Next stop Birmingham 2017 for Half-Term families

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by Tom Leaning

Did you know? Children 15 and under enter free at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2017 in Birmingham’s NEC from 21 to 26 February.

Explore holiday and leisure ideas with camping and glamping displays alongside caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents, folding campers, tents, caravan holiday homes and lodges, and try out the many free family-friendly activities.

Challenge the Woodland Assault Course and learn how to protect the natural environment from experts at the Woodland Trust. Adventure in the artificial caving experience, try out hanging tents and a climbing wall in the North Wales LIVE zone and fly down Europe’s longest zip-wire in a virtual reality experience. Surf Snowdonia’s head coach Jo Dennison is resident on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday to offer surfing tips.

Embrace the great outdoors and learn essential skills such as fire lighting, and building a survival shelter at the new-for-2017 bushcraft workshops by Nature Rockz. Jump to great heights on the six-way trampolines in the Bounce Zone. Before leaving, take a photo next to the life-size Guinness World Record Lego® caravan and share it with friends on social media #LEGObrickcaravan.

Visit the highly popular Dog Agility arena and watch displays from Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey on Friday 24 February.

Outdoor enthusiasts including adventurer and TV personality Ben Fogle, CBBC presenter Barney Harwood, wildlife presenter Kate Humble and Olympian gold medallist hockey player Sam Quek take it in turns to share their love for the outdoors, their camping stories and tips in the Discovery Theatre. Celebrity chefs Paul Da-Costa-Greaves and author of the Caravan Cookbook Monica Rivron, as well as the baker Selasi Gbormittah, demonstrate outdoor cooking.

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2017 promises holiday inspiration and a fun, family day out. With over 600 leisure vehicles on display and advice from The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club on the best sites to visit in the UK, rediscover the great outdoors at Birmingham’s NEC this February half-term.

Advance ticket prices start from £7 and children 15 and under enter for free.

Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: hwww.ccmshow.co.uk

Bailey on show at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

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by Tom Leaning

Bailey of Bristol will be unveiling its all new Pursuit caravan range on stand 2100 in hall 2 at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, from 21 to 26 February, next week.

Available in a choice of six different models featuring four best-sellers (400-2, 430-4, 530-4 & 550-4) and two new family layouts (the 560-5 and 570-6), all models are surprisingly light for vehicles possessing so much interior space and as such are the perfect match for a wide range of potential tow-cars.

Alongside the Pursuit, Bailey of Bristol will also have a selection of its best-selling Unicorn range, Pegasus range and its full Autograph motorhome range and selected Advance motorhomes.

This year, Bailey of Bristol has recognised that caravanning and motorhoming needs to appeal to a wider audience. Memories have therefore become the centre point of its new campaign, designed to encourage new people to take up the hobby and enjoy the freedom it offers.

Throughout their stand at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, Bailey of Bristol’s new creative will take centre stage as your memories start here.

Arctic Adventure

Bailey of Bristol will embark on an epic adventure as they set off on a 5,000 mile roundtrip to the Arctic Circle and back in March. The UK’s leading manufacturer will be leaving from the NEC and will have a Pursuit 530-4, one of the fleet travelling to the Arctic on their stand throughout the Camping, Caravan & Motorhome Show.

In association with The Caravan Club, they will be taking two Pursuit caravans, with The Caravan Club taking an Autograph motorhome, through 12 countries in 16 days, with temperatures pushing The Arctic team to the limit, as they could drop as low as -30C.

The team will set off on their ultimate endurance test from Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire on March 2nd and will travel into Finland, stopping at Millbrook’s test centre in Ivalo, before travelling back through Scandinavia and returning to Bedford on March 17th.

Throughout the 16-day challenge, the epic journey can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through Bailey of Bristol’s pages and also via #ArcticAdventure. The team will also be posting blogs/vlogs and social media updates on every step of the adventure.

Bailey of Bristol brand ambassador Lee Davey will be on the Bailey stand to answer questions about the upcoming ‘Arctic Adventure’. He will also be taking to the expert stage to discuss how caravanning has enabled a more adventurous side to holidaying, having taken a Bailey of Bristol to Brittany over the summer that allowed for all manner of activities, including, surfing, paddle-boarding, powerboating and wakeboarding, all memories of his own.

