The ‘safe’ driving aids that make towing more dangerous

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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.

I’m privileged to judge the annual Towcar of the Year Awards, which means I get to drive lots of different car and caravan combinations. This comes with the luxury of testing them out at specialised proving grounds, where you can really put a machine through its paces.

In my own time, I also do plenty of towing and road tests. Over the last five to ten years, there’s been a proliferation of electronic driving aids, which aim to make everyday driving safer for users. Statistically, that’s true – pre-collision warnings, alarm systems and blind spot indicators are good examples of tech helping to keep us in one piece. However, this isn’t the case for all of them and, depending on your rig, some can even make driving more dangerous.

There’s good news, though. I’m going to explain how you can mitigate these risks, but if you’re taking a car towing for the first time, I strongly suggest taking it to a quiet location with varying road conditions to see how the driver aids affect your towing ability. Here are some of the things I found out the hard way.

Lane assist

When lane assist is active, your vehicle will try to stay between white road markings, unless you’re indicating. This tool is designed to avoid accidents that may occur from negligence, such as a driver not paying attention on the motorway.

Sometimes, though, it can be a bit too aggressive and make the vehicle jolt quite hard. If there’s one thing a caravan owner knows about towing, it’s that smooth and stable is always best. On a motorway, a sudden movement can be concerning and, potentially, even destabilise your caravan.

It’s even worse on small country roads where you sometimes need to safely cross the white line for visibility around a corner. In this scenario, as soon as you reach the apex, your car and caravan combination can be destabilised by an overly aggressive lane assist.

Emergency brakes

Certain newer cars come fitted with an emergency stopping system. Essentially, if it detects the vehicle has been destabilised, it brakes quickly and slows down by 10 to 20 miles per hour. This sounds very sensible in theory, but for drivers that are towing along a motorway, a slight shake could initiate the emergency stop.

Once again, this goes completely against our ‘slow and stable’ mantra. With modern caravans, this isn’t so much of an issue. But with older models, it’s one of the easiest ways to jackknife your leisure vehicle.

Alarms

I’ve had a lot of different alarms in various cars while towing. Some of them constantly beep because they detect your caravan as another vehicle dangerously close to your rear end. With others, you’ll always hear the alarm because it’s being detected in your wing mirror or blind spot.

My favourite, though, is the intermittent collision warning system that activates when you take a corner because it senses your leisure vehicle in the blind spot. This won’t destabilise your caravan, but it’s really distracting. When you’re concentrating on towing a caravan, a loud noise every few seconds or minutes is the last thing you need.

It’s important to work out if you’ll experience any of these issues. So, try your caravan out somewhere relaxed, familiar and quiet. Identify whether or not these tools are present and how they operate. 

If they are installed, there’s good news – you can switch them off. Either head to Google, read the manual or – my personal favourite – drive to your local retailer and ask them to show you how to switch it on and off. This means for normal driving you get all the benefits and when towing, they won’t become obstacles.

Photo credit: Lisa Fotios / Pexels

Most peaceful UK destinations to beat the winter blues

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As we head into February, summer still feels a long way off. But if you can’t wait until then for your next adventure in your caravan or motorhome, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of spots for a relaxing winter getaway. 

With the effects of a harsh chilly season coupled with the cost of living crisis, it’s no surprise that UK holidays remain a popular choice in 2023 as touring enthusiasts look for destinations closer to home. The team at Iceheadshop.co.uk have compiled a list of the most peaceful town and village destinations in the country to beat the winter blues. 

The top contenders were chosen by analysing variables including crime rates, Instagram hashtags (low number = more peaceful), population and peaceful outdoor activities on offer and combining these to establish an overall peace score. 

Bassenthwaite, Cumbria 

A charming hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District, the village of Bassenthwaite snagged the top spot with a score of 86.62 out of 100 on the peace scale due to its stunning natural surroundings. The village is also home to 39 hiking routes and 29 bird-watching trails.

