Caravan and Motorhome Club offering £1,700 prize bundle

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club has just launched a competition to give away £1,700 worth of prizes to one lucky winner.

It has teamed up with a selection of partners from the touring industry to create a prize bundle any caravanner, motorhomer, campervanner, camper or glamper would want to win.

Starting with the essentials, National Tyres has contributed a set of tyres and a free MOT to the prize haul, while TyrePal has thrown in a monitor and sensors to ensure the winner’s tyres are functioning at optimum levels.

Raleigh has added an impressive £500 towards a new bike so you can explore your chosen holiday site in style.

Go Ape has included a family ticket to be spent at one of its 35 destinations across the country, offering a chance to make memories together.

Pop all the essentials for your day out in a rucksack from Cotswold Outdoors and keep the snacks safe in your Red Original cool bag backpack.

A BODYRAG travel set of luxury towels will make your caravan or motorhome the most stylish on site and their special super absorbent material dries you instantly and keeps you warm.

Having an Avtex TV in your leisure vehicle, which is also included in the prize bundle, really will make you the envy of your fellow tourers.

To top it off, there’s a £50 Roadchef voucher to fuel your next touring adventure.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer this amazing bundle of prizes to help people have their perfect trip.

“At the Club we do all we can to provide inspiration for great holidays and days out, and it’s really important to us that we can help make things more affordable too. Huge thanks to our partners for supporting this incredible prize valued at over £1,700! Good luck to everyone that enters!”

You have until February 28th to enter, so head over to camc.com/prizedraw now to be in with a chance of winning this incredible set of prizes.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio

Nick’s News – Hymer goes Ford, Simon steps aside and the Adria Alpina Colorado

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

It’s been a quiet week for both me and leisure vehicle news generally this week. That’s not to say there aren’t rumblings of big news on various horizons, however. The formal tie-up between Ford and Hymer is a major boost not just for both companies, but the whole leisure vehicle industry.

And I’m glad to see next month’s Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show looks like it’s still going ahead, despite its most significant exhibitor, the Swift Group, pulling out. Indeed, the leisure vehicle show sector seems to be emerging from a prolonged period of hibernation.

In the news

Hymer goes Ford

Hymer, which vies with the Trigano Group for the position of Europe’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer, has announced a formal tie-up with Ford. Called a strategic partnership, it will see the Erwin Hymer Group, which also includes the likes of Bürstner, Carado, Etrusco, Dethleffs and Laika; not forgetting Elddis, of course, building motorhomes and van conversions using Ford’s Transit and Transit Custom models.

Hymer already has a similar arrangement with Mercedes, dating back to 1971.
It’s good to see Ford coming to the fore in the motorhome sector. Along with Europe’s two mega-conglomerates, UK companies such as Auto-Sleeper and Swift have announced Transit-based campers for this season, while independent manufacturers Autohaus and Wellhouse Leisure have long dealt with Ford, to the point of having Qualified Vehicle Modifier status.

Add in the Westfalia-built Nugget that Ford sells itself here across Europe and the UK and Ford is back on the map.

Simon says.. it’s a total surprise

How’s this for a small company that makes big waves? North Berwick-based Jerba’s founder and current managing director has just picked up a Director of the Year Award for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s run by the Institute of Directors in Scotland. He also scooped the Top Director prize for the Edinburgh and Lothians region.

Jerba is different to all other campervan manufacturers I know in the UK, because it’s employee-owned. And I say current because Simon is about to take up the role of company chairman, leaving a position vacant for a new managing director. Think you’ve got what it takes? Get applying.

Caravan crushInterior of the Adria Alpina Colorado

Adria Alpina Colorado – reaching the style heights

Like beauty, style is in the eye of the beholder. And I fully accept the extrovert nature of this 2.46m wide flagship Adria won’t appeal to those of a more conservative outlook, even if you do have a vehicle hefty enough to tow its 2,000kg maximum weight.

Those factors considered; it will be the twin single beds floorplan that will be the main reason to purchase. That still leaves plenty of space for a full-width end washroom and a more than generous kitchen, all in the most contemporary styling.

If there’s any compromise, it’s the front lounge, where the settees aren’t quite long enough for single beds. Instead, they make a transverse double, should it be required.

