Shot in the arm for an extended caravanning season

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Nearly a quarter of caravanners are planning to have a staycation in the autumn, a new study reveals, and many of them will enjoy this late break on top of a summer trip.

That is one of the insights revealed by Caravan Sitefinder’s annual spring survey, which looks at the holiday habits of Brits.

It discovered that the widespread vaccination programme is providing enough confidence to make bookings in this country, but uncertainty around foreign travel still remains.

In fact, 43 per cent of respondents stated that jabs and falling Covid rates had prompted them to plan their holidays.

Some 57 per cent said they’d only be taking a trip in the UK, while 31 per cent were hoping to enjoy both a staycation and a getaway abroad.

Respondents to the survey also underlined the importance of holiday parks having solid cancellation policies in place should the situation change.

Michael Paul, CEO of Caravan Sitefinder, said: “The faith of people in the ability of British parks to provide a safe holiday environment came across strongly, and is testimony to the precautionary measures these businesses have adopted.

“But given the unpredictability of this crisis, it’s not surprising that many customers wanted a refund safeguard in place if anyone in their party had to pull out for Covid-related reasons.”

After the pandemic has caused so many caravan sites to lose revenue due to restrictions put in place at various points over the last 15 months, the prospect of a longer season will represent an opportunity for many.

Mr Paul added: “This should bring a welcome boost to many parks, and suggests that the usual sharp fall-off in bookings after the peak season may not be a phenomenon this year.”

Caravan Sitefinder celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, continuing to provide booking facilities and user reviews for thousands of holiday parks.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Daniel J Schwarz

Campervans all kitted out for watching the Euros

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If there’s two things that are trending at the moment, it’s staycations and the Euros, and the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Motorhome sharing community Camplify has a selection of campervans available to hire that have all the kit you need to watch the Euros while enjoying a trip away.

Starlight VW T6, Yorkshire

Pick up this Starlight T6 Volkswagen Transporter campervan from Halifax in West Yorkshire and you could be sitting back watching the championships on its large smart TV in no time.

Sleeping four and complete with a fitted kitchen and Fiamma sun awning, the Starlight VW T6 has everything you need for a family getaway.

Curtis, Hertfordshire

Curtis is the Fiat Autotrail Apache 700 motorhome that staycation dreams are made of, with a U-shaped lounge for good views of the satellite TV.

Five of you can enjoy the football, then take advantage of the outdoor furniture and canopy that are all included with this luxurious van.

Daisy, Somerset

Host a Euros BBQ for six with the Jurassic Coast or a Cornish beach as your backdrop from this Swift Escape 696.

As well as the fitted TV, Daisy also has a fixed bike rack, making it easy to get out and explore on two wheels between matches.

Bepe, Edinburgh

Collect this VW T6 Campervan from South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh and watch the tournament unfold on the TV with a Firestick included. Perhaps just don’t mention the football to any Scots you meet!

Relax outside the van under its pop-up gazebo or have a nap after all the excitement in one of the two double beds in this professionally converted van.

The Euros will run until July 11th when the final is expected to be played at Wembley Stadium in London.

Nick’s News – A heatwave, the Caddy California and top tips for converting a VW

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Spending nearly half a day last week with Volkswagen’s latest California – the smallest, Caddy variant – left me with mixed thoughts. It’s great to drive and is a full five-seater, plus it has just about enough kit for camping.

You’re probably going to want an awning or separate tent and, depending on how you look at it pricewise, it’s either fantastic value for a California or rather expensive for a car that can do a bit of camping.

Session over, I got back into my own Transporter-based Cali, thinking how roomy it all is. Still, I’m sure folk who want the best possible drive and economy in a highly modern vehicle with just a few camping facilities are going to have their heads turned by the Caddy offering.

In the news

Convert your own VW? It’s tempting, but…

Despite a shortage of vehicles – and rocketing prices – there are still plenty of folk out there who are keen to buy a pre-owned Volkswagen Transporter van and convert it into a camper themselves.

I have to be honest and say I’ve witnessed plenty of “failed projects” and some that were downright dangerous. Nevertheless, I can see the temptation, especially if you have the DIY wherewithal.

So, here’s some very early, general advice from a good friend who’s been there and done that:

• Invest in some kind of closed cell insulation so it doesn’t absorb condensation.

• Use a high-temperature spray adhesive when gluing to the steel as it gets very hot in sunny weather.

