5 of the most common caravanning misconceptions

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

There are a lot of misconceptions about caravanning, from both people within our community and those on the outside. We all know that heading off in a leisure vehicle can provide incredible holidays and a fantastic opportunity to get away at the drop of a hat, but some people might be put off if they were to believe the stigma. Let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes people make when it comes to caravans.

Towing and reversing are extremely difficult

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been towing a caravan and jumped out of my skin after taking a glance in the mirror and thinking I was getting rear-ended by a truck. That’s to say, towing is so easy you could actually forget you’re doing it! There are some really great towing courses out there and I even attended one at the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Not only do they teach you skills and techniques, but also instil confidence.

Reversing with a caravan is like anything in life: practice makes perfect. You wouldn’t put a 17-year-old learner driver in a car and expect them to nail parallel parking every single time. But give them a few months of experience and it’ll suddenly become second nature to them. It’s the same with a caravan – 90 per cent confidence, 10 per cent ability. 

Caravans leak

While many years ago this might have been a fair statement, it’s simply not true anymore. Of course, there will be certain times when water ingress can occur for multiple reasons, however the outdated opinion that all caravans leak is no longer reasonable. The way modern motorhomes are constructed has been revolutionised over the last 15 years, with lots of new material design principles and rigorous testing. Usually, if a leak does occur, it’s because the shell has been damaged. Overall, caravans are absolutely not leaky.

Caravans are cold

If you’re reading this on the date of publication, you’re probably experiencing daytime temperatures around -1 degrees celsius. Caravans of the past were indeed cold and, having spent many of my childhood years in an old caravan, I can testify to that. But, modern versions are highly insulated, with huge improvements to both blown air and wet central heating systems. They’re also submitted to NEC Grade 3 testing, either through calculations or a physical cold chamber. Caravans that pass are able to raise all four corners from -5°C to 25°C in less than three hours – that’s far quicker than any home. New models are built to extremely high standards, with modern methods to ensure heat is retained well.

Caravanners are weirdos

Well, that might be a bit harsh, but there’s a common stigma that caravanners are a bit too eccentric. That’s not the case! It’s an amazing way for you to enjoy activities and some of the coolest people in the world all head out in their motorhomes. Rockstars, F1 drivers, motorcycle racers… The list could go on and on. Why do they hit the road? Because caravans are effective, practical and comfy. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want. So, pitch up on site and be surprised by quite how interesting the caravanning community is.

All caravans are big white boxes

Like a good box of chocolates, caravans come in all shapes and sizes. Teardrop, bubble, oblong – there’s so many variations other than the traditional white box. Today, there are an array of manufacturers, unlike back in the day where if you didn’t want a cube, your only option was to buy an Airstream. Additionally, caravans are now specialised for leisure activities and different designs offer varying access options.

So, if you’ve ever been tempted to try caravanning but have felt put off by one of these outdated misconceptions, try it now! There’s no need to make a big commitment, as there are lots of rental companies for touring caravans. Give it a go – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and it would make an excellent Christmas present.

Photo credit: Engin Akyurt / Pexels

10 useful winter camping tips

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Whether you plan on camping out in a tent, motorhome or caravan, winter touring can be a wonderful experience. 

Cold nights huddled around a campfire, falling asleep to the silence of snowfall, waking up to that crisp winter air scent – sounds magical, doesn’t it? 

However, camping in the cold weather requires you to take extra precautions to ensure harsh conditions don’t put a damper on your trip. 

With that in mind, The Camping and Caravanning Club have put together a list of winter camping tips to help you stay warm on your next touring outing. 

Set up camp in the daylight 

The sun sets earlier during the winter months. To avoid any hassle setting up your campsite in the dark, be sure to arrive in time so that you still have plenty of daylight to work with when pitching your tent or hooking up your motorhome. 

Pack extra blankets

There’s no such thing as too many blankets. Well, maybe there is if you’re camping in the sweltering summer heat, but in the winter months, you’ll be grateful for all the covers you can get. Pack extra blankets to ensure no one spends the night shivering. These can also be placed on the ground for sleeping insulation if you’re camping in a tent. 

