What Goes Into Transporting Large Static Vans?

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By William Coleman

I have always wondered what work actually goes into moving and transporting the large static caravans. When I’m driving and I see a massive static caravan driving on a motorhome my mind boggles as what that process must be, because you’re basically moving a house.

What I did not factor in what the sheer amount of work and cost that goes into something like uprooting a caravan and moving it to a new location. So here is a look at the trials and tribulations of static caravan transportation.

A Practical Guide on Preparing Static Caravans for Siting & Transportation

Siting and re-siting a static caravan is a reality of a caravanner’s life, whether you’ve just bought your latest model or are simply moving to enjoy a new location. During siting and transportation, safety is essential, and cost is also a factor, meaning you want to get it right first time.

To help you plan ahead, we spoke to Sussex based N. Doe Caravans, specialists in second hand statics since 1970, to create this practical checklist:

Secure anything that might move

  • Outside of the obvious items such as removing things from shelves and cupboards there is a fair amount of preparation that can be done to reduce the risk of damage:
  • Remove any glass shelving, lay them on the floor and cover in bubble wrap
  • Remove frames and hangings from all walls
  • Place loose items in boxes on the floor along with appliances like TVs
  • Remove drawers from their runners and place them on the floor
  • On cupboards with two handles next to each other, tie them together with a piece of string to stop them opening in transit, or use a low tack tape.
  • For larger cupboards, using a mattress or cushion to wedge the doors may be more viable than string or tape.

    • With these preparations completed, your personal possessions, valuables and home furnishings will be ready for you to enjoy at your new location.

    Disconnect decking, water, electric and gas

    A caravan can’t be removed for transport if it’s still connected to the ground via decking, pipes and cables. Make sure you have arranged for any decking and all of the services to be disconnected as your transport provider will not be a qualified plumber, gas engineer or electrician.

    By choosing trusted professionals accredited for these services, you ensure your mobile home is safe and will be disconnected to the correct standards, meaning re-connection will also run smoothly. This may also protect your static should it be under warranty, or under the terms of any insurance, in the event anything goes wrong.

    Check your access

    Bare in mind anything that may have changed around the caravan since it was installed that would affect its movement.

    Have your neighbours installed decking? Have more units since been sited in the way of your access? Are there new walls or gates since your unit arrived, or any trees that now having low hanging branches?

    A lot of haulers will either refuse the load and still invoice if you haven’t arranged suitable access, or will accept no liability for damage resulting from poor access.

    Book the right transportation

    You have to book the right transport for your specific static caravan to ensure it can be collected successfully. Typically you will need a lorry for this purpose, and for wider caravans (12ft or wider) an escort vehicle, which is normally a saloon car or van.

    When getting your quote, provide as much information as possible – state you need a unit de-sited and re-sited (if applicable), so lowered off its stands and then pitched, jacked and levelled at its new location. You also need to specify if you have decking. For twin units, you will require a siting crew to split them up, brace and sheet them for transport.

    Due to the specialisms and knowledge involved, don’t assume the haulage company will provide everything you need without the right information on your load or loads. As large units – 14ft and over – will be under a more expensive class of Road Tax and some even requiring a Police escort, check your provider is set-up for these loads and finally, always check your quote before booking and sending payment.

    More information

    Don’t hesitate to get in touch with N. Doe Caravans if you have any questions and are looking to move your static in the South. More details on how they can help can be found here, and they cover siting, relocation and preparing units for travel and storage. With over 40 years’ experience, they’re adept at coming up with solutions and providing friendly customer service.

    Salop Invest In The Future

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    By William Coleman

    There are roughly 3000+ caravan holiday parks across the UK for you to choose from. Some are just your basic plain pitch sites whereas others are high end that have had millions of pounds spent on them and have every type or “staycation” option. Following another smash hit year Salop Leisure, who are very much the high end of parks, are making further investment to their sites and sisters companies.

    If you have stayed at the Love2Stay site you know just how impressive it is. Think of it as more of a luxury holiday resort than a caravan park. It’s modern and state of the art and best of all it welcomes pretty much every holiday type, their glamping yurts are amazing!

    The site opened back in 2017 and has pretty much been fully booked since they opened their doors and have seen some sell out numbers during the winter months.

    As we enter 2019 there are big plans to invest a huge sum of money to keep the momentum going. Salop’s Chairman is predicting that this year will be one of the companies best years of trading.

    Following multi-million pound investments in the company’s Emstrey headquarters, Love2Stay resort and two holiday home parks this year, Tony Bywater believes Salop Leisure is well placed to benefit from an upsurge in staycationing in 2019.

    “Following the outstanding summer weather that we all enjoyed, we are seeing evidence that more people intend to take their holidays in the UK next year,” he said.

    “Many are seeking to get away from organised types of holidays that they perhaps enjoy once a year and instead are opting for short breaks whenever they want throughout the year.

    “This is why our products have become so popular. We have seen demand for touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes continue throughout December, which is most unusual as this is traditionally the quietest time of the year for sales.

    “We are now seeing great demand from owners wishing to use their caravans throughout the winter period and our Love2Stay resort has never been so busy. Every weekend is full and our luxury glamping lodges are already fully booked in January, February and March next year.”

