What makes a good caravan read?

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Having a good book on the go is an essential part of a holiday for many Brits, especially if you’re setting off in a caravan or motorhome.

Many of us have more time to read while away than during our busy everyday lives and if the weather isn’t cooperating, curling up in your leisure vehicle with a compelling book is time well spent.

So, what makes a good book to take on a caravan holiday? Some people like weighty tomes they can get lost in, while others prefer shorter novels they know they’ll finish before it’s time to return home.

The Works has analysed the top trending and best selling fiction books of the last 12 months to help us see which books might be appropriate for your next touring trip.

Two to four-hour reads

If you’re looking for a book to read in its entirety during a wet afternoon in your caravan, then The Works recommends First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Clear by Carys Davies or A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas.

The list also contains a number of short story collections, which take less than four hours to read in their entirety.

These types of books are great to keep in your caravan, as you can pick them up whenever you’ve got some free time without the daunting task of having to complete a whole novel.

Among those recommended are Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, After A Dance by Bridget O’Connor and Julia Armfield’s Salt Slow.

Four to six-hour reads

For something a bit meatier, choose a thriller from the list of longer books, like Jeneva Rose’s Home is Where The Bodies Are or Frieda McFadden’s One By One.

If that’s not your vibe, then you could opt for the romantic novel Night Shift by Annie Crown, which can be completed in less than five hours by an average reader.

Further suggestions include Green Frog by Gina Chung, Hiromi Kawakami’s I Won’t Let You Go and One By One by Freida McFadden.

Six to eight-hour reads

Caravanners whose main priority is getting stuck into their reading material might want to see what all the hype is about with the big BookTok trend that is Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.

Alternatively, reach for You Are Here, the latest novel from David Nicholls, who wrote the hugely popular One Day.

Eight to 14-hour reads

If the weather forecast is for relentless rain or you’re simply a voracious reader, head to the nearest bookshop to your caravan site and pick up something longer.

Elsie Silver’s Powerless can be read in around eight hours, while Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros will keep you entertained for nearly 12 hours.

The longest novel on the list is House of Flame and Shadow, another offering by Sarah J Maas, which is sure to enthral fantasy fans.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio



Redline Campers reintroduces its Classic model

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Redline Campers has made the decision to relaunch its Classic model to the campervan market after a hiatus of a number of years.

Not only is the much-loved van now available to purchase but it’s at a lower price point than previously, making it more accessible to those wanting to buy their own leisure vehicle than ever before.

With a starting price of £34,995, the four-berth campervan will be built on pre-owned base vehicles at Redline’s in-house production facility at Watford Gap in Northamptonshire.

The VW T6.1 campervan conversion will feature appliances and components from RIB Altair, Dometic, and BCA.

Customers can expect to see a RIB Altair 112 Bed with ISOFIX; a newly designed kitchen with additional storage and premium edge banded lockers; a bespoke 240/12v wiring loom and 16-inch Clayton alloy wheels.

Redline has said its decision to relaunch the Classic is the result of listening to customer feedback and identifying a gap in the market.

It’s able to achieve the relatively low price point as it doesn’t require the same level of customisation as other conversions in the range.

The Classic is therefore available in two choices of colours for the cabinets and worktops. These are Driftwood or Carbon Ash for the former and White or Black Sparkle for the latter.

This makes the Classic a good option as an entry-level model into the world of owning a van conversion.

Mark Turley, director of Redline Campers, said: “We are pleased to announce the reintroduction of the fantastic value Classic model to the Redline Campers range.

“This is a campervan for the customer who is not largely concerned about customisation but is still looking for a quality and functional conversion.”

Redline Campers was established in 1971 and is a VCA Type Approved and NCC Approved Manufacturer of van conversions.

Utilising VW and Ford base vehicles, its range comprises four dedicated campervan models and one day van. Its own and industry-leading appliances and components are fitted into the vehicles.



