A humble blue sticker has resulted in a 43 per cent decline in motorhome and caravan insurance claims over the past two years, it has been claimed. Caravan Guard launched the sticker scheme in 2009, which encourages motorhome owners to record the dimensions of their vehicle in a prominent place, such as on the sun visor, so they can decide whether or not to choose roads with low bridges.
The stickers are being relaunched for 2011 as the insurance company believes they are responsible for the massive drop-off in claims.
Sally Wilby, director at Caravan Guard, said: “Accidents are still happening and we’d like to help all motorhome owners avoid such damage.”
Furthermore, the stickers come with the measurements in both metric and imperial forms, so motorists won’t be caught out when travelling through Europe.
Caravan owners looking to obtain one of these useful dimension reminders can fill in their vehicle’s details on the Caravan Guard website and they will be sent a completed sticker in the post free of charge.
It’s official – the popularity of camping and caravanning is on the up. Earlier today Jon Dale of the Camping & Caravanning Club revealed to Caravan Times that so far, 2011 has been a bumper year for club site bookings. “It was a fantastic Easter, with occupancy up 43% on the same period last year and 2011 looks set to be as good, if not better than last year” he explained.
With those impressive figures in mind, we wondered how many camping fans have made the natural transition to caravanning – and where did they start?
Once a camper, always a camper?
The Camping and Caravanning Club is one of the UK’s leading outdoor lifestyle organisations with over half a million members. This roughly breaks down to 48% caravanners, 25% tenters, with the remaining proportion made up of trailer tent, folding camper and motorhome owners.
But it’s not a simple case of ‘once a camper, always a camper’; there is a certain degree of movement between the tenting and touring fraternities. As families grow, so too does the need for more space and improved facilities: “There tends to be a natural progression from tent to caravan and then on to a motorhome later in life,” added the Club’s Jon Dale.
Introducing the trailer tent: a “half-way house”
For some, making the leap from canvas to caravan is a big decision. Whether you’ve outgrown the tent and need a bit more space for the family, or if you’re seeking a bit more comfort later in life – the decision to upgrade to a touring rig is not one to be taken lightly.
So then, where to start? How do you know if you’ll enjoy holidaying in a rolling home-from-home? A new entry level caravan, after all, is a much bigger investment than even the most sophisticated of tents. Then, there are storage issues and the small matter of a compatible towcar to think about.
Trailer tents make an excellent half-way house, bridging the gap between a ground-anchored tent and a mobile caravan unit. They offer the flexibility of lightweight touring, whilst still providing the all-important space and comfort factors. Three of the best
If form is just as important as function – a new import from Dutch camping trailer manufacturers Holtkamper may be just the ticket. Extremely lightweight, the Cocoon model (pictured above) weighs just 220kg including the tent, tent frame and awning, and the front section can be pitched without the use of tent pegs. Once packed down into the trailer, this model is light enough to be towed behind most small family cars with a standard driving license.
Those with a small budget, and a big sense of humour might like to try out this full-sized, officially licensed, replica of a 1965 VW campervan. The tent (pictured right) may not be as transportable as the real thing, but at £300 it’s a snip for any big pretenders out there! And at 100 paces on a still day, who’s to know the difference?
Another alternative is to turn your car into a caravan with the SwissRoomBox. This Swiss Army knife-inspired box of tricks has four modular units which can be converted into kitchen, washing, dining or reclining formations.
It claims to be ‘the world’s smallest motorhome set up’ capable of fitting into most cars, and provides an alternative method of testing out the facilities found in a caravan at a fraction of the cost. But be warned, this is one for good weather only! Watch the SwissRoomBox in action.
Over the last few years we’ve often heard from readers of Caravan Times concerned about the increasing kerbweights of modern touring vehicles. Many feel that the price paid for today’s more luxurious and durable caravans is the weight increase. Yet our latest Used Caravan of the Week proves that one need not sacrifice space and interior appointments for lighter weight.
This week’s offering is a 5-berth model, yet weighs in at a sprightly 1150kg towing weight suitable for most cars. It comes from a venerable and sadly discontinued British brand which was once known for exceptional build quality and damp resistance. Founded in 1972 as a merger between tourer manufacturer ACE International and leisure home maker Belmont Caravans, ABI Caravans were renowned for making spacious and solid family tourers. Many have been looked after by careful owners, and you can still find a number of original ABI models on the road today.
