Erwin Hymer Centre Host Macmillan Coffee Morning

Posted by

By William Coleman

The one stop shop motorhome megastore in Stafford will be hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning to help spread awareness and raid funds for the very worthwhile charity. They are also extended the invite to you.

You do not have to go very far to find someone who has been in some way affected by cancer so it is alway worth while attending a Macmillan event to show your support.

On Friday 27th of September Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld will be putting a special coffee morning from 10-12 noon to show their commitment to the charity.

On the 27th you be able get free tea, coffee and a plethora of cakes and goodies to snack on. Showcasing on the day will be the company’s headline bake: a madeira Hymer Motorhome cake the size of a trestle table, (if you don’t know how big that is it’s around 183cm x 76cm)! The bespoke-designed cake will be made up of individual pieces made by the in-house admin team and will be shaped and iced by professional baker, Anna Davies.

Carol Huggins, Erwin Hymer Centre HR manager and organiser of the coffee morning said: “We’re really excited about the coffee morning, and it will be great having a representative from Macmillan here too, to show their support. We think this cake will really steal the show! We’re lucky to have some talented bakers here and it’s all for such a worthy cause that everyone can relate to.”

Visitors will also be able to soak in the delights of the centre’s Hymer, Dethleffs, Niesmann+Bischoff and Carado motorhome ranges in our state- of-the-art luxurious showrooms and are welcome to speak to any of the motorhome brand specialists on the day.

Carol and all the organisers of the event want to make the morning, THE biggest Macmillan coffee morning in the West Midlands, and invite everyone to come along on the day and help raise funds for Macmillan. Macmillan is aiming to top the £26,914382m it raised last year and the centre wants to make sure they can do as much as possible to help it achieve that goal!

The Bailey Autograph 2020

Posted by

By William Coleman

Today marks the official launch of Bailey all new 2020 Autograph motorhome range. We were with the Bailey team this morning in Swindon at the launch to bring you the news on what’s new and what to expect from the Bristol based manufacturer.

This year Bailey have 8 models to choose from, 2 of which are brand new for 2020. Ranging from 2-6 berth with new fixed beds as well as fixed island and variants to choose from.

Bailey stand by the fact that these motorhomes were designed to be driven and provide equal comfort for both driver and passenger. The Autograph comes with a unique combination of Peugeot Boxer cab with 160HBP 2.0 Blue Hdi engine, lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis and high performance GRO skinned Alu-Tech bodyshell.

The exterior has had some new design with the introduction of a ‘Graphite’ coloured cab, ‘Slate Grey’ side walls, Diamond Cut TUV tested alloy wheels and a metallic graphite scheme. I really like the colour pallet that Bailey have chosen for their new 2020 models, both caravan and motorhome. They have managed to balance dark colours without compromising on how big the inside feels.

Inside the vans also look very smart, I was quote partial to the 69-2 with the large U-Shaped lounge. Bailey have added a new interface design and furniture profiles. Throughout the entire range you can see how they have tried to make this range so different from any other motorhome they have brought to the market before.

The new curved design on the corners of the sofa provides a much more comfortable lounge aewa. It that Bailey have tried to curve as many corners as possible resulting in a very smart hotel style living space.

The two new models this year are the 79-2F and the 79-4F. Both models are 4 berths and weigh 3850kg. These motorhomes feature a fixed double bed and transverse end washroom with a choice if either a parallel seat or L-Shape front lounge and dedicated rear travel setats.

All models in this year’s line up feature a 2.28m internal body width. The 69-2 and the 81-6 are actually larger than the other models in the range. These two models benefit from an increased body length which has created much longer seats in the end lounge area.

As standard these motorhomes come very well spec’d. You can expect a Truma 100 watt solar panel, a Status 550 digital television, exterior 230v and BBQ points plus a spare wheel and tyre. You really are getting some real bang for your buck.

On the inside you will notice just how different these 2020 models are, smart, modern and contemporary. While going through the van there are all the obvious points like USB plugging, extra plug sockets, speakers and quite a few new standout points.

Simon Howard had a lot to say about Baily’s newest motorome models: “The third generation of premium Autograph range takes Bailey motorhome design to a new level.The striking interior and exquisite interior combined with five star specification to create a vehicle that is designed to inspire.”

