Campsite Etiquette- Some Golden Rules

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By William Coleman

As a keen camper who likes to get outdoors and use tents, motorhomes, campers and caravans I’ve found that there is a list of rules that non negotiable to ensure everyone gets along on site. Despite how I feel it seems as though there are a select few who march to the beat of their own drum and are not too concerned with others. So here are my list of unbreakable rules for the campsite.

So before I air some of the golden rules I adhere to I will admit that some of these have been created through a few learning curves where, at times, I have not been the best of neighbours in my younger days.

Through my years I have learned some different things that I can do to ensure that my fellow tourers have an enjoyable stay whilst not impacting my own leisure time. After all we are all in this together.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

Do not be the one who lets the side down when it comes to keeping things neat and tidy. I have been to a few sites where some pitches are just a total mess, and I am by no means a “site snob”.

A lot of people on site like to keep their set up looking nice and clean for both themselves and their neighbours. I take it as a matter of pride to no impact of neighboring pitches by leaving things looking a bit tatty. Always do your best to “keep up appearances” as it were.

At the end of the day I do try to do a little bit of a clean up around the pitch and put away what I can to keep it tidy. It is a practice I have no made part of my daily ritual before I settle down for the evening.

I will never forget staying on a site, in the Lake District, where a family were asked to leave due to the total mess they would keep their pitch in. They would leave empty food and drink packages on the floor and their van was pretty much caked in inch thick mud. Not to mention the amount of noise they produced while emptying their drink containers.

The real issue was the rubbish they would just drop on the floor, the weather was not too bad but a few gusts of wind saw empty packaging litter the site.

Love Thy Neighbour

A lot of people go away for some much deserved P&Q and just to escape the day to routine that is adult life. So the last thing anyone wants as you settle down for the evening is to hear loud music and overly excited adults.

Yes there is always a time and place for enjoying the evening time, but not at the expense of those who are trying to relax around you.

There are a few things you can do should you be planning a little bit of a late night. The main one is popping over to your neighbours and just letting them know that you might be having a little fun later and you will try to keep it down. Or invite them over too so they can get involved.

Always remember though, it is your holiday too so you should be able to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. You will at times comes across some people who get their noses put out of place at the smallest of slights, especially when it comes to noise, children or pets. You cannot keep all the people happy all the time but there is a happy medium.

Be Mindful Of The Little Ones

As the “adult only” site, no not that kind of site, is becoming a lot more popular the more family friendly parks are getting a lot custom from those with children.

Some holiday makers are instantly bothered at the arrival of a family with a few small kids and teenagers. I do find this a tad unfair as you should never judge a book by its cover and 99% of the time children on site are perfectly well behaved.

There is a flip side to that coin though. If you are taking the kids on a caravan holiday be mindful that some people are away for some much needed rest and recuperation. By all means let the little ones have their fun but do make sure that they are not disrupting others.

There have been occasions where kids, doing what kids do, have been charging around making lots of noise or darting around the site on push bikes and disrupting others. Just keep an eye and set some clear parameters for the little ones and all should be well.

Clean Up After Yourself

It is always good practice to leave things as you found them. There is nothing worse than seeing someone ride off into the sunset having left behind a load of rubbish and mess. It is more common than you’d think unfortunately.

I have seen people leave bags of rubbish, broken chairs and even the contents of a coal BBQ on the floor next to where they were pitched. This by anyone’s standards is totally unacceptable and it is usually left up to the wardens to clean up.

Cleaning up after yourself does not take a lot of effort, and I am sure none of our readers leave such a mess, but it does happen.

Coachman Sales Increase

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By William Coleman

Hull based caravan manufacturer, Coachman caravans, have seen a huge rise in sales following what has been a tough time period for the industry as a whole. They have also seen more success as KABE have purchased a percentage of the business.

Coachman’s sales numbers in 2018 saw a massive rise of £3,000,000 in a time period that saw doubt and uncertainty throughout the country, due to the fluctuation of the GBP and that small Brexit topic, and most of its industries, especially new caravan sales.

Out of all the caravans that are built here in the UK Coachman currently have just under 10% of the entire output, a number they maintain almost every year.

With a staff of 185 at their Amsterdam Road HQ they were able to increase their revenue from £33m to £36.7m. Despite this increase in turnover their overall profits were down from £1.6m to £1.5m.

A New Acquisition

Proving that caravan holidays are just as popular on the continent as they are here in the UK Swedish based KABE have bought 21.5% of Coachman Caravans.

