COMPETITION: Win tickets to the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2015 in Manchester

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by Joe Jeffrey

Our latest competition offers you the chance to win a pair of tickets to EventCity’s Caravan & Motorhome 2015

The 2015 caravan season is almost upon us and what better way is there to embrace it than to try your luck and enter our latest competition to win a pair of tickets to one of the biggest shows of the year – the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2015.

The event, running from 15 – 18 January will see the latest choice of caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes on display, all under one roof at Manchester’s EventCity and YOU could be there to savour all the show has to offer.

To be in with a chance of winning one of 25 pairs of tickets, all you need to do is like our Facebook page and complete the form below – it really is that simple. So what are you waiting for? Enter now and hopefully we’ll see you there!

VW Golf places first in Caravan of the Year Awards 2014 for Tow Car of the Year 2014 category

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by Joe Jeffrey

VW Golf takes first place in CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome of the Year Awards 2014

The VW Golf has taken first place in the Tow Car of the Year category in the CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome Awards 2014.

We asked for you to cast your votes and that’s exactly what you did, with Volkswagen’s Golf just beating the Peugeot 308 by 1.2 percent to take home the prize. The Land Rover Discovery came third attracting 8.80 per cent of the votes, closely followed behind by the Kia Sorrento in fourth.

The Awards, which recognise the crème de la crème throughout all things caravanning and motorhoming, proved more popular than ever before this year, with you, the members of CaravanTimes, determining the winners in each category.

Check out a breakdown of this category above. And to look at a more comprehensive detailed breakdown of all other categories within this year’s Awards, visit our forum by clicking here..

Coachman giving away Powrtouch Motor Movers with new caravans

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman giving away free Powrtouch Motor Mover with Vision, Pastiche, VIP and all Laser models

It wouldn’t be Christmas, or the New Year for that matter, without a sale or two, and you’ve probably had it up to your eyeteeth with the hoards of people digging through the bargain bins trying to find the best sales items if you’re anything like us here at CaravanTimes.

However, as the sales and bargains throng continues, Coachman has thrown in a great offer to see you into the New Year if you’re looking to upgrade your caravan for 2015.

To celebrate the New Year, those festive folks over at Coachman are giving away a free Powrtouch Motor Mover on all 2015 season caravans ordered from today (26 December). The offer, which will be running until 22 February applies to all single axle Vision, Pastiche and VIP models, as well as the Vision 640/6 and all Laser models.

So, to banish those post-Christmas blues, head on over to Coachman’s website to find your local dealer now.

Top Gear: Extreme Parking game brings caravan-wrecking to a whole new level

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by Joe Jeffrey

BBC Top Gear brings terror to caravanners tenfold with new app-based game

If you thought that at Christmas of all times, Top Gear would take a step back from attempting to rip the caravan industry to shreds, you’d seriously better think again.

In what is BBC Top Gear’s latest foray into caravan abuse, their latest app-based game, entitled Top Gear: Extreme Parking, sees hat must equate to Top Gear fan boys fulfilling their most extreme fantasies and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicles including the likes of the ‘Indestructible pickup’, ‘Reasonably priced Car’ and more in order to see how much damage they can cause on the infamous Top Gear Test Track.

It doesn’t stop there though. Where would Top Gear be, after all, without the inclusion of some devastating caravan destruction en route? The caravan carnage that ensues is, obviously, of the pixelated nature, but it doesn’t stop us here at CaravanTimes wincing every time we see a car blast through the shell of a non-descript caravan, reducing it to several chunks of metal.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think. Uncalled for vandalism encouraging dangerous driving or simply a festive bit of fun?

Let us know in the comments section below.

Bailey Unicorn III places first in Caravan of the Year Awards 2014 for Caravan of the Year category

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by Joe Jeffrey

Third generation Bailey Unicorn takes top spot followed by Lunar Clubman and Swift Elegance in CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome of the Year Awards 2014

In what saw many contenders and a great list of nominees in this year’s CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome Awards, the third generation Bailey Unicorn has taken the prestigious title of Caravan of the Year for 2014.

The Awards, which recognise brilliance across both the caravanning and motorhoming industries throughout the year, are unique in the way in which you, the public, vote – and wow, did you vote!

The Swift Elegance – Swift’s flagship caravan – built with SMART HT construction and available in seven different models came a respectable third place this year, whilst the Lunar Clubman saw fit to place second. However, there could only be one winner within the category of Caravan of the Year 2014, and this year it was the Bailey Unicorn III, with its eight best-selling layouts, suitable for couples and small families alike.

Check out a breakdown of this category above. To look at a more comprehensive detailed breakdown, visit our forum by clicking here.

