Shrouded in secrecy: Swift Caravans 2011 model launch

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by Holly Tribe

Click here to watch the full-length video review of the 2011 Swift Caravans

The wait is nearly over. Today, Swift Caravans officially unveil their brand new 2011 season updates to the press.

Not a peep has been heard from the Hull based manufacturer in the lead up to the launch which has resulted in much speculation within the industry. CaravanTimes editor, Marcus Dubois, is in Hull with our camera crew getting the real lowdown on all the new models. The new models were still literally ‘under wraps’ this morning as the press launch got under-way.

However, rumour has it that the new models are a total departure from any of Swift’s previous offerings and are built to groundbreaking new specifications. A new construction method is expected to combat the threat of water ingress head on. With a completely new profile, the Swift 2011 season updates promise to present some exceptional alternatives to the caravan market.

Photos captured by hawk-eyed Caravan Times Community member Ian Gilmore have already provided a sneak preview of the dramatically altered nose on the Sterling Eccles, and we look forward to bringing you news on all the 2011 Challenger, Conqueror, Eccles and Elite models in the coming days.

Click here for a gallery of spy shots of the new Swift Caravans

Stay tuned for forthcoming interviews and video reviews, coming soon!

Caravan Times member captures photos of 2011 Swift Caravans models

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by Marcus Dubois

Click here to watch the full-length video review of the 2011 Swift Caravans

It has been this year’s most closely guarded secret in the caravan industry. With no information available to the press before the official media day on Thursday 19th August, Swift Caravans has kept the details of their newest tourers under its hat. The firm promised “a shape that will change the look of the modern tourer”, and eager Swift fans can now learn more of what to expect thanks to photos from a Caravan Times member.

Click here for a gallery of spy shots of the new Swift Caravans

Keen-eyed caravanner Ian Gilmore works near the studio where they were being photographed in Manchester, and he noticed a convoy of Swifts entering the building three weeks ago. He tells us “there were lots of different models, all looking really good” and from his vantage point managed to take a few quick photos of the new caravans as they were being transported. Clearly visible in the photos is the new look for the Sterling Eccles, while the aerodynamic lines of the future Swift models are also hinted at.

Caravan Times will be in Hull this week to take a closer look at the new Swift Caravans at the official launch. Look out for forthcoming interviews and video reviews.

2011 Swift Caravans: we ask your questions

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by Holly Tribe and Marcus Dubois

Click here to watch the full-length video review of the 2011 Swift Caravans

This year has seen one of the busiest summers in recent memory as a raft of new touring models were announced. The caravan press has been filled with announcements of the Bailey Unicorn, the first luxury model from the Bristol manufacturer. Elddis Caravans has revamped its line-up for 2011 with lashings of wood and carbon-fibre graphics heralding a modern look for the firm. Meanwhile Lunar Caravans has taken another step forward this year with the island bed featured in the Clubman SB, and Stealth Caravans are no longer newcomers with their second generation of tourers.

Yet despite the buzz of activity in the caravanning marketplace over the last few weeks Swift Caravans have remained resolutely silent about their forthcoming product releases.

But the wait is nearly over.

At the end of this week industry figureheads and dealers from across the country will be travelling to Hull to get a first glimpse of the highly-anticipated Swift 2011 season caravans.

Four of the most popular Swift ranges have been completely overhauled from the ground up including new interior and exterior redevelopments. The firm promises high-spec design features that combine modern materials with traditional construction. An avid caravanner in Cottingham has already spied three of the new Challengers being transported through the town to the launch site. “Very smart and classy looking – if they hadn’t had the Swift badge on them I might well of thought they were Hobbys” he revealed.

Below are the ranges which will be included in the new 2011 Swift line-up:

  • 2011 Swift Challenger
  • 2011 Swift Conqueror
  • 2011 Swift Eccles
  • 2011 Swift Elite

Your questions answered

We are in Cottingham, Hull this week at the unveiling of the new Swift models, and will report back on the innovations and changes in a special edition of our online video feature “Talkback”. And in this episode we’re putting your questions to Swift about the future of construction at the firm, and passing on what caravan buyers are looking for when shopping for models.

