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Post Info TOPIC: Bailey Senator Virginia Caravan - comments please
GillyRich


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Bailey Senator Virginia Caravan - comments please
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Hi All

I have just joined this forum as it seems a great place to get advice on caravanning - we are newbies to caravans, though we have owned plenty of boats!

We are looking at buying a 2009 model of the Bailey Senator Virginia caravan, which I understand in a UK design but made here in Australia?  

It has everything we need, and we like the low TARE weight for ease of towing etc.  However we wonder whether it will be strong enough to enable us to use gravel - graded - roads, and also it is a single axle and around 18foot long, so are there issues with weight distribution, and swaying when towing?

We have a good vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero so can easily tow a caravan of this length, and up to around 2500kg with a towball weight of around 180kg once over the 2.5 tons.  But we don't want to be towing a heavy van, as we are not getting any younger, but we do want a reasonable size van with toilet and shower and room for grandchildren etc.

Any comments about this particular van or anything else I have said would be fantastic!

Looking forward to getting on the road, once lockdowns are ended :)

Cheers, Gill



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Possum3


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Welcome to GN's Gill, Whilst I know little about Bailey's (other than the stuff in a bottle) - They appear to have a following here in Australia.
I imagine there is a bailey Owners Group where you would be able to find out more on your chosen brand.

I do however suggest that you download free technical advice and purchasing checklists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ and ensure you have a person that is competent regarding caravans thoroughly check your van prior to handing over any cash - warranties are only good if the dealers will abide by them.

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Possum3


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I found the Bailey Owner Group - here is a direct link. www.baileyaustraliaowners.com/

 

Also (2) Bailey Australia Owners | Facebook



-- Edited by Possum3 on Monday 6th of September 2021 02:46:37 PM

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GillyRich


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Thanks Possum3 for your good advice.  We will probably buy privately, so are thinking of having any prospective vans checked over by a local van repair / renovation place.

Do you know any more about issues with lightweight European brands?  I have heard they are often built purely for autobahn type use, rather than the outback roads in Australia.

We don't want to go seriously offroad, but would like to do graded, gravel roads sometimes.  Bit concerned with the light Tare of the Bailey and the single axle.

Cheers, Gill



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Possum3


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I would imagine if assembled in Australia that they would be suitable for Australian roads in general - again this is a question you should put to an owners group.

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Dougwe


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Welcome to the gang GillyRich, enjoy here and out in the playground.

You seem to know what you want so I won't try and confuse matters with long winded details. Possum has given you good advice so go for it.




Keep safe out there.



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