2013 Swift Challenger SE and Sterling Eccles SE: Pictures, prices and layouts revealed

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by Chris Jefferies
Swift Caravans has announced a brand new range for 2013, which promises to combine the low weights of the highly popular Swift Challenger Sport collection with many of the high-end specification from the flagship Swift Conqueror caravans.
Named the Swift Challenger SE (which stands for special equipment), these models will come in a choice of seven different layouts at launch – six single axles and one twin axle.
As always this launch is mirrored by that of a sister collection called the Sterling Eccles SE, which is identical in every way, apart from the aesthetic design.
The key addition to this mid-range offering is the Alde wet central heating, which features an LCD touchscreen control panel – a feature that is exclusive to Swift for the 2013 season.
What’s more, this premium heating system features 24-hour programmable settings and up to 3KW power output, so you can be sure of a cosy ‘van all year round.
The other main highlight to note is that Swift has installed Tracker Retrieve tracking systems to all the 2013 Challenger SE caravans. This gadget can lead to significant discounts on your caravan insurance, as well as helping the police return a stolen caravan more quickly.
All new Swift owners will get a free three-month subscription with their Tracker Retrieve system and from then onwards, it costs £60 per year to keep it active.


Exterior style
Visually the Challenger SE isn’t a massive departure from the 2011 version of the Challenger, with the same handsome front profile, panoramic sunroof and similar graphics on the side panels.
The biggest difference is the overall width, as Swift has switched to the smaller 7’5″ wide AL-KO chassis, as seen on the Swift Challenger Sport, which results in a weight reduction of up to 128kgs.
As with all Swift caravans, the Challenger SE and Eccles SE will come backed up by an industry-leading 10-year bodyshell integrity guarantee.
Interiors and layouts
Carried over from the 2011 Challenger range are six popular layouts, with the side double dinette Swift Challenger 574 SE being the sole newcomer. This four-berth layout has proved popular in the form of the Swift Challenger Sport 544.
The other four-berth options are the side dinette Challenger 530 SE, the fixed-bed Challenger 570 SE, the island bed Challenger 580 SE and…
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Caravanners invited to online camp cook off

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by Jack Beresford

In a move that is sure to get caravanner’s taste buds tingling, Camping in the Forest has launched a new online cookery competition to find the best campsite recipes.

The cookery-based competition could be the ideal chance for holidaymakers to not only show off their skills in the caravan kitchen but also win some top prizes.

Those eager to put their culinary masterpieces forward are invited to share and upload their recipes via the website.

Here, entrants will be expected to provide a list of ingredients, instructions on how to make the dish in question and a photo of the finished meal in all its glory.

The best ones will then feature on the Camping in the Forest website, with the top five also winning a luxurious infusion oil gift set to help give those tourer-based meals some extra zing next time round.

Camping in the Forest’s business development officer Spencer Pettit said: “This competition will draw on the expertise of the many budding campsite chefs from across the country, to give holidaymakers tasty but yet healthy recipe ideas which the whole family will enjoy.”

Budding chefs had best move fast – entries for the competition close on August 23rd.

West Sussex caravan and camping site plans halted

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by Jack Beresford

Plans for the development of a major new caravan park in the cosy parish of Climping in West Sussex appear to be dead in the water, after the Arun District Council rejected the proposals.

Local farmer James Baird had hoped to get the go-ahead to begin work on the 134-pitch site, which would have been developed on Ryebank Farm.

Building work would have included the development of a shower room, toilet block and laundry facility as well as an on-site shop.

However, according to the Bognor Regis Observer, concerns over the impact the site would have on the local area proved too much, with the Arun District Council’s development control committee voting unanimously to reject the plans.

Locals have made no secret of their opposition to the proposals, with 171 letters of objection sent to the local authorities while the Climping Parish Council, led by councillor Terry Hockley, strongly opposed the idea.

“The site is located in a sensitive countryside area and on a protected and distinctive coastal plain,” he told the news provider.

Plans for the development of a caravan park in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire have met similar opposition from locals concerned at the potential impact of the building work.

Top four weird and wonderful used caravans for sale on eBay

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by Niki Greig

As you can imagine, here at CaravanTimes, we see a lot of caravans all day, every day, many of which look fairly similar, so we’re always rather intrigued to find out more when something unusual catches our eye.

Whilst searching for our Used Caravan of the Week, we have spotted some remarkable caravans online and it got us to thinking what other curious specimens were there out there?

We’ve rifled through the internet to see what’s currently on offer and some rather extraordinary specimens have turned up.

1. Wandering Hedgehog

This lovingly crafted little handmade number (see above) makes the list mostly due to its unusual shape and colour which aren’t most people’s first thoughts when asked to picture a caravan.

