When surveying this year’s offerings from Bailey Caravans, it’s hard to believe only two years ago we were looking at an entirely different line-up. In 2009 the Bristol manufacturer took the bold step towards replacing hugely popular names such as the Senator and Pageant by introducing a new construction platform named Alu-Tech.
As the name suggests, the method uses aluminium as the primary material for lighter weight and strength. First seen in the Bailey Pegasus in September of that year, the positive reception led to the introduction of a second model early in 2010.
Called the Olympus, this smaller and lighter caravan proved popular with those looking for an Alu-Tech model towable by a family car. Since then Bailey has introduced two further Alu-Techs at the top and bottom of the market to complete the line-up, as well as revamping the Pegasus in January of this year – leaving the Bailey Olympus in need of a makeover.
Family characteristics
Bailey is keeping full details under wraps for a few weeks – yet we can confirm the Olympus Series II is a clear move by the Bristol firm to bring together its caravans under one look. On the exterior, the new Olympus takes visual cues from bigger brothers the Pegasus and Bailey Unicorn with new colour-coded graphics and updated exterior fittings.
Inside it’s the same story, with a strong move towards the design language and colouring seen at the top of the Alu-Tech range. The brief throughout appears to have been to take the caravan “upmarket” while keeping costs within the price bracket of previous Olympus models.
New layouts
The Olympus Series II features two all-new layouts. The five-berth end bedroom arrangement which proves so popular in the Bailey Pegasus Series II Ancona can be found here for the first time. Meanwhile those who fondly recall the six-berth variant of the Bailey Ranger GT60 will find a similar layout using a nearside fixed bed. And though the total number of layouts has been reduced from seven to four, this is in keeping with the Bailey Orion launch offerings.
