Caravan Awards 2024: Best Couples' Caravan

WINNER – Best Couples' Caravan

Bailey Phoenix GT75 420

(Photo courtesy of Richard Chapman)

Why the Bailey Phoenix GT75 420 caravan?

We could have been spoiled for choice in this category, given that there is a plethora of fixed bed four-berths that are, of course, popular with – and designed for – couples. But we decided this category winner should be a thoroughbred couples’ layout – a two-berth.

The Phoenix GT75 420, at 1,142kg MTPLM, is one of the lightest two-berths on the market, so has wide appeal. That’s one judging box ticked. Next, we assessed its practicality. And this is where the 420 scored very highly, because its kitchen is enormous, given the 4.3m body length of the caravan.

In addition to the surface area to the right of the hob and around the sink, the hob’s cover that matches the surface can be lowered, so more than doubling work surface area. And there’s more. Opposite, above the fridge, is another large surface. And here is a strong clue to the fact that Bailey's new Phoenix GT75 (and also Bailey’s new Pegasus Grande GT75) models have a feature that is unique as a standard feature in touring caravans: a Sonos Roam sound system.

A look inside

There’s a recess for the unit in a console by the surface above the fridge and, alongside, a built-in phone charging pad. The Sonos Roam allows you to stream from your smartphone, tablet or computer; Roam automatically pairs with your phone when you are touring. Known for its high-quality sound, Roam is waterproof so can be used outside; it’s powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that gives you up to 10 hours of play time.

A clever feature of the 420 is the position of the table, to the right of the door. The way in which it is held in place is ingenious, with not just a plastic turn-button that you commonly find inside cabinets designed for tables, but also a hinged panel with a push-button release. It’s neat, secure, and it’s super easy to get the table in and out.

The ledge above the table housing is a perfect place for keys as you step inside, and above are two coat hooks. The shower room accommodates the wardrobe plus four shelves. There’s a cabinet under the (almost square) washbasin. Two bright spotlights focus down from the shelf above the mirror.

Kitchen storage comes in the form of two cabinets, one with two shelves, the other with three, plus a cutlery drawer with a soft-close mechanism, and a double-doored top cabinet.

In classic two-berth fashion, you can transform the lounge into a double bed (1.8m by 1.4m) or use the sofas as single beds (1.92m by 61cm).

Specifications