This brings some quite exciting prospects for the UK market as Coachman prepare to bring over some exclusive models to the UK. One of which I saw at the NEC in February, and it was a high end motorhome that will have a lot of heads turning.

Elliot Hibbs, managing director at Coachman, said: “The caravan market had a challenging year in 2018, and the biggest pressure was with currency.

“That is why our profit margin was down a little bit. We did however have a full order book and built more than 2,000 caravans last year.

“That boils down to the product being better. We have a focus on quality, and giving the consumer the confidence to invest in a new caravan.”

The family business was started way back in 1986 where Coachman would build between 800-900 caravans a year. Over the years this number has grown significantly and in 2012-13 Coachman were making roughly 1400 vans a year.

Not being one to flounder in success Coachman have pushed their production line to manufacture 2,000 vans in 2018 and are well on track to duplicate that number for 2019.

Mr Hibbs said of the KABE acquisition last year: “For us it was good partnership. They are a family business like we are, and they approached us because we share a lot of the same values as them.

“It came a little out of the blue for us, but it will enable us to collaborate in product development and purchasing, as well as the exchange of production technology.”

Now Coachman find themselves in quite an enviable position where they are facing the challenge of being able to produce enough vans to meet the high demand.

“On the back of the warm summer we had in 2018, people will look at purchasing new motorhomes,” he said.

“I am very confident, moving forward, that the caravan sector will have a good few years ahead of it. Now we need to give people that confidence to buy a caravan,“ continued Mr Hibbs.

Celebrate Easter With The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Easter is typically seen as the start of the great British holiday getaway and the start of the touring season. With advance bookings for Caravan and Motorhome Club sites up by 17 percent, it’s gearing up to be an egg-ceptionally great season.

From the beauty of the Welsh coastline to the tranquillity of the North of England, nearly all of the Club’s sites are now open for the year. For those who are planning their first trip in a caravan, motorhome or campervan, the Club offers helpful advice and tips for touring. Visit www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/ to find out more. What’s more, holidaymakers who want to go camping or glamping in a yurt, pod or Airstream can enjoy an egg-cellent break with Experience Freedom by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Here are the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s cracking getaways for families, couples and dog-friendly stays this Easter:

Ideal for Families

Cornwall

The most south-westerly of the English counties, Cornwall is steeped in beauty, heritage and adventure. Take a visit to the mythical land of Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and explore the magical surroundings of Merlin’s Cave. For those keen to spend time getting closer to nature, visit The Eden Project in the north of Cornwall which is home to the largest indoor rain forest in the world. Deemed the size of 30 football pitches, the fun here is endless!

Stay at Treamble Valley Club site from £33.40 per night based on two adults and two children per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome. A fantastic location for wildlife enthusiasts, the site offers the chance to spot rabbits, buzzards, bats and owls, and is perfectly positioned for sunsets with stunning sea views.

The Lake District

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District setting provides a range of activities that will leave everyone entertained this Easter. Try cycling or rock climbing for the more adventurous, or pony treks or bird watching for the nature lovers. Whilst Coniston Water and Coniston Pier both provide excellent spots to try windsurfing, canoeing and sailing, they are also some of the most idyllic spots to just reconnect and simply to watch the boats float by.

Stay in a 1940s-style Airstream, like did from Experience Freedom at the Coniston Park Coppice Club site from £109 per night based on two adults and two children sharing. This timeless icon comes fully equipped with a double bed and lounge area that converts to second double bed, plus a fridge, central heating, modern technology and an outside canopy to welcome in those summer evenings. Set within 63 acres of beautiful National Trust woodland and just 400 yards from the lively Coniston Water, Coniston Park Coppice works as a scenic base for an adventurous, action-packed family getaway.

Great For Couples

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is home to the only coastal national park in Britain, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which shows just how special this area is. The award-winning coastline is perfect for all lovers of the great outdoors and it is easily explored via the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path that goes from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south.

Stay at St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site from £28.30 per standard grass pitch per night based on two adults sharing a caravan or motorhome. Nestled between three headlands of the dramatic coast, St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Site offers swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing from Whitesands Bay, just over a mile away from the site. Anglers can fish in the reservoirs or the sea, while birdwatchers will enjoy the enormous range of birds that can be seen on the offshore range of islands.

Kent

Known as ‘the garden of England’, Kent is a vast county just waiting to be explored. It also provides a beautiful backdrop for popular television shows such as Call the Midwife and Liar – the Medway and Deal areas offer guided tours of the filming locations. One of the county’s most popular attractions is the Port Lympne safari park, which is set over 600 acres and is home to over 700 rare and endangered animals and the UK’s largest dinosaur collection.

