Bailey Unicorn Scores Hat-trick Award

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By William Coleman

Bailey is at it again! Their beautifully designed Unicorn range has swooped in and won three awards at the 2018 Practical Caravan Magazine’s Tourer of the Year Awards.

At this years awards the Unicorn Cabrera bagged the Best tourer for Couples’ title, the same category where the Unicorn Seville was highly recommended. The Best tourer for Families went to the Unicorn Segovia whilst the overall Unicron design quality was awarded with the Best Innovation award for its USB “sockets with pockets”. The were also commendations for the Pursuit 570-6 (Best Tourer for small families) and the Pursuit 400-2 (Best Budget Tourer). This all adds more power to the already impressive Bailey caravan portfolio.

There was continued praise for the Unicorn Cabrera by Niall Hampton, Practical Caravan Magazine editor: “A revamp both inside and out has improved the look and functionality of the Cabrera, while inside a larger lounge, a central washroom and innovation in the shape of a hinged bed end give more space and added privacy. This is a van that delivers on all fronts – build, comfort and styling.”

He went on to express more positivity for the Unicorn Segovia: “It can be difficult to innovate in tried-and-tested layouts, but with the Segovia Bailey has done just that. By adding a fashionable centre-washroom, it has created something you can’t find anywhere else: a caravan that offers true privacy for both parents and children. It might have taken Bailey a while to consider families with its flagship range, but its first six-berth Unicorn is a triumph.”

There is no real surprise that the Unicorn is the UK’s most popular premium caravan range and these 3 awards just add to the prestige of the range. The effort that have gone into designing this 4th generation is evident in the reviews of all the new models. After 18 months of effort they completed the designs after input from the customer, the retailer and focus groups. On top of that there were rigorous life track and cold chamber testing to ensure the highest level of quality before the designs were completed for release.

With such dedication going into these caravans there really is no stone uncovered during their design process and it’s this kind of dedication that gets awards one and units sold.

Commenting on the receipt of these coveted awards Bailey of Bristol Managing Director Nick Howard said:

“Naturally we are delighted that our new Unicorn range has received this award recognition from such a respected source, and it is testimony to the amount of work that has gone into the development of the fourth-generation models”

“We would like to congratulate everybody involved, including our focus group members, for their contribution to this success” he added

All ten models of the new Unicorn range, including the award-winning Cabrera and Segovia, will be on display for the first time on stand 19-29 at the forthcoming Motorhome & Caravan Show 2017 from Tuesday 17th – Sunday 22nd October.

Marine Commando Leads Holiday Park

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By William Coleman

Devon’s Ladram Holiday Park has strengthened its ranks by recruiting a former Royal Marine Commando. The vacant senior management role has been filled by Steven Harper-Smith. Smith will now head up the position of general manager having swapped a career in the armed forces to one in the ever growing leisure industry.

The site which, in its peaks, has around 175 employees will now be be overseen by Smith who will ensure smooth running of the day to day activities and facilities at the 5-Star site. The extensive accommodation will need constant care and attention to maintain its strong star rating.

Having taken many holidays close to this area as a child it has a special place in Steven’s heart. Now he calls it home as he moves there with his wife Marta and their two children Edmund (13) and Noah (12).

Stevens does has some background in the leisure industry having joined Ladram Bay from a major holiday park group which he lead the charge in one the West Country’s busiest operations.

After spending 8 years as a commando in the Royal Marines he began his journey into the leisure industry. Now 17 years on he is bringing his experience and know how to Ladram Bay. Beyond being in Britain’s elite amphibious fighting force he also have an enthusiasm for rugby and golf.

Stevens will be joining Zoe House and Robin Carter who are both directors whose family have owned Ladram Bay since the 1940s. The site started as a farm that was owned by the Carter’s which had its own private beach access. From there is has flourished into Devon’s largest and most celebrated park with 70 full time positions and well over 100 seasonal jobs.

The site is open all year round and does almost all of its recruitment locally. Following the season rolls available some become full time jobs once the season has finished.

The park also has its own staff training programme which helps a lot of younger people to develop their skills which they can then transfer into other roles and sectors in the leisure industry.

Knaus Unveil Their Latest Design

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The camper conversion industry is ever evolving to try and make compact touring as convenient and practical as possible. There are new concepts being designed and a lot more companies are investing their money into the idea of producing their own. Now Knaus have created their own brand new concept- the CUV.

The CUV, Caravaning Utility Vehicle, is a Crafter based idea that has now become a reality. Knaus are not using the term campervan as they feels the Boxdrive camper stands alone as a different type of leisure vehicle. This VW camper may not be miles different from other converts but there are feature that certainly make it stand out.

The Boxdrive First Edition is not as long as the VW California XXL but the similarities between the two are clear. The layout inside is are very similar with the dining area and kitchen being almost identical. One clear difference in the design are seen in the rear of the Boxdrive. Where the California is closed off at the back the Boxdrive two rear doors that you would see on a normal transport van. This does bring a level of practicality and much better access to the camper. There is a multi position double bed at the rear that can raised up to create more storage, similar to the bed system in the new Winnebago Revel Van.

The bathroom build is a lot simpler in Knaus’ new camper, compared also to the California XXL. It is also a great space saver with the kitch/hall floor doubling up as a the shower floor. This may sound like an idea that provides limited privacy but there is a circular door system that shut you off from the rest of Boxdrive to ensure you are not on full display.

