Caravan traffic warning before bank holiday getaway

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by Chris Jefferies

Despite the clearing volcanic ash cloud allowing some holidaymakers to get away by plane, caravan owners are still being warned that this weekend could see very high levels of traffic on the UK’s roads.

The AA has estimated that around 15 million motorists, or roughly one in four Brits, will be hitting the roads this weekend, with caravan traffic likely to be at its worst in the south-west of England.

Traffic is expected to peak between 10am and 2pm on Saturday (28th May), as Brits scramble to get away to make the most of the long weekend, the Metro reports.

Furthermore, Trafficmaster estimates that the A303, which runs through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset, will be one of the busiest routes.

Meanwhile, TyreSafe has warned motorists towing caravans to take extra care as conditions may be slippery due to forecasted rain showers.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: “After the recent prolonged dry spell, the rain showers, which are forecast for much of the UK this coming weekend, are likely to make the roads extremely slippery.”

Caravan dealer Salop Leisure films all 158 models on sale

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by Chris Jefferies

Shropshire-based caravan dealer Salop Leisure has aimed to give potential buyers a unique view of its range of caravans by filming videos of all 158 of them.

They employed local multimedia business 7video to undertake the mammoth task, which took two weeks to complete, Shropshire Live reports.

Martyn Harris, cameraman and director of 7video, said: “Filming inside a mobile home can be challenging as it was important to get the light right and convey the feeling of space inside the models.”

Every mobile home and caravan in the dealer’s on-site stock was filmed and the resulting footage has been uploaded onto their website, leading to a recent boost in sales, the company said.

Salop Leisure has three dealerships in Machynlleth, Shrewsbury and Stourport and its range of caravans includes models from Bailey, Elddis and Coachman.

Caravan owners in the Mid Wales region near Machynlleth are encouraged to go along to the Salop Leisure Holiday Home Show, which offers daily discounts from Friday (May 27th) for nine days.

Opposition continues over Olympic caravan site

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by Chris Jefferies

Sally Gunnell’s plans for a caravan site for the 2012 Olympic Games have resulted in around 100 residents turning out to protest during a local council meeting. The Caravan Club met with members of Chigwell Parish Council last week (May 19th) to discuss the plans, which would provide pitches for 1,300 caravans, the East London Guardian reports.

Objectors to the site say it will cause massive traffic jams in the surrounding area and set a worrying precedent for the future of the area.

Sue Lloyd, a spokeswoman for the newly set up Chigwell Residents’ Action Group, said: “We’re hoping the caravan site will be relocated elsewhere because we fear it will destroy our environment.”

The site, which would be built on farm land owned by the former Olympic sprinter’s parents, is planning on welcoming caravan owners from July 25th to September 11th next summer.

Vice-chairman of the parish council, Richard Alvin, said he was considering opposing the plans due to the 600 letters of objection he had received.

The ultimate caravan toy for kids?

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by Holly Tribe

If you are heading off on a half term caravan holiday next week and are in need of something to entertain the kids with, we could have just the answer. How about giving them a masterclass in the art of towing with a pint sized caravan and towcar rig?

Take a look at the miniature rig in action

One inventive hobbyist has already come up with a prototype for trying out manoeuvres and combating the dreaded ‘snaking’ action. All from the safety of a radio controlled kit car and homemade model caravan.

Although the rig is not available to purchase, why not spend an afternoon of Blue Peter inspired make-it-yourself-fun and construct a model caravan from items found around your caravan? You should be able to make a good start with an empty cereal box, cotton thread spools for wheels and maybe some wooden kebab sticks for the chassis assembly?

Hook this up to a remote control car and you’ve got yourself an impromptu caravan derby (although you might want to clear that one with the warden first!) We’ll leave you to come up with the finer engineering points but if you fancy giving it a go, take a look at the master in action for some inspiration below.


Used Caravan of the Week: 1989 Coachman Mirage VIP

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by Holly Tribe

This week’s ‘Used Caravan’ selection is a five berth tourer from 1989. It may be well over twenty years old, but despite its age, this Coachman Mirage VIP is in remarkably good nick, with a well cared for exterior and near-impeccable inner cabin.

Coachman Caravans are well known for their superior build quality and high levels of interior refinement. And whilst the inside of this particular model may now appear quite dated, the workmanship that Coachman is famed for is plain to see.

In terms of layout, there’s a large U-shaped seating area to the front which converts into a spacious kingsize bed. Towards the rear, a second dinette can be transformed into another good sized double with a heavy duty bunk bed positioned above. The rear end can be sectioned off by drawing a curtain across the cabin creating a designated kid’s room or a private space for guests.

Whilst technology has moved on somewhat since 1989, and you certainly won’t find an electronically operated drop down bunk as in the 2011 Burstner Averso Plus, this is a basic, comfortable caravan ideal for first timers looking for a family-sized ‘van on budget.

History

The interior is a little dated, but in good condition considering the caravan’s age. And depending on the final price, the winning bidder may find they have enough change left over to re-upholster the cushions and breathe fresh life into this otherwise functional tourer.

