Message Forums

Twin axles seem to be in decline, I was reading the Swift Charismas have dropped their twin axles for this season.  I guess this is a weight issue and with fuel likely to go up constantly people wanting to run smaller vehicles and vans.

I like the look of the Bailey Ranger 620/6 and GT60 620/6.

Ali

we've got a suzuki grand vitara LWB 2.7 ( we were told by the caravan co that we could tow the avondale argente with no problems).

off to check out the adria..........It's nice the thing i likes about the bailey was that there was a pull across door so once the kids were in bed we could have grown up time without having to whisper too much

Anita, one small tip, NEVER believe a dealer when it comes to towing weights.  Have a squiz at your manual or even better find a weighbridge.  Do make sure you know your max tow weight too as this can sometimes be considerably lower than the kerbweight.

Ali

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/suzuki.htm#vitara702

Looks like your kerbweight may be 1640 kg.  Max tow is higher but you would then have an outfit where the tail is wagging the dog perhaps?!!

Don't take these figures as gospel as sometimes this site is not so accurate, do check your handbook.

Ali

i have to say we did feel a little confused about alll the tow weights and kerbweights - we'll check that all out before purchasing.

Quote: Originally posted by G7ACU on 16/9/2009

---

I've been considering a change from our Bailey to an Adria 542DT; nothing against the Bailey but the Adria seems to offer more internal space, it's like a tardis. Triple bunk (good adult sized too), side dinette and front double.

There's a video of this model here.

Also, what are you likely to be towing with (exact model details), as your tow limit may impact your choice of van.

---

I am getting a new Adria Altea 542DT 2010 should be picking it up this weekend.  For the size it is a good weight.  7' 6" wide and nice and spacious inside.  It also has a good side shower/Wash Room.  I was looking at the Ranger 540 and the Zenith 6 I liked the Zenith but Lunar have dropped this model this year.  I liked the Bailey but it felt a little bit closed in and the shower/wash room seemed very small. The Adria just felt light and open which is the look we were after.  I suppose the only thing that you dont get on the Adria like some other vans is a separate bedroom area, but it is this that makes it feel nice and open.

Hi

We have the Adria 542DT which we think is great.  We were deciding between the Bailey Ranger triple bunk version and the two Adria layouts (542 DT - triple bunks on side or 542 DK - double bunks and pull across door to make end bedroom). 

The Adria swung it as the bunks are bigger (wider and possibly a bit longer) than the Bailey so thought it would last the kids a bit longer, the extra width (general feel of more space and not crammed in) - also can fit all four of us on the side diner so never user the front table (couldn;t fit us all in on the Ranger as narrower side dinette).  Preferred the end washroom on the DT as decent sized shower (more room than on bailey or the DK).  Finally, read lots of good reviews about the Adrias and build quality seems pretty good.

Hope that helps.

We've got the Bailey Ranger GT60 540/6 and LOVE it!  It has the triple bunks at the back and the door closes off at night to seperate us from the kids.  The bathroom is small but that doesn't bother us as we always use on site showers.  But its nice to be able to wash our hands and use the toilet overnight.  As it is the GT version it comes with an alko stabiliser.  Because it's new we got it from a main Bailey approved Dealer and got him to throw in a starter pack.  If you ask most Dealer's will give you a starter pack.  We also had an outside plug fitted as ds likes to sleep in the awning.

Can't help with storage as we are lucky enough to be able to store our 'van at home.  Good Luck in your search

Do check out the noseweight as well.  Many larger caravans need a high noseweight, which limits the choice of towing vehicle.  You need to make sure it's compatible.

Jim

The Pageant S7 (2009 model) also comes with ATC (like an electronic caravan stability control) as standard.

While having ATC is not a carte banche for towing a unstable outfit, it is an extra safety device if things do go wrong.

The Pageant is a lot more expensive than an Adria Altea, but there is a lot more kit as well as the closeable rear bedroom, although granted the beds are narrower than the Adria's ones

oh my, i'm getting more and more confused, nose weight, kerbweight and toweight!

and then theres the choices of vans about!

thanks for all your advise, plenty to consider.

anita