Bailey Olympus 530-4
Image
Key Features
Model Year
2012
Product Class
Single Axle
Price from (£)
£15995
Berths
4
Caravan test date
Full Review
Price £15,695 Berths 4 MIRO 1275kg MTPLM 1443kg
Body length 5.67m Shipping length 7.25m Body width 2.19m
Contact Bailey Caravans T 01173 052939 W bailey-caravans.co.uk
Exterior
The triple front locker arrangement, an access hatch for the under-bed storage area and AL-KO Secure wheel lock receivers will catch your eye first. Those triple front lockers are, of course, peculiar to Bailey’s Olympus, Pegasus and Unicorn ranges. These models have a central front area for the gas bottles, plus two separate side-access lockers for the loo chemicals and other necessities. The ‘filing system’ works well, as we have proved over many months of Alu-Tech model testing; the smaller items don’t fall over on tow because they fit the smaller areas provided for them. We think this storage compartmentalisation is a great asset in many ways.
Interior
The 530-4’s fixed-bed, end-washroom layout roots it firmly in the most competitive sector of the caravan market. It’s lower in price and weight than many caravans of this layout – yet this is no budget-looking caravan.
And there’s something special. The lounge is U-shaped, which creates increased seating area – and when you turn this area into a bedroom, the double bed is enormous. Caravanners who would prefer a chest of drawers can have one for £286.
Olympus woodwork is a pale walnut shade. Overhead cabinet doors have strong spring-close hinges which work well.
Under-settee storage in the lounge is just a shade ‘budget’ in so far as there’s no front access but this helps keep weight down to 1275kg.
The kitchen’s overhead lockers (two double cabinets and a single in the centre) give you tableware racking in two, and a dividing shelf in the smaller central locker.
You have about 30cm width of work surface between the (four-burner) hob and the large, rectangular sink. But we are beginning to hate the fact that Bailey’s steel sinks scratch if you tow with the washing up bowl in them. All three test Olympuses we got on one day had scratched sinks. One answer’s a stronger steel, the other’s to take the bowl out when you tow or place a towel underneath when on the move.
Lower kitchen storage is confined to one cabinet. It’s about 20cm wide and has a metal pull-out shelf – a second shelf would have been nice.
The microwave sits opposite the kitchen, in a triangular dresser that houses the Truma heater and marks the line between bedroom and kitchen/diner/lounge. A plastic Venetian blind (matching the woodwork) and a pleated fabric blind take care of privacy arrangements.
Eight shelf areas make the wardrobe utterly brilliant; it’s slightly tapered to create bedside corridor space but it’s capacious. Just to its rear is the vanity area – a long mirror, shelf, light above – and a socket for hairdryers is mounted in the bed base within easy reach.
A square shower, wide Belfast-style basin and enough shelving and cabinet space for your shampooing needs creates a lovely washroom.
The bed lifts up easily, and high, on gas struts, making for some very practical storage.
We like
The style, the good storage space (except in the kitchen), the sleeping comfort, the U-shaped lounge, the big Belfast-style sink in the shower room...
We dislike
Lack of lower kitchen storage opportunity; this would be especially noticed if there are four mouths to feed. Stainless steel sinks that scratch easily.
Exterior 8/10
Those brilliant turquoise flashes create a sunny-seaside-holiday image – and the steep front line creates large top locker space.
Lounge 8/10
U-shaped seating can be more comfortable than parallel settees because you can sink into corners with your book.
Dining 8/10
Ample space for five to sit around the freestanding table.
Sleeping 8/10
No bed-making for two – and a large double in the lounge, or two shorties can sleep on the settees as singles.
Kitchen 6/10
Only six points because the central cabinet lacks a shelf – and there’s no other lower kitchen storage option.
Storage 8/10
For a caravan that’s only 5.67 metres long, storage is enough for four.
Showering 7/10
Not the largest rear washroom in the business, but space is more than adequate. We love the big ‘Belfast’ basins.
Interior 8/10
Olympus models have a look and feel of quality above their price bracket. The upholstery fabric sponges clean, as we found out during the test.
Towing 8/10
This model’s tow test was uneventful and relaxed. It tows stably without ATC.
Value for money 8/10
With a mid-range price tag, cabinetry and soft furnishings that look and feel high quality, and a 10-year body warranty too, this model makes the grade as a value-for-money family caravan or a luxurious space for two.
Body length 5.67m Shipping length 7.25m Body width 2.19m
Contact Bailey Caravans T 01173 052939 W bailey-caravans.co.uk
Exterior
The triple front locker arrangement, an access hatch for the under-bed storage area and AL-KO Secure wheel lock receivers will catch your eye first. Those triple front lockers are, of course, peculiar to Bailey’s Olympus, Pegasus and Unicorn ranges. These models have a central front area for the gas bottles, plus two separate side-access lockers for the loo chemicals and other necessities. The ‘filing system’ works well, as we have proved over many months of Alu-Tech model testing; the smaller items don’t fall over on tow because they fit the smaller areas provided for them. We think this storage compartmentalisation is a great asset in many ways.
Interior
The 530-4’s fixed-bed, end-washroom layout roots it firmly in the most competitive sector of the caravan market. It’s lower in price and weight than many caravans of this layout – yet this is no budget-looking caravan.
And there’s something special. The lounge is U-shaped, which creates increased seating area – and when you turn this area into a bedroom, the double bed is enormous. Caravanners who would prefer a chest of drawers can have one for £286.
Olympus woodwork is a pale walnut shade. Overhead cabinet doors have strong spring-close hinges which work well.
Under-settee storage in the lounge is just a shade ‘budget’ in so far as there’s no front access but this helps keep weight down to 1275kg.
The kitchen’s overhead lockers (two double cabinets and a single in the centre) give you tableware racking in two, and a dividing shelf in the smaller central locker.
You have about 30cm width of work surface between the (four-burner) hob and the large, rectangular sink. But we are beginning to hate the fact that Bailey’s steel sinks scratch if you tow with the washing up bowl in them. All three test Olympuses we got on one day had scratched sinks. One answer’s a stronger steel, the other’s to take the bowl out when you tow or place a towel underneath when on the move.
Lower kitchen storage is confined to one cabinet. It’s about 20cm wide and has a metal pull-out shelf – a second shelf would have been nice.
The microwave sits opposite the kitchen, in a triangular dresser that houses the Truma heater and marks the line between bedroom and kitchen/diner/lounge. A plastic Venetian blind (matching the woodwork) and a pleated fabric blind take care of privacy arrangements.
Eight shelf areas make the wardrobe utterly brilliant; it’s slightly tapered to create bedside corridor space but it’s capacious. Just to its rear is the vanity area – a long mirror, shelf, light above – and a socket for hairdryers is mounted in the bed base within easy reach.
A square shower, wide Belfast-style basin and enough shelving and cabinet space for your shampooing needs creates a lovely washroom.
The bed lifts up easily, and high, on gas struts, making for some very practical storage.
We like
The style, the good storage space (except in the kitchen), the sleeping comfort, the U-shaped lounge, the big Belfast-style sink in the shower room...
We dislike
Lack of lower kitchen storage opportunity; this would be especially noticed if there are four mouths to feed. Stainless steel sinks that scratch easily.
Exterior 8/10
Those brilliant turquoise flashes create a sunny-seaside-holiday image – and the steep front line creates large top locker space.
Lounge 8/10
U-shaped seating can be more comfortable than parallel settees because you can sink into corners with your book.
Dining 8/10
Ample space for five to sit around the freestanding table.
Sleeping 8/10
No bed-making for two – and a large double in the lounge, or two shorties can sleep on the settees as singles.
Kitchen 6/10
Only six points because the central cabinet lacks a shelf – and there’s no other lower kitchen storage option.
Storage 8/10
For a caravan that’s only 5.67 metres long, storage is enough for four.
Showering 7/10
Not the largest rear washroom in the business, but space is more than adequate. We love the big ‘Belfast’ basins.
Interior 8/10
Olympus models have a look and feel of quality above their price bracket. The upholstery fabric sponges clean, as we found out during the test.
Towing 8/10
This model’s tow test was uneventful and relaxed. It tows stably without ATC.
Value for money 8/10
With a mid-range price tag, cabinetry and soft furnishings that look and feel high quality, and a 10-year body warranty too, this model makes the grade as a value-for-money family caravan or a luxurious space for two.
