Bailey Virgina

[DavidW1]

Hi Rob

We looked at the Sorrento too,Mrs Trowbridge liked it but as the plan was for it to replace her Golf,she changed her mind at the last minute. Back to your choice of van,I think both Indiana and Oklahoma have boardwall shower,Virginia has all plastic cubicle, all will have plenty of storage, if you take in to account the space under the bed,normally easy to get to, and of course you do not need space to store your duvets etc,as you can leave them on the bed.Our Wyoming has more space in cupboards etc, than we can fill,why not check how many cupboards and storage places you have been used to in your Eldiss and then see how the Virginia compares

Hi Rob,

Read all the comments and can add that my experience of owning two recent Bailey vans is positive and I would buy another, in fact am on the point of ordering a 2007 Wyoming.

Compared to Swifts of which I have owned two, the quality is marginally better but the value for money is unquestionably better. There is also that certain flair that is lacking in most other makes at the price.

On our 2003 Vermont the bed slat leader broke in two, the shower doors crazed, the internal door fell of and the rooflight in the lounge leaked due to incorrect assembly of the latch seals. All these probs were fixed under warranty and although it does sound horrendous in writing it still didn't put us off the marque.

The Olklahoma we currently own has suffered only loose fittings and dissconnected pipes, due to road vibration - screwing things back together with a dab of araldite has cured all.

Bailey seem to be

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Rob,

Read all the comments and can add that my experience of owning two recent Bailey vans is positive and I would buy another, in fact am on the point of ordering a 2007 Wyoming.

Compared to Swifts of which I have owned two, the quality is marginally better but the value for money is unquestionably better. There is also that certain flair that is lacking in most other makes at the price.

On our 2003 Vermont the bed slat leader broke in two, the shower doors crazed, the internal door fell of and the rooflight in the lounge leaked due to incorrect assembly of the latch seals. All these probs were fixed under warranty and although it does sound horrendous in writing it still didn't put us off the marque.

The Olklahoma we currently own has suffered only loose fittings and dissconnected pipes, due to road vibration - screwing things back together with a dab of araldite has cured all.

Bailey seem to be

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Keith,Richard and David,

A well that's the rolling stone's connection broken.

Recieved the latest Practical caravan to-day by post and the picture's show some kind of table at the front end to take drinks etc, wether it's big enough to take brekkers is a diffrent kettle of fish(Do like Kippers, but bad breath) the report was pretty reasonable, now a matter of persuading boss. their again the Solraris is looking good on the bosse's opinion! Oh B****r!

I don't know left from right on this one.

Any way going to count cupboards to-morrow,how boring I would rather go down the pub and discuss the finer point's on caravan's like how often do you empty the loo ( clarkson eat your heart out)

Keep you posted in the latest chapter, but it's easier to take a dint in the bank balance!

Rob

I'm going to have a scotch and think I think??????????????

Hi Rob,

You know you want a Bailey, don't keep fighting, just give in gracefully and be happy, watch out for the fixed bed against the wall,if your'e not careful she will have you trapped against the side of the van and before you know it she'll be pestering you!

Glad you've found the forum useful, let us know when you order your van and keep us informed of the model you choose, and how the dealer performs. Kind regards, Keith

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Rob,

You know you want a Bailey, don't keep fighting, just give in gracefully and be happy, watch out for the fixed bed against the wall,if your'e not careful she will have you trapped against the side of the van and before you know it she'll be pestering you!

Glad you've found the forum useful, let us know when you order your van and keep us informed of the model you choose, and how the dealer performs. Kind regards, Keith

Hi Keith and all,

I know I want a Baily,but which one!!!!!!!!!!!. Too many descisions.I have the info' the Mem has the logic, so she tell's me. The near side bed version seem's the best if mem is going to pin me against the wall( as long as she's awake at the time and her hands are not around mt throat!!!.) Oh as long as I sit down in peace and have a Scotch do I care? YEP.

Roll on NEC and get the situation sorted.

Rob

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Keith,Richard and David,

You are bound to know, at this moment in time I run the Elldis with a Bulldog Q200 stabliser. The Senators come with the Alko hitch stabliser which runs on a dry ball. Is this a standard ball or do you need a specific Alko ball. I know I looked at a kit a couple of years ago and it came with its own ball. If so does the Senators come with a replacement ball or am I talking rubbish.

Rob

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Rob,

The Alko requires a towball with a slightly extended neck. I bought one when we got the Sorento as we had a Witter towbar fitted and it cost around

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Keith and all,

I know I want a Baily,but which one!!!!!!!!!!!. Too many descisions.I have the info' the Mem has the logic, so she tell's me. The near side bed version seem's the best if mem is going to pin me against the wall( as long as she's awake at the time and her hands are not around mt throat!!!.) Oh as long as I sit down in peace and have a Scotch do I care? YEP.

Roll on NEC and get the situation sorted.

