Does extra length cause problems? (1 Viewer)

[BobtheBass]

We are new to motorhoming and went in at the deep end buying a new Bailey Autograph 625 which we took delivery of in March. Since then we have been away 4 or 5 times for a few days at a time to get used to it, with the intention of going away later in the year for longer continental trips.

The van is brilliant, super quality, great to drive and has all the equipment and fixtures we could want, but I find myself wishing for two things, namely permanent beds and more garage space. The bed alone has caused us to argue and fall out on several occasions, mainly due to the complications of bed making/Duvalay rolling/bedding storage, not to mention when we first used it and the whole thing collapsed under our weight! That problem has since been solved, but a simple to get in (we are not very mobile people) and out of permanent bed would be a godsend. Also, we carry a lot of fishing tackle, chairs, windbreaks etc so a proper garage space would be a boon.

Having looked at many vans to see whats on the market that might suit us better, but in a similar length to the 625 of 6.6m we have concluded there is nothing available! Yes there are models that have the bed and garage, but all seem to fall down on the lounge space which is usually small with a table jammed in it. We went to the Newbury show yesterday to see what was there, but again were sorely disappointed. This brings me to my actual question.

Bailey do a model (the 740) that would suit us in every respect, and can be bought through our local dealer (Cotswold Edge), who we have had superb service from and would like to use again. The problem is that its 7.45m long with a fair old overhang at the rear. Never having driven anything that large, does the extra length cause any problems we should take into account? Parked side by side with our 625 the extra length doesn't seem like much, but I know looks can be deceptive. Is driving more difficult or will the overhang be prone to grounding? Does it cost a lot more on ferries for the "over 7m" length? Sorry to be a bit of a dimbo in these things, but as I will be taking a huge financial hit if I change after only 3 months I want to get it right this time!

 

[Wyaye wires]

We changed after 3 months to get the layout we wanted...


We changed again after 3 years to get a bit more space...


We have a 8.8 metre van now on an Alko chassis and I actually find it easier to drive than the previous, shorter, vans...


Just take it slow until you are used to it...

 

[Chris]

It does make a bit of difference at first.

We moved from a 7m van to an 8 metre van with a huge overhang.

I am still very conscious of the rear end when turning and in Spain recently in a tight spot I very nearly demolished an ancient church wall.

I will get used to it . My wife drives it much better than I do I must admit.

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[suavecarve]

Not that I know a lot about it, but it is supposed to be more expensive on teh ferries if you admit to it being over 6 metres. Worst case scenario they make you pay the amount you were supposed to. (can probably only get caught once!)
There are some limitations on on some aires however most of where we have been really havent been a problem. Reckon we have done 40 aires or so and cant think of one where you couldnt get round it.
Going up some of the mountain hairpins is likely to cause a few issues when or if you meet something.
I wouldnt have thought general driving will cause extra worries just overhang in some parking spots
We ve got a 6 metre but without the static bed (She wants a static bed and has no hope) but i have been sneakily looking and think the mirage style where you can drop the bed down from teh roof is the best option as i like to lie down instead of sit down on the chairs and you just dont get the space with a fully static bed. IMHO

 

[Chris]

There is no doubt that a fixed bed cuts down your lounging space unless you get a very big van. We had a lovely Burstner with a fixed bed but I found the lounge area claustrophobic .

Sit in the van before you buy it and ask yourself what it would be like to be stuck in there on a rainy day . I read that tip on here, after I had bought the Burstner

 

[pappajohn]

check out the garage payload capacity.

With a very long rear overhang it can restrict the weight you can carry in the garage due to the leverage effect on the rear axle.
A short overhang will probably have a considerably higher allowance.

Also, theres a possibilty of 'grounding' the rear end when boarding ferries etc because of the steep ramp angles sometimes found.

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[mitzimad]

your not alone we had a make up bed and changed to get a fixed one

 

[grumps147]

In addition to the above, you will need to be a little extra careful in petrol stations, they seem to be making them narrower between the pumps, with tight exits when you have a longer vehicle.

 

[Spottycatz]

Having never had a motorhome before the one we have now, I jumped into a 7.5m, island bed arrangement, with a large garage, but quite small lounge area.
To be honest, the driving is a doddle, the bed is great as we can both get out either side as and when and the amount of storage space in the garage is brilliant.

However, the lounge area is small and although we've only used the van in France and Spain, (nice weather), there are times when I would appreciate a larger area to sit around in.

But, having looked in loads of other folks vans when we were away, the perfect arrangement just isn't really there. There are always sacrifices, one way or another. We much prefer the good nights sleep!

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[Bailey58]

We had a Starspirit with a U-shaped lounge and like you got fed up with bed making. Eventually we just left the duvalays rolled out on the sofas and sat and slept on them as single beds. Saw the Bailey 740 at Peterborough and ended up buying it a month or so later.

Front sofas and the cab seats make a roomy lounge. We fixed a folding pivoting table to save lugging the freestanding one out every time and it works well for us. Fixed bed is fine even if the wife has a struggle to get out occasionally with her aches and pains, plenty of storage underneath but poor exterior access but that's the Alko chassis. I keep the mains cable and water filling stuff handy inside that locker for easy access when we get on site.