Stay at Daleacres Club Site and you might even hear the park’s lions and monkeys from there! The site has a beautiful setting and offers excellent views of medieval Lympne Castle in the distance. Stay in a stylish yurt from Experience Freedom from £69 per night based on two adults and two children sharing. This cosy new glamping experience come fully fitted with a rustic king-size bed and two beds for children, plus blankets, bed linen, wi-fi and a BBQ and outdoor seating area to start enjoying the warmer weather.

Perfect For Furry Friends

Derbyshire

Home to the stunning stately home, Chatsworth House, not to mention Bakewell tarts and Buxton mineral water, Derbyshire has so much to offer. The East Midlands county is probably best known for the Peak District though, and it’s no wonder as England’s first national park is a real beauty that will delight dogs and their owners.

Stay at Buxton Club Site, which was extensively refurbished last year, from £29.50 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing a caravan or motorhome. Conveniently located for easy access to the best features of the beautiful Peak District, yet nestled peacefully away in the idyllic valley floor, the site is the perfect location for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life but is within walking distance of the pretty spa town of Buxton.

North Yorkshire

The northern region of ‘God’s Country’, North Yorkshire is a haven for dog-friendly holidays with limitless fun to be had. Head to the North York Moors National Park, with its 1,400 miles of natural beauty, to find an endless array of dog walks to choose from; alternatively, take a walk through the ruins of Whitby Abbey, said to be the inspiration behind Dracula. Explore the gem of North Yorkshire with a trip to picturesque Harrogate; here, make a stop at The Harrogate Tap. Dogs are welcome in this brilliant bar and it offers over 130 different types of bottled beers from around the world.

Stay at Cayton Village Club Site from £30.30 per standard pitch per night, based on two adults and a dog sharing a caravan or motorhome. Located just three miles from Scarborough, the site is within a mile of the magnificent Cayton Bay – ideal for surfing and exploring rock pools. With Scarborough and Filey on the doorstep, as well as Whitby and Bridlington within a short drive, there’s plenty of seaside resort fun to be had and coastal walks to enjoy.

Is It Illegal To Park Your Caravan In A Free Hold Parking Spot?

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By William Coleman

Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes and parking is not always guaranteed. It also seems as though parking spaces are on a rapid decline let alone extra space to store your caravan or motorhome. So, if you own a leisure vehicle and you live in a flat or freehold, what are the parking rules?

Recently I saw a question posted online that I could not answer, without Googling or assuming, but it did get me wondering, what are the rules of parking your caravan in your allocated parking spot instead of your normal day to day car?

This is something that I had never considered before, or in fact comes across in the years that I have been dealing with leisure vehicles.

Without doing any research I automatically assumed that if it is your space you can park what you like there, as long as it does not cause any issues for your neighbours or property. But one should never assume, especially when it comes to dealing with neighbours.

I can see why some people may take issue with you keeping a caravan in a parking space. First of all, some people who do not use caravans can have a little bit of a negative view of caravans, based on personal experience. They feel they are a bit of an eyesore and that parking spaces are for cars, vans, 4×4 etc etc.

So aside from what a neighbour may feel on a personal level what are the legal rules and regulations of parking a caravan on land you are a freehold owner of?

Leases of residential flats will include certain restrictions, as a precautionary measure, to ensure that each leaseholder can enjoy their property without experiencing any annoyance or unrest from their neighbours.

These terms will include various parking restrictions that actually state how you may, or may not, use available or allocated parking spaces that belong to the property.

For example, carrying out maintenance on vehicles parked there may be prohibited; the parking of commercial vehicles such as work vans, and the parking of boats and caravans, is also unlikely to be permitted. This does not mean it is a rule set it stone, so do some research of your own.

I would suggest having a read, if you have not already, of the terms of your lease to see what, if any, restrictions apply to your parking space/area.

In the event of your lease detailing that you are not permitted to park your caravan in your space you can always ask your fellow neighbour if they mind. Usually people can be quite accommodating but there are a few out there who can sometimes be a bit less…, shall we say… “neighbourly”.

As I am sure you all know that neither myself or anyone else on the CaravanTimes team are part of any legal council, but I saw this topic and wanted to discuss it a bit more and maybe clear this up should any of our readers come across such a situation.

In any event where your paperwork says you cannot it is usually best not to. I have heard of situations where neighbourly disputes over parking, or storing vans/caravans, have become quite ugly and can be costly should one party go down the legal route.

Britains Best Found In Norfolk

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By William Coleman

Tourism chiefs from across the UK gathered recently to see Norfolk’s family-owned Searles Leisure Resort officially crowned as Britain’s Holiday Centre of the Year by the AA.

The Hunstanton park took the overall title in the AA Caravan and Camping Awards which was celebrated at a glittering ceremony at Warwickshire’s Manor Hotel.

Stepping forward to receive the trophy was Paul Searle and his wife Vicky whose family first began welcoming campers over 60 years ago onto what was then a farm.

Searles has since grown to become one of Eastern England’s largest and best-loved holiday centres.

It provides more than 800 holiday home and touring pitches, including luxury lodges to buy and rent, plus a raft of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities.

Awards given by the AA – based on guest reviews and a “secret shopper” visit by inspectors – are regarded as the Oscars of the holiday parks industry.

The citation from the AA’s judges noted that Searles “never stands still, and every year offers something new to delight visitors seeking a truly memorable and high quality experience”.

Speaking on behalf of the family, managing director Paul Searle said that the AA award celebrates not just the park, but also the entire workforce:

“Standards of customer service are an important criteria for these awards, so our team at Searles can take a major share of the credit for this achievement,” he said.

“So many of the reviews we receive from customers mention the great atmosphere here, and delivering this is very much in the hands of our park team.

“We hope the publicity from this AA award will also benefit other local tourism businesses by putting the spotlight on north Norfolk as an amazing holiday destination,” added Paul.

There is more information about Searles Leisure Resort at www.searles.co.uk

Carbon Fibre Endless Off Grid Powered Trailer

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By William Coleman

The world of technology is constantly evolving. It seems that by the time you’ve picked a new laptop or computer a newer more powerful model is already on the way but the caravan world has never had that future tech issue. In fact it seemed to be a little behind the times with “new age” tech. Thankfully we have moved on from those times, but this new trailer/caravan seems to a be the van of the future.

This is very much a new style of trailer, as the Americans call it, and will suit the ever evolving needs of the modern tourer. The new Sonic X from KZ Recreational Vehicles has been retrofitted with all the bells and whistles to make this van self sustainable with an “endless” energy supply.

To help keep you going further for longer and off the beaten track the Sonic X comes fitted with a solar-backed lithium battery bank. The great thing about this is that you really can go off grid and not have to worry too much about your electrical supplies.

But what about the freshwater supply? Going off grid would mean you that you really would have to stock up on clean H2O before getting lost in the woods, surely? .

This future proof van has an answer for that too. On board you will find a fresh water harvesting system and insulation-boosting technology for better performance, autonomy and efficiency. According to tests you can for months or week at time with this on board system.

This nifty van was shown at the RVX trade show that took place last week in Salt Lake City and served as a clear signal to other manufacturers to become more innovative and create vans that are environmentally friendly without affecting the practical living experience of a caravan or RV.

This year’s show was a little different from previous years as a lot of manufacturers introduced a lot of new vehicles which mirror the changing in demographics and building more awareness and buzz to younger holiday makers.

The show kicked off with a big reveal competition that sought to identify the most innovative new products for different profiles of buyer, everyone from gritty outdoor adventurers and van lifers to luxury tourists and family holiday makers.

The Sonic X did not walk away with the top prize but was a runner up in the “City Escape” category. Many who attended felt that the van fits into many other categories where it could have scored a lot higher and received a lot of praise of industry leaders and visitors alike.

The creators of the Sonic X are looking to raise awareness of younger generations by adding new technologies and materials to the motorhome and trailer world. In the back you can even find connections for new age games consoles and flat screen TVs.

One direction the company has gone in is to display the van at tech shows as well as your normal caravan and motorhome show. They want to inspire people to get outdoors more and still have access to the things they have in doors. The design of the van is certain more futuristic and may not appeal to the more traditionalists among us. But as younger generation get older and the mod cons get more hi-tech the caravan world must adapt to meet demand.

As a subsidiary of Thor Industries, which recently consolidated its place as the world’s largest RV manufacturer with the purchase of Germany’s Erwin Hymer Group, KZ has some inherent advantages when experimenting with new technologies and design techniques.

The Sonic X concept comes with a variety of new design strategies, starting with a carbon fibre body to help reduce the overall weight while keeping a very solid and durable van.

Underneath the impressive shell is a Huck-bolted frame which is 5 times stronger than a welded construction, according to KZ. This is a reassuring measure, especially if you are going to be taking routes that have a more “rustic” path.

