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Hi

has anyone been tempted by the new Sterling Eccles Ruby.  Single axle fixed bed 4 berth with a lovely sized end bathroom?

Its 1595kg, so heavier than the van we have now.But the bathroom/layout is so much better.

My only concern is the weight.  Our car can pull upto 2000kg so I know its ok, but are we very silly to go for a heavier van?

Would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks

My only concern is the weight.  Our car can pull upto 2000kg so I know its ok, but are we very silly to go for a heavier van?

stick to 85% of kerb weight to be safe.

Lovely aren't they!  We saw one at Highbridge the other day, we had a guided tour by one of the salesmen and it really was a great layout.  Too heavy for us though.

Ali

Having seen the Eccles version and the Bailey version I prefer the Bailey!  I think they have executed the layout better in a shorter, lighter 'van.

Check out the new issue of Practical Caravan which tests the Ruby, California and the Lunar Lexon SE (the Lunar wins the test!).  They also test the Bailey Pageant Sancerre which has the same layout but is cheaper and lighter than the Senator.

I have to say this layout may just tempt us back to trying a fixed bed again (the last time we had a fixed bed we lasted less than 12 months with it).

We want to buy a new van and have been investigation these models. We looked at the Ruby at the NEC. Not only is it heavier but it is also longer. We had previously looked at the Bailey California but felt the bathroom was too small. The Ruby on the other hand is just right, although I still think the living area feels a bit cramped. However we are not keen on the new Eccles colouring so would be inclined to go for the Challenger version rather than the Eccles. Swift are doing a similar model in the Europa/Charisma ranges but it will be the same length as the California and a similar weight. Our local Swift dealer has announced that it will be doing a dealer special of the Charisma version so we will wait to see what this is like. Despite the end bathroom (as we have now) seeming to be the ideal layout we could end up with the end bed side bathroom model as it has much more space in the living area.

David

Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 29/3/2009

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Our local Swift dealer has announced that it will be doing a dealer special of the Charisma version so we will wait to see what this is like. David

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Our two nearest dealers do special editions on the Charisma and the Europa.  To my mind they have a better, more useful spec than the current Eccles/Challenger level models.  Still confused as to Swift aren't offering ALKO ATC as standard on any of their 'vans.  It's on our list of must haves for our next 'van.

We too looked at the Bailey Califonia but were disappointed with the interior build quality and the curtain and cushions.  They were of a cheaper finish. (and felt that the soft furnishings didnt even match in the living area....I know this is a women thing!).  In two of the models we looked at there were warped wardrobe doors in both of them.

This was very sad as we would have gone for this van.

So think the quality in the Ruby wins us over.