You guys look after your caravan, you can see that in every vid you put out! Stick with it as long as you can! We had 16 over a 30 odd year period and regretted sometimes trading in! Eyes bigger than my belly if you know what I mean!? Like a kid in a sweetshop. Having said that thousands of ££££ later we look back and had some fabulous times! Love your vids guys!❤❤
Hello Paul, Really pleased you love our videos, they have become a happy hobby of ours and positive comments like yours make our day 👍 . You have owned a heck of a lot of caravans over the years and like you say a costly outcome, but bucket loads of happy memories to cherish 😃 . Thank you very much and all the very best, Rob & Gail
I enjoyed your video and i agree modern vehicles are not as robust or as well designed as older ones. We have owned our Autosleeper Gatecombe motor home for 16 years and looking at newer vans cannot find one as good as ours. Enjoy your travels and thank you for letting me join you 👋👋👋👋
Hi Susan, Thank you for tuning in again and we are pleased you enjoyed our 10th anniversary video. Like us you may have to hold on to your Autosleeper until something special comes along that ticks all the boxes 🤞. And again like us you are happy with your tourer and 16 years is good going 😀. Happy holidays to you too and all the best, Rob & Gail
We are quite new to caravanning but had a camper van also for a couple of years and still do. So we bought a second hand sterling eccles fixed bed caravan for not a lot of money. I am very pleased with it. Obviously some of the items that can wear, we have replaced but it would be about 15k or more of repairs, before we would be out of pocket against a new model and like yours, ours came with all the essential extras like solar, motor mover, outside gas and electric, powered aerial, alarm, brand new air awning and a water and waste starter kit. Looked after caravans can last a very long time. If you are happy with the one you have, keep it.
Sounds like you got a good deal there Steve and now you’ve replaced the worn items you’ve got a cracking caravan you’re happy with 👍. Hopefully our’s should last a good few years yet. It still puts a smile on our faces whenever we step inside 😀. Good news all round for both of us I think. We saw a camper van towing a caravan recently at Cayton CAMC site. Good for long days out I guess. Thanks very much for your comment and all the best, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob and Gail, Have you considered a suction cup basket, we got one from IKEA and it's called a Tisken, we bought this as our old van did not have a shelf. They also have them in the Range with additional soap holder. Hope this may help. Paul and Joanne 👍
You have a lovely van and I totally get hanging onto it. We kept our Bailey for 14 years before changing and in the new one all I seem to do is miss the little features that the Bailey had. It was thoughtfully designed, somewhere to put your shoes and coat pegs, the pull out wire trays for tins, a tall enough kitchen cupboard for cereal boxes. An endless list of things I miss. The new vans might look flashier, but aren't the same in my opinion.
Hi Ashley, We are both nodding our heads in agreement, a lot of the design is steered towards looks rather than practicality. We could have gone on and on in the video…. microwave at the perfect height, plate racks in the kitchen cupboards etc. We only have storage room for a two berth so any replacement cannot go much beyond the length and width of our Olympus. Thanks very much for your comment. Kindest regards, Rob & Gail 👍😀
🇺🇦 Hi ya Rob and Gail. Can't beat this caravanning lark ay. Brilliant to see people like yourselves enjoying this great hobby/way of life. As we do. Had two Bailey vans, one was written off in our garden by a car. Second one became rotten. They were older than yours. (Both Senators) Got a swift now. Yes panoramic window.😉 Great vlog as always guys. Never know might say hi one day face to face. Look after yourselves. Pete and Su.
Hello Pete & Su, We have never regretted for one single minute buying our caravan and we are so pleased we chose the Olympus. We love walking from site and exploring the great outdoors and now we have a new hobby making our TH-cam videos. It’s a great life and like you say can’t beat it 👍 . Make sure you look out for us on your travels, thank you very much for tuning in again and all the best to you both. Rob & Gail 😀
So true about the shower. Our swift quattro, 2018 the shower tray sits proud of the shower walls. Needless to say it was leaking, it was the smell that drew attention and lifting carpet at shower cubicle there was a puddle. The sealant was whisper thin. Quote £400 to fix. In the end I bought some sealant and took the screws off, pulled it away from the wall and put lots of sealant in and closed it back up. It seems to be working. Having said that, when I went to the van last weekend the sealant has come away from where shower taps are. Did similar to seal again. Now, my van is on a seasonal so can't put the loose sealant down to towing movement. The quality of the sealant was/ is very poor. Fingers crossed.
Your story is a proper shower nightmare Harry. Sounds like poor design or workmanship or both. We do hope you’ve solved the problem once and for all 👍 . Thank you very much for watching and commenting. All the best, Rob & Gail 😀
Thanks for your video Rob and Gail, she maybe getting on a bit but but she’s got everything you need, The caravan I mean, No doubt Gail’s got everything you need as well Rob, we have only been caravanning since last June/ July and we love it, we have had a caravan before but that was many years ago ( foot pump days) many thanks again 👍👍.
