Bailey Senator Indiana

[judsley]

Hi
My wife and I are looking at getting another caravan.
I'm ashamed to say we got fleeced buying our last one on eBay as we found later on it was full off damp and beyond our economic repair (after a service and the rubbish "summer" we had). (and yes, being naive we didn't get the full checks done on it. We got 'sold' on the bargain price!)
Our last van was an Elddis Odessey 524 (2003 model) but we're now looking at the positives and think a fixed bed model would suit us. The end bathroom room on our old van was great but we now think was a wasted space.
So, the Bailey Indiana has caught our eye (series 6).
Any thoughts good/bad on them?
Not relying on eBay but have been watching a few and there's been no bids/offers on them at all.
Once bitten, twicw shy as they say.....
We'd appreciate any advice/guidance that any of you lovely people may have had.
Muchas gracias (sorry - just returned from a week in Spain!)
Jon

 

[Mike_S]

Hi Jon
For what it's worth - we have had a Bailey Senator California series 6 from new (2009). Virtually same size, weights etc as the Indiana but with full width rear washroom. Caravan tows like a dream and we've had no problems with it at all. Can thoroughly recommend a series 6!
Mike

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Jon
Our Senator Series 6 Wyoming has performed well from new in 2008.
Plenty of extras like on board tank and pump. They all came with a TV which was junk.
Closely examine the front seat rails , a beige like plastic material. These have a habit of splitiing requiring replacement. The new ones need some timbers inserted into the void to give more rigidity to the plastic..

Hopefully the one you buy will have a FSH. Check all the LEDs work . Have a look at the battery charger and fuse box for any sign of overheating.
They come with a Tracker installed but you do have to pay an annual fee. ATC is another very good extra. As soon as the caravan 12s is plugged in you should hear the system go through its self checks and then the red ligfht should go green to show it's operational.
Senators are pretty good dry units and should wear well. We still prefer ours to the latest models so will keep her for the foreseeable future.

 

[Raywood]

If you are buying any make of second hand caravan privately get a damp meter, they can be purchased reasonably cheaply from most DIY chains as your rights against a private seller are far less than against a business. There is always the chance that the seller has a problem van and is just trying to get rid of it.