The Motorhome & Caravan Show to continue at the NEC

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by Jo Subramaniam

NEC extends partnership with National Caravan Council

That fun filled week of exciting new caravans and dreamy holiday destinations is all set to repeat itself for the next three years, with the NEC has announced that it will be extending its partnership with the National Caravan Council (NCC). This means that The Motorhome & Caravan Show and The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show will both be housed in Birmingham until 2018.

John Lally, Director General of the NCC, spoke enthusiastically about the deal, commenting: “Working alongside the NEC, we are confident that we will continue delivering great shows and find new ways to enhance our visitor experience.”

Kathryn James, Managing Director of the NEC, stated: “The NEC is not only able to provide the space and flexibility that the shows require, its location in the heart of the country and great connectivity also allows the thousands of visitors that attend the ability to travel to the venue with ease, so we are delighted that NCC has chosen to renew their contract with us.”

The 2014 Motorhome & Caravan Show drew around 100,000 visitors in October, so we can only imagine how busy the upcoming The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show will be.

Tickets for The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show scheduled for 17-22 February 2015, are already on sale. Grab yours now, and we’ll see you at the NEC next year.

All about Swift’s SMART Construction technology

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by Jo Subramaniam

CaravanTimes travelled to Swift’s HQ to seek answers to all the questions surrounding Swift’s Smart Construction technology and to find out more about the clever technology behind it

If you really know your caravans, this little brainteaser should be a piece of cake. What does ‘SMART’ stand for? Our caps lock button isn’t broken, so this is a legitimate question. Don’t know the answer? We’ll give you a few little hints to help you along!

SMART is Swift‘s carefully crafted construction system set to feature in all coachbuilt motorhomes for 2015. This piece of advanced technology builds stronger, better Swift caravans than ever before, but it’s not just a catchy name. SMART stands for Strong, Modern, Aerodynamic, Resilient, and… well it’s no fun if we give the whole game away, is it?

Having invested a whopping £2million in ensuring their technology is on the ball, SMART construction has undergone the most comprehensive testing in the UK, ensuring a truly smart caravan and very happy campers – or caravanners and motorhomers anyway.

So to find out more about the technology behind SMART construction, as well as Swift’s innovative way of ensuring your caravan will stay in top shape for years to come, watch our SMART video (pun completely intended) for all you need to know about Swift’s construction system.

Winter care and advice for your caravan

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by Jo Subramaniam

CaravanTimes‘ guide to keeping your caravan snug and safe this winter

Whether you’ve made your last trip for the year and have stowed your trusty caravan away, or have bought a brand new model and are afraid the cold will get the upper hand, our simple tips and tricks for winter caravan care are sure to come in handy. So read on to see how you can ensure your caravan remains in perfect condition for the winter months ahead.

Storage

If you’re storing your caravan away this winter, you’ll need to take slightly different protective measures than if you were to brave the cold whilst travelling and staying inside it. For starters, if you are putting your caravan into open storage, remember to avoid low-lying areas, hanging branches and, needless to say, old buildings with the possibility of falling roof tiles. Returning to your caravan to take it along on your first adventure of the season only to find it’s been damaged isn’t too ideal.

Also remember to take care of your tyres. Our resident caravan experts tell us that tyres aren’t great fans of sitting on the same tread for long periods of time and, as a result, could affect tyre pressure or wear and tear of your tyres’ tread. Ensuring you turn your wheels every six to eight weeks will put stop to this and is highly recommended.

Bodywork and exteriors

So, you’ve gotten off to a terrific start; you’ve found a great location to store your caravan away that isn’t in the way of the worst Mother Nature has to offer, but what should you do next? We always recommend that you give the exterior of your home on wheels a pre-spring clean before storing it away.

When it comes to cleaning the outside of your caravan, proprietary caravan cleaning agents are your best bet and provide all the right ingredients to ensure the materials your caravan is made from won’t have suffer detrimental damage. Household cleaning agents are far too corrosive for caravan and motorhome shells, but you could use liquid metal polish for small scratches. Windows are especially susceptible to scratches, so take care whilst cleaning around them. If you really want to go that extra mile, use a good quality polish after you’re done cleaning.

The most important part of caring for the exterior, however, involves checking for dampness and water damage. If you’ve got a damp meter, review spots that have major damage and use sealants to prevent further problems. Also, giving your caravan a clean will ensure you can check for any signs of the onset of mould, which, if left to grow over winter, could create permanent unsightly markings on certain surfaces including aluminium and plastic.

Interiors

Thought the clean up was over? Think again. The inside of your caravan matters too. As many soft furnishings, including pillows and cushions, should be removed and stored in a dry place, and walls and ceilings should be rubbed down with a mild anti-bacterial solution.

The next step is to completely ransack the cupboards, which sounds brutal, but getting rid of every last crumb of food will keep those nasty little rodents away. And as for your fridge, remember it’s pretty imperative that once everything has been done you leave the door ajar after giving that a thorough clean too.

Moving through to the bedroom, we’d advise you to leave any fixed beds in the open position in order to aid air circulation. And whilst windows need to be shut, leave the vents uncovered as they can be a potential fire hazard.

Covers and awnings

If you’re going to fit a cover, it’s safe to say tarp or polyurethane covers are the best bet and will undoubtedly protect your caravan from all a harsh winter can throw at it. But these materials also collect moisture and promote the growth of mould, so make sure you use a breathable cover, or your worst fears could turn into reality when you return to find your pride and joy has become nothing but an agricultural project. You could also go for protective coating fluid or overwintering wax, both of which work well. We’d recommend covering up in any case, and here’s why.

When it comes to removing your awning, make sure you’ve given it a thorough wash and dry before packing them away, to prevent mould setting in. Another great alternative is to lay the awning flat on a dry surface and brushing it with plain water to remove stubborn stains. Remember not to get any oil or grease onto awning poles, as this might seep and cause unnecessary damage.

Gas

It goes without saying that all gas valves on top of cylinders are closed or that regulators are disconnected from the cylinders with caps fitted over the ends or protruding pipework. Try to store any gas cylinders in the dedicated gas locker in your caravan and make sure any cylinders are at least two metres away from ignitable materials and heat, open drains, buildings or corrosive, oxidant or toxic materials. When playing around with the gas, ensure your engine and electrical equipment is off. Be sure to check out our handy video to ensure you’re taking the utmost precautions with your gas system.

On another note, make sure that, if putting your caravan into storage, you are able to store any gas cylinders for the particular length of time you need. Some certain places have a specific policy on this that should be adhered to.

Electrics

It’s not as if you’re going to forget the pleasure all of that electricity brings throughout the year when you’re touring around the country, so now it’s time to give something back. In order to provide your caravan with the best winter experience possible, hooking it up to an electricity supply throughout the harsh winter months can work wonders. Not only will this enable you to power up the central heating periodically (if your heating has such a facility), but will also help you keep your battery in good condition.

If the above seems like it’s not an option, make sure your caravan’s battery is left isolated from all 12V equipment by either using the isolation switch or disconnecting it. But another good alternative would be to completely remove the battery and charge it periodically in the warmth of your own home. The above two alternatives would not obviously be possibly should you have a security tracking system dependent on the battery to work, and if that is the case we’d highly recommend charging your battery every six weeks.

Water systems

We know that this is where everyone gets stymied, so we’ve got you completely covered when it comes to your caravan’s water system. Switch off your water supply, but leave the taps turned on so as to let air into the system. For mixer taps, ensure the lever is central to allow both hot and cold to drain accordingly. Also, make sure all drain vales are opened and any plugs are removed. Ensure any filters are removed too – these can be saved for a good old spring sterilisation session. With on-board pumps, run these for a couple of minutes in order to clear them of water and also drain any portable water containers too and ensure these are dry in order to prevent mould from setting in. If you’re not sure how to drain your water system, watch our helpful video here.

When it comes to waste tanks, it goes without saying that you’ll need to flush these out and clean them thoroughly. Again, ensure these are dry. Also, clean and dry the valve blade separating the waste tank from the toilet with a recommended seal lubricant and leave it partially open.

