Electronic tax discs set to encourage tax evasion?

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by Jo Subramaniam

Could the scrapping of paper tax discs encourage people to avoid paying their road tax?

Picture this. You’re in your motorhome, cruising along the motorway. Perhaps you’ve got your pet dog with you. She’s scratching the seat covers a little, but you can’t go on trips without her – it just wouldn’t be right. You’re thinking about getting some new scratch resistant covers, and tuning up the engine, maybe a few repairs here and there, and it suddenly all adds up. That money you’ve got in your kitty that’s going towards your road tax is looking pretty tempting now, and who’s going to know if you’ve paid it or not? No paper discs on your windshield from October 1st, so who’s going to know the difference, right?

If you think that’s not likely to happen, think again. Around 63 per cent of motorists think the new road tax system will encourage tax evasion. Although paper tax discs are due to be slashed from the 1st of October, 36 per cent of drivers are oblivious to the change and nearly 50 per cent don’t know when the new law will come into effect.

The changes to tax discs were announced in a new move to save money, and an electronic system will replace the old system. Although cameras that can spot tax evaders will be used, the RAC believes that the amount lost in tax evasion every year could increase. Nearly £35 million is lost annually because of this problem and, with the new system, the RAC predicts this number could rise to £167 million yearly.

Not everyone is on board with the RAC’s cautious estimate. A spokesperson for the DVLA has commented that there is no basis to these figures, adding: ”We have a proven track record in making vehicle tax easy to pay but hard to avoid, with over 99 per cent of all vehicles taxed.”

What do you think about the new tax system? Will it encourage more people to avoid forking out on their road tax deliberately or will it simply be a case of business as usual?

Text message detectors set to stop drivers in their tracks

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by Joe Jeffrey

The implementation of text message radar guns may spell the end for text messaging when driving

In a move which seems to be for the better and looks set to keep us and fellow road users that little bit safer, a US speed gun manufacturer is in the process of developing a device that will enable police to detect when a driver is sending a text message.

Virginia-based electronics company, ComSonics, is currently looking at developing the tool based on the premise there is a difference in frequencies sent by mobile phones while texting when compared to making a call. Hands free calls made when driving are still legal in both the US and UK.

Although already well under development, ComSonics has stated there are still legal issues needed to be ironed out prior to being cleared to be used by law enforcement.

Despite the premise behind the device being pretty worthy of a mention, we here at CaravanTimes can’t help but wonder how police officers using the device will be able to determine whether a driver or passenger is texting once the alarm bells start ringing or, for that matter, whether advancements in technology allowing handsfree texting could blur the lines between what’s legal and what isn’t.

Whatever happens, it’s pretty well known that whenever something like this is introduced in the US it’s usually adopted in Blighty a short while afterwards, so watch this space and we’ll keep you updated on any details as and when we get them.

Nigel Mansell to open Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014

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by Jo Subramaniam
Sporting royalty Nigel Mansell to open show with Fiona Bruce

The largest Motorhome and Caravan Show in the UK is ready to start with a bang, as Former F1 World Champion and keen caravanner, Nigel Mansell, has been announced as part of the opening line up. Mansell will join TV’s Fiona Bruce in opening the show on the 14th of October at the NEC in Birmingham. More than 400 exhibitors including major European and UK manufacturers will be at the event, which is expected to see sales worth millions of pounds.

This announcement will certainly see a surge in the thousands of visitors already expected. Mansell is set to speak at the Show’s Experts’ Theatre about his career as well as his love for caravanning.

Despite being the only driver in history to win both the Formula One and the Indy Car World Series in successive seasons, Mansell says he has enjoyed more than 20 years of caravan holidays with his family. He commented: “I have enjoyed caravan holidays for decades, and continue to do so. My family and I enjoy the freedom that comes with caravanning, and we’ve regularly visited Wales over the years to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s amazing to see how far the industry has developed in recent years, there are some great looking vehicles out there that are more technologically advanced than ever. I’m delighted to open the show and will no doubt be browsing the new models myself!”

As if you needed another reason to be there, President of The Camping and Caravanning Club and nature lover, Julia Bradbury, is also scheduled to make an appearance on the 17th of October, marking ‘Friendly Friday’.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 will run from the 14 to the 19 October, and all tickets include parking and a Show Guide. To book your tickets, contact the Motorhome and Caravan Show or call 0844 338 7799.