Wear layers

Wear plenty of layers made of materials that are designed to protect against the cold such as wool, silk and polyester. Be sure to invest in a good waterproof jacket too in case of any unexpected showers while you’re out and about. 

Take suitable footwear

Winter camping often involves traipsing through the rain, mud and snow. Make sure you have appropriate footwear that will keep your feet warm and dry. Additionally, pack plenty of socks to keep your toes toasty. 

Leave your shoes inside

It’s a good idea to keep your shoes inside to prevent them from freezing overnight. Be sure to clean them properly before doing so. 

Eat to stay warm

Eating nutritious and balanced meals and snacks when camping can help to raise your body temperature and protect you against the elements. Foods that take longer to digest, such as oats and potatoes, are good options. 

Choose your pitching spot carefully

One of the best ways to stay warm when camping in the winter is to choose your pitching spot carefully. Whether you’re sleeping in a tent or a motorhome, look for a sheltered spot to shield you from the wind. 

Stay in touch when going solo

If you’re heading out on your own, be sure to let someone know your whereabouts. This is particularly important if you’re camping somewhere remote where there is limited phone service.

Check the weather forecast

Be sure to check the weather conditions before setting out. If you can be flexible to avoid heavy rainfall or snowfall, you’ll be much less likely to suffer from the cold. 

Pack for emergencies

No matter the weather, it’s always a good idea to pack a kit of useful items before setting off on a camping or touring adventure. Include things like a shovel, a first aid kit, bottled water and an emergency blanket. 

 

Image credit: Jordan Irving / Unsplash

How to decorate your caravan this Christmas

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Across the festive period, over 11.5 million of us are planning a holiday, according to VisitEngland. But to really get into the Christmas spirit, you can’t neglect decorating your home and this includes your second home – the one that has four wheels.

Considering the average caravan can sleep between two to six guests, there’s quite a lot of space to work with when it comes down to decorating. According to Shane Spence of Sell The Caravan, there are plenty of affordable, unobtrusive ways to spruce up the motorhome this Christmas, so read on for some festive inspiration.

Pick a theme

Before you start shopping for tinsel and baubles, think about the space you have available and what would work best with your existing decor. If you’re based by the beautiful British coast and already have a beach theme in your caravan, you could add to your current design by choosing similar colours – think blue (or as close as you can get), like snow or icicles.

Wreath

Most of us imagine a grand, wooden door when we picture a hanging wreath. However, it will look great outside your caravan too. The main consideration is that it will be exposed to considerably worse conditions than it would be at home, so make sure to choose a material that can resist the wind and rain.

Exterior decorations

If you can get hold of Christmas lights that are safe to use outside, you could always decorate the exterior of your caravan. There are a few places that sell outdoor fairy lights, as well as plenty of other items. Do think about how bright your motorhome could end up being and consider your neighbours, as you don’t want to upset anyone by beaming into their windows all night.

Christmas tree

Ok, it’s most likely not going to be a full-size Christmas tree for a few reasons, namely the height and floor area it would take up. So instead, opt for a tabletop tree, which adds to your overall theme without limiting the space you’ve got. Don’t forget to decorate your mini tree with mini baubles – perhaps a caravan ornament or two?

Nibbles

Decorating your caravan doesn’t just mean making it look pretty. It needs to be a fully functioning Christmas machine, which means there need to be festive foods. Treat yourself to your favourite snacks, although it’s best to obtain those which don’t require refrigeration or much prep time. Mince pie, anyone?

Music

Christmas just isn’t the same without music. The final piece of the seasonal puzzle is selecting the right tunes to spread the festive spirit and create a great atmosphere. Plus, it’s the only socially acceptable time of the year to listen to hits like ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ and ‘Fairytale of New York’, so make the most of it.

Photo credit: Gary Spears / Pexels

2022: The highlights

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

I’ve got the best job in the world. I get to see all the new caravans and motorhomes as they’re released by manufacturers. I assess them as part of my judging roles, test new towcars and explore new places to stay. At some press events, I even get to meet celebrities and talk about the great outdoors. On top of all that, I get to spend time intimately filming and producing content on caravans and motorhomes, providing reviews for all different types of organisations.

