Buying a caravan - Part 5 - Bailey

Part 5 of our buying a new caravan series. We visited Swindon Caravan Group in Wiltshire. We looked at a couple of Bailey of Bristol caravans, including the Bailey Unicorn Pamplona, The Bailey Unicorn Barcelona, the Bailey Pegasus Brindisi and the Bailey Pegasus Verona. We have now decided that we want a fixed bed, but not sure on the transverse layout or the French bed configuration.
Links to the Bailey Caravans : baileyofbristol...
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[@jaywright9924]

Watching this series, I’m beginning to think it’ll not be the caravan you love but the caravan you hate the least haha. Loving the series Dan, hope you find the one soon!

[@digitalchimpuk]

I have a love hate relationship with the Baileys. You've got no front locker which is where we store all the non essential crap, couldn't be without it now! Finding the right caravan is hard work, it took us over a year of umming and ahhing over layouts until we found the one we liked and we knew it as soon as we stepped inside. Ours is a Swift and initially I didnt like them but the layout etc works for us and I wouldn't swap it for anything..... yet!

[@MrTyger11]

Great video. We pick our brand new Pamplona up in 2 hours, with the 2019 colour scheme! Then streight off for 12 nights away😊

[@Gixer750pilot]

The frustration on your face at the end said it all

[@dan123collins]

Dan, could you do a video explaining all the different construction systems used by the caravan manufacturers - Swift Smart HT, Bailey Alu tech and SOLID etc. If you could do the advantages and disadvantages and what models and years that would be super. I briefly went on a caravan forum and it seams a minefield. Thanks

[@victorgomes7585]

M impression so far is that either Bailey or Swift do it for me . I think that Bailey has better built quality. And I love the aesthetic aspect of Bailey Caravans more.

[@jezzac7879]

Hi Dan this video so much reminds me of our search for a van. What we discovered there is isn’t a perfect van, just a van with the least compromises

[@malcolmqua9226]

Totally agree with you about those "crappy sinks" in the bathroom Dan. Why o why are they going that direction. Hard to beat a recessed or Belfast sink. Great videos. You're doing the spade work for me as I decide my next change.

[@thatveteran888]

We had one of them beds and it went within one season, now have a centre island bed, saved our marriage lol, now have the Elldis affinity 550

[@marcandsebe]

Mark Wareing Island bed all the way or singles if you don't get on lol!

[@davidbailey4533]

Great content keep em coming .

[@justinmorgan8128]

My wife is in total agreement with Angela regarding Bailey's interiors, she hates them with a passion, so we never have a good look at them, she walks through the door with a firm NO straight away. Now that you have tried the French bed style, I urge you to try the same version in the Swift Sprite, especially the dealer specials (more kit). Our van which is a dealer special Sprite Quattro EW, has the side French bed and end washroom, and our mattress has a less severe cut off than the Bailey. I'm quite a large chap Dan at 6ft tall and my leg doesn't dangle off the edge like yours did in the Bailey. As we keep saying, It's all personal choice, but it's one layout I suggest you look at.

[@marcandsebe]

Justin Morgan I had a dealer special Sprite. It had the single front window. That cracked and we didn't even open it. 3 windows at the front from now on. It also had lots of damp when we part exchanged it. Purchased new in 2005 and part exchanged in 2011, so only 4 years old.

[@fedaykeen]

Nice video, on first one you looked at.. well curtains to replace and cushion covers aint a deal breaker if everything else was ok.. plenty of online curtain makers, we used some when we bought our autotrail. * yes its was a motorhome but still had putrid curtains* good luck with your hunting.

[@lizleonard3681]

Hi Dan We have a swift challenger sport 584 we love it island bed plenty of room good colour scheme hope you find what you are looking for x

[@lizleonard3681]

It would be nice to be acknowledged

[@rebeccajaneacquah]

Hi I'm sure that when the three of you see what you like you will know it's the right one. This caravan will be your van not anyone else's and you have to pay for it therefore get the one you like not what you feel others are expecting you to have. You need to love your caravan like we do ours as your the ones going to have to live in it every time you go on holiday and just like when you go to a hotel you don't like you dont want to feel like that about your caravan. I have every faith you will find what you want and you will all love it. Good luck x 😉

[@vince_martyn]

Our Swift has that style bed that your not sure about, with a bit off the corner and climb over to get to the loo. It works ok for us, I don't notice the missing corner but I am shorter than you Dan. :-)

[@56phildean]

Hi Dan, I feel your pain, I think you have a similar wish list to us, namely a fixed rear inline bed, a mid located bathroom which can be accessed from the bedroom and the lounge independently. We ended up with a Compass Capiro 550, very similar to the Elddis Infinity but much lighter inside. The only thing I have found which I know will be an issue is the toilet cassette on the awning side, the van has everything else on our wish list. Take a look and let us know what you think. Good luck Phil

