2015 Elddis Affinity touring caravan range revealed

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by Ingeborg Holba

The 2015 season Elddis Affinity touring caravan range has been revealed and three words come to mind: refined, lightweight, elegance

Elddis has been setting the standard for lightweight luxury since it launched its 2013 Affinity range with Alde central heating, a trailer control system and much more, all the while weighing less than 1500kgs MTPLM.

Now, the 2015 range brings even more specification with a new Sky-Scape panoramic sunroof, and much more.

However, its most impressive quality is its SoLiD Construction, the world’s first and only full-bonded construction system which is the same found in the manufacture of aeroplanes, yachts and even Formula 1 racing cars. Now there are a few vehicles we never thought we’d be associated with.

The SoLiD Construction – Strong, Light and Dry – is backed by Elddis’ free ten year warranty, and is lightweight enough for you to tow with an your average family car.

Key features of the new 2015 Elddis Affinity include an ALKO chassis with ATC Trailer control, shock absorbers, a secure alarm system, a Alde full-day programmable water and central heating system with a new touch screen control and the new Ecocamel Orbit water-saving shower.

The interior features craftsman-built cabinetry in new ‘Reno Walnut’, a leading locker construction, granite-effect worktops and 100 per cent LED lighting. The kitchen also looks pretty stylish, while still keeping it as practical as possible, with an all new Aspire MK2 black gloss duel fuel hob, oven and grill, a black gloss enamelled sink, a 800W microwave, a freezer – not to mention the external gas barbecue point if you prefer to cook outdoors.

Elddis Marketing and Communications Manager, Rachel Moncrieff said: “With the vast specification added to the new 2015 range, whilst maintaining its competitive price tag and low weight, the Affinity looks set to beat even its own benchmark!”

The Affinity range is available in six single-axle caravan layouts, including two, three, and four-berth option and the new Affinity 554 with a transverse island bed and a lavish end-bathroom. It is available exclusively from approved Elddis retailers across the UK. To find yours, click here.

Sterling Caravans launches a unique and modern styling for Eccles ranges

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by Ingeborg Holba

After launching the Eccles Sport and Eccles SE ranges last season, Sterling now focuses on these two ranges with a host of enhancements for 2015

Sterling Caravans are now focusing on unique modern styling in the Eccles ranges. The Eccles Sport and Eccles SE ranges that were released last season had a highly distinguishing interior style that offered a much more up-to-date look, imitating the feel of many modern homes today.

Sterling looks set to continue with this unique style for 2015 focusing on the two ranges with enhancements and the flagship Continental range.

The two Eccles ranges will continue to feature the innovative new, and extensively tested SMART Construction, and outside enhancement include a new one piece exterior door with concealed hinges and exclusive Scorpion alloy wheels. These will accentuate the style of the graphite accents on the gas locker door, the hitch cover, skirts and the wheel arches.

Both ranges come with the Duvalay Duvalite memory fibre technology mattresses on fixed beds, and over locker lighting has been changed from fluorescents to LED, adding to a low energy lighting scheme. A geo white pattern adorns the work top laminates, and the wallpaper in both ranges has also been updated. The ranges also provide the option of ‘Impala’ stain resistant easy-clean seating fabric with a soft nubuck texture, unique to Swift Group.

Key feature updates include a 40W solar panel Combi 4 or 6 and the Eco Camel showerhead and hose for those who like their showers powerful but econonimal, as well as a new Dometic fridge 8 Series 110 litre fridge with a removable freezer compartment, like the one found in the SE range. Other specific enhancements include dimmable LED spotlights, the new Alde 3020 boiler with an improved control panel, and an additional down light over the end washroom illuminated mirror has been added in response to customer feedback.

The TRACKER Retrieve Thatcham approved tracking system is of course installed in both ranges, which saves customers the benefit, and cost, of fitting one later. An LED awning light that displays a red flashing light to show when the alarm is on has also been added in the hope of further deterring thieves.

The Eccles Sport models continue to offer great weights, making them suitable to be towed by most family cars. An extended range of seven layouts with the 524 will also be introduced.

Swift Group Commercial Director, Nick Page, said: “The Sterling brand is aimed at giving customers a different choice to the normal wooden interiors traditionally seen in touring caravans. It is clear from sales that this is a choice customers want and the new season’s ranged build on last year’s style with SMART under the skin.”

Kent Police issue winter advice for caravanners

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by Tom Walsh

Police in Kent are advising caravan owners in the area to remain vigilant at the end of the holiday season, ensuring their vehicles are secure over the autumn and winter months

Police in Kent are advising caravanners in the region to ensure their vehicle is sufficiently secured over the autumn and winter months.

The traditional holiday season is coming to a close and tomorrow (30 August) sees two free security marking events coming to Sheppey, Kent News reports.

Officers will be on hand in both Leysdown and Eastchurch throughout the day to provide crime prevention advice to caravanners.

As the weather starts to turn chilly many people will be leaving their caravans in storage and returning back to their permanent residence and police explain that it is important that they ensure their caravan is sufficiently protected for the months ahead.

Speaking to the news provider, Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: “I would encourage people to remove all valuable items from their caravan at the end of the season and to leave curtains and any drawers and cupboards open to show thieves that the caravan is empty.”

Elddis 50th Anniversary celebration welcomes public behind the scenes

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by Ingeborg Holba

Elddis are celebrating their 50th anniversary with an open-door event on 20-21 September, and a few surprises are in store

Elddis will celebrate 50 years in the industry next month (20-21 September), and they’re inviting everyone to come along to their family-friendly, fun and fantastic event.

Along with the celebration, the caravan manufacturer will be unveiling the all new 2015 Season caravan and motorhome ranges, including new ranges, models and layouts from Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer.

The new ranges will show exclusive Elddis innovations, such as underfloor heating and remote-controlled automatic self-levelling with be public product demonstrations for good measure.

You will also get the opportunity to find out more about Elddis caravans’ best feature, namely SoLiD Construction and take a tour of their factory and production facility,which is sure to be a great learning experience.

The event will be supported by The Camping and Caravanning Club, while the Smooth Radio Crew will be blasting five decades of music.

Oh, and if you’re lucky enough to win the Elddis 50th Anniversary Legacy Competition, you get to select your prize from the 2015 Elddis caravan line-up. Wow.

To book a place for the event, visit the Elddis website here

Video: Phantom Pro-Active III has the comfort factor

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by Joe Jeffrey

Phantom Pro-Active III uses the latest 21century technology to make your caravan not only more secure, but more comfortable too

When we think of Phantom, we think of a vehicle tracking system and, without denying how its success in stopping caravan thieves in their tracks is pretty unrivalled, that’s usually where the buck stops. Not any more though, with the introduction of Phantom Pro-Active III.

The Pro-Active III looks set to change our perception of how a tracking system works from the ground up. Not only will the Phantom Pro-Active III still deliver on its promise of keeping a watchful eye on your caravan so you don’t have to but, with the help of a handy little smart phone app, it will also do much more.

One of the most irksome chores when looking after a caravan is ensuring the battery is up to scratch – especially when it’s parked far away from home or in storage. With the Phantom Pro-Active III, however, things couldn’t be easier. A smart phone app has been introduced to automatically measure your battery level at the touch of a button.

Another top-notch feature is the ability to control your caravan’s heating system using the smart phone app, helping to ensure you’ll always arrive home to a toasty caravan during those colder trips away.

So watch on, as CaravanTimes speaks to Phantom to find out more about the Phantom Pro-Active III. Let us know what you think ins the comments below.

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Video: Top Gear caravan jump

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by Joe Jeffrey

Video shows what happens when a Volvo attempts to jump five caravans

With a recent AA survey revealing that 15 percent of motorists detest caravans when faced with them on the road, it’s no surprise that BBC’s Top Gear looks for any excuse to destroy what we have come to love. And this video is a prime example.

In what is a bit of a blast from the past, watch on as Top Gear’s Richard Hammond revels in the destruction caused by a Volvo attempting to jump over five – yes, five – caravans. It’s pretty safe to say the stunt attempt results in caravan carnage, but thankfully it looked like the poor little caravans had pretty much passed their sell by date.

We’d like to say that no caravans were hurt during the scene you’re about to watch, but we’d be lying; two out of three found themselves out of harms way, but the other three? Let’s just say it’s not pretty.

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The Cream Tease Bus is the newest caravan catering sensation

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by Ingeborg Holba

What do you get if you combine a young couple with a dream, a love for food and an appreciation for good people? The Cream Tease Bus!

Remember Norman the Cocktail Caravan? Well, it seems like there’s a new kid on the block.

It all started with Jim and Daisy, a young couple who had a vision of selling great food to great people, all the while having a great time. Thus, a small catering business was formed, serving drinks, food and all things delicious out of a 1965 WV camper van, and they named it: The Cream Tease Bus.

Their theme takes us on a trip down memory lane, with “a mishmash of all things retro”. And, taking things one step further, swing, rockabilly and blues music can be heard blasting from inside the caravan if so desired. However, if you’re not feeling as nostalgic as the rest of us, the Cream Tease Bus also provides a DJ booth complete with a more modern selection of music. Oh, and a Photo booth for those awful drunken snaps we always seem to enjoy at the time and dread the following day.

In addition to specialising in food and drink, the couple also provide a chauffeur service that can be incorporated into weddings or other special events.

To loosen the mood a bit, the couple like to dress up and create a comfortable, fun environment for their customers – and, we’re promised, you’ll never be served without a smile.

The Cream Tease Bus has featured at shows, fayres and festivals throughout the UK, including, most notably, Glastonbury earlier on this summer; they’re also available for private hire should you wish to throw an impressive party. Just remember to look your best for the photos!

For more information on the Cream Tease Bus, visit their site here

2015 Elddis Xplore touring range revealed

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by Ingeborg Holba

The all new 2015 Xplore touring caravan range has been revealed, with oodles of updates

Elddis has revealed the new 2015 season Xplore range of lightweight touring caravans and, in doing so, revealed a line-up of versatile layouts, now with six to choose from, two of which are brand new and all single axle. Everything from a couple’s bolthole to a six-berth family tourer is now yours for the taking.

As you would expect, the new Xplores come with a ten-year water ingress and body integrity warranty, ‘Strong-Lite’ strong aluminium one-piece sides, which are reported to be up to 40 per cent stronger and 30 per cent lighter, full height gloss front panel, a fully bonded roof, GRP underskin, a sturdy step-on hitch and two extra large two-bottle gas lockers – all under the guise of Elddis’ SoLiD Construction technology.

Also included as standard across the range are OZIO mattresses and seat cushions, which are said to be highly durable and, moving into the kitchen, you’ll find all of the essentials, including oven and grill, fridge-freezer, worktop and sufficient storage space. The bathroom is also well equipped, containing a rapid-heat up Whale water heater, vanity units, sockets and an IC Intelligent Controller which helps turn the pump off when water runs out.

All of these features are on the all-new AL-KO galvanised steel chassis, which, we understand, will make the caravan much easier to tow. Moreover, there is plenty of storage space.

The interior is based on the latest trends and colour palettes resulting in a very modern look, with Elddis’ ‘Asplet Walnut’ cabinetry seemingly complementing the Xplore’s cream features, while granite effect worktops complete the look.

Rachel Moncrief, marketing manager at Elddis said of the 2015 Xplore, “We understand that our Xplore customers want absolute value for money, whilst they opt for a pared-down simplicity and a little less specification, there will never be any compromise on quality.” With prices starting at £12,349 for the Xplore 304, and rising to £14,499 for the four-berth 574, excluding delivery charge, we’d be inclined to agree.

So what do you reckon? Is the new Xplore on your wish list or are you looking to invest in something else?

Ukraine war victims to receive caravans from Gloucestershire

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by Ingeborg Holba

A proposal has been set to help Ukrainian war victims, by sending out caravans in order to provide shelter during the upcoming harsh winter months

When Tania Leigh recently visited Ukraine she saw a country deep in conflict, caught in the middle of war, and in dire need of help. And now, upon her return to the UK, she and her husband, Dr Warren Leigh, have decided to do something about it. And that’s where caravans are set to play an important role.

They proposed to send out caravans, of any size, from Gloucestershire to the war-torn country in order to help them in their ongoing conflict.

The Caravans for Peace appeal was launched by the Leighs just two weeks after Tania’s return from the war-torn region and is asking people to spare their unused caravans to help victims of the conflict who have been forced out of their homes and in need of shelter – especially as winter approaches, when temperatures usually drop drastically to as love as -30C.

“In Ukraine come September, the weather changes dramatically, and we want to provide shelter for people whose homes have been destroyed. There are some people living in cellars or in tin sheds, which is not right,” said Warren of the current situation.

“Caravans will provide warmth and security to those people in the winter months, and also allow them to stay in the communities they’ve become a part of,” he continued.

Alex Pennington, director of Golden Castle Caravans in Churchdown, has already pledged to provide a caravan to this great cause, in addition to other caravanners already aware of the campaign.

Alex said: “It’s a really worthwhile cause. It’s our field of expertise so we are more than happy to lend our support and help get the appeal off the ground.”

Now, the Leighs are eagerly waiting to hear from a landowner who may be able to give up some of his land to keep the mobile homes before they are shipped to Ukrainian docks such as Odessa.

The pair has also already spoken to the other side, asking the Ukrainian Embassy for help in providing a barge to transport the caravans, and for potential Ukrainian co-ordinators of the project to travel with them.

Caravans for Peace also hopes to provide portable gas cannisters, and are aiming to fit the caravans with solar panels. Although their main objective is to find people who can supply them with the caravans needed to complete their work. They are also happy to accept any financial donations that could help deliver these portable homes and get them to where they are needed most.

With more than 1,000 people fleeing from conflict zones in Eastern Ukraine, Warren said: “These are innocent people who are suffering, and I hope this will appeal to people in Gloucestershire who have to live in caravans following the floods.”

“When you get so involved with an issue like this, you begin to come up with practical solutions, and caravans were the only solution we could see.”

If you have the opportunity to help out, we would urge you to. And it’s great to see our love for caravans help in such desperate situations.

To find out how you can help more, visit Caravans for Peace.

Caravans: doing their part to salvage the environment

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by Ingeborg Holba

Caravanning is not only a great way to holiday, but it’s also doing wonders for the environment

We can accept the fact that caravans or the caravan community will never be, in the eyes or your typical sun seeking jetsetter, seen as uber cool, uber sexy or uber exotic. But they are certainly one thing – and that’s uber green.

One can’t deny that caravanning is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling and enjoying your country – and CaravanTimes is here to tell you why.

Firstly, let’s talk about the greenhouse effect. One of the main causes of the effect is carbon dioxide, a planet-poisoning gas produced mainly via transportation. This pollutant is, we’re told, one of the main offenders which could continue to warm the Earth to a disastrous level and, if the experts are right, is causing rapid climate change, more commonly known as global warming. By choosing to holiday in a caravan, we are essentially reducing the huge carbon footprint we’d continue to create if travelling by plane, train or even by cruise ship.

Although caravans cannot exactly be exonerated and cleared of all misdoing as far as carbon emissions are concerned, they have helped improve these conditions to an extent. Don’t believe us? Then let’s look at the facts.

According to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), an average caravan going on a 1,000km journey, towed by a car or similar vehicle, will emit 224kg of carbon dioxide in comparison to 300kg per passenger on a flight of over 3,000km would express. Whilst we do realise that a plane is more efficient in the sense that it carries more passengers to further locations, the gap between the amount of carbon dioxide being thrown out into the air is of paramount proportions. In fact, researches at Lancaster University have concluded that travelling in caravans, and staying in caravan parks is the greenest kind of holiday, not to mention the perfect way of enjoying the countryside – while we still have it – and all it has to offer.

Speaking of caravan parks, they also play an integral role when it comes to protecting the planet. Most caravan sites, for example, present guidelines to their visitors in order to help do their part in being as environmentally friendly as possible. Sewage and waste is highly important; pollutants seeping through the soil can cause serious harm, as well as spillage due to incorrect storage of chemicals. The Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the Lake District has won several awards, and has been appointed the most environmentally friendly camp site in the UK for its efforts. Many other caravan parks participate in green activities and, in 2014, going green is pretty much seen as a priority wherever we pitch.

So if the Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club is the most ecological caravan site, what would be the perfect caravan to put in it? We’ll give you a clue: it’s got environmentally friendly written all over it.

Dubbed ‘the world’s most eco-friendly caravan’, the Ecostream was born after The Caravan Club of Great Britain conjured up the idea to build a caravan using as many environmentally appropriate materials as possible.

The Club initially proposed the challenge to ex-Top Gear presenter, Steve Berry, and motoring expert, Tighe Grainger, who both proceeded to produce the caravan. It was then unveiled by ex Dallas star Patrick Duffy (that’s fictional oil baron, Bobby Ewing, to you and I) at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show in 2008. It was heralded as a “remarkable piece of construction,” and opened the doors to what caravans, with a bit of a threat from the environment, could possibly look like in the future.

The main inspiration for the Ecostream was the Airstream 534, but this wasn’t the only thing they took from the past, as every item inside had been re-used or made from recycled items, including shampoo bottles, mobile phone covers and CDs making up the furniture. For example, the Dover wood-burning stove with roof mounted chimney was salvaged from a narrow boat, and worked perfectly providing heat, hot water and cooking facilities.

Also included were ground-breaking flexible solar panels on the roof, today implemented on a number of caravans and motorhomes as a standard or optional extra. The floor was entirely made up of strand-woven bamboo. Why bamboo, you ask? Well, bamboo is known for its durability, and more importantly, it can be harvested in a non-harmful way – not exactly ideal for water resistance, but for green credentials it gets a massive ten out of ten. Moreover bamboo only takes three to five years to reach full maturity, as opposed to more common types of wood, which can take up to 15 to 20 years.

Steve said at the time of his and Tighe’s creation of epic green proportions: “This has been a unique, absorbing and, at times, tiring, challenge. I’ve learnt a lot about alternative technologies and met some great people who manage to combine a strong interest in design and engineering with a passionate concern for the environment.”

The highly positive feedback generated by the Ecostream has had some positive consequences, as new ranges of biodegradable and environmentally friendly products for caravans have since been designed and are on sale for kitting out pre-existing caravans and motorhomes wishing to go one step further in improving upon their green credentials, including horsehair and latex instead of foam for upholstery and other 100 per cent natural materials including abaca, alpaca, hemp, linen, and organic cotton and wool. Now, we’re not suggesting you rip out your comfy seats and do a complete overhaul, but the option for the type of caravanner that enjoys renovating their pride and joy is at least one that’s there and one that will increase your green credentials to the nth degree.

So, although we may not be the most popular clique on the motorway, we’re here to stay and save the planet (or at least do our part). We love to spend our nights under the stars with the freedom to move in the morning if we get bored, and without a planet it’d be pretty difficult to do.

Swift Sprite stays in the top selling position with upcoming model and improvements

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by Ingeborg Holba

Swift Group’s entry touring caravan range, the Sprite, remains the best selling caravan in their range and their 2015 range looks set to make no changes on that front

This year has seen Swift Group’s Sprite touring caravan range become one of its best-sellers, and perhaps for good reason.

The new Swift range for 2015 has continued to follow suit as far as Swift’s design standard is concerned, with their SMART Intelligent Construction, an upgraded Truma Combi 4/6 heating system, the Duvalay Duvalite memory fibre mattress and new ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain, and much more.

For 2015, the new Major 4SB model gives a choice of eight models including two twin axles as well as a transverse island bed.

The interior includes Swift’s new and contemporary ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain, with other added extras including LED spot lights, a kitchen locker header with LED downlights, chrome sockets and new vector taps.

The Diamond pack is also pretty well priced, making it a highly popular option for those wanting that little extra, featuring AL-KO stabiliser, AL-KO wheel-lock receiver, microwave, a fitting exterior door and a radio.

Moreover, all models satisfy the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval requirements and have a EN1645 Grade three classification for heating and insulation, which also happens to be the highest available.

Swift Group will also continue to fit all Sprites with the TRACKER Retrieve Thatcham approved tracking system, which was previously only used on premium-priced ranges.

Sizes range from the two-berth Alpine two to the bigger and more family-friendly size six-berth Quattro FB twin-axle model.

Swift Group Commerical Director, Nick Page said of the new 2015 Sprite: “Sprite is on of our top selling ranges and with the new SMART construction and changes for 2015 we believe it will be the best built and specified caravan available on the market from around £13,000.”

Testing complete for The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Competition

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club’s annual testing for Towcar of the Year has been completed, using Bailey caravans to determine towcar of the year for 2015. The question remains, however, will current champs, Skoda, retain the crown

Yes folks, it’s that time of the year once again. No, not unofficially the end of summer as the grey clouds gather in furious momentum throughout the UK, but rather The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2015.

Although the results of The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2015 remain a closely guarded secret until they are announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 24 September, CaravanTimes has learned that testing has been completed at The Millbrook Proving Ground – one of the most demanding environments in the world to test the towability of your vehicle when towing a caravan.

Bailey of Bristol has risen to the challenge once again – this being their 17th year – and assisted The Caravan Club by providing a selection of ten caravans, including Bailey Pursuits, Pegasus GT65s and Unicorns, to help determine a winner for 2015.

The three day test consisted of each caravan being loaded with ballast to match each towcar’s 85 per cent weight, or its maximum towing limit, if lower, and part of the testing saw any AL-KO stability aids disabled to ensure each car’s reactions to the demanding tests could be fully experienced.

The question remains, however, as to whether 2014’s winner, Skoda, will rise to the challenge once again to scoop the much-coveted award for the fourth occasion, or whether Volkswagen can steal Skoda’s crown, having won the year before with the VW Jetta. With 39 cars to choose from, the judges have certainly had their work cut out, that’s for sure.

The results will be up on our site as soon as we receive them, so make sure you check back with us on 24 September to find which car has won.