    Sister business Love Plants, the specialist plants centre, also enjoyed a record-breaking year of sales as its customer base continues to grow. Mr Bywater said he expects to see continued growth in 2019, underpinned by the reputation for quality plants and first-class customer service.

    The company’s expanded storage facility for touring caravans and motorhomes was probably the best in the UK, he added. Situated alongside Shrewsbury bypass, the facility has monitored circuit television, alarmed fence line security beams and an electronic entry system. Owners can store and have their caravans and motorhomes serviced on one site.

    “We believe the investments that we have made during 2018 will pay big dividends in the new year,” added Mr Bywater. “Based on our market research, we think that next year will be one of the best our company has ever experienced.”

    Caravan Park To Revitalise Local Historic Pub

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    By William Coleman

    The touring community are a huge park on the UK’s holiday economy. The contributions come from all angles like buying new leisure vehicles or fully booking out sites all across the country. Another branch of support is helping small towns and businesses thrive, such as this local pub which is set to get a total revamp as a large touring park has been approved directly behind it.

    The news follows a decision made by Flintshire councillors who have given the go ahead for a 55 pitch caravan site on the area at the back of Old Tavern, Llanerch-y-Mor, near Mostyn, which is believed to date back to 1664.

    The pub itself is actually a grade 2 listed building so due to its importance and special interest the amount of pitches allowed on the new site has actually scaled down to protect the building and grounds.

    Committee members of Flintshire Council planning office were told that the new site would become a tourist hotspot which will lead to more tourists visiting the area and provide vital income to help renovate the building.

    Speaking at a meeting recently, David Roney, one of the pub’s owners, said: “With your support, this change of use will bring visitors to an area of the coast road which has been neglected for many years.

    “We forecast that we will create at least 10 new jobs, which can all be performed by recruiting local people. All the features of the Coastal Path in Flintshire and the Heritage Trail are accessible from our front door.

    “The Old Tavern is the only pub still trading in Mostyn and has been run down for many years. We will restore the pub to its former glory, retaining an important community asset.”

    The on site pitches at the park will be for touring caravans only and permanent pitches will not be an option at this time.

    Some locals have expressed some mild concern and feel the site should be surrounded by secure fencing, which I think it a good idea as caravans seem to be a bit of a vandalism target of late.

    The plans were supported by the majority of councillors on the committee. Cllr Chris Bithell, cabinet member for planning, said: “I’ve known the Old Tavern for many, many years, it was my watering holes in years gone by. It’s a very important building from an historical point of view.”

    Meanwhile, Cllr Derek Butler, who seconded the proposals added: “Tourism is a vital economy in Flintshire, employing over 3,000 people and generating millions into our local economy.

    “We’re constantly exploring expanding that economic activity. Hostelries are closing on a daily basis all over the area. This is an isolated old tavern and it will anchor that purpose building for the foreseeable future.”

    News like this is so important as it demonstrates just how important caravan and leisure vehicle holidays are to the UK economy. It is no surprise that most tourism hotspots throughout the UK are pretty much flanked on all sides by caravan parks.

    Auto-Trail Tracker EB Field Test Review

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    By William Coleman

    As far as field testing goes we do try to think a little bit outside of the box and give a van a real life test to bring you an honest lived in review. We spent a week touring around Parma, Italy and stayed off grid to really put Auto-Trail’s 2019 Tracker EB through its paces.

    Off grid touring is really what caravans and the motorhome are designed for, providing you are stocked up on gas and water. So why not take it really off grid to the mountains and towns of Parma, Italy?

    First of all let me start by saying that this van exceeded all expectations, not that they were low to start with. In fact we may have had set our standards quite high before we even collected the brand new 2019 model.

    At first glance the distinctive look screams Auto-Trail with its decals and external design. Coming in at 7.63m long and built on the trusty Fiat Ducato the Tracker EB is an impressive looking motorhome that brings 130BHP with a 6 speed manual gearbox for a very diverse driving experience, especially on all the different road surfaces we went on during our trip.

    During our trip we had 2 first time motorhome users, one who had never really considered using a leisure vehicle and another who’s retirement plan is to buy a motorhome and tour who whole of Italy putting together a cookbook with the hopes of publishing it. So part of this review will be from 2 first timers.

    First Impression

    This is a very good looking motorhome from start to finish, I especially like the external decal colour scheme. It is modern enough without becoming too “futuristic” and looking a bit like something out of a Star Trek film.

    As standard you are going to get quite a lot of specs included, a lot of which had previously been up-gradable options. So if you want to cab air conditioning, cruise control and a passenger airbag included in the asking price the Tracker EB may just be the one for you.

    On top of that you can add the Media Pack to really make the van a cut above the rest. The Media Pack includes DAB radio, Sat-nav, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, reversing camera and even an exterior satellite dish if you opt for the Media+Pack.

    A Modern Yet Classic Interior

    There is not much that can be critiqued about the Tracker’s interior, but if I had to be super nit picky I would say that there are maybe too many small locker cupboards above the drivers cab. It just looked a tad OTT for me.

