Nick’s News – Swift’s 2022 tourers, Stowford Farm Meadows and the Bailey Unicorn Madrid

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

It’s over to Lincolnshire this week. I do feel particularly privileged, as I’m writing this week’s Nick’s News from the comfortable lounge of an Auto-Trail Grande Frontier, pitched up at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s site at Sutton-on-Sea near the Lincolnshire coast.

Nick working in his caravanWe arrived in time for a walk out to and along the beach and it’s all rather idyllic, as there’s no crowds here. We’re in the baby of the Grande Frontier range, the two-berth GF-70 and our next stop, for two more nights, is the wonderfully titled Nutty Cottage Certificated Location near Louth in Lincolnshire. It’s our base for a quick trawl of some of the bargain antiques centres for which this part of the country is particularly renowned.

In the news

Swift’s 2022 tourer approach – the Conqueror returns

I’ll be honest, I’ve heard very little from Swift during the pandemic and now I’ve realised why. It’s been far too busy working on its whole caravan portfolio for 2022. It calls its line-up for next year “sensational” and it’s not hard to see why.

First there’s the return of the upmarket Conqueror, with a four-strong line-up. That, in turn, has meant an excuse to push the Elegance range to even more premium levels. All three models for 2022 are extra-wide bodied, too.

Then there’s a new Sprite Compact, an extra-slim two-berth that will surely happily fill the niche left by the demise of rival manufacturer Lunar and its Ariva model.

And there’s now a six-berth Basecamp, the biggest one yet. There’s more across all ranges, of course, with the usual change of graphics, and furnishings soft and hard, as well as some useful equipment upgrades. It all sounds pretty exciting.

Stowford on the go

It’s great to see things getting back to normal at so many campsites. Not least at Stowford Farm Meadows, near Barnstaple in North Devon. It’s a huge touring site, with no shortage of facilities, yet somehow manages to retain an intimate feel. For the rest of this season, it’s allowing local, independent retailers of food and drink to set up on site.

There’s also a marquee that’s been erected purely for a programme of kids’ entertainment. If you want to avoid such things you can always make a booking to be entertained in the Stables Bar. There’s even a Crufts-style dog show scheduled for August 1st, which is exclusive to those on site that weekend.

Here’s early news of a 2022 event, too. Dubs @ Stowford is a campervans event, scheduled for the first May bank holiday next year. It’s £75 to camp for that particular weekend. Plus, traders can still book a stand at this event.

Caravan crush

Interior of the Bailey Unicorn MadridBailey Unicorn Madrid – it’s the real thing

More mature readers will instantly be able to trace the Madrid’s roots as going back to the Pageant Champagne of the 1990s – one of the best caravans Bailey ever made. That’s not just my view, as the sales figures say the same thing.

In its latest incarnation, it’s put on a bit of weight, but haven’t we all? It’s pricier, too, of course. Am I right in thinking a Pageant Champagne snuck in under the £10,000 barrier at one point?! Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

Despite its four-berth status, it’s couples who will really enjoy the Madrid. That front lounge is great for, er lounging and the dinette… well, it’s the perfect place for two to take their meals.

Needless to add, despite my price-carping, Bailey has got the blend of price to specification absolutely spot on.

Three good: Classic four-berth layout, price and spec, and a bit of mid-market pedigree
Two bad: Over £28,000 and 1,500kg MTPLM
Perfect for: Moving upmarket
Also consider: Swift Elegance 580

Gadget envy

Get out – with the kidsTidipool

Don’t let the kids miss out when you’re away camping this summer, whatever the weather may hold for you. Decathlon has a little range of paddling pools for kids from 12 months old upwards – perfect for cooling down when temperatures are getting too hot. There’s the £22.99 120cm Tidipool, a collapsible design with its own, waterproof carrybag. The Tidipool Basic, meanwhile, is just £12.99.

Or, if the weather takes a turn for the wet and worse, Keela’s Puddlebug is a waterproof suit for ages six months through to five years. It’s a three-in-one – with inner zip-in fleece for colder times, as well as an outer shell for ultimate protection. Price is around £85.

If it’s durable outdoor, all-weathers gear you want for your very young children, do check out the Kozi Kidz portfolio, which will have you covered.

No quarantine for fully vaccinated holidaymakers to Ireland

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Caravanners heading off to Ireland from the UK no longer need to quarantine when they arrive or return if they have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, it has been confirmed.

Irish Ferries still has availability on its sailings between Holyhead and Dublin, and Pembroke and Rosslare for peak times this summer.

