A rigid but flexible structure that won't compromise joint integrity is a great comfort for anyone braving New Zealand's unpredictable climate. The Bailey Pegasus GT65 caravan is more likely to stay warm and dry and thus require less maintenance.
In addition, that Alu-Tech bodyshell construction supports a GRP outer skin, making for a relatively lightweight caravan: you won't be forced to invest in a gas-guzzling tow vehicle. The GT65 Rimini has a tare of 1314kg and a payload of 158kg.
Overall height and length are 2.61m and 7.4m respectively, and the bodyshell construction has allowed the designers to shave the width to a svelte 2.23m. These trim dimensions notwithstanding, the Rimini provides a 5.7m internal length and headroom of 1.96m — very spacious.
Interior
Bailey's Pegasus range comprises six models — the Genoa, Verona, Rimini, Ancona, Bologna and Turin — ranging from 6.2m to 7.9m in overall length, and from two- to six-berths. At 7.4m overall, the Rimini sits about midway.
Its layout comprises a full-width bathroom at the rear, with twin, single berths just forward (north-south). Matching, facing settees in the lounge (up front) deploy into a large, double bed — to provide a total of four berths. In the middle of the caravan is a compact but well-designed kitchen (far side) and opposite, a TV station.
The rich Walnut cabinetry, plush upholstery, plump cushions and discreet LED lighting create a decidedly 'upmarket' feel, and it's all accentuated by the enormous double-glazed windows around and above the lounge. Collectively they provide a wonderful sense of space and airiness — and a superb view.
The most impressive of these windows is the curved skylight (front centre), blending smoothly into the caravan's aerodynamic exterior. As an opening skylight it will help with ventilation on steamy days and, like all of the Rimini's windows, it's equipped with an insect screen and a shade, so you can easily tailor it to the prevailing conditions.
Dining
You'll also enjoy dining in the Rimini. There's a free-standing table (it lives under one of the settees) that's used for four (or more) diners, but for casual meals there's a nifty table that slides out from the centre console/chest of drawers between the settees. Eating under that glorious skylight adds to the ambience.
Centre console
The centre console (equipped with two drawers) and retractable table is only possible because of a design variation. Where many caravans have the gas bottle locker up front, the Rimini sees the bottles moved further back to a locker just forward of the axle. In addition to freeing up space for the centre console, having the bottles further back lightens the load on the tow hitch.
Bathroom
Access to the bathroom is through a 'gangway' between the beds. Again, it's compact but well-designed, with a separate shower at one end and the vanity/swivel Thetford toilet at the other. There's also an enormous storage locker behind the toilet — I can see it being used as drying locker for wet hiking/skiing gear.
Bedroom
Twin singles in the main suite won't suit everyone. If you prefer a double bed you'll have to switch to Pegasus' Verona model (100mm shorter overall) or the slightly longer Bologna (7.9m overall). Both of these have an east-west island bed with one 'scalloped' side for easier access. Long-limbed gents might not warm to the scalloped side.
Kitchen
Plenty of good working space separates the round, stainless steel sink and cooker. The cooker's equipped with three gas burners and an electric hotplate (an easy option when hooked up to camp-site power), and an oven below. A 110-litre fridge nestles below the counter top, and opposite, at eye level, is an 800-watt microwave oven. The Rimini is equipped with more than enough 240-volt sockets.
I particularly like the free-standing drainer and chopping board which fit neatly on top of the sink — a clever, efficient piece of design. Masses of storage space is available in the row of eye-level lockers in the kitchen. The caravan carries 90 litres of water.
Touring
All-year touring is a definite proposition with the Rimini — thanks to the Alu-Tech bodyshell's excellent thermal properties, and the 4kW Whale heating system with its blown air vents throughout the caravan. The technology meets the European EN-1645 Grade III classification for heating and thermal insulation.
Verdict
Comfortable and stylish with a healthy dose of clever, practical design, the Rimini will be an attractive package for couples or small families — especially with its relatively modest $56,990 price tag.
Furthermore, weighing less than 1.5 tonnes and nicely streamlined, it's not an intimidating towing prospect — a feature underscored by the AL-KO trailer system. If you're thinking of venturing into the caravan lifestyle for the first time, hitching up to a Pegasus Rimini would be a good place to start.
Specifications
Berths Four
Overall length 7.4m
Height 2.61m
Internal length 5.71m
Overall width 2.23m
Headroom 1.96m
Tare weight 1314kg
For more information contact Traillite on 0800 872 455.
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