I too was worried about not only the extra length but the extra width but as others have said you get used to it. Ours is the 2012/13 model and much prefer it to the 2nd generation 740 which has a roof window over the cab so losing the overhead lockers, you also lose the extra large kitchen drawers on the later model. Anybody want a couple of duvalays in deaf-aid beige?

 

[Munchie]

Steph said "extra length??? How the hell would I know???"

 

[Wyaye wires]

Steph said "extra length??? How the hell would I know???"

:Blush::Blush::Blush::Blush::Blush::Blush: Ooh you are naughty, but I like you!!!

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[TheBig1]

Not that I know a lot about it, but it is supposed to be more expensive on teh [HI]ferries if you admit to it being over 6 metres. Worst case scenario they make you pay the amount you were supposed to. (can probably only get caught once!)[/HI]
There are some limitations on on some aires however most of where we have been really havent been a problem. Reckon we have done 40 aires or so and cant think of one where you couldnt get round it.
Going up some of the mountain hairpins is likely to cause a few issues when or if you meet something.
I wouldnt have thought general driving will cause extra worries just overhang in some parking spots
We ve got a 6 metre but without the static bed (She wants a static bed and has no hope) but i have been sneakily looking and think the mirage style where you can drop the bed down from teh roof is the best option as i like to lie down instead of sit down on the chairs and you just dont get the space with a fully static bed. IMHO

They do measure if things are tight or its obvious and will not load you on the ferry. you may well still get charged for the crossing, even though you didnt board. its in the small print and lying about the length of your van puts you in the wrong, having breached the contract

yes the longer the van the more expensive the ferry costs, but what price can you put on that extra space and comfort? as for ease of driving, once you are used to the length and overhang, your brain just adjusts to it. take bends slightly wider and pick a bigger gap to get out into traffic. however with modern vans it is still very car like and comfortable:thumb:

if youre really worried get a test drive first and in necessary take a few driving lessons from a specialist school. nothing to be embarrassed about

 

[vwalan]

when i was coming back from spain at the end of april .they were measuring every vehicle .
heights as well. mine goes as a car and caravan .they allow 11mtr in length . mines 10m .
even the girl smiled as she measured it . i asked and she did admit it looked longer but wasnt .

 

[johnandsue]

We are also looking to change from our 7.5m Orion with the u-shaped lounge to getting something with a fixed bed and if possible slightly smaller. The Autotrail Apache/tracker with a transverse bed and garage with a good lounge looks quite good and also we are trying to view the Rapido 640 (but no one seems to have one in stock, don't believe Brownhills website who say they have one). We are looking for a fixed bed that doesn't involve a ladder (her indoors has delicate feet or so she says).

Any thoughts or advice always welcome

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[SMB]

My van is 7.49m in length, not including the bike rack and it has a long overhang, however I have had very few problems with the size of the van. You do encounter some very tight roads, camping pitches etc as previously mentioned but I have managed okay and have been full-timing for 15 months or so. The only problems I have had have been down to carelessness hence a rather deep scratch I have just noticed the other day near the top of the bodywork on the o/s. I am traveling solo so that is my only excuse, no-one to guide me in/out!

I have a drop-down bed at the front which I use, leaving the lounge free. However I would love to have a fixed bed at the rear and especially a large garage but, as previously mentioned, you can't have everything!

The ferries I can't comment on as I have only ever had this van, but I can't see myself getting a smaller van now as I like having the amount of space that I have, especially as I am living in it.

Hope this helps.

 

[maz]

..... I will be taking a huge financial hit if I change after only 3 months ........

Couldn't help noticing you were a loss adjuster - ironic, huh?!

On a more serious note, just use your door mirrors to keep an eye on what the rear end is doing until you get used to that bit of extra length.

 

[barearse]

Extra length.

My van,with huge back box is just shy of 8.m.(that's 26 ft in old money)She has a long overhang,however mindful of this you need to take extra care when cornering regards curbs etc.Like most things,practise helps.As already mentioned,maybe invest in tuition.

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[Littlewheels]

Length

The Tunnel do not charge extra for length and are my choice everytime, they are so flexible and do not go out of their way to penalise you with additional costs.

We are 8.77 long no problem,additionally,dependant on the base vehicle you are so much higher which brings added benefits one of which is security.

I wouldn't buy a Bailey! If your budget won't get you added value new look at a quality van that might have a year or two on it.

 

[magicsurfbus]

Oh I see, MOTORHOME length, sorry, (embarrassed snigger) for a moment I thought... anyway I wouldn't know, I'm only a diminutive 6.5 metres in that department.

 

[AuldCodger]

Sorry Girls

But I suspect this thread title was phrased to attract as many hits as possible
I will certainly comment no further

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[AuldCodger]

Sorry

Oh I see, MOTORHOME length, sorry, (embarrassed snigger) for a moment I thought... anyway I wouldn't know, I'm only a diminutive 6.5 metres in that department.

