How to prep your motorhome for winter

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Winter is on its way and after a 400 per cent increase in searches for ‘which motorhome to buy’ over the last year, there’s a good chance some owners will be meeting the colder season with a leisure vehicle for the first time.

While the winter months aren’t usually when people think about their motorhomes, how you treat them at this time of year will determine their condition when you get back to holidaying come the spring.

In order to get the best out of your motorhome year round, comparethemarket.com has put together a list of things to consider when winterproofing your leisure vehicle.

Pay attention to insulation in older models

If you’ve bought a brand new motorhome, then all your insulation requirements should be taken care of, but in older models, there may be areas where it’s lacking.

These include the compartments around your water tanks and waste systems; panels around the windows; the roof and floor, where heat can easily escape.

Fit winter tyres

Anyone planning to continue using their motorhome throughout the winter months must ensure it’s safe to do so and one measure is to fit winter tyres.

They may seem like a big expense, but when looked after properly they can be used year after year, and they help with steering control, acceleration on slippery surfaces and reducing stopping distances in bad weather.

Drain your water system

Before putting your motorhome into storage for the winter, be sure to drain your water system, as it could have serious implications if the liquid inside freezes.

This is easily done by opening the valves or taps. You may also wish to remove any built-in water filters that have a tendency to freeze too. Replacing them in the spring will ensure everything is in good working condition.

Avoid condensation build-up

Protecting your soft furnishings from condensation while in storage is important, so decide on a strategy that works for your circumstances.

This could be storing the cushions indoors, but not everyone has the space to do so. If that’s you, then wrap them in cotton sheets and strategically place moisture-absorbing crystals around your motorhome.

Disconnect the gas

All storage facilities have policies on gas, so find out what yours is if you’re going to be using a specialist site.

Either way, you should turn off and disconnect the gas if your motorhome isn’t going to be in use and store the gas bottles in a safe and secure location until you need them again.

Move your motorhome

If at all possible, it’s a good idea to move your motorhome periodically over the winter months. This has a number of benefits, including preventing its workings from seizing up and ensuring there are no unforeseen issues with it.

Another important reason to drive your motorhome is that this will turn the wheels and ensure the whole weight of your vehicle isn’t sitting on the same spot on your tyres for months.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Frankie

Nick’s News – Salop Leisure’s extension, The Caravan Handbook and Bilbo’s Celex

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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 the biggest issue regarding taking the campervan over to the Netherlands and then across Germany at the end of this week? It’s the worry over whether we’re all sorted as far as Covid regulations are concerned.

I’ve been following all the updates from our own government as well as the Dutch and Germans, but there’s always that nagging feeling that I’ve missed something. Or I’m going to get caught out by a sudden change in policy.

And the only way I’ll really find out for sure is at the actual borders, which is why, two days before departure, I keep checking and double-checking. Still, it’s our first venture abroad in two years. I just hope we make it!

In the news

Salop Leisure’s ambitious plans

What’s the UK’s most impressive leisure vehicle dealership? It simply has to be Salop Leisure, whose premises on the outskirts of Shrewsbury just seem to grow and grow.

Its café alone is bigger than the showrooms at most places, plus it is has Love2Stay, the award-winning camping and glamping site it developed some four years ago, as part of the complex.

The big news is there’s another site in the offing, just along the road. Salop has embarked on ambitious plans to adapt a nearby fishery into a campsite, compete with fishing, of course.

It’s called Spring Lea Park and the plan is for 20 touring pitches, some hire activity and 40 or so caravan holiday homes, some of which is already in place, but all to be completed next summer. That’s quick work. Watch this space

Go buy the bookThe Caravan Handbook

If you’re going to buy one book to enhance your enjoyment of caravanning and understand the many workings of the caravan itself, make it this one. That’s The Caravan Handbook, by Sammy Faircloth.

Self-published earlier this year, it’s on sale for £15.99 via Amazon, eBay and – if you prefer to deal with an independent organisation – the Alan Rogers Travel website.

It’s also available as an eBook on Google Play and iBooks. The price is £15.99 but you’ll easily recoup that in terms of the advice it gives on everything from maintenance to storage, winterising, towing and more.

Do I really need to hint it’s the ideal Christmas present for the caravanner (newcomer or old-hand) in your life?

Don’t stop now?

It’s October, so it must be… National Tyre Safety Month. As the weather changes and we start making our way into winter, it’s a good time for reminders to check our tyres regularly. Or even consider switching to winter tyres.

You probably know all the usual stuff: under-inflated tyres wear out more quickly, properly maintained tyres can actually save you money, defective tyres are a danger to yourself as well as others, but there’s still no excuse for not checking regularly.

TyreSafe, the organisation behind it all, is a charity set up to raise awareness of the importance of regular tyre maintenance. Even visual checks of your tyres – including the sidewalls, especially if it’s a caravan or motorhome that’s been sat for long periods – could help prevent something more serious happening.

I checked mine at the weekend and discovered a single dust cap was missing. How annoying is that?!

Motorhome for me?The interior of Bilbo's Celex

Bilbo’s Celex – why the stretch is worth it

I’m very impressed by the Celex campervan from Bilbo’s. The standard version is good, but the long-wheelbase variant is far, far better. There’s only a 40cm length difference, but that’s huge when it comes to campervans.

Hence the otherwise standard side furniture/rear bench seat/double bed benefits from extra floorspace, more permanent kitchen worktop and a shelved cupboard unit. Believe me, that adds up to a lot in a VW-based camper. Bilbo’s really does put practicality to the fore, making its own furniture with an easy-wipe finish, as well as its own design, safety-tested rear seat and elevating roof.

Behind all this, though, is an independent manufacturer that really does go about things in the right way, with its ISO 9001 manufacturer accreditation, GB National Smaller Series Type Approval, UK trade body the National Caravan Council approval and now part of a very small band of converters that are in Volkswagen’s Motorhome Qualification Scheme.

Three good: Long-wheelbase means more space, Bilbo’s practicality/quality/heritage, plus background qualifications
Two bad: It can get a bit pricey and can appear basic
Perfect for… If you want a VW-plus campervan!
Also consider: Hillside Birchover Classic LWB, Jerba Cromarty or Rolling Homes Columbus S

CAMC announce 2022 Caravan Design Awards Buyers Guide

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Once again, the incredibly useful Caravan Design Awards Buyers Guide from the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has been published. 

The extensive judging was carried out over two weeks by an independent panel of six experts, including me, Dan Cartwright from CaravanTimes. Personally, I have judged the Caravan Design Awards for the Club for many years and can’t emphasise enough the organisation, diligence and professionalism of these awards and, as always, I’m proud to be involved and included. 

In these awards, we assessed 65 new-to-market caravans across many different capabilities, in all areas from bed sizes to jockey wheels, from security features to entertainment; all of the caravans were scored, assessed and judged. Each caravan was then given a score rating out of five based on the category it entered. 

I will be producing a more in-depth feature next week about the judging, but at time when stocks at dealers are very busy, shows are canceled and people are struggling to get to see a full line up of 2022 caravans, this buyers guide is even more valuable to help you work through which caravan you might be interested in next year. 

Any Small Caravan (750kg – 1,150kg MTPLM)

The lightest caravans on the market which can be towed with a huge range of cars. These caravans make best use of design and space combined with lightweight materials.

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Action 361LT (4.0)
  • Bailey Discovery D4-2 (5.0)
  • Eriba Touring 310 (3.5)
  • Swift Sprite Compact (4.5)
  • Xplore 304 (5.0)

Any Pop Top Caravan over 1,150kg

With lower towing profiles compared to fixed-height caravans, pop-tops are great to tow. They also have their own distinctive style with larger floor platforms and often offer generous payloads.

Entrants (stars)

  • Eriba Touring 420 (4.0)
  • Eriba Touring 530 Ocean Drive (5.0)
  • Eriba Touring 530 Rockabilly (4.5)
  • Eriba Touring 542 (4.5)
  • Eriba Feeling 425 (4.0)
  • Eriba Feeling 442 (4.5)
  • Eriba Feeling 470 (4.5)

Any Two-berth Caravans

Find your perfect two-berth caravan. The models in this class offer both readily-convertible lounges to either double or single beds or fixed two-berth options.

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Altea Aire (3.5)
  • Bailey Unicorn Seville (5.0)
  • Coachman VIP 460 (4.5)
  • Compass Casita 454 (4.0)
  • Elddis Affinity 520 (5.0)
  • Swift Conqueror 480 (4.0)
  • Xplore 422 (4.0)

Up to Four-berth Caravans

If you’re looking for a four-berth caravan, this selection offers the pick of the crop to help you find your perfect home away from home.

Entrants Stars (stars)

  • Adria Alpina Mississippi (3.5)
  • Bailey Unicorn Cabrera (5.0)
  • Buccaneer Cruiser (5.0)
  • Coachman VIP 540 Xtra (4.5)
  • Compass Camino 650 (4.0)
  • Elddis Crusader Borealis (4.0)
  • Swift Conqueror 560 (3.5)
  • Xplore 554 (3.5)

Up to Six-berth Caravans 

Looking for a six-berth caravan? Here’s what you need to see. This class offers a great selection of six-berth models including vehicles with drop down bunks and easily-convertible dinettes.

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Altea Avon (4.0)
  • Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Ancona (5.0)
  • Buccaneer Aruba (4.5)
  • Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra (4.5)
  • Compass Casita 585 (5.0)
  • Elddis Avante 585 (5.0)
  • Swift Sprite Major 6 TD (4.0)
  • Xplore 585 (4.5)

Family Caravans   

Find your perfect family caravan. A selection of four berth caravans, entrants in this class have a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of at least 1400kg. They also have payloads to accommodate all the items you will need for a family holiday.

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Adora Seine (3.5)
  • Bailey Unicorn Madrid (5.0)
  • Buccaneer Commodore (4.0)
  • Coachman Laser 575 Xtra (4.5)
  • Compass Capiro 574 (4.5)
  • Elddis Affinity 574 (4.5)
  • Swift Basecamp 4 (3.5)

Large Family Caravans

Caravans in this class offer five or six berths to cater for larger touring groups. These caravans have a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of at least 1500kg, to help with the holiday paraphernalia packing!

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Adora Sava (3.5)
  • Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Turin (5.0)
  • Buccaneer Aruba (4.0)
  • Coachman Acadia 630 Xtra (4.5)
  • Compass Casita 868 (5.0)
  • Elddis Avante 840 (4.5)
  • Swift Sprite Super Quattro DB (3.5)

Any Caravan 8ft or more wide

If you’re looking for a large caravan with plenty of room then this is the class for you. These stylish and spacious caravans will provide the perfect base for your touring adventures.   

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Adora Isonzo (4.0)
  • Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto (4.5)
  • Buccaneer Barracuda (4.0)
  • Coachman Lusso II (4.5)
  • Compass Casita 840 (5.0)
  • Elddis Avante 860 (4.5)
  • Eriba Touring 820 (3.0)
  • Swift Challenger X860 (3.5)

Any Caravan with Dedicated Bed(s)

Whether you’re looking for a caravan with a fixed island bed, fixed bunks or fixed twin beds, these caravans offer a wide range of different layouts and interior designs.

Entrants (stars)

  • Adria Alpina Colorado (3.5)
  • Bailey Unicorn Pamplona (5.0)
  • Buccaneer Bermuda (4.0)
  • Coachman Lusso I (4.5)
  • Compass Camino 550 (4.5)
  • Elddis Avante 868 (5.0)
  • Swift Elegance 835 (4.5)
  • Xplore 554 (3.5)

Bailey’s Pegasus Grande Ancona wins Best Family Caravan award

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The Pegasus Grande Ancona from Bailey has bagged first prize in the Best Family Caravan category of the Practical Caravan & Practical Motorhome Awards 2022.

Its cousin, the Autograph 81-6, was not to be outdone either, scooping the top spot in another area of the competition to be crowned Best Six-Berth Motorhome.

The five-berth, single-axle Pegasus Grande SE Ancona has many features to recommend it, including the signature Bailey vertical front infinity window and a well-appointed washroom with a large separate shower cubicle.

An L-shaped second lounge at the rear of the caravan can be partitioned off with a folding screen should parents wish to separate the space into different areas for various family activities.

Practical Caravan summarised that “if you are looking for the best caravan to take your family on tour in, look no further than Bailey’s Pegasus Grande SE Ancona”.

The Autograph 81-6 is the biggest motorhome in Bailey’s portfolio and has been topping the bestsellers list for the manufacturer for the past two years.

Its spacious U-shaped lounge; well-equipped kitchen, complete with a double-door tower fridge; and practical washroom, which features a large separate shower cubicle set it apart.

Practical Caravan noted that “with its smart good looks, powerful engine and large interior, the Autograph 81-6 makes a great choice for those looking for a six-berth model that provides excellent accommodation with plenty of great fixtures and fittings”.

In total, 11 caravans and two motorhomes from Bailey’s range were shortlisted across the awards categories, meaning the manufacturer was well represented amongst those getting recognition.

Bailey of Bristol is a trusted name in the world of caravans and motorhomes, having been founded in 1948.

It remains a family-owned business and boasts being responsible for one in three new caravan sales in the UK.

Nick’s News – Bilbo’s gets Qualification Scheme status, the CCR200 and the Adria Alpina Mississippi

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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

I’m planning ahead, as I’m off to the Netherlands and Germany later this month. I’ll be aiming to get over to the eastern side of the latter to explore the likes of Dresden, Potsdam and Berlin, none of which I’ve visited before.

Such trips take a bit more organisation these days, of course, especially getting to grips with the latest Covid requirements demanded by different countries. But I think I’m on top of things, having been double vaccinated, testing twice a week and – just a week ago – getting my second ever flu jab.

If anyone wants to offer any caravanning advice on the Netherlands and Germany do feel free to get in touch.

In the news

An NEC show that’s good to go

There will be a motorhome and caravan show at the NEC next February after all. It will be the UK’s first major leisure vehicle and lifestyle showcase event since the pandemic really did rip up our world (did it all kick off as recently as January 2020 here in the UK?!).

Well, just two years later and the next Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is scheduled to take place in 2022. Will I be going? That depends, as at the moment it clashes rather too directly with the following:

CCR200 – another new route

The Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 (CCR200) is new and I can’t wait to go…in fact, dates are in the diary for early next year, well ahead of the main touring season. Doubtless taking its cues from Scotland’s North Coast 500 and East Coast 250, Cumbria Tourism has unveiled its very own driving and camping route.

Hoping to draw folk away from the current Lake District hotspots – well, everyone agrees they do get too busy – the CCR200 is some 200 miles long (surprise), starting in Morecambe Bay and weaving through the Furness peninsula up to Haverigg, Seascale, Maryport and on to Carlisle. Please don’t all rush to go there, although that’s just me being selfish now!

Bilbo’s gets Volkswagen Motorhome Qualification Scheme status

Bilbo’s is the latest specialist campervan converter to be added to the Motorhome Qualification Scheme announced by Volkswagen at the start of this year. It joins a very short list – Hillside Leisure, Jerba and Rolling Homes are amongst the others – who meet Volkswagen’s criteria for manufacturing, financial stability, Type Approval and more.

Bilbo’s has been converting campers for some 44 years now, nearly exclusively using Volkswagens (OK, there was a brief dabble with the Mercedes Viano, and an even briefer flirts with Fiat’s Ducato) and in that time has produced nearly 5,000 campers.

True, it doesn’t make the flashiest of campers, preferring to take a steadier route with proven products, but maybe that’s the secret of its enduring success. As well as VW’s scheme, campers from Bilbo’s have NCC approval (National Caravan Council, our UK trade body) and GB National Small Series Type Approval, plus they come from a manufacturer that has ISO 9001 accreditation.

Why am I suddenly in favour of all this red tape and bureaucracy? Because it’s reassuring to know a company is trying to do things the right way before you part with some £50,000 and more when you’re about to buy your campervan dream machine.

Caravan crush

Adria Alpina Mississippi – tow the other chic

Inside this latest range-topper from Adria, and at the right angle (hint: sit down anywhere in the U-shaped front lounge, rest your head on either of the large corner restraints) and this could pass as a contemporary apartment. There’s not even an excess of curves to the furnishings, although I do like the concave shape to the overhead lockers. It’s all very clean cut.

The kitchen is almost a thing of beauty, from its most elegant of mixer taps to the L-shaped hob and sink combination, to the wall rails with adjustable hooks, even if the padded mini-shelf is a bit of a strange one.

But yes, it’s all very practical too. Right through to the transverse island bed in its own room and the full-width washroom at the back. For entertainment, a single control is on show for you to stream away to your heart’s content thanks to the Media Controller feature. And there’s plenty more here to keep you amused.

Three good: Chic, quality build and year-round capabilities
Two bad: Heavy (1,900kg) and expensive
Perfect for… The style conscious
Also consider: Coachman Lusso I or Swift Elegance 845

Pandemic sparks rise in multi-generational staycations

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More than a third of Brits are planning to holiday with grandparents or grandchildren in 2022, as families look to catch up on time lost together during the pandemic.

That’s according to research conducted by Park Leisure, which found multi-generational staycations are a trend that looks set to stay popular in the near future.

Cornwall, Devon and the Lake District were voted to be the most likely locations for families of varying ages all taking a break together.

Some 49 per cent of Brits said they were considering a seaside escape to Cornwall for their next family trip, while neighbouring Devon was top of the list for 43 per cent of respondents to the survey.

Choosing a holiday destination that suits multiple generations is harder than it may appear and while both grandparents and grandchildren were keen on the idea of Cornwall and the Yorkshire Dales, there were discrepancies with other locations.

London took the third spot for the younger generation, but came out in 14th position for the older demographic.

Grandparents would seemingly prefer to go to Dorset, which they ranked fifth, but the location found itself in 25th place in the grandchildren’s order of preference.

But once a destination has been decided upon, caravanning is a great way to enjoy time away together, as generations can have their own space alongside each other.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “We’ve all spent so much time away from our families over the last year that it’s no wonder Brits are desperate to spend some quality time with their grandparents and grandchildren.

“Almost a third of people said they don’t see their extended family as often as they’d like and multi-generational holidays are the perfect remedy for that, allowing everyone to catch up and really bond.”

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Nikoline Arns

Consultation underway on ‘staycation tax’ in Scotland

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The number of people planning and venturing on staycations in the UK has skyrocketed during recent months. The end of lockdown at home means the sights and sounds of a UK holiday have become highly appealing to many – especially given the ongoing restrictions around overseas travel.

In 2018, there were more than 11.8 million domestic visitors to Scotland – a figure that could increase this year and next as more UK travel takes place. Its dramatic scenery and rugged landscapes are a lure for caravan and motorhome enthusiasts from across the UK.

However, a significant spike in caravan and motorhome visitors to Scotland means local authorities in parts of the country are now considering the introduction of a new ‘staycation tax’ that would help to cover the cost of local tourism services.

Businesses in the tourism sector and members of the local community in the Western Isles are being consulted on the proposed Transient Visitor Levy.

MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Kate Forbes stated in her ministerial foreword to the consultation: “The Scottish government is committed to maintaining and enhancing the tourism sector’s economic, social and environmental contributions.

“Creating a discretionary power to enable local authorities to apply a levy on visitors is a means of allowing local authorities to respond to local circumstances more effectively whilst also allowing local tourism offers to be enhanced.”

A council spokesperson for the Outer Hebrides, or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, told the Express the new levy could see visitors making a “small contribution” towards the upkeep of services they use.

Exact figures on how much visitors will be expected to pay have not yet been decided, but given the growing popularity of staycations in Scotland, it’s something all caravan and motorhome enthusiasts should be aware of when planning a Great British getaway.

Image credit: iStock/lassman

Nick’s News – Volkswagen Caddy California and the UK’s top towcars

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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

Crises? What crises? Sometimes it seems the whole country is in denial as we struggle to get to grips with miscellaneous shortages – that’s everything from what’s not in our supermarkets to motorhomes and caravans, through to the fuel, er, challenge. 

Whilst general advice as far as the latter is concerned is try and keep your automotive travel to a minimum, I just think we have to manage our own expectations. Plenty of folk are still looking to get their first foot onto the ladder of leisure vehicle ownership, but I’d advise not to rush in to anything right now. Your patience will be rewarded. 

In the news

Tale of two top towcars

Congratulations to Seat’s Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS and Kia’s Sorento 2.2 CRDi 3 DCT. They’re the number one tow car in the UK at the moment – both of them! 

The Seat is the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2022 winner. It also topped the Caravan weight 1,100kg-1,200kg class (the car’s kerbweight is 1,410kg). 

Meanwhile, the Kia was overall winner in the latest Tow Car Awards (a joint venture between What Car?, Practical Caravan magazines and the Camping and Caravanning Club). It was also top of the class for towcars weighing over 1,900kg and costing less than £50,000. Kia’s 1,954kg kerbweight means it can tow caravans up to 1,661kg if you want to abide by the 85% guideline. 

Between the two awards (the judging criteria is different for both, by the way), there were some 20 class winners. If you’re in the market for a new towcar, you’ll want to pick through the grittier detail of both sets of awards. 

Truth is, there are lots of great towcars to choose from. Getting hold of one is going to be the trickiest part. 

Secondhand stock – still a struggle

The disappointing news continues for those looking to buy a pre-owned caravan or motorhome. Dealers stocks are as low as can be right now, amid seemingly ever-growing demand. That also means, inevitably, rising prices. 

New stock just isn’t getting through, it seems. As one major motorhome dealer put it to me at the start of the week: “We currently have two 2022 model Rapidos in stock… and no Swifts yet. Used stock is harder to comment on as it’s selling almost as fast as it’s arriving, with some selling before they arrive.”

Or, as another put it, more succinctly: “2022 models aren’t coming through yet, we are still getting 2021 products!!”

… and accessories prices are set to rise, too

Limited stock and rising prices will also be the theme for accessories. Rising costs for raw materials is the initial blame point, but again it’s demand completely outstripping the ability to supply. 

It’s no great secret that the majority of accessories come from China, so it’s interesting to hear from my friends at accessories supplier OlPro that the cost of a shipping container has leapt from $2,000 to $11,000. 

I can only feel sorry for any of you who ordered special products only to be frustrated by long delays before receiving them. It’s something we’re going to have to live with for the foreseeable future, I’m afraid. 

Motorhome for me

Volkswagen Caddy California – the clever Cali

Volkswagen UK is taking orders for the latest addition to its California family – the Caddy. Based on… yep, you’ve guessed, the Volkswagen’s smallest van, the Caddy. 

You’ll probably want the larger, Maxi version but after that there’s a choice of petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic transmission. 

Yes, it really does stretch your camping expertise. Open the tailgate to access and use the slide-out “kitchen”. It’s the clever, comfy double bed (1.98m x 1.07m) that is the star performer here – a proper fold-out mechanism that doesn’t rely on using any of the travel seats. 

Plus, you get two outdoor chairs and a free-standing table, plus zipped holdall-type bags that attach to the rear side windows.

Definitely consider an awning. Or use it to tow, although Volkswagen keeps the towing limit to 1,500kg. 

Three good: Lovely to drive, clever bed arrangement, proper five-seater

One bad: Very limited storage

Perfect for… Camping-plus

Also consider: Wheelhome Vikenze

Northumberland’s Wild With Consent concept continues into the autumn

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A concept connecting caravanners to landowners for overnight stays in Northumberland has been such a success that it’s being extended into the autumn.

Wild With Consent has availability at a number of exclusive off-grid locations in October, offering caravanners and motorhomers the opportunity to enjoy the glow of the season in some of the county’s most picturesque spots.

Unlike conventional pitches, Wild With Consent gives single leisure vehicles the chance to reconnect with nature off the beaten track on private land.

Each location is situated close to the sea within Northumberland’s area of outstanding natural beauty.

Caravanners and motorhomers can choose a spot from:

Dunstan Hill – Wake up with a view of atmospheric Dunstanburgh Castle right from the window of your leisure vehicle.

Elwick – Fall asleep listening to the sounds of seals in the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, with the island just across the water from your camp.

Greymare Farm – Watch the sun go down over Lindisfarne Castle and take a walk to nearby St Cuthbert’s Cave, as you walk in the footsteps of the saints.

Scremerston Town Farm – Walk to Cheswick Beach and enjoy home-cooked meals and cakes from your hosts.

Wild With Consent is exclusively for leisure vehicles and does not cater to campers in a tent. Its charm is the ability to experience a unique setting without any other visitors around.

Sites start at £25 a night, with super premium locations charged at £100.

Grace Fell, founder of Wild With Consent, started offering the service this summer, but decided to continue it into the autumn as there seems to be demand for a longer staycation season this year.

She is a seasoned camper, travelling around in her Iveco campervan, which has been dubbed Tubs.

New caravan and motorhome models for 2022 to be showcased at Shrewsbury event

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A wide selection of 2022’s new leisure vehicles are set to be revealed at the West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome New 2022 Model Show next month.

The event, which is the UK’s biggest free caravan and motorhome show, will be hosted by Salop Leisure at its headquarters between October 9th and 17th.

It’s expected to be popular in the wake of one of the busiest summers for caravanning on record, as staycations continue to boom as a result of the pandemic.

Ed Glover, marketing manager at Salop Leisure, reassured potential visitors that precautions in line with the latest coronavirus guidance will be in place at the show.

He said: “This show is a great opportunity to see a selection of the new 2022 caravan and motorhome models for the first time right here in Shropshire.

“Visitors can take their time to see all the new smart ideas, innovations and fresh designs on display. It’s a great day out for all the family.”

New touring caravans and motorhomes from the Swift Group and Coachman are set to be on display at the event, as well as the latest caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges from ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Swift and Willerby.

For anyone who’s not in the market for a brand new leisure vehicle, pre-owned models will also be available to view and buy.

Once you’ve got your caravan or motorhome sorted, it’s time to decide where to enjoy it, so there will be representatives from holiday parks on site to offer recommendations.

You’ll also be able to seek advice from experts about everything owning a caravan or motorhome entails.

Mr Glover added: “The percentage of first-time buyers has increased as families and couples recognise and appreciate the flexibility of owning a caravan or motorhome.”

Nick’s News – The fuel crisis, no NEC show and the Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver

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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

Well, I’m not sure if many of us are going anywhere at the moment. The fuel crisis has taken hold and, frankly, it’s not looking great if you use a vehicle for leisure purposes, because there are more worthy causes out there.

Hopefully, soon after you read this things will show signs of starting to return to normal. If they don’t my advice is, if at all possible, to stay at home. At the very least, keep your leisure vehicle travel to a minimum.

Then again, I’m fully expecting the fuel shortage situation to be back to normal pretty soon.

In the news

No NEC shows? No bother

The lack of any of the leisure vehicle sector’s main shows at Birmingham’s NEC is causing, er, not much concern at all. In fact, a few manufacturers I’ve spoken to say they actually prefer to go down the alternative route of showing off their new-season vehicles via special events across their own dealer networks.

Indeed, more than one manufacturer has happily told me that its roadshows guarantee more sales and indeed, a better quality of sale than the pre-Covid bi-annual Birmingham bunfights.

The latest manufacturer to announce a series of special shows at its dealers is Bürstner. If you’re in the Portsmouth area this weekend (October 1st to 4th), check out the goings on at South Downs Motorhomes.

It’s operating a ticketing service whereby you can book a specific time slot online. Other Bürstner dealers are hosting similar events throughout October and beyond.

As ever, I do think the more casual nature of an open weekend, or similar, at a local dealership is a far better environment for you, the purchaser, than high-pressure surroundings where dealers are literally fighting each other for your leisure vehicle pounds just so that they can meet sales targets.

Anyway, here’s my not especially original solution to what I do see as an industry problem… by all means have showcase events to fly flags for the whole leisure vehicle sector, but that’s exactly what they should be: showcases, with no direct selling.

That way folk can go and find out more about the whole pastime. Leave the actual selling to events that individual manufacturers and dealers can lay on for themselves.

Have a Quiet time?

It might call itself The Quiet Site, but this open-all-year, carbon-neutral Lake District hideaway overlooking Ullswater rightly makes lots of noise about its environmental credentials.

On its list of reasons to stay here, it offers up: a clutch of top environmental awards, a zero-waste shop, 60kW of solar panels, a ground source heat pump, 300 beech trees planted this year, and a reed bed water treatment plant that’s now in its 14th year… the list really does go on and on.

I’ve been there on a few occasions and loved it every time. There’s even a brilliant bar here, which of course serves local ales. Somewhat modestly, it calls itself one of the most sustainable campsites in the UK. I think it’s the top one, but you might know better…

Campervan quandary – quality concerns

With demand for campervans seemingly unquenchable, it’s time for a rain check. Estimates are there could be as many as 2,000 companies out there claiming to be campervan specialists and, as you can probably guess, it’s the inconsistent quality of work that’s causing concern, particularly over matters of safety.

Another estimate is as many as 10,000 campervan conversions have been produced over the past year alone, which could only qualify as “dodgy”.
That’s because there’s little in the way of standards when it comes to cutting holes in a vehicle that was initially registered as a van and adding electrical, gas and water systems, as well as safely installed seating, furniture and ventilation.

What’s the future? Some kind of association of campervan converters, or similar, whereby some standards can be applied across the board seems logical. Specialist insurance companies could help by insisting certain safety standards are met too.

If you are buying a campervan of little-known provenance, do check as a minimum it’s registered as a motor caravan with the DVLA and comes with certificates to prove the safety of the gas and electrical installations, plus any rear seating, if it’s designed for travel.

It’s great if it’s all certified by UK trade body the National Caravan Council (NCC), as well as having appropriate Type Approval. At the same time, do check out the manufacturing qualifications of anyone you’re tempted to ask to do any work for you.

Motorhome for meInterior of the Hymer Grand Canyon

Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver – let’s go off-road

If I was going to take a proper motorhome off-road; if I was really determined to head off into the wilds; if I had the budget; if I didn’t care about looks… I’d pick a Hymer Grand Canyon S Cross.

Prices may start at just under £100,000 for this outrageous model from Hymer, but you’ll soon find yourself paying anything up to ten per cent more to get the spec you want. Because I’m assuming anyone who buys one of these really wants to be… out there.

It’s a four-wheel drive, with suspension lift and all-terrain tyres, hence the appearance of being on stilts. One thing’s for sure – Hymer’s conversion work is unlikely to be shaken to bits by the more adventurous approach this kind of vehicle is asking for.

Plus, Hymer says the specification is such you can go self-sufficient for anything up to ten days. Just don’t ask how they came to that conclusion, especially with a 90-litre fridge and a 100-litre fresh water tank. I’m joking!

Three good: Mercedes and Hymer combination, genuine off-road capabilities, and something different
Two bad: Price and appearance
Perfect for… Heading into the wilds
Also consider: A Land Rover and a sleeping bag

Motorhome dealership breaks sales record in August

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Just when you thought everyone who was going to buy a motorhome had already bought one, the Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld dealership breaks a record for sales in a single month.

It sold nearly 100 motorhomes in August alone, which is twice as many as any previous August and up 30 per cent on the most successful month’s sales on record.

Ross Edwards, managing director of Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld, said: “The ongoing demand for motorhomes is quite staggering and demonstrates that people are adjusting their medium-term holiday plans and crave the freedom you experience when owning a motorhome.

“Yes, people will undoubtedly return to mainstream holidays abroad, but there is no doubt in my mind that there is now a growing trend towards people staying in the UK for their breaks and a desire to be self-contained and away from the crowds.”

He added that he thinks the trend is here to stay, having never seen such high demand for motorhomes in his nearly 30 years in the business.

While the dealership had expected sales to cool off, that certainly wasn’t the case in August, with stock delays not getting in the way of demand.

Many customers are looking ahead too and putting in orders that are due to be fulfilled in 12 months’ time.

Mr Edwards also highlighted the widening of the demographic of those interested in owning a motorhome, as more and more people are drawn by the flexibility and freedom it brings.

Interest in the dealership’s wares is unlikely to wane as it’s set to host an event at its showroom from October 2nd to 17th featuring new releases from Carado, Dethleffs, HYMER and Niesmann+Bischoff.

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld is one of the largest motorhome dealerships in the UK, with the Edwards family having been in the industry for more than four decades.