Video: super dog tows caravan

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by Jo Subramaniam

Medium sized Cocker Spaniel tows large caravan

Dogs are truly our best friends. They greet us at the door when we get home and they never, ever demand that we pick up some milk on our way back. But now there’s an entirely new reason to hug your dog and give it a few extra pats, because your four legged pal might just be able to tow your caravan. Well alright, not all dogs have this scarily impressive and quite useful ability, it’s just one so far. We’re talking about the super strong, super cute Cocker Spaniel who can tow caravans.

We can’t help but wonder if dogs get super canine powers in the months leading up to Halloween or if this adorable little Cocker Spaniel is just special. His towing abilities are on par with any car, so why not save a few pounds on fuel and give your pet the workout he deserves?

So watch on to see this super dog’s towing abilities for yourself, and keep this video in mind the next time someone wants a pet. Or a fun way to tow their caravan.

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Elddis picks up awards for Xplore and Buccaneer

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by Tom Walsh

Xplore 526 and Buccaneer Cruiser win big

Elddis enjoyed a successful night at the Practical Caravan Tourer of the Year Awards 2015 with two of its models being honoured.
Both the Xplore and Buccaneer were named as SoLiD Winners at the ceremony as Elddis once again showed its prowess within the caravanning industry.

The Buccaneer Cruiser was named the Best Caravan for Seasonal Pitches with judges being impressed with the model’s spacious interiors and refined woodwork.

Judges were also wowed by the Xplore 526, which claimed the Best Caravan for Large Families title. It was praised the comfort of the model as well as the price. Caravanners can pick up this award-winning model for under £15,000 which judges described a huge achievement.

The Xplore has been touted as one of the best all rounders that the caravan industry has seen in recent times. What do you think?

Swift’s new Escape for 2015

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by Jo Subramaniam

CaravanTimes dropped in on Swift to take a look at their new Escape for 2015, and to find out about their new Smart Construction feature

The Escape is Swift‘s biggest selling range to date, so their brand new 2015 models are good news for everyone. Like all other coachbuilt motorhomes from Swift, the new 2015 Escape is built with Smart Construction, and CaravanTimes went to find out about all these new developments at the Swift headquarters.

The new Escape range for 2015 has five models which range from two berth to six berth and all feature exciting new cabs from Fiat. The exteriors feature white gloss panels and new graphics, replacing the older anthracite finish and freshening up the Escape’s look.

The interiors have gotten a radical new makeover, with better and lighter wood work and chrome details which add to the Escape’s modern feel. Swift has also swapped halogen lamps for omnidirectional LED ones, meaning you won’t ever be in for a burning shock if you happen to touch the lights.

The Escape also has upgraded features in the kitchen, driving area and bathroom, including a new winter pack that ensures your motorhome can keep going all year round. These updates take the entry level Swift Escape to the next level, offering innovation and comfort at an affordable price.

So watch our video to see what’s new for the Swift 2015, and tell us what you think of this smartly constructed motorhome.

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Coachman Caravans impress at Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Jo Subramaniam

Updates and new models bring success at Show

We certainly had a marvellous time at the Motorhome & Caravan Show, and so did Coachman Caravans. The luxury caravan manufacturer’s new models, the VIP 545 and Laser 650, were on display at the NEC for the first time.

The latest additions to Coachman’s VIP and Laser ranges feature new layouts and are lighter than previous models. They also come with a 10 year ingress warranty which Coachman have recently introduced.

Jim Hibbs, Executive Chairman of Coachman, commented on the success of the new caravans, stating: “It was the first time Coachman has showcased both the new VIP 545/4 and Laser 650/4 models, and there was tremendous interest from the public with queues of people stretching out of our caravans eagerly anticipating a first glimpse.”

He added: “Customer feedback has enabled us to develop designs which fully meet the needs of caravan users, and our sales activity from this year’s show proves that really listening truly pays off!”

If you didn’t catch Coachman at the NEC, you can see their new models on display when they hit dealerships in late October.

