NEW BAILEY UNICORN PROTO-TYPE SIMULATED 6 YEAR STRUCTURAL DURABILITY TEST
A new Bailey Unicorn Proto-type has recently completed a simulated six year structural durability test at the internationally renowned Millbrook Proving Ground.
Bailey has already tested both caravans and motorhomes several times before in this manner. However it was felt that as the bodyshell for the new Unicorn range features a GRP outer skin, new design front and rear bumpers plus the large opening front skylight in the front dome there was enough of a change in the structure to warrant further examination on the track. It also represented an opportunity to test the performance of the new standard fit Michelin tyres at the same time.
The caravan was subjected to a standard automotive simulated structural durability assessment. The test, specified by Millbrook themselves, took over three weeks to complete and covered seven different areas, these are: Pave, Kerb Strikes, Pot Holes, the High Speed Circuit, Driveway Ramps, Twist Humps and the Hill Route. The inputs experienced during the 1,000+ miles of testing on the Millbrook facilities simulates 6 years service use and provides Bailey customers with confidence in the structural integrity of the vehicle.
The results were recorded at regular intervals throughout the test sequence to ensure that every element of the new designs had been thoroughly evaluated. It is important to remember however that this is not a one-off ‘tick-the-box’ exercise but part of a programme of continuous product development which does not stop once a vehicle has been brought to market.
Bailey began the development of the original Alu-Tech construction vehicles at Millbrook five years ago and since then it has been back to the facility a further five times to carry out additional accelerated life testing on its caravans and motorhomes. In doing this the company has been able to make numerous in-build enhancements to its products during their lifespan to further improve their performance in use.
As a result of this policy our leisure vehicles are some of the best engineered and the most technically advanced products on the market and ones which offer real and tangible benefits of ownership to our customers.
