Boat and Caravan 2011: Pictures, prices, and layouts of new Lunar Quasar and Lexon caravans

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by Holly Tribe

Throughout the week we’ve been bringing Caravan Times readers all the latest industry developments from the 50th anniversary Boat & Caravan Show. In today’s round up we take a closer look at two new models from Lunar Caravans.

Champions of ‘lightweight luxury’, Lunar has added two new models to its 21-strong portfolio; the Lexon 550 and Quasar 464.

The firm has homed in on the family market, as Martin Henderson, sales and marketing director, explains: “With increasing fuel and tax prices, the benefits of touring in a lightweight family caravan have become more evident in terms of greater fuel economy and the choice of a smaller towcar.”

These two new models highlight our rigorous commitment to producing lightweight caravans that combine home-from-home comfort with practical and flexible living space.”

The four berth Quasar 464 and the five berth Lexon 550 both feature bunk beds and good levels of kit.

Lunar Lexon 550

The Lunar Lexon 550 gets a twin dinette, rear bunk configuration with a full length wardrobe and corner washroom toward the rear.

The living and sleeping areas are clearly defined, with bunks towards the rear opposite a farside washroom and an extra wide dinette is located opposite the kitchen area. The ‘Victoria’ upholstery scheme is in muted fawn and brown hues complimented by chestnut veneer furniture.

There’s high level of spec including domestic style doors, chrome bathroom fittings and LED lighting throughout.

All of this sits on a single axle and Lunar have managed to keep the MRO weight down to 1,290kg.

  • Price: £17,259
  • MTPLM: 1,460kg
  • Berth: 5
  • Axle: Single
  • Shipping length: 7.36m

Lunar Quasar 464

The Lunar Quasar 464 is a great example of Lunar’s lightweight legacy; the four berth layout weighs in with at MRO of just 1,091kg. The front end lounge is spacious and well set up for family living and there’s an additional back dinette which can be converted into twin bunks at the end of the day.

There’s a decent amount of workspace in the kitchen which comes with a four burner hob and, 112 litre fridge, microwave, oven and an attractive bronze enamel sink. The washroom is located opposite the kitchen on the offside and aluminium framed seating is finished in a light beige ‘Mazurka’ furnishing scheme.

  • Price: £14,259
  • MTPLM:1,240kg
  • Berth: 4
  • Axle: Single
  • Overall length: 6.25m

Using car batteries in place of leisure batteries ‘is a false economy’

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by Gemma Roskell

In these tough economic times, caravanners may be tempted to use a car battery in place of a dedicated caravan battery, but doing so could be a false economy.

As AdvancedBatterySupplies pointed out, car batteries and leisure batteries are designed for two distinctly different purposes.

Indeed, car batteries are designed to produce a large amount of power in a short space of time before they are recharged.

This means they will not hold their charge for long if used in place of a leisure battery, which is designed to store power and release it slowly over a longer period.

“Even though using a car battery may seem like a cheaper option, in the long run it will cost you more money to keep replacing the battery,” the company stated.

“It will also cost you your time, so using leisure batteries from the outset is a more convenient and effective long-term solution for powering your caravan.”

Harrogate’s charm ‘irresistible’ to those seeking caravan holiday

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by Gemma Roskell

The North Yorkshire town of Harrogate may have a lot to offer caravanners seeking a new and exciting destination to visit. A representative from the Harrogate Tourism Team said the classic spa town has an “irresistible” charm.

As well as “fabulous” shopping, a unique cafe culture and a reputation for style, it also boasts “glorious” gardens and “graceful” architecture.

The spokesperson urged visitors to experience some of the town’s spa heritage by enjoying a traditional therapy at the Turkish Baths.

Other attractions on offer for caravanners in Harrogate include the newly refurbished Royal Hall, the Royal Pump Room Museum and Ripley Castle.

The Yorkshire Dales are just a short drive away for those hoping to get out and about in the great outdoors.

There are numerous caravan and camping sites in the area, so touring caravan owners will have plenty of options when it comes to pitching up.

First slide-out caravan in Europe: the Inos from Fifth Wheel Company

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by Holly Tribe

Last week we revealed the Fifth Wheel Company was preparing to launch its first ever ‘traditional’ touring caravan: the Fifth Wheel Inos. And we caught up with the firm at Boat and Caravan 2011 to find out more.

