Bailey Unicorn: the all-weather caravan

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by Marcus Dubois

Alu-Tech. In the last two years the word has quietly become part of common parlance in caravan circles, such has been the impact of the new range from Bailey Caravans. The term refers to the interlocking aluminium framework, producing a shell which the manufacturer has proclaimed to be stronger than traditional methods. And the public appear to have agreed, with record sales of the Bailey Pegasus and Bailey Olympus in the last year validating the technology.

The Bailey Unicorn is the third range of caravans to use the Alu-Tech construction method, yet it is the first of its kind to carry the Alde heating system as reported recently in Caravan Times. The Alde Compact 3010 Wet Central Heating System will come fitted as standard in both single and twin axle models, and will distribute an even temperature throughout the caravan.

Conventional heating systems are considered adequate for short trips in colder weather, yet often require a fire to provide the heat output. The Alde system however is powered by a 12v circulator using a small current to draw heating fluid through the pipes. Providing an experience akin to central heating in your home it is a significant improvement on regular heating and allows caravanners to use their vehicle in the coldest of conditions.

Thicker panels, less joins

Yet those who have suffered problems in the home will already know that the best heating systems are rendered inadequate if the house is not properly insulated. With this in mind, Bailey has worked hard to improve the state of caravan insulation with Alu-Tech. Thicker body shell panels feature superior grade polystyrene, carrying extra insulation to pipe runs and wheel boxes.

In addition the new design interlocking framework in the construction method has greatly reduced the number of external joints and fixing points by ninety per cent. Timber-free body panels and added protection around doors and windows offer a second level of insulation. This greatly increases the heat containment properties of the Bailey Unicorn, and as such the caravan carries the Grade III Classification of Thermal Insulation for EN1645-I.

A caravan for all seasons

The appearance of radiators concealed behind the furniture has added weight to the Bailey Unicorn, and the manufacturer suggests as much as 50kgs more than the Pegasus range. However it is unlikely to deter potential purchasers who are likely to be true enthusiasts looking for a caravan for all seasons. Last year Caravan Times commented on the surge in popularity of winter caravanning in Britain. The Bailey Unicorn looks set to be the first in a number of well-appointed caravan models launched in 2010, suited for those who demand more from their vehicle outside of the summer months.

Why caravan insurance is a good investment

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by Oliver Knight

Stringent rules surrounding time off school for children and the financial recession have lead to an increase in people looking for budget caravan breaks, it has been suggested.

And with many recent and upcoming events, such as National Camping and Caravanning Week and the National Feast of Lanterns benefitting from this popularity, insurance experts are reminding holidaymakers to take out adequate cover to ensure that they are prepared should any incidents occur.

Currently, owners are not required to take out insurance on their units, but experts claim that in the long-term it should be viewed as a good investment, as money saved from opting for a low-cost break will be rendered futile if you are faced with reparation costs.

Citing statistics from the Camping and Caravanning Club, David Quick, director of Insure My Caravan, states that because of a significant increase in bookings caravans may well be a target for thieves and accidents this summer.

“In light of recent news regarding caravan figures increasing at such a high rate, no risk can afford to be taken to compromise your caravan’s safety, particularly with more expensive models,” he explains.

“Insurance is a small price to pay in relation to damage costs which may be incurred by common incidents such as tipping over, meaning it is well worth being insured simply for peace of mind to ensure an enjoyable holiday.”

To avoid accidents occurring during transportation, caravan owners are also reminded to carry out necessary vehicle checks before setting off.

Fifty percent more orders for Coachman Caravans

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by Oliver Knight

Strong sales at a recent trade show have left one caravan manufacturer confident about the future of the sector.

Hull-based Coachman Caravans has enjoyed its most successful preview to date, with orders 50 per cent higher than last year.

The organisation claims that this recent success at the event, which was held on July 13th and 14th, points to a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in the industry.

Coachman used the trade fair to showcase the 2011 season model updates to its VIP, Laser, Amara and Pastiche ranges.

All the caravans have been given new internal furnishing improvements, while the Amara has been completely revamped inside and out to hopefully appeal to the growing number of families opting for a UK-based break.

“Although the past few years have been very challenging for many in the caravan industry, we have seen strong sales across this period, with the 2010 season being our most successful yet,” Coachman managing director Jim Hibbs said.

The company explained that it has, so far, managed to defy the current economic crisis and invest heavily in innovative machinery and personnel which has led to it enjoying its most successful year to date.

Mr Hibbs reveals that Coachman has spent in excess of £700,000 this year on a new aftercare unit and new computer-controlled machinery.

“We’re still cautious, and we’re not about to make sweeping predictions about the economy, but this show was the strongest signal yet for us that there is cause for optimism among the quality sector of the industry,” he added.

Camping and caravanning more popular than B&Bs

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Camping and caravanning is now officially more popular than bed and breakfasts, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown that more people are now camping than staying in other forms of overnight accommodation.

It revealed that 5.43 million camping trips were taken during 2009 – a 29 per cent year-on-year rise.

Camping and Caravanning Club spokesperson Jon Dale explained that the situation is helped by the continuation of poor exchange rates and increased environmental awareness.

He noted that Brits are looking for the most cost-effective option and “going back to basics”.

“I think people realise that in this country you can’t guarantee bright sunshine every day, but they use our campsites as a base to get around and explore local countryside and help the local economy at the same time,” Mr Dale said.

A recent survey carried out on behalf of Argos found that TVs, laptops, ironing boards and games consoles are among the top things that Brits are willing to go without while camping.

Catterick Caravans launch Great North Caravan Show

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by Marcus Dubois

It’s the one-stop superstore for caravan enthusiasts in Yorkshire which recently underwent a major expansion to an eight-acre site. Now Catterick Caravans are using the site for their very own event called The Great North Caravan Show.

The caravan show will be a first for the dealership based in Richmond, Yorkshire and will be open from Saturday 18th until Sunday 26th September. Already a host of major caravan manufacturers have pledged to support the event including Buccaneer, Elddis, Lunar, Sprite, Sterling, Swift and T@b.

In contrast with many caravan events, the Great North Show will offer both free admission and free parking for visitors. Around 30 caravans will be on display in the indoor showroom, with space for over 200 caravans outside. As well as vehicle models will be an accessory supermarket and an awning and tent showroom. There’s plenty of fun for all the family with live music, a hog roast, barbeques and children’s entertainers.

“Exciting times for the industry”

Caravan Times spoke to show organiser Matthew Kinsell (pictured, right) of Catterick Caravans who confirmed that visitors could look forward to the new ranges from Swift Caravans.

“Swift will be showing their new ranges. We can’t confirm exactly which models, but I can tell readers that there are some revolutionary products coming from the Swift Group and they’ll be on display.”

He believes the launch of new ranges combined with the spectre of tax rises could make the show a busy one for Catterick. ” It’s exciting times for us because we’ve got this new expanded site, and it’s exciting times for the industry because there’s some very new products coming out that are going to turn heads. We feel a lot of people will be making a beeline for purchasing caravans before Christmas, what with the VAT rise in mind.”

How to get there

The show will take place at Catterick Caravans Outdoor Leisure World, Catterick Bridge, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7JB. For more information telephone 01748 818391.

DIRECTIONS: From the North take the 1st Catterick exit off the A1 onto the A6136. From the South take the 2nd Catterick exit off the A1. The show ground is located at Catterick Caravans, Brompton on Swale, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7JB.

Caravan sites, gadgets and accessories for pets

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by Holly Tribe

For many, caravanning without their faithful canine friends is tantamount to leaving a member of the family at home – holidays just wouldn’t be the same without them.

But not all caravan sites are pet friendly, and concerned neighbours may not be as enamoured with your travelling companion as you’d like them to be.

Caravan parks often stipulate certain rules to protect the enjoyment of all holidaymakers. The Caravan Club asks for dogs to be tethered to a lead no longer than 3 metres. However, different parks will have different rules, so it’s always worth checking before you set off. One of our readers recently pointed out an amusing sign at one his favourite caravan sites which read “Dog’s welcome. Children must be kept on a lead”!


Responsible dog owners who abide by the caravan parks’ canine policy shouldn’t be penalised for the small number who let their hounds run amok. So, for all dog lovers out there Caravan Times have compiled a few pet friendly sites and services that can help make your canine’s holiday a happy one.

Pet accessories

Road Refresher is the latest innovation from Prestige Pets, and lays claim to be the worlds best selling ‘Non Spill’ pet water bowl. It’s a nifty devise that lets you put down a water bowl for your dog while in transit without spilling the contents and making a mess of the upholstery. You can transport your pooch and, no matter how bumpy the road or how fast you drive, your dog can arrive refreshed and happy.

Any dog owner will be familiar with the regular chore of removing dog hairs from car seats. This nifty pet hammock seat protector could be a useful solution. It’s a simple design which fits easily over the seats of your vehicle by looping through the rear and front car headrests. The benefit is protection for your upholstery from claw marks and fur detritus. Available in black heavy duty waterproof nylon, the hammock also helps prevent stains caused by any small accidents that might have occurred along way.

Looking for somewhere to stay?

‘Dog Friendly Britain’ has a search facility on their website www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk that let’s users search for dog friendly camping and caravanning sites across the UK; search results displayed per county.

Trevornick Holiday Park in Cornwall is a beautiful dog friendly site near Newquay in Cornwall. Situated just five minutes walk from the dog friendly Holywell beach where dog owners are welcome to let their pets explore the coastline – just don’t forget to pick up after them!

The ultimate in doggy luxury


For the ultimate in doggy luxury, check out the Airstream 648. The stylish ‘silver bullet’ caravan design includes an impressive array of features including an external shower – perfect for washing muddy paws after an afternoon exploring the countryside.

What are your thoughts? Should dogs be welcomed on caravan sites? Join our discussion here

Caravan owner left devastated by theft

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by Oliver Knight

Opportunistic thieves have left a caravanner “devastated” after they stole his unit – just before he was about to embark on his first caravanning break, this is Litchfield reports.

Phil Moore, 42, had already begun preparing the van when it was taken from outside his home, near the A38 at Alrewas, earlier this month.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen thieves making off with the 14-year-old Abi Jubilee Courier, which sleeps four-to-six people.

“My parents gave me the money to buy the caravan as a treat for me and the kids,” Mr Moore told the news provider.

“We have not stayed in a caravan before and both myself and my children are absolutely devastated.”

The news highlights the need for caravan owners to take out adequate insurance on their vehicles.

Last month, Confused.com decided to launch a tool allowing touring and static caravan owners to compare cover for their holiday homes online .

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Essex residents protest against Caravan Club site

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by Oliver Knight

Residents in Ardleigh, Essex, are rallying together to fight proposals for a £2 million caravan park development.

Caravan Club plans to build a 96-pitch site in the area have been met with opposition, with local residents fearing that the scheme would threaten wildlife and create dangerous driving conditions, the Essex County Standard revealed.

However, Tony Barnet, the club’s head of estates, nullified these suggestions, promising that the Caravan Club would work closely with the Highways Agency to ensure the roads remained safe.

In addition, he said the club would plant trees and encourage wildlife and the development would bring money from tourism to the village.

“Ardleigh is a pleasant village with pleasant people. I urge you to go along to some of our other sites,” the news provider reported Mr Barnet as saying.

“It will benefit the community by bringing in custom to the local shops, pubs and you’ll see swollen church congregations.”

Indeed, recent figures released by the Caravan Club suggest that caravanners contribute in excess of £400 million to local economies each year.

Expert praises Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL Duo lounge

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by Gemma Roskell

The Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL Duo has been named as one of the best-value motorhomes for its size, particularly when it comes to offering comfort and style at an affordable price.