Three good: Great style, practicality and quality blend; super-spacious, and a generous end washroom
Two bad: £40,000? Phew! And slightly short lounge
Perfect for… Swanky families
Also consider: Coachman VIP 565 and Swift Elegance 565

Getting a bit more sustainable

There’s a plethora of kit out there to help you with the leisure vehicle lifestyle. It’s even better when it can boast environmentally-friendly credentials, like this week’s trio.

Women's Timberland bootYou want the right footwear at this time of the year, right. Timberland’s latest walking boots include the £125 Premium 6 Inch Luxe for men and £135 women’s Euro Hiker. The former using leather produced using regenerative practices (giving the land a chance), the latter with a Better Leather upper. Again, this is from a sustainable source, this time a tannery rated silver for its environmental-friendliness. Just don’t wear them when you’re driving.

Next, the Got Bag company is claiming it has the world’s first rucksacks made from ocean plastic it’s gathered up itself from Indonesia. This is on top of an organic polyurethane waterproof coating and straps from recycled PET. Prices start at £79 for the Daypack, £114 for the No!Rolltop Backpack.

Even world-renowned leisure hat maker Tilley is getting involved. It’s added the Modern Airflo and 5 Panel Recycled Cap to its considerable all-headwear portfolio, both using sustainable recycled nylon fabrics. Each carry the Bluesign logo, indicating they’re independently recognised by the world’s leading authority on environmentally-friendly clothing materials. Find out more at www.bluesign.com.

Plymouth the best city break destination for nature lovers

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Packing up the caravan and heading to a city may not be your first instinct if you’re a nature lover, but new research shows how you can combine urban locations with the great outdoors.

McCarthy Stone ranked the UK’s cities in terms of their natural offerings to help anyone looking for a break to escape the January blues.

Plymouth came out top of the list, scoring 345 points out of a possible 500, with criteria including rare species of animals, stargazing spots, National Trust sites and outdoor activities nearby.

The city on England’s south coast was found to be home to ten National Trust sites and four National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Coming in second was Southampton with 297 points, followed by London with a score of 255. The capital’s 240 outdoor activities make it one of the greenest cities on the list to visit.

Bristol made the fourth spot, boasting 242 points, followed by Newcastle and Swansea in joint fifth position, with both cities picking up 206 points.

Miruna Constantinescu, national marketing director at McCarthy Stone, said: “From stargazing to national parks, it’s amazing to see the wealth of natural hotspots which the UK has to offer in such proximity to large parts of the population.

“The lure of coastal and countryside developments may seem like the obvious choice for nature-lovers, but this study has shown that you can enjoy amazing nature sites on your doorstep across the UK.

“We understand the importance of getting outdoors, especially after living under restrictions over the past 18 months, and it’s great to be able to highlight some of the UK’s natural beauty.”

If it’s animals you’re wishing to spot on your caravan holiday, then the study suggests Newcastle is best for red squirrel sightings, Aberdeen for puffins and Norfolk for otters.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Zach Pickering

Jerba Campervans seeks new managing director

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Jerba Campervans is looking for a new managing director as co-founder Simon Poole is set to move into the role of chairman.

The North Berwick-based VW Transporter converter is an employee-owned business and has won many accolades for the way in which it’s run.

Most recently, Mr Poole was awarded Director of the Year for Small-Medium Businesses and the Edinburgh and the Lothians regional award at the Director of the Year Awards.

He founded the company in 2006, alongside his wife Cath, and has since demonstrated that turning a passion into a business can result in great success.

Jerba Campervans has seen its annual turnover increase every year since it started and has grown to a staff of 14.

Mr Poole is hoping to find someone with similar values to himself and who understands the business’ ethos as he steps aside from the day-to-day running of the company.

He said: “Running this business has been the greatest thrill of my life. My wife Cath and I bought a T4 campervan from another converter in 2002. We loved it, but we also felt that there were a couple of things that we could improve on, and so we started Jerba.

“It has been fantastic to see the company grow so successfully and this success is down to the remarkable team we have behind us who strive for excellent craftsmanship and customer experience.”

Jerba Campervans is the only firm in Scotland to be recognised as a Motorhome Qualified Converter by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

While Mr Poole acknowledged there are lots of plans in place for the company in 2022, he also expressed the desire for a new managing director to bring fresh ideas to the role.

