Elddis Caravans offers NEC show special deals

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan shows are always a great place to pick up a bargain, but with so many manufacturers and dealers vying for your attention, it can be hard to make a decision.

This week at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, Elddis Caravans are hoping to win over curious visitors with a range of gadgets to sweeten the deal.

Up until Sunday October 16th, any caravan bought from the entry-level Elddis Xplore range will come with a free SE upgrade pack, including Winterhoff stabiliser, Alloy wheels, a flyscreen for the door, a Steel spare wheel and a carrier to go with it. All things told, this adds up to a total saving of £399.

Further up the range and the Avante and Odyssey tourers all come with a free BPW iDC anti-snaking device, which is normally priced at £549.

In the Elddis Crusader range, you can choose between a BPW Diamond Standard wheel lock or get air conditioning fitted for just £499 (which makes for a saving of £700 on the standard price).

At the top end of the spectrum, the Buccaneer caravans all come with the option of cut-price air conditioning as well.

To take advantage of these offers you don’t even need to go to the Birmingham show, just contact your nearest Elddis-approved retailer before Sunday.

For all the latest updates from this week’s NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, join our community forum.

Swift Caravans sets new entry-level standard with Sprite Lite range

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by Chris Jefferies
When it was launched 62 years ago, the original Sprite caravan tried to grab the imagination of 1940s holidaymakers with practicality, affordability and light weights, and these three principles are all correct and present in the most recent range.
The Sprite range is now made by Swift Caravans and the full details of the 2012 Sprites were announced here on Caravan Times a few weeks ago.
However, at today’s press launch of the National Motorhome & Caravan Show, Swift sprung a surprise by launching a second entry-level range that will be even lighter and more affordable at under £10,000.
The Sprite Lite takes things a whole new level, in order to “tempt more people into the market”, Nick Page from Swift proudly announced, adding that it is the “right caravan at the right time”, given the current squeeze on buyers’ wallets.

On the exterior, Swift has stuck with the classic Sprite look – including a straighter front end than you see on the new Challenger Sport – while on the inside the warm ceramic worktops and soft furnishings add a nice, homely feel.
Instead, the price savings have been achieved by jettisoning everything but the bare necessities – so there is no shower on board, nor is there an oven or a microwave (although Swift will fit the latter as a cost extra). Furthermore, there are just two burners on the main hob in addition to a small grill.
The result in terms of price and weight savings is profound, as Swift is now able to offer an entry-level two-berth caravan for just £9,910.
Three’s the magic number
Unlike the recent revamped Sprite range, which boasts seven different layout, the Sprite Lite range will offer just…
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Caravan retailer Discover Leisure seeks additional funding

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by Marcus Dubois

Discover Leisure has revealed it is seeking additional financing options as its business faces pressure from wider economic conditions.

The caravan retailer said that while it enjoyed a seasonal increase in trade in the second half of 2011, revenues were unable to offset losses suffered in the previous winter.

According to the company, turnover for the 12-month period to August stood at £49.8 million – down from £52.3 million in 2010.

Pre-tax losses in this period stood at £1.5 million, compared to £1.8 million at this time last year.

In a statement, Discover Leisure said: “With low season conditions already in place and the expectations of a continued difficult trading environment, the group will come under further significant pressure this autumn and into the winter.”

“The board recognises that it needs to secure additional finance and is therefore actively involved in pursuing a number of opportunities to secure the ongoing trade of the business,” it added.

Friendly Club offers new brochures to help caravanners unlock Europe

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by Chris Malone

British caravan enthusiasts may be sad to see the weather starting to change and the days getting shorter, but the Camping and Caravanning Club might have just the remedy.

The organisation’s Carefree Travel Service has launched two Carefree European Camping brochures designed to inspire readers to take a trip to the continent.

Family Summer European Camping 2012 will focus on campsites aimed at those with kids and looking for sunny, seaside, rural or Alpine destinations.

Meanwhile European Camping 2012 is geared towards adults, and focuses on beaches, countryside beauty spots and city destinations, as well as data relating to the Club’s CampingCard ACSI and European Escorted tours.

Those heading to the Netherlands, Germany or France might be especially keen to check out the 12 new campsites added to the books, which include spots in Brittany, Picardy, Rhine, Arnhem and Vosges.

