Our Top Touring Apps To Help Holidaying

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By William Coleman

It was not that long ago that the A to Z was the travelling man’s, and woman’s, best friend. For years this helped motorists and holiday makers across the UK get from A to B with ease, provided you had a good map reading co-pilot and an update map. Years on it seems technology has made the map book look like a relic. As technology rolls on we take a look at some apps that may just change the way you holiday.

Technology has come on in leaps and bounds in the past 10-15 years. I remember when I first heard that companies were going be mixing a phone and a camera together and thinking, “well that sounds silly.” Here we are today with a camera on your phone that can broadcast live video, video call, post your photo online as you take it and even identify the objects it is looking at and show you where to buy it. But how has technology helped move caravanning into the 21st century?

As I mentioned before the phone apps for maps are without a doubt one of, if not the, most helpful tool for anyone who likes to hitch up the van and set off an adventure. Why are these apps so helpful though, and are they really better than a trusty map? Simply put yes, yes they are.

Take Google Maps for example. Run by one of the largest companies on the planet and updated with info from second to second meaning you are always up to date with the best routes, traffic updates and problems along the way.

I was travelling to the NEC a few weeks ago and about an hour into my journey Google informed me of an accident on my route that would add an hour to my journey time. It then asked me if I would like to take a different route and save myself 50 minutes. This is something that you simply do not get with map books or an A-Z.

So we are going to look at several apps that can make your caravan life a lot easier, meaning more time to put your feet up with a cup of tea and a pack of chocolate biscuits.

Google Maps

Not specifically designed for the caravan or motorhome world, and cannot really compete with a full on sat nav, but what a fantastic help this free app is.

Google Maps will give you live traffic updates, reroute to save time, alert you of obstructions and incidents all for zero cost.

This is not to say that it is perfect as sometimes it does not update as quickly as and you need and you have to put the final destination in and search again for a more up to date ETA and traffic update, usually only happens on motorways when a collision has very recently happened.

Price- Free
Value For Money- 5/5
Overall Score ?
Final Thoughts- A fantastic app that is free. It will not replace a sat nav which has been designed for motorhome or towing but some people swear by this app and have never needed to buy or use anything else.

Key Features

  • Live traffic updates
  • ETA always spot on
  • Easily add another destination on route such as petrol stations, service stations etc
  • Voice guided, which can be muted

Truma App

Having an on board heating and air con system that can be controlled from your phone? “It will never happen.”, I heard people say. Yet here we are at the end of 2018, and it is very much a reality for a lot of caravan and motorhome owners with a Truma or Alde system.

If your leisure vehicle has the iNET system on board all you will need to do it go the app store on your phone, search for Truma and then download. It really is that simple.

While you are out on your journey you can set the temperature of your van so when you arrive you can step into a cool or pre warmed environment and start relaxing right away. There really is nothing worse than stepping into an oven temperature van after a nice day out in the sun.

For complete full details on the app and how it can benefit you make sure you visit the Truma App Page.

Price- Free
Value For Money- 5/5
Overall Score 5/5
Final Thoughts- Another free app that helps you to ensure the climate of your van is perfect. No issues using the app and very easy to navigate through. A zero cost this is a must have for any Truma customer provided you have the right system in your caravan or motorhome.

Key Features

  • Display if a set temperature or the on-board voltage is not reached
  • Control Truma appliances from up to four smartphones via the App
  • Automatic climate control in combination with the digital CP plus iNet ready control panel
  • Compatible with Alde heating system

Talking Caravan Leveling

The Talking Caravan Leveling app is quite a handy tool, something I was unsure of when I first saw it. Once I started dabbling with the app’s features I saw a lot of reasons why this app would be popular with caravanners.

First of all it cuts out the need of having assistant stood there with a spirit level spouting out adjustment advice and then leading to the inevitable bickering. Simply place your tablet or smartphone down and let the app do the talking.

The app will tell you which leg or wheel needs to be raised on your leisure vehicle and when to raise or lower the jockey when you are level.

Nowadays almost every smartphone comes with a spirit level that you can simply place down and then adjust accordingly. The difference with this app is that you have a voice guiding you and giving you quite specific info of what needs doing to get totally level.

Price- £1.49-£1.99 (depending what phone you have)
Value For Money- 3.5/5
Overall Score 5/5
Final Thoughts- The app is simple and does what is says on the tin. There is not much to it but will certainly help a lot of people, especially of you are setting up on your own or would rather do it by yourself.

Key Features

  • Voice guided instructions
  • Very specific information given

The Caravan And Motorhome UK Sites App

Here is one for Club members, or prospective club members, to see just how many sites CAMC have and where they are.

Yes, their website does this but being able to do it sat on the sofa via an app on your phone does provide another level of ease and comfort while you plan your next get away.

Another handy feature is being able to book and or amend your current site booking all with just a few taps. Being able to use a series of filters to narrow down the search means you can very easily tailor your preferences to what suits you and find some new sites you may not have known existed.

Price- Free
Value For Money- 5/5
Overall Score 5/5
Final Thoughts- A little bit like the main website but more modern and a lot more readily accessible thanks to the way the app works. This is a great way to find out more about The Club’s sites and locations.

Key Features

  • Filters enable you to find the perfect site for you
  • You are able to save your favourite sites in the “favourites” section
  • “Google” style map system makes it very easy to find sites in certain areas

There are a ton of apps out there to help you on your journey, some free and some that cost. I would have a look at some reviews before spending money on an app as there is usually a free version that does the same thing out there. What would you like to see in an app?

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Caravan Cafe

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By William Coleman

The old traditional caravan nowadays is most likely spotted sat on driveways covered in weather ware or just plonked depressingly in fields throughout the country. One special care giver has stumbled upon a very rare vintage van and has decided to turn it into something worthwhile to help out our aging community.

This week the Teesside Gazette Live ran fantastic story of one woman’s mission to help her community and the elderly people living nearby who have limited mobility and outside contact. After reading what was happening I had to share this Friday feel good story.

Support worker Amie Tait managed the almost impossible feat of getting her hands on the rare Swift 1986 Sprite Alpine caravan with the idea of converting it into a mobile cafe. The motivation behind which is to bring tea, coffee and cakes to those who may not be able to get out and about as much as they used to.

