Message Forums

Having been a keen tenter for a few years now we have decided to take the plunge and go for a "tin tent".

Initially we were thinking about a very recent 2nd hand number but after looking around and doing some price comparisons we've more or less decided that a new Bailey Ranger is within our range.

There are two of us with a reasonably regular 3rd party joining us so we're going for the 510/4 model.

Being complete novices I wondered if any of you experts out there would like to offer an opinion on our choice, it seems to tick all the boxes but are there any hidden pitfalls that we should consider before chucking our money at the nice people at Barrons?

Thanks guys!!

big welcome to tin tent land,some happy days to come.510/4  bailey caravan? your V70 should pull that easy.we have the 500/5 and love it. lots of advice here......

Hya Daleswalker, welcome to the luxury life . You wont regret the decision once you have everything you need. Think i remember discussing with you at Hatfield water park last Easter.

Before you chuck your money at Barrons try to work out everything you will need from stabilizer security water carriers awnings etc and try to get a discounted price if you purchase at the same time, a lot of dealers have a loyalty scheme where they offer a 10% discount. Have a browse online to see if you can find the model at a better price, as much info as you can take with you will get you a better deal.

Have you sorted out storage if required it can sometimes be difficult to find suitable so pays to look first.

After that just plan your hols, somewhere close for your first trip, a meet would be great, just incase you have any teething problems. Then just sit back and enjoy the good life.

Hi

We are tenters and have just done 6 days at the new year meet and survuved lol.

BUT my wife has now decided she wants a van so we are looking round, we are going for a second look at a swift conqueror 550 tomorrow, didnt think i would ever be a tin tenter as i like the tent too much.............. oh well life moves on lol

Stu

Hi Daleswalker, i have a Bailey Ranger 550/6 and love it, i was new to a tin tent last year and will never go back, how we managed to pack all the camping stuff in the car is now a mystery! The Ranger is a good value van and gives you all you need.  I have a light weight awning that takes about 15 mins to put up and is great. 

Anng

Hi Daleswalker,  welcome to caravanning!  We are in Donny too.  Biggest tip - don't try to get on the M18 on a Friday evening!

Carrie

Thanks for all your comments everyone, Yep that was us at Hatfield Bill! I will take all your advice on board (especially the one about the M18!!!). Also like the idea of an outside socket for the beer fridge!! We've decided against a fixed bed, opting for the extra bathroom space instead (time will tell on that decision). Just seen the ads on this site about the NW caravan show in Mancland next week so we're going to take a run over there to have a look.

We're getting quite excited about it now although a bit disappointed by the delivery times quoted from 2 or 3 different dealers (week 18 is the best so far) have to see if we can get any better at the show.

Thanks again for all your replies, I'm always astounded at how helpful everyone on here is.

Quote: Originally posted by daleswalker on 10/1/2008

---

Thanks for all your comments everyone, Yep that was us at Hatfield Bill! I will take all your advice on board (especially the one about the M18!!!). Also like the idea of an outside socket for the beer fridge!! We've decided against a fixed bed, opting for the extra bathroom space instead (time will tell on that decision). Just seen the ads on this site about the NW caravan show in Mancland next week so we're going to take a run over there to have a look.

We're getting quite excited about it now although a bit disappointed by the delivery times quoted from 2 or 3 different dealers (week 18 is the best so far) have to see if we can get any better at the show.

Thanks again for all your replies, I'm always astounded at how helpful everyone on here is.

---

The delivery timeframe tends to get longer, the later in the Caravan Year that you place your order.  Once you get into February, the delivery months are usually between June and September depending on the manufacturer!  There is only one Bailey factory, so unless you find a dealer with the van you want already in stock, you will find the build week being quoted gets later and later!  In June, Bailey usually start production of the following year's models (although they don't do a major update of all the ranges every year).

Also, whilst you can view all the models at a show, you are still likely to be tied to a dealer near to your home, because most dealerships will only do service and warranty work on vans that they have sold.  In theory, you can get your van serviced anywhere - but in practice this simply isn't the case!

Hope this helps you in your deliberations.

Quote: Originally posted by Ulti-Mates on 13/1/2008

---

Quote: Originally posted by daleswalker on 10/1/2008

---

Thanks for all your comments everyone, Yep that was us at Hatfield Bill! I will take all your advice on board (especially the one about the M18!!!). Also like the idea of an outside socket for the beer fridge!! We've decided against a fixed bed, opting for the extra bathroom space instead (time will tell on that decision). Just seen the ads on this site about the NW caravan show in Mancland next week so we're going to take a run over there to have a look.

We're getting quite excited about it now although a bit disappointed by the delivery times quoted from 2 or 3 different dealers (week 18 is the best so far) have to see if we can get any better at the show.

Thanks again for all your replies, I'm always astounded at how helpful everyone on here is.

---

The delivery timeframe tends to get longer, the later in the Caravan Year that you place your order.  Once you get into February, the delivery months are usually between June and September depending on the manufacturer!  There is only one Bailey factory, so unless you find a dealer with the van you want already in stock, you will find the build week being quoted gets later and later!  In June, Bailey usually start production of the following year's models (although they don't do a major update of all the ranges every year).

Also, whilst you can view all the models at a show, you are still likely to be tied to a dealer near to your home, because most dealerships will only do service and warranty work on vans that they have sold.  In theory, you can get your van serviced anywhere - but in practice this simply isn't the case!

Also, inspite of your eagerness to get the best delivery date and presumably the best price, you are going to have a relationship with your dealer for the next few years and I would recommend choosing them carefully.

Hope this helps you in your deliberations.

---

sounds like you have picked the right van.i only hear good things about these vans so go ahead.enjoy it

cheb