Answering common caravan and campervan questions

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Last week, I ran through your most commonly asked questions about motorhomes and campsites. Today in the Cartwright Chronicles, I’ll be offering my thoughts and addressing popular queries from the CaravanTimes community about caravans and campervans.

Frequently asked caravan questions

1. I’m buying a caravan but I’ve never towed – do you have any advice?

Book a course! Towing isn’t particularly difficult, but there are a few tricks to learn and I’d personally recommend taking professional instruction. Courses can be one or two days and might be between £100 and £200, depending on where you go. But it’s worthwhile to learn how you can make towing a fun experience instead of a stressful one.

With that said, if you’re buying a caravan and will be towing it, make sure you understand the guidelines around the weight of your towcar in comparison to your caravan. We could publish huge articles on this, but as a rule of thumb, carry as much weight as possible in your car.

Additionally, consider what towcar you want. As a judge of the Towcar of the Year awards, I know they’re hard to pick. So, if you’re finding it difficult, take a look at previous winners.

2. Will I need a specific licence to tow a caravan?

No, but there are certain rules and regulations in place when it comes to towing a caravan, which you can find on the Caravan and Motorhome Club website.

Essentially, assuming the gross vehicle weight is 3,500kg or less, you should be fine. In most cases, you won’t need to update your licence, but if you’re a younger driver or over 70 years of age, you should check first.

3. Can I have passengers in my caravan while towing it?

Definitely not. In all seriousness, this is an incredibly bad idea and if you have ever seen an accident involving a caravan – regardless of how it occurred – the leisure vehicle always comes off a lot worse.

Also, caravans don’t have seatbelts, so if anything happens your passengers would be instantly flung, with no protection, which is never going to end well. Having been in the back of one to film and carry out assessments on test tracks, I can confirm it’s a very unpleasant experience.

Caravans bounce, rock and roll. Try to move and you’ll fall over, while even attempting to sit still in one place is a bit like riding a mechanical bull. Don’t be tempted.

4. Do I legally need to purchase caravan insurance?

No, but you will need to make sure that your car insurance covers you to tow. That’s the legal aspect of it. Most of the time, caravan insurance is about protecting the leisure vehicle from damage and theft.

Even if it covered you to tow, assuming the legal limit on your car insurance, it might not cover the cost of the caravan in an accident, regardless of fault. So, it’s often worth considering caravan insurance, even if the choice, legally speaking, is yours.

5. What’s better, a pre-owned or new caravan?

In truth, the most important thing is the layout. If you’re undecided on a particular one, try to hire one with a specific design and consider buying a pre-owned caravan that matches it.

A significant benefit of buying new is that caravans come under a lot of stress during towing. When they’re fresh off the line, you’ll get things like manufacturer warranties and dealer-backed support, so you can bring it in and fix anything that isn’t quite right.

On the other hand, new caravans are a bit like houses – they have snagging issues. Buying pre-owned should (hopefully) mean the teething issues have been addressed already. But honestly, the most important thing is to not compromise on the layout!

6. Would you recommend any caravan-related products?

Coincidentally, we’re planning to cover this in an upcoming article, in time with potential Christmas gifts. But we’ve also talked previously about the tools you should consider bringing along for the staycation, as well as things like how to make the most of your available space. There are plenty of resources on CaravanTimes to tide you over until our caravan gifts article!

7. How do you load a caravan properly?

Again, there’s so much information required to answer this question appropriately. It would take too long to go through it here, but consider the fact that universities, engineers and even the great Lee Davey have all worked on this. So, I can definitely point you in the right direction!

My general guide is to put anything heavy in your car if possible. Then, in terms of the caravan, the items with the most mass should be stored over the axle. You can purchase nets and bars to hold your belongings in place.

From there, remember to test your nose weight to make sure it’s in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and be sensible with packing! Don’t put your necessary items right at the back and avoid placing the step anywhere other than right next to the door.

Commonly asked campervan questions

1. How do you know if a campervan is right for you?

Much like with caravans, my opinion is that you need to make your decision based on the layout of the vehicle, rather than any other aspect, like the brand, style or a tempting discount. Layout is king!

Campervans come with the most compromise, but included in that group is the converted panel van, which is slightly larger and can therefore have more comfy, larger beds. They also have indoor toilets, better cooking facilities and some even have pop tops.

2. Is a self-converted van a good idea?

I have to be fair here and say that it’s, of course, a personal preference. If there’s a reason why you want a specific layout – maybe you’re using the van in a unique way, like carrying motorbikes to a race – then yes, this could be a good way to achieve the layout that suits your needs.

However, if you don’t want an unusual layout, I’d say avoid self-conversions. The number of hours spent by designers and engineers on manufacturing panel van conversions is in the thousands, perhaps even more. And that’s just to complete the basic concept and design.

Then, it’s constantly improved upon with every iteration or new release. To think that you’d do a better job is probably a mistake. So, if you want a typical layout, but at a budget, I’d suggest buying a slightly older, factory-made camper or panel conversion.

3. Are campervans easy to drive?

Yes. Regardless of whether it’s a small camper or a panel van conversion, they’re all very easy to drive. Anyone who’s been in a van before will take to it naturally, and you wouldn’t even notice the difference between one of these and a car, other than it’s a little bit bigger.

4. How fuel-efficient is a campervan?

Well, that really depends on the van! The way that manufacturing has moved forward in the last 15 years means there’s a huge push towards fuel economy, lower emissions and higher miles per gallon (MPG).

Modern campers will list the MPG figures on the manufacturer’s website, so if you’re interested in finding out, your best bet would be to simply search for the model on Google.

Overall, campervans are probably the most economical leisure vehicles due to their smaller size, as motorhomes and caravans have such a higher wind impact.

5. How much maintenance does a campervan require?

From a mechanical point of view, this should be covered by the automotive manufacturer and, strangely, there’s a lot of variation between different commercial vehicles. It’s important, therefore, to always maintain the service guidance for as long as you own the camper.

In terms of habitation, it will require a service every six months. That involves gearing it up for winter, then summer. It’s probably worth getting this done at a reputable dealership, as they’ll also conduct damp tests on the floor and identify the kind of problems that can very quickly turn from cheap and easy to fix to difficult and expensive.

Also, things break, just like any items you use a lot at home, like knobs from cookers or handles from doors. If you have kids, they will almost certainly destroy every single part of that campervan eventually, so be prepared to make some repairs!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

How TikTok is inspiring a new generation of caravan lovers

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Since 2020, the interest shown in caravan holidays has piqued dramatically. Not too long before this, as well as the coming and going of a global pandemic, the popular social media app TikTok rose to fame.

When you add the cost of living climate to the mix, with many people switching the traditional flights abroad for a leisure vehicle staycation, it might not be too much of a stretch to suggest that social media has played a significant role in popularising the humble caravan holiday.

That’s certainly what new research by Seals Direct implies. UK domestic holidays have seen a six per cent increase since 2022, with the caravan industry here currently undergoing what is predicted to be a massive 18 per cent increase in profits by 2030.

It’s not just that people are enjoying more caravan holidays, either. Seals Direct also found that caravan renovations are increasing in popularity, with a 433 per cent rise in renovation products sold by the specialists since 2019.

Why are refurbished caravans more popular?

As domestic travellers continue to move away from flights, hotels and trips abroad, the UK tourism industry is set to benefit from additional revenue. Speaking on the rise in caravan popularity, Adam Howard, director and spokesperson for Seals Direct commented:

“We noticed that during and since COVID, there has been a steady increase in people looking to refurbish their existing vans, rather than buying new. A lot of caravans that have only been lightly used over the last decade are now being taken on the road on a more regular basis.

“These owners are looking to refurbish parts, such as the rubber seals and trims, to ensure that they are watertight, warm and comfortable.”

Since the pandemic, the demand for domestic holidays has increased and the most obvious reason for this is the higher cost of living causing all of us to restrict our budgets. However, the social media wave of leisure vehicle influencers is now stirring the younger generation to consider a caravan or motorhome holiday here in the UK.

The research from Seals Direct highlighted conversations with new leisure vehicle owners, who frequently expressed a preference for long weekend breaks in the UK, as opposed to a two-week stint abroad, for example.

Because of a higher demand for staycations, plenty of these new caravanners are looking to refurbish their second-hand vans, freshen them up and bring them back to life in a different way. In many cases, people are doing this before even embarking on their first trip in the vehicle.

Additionally, new-era leisure vehicles, produced within the last ten years, are fitted with parts bespoke to the original equipment manufacturer. As they need to be replaced due to age, owners might run into trouble finding affordable replacements.

Seals Direct is helping many of caravanning’s newest generation to manufacture like-for-like replacement parts for a small fraction of the cost of an original. 

The trend of leisure vehicle popularity is expected to continue for the foreseeable future and why shouldn’t it? More people getting involved in our community can only be a great thing!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

Road Safety Week: Tips for driving in the dark

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The biggest road safety campaign of the year is underway, with the charity Brake looking to raise awareness of the dangers. It says five people are killed on the roads in the UK every day. There are many contributing factors to accidents, but at this time of year, driving in the dark presents additional hazards.

If you’re setting out in your caravan or motorhome and won’t reach your destination in daylight, take precautions for driving at night. To mark Road Safety Week (November 19th to November 25th), the team at Select Car Leasing has prepared a useful list of considerations.

Check your lights are working

Before starting your journey, make sure the front and rear lights are working on both your towcar and your caravan. Driving without a full set of functional lights is against the law, so replace any broken bulbs before your next trip.

