by Chris Jefferies
Burglars in the Doncaster area have been targeting caravan owners, as the absence of a tourer in their driveway is taken as a sure sign that the house is unoccupied.
South Yorkshire police have issued this warning after a spate of burglaries, which are thought to be down to a small group of people.
Officers are keen to speak to the man pictured, as they believe that he may be able to assist with the investigation.
Caravan owners are advised to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and pay particular attention to the safety and security of their homes before they set off on their touring holiday.
Detective Inspector Steve Whittaker said: “I would strongly advise residents to be vigilant. We believe this is a small group of people that are targeting houses when residents take their caravans from the drive or garden away for their summer holidays.”
He added that South Yorkshire Police are aiming to combat this rise in domestic robberies by increasing the number of patrols in the Doncaster area.
Other domestic tips for caravan owners heading away this summer include installing a burglar alarm, keeping cash and valuables stored safely and out of plain view, setting timers on lights to create the impression that someone is at home, and asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your house.
Top Gear turns Bailey Pageant caravan into train carriage
by Chris Jefferies
The BBC’s most three notorious caravan haters, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, reignited their relationship with tourers last night, when they tried to create an affordable and exciting train for the 21st century.
Using a workshop on the restored heritage railway from Leicester to Loughborough, the team converted a string of caravans, including a Bailey Pageant Champagne CD, into a series of train carriages.
The first class section featured a garish interior makeover; with wingback leather chairs, decorative plants, antique furniture and even a stuffed animal head on the wall.
However, their first choice of towcar/locomotive, a rear-wheel drive Jaguar XJS convertible, did not have the sufficient traction to shift the carriages, which must have had a combined weight well in excess of five tonnes.
After much arguing, James May suggested a more sensible Audi S8 as the four-wheel drive solution to their problems, which worked a treat.
Despite the boys’ delight at their wonderful creation, their passengers, all of whom where train inspectors, were less impressed by the caravan train.
The excessive noise, bumpy ride and meagre catering provisions were all singled out for praise, but eventually (and somewhat predictably), it was the flammability of the caravans that proved their downfall.
Charged with catering duties, Richard Hammond took it upon himself to cook some chips on the stove, which lead to the buffet car being reduced to a smouldering wreck.
As if that wasn’t enough, the show finished with the rear carriage being smashed to pieces by a freight locomotive.
To watch the entire show on BBC iPlayer, click here (the caravan train feature starts around the 21-minute mark), but squeamish caravanners may be best advised to watch through their fingers.
Fans of the Top Gear caravan train can see Jeremy Clarkson’s Sports Train on display at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum
2012 Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport replace Charisma and Europa
Swift Caravans has revealed two all-new ranges to replace the popular Charisma and Europa models for 2012.
Called the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport, the new models feature a completely new exterior design, as well as restyled interior furnishings. And the names offer an early clue to how Swift has positioned these new caravans. Both ranges draw heavily on the flagship Challenger and Eccles models, but with markedly different engineering for lighter weight.
The Caravan Times team was on hand in Cottingham yesterday for the official launch of the new tourers. And while most of the key details are still under wraps, over the next two months we’ll bring you the first pictures and video tours of the new range, as well as full specifications, layouts and reviews.
Less weight, lower costs
While Swift has taken its popular mid-range caravans upmarket, buyers looking to save money will benefit from the changes in weight and costs. The design team has used the “Sport” suffix to create a caravan that’s significantly lighter to tow, and as such is more affordable.
The new ranges are said to offer weight savings of 35kg to 50kg compared to the equivalent Swift Charisma and Sterling Europa models, without any loss in specification. As a result, we believe these new caravans will fall within the reach of family car owners, where weight has previously been an issue.
Both the Challenger Sport and Eccles Sport ranges feature eight models, with two all-new layouts. New for 2012 is an open plan four-berth featuring a fixed bed, while large families can enjoy a twin-axle six-berth offering bunk beds.
Over the next two months Caravan Times will bring you the first pictures and video of the new Swift and Sterling models, with full details of layouts and pricing. Stay tuned by liking our Facebook page or join our Swift Caravans group
Caravan couture taking over Britain’s tourers
by Chris Jefferies
British caravan owners are spending as much money doing up the interior of their caravan as they are on holidays to Spain and Italy, it has been claimed.
Terrys Fabrics, an interior design company based in Stoke and Stockport, has reported a rise in inquiries about their caravan makeovers.
Threadbare seat covers, wipe-clean cushions and chintzy prints are a thing of the past, as Brits are embracing this new interior design trend, which has been dubbed ‘Caravan couture’.
Paul McGuinness, Director of Terrys Fabrics, said: “With the British weather being what it is, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be seeing a lot of the inside of your caravan on holiday, so it makes sense to make the interior comfortable and stylish and make sure it’s in tune with your personality.”
He added that there is a certain element of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ as many of the caravan owners he has spoken to are quite competitive about having a nicer interior than their neighbours.
Drivers name caravans as their top summer motoring pet peeve
by Chris Jefferies
Tailbacks caused by slow-moving caravans have been voted as the most annoying thing about driving in the UK during the summer months.
