VW Tiguan proves popular in Tow Car Awards, as Mitsubishi Shogun and Skoda Superb take second and third places respectively
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been voted best overall Tow Car in the Simple Caravan Insurance Tow Car Awards 2015 which had more than 800 respondents, with the Mitsubishi Shogun and Skoda Superb taking second and third places respectively.
The survey, in conjunction with CaravanTimes, saw the German-made Tiguan beat 21 other cars altogether to place in the top percentile for towing power, stability, traction, comfort and economy.
Individual comments from survey respondents showed the Tiguan got the thumbs-up for a number of reasons, with most who voted for the model describing its towing abilities as ‘excellent’ whilst one voter said: “when you accelerate you have to look behind to make sure you haven’t left the van behind.”
Other winners in their class were Mitsubishi Shogun with Best Towing Power and Best Comfort, Skoda Superb with Best Economy and Land Rover Discovery with Best Traction and Best Stability.
One respondent said the of Shogun: “When towing it has no trouble at all – if you get stuck you know it will be able to get out and you feel safe at all times.”
Others said of the Discovery: “You do not even know you are towing a caravan – excellent”, and, “an excellent all round towing vehicle that is not phased by anything.”
So there you have it. What do you think of the results of the survey? Did your tow car cut the mustard?
Autumn caravan and motorhome show to reveal 2016 models
Grab your diaries and save the date. The West Midland’s Caravan and Motorhome Show is set to return in just over three week’s time.
The show, being held from October 3-11 at Salop Leisure‘s impressive sales centre and holiday home village in Shrewsbury, will offer customers the chance to see around 40 new caravan holiday home and touring caravan models for 2016.
Among the new models on display will be the Willerby Shrewsbury holiday home, which is a special edition designed by and made exclusively for Salop Leisure.
Apart from previewing the 2016 models, the show will also be the prelude to a special birthday celebration at Salop Leisure next year. The company will be celebrating 50 years in business in Shrewsbury, having been established in 1966, the same year as England won the football World Cup.
“It’s an important show for the company because we are hoping to make 2016 extra special to mark our 50th anniversary,” said chairman Tony Bywater. “The show is a great place to come to see all the latest innovations and advances in touring caravan, motorhome and caravan holiday home design.”
The popular, free event, which attracts visitors from across the UK, aims to be a one stop shop for existing owners and newcomers wishing to buy their first caravan or motorhome. Family entertainment, including a falconry display, will also be provided during the show.
To find out more about the show and what to expect, click here
Search thickens as border collie, Bella, disappears from Bideford Bay Holiday Park
Over 1,000 people have joined together in an appeal to help a couple of caravanners find their missing dog.
Border collie Bella disappeared from the Bideford Bay Holiday Park at Bucks Cross in Devon on 28 August during a family caravan holiday with owners Katrina and Matt Lovering from Trowbridge in Wiltshire.
People across the Bideford area have since joined the search after details of Bella’s disappearance spread on Facebook.
Katrina’s sister, Michelle Turner, set up a group on the social network called ‘Please help find Bella’ which has since attracted over 1,000 members.
Michelle said: “Everybody from Devon has been amazing – the holiday park let them stay an extra two nights and put up posters for them.
“A lot of people have been helping and loads of people have been in contact to say they’d seen her.
“We think Bella may have been back to the caravan but she ran off when the security man tried to approach her.
“There are a lot of woods and cliffs around there and she has obviously lost her bearings.
“Katrina is heartbroken and the children are upset too.”
Anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of Bella is asked to call 07454 245 378 or 07568 187 434.
We here at CaravanTimes hope Bella is reunited with her owners soon.
MPs visit The Lawns event to learn more about how the caravan industry contributed £1.8bn to the UK economy last year alone
Members of Parliament have met with representatives of the National Caravan Council (NCC) and Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers’ Association (HERCMA) for a tour of the caravan trade show which takes place every year in the grounds of the University of Hull’s main halls of residence at The Lawns in Cottingham.