The AA’s top 5 campervan hotspots to visit

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Deciding where to go next on a campervan trip is a process of carefully weighing up lots of factors, both aesthetic and practical.

You want plenty of things to do and nice scenery, but also to be able to fuel up or recharge your EV with ease for a smooth holiday experience.

Luckily, the AA has done some of the hard work for you, working out which destinations are the best when all these elements are considered in relation to each other.

The criteria used to determine the rankings were:

  • Number of hikes and trails
  • Things to do
  • Amount of campervan sites
  • Average cost of a meal
  • Availability of fuel
  • Number of EV chargers
  • Traffic

  1. York

Nicknamed the Chocolate City, York is home to iconic medieval architecture and popular attractions like the National Railway Museum.

It has the highest number of nearby campsites of any of the locations studied, boasting no fewer than 72 in the vicinity, as well as more than 700 things to do, including 85 hikes and trails.

  1. Glasgow

Scotland’s second city is known for its friendly locals and the wonderful atmosphere. You can spend the day at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Riverside Museum.

While there’s a massive 1,153 things to do in the city and Glasgow has the maximum 100 score for fuel availability, there are only five campervan sites.

  1. Edinburgh

Staying in Scotland, Edinburgh is famous for its culture, architecture and world-class places to eat and drink.

The AA found 140 hikes and 1,846 activities to enjoy in the capital, with 96 EV chargers per every 100,000 people and an average restaurant pricing a meal at £16.

  1. Bristol

Steeped in history both architecturally and culturally, Bristol is renowned as the home city of artist Banksy and musical acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead and Idles.

Bristol stands out with 165 nearby hikes and trails, 739 things to do and a fuel availability score of 98, while the average price of a meal is £15 and there are 17 campsites in the area.

  1. Exeter

The ancient city of Exeter is a fascinating place to discover, with its gothic cathedral and vaulted, medieval underground passages beneath its streets.

It’s the most convenient location for your trip, as it’s home to 35 campervan sites and an average of 155 EV chargers per 100,000 people, while there’s also more than 250 things to do in the area.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Scott Precious



Packing holiday clothes in your caravan or motorhome

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Packing clothes for a holiday is an artform, requiring careful consideration about what to take and how to match items with each other.

When it comes to fitting everything into your caravan or motorhome, however, there tends to be more space than the single bag you can take on most flights.

Despite there being lockers above the bed and down the side of the fridge, it’s still useful to employ clever techniques to make sure your holiday wardrobe doesn’t get creased.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Packing for a holiday doesn’t have to mean dealing with wrinkled clothes.

 “By choosing the right fabrics and using clever packing hacks, holidaymakers can ensure their clothes don’t look a mess when they unpack at the hotel.

 “When you arrive at your destination with clothes that are ready to wear, you save time and stress, allowing you to start enjoying your holiday immediately.

 “Packing carefully is especially important if you’re attending a special event during your trip, but even if you’re not, it’s always nice to look your best while you’re out and about, whether you’re sightseeing or going out for meals.”

Experts from the website have shared their tips…

Choose the right materials

The first thing to consider is selecting clothes in materials that are less likely to crease when stowed away in your leisure vehicle.

Linen has a reputation for wrinkling easily, but it’s not the only fabric to do so. Silk and cotton materials also hold onto lines where they’ve been folded.

Try packing garments made from synthetic materials such as lycra, nylon and polyester instead, as they’ll come out of the locker looking sharp.

Roll your clothes

The rolling technique has been widely accepted among travel bloggers as the best method for packing a suitcase and it applies to caravan and motorhome storage spaces too.

Not only will it help you to keep clothes wrinkle-free, but rolling has been found to be an efficient way to fit more items into a space.

Utilise the sushi method

Building on the rolling technique, the sushi method means bundling garments together, with larger ones spread over the outer layers.

Start in the centre with things like socks or underwear, then encase them with other items. While this could work for transporting clothes, it could all unravel once you want to wear things.

