Discover Leisure launches Compass Volante luxury caravan range

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Compass Caravans has launched a brand new premium luxury caravan ahead of the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011.

The Compass Volante range is exclusive to dealers Discover Leisure, who claim the caravan is “the most luxurious in its class”. Boasting a completely new interior offering “unparalleled luxury”, the hallmarks of the model are rich wood tones and chrome fittings.

Elddis heritage, Compass luxury

Those familiar with the history of Elddis Caravans will be aware that the name Compass was borne on caravans from the Explorer Group until 2009, when the marque was dropped and the caravans rebranded as “Elddis”.

However dealership Discover Leisure bought the brand, and continued to use Elddis caravan ranges as “base models” to customise and refit to Compass specifications. Tom Parker at Compass explained the heritage of the brand.

“When the Compass offering ended in 2009, it had a lot of history in the industry. Here at Discover [Leisure] we felt we could keep this name going, and continue to offer the luxury associated with the brand”.

Unique design and function

While all Volante models are based on the Crusader model from Elddis, there are significant differences inside the caravan, with a boutique feel to fittings and fabrics. Soft furnishings come in “aqua clean” fabrics for simple cleaning, while the colour scheme of caramel and beige was chosen for a “fresh look and feel”.

The high-end appointments continue in the bathroom, where the oversized shower cubicle features an integrated LED lighting console. Meanwhile the caravan features a strengthened a-frame cover enabling customers to stand on it to clean the caravan.

Available to buy from the first day of the October caravan show, the Compass Volante will come in four layouts. And Discover Leisure commercial director Adrian Pattern explained the thoughts behind the latest offering.

“Creating real space was a priority; the interior is exceptionally spacious, and this is combined with a new sleeping design that gives extra storage space, plus an extremely wide gas locker. On top of that it offers surprising value despite being what we consider to be the most exceptional premium unit on the market”.

Compass will be displaying its new models at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, which takes place from 11-16 October at the NEC in Birmingham

Elddis Caravans: the first manufacturer to launch GRP underskin for tourers

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Each year visitors to the Lawns Caravan Extravaganza in Hull are treated to the newest models from manufacturers. Yet this year, one caravan firm took the opportunity to unveil a radical development in construction methods.

Elddis Caravans has announced that all 2012 touring caravans are now fitted with a unique GRP underskin, replacing the marine plywood commonly used in the industry.

The new underskin can be found on all new Elddis and Buccaneer models, which were recently displayed to customers at the company’s inaugural Open Weekend.

Benefits of GRP underskin

Elddis believes the use of a GRP underskin offers a number of significant benefits to caravan owners beyond plywood. A one piece GRP sheet is said to offer an ‘impervious’ barrier to water thrown against the underside of the caravan. Furthermore, the material is known as a tough build component with durable qualities.

For 2012 Elddis has also ensured all models now feature a new 46mm floor construction, offering industry leading levels of constructional stiffness and thermal insulation. This year the new floor was subjected to rigorous durability testing at the Iveco Test Track at Markbronn in German, where an Elddis touring caravan fitted with the new floor construction was put through a series of tests to simulate 10 years of use.

No weight penalities

Despite the structural changes to the build of these caravans, Elddis emphasised that there has been no increase in weight as a result. In fact, the Durham manufacturer revealed many models are significantly lighter for 2012.

Elddis will be displaying its new models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, which takes place from 11-16 October at the NEC, Birmingham.

Caravan dealership Salop Leisure steps in to help save historic church

Posted by

by Chris Malone

A substantial donation from a Shrewsbury-based caravan company could go a long way to help saving the town’s St Chad’s Church.

Dealership Salop Leisure has contributed to the £2.5 million appeal and will assist with the fund-raising for the remainder of the year by holding a number of events, Shropshirelive.com reported.

As one of the most important and historical buildings in the area, St Chad’s Church has a special place in the heart of the firm’s chairman Tony Bywater.

He explained the company wants to help preserve it for future generations and is proud to be associated with the fund-raising efforts.

Part of the drive to raise cash for England’s only Grade I-listed Georgian church will see Salop Leisure use the West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome show to draw attention to its plight.

The firm is hosting the event, which takes place from September 30th to October 9th and is expected to welcome more than 15,000 visitors.

St Chad was the first bishop of Mercia and the church was built in honour of him in the 7th century

Over 1000 people flock to Elddis Caravans factory for Open Weekend

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

One of the best experiences available for fans of a product or vehicle is to be able to go “behind the scenes” and see the process of creation in person. And for those interested in Elddis Caravans, last weekend proved to be one of those moments.

