Full review

THERE'S an often-heard myth that end-kitchen two-berth caravans are designed for couples with traditional, conservative tastes in décor.

The new Bailey Ranger 380/2 is the caravan to dispel that myth for ever. It’s bright and modern in style, with upholstery that’s stunning in its geometric simplicity.

End-kitchen two-berths fight fiercely with one another in the market because of their inevitable stereotype of layout. The formula’s been with us for years – that’s because it works well. You get all you need in less than four metres of body. So the difference between models is in the detail.

Bailey’s new Ranger 380/2’s distinguishing features are its simplicity of styling. Take a look at those handleless lockers, slightly curving and stark in shape.

Then notice the lights at each front corner, built into the grey metal-effect plastic moulding that turns the corner from the above-front-window one-piece locker (that’s in itself another nice, simple design feature) to the side lockers.

Then you notice the one-piece front window – a feature that marks out entry-level caravans, maybe, but it’s a delight as it lets in plenty of light.

Even the fridge front makes a contribution to the character and styling of this caravan – it’s a dark grey metal-effect that colour-keys with the front of the Spinflo oven and grill...

Which leads us neatly into the culinary hub of the caravan. Take away the plastic clip-on drainer and you have a good area for food preparation between sink and four-burner hob.

Yes, four burners, in a caravan costing £10,495. Not everyone needs to use all four burners to cook every meal – but it’s nice to have the choice.

You have two kitchen cupboards, on either side of the central oven. Having so much storage space helps to mark out this caravan as different in its class.

The shower gets a clever touch. The shower rose and hose is removable – you just attach it to the tap and then hook it up on its wall bracket. The washbasin is fixed, as distinct from the tip-up sort often seen in this layout. It’s a very small room – but for certain there is just enough room to have an enjoyable shower in here.

What does this caravan lack? Not much. It’s even complete with television aerial, which many entry-level models do not have.

It’s cosy, it warms up as quickly as you’d expect for its small size – and, to my great delight, I discover it is possible to push this little lightweight model single-handedly into position for hitching onto the car, albeit on very firm ground.

You can’t say that about many caravans. Only the fiddly folding corner steady brace lets it down.

Specification:

Axles: 1
Berths: 2
MRO: 827kg
MTPLM: 997kg
Width: 2.19m
Internal length: 3.6m
Overall height: 5.34m
Bed sizes: Double 1.97m x 1.87m; singles
1.87m x .65m.

• This caravan test was first published in the July 2009 issue of Which Caravan, the only magazine all about caravan buying. To find out more about it click here.
• Read more caravan review by clicking here.