Running reports: Bailey Phoenix 440 Kay and Nigel Hutson enjoyed a sunny Surrey break in our long-term Phoenix
Tested by Nigel and Kay Hutson Price £18,499 Berths 4 MIRO 1166kg Payload 150kg MTPLM 1316kg Awning size 995cm
IN A NUTSHELL Comfortable, spacious and very appealing
I MAKE NO apologies for liking Bailey’s Phoenix range. I liked them when I first saw them at launch, I thoroughly enjoyed using a 640 version last year, and after spending the best part of a week in Surrey with Practical Caravan’s long-term 440, I still like them. A lot!
Behind our Land Rover Discovery, the Bailey was a smooth and easy tow (as it should be), and being slightly narrower than our van, it gave me great views along both sides in the towing mirrors.
‘The 440’s little touches make all the difference’
Pitching up
Setting up was easy, although Kay did question, “How do we get into the front?” when we arrived on-site.
The answer is, “We don’t,” as there is no front locker.
But with the gas locker on the offside, and external access under the front nearside sofa and the French bed, there was ample storage for the other set-up items.
The only thing that might be considered a bit of a problem is the siting of the EHU point on the nearside, if you have an awning. And, while the entrance door doesn’t have a window, it does get a coat hook!
Moving inside, we had the definite feeling of déjà vu.
For the past 10 years, we have had caravans with this layout (although many manufacturers have dropped it), and it’s one that has suited us well.
We both loved the central kitchen. Having the gas locker under there means that the kitchen unit is quite deep. Add to that Bailey’s simple (but brilliant) idea of fitting a solid lid over the cooker, meaning that you have loads of work surface. Kay likes to close the glass lid on our own hob and use it as extra worktop, but Bailey’s solution is much better.
There’s loads of storage here, too, thanks to the fridge (and microwave) being opposite the main kitchen unit (adding yet more surface – unless it has the TV placed on it).
The only slight oddity is the lack of a plate/cup rack in any of the overhead lockers.
The lounge seats are quite short and wouldn’t be suitable for single beds, but we’d expect this caravan to be used as a two-berth at most.
Those seats are quite firm, but we personally found them very comfortable. “We could just do with a couple of scatter cushions to complete things,” Kay suggested (these are available as part of an option).
Great views
I’m a huge fan of Bailey’s tall front centre window, too. Although on the Phoenix this might look a little odd on the outside, from inside the van, the view is fantastic. I could watch aircraft flying in and out of Heathrow uninterrupted.
The radio speakers are well placed, because they face into the caravan, so there’s no need to turn up the volume to hear things (possibly also annoying your neighbours). They are a rather neat feature.
We did use the main table to eat, but that was outside. At other times, the pull-out table at the front was perfectly adequate for our needs.
Bailey marketed the Phoenix as its ‘First Choice’ (not entrylevel) range, and the 440 comes
with little touches that make all the difference. For example, there are USB sockets in two of the spotlights (one at the front, and one over the bed).
The washroom is perfectly adequate. At first it appeared to be a bit gloomy, because there’s no window, but you do have plenty of lighting and a couple of roof vents, and the (fully lined) shower is also very practical, although there are no shelves in there.
The big mirror received the thumbs-up, as did the narrow shelf underneath it!
‘The pull-out table in the front lounge was perfectly adequate for two to dine’
Thoughtful design
The bed was comfortable and we both slept well. We each had a spotlight and a little shelf on which to put our e-reader and the morning cuppa.
Storage-wise, the 440 simply puts many caravans to shame. There’s masses!
Negatives? Very few. The wardrobe is huge, but access is a bit tight, owing to its location by the bed. And there were a few visible wires here and there. But Kay’s comment, “I really like this caravan,” sums up our feelings about it.