by Holly Tribe

In celebration of all the new developments in the caravan industry this year, we’ve been asking readers to submit their votes in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Each week we take a detailed look at each category which include Best Newcomer; Best Caravan Park; Best Innovation of 2010; Dealer Of The Year; and Caravan Of The Year 2010. And this week we focus in on some of this year’s industry newcomers.

With just a couple of weeks until we draw the curtains on 2010, we’d like to hear what you think has been the best new caravan brand to be launched this year? As with all the categories voting is open, but we’ve come up with a few of our favourites to help get you started.

AS Caravans
With a long history of producing a range of well regarded motorhomes, Auto-Sleepers have used their 50+ years of leisure vehicle construction experience to create its first range of tourers: AS Caravans. Targeted at the higher end of the market, the three model line up is kitted out with a full compliment of top class fixtures and fittings.

Stealth Q Class

Stealth Caravans has broken away from its original footprint launched last year, and has introducted the all new Q-Class which offers two new layouts with more traditional interior arrangements. Both models still have the full fixed double beds with no corner cutaways, but now feature a more conventional front end lounge, and the nosecone has evolved to feature a window for the first time.

Marquis Lifestyle

As a dealership, Marquis is better known for its successful retail of new and used motorhomes from established manufacturers. Yet as the UK’s largest dealer network for Swift, its comparative buying power has led to the creation of an exclusive range of tourers. The keenly priced range is suitable for those starting out touring, and is based on the Sprite range from Swift. A host of layouts are offered from a lightweight two-berth up to a luxury fixed bed six-berth.

Roma Park Avenue

Bespoke caravan builders Roma have launched a brand new model with a high end, customisable finish. The Park Avenue retains Roma’s trademark double doors and class leading 6’9″ headroom, but also offers customers the chance to achieve a high level of personalisation. The family-run firm pride themselves on building ‘out of the ordinary’ caravans, and their coachbuilt construction method enables customers more control over the final appearance of each tourer.

Rimor New Polaris

With widths just over the previously restricted 2.30 metre threshold, the New Polaris range brings bigger beds and better storage to the British caravan market. For the 2011 season, Rimor’s focus has been on comfort and space optimisation.

by Holly Tribe

Throughout this year Caravan Times has been privy to some of the most exciting developments in the caravan industry, and 2010 has been a year of big changes from many of the major manufacturers.

And so, in celebration of all that is good and new in the world of touring, we’re asking readers to vote for their favourite releases of 2010 in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Categories up for debate include Best Newcomer; Best Caravan Park; Best Innovation of 2010; Dealer Of The Year; and Caravan Of The Year 2010. Each week we take a detailed look at each category beginning with ‘Best Innovation’. We’ve put together a shortlist of those additions to 2010 caravans which stood out as genuinely different and pushing design forward. All voting is open, but we’ve come up with a few of our own favourites to get you started.

2011 Swift and Sterling : panoramic sunroof

The popular Swift Challenger and Conqueror ranges received a full redesign alongside the Sterling Eccles and Elite. Using the latest in automotive 3D design software Swift has created a totally new exterior shape with striking interior styling. What we consider the standout feature on these models was the new front panoramic sunroof which curves upward into the roof to provide a great deal of interior light.

Stealth Caravans : window placed in nosecone

The first designs from new kids on the block Stealth sported a windowless opaque nosecone – reminiscent of the US fighter planes that inspired the name.

This year witnessed the introduction of a range of new models with more flexible layouts and features. This included a window in the nosecone for the first time in the new Q Class. Stealth’s innovative ‘overseal’ technology allows the window to be integrated into the front section without letting in moisture.

Bailey Unicorn : heating system hidden in furniture

There are several design elements that mark Bailey’s newest Unicorn range out from it Alu-Tech siblings. But one of our favourites has to be the inclusion of the Alde heating system, in place of the blown air model used on the Olympus and Pegasus. Clever positioning of the radiators hides them behind the furniture, whilst a compact 12v hydronic system quietly pulls the heating fluid through the pipes.

Buccaneer Clipper : text message activated heating system

Possibly the most technically advanced offering in our ‘best innovations’ category can be found in the Buccaneer Clipper. The Alde central heating system has again been used, but in the Clipper it is fitted with a telematic sensor which can be remotely operated via text message. This means your can send your caravan a SMS text, and get the cabin all warmed up before you return home. Genius.

AS Caravans : portable hand-held vacuum and hairdryer with built-in socket

By tradition a motorhome manufacturer, Auto-Sleepers moved into the caravan market this year with a new range of tourers marketed at the top end of the market. AS Caravans are kitted out with all the expected appliances, along with a few thoughtful extras. Integrated into the overall design is a hairdryer with a built in socket and the inclusion of a portable handheld vacuum cleaner.