“We are shaping the future” is the bold statement from the firm – yet we feel the test of this will be in the touring. And how well these new innovations fare will be very much up to you, the caravan community. If you have any last minute questions for Swift Caravans you can submit them by clicking here.

You can also click here to join our online community where you will be able to see the full video feature on Swift Caravans next week.

Bailey Caravans announce price freeze on Pegasus and Olympus for 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans have announced a price freeze on its Pegasus and Olympus models for the new season. The recommended retail prices for these Alu-Tech caravans will remain unchanged from those set in the March 2010 price list.

Bailey believes the decision is “out of step with other caravan manufacturers who have recently implemented price increases on their 2011 ranges” and as such the firm is hoping to offer greater value in the current market. With the spectre of a VAT increase from 17.5% to 20% on the horizon at the end of the calendar year, the move is clearly aimed at potential caravan buyers hoping to beat the rise in tax.

Limited availability

The offer from Bailey is said to be for a limited period only however, and the firm made a statement that “in the current economic climate these retail prices cannot be guaranteed indefinitely”. Furthermore availability for the models prior to Christmas is expected to be strictly limited, and Bailey has revealed that the overall standing stock of their Alu-Tech caravans remains low. They have advised interested customers to contact their local retailer to ensure stock levels.

The Bailey Unicorn

The Bristol manufacturer has recently been emphasising the value of its forthcoming range-topper in the Alu-Tech lineup. The Bailey Unicorn is the first true “luxury” caravan from the firm, combining the properties of the Alu-Tech bodyshell with a completely new level of interior quality and refinement. The firm has worked however to keep prices below the £20,000 mark for the new model, hoping that customers “can still find outstanding value for money for a Bailey caravan even at the top end of the market”.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

2011 Coachman Caravans: new models and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

After celebrating unprecedented success with their 2011 dealer showcase last month, Coachman Caravans revealed they have received fifty per cent more orders from dealerships than last year.

As the 2011 product launch season gets underway for all the big name caravan manufacturers, we take a closer look at what’s on offer from the Hull based firm next year.

Coachman have made significant improvements across all their ranges, but the real focus is on it lowest priced Amara series. Undergoing a total overhaul inside and out, revisions have been carried out with family in mind.

Coachman Amara

The 2011 Amara line-up will feature nine models, including the new six berth Amara 655/6 – a twin-dinette, twin axle model. Coachman have cleverly introduced the big family sized ‘van to the lower price range. With an MTPLM at a rather hefty 1860kg, it will need a substantial towcar, but ATC stability control will help keep the twin axles firmly to the road.

Additional spec includes an extra 5cm of headroom bringing the internal height up to 1.96m, and an awning light which also creates a gutter and stops rainwater dripping down from the doorway.

Coachman VIP and Pastiche

Next year will see the departure of the 535/4 model in both VIP and Pastiche ranges to make way for a new four berth VIP 560/4 layout. The most exciting element of the 560/4 is the…

2011 Elddis Caravans: new models and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

With wholesale change on the way from leading caravan manufacturers Bailey Caravans, Swift, Coachman and relative newcomers, Stealth, 2011 looks set to be an exciting year for customers in the market for a new caravan.

Not to be left behind Elddis Caravans have announced a huge number of changes to their 2011 line-up. A total of ten new models are due to be introduced across their portfolio of products. The Avante range has been given a total facelift and the entry level Xplore marque, which premiered in 2008, has also undergone refinements.

The top of the range Buccaneer line-up sees the return of the Clipper, which has been fitted with top end mod cons and the Odyssey marque gets a new six berth model.

Elddis Xplore

Elddis introduced the entry level Xplore range, which went head to head with Swift Caravans popular Sprite marque last year. Raising the bar for 2011, Elddis have modified their Xplore models – gone is the twin axle option, which leaves five remaining updated and refined layouts.

The interiors house a more sophisticated upholstery scheme and deeper lockers provide more storage with useful corner lights. Revisions in the kitchen include a larger 115 litre fridge and electronic ignition for the cooker. The cabins are mounted on a more stable BPW V-Tec chassis for improved stability and models have been certified Grade 3 Thermal Insulating making them fit for year round touring.