A small wall area behind the curtain has been affected by a roof seal leak, which has caused the affected section to become ‘spongy’. However, the seller is keen to point out the problem has been treated and “none of the seating was damaged’.

The sellers’ description also draws attention to a weakened section of flooring running alongside kitchen surface area, which can be “easily strengthened from under the caravan.”

Kit & Caboodle

The kitchen comes equipped with a combination oven/grill with a three burner hob and a decent sized sink with a hot and cold mixer tap. The buyer can keep their perishables fresh in the three way fridge which also has a small ice compartment. The cabin can be heated in colder weather via a gas fire, and a pump supplies water to the taps and shower unit.

A chemical toilet, clean and waste water containers, gas bottle, spare wheel and power lead are all included in the sale, along with a Bulldog hitch lock, to help keep the caravan and contents safe. The seller recommends carrying out a gas check before first use; otherwise all the kit is listed in good working order and comes with the original manuals.

  • Price: £405 (bidding not yet ended)
  • Width: 7 feet
  • Length: 18 feet
  • Berth: 5
  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details on the 1989 Coachman Mirage VIP for sale


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Bentley Indigo wins motorhome of the year award

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by Chris Jefferies

The results are in and the winners have been announced – the Bentley Indigo has been named as the winner of the Caravan Club’s Motor Caravan Design and Drive Competition 2011.

Based on the Renault Trafic, the Indigo also took first place within its individual category, coachbuilts between £43,000 and £54,000.

The Bentley Indigo features an end kitchen and washroom in its nearside rear corner, a comfortable seating area and softened suspension for a smoother ride.

Other key winners include the Elddis Majestic 145, which was named as the best coachbuilt under £43,000 and the Hymer Star Edition 514, which was the winner in the A-class category.

The win caps a great year for Bentley, as the company has only been making motorhomes for 12 months so far. Despite this, the firm has already set up a network of seven dealerships across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Nottingham caravan sites ‘perfect’ for family holidays

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by Chris Jefferies

Families looking to take a holiday in the UK can find plenty of fun activities and ample caravan sites in the county of Nottinghamshire. This is according to Jenny Leighton, a spokeswoman for Experience Nottinghamshire, who is championing the region as a “perfect destination” for a summer break.

“Families will be spoilt for choice with the colourful offering of attractions that are waiting to engage, educate and entertain every step of the way,” she said.

Her comments come after recent figures from STR Global showed that Nottingham hotels experienced an occupancy growth of 11 per cent over the first three months of the year.

However, Ms Leighton points out that there are plenty of other family-friendly accommodation options on offer in the county, including B&Bs and caravan sites.

Possible highlights of a family trip to Nottinghamshire include cycling and hiking in Sherwood Forest and a visit to the historic Creswell Crags, home to Britain’s only recorded Ice Age art.

Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park attracts more interest

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by Chris Jefferies

The Caravan Club is not the only organisation interested in taking over the Queen Elizabeth Park in Stonehaven, it has been claimed. Peter Bellarby, chairman of Stonehaven Town Partnership (STP), said at a weekly meeting of the District Community Council that his organisation has been identified as possible leaseholders, the Mearns Leader reports.

Aberdeenshire County Council is planning on handing over control of all of the caravan parks in the area to private owners to help it cope with budget cuts.

Mr Bellarby explained how the possible ownership system could work: “STP could take a lease of the caravan park from the council, then it in turn could sub-lease it to the Caravan Club.”

He claimed that this was the best solution as it would bring much needed investment, while retaining some of the profits for the benefit of local development.

The Caravan Club already owns three caravan sites in Aberdeenshire – Huntly Castle, Silverbank and Invercauld.

New 2012 Ford Focus: the towcar that drives itself

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by Marcus Dubois

Every so often in the motoring industry a car comes along which changes everything and becomes the benchmark for its sector. Nearly forty years ago the Volkswagen Golf established itself as the reference car which started the small hatchback class. In the early nineties it was the Ford Mondeo which redefined the family saloon car with impressive driving characteristics. But back in 1998 it was another Ford which caused a wave of interest with its grin-inducing handling.

The Mark 1 Ford Focus was the much-needed replacement for the ageing Escort. Yet following a best seller is always a tough act. What the Focus achieved however was a revolution in every aspect of the small hatchback. The sharp angular lines of Ford’s “New Edge” design still look fresh today, while the neatly styled interior was a welcome upgrade. And where the Focus really came alive was on the road, firmly becoming the driver’s favourite with a well-balanced ride and terrific handling.

With the second generation a best-seller the Blue Oval design team faced the toughest of tasks to improve this model. We take a look at the Mark III Focus to see what’s new.

Leaner, greener, meaner

To stay on top of the pile this new Focus has been completely revamped from the chassis to the design and interior. A raft of 21st century technology aims to keep driver and passengers safer than ever, and Ford has made great strides in improving the environmental credentials. The new Ecoboost units are notably frugal compared to past models, and use turbocharged petrol engines to get the most out of performance and at the pumps.

