Hi Guys and Girls :)

[Nicci_5132668]

Hi all...

My name is Nicci and Im a newbie around here

My Husband & I are hoping to be getting our 1st caravan in the next few weeks.

We want a 6 berth fixed bunk model but they are proving elusive to say the least.

We have 3 children and an English Bull Terrier who will all be touring with us.

Well, thats enough for here, I hope to meet you all properly in the forums

 

[Olly]

Why not put the kids in kennels and take the dog? Then, you would only need a two berth van and the money saved would more than pay for the kennel fees. Just think of the tranquillity that such an action would ensure!

I think I'd better think it out again ( perhaps ).

Other than that, welcome from another recent member of the Forum.

Olly.

 

[MAM]

Hi Nicci,

My wife and I are in the same position - 2 young children and a third due in October. Then it's time to buy a Caravan. I've been looking at what's available for the last month or so and I'm set on a Bailey Ranger 550/6. - 6 berth with two fixed bunks at the back.

I'd be interested to see what you find.

 

[Nicci_5132668]

Hi Mike,

We looked at the Discovery Mars from Bailey, but decided that while it was light to tow the fittings were a bit flimsy to stand up to my kids.

But I'm still hopeful that we will find something to suit.

Let me know how you get on with your new caravan, im interested to know how you all get on.

 

[MAM]

Hi Nicci,

I know what you mean about being flimsy. Every time I take my two to look at a caravan, I worry when they run around in case they break something. Then I think - they're going to run around and "test" the van when we buy it so they might as well road-test it now.

I wonder if anyone else on the forum know how the Bailey Discovery measures up against other caravans for build quality. Is the Ranger any different?

 

[Ewan_5130997]

Hi Mike and Nicci,

I took delivery of my Bailey Ranger 550/6 about 4 weeks ago. I am very happy with build quality. I have two kids as well, and on a few occasions away with friens, we have haad up to 6 kids playing around on the rear bunks and around the van. Only probs that have occured were one of the coat hooks couldnt take the weight of 4 coats and a 5 year old who was high on smarties!!!! and the top screws which secure the bulkhead behind the small dinette came loose. (already repaired at dealer.). All in all a pretty sturdy van.

 

[MAM]

Hi Ewan,

That's good news.

What was your thoughts on going for the fixed bunk rather that the folding bunks (500 vs. 550)? And did you consider saving money on an equivalent Discovery (Mars) or splashing out a bit more on the luxury of a Pageant Bretagne)?

You can probably tell where my selection process is going at the moment (round and round).

 

[Ewan_5130997]

Hi Mike

When the wife and I started looking for our first van last year (you can see it taked us a while to make our minds up) we had already decided on the fixed bunks. As we only have two kids, andnormally wont have all their pals staying, we liked the idea of just being able to forget about making up their beds, pull the curtain over and ignore the mess!!

This year we looked at various models, Lunar Zenith 6, Adria , Sprite etc. The discovery we felt was just a bit too basic (although when we ordered the van, in April, the new layout Discoveries were not available)with the Ranger having a slightly higher spec. The Pageant unfortunately was too heavy for our car. (as was the Sprites.)

For us the Ranger was the best buy. It has the full kitchen fittings, loads of spot lights etc, plenty storage, condensation boards behind the back rests and so on. The only extra we had to fit were two extra mains sockets and a radio cassette.

 

[MAM]

We've finally decided on the Bailey Pageant Provence but because of the price hike over the Ranger we're looking for a 2005 used model. Although this doesn't have fixed bunks, our thoughts are that we can leave the rear beds in position with the doors closed over if we wish, and if we suddenly decide we need more space we can convert back to benches.

One advantage of going for a used model is that most already come with all the usual required extras and usually an Awning.

I have been looking on Autotrader for a Provence but the five I have phoned so far have all been sold, even though I have phoned on the first day they appeared on-line. Is the on-line version behind the paper version?

Can anyone recommend an alternative to Autotrader.