Alde wet heaters to warm up the new Stealth Concordia range

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by Chris Jefferies

Often seen as the definitive sign of a luxury caravan, the Alde heating system will be fitted to all the models in the new Stealth Concordia range, it has been announced.

The details of these premium caravans are being kept closely under wraps, but Stealth has confirmed that they have built the Concordia with the Alde system in mind at every step of the way.

Alex Murphy, Managing Director of Stealth Caravans, said: “It is all well and good using an Alde system, but if it is not [fitted] as Alde prefer you can end up with cold areas, like washrooms.”

The Stealth Concordia range will be making its public debut at next month’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the Birmingham NEC, and these caravans will feature Alde heating throughout, including a convection heater in the bathrooms.

What’s more, the Compact Boiler fitted to these models is the most powerful system Alde has ever produced – it can reach maximum output on either gas or electric, meaning you can have a cosy stay even on non-serviced camp sites.

Further information about the Stealth Concordia range will be released later this month, and Caravan Times will be the first to bring you all the key details.

Introducing the Bailey Approach SE: the first motorhome from Bailey Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

Perhaps the worst kept secret of 2011 has been the development of the first ever motorhome range by Bailey Caravans.

Having made its name in caravan manufacture for over sixty years, the Bristol firm recently confirmed the existence of the new model series, due to be launched at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011 in October. And Caravan Times can now reveal the name of the forthcoming range: the Bailey Approach SE.

The vehicle will use an adapted version of the Alu-Tech bodyshell which Bailey introduced to its caravan ranges in 2009, and which is now used throughout its portfolio. The company partly chose the name “Approach” to reflect this new thinking behind its motorhome products, while at the same time promoting the idea of “travelling to” and “arriving at” a chosen destination.

Powered by Peugeot

For the base vehicle Bailey has chosen Peugeot to underpin its new touring range. The Boxer cab is well known in motorhome construction, and has been cited by Bailey as having a “well-deserved reputation for durability and value for money”.

And to keep the offering simple, Bailey has decided to offer a single cab for all models in the range. Working closely with Peugeot, the firm determined the most suitable engine configuration for the Approach SE, as well as the most popular range of options to include.

All vehicles will be powered by the Peugeot 2.2. Hdi engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. With an output of 130bhp we believe this diesel unit is likely to be relatively forgiving at the fuel pumps, whilst still giving enough power to tour in comfort.

Comfort and protection

Bailey appear to have worked hard to ensure standard equipment levels are high. All models come complete with air conditioning and cruise control for driver comfort, while seating includes a pair of fully-adjustable front swivel seats with twin arm rests.

Safety has been the watchword for Bailey during a rigorous testing process, and potential owners will be glad to know the Approach SE is equipped with dual front air bags and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Bailey Approach SE: model range

Initially the Approach SE range will feature three of the most popular layouts currently offered in the motorhome market:

  • Approach SE 620 – 2 berth low-line end kitchen
  • Approach SE 740 – 4 berth low-line end bedroom (fixed double bed)
  • Approach SE 760 – 6 berth high line end lounge

All models feature the Peugeot 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine complete with a six-speed manual gearbox, AL-KO AMC chassis and the Alu-Tech bodyshell as standard specification.

Finally, for additional peace of mind, a comprehensive Peugeot 3 Year/100,000 mile warranty and 12 months Peugeot Assist Cover are also included as part of the package.

Elddis caravans boasts of strong sales at Lawns Show

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by Chris Jefferies

Last weekend saw the official start of the autumn caravan season, with the major manufacturers showing off their new offerings at the Lawns Show in Hull.

Elddis Caravans have claimed that they performed better than most, posting a year-on-year increase in sales, while the other major makes saw their Lawns Show sales fall by around 30 per cent.

The biggest sellers amongst the Elddis range were the new luxury options – the Buccaneer Schooner, Buccaneer Clipper and the Crusader Shamal, which accounted for 60 per cent of all the manufacturer’s sales.

Key upgrades in the 2012 Elddis Crusader range include a scratch-resistant GRP front and one-piece aluminium sides, while the interior headroom has been increased to 6’5″.

Meanwhile in the Buccaneer range, buyers may be tempted by the once-piece GRP sides, as well as longer fixed beds and more headroom.

Those interested in seeing the new Elddis range can get an exclusive look inside the company’s factory on their open day next weekend (September 17th and 18th).

Prices in the 2012 Elddis Crusader range start at £20,299 for the Shamal layout, rising to £23,799 for the Supercyclone, while the 2012 Buccaneer caravans will be priced from £23,999 to £26,999.