The show, which was open to the public over the weekend (5 – 6 September), featured new touring caravans, caravan holiday-homes, lodges and park homes.
During the visit David Davis, MP for Haltemprice and Howden; Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North; and Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, also learned about the huge contribution that the caravan industry makes to the Hull and UK economy. Last year over £1.8 billion was spent on caravan holidays across Great Britain with over 50 million nights spent in caravans.
NCC Deputy Director General Alicia Dunne said of the visit: “We were thrilled to welcome David, Diana and Graham to this year’s Caravan Extravaganza weekend. All three have been huge advocates for the sector and their visits gave us an opportunity to talk about some of the new initiatives that the NCC has launched, including VIN Chip and TowCheck.
“The UK caravan industry is worth £6 billion to the UK economy and supports around 130,000 jobs, including thousands in the Hull and East Riding area. It remains a British manufacturing success story – over 95% of touring and holiday caravans in the UK are made here.
“The NCC is committed to promoting the caravan industry to politicians and policy makers to ensure that it receives the positive recognition that it deserves.”
Organisers welcomed over 20,000 people to the show over the weekend, proving the mainstay event remains as popular as ever.
37 per cent of new car purchases are influenced by kids, survey reveals
We don’t know about you, but when we here at CaravanTimes were kids we’d be lucky if we could influence our parents into switching television channels, let alone choosing their next car purchase. But now, all that seems to have changed if the results of a new survey from Auto Trader are anything to go by.
More than a third of parents (37 per cent) have claimed that children are a key influence when deciding which car to buy next.
Results of the survey have also revealed that more than three quarters of parents (78 per cent) claim that having kids forced them into buying a new car.
Pooling the views of 1,000 parents and children aged between five and 11 years, the key findings came when, in August, Auto Trader asked parents and children about what they looked for in their perfect family car – and to what extent children influenced their parents’ buying decision.
Findings of the survey certainly point to a number of differences in the success of pester power though, with more than half of Londoners, (55 per cent), saying they are more likely to be influenced by their children. Compare that to just 24 per cent in the North East and maybe it’s true what they say about southern softies.
When it comes to the sexes, the research suggests dads should probably be the target of lobbying, as 39 per cent of dads said they were open to influence compared with 33 per cent of mums.
“A substantial amount of research has been done looking at how the decision of the car buyer can be influenced and at what stage in the buying journey,” commented Nathan Coe of Auto Trader, “but few have really considered the role that children play, or the influence of pester power. If one of the kids doesn’t like the shape or colour of your next car, or it doesn’t come with plug-in for an i-Pad, then you’d better be prepared for some serious pestering!”
It might be said that kids are becoming more influential over our car purchases, but only to an extent. Overall, colour is the most likely area for successful persuasion by children, with 26 per cent influencing their parents’ choice of colour. Children are most likely to push for red (28 per cent), followed by blue (21 per cent), black (14 cent) and pink (13 per cent). Perhaps unsurprisingly, boys tend to favour red cars (28 per cent v 23 per cent) and girls preferred pink (26 cent v one per cent). However, only two per cent said they’d prefer a white car, despite white being the most popular new car colour, according to SMMT new car sales data.
It’s not all about colour though, and children also influenced a number of other factors, including comfort (13 per cent), size (12 per cent) and design, clocking up 12 per cent – after all, no one wants to be laughed at after being dropped off at the school gates, right?
Unsurprisingly, safety came top of the list when it came to the parents having their say, with 27 per cent agreeing this was the main contributing factor.
On a lighter note, however, kids also provided an interesting take on what their top ten wish list for their parents’ next car was, including turbo buttons, flame fuelled exhausts and ejector seats, decisions perhaps indicative of the Batmobile being considered the most popular car by those kids surveyed.
What do you think of the results of this survey? Have you ever made – or would you make – a car buying decision based upon your little nippers? Check out Auto Trader’s video below and let us know.
