Life After An Aftermarket Fitting- What Does It Change?

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By William Coleman

Mr Lee Davey was a tad warey of altering his Bailey Phoenix, as any owner would be, but he took the leap with Truma. Was it going to lead to water ingress, will you lose natural light from filling in a sky light, how will it affect the towing habits or overall payload number? So many questions that Lee now has the answers to 3 months into having air conditioning fitted.

Last time we caught up with Lee he was actually assessing how much he actually used his newly installed Truma Aventa Compact Plus. The main questions he had was how were he and the family going to use the system on a day to day basis, if at all and how would the van perform afterwards.

It seems that Lee had it installed at the best time possible, I wonder if he knew that this summer was going to be a record breaker? So as the summer delivered almost 39 degrees what impact did this system have on his driving, loading and overall holiday experience?

Some of the concerns that having additional things mounted to the roof include making your rig taller, something to think about as a lot of areas lower gate heights to deter travellers and the overall loaded payload weight. Adding height and weight can lead to a difference in the caravan’s towing behaviour so always think about that.

In this video Lee addresses quite a few questions regarding the day to day usage of an air con system, most of which a lot of people have the totally wrong idea about. So to clear up any misconceptions or falsehoods have a watch of how Lee uses this Truma tech on a day to day basis.

To keep up with Lee’s field testing you can watch part one of his journey you can watch Lee Davey Talks Truma Aftermarket Fitting.

And Love2Stay For All.

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By William Coleman

All across the UK we are seeing sites open up their facilities to the public to share the caravan and motorhome love to those who may not be owners. From glamping to school holiday adventures, Love2Stay has it all for everyone.

The Shrewsbury holiday resort are now opening their Adventure Centre to the masses where before they were only available to guests staying on site.

During school holidays the award winning site will have a limited number of day tickets for activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, water zorbing, football skills, an assault course, raft building and archery, with prices for each activity ranging from £5 to £10.

Day passes to Love2Stay resort offers are also available during the school holidays with adults charged £15, each child £10, under fives £5 and children aged under two years free.

Bespoke birthday party packages for between eight and 100 guests are also available at Love2Stay Adventure Centre for £10 per person. The packages include a choice of party themes and adventure activities, a safety briefing by an experienced instructor, printable guest invitations and an adventure certificate. Home-made pizzas made in a wood-fired oven are also available at a small extra charge.

The day pass provides full access to Europe’s largest outdoor Biotop natural outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot springs pool beach, hot tubs, a large outdoor children’s play area, sensory walk, sun terrace, dog walk area, dog agility course, a pizzeria and coffee shop.

“We want local people to be able to enjoy the fantastic facilities and activities that we have at Love2Stay during and outside of the school holidays,” said Chris Skitt, Love2Stay’s joint general manager. “This is an ideal chance to come and discover Shrewsbury’s most exciting family day out and party venue!”

This is just one major example of how sites are becoming a lot more accessible to the general public and showing the masses how much fun can be had on caravan parks and sites.

Salop Leisure really have made a site that attracts people from every aspect of the leisure industry, and now outside too.

Lunar Caravans Find A Saviour From Overseas

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By William Coleman

In July it was reported that Lunar caravans were unfortunately going to go into administration following some cash flow issues and a very challenging market. This now seems to be in their rear view mirror following some new investment from across the globe.

It’s never good news when a company that employs around 140 people goes under. Now add all of that company’s existing customers who have products under warranty then you have a really big issue. This was the situation at Lunar caravans just a few weeks ago.

Following some rocky times that lead to the company going into administration it seems that there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel as an engineering company have stepped in to take over.

Despite being bought out there has still been 120 jobs lost due to the administration process. The trade and assets of the Preston based manufacturer have been bought.

The deal that has been made will actually see around 60 staff transferred over to the new owners.

Partner David Acland said: “Lunar is a well-established manufacturer and given this is their 50th anniversary year, the sale has even greater significance.

