Caravan Guard Insurance Blog

30 Responses to “The Bailey Orion, A New Star?”

1. Mr R Collins, on February 23rd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
   

   

   If the Pegasus was anything to go by, all I can say is ” Let the buyer beware”!!! Build and finish quality standards in my Pegasus were below standard and one year later I am still waiting for the balance of the problems to be rectified. The expense and inconvenience of having to foot the cost of taking the caravan to the agent for work to be done ads further insult.
2. R Johnston, on February 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 pm
   

   

   Hi i do not usually do this but i really had to.
   The inside looks great ( BUT ) what have you done with the rear outside it looks all full and that comes from a big Baily fan who has more than one for over 25 years.
3. Bob Nicholls, on February 24th, 2011 at 8:01 am
   

   

   This new range looks nice. However, as with all the other manufacturers, Bailey have again stuck to standard ‘skinny-width’ bunk beds in favour of a wider adjacent seat. Other manufacturers, including Bailey in other ranges, use a side table to fill the gap between a side dinette, again restricting the width of bunk-beds.
   It’s no-wonder teenagers grow out of caravanning, manufacturers don’t make beds wide enough for them to turn over.
   Why can’t someone make a caravan with full width bunk-beds? 2 x wider bunks, adjacent to a side dinette/bed with a pull out overhead bunk would provide comfortable sleeping and useable caravan space for up to 6.
   If I had to sleep in a standard width caravan bunk, I wouldn’t look forward to a fortninght in my ‘van. My nephews had filled out and 6 foot at age 15 – too young to holiday alone, two big to fit comfortably in a kids bunk.
   Manufacturers could extend the time kids want to tag along by making beds fit for purpose. So much thought goes into every other aspect, why do they think kids are all bean-poles?
4. Mrs Wright, on February 24th, 2011 at 10:34 am
   

   

   Having had 2 Baileys we have now bought an Adria Altea 542DT which is the only van we have found with bunk beds big enough for our teenagers!
5. peter roberts, on February 24th, 2011 at 11:04 am
   

   

   Yet another new bailey. I have looked and looked but NOTHING come close in the “New Bailey Range” to my 2004 Provence.The build quility is excellent and the layout superb When are Bailey going to learn that quality comes first.
   If you look closely at the new Baileys “mass production” means a fall in build finish.Next time you see a new Bailey look very closely inside and out the build quality is nowhere anything like the early 2000/2005 vans.
   I am a fan but will be keeping my Provence no way will I sell it
   Wake up Bailey raise the quality over quantity!
6. mrs Hollingworth, on February 24th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
   

   

   Come on bailey do your reasearch properly, children grow, bunks big enough for teenagers would be great!. Love the fact that Bailey are trying to appeal to budget buyers, but wondering where the 6 berth van is in this range? the market is huge for family vans, and im hoping that my 3 children are camping with us for years to come yet, but we aren’t tempted to change our sprite major 6 and spend money until we find big enough beds.
7. linda shand, on February 25th, 2011 at 9:16 am
   

   

   Having boughts a Bailey Unicorn in October I would never buy a Bailey again we have in excess of 25 faults. On our first and only outing a week after picking the van up, the heating packed up after 2hrs. We had to have a new pump. We booked to go away for New Year tested the heating first and found water leaking under the front seats, so holiday cancelled. The van has been at the dealers for 4 weeks now having faults rectified, these include new blinds, cupboard doors, draw fronts, seating the list goes on.
   We have to keep phoning the dealer as they do not contact us. No word from Baileys. We have lost 3 months subscription on caravan and camping club. No date has been given for the return of out van as yet. Bailey caravans steer clear as customer service and quality are non existnt.
8. Mr P Starkey, on February 25th, 2011 at 11:06 am
   

   

   Although classified as prototypes,this new range leaves much tobe desired.Why have an foreward opening door overlapping an opening window (dents in door and broken windows result) .Simple solution-have the door rear opening over the gas bottle locker door which is only rarely opened.First impressions count and this design error is a classic example of how not to do it
9. Some interesting stuff we spotted at the NEC show this week, on February 25th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
   

   

   [...] commissioned a full review of the Orion in our recent Freedom E-magazine, to read this review click here, and be sure to sign up for future editions if you haven’t done so already, that way you’ll [...]
10. David Edwards, on February 26th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
    

    

    What about a six berth?
11. Mr K.Fulcher, on February 27th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
    

    