Buccaneer Clipper

Fans of the Buccaneer Clipper will have something to cheer about, with its return to the Elddis 2011 line-up. The all-singing all-dancing Clipper comes fully loaded with the latest technology. Stuck away from your ‘van and the weather takes a turn for the worse? No problem. The automated Heki skylight has a rain sensor and will automatically automatically close when it senses rain, and you can switch the heating on remotely by sending a text message to…

MiRO and payload allowance changes for 2011 caravans

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by Holly Tribe

A new directive from Europe will change the current method of calculating the Mass in Running Order (MiRO) and payload weights of caravans from the 1st January 2011.

The European Commission’s “Whole Vehicle Type Approval” directive gives allowances for essential equipment, which have previously been covered within the user payload. This will henceforth be calculated in the MiRO weight. This essentially means MiRO weights will increase and payloads will be reduced.

In short, items deemed essential for the running of a caravan will now be included in the MiRO weight category.

This includes:

  • Gas cylinders
  • Water in the heating system
  • Electric Hook-Up (EHU) cable

Leisure batteries are considered personal effects, and are accounted for in the payload allowance.

The National Caravan Council has already changed their standard to fall in line with the EU directive, which requires UK caravan manufacturers to quote weight in terms of the new specification.

A document detailing the changes released by the NCC explains: “It may seem that the user payload for a 2011 model is less because some things are now not included in the user payload”. For example gas bottles are now allocated to the MiRO.

The NCC clarify why it is important to make the distinction: “If for example you always empty your water tank then you will be able to carry extra items up to the weight allowed for the water.”

Many European caravan manufacturers have always quoted MiRO to the new standard and the new directive will bring UK made ‘vans in line with the rest of the Continent.

New 2011 season caravans launched over the last few weeks from leading UK manufacturers Bailey Caravans, and Elddis Caravans have already begun to quote model weights using the new specification.

The legislation will not affect towcar matching because the MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) calculations which caravanners rely on to measure the trailer and towcar weight ratio remains unchanged.

A copy of the NCC’s guidance brochure can be accessed here

Pictures, prices and layouts: the Bailey Unicorn review

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Bailey Caravans has launched a premium model in their best-selling lineup of Alu-Tech vehicles. The Bailey Unicorn is the first “luxury” caravan from the Bristol manufacturer and supercedes the outgoing Senator model from what Bailey call the older “classic construction” range.

We took our first look at the Unicorn last month and encountered a markedly different type of caravan to its sister vehicles, the Bailey Pegasus and Olympus. The Unicorn shares the family looks in the front window arrangement and body shape, but sports striking new graphics in 3D resin to distinguish it from its siblings. The major changes however have been reserved for the interior, where Bailey aims to stake out new ground in the caravan marketplace.

The internal headroom of the tourer has been increased to 6’5″ throughout, and there is a real sense of extra spaciousness. Every aspect of the caravan has been given premium materials, from the high gloss kitchen worktops to chrome fixtures and fittings. Customers used to the interior warmth of the recently retired Senator will love the traditional wood of the Unicorn with its Italian designed cabinets and doors.

Most notable is the introduction of the ALDE Compact 3010 Wet Central Heating System, which will come fitted as standard in both single and twin axle models. Distributing an even temperature throughout the caravan, it controls humidity and reduces the circulation of allergen particles. The heat is distributed through integrated radiators alongside a heated towel rail in the bathroom. Security features have also been upgraded – the TRACKER Monitor Stolen Caravan Recovery system will be offered subscription free for the first twelve months. A sophisticated movement sensor notifies TRACKER if the vehicle is illegally moved.

Yet beyond these major revisions, it was the smaller touches which stood out most of all. Appointments such as an incorporated linen basket in the bathroom or a clock by the kitchen may not seem like headline news, but they make the caravan feel like a proper “home from home”. We were left with the feeling that with the Unicorn, Bailey is offering its customers a tourer that can be used all year round if so desired.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

Read on as we take you through the specifications and layouts of the Bailey Unicorn models

Unicorn Seville

Couples looking for the ultimate in luxury touring may find what they’ve been looking for in the entry level Seville. The front dinette converts into a spacious 6ft 8in x 4ft 8in double or two 6ft 3in x 2ft 2in singles. And a chest of drawers between the berths houses a slide out occasional table.

