Winter touring hacks for a successful trip

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Touring during the colder months in your caravan, motorhome or campervan can be particularly magical, but it’s important to be prepared for more challenging conditions.

Putting measures in place to stay safe and ensuring you can keep warm are vital in the winter, but once you’ve cracked it, you’ll have a great time.

With this in mind, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has put together some top tips for winter touring and here at CaravanTimes we’ve added a few of our own too.

 

  • Consider winter tyres for your towcar and caravan or motorhome to ensure a safer driving experience and prepare for difficult conditions.

 

  • Check the weather forecast prior to departure so you know what to expect.

 

  • Consider investing in a head torch for hands-free lighting and pack spare batteries.

 

  • Pack carefully, removing all your summer equipment from your leisure vehicle and replacing it with blankets, hot water bottles and winter clothes.

 

  • Create a stash of board games and books in your leisure vehicle for days when the weather is inhospitable.

 

  • Attach reflective tape or paint to your caravan hitch, water and waste containers, the edge of your entrance step and the roll-out awning supports to avoid walking into them in the dark.

 

  • Plan to do as much of the journey as possible during daylight hours and not arrive on site too late, as simple tasks associated with pitching up can be much trickier in the dark.

 

  • Create an evening and morning routine that promotes convenience when carrying out tasks, such as checking the fresh and waste water levels.

 

  • Sleep for longer to ensure your body is in a good position to deal with the cold and potentially more difficult driving conditions.

 

  • Be flexible and adapt your plans depending on the weather and the local knowledge of the staff.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman

Nick’s News – GB becomes UK, new tow rules delayed and the Auto-Sleeper Air

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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

For some reason, I’ve been getting a bit of attention recently. It’s not me personally and, to be honest, I also know the reason. It’s the UK sticker on the back of my campervan. Questions range from “Why have you got a sticker that says UK?” to “Oh, have you been abroad?”

Well, yes, UK is the new GB when it comes to what you put on the back of your vehicle before you take it abroad. It’s also worth noting the EU decal that’s been integrated into number plates is now obsolete, of course. As of September 28th, it’s a legal requirement, unless your number plate already has an integrated union flag.

In the news

Tow hold – don’t save the date

OK, so it’s now a question of don’t save the date after I said November 15th was going to mark the day when the regulations regarding towing limits were set to change. But the latest news is it will still take place albeit in the autumn and “subject to Parliamentary approvals”.

That mid-November date was set to be the time when anyone with a full driving licence could tow a trailer up to 3,500kg with no further questions asked. Such a proposal was causing consternation, to say the least.

Instead, it seems there are plans to set up some kind of accreditation scheme, offering voluntary training for those wanting to tow with trailers – caravans, in our case – up to that seriously heavy weight.

If you think it all sounds a bit vague, I think it’s fair to say that’s because it is. Do sign up for updates here.

Every one a winner – Coachman’s double satisfaction

Congratulations to Adria and Coachman. They were the top two companies in the latest Owner Satisfaction Awards, as voted for by the readers of the magazine Practical Caravan, and members of the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Scoring 89.5 per cent and 87.9 per cent respectively, they were the only two manufacturers to achieve gold marks for their new caravans. Coachman also scored highly in the pre-owned category, topping that sector with a 93 per cent overall score. Swift was second here, with 90.1 per cent.

It’s easy to be a bit cynical about awards, but I’d offer the reminder that these are the only ones in the UK where the results are determined by you, the buying public.

Motorhome for me?

Auto-Sleeper Air – take my breath away?

It was a brave move for Auto-Sleeper to pitch into the already heavily over-subscribed campervan sector with an all-new model and opting for Ford’s Transit Custom as the base vehicle, but they seem to have pulled it off.

That means almost everyday driveability, although it won’t get under the 2m car park barriers. The SCA elevating roof and Reimo Variotech rear seat/bed on rails (and now with Isofix) are pointers that the Air is pitched to the premium end of the camper market.

The £59,995 starting price looks a tad hefty, but the Auto-Sleeper name might just carry the day here.

Three good: Five-seater, 2m long main bed and it’s an Auto-Sleeper
Two bad: There’s a price premium and aspects of storage could be improved
Perfect for… Those who don’t fancy a VW
Also consider: Autohaus GT Spartan, Ford Nugget or Wellhouse Misano

Christmas come early, 2021. Part two…

It’s a real mixed bag of Christmas gift ideas this week, but all aimed at leisure vehicle users, of course. I’ll kick off with the Hapro Atlas Premium Xfold II – a new, towball mounting bike carrier from Rameder. It’s less bulky than its name and its nifty design includes wheels – so it’s easy to handle when it’s taken off the vehicle – and yet it can carry two bikes or e-bikes weighing anything up to 60kg in total. Expect to pay around £380 online.

Next up is a not-so-chatty tracker. Yes, that’s the Inovia. Its Smart Alert mode will not only notify your if your vehicle is on the move without your knowledge, but intuitively cut the alerts when it knows you’re in charge of your vehicle (ie driving or indeed within 10m of it). It means you don’t get unnecessary alerts. Its €99 price includes a three-year subscription.

Still short of ideas? You can always resort to a voucher. A One4all gift card is redeemable at up to 55,000 big name retail outlets across the UK – and can be purchased for anything between £10 and £120. It’s also available digitally.

54 Caravan and Motorhome Club sites open this winter

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If you’re not quite ready to tuck your caravan or motorhome up for the winter and are looking for another adventure, there are still holiday parks open to the public.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has 54 sites that welcome visitors year round, as well as a number of certificated locations (CLs).

That means you can choose a place to pitch up with facilities including heated shower blocks and laundry rooms or opt for a more basic set-up if your leisure vehicle is relatively self contained.

Caravanning in the colder months can be a lot of fun, with crisp clear days perfect for wintry walks, safe in the knowledge you can go back to a cosy caravan.

Many of the sites that are busy during high season are calmer at this time of year and you can explore the natural surroundings on your own terms.

With the right preparation, there’s no reason you can’t continue to enjoy your leisure vehicle year round and you might even have the unforgettable experience of waking up to snow.

This year, three more Club sites have extended their opening dates through November, December and January.

Burford, Norfolk Broads and Teesdale Barnard Castle can now be booked right through the winter for a break away in the run up to Christmas or in the new year.

Check out all of the Club’s sites that are open through the winter, with options ranging from Hillhead in Devon to Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park in Scotland.

Then make sure you have all your cold weather gear, winter tyres and a good supply of hot chocolate ahead of your trip.

Membership of the Club starts at just £54 a year, giving you access to its entire network of sites, as well as discounts on a wide range of products and services.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman

Auto-Sleeper introduces the Air campervan for 2022

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Auto-Sleeper has introduced a multipurpose campervan back into its offerings for 2022, in the wake of huge growth in the leisure vehicle market.

The Air is based on the Ford Transit van and is a great option for those looking for something compact but full of all the essentials you need.

Anyone new to owning a campervan would find the Air easy to drive and easy to park, unlike some of the larger leisure vehicles now available.

Among the driving features you can expect included as standard are satellite navigation, emergency assistance, speed sign recognition and intelligent adaptive cruise control.

There’s also a rear view camera, parking sensors, lane keeping alert, power fold mirrors, blind spot information and cross traffic alert.

Outside, the metallic paint gives the Air a sleek finish, while privacy glass is an added bonus for nights away from home.

Inside, there’s an eight-inch touch screen entertainment system, complete with DAB, MP3 and Bluetooth functionality for all your needs.

Despite its compact size, up to four people can sleep in the Air, with the roof bed perfect for kids, making it a good family camper.

A Dometic portable toilet, Webasto ambient heating, integrated fridge, two-burner hob and separate grill, mains electricity, and a gas BBQ point will keep everyone fed and comfortable.

The cold water shower point, and fresh and waste water storage tanks complete all the essentials.

Dave Williams, Auto-Sleeper sales and marketing director, said: “Auto-Sleeper van conversions are renowned for delivering class leading luxury models with enviable residual values in the industry.

“This stunning new camper is no different and delivers a premium specification with safety and essential features as standard compared to others in its class. We really think it will be a fantastic addition to the range.”

Auto-Sleeper has been making leisure vehicles in the UK for 60 years and its models are a common sight across the nation’s roads.

Nick’s News – Towing rules, the Buccaneer Commodore and Christmas present ideas

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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

What’s my next trip out in a camper going to be? It’s a slightly weird one, but not as atypical as you might think in the life of a try-anything freelance leisure vehicle journalist.

