PREVIEW: The Bailey Unicorn revealed

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by Marcus Dubois

UPDATE: Click here to watch the full video on the Bailey Unicorn

It is the most talked about caravan of 2010. Here at Caravan Times we’re offering a sneak preview of our forthcoming video feature on the Bailey Unicorn. Rumoured to be a replacement for the discontinued Bailey Senator range, the limited edition caravan promises luxury and style.

The year 2010 has been a significant one for Bailey Caravans. Last year the firm made a bold statement with the introduction of the Pegasus, a caravan built using a new construction system called Alu-Tech. Promising to banish the problem of water ingress using less joins and an aluminium bodyshell, sales of the Bailey Pegasus exceeded expectation. Demand led to the introduction of the Bailey Olympus, a smaller Alu-Tech model similar in size to the Pageant.

With the second model proving an instant bestseller, Bailey began to phase out certain models in what they are now terming their “classic range”. If the limited edition Unicorn proves popular, we expect to see it join its smaller siblings as part of an impressive new line-up.

Members of our community on Caravan Times will be able to watch the full video feature on the Bailey Unicorn from 12th August. Click here for the Bailey Unicorn video topic.

Caravan safety checks on motorway to South West

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by Holly Tribe

Caravanners heading off on their summer holidays will be able to get their outfits checked over this Friday at Strensham Services on the M5.

The Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) has teamed up with experts from the Caravan Club and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) who will have experts available to offer safety advice and guidance.

The summer months bring with them a history of increased caravan related road accidents as families take to the roads over the school holidays.

The initiative has been set up to combat accidents that may be easily avoided; an incorrectly loaded trailer or un-roadworthy tyres are easily picked out by the trained eye.

CMPG Sergeant David Caswell told the Coventry Telegraph: “These operations give us an opportunity to meet drivers to share information about safer towing and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy. Our aim is for every family to reach their holiday destination safely.”

He added: “I would urge anyone towing a caravan to take advantage of this initiative. The advice we give can help eliminate potentially hazardous issues and have a positive impact on reducing the number of collisions involving caravans.”

Tourers passing along the M5 on Friday 30th July are welcome to stop in at Strensham services between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Caravan dealership moves into the digital era

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The innovative owner of a Norfolk caravan dealership has moved into the digital marketplace, purchasing an internet, design and marketing agency.

Owner of Greentrees Adventurestore, Neil Greentree had used the Norwich based marketing agency O2 Creative for nine years before buying it.

The recent economic downturn has led Mr Greentree to look at ways of streamlining costs and optimising his customer base.

He explained how the wider caravan sales market was under-utilised but hopes with the right marketing strategy, it can be tapped into. In an interview with the Eastern Daily Press, Mr Greentree said of the takeover: “With the efficiencies we can make and the new markets they can get in to it will be of benefit to us both”.

Mr Greentree explained the benefits of using new forms of media to reach uncharted markets: “The key thing they offer is creativity. They take time to research what is out there and then start getting creative.”

After taking over the Norfolk based company from his father in 1996, Neil moved the dealership to a newly built 2.6 acre site off the A47 in 2001. From there he opened the largest purpose built caravan and motorhome sales and service centre in the area – renaming it the Greentrees Adventurestore.

The firm stocks a range of new and used caravans and motorhomes from leading manufacturers including Bailey, Swift and Elddis, along with a selection of awnings and accessories.

With an annual turnover of around £7m and a staff of 30, the company looks set for further expansion over the next decade. Future plans include developing the firms’ web design work and search engine optimisation.

Pictures, prices and layouts: the new Stealth caravans revealed

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Caravan Times is pleased to bring you images of the new Stealth caravans from manufacturer Dunster House, released ahead of the launch of the updated ranges next Wednesday. The main picture shows the Q58 which is the single axle model in the new line-up.

The newer Stealth caravans sport significant revisions to the interior, as well as a revised nosecone featuring a front window for the first time. There are both single-axle and double-axle models, which have now been marketed under three “trim” levels.

