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Subject Topic: BAILEY RANGER GT 460/4 Post Reply Post New Topic
01/10/2009 at 2:48pm
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Hi again,
If anyone read my first thread titled 'Towing Headache' you will know Im completely new to this game but looking forward to buying my family their first caravan.

I think I have found a suitably weighted caravan that my Vauxhall Vectra SRI 1.8 06 plate will tow.

What do you think of the match/pairing of the caravan and car and also what do you think of the caravan itself.

Also does anyone know what sort of discounts I should realistically get from a dealer when buying a new caravan ?

Finally should I buy close to home or can all dealers do warranty work etc if things go wrong ?


02/10/2009 at 2:06pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger 510 4 Vectra 3.0 V6
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Hi pretty new to the game myself, haven't even got a van yet!

I think it's best to go for a dealer close to home so that when you take it in for services (or repairs - hopefully not) it's easier if you are close to home.

I'm not sure if you can take to another dealer like you can with cars?

When we were browsing recently most of the dealers seem to offer a starter pack voucher to spend in their shop (anything upto £300 I think).

We're now looking at an 06 Vectra - will hopefully get one this weekend!

-------------
Wendle
Outlander Diamond
Vectra Estate 3L V6
Bailey Ranger 510/4
1 husband
1 son


02/10/2009 at 11:32pm
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Hi Its a mine field out there isnt it. Or atleast seems that at the moment.
Lets hope your right about the Vectra as cant afford to change the car too at the moment.
Off to the NEC to see if I can get myself a super duper deal !!!!


05/10/2009 at 7:35am
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Hi there,

We have just bought a Ranger GT60 460/4 and we love it.

Good points:

electric flush loo, microwave, nice fixed bed, lots of wall cupboard space in lounge and bedroom, great for 2 people

Other points:

It's a bit on the small side for 4 people, but have been told the front bed is comfortable

Not much space in the bedroom to use the sink - you have to be inventive lol

Loo and shower together - probably wouldn't use the shower, because I would worry about damp, not much kitchen space (mind you - there is a drop down shelf that goes over the bed)

Check seal around the status aerial - we have had to have it replaced already.

It is best to get to a dealer close to home in case there are any problems.

However, it's a good little van and it suits us.

Just ask if you need to know anything else and I will try and help

 



05/10/2009 at 3:57pm
 Location: Wales
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger GT60 380 2
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I hope I don't upset you, but I think you will be disappointed with the performance of your SRi when towing. Whilst it may be OK regarding weight, petrol engines will struggle on any hill.

I pull a small lightweight 2 berth with a 1.8 Focus and find it hard work to be honest. My previous vn was an Eriba Touring - very aerodynamic, low profile (pop up roof) and the same width of the car. I had no trouble at all towing that compared with my current Bailey Ranger.

I was talking to a chap last week who was towing with a BMW M Sport. I asked him if he had ever pulled the 'A' frame off the van when towing! Was surprised when he told me that even he was struggling on hills.

I used to pooh pooh the diesel drivers when they said that petrol engines weren't any good for towing, but I'm coming round to that way of thinking and my next car will be a diesel.

Al



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05/10/2009 at 11:30pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Dragon44 on 05/10/2009
I hope I don't upset you, but I think you will be disappointed with the performance of your SRi when towing. Whilst it may be OK regarding weight, petrol engines will struggle on any hill.

I pull a small lightweight 2 berth with a 1.8 Focus and find it hard work to be honest. My previous vn was an Eriba Touring - very aerodynamic, low profile (pop up roof) and the same width of the car. I had no trouble at all towing that compared with my current Bailey Ranger.

I was talking to a chap last week who was towing with a BMW M Sport. I asked him if he had ever pulled the 'A' frame off the van when towing! Was surprised when he told me that even he was struggling on hills.

I used to pooh pooh the diesel drivers when they said that petrol engines weren't any good for towing, but I'm coming round to that way of thinking and my next car will be a diesel.

Al




No, thank you for your reply. On another thread it states the Vectra will do a decent job with the size caravan im looking at.Mixed reports then I guess.
It is obviously a worry of mine though !!!


06/10/2009 at 10:17pm
 Location: Fife
 Outfit: Bailey Alicanto VW T
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I have a Bailey Ranger 460/4 and i tow it with a Renault Laguna 2.0 petrol and it tows well even on hills i,m never out off 5th gear on motorways i do a nice steady 60mph and theres more there if needed for overtaking the odd lorry or two.The 460/4 is a nice sized van for a couple or young family and it suits me and the wife just fine



07/10/2009 at 9:30pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
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The 460/4 should be a very stable van to tow. Its relatively short, has a long draw bar and all the main equipment (fridge, oven, heater, water heater & battery) is over or very close to the axle.

 



09/10/2009 at 10:39am
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Oh stress !! The wife now likes the look of the slightly bigger GT 510/4 due to the separate shower and toilet. Do you guys still think my Vectra would be ok pulling it.
The MTPLM weight is 29 kgs more on the 510 at 1281KG. The kerb weight of my Vectra is 1400kg.