I’m off to spend a night in an Auto-Sleeper kitted out with Whale’s latest underfloor-fitted heating and hot water systems. It’s Whale itself that wants me to verify the quiet running of its products and how they perform when things start to get a bit too cold outside. I’ll let you know how it goes…

In the news

Go for the tow – from November 15th?

That date, November 15th, is the one where anyone with a full driving licence can tow trailers – including caravans – of laden weights up to 3,500kg. In case you’re wondering, that’s a hefty old unit to lug around.

Our typical mainstream flagship caravan models here in the UK tend to top out at around the 2,000kg mark. I can only think of one leisure vehicle that gets anywhere near that 3,500kg mark and it’s the latest Airstream 251B – an 8.25m long, 2,750kg twin axle affair.

It’s a tad concerning, to say the least, to hear that someone who’s just passed their test – or indeed has never towed before – can hook up to something that even experienced caravanners would hesitate at, and be out there on our roads without any further qualification, or even tuition.

Caravanners tend to be a decent lot, however, and I trust the huge majority of folk will tow within their capabilities. I can thoroughly recommend some extra tuition, as provided by both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. They offer programmes of one-day towing courses. Others are available and you can ask your local dealer for more information.

Water way to go – Ford’s future?

A motorhome that can extract clean water from the air? If you think that’s the stuff of the future, it’s closer than you think. Ford is currently trialling one of its Rangers around the United States of America, showcasing a tie-up with Watergen, which specialises in “atmospheric water generation”.

The company’s externally mounted Mobile Box measures 630mm x 530mm x 460mm and claims a world first in being able to grab drinking water from the air around it. It can collect up to 25 litres a day, which, in turn, means no need to carry excess amounts of water, hence saving on fuel economy and even the plastics used for containers.

It relies on a 12V power supply and replaceable filters and really looks like it could be a vital ingredient for those who want to go truly off-grid in their leisure vehicles… in the future!

Caravan crush

Interior of the Buccaneer CommodoreBuccaneer Commodore – champion contender at the weigh-in

Buccaneers sit proudly at the top of the Elddis portfolio. They’re big, they’re heavy and they’re high on luxury. They’ve got presence. They’ve also got a lot of goodies on board. Everything from E&P’s latest self-levelling system to underfloor heating.

It’s all wrapped up in a pretty standard front lounge/end bedroom with island double and split washroom facilities, along with the kitchen mid-van. It’s roomy, even by normal 8ft-wide, twin axle standards.

Three good: Seating comfort, sky-high equipment levels and sheer presence
Two bad: Only one drainage point in the shower and the usual weight issues
Perfect for…Caravan connoisseurs
Also consider: Coachman Laser 675 Xtra or Swift Elegance 835

Christmas comes early, 2021. Part one…A pair of foldable Raptor Response emergency shears from Leatherman

Here are some early Christmas gift ideas for the caravanners and motorhomers in your life. First off, how about a pair of foldable Raptor Response emergency shears from Leatherman?

These are designed for cutting your way out of any emergency, but could also come in handy for more everyday scissor tasks. In stainless steel, they weigh just 157g, come in a choice of three colours and cost £89.95.

Or, how about a PastBook? That’s a new-tech way of way of almost instantly preserving images of memories past from various sources, like your phone, computer, Instagram or Dropbox, in a single publication that lasts forever.

Alternatively, for something a bit more down-to-earth, Thatleisureshop.com has a small stock of half-price wheel clamps from Maypole.

Jerba Campervans earns ethical tax certification

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As consumers, many of us are thinking more carefully about the companies we spend our money with and their ethical standards.

This is particularly important when it comes to big ticket items like caravans, motorhomes or campervans.

One firm that consistently demonstrates its moral values is Jerba Campervans, which is an employee-owned business.

The campervan converter in East Lothian has been awarded the Fair Tax Mark qualification for the second year in a row, underlining its commitment to doing things right.

Launched in 2014, the scheme is designed to showcase organisations that pay the right amount of corporation tax at the correct time.

Jerba Campervans was the first company in the automotive industry to be given the accreditation, which is the gold standard of responsible tax practices.

Simon Poole, co-founder of Jerba Campervans, said: “It is a tremendous feat to be recognised once again by the Fair Tax Mark for our efforts in declaring our tax and commitment to lead as an example for other automotive companies.

“We set upon the challenge of achieving this certification last year and succeeded, but maintaining these standards is just as hard, if not harder.

“To be recognised for a second consecutive year is fantastic and we hope our certification will raise the profile of good and honest tax practice.”

The UK loses an estimated £7 billion in corporate tax revenue annually as profits get sent to tax havens, according to the Fair Tax Foundation.

Jerba Campervans’ Fair Tax Mark will join its Good Business Charter accreditation, which demonstrates its core values.

These include a commitment to work-life balance, paying the living wage, transparent tax arrangements, good supplier relationships and customer care.

Jerba Campervans has been converting and customising Volkswagen Transporter vans since 2006, offering customers the freedom of the open road.

Love2Stay announces family festive programme

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Salop Lesure’s Love2Stay caravan park in Shropshire is gearing up for Christmas, with festivities due to commence on November 20th.

During the first weekend, visitors will be able to peruse the wares of more than 100 traders at the Shropshire Handmade and Creative Christmas Gift Fair.

It will coincide with the opening of a vast synthetic ice rink, which is due to remain at the site over the festive period.

On November 28th, the caravan park will become a mass of people all dressed up in Santa or elf costumes to raise money for a local charity.

The Salop Santa and Elf Dash will start at 9am and see families run or walk five kilometres in aid of the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Participants will get a medal, as well as lots of fun memories to get them into the Christmas spirit.

The big guy himself will also be putting in an appearance, as Love2Stay will host a Santa’s grotto within its grounds, where kids will be able to present him with their Christmas lists.

There will also be a twilight trail around the park, complete with colourful illuminations to delight visitors once the sun’s gone down.

Laura Wilde, marketing manager at Love2Stay, said: “After little Christmas cheer in 2020, we are delighted to be hosting our full Christmas programme this year and introduce extra activities to really enhance the festive spirit at Salop Leisure and Love2Stay.

“We hope our exciting events will make the festive season magical for our customers and their families.

“In addition to celebrating Christmas in Shrewsbury, our exciting programme of activities aims to raise public awareness of the full range of services we offer at Salop Leisure and Love2Stay.”

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show to return in 2022

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After the uncertainty and cancellation of a number of high profile caravan and motorhome shows, it’s good to know that Scotland’s flagship event is set to go ahead next year.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show is scheduled to be held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, which is currently hosting the COP26 climate conference.

Leisure vehicle enthusiasts will be able to check out the latest models and accessories, as well as explore various elements of the lifestyle between February 3rd and 6th.

The four-day event will showcase more than 200 touring brands, as well as featuring representatives from both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club to offer advice.

Visitors will also be treated to a taste of some of the tempting produce they may encounter on the road at the show’s very own farmers’ market.

From cheese to confectionery, taking a caravan trip in the UK is a great way to discover local delicacies and a number of them will be on offer in Glasgow.

Darren Brechin, group show director, said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a spike in demand for touring holidays due to Covid, with more people now opting to explore the great Scottish outdoors instead of going abroad, so we’re expecting to welcome a lot of new faces to this year’s event.

“The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show is all about showing our visitors the different ways you can make the most out of your holiday, whether that’s touring the North Coast 500 with friends, relaxing with family at a holiday park or exploring Europe’s top beaches in a motorhome.”

He added that his team will be delighted to welcome touring brands back to the SEC to showcase their 2022 portfolio of products and to see visitors exploring all that holiday park operators have to offer.

Tickets to the show can be purchased here.

Nick’s News – Best cities for nature, top certificated locations and the Swift Select 122

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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

Are you thinking of heading abroad any time soon? I recommend you check the small print when it comes to regulations around Covid tests and vaccinations if you are. That’s the one thing I discovered after the past week away in the Netherlands and Germany.

See my comments last week about getting into the Netherlands via the Harwich-Hook of Holland ferry. Coming back on the same crossing was just a little bit fraught too.

For the return leg, my partner and I had to complete Passenger Locator Forms, then order a lateral flow test to be delivered to our home for taking within two days of our return. They were priced at £23.99 each, but I think our little saga is over now.

In the news

From Plymouth to Aberdeen – our best cities for nature lovers

Congratulations to Plymouth, as it’s scooped an award as the best UK city if you’re a nature lover. The results are based on research covering aspects ranging from stargazing spots to outdoor activities, rare species of animals and National Trust sites.

It all sounds slightly random, but up there with overall winner Plymouth were Bristol, which was dubbed best for star gazing spots; Aberdeen for its natural hotspots; and Newcastle, where rare animal species including red squirrels can be seen.

If that’s all the excuse you need for visiting, then who are we to question it?!

Poole’s win – the Club announces its top small sites

More congratulations are in order. This time they go to Poole Farm, which is the latest winner of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s annual Certificated Location of the Year (CL) awards, as voted for by its members.

Adults-only, pet-friendly Poole Farm is on the Devon and Cornwall border. It boasts electric hook-ups, Wi-Fi, a toilet and shower room, and tourist information stop, which is way above the norm for a typical CL

There were other winners too, as Rails End Nursery in Worcestershire came second and Cae Bugail in Anglesey third. The Best Newcomer award went to Walnut Tree Farm in Norfolk.

What is a CL, you may be asking? It’s a minimal facilities place that’s limited to a maximum of five vehicles at a time, and authorised by the Club, which carries out regular inspections. They can be anything from a farmer’s field to grander affairs with hardstandings, mains electrics and more. Simple camping is the essence, though.

There’s a hitch, albeit a little one. You have to be a Caravan and Motorhome Club member to use its 2,000-plus CLs. Believe me, it’s a small price to pay.

Motorhome for me?Interior of the Swift Select 122

Swift Select 122 – a perfectly pitched van conversion

Are you looking for a six-metre long, two-berth, end lounge, Fiat Ducato-based van conversion? There’s no shortage of contenders for your £50,000-plus here. You’ll certainly want to put Swift’s Select 122 on your shortlist.

It is indeed a straight two-berth, with just the cab seats for travel and a rear lounge of two inward-facing settees, with kitchen and washroom midships. And Fiat’s latest, series 8 Ducato has plenty of upgrades to make it worth the leap.

There’s everything from the new 2.2-litre, 140bhp diesel engine to improved steering and gear change, and enhanced handling, to a much racier dashboard.

Also, Swift has never been afraid to turn on the style, complementing the new Lanzarote Grey paintwork with some nifty graphics, while inside it’s all very swish too, without feeling cramped.

The only factory-fit option is some £3,000 for automatic transmission. But that could be to your advantage in the current climate of a stuttering supply of new motorhomes. Your dealer will be in a better position to add specific extras to suit, either at the time of purchase or a future date.

Three good: Latest Ducato base ups its game, Swift clout and a user-friendly floorplan in a compact overall length
Two bad: Washroom misses a few tricks and dealer options only
Perfect for… Two, in search of a bit of style
Also consider: Auto-Sleeper Warwick Duo, Auto-Trail V-line 610 SE, Elddis Autoquest CV20 or Benimar 120

David Bellamy pledge for nature encourages holiday parks to protect wildlife

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A holiday park in Milford-on-Sea is among the locations across the country taking a pledge to help protect native wildlife.

Shorefield Country Park offers caravans and lodges as part of its accommodation mix, but has gained a reputation for its striking treehouse stays.

Having won the David Bellamy Conservation Award consistently for the past two decades, the site is setting ambitious new environmental goals under the revamped scheme.

The David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature launched earlier this year and represents an opportunity for holiday parks to show off their green credentials.

It’s named after the late botanist and environmental campaigner, who worked tirelessly to get people out into the countryside and enjoy nature.

In order to qualify, a park must show they are:

  • Improving existing habitats for local wildlife
  • Creating new habitats where possible
  • Managing green space in an environmentally friendly way
  • Involving staff and guests in wildlife conservation
  • Engaging with conservation bodies close by

Every year, the initiative will release a series of challenges and ask the parks involved to pick one to focus their efforts on.

In 2021, these projects include efforts to set up bird boxes, plant native trees and provide a pollinator patch.

David Bellamy advisors attend the parks regularly to check their progress and offer help and advice on the best ways for wildlife and caravanners to coexist.

Shorefield Country Park has been working to create tree, hedge and wildflower habitats that play host to an array of wildlife, including birds, grasshoppers, honeybees and butterflies.

Visitors keen to feel close to nature can take advantage of the site’s touring and camping pitches or opt for a stay in one of two wooden treehouses.

Guests can look out across the surrounding woodland from the treehouses, which offer luxurious furnishings, including freestanding baths.

What are the benefits of certificated locations?

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Earlier this month the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced the winners of its Certificated Location of the Year Awards 2021, but what are the benefits of opting for this type of pitch?