For sale: Caravan lover to cash in on mobile Finnish sauna

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by Chris Jefferies

Luxury caravanners often pride themselves on their heating systems, but one touring enthusiast appears to have trumped them all with his latest creation, which puts Alde, Whale and Truma to shame.

This mobile sauna features a traditional timber-frame construction, with one crucial difference – it has a Finnish log stove in the centre, Small World News reports.

Now, Tony Goulden has decided that it’s time to part with his creation after four years’ faithful service, so he is selling it for £3,800.

Tony spent two months building this barrel-shaped trailer in 2007, and his Finnish girlfriend Merja Stock told the news website that it would be a truly luxury option for anyone looking to trade up for a cosier option.

“Everybody who has been inside it has loved it – so it would make a great luxury for campers,” she said.

The trailer is large enough for six to share a sauna, while there is also enough room to put in a double mattress and sleep in it – once the stove has been switched off, of course.

Tony and Merja have decided to cash in on their mobile hot-house as they are moving house and planning to build a static sauna in their new home.

Those tempted by this unique caravan will be reassured by Tony’s workmanship. “The sauna is double-skinned and fully insulated,” he said.

“It heats up so quickly and you get the best steam. In 20 minutes it’s ready. You can sleep in it on a double air mattress, and cook on the stove.”

Tony also suggests that his mobile sauna would be an ideal caravan for a music festival, but for those bemoaning the dull British winter this may be the perfect solution for the coming months.

VIDEO: Hidden weight reductions on the Bailey Olympus II

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by Chris Jefferies

Last month, Bailey Caravans relaunched their mid-range Olympus tourer, with several improvements being made on both on the inside and the outside.

In the final episode of our three-part series, Chris Jefferies talks to company Director Nick Howard about how Bailey has brought down the weights on these new models, without compromising on the luxury. Compared with the outgoing Olympus range, the MTPLMs have been lowered by around 20kg, meaning you can use a smaller towcar to pull them.

The Bailey Olympus II range will be on sale later this year, with prices ranging from £14,795 for the two-berth 460-2 layout, to £16,795 for the twin-axle 640-6 layout.

Henlow Bridge Lakes to host caravan rally

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by Chris Malone

This weekend will see Henlow Bridge Lakes, situated on the border between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, host a Caravan Club rally.

Starting from tomorrow (September 8th) and running for four days, the event will see more that 150 tourers descend on the site, which features a large rural space that will be used for activities and entertainment, the Biggleswade Chronicle reported.

Caravan Club members from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and North London are expected to take part and Club spokesman Alan Evans told the newspaper that the organisation had been choosy about where to host the event.

“It is the perfect place to hold a rally like this, especially as we have a full programme lined up for everyone,” he said.

Some of the owners will be arriving on Thursday, and the rally will run until Sunday.

Mr Evans added that there will be a fun run for the adults, while kids can get involved in the egg and spoon races and other activities designed for youngsters.

These include craft contests, bingo and a dog show, while live music and comedy will be performed on Saturday night.

Henlow Bridge Lakes also offer opportunities for fishing, walking and private functions, according to its website.

Introducing Cabrera and Pamplona: two new Unicorn models from Bailey Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

Has it really only been a year since the Bailey Unicorn first appeared on the caravan market? Since its launch twelve months ago the Unicorn has become a firm favourite, accounting for impressive sales figures at last year’s October caravan show. As Bailey’s first true “luxury” model, the Unicorn brought a whole new level of interior quality – later echoed in the second generations of Pegasus and Olympus. And so in response to the enthusiasm of customers, Bailey has announced they will be adding two new models to the best-selling 2012 range.

In order to expand the choice of layouts available, the Bristol manufacturer has introduced the Unicorn Cabrera and Unicorn Pamplona. Based on the Virginia and Louisiana models from the previous Bailey Senator range, these new layouts should prove popular with those who recall the former range-topping model.

Alu-tech construction, classic layout

Island beds appear to be the headline, with both vehicles featuring an arrangement proving increasingly popular with caravanners. The Unicorn Cabrera is a four-berth model with an island bed on a single-axle platform, while the Pamplona uses the same format but on a twin-axle. Both models draw upon their Senator predecessors by retaining the luxurious end bedroom configuration, with a rear wall-mounted fixed double bed. What’s new here is a central en-suite bathroom consisting of a separate shower cubicle on the offside, and a spacious washroom with hand basin and heated Alde towel rail on the nearside. A well appointed kitchen and parallel bed front lounge completes the layout.


Those familiar with the new generation of Bailey Caravans will know all Unicorn models feature the Alu-Tech bodyshell system. Created to solve the problem of water ingress and thermal problems, the strong and simple construction allows Bailey to offer a ten year body shell integrity guarantee. All Unicorn models have also achieved Grade III Classification of Thermal Insulation, theoretically allowing the owner to use the caravan all year round.