The job does involve a lot of time away from the family and travelling up and down the country, but it’s well worth it. So I thought I’d give you some insight into my highlights of the year.

Winter

Thinking back to the start of 2022, there were a lot of shows in the opening six or seven weeks. Manchester, Birmingham NEC and Glasgow, to name a few. Not only did I attend these events, but I worked at them, judging the Motorhome Innovation Awards at the February NEC show.

I love the events, but long travel, short, dark days and classically bad British weather aren’t as welcome. However, the relief I found in Scotland as I headed up to Aviemore in the caravan for a snowboarding trip was fantastic. Glasgow at this time of year is nothing short of perfect for the snowy conditions and it reminded me there’s more to caravanning and motorhoming than sodium lighting and event venues.

At the end of February, I was privileged to be invited to the launch of the Queen’s Green Canopy with the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It’s an excellent tree-planting initiative that was set up to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and now acts as a memorial to her lasting legacy.

Spring

Heading into March, the easter planning began to creep in. Suddenly, like most of us, I was considering the possibilities of non-winter-related outdoor sports, places and things to do. Personally, this is when I really start to enjoy taking my leisure vehicle to new destinations. I try to visit two to three sites each spring to give reviews, but also just to enjoy them. I’d encourage all of our readers to do the same – get out and try new experiences.

Summer

Entering the summer months is when we started receiving lots of press releases for caravans and motorhomes scheduled to hit the market in 2023. The work we did involved travelling all over, from Durham to Hull and Germany to Italy. With so much movement, we really initiated our geek-level approach as to what the next year would hold for our community.

Hooray! The school holidays have crept up on us. At this point in the year, most manufacturers closed their doors and fewer press events were booked. So what did we do? Obviously, we headed off to try a few international campsites with the kids! This involved our first-ever all-inclusive camping facility in Benidorm at the Magic Robin Hood Holiday Park. With an array of impressive, on-site water slides, it was just amazing for the children.

Another one of my highlights came as the summer months closed out when we headed up to the famous Millbrook Proving Ground. The whole week included getting to grips with all the latest vehicles, towing caravans around high-speed bowls and mountain routes, as well as speed and reversing tests. It was brilliant, as always, to be involved with the event.

Autumn and winter

Coming toward the end of 2022, the October NEC show gave us a lot to look forward to and a lot of work involved to make sure everybody has what they need and, of course, the judging of the show.

At this time of the year, we start to look at persuading people not to put their caravan or motorhome into storage for the winter but instead offer inspiration and reasons why they should use their leisure vehicles all year long. 

This is when we really see the benefits of the Grade Three tests and cold chamber filmings we’ve done in the past. Inevitably, it’s also when I put my Christmas tree and three or four motorhome baubles up, and offer a prize to the person who sends in the best ‘I had Christmas dinner in a caravan’ story.

I really do have the best job in the world. As we approach the festive season, I always realise how great this industry is. Unlike other areas that can be very cut-throat, we’re a family that looks after each other and inspires our community to do more, share adventures and make sure the whole country has caravanning, motorhoming and the great outdoors available to them.

Ultimate locations for a Scottish staycation

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Staycations are becoming an increasingly popular choice for holidaymakers seeking a break without having to deal with airport chaos and queues. Instead, the number of Brits considering jumping in their caravan or motorhome and hitting the road has grown by 20 per cent in the last two years.

Scotland has surged in popularity with holidaymakers over the past few years, with Edinburgh and Glasgow rated two of the most visited cities in the UK last year. 

With that in mind, new research from Lottie has revealed the ultimate Scottish staycation destinations for touring enthusiasts to enjoy. The selections were based on several criteria, including affordability, popularity and well-being. 

So, without further ado here are the top destinations in Scotland to head to in your leisure vehicle. 

Haddington

Haddington is a town in East Lothian that’s located in close proximity to some of Scotland’s best beaches. Just 17 miles from Edinburgh, this royal burgh town has an incredible history and plenty to offer as a staycation destination. 

Use Haddington as a base to explore the East Lothian region and discover historic sites like Hailes Castle, Tantallon Castle and Newhailes House and Gardens. 

