Find the perfect Christmas present for caravan enthusiasts

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by Holly Tribe

If you’ve been scratching your head in recent weeks over what to buy friends or family members who are caravan-mad, help is at hand.

Finding the perfect Christmas present can mean fighting your way through crowds of shoppers on the high street or navigating a labyrinthine network of online store, which all takes time and patience.

In a bid to help with your battle with the Christmas crowds, we’ve had a good trawl through some of the darker recesses of the World Wide Web and uncovered some top presents perfect for the caravan enthusiast.

Roadmaster reversing camera kit

A great bit of kit for caravanners, this gadget from Roadmaster helps the driver see what’s behind them when reversing. No matter how big the outfit, the wide angle viewing on the camera helps avoids accidents. The camera transmits video to a monitor mounted on the visor or dashboard, and the wireless system can be easily packed away from prying eyes.

Elddis toy caravan

While toy cars are traditionally targeted at youngsters, most of us know a few full grown kids who love miniature models. And Elddis fans in particular need never be parted from their pride and joy again with this pocket sized Elddis Crusader toy caravan and Mercedes towcar combo.

  • Price: £3.99
  • Where can I buy it? Ebay

Snooper My Speed


If you’ve ever been driving and spotted a brief flash followed by that sinking feeling and a letter in the post, then you may appreciate this next item. The My Speed gadget from speed camera detector specialists Snooper displays and alerts you to speed limits. In addition the device covers Western Europe so you can avoid being caught out abroad.


Novelty caravan T-shirts

Novelty T-Shirt producers Jumper Lumps have a range of amusing logos which should raise a chuckle from fellow caravanners when you’re out and about on site. Examples of their amushing slogans include: ‘Life’s a pitch’, ‘I hate Jeremy Clarkson’, and ‘Pulling power’.

Caravan bird box

Lovers of vintage ‘vanning will be charmed by this rustic model caravan bird box. Measuring approximately 23 x 13 x 15cm with a 3cm bird entrance it’s a great way to introduce kids to world of ornithology and makes a great accessory for the garden.

Awning heater

Caravanners who like to enjoy their hobby all year round will love this portable fan heater. Ideal for heating caravan awnings (where electric hook-up is available) it folds flat for easy storage.

Camping and Caravanning Club launch classified ads service

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by Holly Tribe

One of the nations’ top clubs for touring caravans and campers has recently launched an online classified ads service.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has teamed up with advertising specialists Ten Alps Media to bring the service to market. The online provision is available to both members and non-members, however Club members will be able to place their adverts free of charge. It enables users to place adverts and search thousands of new and used caravans, motorhomes, folding campers, tents, awnings and camping accessories.

Matt Styrka, Group Sales Manager at Ten Alps Media, said: “We have worked closely with the Club to provide a user-friendly service and we are confident it will become a key resource for all campers.”

The site was re-launched earlier in 2010 and now attracts 175,000 unique visitors each month. Anyone placing a classified ad will get the option to advertise in the Clubs monthly magazine and with an annual circulation of well over 230,000, as authenticated by the Audit Bureau of Circulations, doing so will grant sellers access to a far wider audience.

Matthew Eastlake, the Club’s Marketing and Communications Director, was enthusiastic about the development and said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer campers the opportunity to buy and sell camping units and equipment in a safe, controlled environment.”

The new classified service can be found at classifieds.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

In other news, the Caravan Club launched a classified service earlier in the year.

Eurocamp urges Brits to visit France

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by Chris Malone

While the UK’s weather may not be very appealing to caravan and motorhome enthusiasts at the moment, one holiday park operator has suggested a trip to Europe might be a good idea.

Eurocamp runs caravan sites on the continent and urged Brits to book a break in February at its Belle Dune resort in France.

The countryside park is just one of a number of places throughout the country where holidaymakers might enjoy warmer weather.

Set in Fort Mahon Plage, Picardy, the site is located next to two lakes and looks out over a beautiful landscape of pine forests and sand dunes.

A golf course, central square, bars, restaurants, indoor pool complex and sports facilities allow families to relax away from the hustle and bustle of UK life.

The historic Valley of the Somme and a number of beautiful beaches are located nearby, allowing holidaymakers to get out and explore the area.

In other news, the Camping & Caravanning Club has launched a new service where website users can trade mobile homes and equipment online.

