Aussie Rangefinders cross ditch

Following the launch of its locally-built Rangefinders at Melbourne’s Leisurefest in early October, Bailey Australia has wasted no time heading overseas and targeting the relatively small but potentially lucrative New Zealand caravan market.

All three new Rangefinder models made their Kiwi debut at the 2015 New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Leisure Show in Christchurch from November 6-8, reportedly garnering plenty of interest from the healthy crowd attending.

Fully-imported British-built Bailey caravans already sell in decent numbers in New Zealand, where road and travelling conditions are more similar to those in the UK than Australia. As a result, there’s usually no need to change the UK/European specs to suit the local market.

However with the new Rangefinders, Bailey Australia believes it can offer Kiwi caravanners an appealing blend of Euro style and light weight along with Australian space, strength and features.

Compared to the UK vans the Melbourne-built Baileys offer 20cm more interior width, considerably more ground clearance, up to 200kg more carrying capacity and 70 litres more fresh water capacity, at 210 litres.

Also in the Rangefinders’ favour is the positive perception of Australian-made leisure and camping products in New Zealand, with both Jayco and Paramount selling previously in the Land of the Long White Cloud, although neither displayed at this year’s Christchurch Show.

In addition to the Australian upgrade options, NZ Rangefinder buyers have the option of taking out the A/C and replacing it with a Truma E2400 heater, upgrading to a combination of 140L grey and 140L fresh water tanks and fitting front gas bottle covers.

NZ Rangefinder prices are not surprisingly a little higher than those of their Australian counterparts, with the three-berth entry-level Astro selling from $NZD74,990, the five-berth Gemini bunk model priced from $NZD 77,990 and the

range-topping Nebula with its U-shaped front lounge priced from $NZD79,990.

Meanwhile back home, Bailey Australia has delayed plans to introduce two new Rangefinder slide-out variations, to allow for an interior upgrade and streamline the local production process before introducing new models.

Public and dealer reaction to the new Rangefinders on their first public showing at Leisurefest indicated that the décor of the new models was more Australian utilitarian than potential buyers expected and new high-gloss cabinetry and upgraded furnishings – both previous options – are expected to be seen on existing models in time for the Victorian Caravan Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds in February.

It’s now anticipated the two new slide out models – one with a lounge slide and the other with a combined lounge and bedroom slide – will make their debut at the 2016 NSW Caravan, Camping & Holiday Supershow from April 9-17.