Looking at a bailey tonight 2005 looks very nice we looked at one on sunday but OH was disturbed by what seemed to be the roof put back together with screws when he had a look on top. We see a lot of Baileys who has one and what do you think?
are you talking about the metal strip that goes across the roof at the back of the van, if so the only problem we have with it is that water and dirt collect there, so when you more you can sometimes get unwanted shower. hope this helps.
I have a Bailey Senatoir Indiana, that has metal strips across the roof both at the front and at the back, the strips are there to cover the joint between the front & rear panels and the roof, theres nothing sinister about them at all, they're just like the awning rail, thats just a strip between the side panel & the roof that just happens to also carry the awning piping, providing there is mastic under the strip you should have no problems at all.
------------- GeorgeB
I'm a Grumpa....its just like being a Grandpa..only grumpier!
We've got a series 5 Pageant, the strips across the front & rear of the roof connects the plastic/fibre glass, panels at the front & rear to te solid roof section. The brochure for ours claims the roof to be capable of taking a number of adults standing on it due to its solid construction.
The only downside of the two joint strips is the marks caused by roof woter run of following rain etc.
To be honest, I didn't like it much when I first saw it but, I'm used to it now. The van you looked at was a 2005, it'll have the balance of its 6 year water ingress warranty tranferable to you as long as the van has had its servicing done on time & by the right people.
Bailey always tend to be overgenerous with their sealant & I certainly wouldn't let the joint strips put me off the Pageant, it's a lovely van & seems to be well supported by its manufacturer. Ours is the Provence & we love it.
We had one from new. It had damp round one window after the first year. Repaired under warranty no prob, but... Otherwise it was well made.
SWMBO really wanted a fixed bed caravan, but we found it not a very practical caravan. To use the loo you need to be either size 0 and/or double jointed. The corner unit.. well wasn't that brilliant when both of you want to sprawl out. The kitchen by the door made it difficult to get past when SWMBO was cooking or washing up (I do my share, I empty the loo). Also it was a very draughty van, quite difficult to get warm in the early/late season especially when windy. There were vents everywhere. Would not have liked to stand on the roof, the aluminium sheet on the roof rippled when it was washed.
The length made it no real fun to tow, there was a noticable swing out at the rear, and the wheels cut the corner. However, it towed well - we went over the highest road pass in Europe with it. Its size was a problem on some campsites, and it was too long for some car/caravan recovery companies who specify a maximum length of 7m. Eventually arranged this through CC, I think.
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: Bailey Pageant Vendee
