Bailey Caravans has announced a product recall on all single axle models in the premium Unicorn range, after a small number of reports of wheels becoming detached from the caravan.
The Bristol manufacturer issued a notice today recalling all Seville, Madrid, Valencia and Almeria models in the Bailey Unicorn lineup. The firm stated that “while the level of incidence is low, we are taking this matter very seriously – and as a matter of urgency we are currently working with our suppliers to identify the cause of the problem.” Until the problem is clarified Bailey has asked retailers to contact owners of affected Unicorn models “as a safety precaution”.
Speaking with Caravan Times earlier today, marketing director Simon Howard believes the number of Unicorns affected is in single figures. However he urged owners in the meantime to ensure their wheel bolts are correctly tightened to ensure safety. And with this in mind Bailey has released a guide which “reiterates the importance of torquing the wheel bolts in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Owner and Service Manuals prior to travelling with the caravan”.
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).
The manufacturer also recommended that wheel bolts should be tightened in sequence (each opposite fixing in succession) using a calibrated torque wrench.
Bailey has however warned 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
The Bristol manufacturer has advised that “if customers are unable to carry out this task they should take their caravan to their nearest 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