Dartmouth, Devon

Ranking as the second most peaceful destination for a staycation in the UK, Dartmouth in Devon scored 85.26 out of 100. Situated on the banks of the River Dart, this naval village has a charismatic history and is home to 27 walking trails. 

Over Haddon, Derbyshire

A small but picturesque village in the Peak District with a population of just 255 inhabitants, Over Haddon scored 83.69 in the research. Nestled among cascading hills, there’s an array of hiking and bird-watching trails to explore. 

Portmeirion, Wales

This tourist village in North Wales achieved a score of 75.65. Its unique architecture was built between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village. The fresh sea breeze and scenic setting make Portmeirion one of the most peaceful destinations to visit in a caravan or motorhome.

Reeth, North Yorkshire

With a score of 76.57, Reeth is the ideal location for a staycation break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The natural environment is perfect for spotting wildlife and is home to 12 hiking trails. Reeth’s panoramic setting amongst Yorkshire’s hills and moors makes it one of the UK’s top touring destinations. 

If you’re planning a winter escape, it’s important to be extra careful when driving in cold weather conditions to avoid safety hazards.

 

Image credit: Jonny Gios / Unsplash

The recent boom in the van conversion market

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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 year, I have the privilege of being a judge on the Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards, for the Caravan and Motorhome Club. The judging is done through a hybrid system, which means every vehicle is scored on paper before we head to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the Birmingham NEC in February. There, we’ll inspect each entry manually and adjust the scores as needed.

This week, I’m not offering any insider secrets as to which vehicle will win in its class, although something has struck me during the judging process. The market for van conversions has truly come of age over the last five years, with an impressive amount of flexibility now available.

Van conversions are typically larger than campervans and range in length from just under six metres up to more than seven. They often include an indoor shower facility, a cooking area, several belted seats and various sleeping configurations. Generally taller than a campervan, these vehicles are often based on models like the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit and Peugeot Boxer.

How has the van conversion market changed?

In previous years, the market was very limited. Realistically, your only option was to have two bench seats in the back, with a pair of driving seats in front of two more for passengers and a central washroom and kitchen. However, things have changed for van conversions. Now, it’s one of the fastest-growing areas of the entire leisure vehicle industry, with makes and models catering for all types of holidays and families.

Van conversions are excellent entry vehicles, too. They retain their value, are relatively easy to manoeuvre and are well-suited to all road conditions. Over the last three or four years, manufacturers have taken notice that more people want to use them for a wide range of trips and activities. So, here are some of the latest innovations on the market for different holidaymakers.

Families

Lately, there’s been a proliferation of van conversions with pop tops. These have been around for a while, but now there are lots of options to choose from, providing an excellent way to bolster your sleeping arrangements without compromising on space.

You can even get models with a double bunk at the back if you don’t want a pop top, as well as installing a single bed between the driver and passenger seats. These layout options mean that, depending on the size of your family, it’s worth having a good look around and experiencing different configurations before buying.

Couples

There are now far more dedicated van conversions for couples than we’ve seen in previous years. Regardless of the number of berths, past options would always cram in a rear seat to suit four people.

Some manufacturers have been brave and produced vehicles that only seat two, which means couples no longer need to drag an additional pair along for their trips. As a result, you can now benefit from the additional space that would otherwise have been taken up.

Activity lovers

Plenty of newer models come with dedicated kit storage facilities in the rear. In some, this can even double as a bed, while many have pop tops, so holidaymakers set on doing activities can leave their garage set up for bikes, watercraft and any other vital gear. 

You can find certain van conversions that also include tie-down points and even detachable lockers, which you can bring along to keep your items safe. So, if your holiday plans include a busy schedule of hobbies, it might pay to see what’s on the market right now.

Comfort seekers

Touring in a leisure vehicle always comes with a compromise based on available space, but there are now some van conversions that offer a taste of luxury. With just a quick look, you’ll find models that have super king-size beds and separate shower cubicles and toilets.

Again, if you’re planning to use a van conversion as a holiday vehicle and it suits your family or touring partners, we strongly recommend that you have a look around to see what’s on the market.

As a word of caution, the supply of cabs or base vehicles is currently low, but the demand remains high, which means that you might experience long waiting times for the perfect model. In the meantime, put in some effort online – or at one of the several shows this year –  to see the huge variety of van conversions that are flourishing in 2023.

Photo credit: Clay Banks / Unsplash

How to spot and tackle damp in your caravan or motorhome

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Finding damp in your caravan or motorhome is every touring enthusiast’s nightmare. Not only is it expensive to repair (most tradespeople charge between £50 – £75 per hour for damp repair), but it can also result in irreparable damage to the structure of your leisure vehicle. 

To help you prevent it from forming in the first place, expert Shane Spence, owner of Sell The Caravan, has shared his top tips for spotting dampness this winter. 

Mr Spence commented: 

“Winter is one of the worst seasons for damp; constant long wet spells can leave moisture in the air and when left can develop into mould.”

Checking for damp is easy when you know what to look for. Here are some of the common signs to keep an eye on: 

  • A musty smell: This is the most noticeable sign, so if you can pick up a strange musty odour when you enter your caravan or motorhome, it may be time to take a closer look. 
  • Spongy walls: The walls of your leisure vehicle should make a clear sound when you knock them. If the sound is dull, it could be a sign of damp. 
  • Dark and wet patches: If discoloured spots start to appear on the walls or floor, it can signal water stains in your vehicle. 
  • Black mould: This can occur around the window seals and is a clear sign of damp and you need to take action. 

If unfortunately, you’ve spotted some of these signs, you’ll need to take steps to tackle the problem before it escalates. Here are some things you can do: 

  • Ventilation: Ensure your caravan or motorhome is well-ventilated by trying to keep the windows open when cooking or showering to prevent moisture build-up. 
  • Condensation: Wipe away condensation from the windows and doors as soon as you notice it, particularly after waking up on cold mornings or when using the kitchen. 
  • Dehumidifying: Some areas of your leisure vehicle may be prone to damp, such as the windows. Invest in a dehumidifier to take unwanted moisture out of the air. 

Once you know what to look for and the steps to take to prevent it, you can focus on making the most of your winter touring adventure without having to worry about unwanted moisture raining on your parade.  

UK holidays remain a popular option in 2023

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The start of a new year often puts holiday plans on the top of our priority lists. However, 2023 is set to be a slightly different year for Brits, with more than a fifth saying they plan to axe flights abroad in favour of exploring the wonderful scenery we have on our doorstep. For many, this will involve leisure vehicles. UK holidays lend themselves to getting away in a caravan or motorhome and can be an effective way to save money.

As the cost of living crisis lingers, plenty of us have been forced to do what we can to enjoy the little luxuries we have. As we start to map out our next destinations, Coast & Country Hotel Collection surveyed the nation to reveal what holidays will look like this year, including budgets, locations and how trends have changed over the last few years.

Tens of millions of holidays will be in the UK

The number of UK holidays being taken has increased recently and this trend looks set to continue. Responses from 2,000 British adults who regularly go on vacations showed that domestic trips are growing, with 22 per cent of those surveyed having decided to only travel on British soil, rather than head off abroad in search of warmer weather.

All of us are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis and, as a result, many people are looking for ways to cut back on non-essential spending. For five per cent of Brits, this means skipping holidays altogether, as well as cutting back on luxuries like eating out or going to the theatre.

However, for those still set on making holiday plans this year, a great way to stretch your money further is to ditch expensive flights and head off to a perfect UK staycation.

More Brits are saving for UK holidays

Almost two in five people claimed they’d be setting aside a budget of over £150 per person, per day, for a UK holiday in 2023. This figure has climbed since 2021, when only 26 per cent of Brits were putting strict budgets in place to ensure they had the funds for a domestic break.

Research from ABTA has also revealed the number of holidaymakers taking vacations within the UK is 20 per cent higher than those going abroad, while the Great Britain Tourism Survey found that the average duration of travel around our nation was 3.5 nights, as people are able to take more frequent, but shorter, trips.

Paul FitzGerald, portfolio managing director at Coast & Country Hotel Collection, said: “As people continue to be stricter with budgets in 2023 amid the energy and cost of living crisis, there’s no doubt that more people will opt for holidays and trips around the UK. 

“While for some this will be their annual holiday, for others looking for a quick escape that doesn’t break the bank, it will be an alternative that doesn’t mean they have to substitute value for quality.”

The season of travel

Each year, the number of people searching for ‘last minute UK breaks’ shoots up just before bank holidays and the summer, especially once school is out. Mr FitzGerald commented: “Although our research shows that one in five have already decided on a UK holiday, we predict this number will only increase as we head towards the bank holidays and into the warmer months when ‘holiday in the UK’ has typically peaked in Google searches every year for the past three.” 

As the temperatures pick up and we head toward the warmer months of 2023, British holidays are expected to continue to rise in popularity, with plenty of people seeking affordable trips that don’t sacrifice quality.

Photo credit: Pixabay / Pexels

4 common mistakes people make when buying a static caravan

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Over the last few years, more and more holidaymakers have been ditching flights abroad in favour of heading off in a caravan or motorhome to explore the great outdoors closer to home. This trend isn’t slowing down either, with the number of in-use caravans forecast to jump from 755,000 to 900,000 by 2030.

However, for those looking to purchase a static caravan, it’s certainly not an easy decision to make. Ranging in price from £15,000 up to £100,000, there can be significant risk involved in buying one of these holiday homes. With that in mind, Shane Spence of Sell The Caravan has offered some of his best tips to avoid disappointment.

Overlooking the financials

Like any leisure vehicle, the money you spend to purchase a static caravan isn’t the only price to pay. This means that when weighing up your expenses, it’s important to factor in the additional costs, which include:

  • Static caravan site fees, which range from £1,500 to £10,000 per annum
  • Commissioning fees (connecting water, electricity and gas)
  • Utility costs
  • Monthly fees
  • Gas and boiler maintenance
  • Rust protection and general upkeep costs

Park restrictions

Every caravan park has its own set of rules and restrictions. Some might only permit static caravans under a certain age limit to be on the grounds, usually around ten years. So, if your leisure vehicle was manufactured in 2014, you may need to think about relocating.

Different laws affect static caravan owners when it comes to picking a destination, too. Holiday parks permit the parking of luxury static caravans used as vacation homes. They are not allowed to be used as a year-round or permanent residence. Conversely, residential parks are to be lived in and are licensed accordingly.

Some parks may be exclusively for adults. Therefore, if you are looking for a site with a family atmosphere, or even searching for one with no children, it pays to do some research beforehand.

Insurance

It’s no secret that a lot of us don’t actually read the entire small print in our insurance policies. However, failing to do so can lead to severe consequences. Some holidaymakers may end up being surprised to learn that the most crucial aspects of insurance aren’t covered by their provider. 

It might feel like a chore if you’re not a fan of reading, but the best advice to avoid this mistake is to double-check that everything you need to be covered is written in your policy documents.

TV Licence

It’s crucial to remember that anyone who wants to watch or record live TV on any channel at the same time as someone else at your main licensed address (your home), then you’ll need to purchase an additional TV Licence for your static caravan. The same goes for watching and downloading programmes or films on BBC iPlayer. Failing to abide by this law could leave you with a fine of up to £1000, so it’s best to make sure you’re covered.

Photo credit: Kevin Phillips / Pixabay

Caravan and motorhome industry insiders for 2023

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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.