The entry-level range is called the Valiant Class and comes complete with sunblinds on all windows and AL-KO stabiliser as standard. The Intrepid Class is the mid-range model which comes with an automatic ignition fridge, a remote control alarm and duel-fuel hob. The Defiant Class is described as “beyond super luxury” and materials include “Panaro” soft upholstery, anthracite alloy wheels, and a ant-theft devices such as a TRACKER system and AL-KO wheel locks.

The pictures below show the new interior layouts and furnishings, featuring a fixed double bed with a full mattress and no corner cutaways. Stealth Caravans has made much of the unique “dual-height” bedroom wardrobe and sideboard design, claiming that movement is completely unimpeded without having to accept compromises in the sleeping area.

There has been plenty of discussion concerning the new nosecone on the Stealth, which features a large front window which the manufacturer claims has not compromised the original design which aimed to protect against water ingress. Some caravan owners will be interested to hear that the thick GRP nosecone is marketed as “resistant to dents”.


The updated Stealth now features graphics on the side of the caravan for the first time. A large black stripe decal extends the full length of the white panel. Other exterior features include twin front gas locker doors and an awning side wetlocker with 230v plug and under bed storage accessible from in inside and the outside.

Coachman Caravans launch 2011 season models

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by Holly Tribe

Coachman Caravans have launched their 2011 season model upgrades with a two day trade show in East Yorkshire.

The event at Rudstone Walk saw the launch of Coachman’s 2011 updates for the Laser, VIP, and Pastiche ranges, which have all undergone internal furnishing updates including a new easy to set up bed system.

The Amara range has been overhauled inside and out, with re-designs focussing on layouts for family touring.

The trade show, held on the 13th and 14th July, was attended by caravan dealers from across the UK. The Hull based company revealed trade orders were up 50% on last year, making it the most successful launch to date.

“We’ve had more than 50 per cent more orders from the dealer network than we did following last year’s show”

Coachman Managing Director Jim Hibbs says: “This was the most successful preview we’ve ever held, and that includes the boom years for the caravan industry. We’ve had more than 50 per cent more orders from the dealer network than we did following last year’s show, and the response from dealers was the most enthusiastic we’ve ever seen.

Mr Hibbs goes on to explain that despite a sluggish economy, Coachman Caravans have seen strong sales over the last year enabling them to invest £700,000 in new computer-controlled machinery and an aftercare unit.

The 2011 model year runs from the 1st of September, and so tourers will be on display at dealerships for the beginning of that month.

Police intelligence unit warns caravan theft is on the rise

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by Holly Tribe

A police intelligence unit has discovered an alarming trend for caravans being stolen to order.

The Association of Chief Police Officer’s Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) warned that last year saw an increase in the number of caravans stolen for the first time in many years.

Caravanning has become an increasingly popular holiday option with Brits now owning an estimated half a million tourers.Unfortunately, the increase has provided opportunistic thieves with a ready market. Around two thousand caravan theft reports were processed by specialist insurers last year. And worryingly, the robberies have occurred not only from owners’ driveways, but also from dedicated caravan storage facilities.

AVCIS suspect offenders are visiting storage sites to scout for caravans, taking photos and then placing ads on the internet. Once a buyer has been established, the caravan is subsequently targeted for theft.

Leisure Vehicle Officer Tim Booth revealed the difficulty in recovering a stolen vehicle. “As caravanning increases in popularity we are seeing more and more caravans being stolen to order by organised crime gangs. Three-quarters of those stolen disappear without a trace and are never recovered, which is something AVCIS is working extremely hard to combat.”

What can you do to help protect your caravan?

There is a range of increasingly sophisticated security devices available on the market to help protect your caravan and reduce the risk of theft – whether you store your ‘van at home, on a seasonal pitch, or in a storage facility.

An electronic tracking system can significantly improve the chance of recovering your vehicle in the event of theft and can reduce your insurance policy by up to 30%.

There are a number of caravan identity kits available which match rightful owners to their caravans in the event of a recovery. AL-KO make a range of high quality deadlocks, wheel clamps and alarms which all act as effective deterrents.

Theft of (or from) vehicles is no longer considered a policing priority by many forces. So if the worst should happen, and you become a victim of caravan theft, having a comprehensive insurance policy can help get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

The future isn’t all bleak however and the police are tireless in their work to uncover these specialist criminals. Back in March Caravan Times reported that a gang of prolific caravan thieves responsible for over half of all thefts in the UK were found guilty of conspiracy to steal.

