Archive for the ‘Motorhome’ Category

« Older Entries

The International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2010

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

With the first whiff of autumn in the air, the thought of the last run out before putting the caravan away for winter comes into mind. September and October are traditionally the months of Caravan shows and there are one or two options available across the country.

The really big event is the International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2010. The show will be held at the NEC Birmingham on the 12th to 17th of October and is an absolute must for all serious caravanners. First and foremost, the show gives caravan enthusiasts the chance to view all of the new 2011 models from the UK’s top manufacturers. An ideal opportunity to not only look at the new innovations but compare them with their competitors in the flesh so to speak. It will also probably be the last chance to get an order in before the hike in VAT that happens in the New Year; if the temptation to buy becomes overwhelming then don’t forget to purchase caravan insurance as soon as possible.

The event will give camp sites in the UK the chance to showcase their offerings and a big plus this year is the number of international camp sites advertising. For the would be overseas traveller a complete trip around Europe can be planned at the show. Sites from Germany, France, Spain and Portugal will all be vying for custom. For those with even loftier aims camp sites from such exotic venues as Canada and South Africa will give show visitors an example of what they can expect to find.

The show will feature all the old favourites including tips on towing and reversing a motor home, but there will be new attractions such as a cookery theatre with TV chefs, a real ale bar and a farmers market, so there is no need for anyone to go hungry.

As usual all the top accessory stores will be present, as well as some niche manufacturers. Gadget buffs and equipment aficionados will be in their element.

The show will be open from 10am to 6pm daily and the price of admission is £19.50. Children under 16 go free and the ticket price includes parking and programme. The show will provide crèche facilities.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Caravan, Motorhome, Parkhome | No Comments »

Beecraigs- Country Park and Camping Site

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Situated in the Linlithgow/Lothian area of Scotland, the site is actually run by West Lothian Council and offers good facilities at very competitive prices.

For tourers the car and caravan charge is just £16.80 per night in high season dropping to £14.70 in low season. Trailer tent guests are charged between £12.70 and £14.50 depending on the time of year. The site is well used by local caravanners and holiday makers from further afield with many Scandinavian visitors making use of its facilities.

With hard standing pitches for all caravans and motor homes this makes life a lot simpler with the caravan, although if you are planning on putting up an awning  invest in some rock pegs as the ground is very hard, numerous bent and broken pegs can litter the area for the uninitiated along with very short tempers. The sites are in circles which have room for six units; each little “hand” has its own chemical waste disposal point and refuse area for the 6 units.

The camping part of the site is set apart from the caravan area, and is a slightly sloping grass plot. There are barbecue facilities next to the camping area which are ideal if the Scottish elements are gracious enough to grant a barbecue day.

The shower and toilet blocks are very impressive. They are clean and have family rooms which consist of a single shower cubicle and toilet in a separate room, this is very handy and gives you space to get showered, dried and dressed without worrying about your clothes getting wet as can happen in other camp site showers. Shaving points and hair dryers were also available in these family rooms.

The site is situated next to a deer farm, there are lovely walks and the view is beautiful. Walkers will appreciate hiking round the deer area and around the loch which is a great venue for many water sports and is a favourite with fishermen.

For visitors wanting to go a little further afield Linlithgow is approximately a two minute drive away. Weather permitting visitors can spend an enjoyable day out, there is a small boat which takes you down the canal and back and also the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace which can be visited, the charges are £5.20 for adults and £3.10 for children, and concessions are £4.10.

Close by the entrance to the site is Beecraigs Restaurant, the restaurant provides a good, varied menu and although pricey for this part of Scotland the food is good and well worth sampling.

Remember if you are planning on taking a road trip and camping at this wonderful site, you will need to make sure you have sufficient caravan insurance.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Holiday, Motor Caravan, Motorhome, Park Home, Parkhome | No Comments »

Brittany Ferries on the south coast

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Travelling abroad with a caravan is not for everyone, but it is becoming more popular. Troubles with volcanic ash and airport security have certainly contributed to the appeal of taking the family plus caravan to explore hitherto unknown areas of Europe by sea and road.

Many people choose to avoid the busy channel ports when visiting Europe, and a very popular alternative for caravanners looking for something a little different are the ports along the south coast, served by Brittany Ferries.

Brittany Ferries operate out of nine ports that offer a service to and from England. The English ports of Plymouth, Portsmouth and Poole. The French ports of Cherbourg, St Malo, Caen and Roscoff. Cork in The Irish Republic and for tourers fancying a bit longer on board, the Spanish port of Santander is also an option.

Travelling out of England, caravanners have six options, they can travel to two destinations from Plymouth; Roscoff in France, a journey of about 6 hours, or Santander in Spain, which is a much longer journey of about 20 hours. Unfortunately to travel to Cork with Brittany ferries one must use the French port of Roscoff. There is an alternative ferry company that operates out of Swansea however.

Brittany Ferries out of Portsmouth serve four ports, three daily ferries run to Cherbourg in France, a journey of 6 hours. Caen in France is also served by three daily ferries and once again the journey is around 6 hours. A daily ferry to St Malo in France takes about 10 hours and the trip to Santander is a full day.

Poole in Dorset has a daily ferry to Cherbourg in France which is very quick, only just over 2 hours and is ideal if using a motor home.

Booking a holiday in a caravan needs to be well thought out. It can be done online and allows the trip to be built around the ferry timetables. Once you enter your party and vehicle details it is fairly easy to start looking for cheaper deals without having to keep going back to base.

It is vitally important to ensure your caravan insurance is up to date and covered for travelling abroad before setting off.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Holiday, Motorhome | No Comments »

Caravan dwellers on the increase

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

In startling figures revealed by a Government department, the number of people living full time in caravans in the UK has soared. These are not for the main part holidaymakers, but gypsies and travellers living on official and unofficial sites across the length and breadth of the country.

Figures from the Government’s official records for gypsy and traveller population index shows, that in 1997 the number of travellers living on sites in Britain was just short of 13,000. At the beginning of 2010 the number of people living full time in caravans had risen to over 18,000. An increase of approximately 400 caravan dwellers a year.

Many reasons are being put forward for the explosion of people choosing an alternative lifestyle but there is no doubt that both official and unofficial sites are causing rifts and tensions between the traveller communities and local residents in the areas around them.

Local residents say that in some areas, the imbalance of travellers to the incumbent population is having a detrimental effect on the area, while the travellers themselves claim they are often vilified without reason.

Lawyers are putting the Human Rights Act of 2000 as one cause for the rise in numbers of illegal sites. It is now more difficult legally and more expensive financially to evict people from land in general. The Government report also noted that travellers are buying land and putting caravans on site without planning permission. This has seen the caravan population almost treble on sites such as these, from around 800 in 1997 to 2,300 present days, and it infuriates nearby residents, who see the traveller’s tactics as an underhand way of eventually getting planning permission for land that they have bought for a pittance.

Pressure groups representing the travellers explain away the rise in population as nothing more than natural family growth. Gypsies are known to have bigger families in general than normal families.

There is no doubt that part of the growth in caravan dwellers is down to families feeling the pressure of urban life and the expensive lifestyle that goes with it. More, it seems, are deciding to sell up, buy a caravan and the caravan insurance to go with it and set off for pastures new. The freedom experience of life touring in a caravan or motor home is attracting more and more people all the time and who can blame then.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Motorhome | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Festivals, Holiday, Insurance, Motor Caravan, Motorhome | No Comments »

Autumn Fair in Newark

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Motor home and caravan enthusiasts should be getting ready for the UK motor home and caravan fair to be held at Newark Showground, in Nottinghamshire.

The event will take place on the weekend of September 4th and 5th and is a must for caravanners all over Britain. This year the fair promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with trade stands selling everything the camper could wish to buy.

There will be two giant indoor exhibition halls as well as an outdoor section. A craft fair will also be on site.

New and used caravans, accessories, essentials and spares will top the list for many, but there is a whole lot more on offer.

Water and waste systems, towing equipment and reversing aids will prove popular buys, and for inside the van, stands will provide opportunities to buy cleaning agents, refrigeration, cooking and other kitchen requirements. Assorted gadgets and portable satellite systems will also be available for the discerning customer.

Outdoor clothing stands will attract plenty of attention with the autumn and winter months approaching, and sales of outdoor furniture should attract discounts now the summer is behind us.

Just looking at the above list makes one realise how much valuable equipment is tied up in a caravan, providing a compelling reason to secure caravan insurance.

Day tickets for the show are £5 for adults (if pre-booked) and children under 14 go free. Fido the dog is welcome so long as he is kept on a lead at all times. For tourers wishing to make a weekend of it, a pre-booked weekend ticket costs £35 (this covers two adults) pay on the day costs £45. The camping is on-site, and the booking fee includes admittance to top class entertainment on both Friday and Saturday evening. All camp facilities come with the booking fee.

For those wanting to take a stroll around Newark town, there is a complimentary shuttle bus service at the weekend. Newark certainly has enough interest to pass a pleasant morning exploring. The historic market place and Newark Castle are both worth seeing. The gardens in the castle are very pretty and the ruined walls of the castle create a perfect backdrop for the herbaceous borders and trees.

Disabled badge holders with weekend passes will have a dedicated part of the site allocated to them, and there will be a disabled car park for day visitors.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Accessories, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Festivals, Motor Caravan, Motorhome | 1 Comment »

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.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Caravan Insurance, Holiday, Insurance, Motor Caravan, Motorhome, safety | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Accessories, Advice & Information, Caravan, Insurance, Motor Caravan, Motorhome, safety | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Advice & Information, Caravan, Insurance, Motor Caravan, Motorhome | No Comments »

Essential Caravan Accessories

Friday, July 16th, 2010

The great simplicity about taking your caravan on a holiday comes through the ease of packing.  At the furthest extreme, you might even be able to leave your caravan fully packed up with a whole stock of kitchenware, clothes and toiletries; all you need for a holiday without having to pack up at all.  Even if you need to stock up with a few bits and bobs before you go, it’s still possible to leave a large amount in the caravan when it’s not in use.

The great annoyance about taking your caravan on holiday is that, once at the campsite, you will invariably find yourself missing certain items.  Frustratingly, whilst many campsites sell various necessities, you can often find yourself far away from towns which would sell what you need.

Working out the essential selection of items to take with you in your caravan is an important process.  If you intend to leave your caravan stocked while not in use, this can make sure that you have happy holidays for many years to come, and avoid ever having to worry about ‘forgetting your toothbrush’.

So what are some of those essential items that you may well miss off your list when stocking up the caravan?

- Take along a good set of tools, repair kits and replacement parts for any breakables.  Whether your caravan is new or old, something is bound to go wrong at some point, and you will regret not packing these essentials if you find yourself unable to make urgent repairs.  Duck Tape is fantastic for quick, cosmetic repairs.  Obviously, all serious damage needs to be properly inspected and repaired by a professional, but having a ‘mechanical first response’ kit can be a huge help.

- A torch, and spare batteries.  Electrical failures or necessary night time excursions are bound to crop up at some point.  Make sure your torch is working, and keep it in an easy-to-find location (because you’ll probably need to find it in the dark.)

- Stock up on toiletries.  You’ll always need things like toothpaste, deodorants and soaps, and you’ll be annoyed if you run out.  It’s much easier to keep a full stock inside the caravan, rather than having to transfer everything each holiday.

- Kitchen utensils can be bought in full sets from many supermarkets and large stores.  Stocking up on a full set of crockery, cutlery and utensils makes sure that you know exactly what’s there, and you’ll be free to cook in comfort.

- Use some storage boxes.  Get stackable ones so that you can keep them with minimal impact on the space of the caravan.  Boxes are handy for keeping everything clean and dry, taking food out on day trips, or even storing muddy clothes to keep them from messing up the interior.

- Dust-Buster mini vacuum cleaners are a great addition to any caravan.  They take up minimal space, but allow you to clean the entire caravan quickly and easily.  They are hand-help, and even allow you to reach tricky confined areas.

A well-stocked caravan makes for a simple and enjoyable holiday.  Whilst it may cost a bit to fill up the caravan to start with, it will save you time, money and aggravation in the future.  Of course, a fully-stocked caravan is one you want to keep safe and protected.  Make sure that you’ve got Caravan Insurance to keep your caravan protected.

Tags: ,
Posted in Accessories, Caravan, Motor Caravan, Motorhome | No Comments »

« Older Entries