Bailey Caravans offer free special upgrades for Pegasus

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has teamed up with a selection of retailers across the UK to offer complimentary special upgrades for buyers of the Bailey Pegasus.

For a limited period only Bailey are offering free items when customers purchase a new Bailey Pegasus caravan from participating retailers.

Listed as three option packs, the freebies on offer range from bespoke bedding sets to a free caravan mover.

Bailey Pegasus Plus: Added Value Special Offers

Option 1 is a bespoke caravan bedding set (RRP £199) which can be co-ordinated with any of the three soft furnishing schemes. Alternatively a chest of drawers unit with slide out table is offered as a free upgrade.

Option 2 is strictly limited in availability and includes a fitted Fiamma Deluxe Grey Awning Canopy (RRP £820).

Option 3 is also strictly limited in availability and is a free fitted Truma S Motor Mover (RRP £1,140). Buyers should note that the Truma mover is suitable for single axle Pegasus models only.

New Bailey Pegasus on the way

Tomorrow Bailey will launch the second generation of its best-selling tourer. The Bailey Pegasus Series II will carry a host of interior and exterior upgrades to bring it in line with the flagship Bailey Unicorn.

The very existence of a second generation of Pegasus, so soon after the first edition, is an indication of just how far Bailey’s Alu-Tech range has come since its launch in 2009.

Yet the original Pegasus is still a pioneering caravan which offers an industry-leading warranty and an aluminium-based construction method. Potential buyers may therefore be looking to snap up the last bargains.

Check back tomorrow (Friday 14th January) for live updates from the launch of the Bailey Pegasus Series II

Kia Sorento wins Best Towcar award at Caravan Times Readers Poll 2010

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

2010 was another superb year for the caravan industry with a significant number of new caravan models launched. We felt it important to hear the views and opinions of our readers when creating our first awards. And so we invited Caravan Times readers to put forward their favourite tourers, parks, towcars and dealers of 2010 in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Throughout the week we’ve been announcing the category winners, and today we look at one of the closest fought battles in our poll – the award for the Caravan Times Reader’s Best Towcar of 2010.

A big thank you for all of your suggestions which covered a range of towcar classes. Despite regular family cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and Fiat Doblo being shortlisted, it was the SUV class which quickly rose to the top. The Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage all pulled in votes due to superior towing capability and heavier kerbweight.

Range Rover vs Kia Sorento

As votes started to total up quickly, the battle became a straight duel between the Range Rover and the Kia Sorento. Both are large SUVs yet vastly different in price and capability. The Range Rover is a British institution and a remarkable vehicle which exists in a class of its own. It offers limousine-like refinement for such an enormous car, yet boasts superb capability off-road. No 4×4 has such a prestigious image – but cost is always an issue. Even the TDV8 diesel Range Rover has eye-watering running costs.

As such the Kia Sorento may be a coarser vehicle but it boasts a versatility of its own. A fine new diesel engine and six-speed transmission means class-leading economy, and the new suspension mean the Kia also handles like a car rather than a van. And while the towing capacity is less than the old Sorentos the Kia still remains a fantastic towcar.

And so by the narrowest of margins the Kia Sorento was awarded Best Towcar 2010 in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Kia Sorento: Best Towcar of 2010

Winner of the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Award 2006 the Kia Sorento has become a growing favourite among caravanners over the last few years. Well known for its ability to tow large trailers and caravans, the latest 2011 model Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 2,500kg. Comfortable for passengers with acres of space for extra luggage, voters may also have praised the Kia for its versatility as a great seven seater family car.

Five-star caravan park being planned in Shropshire

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners may soon be able to enjoy a little luxury when travelling to Shropshire, as plans are underway to build a five-star touring park in the county.

According to the Ludlow and Tenbury Wells Advertiser, the site would be located on the outskirts of Ludlow and would accommodate over 100 pitches across 20 acres of land between the A49 and the River Teme.

Morris Leisure intends to submit a planning application for the caravan park in February next year following a local consultation.

Edward Goddard, managing director at the group, told the newspaper that Ludlow is now recognised as a national tourism destination and insisted there is a “pressing need” for a quality touring site near the town.

“We believe we have found an ideal riverside location for the park because it is well screened and peaceful, yet with good access to the old A49 and within walking distance of the town,” he remarked.

Morris Leisure already operates several five-star sites across the Shropshire countryside and the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

Stolen caravan tracked via helicopter

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by Gemma Roskell

Police used a helicopter to track down a caravan that had been taken from its owner’s drive in Doncaster, a court has heard.

According to the South Yorkshire Star, a 43-year-old man pleaded guilty to handling the stolen vehicle last summer.

However, the court accepted that he had not been responsible for its actual theft, which was witnessed by the caravan’s owner Michelle Love-Edwards.

Tony Nettleton had been towing the caravan when he realised he was being followed by a police chopper.

He then pulled over into a lay-by, where he waited for officers to arrest him.

Prosecutor Neil Coxon said Mr Nettleton had taken a “pragmatic decision” knowing he was unlikely to escape with a helicopter following his movements.

The defendant told police he had been offered £50 to tow the caravan from Adwick-on-Dearne to nearby Balby, where he was due to meet two other men.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a drug rehabilitation condition.

Caravan Times Readers Poll 2010: Winners of Best Park and Dealer categories

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by Holly Tribe and Marcus Dubois

At the end of 2010 we asked Caravan Times readers to vote for their favourite caravans, parks, dealers and towcars in the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Generally award ceremonies tend to have judging panels comprising of industry figures or journalists. Yet we at Caravan Times feel that the most important views are from the actual users of caravans and facilities. We wanted to give you the readership the chance to give credit where due, and celebrate the best of 2010.

This week we have been announcing the winners of each category. Today we look at which caravan park and dealer became winners of their awards.

Bunree Caravan Club Site: Best Caravan Park of 2010

We had some great suggestions in the ‘Best Caravan Park’ category – ranging from smaller independent sites to specialist parks like the adults only Sommers Wood.

However Best Caravan Park 2010 was the Bunree Caravan Club Site in Fort William. Situated on the banks of Loch Linnhe, caravanners making the journey to the Eastern reaches of the Scottish coast are compensated for their efforts with breathtaking views across the Loch and beyond to the mighty Ben Nevis.

With its five star rating from the Scottish tourist board it proved to be a worthy winner. Click here for more information on the Bunree Caravan Club Site.

Bardsea Leisure: Dealer of the Year 2010

Dealer of the Year 2010 was awarded to Bardsea Leisure, an independent firm located in the southern reaches of the Lake District. The firm have a range of new and used caravans, motorhomes and accessories on sale from their premises in the Furness Peninsula.

Yet Bardsea are worthy winners as they offer a complete experience for the caravan shopper. The premises double up as an attractive touring park set in ten acres of landscaped grounds. Customers are awarded a free two night stay at the park while handing over their caravan.

Click here for more information on Bardsea Leisure.

Congratulations to both winners, and a big thank you to all our readers who sent in emails and voted for their favourites in the forum.

Look out tomorrow for the results of Best Towcar of 2010 – as voted for by Caravan Times readers.

The UK’s most expensive static caravan

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by Holly Tribe

Caravan enthusiasts may grumble about the ever increasing price tags on their favourite leisure vehicles, but how about this – BBC North West Wales has reported a static caravan has been sold for a whopping £550,000.

In what has to be the country’s most expensive seasonal pitch, the beach front lodge on wheels is located in The Warren, an exclusive seaside destination in Abersoch, North Wales.

The resort is supposedly favoured by the soap stars and footballers of Cheshire’s glitterati and has its own private access to the beach.

‘The Great British holiday has evolved’

Jim Gandon, Sales and Marketing director of the Haulfryn Group which owns the Warren explains what you get for a £0.5+ million static caravan: “Underfloor heating and reflective double glazing which keeps the heat out in summer and in during the winter.”

There is also luxury Italian furniture and a top of the range kitchen,” he told the BBC.

The static caravan comes with a twenty year lease and the new owner, who remains anonymous, will be able to spend this time taking advantage of the unobstructed coastal views surrounding the holiday home.

“We don’t shy away from the fact it’s a static caravan. That’s the heritage of the holiday park. The great British holiday has evolved and we should embrace that,” Mr Gandon added.

Bailey Unicorn wins Innovation award at Caravan Times Reader’s Poll

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by Holly Tribe

Yesterday we began announcing the winner’s of the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll, kicking off proceedings with results of our first award – the community members favourite newcomer of 2010. And today we reveal the results in our next category, the ‘Caravan Times Innovation Award’.

Swift vs. Bailey

There were some great suggestions put forth by readers, but in the end, voting boiled down to a two horse race. Opinion was split between the panoramic sunroof introduced on the redesigned Swift Conqueror & Challenger and Sterling Eccles & Elite ranges, and the innovative use of the Alde central heating system in the Bailey Unicorn series.

And now, after much debate, we are pleased to announce the winner of the ‘Caravan Times Innovation Award’ goes to Bailey Caravans for their use of the Alde central heating system in the Unicorn.

Alde heating in Bailey Unicorn: Best Innovation 2010

The all new Unicorn range was launched by Bailey of Bristol in September last year featuring a range of new high spec features, but the reader’s favourite proved to be the Alde heating system. The clever installation of ducts behind furniture frees up space within the caravan, and results in an even temperature distribution throughout the vehicle. The problem of condensation rising from damp towels is combated by a cleverly considered heated towel rail in the bathroom which comes as standard.

The system works in conjunction with the excellent thermal insulation properties of Bailey’s Alu-Tech body shell to help retain any warmth created, and notorious cold spots are supplemented with additional insulation for superior year round touring. As the owner of a Bailey Unicorn Valencia, Charles Alan Stanley , reported: “Alde heating = The best we have ever tried”.

Read more about the thermal insulation properties of the Bailey Unicorn series here.

EXCLUSIVE: Brown, yellow and red Stealth Caravans – we picture how they might look

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by Marcus Dubois

This week Stealth Caravans announced a radical new service where customers can choose from over 250 colours to personalise the exterior colour scheme of their tourer.

Never shy of innovation or difference, the manufacturer offer a unique service which it believes will “change the look of the touring industry in 2011”.

Future Stealth customers can now choose the colour of the exterior stripes and the nosecone to create a two-tone effect. The full range of over 250 colours can be viewed at ralcolours.com and the RAL code will need to be quoted when ordering.

Unlike the vast majority of car manufacturers who limit the colour palette on offer to customers, Stealth has opened up the full spectrum. Managing Director Alex Murphy explained “if you want a bright orange to stand out from the crowd then we can do that – or if you would prefer a stylish ‘pastel blue’ then it is also available”.

With this in mind, we at Caravan Times were curious to see how some of these colours could look in context. Our digital editor Ben Forder went through the options list and mocked up some images of how the new Stealths could appear. All images are artists impressions taken from specifications on offer, and are not necessarily exact replicas of the final paint colour.

Click on the images below to be taken to our exclusive picture gallery of how the new Stealths will look.

Have your say on the new custom colours offered by Stealth Caravans in our forum topic.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Police battle Google for caravan theft Street View images

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by Gemma Roskell

Derbyshire Police are calling on Google to hand over an image that could prove vital in cracking a caravan theft case.

As previously reported on Caravan Times, detectives had initially drawn a blank when investigating the theft of an expensive Abbey Adventura caravan right off the driveway of the Soanes family.

But just recently, 11-year-old Reuben came across an image of an unknown man and vehicle on their property while looking at the home using Google’s Street View.

However, despite pleas from both the family and the local police, the search engine giant is refusing to handover the car registration plate of the vehicle caught by its cameras without receiving a court order first, arguing that it has to stick to its strict data protection policies.

Commenting, South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler said: “I am disappointed that Google’s initial reaction is to refuse.

“Of course, the police can get a court order for this but what a waste of public money it is in order to do that.”

According to White Arches, the Abbey Adventura is well-regarded for its ‘smart silhouette’, sleek interiors its relative resistance to ‘snaking’ when being towed.

Stealth Caravans launch unique custom colour service

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by Marcus Dubois

Stealth Caravans has announced a new service where customers can personalise the exterior colour scheme of their caravan. The unique service will allow future customers to choose from over 250 colours, and aims to “change the look of the touring industry in 2011.”

White exteriors have become the recognised standard in caravan design, often for practical and cost reasons. Yet a regular topic for discussion in the caravan community is the uniformity of caravan exteriors. And most recently Caravan Times forum member Paul Jackson asked the following question:

“Does anyone know why most caravans are such a bland white, resembling a kitchen appliance? Some thought goes into the interior, but what about giving some colour options for the outside?”

The new option for the Stealth may go some way to answering the question above. It allows future customers to adapt the colour scheme of the exterior stripes and the nose cone to create a two-tone effect. The side and rear panels will remain white as normal.

Customers interested in the scheme can view the full colour range on ralcolor.com – the RAL code will then need to be quoted when ordering a new Stealth Caravan in order to create the desired effect.

Caravanners who prefer the original colour options of Black, White and Silver Grey can still purchase these as a no-cost option. Yet with over 250 colours on offer, those with a particular look in mind may find a shade to suit.

Click here for more pictures of the custom colour service from Stealth – and have your say in our forum topic

Bailey Unicorn wins Best Newcomer award at Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

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by Holly Tribe and Marcus Dubois

At the end of last year we asked Caravan Times readers to vote for their favourite caravans, parks, dealers and towcars in the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll. Our editorial team wanted to give you the readership the chance to give credit where due and celebrate the best of 2010.

Throughout this week we will be announcing the winners of each category, starting off with the award for ‘Best Newcomer’.

A closely fought contest

2010 saw a raft of newcomers to the market including new ranges from established manufacturers, and brand new forays into the touring caravans arena from the likes of AutoSleepers.

In one of the most closely fought rounds of the Poll, AS Caravans and the Bailey Unicorn series both attracted a lot of praise. AS Caravans are complete newcomers to the market as manufacturers, and drew upon the experience of the Autosleepers brand to produce a striking and well-built caravan. Meanwhile the Bailey Unicorn set the bar for affordable luxury in a caravan, adding quality fittings and fixtures to the familar Alu-Tech platform.

And we are pleased to announce the Bailey Unicorn is the winner of the ‘Best Newcomer’ category for 2010 as voted for by readers of Caravan Times.

Bailey Unicorn: Best Newcomer of 2010

The Bailey Unicorn was the third series to be added to the Alu-Tech family and was arguably the most eagerly anticipated launch of 2010. Proving to be Bailey’s most successful Alu-Tech range to date, it brought in £39 million worth of retail orders by the end of the year.

After the retirement of the ‘classically constructed’ Senator series, Bailey introduced the Unicorn as a top of the range Senator replacement. The five model line-up features the highest specification seen on any Bailey Caravans range to date including the fêted Alde central heating system, superior cabinetry, and luxury fixtures and fittings.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

New Elddis Xplore 304 to launch at Manchester Show

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by Holly Tribe

It’s still the first week of 2011, but there’s already been a raft of exciting new announcements from the caravan industry. On Tuesday we revealed the impending launch of the new Bailey Pegasus Series II, and yesterday Lunar Caravans announced it will be adding two new lightweight models to its 2011 line-up.

And now another of the UK’s leading caravan manufacturers has announced it will debut a brand new lightweight tourer due to launch at the end of the month.

The Xplore 304 from Elddis Caravans is a four berth twin dinette model which adopts the Xplore ranges’ lightweight design principles.

The L-shaped dinette can be made up into a double bed and the side dinette converts into lift up bunks. Further intelligent space saving initiatives have been implemented, notably the Whale underfloor heating system which does away with wall mounted heating vents.

Since its launch in 2008 the Xplore range has focussed on providing affordable, family friendly touring caravans and the Xplore 304 promises to be a valued addition to the Elddis line-up. Check back soon for a full review including prices, weights and photos.

Win tickets to be among the first to see the new Xplore 304 at the Caravan and Motorhome Show 2011, Manchester Central from 20 – 23 January in our ticket giveaway here.

Many thanks to David Whitehead for posting the information in the Caravan Times forum this morning. To let us know your thoughts, please join in the discussion here.