The Caravan Club adds classified service to website

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The Caravan Club have added a new classified ads service to their website which will allow users to search for 1000s of caravanning items for sale.

The Club have teamed up with Caravan Selecta which is part of the Friday-Ad Group – the UK’s fastest growing caravan finder. The service is built for potential customers to easily track down new or used caravans and accessories.

Placing adverts is free of charge, with the added benefit of ads appearing on both the Caravan Club’s classified section and the Caravan Selecta website.

The service is open to both members and non-members, but ads submitted from paid up members of the Caravan Club will be demarcated with the CC logo.

The Club’s head of Commerce Natasha MacDonald hopes the new service will be popular with site users. “Over the past few months The Club’s website team has been working hard to deliver what we believe will be a very popular addition to our online member services.

“Placing an ad on Caravan Club Classifieds is a simple process. Members can use their Club website login and ads will appear online within minutes, reaching a wide audience.”

Are you a member of the Caravan Club? Check out our community pages dedicated to Caravan Club Centres across the UK.

Innovative security features for new Bailey Unicorn

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With over £45million worth of motorhomes and caravans stolen every year, Bailey Caravans are committed to providing their customers with the most up to date security devices available to the market.

The all-new Bailey Unicorn series, due to be launched in September, will give customers a limited edition range of models equipped with industry leading safety and security devices.

The Unicorn range will be fitted with a TRACKER Monitor Stolen Caravan Recovery system which will be offered subscription free for the first twelve months. The newly TQA approved tracking system has a sophisticated movement sensor, which notifies TRACKER if the vehicle is illegally moved. Once alerted of an illegal movement the customer is contacted to confirm whether the vehicle has been stolen. The company estimates over £400million worth of stolen vehicles have been recovered using the system, making it a worthy addition.

A combination of anti-snaking AL-KO products are fitted as standard to facilitate trouble free-towing. To compliment the pre-existing AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser and AL-KO shock absorbers already fitted on Pegasus and Olympus models, Bailey will also continue to provide the AL-KO ATC Trailer Control system for added towing stability.

Other key security features include a new TRACKER intruder alarm, unseen on previous models and an AL-KO Secure portable wheel lock; two of which will be included with twin-axle models.

Bailey is committed to helping customers protect their investment and the enhanced security features can help significantly lower insurance premiums.

The brand new Unicorn range is due to arrive at dealerships from the 1st of September, and full product details will be available on our Bailey Unicorn page from the 12th August.

Catterick Caravan dealership undergoes massive expansion

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by Holly Tribe

One-stop superstore Catterick Caravans Outdoor Leisure World has opened its doors to the public after a major refit, to reveal an enormous 8 acre retail site.

After purchasing three acres of adjoining land last October, the company has significantly expanded its operations at the site in Richmond, Yorkshire. The mega-store now stocks everything from caravans and motorhomes to tents and camping equipment.

The renovated complex also acts as a caravan dealership, holding the franchise to leading manufacturers Swift, Buccaneer, T@B, Sterling, Lunar and Sprite caravans. Up to thirty new models can now be viewed by customers in a gleaming, purpose-built caravan showroom.

Doubling the size of their outside forecourt area, Catterick Caravans now have room to display even more new and used caravans. The added square footage has allowed them to expand their stock of recreational vehicles which now includes two ranges of Swift Group motorhomes, the Mondial and Escape tourers.


This well timed expansion reflects the significant rise of Brits staying in the UK for their holidays. With more holidaymakers than ever looking for a cheaper alternative, Catterick looks set to cash in on the growing ‘staycation’ trend. The 25,000 foot superstore houses trailer tents from Pyramid, Sunncamp, and Trigano, and a heated indoor showroom displays more that 25 models of awnings, porches, and canopies from leading manufacturers.

Despite its size, the company is still family run after 26 years, and Chris and Matthew Kinsell head up a team of dedicated staff.

Commenting on the developments Matthew Kinsell, Sales Director said: “This exciting expansion has been welcomed by both staff and customers alike. We want to be the number one destination in the North, offering both choice and value for money to our customers”.