In a survey by Manheim Auctions, 70 per cent said that they hate being stuck behind slow-moving vehicles, such as caravans or tractors.
Furthermore, bank holiday traffic jams came in second in the poll, something caravan owners are also likely to be familiar with.
Other pet peeves to make the top ten include hot leather seats and steering wheels on sunny days, as well as loud music being blared out by other drivers.
Complaining children were also regularly quoted as a major bug bear, although two-thirds of parents said that they combat road-trip boredom by playing traditional car games, such as i-Spy with their kids during long journeys.
In response to the survey results, Craig Mailey, marketing director at Manheim Auctions, has offered his top tips for summer driving.
“Be prepared for the worst when embarking on a long journey in the summer. Check your tyre pressures, oil and water levels and make sure you have enough fuel before you set off. But above all, try and stay calm and relaxed behind the wheel ,” he advised.
Lunar Caravans announce new 2012 models for Quasar, Lexon and Delta
Lunar Caravans has today announced several changes to its line-up for the 2012 season, including four all-new models and eight improved tourers.
The Quasar 494, Lexon 420, the Lexon 520 and the Delta FB are the four new arrivals, all featuring larger bathroom and kitchen layouts, along with larger convertible front beds.
In particular we can report that the shower areas are genuinely spacious across the range, with the circular showers being phased out – resulting in plenty of space for even those who are picky about their elbow room.
Despite all these changes, the weights have been brought down on various models, while some of the list prices have been cut as well.
A more domestic feel
The various modifications being brought in for next year’s range all share the same objective – to make these caravans feel more like a home from home.
Domestic-style furnishings abound, with Lunar Caravans describing the new ranges as something you might see from a high-street retailer such as BHS or Next.
Furthermore, the Preston-based ‘vanmakers have enhanced their green credentials by introducing LED lighting throughout the interiors, and adding an Eco-Camel shower in the bathroom.
This water-saving system was first seen on BBC’s The Apprentice last year and can reduce consumption by 20 per cent, while keeping the shower pressure as strong as ever.
In the kitchen, you get a new Sanyo microwave, as well as… Read more 
This week Caravan Times brings you first pictures of the new Lunar models with further details of layouts and pricing. Stay tuned by liking our Facebook page or join our Lunar group
New 2012 Elddis Buccaneer Caravel: The end for transverse beds?
Chris Jefferies
The luxury offering from Elddis has been completely overhauled for 2012, offering a range of premium features for truly discerning touring holidaymakers.
Despite the additions and extra space in some Buccaneer Caravans models, the weights have been reduced, resulting in lower running costs.
Continuing our In Focus series, we take a closer look at the improvements on-board the new 2012 Buccaneer Caravel, which features a new bedroom layout.
At their launch event last week (July 4th), Elddis bullishly asserted that the transverse bed is “dead”, as they believe that the island bed layout, as seen on the Caraval, offers much more space.
The popular his and hers wardrobes are available on this model, as well as a longer fixed bed – ideal for the taller gentleman who doesn’t want his feet poking out at night.
Moving to the living area, and the lighting has been overhauled to make way for new LED bulbs, which offer a softer, more ambient feel, as well as improving the overall energy efficiency of the lighting by up to 80 per cent.
New ‘Cardinal Mirage’ leather interiors have been introduced as an optional extra; in the bathroom there are new granite-effect surfaces; while the kitchen has new hardwood worktops.
When it comes to technology, you are well covered, with modern touches such as USB charging points for hi-tech devices and an optional self-seeking satellite dish, which makes setting up your TV a breeze.
Best of all… Read more
Are transverse beds dead? Do island beds really offer more space?
Share your thoughts in our Elddis forum.
Stonehenge caravan site to open after 18-month struggle
by Chris Jefferies
Caravan lovers will be able to stay near the popular World Heritage spot of Stonehenge after plans for a camping and caravanning site were finally approved this week.
Stonehenge Campsite, as it will be known, was given the green light by Wiltshire Council, after an 18-month planning struggle and a public inquiry, the Salisbury Journal reports.
Space will be limited to 15 pitches in the winter and 35 pitches in the summer (March 19th to September 30th), so booking ahead may be necessary to get a space at this enviable spot.
For big events, such as the summer solstice, the capacity may be increased to allow up to 100 visitors to stay on the spot, the local paper adds.
William Grant, the owner, said: “What was here was a derelict pig sty that had been unused for 20 years plus. I think this is a good use and a major asset to Stonehenge.”
Several upgrades to the site are planned in order to attract visitors from all over the world, he added.
Family devastated by theft of new uninsured caravan
Next week, Caravan Times will be bringing you Security Week – seven days of articles dedicated to keeping your tourer safe. In this news story a couple explain how their grandchildren were moved to tears by the theft of their caravan.
by Chris Jefferies
A couple from Oxfordshire have spoken of their despair at losing their brand new caravan to thieves before they had been able to insure it.
Paula and Geoffrey Day had spent their life savings, just under £13,000, on a Hobby Prestige. Yet just three weeks after they took delivery of the tourer, it was stolen in a well-planned raid, the Witney Gazette reports.