Make use of packing cubes

Packing cubes are great for organising your holiday wardrobe and fitting more in, as they help compress clothes down.

A favourite of the CaravanTimes editor, these essentials can be used like a travel version of your chest of drawers at home.

Either pack all similar items together in a cube or separate out a whole outfit for the day to avoid having to open more than once.

Fold with tissue paper

If your caravan trip involves a special occasion or event, then it can be worth going the extra mile to keep party clothes looking their best.

For these items, place tissue paper between the layers to reduce friction and therefore the likelihood of creases forming.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich



National Caravan Council relaunches TowCheck website

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The National Caravan Council (NCC) has relaunched its popular TowCheck website with new and improved features.

Allowing drivers to easily match suitable towcars with caravans, the online tool is designed to ensure the combination they’re opting for is both safe and legal.

Now with more than 16,000 unique caravan model specifications and over 40 million cars, TowCheck provides caravan dealerships and customers with clearer, faster and more accurate towing information.

This process is based on the most up-to-date car and caravan market data and takes less than a minute to return the results.

The main improvement to the service is a more user-friendly website, which produces a matching report that’s accessible from all devices.

Such reports contain both details provided by car and caravan manufacturers and real-time data for the most accurate view on performance.

David Whitehead, director of technical services, touring caravans and motorcaravans at the NCC, said: “If you are considering buying a caravan, new or used, or changing your car if you have a caravan already, you must make sure that the car-caravan combination is correctly matched in relation to the relevant weights to ensure you remain safe and stay within the law.

“Each car and caravan match on TowCheck is produced by a weight calculation that also takes into account relevant towing expertise, giving everyone peace of mind before making a new purchase.”

Alternative options

Where the initial check returns an illegal and unsafe match, users will now be presented with a list of alternative caravans.

These will be from the same brand as the initial model that was inputted, wherever possible, and represent a good starting point for making a more informed choice.

Other services

As well as inputting a specific model of car and a particular caravan, users can:

  • Request a match using just the towcar or just the caravan
  • Obtain a list of suitable cars for a preferred caravan
  • Get a list of suitable caravans for a preferred towing car

About the NCC

Founded in 1939, the NCC is the UK trade association for the caravan industry, representing the touring caravan, motorhome, campervan, holiday lodge and residential park home sectors.

Speaking up for the entire supply chain, from suppliers workshops and manufacturers to dealerships, park operators and service providers, it offers a well-rounded view on the industry.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Salah Ait Mokhtar



A sneak preview of the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024

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The Motorhome & Caravan Show will return to the NEC in Birmingham from Tuesday, October 15th to Sunday, October 20th.

Spanning 11 halls and with over 350 exhibitors, it’s the UK’s leading showcase of the latest motorhomes, caravans and campervans.

Approximately 1,000 new models will be on display, alongside the newest and most innovative gadgets and accessories to make the lifestyle as comfortable as possible.

The show offers a one-stop shop for everything needed to get travel enthusiasts road ready, whether they’re new to the world of caravanning or seasoned pros.

Among the highlights will be exclusive launches, which aficionados will be able to step inside and explore for themselves.

Chat to leading UK and European leisure vehicle manufacturers and dealers, awning manufacturers, accessory companies, destinations and tourist boards to have all your questions answered.

Big names such as Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Bailey, Benimar, Buccaneer Coachman, Elddis, Eriba, Etrusco, Hymer, Itineo, Knaus, Rapido, Roller Team, Swift and Westfalia will all be in attendance.

Karen Dodd, marketing director at NCC Events, said: “Whether you’re looking to buy your first campervan, motorhome or caravan, replace an existing unit or simply want to upgrade your current vehicle with the latest tech and accessories, there are so many exciting and innovative new models to see and products to explore at the show, you’re sure to find what you are looking for, as well as enjoying a fantastic day out.”

Exclusive first looks

Auto-Trail will be giving show visitors the chance for a first look at its brand new product for 2025, as well as an innovative feature it says will revolutionise its motorhome line-up.

