Touring Caravan

Bailey Orion 400/2

Make/model: 2012 Bailey Orion 400/2

• £9,995
• Year: 2012
• Berths: 2
• Length: 4.18 m
• Width: 2.18 m
• MIRO: 959 kgs
• MTPLM: 1076 kgs

The Orion lacks a front large gas locker, a deal breaker for some; rear panel has a large curved roofline with tiny rear window.

Typical tow car: VW Golf 1.5 petrol

Layout: front end dinette, side kitchen, full width end washroom with nearside dresser.

Pros: Light weight, shower, oven, blown heating, overall not badly kitted out
Cons: Quirky rear panel, no front gas/storage locker, no central chest of drawers.

Look out for: check for peeling / cracking graphics and rotten floor areas

Extra equipment? Do look for some bits left in by last owners, such as awning, towing mirrors, and any extras such as BBQ point

Large front dinette will seat four with ease, no front chest of drawers are fitted though

Jenkinson’s opinion:
Orion was launched for 2011 at the NEC show, it was Bailey’s answer to the entry level market and to take over where the successful Ranger had left off. However this budget Alu – Tech built tourer wasn’t well received and the range was replaced a year or so later by the Pursuit range. Orion’s though became cheap to buy on the used market and attracted younger first time buyers. With the changes mentioned in the introduction, Orion’s now sell well and the prices have firmed up too. The side kitchen comes with a microwave and three burner spark hob / oven and grill, while a radio is also included in the spec.

The end washroom isn’t the biggest and does feel dated but its fine for emergency use. While the lounge offers good seating in general, there is no chest of drawers fitted, which some may miss, as well as missing a front gas locker which is ideal for extra storage. Night lighting is decent with corner spots and ceiling lights and build isn’t bad either. For those wanting something different, the Orion will fit the bill while, at present, resale values remain firm.

Insurance
Insuring this caravan should be relatively inexpensive. You can get a free caravan insurance quote here or call 0800 3282084.

Upholstery is generally good but do watch for some sagging

How to find a good one:
I’ve come across several of these on the forecourts, and good dealerships will have checked the van over. GRP side walls means dents won’t be a problem but decals were poor and peel or crack. Look out for any damaged trim. While interiors generally hold up well, do check for any damp in the floor – look out for a spongy feel.

Kitchen is well equipped but lacks worktop though dresser helps out opposite, heating was by Whale which could be noisy in full operation

Check for the last owners and where the van was bought new from plus ask to see any receipts. Ask for service records and any other repairs carried out. If private, as always, be very sure to go over everything and also if a mover is fitted ask to see it working. Bailey dealers are usually ideal to go and find a used Orion, the 400/2 was one of the best selling and buyers would upgrade to a new Bailey bringing it back to the supplying dealer.

Rear washroom is ok but shower cubicle isn’t very big