BAILEY RANGER 510

Bailey has designed the new Series 5 Ranger to meet - if not exceed - expectations.

From the exterior, the new Ranger doesn't look hugely different to its predecessor, but step inside and you could be excused for thinking you'd stepped inside a caravan costing several thousand pounds more. In short, Bailey has changed the rules in this highly price-sensitive sector of the market. Suddenly, a sub-£10,000 price-tag doesn't equate to utilitarian interiors and spartan fixtures and fittings.

The Ranger Series 5 undoubtedly sets new standards in this sector of the market. Bailey has shifted the goalposts so that 'starter' or 'entry level' no longer implies basic facilities or spartan trim.

Critics will argue that the money Bailey has saved by streamlining its production processes would have been better re-invested in a stabilizer, better handbrake or even alloy wheels, but then again, those choices are perhaps better left to the individual customer.

Similarly inside, it could be argued that the lack of a radio or even speakers is a glaring omission in this day and age - but these days I prefer to pack my Roberts Revival, MP3 player and speakers and take my entire record collection with me.

It's difficult to put your finger on exactly how Bailey has imbued the new Ranger with this sense of comfort and quality - but it's probably summed up in the solid-looking cherry wood 'plinth' surrounding the new Heki II rooflight. It looks great and its quartet of four recessed spotlights illuminate the lounge perfectly. In short, it's characteristic of the attention to detail, form and function which separates Bailey from the chasing pack.

We've yet to get our hands on the Swift Group's updated Sprite range, but it will have to be seriously good to match the new Ranger. Otherwise, unless you're prepared to buy second hand or import your own continental 'van direct from Europe, it's difficult to see anything coming close for this kind of money.

PROS
• Price
• Weight
• Build quality
• Interior design
• Warranty/Backup
• Huge lounge

CONS
• Look of cabinet doors
• No stabilizer

Which Caravan Verdict

8.5 out of 10

SPECIFICATION

Guide price £10,595 (plus £405 delivery charge) Berths 4 Warranty Three-year parts   Six-year water ingress MRO 1025kg Payload tbc MTPLM 1261kg Internal length 5.05m (16ft 6in) Overall length 6.72m (21ft 11in) Overall width 2.19m (7ft 3in)

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