TomTom launches nifty tow car accessory

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers in the market for a new tow car may be interested in picking up the new gadget from TomTom, which allows up to three devices to be charged at once. The TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger is up to four times faster than other traditional cigarette-lighter chargers and is compatible with a range of devices.

Whether you need to give your sat nav a boost or charge up your mobile phone, the new TomTom charger can handle the job.

Furthermore, a 1.2 amp USB charging point is compatible with MP3 players and tech-mad iPad or iPhone owners can use the 2.1 amp port. Lastly, there’s a 12V port for charging more power-hungry devices, like an in-car DVD player.

Corinne Vigreux, managing director at TomTom, said: “This is a neat in-car, in-truck, or in-caravan charger.”

The TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger is available now from Amazon, Dixons, Comet and Halfords for a recommended retail price of £19.99.

Caravan cleaning firm Carashine becomes Autoglym approved operator

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by Marcus Dubois

Caravan cleaning firm Carashine has received official approval from Autoglym to become its first ever approved operator in the leisure vehicle market.

The cleaning company is based in the North East and provides caravan and motorhome exterior valeting and detailing. After months of usage caravans tend to accumulate a surface patina of dirt and grime which can be tricky to dislodge. When preparing a vehicle for resale, some owners opt to have a specialist clean their tourer in order to return it to showroom condition.

In a conversation with Caravan Times earlier this week Carashine founder Jon Forster revealed the training process Autoglym place companies through before granting approval to use products, and his pride at becoming the first caravan firm to make the grade.

Autoglym – a worldwide reputation

Famed for producing valeting products for the “professional motorist”, Autoglym has an illustrious history dating back to 1965. Originally developed as a system for renovating used car paintwork, the products were only available to professional valeters in the trade.

However after the Autoglym name began to be known by public as an effective cleaning and polishing agent, the firm introduced its first range of “home care” products in 1986. Today the company offers ranges for both the professional and the customer who wants to maintain their vehicle at home.

Jon Forster explained just why he was anxious to become an approved operator after trying their product. “We used to get great results with the stuff I was using before, don’t get me wrong. But the caravan cleaning products we use now? They’re out of this world”.

Now available for home use

As a result Jon has now started to offer the same products on his website carashinenational.co.uk for those who want to work on their caravan at home.

Otherwise, his most popular requested job? “It’s usually the high gloss valet that people go for. You can top-up by using high-definition wax.

“I’ve always said, if people then want to maintain their caravan themselves, they can always get in touch – I’m more than happy to offer advice.”

New activities on offer from Haven Holidays this Easter

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by Chris Jefferies

A regular favourite amongst caravan owners, Haven Holidays has just updated its range of activities on offer for summer 2011, meaning the kids will never be short of things to keep them amused.

All 35 Haven parks in the UK have indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and classes on offer to new swimmers include water confidence and walking on water in a giant bubble.

On dry land you can choose from a range of sessions, ranging from mini-tennis and archery to cooking, football and fencing, all of which are included for free.

Other courses, such as fishing, golf, high ropes and rock climbing, will cost extra, but families can save on these by booking a Haven Activity Pass, which gets you six sessions for just £30.

Three-night breaks with Haven start at £199 per family of six at a range of coastal locations, including Marton Mere in Blackpool, Seashore in Norfolk and Devon Cliffs on the south coast.

SHORTLIST: ‘Dogs & Caravans’ photo competition – vote for your favourite to win!

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At the beginning of the month we launched our ‘Dogs & Caravans’ photo competition in league with National Pet Month to highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the benefits of living with pets.

Those of you keeping an eye on the leaderboard over the last couple of weeks will have noticed that competition for the top spot has been a closely fought contest between three cracking contenders.