    After deciding to buy our first caravan in September 2010, we chose a “Bailey Pegasus 534″ from Ropers World, as the layout, build quality, Alu-Tec technology together with Alko fitments ticked all the boxes for us. We have used it a few times before winter storing it and cant wait to get it back for this years holidays, as it is just like having our own mobile apartment , so comfortable and well equipped, certainly the right choice for us, so if the new Orion is anything like, then it should be a winner too! Thank you Bailey, we are very happy “first van” customers.
12. Sam Winborn, on February 28th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
    

    

    We had a Bailey Indiana which we loved but the bathroom was not right for us. We sold this and bought a Pegasus 554. Fantastic. We have been out in all weathers. Our dealer ‘Venture caravans’ have been fantastic. We bought the van last February and have had the first service £150 plus VAT. This went very well all we had was a slightly leaky kitchen tap, covered under warranty! Very happy with van, but why have Bailey dropped the transverse bed and why lose the light coloured wood? Microwave looks better in Pegasus 2, but we still prefer everything else in our van! If you get a good dealer then you should have no problems.
13. Ralph, on March 3rd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
    

    

    This new Bailey looks like the same shape as one of my mum’s old jelly moulds! Dreadful! Bailey just don’t seem to be in the same league as the new Swifts!
14. Denise Carter, on March 13th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
    

    

    Having missed the show where could we view this caravan as it appears to tick all our boxes. The new Bailey ORION 450 5berth
15. Mrs R, on March 19th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
    

    

    Can’t wait till this comes to our local dealer will be getting the 450/5 model asap ! Looks fantasic quality amazing as usual. Well done Bailey
16. Ms. M, on April 11th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
    

    

    Hi just viewed the new Bailey Orion 440/4. absolutely fantastic, the flexibility of having a second dinette/double bed with a full rear washroom is really impressive. I would be able to leave the bed made up and still have a lounge area, on rainy days i could then convert the bed back into a dinette. The finish is lovely with a warm and cosy feel, this is due to the wood they have used, the lighting is great for an entry level van. Just wish i could afford one now!
17. S.Goodchild, on May 3rd, 2011 at 8:34 pm
    

    

    Just had the wheel fall off our new Bailey Unicorn after only one outing, neither Bailey or Dealer would accept any responsibility after it happened on Easter Monday but just a few days later their has been a recall as we appear not to be the only ones who have lost a wheel.

    It is not so much what has happened that has angered us,as things will go wrong and thankfully no one was hurt in the accident on the dual carriageway, but until we found out about the other people who have had the same problem no one would even consider that it wasn’t lour fault in some way.

    This is a serious safety issue and should have been at least looked at seriously… We are amused by Bailey or dealership. Have been caravanners for years until now only buying Swift. We would not touch Bailey again, despite being bowled over by the features I. The van.
18. roy, on May 8th, 2011 at 10:19 am
    

    

    don’t miss the point of the Orion 430-4 if you want a fixed bed and end wash-room then you get it 3 feet smaller and a lot lighter then all other caravans in this layout. saving me fuel cost and allowing me to run a smaller car.
19. tim, on May 15th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
    

    

    we orderd orion 430 4. 6 wks ago ,del, 2nd wk may.no contact .from dealer,I emailed bailey had a snotty .reply.more or less saying,you get itwhen you get it.and in future contact dealer.we dont garenty del.date dealer gives you.I had to read twice to realise what I had just bean told we put £100 dep. if any dealer out there will cover this loss contact me…..
20. Denise Carter, on May 28th, 2011 at 11:49 am
    

    

    We ordered our Bailey Orion at the begining of March still awaiting delivery. Hopefully it will arrive without the faults we noticed on the show caravan we have now seen at our dealers. Having read some of the above comments I am now a little wary as we have had a Bailey Provence 7series and cannot fault it other than the weight for our car so hope we are not making a big mistake, will give further info when we get and use our new Bailey orion450. please note already had difficulty in getting bedding for small bunk beds!!!
21. d gardiner, on June 6th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
    

    

    I like the new shape, because it’s different and more efficient. The inclusion of a proper washroom in the 430/4 beats the silly arrangement in my old Ranger 460/4 with only an increase of a few inches in total length. This will be my 3rd Bailey, and whilst each has had problems, the dealer has always been most helpful and rectified the faults. Just ensure you keep to the service schedule and sleep at nights.
22. noel, on June 22nd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
    

    

    was just about to order a new pegasus ancona dont think ill bother with it now.
23. SJ, on July 8th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
    

    

    Picked up our new Bailey Orion 450-5 3 weeks ago, numerous scratches in the grp outer panels, bubbles in decals, internal trim poorly fitted, damage on wood panels inside where screw drivers have been used to screw units in, even a screw meant to hold a seat unit in on such an angle it comes out the side of the wood into the rear internal wall showing the screw thread. So So So angry with myself that I missed the external damage, I would have walked away but missed it on handover.
    Bailey have the making of a good starter caravan but mass production speed has over taken them i think and quality is suffering, I looked at others since having ours and could find similar on 3 others I looked at.
    Its a good van but be warned check it and check it again if you get one…
24. Teddy, on August 17th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
    

    

    Just had our first night in our new Orion 440-4 and found no faults after a ruthless inspection, she is a light compact easy tow and the spec is more than enough for us. Kingsize front bed for my tall hubbie, double converted from dinette for me (no climbing over each other at night for this old pair when nature calls). The computer on our car seems to show that she is cheap to tow as well. Sorry other people have faults etc but we could not be happier with our star.
25. Ann Ward, on January 21st, 2012 at 5:14 pm
    

    

    I give my teenagers the freedom of a pup tent close to the van. Its amazing how much you can hear inside!!! we only needed the inside bunks when they were little and for the odd night when we have a very early getaway. Now they don’t always come with us being older so the 430/4 is ideal. Double bed not fussing with bedmaking every night AND a full with shower room to share. Plus being small enough to park up easily. Our model had no problems with finish and we couldn’t fault it on delivery. There’s a space for everything – try putting some of your kitchen stuff in the cupboard above the TV – just big enough to ease the pressure in the kitchen and handy if you are eating outside.
26. anne, on January 21st, 2012 at 5:22 pm
    

    

    I took delivery of my Orion 400/2 last June. It is my 7th caravan and 3rd Bailey. With plenty of experience of layouts, towing and design over 20 years, I would say that at last I have found my very favourite van. What a brilliant design, a real Tardis.Having previously owned a Ranger 460/2 I was, with advancing age (70) and touring solo beginning to think my caravan days were numbered. This little beauty is so easy and cheap to tow. The gas locker on the side makes for much easier access and the heating is superb. I have been caravanning throughout the winter in temps well below freezing. 2 minor faults found but dealt with quickly and with usual efficiency by Chichester caravans at Winchester. Good on you Bailey!
27. Clare, on March 23rd, 2012 at 12:37 pm
    

    

    We bought an Orion 430-4 last year and absolutley love it. Fixed bed, end bathroom and light enough for our car to tow with no problems.Just what we had been looking for.
    Great to be able to use the shower and not have to worry about site facilities.
    The finish on the van is good and the only problem we had was with the water pump which the dealer replaced immediatley.
    Cant wait to get out in the Van again this year.
28. James Hinde, on June 21st, 2012 at 11:02 pm
    

    

    Hi I bought our 450/5 Orion in April, we are first time caravaners with two children aged 9 and 13. We all love the layout of the Orion, as to the bunks, I know weight is recommended up to 75kgs on the top two bunks but i’m 6′ and 15 stone and can sleep happily on the bottom bunk. Top marks Bailey great caravan and I can tow it behind my petrol audi a3!!
29. Ian Pears, on August 9th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
    

    

    We’ve had our Orion 440/4 for just under a year….and boy what a year!!! The layout is really good & it does have a homely feel to it but…. we’ve just notified our dealer of water, YES water leaking into the van when it rains & they’re saying that they can’t get it to leak in when they have a hosepipe on it. We believe it’s leaking in through the awning rail joint just above the dinette window. 5 months ago the end cupboard above the window had all the finish peeling off of it & we were guarenteed that it was’nt a damp issue but just a faulty cupboard…..now 5 months on we can actually see where the water has been getting in AND the actual caravan wall has swollen in two places. With this swollen side panel in mind, all that Bailey have said is that our dealer should reseal the area of the awning rail & problem solved!!!! These vans are supposed to have a 10yr warranty arn’t they? we’re not the only ones with this problem according to the dealers service manager. He’s had another chap with a similar water ingress problem that is still ongoing. It’s our 1st caravan and I remember our Outwell tent being more watertight than our Orion 440/4. We’ve ended up contacting ‘Consumer Direct’ and entered into the process of an official complaint & request for a satisfactory repair, replacement or refund which we are entitled to under the 1979 sale of goods act. what started out as our intention to have some good family holidays has ended up a bit of a headache to say the least. I would suggest anyone considering buying a Bailey Orion, look at what other manufacturers are offering 1st. Don’t believe the hype !!!
30. scott beeby, on August 20th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
    

    

    Totally agree with Ian, our 440/4 has a great layout, like wise were also new to buying a new caravan (April 2011) and just today we found a mould residue leak in the same place! i’ve sent the article to our dealer along with photo’s, i will of course keep all of you keen customer sevice people informed?

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