I am thinking about buying a Bailey caravan but a bit worried about the ground clearance. Are they much lower than standard vans and can they be raised successfully ? I am not looking to do heavy off road stuff but want to get away from the crowds
Dougwe said
04:35 PM May 19, 2020
You would probably handle gravel roads OK, just drive to conditions. The main problem you might face is in and out of 'SOME' service stations or similar. Maybe even some CVP's if not level sites. The rear of the van might ground out. Sometimes if room allows you can attack the slope at an angle.
I say CVP's because I am in one as we speak with mainly drive through sites and a couple are a little lower than the driveway into them meaning the rear of the van if low scrapes as it comes onto the site.
Keep Safe out there.
Bicyclecamper said
09:11 PM May 19, 2020
Well they have torsion suspension, so it would be costly to upgrade, and you would have to strengthen the chassis to do it as well. I am looking at getting one after my sister bought one and promptly went bush for two years, with it, they were careful but it survived without any problems. They are better built then Australian vans and with excellent inclusions.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 09:12:04 PM
Dazza53 said
09:08 AM May 20, 2020
Thank you guys, very helpful
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Eaglemax said
05:44 PM May 20, 2020
When I built my own caravans I installed tear corner wind down stabilisers on the chassis rails. The type had runner 140mm wheels incorporated in those stabilisers.
The small rubber wheels dont last long so I replaced them with steel ones. One the rare occasion I have a steep exit from s servo the wheels work very well.
Better than raising it so high you wear out your knees
Mamil said
07:37 PM May 20, 2020
Same problem with most Euro vans. I had an Adria and the Australian distributor fitted it with 16" wheels instead of the standard 14" to raise it a bit so it didn't have problems in servos and the like, but you'd need to make sure there's clearance for larger wheels, and may need to have the modification reflected on the compliance plate.
-- Edited by Mamil on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 07:38:44 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
10:35 AM May 25, 2020
Skid pads ? On rear so no chance of catching on ground. Larger dia wheels
? Wouldnt think rising with torsion bars would require chassis strengthening? Other than however its done is strong ? Clocking the bars ? Tighter .
I am thinking about buying a Bailey caravan but a bit worried about the ground clearance. Are they much lower than standard vans and can they be raised successfully ? I am not looking to do heavy off road stuff but want to get away from the crowds
I say CVP's because I am in one as we speak with mainly drive through sites and a couple are a little lower than the driveway into them meaning the rear of the van if low scrapes as it comes onto the site.
Keep Safe out there.
Well they have torsion suspension, so it would be costly to upgrade, and you would have to strengthen the chassis to do it as well. I am looking at getting one after my sister bought one and promptly went bush for two years, with it, they were careful but it survived without any problems. They are better built then Australian vans and with excellent inclusions.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Tuesday 19th of May 2020 09:12:04 PM
.
Same problem with most Euro vans. I had an Adria and the Australian distributor fitted it with 16" wheels instead of the standard 14" to raise it a bit so it didn't have problems in servos and the like, but you'd need to make sure there's clearance for larger wheels, and may need to have the modification reflected on the compliance plate.
-- Edited by Mamil on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 07:38:44 PM
? Wouldnt think rising with torsion bars would require chassis strengthening? Other than however its done is strong ? Clocking the bars ? Tighter .