Elddis and Buccaneer brands look set for a promising year ahead

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by Holly Tribe

The parent company of Elddis and Buccaneer Caravans has reported a 40% increase in sales for 2010.

According to NE Business, the Explorer Group has been suffering the fall-out from the financial crisis with annual turnover falling from £57m in 2007 to £35m in 2009. The drop in sales has been attributed to potential customers finding it difficult to secure loan finances on new caravans.

But after a year of strong sales, 10 new model launches and a total redesign of the popular Elddis Avante range, the firm has announced pre-tax profits of £3m for last year. The directors’ financial report for the year ending 31st August 2010 is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

“The general economy in the coming financial year shows little sign of improvement, particularly regarding the UK Touring caravan and motorhome market.

“The directors are confident that the continual development and improvement of its ranges will allow the company to compete and retain a strong position in the future,” it said.

At its peak in 2007 Explorer, owned the venture capital Constantine Group, had a workforce of over 400 staff which it was forced to reduce to 291 by the end of 2009. Despite this, the report explains how the firm has continued to work closely with retailers ‘to ensure continuity of stocks and supply of product.’

For breaking news on Explorer Group products you can join the Buccaneer Owners Groups on Caravan Times.

What makes an Adria caravan stand out from the crowd?

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by Holly Tribe

Adria Caravans are of Slovenian provenance and offer some unique design sensibilities that set them apart from British tourers. And having sold well in Europe for over forty years, the company is beginning to make in-roads in the British market.

Battling for market space between the swathes of Bailey and Swift tourers, the models from Adria’s four ranges are becoming an increasingly common site in caravan parks up and down the country.

Commended for their superior build quality, these vans have started to become fashionable even with British customers looking for something different. Built to UK specifications, the kit list includes a battery box and built in charger and new models feature doors on the UK side, rather than the Continental left.

So, what’s different?

Built using a technology more commonly seen in the motor industry, each bonded roof is fixed to the bodyshell at the front and rear without the use of any screws. This bonded construction system runs the length of the roof making it watertight, helping to protect against the threat of water ingress.

The four Adria ranges each offer something a bit different. In the sleeping department, the berths are often longer and wider than UK vans and there are various innovative layouts not often seen in domestic models. Take the Adria Altea 432 PX (pictured right) with its mirror-image double bed layout; there’s a fixed double in the nose end, and a rear dinette which converts into another smaller double bed.

The distinctive Adria Action (main picture) is a fun…

Next Page…

Half-term caravan holidays: Husky sledding in Scotland

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning breaks in Scotland during the half term holidays will find plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained.

VisitScotland has compiled a list of events that holidaymakers can enjoy this spring and it includes highlights such as snowdrop spotting and husky sledding.

The tourism body is also offering discounts on entry into some of Scotland’s top attractions, from the Museum of Flight to the Deeside Activity Park.

From now until March 15th, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival will be taking place, with 54 gardens opening up to the public to show off their blooms.

Active families can visit the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre, which is home to 30 huskies and offers regular daytime and evening experiences in the remote Highland forests.

VisitScotland also pointed out that the half term holiday is a perfect time to spot animals such as red deer and gannets.

There are numerous options for caravanners taking their tourers north of the border, so pitching up close to Scotland’s attractions should never be a problem.

Can you recommend a good caravan site for families to visit this half term? Where is your favourite place in the UK to take kids on a short break? Have your say in our forum topic.

Gemma Roskell joins Caravan Times as Chief News Writer

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by Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Eagle-eyed readers of Caravan Times may have noticed a new author covering major news stories in recent weeks. At the end of last year we sadly bid farewell to our lead correspondent Chris Malone, a seasoned traveller who is looking forward to more international adventures in 2011.

And as such, we’d like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Gemma Roskell, the newest member of the Caravan Times team who joins us as Chief News Writer.

Gemma hails from the Lake District and is no stranger to the great outdoors, counting Bowness and Windermere among her favourite spots for walking.

Her caravanning career began at a young age on trips away with her grandparents to their caravan in Morecambe. In fact, Gemma told us that one of her earliest memories happens to be ‘staying in the caravan over winter…when it was so cold the dishcloth froze!’

Of course caravans have come a long way since then, and Gemma is looking forward to using her extensive experience in journalism to bring you all the latest news from the caravan industry.

In her six-year career as a journalist Gemma has specialised in travel writing. Having penned articles on everything from ferry travel to gap year adventures, she now brings you the latest news from caravan shows, sites and events from across the UK.

If you have a story or topic of interest for Gemma then she’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch at any time by emailing our Newsdesk: news@caravantimes.co.uk

New improved 2011 Swift Escape motorhomes

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by Holly Tribe

The Swift Group’s popular entry level Escape range of motorhomes has been overhauled for the 2011 season.

The five model line-up now boasts a brand new layout, the 6 berth Escape 696, along with a number of external and internal revisions.

The series carries a good level of spec for this price range. Heating and hot water is provided by a Trumastore gas and electric water heater and 3kw gas space heater and there’s a new easy to read 12v control panel and easy access consumer unit.

Nick Page Commercial Director for Swift Caravans explained the Escape range has been a popular series with motorhome owners looking to invest in an entry level vehicle.

“To help people who want to renew their motorhome, they provide outstanding value and comfort for a very affordable price in a sector of the market that will grow in the current economic climate,” he said.

Based on the Fiat Ducato, the range has new exterior graphics sweeping from the Imperial blue cab to the white gloss body, and new wheel trims complete the exterior revisions.

There’s also a new strong redwood floor and body framing treated specifically to protect against damp and fungal growth.

Customers looking for some added luxury can opt for the ‘Comfort Pack’ worth £700, currently priced at £499. This includes an easy action concertina door flyscreen, Ultraheat dual fuel blown air heating system ducted to living, sleeping and washroom areas, pleated blind system for cab window and a pair of scatter cushions.

All five models weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and sit well within the weight limit for Category B driving licenses.

2011 Swift Escape line up

Escape 622 – 4 berth, rear lounge with 1 designated passenger seat
Escape 624 – 5 berth, end kitchen with 3 designated passenger seats
Escape 664 – 4 berth fixed bed with 3 designated passenger seats
Escape 686 – 6 berth rear lounge with 5 designated passenger seats
Escape 696 – rear bunkroom with 5 designated passenger seats

The new range will be launched at the Boat & Caravan Show held from the 22nd to the 27th February 2011. Models will be available at Swift and Bessacarr dealer networks, with prices starting at £32,000.

The ultimate eco friendly festival caravan

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by Holly Tribe

Every now and again a new concept caravan is lifted up from the drawing boards of some forward thinking designer and catapulted into the blogosphere. And the Rolling Stone Eco Capsule is a fine example of what can happen when you get creative with caravan design.

Eco credentials

Names after the infamous ‘Rolling Stones’ rock group, this unusual capsule was dreamed up by Slovenian firm Nice Architects. The design is based on the structure of a traditional ‘pioneers wagon’, rebuilt using eco-friendly and recycled materials (pictured).

“We proposed re-utilisation of used cans from beer, fanta, cola, we cut them and produce façade tiles placed inside out that will reflect surrounding nature and become invisible,” state the design notes.

To construct the outer shell, the design brief suggests using a 3D hardwood frame to give the caravan its aerodynamic profile, finished off with wooden plates to complete the exterior shell.

The on-board appliances draw their power from solar panels and a wind turbine, and there’s even a rainwater reservoir set into the roof which doubles up as a bathing pool. Although caravanners worried about the threat of water ingress may wish to keep this particular element out of the final design!

With the festival season just a couple of months away, could there be any adventurous engineers game enough to have a go at building a prototype?

Caravanners urged to beware of potholes

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by Gemma Roskell

Potholes can cause damage to vehicles and may even lead to accidents, so caravanners have been reminded to take extra care on the roads.

GEM Motoring Assist pointed out that following the harsh winter weather, the UK’s roads are in serious need of repair.

Roads in rural areas, which are frequented by caravan owners, may be particularly badly affected if councils are running short on funding.

GEM chief executive David Williams explained: “Councils are working under severe budget constraints and we believe that priorities may be quite different this year when it comes to dealing with issues such as potholes.”

“It would not come as a surprise if local councils take a lot longer to deal with the problem, so we are encouraging drivers to stay alert and where possible take it upon themselves to report serious potholes.”

Potholes in are caused when water seeps into cracks in the road surface and freezes. The expansion caused these cracks to open up, often leading to large cavities that can damage vehicle suspension and cause cars to swerve or crash.

Lunar Caravans sales up 40% at Scottish Caravan Show

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by Holly Tribe

Lunar Caravans have had a magnificent start to the year announcing a 40% increase in retail sales at the Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show in Glasgow last week.