• The best way to fix timber to interior steel is using self-drill fixings. These have a point that drills through the steel in conjunction with a self-tapping thread.

• It shouldn’t be necessary to use fancy (expensive) lightweight ply – the ordinary stuff will do, as weight is not generally that crucial in this type of conversion.

• Connect the leisure battery to the engine battery with nice chunky cables (say 16mm) to make the most of charging when on the road.

• Fit a roof fan to keep cooking condensation to a minimum and if it’s a suck/blow version it can help cool the interior as well.

• The Chinese diesel heaters you can get on eBay are suspiciously cheap (£100 or so) but actually work really well. Make sure it’s the 2kW version – you can get a 5kW for the same money, but it will be too powerful for a small van and if you run them on low power they tend to soot up.

• If you use 18 mm plywood for the floor it’s thick enough to screw all the furniture down nice and solid. Excellent sealant/glue is Sikaflex EBT. Better than silicone and cleans up with white spirit.

Carthago

Carthago is the quality pick for Choose

Kent-based motorhome specialist Choose Leisure has come up trumps with Carthago. It took on the German manufacturer franchise after the most recent lockdown and immediately sold three of its first batch of four models. That’s saying something in the motorhome sector, especially as prices are not exactly cheap.

As Paul Santos, Choose’s owner and managing director told me: “We’re delighted to have paired up with the hugely-respected manufacturer Carthago. It’s a name synonymous with style and quality. The current industry-wide stock shortage meant we had just four models delivered initially and sold three straight away! However, we’ve got more coming later in the year.”

Motorhome for me?

Volkswagen Caddy California – all set for spring

Volkswagen UK has announced its latest addition to what is now the California range – and it’s based on its Caddy NPV. It’s thoroughly refined and, with a lineage you can trace to the Golf car, superb to drive.

The Caddy really is a camping car. It boasts a small slide-out kitchen, designed for use with the tailgate up, and a clever and comfortable double bed that’s a highly impressive 1.98m long. Plus there are those “Cali essentials” – two folding chairs and a free-standing table, for use outside, all with a dedicated storage bag under the rear seating. This consists of two units, both of which are removable.

There’s no elevating roof option, nor does there need to be – although when it comes to the UK early next year (the order books open this October) the plan is to offer two different awning options.

Prices start at just under £30,000 for the short-wheelbase petrol-powered version, with two diesel alternatives as well as DSG automatic transmission among the options.

My pick? The Maxi versions are that critical bit longer, and with 122PS engine with DSG it’s priced at a still reasonable £36,029.

Three good: Great to drive, full five-seater and clever camping kit
Two bad: No floorspace and limited camping gear
Perfect for… camping-plus
Also consider: Randger R535 and Wheelhome Vikenze

Gadget envy

Heatwave? What heatwave – time to vent

I started writing this during the blistering June heatwave. There’s been a bit of a weather lull since, but if we do get a long, hot summer you might be glad you read it.

Leisure vehicle accessories specialist RoadPro sells a wide range of air conditioner and general vehicle cooling and heating products (also backing it up with excellent technical advice). The latest addition to the portfolio are Maxxfans from the USA. These roof-mounted electric cooling fans come in domed and square versions, the latter dropping exactly into the aperture of a standard rooflight. Prices start at just over £100, ie a fraction of the cost of a full air con unit.

If you do want to go the whole hog with air conditioning, start with market leader Truma. Its Aventa Compact models, which can also be used in conjunction with Truma or Alde heating systems are typically in the £1,500-£2,000 range and you can ask your local leisure vehicle dealer about fitting.

Close rival Dometic’s top Freshjet model, the 3000, can top £3,000, although its FreshWell product for underseat fitting is an interesting alternative at around half that amount.

Prices start at around £735 for a more basic but nevertheless effective air conditioner from Cool My Camper – it might just do the job in terms of keeping things chilled inside your leisure vehicle as well as taking the heat off your wallet.

Now, bring back that sun!

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Malcolm Griffiths

Caravan and Motorhome Club encourages you to enjoy summer in the city

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When thinking about a caravan holiday, your first inclination might be to pitch up by the sea, while a countryside locale may also come to mind.

This summer the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) is suggesting you take your camping gear to a city location for a different type of getaway.

It insists that this sort of holiday is compatible with the metropolitan experience, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors, alongside iconic sights, shopping and nightlife.

