Archive for the ‘Insurance’ Category

Resealing a Window

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Having caravan insurance is an integral part of being a caravan owner. Who would jeopardise such a large investment for a few extra pounds. However, there are some little jobs that can be done without calling on insurance and therefore possibly making the following years quote a little cheaper.

Resealing a window is just one of them. It is quite common on caravans that are older to find the window rubbers will need replacing to avoid the risk of water coming into the caravan. When this happens it is a good idea to replace them. This job will need a selection of tools which include a decent selection of screwdrivers and chisels, a good pair of pliers, a  hammer, a drill, a sealant gun (with some sealant), a Stanley scraper with its plastic blade, a good quality staple gun and a pair of vice grips.

To start with, open the window and on the inside of the caravan, mark with a pencil either ends of each of the plastic window fittings, this is done to make it easy to put them back in the right place later. While using the pencil also make a note of how this hinge is fitted so it goes back the correct way.

Using a screwdriver undo the two window props on the caravan leaving them hanging loose. Next prop the window open with a piece of wood so it is out of the way while the job is being done. Keep careful note of the way the fittings are attached, remove them and keep them safe in a cup or some other receptacle. Locate the top of the seal and look for the join in the top of the white plastic. Pull it out until the other end is visible and make a mark, be careful not to mark the rubber seal, always mark it on the interior of the caravan wall (just a small mark is necessary), and also take note which way up the seal goes.

The next job is to pull out the trim all the way around, and put it in a safe place. If possible pull back the lip of the seal that is in contact with the caravan and if no sealant sticks to the fingers it is probably a good idea to replace the sealant. Go around the staples with a screwdriver and lever them up just a little bit. Next grab a pair of pointed pliers and pull the staples out. Go to the middle, bottom of the window seal and look for the join, when found, pull one end up, and take a good look at how it fits. Carefully peel it back all the way around, and make sure it is put in a safe place.   Go all the way around the window carefully with a chisel scraping away any sealant that is left then use white spirit to clean what remains.

New seals come with mastic already on one side. Measure against the old seal and allow about an extra 25mm, use either scissors or a Stanley knife to cut the seal. Spread the seal and fit to the window frame making sure that the seal is pushed into the corners well. Once it is fitted around the window frame it is time to trim the seal. Next, using the staple gun, staple around the window seal making sure the corners are not stapled. Any staples that are sticking up will require a small tap with a hammer. Now it is time to refit the capping and the notes made earlier as to where it goes will come in handy. Slide one side into the channel and then using a screwdriver prize back the other side so the capping will sit down into the channel. Replace the fittings and the job is completed.

Swift and stunning

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Last week saw the unveiling of Swift Caravan’s much vaunted new look for 2011, and journalists and dealers alike were not left disappointed.

In secrecy more akin to a government surveillance department rather than caravan manufacture, Swift had kept their new model designs under close wraps. No-one was allowed even a peak before the official unveiling, although one intrepid soul did manage to get a few long range shots of the caravans and displayed them on a caravan website the day before.

The four new updated tourer caravan models were presented to the world from an event at Cottingham, near Hull last Thursday, and it must be said the ballyhoo surrounding the unveiling was well justified. The four models, namely the Sterling Eccles and Elite with the Swift Conqueror and Challenger are dramatically different.

All four models have a significantly different exterior profile and all have superior interior design to their predecessors, but the really striking difference is the panoramic sunroof. The window seemingly sweeps up from the nose of the caravan and envelops itself around the roof. The shading is black and provides a stark and sporty contrast to the brilliant white of the rest of the caravan. Inside one gets the feeling of being in the cockpit of a plane as you really do get a panoramic view of your surroundings. The sunroof comes as standard on the Conqueror and Elite models and can be fitted as an extra on the other two. It would be difficult to envisage anyone shelling out the money for a new Swift, purchasing their caravan insurance and not going the extra mile to add the sunroof, it is that striking.

Other improvements that feature on the new models include low energy LED lighting, the lighting itself now being concealed above the lockers, iPod and mobile phone recharging stations, mains panel with a 12v socket, two extra mains sockets and TV Ariel socket. The main idea inside seems to have been ease of access. The microwave has been lowered slightly, the table top mechanism improved and the door bin made slightly bigger. The vinyl floor covering has been upgraded as well.