“Technically superior, beautifully constructed and visually eye-catching: it is everything that a premium motorhome range should be.”

These new models will start appearing at Approved Bailey Retailer forecourts from early October onwards. Also be sure to visit the Bailey stand at the NEC next month to see the full line up.

To view a full gallery of today’s fun and antics Click Here.

Erwin Hymer Centre Links With Fiat Professional

Posted by

By William Coleman

In less than a year Travelworld have had several huge successes that have totally transformed them as a business. And now it seems they have achieved success once more by signing a big deal with Fiat Professional.

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld have signed on the dotted line with Fiat Professional, a market leading supplier for motorhome chassis, to join their trade programme, Club Ricambi.

Club Ricambi is run my MOPAR and is the service and customer care organisation within Fiat Chrysler Automobile.

The new partnership will see Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld become one of only two approved Fiat dealers in Stafford. With this new addition Travelworld really are on their way to becoming a real one stop shop for all this motorhome.

Becoming an authorised dealer means that they can now offer local garages direct access to both its car and motorhome parts supply and their Fiat factory trained technicians. Having these services in house means they can help local companies better service their customers who can purchase dealer parts at competitive prices with daily and next-day delivery.

Andy Wright is MOPAR Service and Parts Zone Manager who works alongside MOPAR Customer Care manager, Thomas Lysaght, both of whom have been involved in the EHCT partnership process. Andy said: “Stafford is an area with great growth potential, with lots of small thriving businesses, partnering with EHCT, with its purpose-built centre, is a big part of helping us penetrate this area.”

EHCT’s Fiat Parts manager Jonathan Banner said: “We think this is a golden opportunity for Stafford garages who may otherwise have to turn away customers looking for genuine Fiat parts and accessories. We want to build links with reputable businesses in the area and form positive, reciprocal relationships and we are already making good progress!”

Simon Dean Motor Services based in Stoke is one garage that recently got on board with the program. Simon said: “Having a reliable car and professional van parts supplier for all my Fiat requirements on my doorstep is great news for my business, and being able to offer uprated suspension systems from Goldschmitt is an added bonus.”

Erwin Hymer Centre first became a Fiat Professional partner three years but to gain its official Fiat partnership, it was subject to a series of rigorous processes, involving the recruitment of new Fiat staff members, financial commitment, running several training programmes and database assessment.

Erik Baxendale added: “The process was strict and required a lot of commitment from us but we believe the finance and time invested will pay dividends. Although we do supply motorhomes on Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Daily chassis also, we recognise that Fiat is a strong brand to be associated with. We’re enjoying working with the Fiat team, and linking in with businesses in the local area.”

Dethleffs Exhibit Their First e.Hybrid Motorhome

Posted by

By William Coleman

Over the next week exhibitors from all over Europe will be displaying their new caravans, motorhomes, campers, technology and other innovations at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf. One such display that has come to our attention is the brand new Dethleffs model.

This new leisure vehicle marks the third great achievement for Dethleffs. First they released the e.home, the e.home Coco and now their brand new Globevan e.Hybrid – First motorhome with plug-in hybrid capability suitable for being manufactured in volume production – Company underscores its leading role in electromobility in the caravanning industry. To view the photo gallery Click Here.

This release marks the third year in a row that the German leisure vehicle manufacturer has presented an entirely new in the field of electromobility.

At this year’s Caravan Salon Dethleffs will be presenting the first ever production ready motorhome, something the world really does need, with plug-in hybrid. This new trailblazer is an exciting introduction to the ever changing caravan and motorhome world.

“As a friend of the family, we also keep future generations in mind and therefore concern ourselves intensively with the topic of sustainability in our industry,” explains Dethleffs Managing Director Alexander Leopold.

“Preservation of the natural environment is one of our most utmost goals, because caravanning and experiencing nature go hand in hand. For this reason we have been working for many years on electromobility, which will be one of the keys to this”, Leopold says with confidence.

“We want to do pioneering work with our initiatives and are committed to establishing electromobility in caravanning.” The Globevan e.Hybrid, which Dethleffs is presenting for the first time at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, is the first production-ready implementation.

The basis of the Globevan e.Hybrid is a Ford Transit Custom with drive axles whose propulsion is purely electrical. The rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle provides a range of up to 50 km of purely electrical operation. The Globevan also offers a greater range overall, of course. This is achieved with the built-in “Range Extender”, a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that serves exclusively as a generator for charging the battery.

This combination offers the advantage that the Globevan, which is suitable for everyday use, can be driven in cities just using electricity. Any city-centre prohibitions on vehicles that emit pollutants from therefore do not apply to this hybrid. At the same time, braking and stepping off the gas can generate energy through recuperation, enabling driving that is particularly energy-efficient and associated with low fuel consumption. The combustion engine always runs in the optimum speed range with maximum torque and supplies the rechargeable battery with power, which in turn supplies the electric motor with power, giving the Globevan a maximum total range of 500 km.

The batteries can be recharged in under 5.5 hours from an ordinary household socket or within 3 hours from a fast-charging socket. The total output of the combination of electric motor and combustion engine is 92 kW (126 hp).

The pop-up roof conceals a 190 by 110 cm bed with a comfortable mattress and plate suspension. Windows with mosquito screens for ventilation and enjoying the view also provide plenty of fresh air while you sleep. In the kitchen unit with two-burner hob and sink as well as a 16-litre compressor cooler, you can not only conjure up a delicious breakfast but also stow or refrigerate fresh ingredients and drinks.

Since the gas bottle, freshwater tank and wastewater tank are not located in the kitchen unit, the small kitchen is able to feature a practical drawer and plenty of storage space. You can enjoy a meal at the table, which is easily attached to the kitchen unit when required or practically attached to the rear storage compartment when it is not in use.

Thanks to the standard rotating driver and passenger seats, four people can also sit on them in comfort. Additional storage space for holiday utensils is available in the overhead locker or in the compartments in the rear furniture unit.

You only need to turn the two-seat bench to convert it into an additional 190 by 90 cm bed. The bench can be adjusted lengthwise and can also be removed completely if more extensive transport tasks need to be completed.

The floor of the Globevan is a rigid, insulated sandwich floor with an attractive PVC coating in a dark wood look. In combination with the silver-grey furniture look with anthracite-coloured contrasts, the result is a fresh, modern interior that is well illuminated as required by LED light strips located under the roof.

Windows in the kitchen area, the sliding door and the rear provide for ample fresh air in the vehicle. The Globevan is powered by its own on-board battery, allowing it to be used off-grid for a few days.

Lee Davey Talks Truma Aftermarket Fitting

Posted by

By William Coleman

Do you really want or need an aftermarket fitting? Satellite dishes? Bike racks? Air con? It seems as though adding to your caravan or motorhome once you’ve purchased it is becoming a very popular option. Do you know anyone who has had an aftermarket fitting? We do and here is what he has to say.

Some people feel that the caravan is perfect just the way it comes fresh off the forecourt. Where as there is the other side of the coin who love to add extras to further enhance their holiday experience. But what makes some love and others loathe the idea?

First and foremost I think it’s due to people not wanting to interfere with the van or alter the chassis in any way. After all, cutting a hole in the roof or panel of a leisure vehicle is very much the opposite of what you should do.

This is something I fully understand and agree with, until I saw what actually goes into fitting dishes and air con units. It put a lot of doubts out of my mind.

The other dominant thought is “do I really need it”? A lot of us have grown up without such mod cons like satellite TV in caravans and so feel we can very much live without it. My argument to that is, why not give it a try?

To see if there is much call for onboard air con caravan journo and expert had a Truma system fitted to his Bailey Phoenix. How did he get it, how did it go and most importantly was it worth it?

Having travelled with Lee before I can tell you he is very much a hands on practical caravan user and will use the caravan with what it comes with without issue. So I was interested to see how Lee got on with the added extra.

The Leisure Industry War On Plastic

Posted by

By William Coleman

All across the world the impact of mankind’s carbon footprint is being seen, devastatingly so in some cases. But it seems that right here in the UK we are actually doing our best to change the dangerous path we are on, and this is clearly demonstrated in our leisure industry.

Over the past 3 years we have seen global events that have been directly linked to the changing our planet’s climate that has reshaped millions of lives. In reaction to this holiday sites and other leisure companies all across the UK are doing their best to change the future.

I’ve heard people snigger at sites removing plastic straws or introducing strict waste and recycling policies for their guests, but these are the steps we should be taking as responsible holiday makers and site owners.

We all know how much waste we produce when we going away in our leisure vehicles, and some of us tend to leave where they stay, which makes my blood boil. I have actually seen families banned from sites due to the amount of waste they create and leave.

There is an argument that those of us towing caravans and driving diesel engine motorhomes are actually quite a large contributor. In actual fact the emissions have significantly reduced over the past 8 years due to the introduction of low emission vehicles that are powerful enough to tow. But there has yet to be a carbon friendlier motorhome engine, so people can point their fingers there if they like.

How can we help the planet other than stopping the leisure industry all together? With these tips, which I am sure you probably already implemented, we can help fight the good fight and keep the planet healthy for future generations of caravan lovers.

Make The Plastic Go Further

I used to get mocked for always carrying around a water bottle at my old office. As a company we would go through hundreds of little plastic cups each week because of our water cooler. Now it seems as though everyone owns several in a bid to save cash and the use of one use plastics.

Reusable water bottles are making a massive dent on the amount of plastic we go through and the waste we produce. Despite our best efforts there are still tens of thousands of people who buy soft drink after soft drink with the containers usually finding their way onto the floor or into the oceans.

This is an enormous issue in itself as it is killing off lots of wildlife which then have a chain effect on the entire sea life structure.

So refuse as much plastic as you can to cut down on how much is actually produced.

Be Careful What You Buy

At first glance it seemed like a step in the right direction for charge 5p for plastic bags, but then it went up to 10p out of nowhere and then companies started to charge 10p for paper bags! Yes Boot I am talking about you.

Co-Op on the other hand have made a very big change. Yes, their bags are 10p but they are biodegradable and double up as food waste bags that go into specific bins provided by certain councils. That for me is well worth the 10p.

Keeping with shops, especially food shops, you would be shocked to know just how little of the plastics we use are actually recyclable. I used to think any and all plastic could go into a recycle bin, how wrong I was.

I now go out of my way to try and buy as little non recyclable packaging as possible, not an easy task. Especially when you are packing food for a week away.

So if you are in the lifestyle of making an effort to take a little bit more time and see if there is an alternative product with packaging that won’t be sent to the sea or a landfill.

Pick The Right Site

Like in all walks of life there are some people who are a bit more forward thinking than others. Some sites are doing all they can to help their local wildlife and green areas. They are planting tons of trees and making natural habitats for local wildlife to live safe and sound away from humans.

When picking your next holiday have a look to see what they are doing to help the planet. I think you’ll find that there are a lot of companies doing a hell of a lot of work.

Stay Local Eat Local

I know it is called touring but I think there are ways we can reduce the ground we cover by staying local or making the most out of the areas you choose to stay.

On a positive note you will both boost the local economy and reduce your fuel spend.

Get Active

There are two things we all have that we can use that will both reduce the amount of fuel we burn and help you live longer, your feet.

Walking is one of the easiest and best exercises you can do, and it is so easy to do. By walking you will burn calories not fossil fuels.

This also links to the above point we made about staying local. If you stay at a site that is surrounded by shops, parks, attractions, pubs and restaurants then you can leave the car and enjoy a nice evening walk. What better way to spend an evening.

The 2020 Towcar Of The Year Winner

Posted by

By William Coleman

For the first time ever one manufacturer has achieved back-to-back wins at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar Of The Year Awards. This was our second year in a row judging the competition and we were very impressed with a newcomer in the electric sector that wowed the judges and could be the beginning of the electric towing turn around.

Last year there was one thing that stood out to me was just how much effort and work goes into the testing. It is not as simple and just jump in and go round the track with a caravan attached. Each set up have to be reloaded and checked every time the vehicles came back off of the track.

A full week of testing over 30 cars for 9 hours a day while really scrutinising every aspect of each towcar, it really is hard work. Each test is done with weight added to both the towcar and caravan to set up the real world weight you can expect when taking your caravan and family away.