“We would like to thank the staff and management of Lunar who have worked hard with us over the last few weeks. It has been tough at times but their professionalism and positive attitude has contributed to this result.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of key stakeholders involved within the business, in particular South Ribble Council and the Unite Union.”

Nicholas Marks, managing director of Lunar Automotive, added: “We are delighted to have acquired Lunar, we look forward to working with the team, suppliers and customers as we build on this well respected brand.”

Following the new ownership they will trade under the new name of ‘Lunar Automotive’. Lunar have now become part of MEWA who are a South African engineering specialist group. Founded by Cecil Marks MEWA has a strong heritage in the global stainless steel industry.

Newly appointed Lunar Automotive Director, Nicholas Marks, said, “The MEWA group has been involved in specialist engineering and component manufacture for 100 years. This experience and capability, coupled with the manufacturing expertise acquired with the existing team at Lunar, bodes well for the brand, not only celebrate its 50th anniversary but to look forward to the next 50 years.”

Following the buyout the production of caravans is scheduled to start up again in September, the new 2020 models are ready and waiting to be introduced to the dealer network.

Lunar will be heading into their new sales force with full momentum and is being headed by Lee Roberts who has been an essential part of team Lunar for well over 6 years. Lee will be focusing efforts on maximising the new 2020 stock for the upcoming season come the new year.

Since the bad news, and following the positive, dealers have remained extremely supportive, Nicholas will be confirming the dealer network in the near future.

He also stated that motorhomes will continue to be an integral part of Lunar’s expanded product range, “We are discussing some interesting ideas that will continue to show the ingenuity of our design and production teams going forward.”

The new season will see a strong focus on exceptional build quality with longer term plans to include some very exciting products utilising highly innovative engineering, design and manufacturing processes.

Towing Tips For Summer Trips

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By William Coleman

It is no surprise that this amazing weather is boosting the caravan, motorhome and camping industry in the UK. Sites are full up, more vans are being bought and there are a heck of a lot more caravans being towed on the roads and motorways of the UK.

As I am sure most of you will agree, the drivers who tow caravans are a skilled and careful bunch who religiously stick to the rules. But we have all been guilty of, on occasion, to let it slip when are rushing or feeling a bit more relaxed.

With that in mind we have to make sure we do not rush in these last few weeks of glorious sunshine there can be a temptation to lean on those safe but bad habits to get you to where you need to be a tad quicker. So here are some tips to help you keep brushed up on those good habits you keep. Oh and not to mention some tips to keep you in line with the law.

Take Your Time

As you know you have to be a lot more cautious than normal when towing a caravan or trailer. And more often than not it is other drivers who actually cause the issue as they are unaware of the difference between driving and towing.

Don’t be timid, but remember that you’ll need more time and space to manoeuvre. Brake earlier than normal, take corners wider and accelerate more gradually. And keep an eye out for poor drivers.

Observe The Specific Speed Limits

Cars towing caravans or trailers are legally limited to a top speed of 50 miles per hour on single carriageways and 60 miles per hour on dual carriageways and motorways. The usual 30 miles per hour limit in built up areas remains the same.

One very good lesson I learned was that just because there is a speed limit it does not mean you have to meet it. Drive to a safe speed and do not feel because others are driving faster you have to.

Check Your License

There are a lot of young folks who simply have no idea about the restrictions their licenses have when it comes to towing, and why would they know. Growing up I just assumed so long as I was not driving a huge lorry or bus I could just hitch up and go with any car and caravan combo. I was very wrong.

If you passed your test before 1997 you can tow a caravan or trailer up to a combined weight of 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). If you passed in or after 1997, you can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg MAM, providing the car and trailer total weight is less than the gross train weight of the car, as stated by its manufacturer.

Don’t Overload

The gross train weight of a vehicle, which can often be found on the vehicle identification number under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door, is the weight of a loaded car and loaded trailer put together and must not be exceeded.

