Used Caravan of the Week: Sprite Compact Pop-Top

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by Holly Tribe

This week’s Used Caravan is a mid-1980’s Sprite Compact Pop Top. Its retro exterior colour scheme will appeal to vintage lovers, as will the quirky Pop-Top roof design.

The Sprite brand was created by Sam Alper in 1947 and has perhaps the richest history of any UK built caravan range. Mr Alper wanted to create a strong, compact caravan that would appeal to post-war, budget conscious Britain, and the first prototypes were built from army surplus materials.

Click here to see more photos of the Sprite Compact Pop Top

Rallying the vans all over Europe and pushing the engineering to its limits, he proved their worth over subsequent years. And to this day, the Sprite name has retained its reputation as a compact, durable and most importantly cost effective range of caravans.

The Sprite badge now comes under the ownership of Swift Caravans, yet the emphasis has remained on compact comfort. The first Sprite caravan went for a snip at £200, and this vintage version won’t break the bank either with a price tag of just under £500.

History:

The sellers have listed general wear as to be expected from a 20 year+ caravan, but there are no major dents or scratches to the exterior reported. Some ceiling repairs have previously been carried out, and one cushion needs to be recovered to match the rest of the suite. There is no mention of previous owner paperwork. .

Kit & Caboodle:

Double berths to the front and a single at the back with the option of increasing sleeping berth by inserting bunks above the lower berth. A good sized wardrobe is located in the middle of the caravan and spare wheel included in the sale.

The van comes with electric points and an external 240v hook up, and double glazed windows. The kitchen has a hob grill, fridge and sink with an electric water pump supply. All appliances would need to be checked over before completion.

  • Price: £495
  • MTPLM: 685kgs
  • Width: 6ft 8in
  • Length: 15ft 3in
  • Berth: 3/5
  • Axle: Single

Get it while it’s hot on ebay…


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravan tourers encouraged to visit Devon’s Hartland Peninsula

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by Chris Jefferies

Holidaymakers taking their caravan to the Devon coast this summer have been encouraged to explore the scenic Hartland Peninsula for heritage travels and a rich array of wildlife. A new website, designed to attract visitors to the region, has been launched by the Hartland Peninsula Association (HPA), featuring details of the various attractions on offer this summer.

Visitors can explore the award-winning treasure trail, the popular bluebell woods, an Iron Age fort, a 12th century abbey and England’s only Marine Nature Reserve on Lundy.

Circular walk guides are also available to download to help you make the most out of your visit to this scenic part of the UK, which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Jane Young, chair of the HPA, said: “Our aim is to put Hartland Peninsula very firmly on the tourist map without spoiling the environment that we all live and work in and appreciate so much.”

Meet the Zetros: the monster motorhome from Mercedes Benz

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by Marcus Dubois

Could we have found the biggest, baddest motorhome on the planet? When our managing director forwarded these pictures of a Transformers-style monster truck, our initial thoughts were that April Fools Day has been and gone. Yet this apocalyptic looking beast is actually a special order vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz.

According to Drive, two Mongolian businessman friends who hunt for wolves with an eagle decided they needed something a bit beefier for expeditions. So the pair took delivery of two Mercedes Benz Zetros 6×6 trucks – with more than the usual levels of luxury.

Click here to view a gallery of the Mercedes Benz Zetros

Military grade transport



The new motorhome shares it’s DNA with trucks from the Actros series, part of the Military Vehicles division of Mercedes Benz. Powered by a mighty 7.2 litre turbo-diesel engine, the Zetros generates a staggering 1300Nm of torque. To put this in perspective, a TDV8 diesel Range Rover generates just over half this figure at 700Nm. And with two fuel tanks holding 500 litres, you can afford to miss a fuel stop every so often.

A nine-speed manual gearbox is standard on the Zetros and includes a crawler gear for those rock-hopping moments. Three mechanical differential locks can be selected on the fly using a rotary control and offer the maximum amount of traction available.