Use your lights correctly

Dipped headlights should be used from an hour before sunset until an hour after sunrise to ensure visibility. Full beams should be on when driving along unlit country roads, but dipped when you encounter another vehicle.

Beware of glare

Other road users may not be as considerate with dipping their lights, so make sure you don’t look at them directly. If you get dazzled by oncoming lights, follow the line markings at the edge of the road on the left-hand side to stay on course.

Watch out for vulnerable road users

It can be more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and even animals in the dark, so it’s important to stay alert. Areas around schools or when there are signs indicating wildlife might be in the vicinity require additional care.

Manage your speed

Driving more slowly when it’s dark will decrease the risk of serious injury should an accident occur. Your reactions will have more chance of avoiding an incident if you still well within the speed limit at all times.

Keep windows clean

Dirty windows from rain, salt on the roads or parking under a tree can make visibility more difficult. Clean them prior to departure and ensure you have a good supply of windscreen fluid for the journey.

Maintain clean air vents

Condensation on the inside of windows is a problem in the winter, but blowing dirty air on them can create a different issue. Wipe vents down regularly to prevent dust ending up sticking to the damp glass.

Manage your fatigue

Darkness can increase your melatonin levels and make you feel more tired. Stop and take a break to avoid driving when tired. Before you set off, look at the distances and be careful to keep journeys to within a reasonable driving distance.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Joshua Woroniecki

Swift scoops 11 caravan and motorhome awards

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The Swift Group is going into its sixth decade of making caravans and motorhomes in style. The manufacturer has bagged an impressive 11 awards for its 2024 season leisure vehicles, leaving the competition in its wake.

Swift’s Elegance Grande range has been its biggest winner, securing victory in five awards, including Caravan of the Year. With features including onboard 4G Wi-Fi, Alde underfloor heating, Alde Flow for uninterrupted hot water and the Swift Command panel to control the onboard systems, it’s no surprise these models were hard to beat.

The 11 prizes were split across five awarding bodies, with the Elegance Grande 835 scooping Best Luxury Caravan, as well as overall winner at the Caravan Magazine Awards. The Elegance 835 is a four-berth, twin-axle model with an MTPLM of 2077kg. Having a wide front parallel lounge means there’s lots of space for dining and relaxing, while the mid-transverse washroom and rear transverse bed complete the layout.

Meanwhile, the Elegance Grande 760 won Best Caravan for Seasonal Pitches at the Practical Caravan Awards 2024. This model is brand new for this season and is a four-berth, single-axle caravan with an MTPLM of 1871kg. The layout is characterised by its L-shaped lounge, mid-transverse washroom and rear island fixed bed.

At the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Caravan Design Awards 2024, both the Elegance Grande 780 and the Elegance Grande 860 took home awards. The former in the Eight-foot Wide category and the latter for Any Caravan over £45,000.

Also new on the market, the Elegance Grande 780 is a four-berth, single-axle model with an MTPLM of 1892kg. The layout boasts a parallel front lounge, mid-transverse fixed bed and rear bathroom. The Elegance Grande 860 has a new layout for 2024! This four-berth, twin-axle caravan with an MTPLM of 2077kg features an L-shaped lounge at the front, a dedicated TV area, mid-transverse washroom and rear island bed.

The Swift Group was founded in Hull in 1964 by Ken Smith and has grown to become the biggest manufacturer of caravans, holiday homes and motorhomes in the UK. It’s also the only firm making leisure homes that operates in all three sectors of the market. In 2017, it branched out into motorhome hire with Swift Go, offering vehicles on loan from hubs in Edinburgh and Stockport.

Swift prides itself on all its leisure vehicles being made in the UK at its production site in East Yorkshire. Each model comes with a comprehensive, long-term warranty and the company promises a good aftercare experience, meaning you can have peace of mind once you drive your new caravan or motorhome off the lot.

 

Answering common motorhome and campsite questions

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

This week in the Cartwright Chronicle, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about motorhomes and campsites. These come from both newbies and seasoned leisure vehicle veterans, so there’s something for everyone.

Frequently asked motorhome questions

1. Can you drive with water in the tank, or grey and black water in your waste?

To both – yes. Driving your motorhome with water in the tanks won’t cause any damage to the vehicle, although there is quite a significant ‘but’ here. Specifically, your payload.

Every motorhome has what’s known as a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass, or MTPLM. In other words, that’s how much weight your vehicle can carry safely and this figure assumes there isn’t any wastewater onboard. Flaunting MTPLM restrictions will invalidate your insurance, not to mention the safety issues.

Then, there’s the MIRO – Maximum in Running Order. This is what the manufacturer *thinks* your leisure vehicle should weigh upon leaving the factory and usually includes a 75kg driver, a tank of fuel and engine fluids – nothing else.