“We are currently bucking the ‘staycation’ trend with European inclusive holiday bookings up by 25 per cent compared to this time last year and we expect to see this positive trend continue into the New Year,” explained Camping and Caravanning Club travel services director Richard Grimsdale.

This news comes after the Friendly Club recently revealed that all of its sites would be offering free mince pies and mulled wine to those spending Christmas Eve in a tent or caravan.

In The Field: Is caravan site Wi-Fi here to stay?

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by Chris Jefferies

Over the next few months, Caravan Times will be visiting various sites across the UK to bring you news, views and opinions from site owners, wardens and caravanners themselves.

Until recently computers and caravans were seen as rather uneasy bedfellows, indeed many regarded a caravan holiday as a good excuse to escape the stresses of modern technology.

However, caravan parks are now gradually being brought into the digital age – last year the Caravan Club erected several new aerials and relaunched its Wi-Fi internet service, and it’s proving to be a bit hit with caravanners both young and old.

We spoke to a Caravan Club warden, who preferred to remain anonymous, and he said that the first attempt at getting internet access on sites was less than successful.

“We had Wi-Fi a number of years ago on certain sites; however, we found that the members thought that it was a little bit too expensive and we didn’t have coverage throughout the entire site,” he explained.

With a new provider signed up this year though, the uptake has been much more enthusiastic, as younger visitors are kept amused during the evenings and older caravanners can plan their day trips with ease.

“It’s been very, very popular, it’s taken off immensely,” the warden continued. “Nowadays everybody wants to use it; even the older generation are using it far more now, as they can book their next sites before they move on.”

The joys of e-caravanning

Caravan Club Wi-Fi prices start at £5 for five hours, but the more you use the cheaper it gets, with 20 hours charged at just £15 and 100 hours priced at £40.

Best of all, the credit is transferrable to any Caravan Club site in the UK over the next six months, so if you are taking an extended holiday it makes sense to buy your Wi-Fi allowance in bulk.

Having tried the service, we can report that it is perfectly suitable for light browsing, with weather reports, e-mail and search results loading promptly and without issue.

Streaming TV shows from iPlayer is not encouraged, however, and you shouldn’t expect to be able to download large files in a hurry.

Nevertheless, the coverage at the site we stayed at was great and fit for purpose – just remember to log out of your account once you’re finished with it, otherwise the clock will keep ticking and you will waste your credit.

Furthermore, according to most other holidaymakers, it seems that on-site Wi-Fi is much more than just a fad, and although it is nice to escape from the stresses of the digital world, having the convenience of internet access on hand is an incredibly handy thing to have on a caravan break.

Have you ever tried to used the internet from a caravan? Is on-site Wi-Fi better than using a 3G dongle? Share your thoughts in our forum

VW California Beach: The classic campervan gets a 21st century update

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by Chris Jefferies

Intrinsically linked to the charm of the 1960s, Volkswagen camper vans have long provided an affordable way for millions worldwide to explore the great outdoors.

The latest incarnation of this iconic van is the VW California. Launched in 2001, this modern campervan is based on the original Transporter range.

There are many companies out there that renovate old campers, but the California is the only one built and sold wholly by Volkswagen.

The advantages of this include some cutting-edge technology, particularly in the engine bay, which is cleaner than ever in the recently-launched 2011 version (pictured above).

A modern classic?

Volkswagen has imported its super-efficient BlueMotion technology into the range of engines offered, and as a result, the 112bhp diesel engine can deliver upwards of 40mpg.

This is fairly impressive, especially when you consider that this campervan is large enough to seat seven and sleep four when the pop-top roof is raised. There are also pop-up blinds for the windows to ensure privacy at night.

What’s more, the California Beach includes an optional 32-litre plug-in cool box, although that will probably whack up the fuel consumption if used during transit.

To make your touring experience more comfortable, there is air conditioning as standard and various cost extras, from double glazing and awnings to parking heating and a leisure battery.

Sure, you don’t get the luxuries that you might expect from a new Bailey or Swift motorhome, but the VW California is certainly a much more affordable option for those new to the market.

Prices start at just under £35,000 on the road and Volkswagen offers a finance package that breaks down as just £379 per month. So if you’ve always harboured ambitions of hippy-style adventures, this could be just the ticket.