At over 10 metres in length and 2.7m in width the Zetros will struggle to fit into two parking bays. Despite these vehicles being designed for the harshest conditions, our Mongolian friends have spared no expense in creating the ultimate motorhome.

How to survive the apocalypse in luxury


Mercedes were tasked to create a penthouse on wheels, and the Zetros would put many apartments to shame. Because the Mercedes is based on a military vehicle which carries large payloads, the platform offers more room for the designers to play.
The luxurious bathroom sports marble flooring and underfloor heating, while the living room and bathroom are of generous proportions. But it’s the superbly equipped kitchen which stands out, with a full sized gas stove, refrigerator and even your own bar.

This particular model is unsurprisingly a hunter’s dream, with an enormous gunsafe for storing those hunting rifles and ammunition. Other gadgets worthy of a Bond villain include a rear garage that can accommodate a quadbike. And if you’re worried about how to power all this, fear not – a diesel generator powers a SAT receiver and dish, Mac Book laptops and a 46-inch monitor.

Click here for a full photo gallery of the Mercedes Benz Zetros

Interested motorhome fans can order their very own Zetros by clicking here. Hunting eagles are not included with the vehicle

Highways Agency warns caravan owners in the north to take care this Easter

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by Chris Jefferies

As the sunny weather puts caravan owners in the mood to take a trip to the coast, the Highways Agency is warning motorists to take extra care when towing. The government body has extended its warnings on major roads in the north west of the country for the Easter holiday period, from April 20th to May 8th.

Key areas highlighted by the agency include the M6, from junctions 25 to 26 and 32 to 33 northbound, and from junctions 41 to 40 southbound.

The M56 between junctions 12 to 14 and the Lymm interchange with the M6 were also picked out as areas where motorists should be particularly careful.

These areas are expected to be particularly busy with travellers heading for caravan holidays to north Wales, Blackpool and the Lake District.

Andy Withington, the Highways Agency’s area performance manager, said: “It is important we continue to ask those who tow trailers, horse boxes, boats and caravans to take extra care and prepare before the first long break of the year.”

Fatal blaze investigated at Shrewsbury caravan park

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Chris Jefferies

Police have reported that a fire at a caravan park in Shrewsbury claimed the life of an 80-year-old woman, who lived on the site. The fire at the holiday park started just after 10:00 BST on Saturday night (April 9th) and police are not treating the incident as suspicious, the Shropshire Star reported.

An unnamed woman, who lived alone, was recovered from the static caravan by emergency services, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police and fire services have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire at Beaconsfield Caravan Park, Upper Battlefield, which will serve as a stark warning to anyone considering forgoing caravan insurance or not buying a caravan fire alarm.

Detective inspector Mick Homden, from West Mercia Police, said: “At this stage there is nothing to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances.”

Other caravan parks in the Shropshire region include Presthope and Stanmore Hall Touring Park.

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Free tickets to The Great North Caravan & Motorhome Show

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by Holly Tribe

After the unprecedented success of last year’s event, the Great North Caravan & Motorhome Show is back! Catterick Caravans launched the Yorkshire based show in September last year at their redeveloped eight-acre site in Richmond. The event was a runaway success with over £1 million worth of caravan orders taken over nine days.

Click here to register for free show tickets

And now the show’s organisers are determined to replicate this success with a secondary Spring show.

Sales director, Matthew Kinsell, commented: “The turnout was unprecedented and has influenced our decision to run yet another event in April this year.

“The North is desperately in need of a show of this magnitude, with top caravan, motorhome and accessory brands all backing this Northern Show”.

Doors open on Saturday 30th April and there will be live entertainment, children’s fun and games plus food provided by their on-site café until the show closes on Sunday 8th May.

Bargains to be had

Catterick Caravans is Yorkshire’s premiere outdoor leisure superstore. It stocks a huge range of new and used caravans and motorhomes from leading brands such as Swift, Elddis, Lunar, Sprite and Sterling.

Those looking for a bargain can browse the two hundred ex-demonstrator models being sold off on a strictly first come first serve basis. Further discounts of up to £3,500 will be available on specific caravan models, the details of which will be revealed in due course.

To qualify for some impressive show offers and register your name for a free ticket, head to the show’s website at: www.caravan-show.co.uk.

How to get there

The show will take place at Catterick Caravans Outdoor Leisure World, Catterick Bridge, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7JB. For more information telephone 01748 818391.

DIRECTIONS: From the North take the 1st Catterick exit off the A1 onto the A6136. From the South take the 2nd Catterick exit off the A1. The show ground is located at Catterick Caravans, Brompton on Swale, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7JB.

Yorkshire caravan site given licence to extend

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by Chris Jefferies

Holidaymakers taking caravan tours of Yorkshire this summer will have even more space at Port Mulgrave, as the site has been given council permission to expand by 50 per cent. Five additional touring caravan pitches will be added to the site, the Whitby Gazette reports, after an application to the North York Moors National Park planning committee was approved.

Owner David Newton took over Port Mulgrave in 2003 and applied on behalf of the site, which has been a caravan holiday spot for around 50 years.

The site, which is open from March to October every year, currently has room for just ten caravans, so this marks a significant expansion.

Other caravan sites in the North Yorkshire region include Beechwood Grange, Hargill House and Rowntree Park, all of which are certified Caravan Club destinations.

Caravan lovers taking touring holidays in Whitby this summer can attend various cultural events such as Whitby Folk Week, which runs from August 22nd to 28th.

RSPCA urges caravanners to be mindful of pets during hot weather

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by Holly Tribe

The RSPCA has issued a warning to pet owners, urging them not to leave their dogs in caravans, cars or conservatories on hot days. According to the animal charity, leaving a window open with a bowl of water may not be enough to protect the animal against heatstroke.

When the outside temperature is 22 degrees, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 47 degrees within an hour. Such extreme temperatures inside the vehicle can result in fatal heatstroke for the animal.

Owners are advised to look out for excessive panting and salivation, overly purple or red gums, a rapid pulse and lack of co-ordination which are all signs of canine heatstroke.

Owners of older dogs or pets that are overweight, heavily muscled or have thick, long fur should be extra vigilant as they may be at higher risk of heat related illness.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke the charity advises moving them to a cool area immediately and contacting a vet. Bathing them in cool (not cold) water and allowing them to drink small amounts of cool water is also recommended.

Got something to say? Why not share your thoughts about dogs in caravans in our forum topic here.

Major incident averted after Surrey caravan fire

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by Chris Jefferies

Firefighters in Surrey were called to tackle a major caravan blaze in Chessington last Thursday (April 7th), after a propane cylinder exploded. No-one was hurt in the incident, but local police considered closing the nearby A3 due to a risk of further explosions, the Kingston Guardian reported.

The caravan in question was being used for storage, but an unnamed eye-witness at the scene was quoted as saying: “I can’t even talk. That’s 30 years of my life in there.”

A police spokesman said that the incident had been caused by oxycetalyne propane tanks, which posed a high risk of explosion.

As a result, four fire engines and 20 firefighters were deployed to the scene on Clayton Road in the Surrey suburb.

The situation, which will come as a warning for anyone considering cutting corners on their caravan insurance, was brought under control by early evening and the 200-metre exclusion zone around the caravan was lifted, the local paper added.

Caravan lovers told to go west for best beaches

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by Chris Jefferies

Touring caravan holidaymakers looking to catch some sun this summer may be glad to learn that the beaches of the south west have dominated a recent survey to find the UK’s best sandy coastal spots. TripAdvisor’s poll found that St Ives was the best beach in the UK, as voted for by the website’s users, followed by its Cornwall neighbour Newquay.

Other top reasons to go west on your caravan holiday include the beaches at Bournemouth and Weymouth, as the Devon tourist hotspots came third and fourth respectively.

But it was St Ives that took the biggest plaudits, as the seaside town even made it into the top ten beaches in Europe, beating off several foreign hotspots in the process.

Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokeswoman, said: “Vast numbers of Brits jet off to traditional Mediterranean beaches every year, yet a British beach resort has out-classed all its Spanish, French and Italian counterparts in the awards.”

Deluxe caravanning: 5 star luxury caravan sites

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by Holly Tribe

Luxury touring. We all know there are some resplendent touring caravans on the market which can feature everything from dishwashers to state of the art soundsystems. But where do you go when you want to show off your tourer in a suitably impressive setting?

One of our members recently posed the question ‘does anyone know of a high quality adult only sites, maybe with a spa or restaurant/bar’ in the Caravan Times forum.

This got us thinking, does such a thing exist? And pretending for just a second that money is no object – what are the most luxurious sites available out there where you can pitch a touring caravan?

Here’s five top luxury resorts – each with something a little different to offer.

1.Woodovis Park

Located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodovis Park is a multi-award winning 5 star caravan park located in Tavistock, Devon. A recent recipient of the a British Quality Foundation Award under the Tourism Business Excellence Programme – the site facilities include a mini golf course, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and to sate those early morning hunger pangs, there’s a tasty on-site bakery.
Tavistock, Devon
£20 – £35/ night

2. Seafield Caravan Park

For relaxing spa-break in the country, why not try the Seafield Caravan Park? Guests are invited to work up a sweat in the fitness centre, and then unwind in the Health & Beauty suite, steam room or sauna or simply have a luxurious soak in the 20m indoor heated swimming pool. All the touring pitches have mains water, electric, sewerage and drainage as standard along with full use of the shower and toilet facilities.
Northumberland
£25 – £48/ night

3. Stroud Hill Park

At the heart of this rural setting lies an imposing oak timber-frame building – where the reception area, shop and on-site bar and restaurant are located. Guests may want to take advantage of the three acre course fishing lake, or perhaps make new acquaintances over a game of tennis. Sorry kids – this one is for adult’s only.
Cambridgeshire
£26 – £26.50/ night

4. The Plassey Leisure Park

A 9 hole golf course and clubhouse, luxury indoor heated swimming pool and sauna room, sit alongside the ‘Treetops’ bar, onsite coffee shop and licensed restaurant. Not forgetting the, nature trails set over 247 acres of farmland and an adjoining Plassey Craft and Retail Centre. What this site doesn’t have probably isn’t worth mentioning!
£14.50 – £33.50 / night
Wrexham

5. Playa Montroig Camping Resort

Fancy strolling from the comfort of your caravan and into a bath-warm azure sea in a matter of seconds? If you don’t mind travelling a little further afield, then Play Monroig on the north east coast of Spain could be the one for you. Pitches are set among a complex of bars, restaurants and outdoor swimming pools, and the premium pitches have exclusive beachfront access.
http://www.playamontroig.com/en/accommodation/camping-plots.php
Euros 16 – 36/ night
Tarragona, Spain

Do you agree with our choices? Know of any other outstanding and luxurious caravan parks? Have your say in our forum topic here.

Van driver branded `utterly stupid` for towing static caravan

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by Chris Jefferies

A judge has described a van driver from Nottingham as “utterly stupid” after the motorist dragged a static caravan for a mile, leaving scrapes in the road behind him. Nottingham Crown Court heard how local man Kevin Hill had bought the unit for £300 and towed it behind his Ford Transit at the snail-like pace of five miles per hour.

Whilst caravan drivers are often criticised for holding up traffic, Mr Hill’s shenanigans were described by Judge Michael Stokes QC as an obvious “risk to other road users”, the Nottingham Post reported.

A witness said that the caravan had no braking system or warning lights, was obstructing cars and was clearly too big for the single-carriageway road.

Judge Stokes sentenced Mr Hill, 44, to a community order for 12 months and a curfew for two months between set hours, as well as taking away his licence for a year.