So, when thinking about your payload, if you have 300kg to play with, you might have to choose between carrying your water or your passengers, shopping, bikes and other important things. As such, it’s often a good idea to travel with empty water tanks – particularly grey and black, which you should dispose of on-site at the appropriate facilities.

2. Do you need to use levelling ramps?

In short, no. They are very much a comfort option, designed to help your motorhome drain properly and allow you a restful night’s sleep. If you’re parked at an angle, you might notice sinks don’t drain and water systems have difficulties trying to pull liquid through.

It’s also very tough to sleep, even on the smallest of inclines. So, I’d certainly recommend bringing levelling ramps with you in your motorhome, but if the vehicle is level, simply leave them in the cupboard.

3. Is it safe to drink the fresh water in your motorhome?

In the UK, if a campsite designates it as drinking water, then yes, it’s fine to drink. But, that being said, it’s only drinkable at the point at which it left the tap, not once it’s travelled through your water system.

Your pipes could have nasty things hidden within, like a buildup of bugs, for example. So, while probably not dangerous, the fresh water in your motorhome might not be the best tasting.

4. How many people can travel in your motorhome?

The correct answer here is that it depends on how many seatbelts you have. It may seem like a silly question with an obvious answer, but there are six-berth models out there that only have four belted seats, which is somewhat confusing.

In that situation, you could only have three passengers legally. Moreover, you must consider your payload and what else you wish to take in the motorhome. Nobody wants to get pulled over at a weighbridge and have to leave Grandma with the police, or have passengers follow behind in a taxi.

5. Can I leave the fridge running on gas while travelling?

No! Although it’s tempting to do all of your shopping at home and set off with a full fridge switched on, you mustn’t do this. Instead, switch it on for a few hours before you leave and keep it shut on the journey – it will keep at a cold temperature for a very long time.

Top tip: with your freezer, if you can get it cold before setting off and there’s space inside, fill it up with items such as bread, which will help keep the temperature down for even longer. Of course, you can use things like cool bags in the same way.

Frequently asked questions about campsites

1. Is it safe to park on a grass pitch?

Normally, yes. If it becomes wet and muddy, you might have some issues getting the motorhome off the pitch. But if you are going to park on grass, I’d suggest taking a tow rope and making sure you know exactly where the towing eye is, in case you need a helping hand.

2. Will I lose my pitch if I go for a drive?

This really depends on your campsite setup. Many have allocated pitches that guests are assigned upon check-in. However, if you’re staying at more old-school, free-for-all type sites, then you probably will lose it.

Pitch markers are handy tools for this scenario. Maybe something with your name and registration number on it, just to show that you are parked there. Most of the time, pitch stealing isn’t deliberate, it just happens when someone drives past and likes the look of a seemingly empty space.

3. Where is best to park for one night while travelling?

To the people asking this question, it’s always best to book a campsite. I want to be clear that in the majority of situations, it is unsafe, illegal and inadvisable to park on the road, in a layby, or a supermarket car park. 

The laws around parking on the side of the road are a grey area, but it’s a huge risk for your safety. Plan ahead and look around – you’ll never be more than four or five miles from a Certified Location campsite!

4. Do you always have to reverse into a pitch?

This one also feels like a strange question, but then again, quite a few people have continental motorhomes with habitation doors on the opposite side to UK models. As such, parking to the left of your pitch means it will be easier to get out onto the hard standing, rather than the grass at the edge of the pitch.

Different sites and associations have various rules, most of which have relaxed and evolved over the years. One thing I’d say is that it’s probably better to reverse in, as all motorhomes have a front towing eye.

If anything at all goes wrong and your leisure vehicle needs to be removed in an emergency, or it gets stuck, or even breaks down – then at least it can be towed if the front is facing away from the pitch.

5. Can I start a campfire?

The answer here is invariably – or almost always – no. Fire doesn’t mix well with leisure vehicles, tents and grass, especially in close proximity. Some sites will have designated areas to enjoy campfires safely, with the appropriate risk assessments carried out.

If a campfire is something you have your heart set on, you probably could find a site that allows it. But don’t expect to be able to recreate #VanLife Instagram stories, sat outside your motorhome with a huge fire, playing the guitar!

Next week, I’ll be talking about caravans and campervans. So, if you have any burning questions, get in touch and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Photo credit: Michaela Markovičová / Pexels

Route YC will get tails wagging this winter

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If you’re anything like Dan Cartwright, you’ll agree the best way to ‘winterise’ your leisure vehicle is to keep using it throughout the colder months. To keep your engines running, how about a trip to Yorkshire?

Route YC is made up of six itineraries, based around different destinations, all designed to help you make the most of the best coast and countryside Yorkshire has to offer – perfect for your next touring adventure.

This winter, Route YC is encouraging visitors to take a walk on the wild side with their four-legged friends by visiting the northeast coastline. Although the water might be too cold for some, wild swimmers and doggy paddlers (not necessarily canine) are spoilt for choice, with picturesque beaches including Cayton, Flamborough, Fraisthorpe, Hayburn Wyke and Robin Hood’s Bay, just to name a few.

There’s also a plethora of trails, woodlands and dog-friendly accommodation to enjoy throughout Route YC. It’s really not one to be missed, so if you’re planning to tour the area this winter, here are some of the spots you should be checking out with your pup.

Bike & Boot, Scarborough

A modern hotel situated on the seafront, Bike & Boot boasts a hybrid bar-restaurant-cafe with on-site facilities for dogs, walkers, cyclists and surfers. Pups are always made to feel welcome with dog treats and a ‘groom room’, where you can rinse sandy paws.

Purple Pup, Scarborough

If you find yourself in Eastborough with your dog, don’t miss Purple Pup. This quaint little shop sells natural dog treats and other gifts. Every pooch that enters is treated like royalty, so it’s the perfect place to take your canine companion if they’ve been particularly good.

North Yorkshire Waterpark, Wykeham

With some fantastic on-site walking trails, North Yorkshire Waterpark is a great place to take your pup for a day out. The facility has dog treats and water stations throughout to keep your dog happy and hydrated, while if you choose to return in the summer, you’ll find its Doggy Paddle Zone, where pooches can exercise in style, or simply enjoy a dip to cool down.

The Hideout, Scarborough

A lovely neighbourhood hangout by North Beach, the menu features doggy popcorn and crisps, alongside peanut butter and jelly or duck and parsley biscuit bites, all washed down with a dog-friendly beer. Humans can expect burgers, pizzas and slow-cooked meats.

Ship Inn, Sewerby

For more traditional pub grub, including locally caught fish and chips, homemade pies or a mouthwatering roast, head to the Ship Inn in Sewerby. Dogs are more than welcome at the establishment, with water bowls provided and treats available behind the bar.

The Bay Hotel, Robin Hood’s Bay

In the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay, pups are welcome 365 days a year at The Bay Hotel, as long as they remain on leads and off seats. This is a great destination to end a long coastal walk, with some gorgeous panoramic views across the bay.

Captain Cook Inn, Staithes

Located at the top of the beautiful village of Staithes, situated on the Cleveland Way and just ten minutes from Whitby, Captain Cook is the perfect pub to relax with your pooch with a pint of Northern Navigator, brewed by the local North Yorkshire Brewery.

Hayburn Wyke Inn

This dog-friendly, 18th-century traditional English Coaching Inn sits on a ten-acre ground. With a bountiful selection of hand-pulled Yorkshire Real Ales, sweet ciders and hearty homemade meals, this is one not to miss. Additionally, there’s a fantastic walk nearby that leads along a disused railway line to a secluded cove.

Marisco Lounge, Scarborough

For a long, lazy breakfast, brunch and lunch setting, head to Marisco Lounge. Tables here are set quite far apart to accommodate larger dogs, who can take it easy and unwind on-site. This is a chilled neighbourhood cafe and bar, with lots of outdoor seating and views across the harbour.

Photo credit: David Roberts / Pexels

5 ways to keep using your leisure vehicle this winter

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

As the evenings draw in, the weather gets worse and the supermarkets are (already) stocking overpriced party food, I’ve launched my annual quest to find the most leisure vehicle-related Christmas tree decorations… of which I have a lot.

Winter is fast approaching. A lot of publications in our industry are talking about how to winterise your leisure vehicle or get it ready for storage. In my opinion, the best way to prepare your caravan, motorhome or campervan for the winter is to keep using it.

So, if you can, try and utilise your vehicle instead of sticking it in the garage. At the end of the day, the cost of living crisis has made it so that heating a motorhome for a weekend would be cost-effective compared to doing the same to your house!

All jokes aside, there are plenty of cool things you can do in the winter that are actually easier than in the summer. Hopefully, this will give you a little inspiration when it comes to using your leisure vehicle throughout the colder months.

Be spontaneous

In the summer, this is almost impossible. If you work, everybody wants time off while the weather is good, so snatching even a day can be difficult. Also, site availability is a tricky problem which has been made even harder by the increase in leisure vehicle ownership in the UK over the last five years.

In the winter, you can be much more spontaneous. Head off on that long weekend, as your workplace will likely be fine with shorter notice, as not many of your colleagues will be booking time off, apart from the obvious Christmas period.

Try before you buy

All industry statistics indicate that leisure vehicle users enjoy more holidays than people who head to traditional hotels or resorts. Normally, we go on a couple of big trips each year and we love trying new places.

So, before committing to these longer journeys, why not utilise your van over the winter to go and test out some of the sites and areas you’ve got on your list of potential destinations? You’ll get to grips with the location and be able to figure out if you want to return on a sunny vacation.

Visit friends and family

I know lots of readers do this already, but if not, visiting friends and family in your leisure vehicle is a great way to ensure your own space to get away. Most times, they will have driveways and be happy to accommodate your caravan or motorhome, as it saves them having to make up the spare room or even move the kids out of theirs!

Return to your favourite summer spots

Ok, the weather will certainly be much worse, but you won’t get the crowds! Genuinely though, being able to walk into restaurants and attractions to gain a new perspective on those places is a fascinating experience. It’s interesting to see places you loved on a summer holiday, in a more natural, less touristic environment.

Create a new type of holiday for yourself

Rather than trying to recreate that summer leisure vehicle experience – doors open, spending entire afternoons on the campsite – think of a winter trip as a different type of break. Embrace eating in restaurants as opposed to barbecuing, getting cosy with movies and nights together in your van.

Look at the activities you enjoy, but don’t get to do on a summer holiday – going to the cinema, doing your Christmas shopping, indoor sports and so on. Transfer these to your winter experience. You’ll create fantastic memories and a brand new type of holiday that you can look forward to next year.

We’ll follow up soon for advice on travelling in the winter, but of course, be fully aware of road conditions and take note of weather forecasts before driving, particularly in high winds, ice and snow. But don’t let this deter you from finding a new way to love your leisure vehicle holidays!

Photo credit: Thirdman / Pexels

How to choose a fridge for your motorhome

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If you’re kitting out a motorhome, caravan or campervan, or updating an existing one, there are lots of decisions to be made. Among them are choosing a fridge and like most pieces of leisure vehicle equipment, there are lots of things to take into consideration.

As well as being compact enough for the space, but with sufficient capacity for your needs, there’s also power consumption to consider. How you’re planning on using your motorhome will have an impact on the choice you make.

If you’re a family who always pitches up at a campsite or holiday park, where electric hookup is readily available, you’ll choose something different to a couple who like going off-grid. Everyone uses their leisure vehicle in their own way.

We spoke to Chris Feibusch, marketing director at Penguin Refrigeration, to get the lowdown on keeping things cool in your leisure vehicle. He believes the efficiency of modern compressor fridges, combined with advances in solar and battery technology, make true off-grid operation both achievable and affordable.

Mr Feibusch told CaravanTimes: “Around the world, smaller campervans have all but moved away from the old three-way technology. This is due to the various downsides including complicated installation and excessive power consumption.

“Today, the shift towards compressor refrigeration is gathering momentum in the larger motorhome sector, particularly in the movement to reduce reliance on gas, and ultimately, removing it altogether.”

A compressor fridge only needs to be wired into the 12V circuit and will function much more
efficiently than a three-way fridge when running on electricity. For a medium-sized fridge, you can expect an average consumption of 1Ah, or even less in some cases.

There also isn’t a need for ventilation to the outside with compressor refrigeration, meaning you won’t be required to cut holes into the side of your leisure vehicle during installation.

When considering a fridge purchase for your motorhome or caravan, as with any product, there are varying degrees of quality in the market. The price point is usually a good indicator of where you are on that scale.

Mr Feibusch said: “The old adage of ‘buy cheap buy twice’ applies here. Vitrifrigo fridges, for example, feature aluminium finned condensers, which are more expensive to manufacture than steel alternatives, used by other manufacturers. Aluminium condensers are the best for heat dissipation, which translates into market-leading efficiency.”

Penguin Refrigeration will be launching new products in its Vitrifrigo range in 2024. They promise to offer game-changing technology for even greater efficiency and weight savings.

Static caravan owners warned to brace for storm damage

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In the wake of Storm Ciarán last week, which disrupted large parts of the UK, static caravan and lodge owners have been warned to prepare for an increased likelihood of storm damage as a result of climate change.

That’s according to Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance. The company saw a 16 per cent increase in claims relating to damage caused by storms between 2021 and 2022.

The insurer has now issued a warning to owners of static caravans to ensure they are prepared for storms and to also check they are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

During 2022, 32 per cent of static caravan claims received by Compass were due to storm damage. In one instance, an entire vehicle was destroyed, resulting in a whopping £148,590 claim.

Karen Stacey, managing director at Compass, commented: “Unlike brick and mortar holiday homes, static caravans are particularly susceptible to damage from storms or floods.

“Unpredictable weather events, especially flash floods caused by heavy rain on parched ground during the summer, can cause a significant amount of damage to static caravans.”

It’s (still) time to prepare for climate change

Flood warnings were issued across the south and east of the UK last week, as Storm Ciarán made its way across from the Atlantic. A combination of heavy rainfall, sodden ground and swollen rivers provided a perfect environment for what was categorised by meteorologists as a ‘bomb cyclone’.

