Message Forums

We started caravnning last year and we love it.

Baileys get brilliant write ups everywhere, although we opted for an Abbey for the first van.

We've just changed to a twin axle, wish we'd done that first time really. What i've found each time we bought new is that there isn't a lot of room to negotiate on prices, you can get a few hundred off, but you're much better negotiating on the extras.

Both times we've got: extra plug sockets and tv points, upgraded steps, discounted awning, free ground sheet, discounted security devices and awning extras, and bits like levelling ramps, big foot pads etc etc.

It is pretty much a buyers market, especially for Bailey's as most dealers tend to stock them.

Good luck and welcome on board! Have you joined the Caravan Club yet?

Personally I prefer the 550/6 layout - Virtually the same price but with fixed rear bunks - same layout as out Swift Charisma 570 - our kids are older but having the extra seating area in middle and a little more space really works for us.

Only negative regarding the 550/5 is that the rear bunks as singles are only 4ft long and are really designed as a double which might work now but as your kids get older they may prefer their own bunks.

We have the Dorema Montana with the fibre tech poles as it saved us weight and they seem strong enough - No problems putting up as they use the Quick lock fixing pads.

Regarding the price we bought our Swift from Barrons at Darlington last summer - In about 2 or 3 weeks from now and they start discounting the 2007 models - we saved around a £1000 off list and got gas, 40l water tank, waste tank, wheel clamps and hitch lock all thrown in. Unless you`re desperate might be worth waiting another week or two.

Hi Chris

At the end of the day you will choose the layout that works for you - We looked at dozens of different makes and layouts until we were sure we had the right one for our circumstances. Having the full length bunks at rear meant that the kids had this permanently set up so could go to bed without any hassle of putting up beds each day and didn`t compromise too much on living space.

Going back to the price I would at least push for a full starter kit to be included in the deal - Gas Bottles, Aquaroll, Wastemaster, Hitchlock, electric hook up etc

We`re lucky and have space to store our van at home so sorry can`t help with that one.

Good Luck with the decision making - I know exactly what you`re going through

We`re off to Brittany in two weeks time - thats when you know you made the right decision .................. regardless of what layout you choose.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I think Val has made a very good suggestion there.  The other day on ebay there was a 1 year old Swift, that somebody had bought, her husband had been injured and felt he no longer wanted to tow as a disabled driver.  From memory it had been used 3 times, and was being sold with every conceivable extra thrown in.

Regarding clubs, have a look at both CC and C&CC - I found the latter's website better to look round, but at least you will have an insite to both.  In reality there probably isn't much to choose between either, and no you do not have to join either of them.  My first outing was to a CC site, but I paid as a non member just to see what facilies they offered.

Woody