Where you can see it

Bailey will be showing the new Unicorn models for the first time at the Motorhome & Caravan Show on Tuesday 11 October 2011. Visitors to Stands 19-29 will be able to tour the Pamplona and Cabrera up close, as well as see the first ever motorhome from Bailey.

If you’d like to hear the latest news from Bailey first, click here to join our Bailey Caravans Group in the Caravan Times community.

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre: A beginners’ guide to towing mirrors

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by Chris Jefferies
When you’re looking to safely set up your caravan for its first trip away, one of the most important things to sort out is your field of vision.
Although many caravanners neglect to use them, towing mirrors are cheap and easy to fit, and much more importantly, they are a legal necessity.
Every motorist towing a caravan that is wider than their car needs to fit towing mirrors, and pretty much the only cars that don’t fall into this category are supercars such as the Bentley GT Continental.
For the rest of us who can’t afford such a flashy ride, the law specifies that you need to be able to see clearly in an area that is four metres wide from the side of your caravan at a distance 20 metres behind the driver.
This is quite a large area (see diagram below), which can be partly obscured by the corners of your caravan if you rely on normal car mirrors, even those on a 4×4.

Without towing mirrors, it is quite easy to miss a cyclist or a motorcyclist, and you are also much less likely to spot a car moving out from behind to overtake.
As well as running the risk of causing a nasty accident, towing without mirrors can result in police prosecution in the form of three points on your license and a fine of up to £1,000.
Fortunately, there is plenty of choice when it comes to towing mirrors and they are among the most affordable caravan accessories, with a some available for less than £10 each.
Spoilt for choice
When it comes to choosing your towing mirrors, Milenco are the market leaders in the UK and indeed most of Europe, with a whole host of industry awards to commend their wind-tunnel tested range.
Many of the Milenco mirrors sit at the pricier end of the range, with the Aero Mirror costing upwards of £18 each, but the advantages of this model include a rust and dirt-resistant, stainless steel and brass screw system, so they’re very unlikely to fall off in transit.
You can also choose the option of convex glass, for an even wider field of vision, and all Milenco products are E-marked, meaning they comply with all the relevant EU regulations.
Cheaper options include Towsure, who offer a clip-on mirror for around £9 each, while Halfords also provides towing mirrors at a similar price that come with adjustable rubber straps.
Milenco also offer a basic option called the Safety Mirror for just £6, although it’s important to note that not all the mirrors on the market will be wide enough for your caravan, so careful measurement is essential.
It’s also important to check that your mirrors aren’t too wide, as the law has something to say here as well. The mirrors must not protrude by more than 25cm (or 20cm on cars made sold before 26th January 2007), when compared with the width of your caravan.
Beware cheap imitations
Nigel Milbank, managing director of Milenco, warns that buyers should be careful when selecting their mirrors: “There are a ridiculous number of illegal mirrors being sold in high street shops.
“Bear in mind they need to stand up to strong winds and not fold up when something large passes you in the other direction,” he added.
Whilst picking out the ideal set of towing mirrors can take careful consideration, the total cost is nothing compared with an accident or a fine, so this is an area that it’s really not worth cutting corners on.

Farmers’ market and bingo on offer at Malvern Caravan Show

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by Chris Jefferies

Launching later this month, the Malvern Caravan Show is clearly aiming to be much more than just a collection of tourers in a field.

Running from September 30th to October 2nd, this inaugural caravan show will play host to the best of the 2012 ranges on display, including models from Swift, Elddis, Coachman, Bailey and Adria.

Caravan lovers will also find plenty of family-friendly activities on offer at this new three-day event, including giant scalextric, laser clay pigeon shooting, a dog show, a farmers’ market, Rock ‘n’ Roll bingo and there’s even a Johnny Cash tribute act on the Saturday night.

Furthermore, those staying over can enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Three Counties Showground in the Malvern Hills, with on-site facilities including toilet and shower blocks, Elsan disposal, a shop, catering and a bar.

Sharon Gilbert, Press and PR Manager at the Three Counties Agricultural Society, said: “In spite of the recession, which has inevitably had some impact on manufacturers, the market for caravanning breaks is booming.”

Prices start at £30 for three nights (£40 with electric hook-up) and this covers all the activities as well.

2012 Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport arrive at dealerships

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by Marcus Dubois

Earlier this summer Swift Caravans revealed an all-new range of caravans to succeed the Charisma and Europa models. And after an eventful few weeks of press coverage and reviews, caravanners can now view the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport at dealerships around the country.