In fact, only two events with comparably low pressure have ever been recorded in the southern part of the UK. Throughout October, large areas of Britain experienced more than double the average amount of rainfall. 

Current research indicates storms like Ciarán, with heavy rainfall and strong winds, will only become more prevalent throughout northern Europe. Additionally, recent events have highlighted the fact that society has yet to adapt to worsening climate conditions.

Whether you own a caravan, motorhome or campervan – don’t take global warming for granted. We know that conditions are likely to worsen, so make sure to take the appropriate measures to keep yourself and your leisure vehicle safe from adverse weather.

Photo credit: Frank Cone / Pexels

Dan’s hot take on the Leisure Vehicle Survey

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has just released its latest Leisure Vehicle Survey and while it shows satisfaction to be at an all-time high, there are still some areas ripe for improvement. Here are the top three things I’d like to see in caravans, motorhomes and van conversions or campervans.

Caravans

Manufacturer-fitted wind-out awnings

People want awnings, but when they’re fitted by the manufacturer they slot into the frame better and are therefore stronger, causing less risk of damage. Large awnings are popular, but for many, it’s just about having a small awning to provide a quick and easy porch area that offers some protection from the elements.

Automatic step

Borrowing from our more expensive and more luxurious motorhome cousins, caravans should be fitted with an automatic step. A retractable step operated via a button by the door makes so much sense and avoids the issue of carrying a heavy and often dirty step that needs to be accommodated inside the caravan.

Better audio-visual technology

A lot of caravans have dedicated spaces, 12-volt/230-volt sockets and built-in aerials, which are all great, but not having the TV going through a speaker system seems outdated. Since many caravans already have speakers, they should be integrated with TV, Bluetooth and movie technology. Coupled with this, caravans need USB-C sockets as the USB-B provision many have are no longer useful.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes have the biggest price bracket – ranging from £50,000 to £500,000, so there’s a lot of specification available at the higher end of the market. But there are a number of things that mainstream motorhomes could benefit from.

Better connectivity between the cab and the habitation

This is something that was mentioned in the Leisure Vehicle Survey, demonstrating the desire for media to be linked between the two parts of the motorhome. Being able to use speakers that hook up to the cab and the rest of the vehicle, as well as integrated with the TV is technology we need. Habitation technology is almost always poorer than that in the cab, so it should just be run together.

Height sensors

Motorhomes are often fitted with parking sensors, but the majority of owners have a piece of paper in the cab reminding them of the height of their vehicle. Height sensors seem like a no-brainer and could avoid major accidents with car park barriers or low bridges. If you’re putting sensors into a motorhome, then having height sensors doesn’t seem difficult.

Rear lounges

There’s been a move towards filling the whole back half of motorhomes with beds, meaning models with rear lounges have become the minority. With drop-down bed technology you can have a lounge and press a button to have a huge bed appear when you’re not using it. Having a front lounge is never comfortable, things aren’t in the optimum position and there are space limitations.

Van conversions and campervans

Better battery technology

Van conversions and campervans are now becoming more off-grid capable, with solar panels and the ability to charge batteries when you’re not driving. These are being used for one or two-night trips or longer multiple-stop holidays, as highlighted in the survey, with the batteries being charged comprehensively while driving. But what’s missing is proper lithium battery technology, which would massively improve off-grid capability.

Improved energy usage monitoring

We have it in domestic properties, but not in leisure vehicles, so it’s time we’re allowed to properly understand energy usage in our campervans through sufficient monitoring. By understanding how much energy certain things take, you could learn what your off-grid capabilities are. Money could be saved by knowing what you’re going to be using and not opting for electrical hook-up.

Insulated pop-tops

The Leisure Vehicle Survey shows that campervans and panel vans are being used all year round and are conduits for people to enjoy the great outdoors and their specific activities. The rise of pop-tops is making these types of leisure vehicles increasingly popular with families, expanding sleeping capabilities from two to four. But the current crop of pop-tops are poorly insulated and not up to cold or windy conditions. Inflatable insulation would easily solve this.

Do check out the Leisure Vehicle Survey to read the interesting stats that came to light. It’s a huge undertaking by the CAMC and it’s great to see how leisure vehicles are progressing, which is borne out in net promoter scores being up and faults being down.

Consumers are happier both with their dealers and their manufacturers, with the second-hand market also proving to be very content. We’re at 80 per cent satisfaction on all caravan experiences and approaching that proportion for motorhomes and campervans too.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kevin Schmid

Top travel insurance tips

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When we’re talking about the things to remember with travel insurance, the most important one is to get it in the first place. It’s very easy to overlook this essential if you’re planning a trip yourself in your caravan or motorhome.