    The colour scheme of the cherrywood colour fixtures and cream leather upholstery gives the Tracker a really bright fresh feel and makes the inside seem a lot more spacious, not that there is a lack of space to start with. The bright, vibrant, clean layout gets 2 thumbs up from me.

    The leather option we had does not comes as standard and if you are thinking of continental touring leather may not be for everyone due to it sometimes being a bit sweaty. Seeing as our summers are getting longer and warmer in the UK the fabric may also be more comfortable if you have all your doors and windows open to get a natural breeze coming through.

    The lounge layout is not a new feature for Auto-Trail, if it’s not broke, but is simple and very functionable which does make it very spacious.

    Leisure Space & Living

    The lounge area does deserve it’s own section in this review as it served as a portable office, dining room, living room and occasional meeting room.

    The area really does feel very separate from the rest of the van. The two twin full length sofas and swivel captain chairs make it perfect for a group of 4-6 people to sit, mingle, eat and drink. Auto-Trail really do a good job with what space you get.

    One little feature that stood out to me, as it provided a very comfortable space to work in, was the small round swivel table found just behind the front passenger seat. In the more quiet moments I was able to sit very comfortably with my laptop and a cup of tea and work away.

    This meant that the rest of the living room was not taken up by the fold out table and meant everyone else was able to go back and forth unobstructed. It is little details like that which can make all the difference when on holiday.

    Kitchen, Cooking & Dining

    From this kitchen we were able to feed 6 adults for almost a week with only 1 additional trip to the shops for supplies, mainly due to the size of the fridge on board. You would actually struggle to fill up the new slim line fridge. On top of that there is another wave of storage cupboards, draws, nooks and crannies.

    Following the typically British layout into the kitchen means there is more than enough space and kit to cook for the entire family, and friends if you’re a good host. The Thetford slot in stove comes with your 3 gas hobs and an electric and 1 electric.

    Once the burners are on and boiling away you can use the good seized oven to roast and grill your fish and meat. We mainly used the hobs in Italy as there was a lot of pasta and meats which were best cooked in pots and pans.

    We didn’t managed to totally finish our gas bottle during our week and that was with heating, cooking and warm water. I found it to be a very efficient van for gas usage.

    When it comes to the dinning area you can sit up to 7 people, 4 would be as many as I would want in there but there is space for more, when you utilize the fold out table and swivel chairs.

    The folding table is a good size and high enough so you are not hunched over eating but it is very well hidden away. If you search under the island bed you will stumble across it. From memory I cannot think of another van where the table is so well hidden?

    Nighttime Living

    The Tracker EB is a 4 berth model but does come in a 6 berth option, as do many of Auto-Trail’s models. Sleeping arrangements are quick and simple with a double french island bed and a make up double in the living area.

    The transverse double bed in the lounge is actually very comfortable and has enough space for to two fully grown adults to sleep comfortably. You will not need to learn anything new for a quick set up as its been designed to work the usual way by pulling out the sofa base and brackets.

    Although this is listed as a 4 berth there are only 2 travel seats. So unless you are meeting people on site the second bed can go unused. Or decide the snoring is too much you can have a double bed to yourselves if you are travelling as a couple.

    The French bed does have a cut off which I am not too keen on but being under 6 feet means that neither myself or the partner will have anything to worry about when it comes to feet dangling off the end.

    If you do want to add another 2 travel seats to make it an ideal 4 berth be prepared to spend a further £825. This is something I would strongly suggest seeing as there is enough sleeping space for 4 and is an ideal motorhome for the family.

    The fixed bed wins big time for me here. I am not against a fold out bed but it is nice to be able to wake up in the morning and stroll into the living area without putting beds away or waking people up. I wake up very early where at the other half does not so we gladly choose an island bed option.

    If you, like me, you usually charge your phone or tablets overnight you will find plug points throughout the lounge, kitchen and bedroom areas. No extension leads necessary.

    Washroom

    I can see this washroom layout being very popular with consumers and may even be the driving factor toward the decision to actually buy.

    The space provided by have a rear washroom that runs the full width of the van means you have a home sized shower and enough space for a full size sink and toilet.

    More often than not the washroom has a cupboard or extra storage crammed in which leads to a much smaller bathroom. No fear of that here as you have a super sized bathroom/shower.

    The washroom is one of the highlights of the Tracker because it has just been done so well. A window and roof light provide a ton of natural light, which for me is always a bonus as natural light always makes an area look larger and a bit more outdoorsy.

    Driving

    We covered several hundred miles in the Tracker as it was driven from Suffolk to Parma in Italy by a seasoned leisure vehicle driver and then driven by 2 newcomers. So we did get quite a mix of opinions.

    Driving around Parma means you face a lot of different road types and terrains, all of which were dealt with well by the Tracker due its great handling.

    We spent a day and a half in the mountains camping and some of the inclines were extremely steep and I did worry about getting up the mountain in a vehicle this size with everything loaded onboard.

    Third gear did the job and at times even bumping up to fourth was smooth enough to ascend the mountain roads.

