AL-KO helping to make caravanning safer

Brits who worry about the security of their caravans may be interested in a new product from AL-KO.

The firm has created a portable wheel lock for mobile homes to help make them more difficult to steal.

The AL-KO Secure lock is aimed at stopping criminals from making off with caravan enthusiasts’ pride and joy.

According to the company, its extensive research and development work has resulted in a product so good it is backed by the National Caravan Council.

It was introduced to the market in 2005 and came as either standard or an optional extra on a number of 2006 models from Swift Caravans, Bailey Caravans, Coachman Caravans, Avondale, Lunar Caravans, Fleetwood, Vanmaster and Adria.

“The vast majority of caravan thefts occur during storage, either at home or at specialised storage locations,” AL-KO said.

It added that its new system is designed to ensure that mobile homes cannot be towed away by isolating them mechanically.

Buyers are also able to register their wheel locks online, allowing them to order replacement keys if they lose them.

Caravan manufacturer Swift celebrates successful launch

A UK-based caravan manufacturer is celebrating the success of its three new low-profile ranges.

Swift Caravans have managed to rack up orders worth £10.5 million since the launch of the Ace Airstream, Swift Bolero and Bessacarr E500 just a month ago.

The July release at Donington Park led to widespread praise of the vehicles from the 140 dealers and journalists in attendance, who were given the chance to try the vehicles out at the racing circuit.

Aimed specifically at couples, the ranges are based on the new Fiat X2/50 Ducato cab, which provides a car-like driving experience and greater noise reduction, making for a more comfortable ride.

Swift sales and marketing director Richard White explained that these were the first to be launched using the new Fiat base model.

“It also marks the entry into the new market sector for the group and the initial response certainly seems to indicate that we have come up with a range of products dealers believe will be very popular with the public,” he added.

Meanwhile, Swift is set to debut two single-axle double-bed caravans at the forthcoming International Caravan & Motorhome Show in Birmingham.

Consider the new Abbey Vogue from Swift Caravans

Caravan enthusiasts planning on making a new purchase should consider Swift Caravans new Abbey Vogue, it has been suggested.

According to the manufacturer, the vehicle “is set to become the must-have tourer of the season”.

It put this down to its new styling, intricate design and high level of specification, which includes a size increase of two inches in headroom and at least the same in width.

Based on the open-plan layout of the award-winning Challenger 540, the Abbey Vogue now boasts a seven-foot, six-inch wide fixed-bed design with heavy gauge one-piece aluminium sidewalls.

The exterior has been augmented with fine-grain light oak furnishings and modern upholstery, as well as a 107-litre fridge with freezer compartment.

An optional microwave oven can be placed in the specialised compartment, while an Omnivent extractor fan will make cooking more pleasant.

In other news, Swift Caravans recently invested in a new factory which should allow it to produce even more vehicles for the UK market.

Greater bed access for Swift Challenger and Abbey buyers

Caravan enthusiasts investing in one of two new models from UK-based manufacturer Swift Group will be able to have greater access to their bed.

According to marketing director Richard White, the Challenger 560 and Abbey GTS 420 offerings will benefit from additional room, thanks to a new design widening them to seven feet, six inches.

The extra room will allow access to the double bed from both sides, which Mr White said will be great for users as they will no longer have “to climb over your partner to get out of bed” in the morning.

He added that the vehicles have been given many of the successful features of the popular Challenger 540, including a washroom module that features an integrated shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet.

The front seating can also be converted into a second domestic size double bed, meaning that owners can have friends to stay with them when required.

In other news, Swift Group recently revealed that it had notched up a total of £10.5 million worth of orders for its new low-profile vehicles.

Swift Caravans Challenger and Conqueror get upgrades

Caravan enthusiasts looking forward to the 2007 season have been given some food for thought by one UK-based manufacturer.

Swift Group’s designers have been working hard this year on new designs for a number of the firm’s models and the company recently announced upgrades to two of its ranges.

The Challenger and Conqueror series will now boast new features that may make them even more attractive to prospective buyers.

Each model will be given a one-piece aluminium side shell which is designed to improve durability and the exterior aesthetics.

Most of the vehicles have also been widened to seven feet six inches, giving extra living space without adding much weight.

The Conqueror 630 is to feature a 180-litre fridge with special wine cooler section while all models will now have a pressurised water system and domestic-style taps.

A 360-degree reading light has been added, as well as a newly designed electrical control panel and feature moulding for the microwave oven.

Potential buyers wishing to take a closer look at Swift Group models could head to the International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2006 at the Birmingham NEC from October 17th to 22nd.

New Swift caravans to be launched at G-Mex

Brits in the market for a new caravan may wish to head to the G-Mex event in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Swift Group is set to launch its new Sprite range at the show this January, with attendees able to view everything from the new two-berth vehicle to the spacious six-berth layout.

With prices starting at £9,650, the range is said to have something for everyone. However, it will not be the only Swift series on display.

The new Award Tristar, Sterling Eccles Opal and Abbey GTS 420 will be given their first public outings at the event.

Each of the above feature the same spacious layouts as the new Challenger 650, which was launched earlier this year at the Caravan and Motorhome Show in the same venue.

The models provide plenty of room on each side of the double bed, while their front seating area can be converted into a second berth fit for two adults.

In other news, the Swift Group is celebrating after receiving no fewer than four gongs in the recent Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly awards

Swift Caravans revamp Europa series

A UK-based caravan manufacturer has improved the specification on one of its ranges, strengthening its position in the market.