Finally, whether you’re a novice when it comes to caravan care or a real expert, always check with your insurance providers so you don’t end up violating any policies. We at CaravanTimes hope that both you and your caravan have a wonderfully snug and safe winter this year, but please bare in mind this is by no way an exhaustive list and we’re sure you’ve got your own tips and advice that can help during those cold, chilly months ahead. If so, we’d love to hear what it is, so share your tips below.

Drive back to the 1940s with The Caravan Club’s East Midlands Centre Rally

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by Jo Subramaniam

A look at reversing tests from the 1940s

What were some of the first things you learned about caravans? How to tow them? How to drive with them? How about how to reverse with one?

If you still struggle with reversing, or if you want to see how it was done in the old days (with style), a throwback to the ’40s might be just what you need.

The Caravan Club‘s East Midlands Centre Rally seems to have had quite a few caravan mavericks in attendance judging by the quality of reversing on show. You’d think they wouldn’t have been able to go that fast, or take on manoeuvres even the most daring of us in the 21st century would have hesitated to do, but these guys and girls are good – and fast!

Catch some of the action from this late ’40s Rally by watching the video below. And as always, don’t forget to tell us what you think of reversing done retro style!

Winner of Elddis 50th Anniversary Legacy Competition walks away with top of the range Elddis Crusader Tempest EB

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by Dan Hughes

CaravanTimes congratulates Louise Sutherland and two sons on winning the Elddis Anniversary Legacy Competition

As far as caravan competitions go, you’d be hard pressed to find one that tops the one-of-a-kind competition Elddis recently launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their company. The competition opened earlier this year in May with the objective of finding a family who would most benefit from a brand new Elddis caravan. Elddis also believed this competition was one of the best ways for caravanning adventures to be passed down to the next generation and to encourage the joy of caravanning for years to come.

With a panel of 17 judges on hand, of which CaravanTimes was privileged to be a part of, not just any caravanning family was going to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. And, after serious deliberation, a brand new Elddis touring caravan has been presented to Louise Sutherland.

Following the loss of her husband, Scott, just before Christmas 2012, Louise, 34, from Ross-Shire, Scotland, has remained committed to keeping the outdoor interests of her late husband alive, by giving their two children, Duncan, aged four, and Marcus, soon to be aged two, the best opportunity to experience all the great outdoors has to offer and this is ultimately what swung the judging panel’s decision.

Louise said: “I would love to give them a real taste of the outdoor life their father was so passionate about… he would have just relished teaching his sons the best of camping by catching and cooking their first fish, gathering sticks for a fire, exploring the seashore, spotting wildlife and really just enjoying being in the great outdoors.”

Louise and her sons were invited as VIP guests to this year’s Anniversary Open Weekend, which took place in September this year. They got the chance to pick their favourite Elddis caravan from the entire 2015 season collection and, surprise surprise, they opted for the top of the range Elddis Crusader Tempest EB!
CaravanTimes wishes Louise and her family all the best in her future travelling endeavors.

The Caravan Club backs Surfing champs

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by Jo Subramaniam

Surf’s up as Club gets involved in National Championships

On land, and now across the sea! The Caravan Club has ventured into a new realm of outdoor fun with the National Surf Championships, which will take place at the Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall from 8-9 November. For the first time ever, The Caravan Club is backing the Men’s Open Division, meaning you could have access to a whole host of sites if you’ve got a wetsuit and a surf board this weekend.

Tony Hall, marketing director of The Caravan Club, commented that this was an exciting venture for The Club, and that supporting the UK’s highest profile surfing event would be a great way to connect with audiences that shared their passion for the great outdoors.

He added: “A Caravan Club site can provide something far more than just a place to stay near some of their favourite beaches – safe, affordable, flexible accommodation with high-standard facilities, and importantly, a warm welcome from our site staff.”