Caravan & Motorhome of the Year 2014 Awards: results and prizewinners revealed

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by Joe Jeffrey

The wait is over and the votes have been counted. The results of the CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome Awards 2014 are in

2014 has undeniably been an amazing year within both the caravan and motorhome industries for many reasons. From the number of great new caravans and motorhomes released, to the record attendance figures at the array of caravan and motorhome shows which ran throughout the year, one thing certainly became apparent: caravanning and motorhoming is still booming.

Something else which proved very popular was the CaravanTimes Caravan & Motorhome Awards 2014. This year, we received a phenomenal amount of votes – more than we could have ever imagined – and that’s all thanks to you.

As an added incentive for your participation, we offered you the chance to win some great prizes worth over £500, with first prize consisting of an array of exciting items including a Vorwerk Kobold handheld vacuum cleaner, a TyrePal tyre pressure monitoring system, an Autoglym Perfect Bodywork, Wheels and Interior kit, a £100 Hi-Tek hiking boots voucher and a few other goodies to keep you in good stead for 2015.

Second prize came by way of a £100 Hi-Tek hiking boots voucher and runners up prizes of golf umbrellas for three lucky participants were also added to the mix.

The votes have now been counted and it’s time to reveal the results, as well as the lucky winners of our prize giveaway. So watch our video above to find out more.

Make sure you stay tuned to CaravanTimes to read a full breakdown of the voting in each category coming soon.

All that remains is to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a great 2015. We’ll see you on the other side!

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show competition winners announced

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by Joe Jeffrey

In our latest competition, CaravanTimes offered you the opportunity to win tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show this February. Read on to find out if you’re a winner!

The 2015 caravan season is almost upon us and what better way was there to take advantage than to enter our competition to win a pair of tickets to one of the biggest shows of the year – the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015.

The event, running from 17 – 22 February will see loads of exciting new products unveiled for the first time, with over 350 exhibitors offering everything you need to plan ahead for 2015, and CaravanTimes offered you the chance to win one of ten pairs of tickets to the event to be held at Birmingham’s NEC.

To be in with a chance of winning we asked you to like our Facebook page – it really was that simple. And the winners are in! The lucky recipients of a pair of tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 are:

Joan Rigby, Nicola Woodley, Val Brailsford, Simon Owens, John Booth, Richard Watts, Robert Dobon, Alan Herman, Alan Tuckwood, Mike Hodges

Congratulations to you all – we’ll be in touch shortly.

Don’t worry if you didn’t win this time though. Advance tickets are on sale now, so click here to book your tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 today.

We hope to see you there!

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Petrol prices set to drop below £1 a litre

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by Joe Jeffrey

Petrol prices set to drop to lowest level since 2009 in new year

Petrol prices are set to drop to the lowest level since May 2009 as the price per litre continues to fall, according to the RAC.

The prediction follows a reduction in the price of crude oil, which recently dropped to below $59 a barrel (approximately £36) and is expected to drop further.

Meanwhile, supermarkets continue to engage in a fuel price war, with Asda slashing the price of fuel by 2p a litre and diesel by 1p a litre. The cuts, which took place yesterday, mean that customers will pay no more than 110.7p a litre for petrol and 117.7p a litre for diesel. Check out your local fuel prices here.

This is obviously good news for those of us who tow caravans and drive motorhomes, but how low do you think prices can go?

Let us know how this will affect you in our comments section below or join in with the discussion here.

Smoking ban in cars early 2015?

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by Joe Jeffrey

MPs and peers set to vote on banning smoking in cars with children

Members of Parliament and peers are set to vote on implementing a ban on smoking in cars carrying children early next year.

Anyone found to be smoking in a car carrying a person under the age of 18 will be presented with an on-the-spot fine of £50. Drivers will also be held liable for the failure to prevent other people from smoking whilst in their vehicle too.

A ‘yes’ vote is expected, owing to a majority of MPs pledging their support for the proposal, with the ban set to be introduced on 1 October 2015 to coincide with the next general election and Stoptober should it be given the green light.

Public health minister Jane Ellison said: “Second-hand smoke is a real threat to children’s health and we want them to grow up free from the risks of smoking.

“The only effective way to protect children is to prevent them breathing second-hand smoke and our plans to stop smoking in cars carrying children will help us to do this.”

Smoking ban plans have also been put forward in Scotland and Wales, whilst Northern Ireland is currently considering the move.

What do you think? Is this a good idea or simply unnecessary and excessive?

Million pound Bedford OB motorhome conversion for sale

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by Jo Subramaniam

One of a kind luxury motorhome up for grabs

Fancy owning a Bedford OB bus that has been converted into a luxury motorhome, with an Apple Mac and Bose sound system, a 6.5 ton, 2006 Iveco three litre HDi engine, a double bedroom, an Alde full central heating system and an eight foot sunroof? That’s good, because it can all be yours… for the meagre price of one million pounds.

This 1950 OB conversion in bronze and yellow with red leather is certainly one of a kind, as only 180 such vehicles exist today. However, the conversion of the bus to a high-end luxury motorhome makes for an even bigger collectors’ item.

