Introducing Cabrera and Pamplona: two new Unicorn models from Bailey Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

Has it really only been a year since the Bailey Unicorn first appeared on the caravan market? Since its launch twelve months ago the Unicorn has become a firm favourite, accounting for impressive sales figures at last year’s October caravan show. As Bailey’s first true “luxury” model, the Unicorn brought a whole new level of interior quality – later echoed in the second generations of Pegasus and Olympus. And so in response to the enthusiasm of customers, Bailey has announced they will be adding two new models to the best-selling 2012 range.

In order to expand the choice of layouts available, the Bristol manufacturer has introduced the Unicorn Cabrera and Unicorn Pamplona. Based on the Virginia and Louisiana models from the previous Bailey Senator range, these new layouts should prove popular with those who recall the former range-topping model.

Alu-tech construction, classic layout

Island beds appear to be the headline, with both vehicles featuring an arrangement proving increasingly popular with caravanners. The Unicorn Cabrera is a four-berth model with an island bed on a single-axle platform, while the Pamplona uses the same format but on a twin-axle. Both models draw upon their Senator predecessors by retaining the luxurious end bedroom configuration, with a rear wall-mounted fixed double bed. What’s new here is a central en-suite bathroom consisting of a separate shower cubicle on the offside, and a spacious washroom with hand basin and heated Alde towel rail on the nearside. A well appointed kitchen and parallel bed front lounge completes the layout.


Those familiar with the new generation of Bailey Caravans will know all Unicorn models feature the Alu-Tech bodyshell system. Created to solve the problem of water ingress and thermal problems, the strong and simple construction allows Bailey to offer a ten year body shell integrity guarantee. All Unicorn models have also achieved Grade III Classification of Thermal Insulation, theoretically allowing the owner to use the caravan all year round.

Where you can see it

Bailey will be showing the new Unicorn models for the first time at the Motorhome & Caravan Show on Tuesday 11 October 2011. Visitors to Stands 19-29 will be able to tour the Pamplona and Cabrera up close, as well as see the first ever motorhome from Bailey.

If you’d like to hear the latest news from Bailey first, click here to join our Bailey Caravans Group in the Caravan Times community.

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre: A beginners’ guide to towing mirrors

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by Chris Jefferies
When you’re looking to safely set up your caravan for its first trip away, one of the most important things to sort out is your field of vision.
Although many caravanners neglect to use them, towing mirrors are cheap and easy to fit, and much more importantly, they are a legal necessity.
Every motorist towing a caravan that is wider than their car needs to fit towing mirrors, and pretty much the only cars that don’t fall into this category are supercars such as the Bentley GT Continental.
For the rest of us who can’t afford such a flashy ride, the law specifies that you need to be able to see clearly in an area that is four metres wide from the side of your caravan at a distance 20 metres behind the driver.
This is quite a large area (see diagram below), which can be partly obscured by the corners of your caravan if you rely on normal car mirrors, even those on a 4×4.

Without towing mirrors, it is quite easy to miss a cyclist or a motorcyclist, and you are also much less likely to spot a car moving out from behind to overtake.
As well as running the risk of causing a nasty accident, towing without mirrors can result in police prosecution in the form of three points on your license and a fine of up to £1,000.
Fortunately, there is plenty of choice when it comes to towing mirrors and they are among the most affordable caravan accessories, with a some available for less than £10 each.
Spoilt for choice
When it comes to choosing your towing mirrors, Milenco are the market leaders in the UK and indeed most of Europe, with a whole host of industry awards to commend their wind-tunnel tested range.
Many of the Milenco mirrors sit at the pricier end of the range, with the Aero Mirror costing upwards of £18 each, but the advantages of this model include a rust and dirt-resistant, stainless steel and brass screw system, so they’re very unlikely to fall off in transit.
You can also choose the option of convex glass, for an even wider field of vision, and all Milenco products are E-marked, meaning they comply with all the relevant EU regulations.
Cheaper options include Towsure, who offer a clip-on mirror for around £9 each, while Halfords also provides towing mirrors at a similar price that come with adjustable rubber straps.
Milenco also offer a basic option called the Safety Mirror for just £6, although it’s important to note that not all the mirrors on the market will be wide enough for your caravan, so careful measurement is essential.
It’s also important to check that your mirrors aren’t too wide, as the law has something to say here as well. The mirrors must not protrude by more than 25cm (or 20cm on cars made sold before 26th January 2007), when compared with the width of your caravan.
Beware cheap imitations
Nigel Milbank, managing director of Milenco, warns that buyers should be careful when selecting their mirrors: “There are a ridiculous number of illegal mirrors being sold in high street shops.
“Bear in mind they need to stand up to strong winds and not fold up when something large passes you in the other direction,” he added.
Whilst picking out the ideal set of towing mirrors can take careful consideration, the total cost is nothing compared with an accident or a fine, so this is an area that it’s really not worth cutting corners on.

