Four go wide
Bigger, all-round. But better? Extra-wide caravans are definitely the flavour of season 2019. Sure, you get more for your money, but it’s not all plain sailing.
Bailey’s six-strong Pegasus Grande line-up is not for the faint-hearted, when it comes to towing. Plenty of folk won’t see that 2.45m (8ft) overall width as a problem, however. And, of course, there will be others for whom seasonal pitching means they don’t need to tow much, if at all. If you are out on the road, Al-Ko’s ATC as standard adds peace of mind of course.
Bodywork is the usual Bailey Alu-Tech, fully bonded with GRP cladding inside and out, backed by an initial six-year integrity warranty.
Other exterior equipment extends to a 100Watt solar panel, gas and mains sockets, 14in alloy wheels, Status 570 TV aerial etc.
Plus, there’s a useful full-width locker -accessible from both sides.
Al-Ko ATC and Tracker Retrieve are standard on all Pegasus Grande caravans, great for lowering your caravan insurance premium. All models are pre-wired for a motor mover, too.
Inside, it’s all about the extra living space, including some 1.96m of standing room throughout. The Rimini here majors on twin permanent single beds with a full-width washroom across the back. Official sizes for those beds are 1.88m x 0.79m (6ft 2in x 2ft 6in).
There’s a pleated divider for privacy, as well as narrow, full-height head boards, so you really can sit upright on each bed. Large side windows, a rooflight, corner shelving, and LED reading lights with USB charging sockets complete the details.
There’s also the king size front double bed, but there’s every suspicion that the main buyers of Riminis will be couples who simply want all that extra interior space.
In daytime mode, the front offers the most convivial of lounges, with a table that slots onto the nearside wall or – if you don’t want it, the whole area can be devoted to seating. Or you can add a second, free-standing table.
Truma’s Combi 4 provides the heating and hot water, while there’s an opening sunroof for extra ventilation.
An L-shape to the kitchen makes it just that bit more ergonomic, also optimising worktop area and storage.There’s a Thetford Caprice full cooker with dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, while the sink to its immediate left has an add-on drainer.
The lid to the hob is flush-fitting, again helping to offer more worktop when needed. An 800Watt Russell Hobbs microwave oven complete the cooking facilities. The fridge is only a 103-litre model, however.
Whilst there’s plenty of storage throughout the Rimini – both bed bases, overhead lockers with flat fronts etc – the wardrobe is in the washroom. There’s still space for a separate shower cubicle, however, which boasts an Ecocamel showerhead, but unfortunately (for some) lacks a riser bar.
There’s also a fixed basin and swivel-bowl toilet, with no shortage of legroom for the latter. Whilst there are lots of details – towel and toilet roll holders, rooflight in the shower, open shelving, illuminated mirror, and more – an opening window, for best possible ventilation, is possibly a surprise omission.
Verdict: Big on space, keen on price.
Plus: Bigger than average single beds, generous washroom, roomy layout.
Minus: A bit basic in places, small fridge.
In-a-nutshell: Feel the width… and the quality.
There’s more information on the Pegasus Grande range on the Bailey website or see our range review . To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Knaus Sudwind 650 PEB, Lunar Alaria TS
Bailey Pegasus Grande Rimini factfile
Model | Bailey Pegasus Grande Rimini |
Dimensions | Dimensions 7.38m L, 2.45m W, 2.58m H |
Internal length | 5.90m |
Berths | 4 |
MTPLM | 1,498kg |
Payload | 155kg |
RRP | from £23,564 on the road |
Safety & security | Tracker Retrieve (with three-month subscription), Al-Ko ATC (Trailer Control System), AKS stabiliser, Al-Ko Secure receiver, laser-balanced wheels with security tyres and anti-tamper bolts, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, floor-mounted spare wheel, CRiS with concealed data chip. |
Key options | Truma iNet upgrade (£275), four-year extension to bodyshell warranty (£265), three-year extension to manufacturing warranty (£439), bedding set (from £230). |
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