The latest UK caravan news including the caravan of the future, Dorset caravan retailer closing, gas cylinder refilling warning and Swift’s winning caravans

Do you wonder what UK caravan news is currently hitting the headlines? In the depths of winter, with snow and ice still on the ground, you might have thought that the caravanning world has all but gone to sleep. Far from it!

In answer to your questions, here are some of the latest headlines featuring some caravan news …

Innovative expandable ‘Flexi-Pod’ caravan unveiled

Want a glimpse of the future shape of caravans? In its edition of the 31st of December, the Sun newspaper gave you just that.

Measuring more than 26ft (7.2m) long by 8½ft (2.6m) tall, the ForFreedom concept caravan looks all the world for a compact trailer that will be manoeuvrable and easy to tow. At rest, though, its pivoted centre and sliding chassis converts the whole into a thoroughly comfortable and spacious living area.

It sets new standards – fit for a caravan of the future – thanks to an ingenious, expandable design that creates a flexible and roomy living pod with windows affording spectacular views.

There’s a fully-fitted kitchen – surpassing any conventional galley – and a spacious bathroom that you’d be hard-pressed to find in any other caravan of its size.

Dorset’s largest caravan retailer closes just before Christmas

If you’ve heard of Lady Bailey Caravans, you’ll be disappointed to discover that Dorset’s biggest retail outlet of caravans closed down just before the Christmas holidays, reported Practical Caravan recently.

Ill health has forced the owners’ retirement from the dealership that has been run for the past 30 years or so from its premises in Winterborne Whitchurch, near Blandford Forum.

Just as the name suggests, Lady Bailey Caravans held the franchise for new and used Bailey caravans – one of the biggest UK manufacturers of caravans, including models such as the Discovery D4-2 and the Alicanto Grande Evora.

Although Lady Bailey Caravans has now closed, six other local companies have been accredited to carry out repairs and servicing of Bailey caravans, including work done under warranty or an existing service plan. Only a “very few” owners will be unable to find workshops competent in doing used warranty work, says Lay Bailey’s website.

Gaslow issues safety warning: refilling gas cylinders without genuine systems poses serious risks 

What shouldn’t you attempt without access to the proper equipment? Your gas cylinders should only be refilled by recognised professionals working at purpose-built filling stations, says cylinder manufacturer Gaslow International in a story published by Out and About Live.

The company warns of the dangers of trying to refill exchange cylinders on your own. It seems that some caravan owners and campers have bought adaptors online that come with nozzles designed for refilling gas cylinders on petrol station forecourts and the like. By attempting to cut corners and costs in this fashion, customers are compromising their safety with potentially lethal results.

Exchange cylinders need to be filled by weight. That requires specialist weighing equipment to measure things accurately. It’s an important safety measure because an overfilled cylinder is highly dangerous – it can catch fire or even explode. For that reason, a cylinder must always be refilled using an 80% automatic protection valve to prevent overfilling.

Swift celebrates awards

2024 was a good year for Swift – 2025 is shaping up to be even better to judge by the awards the caravan manufacturer.

Swift was voted the winner in the separate categories for best 6-berth caravan (the Sprite Exclusive Major 6 TD), best 4-berth motorhome (Voyager 510) and best campervan (Swift Trekker X) by Practical Caravan Awards and Practical Motorhome Awards.

The Swift Sprite Quattro MB was the winner not only of Caravan of the Year but also Best Family Caravan while the Basecamp 2 won the award for the coolest caravan in the Out & About Live Caravan Awards and the Swift Trekker as the coolest campervan in the Out & About Live Campervan Awards.

The manufacturer also won six awards in various Highly Commended categories.