In all, there will 8 new models of the Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles and 5 new types of Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite. Prices will be announced on the first of September with the public invited to view the range from the 4th and 5th of September.

Perfect Partner- Caravanning and Biking

Friday, August 13th, 2010

There are few healthy pursuits as enjoyable as cycling.  Whether you’re a fan of leisurely river-bank meandering or racy downhill slalom riding, biking can make for a brilliant holiday.  What better base for your biking holiday that your caravan, parked up in a scenic spot?

Biking holidays and caravan holidays are, in fact, perfect partners.  Many sites are actually specifically set up to cater for those wishing to park up, hop on a bike and ride out.

Firstly, you’ll need to get your bikes to your chosen spot.  There are a number of options for doing this.  If you and your family are regular bikers, you may well already own a rack which fits on to your car.  Roof racks for bicycles are ideal for caravan-biking holidays; you won’t even notice the difference when you’re driving.  If you’re thinking of getting one of these fitted, make sure it’s done securely, and ensure that all bikes are properly tied down before you hit the road.  The great advantage of this fixture is that you can still drive away from the site with your bikes when you arrive, giving you greater flexibility about location.

Unfortunately, if your existing bike rack attaches to the back of your car, you may experience problems when towing your caravan.  Users often report problems when attempting to connect everything up for travel, even if – technically – the two should fit together.

Thankfully, there’s an excellent solution – and probably the ideal option if you don’t already own a bike rack; purchase a purpose-made caravan bike rack.  These fit directly to the back of your caravan and are adjustable to fit the specific design of your vehicle.  Best of all, you won’t be able to notice the addition at all when you’re on the road.

Of course, another option is to pack the interior of the caravan with your bikes.  Whilst this is entirely possible, you should always take great care to tie the bikes down so that they do not move about and cause damage on route.  Consider, too, that after a trip out on the hills your bikes might end up a fair bit dirtier than at the start of your holiday, which might end up spreading throughout the caravan on the way home.

Once you’ve arrived, look out for cycle maps, routes and paths around the site.  It can be great fun to follow the suggested routes, but if you’re feeling adventurous then ask the locals where to head for their personal tips on the best routes and spots.  Be sure to take parts, spares and first aid equipment, and keep a good extended stock back at your caravan in case you need to make any repairs at the end of the day.

Even on friendly and secure campsites, theft is always a risk.  If you transported your bikes on a rack, make sure to lock them back up and to lock the rack itself down.  If not, ensure that you lock everything down carefully to another secure anchor point.

For those who don’t fancy taking bikes with them, many campsites even hire out bikes by the hour or the day, or will be able to recommend local bike hire shops.  This removes the hassle of taking bikes with you, and ensures that you’ll find good routes nearby.

Whatever the style of caravan holiday you decide to take, it’s always advisable to purchase good quality Caravan Insurance before you leave.  You’ll be ensured the peace of mind you need to enjoy your holiday fully.

Reverse Parking

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Ask most caravanners to list their least favourite aspects to the caravanning experience and parking won’t take long to surface as a major issue.  It’s not just the difficulty which frustrates people; It’s the fact that at the end of a long, tiring journey, a tricky parking manoeuvre just isn’t what you need.

Furthermore, the first contact you have with your neighbours for the next weekend/week/fortnight could well be an embarrassing one.  The fantasy of driving in, parking up and jumping out would leave you free to greet those around you.  Instead, all too often, you’re forced to grimace at them from the agony of your car cockpit.

Thankfully help is at hand.  Although you might still take a while to master the technique, there are some simple rules and tips to help you park if not with ease, then at least with a touch of grace.

Firstly, remember to keep calm.  Of course, best laid plans are often discarded, and you may well find it hard to quell the frustration after a long journey with restless children.  But staying calm will always improve your chances of success, and get your holiday started on the right note.