Jerba Campervans has built a reputation for converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 models and in 2015, it gained a patent for a unique pop-up roof, which is added to all its Volkswagen projects.

Nick’s News – Amendments to the Highway Code, watch out for cold weather, and the Swift Select Compact C500

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Is it me or is the weather turning a bit colder? We seem to have had milder weather than I can ever remember in December, so I’m actually not that worried about a cold snap – we need it, after all.

If the calm and balm has lulled you into a false sense of security, don’t forget to check your leisure vehicle’s water system. You don’t want to be caught off guard and have any frozen water damage. Better still, all other conditions allowing, why not head out for a January break?

My month

January for a bit of Bristol Slapstick

If all goes to plan this year, I reckon I already have a full calendar of monthly events lined up. First off, if ever an event was well-timed to see off the winter blues, it has to be Bristol’s Slapstick Festival.

Celebrating silent comedy greats like Chaplin, Keaton, and Laurel and Hardy, as well as their contemporaries, it’s a right good laughing mix-up of film, lectures and live acts.

In a nutshell: Silents are golden
Handy campsite? If it’s not already booked up, try for the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Baltic Wharf site, just under a mile’s walk (or book a boat ride) to the Watershed, centre of all the Slapstick action.
More at: www.slapstick.org.uk

In the news

My way or the Highway Code way – time to go Dutch?

A handful of changes to the Highway Code are expected to be confirmed by the end of the month. In particular, there’s now a hierarchy of road users, designed to make folk aware of those more vulnerable than themselves out on the road.

I know as leisure vehicle owners we are already among the safest drivers in the country, but it’s the notion of being more aware of the likes of cyclists, horse riders and others that appeals.

Most of the updates are common sense, like leaving more space when you’re overtaking, but there’s one that does cause intrigue. It’s the suggestion that you use the Dutch reach method of opening a vehicle door from the inside by using the hand that’s furthest from the door.

It means you twist your whole body, getting a better view of what might be coming up behind you as you do the opening and exiting. It’s definitely one of those that works better in practice rather than my attempt to describe it to you in words.

Motorhome for me?

Swift Select Compact C500 – compromise? What compromise?

I may be biased, but I do lean towards more diminutive motorhomes. It might be a newcomer to Swift’s Select range (previously all van conversions) but it’s the Compact tag that tells you the C500 is a smaller-scale coachbuilt body behind that latest Fiat Ducato cab.

There’s a new-for-2022 range of engine options too. In standard trim, the Compact C500 comes with a 2.2-litre, 120bhp unit, with options to upgrade to 140bhp as well as automatic transmission.

However, at 6.65m it’s considerably longer than what I would normally call a compact coachbuilt (I’d argue for anything up to 6m). The 2.26m width is a tad more than you might expect too.

It’s a four berth for travel, with sleeping arrangements for two. Its end lounge offers decent length single beds or a double, while there are no surprises in the well-equipped kitchen and washroom. Plus, the front lounge provides the extra two travel berths.

Of course, it’s been unable to escape from the latest price rises imposed by Fiat for its base vehicles. Nevertheless, starting at a £490 smidge over £60,000 marks it out as good value.

Three good: New model keeps the dimensions trimmed, 3,300kg with decent payload and potentially good value
Two bad: Standard 120bhp engine and it might not sparkle enough
Perfect for… Two on tour and four for daily travels
Also consider: Auto-Trail Expedition C72, Elddis Accordo 120 or McLouis Fusion 330

Woman in a SnuggyGoods to go, 2022

Are you looking for early season product ideas? Then start right here with a Snuggy. It’s an oversized hoodie in soft flannel fleece that will keep you cosy through the winter months, and no doubt beyond. Adult versions are on sale at £59.99 as I type, with kids’ and even baby variants also available.

How about significantly upping the security on your motorhome with the BC Lock from Milenco? It’s a brightly coloured (ie highly visual) lock that fits around the pedals of most Fiat Ducato base vehicles (also the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay alternatives).

There are also variants for selected Ford Transits and Mercedes Sprinters. The typical price is around £85, but fit one and you may even be eligible for a saving on your annual insurance premium.

