looking to enter the caravan market late this year for our first van. From what info we have gathered so far the Bailey Ranger 500 5 is right up our street. It matches well with our car (see below). These seem to be few and far between in the second hand market. We have a budget of £8000, which we would hope to get all the bits and pieces with it. I would presume a private sale for the extras. My question is, I've loooked at other vans and these appear to be on the heavy side for the car. What other vans, are in the lightweight catogory similar to what I've read on the Ranger? I'm just not sure what models to look for. There's alot!! Needle in haystack springs to mind!
Layoutwise, we're looking for two living areas that turn into beds. A 4 is all we need. The 5 berth bailey is only due to layout, don't want a fixed bed. Hence the 5 berth Bailey not the 4.
Outfit match Bailey and Mazda 5...
Car make and model Mazda 5 - 2.0 CiTD hp [2008] Year of issue march 2008 - up to now Power 141 bhp (105 kW) at 3900 rpm Torque 266 lb/ft (360 Nm) at (or from) 2000 rpm Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1610 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg Tyres 195 / 65 R 15 Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter) 6 speed Caravan Bailey Ranger 500/5 Actual laden caravan weight 1244 kg (car towing limit is 1400 kg) The airflow is: average (height = 2.59 m and width = 2.19 m) Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3104 kg
Have a look at the sterckeman and caravelair ranges.We are torn at the moment between either of these and a bailey.They fall into the lightweight catorgry i think.
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
Take a look at Caravan Finder, which has diagrams of the lay-outs of the models produced by various manufacturers. That will help you draw up a "longlist" of suitable vans.
Then seek out the weights and other details of the vans, and cut the longlist down to a shortlist, and go to dealers in your area and see what they've got on the lot that's also on your shortlist.
Take your time to compare and contrast. Everyone has their personal likes and dislikes about furnishings and so on.
Then, when you know exactly what you want (and the Ranger's a great van, by the way) hunt it down, either through the trade (it's good to have a relationship with your local dealers - you might need them in the future) or through websites such as Caravan Finder.
Good luck!
Post last edited on 09/08/2009 15:00:29
Post last edited on 09/08/2009 15:00:51
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
I am not infoed up enough on the different caravans, but one thing I say to prospective first timers is, buy a cheap one and use it for 2 or 3 years to see if you like caravanning, then if you do, upgrade. If you don't, sell it and you should not lose too much.
This year is my first year of caravan use, previously I've always been under canvass. My wife has had a couple of caravans although some time ago.
When we decided to return to/give caravaning a go we thought it wise to not commit too much money at first in case the kids or even us didn't like it - we bought a caravan on ebay at £1300.00 incl an awning. It's a 5 berth and lightweight. We tow it with a 1.6 TDI Focus and get 46 mpg when towing. We have used it four times already and love it - we see far more expensive van all over the place but frankly we got what we wanted without paying a fortune - some good bargains can be had out there. In a couple of years we hope to have lost the task of having to take 3-kids with us and will upgrade to an Arriba or the like but wouldn'r recommend spending big bucks until you are sure you really want to 'caravan'. We know we will always get our money back if not more - try it it is a win win situation.
Decide what layout you want, how many axles and what weight you are prepared to pull and start your search - bidding itself is quite fun to!
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Topic: Joining the throng...