According to the owner, this motorhome could go at 90mph, going at 70 mph while in tow (naughty). It features modern running gear, an ABS braking system, an Electronic Stability Program Immobiliser, and weighs in at about 6,500 kgs. The million pound motorhome more than makes up for its unusual weight, as it has been fitted with a satellite dish, a separate shower, TV aerial and of course, a wicked sunroof which we can’t stop going on about.

There’s no compromise when it come to safety either. A ten point roll cage and side crash safety bars have been put in to fit modern safety standards, and the conversion also includes a completely re-panelled roof. You certainly needn’t worry about comfort either, as the regal motorhome comes with a double bedroom with en-suite at the rear, an additional fold-out double bed in the seating area, an oven, 240 v lighting and blinds. Need we say more?

If you fancy being the owner of this 1950 Bedford OB converted motorhome, it’s not entirely unreachable though as, despite the £999,999 price tag listed, the seller is accepting offers within the region of £139,000. Phew. Or not as the case may be!


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

What do you think? Is the OB worth a million, or £139,000 for that matter?

New pictures of the 2015 Bailey Approach Advance

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by Jo Subramaniam

Approach Advance to hit retailers in April 2015

If you haven’t heard already, Bailey of Bristol has announced a brand new entry-level coachbuilt motorhome range for 2015. The Approach Advance will make its début at all the big caravan and motorhome shows next year, including the Manchester Motorhome & Caravan Show and the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show as well as the 2015 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show before becoming available to buyers in April 2015.

The Approach Advance models are low cost, lightweight, and built with Bailey’s Alu-Tech bodyshell and GRP outerskin, meaning you can plan your holidays all year round without allowing the weather to get in the way or scupper your plans.

All models within the range, featuring a Peugeot Boxer Euro 5 cab with a 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox, are all under seven metres in length with a maximum weight of 3,500 kgs. All these features, along with the unique ultra-low profile lightweight AL-KO AMC chassis make the Approach Advance suitable for anyone with a full UK driving licence, whilst increasing driveability for those less experienced with driving a motorhome.

The interiors of the Approach Advance are also dressed to impress, with Italian design, ‘Mendip Ash’ furniture and ‘Pimlico’ upholstery fabric. Bailey have been completely versatile with the Advance, offering options for personal customisation including exterior ladders, roof racks, bike racks, cab air conditioning, passenger air bags, removable cab carpets and DAB Radio with Bluetooth connectivity. It certainly looks like Bailey has thought of what the motorhome wants with this one.

Bailey has announced four models in the Approach Advance range: the two-berth Advance 615 and 635, the four-berth Advance 640, and the six-berth Advance 665. The 665 features a rather impressive longitudinal drop-down bed.

To take a sneak peek of all this and more, check out the pictures of the new Approach Advance range below.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

So what do you think? Is this going to be on your list for 2015? Let us know in the comments section below or leave a comment in our forum by clicking here

Back of Beyond caravan park wins Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award

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by Jo Subramaniam

Adults-only touring park in Dorset wins top conservation award

What happens when you give up a successful photographic business in London, move to Dorset and take on a caravan park? Chances are you’d have a good old time with your fellow caravanners, but would you win the country’s top conservation award for caravan and holiday parks? The odds are slim, unless of course you’re Martin and Vicky Bowrey, who won the Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award for their caravan park, Back of Beyond, less than a year after its opening.

The pair gave up their business in London’s West End in February 2014 to establish the Back of Beyond adults-only touring caravan park, which is nestled among acres of greenery and even the occasional deer in St Leonards, near Ringwood in the New Forest. The park covers over 30 acres of countryside, half of which is woodland, and includes 80 pitches for camping, touring caravans and motorhomes.

If that isn’t green enough for the tree hugger in you, Back of Beyond sits right next to the popular Lions Hill Nature Reserve, and an area of the park has already been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Park guests also have access to the River Moors, which runs through the park and features two fishing lakes, not to mention a whole host of aquatic wildlife. To top it all off, multiple species of dragonflies and birds can be spotted flitting through the park, thanks to Martin and Vicky’s initiatives.

The Back of Beyond caravan park also places importance on locally sourced materials and food, and has incorporated Dorset shingle in its pathways, as well as native trees and shrubs in and around the park. Martin and Vicky are also big on recycling, having placed habitat timber piles around the grounds and bird boxes.

The couple were very pleased having received the award, with Martin commenting: “Feedback from guests so far has been tremendous, and it’s given us a real boost to know that we also have the support of someone like David Bellamy behind us.”

He added: “We enjoyed running our London business for over twenty years, but always dreamed of living in this beautiful area of Dorset, and creating a park which offered a complete rural escape.”

We here at CaravanTimes think Martin and Vicky truly deserve their award, and wish them the best of luck with their new caravan park.