Also, if your caravan or motorhome has a C200 Thetford loo, perhaps it’s the ideal time to consider a Fresh-Up Set? It includes a new cassette holding tank and folding seat and is the ideal way to, er, freshen up your C200 toilet without going to the far bigger expense of buying a whole new unit. The typical price is around the £100 mark.

Hope this helps make you good to go for 2022! OK, yes, the pun was fully intended…

Living in a caravan inspires entrepreneur to start award-winning business

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An entrepreneur who founded an award-winning motorhome business has lifted the lid on where the inspiration for the company came from.

Matt Sims started The Motorhome Holiday Company in the aftermath of the breakdown of his marriage when he found himself living in a caravan.

He said: “I decided to move into a caravan, which was both brilliant and dire. I was at a crossroads in life at a personal and professional level and looking for a way to move forward.

“I enjoyed lovely sunsets and microwave meals for one. But while trudging across the field to go to the shower in chilly, wet weather, I knew it was a short-term solution.”

Despite quickly coming to the conclusion that he wanted to move back into a house, Mr Sims experienced first hand the lure of leisure vehicles and their potential for making holiday memories.

He added: “I saw the motorhome industry as one with huge potential to grow and I wanted to make it as accessible to as many people as possible.”

So the Motorhome Holiday Company was born with a focus on introducing families and couples to the world of motorhome holidays.

The business started out with five motorhomes to hire and quickly expanded to a fleet of 15 leisure vehicles, which has increased again to 20.

It now offers hire, sales, storage and repairs, as well as camping and caravanning accessories at That Leisure Shop, and travel guidance through the Staycation Inspiration magazine.

The company has been recognised with a number of accolades, including winning the Best Luxury Motorhome Hire UK category of the Business Excellence Awards in 2019 and 2020.

Will Brits ditch the seaside for the countryside in 2022?

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The great British seaside holiday is a centuries’ long tradition, but Brits are set to be lured away from the beach to the countryside in 2022.

That’s according to data collected by Park Leisure, which found arrivals at its countryside resorts in Yorkshire and Herefordshire increased by 95 per cent over the past year.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, believes this trend will continue into 2022 as people seek the mental health and wellbeing benefits of the great outdoors.

She said: “Our coastal resorts have always been popular but the past year has seen a considerable spike in the parks with more access to the countryside. Over lockdown, many of us made a habit of getting out for walks and, as a result, developed a strong affinity to escaping into nature.

“For some, we imagine these holidays also provide a bit more of a break from the bustle of everyday life than the coastal locations, as people tend to visit beaches in droves during summer. Opting for a countryside location is a way to evade that.”

Another thing Ms Williams has highlighted is the importance to holidaymakers of giving back to the local community with their tourist pounds.

As a result, Park Leisure has made an effort to promote local businesses in its tourist guides and put ingredients from the areas surrounding its parks on the menus.

There was a strong trend for people getting pets in lockdown and now holidaymakers want to take them away with the family too.

Ms Williams highlighted that all Park Leisure sites are pet-friendly, but that the operator will be introducing more activities and organised events for pets in 2022.

Park Leisure runs 11 holiday sites across the UK, with some in the countryside and others by the coast, meaning you can follow the trend and head inland next year or stick to the beach.

Nick’s News – Elddis Crusader Zephyr and wrap up warm for the holidays

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Phew, that’s Christmas done and not exactly dusted – more like fully rained on – for another year and, as I type, the New Year on the very near horizon.

The Christmas break gave us the ideal excuse in the Harding household to debate where to go next year and already some plans are at the formulation stage. I think I’ve already told you the Cumbrian Coast 200 route is definitely down for a start-the-season trip, as is Easter on the Isle of Bute.

We’ve got a sprinkling of festivals to look forward to and there’s still summer – Italy is the twinkle in our eye at the moment, but who know how things are going to pan out, Covid-wise? It’s lovely to have plans, though. 

Here’s to a happy, touring  2022. 

In the news

Look to the future – it’s only just begun?

What’s 2022 going to bring? More staycations, more challenges for the supply of leisure vehicles to keep up with demand – caravans and, especially,  motorhomes. In turn, the secondhand market for both these leisure vehicle sectors is going to stay pretty tight, which is not the greatest news for newcomers to our lovely pastime. 

Who knows what twists and turns there are to come in the Covid pandemic, too. Will we all be vaccinated and boosted sufficiently to carry on the touring lifestyle, or will there be restrictions on where we can travel? 

I can’t see anything but increasing popularity for staycationing – dreadful word, I know, although it is a rather neat sum-up for holidaying at home – and yet, from my own general touring in 2021 I found it wasn’t too hard to avoid any overcrowded locations throughout much of the UK. 

Caravan crush

Elddis Crusader Zephyr – a slimmer attraction

If a Buccaneer Commodore is all too much for you, why not go for an Elddis Crusader Zephyr and pocket the £7,000-plus price difference?

It’s £32,444 for the latter, and you still get a lot of luxury for your lolly. You might even find the 2.30m body width less exacting than the 2.45m favoured by the flagships of most manufacturers’ range-topping offerings – indeed, all its obvious rivals are at that maximum width. 

This 6.96m long Crusader is nevertheless a twin axle of some presence. It has the much-favoured (at any price point) floorplan formula of a rear transverse island bed, with ensuite washroom (split shower and toilet rooms) and kitchen facilities over the axles, plus a generous twin-settee front lounge (with leather upholstery one of several tempting options). Arguably, the only other “essential” not on the standard equipment list is the £564 100Watt solar panel. 

Not that the Zephyr is poorly equipped. It’s got more than most people will need – Alde heating, 153-litre Dometic 10-series fridge, Pioneer stereo, Al-Ko ATC and the like – yet “maxes-out” at a reasonable 1,800kg. 

Three good: Low-level island bed comforts, popular floorplan, attractive blend of space and comfort.

Two bad: Solar panel only an option, could the shower be a bit bigger? 

Perfect for… Staying slimmer but keeping up the luxury.

Also consider: Bailey Alicanto Grande Faro, Coachman Laser Xcel 850, Swift Elegance 835.

Wrap up warm?

Winter walk, anyone? The secret is in your clothing and footwear that’s appropriate to the weather. Wrapping up warm and staying dry – arguably the latter more important than the former – are key. As the saying goes, any fool can be uncomfortable. 

So, start with a good jacket (and remember, you don’t necessarily want something that’s going to make you too hot, if you’re active). Keela (the Scottish company that provided some 750,000 gowns to the NHS through the Covid pandemic), has its Talus jacket at £139.95 and it’s that almost-perfect combination of low weight, waterproofing and wind resistance, thanks to a ripstop outer shell and Primaloft Gold insulation. It’s available in men’s and women’s styles and a good choice of colours. 

Decathlon is currently offering women’s Wedze (£49.99) and, men’s Piste £79.99) Ski Jackets in some rather snazzy designs, as well as a wide choice of sizes – both of which will keep you cosy even if you’re not planning to take to any slopes. 

Or, if you want to supplement what you’re already wearing, how about something like the Hoodligan Blanket from Kelty. It’s a £45 poncho/blanket hybrid, with special CloudLoft insulation, which packs into its own hood when not in use – perfect for keeping in your leisure vehicle if space is at a premium. 

New Year’s resolutions for caravanners and motorhomers

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Even experienced caravanners or motorhomers know there are things they could do to make their trips run more smoothly or keep their leisure vehicle in better shape.

So, whether you’re a newbie or have been touring for decades, here are some of the New Year’s resolutions you should perhaps be considering keeping in 2022.

Join a club

There are a number of caravanning clubs operating in the UK and if you’re not a member of one of them already, 2022 is the time to change that.

These organisations offer inspiration and advice on enjoying the lifestyle, but they can also save you a lot of money in pitch fees and other discounts.

If you don’t know where to start, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club are two of the most well established, dating back to 1907 and 1901 respectively.

Always replace pantry food items after each trip

Most seasoned caravanners understand the importance of having a supply of essentials in their leisure vehicles for those times when they can’t get to a shop or go out for a meal.

The problem is that many of us forget to replace the emergency cans of beans or sachets of soup once they’ve been used.

So, a good resolution is that this year you’ll do an inventory of what needs replacing after every trip and then you’ll never find yourself without your trusty supplies again.

Take up a new outdoor activity

Holidaying in a caravan or motorhome opens up myriad opportunities to try out a new hobby, because you’re closer to the great outdoors, can easily transport kit and get changed afterwards, if necessary.

It’s very easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to outdoor activities, so you might need a reason to switch it up, like a new year, for example.

Why not make 2022 the year you take up paddleboarding, stargazing or wild swimming, using your leisure vehicle as a base?

Make your caravan trips more environmentally friendly

There’s an awful lot of stuff involved in going away in your caravan or motorhome, but many of these items can now be found in more environmentally friendly versions.

Your chemical toilet needs to be kept clean, of course, but purchasing biodegradable and formaldehyde-free toilet fluid is safer and better for the planet.

Many caravanners opt for plastic plates and bowls to minimise the potential for breakages while you’re touring. When it’s time for new ones, go for a bamboo set that have similar functionality instead.

Show your motorhome some love

Buying a motorhome or caravan is a big investment, but the more you use it, then the greater your return on that initial spend.

Having the family coming and going all the time, as well as potentially the dog, means there’s likely to be muddy boots and general wear and tear inflicted on your leisure vehicle.

Resolve to give your motorhome a good clean after every trip and to make any small repairs as soon as possible. This will ensure it’s in the best state throughout 2022 and beyond.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Togo RV

5 things every caravanner or motorhomer will experience this Christmas

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It’s great owning a caravan or a motorhome at any time of the year, but there’s a number of situations you’ll find yourself in at Christmas that only those with leisure vehicles will recognise.

So, you know you’re part of the lifestyle when…

All your Christmas presents are stashed in the caravan

Finding a place to hide the kids’ presents is always tricky, but being a caravan owner, you’ve got the perfect place away from prying eyes. Just remember to check every cupboard, the fridge and under the seats to make sure you haven’t stashed them away so successfully even you can’t find them!

Your Christmas list is made up of accessories for your leisure vehicle

There’s always something you need for the caravan or motorhome and Christmas is a great opportunity to get them. Whether you want a new awning, fancy a brighter head torch or have your eye on a portable pizza oven, your Christmas wish list is bound to be full of camping-related kit.

There’s a novelty campervan item in your stocking

Whether it’s a VW mug or campervan socks, you can guarantee that a distant relative who didn’t know what to get you went down the obvious route and went with a novelty take on your favourite hobby.

You’ll escape to the motorhome at least once over the festive period

If your motorhome is parked just there on the drive, then it’s inevitable that you’ll end up sitting in it to escape the family at some point during the celebrations. The benefits of motorhome ownership really are endless and five minutes’ peace is priceless.

Boxing Day will be about planning adventures

By Boxing Day the frenetic energy of Christmas Day will have subsided and there’s a chance to enjoy a more sedate activity. For caravan and motorhome enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to spread the maps out on the floor and crack open touring guides to plan adventures for 2022. The possibilities are endless…

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Andrea Imre

Nick’s News – Towing rules, end-of-year bargains and the Adria Sonic Supreme 700 DC

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

It’s time to hunker down, I reckon. The latest Covid news – and I’m sure there will be more developments between me writing this and you reading it – is not good, yet we still all have a part to play in keeping transmission levels down.

But, I’m in a celebratory mood. This month sees me reaching 20 years of continuous membership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Over that time, I’ve benefitted so much from everything from its authoritative technical advice to its huge network of UK sites, smaller-scale Certificated Locations (CLs), which are exclusive to members, and campsites abroad. Frankly, long may it continue.

In the news

Tow heavy – it’s official now

It has finally been confirmed! As of December 16th this year (2021) anyone with a full driving licence can tow a caravan weighing up to 3,500kg. In other words, any caravan. That brings everyone into line with us more mature drivers who passed their driving test before January 1997.

Do check your towing vehicle details to ensure your car is OK to tow if you’re going for a heavier unit. Maximum towing limit and gross train weight are the two key figures to consider. Oh, and check your insurance while you’re at it.

And I’m sure all road users will feel comfortable to accept government advice that you take proper training from a qualified instructor if you are considering towing a caravan of any weight and size, most especially if it’s your first time.

See more here: Role 2: Guide and control the vehicle – National standard for driving cars and light vans (category B) – Guidance – GOV.UK.

Smile – the grandparents are here

Kids love their grandparents; it’s true. A survey of five- to seven-year-olds for the www.playlikemum.com website has found that youngsters like being with their grans and gramps because they make them smile.