UK manufacturer Swift will be showcasing the new Monza, which is built on the latest Ford Transit Custom and features an innovative touchscreen control panel and a stylish Panther soft furnishing scheme.

As previously reported by CaravanTimes, Coachman has completely redesigned its Acadia caravan range for the 2025 season, delivering modern and contemporary interiors alongside the brand’s renowned build quality.

If you’re on the lookout for a motorhome for the whole brood, Dethleffs’ new, spacious XL Family model has been compared to an apartment on wheels.

Kaktus Vans is making its October show debut, with a selection of custom-built adventure vehicles that not only offer high performance but also look the part.

Another first-time exhibitor is the family-run Sherwood Campers, which is a fully authorised installer for the German company Reimo, fitting its seats and pop-top roof systems to all its builds.

Learn new skills

Try towing a caravan or driving a motorhome in safe conditions by booking onto free Motorhome Manoeuvring sessions with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Caravan Towing Experiences are also being offered by the Camping & Caravanning Club and the Show’s Tow Car Partner Isuzu.

Getting behind the wheel of a leisure vehicle can be daunting, so it makes sense to try before you buy.



Coachman launches three new caravans

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Caravan dealers and industry experts have had their first look at three new Coachman vehicles that will be available to purchase for the 2025 season.

Interested parties gathered at the manufacturer’s annual showcase at Beverley Barn in East Yorkshire to see the Acadia 460, Acadia 675 Xtra and Lusso III unveiled.

Acadia 460

A new compact caravan, the Acadia 460 features a two-berth set-up, making it perfect for couples or solo travellers.

The parallel seating has been upholstered in herringbone fabric, while the kitchen features an extending worktop and improved storage space.

Style continues to take centre stage in the bathroom, with its Belfast sink, terrazzo style splashback and a mixer tap.

Acadia 675 Xtra

The Acadia 675 Xtra is a larger twin axle model with sleeping accommodation for up to four people and an L-shaped front lounge.

It includes a transverse island bed and a spacious end washroom, while off the lounge in the centre of the layout is a well-equipped kitchen with big fridge-freezer and additional storage.

The 460 and 675 Xtra are at the forefront of a refreshed Acadia range, which is known for its comfort, convenience and style.

Ben Parkin of Coachman said: “This is the range that’s had the most concentration for us, in terms of development. Internally it’s completely new, every piece of furniture has been redesigned, trying to save some weight but also moving it on from a styling perspective.

“We’ve modernised it in certain areas but still retained some of the Coachman characteristics and feel that customers are used to and love.”

Lusso III

The third model in Coachman’s luxury tourer range, Lusso, features wide twin beds and a vast washroom, complete with a shower and one-piece door at the rear.

A generous L-shaped lounge at the front has been upgraded in the Lusso III to include higher and more supportive backrests and is finished off with a coordinating footstool.

Integrating the two areas is a well-equipped kitchen with enhanced workspace and deeper cupboards for longer trips.

Coachman has been making caravans in Hull since 1986, with its first range – Coachman 440 – establishing the brand’s reputation for quality tourers.

The industry launch event earlier this month provided the manufacturer with an opportunity to let experts see the new vehicles in the flesh.

Mr Parkin added: “Trade shows are always a great chance for us to get a steer. Positive. Negative. What’s right. What’s wrong.

“Some of the feedback is personal preference, personal taste – but it helps validate what we’ve done is correct – and we’re confident we’ve headed in the right direction for the 2025 season.”



30 best days out with kids in the UK

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As we roll towards the end of the school summer holidays in England and Wales, families may be looking for additional inspiration to keep the kids entertained.

Packing up the caravan or motorhome and heading off to enjoy one of the UK’s best attractions could be just what everyone needs.

The experts at Boundless have put together a list of tried and tested experiences, ranking them based on the views of parents who’ve already been there and done that.