Do you know the replies we’ve received regarding this video have made us appreciate our caravan even more. We love caravan life too and haven’t they come up in the world since your earlier foot pump caravanning days 😀 . All the best and happy holidays to you, Rob & Gail 👍
@@robswiseways5697 cheers Rob and Gail, if I am not mistaken you like to go serviced pitched, and I am sure I have seen a video of yours doing that, so I will have a look for it, because for the first time we have booked a service pitch, so I need to know how to do it and what we need to do it, 👍👍.
It makes life so much easier on a serviced pitch with no containers to haul back and forth. We use the Whale direct water hook up as I explain in my video fully serviced pitch part 2 of 4 fresh water connection, but if you have a Truma water socket then Truma also do a direct hook up kit. Alternatively you can purchase a kit that connects from the tap to the Aquaroll. As you draw water out of the Aquaroll, a float drops and allows water in to top it up. For the grey waste all you need is extra pipe. You can choose the 28.5mm convoluted pipe or Colapz pipes which I haven’t fully road tested yet. I have a video out on both. In my channel I have 9 videos in a playlist related to serviced pitches. I also show a quick look at the service set up in all my site videos. A word of advice is do not use garden hose ! Hope this helps. Any questions you are welcome to ask. All the best Rob & Gail
Think finding a replacement van may be a tall order. I don’t think I could replace mine to my total satisfaction. Older Caravans Rock, oh that might be down to the steadies 😂😂😂
Hi there Colin, Without a doubt we’ll not be parting with our trusty Olympus any time soon 😀. It’s good to hear other people feel the same about their caravans so thank you for commenting 👍. Take care, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob, We have also fitted lots of extras on our caravan to make life more comfortable. Alko premium jockey wheel with nose weight gauge, Power touch motor movers, Truma aventa air conditioning (We love the south of France so essential) Alko shock absorbers and extra towel hooks. Next week it's going into the dealership to have ATC fitted and at the end of August E&P self leveling (full system). We had the weight plate upgraded a few months ago to help off set the payload. We also changed over to lightweight Safe fill gas cylinders which we can refill at the petrol station LPG pumps and are😢 also considering changing the battery to lithium to save weight although we always try to use fully serviced pitches where we can, so it's just a weight saving exercise. Whenever you add something there is always a compromise on something else. You just you just need to keep a good spreadsheet of every item in and on the van and lok at weight saving options where available. Although E&P self leveling is around 28kg you can subtract around 14 kg from the weight gain as you will be removing the old manual corner steady legs. Regards Peter
Hi Peter, You have some really good extras fitted there 👍. I wouldn’t mind air con and self levelling myself but even by juggling it’s just not doable. The weight plate upgrade only gave us a measly 24kg. As an example, the optional front chest of drawers added 15kg, motor mover kit 34kg etc, etc. I looked up safe fill after fitting our last Calorlite but alas our nearest stockist is over 20 miles away. We have a spreadsheet and weighed everything 10 years ago and we are currently on the limit despite all the bags in the car. Thanks very much for commenting and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
@robswiseways5697 hi Rob, I'm not sure Bailey make allowances in the MRO but swift allow for 10kg within the MRO for gas, an allowance for electrical cable, water hose , step and a few other bits which I didn't realise. Noted within the Swift handbook. I have also contacted Swift technical team to confirm this and awaiting their reply as a double confirmation. It's surprising how all the weight adds up little by little. We upgraded the plate on ours which only gave us an extra 28kg. But every little helps. We didn't think we had the payload to install the self leveling system until I found out about the allowances within the MRO which with all the extras installed including and 10kg for food 10kg for bedding still leaves me with 30kg for other bits and some light clothes and a 10kg allowance for error. The rest of our gear goes in the car. The roof mounted air con is 33kg so the plate upgrade mostly offset the A/C. Regards Peter
@@discoveryadventures2296 Hi Peter, I’ve checked the handbook and it doesn’t mention allowances. All it says is, do not exceed the MTPLM. Although I took the caravan to a weighbridge just after purchasing it, I am now thinking of taking it again because of the extras fitted over the past 10 years. It would be good to know just where we stand with the payload. Best regards, Rob & Gail 👍
Thank you Derek, my garage is my pride and joy 👍. Not sure which video you first saw my garage but I have a video out titled Garage Storage Cupboard Project which completed my dream garage. Thank you very much for watching and for your comment. All the best, Rob😀
Congratulations on 10yr ownership of your caravan it probably testimony to the way you care for the van that it is still as good as the day it left the factory.
