VIDEO: The Bailey Unicorn Revealed

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by Marcus Dubois

It’s the most talked about caravan of 2010 promising new levels of luxury from the brand. Our full video feature on the Bailey Unicorn is now available to watch here on Caravan Times.

The Unicorn is the third model from Bailey Caravans to feature the pioneering Alu-Tech construction method. First seen in the Bailey Pegasus last year, the system consists of a five part assembly instead of the traditional nine-part method. The body shell panels are clamped onto a new aluminium framework that Bailey designed to provide a stronger structure as well as help solve the problem of water ingress with the lack of external fixings.

The Pegasus was launched at International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 and became an overnight sales success for Bailey with 75% of orders taken for the new model. Hot on its heels arrived a second, smaller Alu-Tech model, the Bailey Olympus, which was met with equal enthusiasm at dealerships. Bailey started to refer to its long-serving range of caravans as “classic construction” to differentiate from the new Alu-Tech line-up, and announced the end of production of the popular Senator range.

Some traditional Bailey fans excited by Alu-Tech but looking for luxury interior appointments were eager for a range-topping model. With the introduction of the Unicorn the manufacturer believes it has created its flagship vehicle, with some fittings and fixtures previously unseen on a Bailey caravan.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

And on the next page we take a closer look at the Bailey Unicorn and its development.

2011 caravans previewed: new models from Bailey, Elddis, Lunar, Stealth and Swift

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by Marcus Dubois

The season for caravan shows is almost upon us. This time last year there was a real buzz in the air as Caravan Times got first wind of revolutionary new models from Bailey and newcomer Stealth. In 2009 buyers were offered their first look at Bailey’s Alu-Tech platform in the Pegasus. While those seeking something different may have found it in the radical lines and brash interiors of the Stealth.

Yet compared to last year, there is something like wholesale change in the air as we preview the caravan models for 2011. Bailey has responded to those customers used to the traditional interiors of the Senator and created its first true “luxury” caravan model, the Unicorn. Meanwhile Elddis has gone for a stylish modern look in its revamped line-up for 2011, with two-toned wood and carbon fibre graphics. Lunar will somehow manage to improve on the 2009 models with the eagerly awaited Clubman SB featuring a nifty island bed. No longer newcomers, Stealth is taking its self-proclaimed “Marmite” caravan into new ground with revised interiors. And finally it is Swift who promise no less than to “change the look of the modern tourer” with their all-new offering.

Below Caravan Times gives you a brief indication of some of the changes ahead. And in the weeks before the show season begins, we’ll take an in-depth look at each and every manufacturer and their new models.

Bailey Caravans

“We will be living in an Alu-Tech world” said marketing director Simon Howard in a recent interview with Caravan Times. And the best-selling range continues to expand with the arrival of a luxury caravan . The Bailey Unicorn is a three-model range which has often been described as a “replacement” for the old Senator Series 6, but actually sits above it in the quality of fixtures and fittings. Built on the strongest version of the AL-KO chassis, luxury appointments such as the Alde heating system will increase the kerbweight. Yet it is the warm wooden interiors and excellent layouts which should attract buyers. The two-berth Seville has an end washroom, while the Valencia offers four berths and a fixed bed. Finally the twin-axle Barcelona offers the benefits of a full-sized front lounge. The Unicorn will be available from 1 September.

Elddis Caravans

If your idea of a home from home is less “country cottage” and more a well-appointed new build, then the revamped 2011 Elddis range may be for you. The new interiors are clad in light oak with the kitchens fitted in white, giving the caravan an airy and spacious feel. The 2011 Avante sees an increase in…

Lunar Caravans announces new 2011 models and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The past few weeks have been rife with caravan manufacturers announcing their 2011 product ranges and model updates. Bailey Caravans will be introducing the Bailey Unicorn to their Alu-Tech range, Swift Caravans is adding to their Charisma line up, and Coachman Caravans have redesigned their entry level Amara range.

Not to be left out, Lunar Caravans have also announced updates to their range of well established tourers. Two new models will be added to the line-up in the form of the Lexon 530 and Clubman SB. The Clubman SI and Delta TI get brand new layouts and the Lexon 560 and Delta RS have undergone significant revisions to their existing layouts.

Below we take a look at what buyers can expect from the new ranges.