    The roads around Parma were pretty much what you get back here in the UK so driving a motorhome that is 2.3m wide never becomes an issue. Even our first timers were very comfortable driving the motorhome, even on the more trickier paths through the mountain were dealt with with confidence.

    The reversing camera makes your maneuvering a lot easier, especially where we pitched up for the evening, think lots of good size rocks sticking out the ground that would cause serious damage to your tyres. I guess that’s what you get with off grid mountain camping.

    130BHP and the 6 speed gearbox makes the Tracker a pleasure to drive. When driving abroad some may worry about driving a motorhome but fear not as this van is comfortable and very easy to drive. All you have to do is become acclimated to driving on the other side of the road.

    First Time Users

    Antonio- “I’ve never actually been in motorhome before, let alone drive it around a foreign country. My biggest fear was driving on the other side of the road but to be honest it really does not feel too different to driving at home. The maneuvering can be a little tricky as is it larger than what I have driven before but you soon get used it it and the reversing camera is a godsend as I am so used to have a rearview mirror.

    It is a lot more comfortable than I thought it would be, although at times it can be a squeeze when there are 4 adults inside all trying to do something.

    The cooking facilities and food storage were top notch too, I didn’t realise just how much you can get on board. We ate like kings for a week.

    The sleeping arrangements actually worked quite well, despite some people’s constant snoring. I slept on the island and the makeup and I think out of the two I much prefer the make up bed. It just felt a lot more comfortable and spacious.”

    Giuseppe- “I am basically trying out what I have planned for my retirement. Travel around the country I’m from and speak to the locals and learn new recipes and cooking methods to make a cookbook.

    I am a good few years away from retirement so have not actually done any real research into what motorhomes are out there. Being the first one I have actually driven I must say it really is not that different from driving the large transport vans like we have at work back in the UK.

    One thing I thought I would need to do it kit it out with lots of extras to help with the cooking but having spend a week in it the only thing extra I would bring would be a portable BBQ to grill meats and fish. You don’t want to stink out the joint.

    Comfortable, easy to drive and spacious. What more could you want from a motorhome?”

    Final Thoughts

    Like I said before it is very hard to find things to dislike here. We spent a week in the Tracker and not once did we enter an actual site or hook up to any mains electric or water and we had a great time living off grid.

    Practical, comfortable and an all round pleasure to stay in. If you are in the market for a van for couples this should be a contender for your first pick.

    The fact that it comes with only 2 belted seats but is a 4 berth baffles me, yes you can pay for 2 more. I think if it came with 4 belted seats it would get a lot more attention from families who may opt to buy a van that comes with 4 driving seats as standard.

    All in all this is a top notch van from one of the UK’s largest dedicated motorhome manufacturers.

    Technical Specifications

    Model Year- 2019
    Class- Overcab Coachbuilt
    Range- Tracker
    Base Vehicle- Fiat Ducato
    Engine Size- 2.3TD
    Payload (kg)- 880
    Belted Seats- 2
    Maximum weight (kg)- 4250
    Price from (£)- 61597
    Length (m)- 7.36
    Width (m)- 2.35
    Height (m)- 3.10
    Berths- 4
    Main Layout- French Bed

    Top 5 Articles Of 2018

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    William Coleman

    We are approaching the New Year and we are feeling rather reflective. So before we are all start popping cases of champagne open and singing Auld Lang Syne into the wee hours we want to share with you our top 5 articles, in no particular order, of the last 12 months.

    1. The Skoda Kodiaq Review

    This was a special one for the team, it was my first car review for CaravanTimes and was the first time the newly formed team spent a day together on location filming.

    The Kodiaq won the top prize as the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year awards and was the lead towcar on the Bristsanbul tour around Europe and Asia. So it made total sense to contact Skoda and ask to test drive this fantastic towcar.

    It got top marks from us and really did clear up a lot of the stigma I had towards the Skoda brand. So to read our full in depth review and to watch the video we made, with yours truly as the star, simply click here and enjoy.

    2. CaravanTimes Takes A Trip To The BBC

    Just a couple of short months in I got an invite to be on BBC Wales to talk about the rise in popularity of winter touring.

    At first I was a little bit nervous about going on the BBC and putting my foot in my mouth, something that happens far too often. Once I sat down and popped on the headphones and went live on BBC Radio the nerves went away. I think the fear saved me from embarrassment thankfully.

    Why the rise in winter touring? Why not is the real answer. If you are spending thousands of hard earned pounds on a motorhome or caravan you should be using it all year round.

    Modern vans can literally keep you warm in arctic conditions, we’ve been to the arctic and back in a caravan, so using them from October to February really is not too much of a task at all.

    The full BBC Radio Wales interview is right here, please save your heckling till the end.

    3. The Truma Stand at Dusseldorf

    If you’ve ever travelled to the Dusseldorf Salon Caravan Show then you know just how much effort companies go to for one of the biggest leisure shows in Europe.

    One stand that really did catch our was the Truma stand. Once you watch the video we made you will see why.

    It was by far the most interactive stands at the week long event and had the crowds wowed by just how much there was on display.

    Interactive touch screens, think a 55″ iPad, prize winning competitions, interactive systems and a waves of extremely helpful staff on hand to answer any and all questions.