BC Motorhomes and Leisure to sponsor Scottish show following show’s success earlier this year
Organisers of Scotland’s premier annual leisure offering, the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, have announced that BC Motorhomes and Leisure will return as headline sponsor of the event this year.
The news comes following the dealership’s success as sponsor of the 2015 show.
The show, the largest in Scotland, is the only place where visitors to North of the border can explore the widest range of caravans and motorhomes and the very latest models in one destination.
Attracting lovers of the great outdoors, caravan enthusiasts and those looking to explore holidaying in Scotland, visitors travel from across Scotland and England to be at the event each year. Last year’s caravan show attracted over 200 companies and around 25,000 visitors.
Part of the Borders Car Group, BC Motorhomes and Leisure first exhibited in 2012 and following their success at the show have grown their motorhome business considerably through both exhibiting and then sponsoring the show last year where they achieved record sales.
Show organiser, Jamie Taylor, said: “We’re delighted to have BC Motorhomes return as sponsor. As organisers we want a sponsor that we can work in partnership, and with BC we have a great partner who is committed to providing our visitors with a fantastic show.”
Calum Watson, general manager for BC Motorhomes, commented: “The success of last year’s event made the decision for us to return as sponsor for the 2016 show even easier. The show provides a great way to meet new customers and the sponsorship has helped us build our profile and brand across Scotland and catapulted us towards one of Scotland’s top players in the motorhome world.”
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show is on from Thursday 4 until Sunday 7 February 2016 at the SECC, Glasgow. Five halls of the vast SECC complex will be taken over during the four day extravaganza, where around 25,000 visitors are expected over the four day event.
The show offers visitors Free Parking and children under 16 are free to enter. The show also features a Holiday Park Village where visitors can explore holidays on offer across Scotland and the UK as well as a selection of tents for camping enthusiasts.
BBC bird watcher Michael Carrier honoured for Cumbrian conservation work
Fifteen years inspiring Cumbrian holiday parks with new ideas to protect the natural world have been marked with a presentation to Lakeland wildlife enthusiast Michael Carrier.
Carrier, perhaps better known in his capacity as BBC Radio Cumbria‘s bird correspondent – a position held for over 40 years – was thanked by park owners at a special ceremony at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside.
Since 2000, Carrier has worked with TV botanist David Bellamy as a regional assessor for his conservation award scheme which highlights environmentally-friendly park businesses.
He visits many of Cumbria’s 100-plus parks on a regular basis, judging the wildlife initiatives they have taken, and their eligibility for Professor Bellamy’s prestigious award.
Holding a keen interest in military aircraft, Carrier was presented with a framed photograph of the last remaining flying Vulcan bomber, pictured in formation with the Red Arrows.
It was taken by David Jackson, owner of Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park near Keswick, who praised Michael’s invaluable role as a torch-bearer for “green tourism” in Cumbia.
Carrier, now aged 81, has dedicated much of his retirement to local wildlife and was the founder, 45 years ago, of Carlisle’s first RSPB group and is today the chairman of the Cumbria Bird Club.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Cumbria branch of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA) by David Jackson and Skelwith Fold Caravan Park owner Henry Wild.
Henry, who is also national chairman of the association, said that many parks in the county were indebted to Michael for his guidance on how best to protect their flora and fauna.
“Around thirty parks in Cumbria have achieved the David Bellamy Conservation Award, but Michael’s role is not just as an assessor of the eco-friendly steps they have taken,” said Henry.
“His expertise helps businesses pin-point what new measures can be taken to make their grounds even more attractive to animals and birds, and to enrich their bio-diversity even further.
“Michael’s knowledge, enthusiasm and practical approach has inspired many owners to make their parks equally as welcoming to wildlife as they are to holidaymakers.
“And in doing so, of course, he is helping to ensure that visiting families are provided with a fascinating new dimension to their stay,” Henry added.
Elddis’ five star offering receives new layout and enhancements for 2016
Elddis has revealed its new Crusader caravan lineup for 2016, which includes new updates and a fresh new four-berth layout.