Another element that has become a staple of the towcar testing is the caravans that are used to ensure you are brought the best feedback. For the 22nd year in a row Bailey Of Bristol. Bailey provide the caravans and technical support throughout the week to ensure the testing goes off without a hitch, there is a joke in there somewhere.

Simon Howard, Bailey’s Marketing Director, said: “It is really incredible to see how arduous and thorough the testing is for this important competition, and we are really proud to have been invited to supply caravans for 20 year”

Two Years 2 Top Winners

Last year’s overall winner at the Towcar of the Year was the Volvo XC60,you can read out very own review
?here, and this year the Swedish car manufacturer have done it again with their XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro. This compact SUV wowed the panel of independent judges as they field tested it’s ‘caravanability’.

Pulling a 1478kg caravan around the Millbrook Proving Ground the XC40 excelled on the tracks many different driving surfaces.

As well as being mechanically superior for towing the XC40 also looks impeccable. The minimalist interior is both comfortable and classy.

The engine is also very capable of cranking up the speed when asked to. The Volvo managed 40-60mph spring of 8.6 seconds during testing.

In regards to how it handles when the can attached received top marks from all those who tested it. The XC40 has a pretty much perfect hitched attitude which was a major factor that lead to the winning of the top title this year.

Volvo also picked up 2 more wins at the awards with the Volvo V60 winning the best towcar for caravans weighing between 1500 and 1700kgs and the XC40 took the top spot in the caravans weighing 1400-1500kgs class.

This Year’s Winning Line Up

  • Caravan Weight under 1150kg & Alternatively Fuelled : Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
  • Caravan Weight 1150kg – 1300kg : SKODA Octavia Estate Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
  • Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg & Best Family Towcar : Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
  • Caravan Weight 1400kg – 1500kg & Overall Winner : Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
  • Caravan Weight 1500kg – 1700kg : Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus
  • Caravan Weight over 1700kg : Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 286PS auto tiptronic
  • Best Large Family Towcar : SKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4×4 DSG
  • Pick-Up : Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto

The Rise Of The Electric Winner

As well as having Volvo winning overall towcar for the second year in a row the 2020 testing featured a brand new category which had a clear winner that each judge absolutely loved.

The Jaguar I-Pace because the first ever electric car to win a class in the industry’s premier towcar competition. The I-Pace took the top spot in the ‘Alternatively Fuelled Category’.

As we know, there are quite a few limitations to what an electric vehicle can tow, something that is better but still present with the The Jaguar I-Pace.

Things are better with this electric tow car but the distance it can tow when hitched is limited. The maximum caravan weight that The Club would suggest is 750kg, which is quite a limiting amount when it comes to what caravan you can use.

Hybrid vehicles are a regular entry into the competition but have yet taken an award home, until this year.

The all round performance proved that electricity can be used, very well, for towing caravans. One noteworthy mention is the sheer acceleration power of the I-Pace, it was a bit of a brute which was not expected from an electric vehicle.

Under the test conditions set during the Millbrook testing the Jaguar got around 108 miles on a full charge with a caravan hooked up with 50 or so miles left in reserve.

All in all the Jaguar I-Pace really impressed each judge and the majority felt that this is a big step in the right direction for E towing.

Life After An Aftermarket Fitting- What Does It Change?

Posted by

By William Coleman

Mr Lee Davey was a tad warey of altering his Bailey Phoenix, as any owner would be, but he took the leap with Truma. Was it going to lead to water ingress, will you lose natural light from filling in a sky light, how will it affect the towing habits or overall payload number? So many questions that Lee now has the answers to 3 months into having air conditioning fitted.

Last time we caught up with Lee he was actually assessing how much he actually used his newly installed Truma Aventa Compact Plus. The main questions he had was how were he and the family going to use the system on a day to day basis, if at all and how would the van perform afterwards.

It seems that Lee had it installed at the best time possible, I wonder if he knew that this summer was going to be a record breaker? So as the summer delivered almost 39 degrees what impact did this system have on his driving, loading and overall holiday experience?

