Latest News From Reads

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New Feature (2012-01-23)

If you haven`t already noticed, we now have share buttons on all of our stock of caravans. So now you can simply let your friends know what you have seen, or what you like with the click of a button. This will then be shown on your Facebook pages or tweeted to your Twitter account. So be one of the first amongst your friends to use this new feature and let them see what you have seen.

And Caravantimes Dealer of the Year is......... (2011-12-16)

Yes we did it, we won.

May we say huge thank you on behalf of everyone at Reads to all of our customers who took the time to go on-line and vote for us. Its great news for Reads and we really appreciate that all of our hard work and commitment to providing good customer service have been acknowledged by our customers.

Follow the link to see the video of all the winners - More...

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED (2011-12-14)

For all of our customers who have voted for Reads recently in the Caravantimes competition may we say a very big thank you. It would appear that we are the front runners, but with only two days left there is only 4% between us and another dealer. So please if you have not voted yet, follow the link and show your support and please tell all your friends who are also our customers to vote. Simply follow the link and be in with a chance to win a Kindle. Thank you. - More...

New Model Unicorns (2011-11-18)

The two new island bed Unicorns are now on display, the Cabrera (single axle) and Pamplona (twin axle)

Then in the new year we will have the new Cadiz, which features full length twin single fixed beds. This is not the only luxury caravan on the market to offer this layout. The Cadiz will go head-to-head with the Swift Conqueror 565. Bailey has put a new twist on this established configuration by shifting the wardrobe into the ensuite end-washroom, creating a more spacious, open-plan feel for the caravan

To see the new layouts please visit our facebook pages or for more information please ring our sales team. - More...

Discover Leisure Customers (2011-11-04)

Discover Leisure customers "unlikely" to get their caravan deposits back - More...

2012 NEC Show Cancelled (2011-11-04)

The organisers of the oldest show in the industry have been forced to cancel Boat and Caravan 2012, citing a lack of support from caravan manufacturers and dealers. - More...

Urgent - Caravan Services (2011-10-26)

Due to the sad news surrounding Discover Leisure going into administration, we are finding more of their customers choosing to use our services and aftersales instead. This is great news for Reads and we welcome the opportunity to help these customers.

Because of this we are urging our existing customers to book in earlier for servicing to avoid any disappointments and to make sure the caravan gets serviced firstly, when you would like it to be serviced, and secondly within the manufacturers warranty guidelines.

Clearance stock Truma Motor Movers (2011-10-26)

Brand New Truma Movers, still in original boxes now reduced to clear at £590.00 inc VAT (self fit). Last 10 at this price

Servicing Prices Reduced (2011-10-20)

Single axle service now only £200.00 inc VAT, inc hub nuts.
Twin axle service now only £230.00 inc VAT, inc hub nuts.

Loyalty price servicing still in operation for customer who bought their caravan from us.

Discover Leisure in Administration (2011-10-14)

Following the recent developments at Discover Leisure and the company going into administration today, are sympathies go out to all their staff involved. It really is sad news.

For any customers equally worried about their caravans, servicing and warranty repairs, we at Reads are very happy to help out at this difficult time. We are approved by Bailey and Swift for servicing and warranty repairs. - More...

Alu-tech Servicing Prices reminder (2011-10-14)

Bailey set all alu-tech servicing prices when they were launched at
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £350 plus parts + VAT

But at Reads, anyone purchasing their Alu-tech Bailey from us will automatically be rewarded with loyalty price servicing, which is
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £200 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £250 plus parts + VAT

Club Member Discounts (2011-10-06)

In 2012 we are offering discounts on servicing to Caravan Club members and Caravanning & Camping Club members and other clubs we work with

These discounts are with the regional clubs we have worked with in the past. So check with your club or ring our aftersales on 01254 688300 to see if your club is included in this offer.

new layout for Pegasus (2011-09-30)

Bailey have announced a new twin bed, rear washroom layout in the Pegasus to be called the Rimini. Be the first to see it when it arrives at Reads

Winter Specials (2011-09-30)

Our winter special offers are now on until the 20th December. From 2nd January 2012 the prices will go back to the normal prices shown. For details follow the link - More...

2 new Unicorn layouts (2011-09-26)

Because of the astounding success of the Unicorn range, Bailey have introduced two new model layouts in their flagship range. The single axle Cabrera and the twin axle Pamplona, both fixed island bed layouts. Follow the link for both these models and full 360 degree tours for all the Bailey portfolio - More...

Bailey Olympus II (2011-09-11)

For a quick video of the Olympus II go to our Facebook page - More...

Wheel nut questions (2011-09-04)

Following an inaccurate letter in August edition of Caravan Club magazine we have had numerous calls regarding the use of alloy wheel studs on steel rims in the event of a puncture.

