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Topic: Bailey or Swift?

jamesA114

28/4/2021 at 1:15pm
Location: south staffordshire
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Amethyst + santa fe

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We are returning to caravanning after 5 years away (children got too old for it) and now looking at getting a fixed bed end bathroom. We like both the Swift and Bailey versions. Are either better in build quality than the other?
TIA

tango55

28/4/2021 at 2:01pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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I would advise to look at the weights (MTPLM) of both caravans first as sometimes Bailey can be somewhat heavier than Swift. However, it's not always the case but something to take into consideration as you may need to change your towing vehicle depending on what you currently have. Regarding build quality, most caravans are much the same these days as quality seems to have diminished across the whole of the caravan industry as in recent years there appears to be more complaints than perhaps 10 years ago or more.

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Colin21

28/4/2021 at 8:48pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 28/4/2021
I would advise to look at the weights (MTPLM) of both caravans first as sometimes Bailey can be somewhat heavier than Swift. However, it's not always the case but something to take into consideration as you may need to change your towing vehicle depending on what you currently have. Regarding build quality, most caravans are much the same these days as quality seems to have diminished across the whole of the caravan industry as in recent years there appears to be more complaints than perhaps 10 years ago or more.

Yes I do sometimes wonder how many of today's caravans will still be around after nearly 30 years, like mine. Mine's not in absolutely perfect condition, but at its age that's not really surprising. It is however probably in better condition than many half its age.

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Best Regards,
Colin

Pixie_Hez

28/4/2021 at 9:43pm
Location: Liverpool
Outfit: Swift Challenger 560

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I think it is pretty much hit and miss with every make. Our previous ‘van was a Bailey and we didn’t have a single problem with it, however, we were speaking to a couple who had exactly the same ‘van and they had had nothing but trouble! Conversely, we have had a lot of small annoying issues with our current Swift but I hear from others with the same van who have never had any issues!

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Pixie

664DaveS

via mobile 29/4/2021 at 10:17am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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Our Bailey is no 6 over many years. None have had major faults.

Our Cadiz has just had its 3 year service. No damp.

Only faults from new, a sticky mains RCD, squealing brakes(a known Al ko issue), water pump intermittent and the spare wheel winch jammed!

All rectified under warranty by Cosford Caravans, who have supplied all of them and who I highly recommend.
We have owned one Swift, a Classic Coronette, it was fault free in 5 years ownership back in the late 80s.

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DS-There's more to life than football!!!

jamesA114

29/4/2021 at 10:32am
Location: south staffordshire
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Amethyst + santa fe

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Thanks for the info and Cosford recommendation as we are near by. Fairly flexible with weight as have an A6 Allroad so I can tow most of the single axle and a fair few of the doubles and still be 85%.

Cheers

bobmel

29/4/2021 at 9:36pm
Location: Aberdeen
Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti

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or Elddis even

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Robert (BoB)

paul+julie

via mobile 01/5/2021 at 4:09pm
Location: Otley W. Yorks N Yorks border
Outfit: Swift Challenger 584 and Volvo XC60

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We have a Swift challenger sport 584 which is a great layout for a couple especially with the island bed and end bathroom. This is the 2nd Swift we have had and have never had any issues. We are also able to carry bikes on the back of ours (post 2015 models) which is a bonus for us.
Friends have a Bailey which is also a nice caravan. I suppose it’s just personal taste and weight/ tow car etc.

navver

01/5/2021 at 8:12pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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Most important is to find a good local dealer because they will look after you if you have problems. Buying 100 miles away to save a few quid won't pay in the end.

They should give it a good inspection before handing over and will rectify any warranty issues.

Buy whatever make they do.

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