Another big leap in innovation inside the Sonic X is its power system, which combines a 1,000-watt roof-mounted solar array with a 1,000-Ah nine-battery lithium-ion bank for serious off-grid electrical capability.

KZ have a lot of confidence in this new concept and have said that 7.9m caravan is the industry’s first “endless solar power” vehicle.

Now endless is a very long time and as much as I like this van there is no such thing as an endless power supply, even if it is solar powered. The amount of time the power will last can be affected by any number of variables, such as your personal power usage, weather and travel conditions.

So with a “infinite” solar power source and a water purification system this is a very self sufficient van that seems robust enough to take to the most remote and extreme locations. But is it actually that functionable and practical and does having enough juice to power a fridge, big flat screen and PS4 make it a van for someone who loves the outdoors? A PS4 while being at one with nature seems a tad contradictory. But I cannot help but really like the whole thing.

When it comes to taking this van and putting it to the test it does seem to have been built to take a bit if a bruising. The 30 inch off road tired cushioned by torsion-axle suspension does give it a great look and and build that really can handle itself well.

It is being said that the Sonic X is being shown to try and bring a younger crowd, even if it is just a concept in the USA, but it is on the heavy side. Weighing in at 2,735kg means that many young drivers in the UK will not be able to hitch up and go with their standard licence. So I do see a slight issue there when it comes to marketing it to younger people here in the UK.

Taking The Van Out Of Winter Storage

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By William Coleman

Over the coming weekends I am sure quite a few hours are going to be dedicated to getting our caravans in order ahead of the new season. For some this is an exciting time, for others it’s just another part of touring lifestyle. Here are a few tips and hints on what needs to be done to get the van road and holiday worthy once again.

The Spring Clean

I cannot help but really enjoy a good spring clean. In no way am I ‘clean freak’, but I do love getting stuck into a good clean and clear out before the van goes back on the road.

Get all the cupboards opens, pop open the roof light and doors and get some fresh air running through the van. That is always a good first step which should get you in the mood to go through the entire van with a fine toothed comb to see what needs sprucing up.

For some handy van cleaning hacks check out our previous article here, and save yourself a lot of time getting things clean and ready.

Check For Leaks And Damp

Whilst going through the van hoovering and polishing keep an eye out for any damp that could have occurred. During storage periods water leaks can occur and cause a good amount of damage throughout the van. Always a good idea to pop into the van a few times over the storage period to check for leaks before they get out of hand.

There are a few locations that are always worth checking during storage. The main spots are the window edges, doors and skylights. These are more common leak hot spots that sometimes show little to no sign of damage so a lot of people do not notice until it’s too late.

If you have not had a chance to check the van over whilst it has been in storage the damp should hit the senses like a ton of bricks once you open the door. The smell of damp interior is unmistakable and your sense of smell should be able to lead you to where the issues are stemming from.

If you do run into this get yourself a dehumidifier and wash all the removable covers as soon as possible and get rid of any mould that has grown.

Bulbs

The lights on the caravan are an essential part of the safety of a van and other road users. It is vital that these checks are at the top of your check list.

Spend some time checking the plugs for potential cracks in the housing or blown bulbs. Once you have given them a go over connect the caravan to the car and get someone to help you check they are in full working order.

If the bulbs are in good condition but you’re still having issues you may want to check the electrical connections to your tow car. The 13 pin plug could be misbehaving which will need a lot more attention and testing.

Batteries

During your winter storage the batteries will have been left idle and uncharged, something they really do not like at all. Hopefully they were disconnected when the van was stored away so as not to run completely dry to the point of no return.

When going through your spring clean pay some attention to the caravan leads and battery terming. A dust and clean are essential for a smooth running caravan.

Once the batteries are safely reconnected give a quick test by turning some lights on and off a few times and then test the water pump.

During the winter months, if you’re not using the van, it is always a good idea to keep the battery charged. If you are going to test the battery make sure you do it well ahead of the date you plan to go away as you are going to want a good few days of charging time before you set off.

Get The Professionals In

Hints and tips are well and good but nothing beats a visit from an industry professional. If you feel comfortable enough doing your own thorough checks more power to you. If not then always get the van professional serviced. A workshop will usually have a lot more tech to find faults or small issues before they get bigger.

This will also provide some piece of mind when you finally get on the road. There really is nothing worse than pulling up on site to then discover a major issue that prevents you from enjoying your trip, or worse yet when you’re towing.

More Use More Security

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By William Coleman

So the new season is pretty upon us, not that people have stopped touring during the “off season”. So with the van being used a lot more and perhaps being stored in the public eye, which brings a level of possible vulnerability. So with that in mind here a few easy and practical tips for keeping the van safe and sound between trips.