At present, the CAMC currently has availability in the following city sites:

Crystal Palace – pitch up in your caravan, motorhome, campervan or tent and take the number three bus directly to Brixton, Lambeth Bridge, Trafalgar Square or Oxford Street.

Alderstead Heath – surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, you’d be forgiven for forgetting this site is close to the M25 for easy access into London.

Abbey Wood – the attractions of Greenwich can be found on the doorstep of this caravan park, while central London is just a 35-minute train journey away.

Commons Wood – stay in your motorhome in Hertfordshire and breeze into London via King’s Cross in half an hour.

Burrs Country Park – take advantage of Manchester’s extensive tram network and reach the city from the tranquil countryside in 30 minutes.

Strathclyde – the city centre attractions of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling are all less than an hour’s drive from this family-friendly site situated in picturesque parkland.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, told CaravanTimes: “For those visitors to London in particular, we offer a great cost effective option to explore our vibrant capital city.

“However many activities our guests decide to pack into their day, they can be safe in the knowledge that they have their own unit waiting for them in the tranquillity of one of our campsites.

“Also with campsite prices starting at just over £15 per night, we offer a very cost effective way to explore. What is saved on accommodation, can be splashed out as extra spending money!”

To find late availability at one of the CAMC’s network of caravan parks across the UK, you can use the special search tool on its website.

Brits to drive 212 miles further for holidays this summer

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Motorists in the UK are set to drive an average of 212 miles further to reach their holiday destinations than they have in previous years.

That’s according to a study conducted by Euro Car Parts, which looked at the plans being made to staycation amid international travel restrictions.

With 33 per cent of respondents saying they’ll travel further and 30 per cent stating that they’re happy to spend extra time in the UK, it’s clear there’s a desire to explore as much of the British Isles as possible.

This was underlined by the findings that 27 per cent plan to branch out and discover a different part of the UK and 27 per cent will be going on multiple staycations.

Helen Robinson, corporate communications director at Euro Car Parts, said: “With international travel likely to be off the table for many families, more and more people are looking to explore the amazing holiday destinations that the UK has to offer, and from our research it’s clear that Brits are far more willing to look at destinations in Britain that are further afield for their getaways.”

When travelling long distances it’s important to optimise your fuel efficiency and this is even more vital if you’re towing a caravan.

Euro Car Parts has offered a series of expert tips on maximising fuel efficiency for long drives this summer:

Manage your revs – staying between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM in a petrol car is ideal, while you should be between 1,300 and 2,000 in a diesel vehicle.
Slow down on high-speed roads – it’s most cost-efficient to drive at speeds between 55 and 65 mph.
Don’t overfill your fuel tank – the extra weight will cost you more in the long run.

If you’re towing a caravan, you can cut down on the weight further by ensuring water and waste tanks are also empty when driving.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Elina Sazonova

Caravan park marks 50 years with fundraising push

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Highlands End Holiday Park in Dorset is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and is making a huge push to reach an impressive fundraising milestone to mark the occasion.

Over the years, the park, along with its four sister sites, has supported the Jurassic Coast Trust, to the tune of £95,000.

The charity is responsible for managing the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.

It does so with the help of nine members of staff and 60 volunteers, who work to protect and conserve this beautiful part of the world and encourage responsible enjoyment of it.

Now, Highlands End hopes to reach the £100,000 donation target in its golden anniversary year to cement the relationship between the two organisations.

The farm-based park occupies an enviable position on a stunning cliff top with views along the coastline stretching for nearly 100 miles.

It first welcomed guests in 1971 and is still run by Martin and Vanessa Cox, although they’re now joined by their sons James and Robert.

Mr Cox said: “It’s difficult not to feel responsible for helping to try and conserve this fragile environment, and that is why we have long championed the aims of the Jurassic Coast Trust.

“As well as our own fundraising for the trust and its conservation work, we add an optional donation … to customers’ bookings which is gladly given by the overwhelming majority.

“I’m excited that we may now be able to add extra glitter to our golden year by creating a new high water mark for money raised – despite the earlier lockdowns.”

The park offers a selection of spacious hard-base, gravel and grass pitches with electric hook-up to caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

Nick’s News – Whisky not whiskey, a look at a 2022 Bürstner and watching the Euros in your caravan

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Phew, what a scorcher! There can’t be too many people who’ve avoided the hot temperatures and sunny days recently. If you’re out and about travelling, so much the better. Be careful out in the sun. I hope it’s yet another sign that things are getting back to normal.

In the news

Scotland, home of whiskey? I’ll nae drink to that…

Oh, Alan Rogers. How could you? The most recent mail-out from the highly-regarded sites inspection and leisure vehicle travel specialist, which published its first guide to campsites in the UK and across Europe back in 1968, takes a closer look at Scotland – “land of mountains and lochs. Home to bagpipes, haggis and whiskey” – that’s its take.

It then goes on to mention the Isle of Sky as a key place to visit. It’s Skye, not Sky, of course. More serious though – especially to us Scots – is that Scotland is the home of whisky, definitely not whiskey.

We all make mistakes, of course. And it’s true, it’s how we respond to such setbacks that is the making of us. In that spirit, I’m happy to raise a dram to another 50 years of campsite inspecting success for Alan Rogers

Bürstner to bring the roof up?

You can always rely on Bürstner to announce something a bit different. Among the early news for the 2022 season are a potentially emissions-free van conversion and the Gallery Roof, a concept that adds an elevated section to the overcab pod of a low-profile coachbuilt motorhome.

A touch of a button and compressed air literally raises the roof, making it viable for sleeping in. I don’t care much for the looks, but it could prove to be rather effective.

The German manufacturer is also debuting the Eliseo CNG, a van conversion based on Fiat’s Ducato with a hybrid engine that uses compressed natural gas as well as petrol and offers a range of nearly 250 miles.

Caravan crush

Swift Elegance 565 – a singular approach

Style, kit, single beds… Swift’s Elegance 565 has it all, but of course there’s a price to pay and vans like this are never going to be light. Those two factors aside, if you want all that’s best in a contemporary caravan, think Elegance.

Whilst accepting the general penchant for island beds, there’s always room in the portfolio for a single beds offering, especially when they’re accompanied by a general, full-width washroom like this.

I remember getting a very early view of the about-to-be-launched Elegance back in 2013 and was quick to praise Swift’s bold approach. Being a little bit arrogant, I couldn’t help suggesting such a futuristic-looking tourer needed a little bit extra – USB ports. Sure enough, all Elegances have them.

Three good: Aesthetically pleasing inside and out, with wood-free bodywork
Two bad: Nearside bed is a tad short and it’s hefty
Perfect for… Style seekers who prefer to sleep separately
Also consider: Adria Alpina Colorado or Coachman VIP 565

Gadget envyOutwell projector screen

Time to gear up? Kit you never knew you needed

You know what it’s like, you see something another caravanner or motorhomer has and think: I’d love one of those. Well, here’s three. Firstly, how about an off-line screw bit holder? It’s for getting at otherwise inaccessible screws, in corner steadies, perhaps?

Laser Tools has the whole problem solved here, with this oh-so useful attachment for an electric screwdriver or cordless drill. It’s dual-functionality allows it to be locked in a straight position for normal use, then releasing its ball joint means it can be used at any angle – including, of course, any otherwise inaccessible corner steadies. Not bad for just over £15.

I’ve also just discovered a new DIY headlamp cleaner. It’s the Quixx Headlight Restoration Kit, from Germany. And it helps restore headlight lenses to their original condition, so your lights are as bright as they were when new.

Thirdly, as we are in the middle of several massive events – I’m thinking mainly of football’s Euro 2020 here – if you don’t want to miss any of the action, why not invest in a Movie Screen, from Outwell? Perfect for setting up in an awning, you just need to supply your own projector…

A new generation embraces the caravan and motorhome lifestyle

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It’s interesting to observe the shifts in attitude of younger generations when it comes to caravans and motorhomes. Gone are the days when this type of holiday meant a wet week away with family in a leaky van that felt anything but glamorous.

Now, leisure vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and fitted with all the modern luxuries of a boutique hotel. A new generation is embracing vanlife, fuelled by the lure of social media-worthy snaps of #vanlife and restrictions on foreign travel as a result of coronavirus.

Robinsons Caravans, which has been in the business for 54 years, has seen many trends come and go. While it still maintains the over-55s as its largest proportion of customers, the under-40s now account for around a quarter of Robinsons’ caravan sales.

