Swift Conqueror wins Caravan of the Year at the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

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by Marcus Dubois

For Caravan Times and its readers, 2010 was one of the most exciting years for caravanning, with a host of product launches and new ranges entering the market. And while a number of caravanners rely on journalism such as ours when choosing their next tourer or towcar, we at Caravan Times wanted to do something different when deciding the best of 2010.

Our editorial team wanted to give you the readership the chance to offer credit where due, and celebrate the best on offer for caravanners last year. As such we launched the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll where members could vote for their favourites.

Those awards in full

With thirty-four suggested entrants across six categories, the poll cast a wide net over many areas of the caravanning lifestyle. The Bailey Unicorn was voted Best Newcomer for its luxury interior and quality fixtures and fittings, while the same caravan also won our Innovation Award.

Readers voted Bunree Caravan Club Site as Best Caravan Park of 2010, while independent dealership Bardsea Leisure were worthy winners of Dealer of the Year 2010. Meanwhile after the closest of contests the Kia Sorento edged out the mighty Range Rover to win the Best Towcar Award. In our final category we asked reader to vote for the best overall caravan model of 2010.

Swift Conqueror: Caravan Of The Year 2010

The quality of entrants in this category was such that voting was predictably close. Readers praised the excellent revisions to the Lunar Clubman, while others registered votes for the new family-friendly layouts and radical design of the Stealth Q-Class.

Yet in the end the main contest was between Bailey Caravans with the Unicorn, and the Swift Group with three of its ranges. Both the revised Swift Challenger and Sterling Elite proved equally popular with readers, and the Swift Conqueror stood head and shoulders above the rest in the end.

The Bailey Unicorn was a formidable nominee, having already picked up Best Newcomer and Innovation awards in our poll. But perhaps it was the striking exterior of the Swift Conqueror and its well appointed, light interior which edged it for readers. Both caravans were winners in their own right, having proved popular with fans and becoming bestsellers for their brands. However there could be only one winner – and after counting the votes cast, the Caravan of the Year 2010 was the Swift Conqueror.

Thank you to all our members for participating and we hope you enjoyed the poll.

What’s on at Scotland’s biggest Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show?

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by Holly Tribe

Anyone passionate about caravanning and outdoor pursuits should head to the Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011, at Glasgow’s SECC from 3-6 February.

Over 150 companies will be showcasing products and providing inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.

All the major caravan manufacturers will be represented with new models from the Swift Group, Bailey Caravans, Lunar, Coachman, Elddis and European favourite Rimor.

If touring isn’t your thing, take a look around the UK’s largest selection of static caravans and holiday homes, or browse a full range of marine and camping products and accessories.

The Towsure Accessory Superstore is offering customers who purchase tickets in advance a £5 discount voucher when they spend £50 or more.

For destination inspiration, visit the Caravan Club at stand H30 or the Camping and Caravanning Club at stand G23. You can also drop in on the British Holiday & Home Parks Association for a wide selection of park brochures.

Finally, take a break from a hard day’s shopping and head to the Show’s cookery theatre. Here you can sit back and watch the show’s professional chef cook up some mouth-watering recipes in one of four free daily cookery demonstrations.

For details on how to win one of ten pairs of tickets to the show, click here.

Selby caravan site plans rejected

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by Gemma Roskell

Plans to build a caravan site for those working on travelling fairgrounds have been rejected by local authorities.

According to the York Press, an application to build the park in Selby, North Yorkshire, was submitted to the local council last October.

The site would have consisted of ten plots covering around six hectares of land, each accommodating a mixture of mobile homes, touring caravans and trailers.

It would have catered for up to 120 people travelling the country with mobile fairgrounds and similar businesses.

However, local residents submitted more than 300 letters and emails of objection to the council. Several anonymous complaints were also made.

In a final report rejecting the proposals, the council said: “There is no local or historic demand for a permanent site in the Selby area.”

It added: “There is no economic need, no known evidence of a social need, or of a traditional need within the Selby district.”

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Buying a used or second hand caravan – advice on price, dealers and private sales

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by Holly Tribe

Buying a second hand caravan is a great way for newcomers to try out the lifestyle without spending a fortune on a brand new tourer.

Yet the used caravan market can be a bit of a minefield. There’s a lot to look out for and things might not always be as they seem. Botched repair jobs or misleading adverts can lead even experienced caravanners up the garden path. So whether you chose to buy privately or from a dealer, here’s our top tips on what to look out for.

Research, research, research!

Have a clear idea of what’s on your shopping list. Consider how many berths you would like and which layout will best serve your needs. Do you want high spec equipment included or just the basics to get you started?

A visit to a regional or national caravan show can be a great way to research your options. Many of the leading manufacturers will have a range of new models on display for inspiration, and company representatives will be more than happy to answer questions and let you have a good look around.

Dealerships

Buying from a dealer provides a level of after-care peace of mind and many caravans will also come with a warranty. If one isn’t offered, ask why not; this could be due to a significant problem with the caravan. Make sure it has been fully serviced and all the paperwork is present and correct.

Private Sales

There are some great savings to be had when buying privately – yet buyers beware! You sacrifice the security of having a dealer to go back to if anything goes wrong.

If you come across a private ad on the internet that looks too good to be true, it probably is. It may sound obvious, but don’t be persuaded to part with any cash until you’ve had a chance to have a good look around and checked the owners details with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) database.

National register for touring caravans

Caravans manufactured by National Caravan Council members from 1992 onwards have their own unique 17 digit ‘VIN’ number which is logged in the Caravan Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS) database. Every time a caravan is bought or sold, the vendor’s details need to be updated.

If you are suspicious a caravan you are interested in might be stolen, you can check the details of the previous owner. The database will also tell you if the caravan is reported stolen, recorded as an insurance write-off or if it was purchased on finance and is facing repossession.

Click here to read about the best time of year to buy a second hand caravan – and what to look for when viewing a used tourer.

Win tickets to Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011

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by Holly Tribe

Thank you for your entries, this competition is now closed.

It is the biggest show in Scotland catering to the needs of caravanning and outdoor leisure enthusiasts – and we’re offering you the chance to win tickets to next week’s Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2011.

Visitors can explore 5 halls packed with all the latest motorhomes, caravans, holiday homes, accessories, gadgets and representatives from parks across the UK.

Click here for your chance to win a pair of tickets.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard will officially begin proceedings on the 3rd February opening the doors to the 150+ exhibitors. Big name manufacturers will be represented by dealerships from around the region who will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

The Caravan Club is holding 20 minute caravan manoeuvring sessions – giving participants the chance to have a go at towing a caravan. And for something a little different, you can head to 3 Counties Caravans to see the ‘Dub Box’, a vintage style caravan modelled on the iconic VW campervan.

The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show will take place at the SECC, Glasgow from 3-6 February 2011. Tickets can also be purchased online at Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show or via the ticket hotline on 0844 395 4000.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, just follow the simple instructions below. Good luck!

Top Gear blow up caravan to celebrate 10m Facebook fans

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by Chris Jefferies
Caravanners of a sensitive disposition are advised to look away now, as the BBC’s favourite caravan haters, Top Gear, have blown up another caravan.
With season 18 of the smash hit BBC One motoring show due to start on Sunday (January 29th), the Top Gear team have seized on their recent milestone of passing 10 million Facebook fans and used it as an excuse to blown up a poor, defenceless caravan.
In a video posted on YouTube today, anonymous racing driver ‘The Stig’ is seen pulling up to the doomed tourer in a yellow Vauxhall VXR8 and performing a few powerslides, before grabbing the plunger of a conveniently-placed detonator.
The resulting explosion is shown in graphic detail and in slow motion from several angles, as the shards of debris fly in all directions.
None of the caravan’s exterior remains intact, but the chassis, tyres and wheels stand up surprisingly well to the explosion, especially when you consider that the BBC probably spent more on explosives than they did on the caravan itself.
If this description hasn’t completely put you off, then you can watch the video in full below:

F1 driver to help Scottish caravan show celebrate 25th birthday

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by Tom Lowenstein

The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show gets underway next week and cutting the ribbon to help the renowned event celebrate its 25th anniversary will be Formula One driver Paul Di Resta.

As a Caravan Club member himself, Paul is the ideal man to set the wheels in motion at this year’s show, which runs for four days between February 2nd and 5th.

He will be following in the footsteps of fellow Scottish F1 star, David Coulthard who was the guest of honour at last year’s show.

Expressing his delight that Paul will conduct the opening ceremony this year, Lawrence Bate, The Caravan Club’s marketing director, said: “Caravans and motorhomes are a huge part of the F1 scene, with them being used by drivers to allow them to stay track-side, and by F1 fans to allow them to follow their favourite sport around the world and stay up close to the action.”

This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with more than 150 companies on hand to demonstrate their latest products to caravanners.

Visitors to the show will also be the among first to see Eterniti Caravans’ new range of luxury slide-out tourers, while the Fife-based company East Neuk Campervans from the coastal village of Anstruther will also unveil their brand new Fifer Pod.

The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show takes place from February 2nd to 5th at the SECC in Glasgow. Tickets are available in advance for £7 for adults and £6 for seniors, while under-16s go free.

Carbon monoxide awareness scheme targets Cornwall caravan sites

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by Tom Lowenstein

A new initiative in Cornwall is aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning among owners of caravan and camping sites in the region.

Following two incidents in Cornwall last year that resulted in campers being taken to hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are leading the ‘CO Aware’ campaign to raise awareness of the potentially deadly consequences.

Having joined forces with Bodmin-based Hentland Fire & Security and the Carbon Monoxide Awareness charity, the CFRS are to distribute posters and leaflets to caravan and camp sites.

Commenting on the new campaign, Mark Pratten, crew manager at CFRS’s Prevention Team, said: “CO poisoning can have tragic results. This is a great opportunity for local camping and caravan site owners across Cornwall to help us pass on this very important safety message.”

Mr Pratten added that caravan parks on the register will be able to take CO detectors on trial to loan to their visitors.

One of the incidents last year that prompted the new CO Aware campaign involved a group of three people who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after they took a smouldering barbeque into their tent.

David Coulthard to open Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

The Caravan Club has announced that former Formula One driver and Caravan Club member David Coulthard MBE will officially open The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show on 3rd February 2011.

The show is billed as Scotland’s only dedicated event for caravanners and lovers of the outdoors, and takes place from 3 – 6 February 2011 at the SECC, Glasgow. Over 150 companies will be in attendance providing product and services, while visitors able to see the latest 2011 models from all the major caravan and motorhome manufacturers.

If you’re thinking of planning your next holiday then you’ll be able to speak to representatives from parks around the UK. There will also be stands offering outdoor leisure accessories, camping equipment and marine products.

A Formula One caravanner

While David Coulthard may be known for literally enjoying life in the fast lane, the former racing driver turned TV pundit is a keen member of the Caravan Club and has vocally championed the lifestyle in recent years.

Lawrence Bate, Marketing Director for The Caravan Club was thrilled to have him on board for the show. “We are looking forward to David Coulthard opening the show and sharing his experiences of motor caravanning throughout his motoring career. As well as telling us about all the luxurious Motor Caravans in the F1 paddock!”

Tickets and information

The good news for caravanners is that advance ticket prices have been held at 2009 levels. Advance entry costs £7 (£6 for seniors) and those booking will receive a Towsure voucher for the show giving £5 off when £50 or over is spent.

Tickets on the door cost £10 each (£9 for seniors) and families will be pleased to hear that all kids under 16 can enter for free. The show is open from 10am until 6pm daily.

For more information visit caravanshowscotland.com or call the ticket hotline 0844 3954000.

Forest Holidays release new camping and caravan brochure

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by Holly Tribe

Forest Holidays has launched a travel-sized Caravan and Camping holiday brochure with details of twenty woodland sites located across the country.

Each holiday park features a range of facilities providing caravanners with everything they need for a real back to nature experience.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Sites Director, Bob Hill, is excited about the convenient new travel brochure. He said: “The 2011 Forest Holidays brochure is the perfect size for campers to carry whilst on the move, making it more accessible to find the perfect camping holiday.”

Horse riding, cycling, climbing and water sports are just a few of the activities available and visitors can make the most of being in the great outdoors by taking part in a Forest Ranger tour. Mr Hill added: “With a huge range of exciting activities available, Forest Holidays campsite experiences will fuel memories to last a lifetime”.

The sites are set among beautiful forests within the Forestry Commissions Estate, and work in partnership with the Camping and Caravanning Club. A copy of the Caravan and Camping Brochure 2011 can be found on their website here.

REVIEW: Hobby 560 CFe Excellent

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by Holly Tribe

From folding trailers and micro-caravans to top end luxury models, the modern caravanner now has a vast range of touring caravans to choose between. With a glut of new designs entering the market last year, we take a closer at this brand new release from Continental manufacturers, Hobby.

Back-to-front layout

Being of European provenance, the 560 CFe Excellent is built to generous European proportions and is a substantial 2.5 metres in width. This extra depth allows an unusual back-to-front layout seen regularly in Continental caravans. The main living area can be found at the rear end with a fixed double bed adjacent to the washroom at the front.

Board game lovers will appreciate the large booth style seating unit in the living area which wraps around three and a half sides of the cabin. The extra ‘half’ backs onto the central reservation in the kitchen creating a great space for socialising (pictured below).

The spacious mid-galley corner kitchen features extra wide drawers in a white gloss finish which contrast elegantly with the wooden cabinetry. The drawer units are fastened with a central locking system to stop the contents spilling out in transit. Additional cargo solutions include a pull-out carousel shelving unit in the kitchen and under-bed storage.

Even with the substantial 2.5 metre width, a change in legislation last year means the 560 CFe Excellent can be legally matched with any suitable towcar and used on British roads.

  • Berth: 4
  • MTPLM: 1600kg
  • Internal Height: 195cm
  • Overall Width: 2.5metres
  • Price: £18,375

For more information visit Ambergate Caravan Centre, the UK’s largest display of Hobby caravans.

Dogs welcome at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanning is a great holiday option for dog owners who want to take their canine companions with them on their breaks away.

But not all caravan parks are dog-friendly and this may limit the options for families in some areas.

Fortunately, Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon welcome dogs with open arms and allows pets on all of their touring and camping pitches.

The group has recently produced a Woof Guide filled with useful information for dog owners on popular coastal and countryside walking routes.

Names and contact numbers for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the area are also included, alongside information about local vets and pet groomers.

Families won’t have to pay much extra to bring Fido along on their holidays. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks charge a supplement of just £10 per animal per week for those using their touring pitches.

The group has four holiday parks, all of which are located near to Devon’s Blue Flag beaches.