Apart from that fundamental, Quotezone.co.uk has put together a checklist of other areas not to overlook when it comes to travel insurance. These are particularly pertinent in a post-pandemic world.

Helen Rolph, an expert at the insurance comparison site, said: “The pandemic has shown us how quickly travel plans can change and has made many of us nervous to travel.

“That’s why it’s important to protect yourself against trip cancellations or interruptions. It can be devastating to miss out on a holiday, so it’s important to ensure that you don’t lose out or lose your money.”

Get a policy that covers Covid

Cancelling campsites, ferries or Eurotunnel all adds up if you haven’t got an insurance policy that covers Covid and you or your fellow travellers contract the virus. Check the Covid-related coverage, exclusions and limitations of your travel insurance policy before purchasing it.

Keep documentation safe

Medical records, receipts and notices of cancellations may all be required if you’re making a claim on your insurance. Create a dedicated place to put all these things, like a large envelope or folder so none of them can go missing.

Don’t forget your GHIC

Now that we’re out of the UK, the EHIC has been replaced with the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for Brits. You’ll need it to access state-provided health care in Europe at a reduced cost or for free. Failure to produce it can mean being charged large sums for medical attention.

Don’t overlook pre-existing conditions

Declaring your full medical history is vital to ensure your travel insurance is valid and you’ll be able to claim if necessary. Some policies may not cover certain conditions so you may need to shop around, but never lie in your disclosure.

Don’t leave it until the last minute

As soon as you start booking your trip you should secure your travel insurance. We live in uncertain times and this will make sure you’re covered from the beginning. It also means you won’t be rushing the answers to medical questions.

Check the FCO advisories

Always check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) travel advisories before heading off abroad in your caravan or motorhome. Failure to do so can mean you can’t claim, as insurers won’t pay out if the official advice was not to travel to that destination in the first place.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tom Rits

Warm up this autumn in a mobile sauna

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In the world of leisure vehicles, interesting conversions are commonplace. Everything from old school buses to jet engines have been transformed into tourers, but it’s not just accommodation that can be created out of the humble horsebox. They’ve formed the basis for a number of mobile saunas, which can be found across the UK.

The trend towards wild swimming doesn’t seem to be waning, but your enthusiasm for it may do now that the colder months are setting in. If you’re determined to keep swimming outdoors on your caravan and motorhome trips, the prospect of a mobile sauna to warm up in afterwards may appeal.
Benefits of sauna

Enjoying regular saunas is said to relax muscles, improve blood flow and boost skin health, with many people reporting they reduce tension and leave them feeling less stressed. Coupled with a cold water dip, spending time in a sauna has been embraced by mainly Scandinavian society in the past.

Rituals, including the Finnish practice of loyly, where you watch the steam rise from the hot rocks for a calming effect, or slapping yourself with birch twigs to eliminate toxins, are all part of the process. Different mobile saunas across the UK have taken their cue from a variety of traditions.

Beach Box Sauna Spa – Brighton

Beginning life as one mobile sauna in a converted horsebox, Beach Box Sauna Spa now boasts three experiences to choose from. Each of the saunas has a different vibe, from the aromatic cedar Lotta to the Estonian traditional Leil and the Loonah, complete with Finnish volcanic rocks.

Elie Seaside Sauna – Fife

Positioned on Elie Harbour with beaches conveniently close by for a dip, Elie sauna is a wood-fired sauna in a former horsebox. Book an individual seat or hire out the entire sauna for your caravanning friends and enjoy the view out across the East Neuk of Fife.

Samphire Sauna – Hastings Pier

A wood-fired sauna located right on the pier in Hastings, Samphire Sauna is open Fridays to Mondays. It’s easy to spot as the sauna is a converted horsebox, which has been painted green. Inside, you’ll find a Siberian larch floor, two tiers of benches and a stove topped with volcanic sauna rocks.

Salt Box Sauna – Outer Hebrides

The newly-opened Salt Box Sauna is fully taking advantage of its mobile status. The wood-fired barrel sauna travels around various locations on the isles of Harris and Lewis, meaning visitors can combine heat therapy sessions with dips in picturesque spots such as Shawbost Beach and Loch Bharabhat.

La’al Sauna – Cumbria

Another roaming sauna, but this time in Cumbria. La’al Sauna is a former horsebox, which has been insulated with sheeps’ wool and is warmed with kiln-dried logs. It’s currently located in Ullswater for the Dark Skies Festival, but moves around locations in the Lake District to maximise the opportunity for different people to give it a try.

Caravan sites with saunas

If a mobile sauna isn’t parked up near where you’re going to be holidaying, there are a number of caravan sites that offer sauna experiences. These include:

  • Newlands Holiday Park in Dorset
  • St Andrew’s Lakes in Kent
  • Pool Bridge Farm in Yorkshire

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/HUUM