Caravan Times provides coverage of 28th Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2011

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by Marcus Dubois

Seasoned caravanners and novices alike will be aware of the need to match your car to the caravan for a successful towing outfit. With a wide array of vehicles on offer in today’s market, narrowing down the options can be a significant task in itself.

Fortunately for us the Caravan Club have been doing just that for almost thirty years, inviting manufacturers to enter vehicles into their Towcar of the Year awards. The annual ceremony was created to enable members of the Club to make informed decisions when choosing a towcar. In addition, the publicity around the event helps keep caravanners up to date with the latest innovations and trends in car design.

And this year Caravan Times will be exclusively reporting from the 28th Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards. We’ll be present as the winners are announced to the assembled audience at the Royal Automobile Club in London on Thursday 23rd September, and will bring interviews from those in the winners category.

A thorough test

Last year saw 17 manufacturers enter 28 vehicles into the awards, all of which were tested rigorously by the Caravan Club team. An association with leading manufacturer Bailey Caravans has allowed the Club to work with a technical support team during a week-long test at the Millbrook Proving Ground.

Each entry is examined thoroughly and fairly, from the initial scrutineering through the outfit preparation stages. The vehicles are tested during an assessment of ‘caravanability’ and through actual driving itself, where every aspect of ownership is tested rigorously to arrive at the result.

With awards in six categories, there are prizes given across the range, from both smaller family cars to off-road specialist vehicles. Last year class wins in the Competition went to the Kia Soul Shaker 1.6 CRDi; Mazda6 2.2D Estate TS2; Volvo XC60 SE D5 AWD and Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE. The category awards for All-Wheel Drive vehicles above and below 1800kg went to Land Rover for its Discovery and Skoda’s Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 4×4 DSG with automatic transmission.

Yet the overall winner of last year’s event challenges the theory that the best towcars are large 4×4 vehicles.

Big is not always better

The Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0 TDI was crowned Overall Towcar of the Year 2010, a worthy triumph for the best-selling family hatchback with previously unheralded towing ability. A panel of ten judges praised its great performance when pulling a caravan in a variety of situations, while lauding its well-documented practicality as a family car.

The Golf’s success sent a reminder to the caravanning community that a strong modern towcar can be found across the range of automotive vehicle classes, and that good towing need not cost a premium.

We’ll bring you the full results in each category, along with interviews, as soon as they are available.

Welsh caravanner injured in fire

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by Chris Malone

A fire on a Welsh caravan site has led to a man and two women requiring medical treatment, it has been revealed.

According to the Denbighshire Visitor, a 56-year-old male was treated for burns, while two females aged 40 and 74 suffered smoke inhalation.

The newspaper alleged that the injuries occurred when an unoccupied neighbouring mobile home at the Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn was torched by arsonists.

One caravan was completely destroyed and another slightly damaged by the flames, which also damaged a gas cylinder enough to cause fire crews some concern.

However, they acted quickly to cool the container and avoid an explosion.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Russ Vaughan told the newspaper that it was likely a “deliberate ignition”.

“The caravan was close to other caravans and tents. It was lucky that the fire did not cause further damage to nearby campers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Robin Hood Holiday Park in Ryml recently hosted more than 2,000 scooter enthusiasts who were in the area for a rally, the newspaper added.

Residents evacuated in caravan park drama

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by Chris Malone

Residents at a Hampshire caravan park had to be evacuated recently when a series of explosions caused a fire at a neighbouring scrap yard.

According to the Little Hampton Gazette, 30 people were led away from the Tynefield Caravan Park in Whiteley after police and fire services were called to the area in the early hours of the morning.

The blaze is being treated as suspicious and officers are reportedly working hard to make the area safe for the residents to return.

Chief inspector Will Schofield told the newspaper that it is believed the fire may have been started from a burning vehicle that was driven onto the site.

“The scene remains closed currently to allow us to carry out our investigation but we are aiming to get it open as soon as possible to allow people living in the caravan site to return to their homes,” he said.

In other news, Wigan Today has reported that arsonists targeted a caravan in the Bryn area on Saturday (September 18th).

Caravan insurance importance underlined by dishonest drivers

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be Chris Malone

The case for caravan insurance has been strengthened by recent figures showing that a large proportion of Brits would simply drive off if they had a prang with a parked vehicle.

With campsites sometimes forcing motorists to manoeuvre in tight spaces, the odd bump may be a foregone conclusion.

However, research from Accident Exchange showed that approximately one-fifth of drivers who have hit a parked vehicle fled without leaving their details.

The study revealed that approximately 700,000 incidents involving parked vehicles occur each year and that 18.5 per cent of motorists simply drive off.

However, an honest 56 per cent of the motorists at fault contact the owner of the other vehicle directly, while 20 per cent left a note on the windscreen.

Accident Exchange spokesman Lee Woodley explained that such accidents cost the insurance industry more than £1.2 billion each year.

“It’s therefore appalling to think that £169 million of that figure has to be picked up by the innocent motorist’s own insurance policy,” he said.

