They are a popular caravan, and coming from your brother, at least you won't get ripped off.
Has he had it serviced annually?
This is imperative to make sure all the running gear is safe, it's damp free and all the internal fittings are safe and carbon monoxide free.
If not I would personally get it done before forking out even if it is your Bro.
We have the 500/5, our first van, (same year). Even though it was the bottom of the Bailey range, it seems well built compared with some other vans we've looked in since. We've been happy with the choice, but now we not what we want in a van would probably choose a different layout. It's comfy and spacious for us. Plenty of storage space. Great first van though - lightweight and towable by a middle sized family car.
Some Ranger negatives we've found - only two plug sockets, 500/5 doesn't have a separate shower - does the 550/6?, no microwave, blown air heater only at one end of the van so the far lounge doesn't heat particularly well. Lounge seats just not long enough to use as singles (for an adult). TV point (sort of fold down shelf), is annoying - very kickable from the bed - gets in the way of lounge chair. We now use end drawer unit with tv on top with an ariel extension under the chair.
Check the tyres - have they been replaced since new? (5 years is recommended age for tyres)...
Thanks for the response.. The Van is in great condition and well looked after... Serviced every year.. But for piece of mind I will have a damp report done...
This will be my second Van after having a Lunar Freelander ( Island Bed ) so a totally different Layout.. The Wife and I always used the Bed..which was absolutely fantastic..How do you guys Find Sleeping on the Cushions..
We had a GT60 Ranger new in 2009 but when 4 year old sold it as the seats had got uncomfortable to sit on, and we started getting back aches after a night sleeping.Other than that van was fine.
To be fair, not to comfortable. We've bought mattress toppers which we roll out on top of the cushions - has made a massive difference. Has also made "making" the bed a little quicker, as we have the topper covered with a sheet, (actually a single duvet cover but fits really well), so it's just a matter of sorting the seat cushions, rolling the mattress topper out on top of the cushions and chucking out the pillows and duvet. One of the beds however, is much more comfortable that the other, due to cushion size - they are much thicker in one lounge than the other for some reason?
We've had a 1999 Ranger 510/4 from 3 years old and replaced it with a new 2009 GT60 520/4 fixed bed. Both were fine.
Make up beds just do not seem to be comfortable and I get a bad back after a coupe of nights. I have found arranging it with a long cushion each is best.
Our first van was a 2007 ranger and much of what has been said above has covered the main points. They were produced as an entry level van so do lack equipment in some areas compared to others but overall we found it a good van and light to tow. The only other thing to watch out for on baileys of this year is cracking to to the rear (and sometimes front) panels. This typically happens on the side of the rear panel up the top where it joins the roof and side panel. They can be hard to spot as will initially be hairline in nature but take a step ladder and have a good look (or get an independant caravan engineer to do a check for you). We had this happen on our ranger and the only real option is to replace the whole rear panel which isn't cheap....some dealers will offer a repair but Bailey would have replaced the whole panel if this happened within the first 6yrs under warranty. I have spoken to different engineers about this problem and some say it was a fault in how the manufacturers fixed the panels originally and others say it was a problem with the actual panel. It isn't something that is common but there are a fair few reported cases with bailey vans around 2006-2008 having sufferred.
I've just bought a 470/4 2007 and I did a fair amount of research and was put off at first with the reports of cracking. I did still buy the van because there wasn't many other options under 1200kg and 4 birth, plus the van is so clean for its age. I did check on the roof front and back, also checking for damp and touch wood all seems fine. Most cases I had read was 2004 & 2005 models, there was the odd newer one but I'm just hoping that mine has either had them done already under warranty or will be fine now its been used.
I agree about the sleeping being not so comfy but I will be buying a foam topper also lack of plugs isn't great even in the small model I have.
We have a 500/5 and while some have mentioned they're a basic/level entry van, it has suited us well.
As per all posts already mentioned, but I do agree with Trakker1 that most of the panel problems where circa 2005'ish. A through inspection of the van in question will obviously highlight whether this is an issue or not but I'd have thought it either hasn't suffered or has already been dealt with by now. Incidentally, the issue was with the quality of a number of panels supplied to Bailey at that time.
As for the comfort mentioned, I have found the made up beds are fine providing the cushions are flippped upside down.
Another thing to think about is how popular this model van is, I have just done 3 nights at silverdale and 2 at Wild Rose and I seen at least 2 rangers on each not including mine. They are popular so you will here more complaints, every van has its faults. The only issue I can think of here is you have no warranty if any fault like cracks/damp was found later down the line.
Just wondered if i could pick your Brain... we have had an Engineers report done on the Van, Everything is Spot on... Just a couple of things to ask you..My Brother says that he cant pick up a TV Signal.. unless hes on a Fully serviced pitch... Do you have any problems.. Wondering if the Ariel has a Fault?? Also this Model doesnt have the Fly Screen... Can one be fitted at a later date..
We have Just about Committed to Buy.. Just a couple of things I needed to be right with, before I commit..
Dont worry about the Ariel if, one of the saucer type we find it hard to get a signal when we toured.Fitting fly screens i expect will be expensive but,what your telling us your getting a good van go for it.
Our TV signal has been hit and miss for sure... Clearly it's not the best ariel on the van. We only take the TV during the early spring, autumn and winter months when the nights draw in early, so it doesn't really bother us - we don't miss the TV when the weather is good and the days are long... I've bought a 25metre coax cable to use with site ariels, and a flat connector that goes through the front window - can keep the window tight shut without damaging the cable, and use site TV hookup when available. Don't let the shoddy ariel put you off the van.
If you do fit a fly screen, I'd be interested to know how you get on, that would be a great addition to our van too... Again though, that's a bonus to have one, we haven't really missed not having one - if you use an swning that blocks flys through the door quite well...
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Topic: Bailey Ranger 550/6 2007 6 berth