Thank you very much Andrew, what a lovely thing to say, we are both beaming. Keeping it stored in the garage and protected from the elements has helped. Plus Gail makes sure the interior remains spotless so credit to her 👍 . Thanks for tuning in and all the very best, Rob & Gail 😀
We came across your videos recently. We have the exact same caravan brought from new. Like you we do not like the large front windows and much prefer the storage across the front and the twin wardrobes our van has been reliable except for a heating element! and a blown inline fuse which was hidden behind a screwed on panel and took some finding. We have not seen a new van that ticks our boxes. I will now find your video on the shower light as it is a little dark in there! I did fit an led light to the roof above the table as that was a bit dull when eating at night. We enjoy your videos and look forward to your new ones as well as catching up on the others.
Hello and welcome Colin. Pleased you are enjoying our videos 👍. It’s interesting to hear from someone who has the same caravan as us and loves it as much as we do. I’m presuming you mean the water heater element as ours failed last year. My shower light is an earlier video and although all the facts are there it’s a bit rough around the edges, thankfully I’ve improved as time’s gone on. If you find an equivalent or better caravan when you do decide to change, please let us know 😂 .Thanks very much for commenting and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
@@robswiseways5697 It was the water heating element it stopped working while away a couple of years ago. I found your shower light video and I am going to put one in. I don't suppose you have the part number as the pictures on Baileys site are not very clear presumably its base is curved to match the trim?
@@metoob321 Hi Colin, I’ve looked and the part number for the bright chrome 12v LED downlighter I used is 1170062. It’s still listed on Bailey’s Prima Leisure parts website at £9.99 plus £6.80 delivery. At least you will have the correct light for £16.79 delivered. It has a flat base. In my video I fit the light on the flat section of the angled roof. Hope it goes well 👍. Cheers, Rob
Hi Rob good review that , we have a Swift Elegance had some issues lol but all resolved hopefully .. think I'd prefer the overhead cupboards like yours instead of our pano roof .. noticed some of these Bailes now have huge pano roofs , take a look at the tyre pal system I find it great 👍 but Ive not got a video out on that lol , nice van mate 👍 hi to Gail regards Glyn
Hello Glyn, Pleased you enjoyed our 10 year review 👍. We keep reading about other people’s caravan issues and feel very lucky to have our Olympus. The latest Bailey’s have a 50% bigger pan roof which we definitely wouldn’t want. Will take a look at tyre pal so thanks for that. Oh Gail says hello Glyn 😀 . Best regards, Rob & Gail
I like the shelving in the overhead lockers. Nice tip about the sealant in showers over wheel arches. Our 2005 Coachman is still going strong! Scared to change it 😂Graeme
Hello Graham, good to hear your Coachman is living up to its good build quality reputation of its day 👍. As the song goes ‘let’s hang on to what we’ve got’ 😄 . Yes the shelves are definitely must haves. Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail
Time flies, 6 years since I finished work (state pension starts this week) and you’d just made first video (toilet modification) and were contemplating starting TH-cam channel
Time does fly Andy you’re right there, where’s it going ! At least you are enjoying your retirement on the open road with the Derbyshire Rural Rider channel as a hobby 👍 . Oh yes I wasn’t very confident in front of the camera back then 😳. All the best, Rob & Gail
Well, you’ll be waiting an eternity if you want a caravan that’s fit for purpose. Sometimes if it ain’t broke leave it alone. Your caravan is from an era when caravans had a little bit of thought put into them.
You’re completely right there 👍. 2013 was the last year of manufacture for the Olympus so we purchased ours just in time 😀 . Best thing we ever did. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob & Gail, You’ve got a cracking van there and you’ve made it your own. Have to agree with Andrew, don’t think the build quality in the new vans is the same and with such demand these days they are rolling off the production line at a rate of knots! If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, that’s where we are at. Hope you have many happy years more Caravanning in her. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Hello Dave & Helen, With all the extras fitted it’s our exclusive model 😂 . It’s a shame quantity has taken over quality these days and as we read about other people’s issues it makes us feel lucky to have our problem free Olympus. At the NEC we were wowed by the latest colour schemes and fabric choices but it didn’t distract us from the missing mirrors, hooks and shelves etc. We’ve got lots of trips booked just like you 👍 and look forward to spending them in our Bailey. All the best to you both, Rob & Gail
Lots of valid points there, Rob. A lot of new caravans are definitely style over function. I'm with you on the infinity window. When we had the unicorn IV, we didn't get on with that large window, you can't open it very far, and it has no fly screen.. Thanks for the shout out too... Graham
Hi there Graham, If push come to shove goodness knows which caravan we would choose. We don’t want a greenhouse pan window especially without a fly screen 😂 . I enjoyed your video on the E&P so you’re welcome 👍 . Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail
Evening Rob and Gail, We have a trip booked to Kendal CAMC soon, We are like yourselves and try to book serviced pitches, if possible could you recommend the top pitches or the lower ones a big ask I know but having never stayed there before some insider info would be good. Sorry its been added to this vlog. Thanks in advance, Paul and Jo 👍 😊
Hi Paul & Jo, How lovely to hear you’re going to Kendal soon 👍. We think it’s marvelous. Everyone’s different but personally we prefer the top pitches. At least you can drive around and take a look before you choose. We hope you have a super time and let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Rob & Gail 😀
Morning, happy 10th caravan anniversary and hope you have many more wonderful trips away, we are only first timers of nearly 4 years in ours but like you we love it.. Take care guys and thanks for the vlogs...
Good evening to you Howard and thank you very much for your kind words 👍. We’ve loved our caravan from day one and always look forward to our trips away. It’s addictive isn’t it ! All the best to you, Rob & Gail 😀
Mine is 5 years old and noticed that in past year things have started to break. Fittings plastics are the main issueZ this weekend had to replace a fridge vent partly my fault due to fitting winter vents. Secondly was the blind in the roof light failed so that needed changing out. I’ll contact you by email on a separate topic.
Hello Justin, I suppose UV light plays a big part in the degradation of plastics. Our van is stored in a garage but the locker door surrounds and wheel arch spats are starting to discolour with age. Not had anything break…yet ! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍😀. All the best, Rob & Gail
Great video Rob and I definitely think older caravans are better made than modern ones... we recently bought a new Coachman 2 berth and it seems solidly built fingers crossed... hopefully I can keep it as well as you have with yours and I'll be happy... love the content on your videos so keep them coming... 👍
Hello there Dave, Many thanks for your kind comment it is much appreciated 👍. We are reading older caravans are scoring more points than modern new ones with their less than satisfactory build quality which encourages us to hang on to what we’ve got. Saying that we hope your new Coachman ticks all the boxes and serves you well. Fingers crossed for you and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
morning rob&gail enjoyed this honest video take it from me rob keep your bailey buying a new caravan will be a big mistake and keep away from the ep levelling system. I have got a 2020 coachman with the ep fitted from new on level pitches no problem on very uneven ground they can be a nightmare trouble is rob nobody tells you the truth and as for quality in new caravans its a complete joke already done eight repairs myself , one last thing rob dealers fill you full of rubbish just to empty your wallet anyway ,take care my friend you and gail enjoy your 2023 hols and hope to see you one day all the best keith.
Hi there Keith, Many thanks for your comment it’s an eye opener. You shouldn’t be having all these faults on a nearly new caravan and it must be very frustrating for you. Your view of the E&P levelling system has surprised me as I didn’t expect to hear any negatives. Think we’ll be hanging on to our Bailey for quite a while yet. Keep a look out for us 👍😀, Best regards, Rob & Gail
Morning Rob and Gail, Great review of your van its a credit to you both, I guess if you change you would have a lot if people wanting to buy it off you. We did have a two berth Swift and yes a lot of the things you stated were right about more modern vans, we have changed since. I think you would make a great caravan designer. Keep the vlogs coming. Paul and Joanne 😊👍
Hello Paul & Joanne, Many thanks to you both for your kind words 👍. whenever our caravan goes in for service, we always get praised on its condition and cleanliness so you could be correct in saying it would sell quickly. However, we are hanging on to it. If I were to design a two berth Paul I would take the best bits from each manufacturer and add a few of my own ideas. How does that sound 😁 . All the best to you both, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob and Gail. The compliments are what you both deserve. Yes hold onto the van as it makes both happy. Enjoy your trips away in your pride and joy, You never know one day we might actually be on site when you are and say hello. Paul and Jo 👍
Unfortunately today's vans profit has taken over build quality, make them cheap and charge a fortune, hopefully our van lasts 10 years, nice to know you haven't had any probems
Hello Andrew & Karen, We noticed significant price increases at the NEC last Oct along with all the bits (shelves etc) that were missing, so you have a good point there. We are very thankful to have our Olympus and hope you can keep your Duchess running along nicely for a good few years too 👍. Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
You guys look after your caravan, you can see that in every vid you put out! Stick with it as long as you can! We had 16 over a 30 odd year period and regretted sometimes trading in! Eyes bigger than my belly if you know what I mean!? Like a kid in a sweetshop. Having said that thousands of ££££ later we look back and had some fabulous times! Love your vids guys!❤❤
Hello Paul, Really pleased you love our videos, they have become a happy hobby of ours and positive comments like yours make our day 👍 . You have owned a heck of a lot of caravans over the years and like you say a costly outcome, but bucket loads of happy memories to cherish 😃 . Thank you very much and all the very best, Rob & Gail
I enjoyed your video and i agree modern vehicles are not as robust or as well designed as older ones. We have owned our Autosleeper Gatecombe motor home for 16 years and looking at newer vans cannot find one as good as ours. Enjoy your travels and thank you for letting me join you 👋👋👋👋
Hi Susan, Thank you for tuning in again and we are pleased you enjoyed our 10th anniversary video. Like us you may have to hold on to your Autosleeper until something special comes along that ticks all the boxes 🤞. And again like us you are happy with your tourer and 16 years is good going 😀. Happy holidays to you too and all the best, Rob & Gail
Good morning my friend 🌞🌞🌞
Wishing you well and hope you enjoyed our video Eman 😀 . Best wishes, Rob & Gail
We are quite new to caravanning but had a camper van also for a couple of years and still do. So we bought a second hand sterling eccles fixed bed caravan for not a lot of money. I am very pleased with it. Obviously some of the items that can wear, we have replaced but it would be about 15k or more of repairs, before we would be out of pocket against a new model and like yours, ours came with all the essential extras like solar, motor mover, outside gas and electric, powered aerial, alarm, brand new air awning and a water and waste starter kit. Looked after caravans can last a very long time. If you are happy with the one you have, keep it.
Sounds like you got a good deal there Steve and now you’ve replaced the worn items you’ve got a cracking caravan you’re happy with 👍. Hopefully our’s should last a good few years yet. It still puts a smile on our faces whenever we step inside 😀. Good news all round for both of us I think. We saw a camper van towing a caravan recently at Cayton CAMC site. Good for long days out I guess. Thanks very much for your comment and all the best, Rob & Gail
Like the blog some good ideas many thanks! Keep the blogs coming.
Hello Malcolm, We’re pleased you liked our video. Many thanks for watching and for the encouraging comment. 👍😀 . All the best, Rob & Gail
Well done Gail and Rob another good video, i have done some extras in our caravan all thanks to you and you videos take care keep up the good work
That’s lovely to know Harry. It’s positive comments like this that keep us going so thank you very much. Very best regards to you, Rob & Gail 👍😀
Hi Rob and Gail,
Have you considered a suction cup basket, we got one from IKEA and it's called a Tisken, we bought this as our old van did not have a shelf.
They also have them in the Range with additional soap holder.
Hope this may help.
Paul and Joanne 👍
Thanks Paul & Joanne for the tip. Gail says she’s going to look for one 👍 Cheers, Rob & Gail
Well explained Rob.
Thank you for saying so, much appreciated 👍. All the best, Rob & Gail 😀
You have a lovely van and I totally get hanging onto it. We kept our Bailey for 14 years before changing and in the new one all I seem to do is miss the little features that the Bailey had. It was thoughtfully designed, somewhere to put your shoes and coat pegs, the pull out wire trays for tins, a tall enough kitchen cupboard for cereal boxes. An endless list of things I miss. The new vans might look flashier, but aren't the same in my opinion.
Hi Ashley, We are both nodding our heads in agreement, a lot of the design is steered towards looks rather than practicality. We could have gone on and on in the video…. microwave at the perfect height, plate racks in the kitchen cupboards etc. We only have storage room for a two berth so any replacement cannot go much beyond the length and width of our Olympus. Thanks very much for your comment. Kindest regards, Rob & Gail 👍😀
🇺🇦
Hi ya Rob and Gail.
Can't beat this caravanning lark ay.
Brilliant to see people like yourselves enjoying this great hobby/way of life. As we do.
Had two Bailey vans, one was written off in our garden by a car. Second one became rotten. They were older than yours. (Both Senators)
Got a swift now. Yes panoramic window.😉
Great vlog as always guys. Never know might say hi one day face to face.
Look after yourselves.
Pete and Su.
Hello Pete & Su, We have never regretted for one single minute buying our caravan and we are so pleased we chose the Olympus. We love walking from site and exploring the great outdoors and now we have a new hobby making our TH-cam videos. It’s a great life and like you say can’t beat it 👍 . Make sure you look out for us on your travels, thank you very much for tuning in again and all the best to you both. Rob & Gail 😀
So true about the shower. Our swift quattro, 2018 the shower tray sits proud of the shower walls. Needless to say it was leaking, it was the smell that drew attention and lifting carpet at shower cubicle there was a puddle. The sealant was whisper thin. Quote £400 to fix. In the end I bought some sealant and took the screws off, pulled it away from the wall and put lots of sealant in and closed it back up. It seems to be working. Having said that, when I went to the van last weekend the sealant has come away from where shower taps are. Did similar to seal again. Now, my van is on a seasonal so can't put the loose sealant down to towing movement. The quality of the sealant was/ is very poor. Fingers crossed.
Your story is a proper shower nightmare Harry. Sounds like poor design or workmanship or both. We do hope you’ve solved the problem once and for all 👍 . Thank you very much for watching and commenting. All the best, Rob & Gail 😀
Thanks for your video Rob and Gail, she maybe getting on a bit but but she’s got everything you need, The caravan I mean, No doubt Gail’s got everything you need as well Rob, we have only been caravanning since last June/ July and we love it, we have had a caravan before but that was many years ago ( foot pump days) many thanks again 👍👍.
Do you know the replies we’ve received regarding this video have made us appreciate our caravan even more. We love caravan life too and haven’t they come up in the world since your earlier foot pump caravanning days 😀 . All the best and happy holidays to you, Rob & Gail 👍
@@robswiseways5697 cheers Rob and Gail, if I am not mistaken you like to go serviced pitched, and I am sure I have seen a video of yours doing that, so I will have a look for it, because for the first time we have booked a service pitch, so I need to know how to do it and what we need to do it, 👍👍.
It makes life so much easier on a serviced pitch with no containers to haul back and forth. We use the Whale direct water hook up as I explain in my video fully serviced pitch part 2 of 4 fresh water connection, but if you have a Truma water socket then Truma also do a direct hook up kit. Alternatively you can purchase a kit that connects from the tap to the Aquaroll. As you draw water out of the Aquaroll, a float drops and allows water in to top it up. For the grey waste all you need is extra pipe. You can choose the 28.5mm convoluted pipe or Colapz pipes which I haven’t fully road tested yet. I have a video out on both. In my channel I have 9 videos in a playlist related to serviced pitches. I also show a quick look at the service set up in all my site videos. A word of advice is do not use garden hose ! Hope this helps. Any questions you are welcome to ask. All the best Rob & Gail
@@robswiseways5697 thank you very much for your reply Rob, I will definitely check out your videos 👍👍.
Think finding a replacement van may be a tall order. I don’t think I could replace mine to my total satisfaction. Older Caravans Rock, oh that might be down to the steadies 😂😂😂
Hi there Colin, Without a doubt we’ll not be parting with our trusty Olympus any time soon 😀. It’s good to hear other people feel the same about their caravans so thank you for commenting 👍. Take care, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob, We have also fitted lots of extras on our caravan to make life more comfortable. Alko premium jockey wheel with nose weight gauge, Power touch motor movers, Truma aventa air conditioning (We love the south of France so essential) Alko shock absorbers and extra towel hooks. Next week it's going into the dealership to have ATC fitted and at the end of August E&P self leveling (full system). We had the weight plate upgraded a few months ago to help off set the payload. We also changed over to lightweight Safe fill gas cylinders which we can refill at the petrol station LPG pumps and are😢 also considering changing the battery to lithium to save weight although we always try to use fully serviced pitches where we can, so it's just a weight saving exercise. Whenever you add something there is always a compromise on something else. You just you just need to keep a good spreadsheet of every item in and on the van and lok at weight saving options where available. Although E&P self leveling is around 28kg you can subtract around 14 kg from the weight gain as you will be removing the old manual corner steady legs.
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, You have some really good extras fitted there 👍. I wouldn’t mind air con and self levelling myself but even by juggling it’s just not doable. The weight plate upgrade only gave us a measly 24kg. As an example, the optional front chest of drawers added 15kg, motor mover kit 34kg etc, etc. I looked up safe fill after fitting our last Calorlite but alas our nearest stockist is over 20 miles away. We have a spreadsheet and weighed everything 10 years ago and we are currently on the limit despite all the bags in the car. Thanks very much for commenting and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
@robswiseways5697 hi Rob, I'm not sure Bailey make allowances in the MRO but swift allow for 10kg within the MRO for gas, an allowance for electrical cable, water hose , step and a few other bits which I didn't realise. Noted within the Swift handbook. I have also contacted Swift technical team to confirm this and awaiting their reply as a double confirmation. It's surprising how all the weight adds up little by little. We upgraded the plate on ours which only gave us an extra 28kg. But every little helps. We didn't think we had the payload to install the self leveling system until I found out about the allowances within the MRO which with all the extras installed including and 10kg for food 10kg for bedding still leaves me with 30kg for other bits and some light clothes and a 10kg allowance for error. The rest of our gear goes in the car.
The roof mounted air con is 33kg so the plate upgrade mostly offset the A/C.
Regards
Peter
@@discoveryadventures2296 Hi Peter, I’ve checked the handbook and it doesn’t mention allowances. All it says is, do not exceed the MTPLM. Although I took the caravan to a weighbridge just after purchasing it, I am now thinking of taking it again because of the extras fitted over the past 10 years. It would be good to know just where we stand with the payload. Best regards, Rob & Gail 👍
Hi Rob. I was going to attach a screen shot with the allowances in the Swift MRO but, I can't attach on this message platform unfortunately.
