New Bailey Unicorn

[Raywood]

I think you will find that most caravans with this layout are used by couples so it is not a problem. If you intend to travel with others I agree a different layout would be preferable but the advantages of a rear washroom may out weigh the objections.

Of the rear toilet issue, a lot of caravans have this layout so I don't see where it's a purely a Unicorn problem..
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We think it's a designer problem, if architects designed homes with the toilett and bathroom accessed via the master bedroom who would buy them?
Any caravan we buy will have to have an inboard water tank or have one fitted. Couldn't do with cosy covers for aquarolls or wrapping in an old quilted jacket and suffing the connector tube up the arm in winter. Also, on quick one night stops there's no messing around with the aquaroll. A quick top up with a few litres with a hose and no messing around in the morning.
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[Martin24]

Well seen it in the flesh now at the lawns and it really rather gave us the willies

 

[leigh_374468002]

Has anyone taken delivery of the Unicorn Mk 2? Any comments would be welcome.

 

[PaulT]

We’ve always had Bailey caravans and one of the features that we appreciate most, in our current Senator, is the onboard tank. We thought it was a backward step with the removable tank on the Series 1 Unicorn but at least an aquaroll could be used as well. Now, on the Series 2, the onboard tank has gone altogether. We always carry about 10 litres of water in the tank for mid-journey breaks and I suppose we’ll get used to having a few bottles of water on board to use on mid-journey breaks. However, on the long drive down to Portugal in the winter we stop overnight in motorway areas (never had any problems) and having water in the tank is always handy. In addition, when we are on sites, we usually use the ‘vans shower. At present we have the onboard tank and the Aquaroll and have no problems. I suspect that in a new Unicorn if we both have showers the Aquaroll will be emptied and then someone (guess who) will have to go and fill it – undoubtedly in the dark.

Another backward step in the Series 2 Unicorn (in our opinion) is the absence of a decent front “boot”. On our Senator we carry 2 lightweight gas bottles, an Aquaroll, a Wastemaster, the hook up cables and various other “essential" items. I appreciate that the gas bottles are now stowed in a dedicated area and that the cables etc can be still be stored “up front” but what about the Aquaroll and Wastemaster? My dealer tells me that these can be stored in the bathroom but why should I be forced to have (possibly) muddy and dirty items in there? Yes, I know, I could put them in a dedicated bag or dustbin bag but why should I – the old method was far more convenient. I can’t store them under the fixed bed because that’s full (and I suspect there isn’t enough space anyway). In addition, the new storage area seems to run across the whole front of the van - don't you just know that the item you want will be right in the middle and out of reach!

I suspect that the deletion of a decent front boot is an attempt to deal with a noseweight problem but I’ve often wondered if the people that design caravans actually ever use them.

In my opinion Bailey caravans are excellent value for money and we’ve never had any problems. I suspect that early next year we’ll be placing an order for a new one but not without some doubts as to whether the new one will be an improvement on the old.

What do other members think?

 

[Royston]

Hi ,
After reading all the comments contained within this subject, I thought that I would pop along to my local dealer and check out this new model range.
The new extended front window , has anybody else noticed how it fits within the frame work.
I looked at 4 different models each assy was slightly different.
Reason I did this was looking at the first model ,I noticed looking at the window (from the inside looking out) where it seals onto the frame,the left side rubber seal followed the curve of the front panel, the right side seal had severall bulges where black foam rubber was sticking out . Wonder how it will seal when towed through heavy rain
Now these models surely must be exibition standard, pity the poor sod who purchases one of their standard production models with that sort of workmanship.
Very disappointed with the workmanship

 

[PaulT]

I really can't imagine that Bailey would introduce a 'van without testing it against water ingress and to be frank, I think the quality of work in Bailey vans is far superior to most other similarly priced products.

 

[Martin24]

 

[alaintaylor]

See my thread on this forum. I would have said the same until I bought a van with an inboard tank. I used to go out in my dressing gown and slippers first thing to connect the water - not any more - and there were days when the temperature never rose above freezing. Now an essential item in my view.

