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!
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!