Some of the concerns that having additional things mounted to the roof include making your rig taller, something to think about as a lot of areas lower gate heights to deter travellers and the overall loaded payload weight. Adding height and weight can lead to a difference in the caravan’s towing behaviour so always think about that.

In this video Lee addresses quite a few questions regarding the day to day usage of an air con system, most of which a lot of people have the totally wrong idea about. So to clear up any misconceptions or falsehoods have a watch of how Lee uses this Truma tech on a day to day basis.

To keep up with Lee’s field testing you can watch part one of his journey you can watch Lee Davey Talks Truma Aftermarket Fitting.

And Love2Stay For All.

Posted by

By William Coleman

All across the UK we are seeing sites open up their facilities to the public to share the caravan and motorhome love to those who may not be owners. From glamping to school holiday adventures, Love2Stay has it all for everyone.

The Shrewsbury holiday resort are now opening their Adventure Centre to the masses where before they were only available to guests staying on site.

During school holidays the award winning site will have a limited number of day tickets for activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, water zorbing, football skills, an assault course, raft building and archery, with prices for each activity ranging from £5 to £10.

Day passes to Love2Stay resort offers are also available during the school holidays with adults charged £15, each child £10, under fives £5 and children aged under two years free.

Bespoke birthday party packages for between eight and 100 guests are also available at Love2Stay Adventure Centre for £10 per person. The packages include a choice of party themes and adventure activities, a safety briefing by an experienced instructor, printable guest invitations and an adventure certificate. Home-made pizzas made in a wood-fired oven are also available at a small extra charge.

The day pass provides full access to Europe’s largest outdoor Biotop natural outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot springs pool beach, hot tubs, a large outdoor children’s play area, sensory walk, sun terrace, dog walk area, dog agility course, a pizzeria and coffee shop.

“We want local people to be able to enjoy the fantastic facilities and activities that we have at Love2Stay during and outside of the school holidays,” said Chris Skitt, Love2Stay’s joint general manager. “This is an ideal chance to come and discover Shrewsbury’s most exciting family day out and party venue!”

This is just one major example of how sites are becoming a lot more accessible to the general public and showing the masses how much fun can be had on caravan parks and sites.

Salop Leisure really have made a site that attracts people from every aspect of the leisure industry, and now outside too.

Lunar Caravans Find A Saviour From Overseas

Posted by

By William Coleman

In July it was reported that Lunar caravans were unfortunately going to go into administration following some cash flow issues and a very challenging market. This now seems to be in their rear view mirror following some new investment from across the globe.

It’s never good news when a company that employs around 140 people goes under. Now add all of that company’s existing customers who have products under warranty then you have a really big issue. This was the situation at Lunar caravans just a few weeks ago.

Following some rocky times that lead to the company going into administration it seems that there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel as an engineering company have stepped in to take over.

Despite being bought out there has still been 120 jobs lost due to the administration process. The trade and assets of the Preston based manufacturer have been bought.

The deal that has been made will actually see around 60 staff transferred over to the new owners.

Partner David Acland said: “Lunar is a well-established manufacturer and given this is their 50th anniversary year, the sale has even greater significance.

“We would like to thank the staff and management of Lunar who have worked hard with us over the last few weeks. It has been tough at times but their professionalism and positive attitude has contributed to this result.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of key stakeholders involved within the business, in particular South Ribble Council and the Unite Union.”

Nicholas Marks, managing director of Lunar Automotive, added: “We are delighted to have acquired Lunar, we look forward to working with the team, suppliers and customers as we build on this well respected brand.”

Following the new ownership they will trade under the new name of ‘Lunar Automotive’. Lunar have now become part of MEWA who are a South African engineering specialist group. Founded by Cecil Marks MEWA has a strong heritage in the global stainless steel industry.

Newly appointed Lunar Automotive Director, Nicholas Marks, said, “The MEWA group has been involved in specialist engineering and component manufacture for 100 years. This experience and capability, coupled with the manufacturing expertise acquired with the existing team at Lunar, bodes well for the brand, not only celebrate its 50th anniversary but to look forward to the next 50 years.”

Following the buyout the production of caravans is scheduled to start up again in September, the new 2020 models are ready and waiting to be introduced to the dealer network.

Lunar will be heading into their new sales force with full momentum and is being headed by Lee Roberts who has been an essential part of team Lunar for well over 6 years. Lee will be focusing efforts on maximising the new 2020 stock for the upcoming season come the new year.

Since the bad news, and following the positive, dealers have remained extremely supportive, Nicholas will be confirming the dealer network in the near future.

He also stated that motorhomes will continue to be an integral part of Lunar’s expanded product range, “We are discussing some interesting ideas that will continue to show the ingenuity of our design and production teams going forward.”

The new season will see a strong focus on exceptional build quality with longer term plans to include some very exciting products utilising highly innovative engineering, design and manufacturing processes.

Towing Tips For Summer Trips

Posted by

By William Coleman

It is no surprise that this amazing weather is boosting the caravan, motorhome and camping industry in the UK. Sites are full up, more vans are being bought and there are a heck of a lot more caravans being towed on the roads and motorways of the UK.

As I am sure most of you will agree, the drivers who tow caravans are a skilled and careful bunch who religiously stick to the rules. But we have all been guilty of, on occasion, to let it slip when are rushing or feeling a bit more relaxed.

With that in mind we have to make sure we do not rush in these last few weeks of glorious sunshine there can be a temptation to lean on those safe but bad habits to get you to where you need to be a tad quicker. So here are some tips to help you keep brushed up on those good habits you keep. Oh and not to mention some tips to keep you in line with the law.

Take Your Time

As you know you have to be a lot more cautious than normal when towing a caravan or trailer. And more often than not it is other drivers who actually cause the issue as they are unaware of the difference between driving and towing.

Don’t be timid, but remember that you’ll need more time and space to manoeuvre. Brake earlier than normal, take corners wider and accelerate more gradually. And keep an eye out for poor drivers.

Observe The Specific Speed Limits

Cars towing caravans or trailers are legally limited to a top speed of 50 miles per hour on single carriageways and 60 miles per hour on dual carriageways and motorways. The usual 30 miles per hour limit in built up areas remains the same.

One very good lesson I learned was that just because there is a speed limit it does not mean you have to meet it. Drive to a safe speed and do not feel because others are driving faster you have to.

Check Your License

There are a lot of young folks who simply have no idea about the restrictions their licenses have when it comes to towing, and why would they know. Growing up I just assumed so long as I was not driving a huge lorry or bus I could just hitch up and go with any car and caravan combo. I was very wrong.

If you passed your test before 1997 you can tow a caravan or trailer up to a combined weight of 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). If you passed in or after 1997, you can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg MAM, providing the car and trailer total weight is less than the gross train weight of the car, as stated by its manufacturer.

Don’t Overload

The gross train weight of a vehicle, which can often be found on the vehicle identification number under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door, is the weight of a loaded car and loaded trailer put together and must not be exceeded.

It is tempting to fully stock up as when you get to site you can just sit back and relax. But I do advise filling up when you get there and take a minimal amount with you to just with the weight and towing behaviour.

Get A Legal Tow Bar

Drivers are legally obliged to make sure that the tow bar you’re hooking up your caravan or trailer to is type approved for your vehicle.

This is something that may seem painfully obvious but I imagine that there are a lot of newcomers who just assume a tow bar is a tow bar. So do make sure that you do a thorough check on the towbar before purchase.

Get Extended Mirrors

The rear view mirror will be out of action while towing a caravan, horse box or high trailer so it’s vital drivers can see behind them via properly adjusted side mirrors. Purchase specifically designed mirror extensions to avoid potential danger and a fine or points on your driving licence.

Check The Brakes

If what you’re towing weighs more than 750kg, it must be fitted with its own, properly working set of brakes.

Keep Passengers Out Of Caravans

It’s strictly forbidden and completely unsafe to allow and passengers or pets to travel in a caravan while it’s being towed on the roads.

Avoid The Outside Lane

Drivers towing caravans and trailers aren’t allowed to use the fast lane on three and four lane motorways and smart motorways.

Be Careful Of Snaking

If your caravan or trailer starts to sway or otherwise affect your stability while driving, resist the urge to brake. Instead, simply take your foot off the accelerator and allow your vehicle to slow down naturally, while gripping the wheel to maintain a safe road position.

