Secondhand shootout

A pair of end-washroom two-berths

END-WASHROOM Two-berths had taken a bit of a dive in popularity, with fixed beds being preferred by couples. However, a dealer we spoke to recently reckoned good end-washroom tourers for couples have seen a revival of late. So it was no surprise that our trip to Swindon Caravans Centre had us struggling to select a pair of two-berths, because the choice was so good. We eventually found two tourers that fitted our budget of less than £12,500. The first was a 2012 Bailey Olympus 460-2 with a tempting price tag of £10,495, which was in good condition inside and out. The Olympus, although perhaps no stunner on the outside, represented a lot of tourer for the cash, with a level of spec that would please many customers. Our next choice was a Compass Corona 462, again a good tourer, and two years newer, so with a higher price tag at £12,295. The Corona looked good from the outside, but would the interior pass muster?

The contenders 2012 Bailey Olympus 460-2

After a rather slow sales start for the mark one Olympus, the mark two put the record straight, making more impact. So our choice of this six-year-old 460-2 looked good. The Olympus has GRP sides and is based on an Al-ko chassis. Spec includes blownair heating, full oven, Status TV aerial, Heki roof vent, Cd/radio and spare wheel. The layout of this model generally follows conventional design, with a large front lounge; although the traditional central chest of drawers is replaced by U-shaped seating. The kitchen is on the offside, with the side dresser opposite, while the washroom spans the rear of the van. Although the mark two turned out to be fairly short-lived, with only a few seasons on the market, this is a spacious and well designed caravan, so it could be a very strong contender.