Nora Costello, consumer marketing and sales director at Irish Ferries, said: “We are delighted to welcome leisure passengers on board our ferries servicing our UK to Ireland routes.

“While we have continued operating during the pandemic to support essential travel and services, we are excited to now enable families and friends to reunite after almost a year and a half apart, and to facilitate holidays and business trips once more.”

Among the popular activities recommended on a visit to Ireland is taking an epic road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, which covers no less than 2,500 km hugging the coastline.

Tackling the iconic route in a caravan or motorhome represents great flexibility and a chance to enjoy the beauty of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on your own terms.

Taking a leisure vehicle on the ferry is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to know its dimensions and book the right category.

Select from:

  • Up to 2.25m high and less than 8m long, where the height including any roof items does not exceed 2.25m high (7ft 6ins) and the length does not exceed 8m (26ft 8ins).
  • Over 2.25m high and less than 8m long, where the height including roof items exceeds 2.25m (7ft 6ins) and the length is less than 8m (26ft 8ins).
  • Over 8m long, where the length of the vehicle including rear racks is over 8m long (26ft 8ins) but less than 12m long (39 ft 5ins). The height is irrelevant.
  • Any vehicles over 12m long must be booked at freight rates.

Ms Costello added: “Ireland holds a very special place in many people’s hearts, and we look forward to providing those people with our warm Irish-style hospitality and charm when they travel with us.”

How to keep your home safe during your caravan trip

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The last thing you’ll likely be thinking about while away on your caravan staycation is your home, but there are a number of precautions you should take before forgetting about it completely.

Experts at money.co.uk have put together a list of tips to ensure you’re not advertising your house as empty while you’re away.

Be careful about posting online

Don’t post pictures of the exterior of your house to social media, as thieves could use them to target your home when they then see pictures of your holiday highlighting that it’s empty.

Believe it or not, it’s also possible to have keys cut from pictures, so never pose with them in a new home picture you intend to share on Instagram or Facebook.

Maintain a lived in look

Put your lights on a timer to come on regularly or ask a friend to park in your drive in order to make your home look lived in while you’re away.

Invest in a video camera doorbell

You can answer a video camera doorbell remotely, which could deter criminals if they’re testing to see if anyone is at home.

Alternatively, you can use the footage to catch burglars should they break in.

Get covered with home insurance

Just as it’s vital to have specialist insurance for your caravan, you should also get cover for your home in case you’re burgled while you’re away.

Check your policy

Make sure your insurance policy covers expensive items like laptops and bikes when you’re away from home, if you’re not taking these things with you.

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert from money.co.uk said: “Always be mindful when sharing your holiday pictures and location on social media. It’s almost the same as walking down the street and telling everyone you’re not going to be home.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Lubo Minar

Nick’s News – Caravanning with dogs, safe towing and the Coachman Lusso 1

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

I’m sneaking a night away in Suffolk this week at Polstead Camping and Caravanning Club Site. It was one of the Club’s first ever franchise sites – privately owned but otherwise run as a Club venue.

It’s well over a decade since it joined the network, so I’m looking forward to hearing how franchisees Greg and Karen Baines have been getting on since they gave up their teaching jobs for a complete career change. I’ve always liked their policy of not charging for Wi-Fi and instead asking for donations to go towards the upkeep of the wonderful floral display on site.

In the newsDog and owner taking in the view

Who let the dogs out?

I wonder if we’re going to notice more dogs than ever on sites this summer. One of the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is loads of folk – as many as half the population, according to one survey – in the UK have gone out and got themselves a lockdown pet.

Needless to say, the consequence of this is people are on the lookout for pet-friendly holidays. I just hope all those owners (old as well as new) behave themselves. You might also want to be a bit more wary when you’re out on your travels, as dog thefts are very much on the up too.

Go tow, but keep it safe

Safe towing, if you’re hitching up to head off touring this summer. I know you’ll be aware of all the tyres, lights, loading, mirrors and more checks you need to make before you hit the road.

If you want further back-up, it’s all there in the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) recently updated £6 Trailer Towing Guidance and The Law Guide. It’s the tenth edition and there’s more of a skew to first-time tow-ers in this version – because there’s a huge growth in that particular sector, of course. Not your typical holiday reading, I grant, but essential all the same.

More motorhomes on the way?

Coming soon… or so it says. A well-established UK caravan maker is set to enter the motorhome market in 2022. Can’t wait. How many more brands can the UK motorhome market take though?