Stonehaven

Situated on Scotland’s northeast coast, Stonehaven is a pretty harbour town that’s known around the world for its Hogmanay fireballs ceremony. 

Be sure to pay a visit to Dunnottar Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. With various caravan parks dotted along the coast, there are plenty of spots to pitch up. 

Glenrothes

Located in the heart of Fife, Glenrothes is a charming staycation destination full of green spaces and popular attractions such as Balfarg Henge and the Glenrothes and Area Heritage Centre. 

Fraserburgh

If you want to explore some of Scotland’s magical coastline on your next touring adventure, be sure to head to Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire. A major fishing port, this town has a plethora of activities and attractions to enjoy, such as golfing, birding opportunities and hiking trails. 

St Andrews

St Andrews is a seaside town located just north of Edinburgh. Explore the stunning seaside, St Andrews Cathedral and the various other attractions on offer before pitching up for the night in your caravan or motorhome. 

Airdrie

Located in North Lanarkshire, just north of Glasgow, Airdrie is a charming staycation destination with many modern and historical attractions. Explore the town’s surroundings such as Hillend Loch and Black Loch, a popular spot for angling, and enjoy the wildlife trails in the Rawyards woodland.

North Ayrshire 

One of Scotland’s 32 council areas, North Ayrshire is a popular destination for touring enthusiasts who want to explore Scotland’s natural beauty. Be sure to visit Largs seafront, Eglinton Country Park and Saltcoats Beach. 

 

Image credit: John Roberts / Unsplash

Caravan park etiquette rules every guest should follow

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As caravan parks wind down for the off-peak season, many members of the community will already be planning their next big adventure. Now is the perfect time to consider what makes a good neighbour when looking ahead to the warmer weather and busy sites.

We’re sure that most, if not all, of our CaravanTimes readers would make ideal campsite guests. However, one Welsh park owner was recently left aggrieved by some of his tenants, likening them to the Addams family and reminding them that his site is neither ‘Towyn nor Benidorm’. 

Being a good neighbour is crucial to ensuring a smooth, enjoyable holiday. This means being respectful to others, adhering to campsite rules and, most importantly, not being a nuisance! Courtesy of Sell The Caravan, let’s take a look at some of the best tips to make friends, not enemies.

Noise

If we had a pound for every time someone has been too loud in a caravan park, we’d be SpaceshipTimes by now, discussing the top ten rocket parks on Mars. Noise is, by far, the most common complaint among residents. Usually, this involves children or pets, but also late-night socialising and the occasional argument.

The best way to avoid making too much noise is simply to familiarise yourself with the rules of the campsite and keep them in mind throughout your stay. To make it simpler, we often think ‘would I be happy if my neighbour was this loud?’ and if there’s any doubt, the answer is a resounding no.

Respect boundaries

Literally. Caravan parks are usually bustling with guests, especially in the summer months. Consequently, it can be very easy to spread out your belongings and get in the way of your neighbours. Keep an eye on how expansive your pitch becomes and make sure you aren’t spilling over into other areas.

Additionally, if you’re entering or leaving your pitch, don’t walk straight through a neighbour’s set-up to get there. You shouldn’t be in anyone’s personal space unless you’ve been invited.

Switch off lights

If you’re touring now, you’ll have some lights on from roughly four o’clock onwards. However, that’s not always the case. If you’re planning to get together with friends and family into the night, there’s no need to light your pitch up like Wembley Stadium. Make sure no lights are glaring towards other leisure vehicles and disturbing your neighbours.

Introduce yourself

Get chatting with your neighbours! It will build rapport and result in a much more enjoyable stay. You never know, plenty of people have met at campsites and you could make new friends – you already share one hobby in common. This will also help if you run out of something important as you might be able to borrow essentials from your neighbours.

Keep shared facilities clean

Something we’ve seen quite a few times, but prefer not to – please don’t wash your clothes in the bathroom. Instead, make use of the laundry services provided. Moreover, keep an eye on the machines so you don’t accidentally leave clothes sitting in them for a long time, preventing other guests from accessing the facilities. After using any of the shared toilets and showers, try to keep them as clean for other users as you’d like them to be for yourself.

Photo credit: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

The best places to take your caravan in the UK this winter

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On the face of it, winter touring seems a bit daunting. Short days, cold weather and dangerous driving conditions all sound off-putting. However, maintaining your leisure vehicle’s health, cheaper rates at caravan sites and the opportunity to visit some of the UK’s most beautiful spots without the bustling summer crowd are good enough reasons for us to hit the road.

Luckily, caravan specialists, Ropers, have rounded up the best places you can head off to this winter. The list features some of the UK’s most scenic destinations, stunning coastlines, beautiful countryside and picturesque villages – this is, perhaps, the ultimate opportunity to get your Christmas card photos sorted for the foreseeable future. Let’s just hope for some snow!

Devon

The south-west corner of England is renowned for its beauty and, come winter-time, it often becomes the perfect getaway spot. Not only does it boast some of the most idyllic beaches and coastline in the country, but Devon is also home to quaint and magical villages, harbour towns and sheltered coves. 

Dartmoor is a must when it comes to touring in Devon. The national park’s rugged landscape and time-worn castles attract visitors from across the world. On top of that, Devonians are renowned for their rich food and drink culture and it might interest you to know the oldest working gin distillery in the world lies within the county. If sampling cream tea and having the choice between two different coastlines sounds like a bit of you, then Devon could be your perfect winter destination.

Cornwall

When you think of Cornwall, pictures of sandy beaches probably come straight to mind. You’d be brave to take the surfboard out across the British winter months, although a refreshing dip in the Atlantic isn’t completely out of the question. However, there’s far more to Cornwall than the coastline.

Take in some Cornish culture at the iconic Tate St Ives gallery, where you can see the work of renowned British artists. Newquay is known for the beauty of Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches, which are perfect for long walks with the family – just don’t forget the brolly! Cornwall is home to plenty of delicacies, such as world-famous pasties, Cornish Yarg cheese and pilchards, which have been fished locally since the 18th century.

The Lake District

Turning our attention to a destination that is far more likely to get snowfall, we’re heading north. Rugged terrain, tranquil lakes and bustling market towns make the Lake District a winter destination straight from the movies. We can’t think of many getaways that can provide better scenery and you might be inclined to photograph the snowy peaks, or head along popular walking trails like Aira Force, Rydal Water and Catbells to soak up the winter sun.

Cumbrian heritage and culture is rich and vibrant. There are plenty of opportunities to visit historic houses, museums and art galleries, as well as The Lakes Aquarium in Newby Bridge, where you can catch a glimpse of piranhas and otters. The Lake District sees lots of winter events each year, including Christmas markets and light switch-ons, making it a perfect destination for a chilly adventure.

Photo credit: Erik Mclean / Pexels

5 reasons to keep using your caravan or motorhome through the winter

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

At this time of the year, caravan and motorhome publications are full of ways to winterize your leisure vehicle, but it can often feel like a very one-sided argument. Realistically, there are plenty of reasons to get on the road in the winter period. 

So, don’t shove your caravan or motorhome into storage and certainly don’t leave it on the driveway and then lose the keys. Instead, here are five very good reasons why you should use your leisure vehicle for long or short breaks and fun getaways over the colder months.

Caravans get lonely too

Don’t be selfish, it’s not all about you! Think about your poor leisure vehicle, spending its days alone in the cold while we all get together to drink wine and eat festive foods. Well, that’s not exactly true, but in a vehicle sense, it’s really good for them to be used.

Getting out and about in your caravan or motorhome will help to keep it maintained throughout the winter. It will prevent the buildup of dampness, which can be especially disastrous when soft furnishings meet unusual changes in temperature, pressure and humidity. Also, using your leisure vehicle will stop rubber pipes from corroding and avoid tyres from going flat. Your battery will stay charged all year round if you keep using it. So, let the air flow around your motorhome and make sure it’s in good shape!

Site availability

We all have certain sites we want to try, which are bustling during the typical holiday periods and warmer weather. On top of that, I’m sure lots of us are already thinking about where to head off to next year. Shall we book now? No!

Take the opportunity this winter, at a moment’s notice and when sites have plenty of availability, to book yourself into some of the sites you’ve been keeping an eye on. This way, you won’t have to commit to a long summer holiday and risk not enjoying it. The amount of availability in the winter makes things quick and easy. Bear in mind, as the cost of living crisis continues in the UK, we’re expecting campsites to be a lot busier, so get ahead of the crowd and try before you buy.

They’re designed for this!

Just about every modern caravan has been put through a rigorous Grade 3 NCC test, which involves taking the chamber down to -15 degrees C and timing how long it takes to reach 20 degrees C across all 4 corners of the vehicle, evenly. Current insulation technologies mean this usually takes under two hours. I’ve witnessed loads of these tests in person and the thermal ability of caravans and motorhomes is amazing! So, if you’re worried about being cold – don’t be!

Winter sports

Given the current financial climate, not many of us will be looking to blow the bank on a trip to the Alps this winter. But not to worry – you can enjoy winter sports this year from your leisure vehicle. In particular, Scotland has some amazing sites geared for this exact purpose, with drying rooms, ski storage and other great facilities.

If the weather doesn’t turn out how you expected, or there’s no snow on the ground, consider heading to an artificial snow centre or dry slope. Often enough, these places have amazing deals where they might seem very expensive for a single session, but work out to be very cheap for a whole day. This winter, you can hit the slopes in Castleford before heading to an après-ski in Pontefract with your caravan or motorhome.

The money argument

With the ongoing cost of living crisis and soaring energy bills, it probably works out cheaper to spend the night on a site in your leisure vehicle than it would be at home. There’s a much smaller area to heat up and less energy required to do so. Any energy you buy is at a fixed rate from the campsite supplier and, as mentioned, caravans and motorhomes are thermally efficient. So, if you’re considering having to heat a huge house with old windows, don’t bother. Get out in your leisure vehicle and spend your savings on a nice, inflation-busting meal.

We all know hardcores are walking amongst us. Those people who will cook a full turkey dinner for six in their motorhome each year, and swear by it. We’re not saying you need to take it this far, but do consider using it over the winter period for the benefit of yourself, your leisure vehicle and your wallet.

Tips to stay awake at the wheel

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Longer nights and colder temperatures can make it easier for motorists to become drowsy at the wheel. This can lead to unfortunate injuries or potentially fatal consequences.

If you’re embarking on a touring trip in your caravan or motorhome in the coming months, it’s important to know how to spot signs of tiredness and take action for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users.

The team at Watermans, a legal firm specialising in personal injury, have put together a list of tips to help you stay alert behind the wheel. John Dillon, head of dispute resolution at Watermans, commented:

“There are many reasons for which you may suddenly feel sleepy, from sentiments of stress to driving for long periods of time. Whatever the motive, stay away from the roads to keep everyone safe, as the consequences of drowsy driving could be life-changing.”

Choose the time of your journey wisely

Avoiding long road trips between midnight and 6am can help to reduce sleepiness when driving, as these are the hours of the day when our body clock naturally dips and tells us it’s time to go to bed. Instead, try to drive during daylight hours but always remain vigilant of signs of drowsiness, which can include yawning or drifting across lanes.

Avoid eating heavy meals before hitting the road

Eating large meals before setting off can cause you to feel more tired as the body has to work harder to digest the food. Instead, consider having a light meal or a simple snack before getting behind the wheel.

Turn off the heating

You know that cosy feeling when you get under your duvet with a hot water bottle on a cold night and you feel ready to nod off? A warm car can have the same effect, especially if you have been on the road for a while. Keeping the heating running during your journey can also cause dehydration, which leads to fatigue. To avoid this, be sure to keep your vehicle stocked with plenty of water.

Share driving duties

For long journeys, it’s a good idea to have two motorists available so one can take over from the other if they start feeling tired. If this isn’t possible, be sure to take regular breaks at service stations and to follow all of the other tips mentioned above to stay awake and alert on the road.

 

Image credit: Samuele Errico Piccarini / Unsplash

Motorhome weights, licence restrictions and load capacities – can you beat the system?

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

There are two unavoidable facts when it comes to choosing your motorhome. Firstly, the chassis rating – specifically, the maximum laden weight it can handle, as specified by the manufacturer. Secondly, your licence restrictions. When did you pass your driving test? If the answer is any time after 1997, you’re limited to no more than a combined weight of 3,500kg and therefore unable to legally operate any motorhome with a chassis rating higher than that.

However, the licence restrictions are not the same for towing. In fact, you can tow a combined rig of up to 5,000kg. This raises a few questions and takes a bit of time to wrap your head around. Before we do just that, picture this:

There’s a motorhome you like and it’s 3,650kg. You’re in your mid-40s, having passed your driving test in 1998. So, you’re unable to legally drive that leisure vehicle. However, there’s no law stopping you from putting it on a trailer and towing it. This might sound ridiculous and I don’t recommend that you do it – but it’s not illegal.

Motorhomes exist on various weight chassis, with lots of models available at 3,500kg or just under. These range from two to six-berth and will fall within the legal restrictions. Some manufacturers offer paid or free upgrades to increase your chassis rating up to anywhere around 3,500kg to 4,000kg, as it raises the weight capacity your motorhome can carry.

Having judged weights and measures for many years at the Motorhome Design Awards, this is quite a significant issue. In particular, when you start looking at certain family layouts with lots of habitation and equipment, it becomes increasingly difficult to compromise on payload when you factor in the weight of two adults, one or two children, gas bottles and even water and waste tanks.

So, when you’re thinking about buying a motorhome, this is something you really need to consider. Take the mass of your desired leisure vehicle and subtract that from 3,500 – that’s what you’ve got left to play around with. Don’t go over that limit as you’ll be breaking the law and potentially putting yourself and your guests in danger.

Now, you could do things like only fill up with shopping when you’re at a destination, travel with empty tanks or not take full water and waste tanks. But you don’t have to, because there’s another solution – buy a trailer.

This might sound a bit silly at first, but it’s a simple way to beat the restrictions legally and safely. I think we’ll start to see more trailers attached to caravans because you can put absolutely anything you want in it (to the weight limit of the trailer, of course) and avoid having to leave anything behind. More and more motorhomes are now being fitted with tow boards and the majority of manufacturers offer it as an upgrade, if not as standard.

So, stay safe and don’t break the law. Consider putting items in a trailer for your motorhome, rather than inside the leisure vehicle and you’ll find there’s no need to compromise on weight.

Photo credit: Tom Fisk / Pexels

The best meals to get you through your next winter tour

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When people think of touring in a motorhome or caravan, gourmet meals don’t come straight to mind very often. Fear not – there’s plenty you can do in a leisure vehicle when it comes to cooking.

Your winter tour should be all about relaxing and rebooting. That means cosy campfires, great food and your beverage of choice. Most camping and caravan sites will offer basic cooking facilities, but we advise you to do a bit of research on the best parks in the UK before you book anywhere. 

In the CaravanTimes winter kitchen, we’re sending out Michelin-star meals and nobody is left dissatisfied. Why? Because we’re following guides like these! Read on for some of the best meals you can cook this winter to warm up and eat like royalty.

Breakfast

The most important meal of the day. First of all, let’s get some breakfast ideas laid out. If you’ve got a big adventure planned and consecutive busy days, you’ll need a lot of energy. That means you have to eat and you’ll only want to eat delicious meals! Here are some easy breakfast ideas:

  • Full English – probably not a lot needs to be said about this one, but the classic fry-up is simple, fresh and filling. Be careful with it though, as sometimes it can be… too filling.
  • Porridge – a big bowl of porridge puts you in the shoes of an artist and the oats are your canvas. You can be really creative with the toppings you put on it, although foods like nuts, fruits and honey are always winners.
  • Pancakes – another simple addition to the breakfast list, pancakes are quick and easy to make, require minimal effort and taste great. Once again, you’re the boss when it comes to toppings, so you could eat this breakfast several times and not get bored.

Lunch and dinner

Now we’re cooking. We know some of our readers like to keep lunch on the light side, whilst others prefer to have a quick dinner. Whatever your eating habits may be, we’ll be taking a look at the best meals we’d recommend for a winter tour.

Soup

Starting with what some would argue is the ultimate winter meal, you simply can’t go wrong with soup. It’s wholesome, hearty and filling – perfect for when the cold weather attempts to spoil your plans. Of course, there are dozens of types and flavours, so we can’t say which is the best (chicken and sweetcorn), but it’s a great way to use veggies and warm up your guests.

Chilli con carne

Chilli is really easy to make, tastes amazing and can be spiced to your liking – it doesn’t have to be super hot, although in the CaravanTimes kitchen we’re adding any chilli peppers we can get our hands on! Here’s a simple recipe that’s tried and tested. For a perfect chilli, you’ll want to serve it on top of fluffy rice with a generous dollop of sour cream on top. Don’t forget the nachos!

Ingredients:

  • A large onion and a pepper
  • Two garlic cloves
  • 500g minced beef
  • Two cans of chopped tomatoes (and tomato puree for the all-star chefs)
  • One can of red kidney beans
  • A cube of beef stock
  • Spices: chilli powder, paprika, cumin
  • Your rice of choice
  • Sour cream
  • Nachos

Recipe:

  1. Prep your veggies by dicing your onion, slicing your pepper into small chunks and finely chopping your garlic. 
  2. Throw your onion in the pan with some oil and cook for two minutes on a medium heat. After five minutes, or when your onion becomes golden, add pepper, garlic and spices. Mix, then leave for another five minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Brown your minced beef in the pan until it breaks up and there are no more pink bits.
  4. Crumble your beef stock cube into 300ml hot water and add this into the pan with your chopped tomatoes, and tomato puree if you have it.
  5. Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for roughly 20 minutes. Once it looks thick and juicy, add your kidney beans and have a taste. Chilli often takes a bit more seasoning than you think.
  6. Leave your chilli to stand for at least five minutes, then serve on top of rice with sour cream.

Campfire stew

We’re big fans of Stuart Kelly’s campfire stew recipe. It’s hearty, warming and a sure way to impress your guests. The ingredients consist almost entirely of vegetables and on a cold winter evening, this meal is a true delight. Don’t be alarmed by the name – you don’t actually have to cook it on a campfire, a stove is just fine.

The best part about campfire stew is the fact that it’s a one-pot dish, so you can keep a large group of guests happy. The recipe is simple and allows for any chopping and changing of ingredients that you’d want.

Photo credit: Katerina Holmes / Pexels

Take a touring trip to this year’s Historic Houses Garden of the Year winner

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Wentworth Woodhouse, in South Yorkshire, has been announced as the winner of 2022’s Historic Houses Garden of the Year award, sponsored by Christie’s, in a public vote. 

Located in the village of Wentworth, the elegant garden at Wentworth Woodhouse will make a perfect addition to any Yorkshire touring trip this winter. It offers the opportunity to get out in your caravan or motorhome, reconnect with nature and explore the best that the UK has to offer, even if the temperature is less than ideal. 

Featuring a pond garden, stunning fountains and flora galore – this year’s winner was a step above the rest in more ways than one. Despite being hit hard by the drought during the summer season, the garden has bounced back and will be open to the public in 2023. 

So, if you’re already organising a touring adventure to welcome in the new year, consider adding this country house and its 82-acre private gardens in Rotherham to your bucket list. 

If you’re planning a visit to South Yorkshire, you’ll be glad to know there’s plenty more to explore in this region once you’ve spent the afternoon admiring the gardens. Combine your trip to Wentworth Woodhouse with a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the Sheffield Botanical Gardens or the Yorkshire Dales. There’s also a wealth of prime locations to pitch up for the night in your caravan or motorhome too. 

The Historic Houses Garden of the Year award is presented annually and dates back to 1984. Designed to recognise some of the UK’s most spectacular gardens, the award is voted for by the public and judged on a variety of factors. 

This year’s choice was recognised particularly for its accessibility, as its paths were renovated to ensure people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the varied landscape without a problem. 

Ben Cowell, director general of Historic Houses, commented: “The rescue of the house at Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the most significant heritage achievements of recent years. The work the team has achieved with the gardens is also nothing short of spectacular and deserves just as much attention. 

“We are thrilled to be able to recognise that work with this award, which is testament to the strong support Wentworth Woodhouse has from its local community.”

 

Image credit: Historic Houses