Despite a pared-back design from the previous iteration, this is an impressive two-berth with lots of flexibility
Words and photos Peter Baber
As the settee is so long, the worktop extension doesn’t take up too much of it. There is a three-burner gas hob, a round sink, and a combined oven and grill. But the sink cover, the cutlery tray and a fitted drainer are all extras, and there is no space for a microwave.
Price £19,999 Berths 2 MiRO 887kg MTPLM 998kg
WHEN BAILEY LAUNCHED the second generation of its Discovery range this year, there was one new layout, the four-berth D4-4L with a side dinette (reviewed in issue 463). The two-berth D4-2 continued as an end-washroom model.
However, there are a couple of things that make this latest version stand out. First, it is now the only Bailey caravan that you can buy new for less than £20,000. (OK, that doesn’t include the likely delivery charge of £645 – but it’s still impressive.)
Second, the Bristol manufacturer has made sure the MTPLM of this second-generation model stays under one metric tonne. (As it happens, only 2kg under, but as with the price, it’s worth noting.) So does that still make for a practical caravan?
Pitch and set-up
Second-generation Discovery models now come with dove-grey side and back panels, which curve seamlessly into one another.
Only the front panel remains white, although there are distinctive decals on either side of that large central window.
The A-frame is a touch longer, and has been left bare, so you could put a bike rack there if you wanted to. There is no front gas bottle locker to be obstructed by this.
Instead, the gas bottle locker is placed near the axle to reduce the noseweight. You also get external access to the nearside underseat locker, which will make unloading outdoor furniture a lot easier.
The distinctive L-shaped awning that was an option with the first-generation models is no more. Bailey is offering, also as an option, something you don’t often see on UK vans these days: a roll-out awning.
Lounge
You spot one of the weight-saving features as soon as you go through the door. To your left is the storage slot for the folding table. But instead of building a cupboard with two panels, Bailey has left this open; the table, slotted in, forms the side of the cupboard.
Although having the table here means you might get in the way of the cook when retrievin
