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 Hi Meggs, we have a 2001 Dart 556/6, so can tell you a little about this model (i dont think that its much different to the Bailey),

 We are 2 adults and 4 kids so needed a 6 berth, to be honest it was not the layout that we wanted, but got a great deal on it, its roomy blown air heating is brill good cooker, large enough to cook full roast dinner for 6, to be honest we love the van, other than the layout, with rear fixed bunks and a side dinete that converts to a bunk.

 This is only a personal view, but, we would have prefered to have the bunks opposite each other at the rear of the van, with a door that enables you to close the kids off at night, as when its bed time our kids peer through the curtains to watch telly when they should be asleep, and if you have friends round for a drink the talking keeps them awake.

 Good luck in whatever van you decide on, just go round and look at as many dealers as you can, so many layouts to chose from.

Hi

saw a nice 6 berth caravan near us at weekend

FLEETWOOD MERIDIAM

WARDY

Hated the swing out bathroom shower thing in the Abbey/Ace vans, thought the Dart was just a bit too basic with no door window or door on the offside rear, and the Bailey is narrow. We went for the Elddis 556 which we thought was the best of the bunch. The only thing we didnt like at first was the steps to the back bunk but that soon gets forgotten. We also got a much much better deal than any of the Swift group dealers and got the lux pack incl alloys and radio cd plus a spare wheel and carrier and hitch lock thrown in.

We have also found that this is the best and easiest towing van we have ever owned.

We are buying the Bailey Ranger 550/6 as it suits our needs - it has won a few awards too - considering it is a budget van - it looks fine to me and is light for a 6 berth. But i guess it's down to how you feel - we sort of knew that one was the right one.

B

We are hoping to buy a bailey 550/6 as I like the layout although I do have my reservations about the interior, I think the worktops look cheap and the slats on the front seats look as though they wont last too many big bums. Will have to price additions such as a spare tyre and alco hitch, also no fly screen on the door. It is the layout that attracts me most ( and the price ) I am guessing that other manufacturers will follow this layout next year as the 550/6 is selling like hotcakes and are difficult to get now. Here's hoping that my Ace will sell to allow me to move to the double axle, but I love the Ace interior and will be sad to see her go.           

We have a 2003 Ranger 550/6 which is great, there is only 4 of us and the kids love the bunks. We've only had it since November and spent our 1st week away last week in Dorset....Fantastic, apart from a few arguments about the awning !!  They layout is just right for us.

Whatever you choose, goodluck

This was us a few weeks ago!!  Such a big decision.  We have decided on a lunar quasar 615, it's light weight and has a separate childrens room so we can geet a bit of piece from our 5 kids!!  We can pull up to 1550, not sure about you but dont go over 85% of your kerb weight.  (I think that right.  someone will correct me if thats wrong.)

At the end of the day, you will know when you find the right one for you!!  Good luck!

Quote: Originally posted by meggs on 12/4/2007

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Can anyone advise me which caravan I should go for. We have a choice between a Bailey 550/6, an Avondale Dart 556/6 or an Abbey Aventura 330. I'm not sure which is the widest or with the most storage. First caravan so not sure what to look for. Thanks

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I'd go for the 6 berth layout of the Trekker, short bed across the front, long beds alng the length of the rear with steel framed sprung based bunks coming out from under the beds. We had this layout in our Compass Reflection 490/6 with a merit pack on it. This is a brilliant layout for a family with 4 kids & the bunks will take the kids up into their teens unlike the fixed buns in some 6 berths availabe today.

We've actually gone down to a 5 berth using awning annexes because we can no longer get the same layout as the Trekker offers but in a single axled van like our Compass. We store at home & can't take a twin axle on the drive.

I'd go as far as to say, the first single axle van I find in this layout, I'll order it to replace our 5 berth. The layout is IMO that good. Why the manufacturers have gone away from it I just don't know. I guess the majority don't mind losing half their van to fixed bunks which are too short for tall kids/ teenagers.

BB  

we have just bought the new baily pagent bretange 6 birth fixed bunks at rear as we have 3 ruggies and it seems to work well,weve just done our first trip in it and at night the kids pull the curtains and seem so far away so me and ma wife can get close but not to close (have to send them out to play then) the only thing is the workmanship of it is not very good to say the least(may off read ma post poor workmanship) just be carefull when buying and get as much advice about the product you choose but everyone has differnt prefs............

YA NOT HEAR FOR A LONG TIME JUST A GOOD ONE