The new generation of caravanners are buying vehicles that reflect their hobbies, epitomising the ethos and aesthetics of their passions. For some, that means a simple van conversion perfect for strapping kayaks, paddleboards or bikes to and heading off the beaten track.

Others are tapping into quaint and vintage trends, with gingham curtains, fairy lights and pastel-coloured accessories. While the big names in caravan and motorhome building are thriving as demand for leisure vehicles mounts, there are plenty of alternative brands that are catering to the younger generation.

Take Barefoot Caravans, for example, which specialises in curved fibreglass bodywork that comes in a variety of colours, leaning firmly into the retro aesthetic. Rocket Caravans are highly influenced by the mid-century aluminium caravans made popular in the US, but with updates that bring them right up to date.

Here at CaravanTimes, our very own Nick Harding has confessed to having a caravan crush on the Mink camper. This dinky tourer is on its way from Iceland and is sure to turn heads with its sleek design and yellow touches as the next generation of caravanners hit the roads of the UK.

Jarrod Clay, managing director of Robinsons Caravans, told the Guardian: “Where caravans were always white in colour, now you’ve got silver, champagne or metallic blue coloured sides. The graphics used to be a stripe from front to back but can now be quite elaborate. They are a lot more modern.”

Modern caravan and motorhome design is certainly far from boring and innovations are being driven by the younger generation. While some wish to leave the trappings of the 21st century behind and enjoy nature, others expect the same levels of luxury and technology they have at home, and there are caravans and motorhomes to fit both sets of requirements and everything in between.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Blake Wisz

West Country dubbed ‘land of motorhomes’

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The West Country has been crowned ‘land of motorhomes’ after a specialist insurance comparison site found demand for premiums in the region outstripped other parts of the UK.

Quotezone.co.uk discovered that 14.2 per cent of demand for policies came from the south-west, representing the highest ratio in the UK per 1,000 of the population.

Residents in the West Country are eight times more likely to own a motorhome than people who live in London, as the capital was found to be the least conducive with the lifestyle.

It’s not surprising that motorhome owners are expecting to stay relatively close to home, with 72 per cent planning to cover less than 5,000 miles in their vehicles in the coming year.

Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “The West Country is famous for its stunning coastline, pretty villages and its laid-back way of life.

“It’s the perfect place to take a break – perhaps explaining why it’s the region with the largest demand for motorhome insurance, people are keen to explore everything they have to offer on their doorstep.”

The West Country is usually used to describe Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, which are counties that continually remain popular with motorhome enthusiasts keen to take advantage of the relatively good weather in the south of England.

Romeo Beckham, the second-eldest son of Victoria and David, has been enjoying a motorhome holiday in the West Country recently with his model girlfriend Mia Regan.

The couple shared pictures to Instagram of a visit to the beach and dinner cooked up on a camping stove as they enjoyed their time in Cornwall.

Caravan and Motorhome Club sites near the UK’s 7 natural wonders

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The top seven natural wonders of the UK have been named by the Royal Geographical Society and they’re easily explored in your leisure vehicle.

Conveniently, the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has sites close to all of them, offering the perfect opportunity to discover their delights on a staycation this summer.

The Needles – Isle of Wight

Jutting out of the sea in the English Channel, the Needles consist of three white chalk stacks that create an imposing sight, whether seen from a boat or via the world-famous cable car soaring above Alum Bay.

Stay at Southland Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Jurassic Coast – Dorset

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast stretches for an impressive 96 miles, taking in outstanding geology and crowned by the iconic limestone arch known as Durdle Door.

Pitch up at Bridport Bingham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Wastwater – Lake District

At three miles long and half a mile wide, Wastwater is an awe-inspiring lake, which is made all the more dramatic by being surrounded by mountains including Great Gable and Scafell Pike.

Park your caravan at Coniston Park Coppice Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Dovedale – Peak District

Cutting its three-mile path through the landscape, the River Dove has created a stunning valley surrounded by ancient ash woodland and wildflower grassland.

Base yourself at Carsington Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall – North Wales

Britain’s tallest waterfall can be found in the Berwyn Mountains and features a 80-metre drop, making it an impressive focal point to many of the walks in the area.

Camp at Lady Margaret’s Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Loch Coruisk and the Cuillins – Isle of Skye

The Black and Red Cuillin mountains dominate the landscape on Skye, but nothing quite compares to viewing them from a boat on Loch Coruisk.

