Nick’s News – Whisky not whiskey, a look at a 2022 Bürstner and watching the Euros in your caravan

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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

Phew, what a scorcher! There can’t be too many people who’ve avoided the hot temperatures and sunny days recently. If you’re out and about travelling, so much the better. Be careful out in the sun. I hope it’s yet another sign that things are getting back to normal.

In the news

Scotland, home of whiskey? I’ll nae drink to that…

Oh, Alan Rogers. How could you? The most recent mail-out from the highly-regarded sites inspection and leisure vehicle travel specialist, which published its first guide to campsites in the UK and across Europe back in 1968, takes a closer look at Scotland – “land of mountains and lochs. Home to bagpipes, haggis and whiskey” – that’s its take.

It then goes on to mention the Isle of Sky as a key place to visit. It’s Skye, not Sky, of course. More serious though – especially to us Scots – is that Scotland is the home of whisky, definitely not whiskey.

We all make mistakes, of course. And it’s true, it’s how we respond to such setbacks that is the making of us. In that spirit, I’m happy to raise a dram to another 50 years of campsite inspecting success for Alan Rogers

Bürstner to bring the roof up?

You can always rely on Bürstner to announce something a bit different. Among the early news for the 2022 season are a potentially emissions-free van conversion and the Gallery Roof, a concept that adds an elevated section to the overcab pod of a low-profile coachbuilt motorhome.

A touch of a button and compressed air literally raises the roof, making it viable for sleeping in. I don’t care much for the looks, but it could prove to be rather effective.

The German manufacturer is also debuting the Eliseo CNG, a van conversion based on Fiat’s Ducato with a hybrid engine that uses compressed natural gas as well as petrol and offers a range of nearly 250 miles.

Caravan crush

Swift Elegance 565 – a singular approach

Style, kit, single beds… Swift’s Elegance 565 has it all, but of course there’s a price to pay and vans like this are never going to be light. Those two factors aside, if you want all that’s best in a contemporary caravan, think Elegance.

Whilst accepting the general penchant for island beds, there’s always room in the portfolio for a single beds offering, especially when they’re accompanied by a general, full-width washroom like this.

I remember getting a very early view of the about-to-be-launched Elegance back in 2013 and was quick to praise Swift’s bold approach. Being a little bit arrogant, I couldn’t help suggesting such a futuristic-looking tourer needed a little bit extra – USB ports. Sure enough, all Elegances have them.

Three good: Aesthetically pleasing inside and out, with wood-free bodywork
Two bad: Nearside bed is a tad short and it’s hefty
Perfect for… Style seekers who prefer to sleep separately
Also consider: Adria Alpina Colorado or Coachman VIP 565

Gadget envyOutwell projector screen

Time to gear up? Kit you never knew you needed

You know what it’s like, you see something another caravanner or motorhomer has and think: I’d love one of those. Well, here’s three. Firstly, how about an off-line screw bit holder? It’s for getting at otherwise inaccessible screws, in corner steadies, perhaps?

Laser Tools has the whole problem solved here, with this oh-so useful attachment for an electric screwdriver or cordless drill. It’s dual-functionality allows it to be locked in a straight position for normal use, then releasing its ball joint means it can be used at any angle – including, of course, any otherwise inaccessible corner steadies. Not bad for just over £15.

I’ve also just discovered a new DIY headlamp cleaner. It’s the Quixx Headlight Restoration Kit, from Germany. And it helps restore headlight lenses to their original condition, so your lights are as bright as they were when new.

Thirdly, as we are in the middle of several massive events – I’m thinking mainly of football’s Euro 2020 here – if you don’t want to miss any of the action, why not invest in a Movie Screen, from Outwell? Perfect for setting up in an awning, you just need to supply your own projector…

A new generation embraces the caravan and motorhome lifestyle

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It’s interesting to observe the shifts in attitude of younger generations when it comes to caravans and motorhomes. Gone are the days when this type of holiday meant a wet week away with family in a leaky van that felt anything but glamorous.