With two versions of the 1.6 engine available, both models return an impressive 47 mpg. Any difference in performance is marginal, with the 180 bhp taking seven-tenths of a second less to reach 62mph than the 148 bhp version. Although these are impressive, we recommend avoiding the base 1.6 petrol or 94bhp turbodiesel which lack enough punch for our purpose. Far better options for towing are the 113 bhp 1.6 and the 2.0 turbodiesel, both of which offer greater torque and power.

But it’s the EcoMode function that will interest those hoping to save money (and the planet). It’s a software tool which helps owners improve fuel efficiency through prompts and hints on driving style. A screen on the instrument cluster displays hints and reminders to reduce fuel consumption and save you money.

Hands-off driving?

The driverless car may still be the stuff of science-fiction, but the geeks at Ford have tried their utmost on the new Focus to bring us a step closer. Choose the “Driver Assistance Pack” (£750) and the car can automatically apply the brakes to prevent low speed accidents. Meanwhile a radar scanner on the rear-view mirror will look ahead for obstacles, and once again apply the brakes accordingly.

The headline feature is the Focus’ ability to actually steer by itself. A camera which can read road signs looks at the markings on the road ahead, and can detect if the car veers outside the white lines. So if you’re not indicating or turning the wheel to change course, then the Focus applies the brakes and pulls you back in.

At this point you might be forgiven for worrying whether the keen driving characteristics of the Focus have disappeared entirely. Thankfully the Focus is still as fun as ever, but with a far more assured feel than the nippy hatch of old. While the first generation changed the small hatch segment, this Mark III feels like the strongest challenge yet to another seminal car: the Volkswagen Golf.

Thinking outside the box: Introducing the Aliner folding camper

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by Holly Tribe

During the course of routine cyber wanderings, we recently came across a unique breed of caravans that are relatively unknown on British shores. With the pitched roof of a tent and the chassis and frame of a caravan, you could be forgiven for thinking these rigs are suffering from a bit of an identity crisis.

Watch a video of the Aliner in action

But these peculiar looking vehicles are not all they seem. Aliner campers are actually folding trailers with a pop up A-frame. Hailing from the Unites States, their relatively lightweight design makes them ideal for caravanners seeking a more manoeuvrable outfit with a shorter towing length.

The original design was conceived by Pennsylvanian-born Ralph Tait over thirty years ago and the concept has proved so successful, it has barely changed in that time.

Thinking outside the box

The A-frame design enables the sides and roof of the caravan to be assembled at lighting speed. The side walls and sloping roof architecture can be erected and collapsed in less than thirty seconds, making setting up and packing down a doddle.

Like their British folding caravan equivalents, Aliners are considerably easier to park and store than conventional caravans, and their lighter weights make them considerably more fuel efficient.

The steep roof line means there’s a surprising amount more headroom inside then you might expect. The seating and sleeping areas tend to be towards the front and rear ends where headroom is most restricted by the sloping ceiling, and standing activities such as washing up and cooking are concentrated in the middle of the cabin where the kitchen is situated.

A green machine

Campers intent on keeping their impact on the environment to a minimum can utilise the expansive surface area on both sides of the triangular roof to set up solar panels – angle the caravan towards the sun and you’ve got yourself a seriously efficient energy harvesting station to top up those leisure batteries.

Models range from the Alite – a super-compact version which its makers claim can be towed behind a motorbike – up to the Expedition model which comes with an outside shower, microwave and electric brakes. The design has been franchised in Australia by sister company A’van, but for now, these rigs aren’t available in the UK, but you can take a look around these distinctive folding campers in the video below.

UK’s potholes are a £13 billion problem

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by Chris Jefferies

This winter’s cold snap has significantly increased the pothole problem in the UK, with around £13 billion needing to be spent on filling in holes in the road, it has been claimed. According to a survey by the Labour Party, nearly three-quarters of local authorities are cutting their road maintenance budgets due to the current public funding squeeze.

As a result, it is likely that only the more severe road problems will be fixed in the short term, with many holes being ignored, which could potentially do damage to caravans and towcars alike.

Furthermore, 92 per cent of authorities who responded to the survey reported that they had a backlog of road repairs, which they did not currently have the budget to complete.

John Woodcock MP, Labour’s shadow transport minister, said: “Potholes frustrate road users more than anything. Instead of continually patching up knackered road surfaces with a bucket of tar we need a proper strategic plan for local roads.”

Lunar Caravans wins award for lean manufacturing practices

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by Holly Tribe

A leading caravan manufacturer has recently been commended for its lean manufacturing processes. Lunar Caravans was granted top honours in The Yorkshire Productivity Awards held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds last Thursday (19th May), with an award recognising the company’s commitment to efficient manufacturing techniques.

The firm has been taking part in a Business Improvement Techniques training programme which focuses on improving manufacturing processes to eliminate all forms of unnecessary waste. On completion of its training, the company has been recognised across a variety of different sectors for ‘exceptional progress in waste management improvement’.

Lunar’s Chairman and CEO, Brian Mellor, commented: “I have been amazed at the progress the Lunar team have made since the investment in Business Improvement Techniques training.

“Lunar Caravans will continue to support training in lean manufacturing for the fulfilment of both our employees as well as our business growth. Our team have applied themselves with great enthusiasm and I am especially proud of their achievements.”