Judging the follow-up to the standard EL Model from the same company, Which Motorhome tested it alongside the Sundance 580PA from rival manufacturer Swift.

According to the publication, the Auto-Sleepers model came out on top in a number of areas, including sleeping accommodation.

Indeed, the review explains that, by turning down the backrests of the rear settee, campers are presented with two “generous” and “comfy” single beds, with the space-efficient design meaning there is plenty of scope for storage, as well as entertainment, without style being sacrificed.

Summing up, the magazine stated simply: “If you’re after a rear lounge motorhome in this size/price range, the Broadway Duo should definitely be on your price list.

However, it did acknowledge that the difference between a £40,000 and a £50,000 price tag may prompt some buyers to give the Swift caravan careful consideration.

As well as coachbuilt caravans like the Broadway, Auto-Sleepers also manufacturers stand-alone caravans and campervans.

Auto-Sleepers Cotswold EB praised for combining luxury and craftsmanship

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by Gemma Roskell

The comfort and craftsmanship on display in the Cotswold EB motorhome has managed to win over even the hardest-to-please critics.

Launched in the autumn of 2009, the Auto-Sleepers motorhome has been winning plaudits from both industry experts and members of the public for months now.

However, for those working in the trade, only the nod of approval from expert reviewer George Hinton is enough, though fortunately for the Worcestershire-based manufacturer, his review in the official magazine of the Caravan Club was positive to say the least.

Indeed, the expert gave the Cotswold EB an overall score of nine out of ten, heaping particular praise on its storage, the comfort of its beds and seats, and its chic interior design.

“The spec is truly excellent and anyone wanting more would probably be looking in the direction of an American RV at twice the price,” he wrote.

Auto-Sleepers also offers a range of converted vans, including its adaptations of the Peugeot Boxer and the Volkswagen T5 Transporter.

Highways Agency gives caravan safety warning

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by Oliver Knight

Overloading caravans or trailers and not carrying out adequate safety checks on vehicles before setting off on long journeys are the main causes of towing accidents, the Highways Agency has claimed.

The body has released a set of guidelines for motorists to adhere to in order to ensure that towing-related accidents are kept to a minimum over the busy summer holiday period.

It advises motorists to carry out maintenance checks before setting off, take extra care when reversing and remaining aware that driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect a vehicle’s performance.

The Highways Agency already works closely with organisations like the police, the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club to raise awareness of safer towing

It urges drivers to understand the legal speed limit, the importance of breakdown recovery and what to do in an emergency.

“Towing has a very good overall safety record,” explained Martin Spencer, technical manager for the Caravan Club. “When details of untoward incidents are reported to us, however, it is clear that in the overwhelming majority of cases, paying attention to a few simple guidelines would have prevented the incident occurring.”

Meanwhile, the Highways Agency also advised caravanners to plan their journeys before setting off to avoid getting stuck in traffic

New report proves green credentials of caravan holidays

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Researchers from Lancaster University have investigated how green caravan holidays really are, by measuring the carbon footprint of an overnight stay for two in a touring caravan.

The results were somewhat surprising. Despite the heavy fuel consumption of towing a trailer and using an electric hook up, greenhouse gas experts from the University’s Small World Consulting division discovered the couples’ overnight stay at a caravan park produced just 4kg of CO2. A staggeringly small amount when compared to the half a tonne of carbon dioxide produced flying two people to Spain and back.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in the Lake District was used as the testing ground for the experiment. Park owner Henry Wild said: “Even when the carbon footprint of the journey by car to the park is taken into account, staying in a caravan on a park is just about the greenest type of holiday you can enjoy,”.

The exhaustive study measured hundreds carbon producing variables down to the energy needed to deliver goods and services, using a coffee machine, even producing the Skelwith Fold T-shirts supplied to staff.

“This is, I believe, the first time that our industry has been put under this type of environmental scrutiny – and the message appears to be that green tourism is definitely caravan-shaped,” said Henry.

Lancaster University’s findings will be published on the Skelwith Fold Caravan Park website soon.