Hi, just wanted to know other peoples opinions on these 2 new vans from Bailey. I had a look at them at a dealer and at the show at Manchester last week. Can't help but think this "groundbreaking design" seems a little bit cheap and the vans look equally as cheap. I think the standard practice and construction method seems a hell of a lot better, but can see the advantages of the ways its built i.e quick to change body panels after an accident. Be interested to see what others think.
Do you mean the design of the bodyshell or the design of the interior?
It's hard to judge the former without carrying out some destructive testing, and as Bailey don't like people taking lump hammers to their vans at shows I doubt anyone's done it yet. So, only time will tell, as people actually use the new vans over the coming months and years. Personally, I don't think the standard construction method - which gives us the perennial problems of easily-dented sides, less than terrific insulation, water penetration and damp, rot and weight disadvantages - is so terrific, and the new Alco-tech method certainly appears to be far superior, although not without its drawbacks.
If you're talking about the interior, there are things I like and things I don't ... but that's the case with every caravan ever made!
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
Quote: Originally posted by MattCharlie on 30/1/2010Hi Viggo i was referring to the bodyshell. I have visions of driving down the motorway and the bolts coming loose.
The technology isn't new. It's used in the construction of some truck trailers, for instance, and has been well tested. As I understand it, the bolts are tightened to a specific torque, and have to be re-torqued every few years (one of the drawbacks I mentioned) as a safety measure, but as long as that is done it is far stronger and secure than "traditional" methods of costruction.
Do you worry about the screws and bolts in your current 'van undoing themselves as you drive along? They are put in with far less precision and the wood frame a much more primitive bit of engineering than the Alco-tech idea.
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Pegasus & Olympus