Both Bailey and Swift caravans can use the alloy studs on steel rims. For full information and torque wrench settings then please refer to the users handbooks.

Latest Unicorn Recall Update (2011-08-22)

This is taken from the Bailey website 22/8/11, and is the latest update.

Following recent reports of a small number of wheel detachments on single axle Unicorn models, Bailey can now confirm its findings on this matter and the remedial action required to prevent this issue from occurring.

Examination of the Unicorn models which have experienced this type of failure has revealed no fault with the either the production process or the specification of individual components used. Further testing has shown however that, whilst the current configuration is robust, in certain extreme driving conditions where significant amounts of heat is generated in the wheel assembly, loosening of wheel bolts can occur. The larger single axle Unicorn models will be most susceptible to this problem given their relative size and weight.

After extensive research with the assistance of the National Caravan Council in a number of recognised test facilities and in consultation with leading automotive and commercial vehicle experts we have found that the following actions will significantly reduce the risk of any further wheel detachments :-

1.Replace the existing zinc plated wheel studs with new bolts coated in a dry lubricant (Delta Protekt 301). The purpose of the coating on the bolt is to reduce the friction between the wheel, hub and bolt thus doubling the level of tightness (technically referred to as ‘pre-load’) in the joint. As a result there is a significant improvement in torque retention and an associated reduction in the risk of detachment. Please note that no other lubricant (e.g ‘copa slip’) should be used in this regards.
2. With the previous assembly any additional bolt torque would simply be lost as friction between the component parts and as such would serve little purpose in securing the assembly. With the new bolt coating the higher torque is converted into pre-load in the bolt and as such benefits the assembly. Consequently we are recommending an increase in the wheel bolt torque settings for single axle Unicorn models fitted with the new bolts. You will be notified of this higher torque value when the bolts are despatched week commencing 8th August 2011.

In the interest of customer safety we will therefore be issuing an immediate product recall on all Unicorn Valencia, Madrid and Almeria models. These corrective actions can be carried out by any Approved Bailey Service Centre or should they wish to do so, at their own risk by the owners themselves. The cost of carrying out this exercise will be covered, on a without prejudice basis, by the Bailey manufacturers warranty. Unicorn Seville and Barcelona models have not been affected by this issue and are therefore not subject to this recall.

A quantity of replacement bolts will be supplied to all Approved Bailey Service Centres week commencing 08/08/11. Once this has been done we will then issue a written recall notice to owners of the models affected outlining the options available to them as regards to getting this remedial work carried out on their caravan.

These changes will be adopted on all future Unicorn production builds. - More...

Bailey Olympus Series 2 (2011-08-11)

On the 1st September the Bailey microsite for the new light weight Olympus S2 goes live. - More...

Aftersales - Tyron Bands Special (2011-08-10)

We have a special offer on any 13" tryon bands we have in stock. Normally £135.00 fitted including VAT, now £85.00

We are simply clearing out our stock of 13" bands to make way for new more popular sizes. This offer only applies for bands in our current stock and when these are gone we will no longer stock these sizes. So be quick as it is strictly first come, first served basis and when they are gone, they are gone.

Aftersales - Used Movers (2011-08-04)

Many used caravan movers for sale from £200 self fit only, fully tested and working. Ring 01254 688300 and ask for Kevin in parts. Fitting service available from £250

Swift Challenger Sport (2011-08-03)

For more info, visit our facebook pages. - More...

Great News For Reads Alu-tech Owners (2011-06-24)

Bailey set all alu-tech servicing prices when they were launched at
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £350 plus parts + VAT

But at Reads, anyone purchasing their Alu-tech Bailey from us will automatically be rewarded with loyalty price servicing, which is
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £200 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £250 plus parts + VAT

Bailey Motorhomes Announced (2011-06-24)

Bailey Caravans have been developed using over sixty years of experience in caravan design and are manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility to provide the very best in touring home quality and value.

The company will now be bringing this same level of expertise to the Motorhome market with the introduction of a new range of models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, NEC, Birmingham (Stand 19-29 Hall 19) on 11th October. - More...

Aftersales Centre Success (2011-06-14)

May we say a very big thank you to all of our customers who have been using our new Aftersales Centre since we opened it at the start of March and commenting on how much better the centre is for access, security, service, facilities and parking

On top of that, we must also say a very big thank you to the customers who are taking the time to rate our services on-line with the Approved Workshop Scheme. As a result of our continued hard work and commitment to customer services and aftercare, our Aftersales is now the highest rated and top performing dealership workshop in the Northwest with a feedback score of 92%. This score also puts us in the top 1% for the whole country.