Pull Over

If your slower, defensive driving is causing a large amount of traffic to queue up behind you, pull over in a safe spot and allow the waiting cars to pass – you’d want them to do the same.

Display Your Plates

The rear of your trailer or caravan must display your vehicle’s registration number just like your car and conform to the same standards, including readable fonts and being lit at night.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk: <i<“Towing a caravan or trailer isn’t as simple as jumping behind the wheel and setting off in your car as normal for your holiday.

“To make sure you and your vehicle get to your destination safely, in one piece and without breaking any laws, drivers should change their style and get clued up on the specific rules that apply.

“As our advice explains, you’ll generally have to drive slower and more carefully, as well as making sure you have all the right equipment before setting off this summer.”

A British Adventure On A Budget

Posted by

By William Coleman

Surfing, rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, wake boarding and all other manner of outdoor adventures can all be done right here in the UK. There was a time where you couldn’t get a chance to try these things without digging very deep into the pocket or going abroad. In today’s world you can have great experiences without breaking the bank.

In the past 2 years right here in the UK I’ve surfed, skied, canoed and even gone white water rafting. This was all done on a budget too. But having looked into it I could have saved a fair bit more if I did some more planning and research on where is the most cost effective location to holiday.

A recent study by Get Going Travel Insurance revealed the activities and destinations where staying in the UK is better than going abroad. The study takes into account the ideal conditions, peak times to book and cost of activity to determine the best option.

If you like being thorough and doing your research and saving yourself a few bob along the way then this research could be just for you.

We are as a nation getting a lot more active when we go away, are we more health conscious or do we just love a good bargain? Either way there are tons of new things to do all over the UK that we can do on our holidays.

When I was a child the idea of going to see dolphins in the wild or surfboarding was something you could only do across the pond in the USA, or so I thought. Now as a young adult I can do all of this in just one weekend with the right amount of planning.

Get Going Travel Insurance finds whether you can do better by keeping to Britain for your trip – using a scientific points-based system to measure every option against ideal conditions unique to each activity, like wave height and wind speed for surfing, or rain quantity for caving, as well as factoring in the cost of travel, accommodation and the activity itself.

Surfing

Fistral Beach in Cornwall, England vs The Pass in Byron Bay, Australia
Australia may have the stronger surfing culture, but the UK actually takes the lead. Both locations meet the ideal conditions for wave size and wind speed, and while Australia is warmer, the approximate £700 saved on travel puts the UK over the top.

Caving

Cheddar Gorge in Bristol, England vs Skocjan Cave in Divaca, Slovenia
Despite the money saved in staying in the UK, the lower quantities of rain at peak times of the year means it’s a more comfortable and safer choice to go to Slovenia for your caving adventures.

Whale Watching

Shetlands in Scotland vs Husavik in Iceland
You don’t have to travel far to see whales! While they’re not guaranteed wherever you go, you can still get a chance to spot some off the coast of Scotland – and it turns out that with slightly warmer weather and lower costs, Scotland is actually the best option available, despite having stronger winds than the Icelandic option.

Skiing

Glenshee in Perth and Kinross, Scotland vs Chamonix on Mont Blanc in France
Despite neither location fitting perfectly into the ideal temperature range of -6°C to 1°C, the wider range of runs and greater lift capacity in the Alps outweighs Scotland’s heavier snowfall and lower costs to make France the overall better option.

Scuba Diving

Lundy Island in Devon, England vs Bonaire in the Caribbean
Scuba diving needs warm and clear waters for divers to make the most of it – but while the Caribbean is certainly hotter, the visibility in Devon waters is remarkably high, and with the money saved not taking a long flight, you can spend longer in the water – the UK offers the top option.

James Carrington, a spokesperson from Get Going Travel Insurance, said: “It’s not just that everyone can get great deals by thinking about adventuring in the UK. For anyone who finds air travel difficult, inconvenient, or even impossible, it’s great to know that they don’t have to miss out on adventures typically seen as overseas options only.

“Even if you take cost out of the picture, UK locations are frequently great destinations for holidayers, and a staycation can be just as fun if not more so than heading halfway around the world!”