A big welcome to 2023 to all of our readers, from myself and CaravanTimes. We’ve hit the ground running, having already attended the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show in Manchester and I’ve started judging the Caravan Design Awards, a large project by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Looking to the future, there are a few topics that I think could do with a bit of explaining, including some things to watch out for this year, as well as the prices and availability of leisure vehicles.

Bustling campsites and caravan parks

There’s no doubt that people are going to run into problems with bookings in 2023. In terms of availability, sites are likely to be full up regardless of any particular club affiliation or the specific holiday park itself. Since it’s going to be a busy year, I strongly urge our readers to sit down with their touring partners and think seriously about securing dates at your favourite destinations.

There will always be late availability, but you’ll have to be willing to compromise and potentially miss out on the spots you most wanted to visit. The feeling within the industry is that the cost of living crisis has caused leisure vehicle owners to consider alternative types of holidays and means of transport, including cheap flights to European destinations.

New product availability

There was a huge boom for leisure vehicles throughout the pandemic, as holidaymakers looked for different options when flying wasn’t possible. However, the demand grew so high that manufacturers are still trying to address the backlog of orders.

This means that the availability of new stock is limited. One manufacturer isn’t even taking orders for their campervans until Autumn this year. Whilst there are waiting lists across the board, they’re longest for motorhomes because, in addition to dealing with backlogs, some manufacturers are struggling to acquire the cabs they need to build them in the first place.

Caravan and motorhome prices

Over the last three years, prices have increased significantly. My overall feeling is that current costs are likely to be well over the general inflation rate – I’ve even seen the value of some leisure vehicles rise by up to 50 per cent. 

Being a part of an industry that I love, it’s sad to see that leisure vehicles aren’t accessible to everyone. However, I’ve spoken to several manufacturers and it’s not what they want either. I’m not defending them, but they need to make a profit and from what I’ve heard, that’s becoming a real issue.

Between the price of leisure vehicle components skyrocketing and go-to-market challenges, manufacturers are struggling too. Generally, they want to set their prices across the year to make it fair for consumers, whether they buy a motorhome in January or November. However, they can’t get a clear handle from suppliers on what costs they’ll be facing and often become caught between a rock and hard place.

Manufacturers don’t want to upset customers by changing their prices prematurely.  Unfortunately, this means costs are higher from the start. Based on those I’ve spoken to, I truly believe this isn’t their desire and it’s certainly not good for the caravan and motorhome community.

Inspiration

On a lighter note, we’re lucky enough to have three wonderful shows taking place at the beginning of the year. Of course, the Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Holiday Show has now passed, but Glasgow is just around the corner and next month there’s the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

If you’re interested in seeing what’s available, looking for some accessories or even ordering a new leisure vehicle, then these shows are well worth a visit. During the pandemic, there was a tumultuous period in which we weren’t sure when – or if – they would return. For a genuinely great experience and the opportunity to see innovative new products, I’d strongly recommend heading to one.

Photo credit: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels

CAMC: Nick and Harvey discuss touring plans and new competitions

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Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and membership services, sit down at the Caravan Motorhome and Holiday Show in Manchester, the first of 2023. 

Watch our video coverage to find out more about Nick’s plans to tour UK cities and a trip down to southern Europe, as well as an exciting opportunity for members to win a competition for a Raleigh e-bike. Additionally, all members are being entered into the World Wide Southern Africa competition for the chance to snag an international touring holiday.

Watch the video now to find out all the latest news from the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

CAMC: Nick and Annabel talk motorhomes and tips for touring in Europe

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Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and Annabel Croft, former tennis legend and current leisure vehicle enthusiast, get together at the first Caravan and Motorhome Holiday Show of 2023 to discuss the past, present and future.

Take a look at the video to learn how Annabel fell in love with motorhomes, what touring adventures are on the horizon and some useful support and tips for anyone thinking about heading off for a European holiday this year.

Watch our video coverage here to find out more.

Tips for driving safely in the snow

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The Met Office has warned that snow will return across the UK in the coming weeks, but this won’t stop dedicated touring enthusiasts from heading out in their caravan or motorhome this winter. However, it’s important to take additional precautions when hitting the road in cold weather. 

