Hi
We are first time caravaners and are off to look at a 2005 Pageant Bretagne on Saturday. I understand that there are condensation issues in the rear bunk area and there are modifications that can be made (dont think this particular model has had any mods). As complete novices, could anyone advise as to what we should be checking before buying? Any other tips, greatly appreciated.
Our 6 berth Ranger had wet walls when camping in the (really) cold winter. Can't see how it can be avoided really. We just wiped the walls down and kept the bathroom door open with the blower on.
we had a 2006 Ace Jubilee Courier that had fixed bunks at the bed and on that model there were no ventilation boards but there must have been some sort of issue with them cause we noticed they've added them in the new models
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
We've got a 2005 Bretange, we had the modification done. When we first got the van the bunk bases were solid hardboard, they re-made the bases using wooden slats which was much better. The bunk mattresses are slightly shorter than the bunk length so they don't touch the door.
I believe some people also had an extra heating duct put in the back of the van, although this wasn't offered to us.
Re the condensation I find that as long as we leave the windows on the ventilate setting at night it's fine. We don't use the heating overnight, this also helps. We camp at all times of year and to be honest with 5 of us sleeping in the van I don't really feel we need the heating at night even in some very cold weather, we're very warm in our beds!
The only other warrenty issue we had was some of the stitching on the main front seat cushions started to come undone within the first year, they were re-stitched under warrenty, and we've never had any problems since. Our van is now 3 1/2 years old. We've been very pleased with it.
Out of interest how much is the van you're looking at? Is it a private or dealer sale? Sorry to be so nosy! We are thinking of changing vans this year as we really like the look of the new Loire, hoping to see it soon. Interested to get an idea of what our van is worth.
The only other comment I would make is to think about how old / big your children are, the bunks are great but they are not very wide and some children find them a bit too narrow. Our 11 year old son doesn't like them now as he says there's not enough room, on the other hand it's lovely not having to make up the childrens beds!
Good luck on Saturday, let us know how you get on.
It's also lovely not having to make up the double on a night, which is what it'll be like if you do get the Loire Joty. We changed our van because the bunks weren't really big enough for our 9 and 12 year old and the side dinette was definately too small for the eldest who is 6'2 at 15. The tester for the kids will be tonight as it will be the first time they've been in it since we got it. I'd say that fixed bunks are great for smaller kids
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
We very nearly bought the Bretagne, but just at the last moment switched to the Europa 540.
The two main reasons for our switch was the length of one of the fixed bunks, and the fact that the drawers at the front could be removed to make a bigger bed.
Steve.
------------- Some days I am the statue - others the pigeon.
We did remove the drawers as well in our Bretange, it was just 2 screws! It certainly makes a big difference to the double bed.
Diane, we spent ages last year looking at the 620 and were very tempted by the layout, I think we will be ordering a Loire, but I do want to see one first. We did go and look at the Explorer groups version, but I hated the upholstery and the sink in the bathroom! So I'm going to wait and see the Loire in the 'flesh' so to speak - you just never know!
Our dealer says they'll be getting one in soon so I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Hi
Thanks for all the replies, we have been looking at tourers since selling our static caravan last year. We went to see the new Bailey 540/6 on Monday at our local dealers and had our name penciled in for one, April delivery but at last moment decided that we might be better off buying second hand and giving touring a try first before commiting to a new van. We have looked at Bretagne's from dealers and they were asking £8975 for a 2004 model and £9895 for a 2005 model. We also looked at another dealer who had a 2005 model for £8600 no part exchange. The one we are looking at on the weekend is a private sale, will let you know price after Saturday
My opinion, for what it's worth, is to go for one with the axle made to accept the Al-Ko lock. These were on the pageant range when the series 6 came in. we've got a series 5 Pageant provence & following its theft & recovery, axle alterations to accept this lock cost me a lot of money.
We did remove the drawers as well in our Bretange, it was just 2 screws! It certainly makes a big difference to the double bed.
Joty
Joty,
err.....do I take it you can take the front drawers out, leaving the section in place with the pull out slats to form the double bed?? Doesn't that leave what's left looking a bit unsightly......or have I got the wrong end of the stick here?
------------- Glyn W.
What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it's all about....?
The drawer unit lifts off, after you take out 2 screws one on each side. You are then left with a shelf, under which is the pull out bed slats. We then re-arranged our seat cushions. By using the smallest back cushions as a seat cushion to fill in the gap, and the bolster cushions then fill in the gaps for the back cushions. Hope that makes sense! It works really well for us, and looks fine. We've got a bigger seating area and bed. We leave the drawers at home. To be honest we could never put much in the drawers anyway, and you've still got the deepest bottom drawer. We did get a quote from Bailey tohave the 'proper' cushions made for the gap but it was something like £260! the girl at our dealers said she was embaressed to tell me how much it was!
We have a 2007 Ranger 550/6 and eventhough we have the slats under the bunks we still get wet walls at the foot of the bunks, this is mainly because we leave the heating on low over night when it is really cold. We just wipe the walls down
------------- Bee
Teenager for sale! Eye rolling, back talking, temper tantrums, and I already know everything attitude included. All sales are final!
1) I too have taken the drawers out, only temp over a weekend, and feel if going somehwere in summer, when you would not be using the table, it makes the bed a lot better and bigger. also the inside of the van looks bigger - though not practical for sitting on, nice to rest your legs on
2) Joty - you say bolster cushions, are these in the same pacific fabric? if so where did you get them from, I am looking for some, to go at the front near the table on my 550/6 as the little cushions aren't much cop. how muchy did they cost?? I wonder what the wrap around seating is, and what it looks like. £260 is too steep for me.
3) regarding condensation;-
A) anything that touches the walls seems to get wet.
B)I have phoned up bailey and you can buy the wall boarding extra, (I just need to go to storage to get the cris number to quote to them)as I am thinking of putting some at the pillow ends at the ends of the fixed bunks, as last time we went away, the pillows felt damp,also to make the wall boarding higher along the back of the van, as if the quilt touches above the wall board at night, it gets wet and at the front of the van, either side of the drawers, as the cushions seemed to get wet, also no air movement between seat cushions and front end, and wall gets wet and I am worried that cushions could get fusty so at the moment have some nintendo boxes wedged down there, so cushions not touching.
C) is any body else experiencing condensation drip marks on the tops / in the cupboards??? I have opened the cupboard doors, and I went in yesterday and there was a trickle of reddy couloured water in the cuboards, and drip marks in red above the fridge, they have marked the carpet!!! not happy
The cushions I was talking about are rectangular ones that went at each end of the long front seats, I guess they were to rest your arms on? I'm not sure if the Rangers actually had these cushions. The 'wrap around' seating that Bailey offer are the cushions you need to fill the gap where the chest goes, whilst I'm sure they are better than the cushions we used I couldn't bring myself to pay the money Bailey were charging!
Re the condensation I haven't noticed any drip marks like you decribe on our Bretange on the tops or cupboards, I'll try and remember to have a look when we go away next weekend.
I went down to our Bretagne on Wednesday after not being near it for a good six-eight weeks or so. All the cushions,awning,etc are in the van and no sign of any damp or fusty smells.We did have a problem with water getting in the rear offside door.The dealer 'sorted' it after last service but i make sure its slightly nose down when in storage to avoid water running off at the back,down the side and in the door.We did have condensation on our first night out in March 06 but then realised with five of us inside it was probably a good idea to have a couple of windows cracked open on night vent.Since then no real problems to speak of.There is a mod on newer models at the rear door,there is now a plastic tray with a drain hole fitted.
To keep moisture out of the air in ours, we place dishes of salt at each end & one on the work surfce in the kitchen area. We change the salt in these every few weeks & it's surprising how much water gathers in the dishes if we forget to change the salt regularly.
I understand there's things on the market to absorb damp out of the air but salt's cheap enough & does the trick.
Have any members found screws coming UP through the window sill/seatback/inside front of the van? we have a 2006 Pageant Provence. Just the very tip of a screw is coming up through & we found it with my fingertip when cleaning the shelf.
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Topic: 2005 Bailey Pageant Bretagne