In what Elddis is claiming to be a first for the industry, the County Durham manufacturer opened the doors of its factory to the public for the inaugural “Open Weekend”. Customers were treated to personally escorted tours of the motorhome and caravan factory, which is the second largest facility of its kind in the UK.

From factory tours to face painting

While many were eager to peer behind the curtain and go behind the scenes, Elddis also made sure there was fun for all the family to keep younger visitors entertained. Some children opted for the ever-popular face painting, while others took part in a giant inflatable assault course. A number however opted for a taste of the future and peered around the 2012 models on display.

Visitors came from the length and breadth of the UK, with some from as far as Bournemouth and Southampton. Over a thousand people in total came to the Durham premises, and Elddis believes the open weekend was not a direct sales event but more of an experience.

All models in one place

Elddis Commercial Director Chris Witham said “we believe Elddis is the most accessible company in the industry, and we wanted to allow our customers past and present to experience how our touring caravans are made and meet the Elddis team”. He also noted how the event was “a great opportunity for customers to see the entire range of product in one place, which they would not be able to do by visiting a dealership”.

“The whole weekend was a huge success and we look forward to welcoming our customers to beautiful County Durham again in the future”

Elddis will be displaying its new models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011, which takes place from 11-16 October at Birmingham’s NEC.

BBC TV presenter Simon King takes delivery of custom green Bailey Orion caravan

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

When your job is to film in some of the world’s more inhospitable places for television, the creature comforts of home can be few and far between. Yet for TV wildlife presenter Simon King things are about to get a lot more comfy with the long term loan of a specially customised home from home.

Bailey Caravans has committed to supporting the BBC’s nature specialist with the loan of a modified Orion 440-4 caravan affectionally known as the “Green Goddess”.

The nickname came about due to a special request from King, who often spends many hours in the field shadowing animals in their habitat. In order that the caravan could better blend in with its natural surroundings, he requested a custom exterior colour scheme of dark green.

Going green

Ordinarily the process of creating this colour scheme would involve a time-consuming and expensive paint re-spray. However Bailey worked in partnership with supplier Creative Graphics International to come up with a more cost-effective solution. For this project the company instead chose to coat the Bailey Orion in a distinctive dark green vinyl wrap, a method often used when customising sports cars in matte colours.

At the launch of the Orion in February this year, the caravan was feted as a vehicle designed for adventurers wanting to “get the most from the great outdoors”. This is in part due to its light weight and compact body shell, designed in conjunction with the University of Bath to create more aerodynamic properties. As a result towing stability has been improved on the Orion, while the caravan is easy to drive and park.

“No better way to explore”

The project is sponsored by The Caravan Club which has long been committed to enhancing the natural environment through the implementation of a series of bio-diversity initiatives across its extensive network of parks.

And having taken delivery of the customised Orion, presenter Simon King was excited to work with his new vehicle.

“The UK is blessed with a myriad of magnificent wild places spread across the nation. And there is no better way to explore the natural world than from the comfort of a caravan” he said.

“I’m really excited about getting out and about in my new green home on wheels”.

Fireman to run half-marathon for caravan blaze victim

Posted by

by Chris Malone

A fireman is planning to run a half-marathon in order to raise cash to help a three-year-old who suffered severe burns in a caravan blaze.

According to the BBC, Flint firefighter Tony Reaney will take on the challenge in an attempt to make Emmy Taylor’s life easier when she gets home from Liverpool’s Alder Hey children’s hospital, where she is still being treated.

Emmy’s grandmother Denise Taylor works as a paramedic and was also injured in the blaze, while her uncle Andy Taylor, 26, and grandfather Rob Taylor, 58, died.

“The paramedics are in the building next door to the fire station, and we’ve dealt with numerous traumatic events together over the years,” Mr Reaney told the news provider, explaining how he know Mrs Taylor.

“All of the crew were shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Rob and Andy’s deaths, and our thoughts and prayers have been with Emmy and her family from the moment we heard about it.”

Mrs Taylor suffered burns to her arms in the blaze after escaping from the tourer and forcing open a window to pull her granddaughter to safety, BBC News reported in June.

Longleat Estate bans dog walks near key attractions

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Dog owners looking to visit Wiltshere for a late summer caravan break may be disappointed to learn that Longleat Estate has moved to ban dogs from the immediate vicinity of some of the key animal attractions.

The decision means that dogs will not be allowed in the formal gardens, while the Main Square will also be off-limits for dog walkers.

In reaction to the decision, the Caravan Club has said that it is looking into how it can resolve the issue, as caravan owners have valued the freedom of dog walking on the estate for many years.