Fiona Bruce to be celebrity ambassador at the Motorhome and Caravan Show

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by Hayley McCrystal

October’s Motorhome and Caravan show at the NEC in Birmingham will welcome newsreader, Fiona Bruce, as a celebrity ambassador

As the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham, draws ever nearer, you can practically see the excitement of the motorhome and caravan communities building.

It has just been announced that a special guest will be appearing at the show. Fiona Bruce, newsreader and BBC’s Antiques Roadshow presenter, will be attending as a celebrity ambassador.

Fiona will be at The Caravan Club Day on 14 October, leading sessions around how to make the most of your membership featuring a jam-packed schedule of guest speakers covering topics including touring, Club products and services.

With the show promising several other attractions, such as the Experts’ Theatre, – live shows on various aspects of the industry – free Towing Experience sessions, a free awning fitting service plus loads more, it looks like an event you won’t want to miss.

For more information on what looks set to be a stellar event, visit the official event site by clicking here.

CAMI Terra Wind: the amphibious motorhome

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by Hayley McCrystal

The CAMI Terra Wind will leave you sleeping with the fishes – but not in the way you think

From the Sealander to the Thansadet, we’ve seen a fair few mobile homes having an identity crisis and taking to the water instead of land, but this motorhome from Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International or CAMI for short, really goes the distance.

Looking somewhat out of place, the CAMI Terra Wind joins the special group of vehicles sticking it to the man and going against what is expected of them. Something we always love to see.

Reaching up to 80mph on land and seven knots on water, it’ll get you where you’re going in no time and look stylish while doing it. We’re not sure whether it’s the numerous gizmos and gadgets, the fact that it can be custom designed or just that it looks like a bus driving through a lake that makes us want to own one so bad but whatever it is, it’s landed the Terra Wind on our Christmas wish list.

Have a look at the Terra Wind in all its glory in the video below. Skip to 0.50 to get a better idea of just one way in which this purchase will make your holiday so much better.

Caravans from Safari Condo reinvent the Teardrop

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by Hayley McCrystal

The Alto R series from Safari Condo raises the bar for teardrop campers

The popular teardrop camper, noticeable by its teardrop shaped profile and smaller size than the traditional touring caravan, has been reinvented by Canadian company, Safari Condo, in the form of the Alto R1713 and R1723.

The main feature that separates the Alto range from other trailers we’ve seen is its retractable roof made from aluminum which increases the size of the trailer. These models make conversion easy with the roof being operated by a pair of electric linear actuators.

With the retractable roof up, the trailer has a very stylish looking crescent shaped tinted window, the other side of which, is a comfortable living area. This area benefits from the large windows making it light and open.

The Alto range was designed to be as lightweight, aerodynamic and durable as possible. In order to achieve these standards, the Alto R series was developed in a virtual wind tunnel and the final product now creates 75 per cent less aerodynamic drag than a traditional caravan.

For any tree huggers out there, the Alto has the potential to be a greener alternative to your traditional tow-along. Because of the lightweight materials used, the trailer can be pulled by smaller cars, meaning you’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint in your wake. Because of the reduced drag, less petrol will also be used so your wallet may thank you as much as the environment.

With the roof down, this compact little caravan has an exterior height of only 83.5″ and 82″ interior height with the roof up – that’s just under 7ft meaning there is plenty of clearance in the living area.

Both models in the R series, the R 1713 and R 1723, feature a king size bed, one or two single beds, a dining area, and fixed flush toilet with the R 1723 offering an interior shower as well. Prices start at $26,900 CAD (approximately £15,000).

Sadly, these snazzy campers are only available to purchase in Canada and the US with Safari Condo planning to expand their market to Australia in Spring 2015. Hopefully we’ll see them come to UK shores in the not too distant future.

To find out more details, visit the official website here.

Scottish referendum: the caravan says no

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by Joe Jeffrey

In a night which saw Great Britain remain united, Scotland’s most rural inhabitants were able to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ thanks to the help of various makeshift polling stations, including caravans

Scotland spoke and William Wallace was surely spinning in his grave following a majority calling for a show of unification last night (18 September), which saw the northern most part of the UK remaining united with the rest of the Kingdom.

A slim 56 per cent of voters north of the border in Scotland voted in a referendum yesterday to remain part of the UK in what was seen as a rollercoaster campaign by both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ supporters, many of whom lived in rural parts of Scotland. But, with little access to official polling stations in the more remote regions, how exactly did some voters, well err, vote to determine such an important, historic referendum?