Fell for your garage Rob
Thank you Derek, my garage is my pride and joy 👍. Not sure which video you first saw my garage but I have a video out titled Garage Storage Cupboard Project which completed my dream garage. Thank you very much for watching and for your comment. All the best, Rob😀
Congratulations on 10yr ownership of your caravan it probably testimony to the way you care for the van that it is still as good as the day it left the factory.
Thank you very much Andrew, what a lovely thing to say, we are both beaming. Keeping it stored in the garage and protected from the elements has helped. Plus Gail makes sure the interior remains spotless so credit to her 👍 . Thanks for tuning in and all the very best, Rob & Gail 😀
We came across your videos recently. We have the exact same caravan brought from new. Like you we do not like the large front windows and much prefer the storage across the front and the twin wardrobes our van has been reliable except for a heating element! and a blown inline fuse which was hidden behind a screwed on panel and took some finding. We have not seen a new van that ticks our boxes. I will now find your video on the shower light as it is a little dark in there! I did fit an led light to the roof above the table as that was a bit dull when eating at night. We enjoy your videos and look forward to your new ones as well as catching up on the others.
Hello and welcome Colin. Pleased you are enjoying our videos 👍. It’s interesting to hear from someone who has the same caravan as us and loves it as much as we do. I’m presuming you mean the water heater element as ours failed last year. My shower light is an earlier video and although all the facts are there it’s a bit rough around the edges, thankfully I’ve improved as time’s gone on. If you find an equivalent or better caravan when you do decide to change, please let us know 😂 .Thanks very much for commenting and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
@@robswiseways5697 It was the water heating element it stopped working while away a couple of years ago. I found your shower light video and I am going to put one in. I don't suppose you have the part number as the pictures on Baileys site are not very clear presumably its base is curved to match the trim?
@@metoob321 Hi Colin, I’ve looked and the part number for the bright chrome 12v LED downlighter I used is 1170062. It’s still listed on Bailey’s Prima Leisure parts website at £9.99 plus £6.80 delivery. At least you will have the correct light for £16.79 delivered. It has a flat base. In my video I fit the light on the flat section of the angled roof. Hope it goes well 👍. Cheers, Rob
Hi Rob good review that , we have a Swift Elegance had some issues lol but all resolved hopefully .. think I'd prefer the overhead cupboards like yours instead of our pano roof .. noticed some of these Bailes now have huge pano roofs , take a look at the tyre pal system I find it great 👍 but Ive not got a video out on that lol , nice van mate 👍 hi to Gail regards Glyn
Hello Glyn, Pleased you enjoyed our 10 year review 👍. We keep reading about other people’s caravan issues and feel very lucky to have our Olympus. The latest Bailey’s have a 50% bigger pan roof which we definitely wouldn’t want. Will take a look at tyre pal so thanks for that. Oh Gail says hello Glyn 😀 . Best regards, Rob & Gail
I like the shelving in the overhead lockers. Nice tip about the sealant in showers over wheel arches. Our 2005 Coachman is still going strong! Scared to change it 😂Graeme
Hello Graham, good to hear your Coachman is living up to its good build quality reputation of its day 👍. As the song goes ‘let’s hang on to what we’ve got’ 😄 . Yes the shelves are definitely must haves. Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail
Time flies, 6 years since I finished work (state pension starts this week) and you’d just made first video (toilet modification) and were contemplating starting TH-cam channel
Time does fly Andy you’re right there, where’s it going ! At least you are enjoying your retirement on the open road with the Derbyshire Rural Rider channel as a hobby 👍 . Oh yes I wasn’t very confident in front of the camera back then 😳. All the best, Rob & Gail
@@robswiseways5697 not forgetting my other channel Scooters, Bikes & Classic Cars (East Midlands)
Well, you’ll be waiting an eternity if you want a caravan that’s fit for purpose. Sometimes if it ain’t broke leave it alone. Your caravan is from an era when caravans had a little bit of thought put into them.
You’re completely right there 👍. 2013 was the last year of manufacture for the Olympus so we purchased ours just in time 😀 . Best thing we ever did. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob & Gail, You’ve got a cracking van there and you’ve made it your own. Have to agree with Andrew, don’t think the build quality in the new vans is the same and with such demand these days they are rolling off the production line at a rate of knots! If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, that’s where we are at. Hope you have many happy years more Caravanning in her. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Hello Dave & Helen, With all the extras fitted it’s our exclusive model 😂 . It’s a shame quantity has taken over quality these days and as we read about other people’s issues it makes us feel lucky to have our problem free Olympus. At the NEC we were wowed by the latest colour schemes and fabric choices but it didn’t distract us from the missing mirrors, hooks and shelves etc. We’ve got lots of trips booked just like you 👍 and look forward to spending them in our Bailey. All the best to you both, Rob & Gail
Lots of valid points there, Rob. A lot of new caravans are definitely style over function. I'm with you on the infinity window. When we had the unicorn IV, we didn't get on with that large window, you can't open it very far, and it has no fly screen.. Thanks for the shout out too...
