2013 Elddis Avante: New layouts and spec for popular range

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by Chris Jefferies
Elddis Caravans has upgraded the equipment and added two new layouts to its ever popular Avante collection for the 2013 model year.
As the largest range in the Elddis stable, the Avante is always going to be one of the most popular, and the Solid Construction manufacturers have done a sterling job of updating these mid-range tourers.
The key kit upgrades include a dual-fuel hob, a space-saving Whale underfloor heater and a larger capacity 13-litre Whale water heater.
What’s more, the exterior styling has been given an up-market boost, with the introduction of a silver front locker, to bring this range more in line with the luxurious Elddis Crusader collection.

The interior look remains very versatile, with pastel grey upholstery and light woodgrain on the overhead lockers. Moving into the bathroom and new Avante owners will get a larger wash basin as well.
Entertainment has been a key consideration, and now the Elddis Avante range comes with an Avtex seven-way TV fitted as standard, along with an omni-directional aerial for better signal.
Clever family layouts
Six layouts have been carried over from the 2012 range – the 462 is now the only two-berth option, as the compact 372 has been dropped.
Four-berth options include the popular 504, the highly versatile 564, and the 574, which was only launched ten months ago at the Birmingham NEC.
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Caravan lending to friends and family on the rise this summer

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Jack Beresford

The appeal of caravan holidays appears to be growing according to research which showed that caravan owners have witnessed an upturn in the number of people asking to borrow their tourers.

Opinion Matters conducted the study on behalf of Saga Caravan Insurance, with 1,038 UK adults who own mobile/towing caravans quizzed.

According to the findings, 44 per cent of respondents have already lent their tourer to others, with a further 31 per cent admitting they would consider the prospect.

The results showed that 80 per cent of respondents would lend their caravan to a friend, with 59 per cent happy to farm out their tourer to their parents while a further 49 per cent would provide their caravan to a sibling.

Interestingly, six per cent of those questioned claimed they would even lend their tourer to a stranger.

Commenting on the findings, Saga Services chief executive Roger Ramsden noted: “Caravanners do appear to be a generous bunch.”

Insurer offers flooding damage advice after flash floods hit Wales

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by Chris Jefferies
Even in the height of summer, flash floods can cause a big problem for caravan parks up and down the country, with touring caravans being particularly vulnerable.
Due to floor-level vents, flood water can easily get into your caravan, as soon as it reaches halfway up the side of your caravan wheels.
Earlier this month, 21 caravans in the Welsh town of Narberth found this out to great cost, and now a major insurance provider has offered some valuable advice to those trying to deal with flood damage.
Edward Cross, insurance expert at Towergate, said: “The minute the water starts to enter a caravan through a vent you do start to get the floor will start to swell, and the units will start to swell, and by that time the caravan is really pretty much beyond repair.”
He also advises caravanners to think twice about camping in areas with a history of flooding, especially if you are considering siting your caravan on a seasonal pitch.
For more advice from Towergate on avoiding flooding and what to do if flood water enters your caravan, read their original article: What to do when your caravan gets flooded

Eterniti Caravans offer sneak peak of new tourer

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by Jack Beresford

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/eterniti/">Eterniti Caravans has released details of the equipment and specifications of its new Genesis and Chronicle tourers, ahead of their official unveiling.

The new caravan designs are scheduled to be launched to the UK public at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham on October 16th.

Ahead of that though, Eterniti Caravans has opted to provide some details of what to expect from the luxurious new tourers.

The new caravans will boast a full alarm system, key-less entrance door and a BPW VTec Axle and Chassis as standard.

However, it is the onboard technology that provides the extra touch of luxury, with an Alde Central Heating system installed along with a Smev 3+1 Gas and Electric hob, grill and oven.

Elsewhere, memory foam mattresses come as standard and a 24-inch LED high-definition flat screen television and DVD player is included for additional onboard entertainment.

The new Eterniti Caravans start at just £21,995, rising to £24,995 with the manufacturer promising “excellent value for money”.

Bailey Leisure Vehicles unveils cleaning product range

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by Jack Beresford

An innovative range of cleaning products designed specifically for Bailey caravans has been unveiled by awarding winning firm Care-avan.

The products have been created as part of a collaboration between Bailey of Bristol and the caravan cleaning company.

Care-avan’s new range of products come with the full endorsement of Bailey Caravans, after the company sent the tourer manufacturer the new range to ensure they were suitable for use.

According to Bailey of Bristol, it was this extra effort which set the cleaning company apart as “the natural choice” to develop the products with.

Among the new range is Caravan Hi-Tech Shampoo, which was specifically researched and developed for all caravan surfaces and is capable of removing moss, black streaks, algae and stubborn stains.

Meanwhile a caravan polish has been developed to reduce UV damage and repel dirt while a no water wash and shine has also been created and is ideal for anyone with a tourer in storage without access to water.

In each instance, an equivalent product has been produced for use on motorhomes to ensure all holidaymakers keep their Bristol vehicles looking good.

VIDEO: Introducing the all-new 2013 Elddis Affinity range

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by Chris Jefferies
Elddis Caravans has launched a brand new range for 2013, called the Affinity. This four-layout range promises much the luxury from the Crusader collection and the lightweight towability of the popular Avante models, with all models weighing in at under 1,500kgs.
In this video, we catch up with Rob Quine, Managing Director at Elddis, to get the inside scoop on this exciting new addition.
We also hear from one of their chief designers and take a closer look at the premium touches that make the interior so impressive.
What’s more, this caravan is one of the first examples of Elddis’ new Solid Construction caravan and motorhome building technique.
The Elddis Affinity range features a choice of four single-axle layouts, all of which are initially priced at £18,999

Top five cheap days out for caravan holidays in Wales

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by Niki Greig

Hot on the heels of our popular feature for holiday ideas in Cornwall , we’ve been inspired to look at other popular UK holiday destinations. This week we’re focusing on Wales and many of the wonderful sights and sounds that there are on offer there.

As we’re in the midst of a recession, we’ve tried to keep the cost down as much as possible and everything on this list comes in at under £10 per person or is, even better, completely free!

1. International Sheepdog Trials, Bonvilston, Cardiff

This event, taking place on 6th-8th September 2012, promises to be a fun day out for the whole family. Kids will love watching the animals and adults are able to admire the skill and precision needed to keep both sheepdog and flock under perfect control.
Not only is there exciting action to watch but alongside the trail there are also gun dogs, wood carving and falconry displays to be seen, all included in the price of the £8 admission per adult, and even better, kids under 16 get in for free!

Nearest caravan sites are: Acorn Camping and caravan site, Llandow Caravan Park and Happy Jakes touring caravan park

2. National Wool Museum, Llandysul


Wales is well known for its farming and its sheep and this museum shows you the entire wool process from fleece to fabric. This museum is not only an informative visit for both children and adults alike, but it is completely free.
The museum also houses much historic machinery and a textile gallery for those interested in inspecting the different types of the finished product.

Nearest caravan sites are: Afon Teifi, Rhandirmwyn C&CC site and Dolbryn.

3. Great Orme Ancient Copper Mine, Llandudno


Recently discovered in 1987, this mine dates back to the Bronze Age and was mined over 4,000 years ago, making it a fascinating day out for all. Informative boards and videos tell you what would have taken place on the site before you begin a self guided tour which ends in the spectacular Bronze Age cavern.
The cavern was sculpted over 3,500 years ago by our ancestors using nothing more than stone and bone tools. Who would have thought that the world’s largest prehistoric mine would be right on your doorstep? At £6.50 per adult and £4.50 per child, this informative site is well worth a visit. Whilst there you can also enjoy a trip on the Great Orme Tramway or if you’re feeling brave you can walk to the summit and enjoy panoramic views to Snowdonia, the Isle of Man and the Lake District.