It is tempting to fully stock up as when you get to site you can just sit back and relax. But I do advise filling up when you get there and take a minimal amount with you to just with the weight and towing behaviour.

Get A Legal Tow Bar

Drivers are legally obliged to make sure that the tow bar you’re hooking up your caravan or trailer to is type approved for your vehicle.

This is something that may seem painfully obvious but I imagine that there are a lot of newcomers who just assume a tow bar is a tow bar. So do make sure that you do a thorough check on the towbar before purchase.

Get Extended Mirrors

The rear view mirror will be out of action while towing a caravan, horse box or high trailer so it’s vital drivers can see behind them via properly adjusted side mirrors. Purchase specifically designed mirror extensions to avoid potential danger and a fine or points on your driving licence.

Check The Brakes

If what you’re towing weighs more than 750kg, it must be fitted with its own, properly working set of brakes.

Keep Passengers Out Of Caravans

It’s strictly forbidden and completely unsafe to allow and passengers or pets to travel in a caravan while it’s being towed on the roads.

Avoid The Outside Lane

Drivers towing caravans and trailers aren’t allowed to use the fast lane on three and four lane motorways and smart motorways.

Be Careful Of Snaking

If your caravan or trailer starts to sway or otherwise affect your stability while driving, resist the urge to brake. Instead, simply take your foot off the accelerator and allow your vehicle to slow down naturally, while gripping the wheel to maintain a safe road position.

Pull Over

If your slower, defensive driving is causing a large amount of traffic to queue up behind you, pull over in a safe spot and allow the waiting cars to pass – you’d want them to do the same.

Display Your Plates

The rear of your trailer or caravan must display your vehicle’s registration number just like your car and conform to the same standards, including readable fonts and being lit at night.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk: <i<“Towing a caravan or trailer isn’t as simple as jumping behind the wheel and setting off in your car as normal for your holiday.

“To make sure you and your vehicle get to your destination safely, in one piece and without breaking any laws, drivers should change their style and get clued up on the specific rules that apply.

“As our advice explains, you’ll generally have to drive slower and more carefully, as well as making sure you have all the right equipment before setting off this summer.”

A British Adventure On A Budget

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By William Coleman

Surfing, rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, wake boarding and all other manner of outdoor adventures can all be done right here in the UK. There was a time where you couldn’t get a chance to try these things without digging very deep into the pocket or going abroad. In today’s world you can have great experiences without breaking the bank.

In the past 2 years right here in the UK I’ve surfed, skied, canoed and even gone white water rafting. This was all done on a budget too. But having looked into it I could have saved a fair bit more if I did some more planning and research on where is the most cost effective location to holiday.

A recent study by Get Going Travel Insurance revealed the activities and destinations where staying in the UK is better than going abroad. The study takes into account the ideal conditions, peak times to book and cost of activity to determine the best option.

If you like being thorough and doing your research and saving yourself a few bob along the way then this research could be just for you.

We are as a nation getting a lot more active when we go away, are we more health conscious or do we just love a good bargain? Either way there are tons of new things to do all over the UK that we can do on our holidays.

When I was a child the idea of going to see dolphins in the wild or surfboarding was something you could only do across the pond in the USA, or so I thought. Now as a young adult I can do all of this in just one weekend with the right amount of planning.

Get Going Travel Insurance finds whether you can do better by keeping to Britain for your trip – using a scientific points-based system to measure every option against ideal conditions unique to each activity, like wave height and wind speed for surfing, or rain quantity for caving, as well as factoring in the cost of travel, accommodation and the activity itself.

Surfing

Fistral Beach in Cornwall, England vs The Pass in Byron Bay, Australia
Australia may have the stronger surfing culture, but the UK actually takes the lead. Both locations meet the ideal conditions for wave size and wind speed, and while Australia is warmer, the approximate £700 saved on travel puts the UK over the top.

Caving

Cheddar Gorge in Bristol, England vs Skocjan Cave in Divaca, Slovenia
Despite the money saved in staying in the UK, the lower quantities of rain at peak times of the year means it’s a more comfortable and safer choice to go to Slovenia for your caving adventures.