Venerable Viceroy
The word “Viceroy” refers to a royal official who runs a country – and our ABI Jubilee model from 1993 certainly has a rather stately, old-fashioned presence to it. You’ll find lashings of pine wood throughout the caravan, with plenty of cupboard space and storage for all the family.
Often you’ll hear caravanners bemoan the lack of a closed-off bedroom area, and the Viceroy stands out for having a separate bedroom with its own door. Contained within is a double bed, while a single bunk can also be used above it where needed.
Meanwhile the front offers usefully versatile bedding: you can have two single beds or a kingsize double depending on guests.
History
The current owners have been in possession for four years “and enjoyed every moment of it”. It’s believed to be 1993 registered, and as mentioned earlier boasts an impressively light 1150kg towing weight. The owner reveals “there are the normal little marks expected on a caravan of this age, but it still looks great” and that “everything works great”.
Kit and caboodle
The Ace Jubilee Viceroy comes with a well appointed kitchen complete with gas oven, four burner hob and grill. The fridge freezer can operate three ways on gas, battery or electric power. A separate bathroom carries a Thetford cassette toilet, basin and shower, while hot and cold water is on tap. With a gas heater and double glazing the Viceroy is certainly aiming for the “home from home” feel.
And there are plenty of extras thrown in by the owner including a gas bottle, waste tank, aqua roll, mains hook up cable, a hitch lock, and a TV aerial. A well kept Dorema awning is a useful bonus.
The Caravan Club is inviting caravan owners on holidays in Scotland to explore the natural wonders of New England Bay this summer. This Southern Scotland destination is running nine special events over the next four months in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Caravan-loving holidaymakers can join the RSPB wardens and discover the Mull of Galloway Reserve, with its wealth of wild life that lives along this spectacular coastline.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their binoculars as this is a popular site for birdspotting, as well as sighting other interesting British wildlife.
The walks, which cost a nominal fee, start on June 8th and run on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays until September 7th.
Brits taking their caravan to this scenic part of Scotland can stay at the nearby New England Bay Caravan Club Site, which boasts a five-star rating from the Scottish Tourist Board.
More than 150 pitches are available with prices starting under £5 per caravan per night
Caravan owners taking in the Lake District as part of their UK touring holiday have been warned to be extra careful when it comes to securing their motorhome.
Following a recent spate of thefts in the region, local police have urged visitors staying in camp sites to take care not to leave their caravan unlocked when it is unattended, the BBC reports.
In the past few weeks, items such as laptops, phones and handbags have been stolen from unsecured caravans, and this type of crime is unlikely to be redeemable against a caravan’s insurance policy.
Inspector Richard Quinn of Cumbria Police said: “Crime levels in Cumbria are low, but campers and caravanners need to be aware that opportunist criminals travel to the more remote areas of our county to steal items that have been left insecure.”
He added that it is important not to get complacent with security on holiday as this could result in your trip being spoiled by criminals.
The Sterling Europa series is a quality entry level range from the Swift Caravans portfolio. In this review we focus on the four berth Europa 470 – a compact entry level tourer ideal for couples who want a bit of extra breathing room.
Redesigned in 2009, the entire Europa range received a number of new interior and exterior appointments. The Europa 470 was given a new rear panel and a triple-window section up front – but the most dramatic changes were saved for the inside.
It shares exactly the same layout as the Swift Charisma 535, yet comes with an entirely unique interior scheme. Pale wooden cabinetry and light pastel upholstery fabric is contrasted with a dark brown ebony carpets; this in effect makes the interior feel light and bright.
The 470 features a compact front dinette, rear end fixed bed and a nearside corner washroom. The central kitchen area can be found opposite a small full length nearside wardrobe. It’s considerably lighter and shorter than the 520 (the next four berth model up in the Europa range). Yet unlike its larger alternative the layout is better suited to couples who host the occasional guest, rather than those with young families.
Space & Practicality
The front dinette can be converted into a second double bed, with a small occasional table which can be collapsed at night-time. The living area is compact and may be better suited for couples who have the occasional guest, rather than full time double berth use.
Cavernous underbed storage can be accessed by lifting away the mattress, and there’s plenty of overhead locker storage which now feature positive catches to keep them firmly closed during transit. There’s one open shelf unit above the oven in the kitchen, which lends itself as a handy little alcove for storing spices and oft-used cooking essentials.
A triple window arrangement to the front lets in a decent amount of light during the day, while low energy LED task lighting provides illumination by night. Equipment & Comfort
For the 2010 season the kitchen has been redesigned for better catering and features a built in microwave oven, digital control fridge, Thetford oven and a dual fuel hob. In addition a granite-effect moulded sink and handy twin electric socket complete the appliances.
Light towards the rear is provided by a side window and a skylight above the bed, with a further Heki rooflight in the washroom. The self-contained wetroom features a Thetford swivel toilet and shower with a sink positioned just outside the bathroom door.
Heating is provided by 3kw gas and 2kw mains dual fuel blown air heating system with ducts into the living, sleeping and washroom areas.
Furnishings
Light and bright is the order of the day in the Europa 470. The Scandanvian-influenced interior feels opulent, while the overall finish is poles apart from anything Ikea might offer in terms of quality.
The carpets can be removed to reveal traffic-heavy resistant vinyl underneath, while beech slat bed bases provide a decent level of comfort. Finally a sprung hinged top gives convenient access to under-seat storage.
Safety & Security
Higher rated Hankook tyres were added in 2010 for improved performance and safety – offering an extra ten per cent load factor and better braking performance. There’s a receiver for an optional Al-Ko wheel lock and each model comes fitted with a smoke alarm.
Caravan safety should be top of the agenda for any ‘vanner wishing to have a happy and trouble free touring holiday. To help you get to your caravan site safely, it is important to pay attention to the weight guidance put in place for aid safe towing practices.
One of these important weight restrictions refers to the maximum load exerted on the car’s towball once it has been hitched up to a caravan – otherwise know as the noseweight.
There is a fair amount of discussion concerning how to get a reliable and accurate reading of your caravan’s noseweight. But first of all, here’s a bit more about noseweights:
So, what is the noseweight anyway?
The nose weight is the maximum load your caravan can put on your car’s towball (set out by the car’s manufacturer). The suggested figure for a safe noseweight when towing is around 7 per cent of the laden weight of the caravan – this tends to be between 75kg – 100kg.
Why is it important to stick to the recommended noseweight?
Quite simply, reducing or exceeding the recommended noseweight can make the rig feel unstable when towing, particularly when driving at faster motorway speeds. The noseweight should not exceed that stated by the manufacturers who use this figure to work with in stability tests.
How does a noseweight gauge work?
Support the hitch head with the gauge – when the caravan is stable, slowly wind the jockey wheel clear from the ground so that the entire caravan is supported by the gauge, thus enabling you to take a true reading of the nose weight.
One of the most efficient ways of measuring this is to use a Caravan noseweight gauge. There are currently some excellent products on the market – below we take a look at five popular models currently available to buy online.
Milenco Precision Calibrated Nose Weight Gauge
Milenco’s Precision Calibrated Noseweight Gauge (main picture) is the only piece of apparatus to be approved and calibrated to British Standard BS7691, and has proven accuracy within 2 kilos, even after 1,000 uses. The scale goes up to 130 kilos.
Price: £24.95
Reich Towbar Load Control
The TLC is a digital noseweight gauge which measures the weight of the hitch on the towball. The devise is positioned between the caravan hitch and the towball; this has the added benefit of measuring the weight at the correct hitch level. It is more compact than other brand offerings and has a maximum load of 109kg. The TLC comes in twin and single axle versions.
Price: £39.99
Pyramid Nose Weight Gauge
This more traditional gauge is manufactured by Pyramid and operates on a piano wire spring. It has a large, easy-to-read scale set in heavy duty metal which is stabilised by a large round base. It also comes in a cheery yellow hue.
Price: £19.99
OV Noseweight Gauge
The Outdoor Value noseweight gauge claims to be the only product on the market which is able to measure the weight applied to the tow bar directly from the towball. The unit is placed on the towball and locked into place by turning a locking ring. The trailer coupling head is then lowered onto the device to collect a reading.
Price: £22.95
Peak-outdoor Noseweight Gauge
Here’s another simple gauge – this one is made from ABS plastic and is the cheapest on our list. It can measure weights between 50 and 100 kilos.
Regular visitors to the Lake District are being given a chance to have their voice heard, as the Windermere Lake User Forum is due to host a drop-in session.
Caravan owners visiting Cumbria this weekend (May 21st) can head to Ferry Nab, Bowness and have their say on any issues concerning the UK’s largest lake.
Between 10am and 2pm, representatives from the Lake District National Park and South Lakeland District Council will be on hand to talk through any matters that need raising.
Rebecca Cathey, catchment projects co-ordinator for the Lake District National Park, said: “There are no limits to the discussions, so now is the perfect opportunity and time for people to get involved and tell us what their future aims and ambitions are.”
Furthermore, the User Forum is looking to recruit six keen individuals to represent interested groups, such as anglers, sailors, swimmers and commercial users of Windermere.
An art gallery based in a caravan is due to celebrate the south coast city of Portsmouth tomorrow (May 17th), with a special afternoon exhibition being laid on. From 4pm to 7pm, visitors taking their caravan to Portsmouth can see the works on display, which include brand new and archival photographic work.
Furthermore, art lovers can watch several video portraits and a short film made with Pilgrim Films during a similar project in Middlesbrough.
The display, at the University of Portsmouth’s SPACE gallery, will also include an annotated map of the city, which features contributions by local people, including anecdotes, opinions, drawings and observations.
Popular tourist attractions in Portsmouth include historic ships such as the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory, which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Motorhome owners looking to explore other parts of the UK can also pick up the Caravan Gallery’s guides to other major British cities such as Glasgow and Liverpool.
The Caravan Club has scrapped plans to help former Olympic sprinter Sally Gunnell to create a giant caravan park on her parents’ land in East London for the London 2012 Games.
Local campaign groups put up a tough resistance to the controversial plans, which could have led to 1,300 caravans being housed on the site, and they appear to have won, the Epping Forest Guardian reports.
Around 600 letters of objection were sent to the local council, with fears raised for increased traffic levels in the region next summer.
A spokeswoman for the Caravan Club said that it had never faced such strong local opposition to a caravan site in its 104-year history.
“It has become apparent that many Chigwell residents are in opposition to the plans for the temporary site. It was never the intention to cause such concern to residents and the club is surprised and saddened by the depth of sentiment,” she said.
The Caravan Club added that the Gunnells have been notified of this decision.
A one-of-a-kind teardrop trailer has been crowned the champion in a caravan building competition at a recent campervan festival.
Vantastival in Co. Louth, Ireland, is now in its second year and is a festival dedicated to fans of live music and campervan culture. This year, event organisers invited revellers to renovate, or construct from scratch, a micro-caravan in the ‘Teardrop Challenge’.
The Teardrop trailer became popular in 1930’s America, and has since developed a dedicated fanbase of caravan and DIY enthusiasts. It gets its name from the distinctive teardrop profile, but models come in all sizes, shapes and colours.
Entrants were encouraged to be as off-the-wall as their imaginations would allow, with judges basing their final verdict on the exterior look and the standard of the interior finish.
According to the Donegal Democrat, the winning entrant was constructed by 29-year-old Enda McFadden, who began building the caravan just a few weeks before the start of the festival.
A carpenter by trade, Enda used his skills to construct the two berth caravan – receiving Euro500 worth of DEWALT power tools for his efforts.
The judges were particularly impressed with the exterior design scheme; Enda used blackboard paint on the caravan’s walls and invited spectators to decorate the caravan with their own designs.
A family-owned caravan park on Devon’s Jurassic Coast celebrated its diamond jubilee on Friday (May 13th). Oakdown Country Caravan Park welcomed its first static caravan on this date in 1951 and it is believed that it was one of the first designated caravan parks in England, the BBC reports.
The idea for a holiday home on the site was proposed by local businesswoman Jill Bennett, who approached farmer and landowner Edgar Ellis about the scheme.
Exactly 60 years later and the park remains in Mr Ellis’s family, with his daughter Doreen Franks now running the establishment.
Furthermore, Ms Bennett is still in touch with the owners and will be returning to the site, now aged 101, for the diamond jubilee celebrations.
“They’ve come a long way since I first convinced them to let me put a caravan in their field, and it is amazing to see how it’s developed over the years,” she said.
Oakdown Country Caravan Park currently has 150 pitches for touring caravans and 72 static caravans for holidaymakers to rent, and earlier this year it was named AA South West Regional Campsite of the Year 2011.
to the tow bar directly from the towball. The unit is placed on the towball and locked into place by turning a locking ring. The trailer coupling head is then lowered onto the device to collect a reading.