Thieves broke into their back garden in Sutton, crossed a field, cut through a fence and moved a wood pile to steal the caravan.
The couple told the local paper that they were devastated at the loss, as they were planning to use the tourer to take their two and four-year-old grandchildren away to Newcastle this weekend for their first ever summer holiday.
So distraught were the tots that they broke down in tears upon hearing the news that the caravan was gone.
“We had been getting the children excited and packing everything away ready for it. I had to say nasty people have come and stolen it, and they burst out crying,” Mrs Day added.
What’s more, the couple admitted that they couldn’t afford to buy a replacement, as their savings are now completely gone.
This heartbreaking story reinforces the importance of arranging comprehensive caravan insurance for complete coverage from the day that your new tourer is delivered. Taking the risk, it seems, is just not worth it.
Lottery winners eye luxury caravan in £3.3m spending spree
by Chris Jefferies
Two lucky lottery winners from Hull have said that they plan to spend some of their multi-million pound winnings on a luxury caravan.
John and Susan Denston, who have been married for 37 years, scooped a life-changing £3.3 million in last Friday’s Euromillions draw after Susan saw that it would happen in a dream.
“I dreamt we had won and that we had gone to Leeds and put the winning ticket into the machine. I said to John it would be nice if we got £250,000. But to win £3m was unbelievable,” she explained.
The couple have already partly planned out their spending spree, with a BMW X5 named as their choice of towcar, but if they are still unsure about which luxury caravan to plump for, we at Caravan Times thought we’d offer our top five luxury picks.
Swift Conqueror
Price Tag: from £18,000
If the Denstons want to shop local, then they can choose from a range of caravan makers in Hull, with Swift’s Conqueror option always proving popular amongst discerning buyers, thanks to its redwood and granite-effect surfaces, as well as the Ultra Comfort luxury beds.
Bailey Unicorn
Price Tag: from £17,995
This model would be a wise investment as the Alu-Tech body makes for lightweight towing and added durability. The luxury features on board include a heated towel rail in the bathroom, walnut furniture and a dedicated drinks cupboard.
Vanmaster Occasion TBEW
Price Tag: from £39,950
For coachbuilt luxury, this tourer is a fine choice, billed as the ‘Caravans of Distinction’ due to its unsurpassed build quality. This particular model comes with a built-in DAB radio, which you can even listen to in the shower, thanks to the bathroom speakers. The underfloor heating system would keep the Denstons cosy, while the optional leather upholstery and solid ash furniture all add a touch of luxury to proceedings.
Tabbert Paganini 655 DF
Price tag: from 37,000 euros
If the Denstons are willing to look overseas for their next tourer, then this German offering could be just the ticket for futuristic luxury. High-quality wood, leather and stainless steel creates a truly opulent look, while the lighting can be individually adjusted to set the mood.
Fifth Wheel Inos
Price Tag: from £36,000
A British-built first – this caravan offers a slide-out side section resulting in three metres square of added interior space. Premium features include an air conditioning system and a rear camera for safer and easier reversing. The super-spacious 6’7″ headroom sets this one out from the chasing pack, while the electrically operated entrance step will make a great first impression on the Denstons’ guests.
Three-tonne whale and WWII relic washed up near caravan parks
by Chris Jefferies
Some weird and wonderful items have been seen washed ashore on beaches near caravan parks during the past week, including a three-tonne whale and a World War Two ‘torpedo’.
A touring holidaymaker got a shock when he stumbled across a rusty torpedo-shaped object on Monfieth beach, while taking a stroll yesterday, BBC Tayside reports.
The caravanner, who was staying at TayView Caravan and Camping Park, alerted the authorities, who later disposed of the 30-inch long relic, which was thought to be a parachute flare used during the Second World War.
A controlled explosion was carried out by bomb disposal experts at 8 o’clock on Monday evening and fortunately the nearby caravan park did not have to be evacuated.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers staying on the south coast at Bunn Leisure caravan park last weekend may have seen an even larger item wash up on the shore – the body of a three-tonne whale.
The cetacean was found on Saturday and since then the council has thoroughly cleaned the beach, making it safe and hygienic for visitors to return, the Chichester Observer reports.
Marine experts believe that the mammal was of the minke whale variety, which are normally found in the Pacific Ocean. The Natural History Museum has been notified of this unusual discovery.
Caravan owners invited to join the Club for Lakeland walks
by Chris Jefferies
The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced that it will be running a series of walks in the Lake District this September, giving touring holidaymakers a chance to explore the area’s beautiful countryside.
Starting from the Club’s sites in Eskdale and Ravenglass, each walk will be led by Tom Higgs, a fully qualified Mountain Leader, and they will include an opportunity to see some of the most unspoilt and hidden paths in Cumbria.
Each walk has been tailored specifically to be family-friendly, and outdoor enthusiasts can benefit from Tom’s 20 years of experience and expertise in the region.
The local site owners have described the area as a “walker’s paradise”, with peaks such as Harter Fell and even the gentler Tarns offering great views.
Each walk is priced at £15 for adults and £10 for under-17s for a full day and the trips will be offered from September 4th onwards.
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