Bailey Discovery - THE HONEST REVIEW

[@Alanicus1]

I'm picking up one of these tomorrow, having upgraded from a D4-3. The van is only 3 feet longer but the internal space seems massive by comparison. Don't need a radio or a microwave so very glad these were omitted to keep the price (and weight) down.

[@thecaravanplace]

Great Caravan 👍

[@lyndaclark1443]

We have just bought this van from you and cannot wait to get on the open road with it. I feel its a beautiful modern, light, airy caravan.

[@thecaravanplace]

I love this van. Wanted it for myself 🥲.

[@CaravanningwiththeMrs]

We're new to caravanning and has one of these since Oct 2020. We absolutely LOVE it - having not come across a car radio in a car for the last ten years, they always seem dated or retro to me and I don't see why they still insist on fitting them to caravans. We much prefer an all singing all dancing decent smart TV with a good Internet connection which we have always been able to get. The gas locker is a bit of a pain, but when you get the technique right it's OK, we've got two 6kg bottles in ours - of horse they last forever anyway. Thanks for the video, we enjoyed it.

[@thecaravanplace]

Great to hear your comments. Thank you 👍

[@wordweaver58]

Because some of us oldies have old CDs we only listen to in the caravan. It's a nostalgia thing. Guess we'll just get a blue tooth speaker and use an old phone dedicated to our music files. Just a couple of more things to pack. Or maybe a grammaphone and some 78s.

[@andyr5029]

We never use the in-built radios in a caravan preferring to use the wireless speaker instead. The sound quality is better and you can control the media (radio, spotify etc) from your mobile phone. A microwave is a must for us too.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Hmm quite like the pared back, simple look. Music wise, in caravans gone by, we've always struggled getting a decent radio signal. We used to put it down to being encased in all that metal ? We're now in a leak- free GRP Freedom Jetstream Twinsport and the radio reception is ....perfect !

[@wasdave]

I have an Xplore 422 and ordered it with the optional microwave. I use it most times when I'm away. I also use the stereo.

[@bizarremagick]

"Should they just have put **** in for the extra couple of quid?". Those extra couple of quids (perhaps extra £20.00 each time for the parts and then fitting time, check online for the price of a USB light fitting) add up and they are trying to keep it to a £20,000 price point. Most of the things you mentioned could be easily upgraded by the new owners. This means that the manufacturer can keep the advertised price down and let the new owner make the 'improvements' if they wish. Yes we do use the microwave in our caravan (a quick easy way to heat up or cook, particularly in a caravan). We also use the radio and the electric hob and the oven. A good point about the room divider as well in previous comments. We all have different needs and wants and this caravan will be ideal for some, just as our twin axle, fixed bed, mid bathroom Swift is perfect for us. BTW Mark are you a caravanner?

[@thecaravanplace]

I'm a now and again caravanner, which is more again than now. We end up using a different caravan every time, and to be honest as long as we have somewhere to sleep with heating thats all we really need normally. We have just been away off grid so usb lights and solar panel was a must, so it really does come down to how you use the caravan as to what you need, but that can change especially this last year or so. Thanks for your comments.

[@alanmuncaster7357]

After much thought we decided to get back to a bit more basic caravanning and have changed our Bailey Unicorn Cabrera for a Discovery D4-4 and in the process have shed some 325 kg. The bedroom and bathroom are pretty much the same as our Valencia we had 4 years ago. The only small issue is the fiddly gas locker. Its big enough for the two of us. Radio I'll put a small DAB in. Currently I tow with a Transit Custom so when I come to change the tug I won't need a large car and indeed some hybrids will now do the job.

[@thecaravanplace]

I think this may be a way forward for a lot of people over the coming years, with cars potentially changing lighter caravans are a must.👍

[@mistsmogguru8378]

I have an older ranger 4 berth. Inside is as new with many bells and whistles. Exterior is also good. It's too good to change but it's a pain that some sites don't allow vans over a certain age.