Again many thanks to everyone who has come to use our new Aftersales Centre, and if you have not come to us yet, why not, when our customers are already telling you, that we are the best in the region.

Bailey Unicorn Technical Bulletin (2011-05-03)

Following a small number of reports of wheel detachments on new single axle Unicorn caravans we will are issuing a technical advice bulletin to owners of all Unicorn Seville, Madrid, Valencia and Almeria models.

Whilst the level of incidence is low we are taking this matter very seriously and as a matter of urgency we are currently working with our suppliers to identify the cause of the problem. It is suspected at this time, that the caravans involved may have had the wheels removed for Tyron Bands and/or motor movers to be fitted.

Until this can be clarified, as a safety precaution, we are therefore asking owners of the models in question to ensure that they are torquing the wheel bolts in accordance with the guidelines laid down in their Owners Manual prior to travelling with the caravan.

The correct torque setting for the Alloys wheels fitted to the current Unicorn range is: 110 Nm (81 Ft/lbs).

The wheel bolts should be tightened in sequence (each opposite fixing in succession) using a calibrated torque wrench. Please do not use a corner steady brace or an electric power wrench as it as dangerous to over tighten as to under tighten the bolts. As per the instructions in the manual this should be done before every journey made with the caravan. - More...

Alde Heating Explained (2011-04-12)

In order to assist new Bailey Unicorn owners with the operation of the control panel of the Alde heating system, Bailey have produced a simple demonstration video in conjunction with Leigh Marsden of Alde. - More...

Leeds Branch (2011-04-06)

We closed our Leeds branch at the end of October 2010

We have been informed that another company is trading from this site with touring caravans, but this business has no affiliation with Read Caravans and is a independent business.

Pictures of New Aftersales (2011-04-01)

We have just uploaded a few pictures of our new Aftersales Centre to our facebook pages - More...

New Showroom (2011-03-18)

Work is coming on, on our new indoor showroom.

New Aftersales (2011-03-14)

We are now moving our complete aftersales operation to our new premises Wednesday 23rd March. Anyone booked in for servicing or repairs on or after this date please deliver your caravan direct to our new workshops.

The new aftersales centre address is:

Lower Philips Road
Whitebirk Industrial Estate
Blackburn
BB1 5RP

The new telephone No is : 01254 688300

On this day there will be new road signs to assist you finding us.

Camping and Caravanning Club Data Sheets (2011-03-06)

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team has drawn on more than 250 years of camping and caravanning experience to create 11 new or revised technical Data Sheets.

The sheets were released to both members and non-members last month. They cover a range of camping and caravanning topics including introductory subjects such as ‘choosing a tent’ and ‘choosing a motorhome’, helping all campers to enjoy their leisure time.

The new or revised Data Sheets are excellent sources of advice and include:
Choosing a trailer tent or folding camper
Choosing the right layout for your tent
Choosing the right materials for your tent
Servicing your caravan or motorhome
Winter care for your caravan
Matching your car and caravan
Stabilisers and trailer control systems
Choosing the right transmission for your towcar
Gas for tent campers
Gas for caravans and motorhomes
Choosing a motormover for your caravan
- More...

Bailey Orion Microsite (2011-02-21)

- More...

Challenge Orion Video (2011-02-21)

Leading caravan journalist Andrew Ditton has gained exclusive early access to an Orion compact caravan. To put it through its paces he took it on a punishing journey to Spain taking in the Pyrennes en route. - More...

Bailey Orion Brochure (2011-02-19)

For your first view of the New Bailey Orion follow the lnk - More...

Bailey Pegasus II news (2011-02-16)

The new micro-site is now live to see the new Bailey Pegasus II. So follow the link. - More...

Bailey Orion (2011-02-08)

We went to see the Bailey Orion today. We were very impressed and we think it should make things very interesting to say the least. It certainly got a big thumbs up from us. Follow the link for a brief interview with Nick Howard - More...

Pegasus II (2011-02-06)

See the new Pegasus II brochure NOW - More...

New On-line Caravan Magazine (2011-01-26)

Discover Touring is a dedicated website to help inspire you to take up caravanning or motorhoming. It contains everything you need to know about the freedom, fun and flexibility of touring holidays. - More...

Rate our Work (2011-01-25)

The Approved Workshop Scheme now has an on-line survey. This is for customers using workshops who are members of the scheme. It applies to any work undertaken including servicing, warranty repairs and insurance repairs, which you may have had completed by any of their members. It has been proposed that these results will be published on the scheme`s website, showing scores against each workshop

So this is your chance to win £150, and have your say. So if you have had any work completed by us, then please follow the link and fill in the form. We thank you for your feedback. - More...