Arguably, it’s a good time to be able to produce motorhomes, such is the demand at the moment, which is something that looks set to continue over the next year, at least. Now watch this space…

Interior of the Coachman Lusso 1Caravan crush

Coachman Lusso 1 – single luxury item

Watch out for another version of Coachman’s flagship Lusso tourer, due to hit the showrooms in time for the 2022 season. It’s a smaller, single axle sister to the twin axle model announced a year ago. So, it’s shorter and lighter, and will cost less (prices are still in the offing). It will feature the same floorplan though – the current chart-topping transverse island bed with full-width washroom across the back. And, of course, it’s packed with luxury fittings, right up to an E&P self-levelling system.

There’s a big change in the lounge, though, where the original Lusso’s C-shaped seating has given way to a more conventional L-shape and the fixed pedestal table is now a more lightweight free-stander.

Funnily enough, I rather liked that previous lounge with its fixed table… too different, perhaps?

Three good: Upmarket charm, equipment and quality
Two bad: TBC but it’ll be hefty… and expensive
Perfect for: The style conscious
Also consider: Swift Elegance 580

Gadget envyThe tipi in action

Time for an award-winning tipi?

Excuse me while I go slightly outside my caravans and motorhomes remit, but I thought you might like to hear more about a tent that’s just picked up a major award. It’s the Robens Chinook Ursa S and it’s just been awarded the UK Outdoor Industry Award 2021 for Best Tent/Awning.

A tipi that can also be adapted into a shelter, it retails for a pretty cool £900-plus. It’s a stylish number, alright – a great combination of retro chic and modern materials, including a polycotton flysheet with that unforgettable cool in the summer/warm in the winter ambience of an old-style tent. Bet it would look great next door to your campervan, motorhome or touring caravan.

Get the new Caravan and Motorhome Club digital membership card on its app

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has launched a digital version of its membership card, which is stored within the organisation’s UK Sites App.

Offering increased convenience, the digital card should mean the end of scrabbling around in drawers at the last minute before embarking on a caravan trip.

It also enables new members to access the rewards associated with the scheme immediately, instead of waiting on the physical card to arrive in the post.

CAMC has introduced the measure based on member feedback, after 47 per cent of those asked said they’d like to be able to access their card from their phone.

It’s easy to find the new membership card section on the app as soon as users have downloaded the latest version and logged in.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at CAMC, said: “The Club is delighted to be able to offer members this new digital membership card. We’re always looking for ways to simplify processes for our members and provide great experiences.

“Membership cards can now be instantly accessed, safely and securely, at the touch of a button. This is something our members have been asking for and we’re really pleased we can deliver this new convenient way for members to access their membership cards. Simply download the card and head off on the next adventure!”

Priced at £54 a year, membership offers access to more 2,700 campsites in the UK and abroad, as well as discounts at a selection of attractions and on important elements of a holiday such as ferries and motorhome insurance.

CAMC was founded in 1907 and is a well-trusted name in the caravan world, offering advice and information as well as a network of sites for tourers across the UK and beyond.

Caravan parks facing staff shortages

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The coronavirus pandemic has meant many challenges for caravan parks in the past 18 months, but the latest is the prospect of not having enough staff to keep them running.

With demand for staycations high and competition from other hospitality venues already an issue, employing enough people to keep caravan sites going this summer is a potential problem.

Add to this the fact that many staff could be forced to self-isolate at short notice to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and holidays could be at risk.

One site that’s particularly aware of the potential for staff shortages is Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow and it’s been proactive in coming up with a solution.

The award-winning site has asked holidaymakers to volunteer to step in and contribute to the tight cleaning regime should staff have to self-isolate.

Patrick Langmaid, owner of Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, said: “Like many tourism providers we are desperate to recruit staff, but the staycation boom and the easing of lockdown has created more jobs than there are people to fill them.

“Unless we can find enough volunteers to give up part of their holidays to keep our toilets spotless, we could have to start cancelling stays already booked for this summer.

Not everyone who has been contacted by the park has been keen to take on cleaning duties, but so far more than 20 people have agreed to help out.

It takes 25 full and part-time staff to run the holiday park and there’s a good chance the test and trace app could alert any number of them to times when they’ve been in contact with a person infected with Covid-19.

The site will be giving away 200 holidays to NHS staff and key workers this year, as a thank you for treating patients throughout the crisis.

Mr Langmaid hopes the spirit of everyone pulling together will continue if any of his staff have to self-isolate.

How does the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill affect caravanners?