The new Crusader Aurora, priced at £23,094 (OTR) comes with a spacious living room which transforms into a front bedroom, as well as centre kitchen with bathroom, and end retractable island bed. The positioning of the bathroom in conjunction with the rear bedroom allows the ability to create en-suite facilities – perfect for couples.
Five more models will be made available for 2016, including four additional four-berthers within the range – the Crusader Aurora, Crusader Mistral, Crusader Storm, and Crusader SuperSirocco – whilst the six-berth Crusader Tempest looks set to appeal to larger families or those looking for a bit more space.
Adding, perhaps, a touch of sophistication, high strength one piece aluminium sides featuring fully bonded awning rails come in a new ‘Champagne’ colour. Elsewhere on the outside, new external graphics with Kromex and an AL-KO galvanised steel chassis feature as standard.
Stepping inside each range, upholstery features Aquaclean Vinci design with Ozio hi-performance construction, and contemporary ‘Marone’ craftsman built cabinetry with ‘Ash Prato’ feature strip and chrome inset detail adding a touch of class.
In the kitchen, contrasting units in ‘Fantasie Brushed’ design, with ‘Ash Prato’ feature strip and chrome inset details, complement the above.
As previously mentioned, the new Elddis Crusader Aurora will come with a retractable bed, but so too will the Crusader Mistral and Crusader Storm, allowing for up to 400mm extra floor space.
New backlit headboards feature on all fixed beds across the range. A new panoramic ‘Sky-Scape’ sunroof will also offer light and a feeling of space.
Elsewhere across the Crusader range, new bathroom accessories come as standard, as well as the exclusive EcoCamel Orbit water saving Halo shower head which utilises its Aircore technology to provide a power shower-style experience whilst actually saving water – an abundance of which is available via the Crusader’s on-board 40-litre water tank.
What do you think of the sound of the 2016 Crusader range? Is this something you might go for?
The Caravan Club’s Balbirnie Park site provides the perfect opportunity to check out the latest World Heritage Site
The United Nations body UNESCO has awarded Scotland’s Forth Bridge with World Heritage Site status, preserving the landmark for future generations. The prestigious honour marks the sixth Scottish landmark to achieve the esteemed status.
Other sites in Scotland with the award include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, The Antonine Wall, the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, and St. Kilda.
An incredibly recognisable and magnificent example of engineering and architecture, the Forth Bridge spans the estuary of the River Forth. It connects Fife, the Highlands, and islands of the north to the Lothians and City of Edinburgh to the south.
Upon first opening in 1890, the Forth Bridge was considered the be-all and end-all of engineering. At the time, it was also the longest bridge in the world at 2.53 kilometres long and 110 metres high.
The bridge is considered a pivotal aspect and mode of transport of the national East Coast mainline with around 200 local and intercity trains crossing it on a daily basis.
Anyone wishing to get a good look at this landmark piece can do so by travelling to the Balbirnie Park Caravan Club site. The site is located just 10 to 15 minute’s walk from Markinch station that links it to Edinburgh, Dundee, and Perth. Take the train into Edinburgh from the site to see a piece of history.
The Balbirnie Park Caravan Club site is located Markinch, Fife with a total of 75 pitches. Tent camping is also available at this site. Visitors get to choose from pitches grouped in open areas and surrounded by mature trees or pitches located in alluring shady glades.
The site is set within 400 acres of parkland offering visitors plenty of opportunities for gorgeous walks, some with marked paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Those of you who wish to get the most out of your stay are in luck as the site is close to The Kingdom of Fife as well as local cafes, pubs, and even a grocery shop.
The site is also within five miles from swimming pools, ten pin bowling, an ice rink, go-karting, horse riding, and more than 30 golf courses in all of Fife which includes the famous Royal and Ancient at St. Andrews. Sportier holidayers can also take in some activity in the sporting and leisure facilities in nearby Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy.
Be sure to get out there and see a World Heritage Site for yourself and make the most of your stay with The Caravan Club.