As we revealed earlier this month in our latest readers’ poll, dogs are seen as an invaluable part of a caravan holiday to many ‘van owners, with 74 per cent saying that caravan parks without dogs are boring.

Longleat has defended its decision, saying that it is primarily for “animal welfare reasons”, as aggressive dogs can often cause “panic and distress” to the estate’s animals, in particular the birds of prey as they often see dogs as a threat.

A spokesman for the Wiltshere attraction said: “We will continue to work with the Caravan Club to come up with the best possible solution so that visitors can continue to enjoy the attractions and the dog walking areas around the Longleat Estate.”

He added that the area affected is only a small part of the estate and the move was necessary as several new attractions were being opened.

Touring holidaymakers looking to visit Longleat can stay at the Caravan Club’s nearby Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park.

National caravan show confirms more exclusive product launches

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Each year in October, caravan lovers in their thousands flock to Birmingham’s NEC arena to feast their eyes on a wide variety of new ranges on display at the National Motorhome & Caravan Show.

But this year’s event (11-16 October) is set to be even bigger than usual, with ten halls allocated for this six-day touring extravaganza, featuring cookery demonstrations, free towing lessons and the all-important product launches.

As well as exhibitions from all the major British manufacturers, caravan lovers will be able to check out the new range from German giants Adria, who are boasting a new eight-foot wide caravan, the Astella.

This unique design features separate a kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom, something that is not currently offered by any other manufacturer.

Those looking for some retro chic can admire the stylish new Series 2 Airstream International 684, which features the brand’s iconic silver-bullet exterior.

British brands

Flying the flag for the UK is Bailey of Bristol, who will be giving a public debut to their new island-bed layouts, the Cabrera and Pamplona, which offer more choice in the luxury Unicorn range.

Meanwhile, Swift Caravans will be unveiling a new special edition of the popular Challenger range (pictured right).

In partnership with Lowdhams Leisure, the Challenger Hi-Style comes with a dazzling array of luxury extras, all for just £2,000 more.

Finally, the industry’s relative newcomers, Stealth Caravans will be rolling out the red carpet for their new luxury Concordia range, which features Alde wet heating and front seating areas that convert into Super King-size beds.

John Lally, Director General of show organisers the National Caravan Council, said of the upcoming event: “We’ve worked with partner organisations to create relevant and engaging show features and reduced the ticket prices by up to 50 per cent compared to last year’s October Show.

“We have listened to what our visitors want to buy, see and do at their National Show and will deliver it all this October.”
Keep your eyes peeled next week, as Caravan Times will be launching a competition to offer several lucky readers free tickets (worth £7 each) to this enormous exhibition.

Bailey Approach SE Motorhome: Pictures, weights and layouts revealed

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Announced last week, the Bailey Approach SE is the first ever motorhome made by veteran caravan manufacturers Bailey Caravans. Details were patchy at first, but now we can bring you the full rundown of this new range.

While the Approach SE builds on 60 years experience of manufacturing caravans, the bodyshell features cutting edge innovation, in the form of the Bailey Alu-Tech construction method.

Backed by a ten-year guarantee, the walls are made of GRP, with a plastic internal skeleton, as part of a timber-free construction process. This results in superior protection against water ingress and helps this motorhome achieve Grade III thermal insulation standards for year-round touring.

Furthermore, the fully-laminated aluminium roof panels are cloaked in GRP, and the whole body has been tested in sub-zero conditions at the Millbrook cold chamber.

These weight-saving materials, as well as the AL-KO AMC chassis, mean that weights in the Approach SE range start at just 3,500kg.

As we revealed last week, the cab is based on the Peugeot Boxer, with a 130bhp, 2.2-litre Hdi engine being offered as the only configuration.

Furthermore, the cab comes with plenty of premium options included as standard, such as cruise-control, air conditioning, metallic paint and dual airbags.

Layout luxury

First-timers to the motorhome market may be tempted by the mid-range luxury on offer in the Approach SE, as Bailey claims it is the equivalent of a Pegasus in terms of the creature comforts and premium features that have been carried over from this best-selling range.

The interiors are packed with home comforts, with the Vivaldi-design soft furnishings creating a luxurious atmosphere and the Heki rooflight letting plenty of daylight in.

The fully-equipped kitchens feature large capacity Dometic 8-Series refrigerators, a new Thetford anti-shock oven, a stainless steel 700-watt microwave and cleverly designed washrooms, all of which feature fully lined separate shower cubicles.

In terms of layouts, there will be three to choose from; the twin-berth 620, the fixed-bed four-berth 740 and the 760, which is large enough to sleep six.