Click here to view a gallery of the top 20 photos

Two of our leading entries, ‘Pip Watching’ and ‘Barney Watching the World Go By’ are beautiful portraits which perfectly demonstrate the contemplative side of our four-legged friends. Meanwhile, ‘Me and my Dad Chillin’ shows a giant loveable wolfhound almost dwarfing his owner! And latecomers ‘Bruce & Sasha’ and ‘We Want a Walk’ both show how adorable dogs can be when they want attention from their friend.

As we enter the final week of the competition, the time has come to review the 80 plus photos that have been entered, and draw up a shortlist of the top twenty most voted for pics which are displayed in the gallery below. If you have already voted, don’t worry! Please feel free to get friends and family involved or spread the word by clicking the facebook icon underneath the picture.

1st Prize: The photo with the most votes at the end of the month will feature on the front page of Caravan Times accompanied by a full length write up from our features editor, we’ll also throw in a Carpet, more of which below.

Runners up: The nine runners up will each win a CarPet – a nifty gadget for getting rid of pet fur from the upholstery and carpets of your caravan.

How to vote

1. Click on your favourite photo below to be taken through to the voting page.

2. Click on the button underneath the image to register your vote.

The competition will close on 2nd May and winners will be notified no later than Friday 6th May. Please note – we are no longer accepting new entries for the competition and there will only be one prize awarded per entrant in the final draw. Terms and conditions apply.

Good luck!



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Break a world record on your Cornish caravan holiday

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers heading to Cornwall this summer as part of a touring holiday are encouraged to visit Penzance on June 26th for a world record attempt. The popular coastal town is hoping to enter the Guinness Book of Records by hosting the world’s largest gathering of pirates.

This light-hearted event is the culmination of the 21st annual Golowan Festival, which celebrates the best of Cornish culture.

Penzance is hoping to take the title from current holders Hastings, who set the record with 6,166 pirates in attendance.

Malcolm Bell, head of VisitCornwall, said: “Penzance is famous for its pirates, so where better to challenge for the record for the highest number of scurvy knaves than in their true home?”

He added that Golowan brings colour and music to the streets and harbour of this ancient Cornish town.

Any would-be pirates keen to join in the dressing up fun are encouraged to meet at Penzance Promenade at 1pm on June 26th.

New 2012 Porsche Cayenne: what you need to know

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by Marcus Dubois

The second generation of the Porsche Cayenne has only been around for a year. Yet like the proverbial buses we’ve got another new model on the horizon. The good news for owners of the 2011 model is that there’s no external redesign here – all the changes are under the skin.

Crucially the upgrades are to engines and drivetrain, enough to tempt new Cayenne buyers looking to save money at the pumps or hoping for improved performance.

Click here to view our photo gallery of the 2012 Porsche Cayenne

Throughout this year Caravan Times has been campaigning for lower fuel prices after feedback from caravanners struggling to enjoy the hobby in 2012. And while the high list price of the Cayenne (starting at £42,990) might mean owners scoff at the cost of fuel, Porsche has still worked to improve efficiency.

Less weight, more power, cheaper fuel costs


The diesel is the bestseller in the Cayenne range and best suited for our purpose. The 3-litre V6 engine found in the Cayenne Diesel has been given a power hike of 5 hp to 245 hp. Combine this with a 20kg reduction in weight and upgraded parts and you get minor improvements. Two-tenths of a second has been shaved off the acceleration time from 0-62 mph, which now takes 7.6 seconds. Fuel economy is also marginally better at 39mpg from the previous figure of 38.2 mpg.

All very well regarding facts and figures, but how does this benefit you? The reduction in kerbweight will be noted by those who nickname the big Porsche “porker”, while a drop in CO2 emissions to 189 g/km is another welcome boost.

Hybrid towing


One of the criticisms levelled at using hybrid vehicles for towing is the availability and delivery of power. Updates to the Cayenne S Hybrid could help change this theory however. Porsche has made changes to the hybrid management systems to allow low-speed EV mode from a cold start. (Previously a driver could only access this mode once the engine was warm enough).
So if the conditions are right, Porsche claims that you can drive and manoeuvre at low speeds on electric power alone. This should help drivers considering towing with a Porsche Cayenne.

The ultimate Cayenne

If you’re not fussed about saving the planet and want the ultimate in performance, then read on. The new Cayenne Turbo now gets the powerkit that debuted on its sister model the Panamera Turbo S. This means the Cayenne Turbo’s already stupendous 500 bhp now gets an extra 40 bhp. 0-62 now takes 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 176 mph.

Click here to view our photo gallery of the 2012 Porsche Cayenne

Used Caravan of the Week: 1950 Airfloat Land Yacht

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by Holly Tribe

This week we take a brief sojourn across the pond to see what’s available on the American used and second hand scene.

I think it’s fair to say our Yankee counterparts aren’t shy when it comes to the size and weight department, demonstrated perfectly by the Airstream travel trailer units; even the stripped down European version of the Airstream 684 weighs in with a hefty MTPLM of 2,190 kgs.

Click here to see an image gallery of the Airfloat Land Yacht

But there is another aluminium-clad super trailer that consigns Airstream ‘vans into the shadows. The Land Yacht from the Airfloat Coach Company is another vintage behemoth that comes in at 24 feet (7.3 metres) in length and has a dry weight of 2,240kg.

Its current owners have lovingly renovated it back to its original condition, with 600 hours spent on interior restoration.

History:

Founded by Omar Suttles in 1929, the Airfloat Coach Company is one of the oldest names in American trailer manufacturing. Airfloat trailers could be considered the Vanmaster’s of the US caravan scene in terms of luxury appointments and cost.

Models have historically been priced well over the industry standard for comparable sizes, which might go some way towards explaining the rather hefty £40,000 price tag of this week’s used caravan candidate.

Kit & caboodle:

This lovingly restored Land Yacht has the original moon hubcaps and corrugated aluminium siding, and its trademark porthole style windows running along the length of the trailer.

There’s a new refrigerator, toilet, heating, water and waste system. The kitchen has plush granite worktops and the original Dixie stove. The lighting has been redesigned with custom built light fixtures and let’s not forget about the bespoke underfloor wine cellar, and leather easy chairs!

  • Price: $65,000 (£40,000)
  • Berths: 2
  • Dry Weight: 2,240 kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Width: 2.39m

For more information, head to www.airfloatlandyacht.com.


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Bailey Unicorn receives EC caravan approval

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by Chris Jefferies

Leading caravan manufacturer Bailey has announced that its Unicorn model is the first in its range to achieve EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

In order to reach this standard, a caravan must meet a whole host of stringent European directives, including weight, dimension and safety regulations.

All other caravans in the Bailey range are certified by the National Consumer Council, giving customers the assurance that their caravan is both legal and safe.

The EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval will be compulsory for all new caravans bought in the UK from April 2014 onwards.

Recent technological advancements in the Bailey caravan range include the development of a new Alu-Tech body shell.

Meanwhile, the company is also running a research project on caravan stability with engineers at the University of Bath.

The Bailey Unicorn range includes two and four-berth caravans, with prices ranging from £17,995 to £20,995.

VIDEO: What to do if your caravan awning is damaged in a storm

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by Chris Jefferies
Buying caravan awning is a popular way to expand your living space for a caravan holiday but what to do when damage occurs due to bad weather can be tricky.
Protecting this space is essential as awning is often a significant investment for caravan owners.
CaravanTimes has come to Towergate, one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, to find out what to do if your awning is damaged in a storm.
In this video Edward Cross, underwriting director at Towergate, gives his expert advice on what to do in this situation and stresses the importance of checking your insurance policy.

Special pitches at showjumping event for Camping and Caravanning Club members

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by Chris Jefferies

Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club can get special treatment at this year’s Bolesworth Showjumping Classic and Country Fair, including exclusive pitches. The annual equestrian event, which runs from June 9th to 12th, offers a range of family entertainment as well as some world-class sport.

Over 40 classes of showjumping events will take place, making for a real treat for horse lovers, young and old.

More family entertainment at this event includes a live performance by the X Factor’s Ruth Lorenzo, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Brian Mellor, and an appearance by television hairdresser Tommy van der Veken.

Furthermore, children will be able to ride ponies and walk on water, thanks to the WOW balls on Bolesworth Lake.

On-site pitches are exclusively available for Club members at a price of £40 per pitch per night, including tickets to the event in the Cheshire countryside.

It’s official – caravanning makes you happier

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by Chris Jefferies

While many caravan enthusiasts may have thought it for a long time, they now have proof, as a survey from the Camping and Caravanning Club has found that outdoor holidays really do make you happier, healthier and more connected to your family.

The survey, which included more than 60 studies by leading academics at Liverpool John Moores University, showed that 77 per cent of camping and caravanning fans are satisfied with their quality of life.

This compares with just 59 per cent of everyone else, while non-campers are 12 per cent more likely to feel stressed on an average day.

It’s not just adults either, as 91 per cent of children say that spending time exploring the outdoors with their parents makes them happy.

Furthermore, there is a growing appetite for camping amongst youngsters, with 79 per cent of those who haven’t been on an outdoors holiday saying that they would like to try it.

Adventurer Ben Fogle welcomed the research, saying that: “There are so many ways to camp nowadays and so many wonderful places to see, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.”

TOWCAR SPECIAL: Volkswagen unveils new 2012 VW Beetle in Shanghai

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by Marcus Dubois

The third generation of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle has been revealed to the public in China ahead of this week’s Shanghai Auto Show. Simply known as “The Beetle”, the car is the successor to the “New Beetle” which ran from 1999-2010 and was a modern update of a design icon.

Click here to view our gallery of the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle

The original Beetle was a tough act to follow: one of the most recognised cars of all time, immortalised in the “Herbie” movies, and the longest running most manufactured vehicle in the world. So while the cute retro styling of the New Beetle initially appealed, it suffered from electrical niggles, poor interior space and uninspiring engines.

After eleven years of the New Beetle, the German manufacturer has taken this incarnation in a sportier direction, drawing on design cues from the Beetle Ragster concept in 2005. In the press release Volkswagen was keen to point out “the latest generation moves away from the design of the New Beetle of 1998”. Can this Beetle succeed where its predecessor failed, and become a modern classic?

Longer, wider, lower

Based around three “semi-circles” with an upright appearance, the bubble car design of the previous Beetle was striking yet lacked sporting character. With a wider, lower and longer stance this new Volkswagen Beetle towcar is an entirely different proposition.

Volkswagen believes the flattening of the once-round Beetle gives it a more “masculine and aggressive appearance”. The roof now extends back further and the windscreen has been shifted back, allowing the rear section to resemble the original Beetle.

The New Beetle was criticised for poor interior packaging and this redesign has allowed for more interior space. Though families should be warned it’s strictly a four-seater with only 310 litres of boot space.

Fuel efficient engines

In the UK a choice of four engines will be initially offered, all of which offer an improvement for caravanners. Three of Volkswagen’s most popular petrol units are available which use the acclaimed Twincharger system. Combining a supercharger and a turbocharger to boost pressure, the system delivers greater torque for towing purposes as well as greater fuel consumption.

The 1.2 litre TSI has found favour in the Polo model, but our pick of the petrol models is the 1.4 TSI – a sweet-revving unit with impressive performance which is a bestseller in the Golf. Those seeking performance should be satisfied with the 2.0 TSI until Volkswagen announce the likely R model. It’s the one diesel model available which is best suited to our purpose – a 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion technology which gives truly impressive returns at the pumps and greater levels of torque. As such the already impressive range of Volkswagen towcars has been further strengthened with the arrival of the new Beetle.

Click here to view our gallery of the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle