Indie Campers launches graduate programme as it eyes growth

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The conditions are perfect for a surge in outdoor tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and this has already been seen in the leisure vehicle industry, where sales and rentals are reaching record highs.

One company that is anticipating an uptick in demand is Indie Campers, a campervan rental company based in Lisbon, which now operates out of 40 locations.

It has launched a graduate programme to attract fresh talent straight out of university for an opportunity to join the business at an exciting time.

Hugo Oliveira, CEO and founder of Indie Campers, said: “I started the company right after finishing university and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the talented people working with me on this journey.

“Most of our employees have joined fresh out of university, and grown with the company by balancing what they lack of experience with passion, commitment, hard-work, self-drive and creativity.”

Applications are open until June 4th, when Indie Campers will select the top 15 candidates to join the team as junior associates on a nine-month, full time, paid contract.

This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills within the industry and the top performers will then be invited to stay on working with the team at the company’s headquarters.

Indie Campers aims to become the number one road trip marketplace, which is particularly impressive when you realise it was operating with just three employees from a small office in 2015.

Now, more than 200 people from in excess of 30 countries work to match over 2,000 campervans, motorhomes and converted fans with prospective holidaymakers.

In the UK alone, Indie Campers offers leisure vehicles to hire out of locations in London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Further afield, Reykjavik, Lisbon and Porto, which lie within green list countries from May 17th, also operate as Indie Campers hubs.

Nick’s News – Cookie cutter campsites, the campervan revolution and the Bailey Adamo 69-4

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Motorhome Week

Look, no motorhomes! It’s a bit different, but my latest trip away was to the tiny Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel for a short stay in a disused lighthouse. Bad weather saw two nights turn into three, then switch from a ferry to helicopter on the return leg, which put paid to a visit to Stowford Farm Meadows campsite near Ilfracombe in North Devon.

Hey ho. It was, er, interesting and, to be honest, yet another reminder of how cost-friendly and flexible a leisure vehicle trip can be. Lundy was lovely with its seclusion and ‘away from it all’ vibe, but it’s back to campsites for me now.

In the news

Cookie cutter campsites? Me neither

The latest news from France’s prestigious chain, operating under the Les Castels banner, stresses they’re not “cookie cutter campsites”. Not a phrase I’ve heard of, but I sought answers and was given the following explanation:

“Cookie cutter sites mean places that are all chips off the same block – formulaic and all the same – so it can apply to hotels, or anything really! Ibis and Novotel would be good examples in the hotel business.”

I get it now. And how apt in respect of Les Castels, whose 25 top-drawer, independently owned sites – often in the grounds of a chateau, or similar – really do offer something above the norm. Indeed, the introduction this year of the Castels Suite concept – pitches that are already reckoned to be some 15 per cent larger than rival offerings, but with their own amenities blocks adjacent (yes, your own shower and toilet) – takes social distancing to appropriate new levels.

It’s not a completely new idea, as I do remember staying on a site in the Netherlands providing the very same facility, over a decade ago now.

Campervans – the revolution continues

Do you need further proof that campervans continue to increase and increase in popularity? Revolution Campervans, which would readily admit is hardly up there amongst the real big players (yet) has announced it’s spent some £1m on new factory premises, capable of producing up to 500 campers a year. What’s different here is the company says it’s happy for folk to come along and see how its campervans are made. So, if you’re anywhere near the Oundle Marina at Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, you might just want to go there and find out more for yourselves.

Motorhome for me

Bailey Adamo 69-4 – first of three

Nick inside the Bailey AdamoI’m rather impressed by Bailey’s approach (pun intended) when it comes to its Ford-based coachbuilt trio under the Adamo name. The floorplans are just a bit different (more continental, says Bailey) and it’s a notable move away from the Peugeot/Al-Ko chassised vehicles Bailey has served up to us to date.

Of the initial Adamos, it’s the 69-4 that’s proving most popular in terms of sales. Effectively a four-berth, thanks to an electric drop-down bed over the lounge, which itself can also be converted to a double, the clever stuff also includes individual travel seats that fold out from each settee base when you want to take a full complement of four on tour.

I say effectively, but I’d have to argue it’s far more comfortable as a two-person motorhome – especially as the kitchen, full-width washroom and extensive shelved wardrobe at the very back, set over a decent garage space – really do help it add up to a formidable motorhome.

And that four-berth capability comes at a cost – the rear travel seats take up a lot of useful space that would otherwise be given over to storage. The easy-driving Ford Transit base – complete with smooth-shifting automatic transmission as standard – does help complete a good, all-round package, though.

Three good: Four-berth capability, well specced Ford base and drop-down bed
Two bad: Rear seat travel is not the best and the table could be sturdier
Perfect for… Couples!
Also consider: Benimar Tessoro 483 or Chausson 640

Gadget envyThe Leatherman Bond multi-tool

Multi-tools – they’re magic

Why carry a payload-grabbing, space-thieving toolkit when you can have a multi-tool? Leaving aside the argument that having both would be best of all, there’s so much to be said for a multi-tool – those handy items not much larger than a penknife but offering so much more in terms of fittings.

Few would argue against Leatherman as the top name in multi-tools (well, it was the originator of such products). It’s added to an already extensive portfolio with the all-stainless steel, 6.6cm-long Bond – possessing 14 features (a mix of the usual screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, strippers, openers and more), all backed by the usual 25-year warranty.

Better still, the main blade is short enough that the Bond can be with you at all times without fear of falling foul of the law governing the carrying of knives. There are plenty of other ‘names’ to look out for here – Gerber, Stanley, Skeletool, SOG, Victorinox… it’s a long list.

Just don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ve got a real bargain with some low-priced unknown. You really do get what you pay for here.

 

Boutique campsite to pop up on the Lowther Estate this summer

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A pop-up campsite with a focus on rewilding after months at home is set to feature within the Lake District’s Lowther Estate this summer.

Camp Eden will run from July 19th to August 16th, encouraging visitors to take part in a variety of outdoor activities while enjoying upmarket accommodation.

After a day of hiking, cycling or wild swimming, guests can relax in a luxury bell tent, Bedouin tent or Indian shikar tent.

Alternatively, Camp Eden is also offering pitch and park spots, where up to four people can enjoy the surroundings and amenities while sleeping in their own tent.

In the evenings there will be camp fires, craft beer and woodfired pizzas available.

The site is being launched by the creative team behind Kendal Calling, the music festival that has been held in the Lake District since 2010.

They said: “Camp Eden will be an incredible experience for anyone desperate to escape to nature and unlock their wild side.

“After what’s been a long 12 months, we’re excited to look forward to a summer of rekindling our passion for the great outdoors.”

The pop-up site will be a unique opportunity to stay within the grounds of Lowther Castle, which is located just outside Penrith.

When it was constructed in the 19th century it featured 365 rooms, but was gutted in 1957, leaving behind impressive ruins that provide an especially dramatic backdrop to any camping trip.

Visitors will be able to explore the ruins, discover the extensive gardens and set off on an adventure through the estate’s woodland.

The on-site adventure playground features one of the largest tree houses anywhere in the world, highlighting Camp Eden’s appeal for both families and groups.

Bikes can also be hired from the estate, putting the nearby attractions of the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, Aira Force waterfall and Ullswater Lake within easy reach.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios

VisitScotland recommends its hidden gems for a motorhome or caravan staycation

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VisitScotland has highlighted the benefits of a motorhome or caravan staycation when exploring some of its lesser-known locations. While the North Coast 500 remains popular, there are plenty of other places to explore that are just as appealing but likely to see fewer visitors as the country opens up post-pandemic.

Lyndsey Richardson from VisitScotland told CaravanTimes: “When planning a staycation, it can be difficult to narrow down where exactly to visit. However, if travelling by caravan or motorhome, you have the luxury of visiting multiple destinations in comfort and working to your own agenda.

“With the freedom of being able to pull over, where appropriate, and explore rugged landscapes and scenic coastal environments, Scotland has many caravan and motorhome sites and holiday parks – perfect for setting up base for a night or two, before continuing to explore all that Scotland has to offer.”

Scottish routes featuring hidden gems

Glasgow to Machrihanish

The first of the routes recommended by VisitScotland is Glasgow to Machrihanish, which takes in the Kintyre peninsula – one of Scotland’s most secluded destinations. Not only that but the route leading to it is positively spellbinding, according to the experts.

To get there, drive your motorhome or caravan from central Glasgow, following the A82 as it winds past Loch Lomond, before embarking upon a breathtaking three-hour journey down the A83. This section of the route is sometimes referred to as ‘the long and winding road’ and is one of the UK’s most scenic drives in the UK.

Along the way, you’ll take in the Rest and Be Thankful Pass, skim the shores of the picturesque Loch Fyne, and pass the stately Inveraray Castle. Continue along the beautiful Kintyre coast to Campbeltown, before making the short cross-country drive to Machrihanish.

Here you can pitch up at the well-equipped Machrihanish Holiday Park, which offers a complete range of home comforts including free Wi-Fi and a view overlooking the acclaimed Machrihanish Dunes golf course. Don’t forget to bring your clubs!

The Coig

Alternatively, why not celebrate Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters with an adventure that takes in swathes of Scotland’s coastline?! The Coig is a combination of five driving routes, where visitors can enjoy exceptional scenery, outdoor adventure, nature and history.
Each one is circular and they’re of varying sizes, so you could choose the route that matches the amount of time you have available for your staycation or combine multiple itineraries for a longer trip. Select from The Shire, The Shiel, The Arran, The Bute and The Cumbrae to explore various sections of Scotland’s west coast.

  • The Shire is 138 miles long and takes in the landscapes that inspired Robert Burns, who was born in the area.
  • The Shiel has connections to the Vikings and its 55-mile length offers a magical mix of heritage trails, wild dunes and rock pools.
  • The Arran is perfect for outdoor activities, so throw your bikes into the motorhome before you set off on this 70-mile route.
  • The Bute is the 22-mile drive for architecture lovers, with highlights including Mount Stuart House and Gardens, and the recently refurbished Rothesay Pavilion.
  • The Cumbrae is only ten miles long, but offers the chance of spotting a selection of the island’s 125 bird species, seals, porpoises and basking sharks.

Plan ahead

Getting back into caravan and motorhome trips in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic requires a little bit of adjustment. While they represent a great way to enjoy a self-contained staycation, there are a number of things to take into consideration.

Ms Richardson said: “When planning a road trip across the UK, it’s important that visitors get the most out of where they are going by doing their research and booking ahead where possible. Particularly important, given the events of the past year, is that visitors make sure they know [the current rules] before they go.

“This includes checking the Scottish Government website, the VisitScotland website and any local destination websites to ensure they are aware of all rules, restrictions and safety procedures relating to Covid-19. Visitors are asked to do their research before travelling, pre-book where possible and be aware that restrictions will vary in different parts of the country.”

VisitScotland also recommends looking for the Good to Go Logo, which is an industry-wide standard and consumer mark developed to demonstrate businesses have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment to ensure they have everything in place to open safely.

VisitScotland is an exhibitor at the second online edition of Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show: Destinations presents Travel 2021, which is online now and until Sunday 16th May.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Daniel Manastireanu

Celebrating 60 years of caravans and motorhomes at CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf

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There’s a major milestone on the horizon later this year, as CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf celebrates an auspicious achievement in 2021.

We’ve all missed the buzz of live events in the last year, given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption this caused. So you’ll be pleased to hear there’s good news on the horizon for lovers of all things caravan and motorhome.

CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf is ready to celebrate its 60th birthday this year, with the event one of the standout shows on the international calendar for anyone with an eye on the newest innovations in touring. This year it’s scheduled to run from 27th August to 5th September.

The show first began in 1962 and every year since has drawn crowds of thousands of visitors eager to see the latest vehicles across the leisure market space. 

Despite the impact of COVID-19, the event did go ahead last year – drawing crowds of more than 107,000 from around the world. It was managed in a socially-distanced, responsible manner though, with attendance down by more than half from 2019.

Needless to say, many measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place this year. Even so, we’re extremely pleased to celebrate such an important milestone for a show that has brought us huge enjoyment over the years.

“Right from the start, CARAVAN SALON was conceived as a new products and innovations event. It now plays this role not only for the premieres of the new generation of vehicles, but also for all important innovations in the supplier and accessories industry,” commented Stefan Koschke, project director of the CARAVAN SALON.

