Mobydick Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Hello from a new to the scene of caravaning man.. We have decided at the grand old age of nearing 50 to get involved with something I have wanted to do for years. However only in the last 4 since moving to a larger house have we been able to consider caravaning as only wanted one if I could keep it at home. We are going to be using an Audi A3 2.0 TDI for towing which restricts towing capacity somewhat however after much searching have narrowed it down to a certain model to consider purchase. Bailey Pageant Vendee. We like the idea of a fixed bed but like equally the bathroom in the middle so either bed can be slept in and not have interuptions in the middle of the night from other loo users. In the main we shall be using it just the two of us though and like the idea of the bedroom totally on its own. However we know didly squat really and can any one sugest alternatives along a simiar layout or buying advice particular to this van please. Also any recommendations of Towbar fitters? Price seems to vary wildly for Audis!!!! Many thanks for reading and any advice at all would be very helpful. Phil... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave225 Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Welcome to the world of caravanning. You may wish to have another look at the Bailey however as it is a relatively heavy van for your tow car. Although it is not a legal requirement both main Caravan Clubs recommend a total trailer weight not exceeding approximately 85% of the kerb weight of the tow car and your Bailey is bang on 100%. It will tow but could be more unstable than a lighter van would be. Your Audi weighs about 1470 kg so a caravan with a MTPLM weight of about 1300 kg would be better. I would suggest look at vans in this order of weight and then decide layouts that appeal. Try to get a van fitted with a stabiliser towhitch as this will make towing much safer. Most do nowadays, but some older vans may not. You can in this instance fit an after market stabiliser bar. As for tow bars there are several Companies that offer good tow bars either to fit yourself, or fit for you. They also offer the electrics package you will need. Doing it yourself will save money, and is not that hard, but you may then need to visit Audi to get the car computer to recognise your tow bar electrics. The following address is offered as a starter point. http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/ Also look at both main club websites as there is a lot of good advice on them. Good luck and enjoy your new hobby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobydick Posted August 7, 2011 Author Share Posted August 7, 2011 Thanks Dave225 for a great reply. I had configured the towing weight and realised it would be the top of my limit but didn't realise it was that close and you are bang on in that the Bailey is no good for me. Shame..... The layout was perfect but I guess we shall have to look into something else. A good way of spending a Saturday/Sunday is wandering round caravans dealers. Much more interesting than cars, which I love also but you always run out of cup holders on cars yet caravans always seems to find one more hidden away..... Regarding Towbars though I realise that I shall have to cut the bumper I think I shall have a go. A dremel is a wonderful tool. As you rightly say the electrics are the problems ones however the correct plug in sets are recognised by the cars computer system I believe and hence the cost!!! Eye watering!!! We intend to have a budget of about £7,000 for the van and bits and pieces. Looking araound this seems a good overall price for a around a 6 year old van of decent quality. You are right in that forums are brilliant sources of help and guidance into a new field of interest. I belong to car clubs which opened whole to new life to me and social calendar and think the caravan will do the same. Thanks again and if anyone has any suggestions of a fixed bed van within my budget and towing weight they can hearily recommend please do get in touch. Phil... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave225 Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Sorry about the Vendee, but probably better safe than sorry. As I said you can tow it, but it will be at a higher risk factor, and maybe as a newbie you should avoid that if possible. When looking for vans do not exclude continental vans as they often have fixed bed layouts in a lighter chassis. Yes, the door may be on the offside but as the owner of one, that is not really an issue unless you meet a stroppy warden somewhere who likes all his vans parked the same way in a nice row. Great when in Europe though. You may also find a newer van for your budget as of course they are not so popular in the UK. If you are feeling quirky have a look at Eriba Hymers as they are built like ‘brick s........s’ and last for ever. However, at the end of the day it is up to you and all I can suggest is take your time and get what you really want. Do not hesitate to ask to be shown everything by a seller and try the bed to ensure it is wide enough. Some manufacturers have rather ‘narrow’ ideas of what constitutes a double these days, which is one reason why I went European. I like my sleeping space. I fitted my own towbar, a Witter Quantum detachable as this had the smallest cut in the bumper. Was actually easy to fit and I cut the bumper with a saw without too much hassle. Looking at it removed and all you see are the 2 lugs for the safety wire hanging down. However, I did get Volvo to do my electrics as I chickened out of that bit. Their cost for the electric kit was the same as Witter and of course the proper one. It is just a ‘plug and play’ piece of kit but the computer upgrade switches off the rear fog lamp when towing to avoid glare. It also configures the dash indicator trailer light, but not anything else. All lights work as they should and I suspect Audi will be similar. Your Audi Forum should be a source of info for that part. As stated before, good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobydick Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Hi Dave225, Cheers for reply. Your sugesions make total sense and advice taken. We are going to go to the Caravan Show in October at the NEC to get a good perspective of what is available all over and chat to folk. One thing I have learnt is that the variety of stuff available is vast and comprehensive.!!!!! I have had one quoe for a towbar fitted which made me gulp a little at £554 with Audi electrics, £354 without but standard twin electrics. I think I will fit my own bar then consider the electrics sie further. Off camping today for 4 days to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Weather crap and daid to my wife hopefully next year we shall be in a 'van not a tent! Phil.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocsid Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 If blowing the budget is at all a possible option then look at Bailey's new Orions as these are particularly light weight [sub 1300kg] vans and utilise a body construction technology that comes with a 10 year warranty. I predict these will be well regarded because of the "promised" integrity, with light weight and this coupled with them being an entry level product should mean they hold their value relatively well. I have good reason to be very wary, to the point of not touching van's that use ABS for the fronts or rears so if purchasing at your indicated budget be very very careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobydick Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Hi Oscid, Cheers for joining the conversation. Just a quick look at the Bailey and yes they do look attractive and will fit the bill regarding weight. We shall have a closer look at the Show and see how the budget is going to stretch, The more I look into second hand I appreciate there are pitfalls obviously and we dont intend changing for a good while so like the car it make be a prudent buy in view of the 10 year guarantee. Phil... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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