Using technology borrowed from its line of fifth wheel touring vehicles, the Inos features Europe’s first ever production line ‘van with a slide-out section.

For those of you unfamiliar with the North Welsh company’s portfolio, their signature slide-out design is a compartment built into the side of the trailer which is extended outwards to increase the internal floorspace, in the case of the Inos, by 3 metres square. Operated electronically (12v), the mid section slides out at the push of a button.

The name comes from an anglicised version of the Welsh word ‘Ty unnos’ – an old tradition which allowed any person who constructed a house on common land in a single night to lay claim to that land forever more.

As a specialist caravan manufacturer, operations director Adrian Parry-Jones remarked the firm is not competing with the mainstream caravan market, and is instead focused on developing its niche product portfolio: “There’s been a huge demand from customers in the UK for a caravan which features a slide-out.

“With our experience in manufacturing fifth wheel tourers we have been able to develop the technology to make a slide-out feature for the caravan market.”

So, what’s inside?

The Inos is one of the most spacious two berth caravans on the market today, and comes with a long list of quality fixtures and fittings including underfloor heating, acres of storage, an anti-snake trailer control system and a speed fit pressurised water system.

The main living area is set up well for entertaining with a bench sofa running along the width of the rear end with a second U-shaped seating area set into the slide-out section opposite a well kitted out kitchen (pictured).

As you move through the cabin, along the corridor to the bedroom there are two doors on either side. One houses a spacious WC and the other contains a separate washroom with full shower cubicle. The bedroom features a double island bed with steps leading up to the headboard on either side.

Due to the heavy towing weights of the Inos, the firm has been working in conjunction with experienced European chassis manufacturers BPW, who are well versed in building chassis for larger commercial vehicles utilising their exceptional heavy braking expertise. As such, these caravan are designed to be towed behind substantial 4×4 towcars such as Range Rovers and Nissan Pathfinders.

Check back soon for our walk through video feature and commentary from the Fifth Wheel Co.’s technical manager.

Tech spec:

  • Price: from £36,000
  • MTPLM: 2,700kg
  • Payload: 500kg
  • Berth: 2
  • Axle: twin
  • Overall width: 2.3m
  • Width of slide-out: 2.9m

There’s an extensive list of optional extras including leather upholstery upgrade at £1400, and black out windows for £600. For a full list of cost options, head to the Fifth Wheel Company website.

Camping and Caravanning Club join forces with Boat and Caravan Show in new partnership

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by Marcus Dubois

The organisers of Boat and Caravan Show today announced a new agreement which sees the Camping and Caravanning Club become official event partners for the next three years.

The organisation known as the “Friendly Club” boasts a membership of over half a million campers and caravanners, and has been a champion of outdoor pursuits for over a century.

The agreement is for three years and covers 2012, 2013 and 2014. The announcement follows the recent news of Boat and Caravan Show renewing its tenancy agreement with the NEC Birmingham for both the 2012 and 2013 editions of the show.

“A significant initiative”

Caravan Times caught up with Exhibition Director Andy Gibb yesterday at the NEC in Birmingham on the eve of the announcement. And as Boat and Caravan celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, he hailed the “significant initiative at a particularly exciting time for the show”.

Commenting on the relationship, he said “This sees us joining forces with an industry partner that shares our desire to bring to life the Great British Outdoors to the British public.”

“We are convinced that the coming together of our two organisations, and putting visitors and the visitor experience at the heart of the event will provide the ideal environment to drive sales for all exhibitors who see The NEC as the natural and ideal venue for the UK’s largest outdoor leisure show.”

“Something for everyone”

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Marketing & Communications Director Matthew Eastlake spoke enthusiastically on the agreement: “The Boat & Caravan Show, together with the new Outdoor Leisure Show promotes outdoor pursuits at a time when many people are considering their choice of holidays for the year ahead, often based on fulfilling a hobby such as walking, cycling or sailing.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Marketing & Communications Director Matthew Eastlake said: “The Boat & Caravan Show, together with the new Outdoor Leisure Show promotes outdoor pursuits at a time when many people are considering their choice of holidays for the year ahead, often based on fulfilling a hobby such as walking, cycling or sailing.

“The Camping and Caravanning Club takes pride in being able to offer everyone a wide range of outdoor holiday options from tent camping to caravan holiday home and lodge holidays both in the UK and worldwide.

“The Club is the natural partner for the largest outdoor leisure show in the UK as it offers something for everyone, from families looking towards their first camping adventure to the seasoned caravanner who might be looking to tour Europe or further afield.”

Boat and Caravan 2011 is currently taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 21-26 February. For tickets and information click here.

National Caravan Council ‘quietly optimistic’ about 2011

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by Gemma Roskell

Those involved in the caravan industry will face fierce competition this year for consumers’ money, according to the National Caravan Council.

With domestic tourism hotting up, there is “enormous competition for the tourist pound”, which means the industry will have to keep investing in infrastructure, services, websites and marketing, Alicia Dunne, deputy director general of the organisation, noted.

“While holiday bookings at parks are anticipated to be slightly up on last year, caution remains the watchword – but the opportunities for growth throughout the industry remain firmly in place,” she explained.

“Caravanners and would-be caravanners were [out in force] at the recent industry shows in Manchester and Glasgow and while business was good the consumer is certainly looking for deals.”

Ms Dunne added that the council is “quietly optimistic” about what 2011 has in store for the caravan industry.

Her remarks come ahead of a number of important events happening in Britain this year, including the Royal wedding in April and summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Bailey Orion: pictures, prices & layouts

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by Holly Tribe

Introducing the new entry level range from Bailey Caravans. The Bailey Orion is the newest addition to Bailey’s Alu-Tech family, bringing the total number of ranges built using this unique bodyshell construction system to four.

Click here to see a video interview and interior tour of the Bailey Orion

The Orion series is a departure from the existing Alu-Tech ranges with a curved rear end which creates a distinctive and aerodynamic profile. And, unlike its siblings the Olympus, Pegasus and Unicorn, the aluminium shell is coated with a GRP skin for added durability.

Inside we get the familiar ‘walnut’ veneer furnishings featured in both the Unicorn and newly released Pegasus Series II, complimented by a light, bright furnishing scheme with red accent scatter cushions.

From the outside, compact-looking exteriors belie the sense of space created in four well conceived layouts. See the below gallery for interior and exterior pictures of the new Bailey Orion series.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Bailey Orion 400/2
There’s a spacious front lounge, offside kitchen and a large rear end washroom make this a good option for couples.

  • Price: £11,995
  • MTPLM: 1,076kg
  • MRO: 959kg
  • Axle: single
  • Berth: 2
  • Overall width: 2.19
  • Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 430/4

The lighter of the two 4-berth caravans has a front end lounge, far side mid galley kitchen with a fixed double bed towards the rear and a full end washroom running the width of the caravan.

  • Price: £12,995
  • MTPLM: 1,247kg
  • MRO: 1,100kg
  • Axle: single
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall width: 2.19
  • Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 440/4

Flexible sleeping arrangements provide a combination of two double beds or one double and two singles with the same rear end washroom configuration seen in the 430-4.

  • Price: £12,995
  • MTPLM: 1,249kg
  • MRO: 1,102kg
  • Axle: single
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall width: 2.19
  • Internal height: 1.96m

Bailey Orion 450/5

A great layout for young families, there’s a dedicated kid’s room to the rear with triple bunks and an L-shaped diner separated from the front lounge/ sleeping area by a compact offside washroom and nearside kitchen.

  • Price: £12,995
  • MTPLM: 1,287kg
  • MRO: 1,130kg
  • Axle: single
  • Berth: 5
  • Overall width: 2.19
  • Internal height: 1.96m

Please be advised the method for calculating MRO and payload figures for the 2011 model year has changed. Click here for further information.

Bailey Orion: new entry-level tourer revealed at Boat & Caravan 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans revealed today a new range of entry-level tourers at Boat and Caravan 2011 called the Bailey Orion. Caravan Times was the first to reveal details of the new range in January, and joined Bailey today at the official launch in Birmingham.

Click here to see a video interview and interior tour of the Bailey Orion

The Orion is the fourth range from Bailey to be built on the pioneering Alu-Tech construction platform first seen in the Pegasus in 2009. It is also the most affordable Bailey caravan range with a competitive price tag.