“The CARAVAN SALON was and is the most important indicator for trends in the caravanning industry.”

CaravanTimes will keep you up to date around all the important news and releases in the run-up to CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf 2021, so watch this space for more to to follow as the excitement grows in the months ahead.

Consider the environmental impact of your next touring getaway

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With summer fast approaching and plenty of opportunities emerging to head out in our caravans and motorhomes as lockdown eases in the months ahead, have you thought about the environmental impact of your next touring getaway?

It’s an issue you may not have considered given the excitement about an impending return to our beloved touring lifestyle, but new research from campervan and motorhome rental company Camptoo shows it’s something that many of us are increasingly taking to heart.

According to Camptoo’s findings, there’s been a 436 per cent increase in search volumes in the UK for the term ‘eco camping’ since 2017, while searches for eco-friendly products have grown by an impressive 2,833 per cent.

Everything from bamboo cutlery to wood-burning stoves are now available online, so to see this surge in demand for eco-friendly, reusable items is something we’re extremely pleased to witness. 

Indeed, you might not consider the carbon that goes into producing things like disposable plates or one-time-use camping equipment, but doing so can help to reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment when planning your next caravan or motorhome break.

Camptoo’s head of wanderlust Ed Bassett commented: “With a vast array of products from composting toilets, recycled and refurbished campervans and growth in the use of portable solar chargers all now readily available at reasonable prices, making a few switches here and there can have a great effect on reducing your carbon footprint.”

He added: “It’s wonderful to see so many people take an interest in the environment and looking for ways in which they can improve how they live and travel and the equipment they take with them.”

Ultimately, environmental awareness is something we all need to consider when enjoying the great outdoors. It’s therefore great to see so many of us embracing a more sustainable way of touring and, by the looks of it, it’s a trend that’s set to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.

Caravan and motorhome getaways ‘set to take off’ after lockdown

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Pent up demand for holidays in the UK could see a major boom in caravan and motorhome getaways this summer as Brits see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of an easing of lockdown restrictions.

Andrew Robson, of The Camping and Caravanning Club, told the Oxford Mail there’s been a more than 50 per cent increase in bookings in comparison to the same time in 2019 already this year.

In particular, motorhome and caravan getaways are proving popular in the Cotswolds and other idyllic areas of the country.

“We anticipate that once we reopen, we are going to have a good year, and advance bookings continue to remain strong, mirroring the trend elsewhere across the UK – and there is still plenty of availability,” he commented.

Mr Robson added that spending time outdoors at places such as campsites can provide a “really important break” that many people will be hankering for after such an extended lockdown and being forced to stay at home.

“Camping is all about spending time in the fresh air – it puts us on the doorstep of our wonderful countryside and allows us to get closer to nature.”

Shared facilities like toilet blocks and entertainment venues remain closed at present at many sites, but all restrictions are set to be lifted later this month (17th May) should the government continue to follow its planned route for getting us all out of lockdown. 

Once that happens, it’s expected a large number of holidaymakers will take up the option of a UK staycation, with campsites up and down the country expecting a bumper summer.

Nick’s News – New tyres, awnings and the Wingamm Rookie L

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Caravan Week

I can’t believe the cooler weather we’re getting this year, compared to last when we were all stuck at home and temperatures were approaching tropical (at least, that’s how I remember it).

Most of us are pretty hardy, though, and it really doesn’t take much to keep cosy and dry when the weather isn’t so great. 

Plus, if you’re out on site now and the amenities blocks are all closed, using your onboard facilities arguably means you’re going in and out less – and with doors closed you’re not using your most obvious form of heat loss! 

In The News

Two tyres to tow?

Good to see the UK tyre trade charity TyreSafe has introduced new labelling for tyres as of this month, as well as revisions to how retailers tell customers – bringing them into line with other products. They’re being phased in as previous stock gets replaced (so, an instant indicator of how new your new tyres rally are?). 

It’s a necessary message, but do check your tyres, especially those on your caravan – and even more especially if it’s been sat around for a long period. 