    To see the stand from the German show, which is now the standard for all of Truma’s shows Click Here

    4. Scammers Beware, CT Have Your Number

    The holiday scam is one of the most common out there, which is actually quite sad when you think about it.

    People pray on the limited holiday time we get all because they want a few extra pounds in the pocket which leaves families out of pocket and devastated.

    We hear about so many year in year out so we want to bring you a list of things to look out for and how to avoid getting caught up in a scheme or scam.

    Stay clued up by reading our Leisure industry scams and what to look out for.

    5. The Bed Debate

    There are two main types of bed in the leisure vehicle, The Island and the Make Up. This topic tore the the CaravanTimes team down the middle and the debate got very heated on social media.

    So we give you a run down on what the pros and cons are of each. And before you ask I stand firmly on the island bedside. Despite not having one, oh the irony.

    Here are our pros and cons of the island and make up bed, where do you stand on this?

    The CaravanTimes Team 2018 Highlights

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    By William Coleman

    2018 really has been a bit of a marquee year for CaravanTimes. We have hit quite a few miles stones, travelled the world and been asked to take part in some extremely important caravan industry events. As we approach 2019 the CaravanTimes team reflect on their personal highlights of the last year.

    James, Camera Operator, Producer & Post Production- This year has been a crazy one and it’s really hard to pick what I enjoyed the most. If I had to try and sum it up I’d say that it’s been all the different scenery we have been able to film, which makes my job a lot more fun because I get to be so much more creative.

    One week we may be in Wales filming a caravan review and then the next week we could be in Parma in Italy documenting two first time motorhome users on a work related road trip.

    It can be a bit challenging getting so much work done in the hours of daylight we have throughout the different parts of the year but I feel like we have done quite a good job over the past 12 months.

    I am particularly proud of the Bailey of Bristol “Bristanbul” tour we did. 3 weeks around the continent trying to film enough to piece together a story of what comes with international touring. A lot harder than you may think, especially with some of the more “tricky” countries in Europe.

    ‘<‘ . strtolower(‘Array’)>Rob, Camera Operator & Post Production- I have been with the team for about 3 months now and there has not been a quiet moment. I was warned that post October Show at the NEC things would start to quieten down but we have seen quite the opposite, which is good I suppose.

    The highlight for me was see just how large the industry is, looking from the inside out. I have used leisure vehicles since I can remember and routinely go away on caravan holidays with the partner but you see an entirely different side once you take you consumer hat off.

    It has been a bit of a learning curve and I was amazed at just how much work goes into show such as the Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham. We got there the day before the doors opened to the public and I never thought in a million years they’d get the set up finished in time.

    As I am relatively new to the team I am very excited to see what 2019 has in store for CaravanTimes and bringing some of my skills to the table to ensure everyone loves what create.

    Tomas- Post Production Manager- 2018 seems to have flown by so fast. I mean, yes we have been busy, but this year seems to have sped by quicker than any I can remember.

    As a team we have been spread, literally, across the world all year. As a manager of the production team it has been rather hard to get everyone sat together to go over what needs completing and what is coming up, but we got there in the end.

    What stood out to me this year was the holiday me and the family took in the Airstream thanks to the Caravan and Motorhome Club. As a family of 4 it can really add up when it comes to booking flights and hotels so we decided why not make the most of the great UK countryside and our Club membership.

    The Airstream Colorado is not your average caravan, and it does not provide the typical caravan holiday. They look cool and have so much space inside that all 4 of us had all we needed.

    I am not sure I would ever want to tow one as they are rather large, both length and width. If you have not used the Experience Freedom holidays via the Club I would urge you too, we even had a 4 day break in a glamping yurt which was great!

    ‘<‘ . strtolower(‘Array’)an, Director- Where do I start on this one? The National Rally, Bristanbul, Auto-Trail shoots, Tow Car of the Year, Caravan Design awards. There is just so much. As a team I cannot pick one specific thing that was a highlight, but personally speaking…The Towcar of the Year testing at Millbrook was by far my favourite adventure of this year.

    I am a self confessed petrol head. Anything with an engine or that can have one attached to it is my cup of team. So being able to spend a week testing some of the best towcars in the world around a test driving sight with a caravan attached was by far the best thing I have taken part in.

    Not only was it fun but it also validated all the hard work that we have been doing as a publication. Not many people get asked to take part in the testing so it really did mean a lot to be selected. But most of all I enjoyed driving around cars that cost up to £80,000.

    ‘<‘ . strtolower(‘Array’)om, Managing Director- Wow, not sure what I would put at the top of the list. I mean we do so much that I feel like I forgetten half of it. All jokes aside though I would say that the team’s growth and improvements have been the best part of the year for me.

    I know that is a very “Director” thing to say but I genuinely believe it. We have had new people join and the team has become really strong and we are producing the best content we have in quite some time. Now all the guys need to do it top that in 2019.

    As far as an activity I have enjoyed I would have to say our 3 Peaks Challenge takes top spot. We completed it in around 22 and a half hours. Thankfully we had Martin Dorey in a Marquis Randger driving us so we could get some rest and pancakes in between mountains.