[@ianf6512]

Dan, having just re-visited this video as part of the start of our journey, can I ask what changed your mind about Bailey in the end. Loving the layout of your new van,

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Ian, it was a couple of things to be honest. Angela really fell in love with the Phoenix 640 layout at the launch day. She wasn't too struck on the colours, but as some of the demonstrators showed, by simply changing a few components it created a completely different feel. The second point was when we sat back in the Swift. although a minor point, the front seating area was smaller than that in the Bailey and the front chest stuck out which meant no one could snuggle back into the corner. minor points for many, but in the end it was so close between the Swift and the Bailey, we had to choose something. When Swindon contacted us about the dealer special, that really sealed the deal. It had all the bells and whistles - we couldn't really say no.

[@ianf6512]

@@TheTrudgians Thanks for that Dan. we've been to have a look at the Swift 560 Challenger today at Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury. Although the same layout as yours I was not impressed with the wall being directly at the bottom of the bed. as I'm 6' 3" and didnt quite fit. Going to take a trip to Lowdens Leisure in Nottingham tomorrow to have a look at their Pheonix 640 dealer special. Hopefully by the time we get to the NEC we may have agreed on a make and model lol.

[@jayhorri1584]

The 2019 models will be out soon and they normally change the colour scheme. Also I thought Bailey did a cost option different colour scheme.

[@theemery9515]

You have the same dilemma we as a family of 3 had. The 4 births didn't cut it so started looking at 5 or 6 berth. Decided for a double dinette layout. One at the back and one at the front. We leave the one at the back made up for us. We also looked at elddis 866 so could leave front made up for us and kids in the bunk. Side dinette for eating. The fixed beds just didn't cut as not very square.

[@tomstephens8040]

Hi Dan, I hope your search for your perfect caravan is going well. Some enlightening videos so far on the manufacturers and their layouts. I concur with your gripe about the tv sockets being too high, but as an engineer I have sussed out as to why. if you look at the still footage you can clearly see the fridge behind that panel. The sockets have been mounted just above the fridge. as they would be too deep to go any lower. Not just a manufacturer design error, but in fact functional reasons. I suppose also once the tv is mounted, the socket is higher too so you would cable tie the wires behind it. Just a thought. Happy caravan hunting, regards Tom.

[@fressie9359]

Sterling Eccles Ruby They're really good caravans for a family of three like you lot :)

[@hollielonergan9914]

Hi Dan Only one thing to say about Bailey Unicorns “they’re like noses everybody’s got one” lol 😂 Carry on looking you guys will find the right one. All the best Lee

[@davidtaylorbfd]

Loving these videos.

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

My parents find that my Dad sleeps down the wall side if he needs to get out in the night he goes to the end of the bed and slides out the end. If Angela doesn’t like the colour scheme why not go for the optional one? You will not go wrong with a Bailey if you look at my review of our 2009 Bailey it has really stood the test of time so a new one will last for years. Also at the moment their is a offer where you get a free motormover with a new Unicorn. Hope you enjoy your search. Cheers Oliver

[@stevechurchman1824]

Hi Dan. Good video again. I have to say I have never really liked the styling of the Bailey Alu-Tech vans. I thought the Unicorns a few years ago were hideous. However the 2018 models seem to be better. I didn’t dislike the upholstery in the lounge but like you I felt the panel behind the bed wasn’t the best. I’m sure you will eventually find something to all of your tastes. The 2019 models will be out soon so upholstery options will change then. Take care. Steve

[@marcandsebe]

Steve Churchman I have to agree. Never liked Baileys either. The window at the front and rear light area on them were so ugly and looked like a afterthought.

[@victorgomes7585]

One very important point for me is that the stove cook top is not flashed against the wall. Otherwise pots with handles won't fit well.

[@tyke34]

Dealer Specials often have different colour schemes. Christine chose our Elddis purely on the colour scheme & the Island bed.

[@nickynoodle77]

I love my pursuit its the best layout we found we have the 560/5. So go and look and please don’t pull a face.

[@2007dangermouse]

Great videos in hope you fnd your caravan soon x

[@vicdunni]

Totally agree about the tv brackets, we bought a new Unicorn 🦄 and the dealer fitted a bracket using their special template as Fridge other side of wall but why dont they just fit them at the factory would cost them next to nothing !

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Hi Dan, we had a look around a bailey brindisi and found we couldn't shut to toilet door when on the loo and the hand basin was too close to the loo aswell.

