2014 Elddis Avante: New spec and layout added to best-selling range

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by Chris Jefferies

The ever-popular Elddis Avante range has been updated for 2014, with key specification upgrades and a new layout.

This mid-range collection features Solid Construction, meaning that a chemical bonding solution is used instead of screws to attach the walls, roof and floor to the chassis.

What’s more, this technology comes backed up by an industry-leading ten-year water ingress warranty.

In the 2014 range, Avante owners will get a broad choice of layouts, as well as a refreshed exterior design, featuring feathered graphics and a silver GRP gas locker.

Spec and layouts

To keep you safe on the roads, Elddis has fitted the BPW IDC towing stability control system, which now comes as standard.

Moving to the inside and the 2014 Avante range should be much cosier, thanks to the upgraded 4KW Whale underfloor heater, which is fitted to every model apart from the two-berth 462.

Speaking of layouts, there is a new option available this year in the form of the 550, which is a four-berth, island bed configuration.

This layout has been brought down from the highly popular Elddis Affinity range, which was launched to much critical acclaim last year.

It doesn’t end there, as there are a couple of small changes worth mentioning, which really show off the attention to detail that has gone into these caravans.

For example, you now get a cutlery tray and an updated CD player with a USB charging point, for hooking up all your gadgets.

This comes at the expense of the Avtex TV, which is no longer fitted as standard, however the cabinetry is now more durable with the introduction of dovetail joints.

Prices and previews

The Avante range has always been about good value for money, and despite an incremental year-on-year price increase, this remains true to form.

The two-berth 462 will set you back £15,499, while all five single-axle models are priced at £16,999. The twin-axle 636 tops the range with a price-tag of £18,999.

Avante fans will be able to take a look inside these new tourers at the Lawns Caravan Extravaganza in Cottingham (7-8 September) and the Elddis Factory Preview weekend (21-22 September).

Tree Tops Caravan Park says goodbye to its green-fingered couple

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by Myron Jobson

Tree Tops Caravan Park in North Wales, which is famous for its floral arrangements, is bidding a sad farewell to two of its top gardening experts.

Head gardeners Dave and Christine Ball have decided to hang up their gloves and hoes for a restful retirement at their home at Weaverham in Cheshire, after more than two decades of tireless service.

The park has secured a Wales in Bloom accolade every summer for 21 years, an achievement which is due, in no small part, the help of gardening duo.

The latest accolade was announced on 16 August, with Tree Tops achieving top spot in the holiday park category, and means the couple will bow out in style.

Throughout their time at the park, the green-fingered couple are thought to have put over half-a-million bedding plants into the soil on the 15-acre park near Holywell.

They also helped to maintain thousands of trees, shrubs and perennials in the family-run park.

Tree Tops director Andy Walker has paid tribute to his workers for maintaining high standards which attracts thousands of visitors to Flintshire each year.

He said: “We are very lucky to have staff here who have worked for many years at Tree Tops, and who take a real pride in tending the grounds.

“They show great imagination in their choice of plants and the way everything is laid out to provide a delightful new spectacle at every turn,” he added.

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Caravanners warned about flash for cash scam

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by Myron Jobson

Caravanners beware, anti-fraud experts are warning motorists of a new insurance scam dubbed ‘flash for cash’ where drivers flash their lights to allow innocent drivers in front of them, and then purposefully crash into them.

The scam is employed to use the crash they caused to put in false injury claims such as whiplash and back problems resulting from the accident.

Other claims can include fraudulent costs for repairs and a claim for lost personal items such as earrings. Gangs can gain tens of thousands of pounds per ‘accident’ in this way.

Caravanners and motorhomes owners especially should therefore be wary of these tactics.

The Asset Protection Unit, which helps the police and insurance companies to investigate fraud, claims these criminals prey on expensive cars and vulnerable road users – i.e. those who wouldn’t put up a fight against the incident.

Caravans and motorhomes are relatively expensive and some owners might not contest an accident but might instead blame it on the difficulty in towing a large vehicle.

Some even remove their brake lights so that other road users don’t know when they are stopping according to police investigators.

Flash for cash is a new variation of a well established crime called ‘crash for cash’ whereby drivers slam on their brakes for no reason, giving the other motorist no time to hit the brakes, resulting in a crash.

However, the new scam is even more devious because it’s hard for the victim to prove their innocence in a court of law: it’s their words are pitted against another’s.

Usually, motorists courteously flash their lights to let people out onto busy roads but beware of sinister motorists who abuse this show of good manners for their selfish personal gain.

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Solar-powered RV takes green caravanning to the next level

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by Myron Jobson

The UK caravanning industry has recently embraced the idea of sustainability and ‘green caravanning’. Now our American cousins are attempting to take it to a new level.

Robrady Designs is planning to create a luxurious yet ecologically sustainable motorhome. The campervan is slimmer than the traditional American RV, and therefore more fuel efficient – a good selling point at a time of high fuel costs.