Caravans and motorhomes have been and will always be a prime target for thieves, vandals and criminals. Maybe because some really hold their value well or maybe they just appeal to the opportunistic thieves out there.

During the winter some of us securely store than vans away so they are of sight, out of mind and most importantly out or reach, but what about during peak season when the van is out and about a lot more?

It is not like you securely stow away the van into a dark room after every use, it’s a bit too large for such measures between uses. So what can you do when you just need to keep the van out for a few days before you go away? Here are our top tips for short storage safety.

The Trusty Wheel Lock

Sometimes the most simple method can be the most effective. A locking wheel lock can be effective in more ways than one.

The initial effect is that with a lock on the wheel you cannot shift the van quickly so a lot of would be van thieves see the lock and walk away as it is can be more hassle than it’s worth.

I very much doubt that someone is going to go through that much effort to remove the lock to take the van and leave themselves vulnerable to being caught in the act.

Some owners I know use a chain with a padlock, a practice that I cannot recommend as they are extremely easy to remove. All it takes it a pair of bolt cutters and then just like that your van is gone.

So invest in a decent wheel lock which is both a visual and physical deterrent. Well worth the investment which will also work for short and long term storage.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')>A Block Can Be A Defence

Another really silly one, well not that silly as I see a lot of people not doing it, is to park your tow car or primary vehicle in front of your caravan.

If your caravan or motorhome is blocked in then it will make it extremely difficult to get to. This way you do not have to buy any additional kit, should you not already have it.

I realise that this only works if you have a front garden or drive at the front of your home so it may not work for everyone. But if you do have space out the front then this is a sure fire way to keep things safe and secure.

Another good system, which can cost under £100, is a hitch post of moveable security barrier. Something so small and simple is super effective. The hitch post in such a good invention which will immediately put off anyone who tries to make off with your vehicles.

The small movable security poll/barrier is universal, unlike the hitch post, so it is ideal for motorhome or campervan owners.

Door Locks

The lock on a caravan or motorhome doors are not exactly known for their durability. I have seen some doors removed with very little force and some locks picked within a minute or so.

If they cannot take the van you can bet they will try and walk away with something. So the next best thing is to get inside to see what they can make off with.

Pretty much anyone, especially someone who knows what they are doing, can get inside a caravan with not much effort.

So to reinforce your caravan door I would strongly suggest adding an additional external door lock. If you shop around you can pick one up quite cheap, which I would avoid like the plague. You buy cheap you buy twice, but on the second purchase you may have to replace most of the contents of your van.

I would speak to whoever you bought your van from to see who they recommend or if buying new get it fitted before you pick it up. A brand that always comes highly recommended it Fiamma so I would always point someone in that direction.

What About If The Van Does Go Missing?

According to Phantom Tracking Systems over 3000 caravans are stolen each year, a number I was not expecting at all.

So you’ve put in some safeguards but someone has still managed to take off with your caravan or motorhome. What do you do next?

Well that all depends on what you did before to van was taken. Once the van is gone all you can only really do is rely on what you did prior to it going walkies.

So if you are in a position where, in the event of, your van being stolen you are not left with just a spare key to a van you will never see again I would suggest getting a tracker type system fitted.

VIN CHIP is a great way to to ensure that your vehicle can be tracked and hopefully found in the event of theft.

The VIN CHIP is such an effective too that Swift have actually partnered with the company to add them to all of their 2019 motorhome models as standard. You can read more about that here.

There are many different ways to protect your van and today’s day and age with such advanced technology being introduced to the caravan world you can rest easy know your van is safe and sound no matter where you store it.

Video Results- Caravan And Motorhome Club Motorhome Design Awards

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By William Coleman

Last week we brought you the results of the Caravan And Motorhome Club Motorhome Design Awards that were held at the National Motorbike Museum in Birmingham. We were there to film to event and speak with the winners of each award. So here are the winners and their thoughts on taking home the gold.

This year marked the 20th annual Design Award that at the National Motorbike Museum. For 2 decades the The Club have carefully selected judges to asses almost a 100 vehicles across the NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.

Each van is assessed on many levels. It is not just about how pretty the motorhome will look once pitched up, the judging go a lot deeper than that. Each judge will look into criteria including electrics and safety, comfort, kitchen/washrooms, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, technical aspects and stowage.

Although the judges did not drive the vehicles, the scoring of the vehicles still evaluated driving elements such as seating positions, handbrake positions, visibility, safety whilst travelling in habitation area, front seat comfort and driver ergonomics.

This year saw a staggering 19 entries in the Dealer Special categories. For those who do not know a dealer special is a motorhome that must be badged and named differently to the manufacturer’s model. You can only purchase the stand out models directly from the dealer, or network of dealers.

At the awards we had the opportunity to mingle with dealers and manufacturers and get to know the people behind the products and find out more about what goes into each van. On top of that we go to interview the winners just moments after they found out that they had won!

Hollywood A Lister Caravan Gets Pinched

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By William Coleman

We are all very aware of the risks that come with owning a caravan and we all take measures to prevent any harm coming to them. Despite our best efforts there are occasion where no matter what someone does something bad happens to our pride and joy. Even Hollywood Heartthrobs are not immune from this as one A list actor gets his vintage caravan stolen.

Late last year saw a lot people all across California suffer from the devastating effects of a wild fire that swept across the state leaving a lot of people homeless having lost everything. The fire burnt down hundreds of homes including Scotland’s very own, Gerard Butler.

Following the devastating news of losing his home and worldly possession Mr. Butler decided to buy himself a 1969 Airstream Silver Sovereign trailer which was going to be a restoration project. Something to cheer him up after losing everything in a fire.

Having recently purchased the trailer as a “fixer upper” it was basically a shell that needed a lot of work doing before it could be used. Not long after the purchase the Airstream was stolen and has yet to be recovered.

Local law enforcement have stated that the American classic was stolen from the parking area of a fabrication shop in the San Fernando Valley.

It just goes to show that no matter who you are or where you are leisure vehicles are always a target for criminals.

At least the theft took place before any real work had been done on the van. It was purchased by the Phantom of The Opera star for roughly $11,000 and had not had anything done to alter its current unusable state.

So as it stands the criminals made off with an aluminum shell which should be quite hard to find a legitimate buyer who would want to spend the time, money and effort restoring the Airstream to its former glory.

Always take care when storing your motorhome, camper or caravan. There are a few simple measure that can be taken to secure your vehicle such a good wheel lock, van covers and trackers.

2019 Set To Be The Year Of The Touring Holiday

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By William Coleman

There is no real doubt that the touring holiday is going through a new golden age. Since the rise of the caravan holiday in the 1950s the industry has changed dramatically, and it’s these changes that are bringing more people to the industry for both business and pleasure. Is 2019 going to be a stand out year for the caravan and motorhome holiday?

Since covering news in the industry I have noticed some significant changes, the main one being how sites, parks, clubs and other holiday companies are adapting the the rise is people opting to stay home for their holidays.

A lot of sites that I have visited have added renting options for caravans, statics, pods, yurts and all manner of “glamping” accommodation to their portfolio to help keep up with the way the UK holidays are trending.

Adding rental options is a great way to get more people involved in the “caravan” world who may not have the funds to purchase a van, thus improving the holiday, and overall, economy of the UK. Something we need in this uncertain time.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club have very much taken the new trends on board and feel that this year will be the ‘Year of the UK Touring Holiday’. As we are now very much in the new season the Club has seen some amazing booking numbers already.

According to their booking numbers they have had the most successful start to the year ever with bookings to UK sites up by 16% and summer bookings up by 17%.

They seem to be one of many holiday companies that have seen customers booking well in advance of the new season as well very strong ‘off season’ bookings. Winter touring in 2018/19 was a game changer for a lot of smaller companies during this typically quiet time.

There is a long list of things that have lead to the Club’s early 2019 success, from hundreds of sites all across the UK set on stunning scenery to every type of holiday accommodation available throughout their network.

A lot of their new Experience Freedom holidays are open to everyone, no membership required to experience your own taste of freedom courtesy of the Club without the price of a membership.

Early forecasts for 2019 seemed to have been blown out the water due to, as mentioned above, the new love for winter getaways. With vans being so well equipped for the harsh weather there really is no reason to not use them all year round, you have to get your monies worth after all.

Winter touring has become so popular that a lot of sites have now extended their operating times and some have even opted to stay open 365 days a year. Due to this bookings for January and February were well beyond expectation.

Sales figures also reflect the increase in the popularity of the touring holiday, Volkswagen’s Hannover factory produced its 100,000th iconic California campervan last May following a 50% increase in sales in 2017 and manufacturers at the February 2019 Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show reported buoyant sales figures.

A recent report also concluded health and wellbeing had improved for visitors who reported doing more exercise and feeling more relaxed while on a holiday park or campsite.

Club members are an active bunch; they like to take part in activities when away from home and cycling, walking and surfing are their most popular pastimes. The Club is very well placed to cater for this need for action and offers thousands of sites to choose from – both in the UK and Europe – that are perfectly situated near to beaches, country walks or great cycling routes.

The same report also confirms that holiday parks and campsites around the UK generate £9.3bn in visitor expenditure and support 171,448 full-time employees – so not only are touring holidays great for mind, body and soul, but they’re great for the UK economy too!

Harvey Alexander, Caravan and Motorhome Club Director of Marketing said, “We’re seeing big percentage increases in booking figures. Leisure vehicle holidays can give you the perfect day – waking up with no alarm in a room with a view of the sea, mountains, forests; hearing nature and being right in the middle of it, easy access to beautiful walks and beaches and quaint historic towns, then a safe haven to go back to at the end of the day to enjoy a barbecue – what’s not to love?! It’s no surprise 2019 certainly looks set to be the Year of the UK Touring Holiday.”

As well as the Club seeing great early success we have seen the openings of several new dealerships across the whole of the UK. If parks are being filled with bookings then more campers, motorhomes and caravans must be being sold.

So if the cold does not bother people then the warmer weather will certainly attract the masses. Last year saw an exceptionally long summer with some of the hottest days on record. With the warm weather comes a sense of needing to be outdoors more.

Early word from the weather experts indicates that we may have another record breaking summer that will be both very warm and a lot longer. So with this in mind I can see a lot more people flocking so sites, vans, statics, tents and any other form of outdoor accommodation.

Holiday Health Benefits For 4 Generations

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By William Coleman

Whilst many of us are busy planning our 2019 holidays, new research has revealed it’s not just parents and children who need a getaway. It turns out that there are plenty of benefits for our grandparents and great-grandparents too, especially when it comes to their health and happiness.

Due to an ageing population in the UK, there are now more great-grandparents than ever before. So, Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, has teamed up with Dr James Brown, Biogerontologist from Channel 4’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Old’s (OPHF4YO), to reveal why we should all consider a four-generation holiday.

James explains: “A four-generation getaway can kick-start the process of improving mood, enhancing memory, bettering physical function and reducing loneliness in older adults. All of these benefits can help to slow down elements of age-related decline.”

Sadly though, research by Parkdean Resorts revealed that just over one third (37%) of grandparents and great-grandparents have been on a multigenerational holiday in the past 12 months, despite over three quarters (78%) being open to the possibility in 2019.

A multigenerational holiday can give older adults something to look forward to, which James believes is crucial. He says: “We found in both series’ of OPHF4YO, that many residents felt socially isolated and had little to look forward to. We know that psychology drives a lot of biology, so without a sense of purpose, biological systems can start to shut down and you can literally die of a broken heart. That’s why it’s essential to give older adults not just a sense of purpose, but something to look forward to.”

The research also revealed that more than 70% of grandparents and great-grandparents feel happier after spending time with their grandchildren, with over half (55%) of respondents reporting improved mental health.

These results come as no surprise to James, who says: “Intergenerational studies have shown that spending time with young children improves mental health almost immediately.

Anybody who spends time around a happy child will feel happier, it’s infectious. And nothing makes you happier than a holiday!”

The good news is that you don’t have to venture abroad for a four-generation holiday either. With shorter travel times, familiar environments and picturesque locations, the UK is the ideal destination for a family getaway.

John Waterworth, Chief Executive of Parkdean Resorts, says: “A family getaway is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, away from the stresses of everyday life. It can remind older adults of the good old days, as many of them will have enjoyed UK holidays when they were younger, triggering a comforting sense of nostalgia.”

And prompting nostalgic memories can be fundamental to keeping the brain young and improving memory function. James continues: “Autobiographical memory contains the information you have about yourself, and for most older adults, a UK holiday will trigger nostalgic thoughts like ‘I can remember coming here when I was younger’ or ‘I can remember caravan holidays like this when I was a child.'”

And it’s not just mental and cognitive health that appears to improve when spending time with young children. Over one third (35%) of grandparents and great-grandparents believe their physical health significantly improves too.

James adds: “Children encourage their senior relatives to be more active and forget about their physical capabilities. It’s so easy as an older adult to define yourself by your inabilities and disabilities, but a family holiday is the perfect opportunity for older adults to remember just how much they can physically do.”

With more than 60% of grandparents and great-grandparents reportedly not planning a family holiday in 2019, Dr James Brown has collaborated with Parkdean Resorts, who offer a range of accessible caravans and lodges, to share some of the health benefits of a four-generation getaway.