Meet your hero

Daniel Walton, OlPro

Congratulations, OlPro. The accessories specialist has just been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. Not bad for a business that began as a twinkle in the eyes of husband-and-wife founders Daniel and Lisa Walton exactly ten years ago. OK, they boasted long experience in the leisure sector before that, but nevertheless to start a company from new that’s since seen its turnover grow every year is a formidable achievement – especially when you’re also bringing up a family. 

From crockery to awnings, OlPro hasn’t been afraid to offer things that are just a little bit alternative to the norm. 

As Daniel says: “I’m so pleased with how we’ve been able to grow our company significantly during this time. But more importantly, we’re proud to be a business that really gives back to the community and we will continue to use our successes as an opportunity to help and support local communities, charities and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives.”

Latest of these is a tree-planting project involving tens of thousands of trees to help the company move towards a stated carbon neutral ambition.

OlPro? All go, more like. 

Caravan Crush

Wingamm Rookie L – what a body!

Italian brand Wingamm has announced the first of what it hopes will be a number of agents across the UK for its all-GRP micro caravans. It’s BC Motorhomes in Ayrshire. 

Bigger sister to the two-berth Rookie 3.5, it’s the 6m-long L variant that appeals more to me. It sleeps four and has a rear French bed with washroom alongside, as well as that bit of extra living space all round.  

It’s very light, too. The 940kg MTPLM can be upgraded to 1,200kg if you want extra load-carrying capacity. Prices starting from £25,000 reflect the Rookie L’s more upmarket appeal. 

Biggest selling point is the tough, all-GRP monocoque body. And yes, it is all a bit different to the usual, run-of-the-mill stuff. 

Three good: 15-year water ingress warranty, door on UK nearside, light weight

Two bad: Limited UK dealer network (for now), needs more windows

Perfect for… being a bit different

Also consider: Barefoot, Tripbuddy

Gadget envy 

Get out more – with a new awning

Leading caravan awning manufacturers haven’t been resting over the past year. There are actually quite a few new models coming onto the market. Here’s my usual very quick overview. 

Quest’s Elite Snowdown is an inflatable porch awning that’s also designed for seasonal pitching (if you want a traditional poled version check out the Westfield Vega from the same parent company). 

Following its take-over of Kampa, Dometic has been rebranding its awnings, hence models like the Dometic Ace Air Pro series – but they’ve also used it as an excuse to upgrade sizes, add a front canopy and improve ventilation here. 

Vango has additions to its portfolio – the Riviera 420 and Balletto Air range, the latter a trio of porch units in varying sizes.

If you want the very best (and if finances allow), for a full awning for seasonal pitching, Isabella has reintroduced its Forum Etna, complete with built-in flexibility in terms of the configurations – porch, canopy, annexe, etc – that best suit your particular needs. 

Things to consider about weight in relation to caravans and motorhomes

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There are many things to consider when purchasing a caravan or motorhome, or even just driving one for the first time, and weight is something that is often overlooked. We caught up with Dan Cartright, longtime contributor to CaravanTimes and judge of the 2021 Caravan Design Awards Buyers’ Guide to weigh in on the issue.

He said: “There are some issues to consider about weight and everyone needs to pay attention to this, especially if you’re new to the market.”

The total gross weight of your rig

The total weight of your rig includes all the passengers, luggage and water tank, in relation to the licence you have. If you obtained your licence before 1997, you can carry up to five tonnes or 500 kilos. Licences granted after 1997 are usually restricted to 3.5 tonnes.

This becomes particularly important if you’re planning on using your motorhome as a family, because there’s all sorts of extra weight to consider. This varies from additional passengers to a supermarket shop and whether or not to travel with your water tank full.

Chassis and chassis rating

Even if you’re not restricted by your licence, the capacity your chassis can hold will also have an impact on the weight you can tow. It’s illegal to carry a rig with a weight totalling above the chassis rating and police are known to stop and check for this, as it’s not safe.

Dan said: “Most manufacturers do offer a chassis upgrade for a small fee, or even sometimes for free, so if you do have a larger licence and are able to drive up to five tonnes, maybe consider upgrading your chassis.”

Being in the know

When buying a caravan or motorhome it’s up to you to work out the practicalities in terms of weight and how this will impact the kit you can take on a trip with you. Understanding this in advance will help to cut down on unexpected surprises further down the line.

Dan said: “All the information is published within the manufacturers’ guidelines, but the thing is that you’ve got to actually delve into it and consider the maths.”

Items to consider that will significantly increase your weight and shouldn’t be overlooked:

  • Additional passengers
  • Bikes
  • Luggage
  • Full water tank
  • Full waste tank
  • Full gas bottle

Dan recommends getting everyone to weigh their luggage and additional items if you’re close to the weight limit. Otherwise, you could get stopped on your way to your holiday and be told you can’t take some of your kit with you.

The final word from Dan is that “before you commit to buying, you need to understand weights and measures”.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Nubia Navarro

Caravan and Motorhome Club acquires award-winning Cornwall site

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club has added another site to its extensive network across the UK, after acquiring Carnon Downs Caravan Park in Cornwall.

While the site has been affiliated to the Club since 2007, it’s only since its reopening earlier in April this year that it’s been officially owned by the caravanning organisation.

Now known as the Carnon Downs Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, it’s accepting bookings for those keen to explore England’s southwestern tip.

The site has the capacity to host 169 touring caravans and motorhomes, with facilities including a toilet block, electric hook up and a TV room.

As well as the villages of Carnon Downs, Devoran and Feock being close by, the cathedral city of Truro with all its attractions is just three miles away.

Keen cyclists can set off on two wheels right from the site, as it’s located on Route 3 of the National Cycle Network.

No trip to Cornwall is complete without a day at the seaside and Loe Beach is situated close to the site.

It’s a great location to indulge in sailing, kayaking and windsurfing, with a watersports centre to teach those new to these activities.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “We are delighted to have purchased the Carnon Downs campsite as it’s an excellent site that we know is hugely popular with our members.

“We would also like to thank Simon Vallance and family for all their hard work building and maintaining this fantastic campsite over the years and we look forward to continuing their success. We hope you will join us in celebrating this fabulous news as we reopen the network following lockdown, and we look forward to welcoming you on site soon.”

Nick’s News – The Ford Nugget, a caravan site hero and what3words

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Motorhome Week

Good time to buy; great time to sell. That’s what Canterbury, Kent-based motorhome dealer Choose Leisure tells me. It’s a pointed reminder that although it’s perfect timing if you’re aiming to purchase a motorhome for “immediate use” – apart from the fact that stock is fairly scarce, nationally – it’s an even bigger opportunity if, for some reason, you need to sell.

As Choose Leisure’s general manager Dominic Price puts it: “We’re constantly on the hunt for stock but even more so now – newbies mean no part-exchanges! So, if you’d like us to broker your motorhome [sale], or you’d prefer to sell it for cash, now’s the time.”

Brokering is a particular proposition where you retain ownership of the vehicle whilst employing the services of a dealer to sell on your behalf. Choose Leisure, long experienced in this format, is promising:
• Peace of mind that you don’t have to deal with strangers at your home
• Professional marketing and preparation of your motorhome
• Safe, secure transaction

If you are looking to sell your current motorhome – ideally still fairly new, in good condition and with a proper service history for both the base vehicle and the conversion – dealers will bite your hand off to take it.

In the news

National walking – May the force be with you

If it’s May, it must be National Walking Month. A great opportunity to step out and with every step you take you’re taking part. Designed to coincide with better weather, surely, it doesn’t need me to tell you walking is a great way of maintaining good health, mental as well as physical.

There’s even an attempt to define what actually is a “short walk” – answer: around one mile or 15-20 minutes. I’ve just logged in at www.livingstreets.org.uk (there’s also lots of advice here on what you can do if you’re unable to walk as much as you’d like) and been told my proposed 15 short journeys each week will see me cover some 75 miles, burning off 7,500 calories and saving 17,100 grams of carbon dioxide (compared to if I were to drive). Let’s go!

Meet your heroAnne Wragg ready to welcome visitors

Anne Wragg – Bringing out the best of Burford

Wardens, holiday site managers, hosts… call ‘em what you will, but the staff on the front line running campsites across the UK deserve some kind of collective medal. Not just for helping us get back to a form of normality in recent weeks, but for their unstinting efforts overall to ensure we get the best breaks when we go away camping.

That invariably means going well beyond the boundaries of their job descriptions – helping out in real emergencies and offering aid to those with vehicle issues. This latter situation is often unfairly put on their shoulders, I might add, but plenty of newcomers feel they have nobody else to turn to when things aren’t working as they should be.

Just one example is Anne Wragg, who, with husband Martyn, heads up the team at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Site at Burford, in the Cotswolds. It really does make all the difference when you meet folk as cheery, positive and helpful as this. She’s in her second stint at Burford – you may also recognise her from the Club’s Cirencester site – and she has a wealth of experience to call on and, time allowing, stories to tell. Or, as she puts it: “I used to be a nurse. Nothing shocks me now.”

Motorhome for me?

Ford Nugget – re-beginnings of a classic?

Ford’s Nugget – built for the brand by campervan gargantuan Westfalia – is starting to take the UK market seriously. About time, too – did you know it’s been in production for around a quarter of a century now? Like Volkswagen’s California and Mercedes’ Marco Polo, it has the base vehicle manufacturer’s “stamp of approval” and is being sold through its own network of selected retailers, as opposed to mainstream motorhome dealerships.

It offers a bit more in many aspects – five travel seats as standard, two generous double beds – and a bit less in others, notably overall storage.
Not that it’s going to be a worry to the Cali, by far the most popular campervan in the UK. But it does provide something different and should attract even more folk to the sector. And, in the latest Custom guise, it’s the best-driving Transit to date.

Three good: Top-drawer conversion work, superior elevating roof and upper bed, five-person travel and twin sliding doors
Two bad: Very limited storage and a low payload
Perfect for… an alternative to a VW-based camper
Also consider: Autohaus Spartan GT, Wellhouse Misano and Westfalia Kelsey

Gadget envy

The power of three

Not so much a gadget, but slowly starting to be seen as something of an essential – especially for those who like to travel beyond certain horizons. That’s what3words. It’s a relatively simple concept – wherever you are in the world, you can be pinpointed because it has been designated three random words. Just download the app to your phone and you’re away. It even works when you’re offline.

It’s increasingly used by the UK emergency services, as a sure-fire guarantee they will get to the exact spot of any potential disaster. A friend had an unfortunate brush with a bus whilst out driving recently. He was in the middle of nowhere and in a location where GPS has failed to permeate, seemingly suggesting a location he knew to be at least 70 miles away. Luckily, his breakdown recovery service was able to pinpoint exactly where he was because he had the what3words app. A lesson for all of us everywhere perhaps?

Caravan manoeuvring simulator launches on mobile

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As more people take to the road in their caravans in the wake of the pandemic, it’s vital their skills are up to scratch.

Luckily, there’s a caravan manoeuvring simulator that allows them to practice before driving a caravan for real, and it’s just launched on mobile.

ReverseMyTrailer allows users to gain a 360-degree view and experience what it’s like trying to park a caravan and adjust it into a pitch.

It also offers advice and explains the whole process to those who are new to driving a caravan or just in need of a brush up on their skills.

Previously only available on desktop, ReverseMyTrailer can now be accessed as an app for use on iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices.

Users can choose a leisure vehicle and scenario to practice, as well as opting for a bird’s eye view or wing mirror view to gain greater understanding.

ReverseMyTrailer has already proved popular with caravanners, as it’s been downloaded more than 1,000 times and the feedback has been positive.

Jim Bedigan, creator of ReverseMyTrailer, told CaravanTimes: “I’ve been very pleasantly surprised at the level of interest shown not just here in the UK, but in many other parts of the world – ReverseMyTrailer has gone global!

“The program has been downloaded in 47 countries so far. After the UK, the most popular destinations are currently Australia, Sweden and Canada.

“It seems people have been finding it useful too. I’ve had some very kind comments from users across Europe, saying it has helped them prepare for their B+E driving test. Comments like that make the whole project worthwhile.”

If you find tapping into your competitive spirit helps to motivate you to learn, then there’s even a leaderboard feature on the app, where you can pit yourself against other drivers.

While reversing is the main focus of the app, it encompasses several aspects of driving a caravan and Mr Bedigan intends to adapt it further to add more features.

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production