The companys’ sales and marketing director, Martin Henderson, admitted the record breaking show ‘exceeded our expectations’, and attributed the strong sales figures to the increasing uptake of Lunar’s family friendly layouts.

“Our recent results suggest that [customers] are looking for lightweight caravans combined with a very high specification. This is where we feel our products tick all the boxes,” he said.

Mr Henderson went on to acknowledge the high level of interest in family layouts is indicative of the upward trend in families looking for affordable holiday choices.

“Our family caravans are proving to be increasingly popular, with many enquiries for our new models. This is telling us that families are continuing to choose ‘staycation’ holidays.”

And Lunar’s early success looks set to continue with the launch of two new models at the NEC Boat & Caravan Show at the end of the month.

The firm will release the entry level 4 berth Lunar Quasar 464 and the mid range 5 berth Lunar Lexon 550 on the 22nd February in Birmingham. Check back soon for prices, weights and layouts of these new family friendly models.

Caravanners discover castle ‘gems’ in Ireland

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners boarding ferries and taking their tourers to Ireland will find plenty of hidden castle “gems” awaiting them in the country.

Hello magazine points out that there is an historical castle waiting to be explored in practically every Irish county.

It lists several of the most impressive, including the stately castle at Castlewellan in County Down and 15th century Blarney Castle near Cork.

While many of Ireland’s fortresses are in ruins, others are still functional and have been transformed into five-star hotels.

“Ancient grey castles set in stunning verdant countryside are one of the quintessential images of Ireland,” the magazine states.

It described them as “rugged, impregnable edifices that witnessed legendary battles long ago, safe keepers of dreadful or romantic secrets, homes to pirates and ghosts”.

There are numerous options for caravanners in Ireland, with holiday parks and touring sites located across the country, including many close to its impressive castles.

Keith Duffy of Boyzone surprises caravanners in Portugal

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by Gemma Roskell

Boyzone member Keith Duffy took some time out from his busy schedule recently to indulge his love of caravanning in Portugal.

The singer and actor holidayed at the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Albufeira rally site in the Algarve, where he attended the annual Pig Roast celebrations.

Fellow caravanners were treated to a special performance when the 36-year-old, who stars in the ITV soap Coronation Street, sang a duet with his father.

Keith said his passion for caravan holidays began as a child.

“I remember afternoons catching frogs and visiting the funfair,” he recollected. “The adults spent the evenings socialising as we played together.”

The Pig Roast was organised by Bob and Lyn Geary on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Carefree Worldwide Travel Service.

“Keith made the weekend very memorable by laughing and joking with the crowd,” the couple said. “He kindly signed photos and spoke to everyone.

“We are extremely grateful to Keith and everyone who contributed to the event.”

Have you ever seen any celebs or famous faces on your travels? Tell us about it in our forum topic here.

Arsonists target caravan in Huddersfield

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by Gemma Roskell

Police are investigating after a caravan was set alight outside its owner’s home in Huddersfield last weekend.

According to the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, the incident occurred on the evening of Saturday January 29th on Rufford Road in Golcar.

Arsonists are believed to have started the blaze, which left the touring caravan completely ruined.

A local photographer managed to take a picture of the burning caravan, which was parked on the owner’s drive at the time.

West Yorkshire Police are now gathering further evidence in an effort to track down those responsible.

“The fire service reported it to us because they suspected deliberate ignition,” a police spokeswoman said. “We’re following up enquiries at this stage.”

The blaze follows a similar incident in West Yorkshire in December, which saw arsonists torch a caravan and two family cars parked outside the owner’s home.

Jaimie and Debbie Dobson from Liversedge near Kirklees had been asleep in the house when the attack took place.

WEATHER WARNING: High winds pose risk for caravanners

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners may be advised to take extra care when towing this weekend, as high winds are predicted across the north of the country.

The Met Office has put weather warnings for severe gales in place across the north-west and the north-east of England. Parts of Wales and the Scottish Highlands could also be affected.

The weather has already been causing problems in Lancashire, where strong gusts have wreaked havoc on the roads.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the M6 was closed southbound in the early hours of Friday February 4th when a caravan was blown over at junction 30.

Towing can be hazardous in high winds, since caravans are high-sided vehicles.

Drivers should slow down in order to reduce the risks, or avoid travelling until weather conditions have eased if this is an option. Once onsite, corner steadies can be used to help keep the caravan stable.