As a population we are getting a lot older and living for many more years. The issue with that is the high street is in rapid decline and a lot of shops are closing. With your local parade of shops becoming almost non existent in certain areas it makes getting those bare essentials a lot harder. This is where Amie Tait comes in.

Amie wants to take us back to an age where a lot of produce was brought to you by a mobile seller, the milkman used to deliver more than just your pint of semi skimmed and full fat. The mobile cafe will help a lot of older folk by giving them a measure of social interaction, something some members of the older generation are in serious need of. Amie has ensured that her new route will be very regular in areas with older residents.

The Middlesbrough mum-of-two will run retro caravan cafe ‘Oh So Lovely’ in her spare time and will could also soon be licensed to serve alcohol for weddings and other events.

“I’ve had strangers knocking on my door asking what I’m doing and what the caravan is going to be,” she said.

“I wanted it straight away, it’s very cute and really quirky in real life. They only made a few hundred of these caravans, someone has even contacted me about it to do the rallies as they’re all very interested in it. We will deliver afternoon tea as gifts, as you would do a bunch of flowers.”, continued Amie.

Amie’s own grandmother lives in an area where a lot of shops have closed down and never reopened which has made it a chore to get fresh goods and see other people.

“She still works and is mobile but a lot of her neighbours aren’t and rely on family. I’m aiming to do a weekly round of tea, sandwiches and cake in residential areas for elderly residents who do not live close to shops and don’t see much of others on a daily basis. This will hopefully help a little with loneliness., says Amie.

“People can enjoy tea and cake at 2pm – a bit like when the ice cream van comes round. We used to have a mobile shop that came round, selling bread and milk – well I’ll be selling tea and cakes instead.”

This is such a fantastic thing to do for your local community, it brings back that old spirit of community that is hard to find now days.

What makes it even more special is that by day Amie works in a children’s home and is doing this on her own personal time. Two thumbs up to you Amie from the CaravanTimes team.

The Diverse World Of Caravan Awnings

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By William Coleman

Caravans are the perfect way to travel in comfort and on your own terms. Taking trips in a caravan allows you to enjoy unique sights that many people would never venture to see and gives you the flexibility of spending the night wherever you wish. Buying a porch awning for your caravan offers many benefits, so read on to find out.

  • What are caravan porch awnings?
  • Why do you need a porch awning?
  • Types of porch awnings
  • How to choose the right awning

What Are Caravan Porch Awnings?

Porch awnings attach to the outside of your caravan and can provide extra storage space and an area to relax. There are many different kinds to choose from and each model has its own unique benefits to match the needs of the consumer/holiday maker.

Full-size awnings can feel difficult to manage, transport, and set up; however, porch awnings have a simple set up and are much smaller, lighter, and easier to handle.

A porch awning is basically just like a porch on your home, except for your caravan! It offers many of the same benefits and can make your caravan feel even more like home.

Why Would You Need A Porch Awning?

Imagine yourself traveling to a remote location with your caravan in tow and stopping in the late afternoon to set up for the night. As the sun sets over the beautiful landscape, you sit in a comfortable chair sipping a cup of tea under your porch enjoying the gorgeous view. A caravan porch gives you a great outdoor space to enjoy the scenery you have traveled to see.

There are many other benefits that porch awnings offer as well. It can make your living space feel larger by giving you more room for activities, shaded seating, eating and cooking.

Although the caravan life is great for those that enjoy it, even the most content travelers can begin to feel cooped up in the caravan. A porch allows you to have some extra space for you and your travel companions to spread out.

Another great perk of porch awnings is the rain protection it provides for you and your belongings. Once you set up your porch, you can store chairs, grills, dirty shoes, and other things outside for the night without worrying about rain. If it rains during the day, you can still enjoy the view and open space without getting soaked.

Porch awnings are generally smaller and more compact than a full-size awning. This allows for easier setup and take down and makes them much easier to handle. In most cases, you can set up your porch in 15 minutes or less!

If you have a smaller caravan or frequently go on shorter trips, a porch awning is a perfect choice to add flexibility and freedom to your caravan while also maintaining the convenience of a smaller awning.

Buying a porch awning is a great investment that will bring enjoyment and convenience for years to come.

The Different Types Of Porch Awning

These days, there are so many different variations of porch awnings for caravans on the market. You can choose from different fabrics, frame materials, styles, sizes, and more. Seeing all of the options could feel overwhelming, but each type has a different set of benefits.

Learn about the different varieties available so you can weigh up your options and make an informed choice.

Frame Material

  • Steel: This heavy-duty material is a great choice if you are not planning on moving your porch very often, such as in situations where your caravan will remain parked in one area for months at a time. Steel is able to withstand most weather conditions and will stay strong for a long time
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight option for the structure of your porch. This material is perfect if you travel frequently and want your porch to have an easy setup, take down, and transport
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a similar material to aluminum, and these porches are also lightweight and easy to handle and store
  • Air: Inflatable porch awnings are a new innovation in the caravan accessory market. These porches are easy to construct; all you have to do is inflate the pipes inside the awning with an upright or battery-powered pump. This kind of porch is the lightest and most convenient type on the market

Fabrics

  • Lightweight polyester: This material dries quickly after a rainstorm and is easy to handle, set up, pack, and store away. There are many different styles, types, and textures of polyester porches, and they are great for weekend trips
  • Heavy-duty polyester: While this fabric adds a bit of weight to the porch, heavy-duty polyester is more durable and sturdy and will last for much longer than a porch made of lightweight polyester. This fabric is a wise choice if your porch will get lots of use over many years
  • Acrylic: Although acrylic porches may seem a bit more expensive than other types, they are also very durable and will last for many years of heavy use. This fabric looks more taut and rigid than polyester. Solution-dyed acrylic is resistant to UV light and comes in different colors

    As you can see, there are a ton of different options to consider when buying a porch awning for your caravan. Generally, you pick your frame material based on your needs and choose a fabric to go along with it. Now, learn about how to choose the right awning that will meet all of your needs!

    What Is The Right One For You?

