Regarding putting tied down awning away quickly - the Thule tie down straps are quick release, so use that and leave the straps on the floor to deal with as and when. Alternatively, use the straps to keep the awning constrained as it is wound in by releasing strap tension a bit at a time and wind in as you go.
Having owned two Bailey motorhomes I would agree they are quite smart. However what lets Bailey down is penny pinching. Take my last Bailey Alliance. No alloy wheels to start with, surely the cost difference compared to steel is minimal now? I don't agree with your view on Banner batteries, they need constant topping up and in the end I swapped mine for an AGM sealed battery. Likewise the use cheap water pumps. I see from your film they have started to mount the submersible pump on top of the than rather than in the tank where they would always lost pressure whilst on the road, I had to pay for an external to tank pump to ensure the water system worked correctly. Moving on to the new models. I don't understand why they would double the size of the solar panel, installed a compressor fridge but keep a lead acid battery? Surely going to that trouble they would upgrade to a lithium battery? On the point of pay loads, no way would I buy a motorhome with only 350kgs of pay load and I don't know how reviewers find this acceptable. I just wonder how many of them travel overweight?
Thanks for your comments all good questions for Bailey. I love that the owners Simon and Nick are on the stand and are always approachable. I did ask about Lithium on the models and the BCA electrics they use are not yet compatible. You are right any lead acid will go flat quicker I guess that’s why 200w of solar. It would have been a very different interview to deep dive on choices of product and to question Simon on model specific tech. I was keen to keep the interview focussed on how Bailey are innovating with their offering to the market. I would encourage you to direct these questions at Bailey directly Thanks again for commenting
Matt, as a Bailey owner on fourth Bailey product over last twenty years the current build quality is atrocious. My dealer is often at the factory having meetings about build quality. My new Adamo literally had bits missing and had bits fall off as drying driving along. Habitation battery is a wet cell that needs topping up every three months for example. Designs are great. But one of the technicians at my dealer said it looks like they apply silicon with a paint brush! Not saying other brands don't have quality issues. Why don't you buy Bailey vans? Put some pressure on them.
Thanks for commenting. Baileys passion for what they do is very apparent to me and I am aware as they are of some quality issues. As you say most manufacturers have challenges! I trust you can get your issues resolved quickly. We changed our lead acid to lithium on our Adria. Game changer! Hopefully BCA who make the control systems Bailey use will develop a similar capability soon. Thanks for your comment I appreciate it
We were very taken with the DL but, we then realised that there is so little storage space in the kitchen area it was a complete no. The gas bottle took up the space under the sink which looked like a cupboard. The drawers were tiny. So disappointed
Majority of motorhomes and many caravans and some camper vans have one or more solar panels on roof to maintain habitation and starter batteries. So I cannot fit a roof cover UNLESS I remove both batteries to. maintain them at home. Think I'll pass. Thanks anyway.
Matt why did you not talk about the sunroof blowing out problem that the Adamo have or the fresh water tank indicator faults that causes flooding or the way they dump all the electrical cables under the seats with out any labels on them very poor interview with Bailey
Sorry your view is that this was a very poor interview. I wanted to discuss Baileys innovative approach to a product offering rather than any product specific issue. Simon is very approachable and is always happy to discuss any issue on the stand. I am witness to this myself. Thanks for watching and commenting and I trust you’ll stick with me as I continue this podcast journey! I’m not a journalist just a nerd with questions and a passion for our industry. But always happy to help where I can👍🏻
I think the fact you have the opportunity to speak to the very senior members of the company at a show is really quite impressive. Did you take the opportunity? Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
My first Bailey caravan needed a new roof, front and back at 2 years old. It came back from the factory looking very sad - dirty, screws trodden into the floor. I certainly didn't feel like 'family'. Our second Bailey caravan had it's axle fail. Dealer and Bailey didn't want to know. Never going to buy another.
Are they? Surely just a cost of ownership for the consumer? This feature of the Ford engine is well publicised. It’s a cost of ownership? Lovely to drive but at 40000 miles it’s an £800 fix. Annoying but reality
Morning Matt So after contacting them re you kindly tried to sort out . I phoned and was told ( they say they record the conversations so should have a record)that the only way was to email him. Never heard back !! Sums it up So why would I waste my money coming to the show ? And meet him Since our last correspondence our fly screen door has fell apart and after inspection was fitted incorrectly and have been told there are none in the country and wont get one until jan at least!! But strangely are still fitting them to new ones ?Still have not heard about replacement wires for drop down bed which dropped with my grandaughter in it !! So if your so called friend thinks this is good service im thinking he is wrong If you want to take his side why not come up and do a vlog on my motorhome and look for yourself !! I will even pay for your petrol !! Regards Bill
Simon has said he hasn't yet received an email from you but is still happy to discuss this. Not sure why the communication breakdown! Email me and I’ll share his direct contact info to double check you have the correct details
Please can you do something about the poor build quality on Swift motorhomes especially regarding about the water tanks hitting the road .
Lovely of you to ask but I’m no motorhome mechanic or builder. But I do have a roll of gaffa tape and some pliers at home… 🤣
@ I asked for that one lol I was more thinking about one of your brilliant podcasts .
Best wishes Paul
Regarding putting tied down awning away quickly - the Thule tie down straps are quick release, so use that and leave the straps on the floor to deal with as and when. Alternatively, use the straps to keep the awning constrained as it is wound in by releasing strap tension a bit at a time and wind in as you go.
Great advice thank you for commenting
Is the cover breathable for the top of the motorhome?
