Bailey Olympus Nose Weight !!!

[Phil_374571519]

Having just purchased the above van I was initially was very impressed, the cutting edge construction and style, however three weeks ago as a matter of routine I tested my nose weight and was horrified to find that when loaded in the normal way I had a nose weight well over 120 kg, I checked the Bailey handbook and no nose weight figures were printed, I rang Bailey and they told me the figure was 88kg, to cut a long story short to achieve this figure I had to completely empty the van which included the battery, gas bottle, front cushions and the onboard water container, I contacted Bailey and expressed my views and they confirmed that is how they do it at the factory, madness or what, Bailey didn't seem to care less that when the battery, gas bottle, front cushions and water container were fitted back in the nose weight was already over the 100kg limit, it seems Bailey are being a little shy with the facts, it seems that I may well have to remove the gas bottle to the rear of the van and try and balance the van with our belongings.

Another point to note, we were told by 3 Bailey suppliers that any awning would fit the van as long as it was the correct length, WRONG !! The Kampa Fiesta doesn't fit, again after complaining to Bailey they told us that only 5 awning manufacturers tested there awnings on Baileys integral awning track.

The Kampa quick lock pads don't sit flush on the side of the van because they are designed for the conventional protruding awning track, Once again Bailey felt it not necessary to inform people of this that only certain awnings would fit.

Overall we are extremely disappointed with Baileys attitude.

Are there any other Olympus 504 owners out there with similar experiences ?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Phil,

I think you are being rather harsh on Bailey Caravans.

With regard to the nose weight, Bailey can only give the ex-works nose weight. (Not all manufacturers will). And as you realise, the nose weight is affected by what the user puts into the caravan. Bailey has no control over that, so that is always down to the user to ensure the nose weight falls inside the limits for the car and caravan chassis.

With regard to the awning, if Bailey only recommends certain makes and models, they cannot be held responsible if a customer chooses to ignore their advice, and chooses a different model - which may not fit!

It is important to understand that as far as I know, none of the caravan manufacturer actually own and operate dealerships; all the dealers I know are independents companies who happen to sell a particular make of caravan. If you have an issue regarding the advice you have been given, than you must take it up with the dealer concerned. Bailey (or any other manufacture) may take an interest in customer/dealership problems, but they are not obliged to intervene, and their intervention has no legal authority over you contract with the seller.

 

[PlumbersWife]

hi Phil

We have just got our Olympus 624 and we had the same problem with getting another awning. Our previous van was also 26ft so we thought the awning would fit. We have contacted 6 suppliers and have had to buy an Isabella/Ventura. Quite pricey and also wider than we would have liked(because of the size do not do 2.5)

We are now having problems getting bookings for a large pitch.

The pads are available at Towsure for the new track.

Thinking now perhaps we should have got a different manufacture not Bailey.As you said they are not very helpful.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Carol,

I point you to my replay to Phil's post, but would add that Bailey have not hidden the information or been unhelpful, they do supply it when asked

So your quibble is dealers not Bailey.