    Investing in the right awning to improve life in your caravan is a big decision. Consider the following factors when buying a caravan porch.

    Consider your budget

    The most important thing to consider when buying a porch for your caravan is your budget. If you want to stay on the less expensive side, smaller, lightweight porches allow you to enjoy the benefits of a porch without a high cost. If you have more spending ability you can look at larger sizes and higher quality materials.

    Decide what benefits you want

    Will you use your porch frequently, or just a few times a year? Will you travel often, or stay in one place? Do you want space to eat outside and store your belongings, or just enough room to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air? Do you want a quick and easy setup or a more durable awning? You must take all of these considerations into account when thinking about buying a caravan porch.

    If you want to enjoy spending lots of time outside, you may want to buy a larger and heavier duty porch, but if you just want room for a few chairs, a smaller porch is more convenient. Carefully consider the ways you will use your porch, and then decide on the material, fabric, size, and style that fits your needs.

    Taking Care Of Your Awning

    No matter what kind of awning you buy, proper maintenance is essential to getting the most benefit and longest life from your porch. Every time you take it down, you must fold it correctly, protect the windows, and make sure it’s clean. Although it doesn’t have to be dry as soon as you fold it up, you want to make sure no moisture remains in the material before you pack it up for a long period of time.

    Make sure to always separate the poles from the canvas and never put them too close together to prevent marking and punctures. When you set up your porch, assemble it with care and properly secure it to your caravan and the ground to protect it from flying away with the wind.
    Proper care for your awning is not difficult, but very important to keeping it functional and looking brand new for years and years!

    In Conclusion

    Whether you live in a caravan full time or just use it on holidays, porch awnings offer great benefits! They can increase your living space, provide an area to relax, enjoy the scenery that you’ve traveled to see, and protect your belongings from the weather elements.

    There are a number of different styles, materials, and fabrics to choose from for your porch, so take time to consider exactly how you will use your porch and what benefits you want to receive from it.

    If you’re looking for a porch that is quick and easy to set up and pack away, a less expensive, lightweight style is perfect. If it will be used every weekend for years, however, it’s worth investing in a higher quality and more expensive awning. Living the caravan life can feel exciting and extremely rewarding, and a porch awning will only add to your experience.

    Look at all of the Quality Porch Awnings to get a feel for what you want and order one today to begin enjoying the benefits!

    • Motorhome Hire Franchise Launch And Expansion

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    By William Coleman

    The market for new and second hand leisure vehicles keeps growing and growing as more UK residents are opting to choose a caravan for the next holiday. Another sector within the industry that is seeing a real boom is the leisure vehicle rental market. At last month’s NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show the UK’s first nationwide motorhome franchise business was launched.

    The company opted for a name that simply says what it does on the tin, The Motorhome Hire Franchise. The company made their first public appearance last month at the UK’s largest trade show to share and highlight some new and exciting opportunities for holiday makers.

    The franchise was set up by motorhome specialist David Gill who, having run Motorhome Hire Scotland since 2010, spotted a gap in the market for a concept that enabled others to build their own successful business based on his proven model.

    David Gill said, “The motorhome hire industry is thriving, with holidaymakers turning to it as a less expensive alternative to holidaying abroad, with the introduction of new routes across the country only increasing popularity further.

    “However, with over 200 independent motorhome hire businesses across the UK, customer service and experience varies enormously, so this national network of motorhome hire ‘hubs’ means consumers can be safe in the knowledge that the brand will deliver the same high quality vehicles and service every time. Our years of professionalism in the motorhome industry, combined with strong franchising experience offers a proposition that sets new standards in the market.”

    Mr Gill and his team plan to launch 25 franchise locations, branded Gill’s Motorhomes, that will be supplied with premium motorhomes by leading European motorhome manufacturer Adria.

    The Motorhome Hire Franchise has already secured the first of its UK ‘hubs’ in Swindon, to be managed by Alan Amos, with only 25 locations in total available for franchise. The team is now looking for motivated and talented individuals to become a selected business partner, developing a successful business through a strong franchise model.

    Alan Amos, who will be opening the first franchise in Swindon comments, “I’ve always had a passion for motorhomes and the travelling opportunities they offer and having a range of business experience throughout my career, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine the two and build my own venture.

    “So far the support and guidance I’ve received from the entire team at The Motorhome Hire Franchise has been second-to-none and has filled me with confidence for the next steps of this process – I can’t wait to get started!”

    Following their successful launch at the NEC The Motorhome Hire Franchise have recently unveiled an epic 5 year partnership with leading European motorhome manufacturer Adria.

    Adria has committed to provide 500 luxury motorhomes to the value of £30M to the company over five years to service its planned franchise network. This will make the Motorhome Hire Franchise the UK’s only supplier of Adria’s superior vehicles for rental.

    Slavica Sterk, managing director of Adria Concessionaires said: “At Adria we have grown a strong market share over many years across Europe but our recent research shows there is a trend for ‘trying’ over ‘buying’ with younger generations in the UK, as they are increasingly looking for experiences over investments.

    This has created a key opportunity for market penetration in the UK and the partnership with The Motorhome Hire Franchise is our chance to really shake up the marketplace with this new proposition.”

    So there you have it, another large piece of evidence that the caravan and motorhome holiday is very much back in fashion all across the UK. A lot of people, especially the younger generations, want to have a “staycation” holiday but may not have the funds to invest in a leisure vehicle, especially if they want to get on the property ladder. Renting a motorhome means they can be included in the community and enjoy the holiday freedom that we all love.

    To find out more visit The Motorhome Hire Franchise.

    Caravanners And Adventurers Are Getting Younger

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    By William Coleman

    It is no surprise that campsites across the UK are capturing a much younger audience than over the past few years. With the introduction of glamping holidays and the huge increase in motorhome sales the youth of the nation are revitalizing the UK based holiday.

    There are another couple of large factors that we can attribute to younger generations taking up motorhome and caravan holidays, the adventure holiday and festival season!

    It seems that the UK youth have become a lot more active over the past few years and are choosing adventure weekend away over the boozy trip to Bognar or Blackpool.