Stay at Broadway Caravan Club Site for a fireworks treat

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by Chris Malone

It is that time of year again, when Brits trying to squeeze in an extra few weekends at the caravan will be thinking about what to do with their kids for Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night.

While many children will be happy to dress up on All Hallows Eve and go trick or treating, most will expect to be taken to a fireworks display on November 5th.

Parents in the south west of England need not miss out on their opportunity to go away with the caravan for the weekend, as this year Fireworks Night falls on a Saturday.

According to the Caravan Club, Cheltenham Racecourse is set to host its annual Cheltenham Round Table fireworks display.

It means those staying at the nearby Broadway Caravan Club Site can hop on the special evening train from Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway at Winchcombe Station and head to Cheltenham Race Course Station for the special event.

As well as the fireworks, there will also be a funfair and live stage show, giving adults paying £6 and children paying £4 plenty to do during the evening, which begins at 17:00 GMT.

All proceeds go to local charities and those staying in caravans can also book family tickets.

Cheltenham Racecourse is best known for its equine events, but the venue also offers other attractions, such as its Hot Havana-themed Christmas parties.

Voyager XT: The lightweight trailer from Roma Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

A growing trend in caravanning over the last few years has been the need for weight reduction. And with towcars becoming more fuel-efficient as a response to emissions regulations and rising fuel costs, the need for lighter caravans has become a serious one.

Roma Caravans may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of lightweight caravanning. The Bedfordshire-based manufacturer is better known for its extravagantly appointed touring palaces, often used all year round by owners. Yet their latest caravan is a smaller, more rugged vehicle with all the Roma characteristics.

A tardis-like feel

The Voyager XT is a compact trailer-like caravan with a number of chassis options available depending on the owner’s requirements. For example, those looking for an all-terrain off road trailer can customise the XT for dirt tracks, while the XT Sport features a lower road height for regular towing.

As with every Roma caravan, the buyer has a huge range of choice over the way in which the trailer is built. From the interior colours and materials to the arrangement of space, every aspect can be customised. The firm is renowned for building each model by hand, using cabinet makers and skilled craftsmen, and this practice continues with the XT.

Disability access

The handcrafting aspect also extends to aspects often missing from mainstream caravan manufacture. For the Voyager XT, Roma are offering a “disability friendly” package to include ramps, grab handles and the correct interior configuration. The space can also be customised for transporting bicycles, motorbikes, and even a jet ski. With a starting price of £15,500, the Voyager’s final price is dependent on which of these options the buyer chooses.

Managing Director Daniel Sullivan believes Roma has spotted a “huge gap in the market” for this type of trailer.

“With more and more UK holiday makers wishing to take to the road, there has never been a better time for a small, bespoke, practical trailer to be on offer. We use our unrivalled craftsmanship to ensure each is built to the highest quality”.

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Kimberley Caravan Centre signs up to Boat and Caravan Show 2012

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by Marcus Dubois

While the country continues to struggle in the face of economic uncertainty, the caravan industry appears determined to prevail. This year has seen a raft of product launches from manufacturers, and dealers are looking to excite buyers in 2012 with these new models.

One dealer in particular is hoping for a buoyant start to the New Year, after signing up for Boat and Caravan Show 2012 in February.

Nottingham based Kimberley Caravan Centre is one of the UK’s leading caravan retailers, specialising in sales of Coachman, Elddis and Sterling. The company will be displaying an extensive range of 2011 and 2012 models at next year’s show, giving visitors an opportunity to get up close to the latest ranges.

For lovers of the outdoors

In 2012 Boat and Caravan Show enters its 51st year, and has continued to evolve through offering events for lovers of outdoor leisure. If you’re a caravanner who loves hiking, narrowboating, canoeing or exploring the UK, the February show promises a range of activities and stands to entertain and inform.

Kimberley’s managing director Chris Lowe spoke warmly of how the show appealed to both newbies and experienced caravanners. “There is something on show for everyone, whether looking to purchase for the first time or looking to upgrade,” he said.

Meanwhile Boat & Caravan Show’s exhibition director Andy Gibb embraced the signing as proof of “the reputation the event has amongst the industry”. As with previous years, he hoped to offer visitors “an experience combining purchasing opportunities with features and activities to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day”.