Whale Watching

Shetlands in Scotland vs Husavik in Iceland
You don’t have to travel far to see whales! While they’re not guaranteed wherever you go, you can still get a chance to spot some off the coast of Scotland – and it turns out that with slightly warmer weather and lower costs, Scotland is actually the best option available, despite having stronger winds than the Icelandic option.

Skiing

Glenshee in Perth and Kinross, Scotland vs Chamonix on Mont Blanc in France
Despite neither location fitting perfectly into the ideal temperature range of -6°C to 1°C, the wider range of runs and greater lift capacity in the Alps outweighs Scotland’s heavier snowfall and lower costs to make France the overall better option.

Scuba Diving

Lundy Island in Devon, England vs Bonaire in the Caribbean
Scuba diving needs warm and clear waters for divers to make the most of it – but while the Caribbean is certainly hotter, the visibility in Devon waters is remarkably high, and with the money saved not taking a long flight, you can spend longer in the water – the UK offers the top option.

James Carrington, a spokesperson from Get Going Travel Insurance, said: “It’s not just that everyone can get great deals by thinking about adventuring in the UK. For anyone who finds air travel difficult, inconvenient, or even impossible, it’s great to know that they don’t have to miss out on adventures typically seen as overseas options only.

“Even if you take cost out of the picture, UK locations are frequently great destinations for holidayers, and a staycation can be just as fun if not more so than heading halfway around the world!”

Keep That Van And Family Safe

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By William Coleman

With these heat waves coming in thick and fast we are going to be using our caravans and motorhomes a lot more. The more you use it the more eyes are going to see it, so make sure that you are keeping your leisure vehicle safe and sound.

So what are the best ways to keep you and the family safe when you’re away? Well this all depends on what type of accommodation you have chosen. Some families take several types at a time. I know when I was young there were times where I would stay outside in a tent having my own adventure while mum and dad slept in the van.

When I was put in the tent there were still some ground rules I had to follow, mostly safety. The safety rules were to protect both me and everyone else on the site and in vans. You never can be too safe when it comes to keeping everyone safe, especially if they are going to be just outside the caravan.

If you are going to use leisure vehicles and tents during your staycation time safe.co.uk have a few tips they want to share with us, you never know, it could just make a world of difference to your holiday experience.

  • A little bit of planning ahead of your trip can go a long way and choosing a safe area should be a key consideration. Planning to set up your tent or caravan in a position that can’t be seen from the road will limit passers-by having a view of your belongings, deterring opportunistic thieves. Also, rural campsites can be a good choice for extra peace of mind as they are typically less likely to have calculated thieves nearby.
  • Consider what you’re bringing with you on your trip. Fancy gadgets and valuable possessions are undoubtedly the most appealing for thieves to steal, so unless absolutely necessary perhaps consider leaving your valuables at home.
  • Deter thieves by keeping valuables out of sight and try not to make it obvious that you have them whilst you’re using them. Be sure to lock them up if you plan to leave the area for any reason, as well as during the night. Additional security measures, such as window and door locks, safes and alarm systems, can also increase protection for your belongings.
  • Introducing yourself to fellow campers when you arrive is not only friendly and polite, but it can also help you to have a safer trip. This tactic helps to build a sense of trust, which can be useful if you ever need another pair of eyes to watch your belongings or update you about any suspicious activity or behaviour in the area.
  • Without precautions, caravan theft is surprisingly easy to pull off, which is why it’s very important to make sure that yours is secure. Wheel clamps demobilise your vehicle by attaching to the wheel and hitch lock cover and lock your towing hitch mechanisms, so both can be good investments ahead of a trip. If you are unlucky enough to have your caravan stolen, a tracking device will give you true peace of mind as it significantly improves the chances of recovery.

Anthony Neary, managing director for safe.co.uk, commented: “Most people have very happy memories of camping or caravanning holidays, but some, unfortunately, fall victim to theft, which can ruin the whole holiday.

“By following our five simple tips, hopefully, you can focus on having an enjoyable and carefree trip that you will be able to remember for years to come, instead of falling victim to theft”.

Is Uncertainty Swaying People To Staycation Holidays?

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By William Coleman

Rewind to 10 years ago and a lot of people still turned their noses up at the idea of a caravan holiday and saw the caravan as a second tier holiday option. Yet here we are today with lots of new plates being registered, more second hand van sales going through and campsites having to extend their seasonal hours to match the demand. But why the change?

It does seem that since this Brexit issue raised its ugly head we as a nation we have been a tad more reluctant to head off around the world for our down time. Is it a coincidence or are there compounding factors causing this?

We are in uncertain times, mainly due to politics, and it is quite unclear what the next 12 to 18 month hold for us here in the UK. Are we opting to stay within our borders for our holiday time due to this rocky period? Are we afraid of paying out a lot for a holiday that may be wrapped up in red tape by the time we go on it? I for one think there are a few factors that may prove that theory correct.

The Poor GBP

Rewind once more with me to around 5 years ago. The GBP was robust and you could at certain times get almost 2 Euros to every £1. Nowadays you’d be lucky to get 10 cents for every quid you exchange. This also goes for the US dollar!

With price hikes all across the EU and the weak GBP it can sometimes be a lot more expensive to spend a week abroad. Add up eating out costs and your general day to day to day holiday costs and you’ll find that it is just simply too expensive, and quite frankly not worth it.

More Options At Home

With these extended warm summers we are having it seems as though forcing yourself through the airport rush is not really necessary anymore. We are now seeing record breaking summers, which could be an early indication of global warming effects but that is a conversation for another time, which means you can stay home to get some much deserved summer fun.

Now add to that all of the sites, events, parks and options we now have right here in the UK and what do you get? The perfect and cost effective staycation for the family.

You can now rent yurts, glamping pods, statics, touring caravans, campers, motorhomes and even the American Airstream for your holidays. There is so much to do and see here at home nowadays. And it does seem like a lot of us are picking up on this as the UK tourism economy is going through another massive boom.

Air Travel Madness

In the past two years we have seen airport strikes, travel companies folding and even protests trying to stop people from flying. There seems to be so many issues and costs involved with air travel now that a lot of people are simply not bothering.

Who wants to get up 2-4 hours earlier and stand in line to then be told to take off your shoes, belts, watches and any other item that could be seen as “dangerous”?

I loathe going to airports now because of all the checks and nonsense. I do understand it is due to security issues and we’d be the first to moan if something went wrong, but my goodness it has put me off of the whole thing.

An Exclusive Look At The Bailey Unicorn Black Edition

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By William Coleman

Bailey Of Bristol will be rolling out all of their new 2020 stock within the next few weeks. Just ahead of the new motorhomes and caravans hitting the market I travelled to the Bailey Factory to have an exclusive and in depth look into their all new Unicorn Black Edition.

The Black Edition is not a re brand or a totally new van but more of a limited special edition, which does actually have a few differences which I would certainly call special.

The range will have seven of Bailey’s most popular layouts from the existing Unicorn range for you to choose from. It is worth noting that Bailey will be discontinuing the Unicorn Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and the Segovia for their 2020 model year. Will the some of the Black Edition take their place moving forward? I guess time will tell on that one.

The range will be made up of both twin and single axl models and will feature an upgraded look and feel to provide a stylish living space as well as an eye catching exterior detail.

Range Breakdown

Unicorn Merida- Single axle, 2 berth model with an end washroom
Unicorn Valencia- Single axle, 4 berth model with corner double bed and end washroom
Unicorn Vigo- Single axle, 4 berth model with transverse island double bed and end washroom
Unicorn Cadiz- Single axle, 4 berth model with twin bed and end washroom
Unicorn Cabrera- Single axle, 4 berth model with longitudinal double bed and centre washroom
Unicorn Cartagena- twin axle, 4 berth model with transverse island double bed and end washroom
Unicorn Pamplona- Twin axle, 4 berth model with longitudinal island double bed and centre washroom

At first glance the new Black Edition interior looks super smart. My first thought when I heard they were going with a darker colour scheme I was not hopeful it would actually work, I was wrong.

Historically dark interiors of any kind can make the space appear small, if not cramped. This is not the case on board the three models I spent the day with. It was more of a smart posh hotel feel than just black work tops and surfaces.

Throughout the range there have been quite a few changes, the simplest of which actually has the most positive impact to the interior. The colour schemes are different across pretty much surface every and fabric compared to non Black Edition models.

There is one new feature that really stood out to me which I think will make a world of difference to how comfortable the lounge area is. The sofas in the lounge features a new knee roll which is one of the best things I have seen added to a lounge area in quite some time. I cannot stress enough how much this helped with my posture when sitting and overall comfort. So simple yet so effective. Next time you get a chance to see one of these vans I urge you to take a seat and give it a test.

There are several other new key features to the Unicorn to make it stand out from its brothers and sisters;

  • Curved locker doors
  • Soft close locker door hinges
  • Round kitchen sink with concealed fixing- no screw heads visible which actually looks really sleek and modern
  • Wood and chrome strip finishes to lower kitchen lock doors
  • New upholstery construction including a knee roll and conventional one piece backrest
  • Revised locker front covers
  • New optional upholstery scheme

The exterior has had a few touch ups too. The colour scheme of the decals are darker to match the inside and Bailey have added new graphite alloy wheels to each of the caravans.

The small little change to hide the screw heads in the sink really adds to the overall feel of the van. It just feels slick and cool, as if James Bond had a caravan almost.

In the kitchen you will find a totally original splashback with chrome detailing with the Bailey ‘Eucalyptus’ finish on the cabinet doors.

A bit more about the lounge area. These new models will feature a new construction seating in the front lounge. These will come in a choice of different fabrics. You can choose from the standard Brompton or pay a little extra for the Alperton option.

There is also more space in the kitchen to work with, which is a plus for me as I need my space when doing food prep and cooking.

Bailey’s Managing Director Nick Howard has said, “The introduction of the Black Edition brings an additional level of refinement to our best selling Unicorn range.”

“Enhanced styling inside and out gives this perennial favourite a fresh new look, which combined with an already comprehensive specification, accessible unladen weights and a competitive retail price make it an extremely attractive proposition for the discerning caravan owner.”

To see our Bailey Black Edition photo gallery Click Here.

The Perks Of Renting A Caravan

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By William Coleman

Rentals have very much carved their on slice into the market and the slice is getting bigger and bigger as each year passes. Why are rentals becoming such a popular option and will this have a positive or negative impact on the industry?

A lot of major companies, such as The Caravan and Motorhome Club, have seen the kind of business rentals can produce and have introduced their own rental brands which are doing very well.

With companies all across the UK introducing glamping and other forms of outdoor static accommodation it is bringing a lot of new tourism to the industry.

Some have asked will this larger rise in rentals actually hurt caravan and motorhome sales numbers. Having seen the high demand and new innovations manufacturers are coming up with I do not think dealers have much to worry about moving forward.

Booking a weekend in a yurt is no different to using a rental platform for a caravan or motorhome; you stay on the same site, use the same facilities and take part in the same local activities and attractions. So all in all I think it is very safe to say that UK holiday based rentals are very much all round positives.

So why has renting a motorhome or caravan for a week become so popular?

The Try Before You Buy Aspect

We’ve all been there in some way or another, you try to introduce a friend to the caravan holiday only for them to have a bit of a miserable time and not really appreciate this holiday type. Now imagine you’ve just put your deposit down on a brand new twin axle and raided every accessory store to get ready for your voyage, only to find out when it is too late it is not really for you. More common than you’d think, if you can believe that.

There is also the perk of actually testing out a specific model or brand. Are you an Elddis fan, Coachman or perhaps Bailey. Going on a few trips can ultimately help you make your final purchase decision. One thing I wish I had done quite a few times when looking at what my next car was going to be.

New Potential Buyers

Have you ever visited a family members house and seen their new TV or even something as small as a toaster and kettle set and thought ‘I want that at my house?’. A caravan is no different, and is how I pretty much go into the lifestyle.

Growing up I was staunch static caravanner and never thought I would ever come away from it, especially when it came to a touring caravan. But as soon as I went on a few trips with friends that swore by the caravan I was pretty much converted.

With so many couples and families opting for a caravan staycation this has lead directly to the sales increased for caravans, motorhomes, campers and a slight spike in trailer tents.

If more vans are being bought this will lead to more site bookings and ultimately a lot more tourist spend, with a huge economy boost.

Giving Your Van A Rest

A lot of us buy a caravan as a long term investment/holiday accommodation so we want to make sure we get a good amount of usage out of it. But as we all know, the more we use it the more inevitable wear and tear we will build up.

The next time you plan to go away it may end up costing more to repair things than it does to find a newer model to rent for the weekend.

You never know this may just lead you to trading up for a new van.

Ladram Bays Big Holiday Postcard

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William Coleman

Stunning views of a beachside holiday park in Devon can now being glimpsed from highways and by-ways across Britain, thanks to an unusual publicity drive which has just got into gear.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park near Budleigh Salterton in East Devon has transformed a 43-foot long lorry into a mobile poster site for its glorious location. To see the image Click Here.

Designed by the park’s own graphics team, the picture shows Ladram Bay’s cliff-top location above its private beach with an iconic sea stack just off-shore.

The breathtaking view, by local photographer Ben Kapur, will be visible across the country as the lorry transports goods to and from the Greendale Farm shop based near Exeter.

A major national retailer which even has its own fleet of fishing boats, Greendale Farm was quick to give its thumbs-up to the idea of putting a gigantic picture postcard on the road.

Now Ladram Bay hopes to create a twitter storm by inviting #LadramLorry tweets from wherever the truck is spotted by car passengers or by drivers when stationary.

The park, which last year marked its 75th anniversary under the ownership of the Carter family, believes the exercise will also provide a boost for tourism generally in the area:

“I’m sure that many people when driving enjoy thinking about where they will go for their next holiday,” said Ladram Bay director and family member Zoe House.

“This jaw-dropping picture is a reminder that some of Britain’s most fantastic coastal scenery, along with its finest beaches, is to be found in Devon.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Greendale Farm in this project as they also share our values about sustainability and taking care of our countryside and oceans,” added Zoe.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park is a long-time holder of the David Bellamy Conservation Award which recognises its raft of initiatives to protect wildlife and the natural world.

The five-star park is enjoying one of the busiest ever summers, and provides attractions including a swimming pool with splash zone, an indoor climbing wall and professional entertainment.

More information – and details of the different holiday options and holiday home ownership opportunities at Ladram Bay – is available at www.ladrambay.co.uk

Lee Davey Talks Truma Aftermarket Fitting

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By William Coleman

Do you really want or need an aftermarket fitting? Satellite dishes? Bike racks? Air con? It seems as though adding to your caravan or motorhome once you’ve purchased it is becoming a very popular option. Do you know anyone who has had an aftermarket fitting? We do and here is what he has to say.

Some people feel that the caravan is perfect just the way it comes fresh off the forecourt. Where as there is the other side of the coin who love to add extras to further enhance their holiday experience. But what makes some love and others loathe the idea?

First and foremost I think it’s due to people not wanting to interfere with the van or alter the chassis in any way. After all, cutting a hole in the roof or panel of a leisure vehicle is very much the opposite of what you should do.

This is something I fully understand and agree with, until I saw what actually goes into fitting dishes and air con units. It put a lot of doubts out of my mind.