Set your van up at Morvich Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

It’s safe to say that looking out over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns is an incomparable experience and one not to be missed when visiting Northern Ireland.

Make camp at Drumaheglis Marina and Caravan Park.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Zhifei Zhou

Nick’s News – Emergency alerts, Lithuania dreaming and the best camping chairs to buy

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Week

I’ve almost lost track of the number of friends and family who’ve bought campervans or caravans over the past year. From a beat-up Mazda Bongo needing new front panels to a Mercedes Vito ‘unfinished project’ to an awesome 1980s Gobur Carousel folding caravan to – probably the best bargain of the lot – a 2016 (originally advertised as 2014) Lunar Clubman CK.

I viewed the latter for the first time at the weekend and it was truly immaculate, just like new. It’s a reminder too of the timeless practicality of a two-berth floorplan with full-width rear washroom, centre kitchen and front lounge that’s large enough tor two almost instant single beds, or a double.

A private sale, my advice to get an initial service revealed no signs of damp and everything else in full working order. Apart from an alarm system with flashing passive infrared sensor (PIR), but otherwise seemingly non-working. Lunar may no longer be with us, but the Clubman legend will live on for quite a few years yet.

In the news

On test – emergency alerts

The UK government is running a trial which involves sending emergency alerts to mobile phones and tablets. You’ll know when you get one because of the siren-sound coming from your device, even if it’s set to silent.

Alternatively, you may get a vibrate or a read-out. The concept is that it could become a way for emergency services warning of any danger-to-life type emergencies in the future, via 4G and 5G networks.

The next stage of the trial is in the Reading area from June 15th. If you’re driving and receive an alert, the advice is to keep going until it’s safe to pull over and find out more.

Lithuania – I want to go

Lithuania is reporting “soaring” interest from motorhome owners wanting to go touring. That’s not bad for a country which, by its own admittance, takes only three hours to drive through, from top to toe. Indeed, any of us visiting from the UK can expect by my estimation to take around six times that just to drive there with a caravan in tow.

It might just be worth it, though. Its ancient pagan villages, mineral water showers, Baltic Sea resorts, historical city of Trakaj, designated camping travel routes and more sound like the recipe for the ultimate getaway.

I’m especially intrigued by the Curonian Spit – described as “a path of white sand connecting the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon”. I’m seriously tempted, especially as it would mean travelling through Poland, which is another country I’ve never visited. Next year, maybe? Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been I’d love to hear any advice

Motorhome for me?

Benivan 120 – on a value mission

£50,000 might initially look like a lot of money to spend on… well, anything really. In the world of brand new motorhomes, though, this is bargain territory. It’s also time to think again if you reckon equipment levels and build quality are cut to the core on such vehicles.

I grabbed an early look at a Benivan 120, which is a 2022 season version that’s available right now, and really was impressed. It’s a 6m-long van conversion with a Fiat Ducato at the base, a vehicle that practically defines the sector. It kicks off with the more powerful 160bhp engine as standard, because automatic transmission is still a far-too-expensive option, albeit highly desirable now.

It boasts what has established itself as a classic two-berth, end lounge layout, complete with the usual kitchen and washroom facilities mid-van. An underslung gas tank, 100-watt solar panel, Truma Combi 4E heating and hot water system, touchscreen ‘infotainment’ system with sat nav, cab air con are among the kit highlights. Budget? What budget?

Three good: Keen price with generous spec, practical two-berth layout and available now
Two bad: Auto upgrade price and that overcab sunroof doesn’t look great from some angles
Perfect for… getting the best out of a 6m van conversion for two
Also consider: Auto-Trail Expedition 67, Elddis Autoquest CV20, Roller Team Toleno L or Swift Select 122

Gadget envyHelinox chair in tie dye

Sitting easy – time to take the chair?

A saggy bottom means just one thing – time to invest in some new outdoor chairs. The choice is pretty much limitless, but there’s always something new to grab the attention.

It’s not just about comfort, of course. Ease of use, weight and sheer packability come into the equation. For those reasons, you might well want to check out the £110 Incline Festival Chair from Helinox, complete with its tie-dye fabric design, which could be considered too much by some. There’s also a black version for the more conservative caravanner. It’ll take weights of up to 145kg but it only weighs 1.36kg itself, including its handy shoulder strap for carrying.

