by Holly Tribe
Throughout this year Caravan Times has been privy to some of the most exciting developments in the caravan industry, and 2010 has been a year of big changes from many of the major manufacturers.
And so, in celebration of all that is good and new in the world of touring, we’re asking readers to vote for their favourite releases of 2010 in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.
Categories up for debate include Best Newcomer; Best Caravan Park; Best Innovation of 2010; Dealer Of The Year; and Caravan Of The Year 2010. Each week we take a detailed look at each category beginning with ‘Best Innovation’. We’ve put together a shortlist of those additions to 2010 caravans which stood out as genuinely different and pushing design forward. All voting is open, but we’ve come up with a few of our own favourites to get you started.
Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010
2011 Swift and Sterling : panoramic sunroof
The popular Swift Challenger and Conqueror ranges received a full redesign alongside the Sterling Eccles and Elite. Using the latest in automotive 3D design software Swift has created a totally new exterior shape with striking interior styling. What we consider the standout feature on these models was the new front panoramic sunroof which curves upward into the roof to provide a great deal of interior light.
Stealth Caravans : window placed in nosecone
The first designs from new kids on the block Stealth sported a windowless opaque nosecone – reminiscent of the US fighter planes that inspired the name.
This year witnessed the introduction of a range of new models with more flexible layouts and features. This included a window in the nosecone for the first time in the new Q Class. Stealth’s innovative ‘overseal’ technology allows the window to be integrated into the front section without letting in moisture.
Bailey Unicorn : heating system hidden in furniture
There are several design elements that mark Bailey’s newest Unicorn range out from it Alu-Tech siblings. But one of our favourites has to be the inclusion of the Alde heating system, in place of the blown air model used on the Olympus and Pegasus. Clever positioning of the radiators hides them behind the furniture, whilst a compact 12v hydronic system quietly pulls the heating fluid through the pipes.
Buccaneer Clipper : text message activated heating system
Possibly the most technically advanced offering in our ‘best innovations’ category can be found in the Buccaneer Clipper. The Alde central heating system has again been used, but in the Clipper it is fitted with a telematic sensor which can be remotely operated via text message. This means your can send your caravan a SMS text, and get the cabin all warmed up before you return home. Genius.
AS Caravans : portable hand-held vacuum and hairdryer with built-in socket
By tradition a motorhome manufacturer, Auto-Sleepers moved into the caravan market this year with a new range of tourers marketed at the top end of the market. AS Caravans are kitted out with all the expected appliances, along with a few thoughtful extras. Integrated into the overall design is a hairdryer with a built in socket and the inclusion of a portable handheld vacuum cleaner.