Green caravans is not a new concept, with solar panels on roofs of caravans becoming commonplace in the UK.

What’s particularly newsworthy about the Robrady RV is how its features mark the next step in the evolution of ‘green caravanning’.

While British caravans feature solar panels to charge the leisure battery and keep the lights running, this American RV will have a solar-powered engine.

The sizable solar panels on the roof and awnings and hydrogen fuel cells have been installed as an alternative power source to fossil fuels.

The campervan includes charging points for electric motorbikes and Segways but the most impressive feature is its condensation capture technology, which generates water from air.

This hugely ambitious campervan is still in the prototype stage and there is no indication of when to expect to appear on the British streets.

However, the development of such a revolutionary caravan marks a small step for man, but one giant step for environmentally friendly caravans.

Caravan transformed into cinema for sick child

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by Tom Walsh

A taste of Hollywood came to Winnersh as a nine-year-old saw a caravan in his back garden converted into his own private cinema.

Jack Daly, from Mermaid Close, is currently battling a brain tumour which he was diagnosed with in May 2009. It was removed last year following a ten-hour operation but Jack has had to undergo radiotherapy every day for the past six weeks.

GetReading reported that his mum and dad wanted to do something special to celebrate his road to recovery and transformed the garden into a full cinema experience with popcorn machines, movie props and a big screen.

Allan Daly, Jack’s dad, told the news provider: “All the way through his treatment he has been so brave and all he wants to do is be like other normal children.”

A team from Starlight Children’s Foundation was enlisted to help bring the movie experience to life while a life-size Tardis and Dalek were also set up in the garden.

Highways Agency says caravans need TLC

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by Daniel Mackrell

The UK Highways Agency has released a video guide for caravanners, explaining how to stay safe when towing their caravan.

The agency is encouraging people to follow their TLC check-list, which stands for Tyres, Load and Coupling.

The video has come at a time when caravan safety precautions have been a big talking point, after the EU proposed plans for caravans to face compulsory MOT checks.

The Government looks set to oppose the plans, and many caravanners have voiced their concern that it could see a decline in the British caravan industry if the laws are put in place.

The Highways Agency stated in the video that 98 people were injured in incidents involving caravans on English motorways in 2012.

The high rate of incidents last year seems to have caught the Highway Agency’s attention, and has prompted them to release the video message.

In the video, the Agency urges caravanners to check their tyres are legal and safe to drive with before towing their caravan.

Caravanners must also check the load, making sure there is not too much weight, that it is all safely secured, and heavy items are evenly distributed across the axle.

The final part of the check-list is the coupling, which means making sure the caravan is securely attached to the car that is towing it, with a breakaway cable properly fitted.

As a bonus tip, towers were also reminded to make sure their extension mirrors were in place so they can easily view what’s behind them.

To hear the Highway Agency’s advice to caravanners, watch the video below:

One in three holidaymakers take their pets on holiday, survey shows

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by Daniel Mackrell

A growing number of people are taking their pets on holiday with them according to a new survey, which could come as bad news for some caravanners.

The survey of 1,000 people by flea and tick treatment supplier Frontline, showed that around a third of people now take their pets on holiday with them, while 30 per cent of people even based their entire holiday choice on how well it would suit their pet.

Dogs in particular have been at the centre of an ongoing debate between caravanners, regarding whether they should be allowed on caravan sites in the UK, with some people calling them a nuisance, whilst others see them as great company while on holiday.

Some people believe that the breed and size of the dog should be considered, but many believe that it comes down to small minority of owners who need to look after their dogs better at caravan sites, with the main concerns being mess and noise.

There are a number of caravan sites across the country that do not allow dogs, but equally there are many that do allow them and also provide great facilities, including acres of fields, and paths specifically for dog walking.

Other findings in the study showed that 16 per cent were willing to spend at least £200 to take their pet with them, which shows how much of a connection pets have with families.

A similar study was also released by HolidayCottages.co.uk, which claimed that more people were taking their dogs on holiday in the UK, preferring to travel locally instead of going abroad and leaving their dog behind.

The survey also gave dog owners some tips and advice on how to make sure it’s a happy holiday, such as ensuring they’re comfortable on the journey, keeping them under control, and cleaning up after them.

Holidaymakers are also advised to make sure their dog is chipped, and has up-to-date vaccinations.

A Caravan Times poll back in 2011 showed that 77% of people felt that dogs should be allowed on caravan sites, as long as they are taken care of properly.

Nissan working with Fifth Wheel Co on new Navara

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by Myron Jobson

Car giant Nissan is seeking the expert opinion of Fifth Wheel Company, as part of the development process for the new Navara.

Adrian Parry-Jones of the company known for its range of fifth wheel tourers is due to meet with Nissan’s Global and UK Brand Manager to discuss their new truck.

Adrian said: “I was delighted to be invited to Nissan to discuss their new vehicle.”

He added: “Here at Fifth Wheel we use Nissan models and recommend them to our customers so we want them to be efficient, comfortable and as economic as possible.”

This is not the first time the two car and caravan companies (respectively) have worked together.

Fifth Wheel has previously partnered with the Japanese car manufacture to work on their Navara 4×4, which is their preferred choice of tow vehicle.

The latest discussions will explore how they can improve rear seat comfort, suspension and fuel efficiency.

Prices for the Nissan Navara starts from £21, 545, and it is available in two versions: the King cab and the double cab.

These models have proved particularly popular with caravanners due to the maximum towing capacity weights of up to 2700kg.

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Park Resorts submits expansion plans for Northumberland site

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by Tom Walsh

A caravan park in south-east Northumberland has submitted expansion plans in a bid to attract more visitors to the area.

Park Resorts is aiming to extend Sandy Bay Holiday park in North Seaton and has lodged an application with Northumberland County Council for the change of use of land, News Post Leader reports.

If this is approved it will allow the holiday park to be expanded and achieve the company’s goal of constructing an additional 99 holiday-static caravans at the site.

The park is a perfect destination for people wanting to explore the north-east of England and is within driving reach of Newcastle.

Sandy Bay is already home to touring facilities, an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor play area, ornamental lake as well as a host of leisure activities for families to enjoy.

Park Resorts hope that this expansion will be able to attract more people to the area especially at a time when staycationing is becoming even more popular.

Solitary bees heading to Lake District holiday park

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by Tom Walsh

There is set to be a major buzz around a top Lakeland holiday park this summer as around 7,000 bees are expected to arrive over the summer.

Visitors at Skelwith Fold caravan park in Ambleside are being asked to keep their eyes open for the ‘solitary bees’ which are believed to be an endangered species.

The park has been doing all it can to encourage the bees to come to the site by creating imaginative habitation projects.

Officials have created thousands of tiny timber tunnels bored in hardwood logs which are positioned in piles throughout the premises.

The park hopes that the 7,000 tunnels will provide the perfect homes in which the bees can rest and make nests for their larvae.

Park owner Henry Wild said: “We can now accommodate thousands of extra bees, and I hope we will also find some less common types from among the two hundred species known to exist.”

Truma launches dealer support team to improve customer service

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by Tom Walsh

Truma UK has announced that it will be launching a ‘Dealer Support Team’ to ensure the highest levels of services to dealerships across the UK.

The company has stated that it is pushing ahead with the plans despite the tough economic climate in the leisure industry and believe this move will improve its current offering.

Officials explained that the Dealer Support Team will comprise of five in-field personnel who will travel the country visiting dealerships to give help, support, advice and training about the latest Truma products.

The announcement coincides with the appointment of Craig Robinson who has been named as dealer support manager working together with Dealer Support Team.

Mr Robinson said: “The opportunity to design and deliver a new level of service to the dealerships was just too tempting for me. I look forward to this new challenge and to meeting our many customers in the very near future.”

FEATURE: A closer look at the new Lunar Vacanza camper car

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by Myron Jobson

Back in February, Lunar launched a compact motorhome called the Vacanza, which they describe as a ‘camper car’.

Six months later, and we’ve been taking a closer at this interesting new model.

Based on Nissan’s award-winning NV200 Combi model, the motorhome is marketed as a roomy, four-person camper within a fuel-efficient, easy to manoeuvre, everyday family car.

This provides comfortable holiday accommodation four a family of four (ideally two adults and two children).

One of the most interesting features of the new model is its size. At just over 4m long and 2m wide, the Vacanza is no bigger than your average family car, making it relatively easy to manoeuvre around a busy city and garage.

The model includes four seat belts and comes complete with a well equipped kitchen, which includes a grill, fridge and a three-burner hob.

Other features include rotating front seats and an easy to store double bed system, plus fold out beds inside the roof designed to maximise the amount of space available.

Some of the more luxurious features are the reversing camera and air conditioning, which aim to make for a more pleasurable driving experience.

A bespoke tailgate awning enables the Vacanza to be quickly unloaded at the pitch, should also prove useful for everyday travel as well.

Size matters

The Lunar Vacanza Camper Car was designed in response to the growing trend towards more economical and smaller leisure vehicles.

The vehicle boasts economic and environmentally friendly credentials, as it emits just 135g CO2/km – the same as a 1.6-litre diesel Citroen Picasso estate.-

What’s more, it has a similar footprint to a VW Beetle, delivers more than 50 MPG and road tax is just £120 a year.

Insurance cover is likely to be significantly cheaper than some camper van conversions as the Vacanza has European Whole Vehicle Type approval, meaning it is registered as a leisure vehicle and not a commercial vehicle with modifications.

Prices for the Lunar Vacanza Camper Car start at £29,995 for the base model.

To take a look for yourself, head along to the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show at the Birmingham NEC, where the Vacanza will be on display from 15-20 October.