    The 3 day recovery and slightly destroyed knees were also quite fun. Not!

    So now onto what my highlight of the year is. Without a shadow of a doubt the Bristanbul tour was the best experience of the year, and possible career best too.

    3 weeks on tour around Europe and Asia towing 2 caravans and driving a motorhome, and being paid for the satisfaction too. It really could be worse couldn’t it.

    The best part of the trip was the comradery that grew within the team. Across the 3 weeks there was a revolving team, with a core that were there the whole time, and everyone just got the work done and made it as fun as possible.

    Getting to know the likes of Lee Davey, Martin Fitzpatrick from Truma and Simon Howard, Bailey’s Director, really was a joy. Seeing people out of the office and in the field does make for quite entertaining times as they really do put there hair down and enjoy caravanning.

    Now you know what we enjoyed the most we would love to hear from you. We have had a great time brining you all the news and info from the industry and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading and watching it all as much as we did creating it.

    New Park Acquisition To Link East Coast Parks

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    By William Coleman

    Park Holidays UK has further reinforced its presence on Britain’s east coast with the acquisition of another major Essex park business: Dovercourt Caravan Park.

    Based in the seaside town of Dovercourt near Harwich, the long-established park is described by the group as one of its most exciting and strategically important gains to date.

    It joins the other five parks operated by Park Holidays UK in Essex, and takes the company into the north of the county adjoining Suffolk where it has four additional parks.

    Dovercourt has been providing family holidays for over 50 years, and mirrors the product model of the group by offering both holiday home sales and rentals, together with touring facilities.

    Also like Park Holidays UK’s other centres, it provides a raft of attractions and entertainment, and similarly boasts a large and loyal customer base with many repeat bookings.

    Dovercourt was previously under the ownership of the Hammerton family who have continually invested to maintain the park’s competitive edge.

    Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish said the acquisition of Dovercourt was an entirely commercial decision, but one bolstered by his long-held respect for the park’s management.

    Tony said that he and Dovercourt’s chairman, Stephen Hammerton, met over 30 years ago when they both served on the parks committee of the National Caravan Council:

    “It was apparent from the start that we both shared similar values, and regarded high standards and competitive pricing as core to attracting both sales and rental custom,” said Tony.

    “That’s why I am confident that Dovercourt will be a perfect fit to our group, and we are now drawing up expansion and development plans which will further underwrite its success.

    “Over the past few years, Park Holidays UK has invested many millions of pounds in its east coast parks, and this is already being reflected in increased customer activity.

    “Dovercourt has become our fourth acquisition in this region in recent years, and now provides us with a well-balanced geographical spread along this popular stretch of holiday coast.

    “We are greatly looking forward to being Dovercourt’s custodian in the years ahead,” added Tony.

    Former owner Stephen Hammerton said he was delighted that his park was now passing into the hands of a responsible and forward-looking group:

    “Although Dovercourt is first and foremost a business, our family has always taken a deep personal pride in helping it to grow and develop over the years,” he said.

    “It’s also been extremely satisfying to receive so much positive feedback from holiday home owners and visitors, some of whom have demonstrated literally generations of loyalty to Dovercourt.

    “The sale of our park generated much interest, but our family feel completely confident that the expectations of our customers will continue to be met by Park Holidays UK,” said Stephen.

    Dovercourt’s history covers the pioneering days of the parks industry, and adjoins the former Warner’s Holiday Camp used for the filming of the much-loved comedy Hi-de-Hi! in the Eighties.

    Park Holidays UK now comprises 30 coastal parks in southern England, and there is more information about the company on its website at www.ParkHolidays.com

    VW Grand California UK Debut Announced

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    By William Coleman

    The CaravanTimes team got a good close up look at the Volkswagen Grand California way back in early September at the 2018 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon. Now just a few months away from a major UK caravan show VW have announced their newest camper’s UK debut.

    In just a couple of short months at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham, 19-24 February, you will get your chance to the the all-new Crafter based campervan which is Volkswagen’s first vehicle in the six-metre class. After seeing it for the first time in February 2019 it will hit the UK market mid year just in time for the summer.

    Retaining many of the strengths of the original Transporter-based California which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, the Grand California’s appeal is extended by the addition of extra space, and a bathroom with toilet, shower, a fold-out wash basin, shelves, cupboards and a skylight for ventilation.

    Two different versions will be available: the ‘680’ and the ‘600’, which not only has a large sleeping area at the rear but also a high bunk bed for children.

    You will also find an electrically powered step to help you gain access via the sliding door, while a 2 part mosquito net in the door has also been included as standard.

    For those out there who are into their on board audio options VW have added a new innovative feature, the option to control the loudspeakers in the living area via Bluetooth. Something that is missing from a lot of modern leisure vehicles I have used. This makes it possible to listen to music independently of the infotainment system using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

    VW has not stopped their with the new additions. Also available is the option for additional roof mounted air conditioning units at the rear, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and a camping table and chairs (which can be stowed in the wing doors). The standard gas heating can be expanded as a heating system to run on gas- or diesel-generated electric power. There will also be a solar panel system mounted on the roof, a satellite dish (for TV reception) and an LTE/WiFi hotspot.

    In addition, the Grand California will be available with the Crafter’s driver assistance and infotainment systems. The driver assistance systems include the Front Assist surroundings monitoring system with City Emergency Braking function, Lane Assist to help the driver stay in lane, Blind Spot Monitor for changing lane, Rear Traffic Alert for reversing out of parking spaces and Park Assist for steering into them, the sensor-controlled side protection system, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Rear View reversing camera.

    From what I saw at the Salon this really is a camper worth considering. Not only are you getting the Volkswagen design and build quality you also getting a perfectly constructed camper van that will last for years and years.

    The Grand California really does live up to its name too. The onboard living space is plentiful and does not compromise any other onboard aspects.

    As always we will be at February’s NEC show and I am sure we will have a lot of fun bringing you some more coverage on VW’s newest.

    Jeep Compass Video Review

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    By William Coleman

    The week before last we reviewed the Jeep Compass 2.0 Multijet-II Review, and quite honestly I really enjoyed it the experience. While I was out on the road I managed to fit my camera crew on board to make a short video review of the nifty SUV 4×4.

    I would not go as far to say the reviews of the Jeep Compass 2.0 Multijet are scathing but they are certainly not inline with our feelings. First of you you have to look at the price range of this 4×4 and what you are actually getting for your money.

    Priced between £24,745 – £34,290, meaning there is a lot of room for extras and upgrades, is a very reasonable price for a tow car of this level. The model we tested this week was top end and priced at £36,145, as it has every bell and whistle you could possible ask for.

    To read our full indepth review of the Jeep Compass 2.0 Multijet-II just simply Click Here

    The Coffee Caravan Charity

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    By William Coleman

    Caravans have been converted into all manner of things over the years, such as mobile barbers, burger vans, beauticians and now we have a tow-able barista to help aid a local Charity this Christmas.

    We found a great story from Leicestershire Live last week about a converted caravan trailer selling coffee to raise money for charity at Leicester’s Christmas ice rink. The charity in questions is a Leicester homelessness charity.

    This coffee van with a difference set up shop at Jubliee directly next to the city’s Christmas ice rink to entice visitors to relax, enjoy a coffee and help with a very worthy cause as he head into the colder months of the year.

    Eric, who started the portable coffee bar, formerly used the setup to serve Ice Cream under the name of ‘Eric’s Ice Cream. He soon became very well known and had vans around the city and a hut at Bradgate Park.

    Now the caravan has been converted into a portable coffee machine Eric is supporting a Leicester charity called “The Bridge”. All the proceeds from the coffee sales will go support the homelessness services the charity offers.

    The charitable conversions are in full flow as The Bridge charity also have a converted milk float, named Ernie, which is also being used as fund raising coffee van.

    Those visiting Eric in Jubilee Square will find a wide range of drinks available, from regular latte and cappuccino, to Christmas specials such as winter spice, eggnog and gingerbread lattes.

    Eric will be in Jubilee Square until January 6, 2019.

    The 8ft Wide Caravan Voted Not That Popular?

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    By William Coleman

    The 8ft caravan is a bit like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. This year we have seen the 8ft van make a comeback with Bailey’s brand new Pegasus Grande range, which was a complete redesign, but some caravanners still seem unconvinced by the larger van. We take a look into Caravan Guard’s latest poll which reveals some strong numbers regarding the 8ft’er.

    This year at October’s NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show I was very much on the lookout for the larger vans on display, mainly because I am actually a fan. Having seen some impressive concepts during the Dusseldorf show I was keen to see what the UK could look forward to come 2019.

    All UK manufacturers decided to release 8ft wide vans for the upcoming 2019 season. Some companies decided to simply make the chassis wider whereas others wanted to totally redesigned the van from the ground up to provide a totally unique van. The redesigns stand above the rest, in my opinion they. Aside from my opinion what does the rest of the caravan world think?

    Last month Caravan Guard published a community poll asking if their readers would ever consider owning/using an 8ft wide caravan, and how many readers currently own one. The response was overwhelming!

    Within no time at all there were 300 votes on the poll with a staggering 60% saying “no” to the extra inches the 8ft caravan provides. The majority opinion was that the roads in the UK are simply not wide enough to tow something larger, especially in areas that are pretty much all narrow country lanes.

    Another opinion was that it is not just the roads that do not cater for the larger van; service stations and some campsites are also not very well equipped to deal with the larger leisure vehicle extra width. A lot of voters feared towing a larger van and were unwilling to tackle the challenge presented by the 8ft wide van.

    It would seem that a lot of people have a type of “stigma, for lack of a better word, against the 8ft caravans. A bit like saying “I wont eat that because I know I will not like it”, how do you know if you do not try?

    The standard caravan is width is 7 ft 6½ so when you think about the extra 5 and a half inches it really is not a lot, until you find yourself having to reverse down a narrow country lane. So, yes it can present a new set of challenges but a seasoned caravanner should have zero issue adjusting to these.