All about the beds

The new 2011 season models will see an extra layout added to the Clubman range in the form of the SB – a twin single bed model. The twin single berther has been arranged with access to the rear end bathroom between the bunks, making it ideal for couples not wanting to wake their partner in the middle of the night when nature calls.

A new addition to the Lexon family comes in the shape of the 530 which will house an end washroom and near-side fixed double bed.

The island bed layout in the Clubman SI model has been reconfigured so it now runs across the side of the ‘van. In the Delta TI, a new arrangement provides a brand new rear end washroom in place of the previous mid galley separate shower and toilet cubicles, and…

Bailey Caravans ends production of Pageant Series 7

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has announced that it will discontinue the production of Pageant Series 7 with immediate effect. The company released a statement explaining the popularity of the Alu-Tech ranges (the Bailey Pegasus and Olympus) has been “detrimental” to the sales performance of non Alu-Tech caravans, or what Bailey is terming its “classic construction” range.

The Bristol firm believes “most notably this has affected Pageant Series 7 to the extent that this established range no longer generates enough orders to justify its continued inclusion within the portfolio.”

The company concluded with the view that “in line with the Bailey policy of responding to customer feedback and building what the market demands, the decision has therefore been taken to discontinue the production of Pageant Series 7”.

After sales and support for the Bailey Pageant

For those still hoping to purchase a Pageant Series 7, Bailey has revealed there are a few models still available within the Retail Network. Anyone interested in acquiring one of these units can contact Bailey customer service on helpline@bailey-caravans.co.uk or 0117 305 2939 for information on availability.

Bailey has said it will continue to maintain the full after-sales and replacement parts supply service for any Pageant model up to ten years old. Any models older than this will receive a partial parts supply service.

The Alu-Tech future

Today’s statement from Bailey contained a possible hint towards a Pageant replacement in the new line-up. “We also remain committed to the introduction of additional new product ranges featuring this construction system in other sectors of the market in the future.” With the Olympus and Pegasus being joined by the luxury Unicorn model, there is certainly room in the new portfolio for an entry-level model.

In a recent interview with Caravan Times at the launch of the Bailey Unicorn, marketing director Simon Howard revealed that Bailey plans to eventually produce all its caravans on the new construction platform.

“This is the construction technique of the future for us. We’re going to be living in a totally Alu-Tech world”.

Are you a Pageant customer or owner affected by this story? Have your say in our online community

Bailey Caravans expands retail network for Unicorn and 2011 models

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by Marcus Dubois

Click here to watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn

As we enter the traditional season for new caravan launches, one manufacturer has moved to strengthen its retail network to improve the choice and service it can offer. Bailey Caravans has appointed an additional four retail outlets across the UK in anticipation of interest in its 2011 models. It will bring the total number of dealerships to over eighty in the UK and Ireland, making Bailey’s network the largest for a single caravan brand.

The new retailers will take delivery of their first display models from early September onwards which will include the Bailey Unicorn, the newest addition to the popular Alu-Tech range. In a recent interview with Caravan Times, Bailey sales director John Parker revealed that “in terms of network acceptance of this product, Unicorn is already outperforming Pegasus”.

To compliment the expansion in retail outlets Bailey has also announced an additional forty Approved Service Centres. The company stated that with the recent increase in sales, they “felt it important to provide owners with as much choice as possible when considering service arrangements – to ensure product checks can be carried out at a time and location to suit them”.

Below is a list of the new Bailey Retail outlets:

  • Knowepark – Livingstone, West Lothian
  • Perthshire Caravans – Perth, Perthshire
  • Raymond James Caravans – Atherstone, Warwickshire
  • Riverside Caravans – Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Click here for full details of both the Bailey Retailer and Approved Service Centre networks.

Rise in caravan sales with orders for 2011 models

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by Holly Tribe

Orders for caravans and other expensive leisure items have been steadily increasing since the height of the financial crisis two years ago.

GE Capital’s Big Ticket Leisure Index shows that sales of leisure goods rose by 22.3 per cent in June compared to a year ago.

A GE spokesman told the Daily Telegraph the index could provide a useful indicator of consumer confidence because it exclusively tracks leisure spending.

They have assessed that customers now have the confidence to invest in non-essential, big ticket items such as caravans and motorboats without great financial risk. The news will be welcome to caravan dealerships and show organisers around the country ahead of the autumn season, where new product from Swift Caravans and Bailey Caravans will be on offer to tempt buyers.

