Nowadays, Bailey caravan heating systems are a little more sophisticated and well thought out. There are two popular ways of heating the habitation area in Bailey caravans, motorhomes or campervans: using blown hot air or wet central heating. Both methods heat a leisure vehicle, maintain a warm, cosy environment, and generate hot water, albeit using different systems. This guide breaks down how the two systems work and their key differences.

In the blue corner, we have the Truma blown-air system. This system circulates hot air around the Bailey campervan, caravan or motorhome by heating air with a fuel source – either gas, electricity, or diesel, as seen in the Bailey Endeavour and Alora models. The heated air is pushed through a combustion chamber and distributed via ducting placed around the vehicle. You can spot this type of installation by the small outlets positioned low in the cabinets.

The major advantage of this system is how quickly it heats the vehicle. Usually, within 10 minutes, hot air circulates the living area. The Truma Combi system reacts rapidly to temperature changes, cooling down just as fast when needed. This flexibility allows the system to focus on heating, hot water, or even work as a vent to circulate a gentle breeze on warmer days.

Unlike wet central heating, this system has no liquid to heat or circulate, making the installation much lighter – a feature that ultimately reduces vehicle weight. Maintenance is minimal; an annual service checks the gas burner, flue, and heat output.

Current Bailey vehicles equipped with the Truma Combi boiler include:

Caravans:

• Bailey Discovery
• Bailey Phoenix GT75
• Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75

Motorhomes / Campervans:

• Bailey Adamo
• Bailey Alora
• Bailey Endeavour

Noise:

If the fan speed is high, it can produce noticeable noise throughout the vehicle. In very cold weather, this can be particularly apparent during the night.

Distribution

The layout of the vehicle may affect the evenness of heat distribution. The further an outlet is from the main system, the cooler the air may feel – though this temperature difference is typically just a few degrees.

Usability

The control panel for the blown-air system is intuitive. You can adjust heating, hot water, fuel type, and fan speed. Advanced features include a clock, timers for heating, and “climate control” if paired with a Truma air conditioning unit. The new iNetX system enhances user experience with mobile device connectivity and a more user-friendly interface.

In the red corner, we have the Alde wet heating system, which operates similarly to central heating in a home. A furnace heats the liquid, which is then pumped around radiators placed strategically throughout the vehicle. These radiators, located behind seating, along floor walkways, and around beds, ensure consistent warmth throughout.

The constant flow of heated liquid ensures a uniform temperature across the vehicle, regardless of layout. Moreover, as it uses glycol to transfer heat, the system is quieter than its blown-air counterpart.

However, instant heat is not an option. The system typically requires 30 to 45 minutes to reach its optimal temperature, and cooling down also takes time.

The Alde system is heavier than the Truma system, not only because of the furnace but also due to the glycol. Regular maintenance is required, including replacing the glycol every two years for new vehicles and every five years thereafter. This ensures the system maintains its anti-corrosion properties. Additionally, topping up the solution may be necessary during use.

As a premium product, the Alde system is featured in these Bailey vehicles:

Caravans:

• Bailey Unicorn Deluxe
• Bailey Alicanto Grande Deluxe

Usability

The Alde control panel allows straightforward adjustments for temperature, heating, and hot water settings. You can select fuel type and schedule timers for optimal comfort.

So, which system is best? In truth, both are excellent options for modern leisure vehicles. Each has its pros and cons but ultimately provides warmth, hot water, and a cosy environment for cold days. We’ve experienced both systems in our caravans, and honestly, neither is “better” – they’re simply different.