2014 Caravans Australia Factory Tour

CARAVANS AUSTRALIA

Caravans Australia, founded in June 2012, is the umbrella company comprising the Australian-made Regent and Legacy caravan brands, as well as British-built Baileys. It has more than 50 staff, including managing director Adrian van Geelan, across the group and has invested heavily in CNC cutting machinery and engineering design programs.

AUSTRALIA-WIDE SUPPORT

The group offers wide distribution, service, support and spare-parts assistance to customers around the country with a strong network of more than 20 dealers across Australia.

REDESIGNED FOR AUSTRALIA

Caravans Australia imports Baileys from the UK and has direct input into the vans’ design and manufacturing to ensure they’re suitable for Australian conditions.

Changes are made to the gas regulators; they have air-conditioners, larger water tanks, stronger axles, awnings, TV antennas and stone bras fitted, while the chassis is raised about 40mm.

THE FUTURE OF CARAVAN MANUFACTURING

Steve Willis moved from Bailey UK to Caravans Australia to work as the design and technical manager. He believes Australian vans are over-engineered for the majority of vanners, too heavy and take too long to manufacture. He said the future direction of the industry must be to get the weight out of vans, while keeping the strength.