Bailey Indiana v Oklahoma

[Janet_5090515]

Hi everyone

We are going to upgrade our Bailey Ranger 510/4 to a new Senator Indiana because of the fixed bed. We haven't been able to view the Oklahoma to compare as I know they are quite similar. We have 2 children who will sleep on the front seats, preferably as 2 singles but the Indiana seats are slightly shorter than the Oklahoma.

Any views on the differences between the 2 caravans would be much appreciated - also do you just use normal double bed sheets/duvets on the fixed bed? (may sound a bit stupid but we have never owned a fixed bed caravan before!)

Thanks so much

Janet

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Janet, the situation you are in is exactly the same one we faced last summer. We were buying our first fixed bed caravan and really did like the open plan style of the Indiana. However we wanted to make sure that the van we bought was the right one for us so we took a great deal of time deciding on layout. In the end we went for the Oklahoma for the simple reason that the caravan gaves us longer single beds at the front for our kids who are now 12 & 10. When buying a fixed bed caravan we did not then want to have to make up the double at the front for the kids as we would have had to have done with the Indiana. Bed time now for us is as simple as taking the backrests off the front single beds and storing them under our fixed bed. We find that normal sheets and quilts fit the fixed bed fine. Whatever layout you chose the Senators are great vans after twelve months of ownership we are really pleased with ours.

 

[Janet_5090515]

Hi Janet, the situation you are in is exactly the same one we faced last summer. We were buying our first fixed bed caravan and really did like the open plan style of the Indiana. However we wanted to make sure that the van we bought was the right one for us so we took a great deal of time deciding on layout. In the end we went for the Oklahoma for the simple reason that the caravan gaves us longer single beds at the front for our kids who are now 12 & 10. When buying a fixed bed caravan we did not then want to have to make up the double at the front for the kids as we would have had to have done with the Indiana. Bed time now for us is as simple as taking the backrests off the front single beds and storing them under our fixed bed. We find that normal sheets and quilts fit the fixed bed fine. Whatever layout you chose the Senators are great vans after twelve months of ownership we are really pleased with ours.

Hi Richard - thanks for your reply.

The area around the kitchen at the middle of the van is very spacious in the Indiana - how do you find the space in your Oklahoma? In the layouts the wardrobe is just as you come in on the same side of the door. This is the only thing putting me off the Oklahoma because this coupled with the slightly longer seats seems to eat up that airy feel that the Indiana has. Although you are right about the kids having more bed space (our kids are 9 and 4 but tall!).

Thanks

Janet

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Janet

We have the Oklahoma and chose it over the Indiana for the following reasons

I sleep on the side next to the window in the Oklahoma and very rarely have to get up in the night.My wife (HRH) sleeps on the open side which means easy access to the loo.

That is the main reason

Othres are we like the Tv position In the Oklahoma and the front beds are long enough to lie down on while watching Tv

The microwave is in an excellent position and its one of the few vans with it at the correct height.

The Indiana is a nice van and feels spacious but when we had a van with a lower side unit it was too low for comfortable food preparation etc and was more ornamental than useful.

The cupboard next to the cooker in the Oklahoma is very spacious and after alterations to the shelf and adding a rail I can get all my wardrobe clothes in there plus a carrying space for the portable air con /dehumidifier.

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Janet, we find the space in the Oklahoma fine for the four of us. I know what you mean about the airy feel of the Indiana and because of this if we were buying the caravan just to be used by two that is the layout I would chose. However as I said previously after owning the Oklahoma for twelve months I am convinced it is the best layout for four because of the single beds and additional lounging space over the Indiana.

 

[Janet_5090515]

Hi Watson and Richard - thank you both for your views on the Oklahoma. We will certainly have a think about this van now - as you both say the longer front seats are better for lounging on and for the kids to sleep as 2 singles. With not having viewed the Oklahoma I am imagining it to be very claustraphobic in the central area where the kitchen/wardrobe space meets.

Will try and find this van to view - just don't want to make the wrong choice when forking out all that money on a brand new van!

Thanks again for all your help

Janet

 

[GingerPete]

hi janet, have you had a look at the bailey burgundy 2k cheaper , 100kg lighter . we have the burgundy i had to stop sleeping next to the wall in the fixed bed because every time i turned over i touched the cold side wall & i was wakeing up , so rather than buying sleeping bags my wife now sleeps next to the wall , but every time she needs the toilet she has to roll over me , sometimes up to 5 times in one night ( i'm sure she enjoys it ),also beening 6ft 2in on the wall side i was cramed in....hope this help's

 

[tj_4]

Janet

I have an Indiana

We spent a lot of time at the dealers moving from one to the other. We chose the Indiana for the following reasons.

The wife liked the open plan feel, the lenghts of the front bunks was a concern as our teenagers come with us occasionally. But with careful measuring we found they would fit on the front bunks with the end cushions removed.

In the Oak the water heater is under the fixed bed, this gave us the concerns of restricting the storage and the drain tap was difficult to reach without climbing into the storage area. We are winter caravanners and this would be used weekly in the winter months. The toilet in the Oak is on the awning side this means filling and emptying from inside the awning also the awning triangle covers the toilet access door. If you are in the toilet and people are in the awning, well i'll say no more.

The TV position in the Ind is at a better height, I'm not a fan of the high positioned tv. Also if you are in the lounge of the Oak the tv is a good distance away.

We didn't need seating for 6 in the lounge area.

After 6 months and 40 nights of use we are pleased we chose the Indiana we can lie on the front beds and watch the telly, we feel that the van has 3 areas, the bedroom, a spacious kitchen and a lounge.

The fixed bed is great, I sleep near to the window and have found that I can exit the bed in the night without climbing over the wife by sliding to the bottom then out at the corner. Only problem is the dog who likes to sleep just where I need to put my foot on the floor.

The rest is just personal preference

Steve

 

[Alan Partridge]

Janet

I have an Indiana

We spent a lot of time at the dealers moving from one to the other. We chose the Indiana for the following reasons.

The wife liked the open plan feel, the lenghts of the front bunks was a concern as our teenagers come with us occasionally. But with careful measuring we found they would fit on the front bunks with the end cushions removed.

In the Oak the water heater is under the fixed bed, this gave us the concerns of restricting the storage and the drain tap was difficult to reach without climbing into the storage area. We are winter caravanners and this would be used weekly in the winter months. The toilet in the Oak is on the awning side this means filling and emptying from inside the awning also the awning triangle covers the toilet access door. If you are in the toilet and people are in the awning, well i'll say no more.

The TV position in the Ind is at a better height, I'm not a fan of the high positioned tv. Also if you are in the lounge of the Oak the tv is a good distance away.

We didn't need seating for 6 in the lounge area.

After 6 months and 40 nights of use we are pleased we chose the Indiana we can lie on the front beds and watch the telly, we feel that the van has 3 areas, the bedroom, a spacious kitchen and a lounge.

The fixed bed is great, I sleep near to the window and have found that I can exit the bed in the night without climbing over the wife by sliding to the bottom then out at the corner. Only problem is the dog who likes to sleep just where I need to put my foot on the floor.

The rest is just personal preference

Steve

Coming from a completely different angle - before deciding that we preferred our much smaller Eriba, we looked at a number of caravans including the Indiana/Oklahoma for their fixed beds.

I can recall this quite well because it was only a few weeks ago - the first thing that struck me about the Indiana was that all the 'heavy stuff' - wardrobe, kitchen, washroom - was all on one side.

For me that would have made the decision an easy one in favour of the Oklahoma, had I been prepared to tow something 7'6" wide, which I am not!

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Just a couple of observations

Anti condensation boards are now fitted between the mattresses/cushions and the sides in the 5 series Senators.

These are available if you ask the dealer.(well I got them!)

I have a long rectangular sponge filled garden bench seat pad between me and the side and no cold gets through that.

The drain for the heater is accessible through the external locker door.

Both vans are good value and it comes down to personal preference in the end.

We don't have a full awning so emptying the toilet is no problem but I would not like my view from the bed to be the inside of the awning--swings and roundabouts

 

[KeithM]

Hi Janet,

Lots of good feedback so far in this thread - plenty of food for thought for you

We spent a lot of time at the Bailey dealer trooping backwards and forwards between the Indiana and Oklahoma. Certainly the Indiana has instant 'eye-appeal' due to the open centre section. However, in practical terms the Oklahoma wins hands-down with it's excellent storage areas, well placed microwave and of course, the full length front seats. We felt that the short front section of the Indiana would not be ideal for our intended use (long continental tours) as we would feel cramped. We took delivery of our new Series 5 in mid July and have so fare spent 55 nights, including a month in France. The centre section of the Oklahoma does not feel closed-in, even after a month's continuous use. Our first fixed-bed caravan, the trepidations we had about just such a bed have proved to be unfounded,I (6ft 3in) sleep next to the wall (which does have and anti-condensation board)and have no trouble getting out in the night using the slide down to the bottom and step out method mentioned by Steve. We use a fitted sheet plus duvets and sleep extremely well.

Compared with our previous Eldisses, the build quality and reliability of the Bailey is much superior and we are highly delighted with our choice. Off to Wareham Forest for a week tomorrow - can't bear to leave the 'van sitting idle for too long!

Keith

 

[Janet_5090515]

Thanks everyone for your replys - it has certainly given us a lot to think about. Now torn between the 2 vans! Our local dealer has informed us that an Oklahoma will be in stock within the next couple of weeks so we can finally view the both vans together.

As they say - all down to personal preference in the end.

Thanks again

Janet

 

[lee2]

We are also looking at Baileys but have just seen Abbey GTS - one thing we liked was the 3 gas rings plus one hotplate.

 

[MalcolmL]

We, too, thought we really fancied the Indiana until we were able to sit in it, then in the Oklahoma, then in the Indiana, then in the Oklahoma..........