Lee will be appearing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:15pm in the Discovery Theatre.

Bailey of Bristol Managing Director Nick Howard said: “Having recently spent three weeks in a caravan with my family in Australia over Christmas I can’t be more convinced that the opportunity and flexibility that holidaying in a leisure vehicle presents is the best way to build memories.

He added: “We are looking forward to welcoming all on to our stand at this year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show as we believe there is something for everybody, no matter whether they are seasoned veterans, first timers or just looking out of interest”.

Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: hwww.ccmshow.co.uk

Honda goes camping

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by Tom Leaning

Honda’s stand at this year’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, is set to feature a range of eye-catching products, designed to equip the modern-day caravanner with essential and attractive gear.

From providing the basics of electricity with a variety of hand-held generators, to more adrenaline-packed ‘toys’ like the inflatable Honwaves and the stylish MSX125 and Vision 110 scooters, Honda aims to make camping in 2017 as fun as possible.

Complementing the modern-day camper and enhancing the ‘glamping’ experience is Honda’s range of easy-to-use generators (EU10i, EU20i and EU30i).

Steve Morris, Head of Power Products for Honda (UK) said: “We are delighted to back exhibiting at The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome show – this year Honda will feature new products and a variety of much needed and sort-after camping essentials years. We look forward to yet another busy and successful show and engaging with our customers.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: hwww.ccmshow.co.uk

Inside the New Laika 419 EcoVip

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by Tom Evans

As European motorhome models are becoming ever more popular in the U.K, we’ve decided to take a look at the latest offering from Italian manufacturer Laika.

Laika may not be the most well known motorhome brand amongst tourer’s outside of the continent, with only a handful of dealers in the U.K, but as part of the Hymer group you can expect German build quality with a touch of Italian flair.

The van in question, the New EcoVip 419, built on the European favourite Fiat Ducato is, as Laika themselves put it “a motorhome that brings together outstanding practicality, liveability and storage capacity”. Quite a lot to live up to!

Our verdict is split, the 419 does live up to it’s billing, but only when used as a 3/4 Berth. It’s pitched as 5/6 berth which I think is pushing it, for instance it only comes with 4 belts as standard and a 5th is an optional extra, standard payload is 400kg which won’t gar far with 6 occupants equipment and we can’t imagine how you’d squeeze 5 or 6 into the dinette. So discounting it as a family-van, what can it offer as a 3 berth.

Well, as a 3/4 berth, Laika’s hyperbole may ring truer, it is outstandingly practical, very liveable and storage is excellent. It has sleeping options including an overcab double, convertible lounge and rear twins which will suit most family configurations. The longer-than-usual side windows make it a joy to be in the kitchen or rear, and smart storage including two separate end-of-bed wardrobes will keep things tidy and organised, meaning the single level floor from cab to bathroom can be properly appreciated.

We should mention the styling, which although very smart and modern, may be a little cold for an English winter break, but on the whole it’s a smart outfit offering something a little different, our only criticism is, as with many vans of recent, more berths isn’t always better and sometimes it’s better to focus on ‘practicality’, ‘liveability’ and ‘storage’ for fewer and leave the extra berths to the A-classes.

French Clean Air Law to Affect Caravanners and Motorhomers?

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by Tom Evans

We at CaravanTimes are big believers in getting the most out of our vehicles

Whether you’ve an outfit consisting of a mini-metro with trailer-tent, or the biggest most ostentatious RV money can buy, the real joy is getting out on the road and seeing where it can take you.

For many that will be overseas and being a publication based in good ol’ Blighty most of the time overseas means (or at least means via) France, where a new law has been introduced making ‘Clean Air’ stickers a legal requirement in a number of it’s cities.

So, What are the new French Clean Air (or Crit’Air) Stickers? Why have they been introduced? Where and When do you need one, and how much do they cost?

If you’ve driven in France in the last few years you know they’re not worried about bringing in new rules, it already being a legal requirement to carry High-Vis vests for every passenger, warning triangle, breathalyser test and slap on a GB sticker if you’re driving a car from the U.K not denoted as such. The latest rule is the Crit’Air Vignette.

What are the Stickers?

It’s a sticker system that indicates the pollution levels of the vehicle, according to it’s ‘Euro Emissions Standard’. Starting at green for fully electric/hydrogen powered vehicles and stopping at black for the highest polluting vehicles.

Why have they been introduced?

In short, certain parts of France (cities as you may expect) are heavily polluted and the system has been introduced as a way to cut the emission output with a rota for heavy polluting vehicles, going as far as denying them entry into particular cities on certain days, based on the colour of their sticker.

Where and when do you need one?

The stickers are in use in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble with the law having come into effect on the 1st February, but don’t panic we’re not telling you too late, as all U.K drivers will be given until the 31st March 2017 to comply with the new scheme. You’ll need your sticker regardless of your outfit, as it applies to all road users including motorbikes.

How much do they Cost?

The good news is, you don’t pay more for higher polluting or larger vehicles, there is a flat rate for your sticker, currently set at ?4.80 and you can apply for yours here. Now, you’ll need to know your vehicles emission standard which can normally be found in your handbook or you can search online, the RAC even have a handy table you can use! We’re certainly not looking for extra expenses when we go away however ?4.80 is a much better than a potential fine of ?375.

So are we going to be planning our caravan and motorhome trips around the new scheme? Probably not. At the moment the scheme only bans black stickers, which generally are applied to larger and older commercial vehicles so we can all carry on camping with no worries, just remember to apply for your sticker in good time!

On a further note, the CaravanTimes team have seen a number of websites posing as the official Crit’Air certification service, charging nearly ten times the amount so be sure to register through the proper french government website.

What do you think of the new rules? Do safer, less polluted roads and cities mean we can enjoy a happier holiday or is this just more hassle and red-tape getting in the way of a relaxing trip? Let us know in the comments.

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Away in Winter: How it’s made the Auto-Trail way

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by Tom Leaning

It’s been a long, old winter so far, but that hasn’t stopped many of you from enjoying the great outdoors with your leisure vehicles. So, over the coming weeks, CaravanTimes will be releasing a series of videos celebrating Great British Winter Motorhoming.

One of the main reasons we’re able to enjoy Winter Motorhoming in the UK is because of the way they’re made in the factory. But some motorhome manufacturers are more unorthodox than others. So for the first video in our series, we’ve asked Nick Harding to visit Auto-Trail’s main factory in Grimsby to discover just what they do differently in their factories.

Erwin Hymer takes over Explorer

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by Tom Leaning

The Erwin Hymer Group, Europe’s largest manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans, have agreed to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of The Explorer Group Ltd., a leading UK manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes, including all of its subsidiaries.

The Explorer Group Ltd will now be known as Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd., and its new Managing Director will be Robert Quine, formerly the Managing Director of The Explorer Group Ltd.

The Explorer Group has been present in the UK market since 1964 and has registered offices in Consett, near Newcastle in the north of England. The company has 400 employees and is predominantly active in the UK. With the Buccaneer, Compass, Elddis, and Xplore brands, the company has been able to steadily increase its share of the UK market in recent years. With a motorhome market share of 11 per cent and a touring caravan market share of 17 per cent, The Explorer Group is one of the three leading manufacturers in the UK.

Robert Quine said: “Since 2012, our SoLiD construction method has revolutionised the production process and resulted in a product that is stronger, lighter, and free from water ingress.”

“Explorer has now invested over eight years into the development of SoLiD. This makes us the only provider of fully structurally bonded caravans and motorhomes in the UK.” The successful launch of SoLiD has resulted in the sales volumes doubling in the past eight years.

Camping marketing activities of all EHG brands in the UK will be brought together under the umbrella of the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

The Erwin Hymer Group is already represented in the United Kingdom today by the Bürstner, Carado, Dethleffs, Eriba, Hymer, Laika, Niesmann+Bischoff, and Sunlight brands. The new Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. provides an ideal starting point to strengthen and further expand market presence with a local manufacturing base.

Martin Brandt, CEO of Erwin Hymer Group AG & Co.KG. said: “By acquiring The Explorer Group Ltd., we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market.”

“Our aim is to further expand our strong position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans.”

“We’re all really looking forward to becoming part of the Erwin Hymer Group,” added Mr Quine. “It is fantastic that a successful organisation like the Erwin Hymer Group is investing in our future. As a new member of the Erwin Hymer Group, we will have access to unique know-how and expertise. We will exploit this strategic opportunity to create permanent added value for our customers.”

COMPETITION: Fifteen winners chosen to go to Birmingham 2017

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by Tom Leaning

CaravanTimes recently held a competition for our readers to have the chance to win tickets to this month’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC. We have randomly chosen from the list of entrants and we can now reveal who the fifteen lucky winners are.

Adam Hill
Robert Capindale
Ray Rainford
Trevor Eady
Stephen Clark
Callum Hodgson
Theresa Clarke
Paul McVeigh
Christine Evans
Peter Tomlin
Linda Briggs
Terry Hunter
Colin Mitchell
James Rankin
Grahame Lees

CONGRATULATIONS to you all! You will now be able to pick up two tickets each from the ticket office at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham on a day of your choosing from 21 – 26 February 2017.

Organisers will be in contact with you shortly to provide you with more details. Well done!

For those of you that did not win this time, we will be announcing competitions to win more free tickets to upcoming shows later in the year, so please keep a look out for those.

Marquis make the Lifestyle 6TD a family affair

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by Tom Leaning

We take a look at Marquis’ latest Dealer Special caravan – but will it live up to its 6-berth label? Watch our video review and decide for yourself.

This Lifestyle 6TD is based on Swift’s Spite Freedom model, and impresses with its sleek exterior and comfy interior, which cleverly utilises the limited space to make for a genuinely comfortable 6-berth caravan, which all the family can enjoy.

Marquis Benimar UK partnership continues to flourish with new Tessoro range

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by Tom Leaning

In anticipation of our upcoming video feature on the Benimar Tessoro T494 motorhome from Marquis, we preview their new Benimar Tessoro range for the year ahead.

This set of Ford-based motorhomes purr with continental swagger and style, as does their powerful engines and spacious interiors. Take a look at our latest video and let us know what you think.

CampStead lets campers compare and contrast holidays with new online resource

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by Tom Leaning

CampStead is a new online resource and comparison website to help you find your perfect escape and has the potential to transform the holiday park industry.

Officially launched this week, www.campstead.com can help with anything from tents and caravans, to tipis and yurts – there is a camping experience suitable for everyone.

CampStead is an efficient comparison website, which will allow you to book your ideal getaway fast. You can compare locations, prices, facilities, and customer reviews, all with the click of a button.

For those who like their creature comforts, there is also a range of holiday caravans and luxury lodges with hot tubs.

Or, for those who like the traditional camping experience, you can even choose the location of your pitch – allowing you to tailor your experience to perfection.

CampStead.com was developed after the great success of CampManager – a Park Management System, used by hundreds of Holiday Parks throughout the UK and Ireland, and is highly regarded within the industry.

CampStead is unique from other comparison based websites as it provides a complete end-to- end booking process, not only for the holiday maker, but also more importantly for the holiday park, bypassing complicated and costly channel management systems, linking directly with the campsite owners’ reservation system.

Andrew Norris, Managing Director at CampStead states “We have high expectations for the success of CampStead.com, having worked for the industry for over 10 years specialising in online booking. We know how customers interact online, and what they want. With CampStead, customers will enjoy organising their next getaway, without fuss or frustration. Since customers can tailor their experience, CampStead truly has something for everyone. That’s what makes us unique”.

Visit www.CampStead.com for more details.

Countdown to Birmingham 2017: What to see and do

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by Tom Leaning

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC (21 – 26 February) is almost upon us, and among the many launches and 2017 model line-ups from leading touring caravan and motorhome manufacturers, new caravan holiday homes and lodges will be unveiled.

Touring caravans revealed at the show include Lunar’s new four-berth Lexon 590 with mid washroom and end-island layout. Swift Caravans unveils its new six-berth, twin dinette, versatile and well-equipped Sprite Quattro DD, which includes contemporary interior and low-energy LED lighting. Bailey launches its all-new Pursuit range of caravans in 2017, available in six configurations on a four-model line-up and suitable for up to five people.

Alongside the traditional tourer manufacturers, Carapod (formerly Pod Caravans) launch their Nomad: a shiny, retro, chrome pod, weighing only 325 kg but including a double bed, dining area and galley kitchen. Barefoot Caravans will reveal its Naked Barefoot, giving clients the opportunity to design and furnish the interior of their Barefoot to their own specification and taste.

February’s show provides the first opportunity to see Auto-Trail’s new Frontier Scout motorhome in the UK. Made for long-distance adventuring, the new Scout includes a high standard specification plus new features such as roof-mounted awning, new GRP rear panel, new drawer fridge and DAB radio.

For those looking for caravan holiday homes and lodges, or even accommodation options for the back garden, Swift launches its S-Pod 4: a larger, four-berth version of its successful S-Pod 2. ABI promises two launches at the show, while Willerby announces a new luxury lodge and showcases a new glamping product. Wessex launches a new design of its acclaimed signature lodge, the Hideaway; whilst maintaining many of its original features the luxury lodge has clean lines, and contemporary design.

Show visitors can browse over 600 leisure vehicles and holiday homes, with many upgrades and additions to 2017 ranges. Lunar Caravans’ entry-level brand Venus includes new style and comfort features in its 2017 line-up and its premium Alaria collection displays three self-levelling, twin-axle models.

Swift Caravans has updated all its tourers to include full GRP bodyshells, Swift Command and Connect Direct. Elddis will show more than 40 tourers including complete new ranges built on in its SoLiD construction system, while Coachman presents 20 models from its 2017 collection. Adria’s new flagship Alpina range features extra-large multi-functional lounges and extensive storage.

For motorhome enthusiasts, Adria’s new A-class, Tag double-axle Sonic Supreme 810SC motorhome with full silver body shell is at the February show. Providing boutique-style open plan living in the extra vehicle length, with separate lounge, kitchen, and bathroom, it focuses on functionality and luxury including full digital control panel with a multi-media wall and tablet docking station.

Swift has transformed its four-model Autocruise van conversions and radically redesigned the entry level Escape range, with all eight models now under 3500 kg. The Swift Rio joins the Black Edition range comprising Kon-tiki and Bolero models.

Auto-Sleepers’ new coach-built Corinium RB completes the trio of dedicated bedroom models in the range, while Lunar Motorhomes showcases its new coach-built Roadstar and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Landstar.

Elddis lines up 14 motorhomes from the Autoquest, and Encore ranges with ‘the best ever array of layouts’. Rapido presents models, the 696 FF and the 8096 DF, and Tribute motorhomes an all-new 726: the second model in the range to offer six berths and traveling seats including an over-cab double bed and a pair of full-size bunks. Roller Team adds the value-for-money 685 to its Zefiro range for 2017 with five belts and for a flexible, spacious layout.

In the campervan area, exhibitors include Danbury Motorcaravans, Hillside Leisure, Motorcaravans, and Wildax. Rolling Homes offers its bespoke build service while Bilbo’s is showing the latest Volkswagen conversions with improved comfort and driving dynamics, including Euro 6 engines outputting from 85 HP to 205 HP.

Special edition tourers from the UK’s main dealers include the new Swift Kudos 630DD from Preston Caravans and Motorhomes: a six-berth, tourer with end bed and lounge area. Campbell’s Caravans shows the Cosmos, an eight-model range based on the Lunar Quasar with upgrades such as gas barbecue point, LED mood lighting, furnishing and USB points.

Ropers Caravan World’s stand showcases the Second Generation Jive by Bailey, featuring an external BBQ point and exclusive soft furnishings. Couplands Caravans shows its 2017 Bessacarr by Design models, including its all-new 650 model with rear island bed.

Robinson’s exclusive Ultima tourer range based on the Lunar Lexon comes with 12 different layout options, with the new Ultima 590 joining the line-up for 2017. Broad Lane Leisure launches four special edition tourers while Glossop Caravans’ special editions, developed in partnership with leading caravan manufacturers, include high-specification Coachman Festival, Elddis and Swift models. Grantham Caravans’ displays Swift Sienna and Lunar Solaris models with extensive specifications for 2017.

While at the show ask experts from The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club for advice on the best campsites and adventure holiday locations. New to Caravanning? Join us in the Freedom to Go Experience, where you can try out some of the core skills involved in owning a leisure vehicle. Caravan and motorhome owners are also invited to book a pitch and stay overnight at The NEC: visit www.ccmshow.co.uk/on-site-campsite for details.

Advance ticket prices start from £7.00 per person and children 15 and under for free*. Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through the website: www.ccmshow.co.uk