Now, leisure vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and fitted with all the modern luxuries of a boutique hotel. A new generation is embracing vanlife, fuelled by the lure of social media-worthy snaps of #vanlife and restrictions on foreign travel as a result of coronavirus.

Robinsons Caravans, which has been in the business for 54 years, has seen many trends come and go. While it still maintains the over-55s as its largest proportion of customers, the under-40s now account for around a quarter of Robinsons’ caravan sales.

The new generation of caravanners are buying vehicles that reflect their hobbies, epitomising the ethos and aesthetics of their passions. For some, that means a simple van conversion perfect for strapping kayaks, paddleboards or bikes to and heading off the beaten track.

Others are tapping into quaint and vintage trends, with gingham curtains, fairy lights and pastel-coloured accessories. While the big names in caravan and motorhome building are thriving as demand for leisure vehicles mounts, there are plenty of alternative brands that are catering to the younger generation.

Take Barefoot Caravans, for example, which specialises in curved fibreglass bodywork that comes in a variety of colours, leaning firmly into the retro aesthetic. Rocket Caravans are highly influenced by the mid-century aluminium caravans made popular in the US, but with updates that bring them right up to date.

Here at CaravanTimes, our very own Nick Harding has confessed to having a caravan crush on the Mink camper. This dinky tourer is on its way from Iceland and is sure to turn heads with its sleek design and yellow touches as the next generation of caravanners hit the roads of the UK.

Jarrod Clay, managing director of Robinsons Caravans, told the Guardian: “Where caravans were always white in colour, now you’ve got silver, champagne or metallic blue coloured sides. The graphics used to be a stripe from front to back but can now be quite elaborate. They are a lot more modern.”

Modern caravan and motorhome design is certainly far from boring and innovations are being driven by the younger generation. While some wish to leave the trappings of the 21st century behind and enjoy nature, others expect the same levels of luxury and technology they have at home, and there are caravans and motorhomes to fit both sets of requirements and everything in between.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Blake Wisz

West Country dubbed ‘land of motorhomes’

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The West Country has been crowned ‘land of motorhomes’ after a specialist insurance comparison site found demand for premiums in the region outstripped other parts of the UK.

Quotezone.co.uk discovered that 14.2 per cent of demand for policies came from the south-west, representing the highest ratio in the UK per 1,000 of the population.

Residents in the West Country are eight times more likely to own a motorhome than people who live in London, as the capital was found to be the least conducive with the lifestyle.

It’s not surprising that motorhome owners are expecting to stay relatively close to home, with 72 per cent planning to cover less than 5,000 miles in their vehicles in the coming year.

Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “The West Country is famous for its stunning coastline, pretty villages and its laid-back way of life.

“It’s the perfect place to take a break – perhaps explaining why it’s the region with the largest demand for motorhome insurance, people are keen to explore everything they have to offer on their doorstep.”

The West Country is usually used to describe Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, which are counties that continually remain popular with motorhome enthusiasts keen to take advantage of the relatively good weather in the south of England.

Romeo Beckham, the second-eldest son of Victoria and David, has been enjoying a motorhome holiday in the West Country recently with his model girlfriend Mia Regan.

The couple shared pictures to Instagram of a visit to the beach and dinner cooked up on a camping stove as they enjoyed their time in Cornwall.

Caravan and Motorhome Club sites near the UK’s 7 natural wonders

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The top seven natural wonders of the UK have been named by the Royal Geographical Society and they’re easily explored in your leisure vehicle.

Conveniently, the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has sites close to all of them, offering the perfect opportunity to discover their delights on a staycation this summer.

The Needles – Isle of Wight

Jutting out of the sea in the English Channel, the Needles consist of three white chalk stacks that create an imposing sight, whether seen from a boat or via the world-famous cable car soaring above Alum Bay.

Stay at Southland Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Jurassic Coast – Dorset

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast stretches for an impressive 96 miles, taking in outstanding geology and crowned by the iconic limestone arch known as Durdle Door.

Pitch up at Bridport Bingham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Wastwater – Lake District

At three miles long and half a mile wide, Wastwater is an awe-inspiring lake, which is made all the more dramatic by being surrounded by mountains including Great Gable and Scafell Pike.

Park your caravan at Coniston Park Coppice Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Dovedale – Peak District

Cutting its three-mile path through the landscape, the River Dove has created a stunning valley surrounded by ancient ash woodland and wildflower grassland.

Base yourself at Carsington Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall – North Wales

Britain’s tallest waterfall can be found in the Berwyn Mountains and features a 80-metre drop, making it an impressive focal point to many of the walks in the area.

Camp at Lady Margaret’s Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Loch Coruisk and the Cuillins – Isle of Skye

The Black and Red Cuillin mountains dominate the landscape on Skye, but nothing quite compares to viewing them from a boat on Loch Coruisk.

Set your van up at Morvich Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

It’s safe to say that looking out over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns is an incomparable experience and one not to be missed when visiting Northern Ireland.

Make camp at Drumaheglis Marina and Caravan Park.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Zhifei Zhou

Nick’s News – Emergency alerts, Lithuania dreaming and the best camping chairs to buy

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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’ve almost lost track of the number of friends and family who’ve bought campervans or caravans over the past year. From a beat-up Mazda Bongo needing new front panels to a Mercedes Vito ‘unfinished project’ to an awesome 1980s Gobur Carousel folding caravan to – probably the best bargain of the lot – a 2016 (originally advertised as 2014) Lunar Clubman CK.

I viewed the latter for the first time at the weekend and it was truly immaculate, just like new. It’s a reminder too of the timeless practicality of a two-berth floorplan with full-width rear washroom, centre kitchen and front lounge that’s large enough tor two almost instant single beds, or a double.

A private sale, my advice to get an initial service revealed no signs of damp and everything else in full working order. Apart from an alarm system with flashing passive infrared sensor (PIR), but otherwise seemingly non-working. Lunar may no longer be with us, but the Clubman legend will live on for quite a few years yet.

In the news

On test – emergency alerts

The UK government is running a trial which involves sending emergency alerts to mobile phones and tablets. You’ll know when you get one because of the siren-sound coming from your device, even if it’s set to silent.

Alternatively, you may get a vibrate or a read-out. The concept is that it could become a way for emergency services warning of any danger-to-life type emergencies in the future, via 4G and 5G networks.

The next stage of the trial is in the Reading area from June 15th. If you’re driving and receive an alert, the advice is to keep going until it’s safe to pull over and find out more.

Lithuania – I want to go

Lithuania is reporting “soaring” interest from motorhome owners wanting to go touring. That’s not bad for a country which, by its own admittance, takes only three hours to drive through, from top to toe. Indeed, any of us visiting from the UK can expect by my estimation to take around six times that just to drive there with a caravan in tow.

It might just be worth it, though. Its ancient pagan villages, mineral water showers, Baltic Sea resorts, historical city of Trakaj, designated camping travel routes and more sound like the recipe for the ultimate getaway.

I’m especially intrigued by the Curonian Spit – described as “a path of white sand connecting the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon”. I’m seriously tempted, especially as it would mean travelling through Poland, which is another country I’ve never visited. Next year, maybe? Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been I’d love to hear any advice

Motorhome for me?

Benivan 120 – on a value mission

£50,000 might initially look like a lot of money to spend on… well, anything really. In the world of brand new motorhomes, though, this is bargain territory. It’s also time to think again if you reckon equipment levels and build quality are cut to the core on such vehicles.

I grabbed an early look at a Benivan 120, which is a 2022 season version that’s available right now, and really was impressed. It’s a 6m-long van conversion with a Fiat Ducato at the base, a vehicle that practically defines the sector. It kicks off with the more powerful 160bhp engine as standard, because automatic transmission is still a far-too-expensive option, albeit highly desirable now.