If that sits a bit too low to the ground for your liking, how about the altogether more sensible £34 Blackpool Green Vineyard from Outwell? A traditional folding chair with armrests, again it’s light at just 3.3kg, but key is Outwell has been working hard on pack size – it folds down to just 78.5cm x 55cm x 5cm.

Vango’s Radiate range of four different designs has no trouble living up to its name. Each comes with an in-built Graphene heating element that you hook up to your own powerbank. Start with the £95 Tall – padded seat and backrest, red Heather fabric, steel frame, four heat settings – and work your way up the price range if you want more features.

Towing a caravan with a Tesla – a real-life test

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With the government’s deadline of 2030 for a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars edging closer, there’s one question on every caravanners’ mind – can you tow a caravan with an electric vehicle (EV)?

Lee Davey, a caravan writer who goes by TinTent on social media, set out to find the answer, because as he put it: “Until we actually try it, we never really know.”

He took a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and a Bailey Discovery D4-2 on a 99-mile overnight trip to put the technology to the test. His biggest fear was range anxiety, not knowing whether he’d make it back to the Bailey dealership on electricity alone or on the back of a tow truck.

A combo suitable for the average family

The Model 3 was an appropriate EV to test, because it’s a relatively affordable option compared to the electric offerings from the likes of Mercedes and Jaguar. Pairing it with the Discovery D4-2, which is the smallest caravan in the range at 990 kilos, represents an accessible combo for many families.

Lee’s experience with non-diesel or petrol cars had gone as far as driving a Nissan Leaf in the past, which he found had an incredibly limited range. This left him lacking in confidence that he could get the Tesla and the caravan all the way to his pre-booked site and back with adequate charging.
So many unknowns

He said: “The start of this trip was incredibly daunting; there were so many unknowns.”

Picking up the Model 3, Lee noted it was fully charged and displayed a range of 376 miles. How towing the caravan would impact this, he did not know, despite numerous calculations taking everything from additional weight to aerodynamic drag into consideration.

After setting off, it wasn’t long before range anxiety set in. Just six miles down the road with the caravan attached and the predicted mileage on the display had already dropped by 100 miles. Lee had 55 miles to go to get the vehicles to his home, where he could top up the charge, before heading to the site the next day.

Charging through the caravan window

Limited charging infrastructure

He made it to his house and was surprised to have 60 per cent of the charge remaining. The next challenge was to top the Tesla back up to capacity ahead of the rest of the journey the following day. The EV charging network remains underdeveloped, so Lee used a three-pin domestic socket to replenish the charge in the vehicle, taking 15 hours and 40 minutes.

“You can charge the Tesla for 15 minutes and get 100 miles of range not towing, but once you attach the caravan you’re talking much longer timescales,” he said.

Fully recharged, Lee reached the site 44 miles away from home with electricity to spare, but it would be the 99-mile direct return journey that would really put the range to the test. Without a quick charging point to stop at, he could find himself unable to reach the Bailey HQ in Bristol.

Lee spoke to staff at the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) before embarking on his test trip and found they were very helpful and had plans in place to start accommodating EVs. He found the three-pin charging point inside the car and passed it through the caravan window to recharge on site.

“It’s reassuring that they’ve thought about it,” he said of the CAMC, and other caravan site operators will need to give EV charging consideration moving forward as the shift to EVs takes hold and towing with this technology becomes more commonplace.

Range display

The real test

The return journey to Bristol saw the predicted range of the Tesla drop considerably as Lee climbed the Mendip Hills with the Discovery D4-2 following behind, but regenerative braking helped to recharge the battery.

Anticipating a photo finish with minimal electricity left to power the vehicle, Lee’s arrival at the Bailey HQ was something of an anti-climax. The display read 54 miles of range was still available, categorically confirming that the 99-mile journey towing a caravan was comfortable for the Model 3.

Lee said: “The purpose of the trip was to see where we are now in terms of the technology. In just a few years it is now just about possible to tow a caravan using an EV for a weekend trip.”

We’re still nine years away from the ban, so there’s time for things to develop further, but at the moment it’s about balancing how much range you need and how much time you have to charge the EV.

Lee pointed out: “The charging infrastructure will have to improve as 2030 draws closer.”

This is true, but for now at least, we have a real-life example of what can be achieved with a Model 3, a Discovery D4-2, a domestic three-pin socket and enough time. A 99-mile trip represents a decent weekend away for a family and one the EV can cope with.