Bailey ranger 500/5

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi All

I have been looking around for a bigger van but something that we can still tow with our Audi A4 Avant and I think the Bailey Ranger will be just right. Does anyone own one of these and waht do you think of them? I particularly like the layout of the 500/5 or possibly and end washroom layout. This range seems a lot lighter than other similar sized vans from other manufacturers so obviously thay have cut back somewhere but the ranger still seems to be fairly well kitted out. I had hoped to go for a 2004 model as I hope to spend around 8K after having sold our existing van (Elddis Avante 475)

All comments welcomed.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Hi Magnus - my wife and I are now on our second 500/5 (first one written off as a result of RTA). After the accident we had a motor home and then an Ace Jubille Envoy (fixed bed). Within the three years we are back with a Bailey. Excellent value for money and very easy to tow and manhandle. They are not quite of the same quality as a Swift but they are excellent build and very warm and confrotable (like comparing Ford with Rover). We are extremely pleased with ours and would certainly recommend them to any one. Our neighbour has just bought a 540/4 (end wash room layout) on our recommendation and they are also very pleased with it. Good luck in your choice of van and purchase - go ahead and enjoy it.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Your obviously very pleased with your van Colin. What year is it?

 

[colin(bridgend)]

The van is a new model, approx 8 weeks old. However our old 2004 model was nicer as it had 240volt as well as 12 volt lighting and also three windows at the front. The new one has one large window. For ventilation it now necessitates opening the big window whereas before it was possible to open a smaller window reducing draughts. The down side to this was two vertical window dividers spoiling a panoramic view - can't have it both ways I suppose. As far as the van is concerned - YES we are very pleased with it and would never go for a fixed bed model again.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Colin

We have been toying with the idea of and end washroom as well but we rarely use the shower so feel it would be a bit of a waste of space. We also like the 500 layout as we can shut the door at the back when the kids are sleeping. How does the space in your friends 540 compare to the 500?

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Our neighbour is only husband and wife so there is no problem regarding space for them. We often have two grandchildren and our divorced daughter with us so require the more space. We have never used a shower in a van - why have a mess in the van when the shower blocks on site are now generally first class and are included in the site fees. Likewise we only use the WC for emergencies in the night and then where possible not for solids. If it is just my wife and self we generally leave the read bed made up and during the day close the door as it is very convenient then should we require an afternoon lie down. We also often do this if the family are with us and use the full awning, not a porch awning, as there is still plenty of circulating space in the remainder of the van and the awning. We tend to frequent the quieter sites (not hi-de-hi) and find the amenities are far better as there are not so many there to abuse them - however we do need sites with some form of amusement for the children when they are with us. After two weeks in Dorset the only problem was upping sticks to come home - we had a very comfortable and relaxing two weeks just outside Wareham at Pear Tree Farm Caravan Site.

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Yes the idea of shutting off the rear bedroon sound ideal.

Thanks for the information Colin. As you may have seen from my other posts, I am considering other lightweight vans as well and am trying to get as many opinions on them as possible because there is no better review than an owner.

 

[Robfooty]

We had a 500/5 and loved it - we tow with a terrano but only because I was a first time caravanner and wasn't sure about towing with a large estate - we'll be changing to a large estate or people carrier when finances allow.

We bought the 500/5 for the layout - the ability to shut the door on the rear sleeping area so our daughter could sleep while we watched tv or read etc without disturbing her. Ours was a 500/5 2005 model and we liked the one piece front window as it gave uninterrupted views. I would have thought

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi Robfooty

What happened to the front panel?

 

[Robfooty]

Re front panel 500/5. On the first service some raised damp levels were found and and it was recommended that we have a new front panel under warranty. Apparently this was an issue with a lot of rangers that year I think it was to do with the top edge where it joins the roof panel being too thin and cracking.

Anyway we had a new panel - took 2 days to replace no problems since. At the time I thought big issue but afterwards I was just glad it had been fixed.

 

[John_374224558]

Re front panel 500/5. On the first service some raised damp levels were found and and it was recommended that we have a new front panel under warranty. Apparently this was an issue with a lot of rangers that year I think it was to do with the top edge where it joins the roof panel being too thin and cracking.

Anyway we had a new panel - took 2 days to replace no problems since. At the time I thought big issue but afterwards I was just glad it had been fixed.

I think it affected several makes at the time, Avondales seemed to have a problem as well when my Rialto went in for new panels, I was there when the delivery van turned up and he unloaded several panels, some were for Swifts as well!

 

[WilliamTups]

Hi,

I would think twice about Bailey - I purchased my 550/6 caravan brand new and at the first service due to stress factures and a few other manufacturing defects, it needed a new front panel, side panel and possibly the roof and a dam good dry out (damp readings of up to 80% have been recorded) - Bailey said that they would fix it.... six months on and still sorting things out now in court.