 

[Dustydog]

We had a very close look at a Unicorn Barcelona S2 last week .
This is the direct model replacement of our S6 Senator Wyoming.
Mathematically I need to find £12k to upgrade.
So what do I get for the £12k that floats my boat

Sadly imo not a lot

Alu -tech construction must be good but the free water ingress guarantee is only 6 years. I'd have to pay a few hundred more to get 10 years.
Alde central heating may be better but is heavier, and arguably more costly to run. Is it really better than our Truma warm air system

The rear end bathroom on the Unicorn is a great disappointment. Smaller window, cramped toilet position where knees will hit the side of the vanity unit, much smaller shower cubicle. Everyone knows putting a circle into a square loses space. This is just what Bailey have done, a retrograde step imo.
The wardrobe in an effort to offer more hanging space has sacrificed shelving. Not for us.
Less windows in the bedroom making it slightly less airy than the Wyoming.
Massive fridge freezer. No thanks. Why do I want to lug around a heavy unit full of frozen food. The Wyoming fridge is more than adequate. As a result of the change the lovely "sideboard" area has been lost.
No onboard water tank. That's a mystery to me . All year caravanning makes an onboard tank mandatory.
The pull out table flap above the chest of drawers is vastly smaller than Wyomings. Not at all comfortable to sit at.
Smalle rkitche sink. Couldn't see the drainer.
Loss of conventional front locker seems a backward step.
The magnificent front window wasn't for us . It results in loss of locker space.
We concluded Bailey had it spot on with the S6 Senator range but felt compelled to reinvent the wheel.
Well that's our view but our £12k can now be spent on better things until hopefully Bailey reinvent the wheel again

 

[PaulT]

Well said DustyDog! I've been trying to convince myself that I should upgrade from my S5 Indiana. I looked at the S1 Unicorn and found it lacking but was seriously considering an S2 Barcelona (or Cartegena). Maybe I'll save my money!

 

[Dustydog]

Paul,

Yes.Save your money .I suspect Bailey are trying to outdo Swift on the front window.
Your Senator will remain the perfect balance for many years.

 

[Mike_S]

Hi DustyDog & Paul
Went to the NEC show a few weeks ago and left with that rather satisfying (smug?) feeling that there was nothing there - at any price or by any maker - that would make us want to change our 2009 S6 Senator California.
Mike

 

[PaulT]

Just moving this up a bit - has anyone bought one yet? Any comments?

 

[Robtel]

Just moving this up a bit - has anyone bought one yet? Any comments?

Picked up our new Valencia couple of weeks before Christmas. Downsized from a Barcelona for couple of reasons although had no complaints about the van.
Not had the opportunity to go away in the new van yet but as it's stored on driveway had plenty of time to go over it fairly closely. No problems noted, quite the opposite in fact. Some things I thought might not be so good have turned out better than I anticipated. I thought that compared to the Barcelona we would struggle for storage space but not the case.Managed to get all our stuff stored away with plenty of room left over. The front seats appear slightly wider and more comfortable,don't know if that's down to the extra width or better upholstery. Mattress also has a better feel to it but not spent the night in it yet. The two external front lockers are deeper than those in the Unicorn 1 and since the gas bottles are now stored above the axle storing gear in these front lockers should not pose such a problem as previously.
The feature most people have found fault with is the large front window. To be honest I was not entirely sure about it myself, but, from the inside of the van anyway, it looks much better than from outside. Gives a very light and airy feel to the van. Fixed bed is about an inch narrower, found that out when I stuck our topper onto the bed. I can't find fault with the van although it's not had a serious test yet. I've only towed it the approx 12 miles from the dealership plus time spent stowing my gear in it and generally giving it the once over.
Rob

 

[PaulT]

Just wondering whether anyone has bought an S2 Barcelona or
Cartegena? Went and looked at both last week and am inclined towards the
Cartegena. Being of average height we found that we could lie on the bed
without it being extended thus allowing room to walk round the bottom. I still
have the same quibbles with it regarding the onboard tank (the dealer told us
that they could fit one for about £200), the semi-circular shower (dealer said
this may be changed in October) and the storage of the Aquaroll and Wastemaster
(something I’m going to have to live with) but all being well, we’ll place an
order later in the year for delivery in the Spring – or should we wait and see
when they bring out an S3!!!

 

[xtrailman]

Just moving this up a bit - has anyone bought one yet? Any comments?

Picked up our new Valencia couple of weeks before Christmas. Downsized from a Barcelona for couple of reasons although had no complaints about the van.
Not had the opportunity to go away in the new van yet but as it's stored on driveway had plenty of time to go over it fairly closely. No problems noted, quite the opposite in fact. Some things I thought might not be so good have turned out better than I anticipated. I thought that compared to the Barcelona we would struggle for storage space but not the case.Managed to get all our stuff stored away with plenty of room left over. The front seats appear slightly wider and more comfortable,don't know if that's down to the extra width or better upholstery. Mattress also has a better feel to it but not spent the night in it yet. The two external front lockers are deeper than those in the Unicorn 1 and since the gas bottles are now stored above the axle storing gear in these front lockers should not pose such a problem as previously.
The feature most people have found fault with is the large front window. To be honest I was not entirely sure about it myself, but, from the inside of the van anyway, it looks much better than from outside. Gives a very light and airy feel to the van. Fixed bed is about an inch narrower, found that out when I stuck our topper onto the bed. I can't find fault with the van although it's not had a serious test yet. I've only towed it the approx 12 miles from the dealership plus time spent stowing my gear in it and generally giving it the once over.
Rob

I would get some heat into the caravan, put the Alde on.
Theres been reports of distortions to the roof, especially around the top of the central window.
My dealer had to return 5 caravans that showed up defects after pdi testing the heating, others have only noticed issues after the first tour.

 

[trucker]

Just moving this up a bit - has anyone bought one yet? Any comments?

Picked up our new Valencia couple of weeks before Christmas. Downsized from a Barcelona for couple of reasons although had no complaints about the van.
Not had the opportunity to go away in the new van yet but as it's stored on driveway had plenty of time to go over it fairly closely. No problems noted, quite the opposite in fact. Some things I thought might not be so good have turned out better than I anticipated. I thought that compared to the Barcelona we would struggle for storage space but not the case.Managed to get all our stuff stored away with plenty of room left over. The front seats appear slightly wider and more comfortable,don't know if that's down to the extra width or better upholstery. Mattress also has a better feel to it but not spent the night in it yet. The two external front lockers are deeper than those in the Unicorn 1 and since the gas bottles are now stored above the axle storing gear in these front lockers should not pose such a problem as previously.
The feature most people have found fault with is the large front window. To be honest I was not entirely sure about it myself, but, from the inside of the van anyway, it looks much better than from outside. Gives a very light and airy feel to the van. Fixed bed is about an inch narrower, found that out when I stuck our topper onto the bed. I can't find fault with the van although it's not had a serious test yet. I've only towed it the approx 12 miles from the dealership plus time spent stowing my gear in it and generally giving it the once over.
Rob

I would get some heat into the caravan, put the Alde on.
Theres been reports of distortions to the roof, especially around the top of the central window.
My dealer had to return 5 caravans that showed up defects after pdi testing the heating, others have only noticed issues after the first tour.

 

[trucker]

Just moving this up a bit - has anyone bought one yet? Any comments?

Picked up our new Valencia couple of weeks before Christmas. Downsized from a Barcelona for couple of reasons although had no complaints about the van.
Not had the opportunity to go away in the new van yet but as it's stored on driveway had plenty of time to go over it fairly closely. No problems noted, quite the opposite in fact. Some things I thought might not be so good have turned out better than I anticipated. I thought that compared to the Barcelona we would struggle for storage space but not the case.Managed to get all our stuff stored away with plenty of room left over. The front seats appear slightly wider and more comfortable,don't know if that's down to the extra width or better upholstery. Mattress also has a better feel to it but not spent the night in it yet. The two external front lockers are deeper than those in the Unicorn 1 and since the gas bottles are now stored above the axle storing gear in these front lockers should not pose such a problem as previously.
The feature most people have found fault with is the large front window. To be honest I was not entirely sure about it myself, but, from the inside of the van anyway, it looks much better than from outside. Gives a very light and airy feel to the van. Fixed bed is about an inch narrower, found that out when I stuck our topper onto the bed. I can't find fault with the van although it's not had a serious test yet. I've only towed it the approx 12 miles from the dealership plus time spent stowing my gear in it and generally giving it the once over.
Rob

I would get some heat into the caravan, put the Alde on.
Theres been reports of distortions to the roof, especially around the top of the central window.
My dealer had to return 5 caravans that showed up defects after pdi testing the heating, others have only noticed issues after the first tour.

 

[PaulT]

Picked up our new Cartgena at the beginning of July. No real problems, just "niggles".
Firstly, I would say that the service we received from the supplying dealer (Reading Caravans) was first class - nothing was too much trouble and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. So different from my previous Bailey supplier (in Dorset) where I always got the feeling they were doing you a favour by allowing you to buy a caravan.
The only problems so far are design ones which, once again, make you wonder if the people who designed the 'van ever use one. For instance (and I know it's only small) but the position of the toilet roll holder - directly behind you when you are "on the throne". I've moved it but why should I have to? Also, Bailey have moved the spare wheel position so that an AWD mover can be fitted - admirable - but they didn't move the waste water outlets. OK, so it's easy to do by adding another length of pipe and a wooden block but again, why can't Bailey do it?
Plus points, we love the bed and the extra room we have. Being of average height we don't need to extend the bed to it's full length at night so there is always room to walk round the bottom.
One failure so far and that's the control panel display. Temporarily cured by cutting all the power (battery and EHU) for 12 hours and then reconnecting but an email to Reading Caravans and a new one is being sent out to me (we live in France so can't easily take the 'van back).
Next task is to get it French registered but I understand from Bailey that, as from the middle of this month, they will be able to supply a document similar to a car's European CofC so life should be much easier.