The ones I refer to from Maypole are yes
Having owned two Bailey motorhomes I would agree they are quite smart. However what lets Bailey down is penny pinching. Take my last Bailey Alliance. No alloy wheels to start with, surely the cost difference compared to steel is minimal now? I don't agree with your view on Banner batteries, they need constant topping up and in the end I swapped mine for an AGM sealed battery. Likewise the use cheap water pumps. I see from your film they have started to mount the submersible pump on top of the than rather than in the tank where they would always lost pressure whilst on the road, I had to pay for an external to tank pump to ensure the water system worked correctly. Moving on to the new models. I don't understand why they would double the size of the solar panel, installed a compressor fridge but keep a lead acid battery? Surely going to that trouble they would upgrade to a lithium battery? On the point of pay loads, no way would I buy a motorhome with only 350kgs of pay load and I don't know how reviewers find this acceptable. I just wonder how many of them travel overweight?
Thanks for your comments all good questions for Bailey. I love that the owners Simon and Nick are on the stand and are always approachable.
I did ask about Lithium on the models and the BCA electrics they use are not yet compatible. You are right any lead acid will go flat quicker I guess that’s why 200w of solar.
It would have been a very different interview to deep dive on choices of product and to question Simon on model specific tech. I was keen to keep the interview focussed on how Bailey are innovating with their offering to the market. I would encourage you to direct these questions at Bailey directly
Thanks again for commenting
Matt, as a Bailey owner on fourth Bailey product over last twenty years the current build quality is atrocious. My dealer is often at the factory having meetings about build quality. My new Adamo literally had bits missing and had bits fall off as drying driving along. Habitation battery is a wet cell that needs topping up every three months for example. Designs are great. But one of the technicians at my dealer said it looks like they apply silicon with a paint brush! Not saying other brands don't have quality issues. Why don't you buy Bailey vans? Put some pressure on them.
Thanks for commenting. Baileys passion for what they do is very apparent to me and I am aware as they are of some quality issues. As you say most manufacturers have challenges! I trust you can get your issues resolved quickly.
We changed our lead acid to lithium on our Adria. Game changer! Hopefully BCA who make the control systems Bailey use will develop a similar capability soon. Thanks for your comment I appreciate it
What happened to the autograph range of motorhomes can't seem to find 2025 models
A new range coming next year
We were very taken with the DL but, we then realised that there is so little storage space in the kitchen area it was a complete no. The gas bottle took up the space under the sink which looked like a cupboard. The drawers were tiny. So disappointed
Sorry to hear that! It’s all about choice and compromise isn’t it!
Note to self, I must win the lottery. 😊
Bailey 65 drool, did I see a shower and loo in that model.
Me too! I’d have to buy a ticket first though!
Just one question and only one. I’ve got solar panels.
Just one reply and only one. I’ve got a lithium battery.
Banner 105 amp battery yer kidding right ! 200 watt solar on a 105 lead acid will be useless in winter.
Hence I asked. BCA electronics are not lithium compatible. A shame. A solar would help but some other charging will be required. Or a new battery
Majority of motorhomes and many caravans and some camper vans have one or more solar panels on roof to maintain habitation and starter batteries. So I cannot fit a roof cover UNLESS I remove both batteries to. maintain them at home. Think I'll pass. Thanks anyway.
Covers with apertures for solar panels can be bought. There’s always a solution! Thanks for commenting
Matt why did you not talk about the sunroof blowing out problem that the Adamo have or the fresh water tank indicator faults that causes flooding or the way they dump all the electrical cables under the seats with out any labels on them very poor interview with Bailey
Sorry your view is that this was a very poor interview. I wanted to discuss Baileys innovative approach to a product offering rather than any product specific issue. Simon is very approachable and is always happy to discuss any issue on the stand. I am witness to this myself. Thanks for watching and commenting and I trust you’ll stick with me as I continue this podcast journey! I’m not a journalist just a nerd with questions and a passion for our industry. But always happy to help where I can👍🏻
Well Matt I wonder if he has heard about our problems a lot of them sadly !!
I think the fact you have the opportunity to speak to the very senior members of the company at a show is really quite impressive. Did you take the opportunity? Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it
My first Bailey caravan needed a new roof, front and back at 2 years old. It came back from the factory looking very sad - dirty, screws trodden into the floor. I certainly didn't feel like 'family'. Our second Bailey caravan had it's axle fail. Dealer and Bailey didn't want to know. Never going to buy another.
Thats not a great experience. I’m sorry to hear that. I trust you sought a solution from the manufacturer?
Definitely sloshed Ford engines with the wet belt engines are bad news for Bailey
Are they? Surely just a cost of ownership for the consumer? This feature of the Ford engine is well publicised. It’s a cost of ownership? Lovely to drive but at 40000 miles it’s an £800 fix. Annoying but reality
They can be reliable as long as the engine oil and filter are changed every 8000 miles.
He’s sloshed !
It was first thing pre 9am when we recorded this so I doubt it! But thanks for commenting
Morning Matt
So after contacting them re you kindly tried to sort out .
I phoned and was told ( they say they record the conversations so should have a record)that the only way was to email him.
Never heard back !! Sums it up
So why would I waste my money coming to the show ? And meet him
Since our last correspondence our fly screen door has fell apart and after inspection was fitted incorrectly and have been told there are none in the country and wont get one until jan at least!! But strangely are still fitting them to new ones ?Still have not heard about replacement wires for drop down bed which dropped with my grandaughter in it !!
So if your so called friend thinks this is good service im thinking he is wrong
If you want to take his side why not come up and do a vlog on my motorhome and look for yourself !!
I will even pay for your petrol !!
Regards Bill
Simon has said he hasn't yet received an email from you but is still happy to discuss this. Not sure why the communication breakdown! Email me and I’ll share his direct contact info to double check you have the correct details