Bailey is pitching this model at a wide range of customers including outdoor adventurers, families and young couples starting out in caravanning. The Orion replaces the Ranger series in what Bailey now terms its “classic construction” portfolio.

Four layouts are available from launch, from a two-berth model to family-friendly caravans with flexible spaces.

What’s new on the outside

Externally the Bailey Orion appears strikingly different from the other models in Bailey’s Alu-Tech range. During the development of the Orion Bailey teamed up with scientists at the University of Bath to look at ways of reducing drag and weight in the caravan. As a result the side exterior shape is almost symmetrical, with a significantly curved rear. Bailey are claiming that this model is now 10% more fuel efficient as a result.

In order to make room inside for Bailey’s most popular layouts, the standard gas locker at the front of the caravan has been centrally mounted. This affords more space but also helps stabilise the caravan.

Buyers often speak of the need for lighter weight in caravans, and the Orion here doesn’t disappoint. Both the two family-friendly layouts, the Orion 440-4 and 450-5 are able to be towed by family cars such as the Ford C-Max and Citroen Picasso.

What’s new on the inside

Bailey has taken great steps to ensure its most popular layouts are available with the Orion. End washrooms are available with impressive interior space, while all models feature well appointed kitchens. In particular the Orion features the same 800w microwave as the luxury Unicorn, while a 107-litre Thetford fridge means families will not be disappointed.

Red is the key accent colour in a warm interior which features walnut wood veneers. LEd downlights allow light to flood the interior, and create a modern yet familiar feel to the inside.

Look out for our feature review of the Bailey Orion later this week – and coming soon, the first video review of the Orion.

What do you think of the new Bailey Orion? Click here to have your say in our forum topic



Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

COMMENT: Why the Bailey Orion could be a caravan for our times

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by Marcus Dubois

In an interview with Caravan Times this month Bailey Caravans recently confirmed they will be launching an entry-level tourer in February – the Bailey Orion. Having revamped its entire caravan offering over a two year period, the Bristol manufacturer is now completing the Alu-Tech range with a budget caravan.

Bailey appear to have adopted a strategy similar to volume car manufacturers in launching the more lavishly appointed models first, perhaps to whip up consumer demand and set the standard for Alu-Tech. Yet as it happens, the timing of the Orion’s release is apt considering our economic times.

The Age of Austerity.

What was once a warning made years ago by the (then) Leader of the Opposition has now become an oft-used phrase by newspaper editors. The Age of Austerity looks set to continue well into 2011, and here at Caravan Times we have already heard from members concerned about how rising fuel costs could stop them caravanning as much.

One obvious way of combating the rise in motoring costs is to move towards lighter vehicle weight and greater fuel efficiency. And from our sneak peek at the Bailey Orion we can confirm that the Bristol manufacturer has made significant strides towards a streamlined design with less drag co-efficient.

As well as making the caravan easier to tow with a wider range of vehicles, it will undoubtedly lead to lower costs at the pumps.

Family holidays on a tighter budget

Getting away with the family is likely to prove more expensive than ever in 2011. Higher worldwide demand as well as an unstable political climate in oil producing regions has led to higher prices in aviation fuel. Factor in the occasional spectre of industrial action and staying at home has never looked more inviting.

For families who like to take regular trips around the UK a spacious and well priced caravan could prove an investment. Bailey is almost certainly banking on this with the release of the Orion. For those used to buying their car from new and considering a caravan for the first time, it could prove to be a natural choice for the times we find ourselves in.

Exciting new launches at the Boat & Caravan Show 2011

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by Holly Tribe

The Boat & Caravan Show is celebrating its half centenary this year with a whole host of exciting attractions, exhibits and launches at Birmingham’s NEC.

All the latest releases from the caravan, motorome and boating industries will be on show, along with representatives from tourist boards and holiday parks for some destination inspiration. If you’re new to touring, why not book in for a ‘try-a-towing-session’ with The Caravan Club, and get a supervised masterclass in how to manoeuvre an outfit safely?

Year of the family friendly layout

In terms of caravans, 2011 is quickly shaping up to be the year of the family friendly tourer. Elddis Caravans will be displaying its new layout, the Xplore 304, and Lunar Caravans will also be there unveiling two new family focussed models.

Yet perhaps the biggest caravan launch at the show this year comes from Bailey Caravans who are set to unveil a brand new entry level Alu-Tech range, the Bailey Orion.

