Bailey Caravans claims 2mpg fuel saving for drivers towing an Orion
The Bailey Orion features a distinctive curved rear end
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Monday, 28, Nov 2011 03:51
by Chris Jefferies
It seems the environmentally conscious souls over at Bailey Caravans aren't content with being a major touring manufacturer - they want to save the world as well.
In conjunction with the University of Bath, the Alu-Tech 'vanmakers have recently completed a two-year study into the environmental impacts of caravanning.
The findings show that the average caravan consumes around 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its lifetime, which is roughly 60 per cent of the amount that your average family car is responsible for.
Some caravan enthusiasts may well boast about how their hobby is "greener" than flying across the world, and while this is undoubtedly true, the carbon footprint of towing can't be ignored.
The Bailey study estimates that around 70 per cent of the CO2 consumed by a caravan comes from the extra fuel that your car gets through while towing.
Lighter is greener
For this reason, it makes sense to look for ever lighter caravans and, handily enough, Bailey has just this year launched the class-leading Orion range, which is five per cent lighter, layout per layout, than a similarly specced caravan.
What's more, the University of Bath study showed that towing a super-lightweight Bailey Orion can save you up to 2mpg at the pumps, when compared with a traditionally constructed caravan.
Part of this is down to the aerodynamic bodyshell, which is curved at the back as well as at the front, allowing air to slip over the surface more easily.
To further cut down on your fuel consumption, Bailey has also advised regular caravanners to tow with empty water tanks and, if possible, empty larder cupboards as well.
For more towing advice from the Bristol-based manufacturers, pick up the latest edition of the Caravan Club's Discover Touring magazine.
The Bailey Orion has been nominated for Caravan of the Year 2011 in the annual CaravanTimes Readers' Poll. To vote for your favourite tourer, caravan park and dealer, and be entered into our prize draw to win an Amazon Kindle, click here.