We have been very happy with our Bailey Ranger 550/6 so far, in particular the internal layout with its front parallel lounge, side dinette and rear fixed bunks, which works really well for our touring needs as a family of four.

Recently, however, we have found the large, full-length rear curtain to be a real drawback (excuse the pun!).

Why? Because both of the bunks in our van run across the back wall, they are served ex-factory by a single curtain, from ceiling to floor. This is supported by one rail, which is fixed to the ceiling.

The problem

To cover both bunks, the curtain has to run over the ladder from the top bunk. The curtain needs to be closed for whichever child goes to bed first, which also means that it has to be opened again later, allowing the second, older child to go to bed.

The bottom-bunk occupant has to pull the full curtain over the ladder, which is a reach, or else cannot then close it if they have had to get out of bed. This strains the weak rail and/or the ceiling of the van itself.

The top-bunk occupant may also stand on the curtain when descending the ladder, again pulling on the fittings.

The solution

After doing some research online, we found via Netmums a local seamstress who would divide the full curtain into two, put in the seams, then sew in the curtain tape that we bought online (for £2), all for just £15.

A visit to our local caravan dealership resulted in the purchase of a curtain rail for £6, and some runners for another £3.

The runners had to be modified to fit the rail by putting each in a drill and spinning them against sandpaper on a block – this allows them to run free. They were not designed for the popper rail that we chose because it sits nice and flush, and is both solid and easy to fit. All we needed to finish the job were some old, leftover curtain hooks.

Our first weekend away once the work had been completed proved this solution to be a huge success – goodness knows why Bailey didn’t do this from the start. I hope this inexpensive fix assists others. Happy holidays!