TECH: Why Camtrack MT 1 is more than a GPS security system

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by David Weston

A new caravan security service has hit the market in the last few weeks which will give owners peace of mind about their beloved caravans.

The Camtrack MT1 system uses GPS tracking and a smartphone app to secure your caravan and also aid your caravanning experience.

The system has only been available in the UK since the end of January 2014, but is proving popular in Europe with 2,500 units currently active on the continent.

With GPS technology becoming cheaper and more advanced, caravans are now able to benefit from the development to help secure their properties.

At the heart of the MT 1 system is an encapsulated GPS device that is 100% waterproof and shockproof. It consists of just three wires, of which two are for the 12-volt power supply, while the third is for a 3A output that can be used for a siren or a range of accessories.

Using a free smartphone app, owners can set a security alarm. The alarm is set off if the caravan moves when it isn’t supposed to or if one of the accessories detects an intruder.

If the alarm is triggered, the user is sent an alert to the app with the caravan’s GPS location. An optional extra will allow the owner to track the location of the caravan in real time.

The system can also be used to monitor your caravan’s temperature, detect a water leak, monitor your voltage or notify you if the power has been cut.

When asked what makes this piece of tech different from the rest of the market, Camtrack’s Paul Wilson said simply, “Price”.

“Costs start at £299.99 plus an annual registration charge of EUR59.00 (£48.50) for the unlimited data on the service.

“But what you get for the service makes it more than value for money.”

“We have 2,500 units across Europe, it was originally designed for boats. But we saw that caravan users could also benefit from it.

“Anyone can install it. It has a simple two-wire connection into your caravan. It comes with at GPS Alarm and a range of wireless accessories.

The MT1 has a built-in back-up battery and with the wireless remote can be programmed to standby for up to six months whilst disconnected from any external power source. The MT1 is rated as “dust tight” and protected against complete, continuous submersion in water.

For tech-minded caravanners it seems like an extremely attractive package, with a lot of potential.

Business as usual for C&CC with 99% of sites unaffected by floods

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by Chris Jefferies
Despite some truly awful winter weather that lead to widespread flooding for many, the Camping and Caravanning Club has managed to keep all of its sites free from damage.
The Club said in a statement this week that “99%” of its sites were unaffected, due to their location on high ground or near to the coast.
Somerset in particular was badly hit by the floods, but all the Camping and Caravanning Club’s sites in the county are based in the Mendip Hills or close enough to the coast to allow sufficient drainage.
The exception to this was the Club’s Chertsey site in Surrey, which was severely flooded when the Thames broke its banks last month.
However, thanks to prompt work from both the Club’s wardens and the Environment Agency, Chertsey will still be open tomorrow (7 March) as planned.
All of the Club’s sites across are eager to eager to welcome guests over the Easter break, the announcement continues, with members encouraged to call ahead if they have any doubts.

Alan Rogers launches 2014 Escapes brochure with 20% discount

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by Tom Walsh

Stuck for a summer holiday idea? Well, The Alan Rogers Travel Service could provide some helpful suggestions.

The company has unveiled its 2014 Escapes programme which is a great way for people to enjoy a getaway to Europe with friends.

It allows caravanners and motorhomers explore the French countryside while also having a base where they can chill out with their friends and family in the bliss of the summer sun in Europe.

The Alan Rogers Travel Services’ 2014 Escapes programme offers luxury holiday parks in France, and some of the best campsites the nation has to offer. There is also plenty of room for touring caravanners that want to bring their own vehicle.

As an added incentive, those that book before 14 March will benefit from a 20 per cent discount, the perfect boost for those looking to splash out while they are away on holiday.

To download the 2014 Alan Rogers Escapes brochure, click here.

Two arrested after knife attack on caravan in Merstham

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by Tom Walsh

Police in Merstham, Surrey, have arrested two teenage boys on suspicion of breaking into a caravan.

The incident occurred at 8:50pm on Wednesday 26 February, on private land off Weldon Lane. Officers stated that the two males forced their way into the caravan and threatened the occupant with a small knife.

While nothing was taken during the break-in, police are still treating the incident as serious and have called on anyone with further information to come forward.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Police said: “A number of enquiries were made in the local area following the incident, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested a short time later.

“A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the end of the week. Both have been released on police bail until Tuesday, 15 April.”

It further highlights the need for caravan owners to be vigilant as their mobile homes could be seen as a prime target for burglars or other thieves.

Nationwide appeal launched after mystery man found dead at caravan park

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by Chris Jefferies
In a plot worthy of a murder mystery, a nationwide appeal has been launched by West Mercia police after a dead body was found in a river next to a caravan park. How he died or who he was remains unknown.
Weir Meadow Caravan Park in Evesham sits on the banks of the River Avon and during last month’s severe flooding a corpse was fished out of the water on Wednesday 19 February.
Identifying the man in his late forties has proved difficult, with no wallet or ID cards and no local missing person reports that matched his description.
And now, with local enquiries resulting in no known relatives, the investigation has been thrown open to the wider public.
Police have issued pictures of the man’s clothes, boots, studded belt and glasses in the hope that someone may recognise them.
Detective Sergeant Chris Percival, who is leading the search, said: “Usually in such tragic cases, we can quickly identify the person and inform their next of kin, so it is unfortunate that with this man we have so little to go on.
“It is more likely this man is from Worcestershire or Warwickshire, so I would like to appeal to anyone who thinks they recognise the description and the clothes he was wearing, to contact West Mercia Police straightway.”
Anyone with any information on this case is encouraged to dial 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote the reference number: 151s 19/02/14

Team Bailey Mini racing squad set for 6,000 mile European adventure

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by Tom Walsh

Every successful team needs a good network of support and the Bailey Racing Team will get just that for the 2014 Classic Mini racing campaign.

The team will be competing in championships across both the UK and Europe covering a total of 6,000 miles throughout the entire campaign.

And when they are not involved in high-stakes competition, the team will be able to relax in the luxury of a Bailey Unicorn Madrid which has been named as their vital support vehicle for the duration of the season.

The team will take part in 11 race meeting across the UK and then three in Europe between April and October, taking in Zolder in Belgium, Zandvoort in Holland and Jerez in Spain.

For the first time in its history it will have a female driver as 18-year-old Ella Blue has signed up to join Charlie Budd (21), Justin Cooper (33). They will be coached by ex-Formula Renault Champion, Westley Barber.

Jonathan Lewis, team leader of Team Bailey Racing, said: “This is a very exciting time for me and the team, and I wish to thank Bailey of Bristol for loaning us such a fantastic caravan which means we have a comfortable place to eat, sleep and relax in between races.”

To get a glimpse inside the Silverstone paddock with Team Bailey, click here to watch our video special.

Newtownabbey council invests in upgrading local caravan park

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by Tom Walsh

Improvements to a caravan park have been put on the agenda at Newtownabbey Council.

The borough council has announced plans to spend £6,000 on upgrading existing tent pitches at Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park, Newtownabbey Today reports.

Councillors are keen to reduce the risk of flooding in the area and will construct a raised base to prevent heavy rain causing flooding on the site. Each tent pitch will also be equipped with electrical points.

The news has been welcomed by Alliance councillor Tom Campbell who told the news provider: “This caravan site has been a real success and this proposal shows how well it is being proactively managed.

“There is evidence that the site is popular to the extent that there are some long term users.”

Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park has become a huge hit with tourists and sits right on the Northern Irish coast and is within driving distance of both Newtownabbey and Belfast.

Jeep Renegade compact crossover debuts at Geneva Motor Show

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by David Weston

American 4×4 specialist Jeep has unveiled its latest creation – the Renegade Compact Crossover – at this year’s Geneva Motor Show., and it is the company’s smallest Jeep to date.

The Renegade is loosely based on the platform of parent comapany Fiat’s 500L, though it’s been modified to fit the Renegade’s all-wheel-drive system and independent rear suspension.

It comes with four-wheel drive as standard and up to seven engine choices, including three diesel options and a 2.0 litre, 165bhp version. It is predicted it will produce 50mpg although no economy figures have been released.

It measures in at less than 4.2m long and is only 17cm longer than a Ford Fiesta hatchback. It also has the option to come with a removable glass roof, if you want to feel closer to the great outdoors.

There are a range of transmissions available too, including a nine-speed automatic and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A six-speed manual will be standard.

The new crossover is smaller than the company’s Patriot model but is expected to attract buyers who could otherwise opt for the Nissan Juke or the Kia Soul.

Mike Manley, Jeep’s chief executive, said: “The all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade expands the brand’s portfolio and targets the rapidly expanding small SUV segment around the globe.”

It is expected to enter dealerships in 2015. Weights and prices will be released towards the end of the year, giving us a clearer picture of whether or not it will make a suitable towcar.

New look Ford Focus Estate unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

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by Chris Jefferies
This week’s Geneva Motor Show (6-13 March) brings plenty of glitz and glamour to a series of car launches, but arguably none are quite as important as the new Ford Focus.
The American carmaker claims that Focus is the most popular car model in the world, and with a choice between hatchback and estate there’s something to interest caravanners as well in the new version.
Over the past few years, Ford has been overhauling the look of its cars, starting with the new-look Mondeo and Fiesta, and now it’s the Focus’s turn.
The result is a more purposeful nose-end, narrowed headlights, a slightly bulging bonnet and a hexagonal grille that reminds us of some of the newer Aston Martins. All in all, it’s a very attractive look.
Looks aside, and Ford is claiming that this is “the most advanced Focus ever”, due to its myriad of technological wizardry.
The Sync 2 connectivity system includes a voice-activated sat nav, which has a degree of artificial intelligence. For example, just saying ‘I’m hungry’ will bring up a list of local restaurants.
We’d love to see if it could be programmed to respond to caravan-related demands, like ‘Find my nearest campsite’ as well.
Safe and sound
It’s not just lazy boys that benefit, as Ford has been honing its safety technology to make it easier for you to park.
The new Perpendicular Parking system allows you to reverse into a bay without using your hands. It sounds scary at first, but a set of ultrasonic sensors are on hand to make sure that you can’t have a ding.
Even the headlights are clever, in that they react to the road conditions to give you a better view at night. When cruising along the motorway, they narrow to give you better view ahead and when on B-roads they widen to help you spot cyclists and pedestrians.
And if you are generous enough to lend your car to your kids, you can make sure that they don’t terrorise the neighbourhood, thanks to MyKey.
This personalisable key system allows you to set a maximum speed limit and a maximum stereo volume for when the young ones are on the road.
Ford is also claiming 19 per cent fuel efficiency improvements, so it will be cheaper to run, although the sale price hasn’t been confirmed yet.
What can it tow?
As is always the case with new car releases, the exact weight is pretty much the last thing to surface, so answering that question is tricky.
However, we do know that Ford will continue the 2.0-litre diesel estate version, which had a kerbweight of 1,485kg in its previous incarnation.
Based on an 85% match, this means you’ll be safe towing a two-berth couple’s caravan of up to 1,260kg.
The new Ford Focus arrives in dealerships in June and based on the new looks and smart technology, it will surely be flooding the UK’s roads this summer.

Portuguese authorities clear Algarve wild camping spot

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by Tom Walsh

A popular location for motorhomers in Portugal’s Algarve region has been cleared in a controversial move by the country’s environmental protection officers.

Hundreds of motorhomes had been set up in the “wild-camping” spot outside Portimao near the town of Silves, but the holidaymakers have failed to impress local residents.

A spokesman for the Portuguese GNR environmental protection staff told The Portugal News that locals had lodged numerous complaints, some of which even suggested the spot was being “used like a public bathroom”.

He also emphasised that the riverfront around Silves is not actually licensed and authorised to host campers, many of whom flock to the scenic spot during low seasons.

One local who is not impressed with the move is Rosa Palma, the town’s mayor, who says the council was neither informed nor consulted about the the decision to clear the site.

She added that the council had launched a number of education initiatives to encourage motorhomers to use appropriate parks nearby, but to allow them to stay at the “wild-camping” spot if they chose to abide by certain rules.

Since the tourists offer a much-needed boost to the local economy outside of peak season, she told the news source, authorities should have thought more carefully before taking the “drastic” step.

Swift Group announces 48% rise in pre-tax profits for 2013

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by Tom Walsh

Popular new products have pushed Swift Group’s profits higher in spite of a slight dip in sales, according to reports files at Companies House.

In the 12 months running up to 31 August 2013, the UK’s biggest manufacturer of caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes achieved pre-tax profits totalling £8 million, an impressive rise from the £5.4 million accumulated in the previous year.

Insider Media reports that according to the data filed at Companies House, sales actually fell over the same period from £189.3m to £186.4m as adverse weather conditions put many potential customers off investing in new models.

Although the weather did improve later on in the year, by then much of the damage had been done and it was another tough period in terms of sales overall.

This year is already looking more positive with good performances at recent shows and the launch of the new Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental, but a spokesman told the source that the weather is still causing problems.

Distribution of newly-purchased models has been difficult in recent weeks, he said, thanks to widespread flooding in the south-west of England in particular.

VIDEO: Bus driver shows how not to tow in Saint Petersburg

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by Damien Sharkov
There is plenty to get meticulous over when it comes to towing, as the faithful readers of CaravanTimes will be all too aware.
But the words kerbweight, towing capacity and breakaway cable were blatantly lost on two motorists in Saint Petersburg, Russia, as they attempted to latch on to the back of a helpful bus driver when their car seemed to be having trouble starting.
After technical difficulties saw them pull over to the side of the road, the two young men attached the bonnet of their vehicle to the trolley bus ahead of them while their new friend from Saint Petersburg’s public transport system slowed down to give their plan at least a semblance of a chance.
As soon as the bus speeds up, the two are left scrambling behind their vehicle with apparently nobody behind the wheel to steer away from the row of parked cars on the side of the road in front of them.
To the amusement of the ladies filming, almost instantly the local police arrive on the scene, as the owner of the rear ended Mazda gets out to confront the two amateur towers.
Perhaps they have good insurance, though we doubt it. They do not seem like they are very fond of going by the book. To see this calamitous example of how not to tow, click on the video below: