by Holly TribeFollowing the launch of their new entry level Orion range last month, Bailey Caravans aren't letting the grass grow under their feet.
As one of the UK's leading caravan manufacturers, there has been widespread industry speculation that it was only a matter of time before the Bristol based firm made a move into the motorhome market.
And that time has now arrived. Bailey has just confirmed to us they have a range of motorhomes currently in development, with two models already off the production line undergoing tests at an undisclosed location.
Bailey's marketing director, Simon Howard, expects the range to be ready in time for the Birmingham NEC show in October, and has indicated there will be a variety of layouts suitable for both couples and families.
Details of the design and platform have not yet been made available, but we have established the base chassis will be provided by a market leader and the bodyshell will be constructed using Bailey's patented Alu-Tech construction system.
Why now?
The Alu-Tech bodyshell construction method was introduced in 2009 and has since been rolled out across Bailey's entire range of touring caravans to widespread market approval.
Simon explained that up until now Bailey hasn't been able to develop a range of motorhomes that was capable of offering customers a unique selling point - however Alu-Tech has changed that.
Alu-Tech
The Alu-Tech system makes use of an interlocking aluminium shell which does away with external fixing points. It creates an incredibly strong bonded shell which reduces the number of access points for leaks thus dramatically reducing the threat of water ingress.
It shares many similarities with the monocoque production design used in the automotive industry, lending itself well to motorhome design.
Bailey has been offering an industry leading 10 year integrity guarantee across the four touring ranges which carry the technology and this is expected to be offered with the new motorhomes.
Layouts and spec details are still a closely guarded secret - but we'll be the first to bring news as soon as it becomes available.
As one Caravan Times reader, Ann Foote from Reading, recently commented: "Bailey Motorhome. Happy times!"
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