The Europa series from Swift Group has been given a revamp ahead of the 2007 season, with the mobile homes now featuring a new open-plan fixed-bed layout.

According to the firm, the range “offers an unbeatable blend of luxury and light airy interior colour scheme”.

The addition of mains lighting, pressure water system, an omnivent extractor fan and a Status directional aerial make the caravans even more attractive.

Hardwood edges on the worktops, clear skylights and the capability of housing a radio/CD player add to the series’ appeal, while the vehicles now come with an Al-Ko Secure receiver as standard.

Buyers can install their own microwave in the cupboard that has been provided especially for this purpose or choose to buy one as an optional extra from the company.

In other news, Swift Group has revealed that its new Charisma model features a string of upgrades for 2007.

Swift Caravans present upgrades to Abbey and Spectrum ranges

Brits planning a new caravan purchase in 2007 could be tempted by an offering from Swift Group.

The mobile home manufacturer has upgraded its Abbey GTS and Spectrum ranges to provide improved specification in an attempt to boost sales ahead of the new year.

Both series now feature a new high-gloss once-piece exterior with aluminium side walls that provide increased durability and greater aesthetics.

Alloy wheels and nickel metallic graphics on the Abbey model further enhance its exterior appeal, while a satellite aerial input point in the battery box should add greater practicality.

Owners may also be impressed by the pressurised water system with Shurflo pump and plumbing that is more resistant to frost.

Both ranges will now benefit from improvements to their furnishings and increased space in the living and washroom areas.

In other news, the Swift Group has extended its range with a number of new low-profile Bolero models.

Swift Caravans launches four new models in Bessacarr range

Bessacarr has launched a new range of caravans based on the X2/50 Fiat Ducato cab in advance of the 2007 season.

Four low-profile models are available, allowing buyers to choose between a number of two-berth campers that offer luxury accommodation and a comfortable ride.

Aimed at couples who wish to explore the UK and beyond, the vehicles are said to offer a high level of specification.

The new E 500 Series is among a number of product launches from Swift Group, which owns Bessacarr, this year.

Copious amounts of internal storage is combined with attractive features, such as 180-litre fridges with wine cooling compartments in the two larger models.

An optional recessed awning and integral roof bars help make the camper attractive and practical from the outside, while the maximum weight of 3,500kg means the vehicle is still easy enough to handle on the highway.

Another Swift Group firm, Ace, has also announced an expansion of its range of products with four new Airstream low-profile models.

Swift Caravans clean up at NEC show

A caravan manufacturer is celebrating after a record-breaking show in which it enjoyed its best ever sales figures and saw a number of its models honoured.

Swift Group recorded more than £7 million of sales at the recent Caravan and Motorhome Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Furthermore, its fixed-bed Charisma 620 option was awarded tourer of the year status by Practical Caravan magazine, despite it making its debut at the event.

The four-berth vehicle is the first fixed-bed twin-axle design in its price range and features a high level of specification, including a spacious end washroom and large lounge with seats that convert into a double bed.

Meanwhile, Practical Caravan also honoured the Abbey Vogue, a new version of which was launched featuring a fixed-bed layout similar to that of the Charisma.

The Caravan Industry Award for best model in the £11,000 to £15,000 category also went Swift’s way, thanks to the Challenger 560 model.

Those in the market for a Swift model may be interested to learn that the firm recently launched a number of microsites providing information on its ranges.

Swift Caravans Ace Supreme Sunstar scoops six-berth prize

Families looking for an award-winning caravan that offers them the space they need could consider the Swift Group’s Ace Supreme Sunstar model.

The twin-axle vehicle won the Practical Caravan gong for best six-berth caravan and is said to provide all the room needed for a trip with relatives.

A separate area for kids and a range of improvements for the 2006 version mean the caravan is “now more practical and better equipped than its rivals and great value to boot”, according to the manufacturer.

With a 107-litre fridge, two fixed bunks as standard and the option for a Radio/CD/DVD/MP3 player to be installed, the Ace Supreme Sunstar offers Brits the idyllic vehicle in which to explore their country.

The Practical Caravan judges complemented the product on its separate area for kids, high specification, quality design and low price.

Buyers should expect to part with £16,285 for the standard model, although a range of optional extras are available.

For this price, they can expect a microwave, stabiliser, spare wheel, jack and removable carpets, as well as an inboard water tank as standard.

Meanwhile, the Swift Group recently revealed that its new Sprite model will cost around £10,000.

Bailey Discovery Series 5 ‘the ideal starter caravan’

Galaxy soft furnishings, Cherry wood furniture and a lightweight construction are just some of the benefits that make the Discovery Series 5 the ideal entry-level caravan, it has been claimed.

According to manufacturer Bailey Caravans, the range is a great choice for those new to caravanning as it can be towed by smaller cars such as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.

The firm named each of the mobile homes in its series after planets to emphasise the “exploratory nature of caravan holidays”.

Couples might enjoy the twin-berth Mercury model, while those who require accommodation for more people could opt for the five-bed Neptune or the six-berth Mars.

Each of the caravans also comes with a new Thetford 96-litre fridge, Spinflo Duplex combination oven and grill and Seitz windows throughout.

Furthermore, buyers can benefit from peace of mind thanks to the six-year integrity guarantee that comes with the fully-bonded exterior shell, which offers “unrivalled strength and durability”.

Bailey caravans have won a number of awards in recent times, including the Caravan & Motorhome Show’s Tourer of the Year gong for the Senator Wyoming model.