From 38 per cent of survey respondents recommending Cadbury World near Birmingham to 31 per cent championing Cornwall’s Eden Project, there’s lots to reinvigorate your end of summer holiday planning.

Darren Milton from Boundless said: “It’s clear that families up and down the country appreciate the amazing array of things available to see, do and visit in the UK, whether it’s screaming on a rollercoaster, eating as much chocolate as you can or looking back at what life was like when the dinosaurs were roaming the land.”

The top five

1.    Seeing the animals at London Zoo

Some 51 per cent of parents said visiting the animals at London Zoo was the best thing to do with kids this summer. With 698 species of animals to see, there’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained.

2.    Visiting the creatures at Edinburgh Zoo

Up in Scotland, 42 per cent of families recommended the chance to interact with some of the 2,500 individual animals at Edinburgh Zoo. The attraction has recently welcomed its newest addition, Cleo the cheetah.

3.    Eating chocolate at Cadbury World, Birmingham                            

A day out with chocolate is likely to be a hit and 38 per cent of respondents would agree. Find out how chocolate is made, enjoy the rides and meet classic characters such as Freddo.

4.    A trip to Legoland, Windsor

It’s not just about bricks at Legoland, as there’s 55 rides and seasonal special events to enjoy. Join Lego divers on an underwater adventure or watch a film in 4D. With so many different Lego themes, there’s bound to be something to capture your kids’ imagination.

5.    Riding roller coasters at Alton Towers, Stoke on Trent

The UK’s biggest theme park never disappoints with over 40 rides, including ten main roller coasters. Don’t miss the chance to experience Wicker Man, Galactica, Nemesis, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and The Smiler.

Further inspiration

  1.   Going to the Eden Project, Cornwall 
  2.   A trip to Sealife, Blackpool 
  3.   Eating pizza on Polkerris Beach, Cornwall  
  4.   Getting spooked at the London Dungeons   
  5.   Enjoying the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach 
  6.   Going to Madame Tussauds, London 
  7.   Riding roller coasters at Thorpe Park, Chertsey
  8.   The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studios 
  9.   Crabbing at Walberswick Beach, Suffolk 
  10.   Seeing the flowers at Kew Gardens, London 
  11.   Going on the rides at Brighton Palace Pier
  12.   Eating ice cream at the Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Cheshire
  13.   Learning about dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, London  
  14.   Seeing the caves at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 
  15.   A trip to the New Forest 
  16.   Visiting the Titanic Museum, Belfast
  17.   Battlement climbing at Warwick Castle
  18.   A train ride through South Devon Railway
  19.   Riding roller coasters at Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire
  20.   Visit Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play, Blackpool 
  21.   A trip to Watergate Bay, Cornwall 
  22.   Playing arcade games on Barry Island, Wales 
  23.   Seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London 
  24.   A trip to Peppa Pig World, Hampshire
  25.   Discovering the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Richard Cook



Europe’s best value water parks

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A trip away in a caravan, motorhome or campervan is a great way to keep accommodation costs down when visiting Europe this summer.

Once you get to your destination, you’re likely to spend money on activities, however, and water parks are high up on the list of days out for families.

If your brood loves this kind of fun, be sure to head to one of Europe’s most reasonably priced water parks to get the biggest bang for your buck.

The experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the 2024 European Water Park Index to help you compare prices and facilities at parks across the continent.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of the website, said: “In order to find out which of the top ten European water parks offer the best value for money, our team ranked them based on the cost of a ticket (for adults and children), number of five-star reviews, number of attractions and cost of a locker.”

1. Faliraki Water Park

At the top of the table was Faliraki Water Park on the Greek island of Rhodes, with affordable ticket prices and attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Adult day tickets cost €27 (£23), while entry for children aged three to 12 is €18 and kids under the age of three get free entry.

Experience a vast array of water slides, lazy rivers, pools and water playgrounds at the huge park, which represents good value for money.

