by Joe Jeffrey
Bailey caravans successfully complete 6,000km Australian Outback endurance test
Bailey caravans have completed one of the toughest towing endurance tests ever undertaken, with an epic 6,000 kilometre road trip adventure right across the centre of Australia.
The Bailey Australia West 2 East Challenge as it was named, started at the most westerly point of the country, Denham in Western Australia, on 21 August 2015 and the team then travelled eastwards through the centre of the country arriving at the most easterly point, Byron Bay in New South Wales, 14 days later on 3 September 2015.
The extreme challenge saw two caravans towed through some of the most remote parts of Australia, including iconic Outback locations such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, travelling over approximately 2,200 kilometres of gravel, dirt and corrugated roads in the process. Nice.
The vehicles used on the challenge were the first two Bailey Rangefinder models to be built in Australia. Bailey caravans were introduced into Australia five years ago and until now have been modified versions of those found in the UK, including current Pursuit, Pegasus and Unicorn ranges. However, following the formation of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bailey Leisure Pty Ltd, earlier this year, the next phase of the company’s expansion plan is to begin assembling caravans in Melbourne using a combination of British and Australian production and design expertise to develop models specifically tailored to the Australian audience.
During the two week trip both caravans stood up to everything the Australian Outback could throw at them and safely negotiated all of the obstacles put in their path, managing to complete this marathon of endurance almost totally unscathed and in doing so demonstrated that they could hold their own in even the toughest conditions.
As in the UK, one of the main contributing factors for the solid performance seen during the challenge was the use of Bailey’s Alu-Tech body shell construction system, as used on Bailey’s UK caravan ranges. The fully patented technology is said to produce vehicles that are more robust, more durable and yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods and offer greater protection against the elements to keep owners comfortable, safe and secure all year round – making caravans manufactured this way ideally suited for the rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions found Down Under.
Commenting on the successful completion of the West to East Challenge, Bailey of Bristol Marketing Director Simon Howard, who also stepped up to the plate and took part in the challenge, said: “This has been the most severe real-life endurance test we’ve ever undertaken and for the caravans to cope in the way they have is further testimony to the unrivalled strength and durability of the Alu-Tech construction system.”
“Since the introduction of Alu-Tech six years ago we have put our leisure vehicles through their paces both on the leading test-tracks in the UK and Europe and as far afield as the Swiss Alps in mid-winter and the Australian Outback in mid-summer. In all instances they have stood up to everything both the terrain and the weather has thrown at them, meaning you can be confident of going where and when you want in a Bailey Alu-Tech caravan or motorhome.
“In addition to providing a thorough examination of our products the West to East Challenge has also taken us through some of the most remote and spectacular parts of the planet, proof if needed that caravans really do allow you to visit the places that other holidays cannot reach,” Howard added.
The full story of the West to Challenge will be told in a series of soon to be released videos, but in the meantime – for an insider’s view of what went on during the two week tour – take a look at The Caravan Club‘s overseas media correspondent and team member, Hannah Pointer’s, entertaining travel blog here.
The Bailey Rangefinder range will initially consist of three models and will be launched at the Melbourne Leisurefest show which runs from 8 – 11 October. For more product information check out the Bailey Australia website here.