Certificated locations (CLs) are small sites that accommodate five or fewer caravans, motorhomes or campervans and often only offer basic facilities.

As opposed to larger holiday parks, CLs often tend to be in remote and idyllic positions that are not suitable to be opened up to large numbers of overnight visitors.

That means staying at a CL in your own leisure vehicle gives you a sense of exclusivity and a much more intimate experience.

Some of the most picturesque CLs scattered across the country can be found on farms or on country estates, while others are tucked beside historic inns, making them convenient for freshly cooked meals.

CLs can represent an additional revenue stream for local communities and bring in a few holidaymakers without overwhelming the area.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has granted more than 2,200 certificates to landowners allowing them to operate CLs.

Those that were recognised as being particularly worth visiting in this year’s awards were all nominated by members of the Club.

Poole Farm CL on the border between Devon and Cornwall was crowned the winner this year and is an adult-only site that welcomes dogs.

Holidaymakers can take advantage of its proximity to Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor and the North Cornwall Heritage Coast.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Our growing network of CLs provides our members with unique stays across the UK, and whilst they all offer something special, unfortunately they can’t all win!

“The Certificated Location of the Year Awards celebrate owners who truly go the extra mile to deliver the very best visitor experience, and I’d like to congratulate them all.”

Nick’s News – Alan Murchison’s bespoke camper, Motorhome Holiday Company scoops award and the Swift Sprite Compact

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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

Greetings from Germany. We made it and are currently on our second site over on the eastern side of Germany. It’s at Sanssouci, near the historic town of Potsdam, with a day trip to Berlin in the offing, having just done two nights at Freizeit Luxoase, near Dresden.

But we almost didn’t make it. A mix-up over Covid tests meant we nearly missed our ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland, as it seems the Dutch authorities don’t recognise our NHS tests. Luckily, we just had time to compete a 15-minute test at the port.

We weren’t the only ones falling foul of Covid bureaucracy here and despite the port staff at Harwich calling on our behalf to find we had indeed tested negative, at the time of writing we were still waiting for the official email. These were promised within 15 minutes of taking the test. More news of our travels next week.

In the newsAlan Murchison's custom campervan

A Michelin-starred campervan?

It’s a one-off, but just look at this campervan, produced exclusively for multi-Michelin starred chef Alan Murchison by specialist Volkswagen converter CJL Leisure. And yes, that is a full-size coffee maker you can see; it’s actually powered by a 3,000-watt inverter, complemented by a 350-watt solar panel.

Can you believe it can also carry up to five bikes, as well as performing the usual campervan duties?! Alan is team chef and provides support for the Canyon/SRAM UCI Women’s World Tour Team. The camper is based on CJL’s Adventure Competition model.

Motorhome Holiday Company’s Prestige pickings

Congratulations to the Motorhome Holiday Company, which has just won Motorhome Service of the Year at the Prestige Awards 2021, a competition designed to reflect excellence in customer care. The company runs a rather unique motorhome hire operation, as well as branching out into other areas relating to the leisure vehicle lifestyle, most notably in the past year with a new style of accessories shop at its base near Weston-Super-Mare in north Somerset.

Boss Matt Sims told me: “Winning this award is a source of huge pride for the entire team. We are all passionate about customer service and experience so to be recognised with this award is a great achievement for us as well as a huge morale booster.

“2021 has been a challenging year for us. We have seen record numbers of motorhome hire bookings, we’ve launched our new shop instore, as well as online and have welcomed more new custom than ever before. To win the award towards the end of the season is great timing!”

Caravan crush

Swift Sprite Compact – a narrow winner

Slender and light. Weren’t nearly all caravans like this once? Seriously, this latest addition to the Sprite line-up from Swift is just 5.37m long and a super-slim 2.03m across its bows. And, at 1,094kg max, it’s towable by just about everything. Yet the facilities are packed in and the interior – all recognisably Swift – doesn’t feel as cramped as you might expect.

Other than that, it’s a standard enough two-berth, end kitchen, corner washroom layout. If you’re under 5ft 11in, you might be happy enough with the twin single beds. I’m 5ft 6in but count me in for the 1.82m x 1.80m double, thank you very much.

Three good: Narrow body, all the usual Sprite hallmarks and lightweight
Two bad: Slightly short bed sizes and only the one floorplan so far
Perfect for… shorter folk
Also consider: Xplore 304