Dealers took delivery of the first of these brand new models at the end of last month ahead of the Caravan Extravaganza at the Lawns. For most visitors to the annual caravan show in Cottingham this was their first chance to view the striking new tourers- and many were enthused by the fresh designs.

Click here to watch our video feature on the new 2012 Swift ranges

Family resemblance

The Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport are the 2012 replacements for the popular Charisma and Europa ranges. Those caravans were always set to be a tough act to follow, yet Swift has acted boldly in completely redesigning the look and feel of the ranges. A new curved exterior profile echoes that of bigger brother the Swift Challenger, and also features an optional panoramic sunroof. Meanwhile the interior features improved upholstery and luxury appointments, giving a premium feel to these mid-range caravans.

“A real reason to change”

Darren Bull recently took his first delivery of the new models at Cornish dealership Atlantic Caravans, and was excited by the response so far.

“With these new Sport models, Swift has hit the nail on the head – in the main because it’s significantly lighter. I’ve got a guy who had a 2010 Charisma 535, which was a really small fixed bed. He’s currently looking at the equivalent in the Challenger Sport range, which is a little lighter in weight, and yet it’s a bigger ‘van. This means Swift have given people a real reason to change.”

And Darren was similarly enthused himself by the design of the new Swifts.

“We recently got the Sport 514 in, and having spent more time with it in the flesh, it’s absolutely cracking. The upholstery is spot on, and the “Sport” term is just right for this – it has a stance where it actually looks like it’s raring to go. Last year, those people who were looking at the design of the Challenger and Conqueror wouldn’t even go near the Charisma. But now it’s completely different. This really could save people money with an attractive package.”

Used Caravan of the Week: 2005 Bailey Pageant Champagne

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by Chris Jefferies

When it comes to buying used caravans, sometimes you’ll find a quality tourer that’s distantly related to a brand new model but for a fraction of the price. And in this latest edition of Used Caravan Of the Week we’ve found a Bailey Pageant that fits the bill quite nicely.

Bailey Caravans only phased out the Pageant range in 2009, replacing it with the Alu-Tech Pegasus models and the family resemblance is clear as this caravan’s popular four-berth, side dinette layout can be seen carried on in the Bailey Pegasus II Milan.

Whereas the 2012 model has an RRP of £16,895, this particular six-year old caravan is currently going at a fraction of that price and according to the seller it is still in “excellent condition”.

History

With only one-previous family owner, it’s clear that this ‘van has been carefully looked after, and the seller is only cashing in due to a “recent change of circumstances”.

The interiors and wood panelling have aged well and the only problems pointed out are “minor cosmetic imperfections”.

For added peace of mind, this caravan is CRIS registered in the previous owner’s name and has no outstanding finance to pay. Furthermore, the seller is even willing to deliver, provided the buyer agrees to pay the fuel costs incurred.

Kit and caboodle

This listing includes a Suncamp porch awning, an Aquaroll 40-litre water barrel, Aqua waste water, electric hook-up and a gas bottle all thrown in.

Other premium features include an AL-KO stabiliser, blinds on all of the windows, dual-fuel central heating, a panoramic rooflight and a Status TV aerial and booster.

What’s more, the fully bonded exterior body shell still has one year of its integrity guarantee remaining.

Perhaps most strikingly, the Champagne features an appealing end-on bathroom with a domestic-style curved shower door, which looks highly spacious.

All things considered, it’s hardly surprising that this tourer has already attracted 23 bids. Although the going rate is sure to rise beyond the current level of £2,000, this still represents a great opportunity for those looking for a well kitted-out, modern caravan that’s ready to roll.

  • Price: £2,050 (reserve not yet met)

  • Gross vehicle weight: 1,350kg

  • Overall Length: 22’8″

  • Width: 7′ 6″

  • Berth: 4

  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details of the 2005 Bailey Pageant Champagne for sale



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Classic Sprite caravan to begin local art gallery tour

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by Chris Jefferies

Every caravan enthusiast knows that Sprite caravans are built to last, but this fifty year old caravan has been given a new lease of life as a touring art gallery.

Converted by contemporary gallery Duckett and Jeffreys, this tiny tourer will be heading off on a regional tour over the next couple of weeks, starting at the Ryedale Folk Museum in Yorkshire on September 16th.

The purpose of the tour is to draw attention to the work of the gallery’s 23 local artists, including painters, sculptors, felt-makers, ceramicists, print makers and even a blacksmith.

Stef Mitchell, founding artist at Duckett and Jeffreys, who will be on the tour, said: “We aim to show artists that are brave, confident and imaginative.”

The 11-venue tour, featuring this 1960s Sprite caravan, will continue until October 16th with a final stop-off at the Inspired By Gallery in Danby.

For full details of this caravan art gallery tour, click here.