The other dominant thought is “do I really need it”? A lot of us have grown up without such mod cons like satellite TV in caravans and so feel we can very much live without it. My argument to that is, why not give it a try?

To see if there is much call for on board air con caravan journo and expert had a Truma system fitted to his Bailey Phoenix. How did he get it, how did it go and most importantly was it worth it?

Having travelled with Lee before I can tell you he is very much a hands on practical caravan user and will use the caravan with what it comes with without issue. So I was interested to see how Lee got on with the added extra.

Elddis 2020 Caravan Ranges- What To Expect

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By William Coleman

A few weeks back we were invited to Durham to have an exclusive sneak peek at the new line up for the Elddis, Compass, Xlpore and Buccaneer ranges for 2020.

Elddis have one of the biggest portfolios in the UK and each year they add caravans, motorhomes and new features to all of their existing models to keep their products fresh and interesting. How have they done that this year?

Xplore 2020

Here in the Elddis entry range there has been quite a few changes from last year’s models. There are no new layouts this time round but the inside of all four models have had quite a lot of attention paid to them.

The range will feature improved kitchen locker door design, new graphic scheme, improved wardrobe tape and new Anthracite weathered metal effect laminate to the living area and bedrooms.

The 4 single axle models come with very different layouts, quite a lot to choose from considering this is supposed to their entry level.

One option offers an island bed, another offers an L-Shaped lounge and then another with a make up bed and 2 seat dining area opposite the kitchenette. So there really is a lot of choice with the Xplore.

Elddis 2020

In the Elddis Avante range you will see the new single axle 454 layout that features an L-Shaped lounge transverse island bed. The well spaced layout has the kitchen and washroom in the centre over the axle.

Across the entire range there has been quite a lot of new and upgraded additions. In the Avante models you will see the Whale Next Generation heating system, ‘Elddis CompleteHeat’ and the inside furnishings will feature a totally new ‘Juniper’ upholstery scheme.

The second new layout in the Elddis line up is in the Affinity range, the Affinity 520. This is another single axle four berth van that has a full size walk in shower washroom at the rear and a central kitchen. On board you will find new taupe grey laminates to all areas and outside will feature the all new Whale Chariot sockets.

The 2020 Crusader range has a very long list of new onboard additions, but again no new layout for this season.

All 5 models in this twin axle range will feature all the new bells and whistles such as the new Whale exterior sockets and and new graphics scheme. But there is so much more than that in this luxury caravan.

The Crusader have the new LED lighting concept throughout the entire range, including low level bedroom strip lighting, in selected layouts.

The kitchen features the new Dometic Midi Heki and new kitchen door lockers with concealed catches. There will also be the new Pearlescent colour splashback in each model. Not stopping there with the kitchen upgrades Elddis has added new Acrylic edging on the worktops and improved the kitchen locker doors.

Compass 2020

This year there are two new additions to the Compass Castia range, the new Castia 454 layout and the Castia 868 with is an 8ft model, bringing the total number of 7 vans to the range.

This van also features all the upgrades of the other models in this years line up but has a new ‘Tweed’ sheet material coordinate.

The Camino range features two single and two twin axle models, 3 of which feature island beds with the fourth feature a make up bed and two singles.

Buccaneer 2020

The 8ft caravan comes with 5 different layout models to choose from which are all built on the ALKO Chassis, feature the Alde 3030 combi boiler with pump and the Alde underfloor heating.

Another great addition to this larger tourer is the E&P LevelSystem Automatic Self Levelling. It just makes life that much easier.

There has been a redesign of the Skyview lighting which has now been switched to top locker lighting and the removal of two tier worktops in the kitchen.

There are a staggering 40 vans within this year’s launch, and that does not include the motorhome line up. You have a wide choice of 24 single axle vans and 16 twin. All of which come with a 10 year water ingress warranty.

If you want to have a good look at these premium caravans you can get an exclusive preview at Elddis 2020 Season Preview And Factory Open Weekend next month.