The 620 is a popular compact layout, with a convertible double, a side kitchen and an end bathroom. At the other end of the range, the 760 features a double dinette with four seatbelts, meaning all six of you can safely ride in the motorhome.

Prices for the Bailey Approach SE are likely to range from £40,000 to £45,000, but for the exact price tag, you will have to wait until next month when they will be announced at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2011.

Be sure to check back with Caravan Times next week to find out how you can win free tickets to this enormous exhibition at the Birmingham NEC.



Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravan Club: Speeding is the most common towing mistake

Posted by

by Chris Malone

The most common mistake caravanners make when towing their tourer is driving too fast, one expert has claimed.

According to the Caravan Club’s technical director Martin Spencer, there are a number of things drivers should look out for when taking their mobile home out on the road.

However, the most regular mistake – and often the one made by experienced caravanners – is speeding, he noted.

“The most common mistake [with driving] is, ironically, while [caravanners] get a certain degree of flack from other drivers for always driving too slowly, I would say actually going too fast is much more of a practical problem,” the expert said.

Mr Spencer added that other common mistakes include using a car that is too small for the caravan you are towing and not loading up the tourer correctly, which can actually be a breach of UK laws.

Mr Spencer suggested that those wondering whether their car is fit to tow a particular model get in touch with the Club, rather than trust dealers’ potentially biased advice.

FIRST PICTURES: New 2012 Sprite from Swift Caravans – stronger, lighter and more affordable

Posted by

by Marcus Dubois

Few caravan manufacturers can lay claim to a heritage of over sixty years for a single model range. Yet Sprite Caravans stands alone in today’s marketplace, having combined value for money with a light towing weight since its introduction in 1948.

Founder Sam Alper OBE wanted caravans to be easy to tow, using a simple and safe design that was accessible to all. And in the intervening years Sprite became the “Mini” of caravans; a brilliantly packaged and affordable vehicle that brought new families into the hobby in the 1950s.

To continue the tradition, parent company Swift Caravans has taken another step forward on the Sprite journey with the launch of an all-new seven model range.

Caravan Times is able to bring you the first pictures of the new 2012 Sprite, a fresh design which features an all-new aerodynamic body shell. The curved lines echo its bigger brothers in the Swift caravan stable, while the front of the vehicle is steeply raked and incorporates a large single windowpane for simplicity.

Luxury and utility

As with more expensive Swifts, the rear section is one-piece and carries feature road lights, while a semi-recessed awning channel and roof capping moulds are similar to the recent Swift Challenger Sport models.

The construction is such that all Sprites continue to offer Grade III classification for heating and thermal insulation, meaning that a user could theoretically use the Sprite all year round. While utility is still the watchword for Sprite, the designers have taken huge steps to improve both comfort and equipment. The kitchens feature the same “granite look” moulded sink seen in more expensive Swift Group caravans, while a 112-litre fridge and full oven with separate grill complete the offering.

Click here to continue reading and discover full layout details 

Curry on camping: Top caravan food choices revealed

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies

Discerning caravanners are turning to fancy curries to spice up their holidays, although burgers and hotdogs still reign supreme, according to a new survey.

The smell of a korma on a campsite will be familiar to many, as the poll by bitspicy.com showed that 44 per cent of campers and caravanners will eat at least one curry during their break. Furthermore, 11 per cent said that curry was their favourite meal to eat on a caravan holiday.

Of those who do go for a bit of Asian flavour, only 25 per cent attempt to rustle up a home-cooked curry in their tourer’s kitchenette, compared with a massive 50 per cent who choose to get a takeaway curry delivered to their camp site.

Whilst curry is a highly popular choice, barbecue food still tops the charts for the most popular caravan food, with burgers and hotdogs named by 39 per cent as their favourite meal to eat on a camp site.

The humble beans on toast is also highly ranked, with 19 per cent of campers and caravanners saying that it is their most popular dish during an outdoors holiday.

Liz Anderson, founder of bitspicy.com, suggested that more caravan owners should branch out and try cooking their own curry.
“Whether you are camping in Cornwall, back-packing in the Andes, or caravanning in the South of France, there may be moments when baked beans, cottage pie, or roast guinea pig is just a bit boring,” she said.

When it comes to choosing a cracking caravan curry, madras is the most popular option, as chosen by 35 per cent of survey respondents, while a brave 12 per cent said they prefer the fiery flavours of a vindaloo.

Britain’s favourite camp site meals


Burgers / Hot Dogs 39%
Beans On Toast 19%
Curry 11%
Egg and Chips 11%
Chilli Con Carne 8%
Pasta 6%
Sandwiches 3%