Remouska from Lakelands is good as well, you can use it in the Awning or in the van, does a BRILL roastie, spuds & all!!!!!

Plus you're using the leccy you've paid for & not your gas!

GeorgeB

 

[Guest]

A further comment regarding cooking. One essential we always carry is a Teflon coated wok. It is amazing what you can cook in a wok, not just Chinese food. Get a lid from J Lewis and it does many things. My son also gave me last year one of those single cartridge gas burners, the ones that come in a small case. At first I was not too impressed as I assumed the cylinder would be too small, but I was wrong. A cylinder lasts 90 minutes at full power, and they are relatively cheap to buy, especially in French supermarkets. Self lighting and sits nicely on top of the fold up kitchen unit. Wok on the top and it is 'Ready Steady Cook'. Italian, stews, curries, stir frys, you name it, and no smells in the van.

Of course if you buy all the gizmos suggested then you could have a serious weight problem.

 

[cris_408518]

dan.

There are some good points here and I'm with Scotch Lad, a good Wok is a great thing to have. Cooking in the Awning is a good way to create mould and ruin the roof from spiraling steam carrying food and fat particles.

BBQ's are Charcol fired, beware of loading yourself down with gas and electic powered gadgets and every other gadget that might get used only now and again!

Most vans have extractors and cooking kit as good as your home, why any one would cook in an Awning is beyond me and a recipe for the problem above. The Awning will not go mouldy but food particles inside the roof will, mould can damage the abtic and coating and stain it!

Loading yourvan with all the gadgets will cost you more fuel so using the onboard gas is not that bad and last ages. Having been on sites that have suffered from over loaded electrics in the summer and electric failures on sites we always carried maximum gas supply just in case the fridge needed to be run on it.

Fridges will run you out of gas very quickly if you have to use it, plus vans have quite large fridges these days.

Sites have washers and dryers and vans are well insulated with good heating, you don't need half of Debenham's bedding dept with you nor half of Jamie Oliver's kitchen and if you are quite fit you don't need battery powered Black & Deckers with an array of rechargers to power things that are used for a few seconds on each trip.

Keep it MINIMAL

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Dan,

Welcome to the world of caravanning, it really can be great fun and relaxing.

Now to your list,

I note from the Bailey web page the 470/4 uses a Truma Ultrastore. These usually hold 10L of water (just over 2 Gallons) and will raise it to about 70C.

 

[DanPaula]

Ok, thanks everyone for your comments. I guess the general idea, along with all the good advice, is to get out there and see what suits us best, or do I mean learn by our mistakes

??

As I'm also buying things for the van this forum gives me an idea on what I need next, and take the chance to find bargains.

But hey.. Nothing beats the spare wheel I bought on a popular auction site. Exact wheel & tyre for my van, never been used therefore brand new..

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Dan,

The manual which comes with the Bailey is quite explicit.

It is Bailey policy that the dealer should go through a full handover procedure.This involves setting the caravan up at the dealers as if you were on site. The dealer should show you how to connect and work the water system.Show you how to connect the gas and show you how to work all gas appliances.The same for all the electrical appliances. In doing this you not only learn how to work everything but you can see if everything works. You can insist on this being done and any decent dealer would do it anyway. My own dealer, Golden Castle caravans, who I have dealt with for 20 years insist on doing this no matter what make of caravan you buy from them.

I hope you enjoy the world of caravanning.

Hamer.

 

[Oldfogey]

A hint that I picked up in the days when I had a yacht instead of the caravan, but which has stood me in good stead in boats, tents, trailer tents, and caravan.

Us good quality pans with the best non-stick. You will find that you will occasionally burn things, and even if you don't, in this environment you want to make the washing up as easy as possible. They may weigh more, but it's worth it.

We always take a couple of china plates and mugs, as they are more pleasant to eat from than plastic; and as for wine from those perspex "glasses"....

If you are going to do the washing up at the site facilities (and it does save lugging a lot of fresh and waste water) get a square bucket to take it over and wash in; washing up bowls are terrible for carrying full of dishes, and round plates can get stuck in round buckets (and round sinks...).

On the whole, however, take equipment from the house for your first trip or two, until you find out what you want - you can bet it won't be quite the same as at home.

And enjoy yourself.

 

[emmerson2]

Dan, if you have a friend who is an experienced caravanner,why not ask him to join you in his van for your first weekend? He'll have all his kit with him, and you might be able to borrow that which you forget, cos you surely will forget something! Learn from other's experience, mate!

 

[Tapestry]

Hi

Welcome to the world of caravanning. The caravan club have a list on their web site of equipment which people may require. Your dealer may give you a 'starter kit' as part of the package -I think this is usually the aqua roll and waste water container. Do check if you have a battery included, if not you will need one, also an electric hook up cable. A first Aid kit and fire extinguisher are what we call a must. Before we pack the van we ask the questions, do we need it, will we use it and when? It helps avoid carrying all and sundry, that includes the kids toys.

If your caravan is stored away from your home, its worth keeping a list of what is in the caravan. Saves time and agro.

On site we have found cc wardens helpful. They showed hubby how to connect to the electric hook up on our first trip out and gave some useful tips. Bailey are popular caravans, so on site you are likely to see others with the same or similar vans.

We upgraded to a new Bailey last summer, its bigger than our previous van, we still getting used to it. Do not panic. Take your time and enjoy. Annette