Bailey Orion 430/4

 
New Bailey Alu-Tech caravans replace the Bailey Ranger. Edited highlights:

Price: £12,995

Berths: 4

MTPLM: 1206kg           

Body length: 5.23m

Shipping length: 6.16m

Obvious Orion novelties are its modern looking and aero-styled front window, and the retro, curved shape of the rear. Not so obvious to the naked eye is that the Alu-tech constructed body is clad in GRP, not aluminium.

The 430/4 has a shipping length some 19cm shorter than an Olympus 464, yet its body is 45cm longer. Part of this gain has been made by moving the gas locker to the side.

Up front, there’s plenty of space for four to sit comfortably. Kitchen storage is restricted, and we ended up putting pots and pans in the wardrobe. However, the provision of a microwave oven, gas combi-grill/oven, family-sized fridge, three-burner hob, and large sink is very welcome. Lighting in the kitchen is great, although this is the only LED lighting in the tourer. All other lighting is halogen. Heating comes from the new, compact Whale heater unit.

Bailey maintains that the Orion will open up the caravan market and will appeal to newcomers to the hobby. Its specification, lightweight, towability, and level of comfort all hit the nail squarely on the head. As for the styling of this smashing, go-anywhere tourer, the jury is still out.