    A lot of campsites that are located near these hotspots are benefiting from the new holiday trends. Another great thing about this new craze it that it is bringing a lot of first timers to the fold.

    The 2018 rise in “park novices” was among the subjects discussed when Best Of British members met in November for their annual conference in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

    Comprising over 50 independent family-run parks, the group also welcomed six new members, and heard of plans to step up its successful digital marketing campaign.

    BoB’s online activity, reported chairman Richard Legg, had this year generated a raft of bookings and enquiries from holiday guests seeking top-end park experiences:

    “The internet is proving a very powerful medium for us, and by working in collaboration we can achieve much more than would be possible or affordable individually,” he said.

    “It also allows us to target people who are perhaps unfamiliar with parks generally, but who enjoy the notion of trying a glamping holiday, or renting a motorhome.

    “This is an important emerging market of younger guests who are likely to underpin our future by providing tomorrow’s customer base of visitors and holiday home buyers.

    “There’s every reason to believe that the growth of new park customers will remain on an upward trajectory as long as we continue to meet their quality expectations,” said Richard.

    Richard, whose family owns Hidden Valley Park near Ilfracombe, said that the group’s strength lay in its shared values of providing the highest standards of hospitality and customer care.

    The two-day conference also heard from a number of specialist speakers on different ways in which parks could help promote and market their businesses.

    Richard said that BoB was delighted to be joined by six new parks from across the UK which would offer visitors an even wider choice of first-class destinations.

    Scotland is now represented by Blair Castle Caravan Park in Blair Atholl, Brighouse Bay Caravan Park in Dumfries and Galloway, and Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park in Fife.

    It is not just adventure style holidays that are attracting a younger audience. I have been to parks all across the UK this year and spoken with tons of young people and couple about what has drawn them to campsite and the purchase of a leisure vehicle.

    The overwhelming consensus was that there always seemed to be a kind of stigma towards caravan and motorhome holiday, oddly enough. “Caravan” at one point seemed to be a dirty word that was for “old people”. The reality of the matter is it could not be further from the truth and the proof is in the pudding as the caravan holiday is very much at the forefront of the UK’s economy.

    Add to that the huge efforts taken by parks all across the UK to and attractions for those who do not own a caravan or motorhome. The Caravan and Motorhome Club have stationary American Airstreams on several sites as well as other glamping huts, pods and yurts. The rental scene has always had a huge positive impact, especially during festival season.

    Caravan Review – The Airstream Colorado

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    By William Coleman

    The all American touring icon has been available for purchase from main dealers in the UK for just over a year or so now. Since Airstream’s launch in the UK I have not seen a huge amount on the highways of caravan parks across the UK. There may be quite a few reasons for this, most of which have nothing to do with the quality of design build but more to do with how the UK consumer sees the larger red white and blue towing caravan.

    When you first see the Airstream Colorado you can’t not be impressed with how it looks. They are an extremely cool and sleek looking van. Maybe a little bit too good looking?

    Having a van that is so eye catching, especially on a bright sunny day, can put a lot of people off, especially the traditionalist among us. When driving down the motorway though it does have its perks. People see you from a mile off and seem to give you more space than your traditional “white box” caravan. Not sure why this is but it kept happening.

    The shiny chrome bullet design is like having a Ferrari, looks amazing but how practical is it for day to day use? Having spent a good amount of time in one I would say very practical but, like most vans on the market, does have its strengths and weaknesses.

    First Impressions

    I can’t help but picture the the Airstream Colorado set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert with a huge flatbed pickup truck parked next to it with a Harley Davidson hitched to the rear. It just screams America to me.

    I do love the look of the Colorado and it would be a dream purchase for me. A van this size and weight it packed with style, comfort and practical living space. You certainly will be the talk of the town once you tow one of these down the local high street. With the riveted panel design these vans really are one of a kind with a 80 year back story.

    Interior Style For A Plush Living Space

    The Colorado is not just a very good looking chassis, the interior design and layout rivals the stylish exterior. There are several different colour schemes to choose from for the living/dinner area but the mid western rustic tan leather is a clear winner for me.

    The living area comes with a U-shaped lounge with fixed collapsible table, very different from a living room you’d find in a Coachman, Swift or Bailey. For this reason it does feel limited to more of a sit “sit at the table” style living room as opposed to a lounge traditionally found in caravans.

    The inside is very smart and does make for an exciting stay for a few nights, maybe a week. You may start to find that after a while the living room just cannot compete with your traditional vans. Something to be very mindful of if you have the chance of staying in one for an extended amount of time. Maybe I am being a tad too picky because once the table is out the way it is pretty much business as usual.

    Kitchen, cooking & Cleaning

    Being 8ft wide does provide a great amount of space for food storage and provides a perfect amount of room to be able to cook and not interfere with the living room.

    When it come to cooking I need a lot of space, something the Colorado has an abundance of. Large counter worktops to the left and right of the 3 gas ring hob means that you have all your prep, cooking and dishing up space all on separate surfaces. This means you can move around without tripping over yourself and getting in a fluff, not that I do that at all…

    The fridge is a massive with enough storage for chilled goods to keep you going for a week, maybe even two! Once you’ve stocked up the fridge you can then cook to your heart’s content with the separate oven and grill.

    Day Time Living

    One thing that I absolutely love about the about the Airstream models, the Colorado especially, is the amount of natural light it lets it. Surrounded by large windows and skylights you get pretty much as much sun sitting inside as you do outside.

    The dining area is large enough to seat 6 people quite comfortably with a possible 2 more at the end of the table but that would start to invade the cooking space, big no no if I’m slaving over the stove.

    For those with little ones you have enough power points for chargers for laptops, iPads, DVD players and a TV monitor. As far as creature comforts go the Colorado is pitch perfect and comes, as standard, with pretty much everything you would need for a trip.

    The 2018 Airstream trailers are fully kitted out with all the modcons both in and out. Outside you have an exterior shower point, gas BBQ point and a fantastic quality roll out ZipDee awning.

    On the inside you have central heating, LED lighting, a Bluetooth sound system with speakers at both ends, a large fridge freezer and a double mattress that is as comfortable as your bed at home.

    Nighttime Living

    Being a 4 berth with an island bed means that you are required to make up the bed for persons 3 and 4. Which if you are a seasons caravanner you will have very little problem doing, even if the table is a little stiff to deal with.

    The make up bed is extremely comfortable and very spacious. So expect some squabbles over who gets what bed.

    The one issue I did have was all the little neon LED lights scattered throughout the van. Once the main lights are off you still have a bluish hue throughout the van all night. There may be a way to turn these off but it is not very clear at all. Although it does provide a good guiding light to the bathroom in the wee hours, sorry couldn’t help myself.

    The rear island bed is a very good size with panels and surfaces on both sides you you can down your phone, book and glasses of an evening when it’s time to call it a night.

    The curtains that surround the sleeping quarters do not block out as much light as shutters do but again that is very much a me issue as I am a super light sleeper.

    Final Thoughts

    As if it wasn’t clear from what I have already said, I am a very big fan of the Airstream Colorado, but there are a few points that I did not overly care for. There is a lot of plastic finish inside. The plastic slide doors on the storage cupboards are fiddly and if pushed too far, which happens every time so it is a design fault, need pinching and prying out.

    There are elements that do feel a bit cheap, which is far from the case as you are not getting much change from £100,000. With this price tag you can see why some sites have opted to use these to push the glamping craze and introduce non caravan folk to the idea of using a leisure vehicle for their holidays.

    The washroom was not amazing in my humble opinion. A little too cramped and I found that using the toilet with the door closed a bit too claustrophobic at time, and I am not a massive human by any stretch of the imagination.

    With such a high price tag I would possibly want a little more for my money, especially in the washroom. Aside from a few little personal niggles I love the Airstream. It looks amazing, feels amazing and truly lives up to its iconic status that is has gained over the past 80 years.

    Technical Specifications

    Berths- 4
    Axles- 2
    Internal Length- 6.81m
    Overall Length- 8.25m
    Overall Width- 2.50m
    Overall Height- 2.65m
    Internal Headroom- 1.99m
    Mass in Running Order- 2135kg
    Tyre Size- 185/60 R15C 94 T
    Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM)- 2400kg
    Optional Upgraded MTPLM- 2680kg
    Total User Payload- 265kg
    Personal Effects- 159.0kg
    ZipDee® Awning- 40.0kg
    Hitch Limit- 150kg

    How and Why You Should Winterize Your Motorhome

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    By William Coleman

    With the cold weather currently sweeping across the UK, and those freezing winter evenings well and truly upon us, for avid campers, it’s the perfect time to winterize their motorhome. For many, the start of the cold weather indicates it’s time to stop their travels until the sunshine returns – but rather than simply storing their motorhome in a garage, there are a number of steps that need to be taken to properly protect it from the elements.

    Getting your motorhome or caravan prepped for winter is a simple process to carry out; however, it can take a few hours to do. The benefit to winterizing your RV is that, when it comes to you getting ready to hit the road next year, your vehicle will be ready for any adventure you have planned, and you won’t need to spend time fixing any damage caused by the cold.

    Here’s why you should winterize your motorhome

    It’s a well known fact that cold weather, especially temperatures below freezing, can have a negative impact on how well a vehicle runs. Not only can it freeze any water inside water pipes and therefore cause damage, it can also lead to engines seizing up, and tyres deflating.

    Considering motorhomes, unlike daily use vehicles, are usually stored away during the colder months, it’s important they’re stored correctly in order to prevent any of the above mentioned happening.

    If you decide against winterizing your motorhome, it’s likely that you’ll need to spend time and money fixing any issues before being able to hit the road – and who wants to spend time playing mechanic when they could be out exploring everything the world has to offer?

    Materials Checklist: All the things you need to winterize a motorhome

    Before you’re even able to begin the process of preparing your prized motorhome for winter, you’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary materials. The main items you’ll need are:

    • Non-toxic antifreeze that can be poured through the plumbing system
    • Waterproof sealant the fill in any holes to the exterior of the motorhome
    • Moth balls and steel wool to fill gaps inside your RV, and prevent rodents
    • Bug screens to stop bug infestations
    • A dehumidifier to prevent your motorhome becoming damp due to condensation
    • A motorhome storage cover
    • Tyre stands to stop your motorhome tyres going flat

    Check out the infographic down below

    This infographic walks you through every step of winterizing your motorhome, as well as showing some interesting statistics about motorhomes in the UK. Check it out below and feel free to let us know what you think!

    Our Winter Sun Touring Tips

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    By William Coleman

    As I look outside the office window I gaze across London which is blanketed in grey clouds and being drenched in wind, rain, thunder and lightning. I think it is safe to say that this year’s “season” is officially over unless you’re winter tourer, but that doesn’t mean the caravan or motorhome has to go into hibernation. Just across the pond is a limitless supply of winter sun. Here are some of our main tips before you set off.

    If you are on the hunt for a winter get away with the warmth of summer time you are more than likely to head south in search of the sun. Why not make the travel down south part of the holiday stopping along the way? This way you really do make the most of both your leisure time, vehicle and the continent of Europe, Turn that touring holiday it an actual tour.

    First things first though, what do you need before you head to the European Continent?

    Top 5 Things You Need Before Heading Abroad

    1. Paperwork

    This may seem like an obvious one but more often than not the simplest details can sometimes get overlooked. There have been a few times in the past where I have been left looking a bit silly because I did not have the right details for the vehicles, border staff are not a fan of lack of paperwork. So before heading out make sure you have all your vehicle documents, insurance forms, international driving permit and passports. Have them to hand too.

    When going through places like France, Italy, Spain or other forward thinking EU countries there are not that many checks, for now at least due to the freedom of movement we currently benefit from pre Brexit.

    It is the non EU countries where papers and documents can be an issue. Due to not being in the European Union some non EU countries have their own border crossing rules, most of which consists of you paying for a separate insurance and driving permit for these countries. It is here where paperwork is heavily scrutinise so being prepared will save a lot of time and hassle and possibly money.

    2. Satellite Navigation

    Invest in a good Sat Nav, I can’t stress that enough. These really can be worth their weight in gold when travelling in unfamiliar territory. With a lot of companies now recognising the needs of the caravan and motorhome world there are now more options than ever. TomTom have even released a Sat Nav designed specifically for leisure vehicles, the TomTom GO Camper.

    Another great option would be an Avtex. I spoke to the Avtex team at October’s NEC show about their systems and to be honest I feel that they are the best value for money currently on the market. So if you are going to opt for an Avtex I strongly suggest looking at the Avtex Tourer One Caravan & Motorhome Club Sat Nav which is avaliable through Prima Leisure. This Sat Nav comes loaded with 45 European maps as well as free map updates for life meaning that this item should never become obsolete like so many other models out there.

    3. Change, Cash & Local Currency.

    One thing I was 100% totally unaware of was the toll systems on the motorways across Europe. I was covering up to 350 miles per day when I towed across the continent and ended up spending quite a lot per day on toll crossings. With a good Sat Nav you can program a route to avoid tolls, but you can add a lot of extra miles to a journey, so it is a bit of a trade off.

    Thankfully a lot of the more modern tolls take card but not every single one has this facility, cash is king after all. One thing I would advice is buying a toll token that you pop into your windscreen which is automatically scanned when approaching the toll. This will also save a few Euros too during your trip.

    4. Know Your Route & Have A Plan.

    Travelling all day can be a little bit tiring and you do run the risk of become quite tired while still having a fair distance to go until you arrive on site. So while planning where you’re going make sure you factor in stopping times and locations.

    I thought that I would make it up as I went along because I knew where I was going. Silly me! What was planned to be a normal stop ended up taking a lot longer than planned because I was having to find locations on the fly which just added even more time and made me more tired and frustrated.

    Any good navigation system will have a feature to add stops along the way so I strongly advise letting the Sat Nav do all the hard work for you. It also removed the element of human error when which can occur when you start to get tired.

    5. The Creature Comforts.

    Driving for 6+ hours from country to country can work up quite the hunger. I cannot express enough just how important it is to have snack and supplies on hand when driving these distances. Not only does it save time and money but it makes for a much more enjoyable experience, especially if there are children on board. Make sure there are plenty of fun and healthy nibbles on board for the journey.

    Being sure to stay hydrated makes you more alert but it is also very important for many different health reasons. Driving for hours on end can sometimes take the focus off of drinking water but after a while you will start to feel the difference.

    Also make sure you are dressed comfortably. 10 hour drives are no place for a fashion show, something I have to keep reminding myself. Get that baggy jumper and questionable jogging bottoms as they are going to make a world of difference while touring from place to place.

    I am sure there a thousand more things to add to this list, we haven’t even gotten started on the van prep, but I am pretty sure most of our reader probably know more than me.

    One thing I will say though is do your research as there are different driving rules, regulations and standards from one country to the other. Like I said it is sometimes the minutest details that can bring a trip to a standstill.

    The Christmas Festivities Have Begun

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    By William Coleman

    There are times where you do think to yourself, “Do we need Christmas stuff on shelves on shelves at the end of September?”. As we enter mid November I feel we are close enough to Christmas to start spreading the festive cheer. Oxon Hall Touring Park feel exactly the same as they prepare for a weekend of Christmas fun and more importantly a charity fundraising effort for a very worthwhile cause.

    Tis the season of giving at Oxon Hall Touring Park and Oxon Pool Holiday Home Park this week as they prepare for their annual switching on off their Christmas lights. The site is based in Shrewsbury which has long been known for impressive Christmas light displays and Oxon Hall have been bitten by the Christmas light bug.

    The 2018 switch-on will be celebrated with a hog roast on November 17, which is free for holiday home owners on the park and people staying on the touring park. In return, the managers will ask for a donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the charity chosen by parks owner Morris Leisure and sister company Morris Lubricants in 2018.

    The 2017 event raised a staggering £2,865 for The Alzheimer’s Society. The success and popularity of the annual event had lead to the touring park bring fully booked for this coming weekend since January. Being booked up almost 12 months in advance is a sign of a fantastic caravan park.

    “The lights will remain switched on until the New Year, so there will be plenty of opportunities for touring caravan and motorhome owners to come and see them,” said Edward Goddard, managing director of Morris Leisure.

    “Every year, the park managers make a huge effort with the Christmas lights and everybody visiting or staying on the park is very supportive in helping us raise money for our chosen charity”.

    “It’s a fantastic time of year to visit Shrewsbury to do your Christmas shopping in the town centre and the award-winning Market Hall.

    “The park is located adjacent to Shrewsbury’s Park and Ride which quickly transport you into the town centre where there’s always a spectacular Christmas lights display over the festive season.”.

    Christmas is the season giving and this fundraising event clearly demonstrates that Oxon Hall Touring Park and Oxon Pool Holiday Home Park truly believe that . At this time of year there are a lot of people, places and organisations that could all benefit from a little holiday spirit and cheer. Keep an eye out as you never know, you could make all the difference for someone this Christmas.

    A Public Statement From A Shunned Holiday Maker

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    By William Coleman

    Recently there has been a slight ground swell of negativity toward the touring community. Some areas have actually gone as far as to impose bans and parking restrictions for motorhomes in certain coastal areas. One member who feels directly, and wrongfully, impacted by these wave of changes wrote into the Dorset Echo. The publication felt so strongly they actually published the letter. I too feel like this letter needs to be shared.

    I love the unspoiled sea side area that hasn’t got thousands of betting shops and arcades, and I travel there at least every couple of months.

    I am also a motor home owner. I am responsible, and don’t leave a trace of having been in an area, and I abide by rules in regard to parking.

    However, I fail to see why residents are so hesitant to have us in West Bay. Currently I use a site for overnight sleeping and pay the £2 for day-time parking at Station car park.

    Why don’t you charge £10 a night and allow overnight parking? Use the money to pay for a ‘warden’ and the extra generated can be put to use in the community.

    We shop in your town, we eat in your restaurants and bring money in all year round – not just in the summer.

    Rather than tarnish us all with the same brush – understand us. Learn how to maximise the potential to support us to support your community!

    Speak to your shop owners. We have! They want our trade. As of November 1 each year all the campsites are closed – so we have no where to stay.

    Station car park is ideal – and we are happy to pay or don’t – and accept that you are losing money.

    I accept that some people take the mick and stay for weeks on end and use noisy generators etc, so have a warden who could monitor this and keep the few in check.

    Don’t stop West Bay being accessible!

    Myself and the CaravanTimes team feel very passionate about this topic, see our previous article here regarding the negative backlash our tourism made by caravan holidays has faced this past season. Having travelled the world over in caravans and motorhomes we can say that the revenue provided by all touring folk is vital and if diminished it will be irreplaceable.

    Scams In The Leisure Industry And What To Look Out For

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    By William Coleman

    The caravan holiday is one of the most relaxing holiday types one can take. From the freedom to go wherever you like to having new neighbours every time you pitch up. But underneath all the fun is a side of the industry I hope you never face. The holiday scam.

    The Unfortunate Side Of Touring

    Scams and crimes to do with holiday homes, caravans, dealers and sites come in many different forms and can be very hard to spot until it is too late. Maybe the caravan world is targeted due to having a larger amount of older people who are seen as being “vulnerable”, not my world but that of current speculative reports on fraud crimes toward caravan folk.

    With the rise of so many web based sales outlets and the current boom within the caravan world it seems as though the leisure industry has become “easy pickings” for the undesirables. So here are a list of scams to keep an eye out for.

    ‘<' . strtolower('Array')>The Dodgy Dealer

    The phrase too good to be true rarely ends with someone walking away with the deal of the century. When buying a leisure vehicle this phrase is extremely relevant and should be at the forefront of your mind when you “stumble” across the offer of a lifetime.

    While doing some research I did find a few potential wolves in sheeps clothing. I thought my dream had come true last week as I found a 2010 Swift Challenger 625 twin axle 6 berth for £7999 ONO. Anyone in their right mind would snatch this bargain up and never look back.

    As I dove deeper the deal got better; after market deluxe awning, recent service with new air con and a full history, oh and only 1 previous owner. Not wanting to “miss out” I messaged the seller right away. After a few messages back and forth I was asked to make a bank transfer for a holding deposit. I had not seen the caravan and only sent a handful of messages before being asked for money.

    This may sound like something only a fool would fall for buy this is just one example of an online add that may not be all it seems. Some of these scammers have very complex and convincing methods. Some even invite you to view the vehicle and then want a deposit once you’ve fallen in love, only to never been ever again.

    Sites such as eBay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or even reputable sites like Autotrader are places where you can find every type of leisure vehicles at rock bottom prices. The issue here is the fact that these are private sellers who may just want to shift a vehicle for a quick buck or scam an honest buyer.

    The warning signs for bad ad or scam listings are:

    • Limited photos of the vehicle
    • Photos not showing key parts of the vehicle, interior, facilities, dash, mileage etc
    • Very brief product description
    • Seller having little to no feedback from previous sales
    • Private sellers randomly listing a vehicle with no previous vehicle sales
    • Low price for a high ticket item

    Online can be a minefield to navigate through when making a purchase and especially one as extravagant as a motorhome, camper or caravan.

    They are not all out to get your hard earned cash but it is a lot more common than what you’d think. So my tip top advice would be find a local dealer, buy used and approved and get to know who and where you are buying from. I was taught the hard way that if you buy cheap you buy twice.

    The Misleading Review

    Have you ever been in the unfortunate situation where you’ve decided visit totally new location for your holiday only to arrive to something which is the total opposite of what you’d seen or read online? The CaravanTimes team have, more than we’d like to admit too.

    The internet can be a wonderful place when it comes to doing your holiday research, but can you trust what you are seeing?

    My better half has made it her mission to not only use but also contribute to TripAdvisor every time we want to or have visited somewhere new, so much so she is in the top 15 reviewers in London! From all the holiday review sites you can use TripAdvisor is the one I truly trust as it has so many users it’s hard to find a misleading reviewer.

    One such place where you can find a bit of an misleading breakdown of a site or location is Google Reviews or sometimes the companies whose campsite you visit.

    When doing your research be weary of:

    • Short reviews with little to no detail such as “great site, 5 stars”
    • Reviews from people with the same surname, family run sites get relatives to go online and review to build up the numbers of online reviews
    • The same review multiple times, nothing worse than a copy and past job
    • Reviews that do not match photos used online

    Always use a third party review website and always try to see as many images as possible before committing to a booking. You do not want to turn up to a waterlogged field with a portable toilet posing as a 5 star site with washroom facilities.

    The Mis-Selling Sales Guys

    Having spoken with, visited and dealt with a lot of dealers all across the UK I can say, hand on heart, that the lying salesman is not very easy to come across when you use well known dealerships or buy direct from the manufacturer.

    With companies such as Marquis Leisure, Lowdhams, Broadlanes and Salop Leisure, to name a few, you can trust that when you visit them you will get an honest opinion from trusted sales reps as well as onsite management. Companies who have spent decades building up a positive reputation are not going to risk everything by employing cowboy on the forecourt.

    There a lot of smaller dealerships who are just a trustworthy that have been in operation for as long as, if not longer, than some of the major ones so do not shy away from them whatever you do as these are where some fantastic deals can be had.

    The second hand market for motorhomes, campers and caravans is gargantuan. According to NCC there are 555,000 touring caravan, 365,000 caravan holiday homes and 225,000 motorhomes in circulation throughout the UK. So over 100,000,000 leisure vehicles are owned by the general public and more than half of which has had a previous owners.

    A lot of second hand sales are made via dealers but not all second hand vans meet the standard requirements for resale. So make sure before you buy you get all your questions answered and you are provided with whatever paperwork you require to do your checks. Also if you buy private avoid online marketplaces as a rule as you really do have no idea what you are buying.