  • 2 berth Single axle
  • MTPLM 1433kg
  • MRO 1304kg
  • Internal length 4.90m
  • Internal headroom 1.96m
  • External width 2.28m
  • RRP £17,490

Unicorn Valencia

The mid range Valencia single axle caravan sleeps four comfortably and weighs in at almost three hundred kgs less than the twin axle model. A traditional wood interior, and large Heki rooflight above the bed give a solid yet airy finish and blue detailing on the neutral upholstery scheme gives a regal finish.

  • 4 berth Single axle
  • MTPLM 1409kg
  • MRO 1304kg
  • Internal length 4.90m
  • Internal headroom 1.96m
  • External width 2.28m
  • RRP £18,490

Unicorn Barcelona

Sitting at the top of the Unicorn range, the Barcelona offers the ultimate in touring luxury. A superbly kitted out end washroom adjoins the sleeping quarters with its own dressing area, leading through to the high spec kitchen and dining area. The ambient temperature is managed by the pioneering Alde central heating system.

  • 4 berth Twin axle
  • MTPLM 1756kg
  • MRO 1593kg
  • Internal length 4.90m
  • Internal headroom 1.96m
  • External width 2.28m
  • RRP £20,190

Below is our photo gallery from the launch of the Bailey Unicorn


Find more photos like this on the Caravan Times community.

VIDEO: The Bailey Unicorn Revealed

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by Marcus Dubois

It’s the most talked about caravan of 2010 promising new levels of luxury from the brand. Our full video feature on the Bailey Unicorn is now available to watch here on Caravan Times.

The Unicorn is the third model from Bailey Caravans to feature the pioneering Alu-Tech construction method. First seen in the Bailey Pegasus last year, the system consists of a five part assembly instead of the traditional nine-part method. The body shell panels are clamped onto a new aluminium framework that Bailey designed to provide a stronger structure as well as help solve the problem of water ingress with the lack of external fixings.

The Pegasus was launched at International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 and became an overnight sales success for Bailey with 75% of orders taken for the new model. Hot on its heels arrived a second, smaller Alu-Tech model, the Bailey Olympus, which was met with equal enthusiasm at dealerships. Bailey started to refer to its long-serving range of caravans as “classic construction” to differentiate from the new Alu-Tech line-up, and announced the end of production of the popular Senator range.

Some traditional Bailey fans excited by Alu-Tech but looking for luxury interior appointments were eager for a range-topping model. With the introduction of the Unicorn the manufacturer believes it has created its flagship vehicle, with some fittings and fixtures previously unseen on a Bailey caravan.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

And on the next page we take a closer look at the Bailey Unicorn and its development.

2011 caravans previewed: new models from Bailey, Elddis, Lunar, Stealth and Swift

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by Marcus Dubois

The season for caravan shows is almost upon us. This time last year there was a real buzz in the air as Caravan Times got first wind of revolutionary new models from Bailey and newcomer Stealth. In 2009 buyers were offered their first look at Bailey’s Alu-Tech platform in the Pegasus. While those seeking something different may have found it in the radical lines and brash interiors of the Stealth.

Yet compared to last year, there is something like wholesale change in the air as we preview the caravan models for 2011. Bailey has responded to those customers used to the traditional interiors of the Senator and created its first true “luxury” caravan model, the Unicorn. Meanwhile Elddis has gone for a stylish modern look in its revamped line-up for 2011, with two-toned wood and carbon fibre graphics. Lunar will somehow manage to improve on the 2009 models with the eagerly awaited Clubman SB featuring a nifty island bed. No longer newcomers, Stealth is taking its self-proclaimed “Marmite” caravan into new ground with revised interiors. And finally it is Swift who promise no less than to “change the look of the modern tourer” with their all-new offering.

Below Caravan Times gives you a brief indication of some of the changes ahead. And in the weeks before the show season begins, we’ll take an in-depth look at each and every manufacturer and their new models.

Bailey Caravans

“We will be living in an Alu-Tech world” said marketing director Simon Howard in a recent interview with Caravan Times. And the best-selling range continues to expand with the arrival of a luxury caravan . The Bailey Unicorn is a three-model range which has often been described as a “replacement” for the old Senator Series 6, but actually sits above it in the quality of fixtures and fittings. Built on the strongest version of the AL-KO chassis, luxury appointments such as the Alde heating system will increase the kerbweight. Yet it is the warm wooden interiors and excellent layouts which should attract buyers. The two-berth Seville has an end washroom, while the Valencia offers four berths and a fixed bed. Finally the twin-axle Barcelona offers the benefits of a full-sized front lounge. The Unicorn will be available from 1 September.

Elddis Caravans

If your idea of a home from home is less “country cottage” and more a well-appointed new build, then the revamped 2011 Elddis range may be for you. The new interiors are clad in light oak with the kitchens fitted in white, giving the caravan an airy and spacious feel. The 2011 Avante sees an increase in…

Lunar Caravans announces new 2011 models and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The past few weeks have been rife with caravan manufacturers announcing their 2011 product ranges and model updates. Bailey Caravans will be introducing the Bailey Unicorn to their Alu-Tech range, Swift Caravans is adding to their Charisma line up, and Coachman Caravans have redesigned their entry level Amara range.

Not to be left out, Lunar Caravans have also announced updates to their range of well established tourers. Two new models will be added to the line-up in the form of the Lexon 530 and Clubman SB. The Clubman SI and Delta TI get brand new layouts and the Lexon 560 and Delta RS have undergone significant revisions to their existing layouts.

Below we take a look at what buyers can expect from the new ranges.

All about the beds

The new 2011 season models will see an extra layout added to the Clubman range in the form of the SB – a twin single bed model. The twin single berther has been arranged with access to the rear end bathroom between the bunks, making it ideal for couples not wanting to wake their partner in the middle of the night when nature calls.

A new addition to the Lexon family comes in the shape of the 530 which will house an end washroom and near-side fixed double bed.

The island bed layout in the Clubman SI model has been reconfigured so it now runs across the side of the ‘van. In the Delta TI, a new arrangement provides a brand new rear end washroom in place of the previous mid galley separate shower and toilet cubicles, and…

Bailey Caravans ends production of Pageant Series 7

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has announced that it will discontinue the production of Pageant Series 7 with immediate effect. The company released a statement explaining the popularity of the Alu-Tech ranges (the Bailey Pegasus and Olympus) has been “detrimental” to the sales performance of non Alu-Tech caravans, or what Bailey is terming its “classic construction” range.

The Bristol firm believes “most notably this has affected Pageant Series 7 to the extent that this established range no longer generates enough orders to justify its continued inclusion within the portfolio.”

The company concluded with the view that “in line with the Bailey policy of responding to customer feedback and building what the market demands, the decision has therefore been taken to discontinue the production of Pageant Series 7”.

After sales and support for the Bailey Pageant

For those still hoping to purchase a Pageant Series 7, Bailey has revealed there are a few models still available within the Retail Network. Anyone interested in acquiring one of these units can contact Bailey customer service on helpline@bailey-caravans.co.uk or 0117 305 2939 for information on availability.

Bailey has said it will continue to maintain the full after-sales and replacement parts supply service for any Pageant model up to ten years old. Any models older than this will receive a partial parts supply service.

The Alu-Tech future

Today’s statement from Bailey contained a possible hint towards a Pageant replacement in the new line-up. “We also remain committed to the introduction of additional new product ranges featuring this construction system in other sectors of the market in the future.” With the Olympus and Pegasus being joined by the luxury Unicorn model, there is certainly room in the new portfolio for an entry-level model.

In a recent interview with Caravan Times at the launch of the Bailey Unicorn, marketing director Simon Howard revealed that Bailey plans to eventually produce all its caravans on the new construction platform.

“This is the construction technique of the future for us. We’re going to be living in a totally Alu-Tech world”.

Are you a Pageant customer or owner affected by this story? Have your say in our online community