The answer is simple. Caravans. Yes. You know those shiny boxes on wheels that we all know and love? Well, they’re not just good for enabling us to get away; they’re also good for determining the future of one’s country.

From Coulags in the Highlands to the village of Lochbuie on the Isle of Mull, caravans were out in force and utilised to ensure every vote counted. The vehicles were parked in places including rural roads off the beaten track and more intimate locations including residential gardens, thus enabling many more Scots to vote on the future and allowing record numbers to reach the polls in their droves.

With promises of more independence from a political perspective, what happens next remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome though, we here at CaravanTimes are pretty impressed that caravans played their very own part in ensuring history was made. It just goes to show that they can take Scotland’s freedom, but they cannae take their caravans.

Most popular way to keep your caravan safe revealed

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by Jo Subramaniam

GPS tracking system Phantom comes out on top in the UK for keeping your caravan safe

Keep bandits away with the Phantom. You’re thinking of two kinds of Phantom, aren’t you? One’s a superhero and the other one is the best GPS tracking system in the UK, according to a survey by Shield Total Insurance. They’re both guaranteed to keep you safe though, if the results of a nationwide survey are anything to go by.

A recent survey carried out by Shield Insurance showed that among all the security measures for caravans used in the UK, GPS tracking units are by far the most popular. The most popular device was of course the Phantom ProActive iii Tracking System which now supplies nearly 20,000 customers with safer caravanning experiences. Phantom has been making security devices for over ten years, protecting more than £500 million worth of customer assets.

In at second and third place in the survey were Outsmart the Thief ‘s Caravan Defender and the Bulldog Centaur Wheel Clamp respectively.

ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service‘s Tim Booth justified the reason for GPS systems doing better with customers. He had this to say: “Non-proactive, after-theft recovery devices are showing a very poor recovery rate, but in contrast, proactive devices continue to return excellent results with both good return times of the asset – prior to any loss of personal effects – and also seeing people detained for being in recent possession of stolen property.”

What do you protect your caravan with?

Caravan or Foldavan? Take your pick

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by Jo Subramaniam

Three mode Foldavan brings the best of bikes and caravans together
Is it a bike? Is it a caravan? It’s both, because it’s a Foldavan! It’s small enough to tow with your bicycle or put away on your car roof, yet big enough to curl up with a good book or even your loved one if you don’t mind cosying up. Manufactured by Wooden Widget, the Foldavan promises to be the iPad of the caravan world.
At only £30 for the plans and a reported five minutes to go from transport to camping mode, the Foldavan won’t burn a hole in you or your pocket. It certainly is cheaper than the pedal powered caravan CaravanTimes previously reported on, but is designed to be an add on instead of a stand alone caravan. The Foldavan is arguably quite spacious enough though, offering over a metre of headroom and the option of being either one or 1.2 metres wide. It opens to about 60 cm when being towed by a bicycle so you wouldn’t have to worry about being stuck in narrow paths or between cars; the Foldavan is just as wide as your bicycle’s handlebars. The Foldavan also boasts a weight of 30 kilograms, making for a quick and easy getaway all in all.
It’s not surprising that the carbon footprint of the Foldavan is so small. Wooden Widget, a French company, has a policy for planting five trees for every set of plans for each Foldavan they sell.
Would you make the Foldavan your weekend project? With an assembly time of a little over two days, you could have a brand new collapsible caravan hitched onto your bike or car by the beginning of the week.

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Gain inspiration and advice at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014

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by Joe Jeffrey

This year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC promises to be many things, including inspirational

We’re another week closer to the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 and – yes, we admit it – we’re getting mightily excited.

As each week passes in the build up to what is the premier motorhome and caravan event of the year, more and more details are emerging, be it special guest appearances, special shows or, well, just special attention paid to our favourite pastime of hitting the road and seeing the best of what the great outdoors has to offer.

Whether you’re an experienced motorhome or caravan veteran, or simply a curious newbie looking to dip their toe in the water and find out what makes our favourite hobby just that, this year’s event at the NEC guarantees to feature a little something for everyone and experts will be on hand to advise on a whole host of subjects.

Ever wanted to take to the road in a spanking brand new motorhome, but were worried about how to reverse one? How about wanting to get to grips with towing before forking out for your first tourer? Well, industry experts will be on hand to provide the information and training you need, all for free, no matter what that may be.

