Swift makes changes to 2015 tourers, including Conqueror and Challenger ranges

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift’s tourers for 2015 have had an extreme makeover and we’ve got the video to prove it. So take a look at what 2015 has in store for the Conqueror, Challenger Sport and Challenger SE

2015 certainly looks like it’s going to be a busy one as far as tourers are concerned, with lots of manufacturers working hard in order to gain caravanner’s seals of approval and Swift is no exception.

So what should we expect to see from the East Riding of Yorkshire manufacturer? Well, to answer that question CaravanTimes paid a visit to Swift’s headquarters to take a look at what 2015 has in store, as well as to experience first hand the new design changes incorporated across the Swift Conqueror, Challenger Sport and Challenger SE ranges.

With new graphics, new exterior doors and new Scoprion alloy wheels on the exterior it doesn’t stop there, and just as many changes have been incorporated on the inside. From a complete makeover courtesy of Swift’s new Aralie Sen wood grain to Duvalay foam mattresses on all fixed beds and much more, it seems like Swifts tourers may just prove popular when it comes to trading your caravan in for a new one.

So sit back, press play and let us know what you think.

Lowdhams welcomes 2015 motorhomes with Novemberfest

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by Hayley McCrystal

Motorhome and caravan supplier, Lowdhams, are embracing German culture while celebrating what the motorhome world has to offer in 2015

You’ve heard of Oktoberfest, the annual fair held in Germany. Well from 8 – 9 November, caravan and motorhome dealer, Lowdhams is giving you a mobile twist on the Bavarian festival with their upcoming event, Novemberfest. Sounds fun right?

The event is being held to celebrate the best that Europe has to offer in 2015 – on the motorhome front at least.

The fest looks set to be a gold mine for motorhomers offering the chance to peruse next year’s motorhome offerings, gain access to exclusive manufacturer offers on motorhomes and accessories and browse stands run by companies such as Dometic and Oyster . Lowdhams resident Motorhome Doctor will also be on hand to give advice on how to keep your rig in tip top condition.

On the Saturday evening, guests will enjoy German music from Bavarian strollers, a hog roast and. wait for it. fireworks! They had us at the Bavarian strollers but the fireworks really sold it.

For full all the information on the event visit the Lowdhams site by clicking here or call 0115 966 3838.

Introducing the Marco Polo Activity

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by Hayley McCrystal

The Marco Polo gets an update and it’s coming to the UK

You may remember the Mercedes Benz Marco Polo featured on CaravanTimes a couple of months ago. Taking its cue from the iconic VW camper, the stylish, pop-top van was only available in Germany when we first wrote about it. Now, you will be pleased to know that it’s coming to the UK.

The latest addition to the Marco Polo range is a lower specified, budget version of the Marco Polo, which usually includes a kitchen amenities and shower room.

The above said, however, the Marco Polo-lite still offers plenty of room to accommodate passengers, with Mercedes Benz claiming it offers space for five, making good use of space in the pop-top roof and the seats, which are moveable. It even offers under seat storage. How’s that for efficient.

On the mechanical side of things, the happy new owner of an Activity can choose from five different engines that range from 65KW to 140KW as well as front, rear and all-wheel drive.

While we don’t know the exact prices of the new Activity or the dealers that will stock them, we’re sure it will be a hot ticket item and that it will certainly receive a warm welcome from the UK.

Check out the slideshow of the chic new camper below.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravans and motorhomes banned in Dover

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by Jo Subramaniam

No More Seafront Views for caravanners and motorhomers in Dover as overnight ban looks set to go ahead

You know that feeling of going caravanning and opening your door to the smell of salty sea water and a fresh breeze? You won’t be able to answer that question with a yes for much longer if you’re in Dover.

An overnight ban on caravans and motorhomes parking on two main roads of Dover seafront is set to be implemented according to a report by Dover District Council. And, alas, before you start looking for loopholes, we’d advise you not to. The ban is set to come into force from 6pm to 6am, seven days a week.

In a move that is sure to frustrate those wishing to rest before travelling across the Channel in their caravans and motorhomes, local residents seem to be embracing the new ruling which restricts parking on Waterloo Crescent and Marine Parade, with one local, Robert Knibbs, expressing his satisfaction at the implementation of the ban, despite not being entirely content with steps taken so far.

“At the moment they don’t really enforce the existing rules, so for me it doesn’t matter what law they pass if they are not going to enforce it. What I find distressing is that Dover Harbour Board and the council pay a lot of money to keep the area looking nice and yet they let it be turned into a campsite overnight,” Robert told the Dover Express.

He went on to say that people had been using the garden areas as toilets, playing loud music and littering. Something we can’t agree to have witnessed during our trips across to Calais and other onward destinations – especially considering what a considerate bunch of people we generally are.

The District Council’s report explains the reason behind caravanners often parking on seafronts overnight is mainly due to wanting to take advantage of the cheaper prices offered on ferry crossings early in the morning and goes on to suggest that this problem is more likely seasonal and port related.

What do you think? Have you seen the behaviour local residents claim to have witnessed on your travels?

Chauffeur-driven Airstream Adventure

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by Ingeborg Holba

Perhaps the classiest way to take a caravan road trip – a chauffeur-driven Airstream

Are you a bit tired of the same old caravan holiday? If you are, have you ever considered taking a chauffeur-driven Airstream around Australia? No? Us neither until we stumbled across this story.

Forget the troubles of towing, the discussions over directions, and the concerns of camping with this traditional caravanning holiday with a twist.

Settling into the majestic Airstream every night, never having to drive, getting dropped off and picked up to your heart’s desire and generally just having a good time – sounds appealing doesn’t it? But it comes at a price – a pretty steep one at that, at almost £800 a day.

On the plus side though, these holidays seem to be attracting a new generation of caravanners, appealing to the “silver service version of the grey nomad experience” or trend, as it seems to be becoming. And, speaking of Airstreams, even celebrities like Johnny Depp and Sandra Bullock have been known to enjoy them.

The company behind the experience, Airstream Adventures, said: “The new Airstreams with their sleek retro design and rich heritage are perfect for trend-hungry younger Aussies eager to keep up with the world and embrace the ‘cool factor’ that comes with the Airstream story.”

The Airstream Adventure can house up to five people and have everything you need, from panoramic windows to a fully equipped kitchen.

An Airstream is, so it seems, more that just a caravan; it is a philosophy and a way of life

Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

http://www.airstreamadventures.com.au

Rough and ready motorhome from Action Mobil

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by Hayley McCrystal

Action Mobil Global XRS 7200 raises the bar for off-road, expedition vehicles

For fans of the Kiravan, we give you another super motorhome designed to tackle all manner of terrain and weather conditions.
Action Mobil, known for their off-road and expedition motorhomes, bring you the Global XRS 7200.

With over 35 years of experience under its belt, it’s no surprise that the Austrian based manufacturer is producing such a monster of a machine. This hefty machine may be rugged on the outside, but the Global XRS 7200 is fit for a queen, or at least a fashion model.

The seed for the creation of Action Mobil’s crazy creations was planted when founders, Stephanie and Otfried Ritz, required a “rolling hotel” for a fashion shoot in the African veld to keep their models comfortable. As there was no such vehicle available at the time, the two decided to build their own.

The company has since established a reputation for creating expedition vehicles. Now, the dynamic duo has built the Global XRS 7200
which was displayed at the recent Düsseldorf Caravan Salon in Germany.

Forget 4×4, this 6×6 vehicle is powered by a 702-hp engine, weighs in at 18 tonnes and measures at 31.8 x 8.1 x 12.4ft. The camper also features a hydraulically controlled, rear motorcycle lift, for those times when there is a need for speed and agility.

When inside, it would be easy to forget that you’re on wheels thanks to the grained paneling, stone floors, counters, tabletops, LED lighting and metal trim. The kitchen includes a cook top and steam oven along with refrigerator and freezer, both of which are custom insulated by Action Mobil.

We imagine that if you are the happy camper occupying this vehicle, chances are you’re doing something crazy and adventurous, an unavoidable impact of which is getting your clothes a little dirty. Never fear, the 7200 also features a Miele washer-dryer unit so you can rest assured that you will stay looking as fresh and stylish as the vehicle looks cool.

Your party will be kept comfortable by the expanded sitting, eating and sleeping space along with the master suite at the rear. The bathroom includes a bidet toilet, sink and shower.

For the media obsessives out there, the 7200 also includes a 40-inch HD TV, Apple TV media streamer, Bose audio system and multi-TB hard drive along with satellite internet and wireless local area network connection.

To get a better idea of what the 7200 is about, watch the slideshow below.

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Save money and discover new destinations at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014

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by Ingeborg Holba

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 looks set to offer some great holiday destination ideas from 14-19 October and you can even save on the price of entry too!

Not long now folks, until the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2014 takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham between 14-19 October and we’re sure it will come as no surprise that the line up looks extraordinary.

From lavish displays and new product launches to great entertainment provided for all the family, the show will also be offering advice on new and exciting holiday destinations for you to escape to and much more.

The 2014 Motorhome and Caravan Show is the perfect place to get some inspiration and let yourself go a bit when it comes to planning your next trip. And let’s not forget, winter is coming so a nice getaway to Southern Europe might just be what the doctor ordered.

And remember, if you’re struggling with the decision of where to pitch up during the event, The Caravan Club has recently announced plans for a temporary campsite next door to the NEC, truly enabling you to throw yourself into the thick of it. Click here for more details.

Make sure you book in advance now to make a saving! Who knows, we might see you there!

The Caravan Club and Elddis Xplore Challenge 2014 nears the finish line

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by Hayley McCrystal

The Meek family are still going strong having completed 93 out of 100 challenges

All too often you see young people glued to an electronic device of some variety. Walking along, not looking where they are going and then BAM they’ve walked into you. Not cool. The days of playing out with friends or going to the park seem to be a thing of the past and it is an issue that has garnered a lot of attention recently.

But just when we thought all hope of saving the nation’s children was lost completely, the Meek family came into view.

Earlier this year in May, the Meek’s set out to complete The Xplore Challenge 2014 and are nearing the end of their journey, looking set to return victorious.

The challenge was issued by The Caravan Club and Elddis in an attempt to inspire other families to get outside and realise the joys of family caravanning. “This new challenge was so big that it was issued to the family with an incentive,” commented Marketing and Communications manager for Elddis, Rachel Moncrieff. “Succeed in the challenge to win the caravan, an Elddis Xplore 574 that we loaned them for the challenge because of its suitability as a great family van. It has a very convenient layout and is built with SoLiDTM Construction while remaining affordable.” We here at CaravanTimes would definitely give the Xplore Challenge a go if we had that kind of motivation.

Tim and Kerry Meek, along with daughters, Amy, 11, and Ella, 9, have already completed a mighty 23 holidays in the UK and further afield in Belgium and France. On their travels, they have taken part in 93 of the proposed 100 activities including, learning how to fill an aqua roll, trying welly wanging – we had to look this one up, it involves throwing a welly boot as far as possible – planting wild poppies in commemoration of WW1 and milking a cow. Points for creativity right?

If the Meek team succeeds in their challenge, teachers Kerry and Tim are planning to home-away-from-home school the two girls for a year in their new Elddis Xplore. We’re betting that beats your regular old school routine.

Phantom dashboard cam leads the way in tow safety

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes speaks to Phantom regarding how safe it’s possible to feel when towing your caravan, thanks to their dashboard cam

It’s pretty obvious to state that most caravan damage stems from when you’re out on the road towing and, a lot of the time, usually involves another vehicle. It’s not only the inconvenience of an unfortunate crash that can cause an inconvenience however, with the daunting task of playing the waiting game with insurance companies taking its toll too. And, a lot of the time, it’s that waiting game and the will they/won’t they payout pressure that can add to the worry and stress.

Well, Phantom seems to have just made the whole process that much easier, with the help of their 3rd Eye dashboard cams to help aide us in dealing with the aforementioned annoyances in a clear and concise manner.

Now you, like us, might not be the most technically savvy when it comes to technology, but having spoken to Phantom as you’ll see in our video, we were assured it really is as simple as plug in and go. By simply sticking the cam wherever you like and plugging it in to either a USB socket or even your lighter socket you’ll be ready to record any eventuality in no time. And with a built in shock sensor, which triggers the recording of the device upon change in movement, as well as an inbuilt GPS system we fail to see what else could be added to make it any better.

Check out the video above to find out more and let us know what you think.

Bailey chairman passes on the torch to brother

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by Hayley McCrystal

Stephen Howard is set to replace brother, Patrick, as Chairman of the British Caravan Company

British caravan and motorhome manufacturer, Bailey of Bristol keep it in the family with the appointment of Stephen Howard as company Chairman, effective from 1 October 2014, following the retirement of current Chairman, who also happens to be Stephen’s brother, Patrick Howard, after a long and distinguished career within the Leisure vehicle industry. This follows the successful buy back of Patrick’s company shareholding earlier this year. Meanwhile, Stephen’s sons, Nick, Managing Director, and Simon, Marketing Director, will continue the family legacy, heading up the Senior Management Team. Quite the caravanning family.

Stephen is taking on the position of chairman at a great time for the company, with news of the new Bailey Unicorn being the talk of the town among the caravanning community.

With 65 years of experience and expertise under its belt, it is no surprise that Bailey is one of the largest caravan brands in the UK, accounting for around one in three new caravan sales and is also one of the largest on the continent.

Patrick Howard commented, “I have enjoyed every minute of the last forty years at Bailey. It has been incredibly rewarding seeing our business grow from a small caravan producer £5 million in size in 1973 to become the second largest leisure vehicle manufacturer in the UK with a turnover currently approaching £100 million.” We’ve certainly enjoyed it too.

We’ve only seen great things from Bailey in recent years, what with their patented Alu-Tech construction hitting the scene in 2009 along with their advancement into areas such as coach built motorhomes. It will certainly be interesting to see what will come under Stephen’s leadership. No pressure. Patrick went on to say, “The business remains in excellent hands and I wish everybody at Bailey continued success in the future.”

New Chairman, Stephen expressed his gratitude for all the work his brother has done for the company, saying “I would like to thank Patrick for all of his hard work over the years and the tremendous contribution he has made not only to the growth of Bailey of Bristol but also to the development of the Outdoor Leisure Vehicle Industry as a whole.”

Furthermore, Managing Director, Nick Howard had this to say on the change of leadership, “I am looking forward to continuing to drive the business forward with my father, my brother and the existing Senior Management Team. Bailey has a bright future ahead with a number of exciting new developments due to be announced shortly as we start to write the next chapter in our company’s distinguished history.”

Caravan Club sets up temporary campsite for Birmingham Motorhome and Caravan Show

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by Hayley McCrystal

The Caravan Club is set to plays host at the Motorhome and Caravan Show next month with temporary campsite

As the 2014 Motorhome and Caravan Show draws ever nearer, it’s time to starting planning your visit. The Caravan Club, has conveniently set up a temporary campsite for visitors to the event just a stone’s throw away.

The site which is located at NEC Birmingham North Carparks 8-11 makes it easier for you to extend your time browsing all the exhibits the show has to offer.

The site is open from 13 – 19 October, meaning you can be well rested for an early start at the show on the 14 October, and has over 400 pitches. The site’s electric pitches are priced at a reasonable £30 per night and slots are still available. Although, we wouldn’t waste any time as these are sure to go quickly with the show just around the corner.

For more information on the event, click
here and to book your pitch at the NEC Birmingham, click here.

Swift announces alternative layouts for motorhome ranges

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by Hayley McCrystal

Swift introduce additional layout options for Espirit, Bessacarr and Kon-Tiki ranges

Caravan manufacturer, Swift, has confirmed alternative layout options for some of its 2015 motorhome ranges following receiving feedback from both dealers and customers.

A new ‘Lounge’ option will be made available for the Espirit/Bessacarr 454, 484 and 494 ranges as well as Kon-Tiki Black Edition 625 and 635 models, offering a two seat/two berth alternative with open front lounge instead of travelling dinette.

Models remaining with the travelling dinette will be denoted by the word ‘Travel’.

With the additional ‘Lounge’ layout comes a change in the vehicle’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) in the Espirit and Bessacarr ranges, reducing it to 3.5 tonnes or less. Good news for drivers with weight restrictions on their licences.