    If you are in the market for a new or used motorhome caravan keep an eye out for the following:

    • Sales agents who dance around your questions
    • Non direct answers
    • Overuse of jargon/technical speak
    • Being shown vans they want to sell you and not the van you actually want buy
    • The phrase “we’ve got someone else coming to look at this van today”
    • Pushy sales people who force a decision to be made there and then
    • Deposit requests without confirmation of interest from buyer
    • Deposits without paperwork stating you’ve paid
    • Refusal to show vehicle history or other paperwork
    • Massive price reductions to make the sale, as the van may not even be worth that if they drop 25-30% right away
    • Extortionate finance offers

    The Risky Rental

    Now for the last part of our rogues gallery of fraudsters and scamming scallywags. The rental scam may be the oldest trick in the holiday book but it seems to be the one that has the most victims. The rise of the World Wide Web has lead to thousands of holidaymakers being left out of pocket and nowhere to go on their holidays as it has removed the face to face or over the phone aspect of bookings.

    Why is this form so popular amongst scam artists? Well to put it bluntly they prey on the people who have a smaller budget and are out looking for a bargain. Some people cannot afford the thousands to stay at a Haven Holiday park or get a 4-6 berth static on a 5 start site.

    Naturally those on a budget still want to get away and give the kids nice holiday memories, and this is where the sharks start to circle. A lot of private ads all bare similar marks that are clear warning signs that indicate this could be a bad idea.

    Just like buying leisure vehicles you really do want to avoid using social media sites or market place style ads. If something has a certain value and you find it well under that price the alarm bells should start to ring.

    One clear sign, which if ever mentioned you should immediately log off and look elsewhere, is the mention of PayPal. If someone asks for any form of payment for your holiday using PayPal only ever send it as a payment for goods or services. A seller will ask you to send the payment as a gift or payment to friend or family to avoid paying PayPal’s commission. I am all for avoiding commission but you will pretty much waive for right of PayPal’s protection leaving you well and truly in the deep end.

    So you’ve paid your deposit, which usually is a high one, turn up on site with the family and a car full of kit to find that the caravan is either not there and totally not what was advertised. At this point you are up the river without paddle. You’ve sent it as a non protected payment and now the holiday is all but ruined with you being very much out of pocket.

    If you are going to rent a van, motorhome or static holiday home from an online ad head these points:

    • Avoid Facebook or other online market ads, Gumtree in particular
    • Seller asking for high up front deposits
    • PayPal payments
    • Professional photography pictures if its an older/used van or static, you are going to want up to date images
    • Use a reputable and well known booking agent as they offer protection and up to date site/van info
    • If you do book a site with a van call the site and make sure it is actually there and in good shape

    This list is just the tip of the iceberg of horror stories that a lot of people in the UK have come across. These issues have been reported all over the web, radio shows, BBC’s Watchdog and Rogue Trader as well. Make sure that you do the research and do not rush in as you may live to regret it.

    Top Pup Friendly Site Officially Recognised

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    By William Coleman

    When planning your next adventure one thing always needs to be considered, where will the pest go while we are away? Many sites across the UK do not welcome our four legged friends with open arms which always leaves us feeling guilty if we leave them behind. This Lancashire park is doing quite the opposite and are being recognised for keeping the love of pets on tour alive.

    Being a pet friendly site is an option that is not as widely available as it used to be, which is odd considering the rise in sales of dogs in the last 5 years. I fully understand why a site may choose to have a no pet rule, much like adult only sites, but I also feel a lot of this is made up from stereotypes of dogs on sites which can sometimes be held as fact and not opinion.

    With that in mind Moss Wood, in Cockerham near Lancaster, have been named on of Britain’s top three places for caravanners to take their dogs on holiday and they are now up for a major national accolade.

    Having beaten more than 3,000 other UK parks that were eligible for the award Moss Wood have seen off all other competition to show their pedigree to become finalists in the 2018 Dog Friendly Awards.

    Now the family-run business must wait until the championship finals later this year to discover if it has the overall Rex factor in the caravan sites category.

    Moss Wood was taken into the awards by votes from its customers who decided that the park’s canine credentials made it one of the UK’s most four-legged friendly sites.

    Its grounds took the lead in a number of different ways, including the putting aside of a four-acre pooch playing field where Bonzos can fetch their balls.

    Also getting tails wagging are a raft of refreshment points and poop bins around the grounds, and information provided to pet owners on nearby dog-friendly attractions and pubs.

    The organisers of the Dog Friendly Awards, whose sponsors include Eurotunnel, say their aim is to recognise businesses which go the extra mile for Britain’s 9.4 million dogs and their owners.

    Henry Wild, whose family has owned Moss Wood for over 40 years, said the park had a long tradition of welcoming responsible families and their furry companions: “Dogs benefit as much as humans from a change of scenery, and nobody likes to fret that their pets are pining for them in expensive boarding kennels far away,” he said.

    “Moss Wood is a great place to exercise a dog as the grounds are virtually traffic-free, and we’ve sensible rules in place to ensure that everyone stays on friendly terms.

    “We’re also on the cusp of many footpaths and trails both through the countryside and along the coast where legs can be stretched in gorgeous surroundings.

    “If there’s a formula for being dog friendly, then I like to think we’ve got it off pat,” added Henry.

    An Honest Opinion On Pets On Site

    This is a topic that can get some holiday makers really fired up, both fore and against, and sometimes lead to a bit of an argument. What is the issue with dogs being on site?

    Here are some of the reason I have heard for not wanting dogs on site: Too noisy when they bark, they will cause a mess when they go to the toilet, they run out into the path of cars, they smell, they interfere with other people.

    I can safely say that no dog owners I know who take their dog on site is guilty of any of the above. That is not to say it doesn’t happen as yes of course there are some inconsiderate and poor dog owners out there. Dogs will bark and dogs will have a wonder, if left alone to their own devices but does it actually cause any real issues?

    So it is just a stigma, much like children on site, that makes people not want pets on site? I welcome pets of all shapes and sizes to mooch over to me if I am outside my caravan setting up, cooking or relaxing. If anything I try to get them to come over and say hello. You’ve got to love thy neighbour after all.

    One important factor that people gloss over is the pet may be the only thing in a person’s life. It is not uncommon for someone to spend a few days or a week on site by themselves because they may not have anyone else. I certainly would not want not want to deny them the company of a pet just because I think the dog may bark at some point during my stay.

    In my opinion if you come across an unruly pet you will find an unruly owner, which is much worse if you ask this caravan lover. But the great thing about the caravan holiday is the amount of choice and variety of sites you can choose from. We really so have something for everyone.