If you’re really concerned about parking, don’t be afraid to do a practise run before setting off on the real holiday.  If you take the kids along you can disguise the whole thing as a warm-up for the main holiday event!  Parking up a few times in a quiet area can give you the confidence boost that you need to park with ease upon arrival at the site.

Whenever and wherever you reverse park, it is always advisable to have a guide to assist you as the ‘navigator’ (driver).  However, don’t just kick your partner out of the passenger seat and onto the grass when you arrive; they won’t know how to help.  Ideally, the guide should be somebody who has had experience of the manoeuvre themselves.  Before anybody leaves the car, arrange some standard signals and phrases.  For example, agree whether “further right” means ‘turn the car to the right’ or ‘turn the caravan to the right’ before you start the manoeuvre. Depending on the size of your caravan, you might have difficulty communicating orally, so agree on some hand signals, or use Walkie-Talkies for clarity.

Even if you do have a good flow of communication between guide and navigator, accidents resulting from crashing into unseen objects are always possible.  Before you set off, check the area you are moving into thoroughly.

Many difficulties in manoeuvring occur unnecessarily.  It may seem obvious, but if there is no need to reverse park your caravan, then take the easy option.  If there is another way of parking up, for example by driving round the block to straighten up, then save yourself the trouble and possible embarrassment.

Rather than getting your holiday off to a stressful and embarrassing start, make sure that you’re prepared for parking up.  Whether it involves practise or preparation or both, you’ll be glad you did.  It’s always best to stay safe and avoid any possible accidents, but if the worst does happen, make sure that you’ve taken out Caravan Insurance so that you’re protected.

Making the Most of your Fridge

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Gone are the days when the only culinary options available to you on a caravan holiday came from a tin.  The campers in the site next to you might still be limited to beans and bread, but the mod-cons of your caravan should help you live a comparative life of luxury.

Central to this culinary luxury is your fridge.  Modern caravans usually come with a fridge as standard, and there may even be a variety of options and sizes for you to choose from.  Even if your caravan doesn’t have a fridge, they are cheap to buy and easy to install.

With this fridge, you’ll be able to keep crisp veg, safely stored meat and even chilled drinks to enjoy during your holiday.

As with all life’s little luxuries, though, keeping your fridge operational and well require a bit of thought.  This effort should, however, be rewarded in the longevity of the fridge and temperature of its contents.

A common fault which users run into – and one that can be difficult to diagnose or solve – is tipping the fridge on an angle.  When you park up your caravan, if you inadvertently position the caravan on an angle, the fridge could begin to work at a lower than standard capacity, or stop working altogether.  It is important to keep the fridge flat when parked up.

Remember that all fridges take some time to cool down.  If you are transferring food from your fridge at home, make sure the caravan fridge has been turned on for at least 12hours prior to moving the food, otherwise the temperature could fall below a safe or pleasant level.

If you’re pushed for time, don’t panic – there’s a simple solution!  To aid your fridge in the cooling process, pack it with items from your freezer as you leave.  This way, the frozen items will help cool the fridge and then defrost themselves by the time you arrive.  A perfect idea for stocking up the fridge for a BBQ on arrival.

Overloading your fridge can result in the entire contents of your fridge failing to reach a good temperature.  Whilst it might be tempting to fill every available space with cans of beer, it might be better to stagger your use of the fridge so that its contents fills properly.  Remember, however, that items such as meat, cooked rice and dairy products can cause health risks if left out in a hot caravan for too long.  Another alternative is to use a coolbag or coolbox, some of which even plug into the mains directly to keep all the drinks and snacks cool during the day.

Once your holiday’s over, don’t forget to turn off the fridge.  Leaving the door wide open will allow air to circulate though and prevent any build ups of mould.

If you take good care of your caravan fridge, you should be living a life of luxury in no time.  Who knows?: You might even feel a spark of generosity and offer your tent-dwelling neighbours a cool glass of white wine.

To make sure that you have an ultimately chilled and luxurious holiday, set your mind at rest by taking out Caravan Insurance before you go.

Make Money with Your Caravan

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

One of the most attractive draws of caravanning is the price tag.  After the initial investment, holidaying costs become almost negligible.  The costs of petrol, food, gas and site fees are your primary outlays, but shouldn’t break the bank.

If, however, you fancy making this cost-effective form of holidaying into an even cheaper, or even lucrative, activity, you’ll be pleased to know that there are actually ways of making money using your caravan.

Consider the facts.  Your caravan probably cost you at least a few thousand to buy, either new or second hand.  In return, you get use of it for your holidays each year.  Depending on your lifestyle habits, this could mean extensive use or just a couple of weeks per year.  Either way, the down-time of your caravan usage is likely to be fairly large.

So why pay for storage of your caravan for the rest of the year?  Or even if you store it yourself, why lose out on it’s under use?  Why not rent out – or sublet – your caravan for the times when you are not using it?

By renting out your caravan, you could easily earn enough to cover the costs of your own caravan holidays, and might even find yourself with a few spare pennies to keep for yourself too.

So what are the options for renting out your caravan?

Well, probably the easiest option is to sign your caravan up to a private rental firm.  These organisations will sort out all of the advertising, administration and practicalities of hiring out your caravan.  Some organisations even store your caravan for the entire time that you are not using it – effectively acting as a timeshare where you merely book in when you want your own holiday.

Of course, the disadvantages of these organisations are evident too.  They will take a commission off the top of your rental income.  Depending on your aims, it may also seem like too much of a deviation from your ideal holidaying scenario.  You won’t be able to just zoom off on holiday whenever the mood takes you, which may take some of the joy out of the pursuit for you.

Another option, made vastly easier thanks to the widespread nature of the internet, is to rent out your caravan one-to-one.  Finding a customer and arranging the rental may take more work on your part, but protects you from the fees of an external company.  There are many websites and forums that offer to connect those who want to let and rent caravans.

So how much could you expect to make?

Obviously, how much you can charge for your caravan depends on its age, quality and specifications.  For a simple test, check how much similar models to yours are being rented out for.  You should be able to find out in no time how much you might make.

You’ll also need to factor in the costs of marketing, cleaning and any extra travel.  But as long as you aren’t expecting to make a banker’s salary from the arrangement, you should be pleasantly surprised by this potential source of income.

Renting out your caravan can be lucrative, but it does carry its own risks.  Make sure you’ve got a good Caravan Insurance policy to cover you and your caravan.

Tracking Devices

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Imagine the scene.  You’ve been holidaying in Cornwall and have spent the day out at the beach.  Despite locking your caravan securely including doors, windows and wheels, somebody has managed to break in.  You return to find an empty spot at the site.

At this point, naturally, you contact the police.  You provide your details and the details of your caravan.  Unfortunately, despite all their best efforts, the police will invariably find your predicament a difficult one to solve.  The thief will have changed the number plates, leaving a largely nondescript caravan to find.

Not only does this situation deprive you of your caravan home, but also any of your possessions stored within it.  For all the preventative methods you can employ, this occurrence is never entirely avoidable.

Luckily, tracking devices can provide a fantastic safety net for caravan theft.  Using satellite technology similar to that in your GPS Navigation system – tracking devices are securely attached to your caravan so that the vehicle can be located after theft by the police.

There are a number of different types of caravan tracking devices, one of which could work perfectly for you.

Target Tracker
When you buy one of these devices you are also given a phone number.  On discovering a theft, simply call the operator and they will be able to activate the tracker device on your caravan.  For those concerned about privacy, these systems are ideal since they cannot be operated without direct user permission.  Once located, the police will be given the details for recovery.

Phantom Target
Phantom makes some of the most reliable security systems available, and their products come with outstanding safety ratings.  Attaching to the backup batteries of your caravan, these devices will not even be deactivated if the thieves cut the main power for the vehicle.  The average period for recovery time using one of these devices is a tiny two hours.

Phantom Pro-Active
As well as providing the standard location information, this model is able to communicate security related information back to the central call centre, which can then be passed on to you the user or to the police.  For example, motion sensors can pick up any unexpected activity, or cutting mains power would also alert the call centre.