[@johnboy4809]

Didn't know that was a thing with caravans, we've just bought an older folding camper in great condition but never thought some sites wouldn't allow it

[@chrisreeves403]

Never heard of this for touring caravans. Have never been asked age of van by any site

[@coriehart6590]

With the wrap around awning the air surport frame closes to door does get hit when opening the door.but being air you can push frame up and use to hold door open or split door and have top part open and bottom part closed

[@wordweaver58]

We bought a Ranger 2 berth from you couple of years ago. Now seeking to replace with 4 berth fixed bed under 1250kg mtplm. Fallen in love with Pursuit 430-4 but they are scarce as hen's teeth. Don't like the Discovery for the following reasons: INTERNAL: Hate that front window. Too narrow. We like a wide view when seated. Kitchen - the hob should be away from the lounge so splatters don't get on upholstery. Microwave should be included and we do listen to our old CDs in the caravan. USB points should be on both lights over fixed bed. What's point of the little phone shelf if no option to charge? EXTERNAL - We don't like the rounded body or the long A-frame. I'd bet putting bikes on that would exceed the nose weight limit anyway. If you want full fitted awning, you are forced to get the bespoke wrap around one, which is pointless or put up with porch awning which might not serve well in high winds. Bailey seems to have sacrificed function in favour of form.

[@robwestley7370]

Been caravaning since 1978 I have never turned the radio on, and now we don’t have any tv’s either, we use our iPads, the signal is so often rubbish, and goes all pixelated just when your getting to the best bit. I don’t use my hob to cook on if I can avoid it, and yes to a microwave I always cook my veg in it, and I try taking as many frozen meals that I have prepared before we go, in 500ml or 600 ml containers, our freezer takes about 12 of these containers, so it makes meal prep easy, just heat in the microwave.

[@thecaravanplace]

Thanks for watching and commenting, it really helps with tips like yours for when new people are watching the videos and can pick tips up from the comments also. 👍

[@airborne652]

Nice caravan a lot different to the vans I had when I was young 35 years ago. Where you had to foot pump for water and a shower room which was not fit for purpose. For my family set up I’d sooner have a single and bunk bed which would convert to a seat in the day for extra space and the usual double bed at the front.

[@thecaravanplace]

Thanks Ben 👍

[@rob2738]

Had ours 6 months, love it. It gets lots of interest at the ferry port! 😍

[@lindakirk698]

We have a Pegasus Modena which is very very similar. We use our m wave. Our washroom almost identical. No electric hob & just 3 gas ? We have 1 + 3. Love the cupbd under sink we haven't got that. Don't like the missing windows at the front either side of main. And no curtains! Otherwise I love this D4 4 & the wrap around awning is superb. Saw it @ NEC launch in 2019.

[@joshnnik]

Love a radio and microwave but not sure about the naked A frame. Is there no opening roof lights on these? Agree an attractive basic van and far better than a tent or diy commercial van build. Another nice review, thank you.

[@thecaravanplace]

Just 1 roof light which it didnt seem to miss out on any extra light, but maybe through the summer it may be a bit warmer without being able to open more than just 1. Really need to go away in it I think 🤔.

[@sharonfoster37]

We use the radio.

[@colinmossman8812]

Nice van, but it is a too long at over 7 Mt. A radio is always useful, shame it isn't included. I agree about the gas locker, it would be as you said , a bleeding nightmare. Also, haven't they discontinued the small lightweight gas bottles?

[@coriehart6590]

I just got one of these at beginning of year I use a LG wonder boom small Bluetooth speaker if I pair 2togeather heaps of noise

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

As a non hookup caravaner do all the lights work off 12v and is there a 12v TV point?? I looked at a smaller version and the sofa cushions didn't look very thick or comfy. Yes gas locker looked awkward as need lots of gas too be off grid.

[@thecaravanplace]

Im Pretty sure all the lights qre 12v, I need to check on the tv point. I didn't find them to bad but didn't spend too long on the cushions.👍

[@anncaswell8569]

I like it. It's like the Tardis.

[@iancharlton678]

Carpets….. Never roll them in…. always out, so they don’t curl up when you put them down 🙂

[@thecaravanplace]

Great advice.

[@stephbootie6514]

Always use radio if reception is good if its there use it ! .microwave essential for us ! Is th C/Van from towball to end of van 23.5ft or is it just body size.

[@thecaravanplace]

From towball to end 23.5ft 👍

[@stephbootie6514]

@@thecaravanplace Just fit in my storage area Thank you.

[@sparkmeister4706]

Always use the built in radio. But on the entry level and the way this is marketed. Im sure people will have their own smart speakers and stuff. Disagree with the IKEA element Adria have this box ticked.

[@newhorizons3451]

Do use radio and microwave, shame there is no dividing screen between bed room and living area?

[@daviddouglas4200]

Mark -- no comment regarding dividing the fixed bed space from the rest of the van -- not even a curtain ?

[@simonthefire]

Mark, swapped my analogue radio out for a DAB one as it’s more or less always on! Only used the microwave once on our last trip out so are they really necessary? Not sure I don’t have one at home so maybe that’s the reason I don’t use one😀 Another great video BTW

[@thecaravanplace]

Everyone uses the caravan different, so I suppose its hard to please everyone really so a hard choice of what to put in or not put in them. Appreciated 👍

[@andrewwhyman2202]

Never use radio as use phone & Bluetooth speaker. Also speakers often mounted in big boxes taking loads of room.

[@neiladams4136]

I can't work out if it's got exceptional amounts of headroom or if you're 4 foot 6" Mark ???

[@thecaravanplace]

Yep I'm not very tall 🤣🤣

[@richardcrisp6166]

Just collected a Coachman VIP and the Pioneer radio is rubbish and only FM so have brought a cheap DAB radio to use

[@thecaravanplace]

Reception is such a problem on the radio and tv aerials still.

[@anncaswell8569]

We don't use the radio

[@markcoupe8139]

We looked at Bailey discovery d42 as first time caravaners. But we went for Bailey pheonix 420+ instead found it much better value for money in my opinion. Would like your opinion on the Phoenix if possible please. Cheers mark excellent video as usual 👍

[@thecaravanplace]

I Like the Phoenix range. You do get that bit extra with the Phoenix, but I really like the shape of the Discovery range. I think its because I like tbe Airstream caravans and it reminds me of them. The Phoenix is possibly a bit better value for money if you want the extras you get 👍

[@dazzas3]

Door fly screen?

[@stevenbuckle8953]

Just ordered a new one of these and was going to order the wrap around awning but I’ve read reviews saying they don’t fit properly and make it difficult to open the door. Does anyone know what size porch awning would fit these?

[@danearp]

Hi Steven, my sister in law has one of these with the wrap around awning. Ever had a problem with it fitting or any problems with the door..... The best bit in it apart from you can have a pod for a bedroom is without the pod my brother in law has put a projector and a few little speakers... Its a great set up for the kids. Well worth if you can stretch to it.

[@alisterwest6987]

Van is OK a little sparton for us bathroom is good can't do without the microwave or radio just never use the oven wife makes me take her out for dinner well it is a holiday for her too 😊👍

[@thecaravanplace]

I don't think its a holiday if you have to cook. Eat out every night if we can. Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@ianchappell4199]

Don't use our Radio..

[@utube1818]

Hate the kitchen layout, the sink is similar to the last Bailey I had, takes up most of the worktop. Doesn't look like a lot of storage space either. Can't say I like it.

[@anncaswell8569]

We do use a microwave

[@mshumphries9552]

Never use our radio we take a Bluetooth speaker.

[@stuartmorgan9327]

Rarely use a radio - Bluetooth speaker is more commonly used. I wouldn’t miss the radio. Spend the cash elsewhere.

[@sbromose1]

No radio, no TV :-)

[@paulhunt1836]

A lot money for not a lot inside should of aleast had a microwave .

[@francescolippiello2520]

Una roulotte senza letto ??? Mha..

[@aliens1701]

Stop saying funky