All these caravans and many more will be on display in the Caravan Hall (Hall 5).

Celebrity demonstrations

Renowned TV chef James Martin will be in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday dishing up some culinary treats, and gardening enthusiasts can visit the Gardening Showcase to pick up some top tips from ‘Britain’s most flamboyant garden showman’, David Donnelly and his team of experts.

If you’re attending the show on Saturday why not catch former Changing Rooms star Anna Ryder Richardson unveiling the industry’s ‘greenest holiday home’ on the Haven Holidays stand.

The event will run from 22 – 27 of February 2011, and visitors attending the show on Friday, Saturday or Sunday will also benefit from a free pass into the ‘Outdoor Leisure Show’ held in Hall 9.

Caravan Times will be covering events from the show with our video crew so keep an eye out and come and say hello if you spot us. But if you can’t make it down, don’t worry! We’ll be bringing you regular updates throughout the week covering all the latest releases right here on Caravan Times.

Click here for a full list of exhibitors, tickets and venue information.

Caravan Times to reveal first pictures of Bailey Orion on Monday 21 February

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Bailey Caravans is launching their new entry-level caravan range the Bailey Orion on Monday 21st February, prior to the opening of this year’s Boat & Caravan Show.

With anticipation growing by the day for Bailey’s newest offering, Caravan Times has been sworn to secrecy until the launch date. Yet we’ve already had had a sneaky preview of the baby Alu Tech range from Bailey Caravans. And first impressions indicate the caravan will prove a formidable replacement for the classic Ranger series.

Contemporary styling and well considered layouts are sure to make the Orion series a popular option with families looking for a solid entry level caravan.

On Monday 21st February at 3pm we’ll bring you the first full photos of these brand new caravans, along with floorplans and specification details.

And later in the week you’ll be able to watch our video feature, where key members of Bailey’s team will talk us through the new features and design process.

Browse to CaravanTimes.co.uk on Monday for the first opportunity to see what the Bristol manufacturer has up its sleeve with the new Bailey Orion.

Ever dreamt of creating your ideal caravan?

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by Holly Tribe

What would you do if you had the opportunity to completely re-design your caravan’s interior? Add a couple of inches to the washroom here, create some extra storage space under the beds there?

Well, Caravan Times reader Pamela Barnett bravely bit the bullet and embarked on a mammoth three month overhaul of a 1983 Cosalt Piper caravan, completing a project which many of us only ever talk about starting.

As she raced against time to get the gutted shell ready for its maiden voyage to the Edinburgh fringe festival, Pam takes us through the highs and lows of transforming a tired old caravan into a rustic chic palace on wheels.

Where it all began.

Finding it increasingly difficult to pitch the canopy of her trusty trailer tent, Pam finally made the decision to trade it in for a 1983 Cosalt Piper in May last year.

“After selling the Pathfinder trailer tent I decided a small caravan was more practical. The trailer tent was brilliant, a small bathroom and all you need in a kitchen. It really was the “bees knees”, but with suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis it was getting to be one hell of a problem erecting the canopy. So off ‘Elsie’ went and in came the 1983 Colsalt Piper.”

Despite never owning a touring caravan before, Pam decided to launch herself into the lifestyle and purchased her new home-from-home on ebay for the very reasonable sum of £600.

Gutted.

Given its age the van was structurally sound, but on closer inspection there were clear signs of damp in the corner of the bathroom. Determined to make the most of her new hobby, Pam began to strip away the rotten wood and replace old for new. One thing led to another, and before she knew it Pam had completely gutted the whole interior. “I didn’t really intent to totally strip it out but that’s what happened and looking back I really don’t know how I did it, but I did! Necessity is the mother of all invention,” she admitted.

“I tried to use as much reclaimed wood etc as I could. My head was never out of any skip I happened to come across! ”

Pam’s exploits soon inspired a sense caravanning bonhomie within her local community. As her neighbours got wind of the project they began to drop by with bits of wood for the furniture and polystyrene sheets for insulation. Not one to shy away from the hard labour that renovating a caravan demands Pam borrowed tools from friends and family to complete the refit. The only element she quite sensibly left to the professionals was the electrics, but even this was carried out by her best friend’s brother, a trained electrician…

To continue reading this story and see photos of the finished product, click here