Posts Tagged ‘Caravan’

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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.

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

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.

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Land Rover Discovery Wins ‘Towcar Awards’

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Not all cars can deal with the difficult task of towing a caravan.  There are power issues, mechanical considerations, and even more practical issues such as vehicle capacity.  Once you’ve found the caravan for you, it might be time to consider the best car to complement it.

Land Rover’s Discovery recently came out on top in the 2010 Towcar Awards, making it the number one choice to adorn the front of your caravan.

The awards were presented by a coalition of three of the foremost caravan organisations, ‘Practical Caravan’ ‘What Car? Magazine’ and ‘The Camping and Caravanning Club’.

Nigel Donnelly, editor of Practical Caravan, offered the definitive verdict on their winner.  “The Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional car for towing. The old model was one of our favourite towcars, but the new Discovery improves upon it in just about every area. You’ll be just as happy with the Discovery when you are not towing. It’s the best car in this year’s tests by some margin, and a more than worthy overall champion.”

The Land Rover, however, had to fight off fierce competition to become the winner.  During the decision making process, the coalition of experts tested 41 cars with various different caravans to determine the top performers from the poor attempts.  Tests included hill starts, practicality, braking and acceleration.

Other awards were offered for categories such as green credentials, ability at towing certain classes of caravan weights and value.

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7st, for example, was awarded the accolade for Best Value 4×4.  At just over £22,000, the Santa Fe offers a fantastic quality of towcar for a thoroughly reasonable price.  “The big Hyundai is one of the best value cars in this year’s tests”, commented Nigel Donnelly.

Skoda performed extremely well at the awards night, picking up two awards.  The Skoda Octavia Estate 1.6 Greenline was highly praised for its fuel economy of 64.2mpg and low carbon dioxide emissions, and was therefore awarded The Green Award.  In addition to environmental advantages, the green credentials of Skoda’s Octavia also results in lower road taxes for users.

Skoda’s Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 170 SE also picked up an award in the 1575-1724kg towing category.  Highlights of this model were its spacious interior and its impressively reliable towing capability.

Summing up the importance of the awards, Matthew Eastlake, The Club’s Marketing & Communications Director said that “The aim is to provide campers and caravanners with the very best and latest information about leading vehicles suitable for towing.

“We believe that this helps our members to take informed decisions about high value purchases and hopefully they are able to enjoy safe, comfortable and enjoyable motoring as a result.”

In fact, around 400,000 cars each year are believed to be purchased for their towing ability, so these awards are important both for consumers and for manufacturers looking to get in on this large market.

You’ll want to make sure that whatever model of car you own is insured to make it road-worthy and to stay within the law.  Equally important, though, is taking out Caravan Insurance. Don’t forget to get everything covered before you set off on the road.

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Posted in Caravan, Caravan Towing, Motor Caravan | 1 Comment »

Caravan Towing: A Beginners Guide

Monday, July 12th, 2010

For many, driving can be a difficult and stressful affair.  For these people, the addition of a large and cumbersome vehicle added on to the back of the car can make a difficult situation lots worse.  Even seasoned and comfortable drivers can find the task of caravan towing a tricky one.

Becoming accustomed to the feeling of towing a caravan and improving driving skills is primarily a case of practise.  Making sure you’ve got everything right in preparation for the trip, though, is something that is easily fixed.  Knowing that you’ve done everything you can to make the journey safe and legal should be a huge comfort to drivers.

First off, you’ll need to check that you are licensed to tow your vehicle.  Depending on whether your license was obtained before or after January 1st 1997, the rules vary about exactly what weight of tow you can pull.  The golden rule is to check your specific license for details, and make sure that you’ve got all the necessary paperwork with you for your trip.  If you’ve got a provisional license, you are not allowed to tow, even if you are with an instructor.

Some vehicles simply aren’t up to the challenge of towing large caravans.  If you try to tow a huge luxury campervan up a steep incline with a small three door car, you might run into difficulty.  You should look to tow with a vehicle that has a long wheelbase and a reasonable amount of power.  The towing vehicle should be in good condition and have been for a recent MOT.  If you are at all concerned about any aspect of the tow, ask your local caravan dealer or garage to offer advice.  They may even be able to give you the tune up you need to stay safe.

Your tow bar is the vital link between your car and caravan.  Of course, it needs to be up to scratch.  Get yours fitted by a trained professional, and ensure that you have learned how to safely attach your tow.  It may seem like a simple process when you are shown, but finding you can’t remember how to couple the vehicles at the end of your holiday can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue.

Speed limits are different for vehicles towing caravans.  Importantly, your maximum speed limit is capped at 60mph, rather than the usual 70mph.  There are also revised rules for lower speed limits on various other roads, such as a 50mph speed limit on single carriageways.  For drivers used to travelling without a tow, this can be a difficult adjustment, and you may well feel like you are slowing up the entire road’s worth of traffic.  If you find it hard to remember, stick a reminder note next to your speedometer.

Your caravan obstructs important safety and information features at the back of your car.  It is a legal requirement that a replacement number plate is clearly on show, and you’ll also need to fit brake lights, directional indicators, reflectors and other safety gear such as wide mirrors.  Make sure you’ve bought and tested all this equipment in good time before your holiday.

Following the ground rules for towing is the ideal start for making the experience as painless and as safe as possible.  Even if you do feel completely comfortable, however, it is always advisable to be covered by Caravan Insurance before you set off.

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How to Buy a Used Caravan with Confidence

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Buying a new caravan can be an expensive affair.  The lure of luxury features, designer interiors and complete comfort may well tempt you into the showroom, but price tags might force you to leave disappointed.

Buying a second hand caravan could be the answer to your needs.  Of course, you will not find off-the-production-line caravans, but you might be surprised with how close you can get.  Best of all, the price tag of pre-owned caravans can be a fraction of what you would have to pay for a new model.  You may even be able to find some caravans for around £500.

Whenever you buy a second-hand product, there are always obvious concerns to be dealt with.  Issues such as security, honesty and value all come into play in a manner which would not be evident if you bought from a showroom.  However, this needn’t be a deterrent from buying pre-owned caravans.  In fact, if you follow some simple rules and advice, you could find yourself benefiting from a fantastic deal.

Above all, when trading second hand goods – as a buyer or a seller – it is always important to maintain a level of honesty and fair play.  Whether it’s turning up on time to a viewing, offering a fair price, or being open and helpful with paperwork, staying on good terms with all parties is vital.  You will find that not only is the process itself simpler and more enjoyable, but also that any future problems will be far easier to solve.

There are all sorts of sources of information where you might find listings for caravans on sale.  Newspapers, magazines, websites or even public noticeboards could all help you find your ideal vehicle.  However, it is easy to get carried away with an apparently ideal offering and neglect to consider the details.  Whatever you see on offer, or consider buying, always make sure that you have conducted thorough research into the make and model of the caravan.  Find out what it’s value is, whether it has a history of faults and whether it has good longevity.  You will certainly be glad of these checks if you find yourself avoiding a dud offer.

As well as general checks into the deal itself, make sure to thoroughly check the vehicle on viewing.  Key considerations include checking for damp, which can be a difficult and costly problem to fix.  Doors and windows are often liable to wear and tear through use, so make sure you’ve checked that all are operational and have working locks.  Also check gas and electrics, and if you have any concerns then ask a specialist to check before you buy.

An often forgotten, but vital, step is to ask for and photocopy paperwork such as certification of inspections and the vehicle history.  Not only is this a helpful check for determining the quality of the caravan, but it can also help with sorting any future faults you might encounter.

If you do it well, buying a used caravan can be the means to securing a fantastic new vehicle for a great price.  Make sure that you follow these guidelines to keep your experience a happy one.  Once you’ve purchased your caravan, don’t forget to insure it with Caravan Insurance to keep you covered.

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Caravans: The Ideal Home Office

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

More and more people are opting to work from home.  There are a whole range of factors which are contributing to this trend.  Digital communications mean that it is easier than ever to stay in touch with the office, clients and other businesses wherever you are.  Jobs themselves are often more suited to flexible working practices.  And perhaps most importantly, people are increasingly demanding better lifestyles, and this includes making work arrangements suit us.

One major problem of working from home is space.  Even if you have a large house, remaining at home when your working day begins, and remaining there still when it finishes can be a strange experience.  Sometimes, it might be nice to have all the comforts of home without the strange experience of ‘double usage’ space.

This is where your caravan could provide an excellent solution.  Parked up at the front of your house, or even in a garage, your caravan can function as a mobile, standalone office.

Whether you are working from home one day a week, running a business from home, or just need somewhere suitable to sort out that pile of administrative tasks, your caravan can be the ideal office.

Rather than cluttering your house with files and papers, use your caravan as a storage space.  You will find that it offers a large amount of space, room for you to keep everything neat and organised, and it all stays out of the way of your personal life.

In terms of setting up all the rest of your office essentials, you should be able to sort everything with relative ease.  Wireless signal for both your internet connection and for cordless phones are likely to reach to the area immediately surrounding your house, so both should function just as they would indoors.  If any signal problems do crop up, then solutions can be to move your transmitter closer to the caravan, or even to run a cable out when you are using the office.

Although you may generally use your caravan in the summer for your holidays, an office needs to be operational all year round.  This could cause problems when you get to the colder months of the year.  Luckily, there are simple workarounds.  One fantastic way of keeping warm is to line the inside of your caravan-office with insulation panels, especially around the windows.  Using your caravan’s own heating – or adding your own – can then create a nicely warmed room for you to work in.

In fact, if it’s just you staying at home to work, the cost of heating up one small caravan during the daytime could turn out to be far cheaper than heating an entire house all day.

Of course, if you do decide to make use of your caravan as an office, security becomes of even greater importance.  If you are leaving valuable items in the caravan, or paperwork which is important to your business, make sure that you keep the caravan securely locked and protected from intrusion.

It might seem strange to consider using your caravan for purposes other than holidaying, but it can be an extremely viable solution.  At worst, you might decide that it feels strange.  At best, you could find the perfect spot to spend time at work.  For any kind of use, caravans should always be well insured, so make sure that you’ve taken out good Caravan Insurance.

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Happy Holidays For Pets in Caravans

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Caravan holidays are ideal for the entire family.  There’s the outdoors, the exploration, the unity, or even the lazing about indoors; something, surely, for everyone.  One member of the family who might, despite this suitability, be left elsewhere, is the household pet.  But why could they not enjoy a caravan holiday just as much as the others?

Well, they can.  Whether you own a cat, dog, or any other animal, as long as you take some important factors into consideration, there are relatively few barriers to ensuring that your whole family be able to enjoy some time away.

Caravan Parks are increasingly becoming aware of the strong demand for bringing pets on holiday.  If you haven’t been away for a while, you may remember strict and unbending rules in the campsites you have visited, guarding against all animals on site.  Rest assured that now you will find far fewer campsites with totally restrictive rules.

That said, few campsites will be liberal enough to invite pets on site with no restrictions whatsoever.  And let’s face it, you probably wouldn’t want to be holidaying anywhere with multitudes of unruly animals.  In order to keep things reasonable, campsites will establish firm rules for keeping care of your dog.  Adhering to these rules not only ensures your welcome return to the campsite on future visits, but also keeps you on good term with fellow caravanners.

One of the strictest rules for pets is keeping them within owners’ control.  Whether this amounts to keeping them indoors, to keeping them on a lead or simply to keeping pets under assumed control.  No matter how obedient your pet usually is at home, taking them elsewhere can cause problems, so having a strong collar and a strict regime is essential for keeping to the rules and keeping your dog safe.

If your pet does manage to get away from your reach, ensure that they are wearing an informative tag which will allow return to you.  Often, tags contain information for your home, so make sure there is something which allows you to be contacted at your mobile location.

Keeping your pet happy is not just about keeping them close.  To help them feel at home, try to use the same bed, cage and/or toys that they are used to.  If your pet feels comfortable, they will enjoy the holiday more and allow you to enjoy yours.

Just as the kids need frequent breaks from long journeys, don’t neglect to consider your pet when on the road.  Keeping your pet hydrated and stretched is vital, particularly if they are to be cooped up in the back of your vehicle for a long journey.

As the holiday pans out, continue this awareness by ensuring that your pets aren’t left without water in a hot caravan.  For a truly great family holiday, your pet should come along with you on adventures and excursions.

Some pets are suited to accompanying your caravan excursions.  Others, meanwhile, may well enjoy themselves better left behind.  Either way, ensure that your holiday is properly covered using great quality Caravan Insurance.

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Campfire Tips

Friday, May 21st, 2010
A camp fire

A camp fire

For many people, a camp fire is the highlight of any weekend spent away in a caravan. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of sitting around camp fires, toasting marshmallows, singing songs and telling ghost stories as the fire died down to its embers. By the same token, a poorly constructed camp fire can ruin a weekend; if not built properly it can refuse to light, and of course the fire getting out of control and becoming dangerous is to be avoided at all costs.

Before you start building a camp fire it is important to prepare properly. Make sure you choose a clear, level area, well away from your own and other people’s cars, tents and caravans. Make sure there are no overhanging branches and that your spot is not in the way of a strong wind. To prepare the site, build a ring around where you want your fire to be with stones – this will help contain the ash and stop the fire spreading.

For a camp fire you need three types of fuel – tinder (paper or similar), kindling (small sticks) and firewood (larger sticks). First build a loose grid with your kindling, then scrunch your paper and fit around and on top of your grid. Finally, build a pyramid shape over your tinder and kindling structure using the firewood, resting the sticks against the pile and each other. Make sure your fire structure is reasonably secure – this will make the fire safer as it is less likely to be blown over. When you are ready for your fire, light the tinder and the rest of the fuel should catch around it.

For safety, never leave your fire unattended or your children unsupervised around it, and keep a bucket of water handy. Do not put anything other than wood and paper on your fire – plastics, in particular, can be very toxic. Also, make sure your fire is completely out before you leave or go to bed, as even if it looks dead, coals can remain extremely hot and reignite later – it’s best to pour water on it and stir around the ashes with a stick.

If used safely, and as long as site regulation allow it, camp fires can be a real high point of a caravanning holiday. Remember to check your caravan insurance before you light though!

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Active Caravan Breaks

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Caravan holidays can be great if you want to totally relax – everything on your schedule, no check ins or deadlines or hassle… Some people like to take advantage of this fact by doing nothing all break but relaxing in a deck chair, maybe pottering to a nearby pub occasionally (a walk for cardio, and lifting pints for strength!). If you’re feeling energetic, though, there are lots of great activity breaks in the UK that will accommodate caravans – here are a few of my favourites –

Horse Riding in the Yorkshire Dales

Horsie

There are a wealth of stables in Yorkshire who will offer short riding breaks, and riding over the rolling dales is a wonderful experience. Especially good for a special treat to take younger daughters on! Check out trips at Equestrian Escapes – http://www.equestrian-escapes.com/RegionsSee-id241.html

Surfing in Cornwall

Visit the ever popular Newquay, and you can bring your own board and hit the waves straight away if you’re an experienced surfer. If you’re a little more timid, there is cheap equipment hire and lessons available on the beaches. Caravan accommodation for Cornwall can be found here – http://www.newquayaccommodation.com/

Hiking in Wales

Mount Snowden is a bracing and spectacular mountain to climb, and will result in a real sense of achievement when you’ve finished! It’s quite tough, but should be okay for reasonably active adults and children over 8. This caravan site is within striking distance of the mountain and only two minutes walk from the beach – http://www.walestouristsonline.co.uk/nwcoast/caravan/CaernarvonBayCaravanPark.html

Mountain Biking in Scotland

One of the best ways to see nature right up close, but still whizzing past you! Scotland has a wide variety of thrilling mountain biking trails of various difficulty levels. Details can be found at UK bike trails – http://www.ukbiketrails.co.uk/region.php?region=2 Wild camping is allowed in Scotland, so in theory you could stay anywhere you wanted, but maybe it would be best to check the Caravan Club for listings of caravan parks near where you wanted to visit!

Always remember to check that your caravan is in good working order and that the caravan insurance is up to date before you set out!

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The Old Brick Kilns Park

Monday, May 10th, 2010

If you are looking for a great place to take your caravan in Norfolk then The Old Brick Kilns Park in Barney near Fakenham is well worth a look. Set in the heart of North Norfolk this award winning, landscaped park is designed with the family in mind. It is in a quiet, rural location and boasts an outdoor children’s play area, an indoor play area with table tennis, a pool table and television. There is a small fishing lake stocked with carp, bream, rudd and tench (I had some great fun catching them).

The Old Brick Kiln Park

The Old Brick Kiln Park

There are over sixty spacious semi hard standing pitches for your caravan, tent or trailer tent. There are some lovely local walks from the park where there is an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife. Norfolk’s lovely beaches are not far away if you fancy a day by the sea away from your caravan.

There is a chef serviced restaurant at the park where all food is prepared on site. The restaurant is open on select nights. Their website is very informative, click here to visit online.

The owners are really friendly and helpful too, I had a very nice week here at Easter. Give it a try!

Before you leave make sure you have obtained your caravan insurance, don’t leave home without it!

Gary

lifesureman

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