“You are never going to need to buy these things” the spokesman told the news provider. GE Capital have assessed that customers who are willing to spend substantial amounts of money on luxury items do so with a renewed faith of having more disposable income in the future.

Rich Green, chief executive of GE Capital’s commercial distribution finance business, explained that the upward trend has not been a smooth one, faltering after the Greek sovereign debt crisis earlier this year.

“The concerns about the economic climate affected sentiment in April and, to an extent, in May, but since then the recovery has continued and, while the rate of sales is some way below pre-crisis levels, we’re encouraged by its continued strength”, he commented.

In other news, Coachman Caravans recently reported a 50 per cent rise in orders at their 2011 trade show.

Caravan freeconomist vows to live rest of life cash free

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A year and a half ago, an Irishman surrendered his worldly possessions, forsaking money to live in a caravan near Bath.

Mark Boyle who has a background in economics was running an organic food company before he embarked on the social experiment, which was only meant to last for one year. Spurning any form of cash, he pledged to live off the land and barter for what he needed.

The 30 year old admitted to the BBC, it did take time to adjust to the new way of life, but went on to explain: “After the first two months, once I had established routines and actually got to really build relationships with people and the local environment, it actually just became second nature”.

“I’ve had some of the best fun in my life over the last 19 months” he added.

Using a solar powered laptop, he has written a book about his experiences called The Moneyless Man, and has set up an online community to promote his ‘freeconomy’ philosophy.

A subscriber of Muhatma Ganhdi’s mantra ‘you must be the change you want to see in the world’, Mr Boyle is now determined live the rest of his life without money. He has set up a charitable trust and is using any contributions to spread the word, advising others how to save cash, learn new skills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Welsh caravan site set for £15 million redevelopment

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A Welsh local authority has given the green light for a multi-million pound redevelopment of a caravan park.

The £15 million project at the Hafan Y Mor luxury caravan park in Pwllkeli will see 450 chalets demolished and a nine-hole golf course created.

According to BBC News, the plan will take a decade to complete and create 209 new pitches for static caravans and 75 for luxury lodges.

It will also create 12 new permanent jobs, as well as securing 350 existing ones and providing 30 seasonal opportunities.

“[This] underlines the continuing and indeed growing confidence we have in Hafan Y Mor and north Wales in general as a top tourist destination where visitors can enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain,” general manager Andrew Baker told the news provider.

He added that the work will see the park add to the destination’s reputation as one of the top five places for tourism in north Wales.

Meanwhile, BBC News recently reported on a newlywed couple who plan to spend four months enjoying their honeymoon by travelling 10,000 miles across Europe in a caravan.

Millionaire returns home to live in a Bailey caravan

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A former millionaire who lost his fortune in a divorce is set to return to his hometown as part of his new life living in a caravan.

Jack George Edmunson vowed to change his life following the breakdown of his marriage and decided to write books while living in his Bailey Ranger caravan. First introduced in 1996 as a replacement for the Beachcomber, the Ranger marque took Bailey Caravans from a niche business to popularity.

According to the Kidderminster Shuttle, the 56-year-old is set to return to his hometown of Stourport as part of a tour to promote his new novel The Sun Sharer.

He will park his mobile home in Lickhill Manor on Monday (August 9th) and visit some of his old haunts.

Mr Edmunson used his experiences of relationships to write what he describes as “alternative women’s fiction”.

The novel is part of a trilogy, with the second and third parts – A Path Too Long and Someone Something – due out in September 2010 and March 2009 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Guardian has suggested that visitors to the Edinburgh Festival stay at a local caravan park to help save cash on accommodation.

Isle of Wight caravanning industry booming

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The Isle of Wight is enjoying a strong year for camping and caravanning tourism, it has been revealed.

According to the Isle of Wight County Press, the destination’s campsites have posted a rise in usage figures for the past three months.

July saw many of the island’s caravan parks fill up, with Kite Hill Farm Caravan and Camping Park owner Jean Abraham noting that people seem markedly more interested in staycations.

“It has been absolutely non-stop and we have even had people phoning after 22:00 BST to check on availability,” she told the newspaper.

The island is benefiting from its detachment from mainland Britain, claimed Orchards Holiday Park manager Debbie Downer.

She said that people get the feeling of going abroad by taking their caravans on the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

Ms Downer also noted how her park has been busier than normal during the summer months.

New Hobby Caravans insurance from Cover4Caravans

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by Holly Tribe

Specialist caravan insurance broker Cover4Caravans.co.uk is adding Hobby caravans to its portfolio of products.

The announcement is good news for owners of these distinctive tourers who may have previously struggled to find comprehensive cover.

The German made range have traditionally been built with wider dimensions than standard British ‘vans making them trickier to repair. And a reputation for being popular with thieves has meant many insurers have been reluctant to provide policies in the past.

Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4Caravans, expressed his concern that Hobby were under-represented in the insurance market. He explains: “Insurance Underwriters continue to look back rather than forward and despite the improvement in security devices, they continually decline to offer quotations for these caravans. This isn’t right.

He added: “We have been talking to Insurers for some time now to obtain cover for Hobby Caravans. Our research suggested that with the right security devices in place, these caravans deserve a realistic premium to be offered.”

Before they will issue a policy the firm requires that caravans are fitted with a tracking system, and to be attached to a hitchlock and secured with a wheel clamp like the AL-KO Secure lock when not in use.

Hobby owners can apply for a quotation using either of the firms web-based or telephone services. Insurance premiums start from under £150 and cover includes caravan and contents insurance up to £17,000, theft, malicious damage, and accidental damage cover.

In other news, a pensioner recently had his uninsured Hobby caravan stolen while he was asleep onboard.

Five caravan accessories for the perfect summer

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by Holly Tribe

The sun has got his hat on and for many caravanners this is our favourite season to go exploring. If you visited an outdoor leisure store recently, you’ll be aware of the mind boggling array of accessories currently on the market designed to help caravanners make the most of the good weather.

One of the great things about touring is being able to switch from a cosy environment indoors to enjoying the best of the weather right outside the door of your caravan. And the clear advantage over camping or going on a picnic is that your vehicle affords you storage space for larger items which make your al-fresco dining more comfortable. From folding tables and chairs to a full-sized outdoor barbecue there is a range of caravan-friendly equipment for outdoor lovers.

Here at Caravan Times we’ve picked out our favourite accessories to help make the most of warm sunny days and balmy nights.


Lafuma chair

When the sun comes out, make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit and watch the world go by. The French company Lafuma manufacture a range of hugely popular caravan chairs and recliners. Built using lightweight materials, even the recliners pack down to just a few inches thick for easy storage. For the ultimate in luxury, the Lafuma RSX sun lounger (pictured) has padded seat fabric and comes in a selection of colours.

Price: £99
Where: www.gardeningmegastore.co.uk

Boxmate

Now you’re sitting comfortably, it’s time to unwind with a sundowner so grab a bottle of plonk and put your feet up. To stop your tipple getting warm, Swedish company PorPac have just introduced a new product onto the market – introducing the Boxmate. It works like a thermos keeping the contents insulated and includes a cooling pack which means you can top up your cold beverage without having to leap up and down to the fridge for refills.

Price: details coming soon
Where: details coming soon

Cadac barbeque

An increasing number of caravans are now being built with external bbq points, making al fresco cooking an increasingly popular dining option. Cadac have an excellent range of good quality, sturdy gas grills and bbqs. Unlike their coal powered equivalents, gas bbqs can be conveniently hooked up to your on-board supply and don’t leave a mess ash and coals to deal with at the end of the day. The Cadac Safari Chef bbq (pictured) is a quick assembly model with foldaway legs and packs down into its own carry bags for easy portability and storage. It includes interchangeable/reversible surfaces so you can barbecue, griddle, fry, stir fry, boil and oven cook and weighs just 4 kg.

Price: £59.97
Where: www.tescodirect.com


Sunnflair Washing up stand

Take advantage of the great weather and move your entire kitchen outside. The Sunnflair washing up stand is portable and foldable with a large bowl, drainer and lower shelf. It frees up workspace in the caravan, leaving you (or the kids) to pack away the clean dry dishes at your leisure.

Price: £22.50
Where: www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Endless Breeze fan

When there’s not a breath of air on a steamy day, things can get a little sticky. To cool things down plug in the Endless Breeze fan from American company Fan-Tastic. It weighs just over 2 kilos and stands at 35cm tall on telescopic legs. Powered by a 12v power source, on full whack it kicks out an impressive 10mph breeze.

Price: £19.99
Where: www.outdoorbits.com