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Nice van but you better check what the kerb weight of your Vectra is. We had a shock when we checked our 1.9CDTI (2006 model) as the Vectra's are a lot lighter than the Mondeo. Ours is 1456kg which means if you follow the 85% rule then our target weight was around 1237kg with a tow ball weight limit of 75kg. This really limited our choice of vans as we couldn't afford to change cars so ended up going for a Bailey Ranger which is nice and light. Legally you can tow the weight of your car but as most experienced people will tell you on here you should aim for something around 85% especially if this is your first van (as was ours). Also the tow ball weight will need careful watching as our Ranger when loaded up is already at 75kg!

BTW watch what dealers tell you the tow weight of your car is. We had several tell us our kerb weight was over 1550kg's but after checking with Vauxhall and the Caravan Club we confirmed it was no where near this high......there should also be a plate on the drivers side B Pillar.

We intend to keep the Ranger till the end of 2012 and then look to get a newer car to give us a wider range of vans in the future.

If you join the CC they have an excellent matching system to check the van / car combination.

Good Luck

Darren 

Quote: Originally posted by gil16e on 12/9/2011

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Thanks for the input guys.  I've just been seeing if the van is too heavy and it is at 90%+ which is no use for me being a novice. Dazzer I have been scouring Ebay and i really like the look of the Bailey Ranger so i will try and find one to suit our needs.  I really like the look of the 6 berth ranger but it might be too heavy for our old car ??

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Depending how many of you there are you could look at the 470/4 or the 510/4. Both are the same 4 berth layout with a front double dinette and a single dinette that converts into a single bed with fold out bunk above. The 510 is a just a bit longer so the front sofas can be used as two singles or one double, where as on our 470 can only be used as a double. Depending what you want to spend you could also look at the new Bailey Orion as these are just within the Vectra's 85% limt. We did consider one but they are £13k as opposed to just under £8k for a 4 year old Ranger.Its just the two of us and our 8 month old so the ranger is a good first van and the OH loves the end bathroom and seperate shower. The Ranger also has a good proven track record, is very light when compared to other makes, and has a good amount of storage. Bailey aren't the best vans IMHO but overall with the towing limts we had we felt it was the best layout for us for the first few years.

Happy huntung and make sure you haggle for bargin. Our was up for £7995 and we paid £8500 but got the following included:

Full Suncamp Daytona Awning with quick release lightweight poles, storm straps and quick connect pads (£670+). breathable Awning carpet, Alko triple pack stabiliser (£200-£250) fitted, wheel clamp, plus full starter pack including both water barrels, EHU lead, battery, pipes, number plate, step, etc etc. As the van was like new I think we did well and we got a 6 month warranty which can be extended after this for another year for £249 (which we will probably do).!

Darren