Memo to self read every post before making a smart a**** reply, always someone smarter and faster:thumb:

 

[Shazrick]

We treated ourselves to the new Bailey Autograph 740 after first seeing it at last years Malvern show. Like you we was concerned about the length but so far it hasn't caused us any problems.
We love this van, it is great to drive, plenty of storage space, comfy fixed bed. No regrets so far.

:thumb:

 

[scotjimland]

Driving a long motorhome isn't a problem.. very little difference from driving a car, it's when it comes to maneuvering you find length definitely DOES matter, the longer you are the more problems you can have .. the fewer places you can park.. and the fewer sites that can accommodate you.

At 11mt. our RV could not get into many sites.. (hence my RV map)

Notwithstanding the CC 28ft Rule, on many sites the access is too tight or the pitches too small.. road too narrow to maneuver. Bear in mind, they were made for caravans which can be longer overall, but are much more maneuverable.

Many fuel stations were also a problem, especially the ones in villages ..it is generally easier to go to the HGV Derv pump, than try to get under the canopy .. If you have an LPG tank filling can also be difficult if the pump is hard to reach..

When turning, the long overhang swings like a pendulum.. swiping a fuel pump is all too easy as you exit a tight forecourt..

Take a wrong turning and you may have to drive for miles to find a suitable place to turn..

So while a bigger van is a lot more commodious .. it is a trade off with where you can go, park and camp.

Just my experience..

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[sedge]

Drop down beds ..... certainly the one in ours still has a ladder. However we have a fixed 'French' bed at the rear so NP and the fishing rods (13ft ones) can live on the bed - in their sleeves or without - as long as the reels are removed, cos there is a gap between the mattress and the ceiling.

Should we need the bed at some time - they can stand in the shower overnight.

(In case you didn't know, rods do split in half!)

We think this is far better than putting them crossways in the large side locker cum garage under the bed because that's where chairs, hosepipe etc, all sorts of stuff you have to keep getting in and out, live - and there's a chance of them getting bashed and battered.

 

[Minxy]

If I were in your position I would give it more thought and time as you will be in for a heck of a hammering on your wallet!

As has been mentioned why not have 2 singles rather than messing about making up a double - just pull out the seat base cushions out a bit and let the backrests drop down behind them to give you some more width, and consider leaving the duvalays out on top rather than putting them away all the time, also do you actually NEED duvalays or would something less bulky do, or just splitting the duvalays each time to store them more easily.

As for your gear, if you have a bike rack you could consider a rear box for your bits and pieces, which would make them easier to get at.

We have had garage MHs with beds above and to be honest that are not that easy to get in/out of so I'm not convinced that this will solve your problem anyway. As for the storage space in a garage - yes they can take a lot of kit but when you want to retrieve stuff it often means removing loads of it to get at what you want ... I speak from experience!

So again, rather than change the van and the compromises (and expense) that would bring, think again about what you can do to improve yours to meet your needs better. :thumb:

 

[Bailey58]

Nothing wrong with a Bailey, much prefer the layout to most of the continental vans we've seen but then we don't like dinettes preferring sofas which we can lounge on comfortably. The extra width also gives a roomier lounge and kitchen, no squeezing past each other. The Foreign vans might be renowned for their build quality but many on here have questioned that of modern vans compared with the older ones. Horses for courses and UK jobs.

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[martin2603]

does lenght make a differance

I had the same experience to find good living space and a fixed bed you have to look at over 8m. Look at a tag axle model the rear overhang is shorter but you will have need a bit more turning circle. My Kontiki669 has the fixed island bed and plenty of lounge area. You may need to check you Licence as these are 5000kgs gross 6000ks train weight. Length overall with cycle racks 8.8m

Good Hunting:thumb:

 

[RandallC]

Hi. We have a Kon-Tiki 679 fixed rear transverse bed, reasonable sized lounge and plenty of garage storage and payload.

Yes it's 8.5m and more with cycle rack (scooter in the garage). Having spent many years towing it's much easier to drive a MH, much less stability issues.

For us a fixed bed is a must. Apart from saving all the hassle of assembly, as a reformed tenter it was very notable when the caravans and motorhome owners retired as all you could here was bang, crash and curses.

Reversing cam is also a must, other than that the only real issue with a long MH is the occasional parking issue. Can be a bit of a surprise at times when you think it will fit and find you overhang bay few feet here and there.:Blush:

Good luck it's unfortunate that it's very often easier to decide what you should have bought having bought the wrong thing first. Hindsight has always been a b**** to live with.

 

[cmcardle75]

The problem is that its 7.45m long with a fair old overhang at the rear. Never having driven anything that large, does the extra length cause any problems we should take into account? Parked side by side with our 625 the extra length doesn't seem like much, but I know looks can be deceptive. Is driving more difficult or will the overhang be prone to grounding? Does it cost a lot more on ferries for the "over 7m" length? Sorry to be a bit of a dimbo in these things, but as I will be taking a huge financial hit if I change after only 3 months I want to get it right this time!

7.5m (exactly what I've got) is not a problem at all if you are a confident driver. You can get into most all campsites and petrol stations. If DFDS are penalising us for length, then they must be letting the cars on for free.

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