A salesman at the local dealer reckons it will be fine but to be honest he was 'oozing' I need a deal at the time ! (Maybe a quiet week !!)

Please help !!



09/10/2009 at 12:33pm
 Location: Brigg North Lincolnshire
 Outfit: Outwell Montana 6P
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All of these vans are very light, so I don't think you'd have problems towing at all. Sure, you'll get better pulling power with a diesel, but they'll all be well within your towing limits and will be really stable.

I think you need to ask yourself how you're going to use the van - particularly the bathroom.   We bought a Ranger 470/4 and with young children (4 and 6 when we bought), we found that it was fantastic being able to wash and shower them in the van's shower every day, and the size of the bathroom means you can use it as a dressing room too. Now, we never use site facilities at all - it's just so handy having everything in the van.

So, if I was you, I'd go for the GT60 510/4.   It just gives you a bit more storage space, as well as the option of using the front bed as 2 singles (they're a bit longer than in the 460/4 or 470/4).   I borrowed one of these for a colleague for a weekend and they're brilliant - really well fitted out and great features for the money - and light too.

Good luck!



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09/10/2009 at 3:48pm
 Location: Wales
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger GT60 380 2
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Keyboard,

Whichever van you go for I'm sure we would all be interested in how your car performs towing it. It could help a lot of people in the future.



09/10/2009 at 8:20pm
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Thanks for replying guys. Im off to the NEC next week,going to have a real good look around both caravans and ask everyone I see if they think my vehicle will pull them both ok ;)
I think with a young daughter and wife the extra bathroom space will be a lot more useful than a combined shower/ toilet. Not a big lover of those shower curtains.

For me, now isnt the ideal time to buy but I know when I get to the show and see some of the deals I will be itching to sign up !!

Post last edited on 09/10/2009 20:27:43


09/10/2009 at 9:19pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
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Only just noticed you are buying the van for your family. I don't think the 460/4 will be very suitable for a family. There is very little living space during the day. Having said that we are saving up for one right now to replace our 510/4.

The 510/4 is a brilliant van for a family with loads of living space, great kitchen, lovely bathroom, big double bed, or singles, but be aware that the bunks are only suitable for children. The bathroom is a great place to change if you need privacy, like when having mother in law along with you.

Now there are only the two of us, it's too big. As you get older it's harder making up the bed every night and morning. The idea of a fixed bed really appeals.

I tow the 510/4, MTPLM 1200kg with a pug 406 110 bhp diesel, with 1410kg kerbweight. It's very stable, I've never had a snake and don't use a stabiliser. I think your car will be fine with it. OK you may have to change down on a hill, but so do I.

With diesels you have to keep the revs up to about 2200rpm otherwise it gets a bit sluggish. I find that in 5th gear at 62 mph the car suddenly starts pulling very strongly and on one occasion went up to 75mph when I forgot the van was there.. Below 60mph it's a bit sluggish.

My first van was a Freedom towed with a mini metro over its max tow limit. But it went everywhere, just a bit slower and we always got there.



10/10/2009 at 3:49pm
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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 09/10/2009

Only just noticed you are buying the van for your family. I don't think the 460/4 will be very suitable for a family. There is very little living space during the day. Having said that we are saving up for one right now to replace our 510/4.

The 510/4 is a brilliant van for a family with loads of living space, great kitchen, lovely bathroom, big double bed, or singles, but be aware that the bunks are only suitable for children. The bathroom is a great place to change if you need privacy, like when having mother in law along with you.

Now there are only the two of us, it's too big. As you get older it's harder making up the bed every night and morning. The idea of a fixed bed really appeals.

I tow the 510/4, MTPLM 1200kg with a pug 406 110 bhp diesel, with 1410kg kerbweight. It's very stable, I've never had a snake and don't use a stabiliser. I think your car will be fine with it. OK you may have to change down on a hill, but so do I.

With diesels you have to keep the revs up to about 2200rpm otherwise it gets a bit sluggish. I find that in 5th gear at 62 mph the car suddenly starts pulling very strongly and on one occasion went up to 75mph when I forgot the van was there.. Below 60mph it's a bit sluggish.

My first van was a Freedom towed with a mini metro over its max tow limit. But it went everywhere, just a bit slower and we always got there.






Thanks very much for replying. It is the bathroom design that I like and would be of a great benefit for us. There would only be my young daughter using the bunk beds so that would probably be fine.
My only concern is the Petrol engined vehicle I would be towing with.Im going to do some research at the show and then decide. Thanks again.


15/10/2009 at 1:29pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Audi A6 Avant and Lunar Quasar 544
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Check out the website www.whattowcar.com.

I have just bought a Ranger 540/6 after being told my Mondeo estate would be fine by the dealer. After researching it further I find that the dealers only consider the weight of the caravan and car, and not the weedy little 1.8 petrol engine. We are now having to change the car too. Going, I think, for a new Mazda 6 2.2 diesel estate.



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