Farmers’ market and bingo on offer at Malvern Caravan Show

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by Chris Jefferies

Launching later this month, the Malvern Caravan Show is clearly aiming to be much more than just a collection of tourers in a field.

Running from September 30th to October 2nd, this inaugural caravan show will play host to the best of the 2012 ranges on display, including models from Swift, Elddis, Coachman, Bailey and Adria.

Caravan lovers will also find plenty of family-friendly activities on offer at this new three-day event, including giant scalextric, laser clay pigeon shooting, a dog show, a farmers’ market, Rock ‘n’ Roll bingo and there’s even a Johnny Cash tribute act on the Saturday night.

Furthermore, those staying over can enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Three Counties Showground in the Malvern Hills, with on-site facilities including toilet and shower blocks, Elsan disposal, a shop, catering and a bar.

Sharon Gilbert, Press and PR Manager at the Three Counties Agricultural Society, said: “In spite of the recession, which has inevitably had some impact on manufacturers, the market for caravanning breaks is booming.”

Prices start at £30 for three nights (£40 with electric hook-up) and this covers all the activities as well.

2012 Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport arrive at dealerships

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by Marcus Dubois

Earlier this summer Swift Caravans revealed an all-new range of caravans to succeed the Charisma and Europa models. And after an eventful few weeks of press coverage and reviews, caravanners can now view the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport at dealerships around the country.

Dealers took delivery of the first of these brand new models at the end of last month ahead of the Caravan Extravaganza at the Lawns. For most visitors to the annual caravan show in Cottingham this was their first chance to view the striking new tourers- and many were enthused by the fresh designs.

Click here to watch our video feature on the new 2012 Swift ranges

Family resemblance

The Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport are the 2012 replacements for the popular Charisma and Europa ranges. Those caravans were always set to be a tough act to follow, yet Swift has acted boldly in completely redesigning the look and feel of the ranges. A new curved exterior profile echoes that of bigger brother the Swift Challenger, and also features an optional panoramic sunroof. Meanwhile the interior features improved upholstery and luxury appointments, giving a premium feel to these mid-range caravans.

“A real reason to change”

Darren Bull recently took his first delivery of the new models at Cornish dealership Atlantic Caravans, and was excited by the response so far.

“With these new Sport models, Swift has hit the nail on the head – in the main because it’s significantly lighter. I’ve got a guy who had a 2010 Charisma 535, which was a really small fixed bed. He’s currently looking at the equivalent in the Challenger Sport range, which is a little lighter in weight, and yet it’s a bigger ‘van. This means Swift have given people a real reason to change.”

And Darren was similarly enthused himself by the design of the new Swifts.

“We recently got the Sport 514 in, and having spent more time with it in the flesh, it’s absolutely cracking. The upholstery is spot on, and the “Sport” term is just right for this – it has a stance where it actually looks like it’s raring to go. Last year, those people who were looking at the design of the Challenger and Conqueror wouldn’t even go near the Charisma. But now it’s completely different. This really could save people money with an attractive package.”

Used Caravan of the Week: 2005 Bailey Pageant Champagne

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by Chris Jefferies

When it comes to buying used caravans, sometimes you’ll find a quality tourer that’s distantly related to a brand new model but for a fraction of the price. And in this latest edition of Used Caravan Of the Week we’ve found a Bailey Pageant that fits the bill quite nicely.

Bailey Caravans only phased out the Pageant range in 2009, replacing it with the Alu-Tech Pegasus models and the family resemblance is clear as this caravan’s popular four-berth, side dinette layout can be seen carried on in the Bailey Pegasus II Milan.

Whereas the 2012 model has an RRP of £16,895, this particular six-year old caravan is currently going at a fraction of that price and according to the seller it is still in “excellent condition”.