Bailey touring caravans win at 2015 Caravan Design Awards

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by Jo Subramaniam

Bailey Unicorn models among big winners

Bailey of Bristol won big at The Caravan Club‘s 2015 Caravan Design Awards & Lightweight Trailer Awards , held during the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Bailey Unicorn won awards in multiple categories, with the Cadiz and Barcelona earning an award for Small Family Caravan (£18,000 – £21,000) and Any Caravan (£21,000 – £26,000) respectively. The Seville and Valencia models also performed well, placing second in the Two Berth Caravan (£18,000-£21,000) and Caravan with Dedicated Bed(s) (£18,000-£21,000) categories. The entry level Pursuit range also walked away with an award at the Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards, where it was named the Best Caravan between 750 kg to 1090 kg.

These awards come as the icing on the cake for Bailey, with the two berth Unicorn Seville having recently bagged the title of Practical Caravan‘s ‘Tourer of the Year 2015’.

Bailey’s Managing Director Nick Howard stated that the awards and feedback would help produce better caravans in the future, commenting: “The Company has enjoyed its best start to a season for many years in terms of caravan sales and the Unicorn range in particular certainly seems to be proving to be very popular with the caravanning community.”

He added: “It is great therefore to see this reflected with the receipt of these prestigious awards from such a respected source”.

Have you seen the newly launched Bailey caravans? What do you think of them?

Carapods launch custom built Freestyle caravan

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by Jo Subramaniam

Yorkshire based company creates mini sleeping caravan

Ever heard of carapoding? If you have, chances are you’ve also heard of Carapods. If you haven’t, you need to be in on the loop, and we here at CaravanTimes have got you covered. All you need to remember are the words ‘custom’, ‘teardrop’ and ‘caravan’.

Carapods is the brainchild of Leigh Hardy and James Spooner, who combined their love of engineering and caravans to start a business. Based in East Yorkshire, Leigh and James have been helping caravanners get as involved in the production of caravans as possible, with the end result being custom made teardrop caravans with lots of space for personalised add ons. Apart from giving you the chance to deck your caravan out in ten different colours or maybe put a built in bed for your pet, Carapods also guarantees you that your caravan will not be like any other.

The first model that Carapods launched was the 1500 Envy, which is currently the largest model in the entire Carapods range. However, it weighs in at about 420 kgs, which means you have all the convenience of a large caravan without having to struggle with towing.

What you need to watch out for though is the newly launched Carapods Freestyle caravan. This mini sleeping pod takes Carapods’ promise of customisable caravans to the next level, with custom colours and interiors, styling bars, a rear cycle carrier, DVD and Bluetooth connectivity. And when they say Freestyle, they really mean it. The interiors of this cool little caravan are like an origami puzzle you can sleep in with options to stack the bed and create a sofa, folding the back rest to reveal a locker and an entertainment unit with more space for storage.

Each carapod is custom made from locally sourced materials and are constructed from aluminium and composite materials so you wouldn’t have to worry about replacing your carapod just as soon as you buy it. So whether it’s the newly launched Freestlye or the original Carapod, all you’ll have to worry about is where your next trip will be and nothing else. All models are inspected by The Department for Transport, so you can also insure your carapoding experience.

With renting prices starting at £120, there’s never been a better time to venture into the world of carapods. So start jotting down ideas on that napkin and get your own customisable carapod now! And if you need inspiration, check out photos of the new Freestyle Carapod below.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

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Introducing Velovan, the bike caravan

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by Tom Walsh

Innovative new project blends bicycle and caravan

When Glasgow bike mechanic John Buchan travelled across Europe on a bicycle he came up with a brainwave.

On his travels through various countries he noticed a motorcycle towing a miniature caravan and thought that this could be a great way of being able to store essentials and have a place to sleep for the night when off the road.

Enter the Velovan.

Mr Buchan’s invention is a small caravan attached to the back of a pedal bike which can be towed easily by the rider.

Mr Buchan created the mobile home from fibreglass and aluminium and he believes it could have a multitude of uses. He told STV Glasgow: “I can see it having lots of different uses. It would suit people camping around Scotland and I think travelling cyclists would love to have something like this.”

Mr Buchan is now hoping to secure funding to launch a range of Velovan models. You can find out more about Velovan bicycle caravans here.

Experience the Canadian lakes by motorhome

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by Tom Walsh

Tour to include lakes and Niagara Falls

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays is offering customers a once-in-a-lifetime experience as it expands its Canadian programme.

The company is offering holidaymakers a ‘Heart of the Great Lakes‘ escorted tour which will take explorers to see the very best that eastern Canada has to offer.

Customers will have the chance to experience the culture and traditions of the First Nations people at the Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island.

There is also a full guided tour of Ottawa and the Houses of Parliament while no trip to Canada would not be complete without seeing one of the wonders of the world – the iconic Niagara Falls.

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays has exciting breaks of this ilk all over the world with South Africa, the Americas and New Zealand all on offer.

The company’s 2015/16 brochure is the largest edition to date and get holidaymakers dreaming of that very special getaway that may be just a phone call or click away. Get more information and start planning your own motorhome tour of Canada here.

Swift Esprit 2015: prices, pictures, weights and layouts

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by Joe Jeffrey

Find out all your need to know about the all-new Swift Esprit for 2015, including weights, layouts and prices here

Swift has released full details of its all-new streamlined Swift Esprit for 2015 and it certainly looks like the popular choice for motorhomers is set to continue to be exactly that, with an updated range of exciting features and two brand new layouts to choose from.

The streamlined low profile look is thanks to the updated bodyshell for 2015, providing an aerodynamic feel which complements the new stylish Fiat cab, featuring black accents to the headlights and grill as well as daytime LED running lights. 16″ wheels with full trims and exclusive LED rear light clusters complete the look on the outside.

SMART construction with strong moisture proof PURe Polyurethane timberless framed bodyshell is standard with the Esprit as with all of Swift’s motorhomes and caravans for 2015.

Stepping inside the cab, the Captains chairs provide better support than ever before, with integrated headrest, wider backrest, better side support and improved seat comfort for 2015. A new dashboard design should also make for an easier journey, providing all the entertainment and information you need, including fully integrated factory-fit radio/MP3 player with Bluetooth along with a mirror antenna for better reception.

A winter pack comes as standard with each Esprit, including fresh and waste water tank heaters, under floor waste pipe insulation and fridge vent covers, whilst dual fuel heating comes courtesy of a Truma Combi 6 1.8kW electric/6kW gas/5.8kW with new touch screen control. A Combi 4 comes on the 412 and 424 models.

Moving through the Esprit, Swift’s new Aralie Sen woodgrain with contemporary colouring and new fabrics sets it aside from other motorhomes on the market and stylish chrome positive catches on all overhead locker doors ensure a secure ride.

Ultra low energy lighting with LED over-locker ambient lighting, LED spot and down lights, low level night lights and adjustable LED cab reading lights provide a warm yet economical alternative and Swift’s exclusive Duvalay Duvalite mattresses on all fixed beds, featuring lightweight memory fibre technology will certainly provide the comfort.

Coming in eight models for 2015, you’ll be pretty spoilt for choice. Take a look at our breakdown below for prices and all you need to know about each individual layout.

Swift Esprit 412: £44,189 OTR

  • Belted seats: 2
  • Berths: 2
  • Overall length: 5.85m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,500kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 2.6m

Swift Esprit 424 (NEW for 2015): £47,150 OTR

  • Belted seats: 4
  • Berths: 4
  • Overall length: 5.99m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,500kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 2.6m

Swift Esprit 442: £48,499 OTR

  • Belted Seats: 2
  • Berths: 2
  • Overall Length: 7.25m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,500kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 4.0m

Swift Esprit 454: £48,499 OTR

  • Belted Seats: 4
  • Berths: 4
  • Overall Length: 6.97m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,650kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 3.5m

Swift Esprit 462: £45,895 OTR

  • Belted seats: 2
  • Berths: 2
  • Overall length: 6.43m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,500kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 3.0m

Swift Esprit 484 (IMPROVED for 2015): £49,395 OTR

  • Belted Seats: 2
  • Berths: 2
  • Overall Length: 6.43m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3.500kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 3.0m

Swift Esprit 494 (NEW for 2015): £49,390 OTR

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  • Belted Seats: 4
  • Berths: 4
  • Overall Length: 7.65m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 3,700kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 4.5m

Swift Esprit 496: 50,895 OTR

  • Belted Seats: 6
  • Berths: 6
  • Overall Length: 7.65m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • MTPLM: 4,250kg
  • Awning – Thule 4900: 4.5m

BBC Top Gear trip down memory lane shows versatility of caravans… sort of

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by Joe Jeffrey

In one of Top Gear’s most memorable ‘stunts’, Richard Hammond et al show off what else caravans can do

It seems not one series of the popular BBC show, Top Gear, can go by without a caravan – or caravans for that matter – being on the receiving end of mockery and, in this blast from the past, 2011’s series 17 was no different.

Forget caravan conkers and outlandish stunts, which would see caravans doomed from the start. We introduce to you the caravan train.

The video begins with Richard Hammond, looking more and more like a hamster as the series progressed, scurrying around with his clipboard placing passengers from a train company into different sections of the ‘train’, with each compartment representing something different. From ‘First Class’, to ‘Scum Class’, the Top Gear team had thought of the lot (cough), with interior design modifications reflecting the class of cabin accordingly; First Class was decked out with deep red carpets and luxurious chesterfield armchairs whilst Scum Class represented something akin to a barn, featuring side benches and a scattering of hay – presumably reserved for ticket collectors.

With an Audi S8 at the front, the four caravans, which were modified to stick to the tracks, were towed by an excited, childlike James May, declaring it was the best thing he’d ever done, as the ‘passengers’ looked on with about as much confidence as a David Beckham appearing on University Challenge, whilst the vibrations inside each cabin ensured fixtures, fittings and the obligatory travel refreshments, including snack sized tubs of Pringles and coffee urns, flew all over the place.

Where was the obnoxious Jeremy Clarkson during all of this? Well, he was attempting to look cool, whilst towing the editor of Railway Magazine along in an open trailer – pressumably for no reason other than the production team possibly not having much lined up for him to do during this inane task.

We’ve only plonked part one onto the site below, but we’re sure that’s all you need. So watch on below and let us know what you think!

Specialised Covers introduce new digital cutting technology for all motorhome and caravan covers

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by Joe Jeffrey

In a move set to increase precision and productivity, Specialised Covers in West Yorkshire has introduced digital cutting technology to ensure all covers are truly a cut above the rest

Caravan and motorhome covers can be a bit of a pain to fit to be honest, but Specialised Covers in West Yorkshire seems to understand this. That’s why all covers produced are made to the exact specification of any particular vehicle. There’s no universal, one-size-fits-all ethos here. It’s all about making sure each order that comes through is treated with that personal touch.

Ensuring that each cover fits perfectly is no easy feat though and, because of this, the family company has introduced a new top of the range digital cutting machine to ensure there’s 100 per cent precision with no room for error; once a cover leaves the factory, the only thing that it’s going to do is fit exactly as it should.

The digital cutting technology introduced has been one of Specialised Covers’ biggest investments to date, but for good reason. Implemented for complete accuracy, speed and finesse, whilst also saving on waste material and doing its thing for the environment as well as production costs, the company seems to be mixing the old with the new – maintaining a factory full of skilled staff whilst incorporating the latest in cutting edge technology.

Check out our video below to see exactly how it works.

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Layout updates to Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes paid a visit to the Swift HQ to find out more about what’s new with the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental ranges for 2015

Earlier on this year, Swift introduced the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental and both ranges proved very popular to say the least, having sold out within just eight weeks. For 2015, both ranges have been updated to provide a broader range to the company’s product offering and CaravanTimes went along to Swift’s headquarters to find out more.

New for 2015 is the 530 model, featuring dinette seating and a large rear end washroom, and the 565 with two comfortable rear single beds and ample space up front in the living area. The 630, coming with a luxurious double bed, large washroom and kitchen complete with large fridge completes the updated range.

Features previously found within both the Swift Elegance and Stirling Continental ranges have been updated for 2015 too, with the Sterling seeing the new Aralie Sen woodgrain and Thetford Aspire 2 oven coming as standard. Additional small changes have been made throughout both fledgling ranges as well.

Not only are the above reasons something to be cheerful about, but both the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental ranges feature SMART HT construction to ensure high-end craftsmanship throughout.

So watch on to find out what else is new for 2015 and let us know what you think. We reckon you’re going to be impressed.