So make sure you mark the date off in your diary as it looks like this is going to be an event not to be missed. Oh, and click here to save money on tickets.

We’ll see you there!

The Moby1 LLC caravan: bringing you tears of happiness

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by Jo Subramaniam
Moby1’s take on traditional teardrop trailers takes off road camping to a new level

Do you have speakers built into your kitchen at home? No? How about heated beds? What if we told you that you could have all this and more in a tiny little caravan? With Moby1’s range of compact trailers that feature a twist on the traditional teardrop design and are specifically designed for off road camping and touring, you really can. Seems rather pointless living in a house now doesn’t it? Well, sort of.

The Moby1 trailers come in four models; the Moby1 XTR, the Moby1 XC, the Moby1 RT and the Moby1 C2. Each of these models are tailored to meet the needs of a range of trips; whether you’re planning to take on extreme terrain, remote locations, traditional campsites or just need a kip on a bike or car ride, Moby1 has literally got you covered.

The XTR model has a starting price of $18,500 (£11,288) and is built for expeditions and rugged terrain. With a generator and severe-duty reinforcements, the Moby1 XTR promises some good times in some unforgiving locations. It is fully self-contained and comes with hot water, a rooftop tent and an air-conditioned cabin to name but a few features.

The Moby1 XC is the toned down version of the XTR, featuring similar features in smaller dimensions. It does however, have deadbolt locks on the doors, which is always a plus in the type of remote locations that it is built for. The XC’s starting price is $14,500 (£8,844) and can be purchased in two sizes.

The RT in the Moby1 RT stands for Road Tour, and this model aptly boasts more room for music systems and a DVD player. With a sunroof and the option of changing your tyres and wheels based on what vehicle you drive, the RT is arguably your best bet if you want to drive off into the sunset. Rain putting a damper on your spirits? Not a problem with the Moby1 RT. Just pull out your handy little roof top tent and you’re all set. All for the price of about $10,500 (£6,406).

Bringing up the rear is the C2, a compact trailer designed for towing behind a motorbike or car. Don’t be deterred by its size; you can still fit a mattress in this model and save some money on fuel despite it only weighing 136b kilograms. Tinted slider doors and one door with a deadbolt lock make the Moby1 C2 a good place to disappear into for some solitude on a solo ride on your vehicle.

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at the Moby1 trailer range here and start planning your own wild adventure! Still hesitating? Doesn’t float your boat? You could always get the nice people over at Moby1 to customise your trailer to suit your individual needs. Well, that’s if you live in the States that is, as they are currently only on sale in the US, with no imminent plans on bringing them over the pond.

Check out our pictures below and let us know what you think. Would you trade your current home on wheels in for one of these?

Click here to see photos of the Moby1

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Skydancer 7.5 turns the motorhome into a convertible

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by Hayley McCrystal

New convertible motorhome from German company, Skydancer, could completely change our road trip experience

Everyone loves a convertible. Wind in your hair, the open road ahead of you, a vast expanse of blue above your head… bugs in your teeth… but the point remains, the convertible has been and will stay – for the foreseeable future, at least – a symbol of coolness. And now motorhomers are one step closer to being able to join the convertible owners club.

While the name, Skydancer 7.5, makes this motorhome from German manufacturer, Skydancer, sound like some pixie-esque creature, that couldn’t be further from reality. At 27ft and 8.7 tonnes, the Skydancer is one hefty piece of machinery that we can’t exactly imagine prancing from cloud to cloud, but the name makes far more sense after seeing the motorhome. This mobile mansion is topped with a convertible, panoramic glass roof.

Seating a group of four on a raised platform, the motorhome allows the user a road-trip experience like no other, providing the best possible view – a great feature when travelling through scenic landscapes. As you can see in the image below, the framework raises the seats, which are all forward facing, above the engine, leaving room for a double bed below.

This recreational vehicle is not industrially manufactured and is priced on the manufacturer’s website at ?80,000 (approximately £63,000) to give you an idea of how much these could cost if the idea takes off.

Proving to be a hit at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the Skydancer is sure to make waves in the motorhome world. CaravanTimes looks forward to seeing the next step in the convert-a-home movement.

For those German speakers out there, take a look at the official website, here, for more details. If you can’t speak German, just check out the pics!