    Fear not though, as it was not all bad news for 2019’s newest super sized additions. Almost 25% of the vote went to the “yes” option, meaning that a lot of people have not totally ruled out the idea of a larger model. Another 6% of voters already had an 8ft wide caravan and were very happy with the extra space. Meaning 30% were in favour of wide units. And a further 10% were undecided and voted “maybe”. So it certainly seems there is a big enough market for such caravans.

    If you have the luxury of having a seasonal pitch then the 8ft vans from the likes of Coachman, Elddis and Swift would be a fantastic option if towing makes you feel uneasy. Get the dealer to do the hard work and have them deliver it to site, jobs a good’un. This way you get all that extra holiday space without any added stress or anxiety.

    We asked our audience what their thoughts were on the topic and we really did get a varied mix of responses.

    One of our readers said, “Roads in Brittany, Wales, Yorkshire and Cornwall are not wide enough, the space at the side of the house isn’t wider, spaces in caravan storage facilities aren’t wider, ferry accommodation on board isn’t wider, entry/exit lanes on caravan sites (particularly separate ones) are not wider. ‘Nuff said.”

    Whereas another reader had a completely different opinion, “Bought our 8ft wide van last spring and have had no problems. You just have to plan your journey and make allowances. Have traveled to Suffolk, Norfolk, Wales, Leicestershire and the Lakes. The extra internal room is a boon, makes our old van seem very small.”

    Another positive comment I just had to share was from someone who’d actually tackled towing an 8ft’er abroad, so using a ferry and the other side of the road did not seem to actually be a factor, “Have had mine 12mths and apart from putting the mirrors at outside edge if the car not a problem. Been abroad with it and towing no different with car.

    So just like Marmite is has people split right down the middle. There does seem to be a lot of people who will not even entertain the idea of a larger van and are very much stuck in their ways, which if fine as they are the backbone of the industry, and there are some who love the extra living and leisure space provider by a wider tourer. Where do you sit on this?

    MP Vote OF Confidence For Dales Park And Tourism Award Win

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    By William Coleman

    Riverside Caravan Park really did see out 2018 with a massive wave of successes one after the other as they win a prestigious tourism awards and get the non from a local MP. Congratulations were in order this November when North Yorkshire MP Julian Smith took time out to visit Riverside Caravan Park in the village of High Bentham.

    Mr Smith was invited to the park by the Marshall family to inspect the latest tourism developments taking shape, and which will help draw even more visitors to the region.

    Thomas Marshall told the MP that this summer had been one of the busiest in Riverside’s 49-year history, and that its staff had helped the business achieve a number of important awards.

    Earlier this month, the park was named as one of the top holiday providers in North Yorkshire in the finals of the county tourist board’s White Rose Awards 2018.

    Also in autumn, national tourist board VisitEngland presented the park with its rare and prestigious 2018/9 Gold Award for its outstanding standards of excellence.

    In both awards, said Mr Marshall, the high standards of hospitality and professionalism shown by Riverside’s staff team played a big part

    Julian Smith, who represents the Skipton and Ripon constituency and is the Government’s chief whip in the House of Commons, said that everyone at the park deserved hearty congratulations.

    Mr Smith took a tour of Riverside’s sister-park called Wenningdale Escapes which adjoins the 18-hole Bentham Golf Course, also owned by the park.

    It’s here that a £1 million-plus development is taking place featuring new luxury holiday lodges for sale and rent with contemporary design and picture-postcard views, plus glamping accommodation.

    Mr Marshall said the family was delighted that Julian Smith was able to visit their park, and added that the MP clearly understood the value of visitor spending to North Yorkshire’s rural economy.

    Award Winning Effort

    Inspectors from VisitEngland have told a North Yorkshire family that its holiday park is “off the scale” in terms of quality – and has warranted a rare award.

    Riverside Caravan Park in High Bentham now boasts the national tourist board’s prestigious 2018/9 Gold Award for its outstanding standards of excellence.

    Fewer than 50 of England’s 3,000-plus holiday parks have been granted the accolade this year, putting Riverside among an elite of top-performing park businesses.

    VisitEngland says its gold standard can only be achieved if a park exceeds all of the requirements necessary to gain a top five-star rating during its annual inspection.

    Even then, the park must be visited by a “mystery shopper” before the award is officially confirmed.

    Owned by the Marshall family for almost 50 years, the park is currently putting the finishing touches to a new development of luxury holiday lodges and glamping accommodation.

    These are based on Riverside’s sister-park called Wenningdale Escapes which adjoins the 18-hole Bentham Golf Course, also owned by the park.

    Thomas Marshall said that the VisitEngland honour was very much the result of a team effort:

    “The award is especially important to us because it recognises not just the quality of the park’s facilities and surroundings, but also the levels of hospitality and service provided to guests.

    “It’s our staff team which deserves the lion’s share of the credit for this, and they do a great job in making everybody feel welcome and helping them enjoy their stay.

    “We can now look forward to starting the season next year with a new range of luxury holiday homes, and a real feather in our caps from VisitEngland!” said Thomas.

    Thomas and his wife Jane are helped in the running of their business by their daughter Isabel.

    There is more information about the park at www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk