Hello to you all!

[Rabbleon]

I am now the proud owner of a Bailey Pageant Sancerre. We decided we wanted one on the Friday, within 40 minutes of seeing the private advert going live on the Sunday I was on the phone and on the Monday night we went to see it and closed the deal. How quick was that? It did help I suppose that we knew what we wanted. This van is not really on the second hand market so I feel I have been very lucky with this purchase as it is just 1 year old and has only been out for 8 nights since new. The owners bought it for their retirement but because of a very bad accident back in 1995 while towing a caravan, the lady of the house has decided she isn’t comfortable towing (hence the 8 nights trial).
We were looking for a van 2 years ago but decided against it for various reasons. We now felt it was the right thing to do and have been told by lots of people that we will not regret it! We have already planned this weekend away for 2 nights, local as a trial for me to get used to how everything works.

 

[Parksy]

Welcome to the Practical Caravan forum Rabbleon and congratulations on buying your Sancerre.
It looks as though you were in the right place at the right time, does the warranty transfer to you from the previous owners?
Good luck with the maiden voyage and if you need any advice or information just ask.

 

[bribes]

Hello to all ..About me, Im 73 {old wazak} Former regular Royal engineers/40 years dragging road tankers all over the UK and my first van was a Palladin 14 ft 4 berth that was in 1970.{god that makes me feel old} I have just returned to caravaning after 15 years of running a motorhome traveling all over UK France and spain. vans have changed in the last 20 years ..I find the levels of equipment quite staggering. My tug is a 2010 grand vitari and my van is a Buccaneer elan I dont tow any faster than 58 mph,I find that that is quick enough and the outfit returns 27mpg. All outfits regardless of size have their limitations,some have the stability of a three legged donkey others can quite happily run all day long at 75 mph.Im never in a rush, I just enjoy travel..I also like reading P/c and now and again mmm ..Hope to meet some of you sometime...regards Bri

 

[Parksy]

Welcome to the forum Brian, we are always glad to count experienced caravanners amongst our active members. Do you think that with fixed beds and high equipment levels caravans have changed for the better since the 1970s?
Of course the UK national speed limit for towing vehicles is 60mph so if you do your touring in this country 58mph sounds about right.
We will look forward to reading more from you, Happy Caravanning

 

[Rabbleon]

As far as I am aware the warranty will transfer over. It better anyway!

 

[bribes]

Hi parksy..Regarding changes from 1970s,the sandwich side walls have made a terrific difference to insulation and rigidity,double glazed windows/fridges/microwaves/,the list is endless..As for fixed double beds,Ok for the younger element were a nightly climb over ones partner will result in the coment,Not again. This coment will make the male climber quite proud and treat it as a compliment on his prowess.However for the older element the coment is.likely to be. O God not again.The creeking of bones and the stubbing of tow on the toilet door when ones female partner tries to sneak to the toilet usualy means.I get burnt toast and a broken egg for breakfast..To make peace I have to confess that I left the toilet door open.,So no Im not in favour of fixed beds , Give me single beds any time ,At least then I get proper toast and a decent egg.....

 

[ValA.]

I remember the biggest problem of 70's caravans was the aluminium trims covering the joins in the ceiling panels, which used to collect condensation, and drip on your head whilst in bed - somehow they seemed always to be in just that position!
I have to say we're of the fixed bed school - nothing like keeping limber, by trying to get out of bed without waking the other one up! Give me the odd 'broken night' - I'd happily trade it against 'cushion-wrestling' every morning and bedtime. Mind you, we're not yet of the age where we prefer single beds!