In the end, we decided the shorter front cushions wouldn't be suitable as we often have two other couples in the 'van for drinks, coffee etc. so we ordered another Oklahoma for delivery c.Feb 07

The Indiana did tick lots of boxes and it wasn't until we were able to make direct comparisons that it was ruled out.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

hi janet, after searching the nec with note pad and pen for our next van a fixed bed. have a look at the sterling europa 495 or the sterling eccles jewel. they both have the layout you want on a single axel.

we also like the swift charisma 620 and the sterling europa 620 they are fixed bed, 2 seats at front and an end bathroom. the charisma won tourer of the year this year but there both on a twin axel but at a cracking price. i would have any of the vans ive mentioned.

hope this helps.

 

[Janet_5090515]

Eileen & Jo-anne thanks for all your info on the other vans - we will certainly have a look at these options, although we do love the Baileys.

Malcolm, hope you enjoy your new van when you take delivery in Feb 07 - did you find it spacious enough in the middle of the Oklahoma?

Thanks for all your replys

Janet

 

[MalcolmL]

Hi Janet, we currently have a 2004 Oklahoma (our second, actually, as I managed to tip the first one on its side) and we just love it. The new purchase was a spur of the moment decision! There is absolutely nothing wrong with the existing 'van but we were very taken with the extra four inches of width in the S5 Senators. It will make it very spacious. As I said earlier, we did think we would like the Indiana bu the short seats didn't do it for us. Both 'vans are light and airy, the Indiana possibly more so as there is a window behind the dresser unit. We think the fixed bed is the best thing since sliced bread! It is very comfortable. It is no major hassle to get up in the middle of the night for the loo if sleeping on the inside. And the cutaway bed isn't a problem either.

Malcolm

 

[Janet_5090515]

Hi Janet, we currently have a 2004 Oklahoma (our second, actually, as I managed to tip the first one on its side) and we just love it. The new purchase was a spur of the moment decision! There is absolutely nothing wrong with the existing 'van but we were very taken with the extra four inches of width in the S5 Senators. It will make it very spacious. As I said earlier, we did think we would like the Indiana bu the short seats didn't do it for us. Both 'vans are light and airy, the Indiana possibly more so as there is a window behind the dresser unit. We think the fixed bed is the best thing since sliced bread! It is very comfortable. It is no major hassle to get up in the middle of the night for the loo if sleeping on the inside. And the cutaway bed isn't a problem either.

Malcolm

Malcolm thanks for your reply. We did like the Indiana but as you say the shorter seats are putting us off as well. The Oklahoma sounds good so can't wait to view it when arrives at dealers in the next week or two. Only worry was if it is light and airy enough inside or if the wardrobe position made it feel a bit closed in.

Anyhow, will find out soon and will probably be doing just as you did - back and forth from Indiana to Oklahoma ....

Thanks again

Janet

 

[MalcolmL]

Malcolm thanks for your reply. We did like the Indiana but as you say the shorter seats are putting us off as well. The Oklahoma sounds good so can't wait to view it when arrives at dealers in the next week or two. Only worry was if it is light and airy enough inside or if the wardrobe position made it feel a bit closed in.

Anyhow, will find out soon and will probably be doing just as you did - back and forth from Indiana to Oklahoma ....

Thanks again

Janet

Janet,a couple of weeks after we placed our order, I popped back to the dealer with my digital camera and took lots of photographs of the inside of the Oklahoma from every which angle. I couldn't be sure I would remember which lockers/cupboards had shelves and which had none. The Bailey brochure, being generic, is not too helpful with that type of information.

Malcolm

 

[Janet_5090515]

Hi everyone - we have finally viewed the Olkahoma and have put a deposit down.

Delivery due middle of February - can't wait!

We decided that the longer front seats and more storage room made this a more suitable van for the four of us rather than the Indiana.

Thanks again for all your replys.

Janet

 

[RichardS1]

Congratulations Janet, I am sure you will be pleased with your choice.

 

[mandy_5114266]

Hi could anyone tell me where I could the anti condensation boards mentioned by John G Watson that fit between the matresses/cushions and the sides of the Senator 5 series please? I have contacted my local Bailey dealer in Cornwall but they said they don't know anything about them.

Thanks Mandy

 

[mandy_5114266]

Just a couple of observations

Anti condensation boards are now fitted between the mattresses/cushions and the sides in the 5 series Senators.

These are available if you ask the dealer.(well I got them!)

I have a long rectangular sponge filled garden bench seat pad between me and the side and no cold gets through that.

The drain for the heater is accessible through the external locker door.

Both vans are good value and it comes down to personal preference in the end.

We don't have a full awning so emptying the toilet is no problem but I would not like my view from the bed to be the inside of the awning--swings and roundabouts

Hello John G Watson

I would like to buy some of the anti condensation boards you mentioned in your post. I have contacted my local dealer in Cornwall they don't know anything about them they said. Appreciate your help if possible.

Regards Mandy

 

[Janet_5090515]

Mandy - there is a posting under "Technical" in the forum which should answer your question.

Hope this helps

Janet

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Mandy, just seen your posting

The dealer should contact Bailey as they are now fitted as standard on the Senator and the Pageant at least.

You could ring Bailey Customer Services --they are very helpful

If you wanted to make some they are just a piece of 1ft or so wide thin ply the length of the seay back.

They are covered in the same plastic as the van sides.

Every couple of feet there is a 1/2in thick batten from top to bottom to make the air gap.

Hope that helps