2017 Bailey Pegasus Brindisi caravan review

On an island, transversely

Island beds are definitely getting bigger. Not so much the dimensions – there are limits – but in terms of popularity. It’s a relatively recent phenomenon, too. Was it really just two years ago that Bailey announced the Brindisi? Suddenly, it seems transverse island bed/full-width end washroom caravan floorplans like this have been with us for a whole lot longer.

There are certainly plenty of them around now – and the Brindisi has its work cut out competing right in the very middle of the mainstream.

So, what makes the Brindisi caravan different, or better? There’s a lot to be said for gauging the ambience of a tourer before you think of parting with your hard-earned cash. There are limits to what designers can do with a white box on two wheels, of course, and Bailey’s Alu-Tech bodywork tends towards a more angular appearance than some. Nevertheless, there’s the full-depth central front window and the distinctive curved edge to the top at the back end.

Nobody can quite claim to have completely resolved the issue of water ingress – despite moves from every UK manufacturer in recent times – but at least Bailey offers some peace of mind with its six-year bodyshell integrity warranty. If you want greater reassurance, there are extensions – to 10 years for the bodyshell and six for manufacturing – at £265 and £439 respectively.

Step inside at the windowed stable door, noticing the handy waste bin here, and the initial impression is of an open-plan setting – although you can make things a lot cosier with the pleated divider that extends across to close off the bedroom and washroom from the kitchen and lounge.

For the latter, what’s instantly noticeable (if you sit down) is the firmness to the seat cushions, whereas the altogether softer backrests have a definite curve to them and are that bit higher than most, too.

And that bed? It’s an anti-allergy mattress, part of a system that Bailey calls Dreamsleep. It’s retractable for all-important easier access to the washroom beyond. Surrounding the bed, there are lockers overhead and, to each side, wardrobe-cum-cupboards with handy ledges just above mattress level – perfect for parking a glass of water, spectacles and more at night.

Walk on through and there’s a sliding door to access the washroom. The swivel-bowl toilet in the left-hand corner here is somewhat enclosed, with a slim locker above and a fixed basin nearby, on the back wall (where you also get a handy window). Elbow room is certainly at a premium when you use the loo… and such is the location there isn’t a lot of legroom when the door is closed, either.

There is, however, a commendably large shower cubicle, accessed via bi-folding doors. It’s plastic-lined, including a shoulder-level ledge that’s ideal for soaps etc. There are also two LED lights and a rooflight, but just the single plughole in the tray below.

Thetford’s Caprice cooker is the focal point of the kitchen – with its dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, plus there’s a microwave oven directly above. The space at the base of the cooker is usually designated a pan store, but the heating ducting in here precludes such use. The sink is to the immediate left of the hob, while to its left is a generous expanse of permanent worktop, abetted by a flip-up extension. Two mains sockets and the control for the Truma are here, too, but it’s a surprise Bailey hasn’t gone with the current trend for acrylic splashguards. Kitchen storage is good though, even extending to clips for three bottles in a suitably low setting.

Always a dilemma for this type of format when used as a four-berth caravan is, who sleeps where? If mum and dad take that main bed, it means the kids can use the lounge’s settees (if they’re short enough) or make a transverse double here – if the parents are aiming to retire to bed later then they’re going to have to sit out in the awning.

Verdict: Comfort all-round, but this layout performs best as a two-berth

Plus: The usual Bailey blend of price and specification, roomy feel…

Minus: …except in the washroom

In-a-nutshell: Island dream

There’s more information on the Pegasus range on the Bailey website www.baileyofbristol.co.uk. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page

Alternatives: Compass Capiro 554/Elddis Avante 554, Lunar Lexon 560, Sterling Eccles 645/Swift Challenger 645