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has shared his top tips for staying safe and avoiding hazards when driving in the snow. 

Drive slowly and give other vehicles a wide berth

In icy conditions, be sure to drive slowly and in a high gear to avoid wheel slip. Keep a close eye on how fast you’re driving and be sure to reduce to a lower gear when going downhill to prevent the need for braking. 

Additionally, make sure to give other vehicles on the road a wide berth to minimize the risk of collision. When the roads are icy, it’s typically recommended to leave space for ten cars between your vehicle and the one in front.

Be extra careful when going around bends

 Bends can be particularly hazardous when there’s ice on the roads. When approaching a bend, remember to brake before turning the wheel to reduce the possibility of slipping. 

In case your vehicle loses grip, you should remain calm, take your foot off the gas and ensure your wheels are turned in the direction you want to go. If your vehicle’s back wheels skid, steer into it to regain control and continue driving. Be sure not to take your hands off the steering wheel or suddenly hit the brakes as this could cause you to lose control completely. 

Stay visible

When driving through heavy snow, keep your dipped headlights on at all times. This helps to make sure you’re visible to other road users. If visibility drops below 100 metres, turn on your fog lights to help you see further ahead and remember to switch them off as soon as conditions improve. 

Be prepared

It’s always a good idea to be extra prepared when heading out in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Ensure your caravan or motorhome is stocked with various items to help you stay safe and warm in the worst-case scenario. 

Pack your vehicle with a torch, a hi-vis vest, a blanket, a phone charger, water, food, jump leads, a de-icer and a spade to ensure you have the basics covered in case of an emergency. Also, ensure you have the phone number of a breakdown provider on hand.

Cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t continue exploring some of the UK’s best winter touring destinations. However, it’s important to take extra care on the road for the safety of you, your passengers and other drivers. 

 

Image credit: Kimon Maritz / Unsplash

4 things to look for when buying a used caravan

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Faulty parts, damp walls and cowboy sellers – if you’ve bought a used caravan before, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced one of the many issues that can arise throughout the process.

Just like most things in life, purchasing a used caravan is almost always cheaper than buying brand new. This can seem very appealing for first-time buyers, but second-hand shouldn’t mean second-rate.

Every caravan is different and without knowing what you should be looking out for, it’s easy to end up feeling like you got the short end of the stick. Fortunately, the kind folks at Ripe Insurance have offered their best tips and advice when buying a caravan on the second-hand market. 

Check for signs of damp

For many caravan buyers, damp is an unfortunate reality. It occurs when there’s excess moisture within a poorly-ventilated space and, if left unnoticed and untreated for too long, it can lead to extensive damage.

Make sure to inspect a caravan for damp and be wary that some sellers will try to hide the signs behind furniture. Check the seals and sealant around the windows and doors for any noticeable damage such as cracks or peeling. 

Then, run your hands over the walls to ensure there aren’t any unusual bumps, or ‘pimpling’. If they feel wet or spongy, it’s a rather indicative sign of damp. Other things to look out for include musty smells from any fabrics and discolouration on the walls.

Look for rust

Rust can occur anywhere on a caravan’s exterior, but it’s not always as obvious as you’d think. One area in particular that often goes unnoticed is the chassis. Sitting underneath the vehicle, this sturdy metal frame will generally be painted, part-galvanised or fully galvanised.

Whatever the type of chassis, it requires regular checking and maintenance. So, when looking to buy a used caravan, you may want to ask the seller about it and what, if any, repairs have been carried out on it.

Inspect the tyres

Like any vehicle that has them, a caravan’s tyres need to be regularly checked to make sure they’re safe to use. When buying a used vehicle, you need to inspect a couple of key aspects.

Firstly, the tyres need to be properly inflated and in line with the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which you can usually find in the handbook. Make sure to check them in cool conditions!