History

With only one-previous family owner, it’s clear that this ‘van has been carefully looked after, and the seller is only cashing in due to a “recent change of circumstances”.

The interiors and wood panelling have aged well and the only problems pointed out are “minor cosmetic imperfections”.

For added peace of mind, this caravan is CRIS registered in the previous owner’s name and has no outstanding finance to pay. Furthermore, the seller is even willing to deliver, provided the buyer agrees to pay the fuel costs incurred.

Kit and caboodle

This listing includes a Suncamp porch awning, an Aquaroll 40-litre water barrel, Aqua waste water, electric hook-up and a gas bottle all thrown in.

Other premium features include an AL-KO stabiliser, blinds on all of the windows, dual-fuel central heating, a panoramic rooflight and a Status TV aerial and booster.

What’s more, the fully bonded exterior body shell still has one year of its integrity guarantee remaining.

Perhaps most strikingly, the Champagne features an appealing end-on bathroom with a domestic-style curved shower door, which looks highly spacious.

All things considered, it’s hardly surprising that this tourer has already attracted 23 bids. Although the going rate is sure to rise beyond the current level of £2,000, this still represents a great opportunity for those looking for a well kitted-out, modern caravan that’s ready to roll.

  • Price: £2,050 (reserve not yet met)

  • Gross vehicle weight: 1,350kg

  • Overall Length: 22’8″

  • Width: 7′ 6″

  • Berth: 4

  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details of the 2005 Bailey Pageant Champagne for sale



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Classic Sprite caravan to begin local art gallery tour

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by Chris Jefferies

Every caravan enthusiast knows that Sprite caravans are built to last, but this fifty year old caravan has been given a new lease of life as a touring art gallery.

Converted by contemporary gallery Duckett and Jeffreys, this tiny tourer will be heading off on a regional tour over the next couple of weeks, starting at the Ryedale Folk Museum in Yorkshire on September 16th.

The purpose of the tour is to draw attention to the work of the gallery’s 23 local artists, including painters, sculptors, felt-makers, ceramicists, print makers and even a blacksmith.

Stef Mitchell, founding artist at Duckett and Jeffreys, who will be on the tour, said: “We aim to show artists that are brave, confident and imaginative.”

The 11-venue tour, featuring this 1960s Sprite caravan, will continue until October 16th with a final stop-off at the Inspired By Gallery in Danby.

For full details of this caravan art gallery tour, click here.

Blogging policeman in stolen caravan plea

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by Chris Malone

An internet-savvy West Midlands policeman has used his blog to appeal for information relating to a stolen caravan.

The Compass Rallye 650 was taken from a caravan storage park on Solihull Lodge’s High Street between August 31st and September 2nd.

Sergeant Paul O’Reilly is hopeful that his posting will yield information that will lead to the tourer’s return.

He noted that the 26.5 ft twin-axle caravan would have been particularly difficult to manoeuvre in a tight space and suggested that the perpetrators may have had experience of moving such vehicles before.

The policeman also believes that there was more than one person involved in the theft, which saw the criminals bypass three security devices and an active alarm system to escape with the vehicle.

“I am sure you can imagine the delight it would bring the true owners to have their caravan restored to them,” Sergeant O’Reilly said.

In other news, the Seaford Standard has reported that homes in Ruskington have been targeted by burglars who strike when they notice their owners’ caravans are missing from the driveway.

VIDEO: Exploring the new layouts on the Swift Challenger Sport

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by Marcus Dubois

Earlier this summer, Britain’s biggest manufacturer of touring caravans and motorhomes, Swift Caravans launched a brand-new entry-level range. Named the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport, these caravans will replace the outgoing Swift Charisma and Sterling Eccles ranges.

In the third of a four-part series, Marcus Dubois speaks to designers Mick France and Chris Milburn about the interior space offered by the two new layouts, the single-axle 514 and the twin-axle 636. Furthermore, the team discuss the improvements made to the kitchen areas in these caravans.

The Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport ranges will be on sale later this year, with prices ranging from £13,675 for the two-berth 382 layout to £17,425 for the twin-axle family model, the 636.

Friendly Club to run 2012 Olympics caravan site in East London

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners looking for convenient accommodation for the London 2012 Olympics have been just given a brand new option by the Camping and Caravanning Club.

A 320-pitch site is due to be opened at the WaterWorks Nature Reserve and Golf Centre in Leyton, the Friendly Club has announced, with caravan enthusiasts due to be welcomed during the months of July and August.