Matthew added: “It is important to note that whilst we’ve grown our facilities, we are still small enough to care, and we continue to maintain our traditional family values”.

The team of experienced staff are available to advise on the vast array of merchandise. If you’re new to touring they can also offer a caravan hire service, giving would-be caravanners a chance to ‘try before you buy’.

To celebrate the opening, Catterick Caravans Outdoor Leisure World will be running a range of offers throughout July, and Swift customers can look out for the new 2011 Swift Charisma and Sterling Europa models due to arrive from mid-August.

Worcestershire set to host Three Counties Caravan and Motorhome Show

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by Marcus Dubois

Last year saw an unprecedented rise in the number of caravanners taking to the road during the “staycation boom”, yet the increase in numbers can prove favourable as manufacturers compete for a share of the larger market. And at this year’s round of caravan shows there may well be discounts on offer from dealers as the newer models begin to filter onto forecourts.

With this in mind, the Three Counties Caravan and Motorhome Show is taking place in Malvern’s Three Counties Showground from September 30th to October 3rd. There is an impressive range of manufacturers in attendance including Swift, Lunar, Bailey, Elddis, Cotswold Motor Caravans, Coachman and Buccaneer.

It is likely that caravan buyers will get their first proper look at the newest offers from two of the industry’s giants. Bailey Caravans are set to unveil their premium Alu-Tech model in a strictly limited edition. Called the Bailey Unicorn, no images have been made public but it is a much rumoured replacement for the now discontinued Senator range. Meanwhile Swift Caravans will reveal significant redesigns to their Charisma and Sterling Europa ranges.

Sponsored by Golden Castle Leisure Group, the event offers free parking and a chance to catch up on all the latest caravan industry news. Billed as “the UK’s premiere touring event”, the show will see visitors handed discounts on many 2010 and used models.

In addition to the manufacturer showcases there will also be a trade village showcasing awnings and other caravan-related products – as well as a dedicated accessory shop for picking up the smaller essentials.

Under 18s are allowed in for free, with adults paying just £5 for a pass. To purchase tickets for the event click here

Caravanning Brits leave son stranded at Swiss petrol station

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A British couple on a caravanning holiday in Europe drove off leaving their son at a petrol station in Switzerland.

According to the Daily Mail the couple pulled over at a Swiss service station assuming their 12 year old son was asleep in the caravan behind them. However once stationary, the boy had got out of the trailer to stretch his legs. The pair then drove off whilst their son was still inside the shop.

After twenty minutes, they pulled over to check on their boy when it dawned on them he was no longer in the cabin. Two hours later, after making several wrong turns, the couple finally returned to the petrol station to find their son in the safe hands of service station staff.

A service station worker told Le Matin newspaper: “‘He was very calm about it all, saying his parents were often “forgetful” and that he was sure they’d be back to get him soon.”

Whilst all’s well that ends well on this occasion, the story prompted Caravan Times to look at the dangers of touring with passengers travelling aboard the caravan instead of the towcar.

Aside from the risk of leaving your nearest and dearest behind, caravans simply aren’t built with the same level of body protection and safety features afforded in towcars. Cross winds or an incorrectly loaded caravan can spell disaster. It is an unfortunate reality that caravans are occasionally prone to jack-knifing or overturning in adverse conditions, causing great damage and heartache to the owners.

Sitting up front in the towcar is a far safer option. If seatbelts or child seats are fitted then it is the law that passengers must wear them. Most modern cars have airbags installed not only in the drivers side, but also around passenger seats and new car models are put through rigorous front and side impact tests to ensure the highest level of crumple protection possible.

The National Trailer and Towing Association states it is illegal to allow passengers to travel inside the caravan. Pets are allowed inside the trailer, although this is not recommended as safe practice. So, to avoid rogue children disappearing at service stations, or the more serious matter of keeping passengers as safe as possible in the event of an accident, make sure your brood sits up front in the towcar.