Graham
Hi there Graham, If push come to shove goodness knows which caravan we would choose. We don’t want a greenhouse pan window especially without a fly screen 😂 . I enjoyed your video on the E&P so you’re welcome 👍 . Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail
Evening Rob and Gail,
We have a trip booked to Kendal CAMC soon,
We are like yourselves and try to book serviced pitches, if possible could you recommend the top pitches or the lower ones a big ask I know but having never stayed there before some insider info would be good.
Sorry its been added to this vlog.
Thanks in advance,
Paul and Jo 👍 😊
Hi Paul & Jo, How lovely to hear you’re going to Kendal soon 👍. We think it’s marvelous. Everyone’s different but personally we prefer the top pitches. At least you can drive around and take a look before you choose. We hope you have a super time and let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Rob & Gail 😀
Thanks for that, much appreciated.
We will defo let you know 👍
Paul and Jo 🙂
Morning, happy 10th caravan anniversary and hope you have many more wonderful trips away, we are only first timers of nearly 4 years in ours but like you we love it..
Take care guys and thanks for the vlogs...
Good evening to you Howard and thank you very much for your kind words 👍. We’ve loved our caravan from day one and always look forward to our trips away. It’s addictive isn’t it ! All the best to you, Rob & Gail 😀
Mine is 5 years old and noticed that in past year things have started to break. Fittings plastics are the main issueZ this weekend had to replace a fridge vent partly my fault due to fitting winter vents. Secondly was the blind in the roof light failed so that needed changing out.
I’ll contact you by email on a separate topic.
Hello Justin, I suppose UV light plays a big part in the degradation of plastics. Our van is stored in a garage but the locker door surrounds and wheel arch spats are starting to discolour with age. Not had anything break…yet ! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍😀. All the best, Rob & Gail
Great video Rob and I definitely think older caravans are better made than modern ones... we recently bought a new Coachman 2 berth and it seems solidly built fingers crossed... hopefully I can keep it as well as you have with yours and I'll be happy... love the content on your videos so keep them coming... 👍
Hello there Dave, Many thanks for your kind comment it is much appreciated 👍. We are reading older caravans are scoring more points than modern new ones with their less than satisfactory build quality which encourages us to hang on to what we’ve got. Saying that we hope your new Coachman ticks all the boxes and serves you well. Fingers crossed for you and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀
morning rob&gail enjoyed this honest video take it from me rob keep your bailey buying a new caravan will be a big mistake and keep away from the ep levelling system. I have got a 2020 coachman with the ep fitted from new on level pitches no problem on very uneven ground they can be a nightmare trouble is rob nobody tells you the truth and as for quality in new caravans its a complete joke already done eight repairs myself , one last thing rob dealers fill you full of rubbish just to empty your wallet anyway ,take care my friend you and gail enjoy your 2023 hols and hope to see you one day all the best keith.
Hi there Keith, Many thanks for your comment it’s an eye opener. You shouldn’t be having all these faults on a nearly new caravan and it must be very frustrating for you. Your view of the E&P levelling system has surprised me as I didn’t expect to hear any negatives. Think we’ll be hanging on to our Bailey for quite a while yet. Keep a look out for us 👍😀, Best regards, Rob & Gail
Morning Rob and Gail,
Great review of your van its a credit to you both, I guess if you change you would have a lot if people wanting to buy it off you.
We did have a two berth Swift and yes a lot of the things you stated were right about more modern vans, we have changed since.
I think you would make a great caravan designer.
Keep the vlogs coming.
Paul and Joanne 😊👍
Hello Paul & Joanne, Many thanks to you both for your kind words 👍. whenever our caravan goes in for service, we always get praised on its condition and cleanliness so you could be correct in saying it would sell quickly. However, we are hanging on to it. If I were to design a two berth Paul I would take the best bits from each manufacturer and add a few of my own ideas. How does that sound 😁 . All the best to you both, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob and Gail.
The compliments are what you both deserve.
Yes hold onto the van as it makes both happy.
Enjoy your trips away in your pride and joy,
You never know one day we might actually be on site when you are and say hello.
Paul and Jo 👍
That so brilliant to hear, thank you very much Paul & Jo. Yes you must make sure you keep a look out for us on your travels 👍 😀 , Rob & Gail
Unfortunately today's vans profit has taken over build quality, make them cheap and charge a fortune, hopefully our van lasts 10 years, nice to know you haven't had any probems
Hello Andrew & Karen, We noticed significant price increases at the NEC last Oct along with all the bits (shelves etc) that were missing, so you have a good point there. We are very thankful to have our Olympus and hope you can keep your Duchess running along nicely for a good few years too 👍. Thanks for tuning in and all the best, Rob & Gail 😀