UPDATE: On 2 November, the organisers Ocean Media announced that Boat and Caravan 2012 has been cancelled.

Angus caravan park owners hope to sell for £1.75 million

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by Chris Malone

Ever dreamed of owning your own caravan park and running it the way you want? Well this could be your chance.

Drumshademuir Caravan Park in Angus has been put up for sale by Ian and Pat Easson after 20 years of ownership.

The couple are now preparing to retire and are seeking a cool £1.75 million for their 17-acre site, which is capable of holding 80 touring caravans and 47 static holiday homes.

Included in the deal will be a number of caravans, two letting cottages, a house and a large area of woodland.

The site also features electric hook-up points, a laundry, a putting green, children’s play area, a shop and a tavern, as well as toilets and free shower facilities.

Colliers International is handling the sale and director Richard Moss told business7.co.uk that the offer presents a great chance for a new start in a stunning part of the country.

“The caravan park is pleasantly situated in the picturesque countryside with amenities at Kirriemuir just two miles away,” he said.

“Ian and Pat’s retirement is a great opportunity for new owners to achieve an excellent return on investment whilst enjoying a lifestyle change in a beautiful part of Scotland.”

Touring holidaymakers can choose from several well-appointed caravan parks in the Angus region of Scotland, including the Caravan Club’s Lochside site.

New Kia Soul: More luxury in your affordable towcar

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by Chris Jefferies

Low running costs, low price tags, more luxury and supermini styling – the new 2012 Kia Soul certainly promises a lot for curious towcar buyers considering going Korean.

Introduced in 2008, the Soul has recently run into some sturdy competition in the urban crossover market, with the launches of the Nissan Juke and the Mitsubishi ASX.

For this reason, Kia has pulled out all the stops for the 2012 version, which features practical touches such as folding electric door mirrors as well as more glamorous flourishes including LED lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

When it comes to towing, there are a range of 1.6-litre engines offered to get the job done, from a powerful 138bhp petrol unit that can do 44.1mpg, to an even thriftier diesel alternative, which can deliver an impressive 57.6mpg.

Carbon emissions in the diesel are also carefully capped at just 129g/km, down 8g/km from the previous model, meaning this small but stocky towcar is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty during its first year on the road.

A match made in Korea

What’s more, despite being under 14-foot long, the Soul has a maximum towing weight of 1,300kg, which equates to roughly 1,100kg at a 85% match – meaning you can choose from a decent range of entry-level ‘vans, including the Elddis Xplore 304 and the Bailey Orion 400-2.

Other key advantages include a long wheelbase and a wide track, which Kia claims makes for stable handling and a comfortable ride. To back this up, the Korean manufacturers have fine-tuned the suspension of all their right-hand drive models to react well to the UK’s bumpy roads.

As regards reliability, Kia boasts an industry-leading fully-transferrable seven-year warranty that covers you for up to 100,000 miles of driving.

Finally, there is a wide range of electrical wizardry to help keep you safe, from Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Perhaps the most appealing thing about the new Kia Soul is the price, as brand new 2012 models are available now for just £12,495 on the road, ranging up to £17,795 for the premium trim, automatic version.

With caravan weights coming down across the board and the ongoing need to cut fuel costs, this could well be the way to go for many cash-conscious towcar buyers in 2012.


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Scottish man offers £1,000 bounty to catch caravan arsonists

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by Chris Jefferies

A reward of £1,000 is being offered to anyone who can help an Aberdeen man to catch the culprits who set fire to his caravan, which he had only owned for three weeks.

Andrew Mewse was asleep with his family when the blaze began at 1am on the morning of Sunday (October 2nd) in two bins outside his home, the Aberdeen Press and Journal reports.

The fire quickly spread to his £5,000 tourer and the gas cylinders in the front locker, forcing the family to evacuate their home.

Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue are investigating the cause of the blaze and Mr Mewse has personally promised a £1,000 bounty to anyone who can help catch the arsonists.

His wife Laura told STV: “We had three children sleeping upstairs, so we hurried to get them out. But within minutes, the fire was just out of control. It could have been a lot worse than it actually was.”

In other news, firefighters in Cambridgeshire have warned caravan owners about the dangers of hair straighteners, after two tourers were engulfed in a blaze in Whittlesey last Friday (September 30th).