New Section for Ex-Display (2011-01-23)

Because we have been asked by our customers, where can they find any ex-display stock we are discounting, we have a new section.

If you choose showroom, then new stock and look at the bottom of the drop down box, there it is. These are caravans which will have been on display for a few months and we are discounting them to make way for more stock. - More...

We have seen it (2011-01-12)

We have been to see the new Pegasus 2 today and what a brilliant addition to the Bailey range. Following on from the overwhelming success of the Unicorn, Bailey have produced a caravan which will be another runaway winner. And when you see the caravan and the prices we are sure everyone will agree. It will certainly appeal to a lot of people especially series 5, 6 & 7 Pageant owners.

For your invitation to see the Pegasus and receive more information, all you need to do is join our mailing list.

New Pegasus (series 2) (2011-01-07)

Bailey announce the launch of the new series 2 Pegasus, due to arrive with us at the end of February. - More...

Christmas Closure (2010-12-21)

We will be closed this year from 21st December until the 3rd January.

Aftersales will not have any technicians back until 10th January although the office will have a skeleton staff working. This staff is to take appointments, accept and dispatch caravans and to answer the phones only. There will be no technical support or parts service because we are in the process of moving all our parts and stores to our new premises.

The Guild Of Master Craftsmen (2010-11-12)

We are now very proud to announce that we have now been accepted as a member of the Guild of Mastercraftsmen. This membership is a testament to our continued commitment to customer satisfaction and quality of service and workmanship.

Major Customer Announcement (2010-10-31)

Reads is a family run business founded in 1986 in the small village of Read near Burnley. In 1994 Mark and Denise Holden bought the business. Since then our business has continued to grow in size and reputation, which lead to the business moving to their current location in Blackburn. This is now undergoing a major improvement programme to relocate all Aftersales to new premises to allow both the sales and aftersales departments to grow further. In June 2002 we expanded into Leeds on A64, formerly Countrywide Caravans. Again this branch and business steadily grew in size and reputation. Amongst other restrictions, including access, parking, and workshop facilities, it has become apparent that the business was actually out-growing the site and was being suffocated by these restrictions. This expansion has proved painful and difficult and this has lead to the problems we face today. It is now with great regret we have taken the very serious and difficult decision to close our Leeds branch. This will happen 31st October. We are currently trying to make alternative arrangements for servicing with other local companies who are either Bailey approved, Swift approved or NCC approved workshops. We know this is very difficult and possibly upsetting for some, and for any of our customers affected by this closure who may have any concerns with regard to warranty or any aspect in relation to your caravan, may we invite you to contact our Blackburn Aftersales.

A Huge Thank You (2010-06-04)

May we say a huge thank you to everyone who came to our Swift Show Weekends. We were very happy to meet every new Swift owner who came to see us and our extremely successful show. It was met with great enthusiasm from everyone including staff and may we say a special huge thank you to everyone who purchased a swift product. We are now looking forward to our 2nd show which should be sometime in October to launch the 2011 models from Swift, Sprite and maybe one more.

Carver Mk2 Fanmaster (2010-03-29)

We now have the slide switches which go in the fire front to suit the MKII carver fanmasters as fitted to the Carver 4000 fires. We have a company producing them for us and we have them in stock at our Blackburn Aftersales.

New Swift Forum (2010-03-26)

Swift Group has now set up their own forum. On there they have their own staff answering enquiries and members who are caravanners. So please have a look and show your support by joining. Just follow the link and you see us on there as well. - More...

Check your water system NOW (2010-03-26)

Just a quick reminder for anyone who may not have dusted off the caravan yet, check your water system out for leaks now. We have, so far this year, encountered a huge amount of caravans suffering with frost damage. We have had 6 x carver cascade heaters burst, 2 x truma ultrastore heaters burst, 4 x truma therm heaters broken, at least 30 x surflo pumps split and I have lost count of the number of taps and pipe joints split. Its not surprising when you consider the weather we have had at -11. So please, check your water system out thoroughly before taking the caravan out. At least then you may have a chance of sorting it out in time, before you have got onto site, set it up and find the problem when everywhere is closed.

Bailey Olympus Brochure (2010-01-28)

The new Bailey Olympus brochure is available to download as a PDF. Follow the link - More...

Reads.....the Most Popular Caravan Dealership (2010-01-21)

I know its hard to believe but try for yourself. Start typing "reads c" in google and you will see over 11,000,000 results. Type "caravan" in yahoo and we are number 1!

Approved By Lunar (2008-07-04)

With recent developments, we are proud to announce we are now approved by Lunar Caravans to undertake their warranty repairs as well as the ongoing servicing of their caravans. May we take this opportunity to thank Lunar for their continued support and faith in the abilities of Read Caravans.