2. Zoomarine Park in Rome

The Italian Zoomarine Park not only has an extensive water park with slides, pools and other entertainment, but the ticket also offers access to a marine zoo and a theme park.

Tickets are priced at less than €25 a head, with the three different zones offering so much to do, it could be worth visiting on different days of the holiday.

3. Paphos Aphrodite Water Park

Adrenaline junkies will love high-speed water rides Kamikaze, Super Volcano and Free Fall at Paphos Aphrodite Water Park in Cyprus.

There’s also leisure pools and slides designed for younger children, which is particularly useful for families with kids at different ages.

Admission for adults comes in at just over €30 and children are given a discounted price of €18.

4. Therme Bucharest

With more than 50 different attractions to choose from, Therme Bucharest won’t leave you wanting for saunas, spa treatments, slides and indoor and outdoor pools.

Organised into three areas, there’s the family-friendly Galaxy, complete with attractions for kids; The Palm with pools and botanical gardens for relaxation; and Elysium, where visitors can enjoy wellbeing rituals.

A ticket for access to all three areas comes in at just over €40, but entry to individual zones can be purchased at a reduced rate, which is particularly worth noting if you’re travelling with under-14s, who are only allowed in the Galaxy section.

5. Sandcastle Water Park

What could be more British than a caravan holiday in Blackpool? The biggest indoor water park in the UK is located at the seaside resort and has received thousands of 5-star reviews.

For less than €30, families can discover 18 different water slides in a tropical climate on Blackpool’s promenade.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Juan Salamanca

Take your leisure vehicle on a football city break

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Caravan and motorhome owners often use their leisure vehicles to indulge their passions, whether it’s cycling, hiking or motorsport.

But one hobby that can form a great basis for a city break in your trusted vehicle is football, with some great teams to watch play in Europe.

With this in mind, Live Football Tickets has crunched the data to see which destinations are the best place to enjoy a match as domestic leagues gear up to restart.

Stefan Balkenende from the site said: “Aside from watching their football team play, fans love soaking up the history and culture of their teams.

“From the museums and stadium tours, to the local fans and pubs, all of these aspects can make a great city break for fans of the beautiful game.”

Portugal tops the table

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, was found to be the best place to head for a football city break, according to the judgement criteria.

It scored 8.99 out of a possible ten in areas including the number of major stadia and prices of meals, pints and public transport.

Pitching up your caravan or motorhome and relying on local transport is a great way to explore a city, as long as the infrastructure is in place.

Lisbon boasts two major football teams, Benfica and Sporting, with the former hosting Estadio do Benfica tours and a museum.

Portugal’s second city, Porto, followed its capital onto the list, scoring 8.40, with a three-course meal for two costing just £37.42 on average, the lowest price in the top ten.

As well as catching an FC Porto match, football fans can take part in Estádio do Dragão tours and visit its museum.

Madrid takes third

The Spanish city of Madrid came in third position, boasting a score of 8.31 for its popular attractions such as the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Museum, and National Spanish Football Museum.

Visitors can get around the city for just £1.26 on average, one of the cheapest transport prices on the list of destinations reviewed for the study.

Rounding out the top ten

Completing the top ten football cities on the list were:

  • Barcelona
  • Rome
  • Paris
  • Manchester
  • Berlin
  • Glasgow
  • Rotterdam

Mr Balkenende added: “Manchester’s football scene is rich with four major stadiums, home to Man City and Man United, and visitors able to get around for just £2 on average.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martha Dominguez de Gouveia



Don’t let social media pics undermine your security

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Trips away in your caravan, motorhome or campervan are a great opportunity to post to Instagram or other social media platforms.

While documenting your vanlife adventures online is a fun perk, it’s important to ensure they’re not undermining your security.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk are warning holidaymakers about how social media posts can leave your home vulnerable, while editors at CaravanTimes also caution about putting your leisure vehicle at risk.

Take reasonable care of your home

Putting real-time information about your holiday online can let people know your house is empty, making it a target for burglary.