Check out our latest video to see just how easy it is to service your caravan mover with Powrwheel
Since introduction, caravan movers have proven to be one of the most handy pieces of kit invented for the caravan. From moving us into the right position when pitching up, to making life easier when it comes to hitching up, we here at CaravanTimes would be lost without ours, and we’re sure many of our readers feel the same.
It goes without saying however that, even caravan movers need a little TLC – especially when considering the amount of work we put them through. And that’s where servicing comes in.
CaravanTimes went along to Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury to speak take a look at the Powrtouch Evolution, made by caravan mover experts, Powrwheel, to find out why it’s important to service your caravan mover and much more. So take a look at our latest video to find out more and to make sure you get the most out of your caravan mover for many years to come.
New Bailey Getting Started video helps to make using a caravan easier by showing how to get ready, hitch-up and more
Bailey of Bristol has released a new Getting Started video to help make using and setting up a caravan as easy and stress free as possible. The video looks set to help those new to caravanning, as well as act and as a convenient reminder of how to use all the equipment in today’s latest models for experienced caravanners, those upgrading to a new caravan, or anyone returning to caravanning.
Safety and convenience are key themes of the video, so that caravanners can set off, travel safely, then arrive on site and relax and enjoy all their caravan’s facilities as quickly and as easily as possible.
The video starts with a guide to hitching-up and goes on in easy to find sections to show how to pack a caravan to achieve the best weight distribution to optimise towing stability, then what to do after arriving on site, from unhitching through to connecting the mains electricity and operating the fridge, oven, heating and hot water systems fitted to the latest Bailey caravans.
Nick Howard, managing director of Bailey of Bristol, commented: “We want to help everyone enjoy safe and stress-free holidays in their caravans, and as today’s models are so well equipped, we thought it was time to produce a helpful, new video guide starting with the basics, right through to being able to make your first cup of tea after arriving on site.”
“There is a lot of information to remember during the handover when you buy a caravan, so we are supplying a DVD copy as well as a handbook with our new caravans, but as we all expect to be able to watch a video guide online, anytime and anywhere, for everyone’s convenience, we’ve made sure the Getting Started video will be available to view online on our BBTV channel.
Does the Triaca Concept 230 motorhome herald the new eco-friendly motorhome of tomorrow?
Trigano Group’s Roller Team brand has unveiled a new eco-friendly motorhome at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon trade show 2015, in a move which could shape the future of motorhomes.
Designed in Italy, the Triaca Concept 230 is seen by Roller Team as an experiment into creating a smarter, more eco-friendly type of motorhome, without compromising on quality or veering too far ahead of current day motorhomes.
Taking its name from ‘Tecnologia per Ridurre l’Impatto Ambientale in Camper’, which roughly translates to ‘Technology for Environmental Impact Reduction in Motorhomes’, the Triaca has seen Roller Team create a motorhome with an eco-friendly design construction featuring recyclable volcanic-based basalt fibre walls – a cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative to carbon fibre – as well as acrylic polymer-based pral kitchen counter tops, sink and bathroom surfaces – a robust, anti-bacterial material which is easy to repair. Recycled and vegetable-based fabrics are used throughout the interior.
Despite the materials used perhaps sounding as though the aesthetic qualities of the Triaca Concept 230 could be compromised, looks-wise, the concept vehicle remains impressively modern with a clean and minimalistic feel, without scrimping on quality. An open dinette/living area is situated at the front behind the cab, whilst a narrow corner kitchen and bathroom are located at the rear. A pop-up roof above the cab, as well as living area seating arrangement act as spacious sleeping quarters, providing four berths.
A remote control operates much of the electrical equipment within the Triaca Concept 230, including the concertina roof extension, telescopic sliding track dining table, swivelling front seats and more. Meanwhile, space has been utilised with the inclusion of various handy little touches, including integrated removable benches for outdoors use. A solar panel would come as standard.
Check out the video of the Triaca Concept 230 in action below and let us know your thoughts.
