We have decided to change from camping to caravanning but cannot decide between Stirling Elite Amber 2011 or the Bailey Unicorn Valencia 2012, any thoughts?
Join SwiftTalk and check serial numbers of the stirling because some 2011 models had damp issues and were subject to recall either at the factory or approved workshop depending on how bad it was So make sure its been done or checked
Valencia had problems with wheels falling off and there was a recall but might have been 2010 -2011. There also was an issue of noseweight being very high but again this may have been the earlier ones. Mine is 2011 and had both problems.If you want more info let me know as both are serious safety issues which need proper attention. There was no recall on noseweight and dealers may deny it. Otherwise it is a great van especially the Alde heating if you use it in winter.
Quote: Originally posted by geoff+emmy on 14/1/2013
Join SwiftTalk and check serial numbers of the stirling because some 2011 models had damp issues and were subject to recall either at the factory or approved workshop depending on how bad it was So make sure its been done or checked
Please get your facts right.
There was NEVER a recall.
Hang on you stated there had been a recall, there was not a recall. A few people had damp issues and took them of their own free will back to the dealer, if the dealer could not fix it the van was sent back to the factory to be fixed. I have no desire particularly to defend Swift, I now own an Elddis but we all know a 'Recall' would be where Swift actively contact owners and ask them to return their van for fault repair .. This did not happen.
And lastly whilst Carpe does indeed translate to pluck I am sure you appreciate the meaning of the full term i use as a signature on my posts so I'm not quite sure what your point is.
There are a few things which annoy me about the van i.e wardrobe too close to the bed and the rear bathroom is quite narrow with a ridiculously postioned heated towel rail!!
But all in all i am pleased with it and yes the Alde heating system worked a treat!
All caravans have pros and cons its just personal choice at the end of the day.Go and take a few hours out with both dealers and sit in the caravan for a little while to get a feel for what suits you personally. Bailey and Swift both have faults as with anything in life!
We have a 2013 Sterling Elite Explorer (paid for by insurance as our previous Sterling was stolen). I think the Bailey looks nicer inside, but in build quality/durability, Swift/Sterling wins out every time. There are niggles with all caravans, such as wardrobe/washroom size, but you would need a van about 40ft long to solve all these I reckon.
if you are considering a series 1 unicorn its worth checking the front wet lockers by lifting the plastic trays and seeing if the wooden floor below is rotten.
many are
This is an old thread but in case anyone looks I can say the Sterling elite Amber is a great van. We've had our 2011/12 (Nov 2011) model from new (5yrs) and not had any major problems. There was a 'damp' issue in 2015 due to a deteriorated silicone seal in the roof lining in the bathroom area but fixed by dealer under warranty foc (10yr damp warranty). Otherwise no real issues though some locker catches stick in cold weather after storage. Used regularly in U.K. And annually for trips to Italy, Germany, France and does what it says on the tin, a robust and comfortable Touring caravan with a good sized bathroom and kitchen though a slide out extension would be nice. Looked at other vans including bailey but glad we got the Sterling, tough and very useable.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Stirling Elite Amber/Bailey Valencia?