At just 4ft wide, 9ft long and 5ft high, this ‘van is not for those looking for plenty of room, but it’s got a roof, a lot of storage space and is ideal for someone looking to get out and about to explore without spending too much time in their ‘van.

On the plus side, it’s easy to store as it’s so compact and will fit in most garages, it’s also so lightweight it can be towed by a trike or even a quad bike!

Unfortunately if you’re a couple this isn’t the caravan for you as it sleeps, according to the owner, ‘one largish man’, and will only really sleep a couple ‘at a push’…

2. Kip Kompact 300


This compact little number makes the grade simply due to its unusual outline, we know most ‘vans have a slanting front but this angular one seems to somewhat resemble a protractor.

We imagine it’s definitely a sit down only affair in the front of the van but it can be towed by some very small cars and would make a wonderful introduction to camping for a young family.

The seller does warn, ‘you will turn heads on campsites as it is so unique’. We can’t imagine that’s a bad thing and are already growing rather fond of its unusual looks.

3. Roma Buccanneer


Now we are all for glitz and glamour but cant imagine touring in a caravan where every surface is a mirror, not only very confusing but a nightmare to clean! On the plus side it would make for a very light interior and has been beautifully restored.

The bright exterior may also put some people off but it would definitely get you noticed when you pitch up.

At over 20′ long, it is a big ‘van but has masses of storage space and every mod con you can think of, but unfortunately its just a bit too ostentatious and we wouldn’t have to want to worry about watermarks whenever we put a cup down.

4. Romini Micro Caravan


Our favourite find is this tiny little number – it’s cute and compact and we aren’t quite sure if anyone above 5’5″ could sleep in it lying down. It would be perfect for Jessica Ennis though.

It also seems to be something of a Tardis according to the catalogue of features listed by the seller. Apparently this little ‘van has a built in fridge, double burner cooker with grill, sink and six cupboards of various sizes including a small wardrobe.

It’s also a something of a collector’s item, and being one of only 200 made it may become something of a classic.

Although lightweight and easy to tow, we just can’t help but imagine that it has been cut in half and somewhere there is a lonely piece of caravan that has been left behind…


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After 5000 miles campervan fan completes country-wide campsite tour

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by Jack Beresford

An avid caravan holiday fan and campervan driver has completed an impressive tour of some of the UK’s finest campsites, clocking up over 5,000 miles in the process.

Rachel Kershaw embarked on her intrepid 70-day road trip as part of VisitEngland’s Fan in a Van campaign, designed to highlight some of the UK’s finest tourist spots.

Setting off from Cornwall’s Land’s End in her trusty campervan ‘Rosie’ back in May, Rachel took in an impressive 48 Camping and Caravanning Club Sites spread across the Great British Isles on her travels before finishing up in East London on July 27th.

During that time she took in a variety of attractive coastal resorts, unrivalled heritage sites, wonderful rolling hills and the impressive city lights located up and down the land.

In addition to this, Rachel enjoyed a range of delightfully English dishes and visited a number of nature spots and animal reserves.

“I’ve always loved England, but it’s got so much more to offer than I realised before embarking on this trip,” she said.

“I’ve travelled from north to south, east to west and have been welcomed warmly all along the way.”

With so much to enjoy across the UK, her message is simple – get out there and enjoy it!

Morris Leisure enjoying busy summer of caravanners

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by Jack Beresford

The appeal of caravan holidays in the UK this summer shows no sign of abating after Morris Leisure revealed that its four five star touring caravan parks were enjoying great business.

According to the firm, bookings for the current summer season are ahead of the figures generated at its Touring Park, Shrewsbury, Stanmore Hall Touring Park, Bridgnorth and Riverside Touring Park, Betws-y-Coed.

Meanwhile the take up for pitches at the firm’s new Ludlow Touring Park, which opened in May following a £3 million construction project, has proven similarly strong.

Morris Leisure managing director Edward Goddard said: “We are in the midst of the peak holiday season and all four of our touring parks are very busy.

“We are certainly still reaping the benefits of staycationing, with more people spending their main holiday in Britain this year despite the unsettled weather.”

The Stanmore Hall and Riverside Touring Parks are also prestigious affiliated sites of the Caravan Club, meaning some of its one million members will be among those enjoying the popular sites.

Used Caravan of the Week: 1960s Cheltenham Sable

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by Chris Jefferies
In keeping with the spirit of the London 2012 Olympics, we’ve found a very stylish used caravan that, at first glance, appears to be sporting the Team GB colours.
On closer inspection the roof is actually matt black, but a quick coat of paint will easily fix that.
This Cheltenham Sable is more than a fixer-upper, it’s halfway there, as the owner has made a great start with the restoration work, and it looks like only a few finishing touches are needed to turn this into a really classy caravan.
With black and white chequered lino and a fitted drinks cabinet, this 1960s model has a real American diner charm to it.

History
Taking its name from the African antelope, rather than the women’s decorative fur, the Sable is a perfect example of why Cheltenham was such a prestigious caravan make in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
This two-berth layout features a rear kitchenette, front dinette and side bathroom, resulting in quite a compact length of 12’9″ – ideal for owners with smaller driveways.
The Cheltenham Caravan Company had a reputation for keeping the weights down, and this is no exception, weighing in at just under 650kg – so it’s hard to imagine that this tourer would pose any serious problems for a mid-size family car.
Having passed through several hands over the years, this Sable doesn’t appear to have any service history or documentation, but the eBay seller has recently given the interior a new coat of white emulsion and fitted new chequered flooring (although it has not yet been glued down).
Kit and caboodle

As you might expect from a 1960s caravan, the provisions are fairly sparse, with 12V interior strip lights and the working breaklights representing the only electrical components.
The untested hob, oven, grill and even the fridge all run off gas, which could see you use up your butane supply pretty quickly, but given the list price of just £500, we imagine that most serious buyers would be left with plenty of room in their budget for a few choice equipment upgrades.
Perhaps the most dated thing about this particular model is the portapotti, although the seller describes it as “very clean” and it comes with a removable cassette.
The beige sink also looks quite outmoded, but the fold-down cover offers some valuable extra surface space, while the Paisley upholstery is just the right side of kitsch.
Thrown into the deal is a spare tyre, jack, door step and gas bottle, but not that radio you can see on the kitchen top.
The exterior paint also needs a bit of a seeing to, but all in all this looks like a really tempting prospect and a unique way to show your patriotism this summer.

Fact file:

  • Price: £500 (buy it now)
  • Length: 12’9″
  • Width: 6’6″
  • Internal headroom: 6’3″
  • Weight: 648kg (excluding works)
  • Berth: 2
  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details of the 1960 Cheltenham Sable for sale


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Caravan Club offers up driving tips for rural roads

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by Jack Beresford

The Caravan Club has warned that while the countryside provides a relaxing setting, journeys to some remote sites can prove just as dangerous as towing along a motorway.

With this in mind, The Club is calling on motorists towing caravans this summer to take care when traversing the winding and often unpredictable roads of the British countryside.

According to The Caravan Club, visibility is among the most important considerations when driving on these rural roads. The view of the road ahead can often be blocked by trees and hedges for instance, meaning it pays to drive that little bit slower to ensure you are prepared for any sudden stops.

Animals are another potential source of danger, with motorists advised to keep a look out for wildlife warning signs and to be aware that at any moment something may spring up ahead.

The countryside is also teeming with vulnerable road users like cyclists and walkers. Give them plenty of space and only overtake when it is completely safe to, The Club adds.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists driver training specialist Simon Elstow echoed this warning, saying: “Drive to the road and weather conditions to ensure you stay safe while enjoying your time in the country.”

Leisure Sales given green light for Brereton caravan site

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by Jack Beresford

Leisure Sales celebrated a major victory last week after its plans for the development of a new touring caravan site in the town of Brereton won the backing of the local authorities.

The firm is now set to begin work on the new site, which will offer enough room for 43 caravan pitches along with a single-storey building featuring reception and office facilities.

Toilets, laundry and a washing-up area will also be developed as part of the new plans, which had previously faced opposition from local residents.

The Brereton Parish Council voted unanimously to object to the proposals, amid fears that the development would encroach on protected green fields.

However, councillors moved to dismiss these suggestions and approved the new initiative.

Speaking to the Crewe Chronicle, Leisure Sales noted that the plans would provide “valuable employment to a number of local people”.

“The main buildings and external display areas are sited approximately 200m from the nearest road and are extremely well screened by mature trees and landscaping planted over the last 15 years,” they added.

The Caravan Club will be hoping for a similar outcome from its application to develop a park in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, with these plans facing similar local opposition.

VIDEO: Bailey Caravans makes the 2013 Unicorn tougher with GRP

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by Chris Jefferies
Bailey caravans have a reputation for durability, which was backed up recently by a photo of a Unicorn that had stood up remarkably well to having an oak tree fall on its roof.
Now the company claims to have made its flagship range even stronger by adding a GRP outer-skin, as well as moulded front and rear bumpers.
In this video, CaravanTimes sits down with Simon Howard, marketing director at Bailey, to find out how this material can help keep your caravan scratch and dent-free.
He explains that they worked with an American company to discover the ideal combination of materials – in fact some of them are also used on JCB diggers.
Prices in the Bailey Unicorn Series II range start at just £18,895 and MTPLM weights range from 1,350kg for the two-berth Seville layout, to 1,686kg for the twin-axle Unicorn Barcelona. For more details click here

Lunar Caravans relaunches Quasar, Lexon and Clubman for 2013

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by Niki Greig and Chris Jefferies
Lightweight luxury specialists Lunar Caravans have updated their entire range for 2013, with new Quasar and Lexon layouts, and brand new features across all six ranges.

The 2013 Lunar range features some cleverly revised layouts, alongside some smart new exteriors for Stellar, Lexon, Clubman and Delta.

New features on the outside of the ‘vans include one-piece, higher gauge, flat aluminium panels with 25% deeper front windows.

A full-height rear panel ensures greater headroom inside the rear of all the 2013 Lunar caravans and new multi-spoke ‘Hyper Silver’ alloy wheels add to the excellent finishing touches that you would expect to see in the Lunar range.

    ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="#lunar2013gallery">Click here to see our photo gallery of the new 2013 Lunar Caravans ranges

Various interior improvements have also been made, with exciting new high-end luxury soft furnishings in a range of styles, an upgraded 800w microwave, and a Dometic fridge with a removable freezer compartment.

Remote heating

Ever been caught out in the rain or cold and wanted to return to a toasty warm caravan? Well now, as standard across the Lunar Clubman and Delta ranges, is the Phantom remote heating control system.

With just one easy text, owners will be able to control their Alde heating system for a maximum of 12 hours using minimal power.

This handy feature, not only allows an owner to control the heating at a great range but also to return to a toasty warm ‘van after unexpected weather.

Ariva and Quasar

Two new single-axle layouts have been added to this entry-level range, in the form of the Lunar Quasar 524 and and the Quasar 554, both four berth models but with slightly different layouts.

The 524 features fixed bunks to give greater floor space inside the ‘van and the 554 comes with fixed single beds to allow for greater comfort for families.

In the rest of the range, stylish exterior graphics add flair to the range alongside the new interior ‘Pamplona’ soft furnishings scheme.

All the caravans in the range will feature Truma Combi gas/Electric water and central heating system as standard and the fire is replaced with an additional storage unit.

Another excellent addition to the range will be a separate digital control for the central heating system. Two models have been dropped by Lunar – the Quasar 464 and 494 will no longer feature in the range.

Stellar and Lexon

Further up the range, the Stellar and the Lexon also boast exciting new features with a redesign incorporating full-height back panels to accommodate owners of all heights…

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New Bailey Unicorn II: Prices, photos and details revealed

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by Chris Jefferies
Bailey Caravans has relaunched its flagship Unicorn range for 2013, with a striking new design, lower weights and a range of interior and exterior enhancements.
What’s more the company has announced a complete price freeze, meaning that the five layouts in the Bailey Unicorn Series II range will cost exactly the same as their predecessors.
The first thing that caravanners will notice on the new Unicorn range is the dramatic front window, which is split into three sections with the central panel stretching up onto the roof to let even more light into the spacious interior.

The vertical sunroof is just one of many changes to the Unicorn’s exterior, including fresh new graphics, a GRP outer skin, and front and rear bumpers, which Bailey claims will make this range tougher and more dent-resistant than the old Unicorn.
To help reduce the noseweights on this range, the gas lockers have also been moved over the axle – mirroring the design of the Bailey Retreat leisure homes.
Meanwhile, the wheels have been changed to 14″ alloys, making for a significant weight saving, while the tyres have been upgraded to Michelin – making Bailey the only UK caravan manufacturer to fit such a high-quality product.
In response to customer feedback on the previous Unicorn range, Bailey has also fitted new alloy wheel security locking nuts, with a floating collar to improve durability.
Interior upgrades

Moving to the inside and the first thing Unicorn II owners will notice is how much light floods into the interior, not just from the front sunroof, but also from generous scattering of Midi and Mini Heki rooflights.
The kitchen has also had a significant upgrade, with a new stainless steel circular sink and a double-level effect for the granite-finish worktop areas.
Bringing in a Thetford dual-fuel hob is another move that Bailey owners have long been asking for and the Unicorn II sees this much sought-after cooker come in, meaning you can save on gas when hooked up to EHU by using the electric hot-plate.
A Dometic 103-litre fridge has also been fitted to all single-axle models (with the twin-axle Barcelona boasting a larger 190-litre version), and this comes with a removable freezer section, resulting in more flexibility.
Creature comforts
As you would expect from such a top-end caravan, Bailey has fitted all the luxury touches you could ask for, from the soft furnishings (which come in a choice of two styles) to the deep-pile carpets.
In terms of tech, there’s a larger 18.5″ flat-screen TV fitted as standard, as well as a new satellite connection point.
The must-have Alde central heating system has been carried over into the Unicorn II range, and combined with 24-hour programmable settings and Grade III insulation; this means that you can make the most out of your Bailey all year round.
This high-comfort approach carries over into the bedroom areas…
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