Caravan owner left devastated by theft

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by Oliver Knight

Opportunistic thieves have left a caravanner “devastated” after they stole his unit – just before he was about to embark on his first caravanning break, this is Litchfield reports.

Phil Moore, 42, had already begun preparing the van when it was taken from outside his home, near the A38 at Alrewas, earlier this month.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen thieves making off with the 14-year-old Abi Jubilee Courier, which sleeps four-to-six people.

“My parents gave me the money to buy the caravan as a treat for me and the kids,” Mr Moore told the news provider.

“We have not stayed in a caravan before and both myself and my children are absolutely devastated.”

The news highlights the need for caravan owners to take out adequate insurance on their vehicles.

Last month, Confused.com decided to launch a tool allowing touring and static caravan owners to compare cover for their holiday homes online .

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Essex residents protest against Caravan Club site

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by Oliver Knight

Residents in Ardleigh, Essex, are rallying together to fight proposals for a £2 million caravan park development.

Caravan Club plans to build a 96-pitch site in the area have been met with opposition, with local residents fearing that the scheme would threaten wildlife and create dangerous driving conditions, the Essex County Standard revealed.

However, Tony Barnet, the club’s head of estates, nullified these suggestions, promising that the Caravan Club would work closely with the Highways Agency to ensure the roads remained safe.

In addition, he said the club would plant trees and encourage wildlife and the development would bring money from tourism to the village.

“Ardleigh is a pleasant village with pleasant people. I urge you to go along to some of our other sites,” the news provider reported Mr Barnet as saying.

“It will benefit the community by bringing in custom to the local shops, pubs and you’ll see swollen church congregations.”

Indeed, recent figures released by the Caravan Club suggest that caravanners contribute in excess of £400 million to local economies each year.

Expert praises Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL Duo lounge

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by Gemma Roskell

The Auto-Sleepers Broadway EL Duo has been named as one of the best-value motorhomes for its size, particularly when it comes to offering comfort and style at an affordable price.

Judging the follow-up to the standard EL Model from the same company, Which Motorhome tested it alongside the Sundance 580PA from rival manufacturer Swift.

According to the publication, the Auto-Sleepers model came out on top in a number of areas, including sleeping accommodation.

Indeed, the review explains that, by turning down the backrests of the rear settee, campers are presented with two “generous” and “comfy” single beds, with the space-efficient design meaning there is plenty of scope for storage, as well as entertainment, without style being sacrificed.

Summing up, the magazine stated simply: “If you’re after a rear lounge motorhome in this size/price range, the Broadway Duo should definitely be on your price list.

However, it did acknowledge that the difference between a £40,000 and a £50,000 price tag may prompt some buyers to give the Swift caravan careful consideration.

As well as coachbuilt caravans like the Broadway, Auto-Sleepers also manufacturers stand-alone caravans and campervans.

Auto-Sleepers Cotswold EB praised for combining luxury and craftsmanship

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by Gemma Roskell

The comfort and craftsmanship on display in the Cotswold EB motorhome has managed to win over even the hardest-to-please critics.

Launched in the autumn of 2009, the Auto-Sleepers motorhome has been winning plaudits from both industry experts and members of the public for months now.

However, for those working in the trade, only the nod of approval from expert reviewer George Hinton is enough, though fortunately for the Worcestershire-based manufacturer, his review in the official magazine of the Caravan Club was positive to say the least.

Indeed, the expert gave the Cotswold EB an overall score of nine out of ten, heaping particular praise on its storage, the comfort of its beds and seats, and its chic interior design.

“The spec is truly excellent and anyone wanting more would probably be looking in the direction of an American RV at twice the price,” he wrote.

Auto-Sleepers also offers a range of converted vans, including its adaptations of the Peugeot Boxer and the Volkswagen T5 Transporter.

Highways Agency gives caravan safety warning

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by Oliver Knight

Overloading caravans or trailers and not carrying out adequate safety checks on vehicles before setting off on long journeys are the main causes of towing accidents, the Highways Agency has claimed.

The body has released a set of guidelines for motorists to adhere to in order to ensure that towing-related accidents are kept to a minimum over the busy summer holiday period.

It advises motorists to carry out maintenance checks before setting off, take extra care when reversing and remaining aware that driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect a vehicle’s performance.

The Highways Agency already works closely with organisations like the police, the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club to raise awareness of safer towing

It urges drivers to understand the legal speed limit, the importance of breakdown recovery and what to do in an emergency.

“Towing has a very good overall safety record,” explained Martin Spencer, technical manager for the Caravan Club. “When details of untoward incidents are reported to us, however, it is clear that in the overwhelming majority of cases, paying attention to a few simple guidelines would have prevented the incident occurring.”

Meanwhile, the Highways Agency also advised caravanners to plan their journeys before setting off to avoid getting stuck in traffic

New report proves green credentials of caravan holidays

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Researchers from Lancaster University have investigated how green caravan holidays really are, by measuring the carbon footprint of an overnight stay for two in a touring caravan.

The results were somewhat surprising. Despite the heavy fuel consumption of towing a trailer and using an electric hook up, greenhouse gas experts from the University’s Small World Consulting division discovered the couples’ overnight stay at a caravan park produced just 4kg of CO2. A staggeringly small amount when compared to the half a tonne of carbon dioxide produced flying two people to Spain and back.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in the Lake District was used as the testing ground for the experiment. Park owner Henry Wild said: “Even when the carbon footprint of the journey by car to the park is taken into account, staying in a caravan on a park is just about the greenest type of holiday you can enjoy,”.

The exhaustive study measured hundreds carbon producing variables down to the energy needed to deliver goods and services, using a coffee machine, even producing the Skelwith Fold T-shirts supplied to staff.

“This is, I believe, the first time that our industry has been put under this type of environmental scrutiny – and the message appears to be that green tourism is definitely caravan-shaped,” said Henry.

Lancaster University’s findings will be published on the Skelwith Fold Caravan Park website soon.

PREVIEW: The Bailey Unicorn revealed

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by Marcus Dubois

UPDATE: Click here to watch the full video on the Bailey Unicorn

It is the most talked about caravan of 2010. Here at Caravan Times we’re offering a sneak preview of our forthcoming video feature on the Bailey Unicorn. Rumoured to be a replacement for the discontinued Bailey Senator range, the limited edition caravan promises luxury and style.

The year 2010 has been a significant one for Bailey Caravans. Last year the firm made a bold statement with the introduction of the Pegasus, a caravan built using a new construction system called Alu-Tech. Promising to banish the problem of water ingress using less joins and an aluminium bodyshell, sales of the Bailey Pegasus exceeded expectation. Demand led to the introduction of the Bailey Olympus, a smaller Alu-Tech model similar in size to the Pageant.

With the second model proving an instant bestseller, Bailey began to phase out certain models in what they are now terming their “classic range”. If the limited edition Unicorn proves popular, we expect to see it join its smaller siblings as part of an impressive new line-up.

Members of our community on Caravan Times will be able to watch the full video feature on the Bailey Unicorn from 12th August. Click here for the Bailey Unicorn video topic.

Caravan safety checks on motorway to South West

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by Holly Tribe

Caravanners heading off on their summer holidays will be able to get their outfits checked over this Friday at Strensham Services on the M5.

The Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) has teamed up with experts from the Caravan Club and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) who will have experts available to offer safety advice and guidance.

The summer months bring with them a history of increased caravan related road accidents as families take to the roads over the school holidays.

The initiative has been set up to combat accidents that may be easily avoided; an incorrectly loaded trailer or un-roadworthy tyres are easily picked out by the trained eye.

CMPG Sergeant David Caswell told the Coventry Telegraph: “These operations give us an opportunity to meet drivers to share information about safer towing and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy. Our aim is for every family to reach their holiday destination safely.”

He added: “I would urge anyone towing a caravan to take advantage of this initiative. The advice we give can help eliminate potentially hazardous issues and have a positive impact on reducing the number of collisions involving caravans.”

Tourers passing along the M5 on Friday 30th July are welcome to stop in at Strensham services between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Caravan dealership moves into the digital era

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The innovative owner of a Norfolk caravan dealership has moved into the digital marketplace, purchasing an internet, design and marketing agency.

Owner of Greentrees Adventurestore, Neil Greentree had used the Norwich based marketing agency O2 Creative for nine years before buying it.

The recent economic downturn has led Mr Greentree to look at ways of streamlining costs and optimising his customer base.

He explained how the wider caravan sales market was under-utilised but hopes with the right marketing strategy, it can be tapped into. In an interview with the Eastern Daily Press, Mr Greentree said of the takeover: “With the efficiencies we can make and the new markets they can get in to it will be of benefit to us both”.

Mr Greentree explained the benefits of using new forms of media to reach uncharted markets: “The key thing they offer is creativity. They take time to research what is out there and then start getting creative.”

After taking over the Norfolk based company from his father in 1996, Neil moved the dealership to a newly built 2.6 acre site off the A47 in 2001. From there he opened the largest purpose built caravan and motorhome sales and service centre in the area – renaming it the Greentrees Adventurestore.

The firm stocks a range of new and used caravans and motorhomes from leading manufacturers including Bailey, Swift and Elddis, along with a selection of awnings and accessories.

With an annual turnover of around £7m and a staff of 30, the company looks set for further expansion over the next decade. Future plans include developing the firms’ web design work and search engine optimisation.

Pictures, prices and layouts: the new Stealth caravans revealed

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Caravan Times is pleased to bring you images of the new Stealth caravans from manufacturer Dunster House, released ahead of the launch of the updated ranges next Wednesday. The main picture shows the Q58 which is the single axle model in the new line-up.

The newer Stealth caravans sport significant revisions to the interior, as well as a revised nosecone featuring a front window for the first time. There are both single-axle and double-axle models, which have now been marketed under three “trim” levels.

The entry-level range is called the Valiant Class and comes complete with sunblinds on all windows and AL-KO stabiliser as standard. The Intrepid Class is the mid-range model which comes with an automatic ignition fridge, a remote control alarm and duel-fuel hob. The Defiant Class is described as “beyond super luxury” and materials include “Panaro” soft upholstery, anthracite alloy wheels, and a ant-theft devices such as a TRACKER system and AL-KO wheel locks.

The pictures below show the new interior layouts and furnishings, featuring a fixed double bed with a full mattress and no corner cutaways. Stealth Caravans has made much of the unique “dual-height” bedroom wardrobe and sideboard design, claiming that movement is completely unimpeded without having to accept compromises in the sleeping area.

There has been plenty of discussion concerning the new nosecone on the Stealth, which features a large front window which the manufacturer claims has not compromised the original design which aimed to protect against water ingress. Some caravan owners will be interested to hear that the thick GRP nosecone is marketed as “resistant to dents”.


The updated Stealth now features graphics on the side of the caravan for the first time. A large black stripe decal extends the full length of the white panel. Other exterior features include twin front gas locker doors and an awning side wetlocker with 230v plug and under bed storage accessible from in inside and the outside.

Coachman Caravans launch 2011 season models

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by Holly Tribe

Coachman Caravans have launched their 2011 season model upgrades with a two day trade show in East Yorkshire.

The event at Rudstone Walk saw the launch of Coachman’s 2011 updates for the Laser, VIP, and Pastiche ranges, which have all undergone internal furnishing updates including a new easy to set up bed system.

The Amara range has been overhauled inside and out, with re-designs focussing on layouts for family touring.

The trade show, held on the 13th and 14th July, was attended by caravan dealers from across the UK. The Hull based company revealed trade orders were up 50% on last year, making it the most successful launch to date.

“We’ve had more than 50 per cent more orders from the dealer network than we did following last year’s show”

Coachman Managing Director Jim Hibbs says: “This was the most successful preview we’ve ever held, and that includes the boom years for the caravan industry. We’ve had more than 50 per cent more orders from the dealer network than we did following last year’s show, and the response from dealers was the most enthusiastic we’ve ever seen.

Mr Hibbs goes on to explain that despite a sluggish economy, Coachman Caravans have seen strong sales over the last year enabling them to invest £700,000 in new computer-controlled machinery and an aftercare unit.

The 2011 model year runs from the 1st of September, and so tourers will be on display at dealerships for the beginning of that month.

Police intelligence unit warns caravan theft is on the rise

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by Holly Tribe

A police intelligence unit has discovered an alarming trend for caravans being stolen to order.

The Association of Chief Police Officer’s Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) warned that last year saw an increase in the number of caravans stolen for the first time in many years.

Caravanning has become an increasingly popular holiday option with Brits now owning an estimated half a million tourers.Unfortunately, the increase has provided opportunistic thieves with a ready market. Around two thousand caravan theft reports were processed by specialist insurers last year. And worryingly, the robberies have occurred not only from owners’ driveways, but also from dedicated caravan storage facilities.

AVCIS suspect offenders are visiting storage sites to scout for caravans, taking photos and then placing ads on the internet. Once a buyer has been established, the caravan is subsequently targeted for theft.

Leisure Vehicle Officer Tim Booth revealed the difficulty in recovering a stolen vehicle. “As caravanning increases in popularity we are seeing more and more caravans being stolen to order by organised crime gangs. Three-quarters of those stolen disappear without a trace and are never recovered, which is something AVCIS is working extremely hard to combat.”

What can you do to help protect your caravan?

There is a range of increasingly sophisticated security devices available on the market to help protect your caravan and reduce the risk of theft – whether you store your ‘van at home, on a seasonal pitch, or in a storage facility.

An electronic tracking system can significantly improve the chance of recovering your vehicle in the event of theft and can reduce your insurance policy by up to 30%.

There are a number of caravan identity kits available which match rightful owners to their caravans in the event of a recovery. AL-KO make a range of high quality deadlocks, wheel clamps and alarms which all act as effective deterrents.

Theft of (or from) vehicles is no longer considered a policing priority by many forces. So if the worst should happen, and you become a victim of caravan theft, having a comprehensive insurance policy can help get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

The future isn’t all bleak however and the police are tireless in their work to uncover these specialist criminals. Back in March Caravan Times reported that a gang of prolific caravan thieves responsible for over half of all thefts in the UK were found guilty of conspiracy to steal.