by Holly Tribe
Last week Bailey Caravans issued a statement to advising of an unusual level of wheel detachments on single axle Unicorn models – the Seville, Madrid, Valencia and Almeria.
Please read the initial report here
Bailey today spoke with Caravan Times to update readers on the current situation and revealed their continuing investigation of the problem.
No further incidences
Marketing Director Simon Howard advised there have been no further incidence of wheel detachments since the problem was identified last week. However, the firm remains concerned that reports of around ten such occurrences is above average for this type of problem.
Mr Howard noted that “a low background level of detachments can be expected annually, perhaps one or two, but the recent level is too high to be comfortable with,” and Bailey will be conducting a thorough investigation into the problem.
As yet, no discernable pattern to the wheel detachments has been identified, and the problems have not been associated with a particular batch.
VOSA approved specialist
The firm received the first batch of affected Bailey Unicorn models back from dealers yesterday and will be employing the services of a VOSA approved forensic expert to examine the vehicles thoroughly. The outcome of the investigation will be made available as soon as possible.
Bailey is urging owners of single axle Unicorn models to be vigilant and check the tightness of the wheel bolts using a torque wrench. If customers are unable to carry out this task they should take their caravan to their nearest Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre.
Guidance from Bailey Caravans on torquing Unicorn wheels
Bailey recommends that the correct torque setting for the Alloy wheels fitted to the current Unicorn range is: 110 Nm (81 Ft/lbs). Wheel bolts should be tightened in sequence (each opposite fixing in succession) using a calibrated torque wrench.
It warns against using items such as a corner steady brace or electric power wrench for torquing the wheels, “as it as dangerous to over tighten as to under tighten the bolts”.
The firm recommends that “as per the instructions in the manual, this should be done before every journey made with the caravan.”
Contacting your Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre
All work affecting this specific wheel issue will be carried out under warranty. Bailey also informed Caravan Times that all owners affected will be contacted by letter, and that “details of the appropriate follow-up action required will be made available in due course”.
Click here for full details of how to contact your Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre . Alternatively you can telephone the Bailey Customer Helpline on 0117 305 2939 or email helpline@baileycaravans.co.uk