Cracking is another common sign of tyre ageing and is usually quite noticeable on the outer rubber. This can occur for various reasons, including overuse, so you’ll need to have an honest conversation with the seller if you spot any.

You’ll have to look for any general wear and damage, too. Some of the easiest things to spot include brake flatting and exposed cords. The former is caused by excessive braking and is evidenced by visible scratches and cuts to the tyre rubber, whilst the latter is indicative of more severe damage and, if spotted, means the tyre is both unsafe and illegal.

Ask for the service history

When you buy any used vehicle, one of the best ways to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller is to ask for the service history. Caravans should be serviced each year to make sure they’re running safely and efficiently. It’s not a legal requirement, but a seller that can demonstrate a history of doing so is likely to be genuine.

A full service normally inspects the chassis, main bodywork, electric, gas, fire safety and water systems, ventilation and damp issues. Getting your caravan serviced regularly is the best way to catch smaller issues before they have a chance to become bigger, much more expensive problems.

Photo credit: Egor Komarov / Pexels

How to avoid caravan and motorhome regrets

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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.

We love caravans and motorhomes. The majority of our readers class their leisure vehicle as almost part of the family. It’s a beloved and treasured holiday partner and we all relish going away and staying in the great outdoors. 

However, some people have made regretful choices. We’re aware of owners who’ve gone from a caravan to a motorhome – or vice versa – and not liked it at all. Others have simply jumped in at the deep end, bought a new set up and it’s not been to their taste. So, here are our tips for making sure you make the right choice.

The reason we’re looking at this now is that we’re right at the start of this year’s show season. The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show takes place this week in Manchester, followed by the Glasgow edition in early February and the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in Birmingham towards the end of the month. A huge portion of new leisure vehicles will be sold at these shows, so here are the essentials you need to consider before making any big decisions.

The distinction between caravans and motorhomes

To some people, these terms are interchangeable. Most of us, however, know the danger of conflating them. Generally, you either prefer one or the other and each comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. But don’t assume that just because you’ve been caravanning for 20 years, swapping to the other type of leisure vehicle will be so easy. Alternatively, swapping from a motorhome to a caravan comes with surprising restrictions, like towing and the amount of space you have to carry passengers and belongings. 

Try before you buy

If you’re heading to an early-year show and thinking about making a change, upgrading or simply getting into a caravan or motorhome for the first time – rent a vehicle first. Don’t get sucked in by the jazz of the show. Instead, take that money and it’ll be very well-spent by trying that specific layout, or that particular type of vehicle. Then, you can head to a later show or your local dealer and make an informed choice.

Think about your passengers

So obvious, but yet so overlooked. Assess who you’re going to be touring with and how it might affect the layout of your leisure vehicle. Lots of owners buy with their children or grandchildren in mind, compromising on comfortability and practicality to fit in plenty of extra beds that never get slept in. I might be a child of the ‘80s, but you can always put up a tent outside for the kids!

Don’t be a magpie

Try not to be attracted by shiny extras or amazing time-dependent deals offered at shows and dealerships. The fundamental layout of your leisure vehicle is far more important than any accessory or price difference. Keep in mind what you want before you start shopping around and think very carefully before changing that idea for a particular range, accessory level or deal.

Put the groundwork in

Take a look at as many makes and models as possible that suit your layout needs. Dealerships have limited stock and even the shows won’t have everything available. If you’re currently a caravan or motorhome owner and see something else you like, go and knock on the door! We’re a friendly old bunch, so ask to have a look around. 

Visit several dealerships and one or two shows to make sure you’ve truly understood what’s available. There are plenty of things you won’t see from a quick look, including the water tanks, payload capacity, electric setups and the ability to run on different types of fuel. So, make sure you ask enough questions to fully understand the vehicle.

Above all, enjoy your leisure vehicle like the vast majority of people in the community do. We want you to have an amazing time, but these are some of the pitfalls we’ve seen from being in the industry for over a decade and talking to plenty of owners. Have fun!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels