When Bailey launched the second generation of its Discovery range this year, there was one new layout, the four-berth D4-4L with a side dinette. The two-berth Bailey Discovery D4-2 continued as an end-washroom model.

However, there are a couple of things that make this latest version stand out. First, it is now the only Bailey caravan that you can buy new for less than £20,000. (OK, that doesn’t include the likely delivery charge of £645 – but it’s still impressive.)

Second, the Bristol caravan manufacturer has made sure the MTPLM of this second-generation model stays under one metric tonne. (As it happens, only 2kg under, but as with the price, it’s worth noting.) So does that still make for a practical caravan?

Pitch and set-up

Second-generation Discovery models now come with dove-grey side and back panels, which curve seamlessly into one another.

Only the front panel remains white, although there are distinctive decals on either side of that large central window.

The A-frame is a touch longer, and has been left bare, so you could put a caravan bike rack there if you wanted to. There is no front gas bottle locker to be obstructed by this.

Instead, the gas bottle locker is placed near the axle to reduce the noseweight. You also get external access to the nearside underseat locker, which will make unloading outdoor furniture a lot easier.

The distinctive L-shaped awning that was an option with the first-generation models is no more. Bailey is offering, also as an option, something you don’t often see on UK vans these days: a roll-out awning.

Lounge

You spot one of the weight-saving features as soon as you go through the door. To your left is the storage slot for the folding table. But instead of building a cupboard with two panels, Bailey has left this open; the table, slotted in, forms the side of the cupboard.

Although having the table here means you might get in the way of the cook when retrieving it, it does mean it’s in the perfect position if you want to take it outside.

Lounge of Bailey Discovery D4-2
Settees are long enough to make up sizeable single beds

The table easily accommodates four, yet there is still plenty of room to stretch your legs in the lounge, partly thanks to the long settees. Their upholstery no longer has the piping that made the first-generation models so distinctive. But its dark-blue edges contrast with the main colour, and coordinate nicely with panels on the front wall.

There are no curtains, although you do get blinds and flyscreens. Carpets are an optional extra now, too. There is a spotlight with a USB port in each front corner, and sockets for a caravan TV above the sideboard opposite the kitchen.

Kitchen

Our test model was fitted with a fold-out worktop extension that is an optional extra. Without it, there isn’t much workspace in the main part of the kitchen, only on the sideboard across the aisle.

As the settee is so long, the worktop extension doesn’t take up too much of it. There is a three-burner gas hob, a round sink, and a combined oven and grill. But the sink cover, the cutlery tray and a fitted drainer are all extras, and there is no space for a microwave.

Washroom

The basin, with its lit mirror, greets you as you open the door to the washroom. Positioning it close to the door leaves more room for the shower, with which it shares space. The generous curtain should minimise water splashes. There is a toilet roll holder by the circular toilet, and a robe hook high up. There is no window here, but there is a rooflight.

Beds in the Bailey Discovery D4-2

The beds in this two berth caravan are so long, they can work as singles for almost anyone, but it’s easy to turn them into a large double via pull-out slats. Cubbyholes in the front sill provide a handy place to store your mobile or glasses, and the spotlights are perfectly positioned for night-time reading.

Storage in the Bailey Discovery D4-2

The nearside underseat locker, which you can access externally, is clear. However, the fusebox faces into it, which could prove a touch irritating if you have to lift all the slats and possibly take out items if a fuse blows. This is a small niggle, though.

Underseat locker with heater
Offside underseat locker houses the heater, but there is still some storage space

The offside locker includes the heater but has some space. There are two large overhead lockers in the lounge.

The wardrobe is a good size for two and has a boot locker below. The main kitchen unit includes two overhead lockers, a cupboard under the oven and a drawer. The sideboard and overhead locker opposite are a bonus, giving you room for those caravan essentials you’re taking with you. The washroom has a small cupboard over the toilet.

Verdict

It’s easy to see the cost- and weight-saving focus in this van, but this gives buyers more choice. After all, why pay for a microwave or a carpet if you don’t want them? The loss of the awning and the more neutral upholstery have robbed a little bit of the sparkle, but this is still a fine two-berth.

You can also see what we made of the Bailey Discovery D4-4L, the tourer with a new layout in the range.

What we like

Comfortable lounge, large central window

What we don’t like

No microwave option, limited workspace as standard

Technical spec of the Bailey Discovery D4-2

  • Price: £19,999
  • Berths: 2
  • MiRO: 887kg
  • Payload: 111kg
  • MTPLM: 998kg
  • Interior length: 3.76m
  • Shipping length: 5.62m
  • Overall width: 2.28m

Spec list

  • Al-Ko galvanised chassis
  • 14-inch alloy wheels
  • Status 50 TV aerial
  • Pre-wired for Wi-Fi
  • Dometic 101-litre fridge
  • Thetford combined oven and grill
  • Thetford C260 cassette toilet
  • EcoCamel showerhead
  • Four mains sockets, two USBs
  • Thetford Combi 2 heater
  • AKS 3004 stabiliser
  • Spare wheel and tyre
  • Smoke alarm
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Double bed 1.88 x 1.88m or single beds 1.88 x 0.62m

Or you could try:

  • Swift Basecamp 3: this caravan comes with a well-planned interior and makes a tempting choice for two on tour.
  • Mink Highlander: this is a practical little micro camper that sets up in a second.

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