This encouraging development comes after The Caravan Club bowed to vehement public opposition earlier this summer and abandoned its plans for a gigantic 1,300-pitch site in Chigwell, which would have been built on land owned by the parents of former Olympic sprinter Sally Gunnell.

Although the Leyton site will be less than a quarter of the size, it is unlikely to be beaten for convenience, as the Friendly Club claims that caravanners will be within a ten-minute walk of the Olympic Park.

The new caravan site will open its doors on July 20th for four weeks, offering full camping facilities and onsite catering, but no electric hook-up, all for £45 per night, with a minimum three-night stay.

Paul Jones, Membership Services Director at the Friendly Club, said: “To have secured an event site so close to the Olympic Park is a major coup for the Club. We are continuing to work with a number of partners to help ensure the success of these temporary campsites.”

The Camping and Caravanning Club also has availability at the 247-pitch Old Gravesendians Rugby Club site for Olympics visitors planning their trip to London next summer.

Britain’s first caravan puppet theatre to tour the country

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by Chris Jefferies

A team of theatre enthusiasts in Scotland have lovingly converted a two-berth caravan into a touring puppet theatre, with performances due to take place in Glenesk this weekend.

Sokobauno Theatre have called their creation The Little Fawn and they hope to take it on a nationwide tour, following on from its premiere at Traquair Fair last month.

Shane Connolly, musician and puppeteer for Sokobauno told the Brechin Advertiser: “This is an exciting new project for us. Over the next few years we hope to take it all over the UK to many hundreds of children and adults.”

He added that the conversion project was a labour of love, as they used a vintage 1968 Cheltenham caravan as the starting point.

Caravan lovers in the Brechin area this weekend (September 10th) can catch the caravan puppet theatre performances at regular intervals from 12 noon until 5pm at The Glenesk Retreat.

Agnes Lowden of the retreat’s curatorial group is looking forward to the performances as they hark back to the venue’s Victorian roots.

“This caravan coming to us now is just like a Victorian showman setting up here, with families coming to see what he has to show [and] we are delighted,” she said.

Tickets cost £5 per head and this also includes a free theatre workshop with the performers. The puppet show, ‘Weasel in Love’ is suitable for all ages.

Caravan Club: Almost any car can tow a caravan

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by Chris Malone

Brits consider buying a caravan should not be put off by fears that their towcar will not be up to the job, according to the latest comments from the Caravan Club.

According to technical manager Martin Spencer, almost all cars are suitable for towing a tourer of some description, with only a few exceptions.

Anyone with a full car B licence can tow a tourer, although those who passed their test after the beginning of 1997 will have to take an additional test in order to drive the heaviest combinations of towcar and caravan, he added.

“Some very small cars are not rated as capable of towing by their manufacturers, as are some sports cars and most electric/hybrid models,” Mr Spencer noted.

“A handful of models cannot be fitted with a towbar, due to design issues or production volumes, which make it impractical to develop the towing equipment.”

Despite this, he claimed that “the overwhelming majority of ‘normal’ cars” can tow very well when matched to an appropriate caravan.

Converted caravan used to broadcast from Shrewsbury Folk Festival

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by Chris Jefferies
Vintage caravans have been used for many things over the years, but the owner of this tourer showed a real sense of ambition by turning it into a fully-functioning broadcast studio.
Charles Denscombe is a retired technology teacher and he got hold of this retro ‘van (which appears to be a Carlight) for just £500, he told the BBC.
Charles went to his local dealer with quite a limited budget, but didn’t come away empty handed. “He went out back and said: ‘It’s a write off, it’s a wreck’. I said: ‘That’ll do’.
The conversion process wasn’t exactly a smooth ride, he continues: “One wall fell out, so we took the caravan apart and rebuilt it. A thousand quid later I’m on this installation course and learn how to point this thing at a satellite and turn it on.”
Unfortunately the technological demands of the caravan meant that many of the creature comforts had to be jettisoned, with Charles removing the shower and toilet and replacing them with an internet server.
All this was done for the benefit of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, which took place at Berwick Road showground last weekend.
Charles and his technical team recorded each act as they took to the stage and presented them with a DVD of their performance just minutes after they left the stage.
Acts on the bill included Bellowhead, Imagined Village, Oysterband, Show of Hands and Shropshire’s own John Kirkpatrick.