Extra bank holiday could delight caravanners

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by Chris Malone

Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts may be looking forward to April 2011 as they will have an extra long weekend to enjoy with their family and friends.

April 29th has been designated a public holiday to mark the wedding of Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton.

According to Lonely Planet, the UK is the perfect place to spend the occasion and the country is set to receive a massive tourism boost as a result.

Travel editor Tom Hall explained that London might be a particularly attractive destination for caravanners looking to get away during the bank holiday weekend.

He noted that people are likely to flock to the capital in their droves to take in what should be a “very nice atmosphere”.

“After all, it is a great national occasion; where better to mark it then among some of the world famous sites of London?” he added.

Those who wish to get out of the city and explore the countryside might also expect to experience some favourable spring weather, Mr Hall stated.

A number of caravan holiday park operators have been quick promote their sites and services appealing to hoidaymakers wishing to take advantage of the two back to back long weekends.

Haven Holiday Parks is offering a ten night break for £649 for a family of up to six at their 35 parks across the country. And Park Holidays UK have vowed to fix site prices at what is sure to be one of the busiest vacation periods next year.

Cheap European caravan holidays for 2011

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by Holly Tribe

If you’re thinking about taking your caravan to Europe in the New Year, there are big savings to be had with a recent offer run by Camping Cheques.

Customers who purchase a minimum of three Camping Cheques before 20th December 2010 will also be able to book a crossing from Dover to Dunkerque with a car and caravan and up to four passengers from £37 each way.

Caravanners pay a set rate for the cheques up front, so they know exactly how much they are paying before they arrive on site and can avoid being subjected to unstable exchange rates.

At a cost of £13.95 each, they are redeemable in 29 European countries. The price covers one nights stay at any of the 600 parks with electric hook up for two people and their car/caravan or motorhome. The offer is valid for travel throughout 2011, but some sites might not accept them during the July and August summer holiday months.

For more information on booking details and participating sites visit the Camping Cheques website .

Bailey Caravans make Unicorn permanent addition to 2011 Alu-Tech line up

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has revealed it will be making its latest range of caravans a permanent addition to the product portfolio.

The Bailey Unicorn entered the market this autumn as a limited edition model – and the first luxury caravan from the Bristol manufacturers. However Bailey smashed its previous sales records at the NEC in October at International Caravan and Motorhome Show, with the Unicorn accounting for three-quarters of total business written. As a result of this overwhelming enthusiasm for the Unicorn, the firm took the decision to make it a permanent addition to the Alu-Tech caravan lineup.

The signs were visible in September when Bailey introduced two new additional layouts to the Unicorn range. The Unicorn Madrid was a four-berth, twin dinette layout with a rear end washroom, while the Almeria featured a fix bed and compact rear washroom alongside a spacious living area. Both have proved to be as popular with the public as the original Unicorn models.

Bailey recently said how it was “delighted that the caravan buying public has reacted so positively” to the new range. Since it was launced in September this year, the Unicorn has helped Bailey write £39 million worth of retail orders, making this the most successful single product launched in the company’s sixty-year history.

Recent accolades from the caravan world include winning the Caravan Industry Magazine “Tourer Of The Year” title for the Unicorn Seville, as well as the Go Caravan Magazine “Caravan Of The Year” for 2011.

Following this success Bailey will undoubtedly be looking to the future and the two major caravan shows of 2011. Caravan Times understands that the firm will be launching an entry-level Alu-Tech model at the NEC in February. And while no official name has been announced for the affordable caravan, rumours are circulating in forums that it could be named the Bailey Phoenix.

To have your say on the Bailey Unicorn and watch our video footage please click here.

Moray caravan park decision to be made tomorrow

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by Chris Malone

A decision is to be taken on whether to award a Moray caravan park planning permission to site 28 new holiday homes close to Ballindalloch.

The Ballindalloch Trust wants to develop the site at Tommore Mill and has submitted plans to Moray council.

According to the Press & Journal, local authority experts are to meet tomorrow (November 30th) to discuss the proposal.

The plans have been recommended for approval on the basis that the site is used for holiday purposes only and not in a residential capacity.

Another caveat would be that it can only be used for 11 months of the year, which would limit the scope for the site to be abused by people setting up home there.

According to the newspaper, the council has received no objections to the plan, which could help speed up the decision-making process.

Meanwhile, a recent sunshine.co.uk poll showed that three quarters of British children aged eight to 15 have never been caravanning.

Kids to help choose Haven Holiday Parks entertainment team

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by Chris Malone

Caravan site operator Haven Holiday Parks is to recruit a number of kid judges to help it choose its entertainment team for the 2011 season.

The firm is looking for youngsters aged nine to 12 to sit on a panel that will judge the potential new FunStars, who will serve at the 35 Haven sites throughout the UK.

With more than 350 FunStars to recruit, the company wants the opinions of kids in order to ensure it chooses the right candidates.

Interested kids are being asked to sign up to the junior judges programme on the Haven website and include a video of themselves showing their skills as an interviewer.

Those lucky enough to be selected will be treated to a VIP day and take home a goody bag that includes a voucher for a free holiday.

The focus this year will be on recruiting FunStars who have a great rapport with the children and have bubbly, fun personalities, rather than simply singing and dancing ability.

In other news, a recent sunshine.co.uk poll showed that around three-quarters of British children are missing out on caravan holidays.

Why three-quarters of British children are missing out on caravan holidays

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by Holly Tribe

A recent poll by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk revealed 71% of children between the ages of eight and fifteen have missed out on the experience of spending time in a caravan, and two-thirds have never been camping.

Joint founder of the company Chris Brown spoke to the Independent newspaper recently to share his thoughts. And he attributed these statistics to the fact that children are more inclined to stay indoors and play computer games than go outside and enjoy the open air.

“I think with advances in technology, such as games consoles and computers, more kids are staying indoors and not wanting to go out into the open air, which is an awful shame.”

The return of rickets

This modern penchant for indoor activities has been blamed for a recent upsurge in a disease which had disappeared from Britain altogether. Recent tests in Southampton found that the 17th century bone disease rickets has reappeared amongst children. The condition is triggered by sufferers not getting enough sunlight, and having a poor diet which results in vitamin D deficiency.

It causes softening and weakening of the bones which can lead to bowed legs and curvature of the spine. Professor Nicholas Clarke, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, recently discovered 20% of children tested for rickets had the disease.

Prof. Clarke expressed his concern at the dramatic rise in the condition saying: “We are. seeing increasing numbers of children with rickets, which would have been inconceivable only a year or so ago.”

“This almost certainly involves a lack of exposure to sunlight, but also covering up in sunshine,” he added.

Medical experts advise that 15 minutes of sunshine a few times a week provides an adequate level of Vitamin D. And getting away on a caravanning holiday is an excellent way of encouraging the whole family to get outside in the fresh air.

Fun for all the family

There are several caravan clubs throughout the UK that provide activities and kids clubs. The Camping and Caravanning Club run a number of family orientated parks across the country with on-site activities designed to create a safe environment for children to play in. For a list of family friendly parks, click here.

To read more about the causes and treatment of rickets and Vitamin D deficiency, head to the NHS website..

WEATHER WARNING: Weekend whiteout expected as snow could reach south of Britain

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by Marcus Dubois and Chris Malone

Those planning a winter caravan break in the next fortnight are strongly advised to check road conditions and weather forecasts after recent predictions. Experts believe arctic winds could bring the worst November snow to London and the South-East this weekend, with up to two weeks of extreme weather ahead.

Major parts of the East of England were covered in up to six inches of snow yesterday, while snow showers reached many areas of Scotland and northern England earlier this week.

The Met Office has forecast heavy snow in Wales and icy roads in the south-west of England in the next 24 hours while heavy snow is also forecast over the weekend for England’s entire East Coast region. In addition Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to see extreme weather conditions.

Caravanners are warned to avoid unnecessary journeys if their area has been affected. According to the Daily Mail, the AA was called to around 14,000 breakdowns yesterday – a 50 per cent increase on a normal November working day.

Severe weather warnings are already in place for snow across parts of northern England and Scotland, and up to 5cm of snow was expected inland yesterday. Experts had predicted up to 20cm possible on the North York Moors and Grampian Mountains by the end of today.

“There is no doubt that the UK will see much colder conditions by the end of the week,” said Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page.

“Snow will also be a risk for many, and the public are advised to stay up to date with the forecast to make sure they have the latest information.”

Scotland experienced its snowiest winter in years in 2009-10, with enough snow on the Cairngorm mountain range to allow people to ski right into the summer months.

2011 Hymer Nova: European caravans on British roads?

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by Holly Tribe

With wholesale change from many of Britain’s biggest caravan manufacturers this year, there’s been a glut of new designs introduced to the UK market. From the new silhouette on the Swift Conqueror, Charisma and Sterling Eccles and Elite ranges, to Bailey Caravans’ new top end Unicorn series, the choice for British caravanners is getting ever broader. But what about our European counterparts?

A change in the law earlier this year resulted in the legal width for British touring caravans towed by vehicles under 3500kg being increased from 2.3m to 2.55m, bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe. As a result, we take a look at what’s been going on across the Channel with European caravan design.

A favourite with European caravanners, Hymer have been building popular ranges of touring caravans for over fifty years. These German-made tourers are distributed throughout Europe and have a strong reputation for build quality and reliability.

For the 2011 season, Hymer Caravans have overhauled their most popular brand the Hymer Nova. Focussing on practical improvement and furnishing comfort, the range has had three new models added to the line-up.

Hymer Nova 435

With a body length of 5.32 metres, the nose end houses both the fixed bed and washroom. The mid section kitchen faces ample wardrobe storage and to the rear is the corner seating/dinette area.

  • Overall Width: 230cm
  • MTPLM: 1350kg

Hymer Nova 531

Large U-shaped dinettes in the rear and at the nose end both convert into large sleeping areas separated by a mid-galley kitchen and washroom housing a shower and toilet.

  • Overall Width: 230cm
  • MTPLM: 1500kg

Hymer Nova 541

The third addition comes in the form of the Nova 541, whose layout mirrors that of the 531 but with an extra 10cm width (2.4metres).

  • Overall Width: 240 cm
  • MTPLM: 1600 kg

Construction of Hymer caravans is based on the tried and tested PUAL method – fully bonded walls, roof and rear section. A design process borrowed from aircraft construction, it ensures reliable waterproofing and reduces the risk of decay. And all nine models are supported on a fully galvanised lightweight Al-Ko chassis.

Until recently these tourers would have been prohibited on British roads, but we may well be seeing more of these popular German tourers in caravan parks across the country.

Locks, bolts and alarms: adding extra security to your caravan

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by Marcus Dubois

It is an unfortunate reality that our caravans and motorhomes are prime targets for thieves. The vehicle itself is a high-value item, yet often it is the contents left inside that offer caravan criminals a bonus. Keeping your tourer on the property is no guarantee that it will be safe, as shown in a recent story on Caravan Times where a man was pictured on Google Street View next to a caravan moments before its theft from a driveway.

And this week Caravan Times community member Stevie boy got in touch with us to relay the following bad news:

“My Bailey Pegasus was forced open the other night; the alarm scared heads off and nothing was stolen. Has anyone fitted additional door security to this type of van?”

The good news for Steve is that the excellent alarm system on the caravan was an effective deterrent, yet it is unfortunate that many caravan door locks are not high security devices when faced with an expert thief. Many experts advise using preventative measures when leaving your caravan at home, such as emptying its contents, securing windows or leaving an automated light on.

Yet there are products available for the caravanner which provide the equivalent of fitting a bolt to your front door -offering that extra piece of mind and slowing down potential thieves.

Bolt and braces

It’s possible to improve the security of the existing lock itself by changing the barrel for one that requires a different key. However as well as the expense it is unlikely to stop a thief able to pick locks. Therefore the recommended method is to fit a high security “bolt” style lock to the door to compliment your existing system.

There are deadlocks available such as those from Harrison Locks which can be easily fitted by the owner. Using a simple metal bolt system you can fit two locks if required, and the device can also be used for locker doors.

Yet some owners may not be entirely happy drilling or screwing into the door and potentially compromising the existing structure. For those caravanners there are some alternatives.

Doorframe locks

In our search for a non-invasive second lock which could deter thieves we spoke to Lee from CaravanStuff4U who was able to recommend the Milenco Superior Safe Door Frame Lock to us. The device fits directly into the caravan door frame surround and slides left or right to lock and secure the entrance. The manufacturer claims it can be fitted by the owner in around ten minutes and should be mounted beside the doorframe. Lee described this as “an easy to fit lock which can be removed – but when the door is shut you won’t be able to see it”

Another option we came across is to fit a Fiamma Safe Door device which is a “pivoting safety block” for the caravan door. A similar kind of anti-theft device, it can be installed using bolts and internal counter-brackets, and can be found here.