8ft Wide Caravans: Is a Bigger Caravan Better in 2022?

These extra inches aren’t just for stretching out, as the Bailey design team created dedicated layouts to maximise the size increase. Wider caravans are commonplace in Europe, and with a surge in popularity here in the UK, I’m answering commonly asked questions.

Can I tour with an 8ft wide caravan, or are they best suited to seasonal pitches?

· Compared to a 7ft 6in wide Bailey Unicorn, an 8ft wide Pegasus Grande or Alicanto is just three inches wider per side. This extra space allows for comfortable touring.
· This extra width gives Bailey customers the option of siting the caravan on a seasonal pitch OR to use it as a touring caravan
· Pegasus Grande SE and Alicanto models have ATC Trailer Control fitted as standard

Which caravans are 8ft wide?

· The Bailey Pegasus Grande SE and Alicanto ranges are both 8ft wide
· Pegasus Grande SE models: Rimini, Brindisi, Ancona, Bologna, Messina, Palermo & Turin
· Alicanto: Lisbon & Porto
· From single beds to an incredibly roomy double, there’s a layout to suit everyone

Are 8ft wide caravans single-axle or twin-axle?

Both the Pegasus Grande SE and Alicanto ranges have single-axle and twin-axle models, which offers a great range of layouts among caravan manufacturers.

Are 8ft wide caravans legal?

• Towing legalities are the same as any other caravan
• When looking at your tow car, make sure it’s capable of towing the caravan’s maximum weight, or MTPLM. Bailey’s lightweight Alu-Tech construction and AL-KO chassis allows a wide range of cars to be used as tow vehicles
• Mirror extensions may be required to give the required reward view. Milenco’s new Platinum towing mirrors have longer arms as standard, although longer arms can be purchased separately for older Milenco mirrors

Motor movers for 8ft wide caravans

A common question among caravanners, not just those who own 8ft wide caravans. A motor mover is a worthy investment, especially if there’s limited room to manoeuvre on site or in the storage yard. Truma and Powrtouch are popular motor mover brands.

What do major UK caravanning clubs think of 8ft wide caravans?

I contacted The Caravan & Motorhome Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club for comment, both of which were incredibly helpful. Many of the observations made echoed those above, although a couple of excellent points were made regarding travel and pitching on site.

The Camping & Caravanning Club suggested that a dedicated sat-nav could make travelling more accessible. Prima Leisure sells an Avtex sat-nav that can be pre-programmed with length, width, height & weight. I’ve tested Avtex sat-navs in 30+ countries, and I’ve yet to be led down an unsuitable road.

When asked about pitches, The Caravan & Motorhome Club said: ‘Width should not be a problem unless combined with a particularly wide awning as well. There should always be a 3m clear gap between one car/caravan/awning and the next outfit for fire safety.‘

Of course, both clubs welcome owners of 8ft wide caravans and offer a choice of seasonal and touring pitches. Some sites may provide storage too.

8ft wide caravan insurance

I contacted Caravan Guard to see if extra width automatically means a premium increase:

Caravan Guard insures the full range of Bailey caravans, and we’re insuring more and more 8ft wide tourers due to increasing popularity.

‘We treat 8ft wide caravans the same as a narrower unit, but premiums could be higher if the caravan is more expensive. In some cases, your insurer may ask for extra security such as an axle wheel lock, 24-hour security measures and an approved tracking device. Security requirements are discussed in detail when buying a specialist caravan insurance policy.’

Luckily, Bailey’s 8ft wide caravan models come with extra security, plus an alarm, as standard. Not only will this help meet an insurer’s security requirements, but could also significantly reduce your premium.

Would you like further information?
We hope you found this guide helpful. Further information about Bailey’s caravan range can be found here or at your local caravan dealer.