by Chris Jefferies
Caravan storage is a popular way for owners to increase security and reduce their insurance premiums, but even this sensible measure doesn’t ensure that your tourer won’t be stolen.
Ambitious thieves in the Shropshire area have made off with a Swift Challenger 490L from the Wem Industrial Estate storage centre.
Police believe that the incident occurred on Sunday night (July 24th) and the missing tourer is estimated to be worth around £9,000.
What’s more, the owners had planned to take the family ‘van on holiday next week, site worker Bill Nevett told Caravan Times today.
The owners were clearly keen to protect their five-berth ‘van, as the thieves had to break a wheel lock as part of the audacious raid.
Furthermore, the perpetrators had to evade a night-time dog patrol and pass a swipe-card operated security barrier.
Local Police Constable Dave Carpenter is appealing for witnesses to help track down the culprits.
“The thieves may have been spotted entering or leaving the industrial estate late on Sunday night. I would also ask for any information concerning the current whereabouts of the caravan,” he said.
Mr Nevett added that hopes are high for a successful outcome as the site’s CCTV cameras recorded the license plate of the vehicle used to steal the van, as well as footage of the driver.
“This is an extremely rare and most unusual event for us, but we are 100 per cent confident that we will be able to track them down,” he said.
Caravan parks industry reports mixed summer business
by Chris Jefferies
The rising cost of fuel has partly offset the rise in popularity of staycation holidays this summer, with caravan parks reporting mixed results for the busy season.
Despite recent research by the national tourist board VisitEngland that suggested that caravan park owners have fared better than B&B owners in 2011, many individual cases have been far less positive.
George Stevenson, owner of the Invercauld Caravan Club site in Aberdeeenshire, recently told the Donside Piper and Herald that he was experiencing his “worst summer in six years”.
One of the factors blamed for the lack of visitors is the rising cost of petrol, which has made many caravan owners think twice before planning long-distance journeys.
However, this can benefit some sites, with regulars likely to stay longer, as Kerry Crow, manager of the Silverbank Caravan Club site, told the local paper.
“We have had a very good summer season so far with the site often full but there has definitely been a change in the attitude of visitors,” she said.
“In previous years we would see people stay for one night before travelling to another part of the country but this year the majority of visitors are staying in one place longer largely because of the price of fuel.”
The research by VisitEngland, which was released as part of the tourist board’s July Business Confidence Monitor, shows that 45 per cent of caravan site proprietors reported visitor numbers at a similar level to those seen last year.
Nonetheless, 86 per cent of caravan park owners said that they were either very satisfied or quite satisfied with the performance of their business.
Towing capers and calamities: Top five funniest caravan videos
by Chris Jefferies
Caravans have long been a source of fun for amateur pranksters and Top Gear presenters alike, so this week on Caravan Times we run down the best of the net for towing disasters and flashy tourers alike.
5. Aston Martin towcar
Ever looked over with envy at your neighbour’s towcar and wished you could afford one? Normally the object of desire is a Land Rover or maybe even a Porsche Cayenne, but this Tabbert Vivaldi owner has an even flashier ride, which would have cost at least £90,000 when new.
4. Near miss caravan flip
Handling tests are a regular part of the process when getting a new caravan approved for the market, but this test driver nearly ended up crashing horribly. The video’s uploader claims that it was skilful driving that saved the day, but if you look closely you can see the front corner of the caravan bouncing off the tarmac and righting the rig.
3. The caravan that drives itself
Towing can be quite a difficult and tiresome experience, especially for newcomers to ‘vanning, so one ingenious inventor has created a self-propelled caravan. The only drawback is that the power from the 1.4-litre Renault engine results in some pretty violent wheelies.
To see our top two funniest videos, Click here 
2012 Lunar Ariva / Quasar range: An opulent feel for your home from home
by Chris Jefferies
Lunar Caravans has revamped its entry level range of Ariva and Quasar tourers for 2012, with one new layout and domestic style furnishings to create a much more “opulent” look.
In keeping with the rest of the 2012 Lunar range, these models have 100 per cent LED lighting throughout, as well as a redesigned bathroom with a water-saving shower.
The exterior design has also been refreshed, with sharper graphics across the range, although Lunar has kept the conservative colour scheme for the bodywork.
In terms of layouts, the four-berth Quasar 524 and the five-berth Quasar 525 have been phased out, to be replaced by the all-new Quasar 494.
This four-berth model features a convertible dinette in the front and two bunk beds in the rear, while a nearside kitchen and a rear-end bathroom complete the layout.
Amongst the fixed birth models (the 534 and the 544), couples can benefit from the new pocket-sprung mattresses for added comfort.
Meanwhile on the 462, there are new his and hers wardrobes in the bathroom, resulting in more storage space.
Lunar has said that its main aim in this range is to… Read more
Are you impressed by the new Ariva / Quasar range? Share your thoughts in our Lunar group.
Used Caravan of the Week: 1973 Carlight Caribbean
by Chris Jefferies
True veterans of the caravan manufacturing industry, Carlight have been making tourers since the 1930s and they pride themselves on building ‘vans that stand the test of time. With this in mind, this week’s Used Caravan of the Week is a 1970s throwback with plenty of retro charm.
With a distinctive front end, this model will certainly stand out at a holiday park, as the middle roof panel is raised slightly in the style of a pop-top, resulting in generous 6’3″ headroom.
History
This model is the 15 foot version, featuring a traditional convertible dinette in the front, with a convertible table, doors on both sides, a rear-end kitchen and a compact bathroom, which completes the layout.
What makes this vintage ‘van really stand out is the delightful domestic flourishes, such as a chest of drawers with a bowed front and red curtains with tasselled tie-backs.
However, the seller admits that this model wants a bit of work, as the side door to the main room needs the door frame re-fitting and the door re-hanging.
What’s more a replacement skylight (included) needs fitting, and there is only one working trailer leg, while the paintwork, carpet and kitchen worktops are due some attention.
This aside, though, the seller claims that it is “all ready to go”, with the brakes and lights in good working order.
Kit and caboodle
This tourer comes with all its original interior furniture and soft furnishings, as well as a cooker and fridge that both work “fine”.
Also included in the price are a full gas bottle and a brand new leisure battery, and all but one of the lamps still works.
The Trumatic gas space heater and water heater are untested, so this may provide some pause for thought for cautious buyers.
However, if you’re looking for a challenge, this could prove to be a very rewarding restoration project.
Given that this model was worth £7,767 in its day (more than £43,000 in today’s money) this is a very affordable piece of British caravanning history, which could be yours for much less than £1,000.
- Price: £800 (or nearest offer)
- Gross vehicle weight: 1,473kg
- Overall Length: 18′ 1″
- Width: 7′ 1″
- Berth: 2
- Axle: Single
Click here to view more details of the 1973 Carlight Caribbean for sale
BBC2 wants to hear about Isle of Wight caravan holidays
by Chris Jefferies
Touring holidaymakers heading to the Isle of Wight this summer could get on TV as part of a new BBC documentary celebrating the British family holiday.
And you could get involved with this project, as Caravan Times is helping out to make sure that the voice of the caravan community is heard.
BBC2 is looking to hear stories from campers and caravanners visiting the popular tourist island, with a focus on how their experience of holidaying has changed over the past few years.
Has your life changed since your last holiday? How is this year’s holiday going to be different? Perhaps it’s your first time on your own with the kids? Maybe it’s your last holiday together?
Whether it’s your first holiday in Britain, you’re dreading the holiday, or you have a burning passion for camping and outdoors holidays, the BBC wants to hear from you.
The documentary team want to make sure that all of Britain is represented, from first time campers, to single parents, British Asian and Caribbean families, grandparents, step-parents and big family get-togethers.
Filming will take place on the Isle of Wight during the school summer holidays. If you want to tell your story and are happy to be on TV, please contact us via e-mail: editor@caravantimes.co.uk
Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary: Theobolds Park Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Do you miss the site reviews and features shown on the original Caravan Channel? Well we have good news – since founding presenter Chris Gosling left the show a year ago, he’s been busy touring the UK filming the best parks the country has to offer.
And you can now watch Chris’ brand new show “Caravan Diary” right here on Caravan Times each week. In this latest episode, Chris faces a challenge. It’s the last weekend before the school holidays start, and he needs to find somewhere quickly that’s close enough to London to celebrate his wife’s birthday in the West End.
Fortunately he stumbles across a place that’s both convenient enough to be thirty minutes from London by train, yet quiet enough to offer a peaceful stay. Take a video tour of Theobolds Park Camping and Caravanning Club and hear what Chris thought of the facilities.
Caravan Club site to host charity party next month
by Chris Jefferies
Holidaymakers visiting Derbyshire next month will be able to do their bit for charity, as the Caravan Club is running a fundraising party at its Blackwall Plantation site on August 27th.
A variety of events will be laid on including a raffle, tombola, name that tune, a kids’ nature trail and a barbecue, selling hotdogs and burgers for just £1 each.
All the funds raised will go towards the purchase of kidney dialysis machines and an NHS renal nurse will be on site to give a brief talk about the charity.
Blackwall Plantation is a Caravan Club site with 130 pitches, set in a pine wood forest, and facilities include laundry facilities and dedicated toddler washrooms.
What’s more, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are all on offer at the nearby Carsington Reservoir, which is a major attraction in the local area.
Summer pitches cost £8 per night, so charitable caravanners are urged to put August 27th in their diary and head along for a day of fun, supporting a worthy cause.
Is Kate Winslet a secret caravan lover?
by Chris Jefferies
Titanic actress Kate Winslet put in a surprise appearance at a Cornwall literary festival last weekend (Sunday 25th), leading to suggestions that she might be a secret fan of caravans.
The multi-award-winning mother of two delighted the crowds at the Port Eliot Festival in St Germans by reading from kids’ storybook Mr Gum, the Daily Mail reports.
Her humorous expressions and range of voices brought to book to life for the audience, the national newspaper added.
Furthermore, Kate was photographed posing next to a retro caravan, wearing Hunter wellies and a sheer jumper.
This photo has sparked online debate as to the identity of the mystery tourer, with leading caravan retailers Lowdhams suggesting, via Twitter, than it might be an elderly Avondale model.
Kate, 35, who used to own a house in Cornwall, is reportedly taking a break from her current filming commitments Movie 43 and Carnage, which was written and directed by Roman Polanski.
To see the Daily Mail’s photos of Kate Winslet in a caravan, click here.
Multi-million pound deal struck for Ayrshire caravan park
by Chris Jefferies
A caravan park operator has announced the purchase of a 298-pitch site in Scotland, which will get a complete overhaul and upgraded pitches as part of the deal.
Viewfield Manor holiday park near Kilwinning in Ayrshire has been bought out by Verdant Leisure, which already owns Thurston Manor and Pease Bay holiday parks, the Glasgow Herald reports.
Furthermore, the company has agreed plans to purchase another, as yet unnamed, caravan park in the south of Scotland later this year.
Plans for Viewfield Manor include upgrading 78 older pitches, adding electricity, water and sewage connection points as part of the process.
The site’s bars, restaurants, swimming pool and gym will all be upgraded as well, which should make it more appealing for visitors from the Glasgow area, the local paper adds.
Graham Hodgson, chief executive of Verdant, said that the recent economic downturn had little impact on Britain’s appetite for caravan holidays.
“For people who enjoy caravanning, it is really high on their list of what they will continue to spend their money on. They will perhaps put spending money on their caravan before the car they own or other holidays they take. It is very much a lifestyle choice,” he claimed.
Towcar drivers more likely to get lost when relying on sat nav
by Chris Jefferies
Traditional towcar drivers who use a map are more likely to reach their destination without getting lost than hi-tech caravanners who use a sat nav instead.
This is according to the latest survey from the AA, which found that older drivers are much more likely to carry a map than most and are better at finding their way, with only 46 per cent admitting to getting lost during the past year.
By contrast, 82 per cent of young drivers (aged 18 to 24 years old) said they had got lost over the last 12 months.
Furthermore, youngsters behind the wheel are much more likely to rely on a sat nav, with 52 per cent of them using a sat nav and 30 per cent never carrying a road map.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “This study highlights the importance of having an up-to-date atlas to supplement whatever navigation methods you use.”
He added that getting lost is a big factor in road rage and results in high fuel bills from unnecessary extra mileage.
Caravan storage: how security from CaSSOA can reduce insurance premiums
“So often in the world of security you hear people who say ‘if they want to get in, they’ll get in’. Well it’s a lame excuse – because these firms don’t want to spend any money on upkeep”.
Ted Young is unsurprisingly passionate about security. Having joined the Caravan Storage Site Owner’s Association (CaSSOA) as an inspector in 1999, he’s stayed with the firm to this day – and remains a powerful advocate of the organisation’s aims. Starting off with just 43 sites, the association now comprises of a 650-strong nationwide network which stores around 100,000 caravans.
While many caravanners opt to keep their tourer on their drive, recent surveys and statistics show the risks involved. A government study found that nearly half were stolen from private driveways, with a further 45% taken from service stations and holiday parks.
And after twelve years of inspecting sites and supporting the initiative, Ted took the time to reflect with Caravan Times on why CaSSOA was founded to combat the issue.
How it works
“We started off in 1999 because there was a fairly high rate of caravan theft. Our founders decided that if this is so high, then shouldn’t we find out why they’re being stolen? The existing methods weren’t being managed by a proper system – so we had to change the whole ethos to make caravan storage professional.”
Normally CaSSOA store the caravan for 12 months, with storage working out on average at “a pound a day” according to Ted. An owner would typically add £100 for inside storage, with three tiers of security levels awarded by the body. Gold, Silver and Bronze reflect the levels of equipment used by site owners, as well as the quality of administration and management.
How you can save money on insurance
So how have caravan insurers recognised these improvements to storage and security? “Well, all specialist insurers ask where you’re going to keep your caravan when not in use. In the world of insurance, there’s a lot of reliance on the declaration of proposal at first instance. And because all of our CaSSOA sites have been assessed, the insurance company can quickly go down their list and realise that it’s secure, and give rewards.”
For example, specialists Simple Caravan Insurance offer a 5% discount for customers using CaSSOA Certified storage sites.
And it was while working for a company of loss adjusters in Bristol when Ted began to realise the full extent of the problems of storage. “You could go onto a farm site and see two caravans in a barn, and then at the other end of the farm there’s straw which could go up in smoke!”
Since then, Ted and CaSSOA have made huge strides to raise the bar and improve the quality of storage. “One time, caravan storage was really the domain of the farming community. They would have a plot of land, and if anything happens, ‘it’s got nowt to do with me’. But now criminals are much more sophisticated – and we have to be equally as sophisticated.”
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