Rob

Hi Rob,

One of the lesser known advantages of a fixed bed model, and no one seems to mention it on the forum, or in the mag,seperate bedrooms, fixed bed with loads of space for Mr Caravanner, their own bedroom at the front, nearer the cooker and fridge for Mrs Caravanner. Got to go Mrs T just looking over my shoulder.......

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Richard,

Hopefully the Virginia and there will be enough storage. We both agree the layout would suit us best,but there is he question of storage. Other wise the Indiana possibly,but the Virginia is looking odd's on favourite,will have to wait and see and do some direct comparisons between the two and the current storage we have with the Elddis,cupboard counting,volumes etc. The Senator is about 1'9" longer and 5" wider than the Elddis and hopefully this will swing the argument.

The only other thing I picked up on was the Senator has the new Status 530 aerial fitted and supplies both front and rear locations for the T.V but also feeds the stereo, but only has two outlets and has 3 leads 2 x T.V 1 X FM. What's the reception like both T.V and FM/MW, it might be a case of persuading the dealer to fit a independant active Status aerial on the side of the van.

Thanks Rob

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Rob,

I rate the Status 530 directional aerial, we have always been able to pick up a good picture with it. Never used it for MW but has no problem picking uo radio 2 even without the aerial pulled out. I think if I was in your position buying the van to be used by two people I would also choose the Virginia. The sealed shower and island bed would swing it for me.

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Richard

Ref 530 Status aerial, we must be doing something wrong, as we do not rate it, how do you set the aerial up before you tune the TV in to it,as the TV is auto tune it will not tune to the aerial until the aerial is picking up the strongest signal, hope you can help, as Mrs T will give me ear ache along the lines of we never had this problem with the old caravan if I dont sort it soon.

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Keith, I always have a look around the site to see where other aerials are pointing, put the status in a similar position then use auto tune. Once tuned in I then adjust the aerial slightly for the optimum picture then auto tune again and this vitually always gives a crystal clear picture.

 

[joeby]

Hi Richard

Ref 530 Status aerial, we must be doing something wrong, as we do not rate it, how do you set the aerial up before you tune the TV in to it,as the TV is auto tune it will not tune to the aerial until the aerial is picking up the strongest signal, hope you can help, as Mrs T will give me ear ache along the lines of we never had this problem with the old caravan if I dont sort it soon.

to align your aerial ,take a look at other caravans or houses in the the area and take a compass bearing of the direction they are pointing ,also look to see if they are vertical or horizontal ,or type dtg in your web browser and when you reach the digital tv web site go on to post codes ,and type the post code of the caravan site ,and you will come up with the compass bearings for the transmitters for that area it will also tell you if its a vertical signal or horizontal ,i have been on Lucksalls caravan park in Hereford all week and there i had the normal 4 chanells with the caravan aerial vertical pointing west ,and another aerial horizontal pointing east for chanell 5

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Richard

Many thanks for that advice, we are away to the PC rally this weekend so will try it your way. What would happen if there were no other vans with directional aerials I wonder.

 

[woodsieboy]

to align your aerial ,take a look at other caravans or houses in the the area and take a compass bearing of the direction they are pointing ,also look to see if they are vertical or horizontal ,or type dtg in your web browser and when you reach the digital tv web site go on to post codes ,and type the post code of the caravan site ,and you will come up with the compass bearings for the transmitters for that area it will also tell you if its a vertical signal or horizontal ,i have been on Lucksalls caravan park in Hereford all week and there i had the normal 4 chanells with the caravan aerial vertical pointing west ,and another aerial horizontal pointing east for chanell 5

Hi Joby

Many thanks for the advice , although it all seems a bit too complicated when I consider we never had a problem with our old Status omni directional aerial, we just plugged it in and the TV tuned in to it end of story.Will try it your way at the week end.

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Keith,Richard and anybody else who has given support.

D-Day not far off re buying(Boo Hoo where's the money gone from the account)then she who is to be listened to said why do we need another caravan.I explained that she had moaned about being uncomfortable when on the made up bed,the van even though only was six years old and in immaculate condition could do with changing before it depreaciates any further and a change is as good as a rest.

The reply was we are going to the dealer to do a deal!,we are going to NEC to do a deal!let's buy a bed topper or have a mattres made, there nothing wrong with the current van!

Me think's someone wants a new on suite for the bedroom.(Oh B****R I give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Guy's

Bailey Indina seem's the one at last. Went to the local Barrons branch today and said delivery in couple of weeks but non commital on how much to change.DO they want by business or what?

Any way going to NEC on the 17th to hope fully do a deal there.

It really winds me up with dealers who coulden't give a cuss. If some one hits the right buttons I will deal,but its got to be right other wise will stick with the Elddis till it is right.