In other news, Haven Holidays recently suggested that its caravan parks were perfect bases for a fishing holiday.

Green tax could hit caravan owners with rising petrol duty

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by Holly Tribe

Those who take regular caravan holidays could find themselves out of pocket if proposals on further taxation of motorists are implemented.

In a move which could see petrol prices rocket, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has suggested ten per cent of government revenue should come from green taxes within the next five years.

This would require increasing the current revenue raised by environmental levies from £35 million to £50 million annually, according to the Daily Telegraph – the equivalent of £800 per tax payer.

Carbon duty

The majority of cash generated from green taxes currently comes from petrol duty, around £26 billion a year. Mr Huhne, who addressed the Liberal Democrat Autumn conference on Monday didn’t specify where the extra revenue would come from, but insiders’ confirmed it was more than likely that a substantial proportion would be funded by ‘carbon duty’ affecting motorists.

The environmental levies would subsidise cuts to income tax paid by earners on lower salaries. But speculators have warned that if the majority of this cash is raised from fuel duty motorists can expect to pay an extra 30p a litre at the pumps, pushing the price above the £1.50 mark.

In defence of the initiative Mr Huhne told the paper: “Green taxes [make] so much sense in the current financial climate, and whatever we do with the revenue, green taxes help us meet our climate targets and our environmental goals.

“Furthermore, all the evidence is that the green tax switch is popular as long as people can see the extra revenue being used to cut other taxes”.

Caravanning: the greener option

However, a rise in petrol prices would penalise motorists and holidaymakers travelling within the UK. Caravanning is proving to be a greener option for holidaymaker and far less damaging to the environment than travelling overseas via short haul flights. Researchers from Lancaster University recently discovered an overnight stay at a caravan park for two produced just 4kg of CO2 compared to half a tonne produced when flying a couple to Spain and back.

Caravanning has provided millions of families with a cost effective way of enjoying vacations and encourages domestic tourism by providing low cost holiday options. Mr Huhne went on to tell the BBC Radio 5 earlier today he would encourage drivers to use electric vehicles, which could be financially subsidised by the government.

Would a rise in petrol prices stop you caravanning as much? Have your say in our forum topic here.

Park Holidays expects strong winter after record summer

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by Chris Malone

Such is the popularity of caravanning at the moment that one holiday park operator is expecting a busy winter to follow what has been a record-breaking summer.

Park Holidays UK has enjoyed a strong start to the year and has predicted that the end of 2010 will provide more good fortune.

Having recently announced an investment package covering all 25 of its parks in southern England, the firm was delighted to reveal that customer demand has risen by ten per cent in comparison to last year’s figures.

Director Tony Clish explained that the new investment is designed to make the parks an even more attractive proposition for caravanners and help the company continue its success.

“Much of the work we have scheduled has clearly been dependent on gaining planning consent – and I’m delighted that our applications have been meeting with a generally positive response,” he said.

Mr Clish added that local authorities are generally keen to support the caravan industry as they know that the parks help bring revenue to the local economy.

Meanwhile, Bourne Leisure recently revealed that it had paid out millions of pounds in dividends after its caravan park businesses enjoyed a strong year of trading.

Welsh gypsy caravan site could be revamped

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by Chris Malone

A gypsy caravan site in Wales’ Powys could be set for a revamp if the project is given the green light by local councillors.

According to BBC News, there are plans to refurbish pitches and provide five new amenity buildings for residents, who would be asked to pay an extra £25 a week to help supply the shortfall in funding.

The Welsh Assembly has already earmarked £970,696 for the scheme, with the rest to be made up from the increased rental payments.

However, things will have to move quickly as the grant will have to be spent by February 2011, so the site is relying on the council approving the project.

“Without this funding the site cannot be re-developed and Powys will remain in breach of its duty to provide a suitable gypsy and travellers’ caravan site,” a Powys Council report read.

The local authority said earlier this year that it wished to almost double capacity at the site and currently collects just over £16,000 per annum in rent.

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that the firm which owns Butlins and Haven Holidays has paid out millions of pounds in dividends after a strong year.

Haven caravan parks ‘ideal for fishing’

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by Chris Malone

Brits have been encouraged to visit one of Haven Holidays’ 35 caravan parks now that children are back at school.

After a hectic summer, caravanners could enjoy a relaxing break away from the kids and Haven believes it is the perfect time to enjoy a spot of fishing.

The firm keeps its lakes well-stocked and has ensured that many of its angling spots are right on the doorstep of its parks to make life that little bit easier for guests.

It pointed to the award-winning Burnham-on-Sea, which hosts Saturday angling contests, as a great place to spend a fishing holiday.

While the average catch at these competitions is about eight to 12lbs, some specimens from the carp lake weigh up to 32lbs.

Meanwhile, Essex’s St Osyth has seen fishermen reel in carp weighing as much as 35lbs.

Those who do not have a passion for fishing can still enjoy a relaxing break by using the parks’ swimming pools, golf courses, bowling alleys and entertainment schedule.

In other news, caravanners may wish to book a stay at a site in Tees Valley next month, as the Hartlepool Beer Festival takes place on October 15th and 16th.

Caravan blacksmith to appear on TV

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by Chris Malone

A blacksmith who chooses to operate a solar-powered stove and live in a caravan is set to appear in a new BBC Two series.

Simon Summers, who describes himself as an eco-blacksmith, lives in a 100-year-old gypsy caravan, according to the Herald Express.

The Devon resident will appear on the new Edwardian Farm programme, where he will show the audience how a weather vane would have been made during the Edwardian period, using only the techniques and technology available at the time.

He will be seen constructing the five-foot appliance from iron, copper and gold during his spell working as a heritage blacksmith on the Dartington estate.

The award-winning blacksmith told the newspaper that he did not use electrical tools at all during the filming.

Mr Summers will be used to such practices from his life in an 1887 Romany caravan. He does, however, use electricity to power the bellows on his forge, but a solar panel provides the energy, meaning his impact on the environment is minimised.

In other less savoury news, Norwich Evening News has revealed that a caravan was set alight in Great Yarmouth yesterday (September 20th) morning.

2011 Stealth Caravans: New family friendly models and layouts

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By Holly Tribe

Feted for their ultra modern designs and contemporary furnishings, Dunster House have announced two new family friendly Stealth layouts for the 2011 season: the R53 and T58.

Stealth Caravans introduce the new R and T classes featuring the same contemporary styling as previous models, but without the highly acclaimed full-sized fixed double beds. The double beds ‘without corner cutaways’ have been a stalwart of Stealth Caravan design, but the company have sacrificed these in favour of convertible dinettes and bunk beds in the hope of enticing customers on the look out for more family friendly layouts.

The R53 and T58 models will be added to the Valiant, Intrepid and Defiant series, bringing the total number of models in each range to seven. The three names signify the trim level, and the letters and numbers demarcate each layout.

The entry level Valiant series carries a good level of standard equipment, while the top of the range Intrepid range has a remotely operated alarm and tracking system included in the price. All models are built using Stealth’s overseal construction method which comes with a six year anti-water ingress warranty and three year manufacturer warranty.

R53

The R53 represents the new entry level model from Stealth. The single axle four berth model adopts the popular rear end washroom configuration housing a wardrobe and substantial vanity cabinet. A large side dinette opposite the mid galley, near side kitchen presents accommodation geared towards family living.

  • Valiant R53: £15,495, MTPLM 1385kg
  • Intrepid R53: £16,745, MTPLM 1418kg
  • Defiant R53: £17,995, MTPLM 1424kg

T58

The T58 is a mid range, six berth single axle model. Triple bunks in the rear end are situated opposite a large rear dinette, giving the kids their own space. A full mid galley washroom sits opposite the nearside kitchen with a large fold out surface and useful double height wardrobe space.

  • Valiant T58: £16,295, MTPLM 1581kg
  • Intrepid T58: £17,430, MTPLM 1618kg
  • Defiant T58: £18,565, MTPLM 1449kg

T58 and R53 models will be available for delivery or collection from the end of November.

Caravan park thieves caught on camera

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by Chris Malone

A gang of thieves who targeted a Sedgemoore caravan park may have been caught on camera casing out another holiday site in Somerset’s Bawdrip.

According to the Somerset Mercury, CCTV footage from Old Down Touring Park shows a masked man peering through a shop window at the site.

The man apparently matched the description given by security staff at Fairways International Touring Park, which was robbed in the early hours of September 13th.

Fairways owner Clive Walker told the newspaper that he is convinced that the footage is of the same gang.

The parks are situated about an hour’s drive from one another and the video was taken approximately 60 minutes after the initial crime took place.

A police spokesman confirmed that it is “one line of enquiry”, but refused to confirm that the two incidents were directly related.

Both Mr Walker and the owner of Old Downs, who does not wish to be named, have put up rewards of £1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the criminals.

In other news, the firm that owns Butlins and Haven Holidays caravan parks has paid out millions of pounds in dividends to its shareholders.

Caravan accident underlines need for safe driving

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by Chris Malone

Those new to the caravanning scene may wish to research how best to go about towing their mobile home as it is somewhat different from normal driving.

The need to avoid accidents is elevated due to the excess weight and size – a point that was evidenced in a traffic collision this yesterday (September 20th) in Newbury.

According to the Newbury Weekly News, a caravan jacknifed on the M4 motorway heading westbound between junctions 13 and 13, causing a lot of hassle for commuters in the area.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the accident happened this morning just as rush hour was getting under way.

Rebecca Webber explained to the newspaper that there were two vehicles involved, one of which was a black Volvo Estate towing a caravan.

While no one was injured, the incident serves to remind caravan owners that they need to take extra care on the roads, especially in heavy traffic.

In other news, thisisthewestcountry.co.uk has revealed that a masked raider has been caught on CCTV at a caravan site just an hour after a robbery at a separate holiday park in the area.