Introduction
Andy Jenkinson, AKA the Caravan Industry Expert, reviews the 2021 Bailey Discovery D4-2 caravan.
The Bailey Discovery is a lightweight value-for-money small tourer range when it was introduced for the 2020 season in late summer of 2019. The D4-2 offers a large front lounge, a side kitchen with a dresser opposite, while a corner-end washroom has the wardrobe placed next to it. Strange looking they may be. However, value is good and they're cheap to buy, as well as being lightweight too!
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Bailey Discovery D4-2 Specification |
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Berths: |
2 |
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Length: |
3.89 m |
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Width: |
2.24 m |
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MIRO: |
884 kg |
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MTPLM: |
995 kg |
Spec included; Truma heating, fridge, oven/grill, gas hob, spot lamps, alloys, AKS hitch stabiliser, Status TV aerial, Thetford cassette loo.
Exterior Design
Okay – this is not going to be everybody’s cup of tea – it’s a bit like marmite let's face it. Curved corners, vertical rear wall and a sweeping front with portrait style window. The Discovery looks stubby, especially in its shortest-length model. GRP sides add toughness while the Al Ko chassis comes with AKS hitch stabiliser while black alloy wheels are standard too. No front gas locker is fitted, gas is stored in an off-side locker. On the nearside, an access locker is used for storage.
Interior Layout
Typically a two-berth traditional layout, the D4-2 just alters things slightly. The lounge at the front offers two long settees which can be used as single beds. With the use of slats, they can be made into a double bed. There is the side kitchen which again is normal in this standard layout. Though the Bailey has a slight L-shaped design, it also has an extension flap for additional worktop space too. The fridge is opposite in the side dresser unit which has a roof locker above. Into the washroom and there is the usual shower and electric flush loo. However, the wardrobe has been left in the living area, just by the entrance door in fact.
Comfort and Convenience
This Discovery on review was only two years old, so we would expect it to be in good condition and everything working as it should be. At a fiver short of £16k it's priced right too. This is an entry-level tourer so don’t expect plush seating and curtains to match! The Discovery has traditional seating and it’s not overly padded either. However, this used D4-2’s upholstery still felt relatively supportive and even the small scatter cushions were comfortable. The front lounge will seat two with ease and four if needed, but the front window in portrait position means it obstructs your view outside. LED lights allow good night illumination and the kitchen, though a little compact, does prove practical for a couple. The end washroom means small sites with few facilities can be used, while the wardrobe is ample for two on a longish tour.
Kitchen and Dining
With the free-standing table placed in a storage slot by the entrance door, mealtimes will be comfortable. The table itself is a decent size for two to use. Unlike most two berths, there is no front chest of drawers so no small slide-out coffee table is available. The kitchen offers a three-burner gas hob as well as a grill/oven which also has spark ignition. The sink is a good size, while storage comes in the form of overhead lockers and two cupboards. The fridge opposite has extra worktop and mains sockets for a TV, but a microwave wasn’t a standard fit. In this review model, the kitchen, especially the hob, was like new.
Bathroom and Sanitation
The D4 is an end washroom model, but it's quite basic. It features a simple hand basin and shower with curtain. You do get a Thetford electric flush loo, but no window is fitted. Instead, you have to rely on a small roof vent which makes the washroom feel quite dark, especially on a dull day. The washroom was, though, in great condition and obviously had been kept clean.
Performance and Towing
With its long drawbar and AKS hitch stabiliser, the Discovery should tow very stable and even with a small tow car for which its design. So towing with cars such as a Nissan Qashqai DCI will be a breeze or look at a 1.6 Ford Focus petrol that should do the job easily too. But as always – check with your car maker.
Pros and Cons
Things I like:
- Lightweight
- Not expensive
- AKS hitch
- Decent Spec
- Great for couples
Things I don't like:
- No front gas / storage locker
- Quirky looks
- No washroom window
- Front window design
User Experience
Discoveries are very much a marmite tourer, and that may put some off. That front window also restricts front lounge viewing too. No gas / storage locker at the front is another deal breaker for some too. But the Discovery is light and easy to tow, and those who like to be different will love this tourer. With more on the used forecourt, you should find one easy to view. The D4-4 is the most popular model with a fixed bed, but the D4-3 is a layout that proves not as popular used. For lightweight, price and distinctive looks, plus a decent spec, the D4-2 is worth considering.
While viewing look out for any floor problems – such as damp and worse case rot. Also c,heck for badly scratched front windows if previous owners have cleaned the front with a cloth rubbing in any grit. Check the seating for saggy sections and lack of support.
Conclusion
With little in the way of tourers like the Discovery D4-2, this for many will be a choice to make. Yes there is the Swift Basecamp, but they're heavier and some folk won’t like a rear entrance door. Used Lunar Ariva’s offer a lightweight tourer with great spec, but no end washroom. They can have damp problems too. The Discovery then does everything it says on the tin, and if you like that profile, then it will tick your boxes for the rest of the van. If you can’t do without a gas/storage front locker or that central chest of drawers then look elsewhere, but this tidy example was a good buy.
Check Andy's YouTube Channel HERE for more caravan reviews.