Nick Rees, operations manager for the British National Surf Championships, was also enthusiastic about The Caravan Club’s sponsorship of the upcoming event. He stated that caravanning enabled the sport of surfing, commenting: “The Men’s Open title is the most sought after in British surfing and with the fantastic support of the Caravan Club we are able to see the elite of British Surfing battle out for the glory and a host of prizes, including a week’s holiday.”

Are you going to be at the National Surf Championships this weekend? You could be the lucky surfer winning a week’s holiday and more from The Caravan Club!

Caravanning to steal identity of Lindsey villages?

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by Jo Subramaniam

Expanding caravan sites to link villages in East Lindsey

In what is being called a caravan conurbation, expanding coastal sites in East Lindsey could result in three villages merging. Chapel St Leonards, Ingoldmells and Addlethorpe have grown exponentially since caravan sites in the area have started thriving, and this has divided council members and residents alike.

The planning policy committee is set to meet on 6 November to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the three villages becoming linked, but legal complications take this debate to the next level. Coastal Policy dictates that caravans be within walking distance of existing settlements while not having an adverse impact on the environment. What’s more, East Lindsey planners fear that local villages could lose their identity if caravanning is further encouraged in the area.

John Kemp, resident and restaurant owner from Addlethorpe, told the East Lindsey Target that caravanning would only bring benefits, commenting: “”I think they should encourage it. If they constrict tourism in the area that’s not good for us.” He added: “Skegness and the area around would be nothing without tourism, they should be supporting it not restricting it.”

However, not everyone agrees with John’s view. An East Lindsey Council report states: “While the council does support economic growth and the growth of the tourism industry along the coast, it does also have to be balanced against the protection of our places within the district.”

Could these villages lose their historic identities, or will their being linked encourage caravanning and prove beneficial? What do you think?

Tickets on sale now for 2015 Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

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by Jo Subramaniam

Get your tickets and be at the NEC from 17-22 February

It’s like Christmas come early. Well not quite, because it’s the tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show that have come early. That’s right, you can get your tickets for the Show at the NEC, which is set to run from 17-22 February 2015. We can’t think of any better Christmas present, or a more fun start to the new year.

The 2015 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show will have more than 350 exhibitors and the chance to see caravans, motorhomes, awnings, accessories, campsites, towcars and a whole lot more. Whether you’re a newbie or a Show veteran, there will be something for everyone at the NEC. Next year’s show is due to feature sessions at the Live Theatre, activities for children including the popular dog agility event, caravan towing experience and camping ideas. And let’s not forget leading caravan and motorhome manufacturers such as Bailey , Elddis , Swift , Coachman , Lunar and Adria to name a few, who will be at the NEC with exciting products on display.

With the highly successful Motorhome & Caravan Show that concluded last month, February’s Show has big shoes to fill. NCC Events managing director Andrew Whalley seems to agree, commenting: “Following on from our successful Motorhome & Caravan Show in October I am already looking forward with great anticipation to February 2015.”

He added: “The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is the best place for enthusiasts, newcomers and their families to start planning holiday adventures and browse and buy everything they need.”

Get your tickets to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show here, and you could be walking away with tickets, free parking and a Show guide included!

Face2Facebook motorhoming adventures makes 100th trip

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by Jo Subramaniam

Hurst family makes 100th visit on European motorhome journey

Remember the Hurst family, who announced they were combining motorhomes and friends on their Face2Facebook journey across Europe? Well if you don’t you certainly will now, as they have already travelled all across the country since setting off on 3 October.

David and Debs Hurst’s 100th visit was made to their friend James and his family, whom they hadn’t seen in years. That’s not all the Hursts have done on their journey so far though. David, Deb, their sons Daniel and Darley and their collie Mr Colin Dog have met actor and writer Dan Skinner, journalist Simon Hattenstone and author Ben Hatch, as well as a whole host of friends they hadn’t caught up with in ages.
David and Debs have enjoyed their trip immensely, commenting: “So far every meeting has been very special – it’s been great to actually hug people rather than see them on a flat screen.” They added that it was a wonderful experience for their children, stating: “”We’ve met friends’ children for the first time and vice versa, and the children have all played happily together. We hope this is the start of some friendships there that will last a lifetime.”