They also prefer being with their grandparents over any other family member, apparently. Playing games together is another key reason, plus, of course, the fact that grandparents are more likely to dish out treats than anyone else in the family.

As someone who’s become a grandparent by proxy in the last two years, I can’t wait to take two-year-old Thomas and his slightly younger cousin Millie off on what will hopefully be the first of many camping trips.

Motorhome for me?

Adria Sonic Supreme 700 DC – the stuff of silver dreamsThe interior of the Adria Sonic Supreme 700 DC

Over here and under-rated? A-class motorhomes from Adria tend to sneak under the radar, which I think is a little unfair. The Slovenian company has been making coachbuilt motorhomes since 1982, and its reputation on the international scene is second to none, which is just as well, because it exports nearly every caravan and motorhome it makes.

Finished in silver, the 7.5m-long Sonic Supreme 700 DC boasts luxury from all angles. It’s a proper four-berth, with rear island double bed plus a typical A-class pull-down double over the cab area. The lounge settees can be converted to forward-facing seats for travel. It’s all based on Fiat’s latest Ducato chassis-cowl.

Supreme is Adria’s highest level of specification. Such is the skywards-heading way of motorhome prices at the moment, the 700 DC tops £103,000, but that’s before you add any goodies, such as automatic transmission, upholstery upgrades and the pretty-much-essential £3,850 Lux Pack.

Three good: Well made, stylish and innovative
Two bad: Price of extras and availability could be an issue
Perfect for… The grandest of touring adventures
Also consider: Dethleffs Esprit I 750-2 DBL and Rapido i96,

Grab an end-of-year bargain?

As per my suggestion last week, if you’re looking to buy Christmas presents, boy are you cutting it fine. There are some interesting bargains to be had, though, especially if you’re not overly worried about meeting that December 25th deadline.

My pick of the special offers is from Snooper, where there are also a couple of dash cams with significant reductions. Its Tyre Pilot STP1400 tyre pressure monitor is down to £59.99 from £99.99 – although I must admit I struggled to access this offer at the time of writing.

Still searching for ideas? You need a torch. Check out the portfolio at Princeton – starting with the £6.95 Tec Pulsar Handheld 10 Lumen Water Resistant Light. And yes, the name is bigger than the light itself!Torch

Further up the price scale is the £59.95 Alloy-X 400 Lumen Waterproof Pen Light, which can be powered via a couple of AAA batteries or a USB connection.

A little call-out, too, for Ethical Superstore. As you’ve probably surmised, all of its huge portfolio of homeware, grocery, cleaning, beauty and gift products is ethically sourced. And it’s offering half price delivery in time for Christmas if you order anything before 2pm on Wednesday 22nd December.

Motorhome and caravan expert makes 2022 predictions

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Chris Lowe, director at Kimberley – The Caravan and Motorhome People, has given his predictions for the tourism industry in 2022.

He highlighted how the pandemic has brought about new opportunities and this is something he expects to continue into the future.

Mr Lowe said: “The new market size for leisure vehicles has grown significantly since the UK lockdown ended. The current prediction is around 16,000 new units produced, up from 14,000 18 months ago, which is a 15 per cent increase.

“However, without the current supply chain issues and manufacturer production capabilities, it is expected that this figure would have been even higher.”

He referenced the new coronavirus variant and how it’s likely to continue the trend for holidaymakers looking to be self contained on their getaways.

We saw the first time Covid-19 restrictions were loosened that those with motorhomes equipped with their own toilets and showers were able to enjoy trips away without using shared facilities.

Mr Lowe believes that the younger generation will still be keen to convert their own campers in 2022, lured by the cost savings and freedom of a DIY project.

There are some 286,000 posts tagged with #camperconversion on Instagram alone and such inspiration is likely to lead to even more people joining the movement.

Google’s A Year in Trends report recently reported that “how to maintain mental health” was searched more than ever in 2021.

This emphasis on mental health is something that is being reflected more in the choices people make about their holidays.

The pandemic has highlighted to many the importance of getting out in nature and enjoying healthy pursuits.

Mr Lowe thinks this will see more people combining their motorhome or caravan trip with rambling, golf, fishing and cycling in the year to come.