[@Warrior6504]

You will find that if you want a lot off bang for your buck then you can't go wrong with a Bailey it's just having the right layout. I looked at the new unicorn Segovia but found it to small inside and I wanted a family van with the option of not having a awning every time so I went for the Palermo. There are things in the Palermo we didn't like , like the seats how uncomfortable they are so I had some better foam made to measure. I've also strengthened the rear bottom bunk to hold a young adult plus other improvements. You will never find the perfect caravan you just get used to the one you like the best. Good luck Dan and family and keep searching. 🔍🔎

[@pmx5ay]

Dan, the twin axle Pamplona exceeds your towing limit does it not? the Cabrera single axle identical layout but slightly shorter and it’s lighter. There is another option on colour layout for Baileys.

[@dianabrown1409]

I do love the style of them

[@northlancsscotsman7475]

Hi Dan, I have exactly the same grip as you when it comes to the tv bracket, however here is something to think on if you were thinking about buying a Bailey where the TV point is next to the fridge, I’ve just traded in my 2017 Elddis transverse bed layout for a twin bed Lunar Clubman because the layout didn’t work for the wife and I but when I was looking at the different vans in Campbell Caravans in Preston who are also a Bailey dealer, I also showed my frustration to the salesman about the Tv bracket and asked why is it Lunar can put one on the Clubman but Bailey can’t put one on the Unicorn? I was the informed that Bailey (or the dealer) will charge £300 to put one on because the fridge has to come out!!! Now I can’t confirm how accurate this information the salesman gave me was, but if this is correct it is very disappointing to hear and just sounds like horrendous profiteering from Bailey.

[@marcandsebe]

I own a Swift Challenger 580 island bed. It's a 2011 one and not transverse. I have never liked transverse beds. The new version with middle bathroom is one I would love to own and would be the perfect layout for me.

[@ashropshirelad]

I nearly wet myself watching this! Reminds me of my own family! Dan, watch your own videos and learn! Don’t involve the women! Just pick one and take it home! They’ll fill it with crap whatever you buy!! Lol

[@DummyloadFM]

i laught so hard reading this comment.

[@season.appreciation8102]

Oh dear! Mrs T is hard to please! We've been caravanning for over 30 years now, we've mainly had vans from the Swift Group, Swift, Bessacar, Sterling, even the couple of motorhomes we had were from that group. Then we discovered Bailey and have not looked back. There will always be things you don't like unless you pay for a custom built caravan 🤑🤑. Personally I HATE duel fuel hobs. The electric plate takes ages to heat up and even longer to cool down 😡give me gas any day, however the electric plate is a handy space to put awaiting pans etc. Our current Bailey is the most comfortable we've had and yes the upholstery is not what I would choose for my house but then I have never found a caravan with beautiful upholstery. Mrs T, cheap and tacky? No! ......... Can't wait to watch the next episode - maybe you are just Lunar lovers!! This is so entertaining for us out here because we can see ourselves in you guys. 😂 Happy hunting 😊

[@JJPODGaming]

You should check out the Hobby caravans unless weight is a problem, they are a beautiful van, especially the 'premium'

[@karynnmcnicol2754]

There's another colour of drapes etc you can choose instead of the lilac which we think is more restful.

[@theSwanniesdownunder]

It’s a real shame you don’t have the Hitch Hika HH68 up there. You’d love our set up.

[@Arbitrator207]

We have found the twin fixed bed layout as being most practical. No more disturbing the wife with my 60 year old bladder! Unicorn Cadiz S3 is very nice, don't like S4 though.

[@stephenjamesfaulkner3083]

thank you for your videos . just a comment on your tv(small letters) placement of plugs about 2 1/2 minutes in . surely if one had the points lower as lack of space is a premium , the placement of shelves could be there or even a cupboard as maybe an extra feature . Balagan steve

[@vicdunni]

If Angela didnt like the purple floral interior ( agree its awful) you could have had any unicorn layout with the Pamploma interior ; the duck egg and brown , we have that its much nicer 👍👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

Is that an ISO or a BS 11yr old? It could make a big difference. I have never owned a Bailey but a friend had one and they were very good a fixing things when they went wrong. There was a problem with PSU cables dropping out and they took on my suggestion to fix and supplied the parts. We have a french bed in Desmond and have no problems either legs dropping out or the inside person sliding out of bed for the loo.

[@simonesiepmann3950]

You should look at the Knaus Starclass.

[@timbazley9809]

I'm surprised these caravan manufacturers don't offer a choice of decor inside. After all, even a very basic car like the Fiat Panda gives you a choice of seat colours!

[@karlstevens3348]

Why not try Lunar Delta Ri. Couple of negative comments I.e. toilet on near side ( Personally not a prob to me) also couches a bit on the shorter size but great as a bed. Rest of the van to me is perfect. Good tow match for your X5

[@affinitycaravanning78]

This is so like the conversations we have ! Just like us, your more than half way through the mid range UK market and you can't put a shortlist of vans on 1 hand yet 😁🤔🤔... The next thing that happens is the bloke detects "caravan shopping fatigue" in the wife, you have to then drop the conversations about vans for up to a week before sneaking back in with "so, did you think anymore about blar blar caravan dear? 😀

[@SeasideVanlife]

It is a cost but curtains can be changed, if everything else works. X

[@HowardB54]

Why do they ( not just Bailey) only provide one mains socket for tv? Many people now have Sky box or HD recorder. My 2011 Sterling Celebration has 2 sockets.

[@paulpringle8263]

Hi Dan think very hard about a non island bed. We had one once and hated it

[@scotiajinker8392]

The colour scheme on the first van is an optional extra, there’s a debate on all forums if the tv will go on the wall , bailey seemingly have changed their minds. I agree about the toilet sink , more ornament than use and the kitchen sink is a bit wee. You should have had a look at the Cadiz, only real gripe is the toilet sink as I said before also some idiot has put a shelf above it thus when you’re rinsing your face you bang your head off the shelf.

[@Dusty2feathers]

Most designers of these caravans are supposed to be 'caravanners' themselves and proclaim to know what caravanners want. But sadly the opposite is the case. You're absolutely right regarding the TV points being high up, very poor design. And why are the mains electrics on the nearside. It needs to be on the off side.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you - yep, 100% agree.

[@broadiegeorge]

Hi why don't you look at 2017 Bailey with different colour scheme?

[@HereWeTow]

Getting ever closer at least one of you liked some of them ! 😂 👍

[@eddieharris409]

Buying a caravan is a compramise.You missed the cadiz, single beds really do work, no " roll together"put the table between them and there's another lounge for the kids to play cards etc.you do get more stuff with Baileys inc solar panel,atc, tyre pressure monitor, loads usb charging,oh and tv brackets, dealers will fit them where you like ,depending on the tv size and the height you want,salad bowl sink not good

[@alanjackson4646]

Reference French bed cut off corner, surely this is only a problem if you sleep flat on your back.

[@jimmyjohnstone7258]

He looks like a flat on back man.

[@jackturtle131]

You can always import one from Australia but than you need an bigger truck

[@jimmyjohnstone7258]

The adults in bed will have the night time toilet using kids passing them. The loo location is fine for just two people but I would not want others passing inches from me in the night.

[@carlyfellows8158]

😂😂 think Angela has answered the question regarding Bailey’s!

[@davidtaylorbfd]

Why don't you like those kind of toilet sinks?.

[@robforrest12739]

David Taylor We’ve got one in our Elddis and it’s fine - no issues and looks good imo. Not sure I’m missing anything and not had a problem in over 50 nights out....

[@victorgomes7585]

Bailey Australia build a model that's called Pursuit. You might wanna check it out?:-)

[@philashmorecarpfishing455]

Did you look at the Valencia

[@TheTrudgians]

Yes we did, the same outcome sadly. Dan

[@wannabepikey]

Neither of us will be Slimming World champions, but we don't find the bed and cut off to be an issue.

[@katcankan7129]

The search continues......

[@fester.]

the side bed is a really bad for getting out if you need the loo,we would'nt have another

[@davidmbell]

Sockets can’t come down that bulkhead due to fridge

[@TheTrudgians]

but, they could put them on the ledge of that shelf?

[@davidmbell]

But then if you used a bracket(!) they’d have to run up the wall? Guess they can’t win...

[@davidmbell]

In the rear island bed Bailey Pamplona is that the one with the silly fold down bed that anyone over 10 stone sat on it it’d risk collapsing? 🤷‍♂️ And you can’t have it open front to rear without exposing the loo to the rest of the ‘van 😷

[@omega7311]

We have the pursuit fixed bed ,don't forget the sheets keep your feet in ,toilet yeh ,don't drink late at night ,or a quick nudge in the ribs,gets you sitting on the side till the Mrs comes back ,no big hasell cause you love em don't you

[@alanpostma5861]

I don’t think Angela want to lose The clubman

[@paulreimers6805]

Sorry guys I think Bailey are cheap and cheerful! Good luck with the search

[@vicdunni]

You could have had the Pamploma with the nicer option fabrics ( Angela would like i think ) which is cheaper as its the standard option. I agree the purple flowers ( upgrade option ) are dire 🤮🤮

[@nicaboo9775]

Blimey they're selling the same 2018 vans for the same money or more 4 years later!!

[@petrolhead9027]

No front locker and battery under floor put me off

[@andytaylor9032]

Everyone seems to have Baileys. I'd move on and look elsewhere

[@britannia55]

That is the reason I don't like fixed beds, you can't get out without disturbing your partner,

[@lynnrixson1094]

The inside is often just as tacky or ugly.

[@lynnrixson1094]

Can’t stand Bailey ‘s awful outside graphics. Tacky says it well

[@waynemartin4881]

Ooo er in bed with Dan and Angela 😜