It boasts what has established itself as a classic two-berth, end lounge layout, complete with the usual kitchen and washroom facilities mid-van. An underslung gas tank, 100-watt solar panel, Truma Combi 4E heating and hot water system, touchscreen ‘infotainment’ system with sat nav, cab air con are among the kit highlights. Budget? What budget?

Three good: Keen price with generous spec, practical two-berth layout and available now
Two bad: Auto upgrade price and that overcab sunroof doesn’t look great from some angles
Perfect for… getting the best out of a 6m van conversion for two
Also consider: Auto-Trail Expedition 67, Elddis Autoquest CV20, Roller Team Toleno L or Swift Select 122

Gadget envyHelinox chair in tie dye

Sitting easy – time to take the chair?

A saggy bottom means just one thing – time to invest in some new outdoor chairs. The choice is pretty much limitless, but there’s always something new to grab the attention.

It’s not just about comfort, of course. Ease of use, weight and sheer packability come into the equation. For those reasons, you might well want to check out the £110 Incline Festival Chair from Helinox, complete with its tie-dye fabric design, which could be considered too much by some. There’s also a black version for the more conservative caravanner. It’ll take weights of up to 145kg but it only weighs 1.36kg itself, including its handy shoulder strap for carrying.

If that sits a bit too low to the ground for your liking, how about the altogether more sensible £34 Blackpool Green Vineyard from Outwell? A traditional folding chair with armrests, again it’s light at just 3.3kg, but key is Outwell has been working hard on pack size – it folds down to just 78.5cm x 55cm x 5cm.

Vango’s Radiate range of four different designs has no trouble living up to its name. Each comes with an in-built Graphene heating element that you hook up to your own powerbank. Start with the £95 Tall – padded seat and backrest, red Heather fabric, steel frame, four heat settings – and work your way up the price range if you want more features.

Towing a caravan with a Tesla – a real-life test

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With the government’s deadline of 2030 for a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars edging closer, there’s one question on every caravanners’ mind – can you tow a caravan with an electric vehicle (EV)?

Lee Davey, a caravan writer who goes by TinTent on social media, set out to find the answer, because as he put it: “Until we actually try it, we never really know.”

He took a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and a Bailey Discovery D4-2 on a 99-mile overnight trip to put the technology to the test. His biggest fear was range anxiety, not knowing whether he’d make it back to the Bailey dealership on electricity alone or on the back of a tow truck.

A combo suitable for the average family

The Model 3 was an appropriate EV to test, because it’s a relatively affordable option compared to the electric offerings from the likes of Mercedes and Jaguar. Pairing it with the Discovery D4-2, which is the smallest caravan in the range at 990 kilos, represents an accessible combo for many families.

Lee’s experience with non-diesel or petrol cars had gone as far as driving a Nissan Leaf in the past, which he found had an incredibly limited range. This left him lacking in confidence that he could get the Tesla and the caravan all the way to his pre-booked site and back with adequate charging.
So many unknowns

He said: “The start of this trip was incredibly daunting; there were so many unknowns.”

Picking up the Model 3, Lee noted it was fully charged and displayed a range of 376 miles. How towing the caravan would impact this, he did not know, despite numerous calculations taking everything from additional weight to aerodynamic drag into consideration.

After setting off, it wasn’t long before range anxiety set in. Just six miles down the road with the caravan attached and the predicted mileage on the display had already dropped by 100 miles. Lee had 55 miles to go to get the vehicles to his home, where he could top up the charge, before heading to the site the next day.

Charging through the caravan window

Limited charging infrastructure

He made it to his house and was surprised to have 60 per cent of the charge remaining. The next challenge was to top the Tesla back up to capacity ahead of the rest of the journey the following day. The EV charging network remains underdeveloped, so Lee used a three-pin domestic socket to replenish the charge in the vehicle, taking 15 hours and 40 minutes.

“You can charge the Tesla for 15 minutes and get 100 miles of range not towing, but once you attach the caravan you’re talking much longer timescales,” he said.

Fully recharged, Lee reached the site 44 miles away from home with electricity to spare, but it would be the 99-mile direct return journey that would really put the range to the test. Without a quick charging point to stop at, he could find himself unable to reach the Bailey HQ in Bristol.

Lee spoke to staff at the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) before embarking on his test trip and found they were very helpful and had plans in place to start accommodating EVs. He found the three-pin charging point inside the car and passed it through the caravan window to recharge on site.

“It’s reassuring that they’ve thought about it,” he said of the CAMC, and other caravan site operators will need to give EV charging consideration moving forward as the shift to EVs takes hold and towing with this technology becomes more commonplace.

Range display

The real test

The return journey to Bristol saw the predicted range of the Tesla drop considerably as Lee climbed the Mendip Hills with the Discovery D4-2 following behind, but regenerative braking helped to recharge the battery.

Anticipating a photo finish with minimal electricity left to power the vehicle, Lee’s arrival at the Bailey HQ was something of an anti-climax. The display read 54 miles of range was still available, categorically confirming that the 99-mile journey towing a caravan was comfortable for the Model 3.

Lee said: “The purpose of the trip was to see where we are now in terms of the technology. In just a few years it is now just about possible to tow a caravan using an EV for a weekend trip.”

We’re still nine years away from the ban, so there’s time for things to develop further, but at the moment it’s about balancing how much range you need and how much time you have to charge the EV.

Lee pointed out: “The charging infrastructure will have to improve as 2030 draws closer.”

This is true, but for now at least, we have a real-life example of what can be achieved with a Model 3, a Discovery D4-2, a domestic three-pin socket and enough time. A 99-mile trip represents a decent weekend away for a family and one the EV can cope with.

Cumbria caravan park launches video to highlight Covid safety measures

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A caravan park in Cumbria has released a video showing the safety features it has put in place ahead of welcoming guests back to its pitches.

Skelwith Fold used English Tourism Week, which traditionally marks the beginning of its season, as an opportunity to reassure visitors that every precaution has been taken to keep them safe from coronavirus on site.

There’s sanitation stations throughout the park and close to attractions such as the children’s play area, as well as social distancing notices to remind everyone of the rules.

Toilet blocks have only just been allowed to reopen as restrictions on shared facilities have been relaxed and Skelwith Fold is fogging them with disinfectant twice a day.

Henry Wild, director of Skelwith Fold, said: “Contactless check-ins have been given a big thumbs-up from guests, and by operating the park at only three-quarters capacity there is more space for everyone.

“The lockdowns have also given us a new impetus to help people reconnect with nature – and we’re encouraging that with features such as forest trails and wildlife events.”

One of the ways that the caravan park has been interacting with nature is to establish which native species live in its vicinity.

By setting up a hidden camera, it discovered a host of birds, squirrels and deer coming and going in the idyllic Lake District surroundings.

Skelwith Fold is set within 130 acres of natural landscape not far from Ambleside and offers a selection of accommodation types including touring pitches.

Visitors benefit from a wide range of facilities, including shower blocks with underfloor heating, a library and a well-stocked shop for all the essentials.

Calor Gas shortage as the UK turns to caravan and motorhome holidays

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Caravan and motorhome staycations are more popular than ever, as Brits turn to more self-contained holidays at home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

This has led to huge demand for leisure vehicles, but it’s not just caravans and motorhomes themselves that are in short supply.

Calor Gas cylinders are an essential amenity required for cooking on a campsite pitch, but they’re also used to fuel some barbecues.

The uptick in caravan owners and more people hosting events in their gardens means there’s an unprecedented demand for cylinders and Calor Gas can’t keep up.

It anticipated there would be a need for extra cylinders this summer and put in a large order for these to be manufactured, but the lead time on the bottles coming from abroad has led to shortages.

A spokesperson for Calor Gas told MailOnline: “To address this and improve cylinder availability for customers, Calor has prioritised cylinder exchange transactions for certain size cylinders, whereby cylinders are returned to Calor for filling and redistribution.”

This is one way to get around the problem if you’re a seasoned caravan owner, but does not help anyone buying a leisure vehicle for the first time.

In fact, dealerships are having trouble getting hold of cylinders to go into the vehicles they’re supplying to customers.

Calor Gas is urging anyone with unused or empty cylinders to return them to the company to be refilled and improve availability for others this summer.

Matt Sims, managing director of The Motorhome Holiday Company, said it’s an issue that he’s become aware of, as his firm rents vehicles to people going on holiday.

He predicted there will be an upsurge in people selling on any cylinders that have been languishing in sheds and garages to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy caravan holidays this year.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman

Nick’s News – Bank holidays, Freedom caravans and recycled ocean plastic

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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

Bank holidays, don’t ya just love ‘em? With perfect timing, too, summer seems to have hit us. Congratulations to everyone who managed to get out for the bank holiday weekend, and beyond. I trust you’re having a wonderful time.

To be honest, I tend to give bank holidays a bit of a swerve, as I hate getting stuck in traffic, especially when I’m supposed to be making the most of my leisure time. And, unfortunately, bad weather over the previous weekend put paid to a quick trip to Beer Beach in Dorset. Instead, and I know this is me being selfish, but I’ve got a sneaky weekend away planned for when things are a little bit quieter…

In the newsArtist impression of Chesterfield branch. Aerial view of whole site looking north west.

Kimberley up to three

It’s great to hear Kimberley is adding a swish new third branch to its empire. The caravan and motorhome dealer takes its name from its original base in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. It expanded with its purchase of the premises formerly known as Barrons Great Outdoors, near Darlington in County Durham, back in 2012.

The new site sits between the two, geographically. It will be a huge 1.6-hectare location at the former Multiplex Engineering premises in Chesterfield, which, when finished, will have space to showcase up to 150 motorhomes and caravans, indoors and out. It’s aiming to be up and running by the end of summer.

Webbs has the Knaus – and the Rimor

Webbs Motor Caravans is a dealer on a mission. The Reading-based retailer has just announced it’s to be a dealer for new motorhomes from Germany’s Knaus (say it ke-nowse) and Italy’s Rimor (ree-more) – and it’s celebrating with some enticing offers on late 2021 stock. Could be time to catch a very late season bargain – especially as my old friend Trade Rumour tells me most motorhome prices will be going up by about five per cent for 2022 models.

Caravan crush

Freedom – chimes of bargains flashing

In a list of caravans that have stood the test of time, Freedom is usually overlooked. And yet the all-GRP-bodied micro tourers are based on a design that goes back well over three decades now.

Made in Poland, new prices start at around £13,000 for the basic Discovery, Sport and Sunstream models, and £15,500 for the Twin Sport and First Class.

As something different this week, I thought I’d tell you about a two-berth Microlight Prima I spotted on a visit to Davan Caravans near Weston-super-Mare last week. It was in great order (well, there’s not much to go wrong on any Freedom) and just £3,495. Pure coincidence, too, but Davan was an early importer of these tough little gems. Just don’t be surprised if it’s not already sold by the time you read this.

Three good: Tough-as-nails bodywork, lightweight and straightforward
Two bad: Prevailing smell of glass-fibre and tiny living quarters
Perfect for… an early taste of no-nonsense caravanning
Also consider: Go Pod and Wheelhome Dashaway

Gadget envy

Sustainability – for future success

There’s no reason for not putting the environment at the top of your list when it comes to kit for camping. So, if you’re after a new jacket, how about the Go Hike from Jack Wolfskin? In men’s and women’s sizes, this £145 coat features 100 per cent recycled materials. It comes in a choice of colours, as well as making the usual claims for high levels of waterproofing, breathability and wind protection.

If you get a new coat, you’ll want some suitable headgear to go with it? Even iconic brands like Tilley are getting up to speed on sustainability. The renowned outdoor hat maker has introduced two new models to its portfolio – the £70 Modern Airflo, a reworking of its classic Airflo design, complete with lifetime guarantee; and, at £30, there’s the 5 Panel Recycled Cap. Both boast fully recycled nylon fabrics.

Repurposing old fishing nets is all the rage at the moment. The Got Bag company claims to be supplying the world’s first rucksacks made from ocean plastic. Backpacks start from £114 and there’s a day sack at £79.

 

 

Image credit: Matthew Montague Architects

Is Britain’s first £1 million caravan on the way?

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With the news that a holiday caravan in Dorset is on the market for a whopping £700,000, we can’t help but wonder how long it’ll be before we see one with a £1 million price tag.

The luxury static caravan in question can be found on the Sandhills Caravan Park, where it boasts an enviable location near the beach not far from Christchurch.

It’s perhaps not surprising that such an expensive holiday home should be found in this part of the world, because nearby Sandbanks is home to Millionaires’ Row, where a single mansion is worth £6 million.

The two-bedroom caravan selling for £700,000 marks a new record, according to My Holiday Caravan, which specialises in static caravan sales.

It predicts the record won’t last for long, as other caravans on the site become available and surpass the listing price for this one.

Paul Craven, director of My Holiday Caravan, said: “Sandhills is increasingly seeing customers wanting to make their holiday homes a match to the exclusive lifestyles with which this gorgeous area is associated.

“It’s a very clever move, because even if the final price does nudge a million pounds, it’s massively less than a similar spec house would cost in a less privileged position.”

Whoever takes possession of the caravan currently on the market will be able to enjoy high-end decor and furnishings inside, as well as views across the sea to the Isle of Wight on the outside.

While many people like the simplicity of a getaway in a caravan, high-end examples represent the complete opposite of escaping modern life.

They are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, remote-controlled blinds and mood lighting to create the perfect holiday atmosphere.

Caravans at Sandhills, which is part of the Park Holidays group, start at £145,000.

Make sure you’re qualified to tow a caravan or risk a fine

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With more people than ever taking to the open road with their caravans this summer, it’s important drivers are fully qualified to tow.

This is the message being shared by a driving training specialist who is concerned that not everyone planning a caravan holiday understands the risks.

Steve Dulson of Dulson Training has spoken out about the legal responsibilities associated with towing and how neglecting them can lead to a large fine or insurance being invalidated.

Another unexpected consequence is the caravan being confiscated, which would certainly ruin any holiday plans.

He said: “Drivers may be unaware that if they are towing they will need a BE driving licence.”

Anyone who passed their car driving test prior to 1997 will automatically have been granted BE status, but a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) trailer test must be completed by all those whose licences were awarded after January 1st 1997.

A number of courses are available for drivers to prepare themselves for taking the trailer test, taking into account the amount of experience they have and the size of the vehicles and caravans they intend to tow.

Drivers can expect to learn about vehicle safety checks, general driving, reversing, coupling and loading during the course.

Not only will this make them legal on the road, but it will help them to be confident and safer while towing a caravan this summer.

Mr Dulson added: “We are here to help guide anyone who is unsure about towing or whether they have the correct licence. It is imperative to stay both legal and safe when towing.”

Caravanners must know about the maximum authorised mass (MAM) they’re allowed to tow. To find out more about weight in relation to your caravan or motorhome, check out CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartright’s advice on the matter.

The DVSA has said it will be carrying out on-the-spot checks for cars towing caravans this weekend as people head off on bank holiday breaks.

It believes that 17 per cent of all caravans are unsafe, based on data collated from two years of roadside checks.

 

 

Photo credit: Salop Leisure courtesy of Dulson Training

Nick’s News – Underfloor heating, a dinky camper and wearable sleeping bags

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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

There’s nothing like kicking off the week doing something a bit different. So, Monday saw me braving the elements – yes, four seasons pretty much captured in one day – to review heating and hot water systems from Whale.

As well as the quiet way the Heat Air system goes about its business, what I really like about it is its underfloor fitting location. It frees up so much interior storage space, especially when you’re in a typical van conversion like I was, in this case an Auto-Sleeper Fairford Plus.

Also, it couldn’t be easier to use. In fact, at 6.36m long, the Fairford Plus is larger than many a coachbuilt, yet nevertheless, the Whale system kept the whole interior cosy. The result? One warm reporter while the weather did its darnedest just outside.

In the news

New to caravans and motorhomes? Have I got news for you

Look, you won’t read this anywhere else, but if you’re new to the world of motorhomes and caravans, let me tell you something. That brand new vehicle you’re about to take delivery of – don’t be surprised if there are a few glitches with it. It’s purely down to the nature of what are essentially still hand-crafted products (clue: I’ve only ever seen one robot in a caravan or motorhome manufacturing plant and that was at Adria in Slovenia).

It’s easy to make comparisons with new-build homes… OK, maybe that’s a bit unfair on our leisure vehicle makers. Instead, I’ll offer this advice: get out in your new vehicle just as soon as you get it. Be prepared to make a list of “snags”, then book it into your supplying dealer for sorting. How you’re dealt with from thereon is a better assessment of how this industry works.

McLouis is a match for Matt

Auto-Sleepers Group is sponsoring Matt Venn, who’s riding for Unique Motorsports in the Ducati Tri Options championship, with the loan of one of its McLouis motorhomes (a sister brand in the Trigano Group, of which they’re all part).

It’s a support vehicle and great publicity for motorhomes generally, Matt took podiums four times within the first two weeks of his McLouis journey. As the saying goes, all publicity is good publicity, but motorhomes – in particular – seem to benefit from any association with racing, be it two wheels or four.

Caravan crush

Mink – a cheeky chappie of a caravan

I have to admit, I haven’t actually seen one of these “in the flesh” yet, but if you’re a fan of dinky caravans that are some stretch from being a typical tourer then you might want to check these out. Mink caravans – sorry, they prefer the term camper – are coming to the UK courtesy of Broad Lane Leisure and its two outlets in Warwickshire.

It’s an Icelandic company, producing tiny tourers that only weight in at 490kg, making them something to consider if you’re planning to have an electric vehicle in the future. The interiors boast a double bed that’s some 2m by 1.40m as well as a canvas bed for the kids. There’s also an outdoor kitchen. I told you it was all a bit different!

OK, the Mink 2.0, to give it its full name, is not going to appeal to traditionalists, but it’s all part of Broad Lane’s initiative to appeal to a younger audience – see also its Staycation campervans, plus it’s even added the Eriba caravan franchise to its portfolio.

Three good: It’s one cool caravan with a quality ABS body and trendy looks
Two bad: It’s small and won’t be cheap
Perfect for… exploring a bit further in a lightweight way
Also consider: Barefoot, Trip Buddy

Gadget envyMan wearing a Selk'bag

Blanket coverage – time to bag up?

Sleeping bags or duvets? Or do you want a bit more than that? With weather proving somewhat inclement so far this year, I thought you might be interested in the following:

Selk’bag claims to be the original wearable sleeping bag brand, with features such as elasticated hand openings, kangaroo pockets, leg vents, removable booties with soles, and a whole host of intriguing elements.

More than just a sleeping bag – you really can move about in them – they also have a slight waterproof coating so they’re great for sitting around in outdoors. There’s quite a range of different models, starting at just under £100 and going up to nearly £250 for the fully recycled, completely sustainable Nomad.

Alternatively, Kelty has recently introduced the Hoodligan Blanket, a kind of cross between an insulated blanket and a poncho, complete with a hoodie. At £45 it looks like a bit of a bargain.

Or, how about going the whole hog with a Festival in a Bag kit? It’s a package of two sleeping bags, a two-person tent, mats and water bottles, all sustainable to get around the fact that so many festival goers simply dump their gear at the end of the gig. Expect to pay around £130 from the company that does what it says on the tin – Festival in a Bag.