Insurance companies insist their customers should take ‘reasonable care’ of their property, which includes not advertising that it’s empty.

While posting photos online of a holiday isn’t likely to be enough to invalidate an insurance claim, it’s important to consider safe ways to share content.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With the rise of social media tourism, this particular issue is unfortunately becoming more common. Especially if there are younger people living in the home and travelling on holiday with the family, then they need to be made aware of the security implications to their family home.

“Harmless tags, shares and check-ins could put the property at risk and invalidate the insurance protection – even snapping and sharing online photos of other families on the trip could put their cover at risk. 

“There are however simple ways to be more security conscious, saving up photos until they return home, tightening up privacy settings and avoiding giving away any specific timings or locations, can all help protect the home and the insurance.” 

Social media dos and don’ts when travelling

To keep your property safe, follow these simple rules:

  • Don’t tag your location in real time
  • Use private Stories when you do post
  • Never post about the length of your trip
  • Don’t mention your travel dates
  • Ensure others aren’t tagging you in holiday photos

Protect your motorhome and caravan security

While on holiday in your leisure vehicle, your caravan, motorhome or campervan is the equivalent of your house.

You’ll want to keep it and its occupants safe at all times, which means thinking carefully about the photos you post too.

Social media pictures that show expensive camping equipment, bikes or entertainment systems could make your van a target.

Tagging the location where you’ve pitched up in real-time, followed by snaps of a day trip, can demonstrate to thieves that you’re away from the vehicle and that it’s vulnerable.

While the last thing anyone wants to be thinking about on a leisure vehicle trip is safety, it’s important not to offer up these clues online.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Sam Balye



How to handle condensation in your caravan or motorhome

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The warm, wet summer currently being experienced in the UK is causing condensation problems in leisure vehicles.

Nobody wants fogged windscreens or mouldering upholstery in their caravan, motorhome or campervan, which can have far-reaching consequences.

Unsettled weather this summer has seen hot temperatures followed by torrential downpours and forecasters suggest there’s more to come.

Mark Tongue, co-founder of vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing, said: “The UK’s wash-out, humid summer has created the perfect conditions for vehicle condensation. 

“It’s created when warm, damp air inside the car meets the cold surface of your car’s windows. The moisture in the air cools and forms hundreds of tiny droplets of water on the inside of the glass, settling as a fog. 

“And if it’s humid enough, condensation can take an age to clear, even with your car’s fans working overtime.”

Here are some ways to deal with vehicle condensation:

Clean the windows more often

The cleaner the inside of your windows, the less likely condensation fog is to persist. Water droplets cling to any dirt on the glass, so clean the windows regularly to cut down the time it takes for mist to clear.

Use the aircon, if you have it

Not all caravans and motorhomes are fitted with aircon, but if yours is then be sure to use it. The heating and cooling fans won’t remove moisture like the aircon will. Also use the recirculate button to prevent additional humid air from outside being drawn into the vehicle.

Remove wet items

Retreating to your leisure vehicle after a wet walk is a common occurrence, but try not to leave wet items inside for too long. Make use of on-site drying rooms for soggy coats and the towel you dried the dog off with or get them outside as soon as the sun comes out.

Invest in dehumidifier bags

Relatively cheap, dehumidifier bags contain silica gel beads that actively work to absorb moisture from the air, preventing it from forming condensation. Place them strategically around your caravan, motorhome or campervan in places where they won’t get in the way, like the dashboard.

Replace old window seals

Old or damaged window seals allow excess moisture into your leisure vehicle and could be the root cause of your condensation woes. Replacing worn seals can have a significant impact on cutting down on water droplets inside.

Ventilate your vehicle

It’s not just the erratic weather that causes condensation, but the breath from people too. Open windows and doors to ventilate your vehicle when it’s not damp outside and never put your caravan, motorhome or campervan into storage without airing it out properly.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Devon Janse van Rensburg