VIDEO: Interview with Bailey Caravans on success of the Unicorn

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by Marcus Dubois

It was one of the most talked about caravans of 2010, and the first ever luxury tourer from Bailey Caravans. Launched in July this year, the Bailey Unicorn is the the third model in the Alu-Tech series, and overnight it became the most successful model in the company’s history.

Since its introduction Bailey has registered £39 million worth of retail orders and a number of industry awards. And the Bailey Unicorn has received more acclaim after being shortlisted by our editorial panel in the category “Caravan of the Year 2010” for the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

With all this in mind, Holly Tribe recently caught up with Simon Howard of Bailey to learn more about the success of the Unicorn, and discuss the future of Bailey Caravans in 2011.

Thansadet: The amphibious caravan

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by Holly Tribe

As seen on thedesignblog.org, ‘Be it land or water, the modular mobile home promises to take you to your favourite destination with ease.’

Two side windows can be opened up to the elements and a rear deck area provides some al fresco space to relax on while cruising the waterways. The Thansadet may have to stay consigned to the realm of dreams for now, but in the depths of winter, it’s a great dream.

Caravan Club praises Auto-Sleepers’ AS Kensington

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by Chris Malone

The Caravan Club has lavished praise on Auto-Sleepers’ AS Kensington model after testing was carried out by renowned expert Rob McCabe.

With half a century of motorhome manufacturing experience under its belt, Auto-Sleepers has only recently delved into the world of caravan design.

The firm set out to build a touring caravan that was both luxurious and built to exacting standards and the result was the AS Kensington.

Mr McCabe gave the tourer a total score of eight out of ten, reserving special praise for construction, which gained top marks.

He also praised the towability, kitchen and washroom, which were all given nine out of ten.

Meanwhile, usability, living and sleeping, and lighting and electrics were each awarded eight out of ten.

“Workmanship is exceptional,” he said, adding that “the tick-set dark wood of the furniture looks and feels gorgeous”.

Auto-Sleepers has a proud history, having been the first firm to design a rising roof on a campervan, as well as being pioneers of the one-piece monocoque shell design.

Readers Poll 2010: What is the most innovative caravan design feature this year?

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by Holly Tribe

Throughout this year Caravan Times has been privy to some of the most exciting developments in the caravan industry, and 2010 has been a year of big changes from many of the major manufacturers.

And so, in celebration of all that is good and new in the world of touring, we’re asking readers to vote for their favourite releases of 2010 in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Categories up for debate include Best Newcomer; Best Caravan Park; Best Innovation of 2010; Dealer Of The Year; and Caravan Of The Year 2010. Each week we take a detailed look at each category beginning with ‘Best Innovation’. We’ve put together a shortlist of those additions to 2010 caravans which stood out as genuinely different and pushing design forward. All voting is open, but we’ve come up with a few of our own favourites to get you started.

Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010


2011 Swift and Sterling : panoramic sunroof

The popular Swift Challenger and Conqueror ranges received a full redesign alongside the Sterling Eccles and Elite. Using the latest in automotive 3D design software Swift has created a totally new exterior shape with striking interior styling. What we consider the standout feature on these models was the new front panoramic sunroof which curves upward into the roof to provide a great deal of interior light.


Stealth Caravans : window placed in nosecone

The first designs from new kids on the block Stealth sported a windowless opaque nosecone – reminiscent of the US fighter planes that inspired the name.

This year witnessed the introduction of a range of new models with more flexible layouts and features. This included a window in the nosecone for the first time in the new Q Class. Stealth’s innovative ‘overseal’ technology allows the window to be integrated into the front section without letting in moisture.


Bailey Unicorn : heating system hidden in furniture

There are several design elements that mark Bailey’s newest Unicorn range out from it Alu-Tech siblings. But one of our favourites has to be the inclusion of the Alde heating system, in place of the blown air model used on the Olympus and Pegasus. Clever positioning of the radiators hides them behind the furniture, whilst a compact 12v hydronic system quietly pulls the heating fluid through the pipes.


Buccaneer Clipper : text message activated heating system

Possibly the most technically advanced offering in our ‘best innovations’ category can be found in the Buccaneer Clipper. The Alde central heating system has again been used, but in the Clipper it is fitted with a telematic sensor which can be remotely operated via text message. This means your can send your caravan a SMS text, and get the cabin all warmed up before you return home. Genius.

AS Caravans : portable hand-held vacuum and hairdryer with built-in socket

By tradition a motorhome manufacturer, Auto-Sleepers moved into the caravan market this year with a new range of tourers marketed at the top end of the market. AS Caravans are kitted out with all the expected appliances, along with a few thoughtful extras. Integrated into the overall design is a hairdryer with a built in socket and the inclusion of a portable handheld vacuum cleaner.

Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

Dethleffs Caravans presents the luxury Caraliner for 2011

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by Holly Tribe

Luxury. Once a word which meant exclusivity and conjured up images of opulence, in today’s world the term is often used to signify the “top of the range”. Yet with their latest caravan for the 2011 season Dethleffs have aimed for the true definition of luxury. We took a closer look at the majestic Caraliner range.

According to the German-based company the Caraliner will ‘herald a new era of caravanning’. Its creators have likened the design to a luxury cruise liner, and on first inspection this twin axle offering doesn’t disappoint.

Forget the staid use of carpets underfoot. Dethleffs have chosen opulent wood-effect floorboards to echo the interior of a grand house. The kitchen roof cabinet is lit with LED spots, and there’s a generous 175 litre fridge/ freezer with a separate freezer section.

The door to the standalone shower cubicle can be connected in different positions to gain access to the main cabin or a private designated dressing area. Cost options include a lighting control unit with programmable mood settings. And then, there’s the hidden on-board dishwasher.

Customers can choose between a standard white finish or titanium silver with dark sidewall applications. Fluid curves frame the nose and tail sections on the fibreglass body giving the Caraliner profile just the smallest hint of automotive character.

To read more about the Dethleffs Caraliner (including towing weights, interior features and images of the layout) please click here.

Gypsy caravan site plans held up by government delay

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by Chris Malone

Plans to create a number of gypsy caravan sites in Cambridgeshire now seem to be up in the air after three proposals were dropped.

South Cambridgeshire District Council is set to provide 88 permanent gypsy pitches on the edge of Cambridge and its surrounding villages, but is unsure of where exactly these will be, Cambridge News reported.

It has claimed that it needs to wait on government guidelines being published before it acts. Yet the council has already ruled out three sites in Cambourne, Bassingbourn and between Madingley Road and Huntindon Road in Cambridge.

The plans drew representations from more than 5,000 people, with 1,300 rejections coming from Bassingbourn alone – a figure representing more than half of the village’s population.

South Cambridgeshire District Council member and new communities chief David Bard explained that the delays to the process were causing locals distress.

“We do . need to await news from the government on the changes to the planning system before we can make much progress,” he told the news provider.

In other news, thisishampshire.net has revealed that an antique gypsy caravan has been stolen from a barn in Stockbridge.

Record demand as Caravan Club opens booking system for 2011 season

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by Marcus Dubois

The Caravan Club witnessed record demand today from Club members after opening their booking system today for the 2011 season.

Members were able to make bookings from 9am this morning, and in the first hour alone the Club took 10,147 reservations for pitches at sites around the UK.

And by midday today over 35,000 bookings had been made using the Caravan Club Booking Service. To put this in context, last year the Club counted 55,000 bookings in total at the end of the opening day.

How to book your pitch for 2011

Visitors to the Caravan Club website this morning were greeted with a special homepage directing them to the relevant sections for logging in and booking.

The Club stated that “due to the volume of visitors using The Club website to book 2011 UK sites we are restricting access to the website to ensure members can book quickly and efficiently.” It advises members to ensure they are logged in before making their booking.

Those looking to make early site bookings without using the internet are able to call a contact centre on 01342 327 490 between the hours of 0900 and 1730 today. Additionally if the caravan site requested is open today members are able to telephone directly and make their bookings with the site.

Record demand for early bookings

The record-breaking figures offer further proof of the rapidly increasing popularity of caravanning as a leisure pursuit. And the Caravan Club themselves launched an initiative in 2009 to help newcomers to caravan and motorhome holidays. The Discover Touring website and magazine are useful companions to those starting out on the road to caravanning, and the initiative was recently endorsed by former racing driver Mark Blundell.

Click here if you would like to have your say on this news story.

Eggleston village pub to open caravan site

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by Chris Malone

A village pub in Eggleston, County Durham, has been given permission to use an adjoining field as a caravan site.

The Moorcock Inn has been using the site for two years, but the local council recently told owner Mark Reynolds that he would have to seek planning permission to continue.

According to the Teesdale Mercury, residents objected to the facility being given the green light as a result of the behaviour of some previous residents.

However Mr Reynolds was given permission to host caravans in the field for a maximum of 28 days per year.

He claimed that by doing so, he can secure the future of the 160-year-old village pub by continuing to hold functions that also allow him to help other local businesses by using them as suppliers.

“These people are middle aged and more – they don’t go home in the middle of the night drunk and swearing. These people are not hooligans,” he told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, the UK’s caravan sites continue to be blanketed in snow and ice after a week of wintry conditions across most of the country

Tragedy at Cleethorpe caravan park after elderly man found dead in snow

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by Marcus Dubois and Chris Malone

Tragedy has struck at a caravan park near Grimsby where the body of an elderly man has been found in the snow.

According to the Grimsby Telegraph, police believe the 75-year-old’s remains could have been lying undiscovered for up to two days before being found at Thorpe Park in Humberston.

A security guard made the discovery in the early hours of Sunday (December 5th) morning, and while the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances.

Residential exceptions

Thorpe Park is a large caravan site containing static holiday homes, and can be found on the southern side of Cleethorpes near the village of Humberston. The park is currently closed to residents for the season, but is open to the public during the day.

Residential visitors are not allowed during this period, and owners agree to be absent at this time as a part of their site agreements. However, it is believed that the deceased had been allowed to stay on at the caravan site due to the severe weather.

Police inquiries

Police have refused to name the man until they can successfully trace his family. They have been unable to ascertain what caused his death, though officers investigating have stated there are no suspicious circumstances. A Humberside Police spokesman said police have begun inquiries to help formally identify the victim.

Meanwhile, BBC News reported that a man was fortunate to escape a caravan fire in Derbyshire over the weekend, although he is currently in hospital being treated for 30 per cent burns.

MoT test could be every two years if aligned with Europe

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by Holly Tribe

New proposals are being considered which will effect the frequency with which vehicles are required to have an MoT test.

The Times newspaper reported changes to the vehicle road worthiness test could see the British model brought in line with its European equivalent.

Under current rules, motorists are required to have new cars tested once they are three years old and then every subsequent year. If the UK is aligned with the European model, cars would only be tested after four years and then every second year.

Striking the balance

The Minister for road safety, Pike Penning, has verified the MoT test will come under review, but couldn’t confirm exactly what changes would be made at this stage. He said: “The MoT plays an important role in making sure vehicles are road worthy and should strike the right balance between vehicle safety and the burden imposed on motorists.

“We intend to undertake a review of the MoT testing regime but have not made a decision about any change to the system.” And Elizabeth Box from the RAC told the newspaper: “Making the test every two years instead of one may well make sense given that today’s cars are generally more reliable.”

“But if drivers do not inspect their cars regularly for tyre or other defects, reducing the formal inspection rate is likely to have a negative impact on road safety.”

A softer approach?

In 2007, 21.6 per cent of three-year old cars failed their MoT, and there are fears the new ‘softer’ approach may compromise road safety and result in job losses in the motoring industry.

The move is one of a number of EU harmonisation initiatives introduced over recent months. Last week, Caravan Times reported changes to the car and trailer practical driving test are due to come into effect from January 2011.

What do you think about the new proposals? Have your say here .

Rimor Caravans: 2011 New Polaris weights and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The Italian built range from Rimor Caravans has been restricted from entering the British market in the past due to domestic width restrictions. But in April 2010 legislation changed to increase the legal width of British touring caravans from 2.3m to 2.55m, bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe.

And now, after thirty years in the leisure vehicle industry, the Continental brand may be able to make bigger waves in the UK market. With widths just over the previously restricted 2.30 metre threshold, the New Polaris range brings bigger beds and better storage to the British caravan market.

New Polaris

For the 2011 season, Rimor’s focus has been on comfort and space optimisation. The living areas have been revised and interiors have been restyled to help strengthen brand identity. Generously sized family lockers create useful storage areas and particular attention has been paid to creating large and comfortable dinettes.

Built on an Al-Ko chassis, each model comes equipped with all the mod cons the modern caravanner has come to expect including a blown air heating system, cassette toilet and Heki rooflights. With six layouts in the range, there are options to suit couples and families.


New Polaris 420FL

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £11,995


New Polaris 450CL

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: tbc


New Polaris 460LF

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berth: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: £12,955


New Polaris 480LM

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £12,995


New Polaris 530LG

  • MTPLM: 1,450kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: tbc


New Polaris 530CDM

  • MTPLM: 1,450kg
  • Berths: 6
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £13,995

The New Polaris range is available from 3 Counties Caravans and the full model line-up is on display at their dealership in Worcestershire.

Camping and Caravanning Club win a brace at Midlands Pride Awards

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by Marcus Dubois

The Camping and Caravanning Club beat off stiff competition from PR agencies and companies to scoop two prizes at the CIPR Midlands Pride awards in Britain last week.

A two-day event was held at Warwick Castle in June where celebrities Anna Ryder-Richardson and Ainsley Harriott presented. Meanwhile the Club teamed up with Volkswagen to give away a VW California worth over £40,000 on GMTV in the lead-up to the event.

New To Camping

The Friendly Club’s “New To Camping” campaign won a gold award in the Not-For-Profit category, and silver in the “Consumer Relations” section. Both awards were well received by members of the Club’s PR and marketing team who were in attendance.

The “New To Camping” initiative is endorsed by BBC Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury and botanist David Bellamy. The project has helped raise the profile of camping and caravanning amongst the general public as well as helping to demystify popular conceptions about camping on Club sites.

“A tremendous achievement”

Jon Dale is the Friendly Club’s PR Manager and was delighted to see the Club’s efforts recognised.

“Competition was extremely tough in both of the categories, but for our New to Camping campaign to be judged to be amongst the best in the UK is a tremendous achievement.

“It really was a team effort and these awards have helped cap another successful year for the Club.”

For more information about New To Camping you can visit the Club’s official website to help you get started. You can find it at newtocamping.co.uk.