Rob

 

[VonRyan]

Well went to the NEC on Tuesday with intention of buying a Indiana and saw the new Pagent Seris 6 Burgendy. Did lots of camparisons between the two vans and the New Burgendy is not that different from the Indiana,O.K no central front cabinet(ordered with van) No alarm (ordered woth van) No on board cold water tank(don't need) and a few other bits and bob's that were not critical so ended up buying it and take delivery in January or before. Good trade in deal and parted with

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to the world of Bailey owners, good to see you got a good deal, I haven't seen the new Pageant yet but it looks good in the photos,I am sure you know the body is narrower than the Senator,but how important can 4 inches be? How long have you been quoted for delivery as I think I read November was the earliest. Did you stick to a local dealer or live dangerously and go for the best deal? Whatever, the waiting is now the worst bit, but it will all be worth it,and Mrs Rob will have to manage without the new en suite for a while longer!Hope you enjoy your new van.Keith

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the reply, We decided to do the deal with a Midlands dealer at north staffs caravans as he was the closest,about 30 miles away. We live in north cheshire so only about 45mins down the M6. The 4" is noticable in the wet room area (size does matter as the add said) but we are both quite slim and we will survive. The layout is just the same as the iniana and same length internally but 100kg less on the MPTLM at 1400kg just the same as the Cyclone but that was never a issue with the Sorento doing the work up front.

Extreamly well speced but did not have front cabinet which we could not live without and no alarm both which we ordered as optional extras from the factory.

Status 530,microwave and the brand new Remis roof extractor, which swung it for Nicky (She who must be obeyed) this version is just like a mini heki with twin extractors/blowers built into the frame and the opening is done with a crank to lift the roof up and they have applied this system to the large front Remis which means Nicky can now open the roofs without my help (she's only 5'2")The dealer gave me a very good trade in price as I had access to the current glasses guide before going to the show and after his first offer I made this known to him after his second offer on the Cyclone which made all the diffrence and as I said a good trade in price was given.

The Burgendy has the Alko reciever but unlike the Senator does not come included and no matter how I tried he would not throw one in with the deal, but did manage to get the Alko AKS stabiliser sold sucure gold rated hitch lock thrown in. I have a good 14" sold secure wheel clamp currently which will fit and I may consider buying the wheel lock at a later date. No twin gas connection and no external gas outlet but does have external 230v socket. Some of the Senoter shelves it the wash area are not there but thats something looking at the Senators I could order at a later date.

Any way chuffed as punch and wallet not as dinted as I thought and many thanks to you and Richard and all other who gave excellent advice on making what I think has been a good choice. Had the new Remis been on the Indiana I think I would have had a even bigger dint in the wallet.Its amazing what a small piece of kit can make to a buying descision.

Many thanks again for all the help and I will keep you posted on the dealer performance.

Rob

 

[RichardS1]

Congratulations on your choice Rob, as I said on the Pageant thread I think the series 6 is a great improvement on the 5 with the interior looking like a mirror image of the Senators. I think you made the right move buying from a local dealer, if you do require any warranty work any saving on purchase can soon go towing the van miles back to the dealer for the work to be carried out. Let us know how things go when you get the van.

 

[Allyson]

Hi Rob

Our new Bailey Burgundy is due in December, cannot wait.

In your posting you said that you were having an alarm fitted, is Bailey doing this for you, or the dealer?

Also do you know the price for the Al-Ko wheel lock? I went into towsure and they didn't know how much it would be.

Once I have taken delivery we will be joining the Bailey club, so we may meet up in the future.

Happy caravaning.

Allyson

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Allyson,

I,m not sure if bailey or the dealer is doing this but it,s the Baily system which is the IDM touch pad type. As far as the Alko lock then price being bandid around is about

 

[Allyson]

Hi Rob

Bought the van from a dealer in Chipping Sodbury, had a good part exchange price back in August, bought the van before we saw the new design.

Just come from the Nec today where saw the van again for the 3rd time, glad we bought when we did, couldn't get near it.

Also joined the Bailey club whilst were there, along with ordering an awining.

Spoke to AL-KO they said you need to find out the type of wheel we have on the van because they have some many designs. The price is

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Allyson,

Some freinds went to NEC to-day the same as yourself and they said they too had only seconds in the van before others were pushing trying to get in to have a gander. I belive that Chipping Sodbury do good deals but too far south for us. Well I hope you enjoy the van as we are right chuffed at the purchase(as we say up North in Cheshire)

As far as tracker goes really good but expensive, make sure you have a good sold secure wheel clamp and hitchlock and parked next to a hobby caravan as that may go before yours in respect of theft and make sure that you have good insurance cover there is only so much you can do re security, If some one wants it that bad it will go and there is not much you can do apart from living in it all the time.

Went down to the van I am trading in to-day and to be honest I will be sorry to see it go as it has served Nicky and myself well with 4 European holidays and more weekends than I can think of but you have to move up and on.

Any way what awning did you do a deal on, I am thinking of having ours extended but Nicky is thinking of buying a Isabella(ouch another dint in the wallet.)

Keep looking at the blurb that came from Baily and comparing with the Indiana and may order the shelves that go to the right of the sink unit in the bedroom if they will fit.

Great van.

We hope to take a weekend in York in Febuary at Rowntree park as long as the River Ouse does not overflow!

Take care and look forward to December.

Rob

 

[Allyson]

Hi Rob

We liked the Isabella awnings but the one we liked came in