The trip is being sponsored by The Camping and Caravanning Club, who are very enthusiastic about the Hursts’ journey and hope it will encourage camping.
The Club’s Director General, Robert Louden MBE, commented: “Not only is camping an inexpensive pastime, it’s also a fantastic way to travel and brings real richness into people’s lives which the Hursts are certainly demonstrating.” He added: “We wish them all the very best of luck for the rest of the UK journey and we look forward to reading about more of their #Face2Facebook experiences.”

The Hursts’ Face2Facebook journey aims to demonstrate how camping creates stronger relationships by seeing friends and family in person rather than on a computer. To find out more about how you could bring some real richness into your life with camping, click here.

And don’t forget to keep up with the David and Debs on the rest of their journey here.

Venus succeeds at Caravan Design Awards 2015

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by Jo Subramaniam

Venus wins affordable caravan category

There are so many hot new caravans on the market, but sometimes they burn a hole in your pocket. That’s why it feels like a win for everybody when a high quality, affordable caravan is released. What are we talking about? Meet the Venus 540/4, which was recently named the Best Caravan Under £15,000 at The Caravan Club ‘s 2015 Caravan Design & Lightweight Leisure Awards.

The 540/4 is part of Venus’s specially redesigned range for 2015, and is a four berth, single axle caravan. It includes a fixed double bed, spacious washrooms, a front lounge and a kitchen with an oven. The exteriors feature grey panels on the skirts, gas locker doors and new decals, which give the caravan a contemporary look.

Lee Roberts, National Sales Manager at Venus Caravans, commented on the company’s success, stating: “This is a fantastic reward for the huge amount of care and passion invested by the team into the production of the new collection under the Venus brand label.” He added: “We are so pleased that the judges recognised our efforts to deliver a high quality caravan at an achievable price point.”

Manchester rolls out red carpet for 2015 Caravan & Motorhome Show

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by Dan Hughes

Get ready for the biggest ever yet, Caravan & Motorhome Show coming to Manchester in 2015

Early next year Manchester’s EventCity will hold the prestigious 2015 Caravan & Motorhome Show.

The show will take place from between 15 – 18 January 2015 and will feature only the best of the best caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes for 2015 has to offer. The event will hold over an unprecedented 300 exhibitors, giving visitors exceptional show-only exclusives along the way.

A host of leading brands will headline the show as Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar, Coachman, Adria, Compass, Auto-Sleepers and many more will take up center stage.

Last year’s show saw a 13 per cent increase on 2013 as numbers sky rocketed to close to 28,000 visitors – an unprecedented number for any caravan and motorhome show around the globe – and with a plethora of exciting things to do and see, including expert 101s and lessons on all things caravans and motorhomes plus lots more, 2015 looks set to scupper last year’s attendance figures.

Sam North, Show Director, said of the event: “We’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s show and deliver the best show to date.”

To secure your tickets to the show, click here..

Manchester. 15 – 18 January 2015. Caravans. Motorhomes. Biggest show ever. Get excited!

Lunar Caravans named winners at 2015 Caravan Club Caravan Awards

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by Jo Subramaniam

Lunar’s new range of caravans perform well at Awards

The Lunar Clubman CK and Lunar Delta TI were among those named winners at The Caravan Club‘s 2015 Caravan Design & Lightweight Leisure Awards, with the brand new Lunar Quasar 586 also winning big.

Brian Mellor, CEO and Chairman of Lunar Caravans, expressed confidence in Lunar’s new range for 2015, stating: “To have received this award from The Caravan Club and its esteemed judging panel is a real honour. We believe we offer an amazing product and these accolades help us prove it!”

The Clubman CK was named the Best Two Berth Caravan within the £18,000 – £21,000 range category, while the Delta TI and Quasar 586 came in second for Best Caravan priced between £21,000 – £26,000 and Best Caravan priced between £15,000 – £18,000, respectively.

We at CaravanTimes send our congratulations to the whole team at Lunar.