Nearest caravan sites are: Tan y Bryn, Bron y Wendon and Plas Farm

4. Ffestiniog Railway

Most people think of ascending Mount Snowdon when thinking of Snowdon National Park, but there is so much more to see and do here. Why not try exploring the southern region of the park on this historic railway? This little gem is tucked away in the shadow of Mount Snowdon operating small gauge steam trains as a charming way to discover more of the Welsh countryside.
They know what they’re doing here as, founded in 1832, this is the oldest railway company in the world still operating trains today. Take the trip from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan Y Bwlch which costs £10.80 per adult for a return (we know its 80p over but we’d rather pay that than walk back!) plus all kids accompanied by a fee paying adult go free. You can enjoy a nice lunch in the former mining town and potter back at your leisure.

Nearest caravan sites are: Barcdy, Tyddyn Llwyn and Methyr Farm

5. Devils bridge falls, Aberystwyth

Welsh legend surrounds the construction of these bridges with the original story being that the devil himself built the first of three to span the valley. Whatever the reason, these spectacular falls of the Rheidol River are worth a visit.
Today you can take in the magnificent cascading 300ft waterfalls by taking either a 45 minute walk (which is steep in places, sensible footwear advised) or a ten minute walk to see the punchbowl. Nature abounds as this is a site of Scientific Special Interest and is an excellent example of Ancient Sessile Oak woodland. There is also the possibility of seeing Red Kites fly overhead in the area.
The punchbowl walk costs just £1 and the longer walk to view the waterfalls will set you back £3.50 per adult or £2.00 per child (under fives free).

Nearest caravan sites are: Tyllwyd Camp Site, Woodlands Caravan Park and Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park

Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg of the many things to do in Wales. Why not try exploring the beautiful Welsh Coastline, try your hand at surfing on one of the many wonderful beaches or mountain biking through the rugged forests? Remember to let us all at Caravan Times know of your adventures – why not put up some pictures in our forum to inspire other caravanners?

Barrel Top Wagons branch out beyond shepherds and tractor owners

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by Niki Greig

A Devon-based company with more than 20 years experience in building traditional showman’s wagons has branched out and produced their own bespoke ‘baby’ caravan.

Barrel Top Wagons takes inspiration from shepherds vans and 1930s vintage designs to make unique double curved roofs which give the wagons their names.

The caravans are hand crafted from locally sourced wood and can be custom built to suit a customer’s needs.

Until now the company had specialised in larger 22-25 foot structures which had to be towed by a tractor, at the very least, and would offer a semi-permanent holiday home. But this new Baby caravan comes in at a much more reasonable 14 by 7 feet and is light enough to be towed by a 4×4.

The prototype, as seen in the picture above, comes with bay and round window and the stable door is fully insulated with a galvanised tin roof. As each ‘van is bespoke, fittings and fixtures, such as a tailored kitchen, a wood burner, bench seats and a convertible bed, can be added according to the customer’s wishes.

The vans are designed to be run off a hook up and are suitable for year-round use. As each caravan is unique, solutions for all budgets, towing and space requirements can be met by the firm.

Prices for the Baby van start at a very reasonable £12,000 for the basic shell and would definitely offer an unusual alternative to a standard caravan. Heads would definitely turn if this turned up at a site!

For information on the new Baby van and the other products made by the firm visit the Barrel Top Wagons website .


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Caravan barbershop offers hair-raising experience

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Jack Beresford

A Deal or No Deal contestant has spent her winnings on converting a caravan into a barbershop.

This hairdressers-on-wheels was created by Leyland-based stylist Sarah Astbury, who first concocted the plan after scooping a £36,000 jackpot on the popular Channel 4 game show.

Having retrained in hair and make up in 2006 and talking it through with her partner Andy Walsh, Miss Astbury hit upon the idea of offering haircuts to men, according to the Lancashire Evening Post.

Mr Walsh then recalled regular visits to a caravan for haircuts in the 1950s, which sparked the idea to create a nostalgia-filled salon experience on wheels.

A suitable tourer was eventually uncovered on eBay in November, with renovations taking place ever since.

“We took everything out and changed the seats into a waiting area and put a barber chair in,” Ms Astbury told the news provider. “It is better than I expected it to look.”

A jukebox, black and white floor tiles and photographs of Marilyn Monroe have been added to the décor of the caravan, which is now set to hit the road as part of a rolling barbers. Sarah plans to visit shows and fetes to cut men’s hair.

She could be advised to stay local though, with recent research by the National Caravan Council revealing that Lancashire boasts more new caravan owners than any other part of the UK.

Caravanners taking more technology on holiday in 2012

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Jack Beresford

Laptops, iPods and portable DVD players are among the most popular electronic entertainment devices that are being taken on caravan holidays.

This is according to new research from Saga Caravan Insurance, which revealed the increasingly technology-focused nature of entertainment onboard tourers.

Of the total 1,038 UK caravan owners polled as part of the study, 58 per cent admitted to taking a laptop on the road, with a further 40 per cent packing an iPod.

Approximately a third of the holidaymakers questioned also confessed to bringing tablet computers, portable DVD players or Kindles with them.

A further 27 per cent of respondents meanwhile took portable gaming devices to help them enjoy their time away.

Commenting on the research, Saga Services chief executive Roger Ramsden said: “With all that gadgetry on board they [caravan owners] would be wise to ensure that they have sufficient insurance cover so they can quickly replace any lost or stolen items.”

Cornwall councillors approve plans for Connor Downs caravan site

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by Arash Hekmat

Council planners from Cornwall have granted approval to proposals for the creation of a new touring caravan site at Connor Downs, a small village in the west of the county.

According to This is Cornwall, there had been objections to the plans for the seasonal park, which will consist of 29 pitches on graveled hard standings, as well as a toilet and shower block and a reception building.

Gwinear-Gwithian Parish had argued that there were already enough holiday parks in the region and that the access road to the site was dangerous.

It also expressed fears over levels of traffic congestion during peak season, adding that the site would be an “unnecessary development in the countryside” that also set a dangerous precedent for the use of Cornwall’s greenfield land.

Despite these protestations, and objections from residents with similar issues, the council decided to approve the project, rejecting complaints that the development would affect neighbouring properties or cause road safety issues.

The park will be constricted to operating between the start of March and the end of October.

Because of its proximity to the coast, the area around Connor Downs boasts several parks, including the Higher Trevaskis Caravan Park, the Beachside Holiday Park, the Godfrey Caravan Club Site and the Calloose Caravan and Camping Park.

Proposals for Monmouthshire caravan park opposed due to safety fears

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by Arash Hekmat

Plans for a caravan park in Chepstow, in Wales, have been labeled a “recipe for disaster” with councilors opposing the situation of the proposed site on a “notorious stretch of road”.

According to the South Wales Argus, councillor David Dovey said that creating a touring caravan park at Tredegar Farm, in Devauden, would be dangerous.

This is because access would be provided by the B2345, a notoriously dangerous stretch of road where at least three people have died in recent years.

He told members of Monmouthshire Council’s planning committee that collisions would be possible as holidaymakers enter the middle of the road towing their caravans at low speed.

Ian Moore, of Shirenewton Community Council, spoke at the meeting, explaining how the B4235 is “almost a racetrack for some bikers” at weekends.

“We are concerned these amended plans do not and cannot increase visibility on this notorious stretch of road,” he was quoted as saying.

There are 11 licenced sites for touring caravans in Monmouthshire, including Tump Farm Caravan Site in Whitebrook and Bridge Caravan and Camping Site in Dingestow.