RAC Trickster Pro-Active
This greatly respected automobile club offers their own tracking services.  Any unauthorised movement of your caravan will trigger an alarm to the central call centre.  You will then be contacted in an effort to ascertain whether the action is malicious or of your own doing.  This service is also offered for a whole range of other vehicles, and all are professionally and discreetly fitted.

Of course, nobody wants to become the victim of theft.  Caravans, in particular, can be an extremely vulnerable and valuable item to lose.  Preventative measures are always advisable however to a determined thief they will act only as barriers.  For added peace of mind, tracking devices offer an excellent second-response to theft.  Whichever anti-theft methods you choose, keep your peace of mind by taking out Caravan Insurance too.

Festival Caravanning

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Music festivals are the realm of euphoria, relaxation and great experiences.  Sadly, rain, sleepless nights and mud creep in and can often spoil visitors’ enjoyment drastically.

In the UK at the moment, festivals are becoming one of the most popular summer activities.  There are hundreds of festivals throughout the year around the country, ranging from a few hours to a few weeks long.  Even better, the choice of music, entertainment and themes are wide enough to impress any aficionado or casual listener.

So how can you hit the festivals without slumming it?  Take your caravan!

Most major UK festivals now have provision for caravans.  You’ll even find special caravan service providers at some of the largest festivals.

The advantages of taking your caravan to a festival can be obvious, but there are more subtle benefits too.  Firstly, expect to keep yourself far dryer in a caravan than in a tent.  Unfortunately, festivals seem to be unfairly plagued by bad weather, but with a caravan you’ll be able to dry yourself off after a hard day’s partying, and enjoy a warm night.

Whilst you can feasibly stock up a tent with mattresses and duvets, you’ll find that you can make up a far more comfortable bed in your caravan.  What’s more, rather than lugging round heavy or cumbersome bedding, it’ll all be stored for you en-route.

Another major concern about festivals is their toileting facilities.  Save yourself the horrors of spending a penny on the final days of the festival by bringing your own caravan (with toilet) to the site.  You might even have an on-board shower, although beware that this could incur scorn from fellow ‘rightfully un-showered’ festival goers.

As with any good plan, there are still some drawbacks.  Booking a site for your caravan will likely set you back more money than a standard tent pitch.  Worse still, the caravan sites are sometimes positioned further away from the action than standard areas.  This is a compromise which could work for you, or might leave you unimpressed.

Furthermore, it is also important to consider your entry to the festival.  Due to the sheer scale of many modern festivals, campsites can be a long distance from major roadways.  You can, therefore, sometimes be forced to travel over large amounts of natural terrain – a possible challenge if your caravan or car finds off-road journeying difficult.

Despite these problems, though, caravanning can be the perfect way to experience festivals, even if they’ve never appealed to you before.

The big festivals, all of which are fully accessible to caravanners, are Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and V festivals.  For watching the major headliners from Muse to Stevie Wonder, there’s nowhere better.

On the other hand, smaller festivals can provide unforgettable experiences despite their lack of household names.  The Secret Garden Party, or Rob Da Bank’s Bestival on the Isle of Wight are both extremely successful and popular smaller festivals.

If unbearable conditions have dissuaded you from attending festivals in the past, but something still inspires you about the idea, your caravan can provide the ideal compromise.  Don’t suffer for your enjoyment, take your caravan and have a great time in comfort.  Whatever use you find for your caravan, make sure you’ve taken out good Caravan Insurance.

Choose Your Caravan Carefully

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Buying a caravan is a uniquely challenging experience.  Not only do you encounter all the trials and tribulations of purchasing a ‘home’, but also the confusing specifications which come with a new vehicle.

Those who find decision making tricky will be saddened to learn that caravans come in huge numbers of types and styles.  But fear not, because there are clear advantages and disadvantages of each, so you should be able to determine exactly the right type for you.

Static Caravan
Although designed for transport, caravans do not have to move anywhere at all.  In fact, if you enjoy hitting the same spots every holiday period, parking up your caravan permanently can have distinct advantages.  If you manage to arrange a good deal with the site owner, you could end up saving money overall in transport and site fees, despite a land rental cost.  Static caravans also allow you to build up permanent features around the vehicle, such as gardens or pot plants.

Mobile Caravans
Of course, there’s nothing better than the freedom of being able to hit the open road before parking up at the spot of your choosing.  Mobile caravans come in a huge range of styles.  Long gone are the days when caravanning was entirely about cold baked-beans and uncomfortable tin beds.  Features can include anything from kitchens and beds to baths, flat screen TVs and mood lighting.  The larger mobile caravans are often fitted with a double axel, but beware that these will significantly increase your fuel consumption on the journey.

Folding Caravans
Not everybody has vast amounts of freely available parking space in which to store a caravan for most of the year.  For these people, folding caravans can provide the perfect solution; full functionality at the fraction of the size.  Tow your caravan to the site, and then simply unfold it to full size.  This can be a good option for those concerned about towing such a large vehicle on the roads.  Disadvantages include sometimes high set up times, and a lack of storage space for luggage within the caravan.

Slide Out Caravans
Some of the newest technology to appear in the caravan market has been the slide out caravan.  Operating in a range of different ways, from extension panels in the middle of the vehicle to instantly accessible extra rooms below the caravan, slide out caravans help keep the vehicle become more manageable on the road whilst maximising living space during the holiday.  Again, this can cause some limitations in terms of luggage storage.  Another key considerations is that, however well tested they are, extensive moving parts in caravans can occasionally be subject to wear and tear.

Choosing the right caravan for you isn’t easy, but it is worth putting in the effort into researching the market before you buy.  If you’re really stuck, it can be possible to rent caravans for a test holiday before you decide.

Whichever caravan you opt for, make sure that you have covered it fully with Caravan Insurance.

Green Caravanning

Monday, July 19th, 2010

How does your caravan holiday affect the environment?  This may well be a question that you have asked yourself.  Perhaps other people have mentioned the issue to you.  On the other hand, you may not have considered it at all.

One thing’s for sure – the caravan industry has definitely been considering the question thoroughly.  Green caravanning is a major issue, and is becoming something of a battle ground for service providers, campsites and manufacturers all competing for the best credentials.

For a start, all caravanners have something to feel good about.  By driving, rather than flying, to your holiday destination, you are significantly reducing the strain on airline fuels (which are, of course, a major contributor to global warming).

However, you probably won’t be able to use a particularly low-fuel-consumption car to tow your heavy caravan around the country or the continent.  Many of the best towing cars in fact perform very poorly in terms of green credentials.

There are many ways that you can reduce this adverse affect of your holiday.  For a start, consider hiring a car for your holiday towing needs, rather than using a gas-guzzler year-round.  If you only need the power and size for one holiday a year, this would prove a far more energy efficient (and probably cheaper) option.

When you are on the road, remember that reducing your speed to 75% of top speed can halve your fuel consumption.  Take your sweet time on the road, enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace and you’ll be doing your bit to save energy.

Whatever car you drive, undergoing a service or checking procedure before you set off can flag up issues which would cause low energy efficiency.  Under-inflated tyres (either of the car or caravan) can add huge strains on your vehicle, and waste fuel.

Another important environmental consideration is the campsites themselves.  Whilst caravanners are renowned for being a respectful group who are mindful of their surroundings, some campsites can create eyesores in beautiful landscapes, or damage the local area through misuse.

Many of the major caravan sites, such as those owned by The Caravan Club, have introduced rules and procedures to ensure high environmental standards for their sites.  Energy efficiency tests, recycling facilities and wildlife audits are all key parts of keeping these standards high.

Recognising such efforts, the David Bellamy Conservation Awards, set up in 1996, encourage site owners to pay attention to keeping caravanning green.  For holiday-makers, the award gives a clear indication of which sites to visit if they are concerned for the environment.  The awards are offered after inspection by environmental professionals who assess according to strict standards.

Of course, it isn’t enough just to park up at an environmentally friendly campsite.  Individual holidaymakers also have to make the effort in respecting their environment and contributing to the site’s efforts.

Green caravanning doesn’t have to involve stresses and strains.  It might involve some small compromises or changes in habits, but for the most part the benefits outweigh the costs.  Whilst you are planning changes, don’t forget to check that your caravan is fully covered with Caravan Insurance.