Swift launches new SMART construction across entire coachbuilt motorhome ranges for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

SMART construction now included on all Swift motorhome ranges for 2015

Swift has launched their SMART intelligent construction system across their entire coachbuilt motorhome ranges for 2015. The decision comes following the successful and popular launch of their tourer ranges, which included the construction method for the 2014 season and is a great addition to an exciting number of ranges.

SMART – standing for ‘Strong timber-less body frame with Modern desirable looks and a leading Aerodynamic shape that is Resilient to moisture, all wrapped up in motorhomes that have undergone the most comprehensive Testing’ – is based upon tried and tested technology and is exclusive to the caravan and motorhome manufacturer. Do you see what they did there?!

The new strong timberless body frame uses Swift’s ‘PURe’ material – a tough, long lasting polyurethane based product that, it is claimed, is totally impervious to water following rigorous testing. The construction method is said to prevent the transfer of moisture all the way from the aluminium sidewalls to the wall board inside, making the motorhome highly resilient to moisture – one of those things we worry about the most at CaravanTimes, when it comes to long term damage to our trusty little caravans and motorhomes.

For more peace of mind, all fixings, including windows and doors have been made using the ‘PURe’ frame, which is a lot lighter than timber, therefore helping to keep the weight of each motorhome to a minimum; and with this providing the assurance we strive for when it comes to protection from those niggly, annoying things we’ve experienced with motorhomes of old, the new technology used across the board sounds great.

To complement ‘PURe’, a special waterproof sealant has been used around fixing screws, which are engineered so that they do not go all the way through the ‘PURe’ frame ensuring there is no passage for water to trickle through from the outer skin to the inner wallboards, combating that moisture ingress some of us have grown to despise.

There is very little room for error as far Swift’s technology is concerned, and that is owed to the stringent testing completed for each compenent. Everything is computer numerically controlled – to you and us, that means each component is cut using some of the most advanced computerised technology, giving little room for error which can be found doing things manually.

Comprising of SMART construction technology throughout, the new bodyshell has been through extensive safety and durability testing including cold chamber testing, where motorhomes were subjected to chilling temperatures of minus 15 degrees centigrade and beyond.

So it looks like it’s a smart choice by Swift all round, to ensure we avoid some of the pitfalls that come with owning a motorhome by incorporating their advanced technology across all ranges. After all, if we wouldn’t tolerate moisture damage at home, why should we allow for it to invade our home on wheels?

Collection of royal toys – including miniature caravan – go on display at Buckingham Palace

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by Laura Hastings

Providing a fascinating insight into the early life of the royal family, going back 250 years, this exhibition is a must-see

Caravans play a major role in British culture, so much so that they are beloved by the royal family themselves – or so it seems – as a new exhibition at Buckingham Palace reveals.

CaravanTimes recently wrote about the campervan shaped toy chest presented to Prince George on his first birthday, and we now know that this was the latest in a legacy of caravan-themed toys enjoyed by the royals.

On display at the comprehensive childhood exhibition is a miniature caravan, presented to Prince Charles and Princess Anne by the Caravan Club over 50 years ago.

Other items on display include Prince George’s christening gown – a replica of the delicate satin and lace gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841. The oldest item in the collection is a silver rattle enjoyed by the young George IV, dating from 1763.

The Royal Childhood exhibit will be open from July 26 to September 28.

British inventor farts at France from under Folkestone Caravan Club

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by Laura Hastings

Inventor sets up his latest creation beside Folkstone Caravan Club in Kent – a fart machine which he hoped would be heard across the channel in France

Caravan sites and their surrounding area are fantastic locations for holidays. People choose to visit due to the amenities available, the friendly atmosphere upon arrival and to escape the city life for a less polluted environment with lots of fresh air. Colin Furze, however, chose to situate his latest project beside Folkestone caravan park for a slightly different reason.

In an experiment that will probably do absolutely nothing as far as strengthening Anglo/French relations are concerned, Colin’s aim was none of the above. Instead, it was to build a fart machine. That’s right; a machine that would produce a fart noise so loud, that the noise would carry across the channel to France. Folkestone Caravan Club’s close proximity to the French coast proved to be the ideal location for the project.

Colin’s invention consisted of a pulse jet engine, built inside a skilfully crafted pair of giant buttocks. And the toxic experiment proved successful, as Colin’s assistant, ferried over to France, could confirm, having heard the trump 20 miles across the Channel.

The inventor described the project colourfully in his own words on his website: “With some pulse jets noise, kinda resembling a strained prolonged fart, I suggest we build the biggest jet I’ve ever built and house it behind a giant butt, point it towards France on the 24th of July and hope some un-expecting Frenchman laying on a Calais bench chuffs on his onion ice cream at the racket coming across the water from Angleterre.”

Interestingly enough, this isn’t even the craziest stunt that Colin has pulled. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed recorded on a mobility scooter (71.59 mph), and invented his own Wolverine claws (based on the X-Men character). Most of his projects are documented on Colin’s YouTube channel

To see a video of the incredible gassy process of building the jet engine, check out the video below.

Former Policeman plans to travel 8,000 miles to Norway in charity Tractor Bumble

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by Hayley McCrystal

Ex-copper plans to tractor his way to Norway… towing a caravan

Just two weeks ago, retired policeman Peter Matheson decided he would drive from Scotland to Norway, by tractor. Yes, you read that right – by tractor. Not only that, he will be towing a 28ft, Elddis Crusader Sirocco caravan behind him for the 8,000 mile round trip. Talk about a wide load. But, Peter’s hasn’t lost the plot – it’s all in the name of charity.

Matheson, 50, bought a vintage Massey Ferguson 135 tractor, nicknamed ‘Annie’, to complete the charity ride to Norway, starting on 9 August. He purchased the tractor off of eBay, of all places, for £7,000. The tractor reaches a maximum of 15mph and it has been estimated that the trek will take four months to complete. That’s a whole lot of tractor time driving in, what we imagine, not the most comfortable of vehicles – ouch!

But never fear, Peter will be taking his trusty seven-year-old Labrador, Amber, along for the ride. Unlike Peter, who will have to suffer the elements without a cab on his tractor, the lucky Lab will have the comfort of the caravan to retreat to when Mother Nature is being unkind. Amber even gets specially built shelf for her crate, which has been welded to the back of the tractor for those brighter times when the sun chooses to grace Peter with its presence.

Being an old member of the Young Farmers in Colchester, Essex, it seems fitting that a tractor is Peter’s vehicle of choice. This was not part of his original plan, however. Initially, the ambitious fundraiser planned to use his Land Rover but found this would create difficulties when trying to tow the caravan up the steeper gradients of Norway.

Equipped with his kilt, a wetsuit and snorkel, the ex-cop plans to travel from John O’Groats to Lands End, via Essex, then head to Dover, where he’ll head up through Scandinavia to Nordkapp, Norway, to view the Aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. We may even run out to say howdy as he makes his way through London.

This is not just another crazy stunt for charity, the charities chosen are very close to Peter’s heart. During his time with the Young Farmers, Peter made two friends who later married and had two children. One of his friend’s children, Tom Bowdidge, sadly passed away from a desmoplastic small round cell tumour and extensive peritoneal disease in October last year, at just 19-years-old. On what would have been Tom’s 20th birthday, his parents, Richard and Nikki, founded the Tom Bowdidge Foundation, in memory of their son. The foundation has been chosen as one of the recipients of the Tractor Bumble’s proceeds. The charity’s goal is to raise funds, support research projects and provide physical and emotional support to teenagers and young people with cancer. Peter will also be donating money raised to the well-known children’s charity, Unicef.

The caravan will be adorned in messages, explaining his mission to other motorists and why he’s is going at a snail’s pace; his bright red tractor and customised caravan will definitely be a sight to behold and is sure to cause a stir on his travels.

Peter is also on the lookout for volunteers to pilot the previously mentioned Land Rover, which he plans to take along as a support vehicle. He has also been contacting young farmers’ clubs up and down the country, hoping to get support and for others to join him en route. We don’t know about you readers, but we’d love to see a parade of tractors and caravans chuggin’ along Tower Bridge.

To get involved or find out more about this, visit the Tractor Bumble site here, where details about donations, via paypal or directly, can be found, or visit the facebook page. Alternatively, contact Peter directly at peter.matheson63@gmail.com.

This is set to be one hell of a party so get your farmer on and join in! And, whilst this wouldn’t be our suggestion of towing vehicle, all of us here at CaravanTimes are definitely behind this wacky charity effort all the way.

The new Swift Esprit and Bessacarr for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Think you’ve seen the Swift Esprit and Bessacarr? Following both motorhome’s 2015 makeovers, think again

Following on from Swift’s official 2015 launch yesterday, we can now bring you exciting details about the new Swift Esprit and Bessacarr. CaravanTimes had the pleasure of checking Swift’s latest offerings up close and personal – and we were pleasantly surprised with the dramatic changes incorporated into the 2015 ranges.

Two of the major releases yesterday were the extremely streamlined Swift Esprit and Bessacarr -both ranges oozing aerodynamic design quality, seemingly complementing the new Fiat cab which comes as standard across all of Swift’s ranges for 2015. One exciting factor is that Swift’s SMART intelligent construction system is now built within all motorhome ranges as standard.

A massive eight model line up awaits, including two brand new layouts – the six metre 424 and a lowline 494 model. The 424 is a four berth layout with travelling seats and a transverse rear washroom, while the 494 lowline is also a four berth with travelling seats but somewhat longer at 7.96 metres. The main difference is the 494 comes with a transverse rear-fixed bed, making it easier to walk around when the lights go out. This transverse offering is a first for the range, but something we’re sure we’ll see again.

Both 424 and 496 models also have an electronically controlled drop-down bed, which has to be seen. Able to be positioned in three positions the bed is easy to navigate and to move out of the way at the press of a button. And, with the highest position for storage being within the roofline, you could actually be forgiven for forgetting there’s a bed there at all. In addition, fixed beds benefit from the ‘Duvalay Duvalite’, providing lightweight memory foam technology for extra comfort.

Another feature we were rather impressed with was on the 484 model, where a new lift-up bed above the garage creates extra garage space and makes access to the bed easier; so it’s basically a win/win where you can fit as much or as little into the garage as you like, all at the press of a button.

Following on from the success of the technology when used with the group’s touring range from October 2013, SMART construction has been introduced to the motorhome ranges – and for good reason. The strong timber-less body frame, which remains resilient to moisture, looks set to protect your caravan in the most extreme conditions and each motorhome’s frame, with its PURe design adds to this, preventing moisture from the outside creeping in. With the engineering behind the PURe and SMART technology comprising of rigorous testing throughout, we’d say this should be a given.

Now, back to the cab. The new Fiat cab certainly complements the streamlined design of the aerodynamic white body shell, but it’s also colour keyed which, along with the LED daytime running lights with black accents, will remain a bit of an jaw-dropper for some time to come. The contrasting main colour of white along with the black bezel, gloss front grill and skid plate are sure to see to this.

Inside the cab, new ‘Captain-chair’ style seats with an ample headrest and better support will ensure a comfortable journey, but it doesn’t stop there. Swift has thrown in various additional extras including swanky cup holders, and compartments for your smart phone, MP3 player or anything else you can fit.
Speaking of phones, the radio comes with Bluetooth for hands free phone calls and a mirror mounted aerial for better reception and there’s even a USB connector for when your battery gets low.

The interiors for both the Esprit and Bessacarr ranges are also rather swish. Both have Swift’s new, contemporary ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain and the Esprit models have hessian contrasts to the gloss upper locker doors, whereas the Bessacarr models have a gloss smoked oak inlay – both appealing to the eye.

The furniture is all-singing and dancing too, with safety remaining paramount to the Swift motorhome ethos, having been safety-tested with extensive crash sled testing.

Lighting throughout both the Esprit and Bessacarr is LED, as would be expected with such models and the low-level night lights that operate when driving are sure to provide the perfect ambience.

Six of the eight models feature a separate shower cubicle and two have a washroom where a divider keeps the toilet area dry. The Eco Camel shower head and hose in the washroom will also save you lots of water, as it cleverly injects air directly into the water stream, enabling that power shower feel we’ve all known to come and love. We decided not to strip off and test this out, but we’ll take Swift’s word for it!

All models are also complemented with Truma Combi boilers and Swift’s Winter Pack, including fresh and waste water tank heaters, drain insulation and fridge vent covers, providing Grade 3 performance for thermal insulation which is good to know.

A Truma ‘Crash Sensor Mono’ regulator even allows the heating system to be safely operated while travelling to keep the whole living space warm and there is also provision for solar panel connection.

With the Bessacarr models come a higher spec, including cab mirror covers, reversing camera, awning and a walnut dash trim amongst other highlights, including omnivent, vanity mirror lights, robe lighting and map pockets.

All models come powered by a Fiat 2.3 litre, 130bhp Euro5+ turbo diesel with a 6-speed gearbox, as well as a ‘TRACKER Retrieve’ Thatcham approved (Category 7) tracking system for that extra peace of mind.

And with a 10-year body integrity warranty, what more could a motorhomer want?

TyrePal tyre pressure monitoring system to come as as standard with new Bailey Unicorn as part of Tow Safety Design

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by Hayley McCrystal

Bailey becomes first company to offer ‘TPMS’ as standard with new Unicorn as Tow Safety Design sweeps into action

Following on from the launch of the new third generation Unicorn , unveiled by Bailey of Bristol last week, it has been announced that Bailey will become the first manufacturer to add tyre pressure monitoring as a standard feature.

Working alongside TyrePal, the tyre pressure/wheel solution specialists recently acquired by Wheel Solutions (WSL), each new Unicorn will come with internal sensors, factory-fitted inside the wheels so there is no possibility of theft or damage to your spanking new wheels. Who could ask for more than that?

This design choice is just one in a wider ‘Tow Safety Design’ theme highlighted by Bailey during the new Unicorn launch. The campaign also includes efforts to improve weight distribution through a new caravan layout, improved wheel quality, with new laser balanced alloy wheels from WSL and premium quality Michelin tyres as well as incorporating new wheel safety bolts.

As we’re sure you’re aware, the ability to monitor your caravan’s tyre pressure can greatly improve the safety of the caravan when towing and the TyrePal TC215 system certainly allows for that. Monitoring the pressure and temperature of the tyres, while giving a clear audio and visual alert in the event of air loss, low pressure, high pressure and high temperature seems like an advancement that couldn’t have come at a better time. All new cars sold in the EU must, from 1 November 2014 onwards, be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system. Whilst this does not yet apply to caravans, Bailey has made the decision to ensure the safety of its customers by making this a standard feature. The choice of TyrePal for these monitoring systems was made because of the company’s many years of experience in the field.

Customers can also purchase TPMS coverage for spare caravan wheels and their towing vehicle from TyrePal. These additions would utilise the same TC215 monitoring system as the new Unicorn alongside external sensors attached to the car so the whole system become integrated.

As an added bonus, various companies will offer discounted caravan insurance for caravan owners with TyrePal TPMS.

It seems Bailey is pulling out all the stops with the launch of the new third generation Unicorn and, with this much effort concentrated on the tyres alone, we can see why tho third generation Unicorn looks set to be the best yet.

Increase in caravan and camping bookings as Commonwealth Games begin

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By Ingeborg Holba

Commonwealth Games results in surge of advance bookings on Scottish caravan and campsites

The next 12 days are expected to see Glasgow placed firmly on the map as host to the Commonwealth Games and, as a result, Camping in the Forest has witnessed a much higher demand on advance bookings owing to the prestigious event’s presence.

A surge in visitors to the Scottish region looking to make the most of what Scottish nature has to offer seems to be order of the day, with an impressive 334 per cent increase in occupancy at various caravan and campsites throughout Scotland seeming to prove that more conventional accomodation alternatives have been shunned owing to an increase in prices.

For the price of £26.50 per pitch per night, a party of four can enjoy the charming Scottish woodlands and spend a few nights away from the chaos of the city while, at the same time, being close enough to it to join in on all the Commonwealth Games has to offer. Not to mention, Camping in the Forest are also offering an additional 20 per cent off their pitch prices if bookings are made prior to 30th July.

Bob Hill, Sites Director for Camping in the Forest, said: “Our Scottish campsites have always been popular holiday locations, but demand has risen dramatically due to international interest in sport. Not only is this fantastic news for us as a leading holiday provider, it’s also really positive for the local area as a whole.”

Hill also confirmed that despite the high demand, Camping in the Forest still has a few pitches available and that there is still time to book. So what are you waiting for? Get going!

For more information on Camping in the Forest sites, as well as availability in Scotland during the Commonwealth Games, visit their website here.

Swift launch sees new motorhome range and exciting updates for existing ranges for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Official Swift launch at Willerby Manor reveals new Swift Rio motorhome and exciting enhancements to their existing range, including SMART construction all round

Swift has today announced exciting updates to their motorhome itinerary, including the brand new Swift Rio CaravanTimes can reveal.

New for 2015, the Swift Rio is the latest arrival to join the Swift family and, from what we’ve seen, is set to be a best seller.

At 6.4 metres in length and just 2.26 metres wide, with a rear fully opening tailgate, it seems like Swift has hit the nail right on the head when it comes to what we’ve all been waiting for – a compact, sporty range which is sure to make your neighbours envious and become that little bit friendlier once they see it in your driveway.

Available in two models – the 320 (two berth) and 340 (four berth) – the Rio looks set to provide something for everyone, with the 340 featuring an electronic operated drop down bed at the rear that has three positions. With this option available, as well as the rear fully opening tailgate, new generation Fiat chassis cab and lots more, this seems like a motorhome we’ve all been waiting for.

Swift continued to impress us by also announcing that their SMART intelligent construction system will be used across all motorhomes, making them more robust to the elements we all dread, making it that much easier to enjoy our journey, wherever that may be.

Stay glued to CaravanTimes for more exciting news on the Swift motorhomes for 2015 and much more. We’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Hymer Exsis-i and Exsis-t at Travelworld

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes takes a trip to Travelworld in Shropshire where we discuss the new lightweight Hymer Exsis-i and Exsis-t

Having remained at the forefront of the motorhome industry for over 40 years, Hymer are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

The German brand has continued to exude quality throughout its integrated – otherwise known as A Class – motorhome range, and for good reason.

Hymer’s clever construction method known as PUAL, amongst other design aspects, has enabled each model within each range to continue to concentrate on offering high-class quality, while simultaneously keeping the dimensions and weight of the Exsis-i and Exis-t to a bare minimum.

Weighing in at under the 3.5ton restriction weight, with some models within the range falling under six metres in length and just over two metres in width, we speak to Ross Edwards at Travelworld to discuss exactly how German craftsmanship has achieved this – all to provide the discerning motorhomer with everything they need to feel right at home in a Hymer.

Arena Essex’s Annual Caravan Race is just as ridiculous as ever before

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by Hayley McCrystal

Arena Essex welcomes the mayhem with their annual caravan race

Here at the CaravanTimes we love any excuse to hop in the caravan. We’re just not sure we’re ready to sacrifice ours for Arena Essex ‘s Caravan race. The Raceway hosted their annual caravan race last Sunday and caused as much chaos as always.

Despite shedding a tear or two at the death of several caravans over the weekend, we do appreciate the effort to host some good destructive fun. The race was always going to be carnage – the track’s website shared it intentions to “see how many bits we can actually break a caravan into and how much fun we can have while we do it.”

Racer, Jason Jackson, outlasted the others to steal the win, although he did not come out unscathed – he lost the body of his caravan earlier in the race.

The event appears to be more ‘destruction derby’ than race, as several drivers lost, crashed and rolled their vehicles, but it was all in the name of fun and the drivers clearly channeled their inner child during this extreme version of bumper cars.

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The Camping and Caravanning Club’s annual National Feast of Lanterns Rally goes global

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by Hayley McCrystal

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s rally has gained the support of the F.I.C.C.

The National Feast of Lanterns, which will run from 28 August – 1 September this year, has for the first time received the support of the Federation Internationale de Camping, Caravanning et Autocaravanning (FICC), or International Federation of Camping Clubs, in an effort to encourage international holiday-goers to join in the festivities.

The FICC was first established in 1932, with clubs the world over affiliating with it. It represents 56 Federations and Clubs from 32 countries and aims to protect and promote camping both nationally and internationally.

The event will be held and Anglesey Agricultural Showground and looks set to be a whale of a time. In addition to the tradition of lighting up your caravan, be it by candle, fairy lights and everything else inbetween, a wide variety of entertainment is also set for your viewing pleasure. Entertainment will include a Mardi Gras parade, marching band, falcon display, the much anticipated Heliosphere Acrobat and tribute acts bringing you music from Cliff Richard, Michael Buble, Shirley Bassey and more. What holiday is complete without a tribute act, right?

To book your place, head over to the Camping and Caravanning Club site here.

Gold Stars for Green Tourism! Award finalists revealed

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by Hayley McCrystal

60 of the UK’s most environmentally sustainable businesses have been short listed for the Green Tourism Goldstar award, including two caravan sites

Two caravan sites are among the 60 companies to be shortlisted for the Green TourismGoldstar award. The annual awards, now in its fourth year, celebrate the achievements of organisations and their efforts to promote sustainability. It assesses their innovation, cost-saving initiative and green ambassadorship.

Whilst the caravanner’s carbon footprint is somewhat undesirable, this award shows that our favourite past time can be environmentally friendly with a little effort.

The Director of Green Tourism, Andrea Nicholas, said: ‘The GoldStar Awards are a recognition of the best of the best in Britain when it comes to creating and maintaining a thriving sustainable tourism industry’

Green Tourism was first started 17 years ago and boasts the world’s most credible sustainable tourism programme.
The following sites have been shortlisted for the award:

Cobleland Caravan & Camping site, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire

This idyllic site is situated on the banks of the River Forth and next to the Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It offers 21 miles of forest trails, great for hiking and cycling. This is the perfect location for the nature lovers among you, being home to several species of wildlife including deer, red squirrels and the Scottish wildcat.
Nearby attractions include a Go Ape!, Aberfoyle Golf Club and Stirling Castle.

Dolbeare Park, Saltash, Cornwall

This five-star park in South East Cornwall lets you explore the stunning Cornish countryside whilst still being close to Plymouth and the beaches of Whitesand Bay, a popular local surf spot, and the Rame Peninsula. The location is described as ‘little known’ so is perfect for those of you looking to immerse yourself in the Cornish way of life without the hustle and bustle so often attached to such tourist centres.
This spot is ideal for the more adventurous of you with easy access to a nearby Go Karting site, cycling trails in the Tamar Valley and canoeing in the Tamar River.

The Goldstar award is not the only competition between Cobleland and Dolbeare, however. Both sites claim to have the longest zipwire in Britain close by, despite being at opposite ends of the country. Nothing says rivalry like competing zip line lengths.

The winners will be announced at the Green Tourism Annual Conference in November.