Do you think the law banning passengers from travelling inside the caravan is fair? Let us know in our forum topic here

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Clarkson rants about caravans (again) in Top Gear motorhome special

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Regular watchers of Top Gear will be familiar with the caravan’s star role as pantomime villain. The team behind the hugely popular motoring show have enjoyed a love-hate relationship with the vehicles over the years, and a caravan is often used for comedy stunts. It all started in the third season when a stuntman for the BBC programme challenged the record set by Channel Five’s Fifth Gear…for the number of caravans a Volvo estate could jump over. The stunt ended in comic failure however when the car nosedived off the ramp, destroying three caravans.

Years later the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond seemed to be warming to the lifestyle after a special episode where the trio took a camping trip to Dorset. The show ended in more wanton destruction however, with a staged chip pan fire ending in the caravan burning to the ground. And last year their latest stunt backfired when they turned a caravan into an airship, and it promptly crashed into a field near a busy road.

Last weekend was yet another instalment in poking fun when Clarkson, May and Hammond bought vehicles to turn them into caricatures of motorhomes. The show’s producers set the challenge to create designs of such superior quality that “it would rid the country of “the motorhome menace”. The presenters would then drive their self-built constructions to a caravan park in Cornwall.

A tower block on wheels

The trio’s imaginations ran riot when designing their motorhomes. Richard Hammond converted a classic Land Rover Defender by adding a stone-effect extension complete with a working toilet affixed to the passenger seat. And taking inspiration from US RVs he installed slide-out side panels to house a games room and pop-up library.

James May (aka ‘Captain Slow’) surprisingly opts for the fastest mode of transport: a Lotus with accommodation inspired by ‘pioneer aviator lightweight design’. (Or in other words, a roof box with a sleeping bag). Clarkson however takes it to literally another level with a three storey construction atop his Citroen. A minimalist white box that could have come from Grand Designs, it featured a ground floor Japanese contemplation area, two hammocks upstairs and full cooking facilities with a grill. Yet predictably it became an unwieldy monster when in transit.

“Wouldn’t we be happier in a caravan?”

Once on the road, an unending catalogue of disasters unfolded: near misses with bridges, collapsing walls, and snaking that would turn the strongest stomach of even the hardiest caravanner. Despite Clarkson’s publicised hatred of caravans, as he struggled on the motorway in his three-storey monstrosity (with reams of traffic backing up ) he wondered aloud if he wouldn’t be happier towing one of the caravans he ridicules. “I don’t think we’ve sped up caravanning, have we?” he muttered to co-presenter Richard Hammond.

Once on the campsite itself the challenge unravels completely as the only ‘motorhome’ still standing belongs to James May. Hammond’s roof had fallen in on his ‘pop-up library’, whilst Clarkson’s three-story rig had totally capsized. And as is tradition, the climax of the show saw yet another recreational vehicle destroyed after being hurled off the side of a cliff. Clarkson co-signed the experiment as a “wretched failure” before adding: “Britain will continue to be strangled by the glass fibre menace of the caravans.”

“Clogging up the British countryside”

Of particular interest was where Clarkson took a predictable pop at caravanners. “As we know, caravans are a menace. We all know that. And the reason for this is very simple. Nobody who tows a caravan has had any training. Which means they’re a bit frightened. Which means they drive slowly. And that means they clog up the British countryside all summer long.”

We spoke to the Caravan Club, the UK’s largest providers of caravan training, to find out what they thought of Clarkson’s assertion that caravanners are untrained and nervous road users. Head of PR Nikki Nichol said “As everyone is aware, Top Gear is an entertaining motoring magazine programme and caravanners like a laugh as much as the next person. However we would like to point out that The Caravan Club puts 2,500 willing caravanners through its training courses every year. But then again, why let the facts get in the way of a good story!”

No mod cons?

Later Clarkson showed further ignorance of the lifestyle during an interview with Andy Garcia where the Hollywood star revealed he owns a 34-foot Airstream trailer. While initially seeming enthused with the comment “the thing about an Airstream is, it looks very good”, he then countered this by claiming owners were forced to relieve themselves in a bucket. Of course many are aware that all modern Airstream trailers feature fully-fitted bathroom suites.

Perhaps the boys on Top Gear should leave recreational vehicles to the thousands of caravanners who know what they’re doing.

What did you think of the show? Click here to watch the episode of Top Gear (broadcast Sunday 18 July)