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The third reading of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill passed through the House of Commons earlier this month with a majority of 100. While a lot of attention has been given to the impact it will have on protests if it makes it through the House of Lords, the bill is far-reaching and could have serious consequences for caravanners.

Owners of caravans, motorhomes and campervans could have their leisure vehicles seized by police simply for parking in places without the landowner’s permission. This includes farmland, but also car parks and laybys, and while it’s only likely to be a problem if the police receive a complaint, the law will not be on the caravanner’s side.

While wild camping in Scotland is permitted, overnight parking in a leisure vehicle without consent is already illegal in England and Wales. When enforced, perpetrators are guilty of the civil offence of trespass, but the new bill would mean tougher punishments.

Caravanners found trespassing could have their vehicles seized, face a fine of up to £2,500 or be given a prison sentence if they don’t move when asked. This could have serious consequences for the 1.15 million Brits that own a leisure vehicle, especially as demand for caravan site pitches is higher than ever this summer.

Nick Rosen, author of How to Live Off Grid, said: “The bill will have a chilling effect on sales and rentals of campervans, of which there are over a million in the UK already. It has been an inalienable right in the UK to take off in a campervan, and park down a quiet lane or on the edge of a farmer’s field. Now this freedom is being chipped away under the guise of saving us from protest camps.”

He is campaigning to have amendments added to the bill before it goes through the House of Lords to prevent wild camping becoming a criminal offence. His petition to withdraw the power to seize vehicles used as mobile homes already has more than 44,000 signatures.

Mr Rosen added: “There are upwards of 60,000 people living off-grid in mobile homes of various sorts in the UK. Some are taking a break from their normal life, while others live this way permanently.

“Many people don’t realise that the van-dwelling way of life is under direct threat from the bill, at a time when it has never been more popular and necessary. Action is needed urgently to raise awareness and stop this unintended consequence of the crackdown on protesters.”

While many wild campers cause no nuisance and leave no trace, the potential implications of the new laws will likely put many people off. The idea that owning a leisure vehicle represents the freedom to go away at short notice and wherever the mood takes you clashes with the reality of legislation in England and Wales.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Sharon Carr

New service connects caravanners with landowners for overnight stays

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A new concept has been launched in Northumberland to connect caravanners with private landowners for wild camping experiences.

Wild With Consent offers exclusive overnight stays in some of the most beautiful remote spots in the north-east of England.

Only permitting one caravan in each location at a time, Wild With Consent represents an opportunity to get off the beaten track and reconnect with nature.

Grace Fell, founder of Wild With Consent, spent her childhood enjoying campervan holidays, which inspired the concept.

She said: “Every holiday was spent in our trusty Iveco campervan and we travelled all over the place. But Scotland and its ‘right to roam’ really captured my imagination.

“Being able to park right next to the sea or shore of a loch in complete isolation was a very special and liberating experience. South of the border, it is illegal to park anywhere other than a campsite, which in my mind, completely defeats the point of having a campervan!”

The locations offered by Wild With Consent have been handpicked to offer something truly special with unparalleled access to nature.

Among the options is a chance to stay at Elwick with views across the sea to Holy Island, which is crowned with the iconic Lindisfarne Castle.

Parked up less than 100 metres from the nature reserve, caravanners who listen carefully will be able to hear the sounds of seals and oyster catchers during their stay.

Locations featured by Wild With Consent are split into three categories – standard, premium and super premium – and are charged at £25, £50 and £100 respectively.

An introductory offer is currently available with 50 per cent off at selected locations. After making a booking, caravanners are sent an exact point to pitch up via What3Words.

Nick’s News – The show must go on, plus Niesmann+Bischoff iSmove 7.3F

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Well, the Erwin Hymer Group UK (that’s Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore) 2022 preview last week was quite interesting… but there’s a mid-August embargo on any new model news. What I can tell you, though, is there’s been significant investment by its Erwin Hymer Group parent company – and that’s great news in terms of confidence in its UK operation, not least for job security for its workforce. 

This week’s trip out is to Coachman to see its caravans for the season ahead, but there’s likely to be a similar embargo. 

In the news

The show goes on – in Germany

Our own industry showcase event, originally scheduled for October at Birmingham’s NEC, may have been postponed, but there is still a Europe-wide event, of sorts.

The organisers of Caravan Salon, Europe’s largest motorhome and caravan show, say they’re going ahead with a “hybrid” offer at its Dusseldorf, Germany venue – combining a live event with virtual experiences.

There will also be a matchmaking tool which enables potential buyers to introduce themselves to manufacturers and retailers, with a view to ending up with an actual meeting at the show itself. 

That’s if we’re allowed to go to Germany by that point, of course. Caravan Salon is scheduled to run from August 28th to September 5th.  

Working from (motor)home?

A new twist on the theme of working from home has been announced by German manufacturer Sunlight, part of the Erwin Hymer Group. 

Its Home Office on Wheels project means you really can take your work with you wherever you go. OK, some will love that idea, others may not be quite so keen…

Sunlight calls it digital nomadism. Very much a concept at this stage – and, of course, quite a few folk have tried similar things in the past, I – for one – am definitely interested. 

Sunlight’s project sees the fitting of a modular system comprising a folding desktop, complete with computer monitor, plus suitable storage space, and more.

If you’re going to have an office on wheels, I have to say the seat (especially) and desk must be designed for such uses, for starters. Add in full connectivity and, er, you’re away!

Motorhome for me

Niesmann+Bischoff iSmove 7.3F – top of the class

This is a serious motorhome. But we’re also talking serious money. If the £91,500 starting price isn’t enough to make your eyes water, the optional extras listings certainly will (hint: expect to end up paying at least £110,000). The iSmove 7.3F is a 7m-long A-class from Germany’s Niesmann + Bischoff and it really is the business, in all senses. This is a manufacturer that doesn’t do cheap and, with the iSmove, definitely tries to do it differently.

It’s also very exclusive. Still, if you’re going to go to all the effort of specifying exactly what you want, you’ll surely find any wait is more than worthwhile.

OK, it all sounds straightforward enough – a rear island bed floorplan on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko chassis running gear, but then you can easily get carried away with the bespoke nature of the N+B way of making its motorhomes. 

What more can I say? Go and see for yourselves, when you can. 

Three good: Build quality, style/presence

Two bad: Phew it’s pricey, so are the options

Perfect for: Grand touring

Also consider: Carthago Chic e-line I

Gadget envy 

Time to break out the barbie?

Fancy a new barbecue? There’s plenty to choose from. I really like the look of the little new Attitude model from Campingaz. Truly portable, the 2go CV uses small gas canisters but nevertheless has a cast-iron cooking area that reaches temperatures up to 250 degrees C and reckons it’s large enough to cater for up to six people. 

Not exactly a barbecue, but if you really do want to create some gadget envy, how about the new FirePit from BioLite. It’s not cheap, but it’s a portable unit that cooks using charcoal or wood as its fuel. It also replicates a campfire and comes complete with a fan and flames that can be adjusted via an app. Neat, eh? 

Almost exactly midway in price between the above two (it’s around the £150 mark) is the Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit. Again, it’s an open fire design but burns charcoal or logs and is equally adept at barbecuing. 

Searches up 81% for motorhomes and 62% for caravans

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It hasn’t escaped many people’s notice that there’s a staycation boom upon us and roadtripping is at the top of plenty of holidaymakers’ wishlists. In fact, demand for motorhomes is up 81 per cent and caravans 62 per cent compared to two years ago.

That’s according to Lexham Insurance, which has been analysing Google Trends data. The specialist broker has launched a dedicated motorhome insurance scheme for 2021 to cover new, used and self-built motorhomes and it’s designed to address the specific needs of leisure vehicle owners.

Andy Goodson, sales and marketing director at Lexham Insurance, told CaravanTimes: “2021 is definitely the year of the staycation, with more people than ever desperate for a holiday after the last year, but unable to go abroad.

“That might seem a little dissatisfying to some, but there’s no reason to be disheartened, a road trip is something that not many have experienced and it’s a breath of fresh air for those who’ve been looking for some adventure this past year.”

He highlighted the fact that hotels and B&Bs have a limited capacity and are already filling up. In particularly popular areas there’s simply not enough provision in terms of this type of accommodation to meet demand, but caravans and motorhomes will help to plug this gap.

Mr Goodson added: “There’s no better feeling than getting out on the road – there are some fantastic destinations in the UK like the Lake District, the Cotswolds, or even the Scottish Highlands – this country has an absolute wealth of picturesque tourist spots to travel to.

“Not only that, but our local businesses have taken a beating over the last twelve months – so keeping your money in the UK will help relieve the burden many are feeling, especially in the hospitality sector – who’ve been hit hard by the pandemic.”

Instead of being a last resort, caravans and motorhomes represent a great way to travel and the standards of accommodation can be incredibly high. The stereotypical view of leisure vehicles from the past is gone and there are now options available to suit all levels of luxury required.

Staff at Lexham Insurance have revealed they’re often told that touring the UK by caravan is on many people’s bucket lists. While uncertainty around green and amber list countries continues, this summer seems to be a good opportunity to do it.

Mr Goodson summarised: “It’s a no-brainer to get to see the best the UK has to offer – leave the hotels behind you and take your family in a campervan or motorhome this year, before they all sell up!”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kojiro Inui

Caravan Guard turning heads during awards season

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Specialist insurer Caravan Guard has been shortlisted as a finalist in the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2021.

It reflects the work carried out by the Halifax-based firm to implement a new framework around customer feedback.

The changes are improving standards for what is already a high level of customer service, ensuring everyone gets the best assistance when it’s required.

Ryan Wilby, managing director at Caravan Guard, said: “It’s a great honour to be nominated as finalists in the UK’s most prestigious customer service awards.

“This shortlisting is testament to the fact that we aim to continually push the bar ever higher when it comes to delivering brilliant customer experiences and market leading cover for our customers.”

It’s not the only award where Caravan Guard has been getting attention recently, as the insurer took gold as What Motorhome magazine’s Insurance Provider of the Year 2021.

The judges noted that as well as a highly competitive price, Caravan Guard was comprehensive in what’s included, with UK breakdown cover as standard.

It beat 19 other providers to the top spot, as insurers that specialise in cover for leisure vehicles were pitted against each other over features, benefits and cost of premiums.

Neil Menzies, director of Caravan Guard, said he was delighted the company’s cover had been recognised as market-leading.

He added that this comes at a time when demand for caravan and motorhome insurance is at an all-time high, as the lifestyle welcomes many newcomers.

Caravan Guard has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and over 110,000 customers.

It insures everything from luxury motorhomes and static caravans to folding campers and trailer tents, meaning it can cover most holidaymakers’ setups.

Joining one of the UK’s recognised caravan clubs earns owners a ten per cent discount on any Caravan Guard premium.

World’s first totally renewable lithium-ion battery is perfect for touring

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The first reusable, repairable and fully recyclable lithium-ion battery has been launched and it’s compatible with touring in a caravan, motorhome or campervan.

Award-winning clean technology company Aceleron has developed a unique compression-technology method to ensure each individual element of the battery can be accessed either to repair, replace or upgrade.

This is not only better for the environment, but allows users to keep costs down while being reassured the product will have a long lifespan.

The Essential battery comes in a variety of voltages, providing uninterrupted, reliable power, which is important when pitching up in your motorhome.

Carlton Cummins, chief technical officer and co-founder of Aceleron, told CaravanTimes: “Touring with the Essential battery on board means you get to go further and do more, and experience complete peace of mind while you do it.

“The Essential is a lightweight, easy to carry and versatile lithium-ion battery that can be installed in three different positions, to replace any group-31 battery.

“It will provide enough long-lasting, reliable power for any appliance in your motorhome, caravan or campervan – from the TV, hairdryer and microwave to your coffee machine or fridge freezer.

“Should you need even more power, it’s also easy to connect extra Essential batteries in series or parallel.”

Aceleron boasts that the Essential is half the weight of a traditional battery and has been given an ergonomic design to make it look sleek, as well as being portable.

Offering up to four times the cycle life and three times more continuous power than a lead-acid battery, the Essential sounds like it ticks all the boxes.

As many caravanners work to reduce their impact on the environment, the eco benefits of the battery will certainly be a plus.

Treating batteries as disposable makes them a drain on resources, so the renewable element will be a welcome addition to the market.

Carlton Cummins and Dr Amrit Chandan of Aceleron

Mr Cummins added: “The really unique thing about the Essential is that it’s the world’s most sustainable battery. All components from the protection electronics to the cells can be replaced for repair, upgrade or recycling.

“It means your battery’s performance lasts a lifetime and you also get to protect the planet – and all those beautiful views you’re travelling to see.”

As the UK pushes towards the government’s target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, technologies such as the Essential will need to be more widely adopted.

It fits in with the new right to repair rules, which came in last week, making manufacturers of electrical appliances responsible for ensuring spare parts are available to prevent products from becoming obsolete.

Aceleron has always had sustainability in mind, as the company was started when its founders took apart and tested hundreds of battery packs, realising they aren’t designed to be maintained.

They hope to empower communities around the world with greater access to energy storage solutions that don’t result in tonnes of unnecessary battery waste.