Posted on 07/04/2019 19:55
Hi,
We are thinking of making the switch from caravan to motorhome, we really like the feel and layout of the Bailey 75-2, my concern and this may seem stupid but has anyone found the low level body an issue with our not so smooth and speed humped roads with the underside catching, any other advice on the m/h would appreciated. Thanks.
Posted on 11/04/2019 21:59 by young thomas...A, yes the driver will be included (usually 75kg) and if the manual says 20kg then my calculations are just 20kg out....not enough to make any difference IMV....and if the fuel tank is full or there's any waste in the tank this will negate that....
do you know each axle actual weight?
you (dealer) may have upgraded the van to 3850kg but it's still on the light chassis, isnt it?
if so, this means the rear axle is still limited to 2000kg and the front 1850kg....hence the 'ability' to upplate to gain payload....but it's only usable if the extra weight can be distributed appropriately.
with the rear weight bias of this type of van, I reckon the rear axle is in serious trouble...
2000kg (the rear max) expressed as a percentage of the all up weight of your van (3800kg) is just under 52%.
IMHO, its nigh on impossible for this van to be split 48/52 weight wise, especially as you have a rear bike carrier and bikes.
my own van (A class, shorter rear overhang) has a less rear bias but is still 46/54.
i would make sure I know the rear axle loading as overloading this is the same offense as overloading the van, which the upplate has mitigated against.
ill gladly eat my 'words' (and start believing in fairies) if you tell me the rear axle is legal
Posted on 13/04/2019 19:31
I had a panel van with underslung water tank and the bolts protruding down from the brackets didn't stay straight for very long, personally I much prefer something with a good road clearance. Its not relaxing to wonder to be wary of every speed bump and they do like them on the continent.
Posted on 12/08/2020 21:38
We own a 75-2 and can give some balance to the debate perhaps, if anyone peruses this thread.
Firstly we love the space and layout. We searched for a long time to find the right Motorhome to change too.
We wanted a dedicated bed, lounge area with both sofa style seats facing each other, separate shower area, cab air con, 6 gears, large fridge and space for our dog. The kitchen space is ideal. We have never owned a caravan so that had no influence in our decision process. The Autograph is well specified for our wants and needs.
On the issue of size, the 2.5m width is not an issue, we live on a B road and it’s fine. We take the wider route but that’s really made little difference from our previous MH. We have not had grounding issues. Even where we descended a slope into a site with a plastic speed hump.
Weight - we didn’t want or need more than 3.5T. Max loading. After loading everything and going to the local public weigh bridge we hit 3.5 T on the nose. Full fuel and water tank. Dropped the water tank to 20% which is plenty and reduced some of the stuff that we all pile in but don’t really need. Took the cycle rack off, not needed.
The ample cupboard space means no more cramming things in. As there are only two seat belts this is very much a couples motorhome. So any comments about children is irrelevant for a 2 seater. Although the 4 seat belt plus units would need further consideration.
One thing we particularly wanted is the all year round capability which we have used.
We tend to walk a lot when we are pitched up or pre Covid, and used buses if we needed to.
We also like the insurance and MOT class it’s perfect for us and our dog.
We aren’t off to a the South of France anytime soon so we don’t need the heavier capacity style MH.
No regrets and our advise is really think through what you will use your Motorhome for. Then you’ll make a choice that suits you.
Happy Motor- Homing
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