All in all this seems like a more effective camper that has a lot going on in a smaller space without compromising the practicality of the camper. The Boxdrive First Edition could be a real game changer and direct competition of the VW California ranges.

Win Tickets To The UKs Largest Leisure Vehicle Event

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By William Coleman

From 17 to 22 October, the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2017 at Birmingham’s NEC
showcases all the new-for- 2018 products from the motorhome and caravan industry. We
have 5 pairs of tickets to give away for the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle launch event
featuring more than 700 motorhomes and caravans from major manufacturers, dealers and
specialists such as Bailey, Lunar and Elddis with Swift set to relaunch the iconic Airstream
on the opening day.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2017 offers the opportunity to
browse different caravan models, try your hand at towing and hear talks from industry
experts. Celebrity chefs cook from newly-launched leisure vehicles in the LIVE Theatre,
where each day new products are revealed and industry experts share their tips on leisure
vehicle ownership.

Good Luck!

To double your chances likes us on Facebook once you have entered.

Competition Terms and Conditions
Tickets to be collected at the press office at the NEC, the press office is located outside Hall 18,
suites 18.1 and 18.2. It is accessible from the NEC main atrium and from within the hall during
the following hours.
Tuesday 17 : 08:00 – 18:00
Wednesday 18 : 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday 19: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday 20: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday 21: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday 22: 09:30 – 13:00
Advance ticket prices £8.50 Senior (over 60s), £9.50 Adult when booking before 23:59hrs
16/10/17 after which time prices revert to the on-the- door price of £12.00 Senior and £13.00
Adult. A £1.25 transaction fee applies. Car parking is included in the ticket price. No dogs
(except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying
Adult/Senior. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for a monetary value. For
full terms and conditions please visit To double your chances likes us on www.mcshow.co.uk
PUBLICATION TO ENTER ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COMPETITION
ENTRY. ALL TICKETS ENTRIES ARE TO BE MANAGED BY THE PUBLICATION OR
WEBSITE (UNLESS FACILITY NOT AVAILABLE)

The Best Caravan Accessories for Maintenance

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By William Coleman

Caravan holidays are a fantastic way to spend time as a family, enjoy the freedom of travel, and visit some wonderful caravan parks throughout the UK and abroad. With the exciting prospect of your next trip, it’s important to ensure you have all the essentials you need for a stress-free and safe holiday.

At CaravanTimes, we’ve spoken with Roundstone Caravans, a caravan specialist in the South East of the UK. Based in Sussex with a family-run showground and accessories shop, the team has useful insight into what caravanners need to keep their tourer in fantastic condition.

So, whether you’re storing your caravan for winter or getting ready to go, double check you’re benefiting from the following maintenance accessories:

Caravan Cover

A caravan cover is a relatively low cost item that can save a lot of time and expense at the start of a new season, or after a period of non-use. Using a caravan cover will protect your caravan from all the weather extremes and keep your caravan fresh for the next time that you use it. A cover also increases security.

Tyre savers
A caravan left for several months may develop flat spots and this can encourage cracking of the tyres. You can help avoid this by either using winter wheels or tyre savers. Roundstone’s well stocked accessories shop always has a good selection of tyre savers to choose from, catering to different tyre types.

Moisture traps
If a caravan is shut up for long periods, air-bound water molecules may generate inside. Moisture traps positioned in washrooms and main living areas will help to alleviate this. Before you set off, double check for moisture and damp in your caravan; if you find moisture and already have moisture traps, consider replacing them.

Caravan shampoo
Having a clean exterior and appealing finish shows pride in your caravan and protects it from rust, stubborn stains and algae. The best and most effective way to keep it clean is by applying special caravan shampoo with a hose attached brush. This is preferable to opting for steam or jet washes which may destroy sealants.

Toilet lubricant
Before any journey check you have toilet lubricant spray as the seals on your cassette toilet system need to be regularly lubricated. Spray lubricant is easy and quick to apply, with the benefit of prevents moving parts from becoming dry, seizing up, and making squeaking noises.

Silicone spray
To keep awning rails lubricated, invest in special awning rail lubricant or silicone sprays. By keeping the rail lubricated, the process of erecting awning is easier and could even save you and your family time. If you find that the rail has become dented, a special rail tool can be used to open it up and ensure it is working properly.

Water purification tablets
After a period of rest, for example at the beginning of the season, it’s important to take time to flush your caravan water system with either water purification tablets or solutions. The tablets work to purify and clean tanks, containers and pipes and keep the stored water supply healthy.

In addition to these accessories, you should also regularly check safety systems such as your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and look to replace the batteries at least annually. By keeping up with ongoing maintenance, you’re in a position to set-off with peace of mind for an enjoyable trip.

Video Review Of The Mercedes Marco Polo

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By William Coleman

Earlier on this week we did a written review after we spent a week with the Mercedes Marco Polo. We also did a full video review so you can see the Marco Polo in action. The video will visually highlight a lot of the pros and cons of the Marco Polo.

Here you can view the full written review, Mercedes Marco Polo Review

I really enjoyed my time with the Marco Polo. The luxury inside and all the modern gadgets made it a pleasure to drive. Throw in the 360 camera views when you are driving makes this an ideal camper for the newcomers, the veterans will love this too!

With a £70k price tag it could be out of a lot of people’s prices ranges, considering what what is out there from the 35-50k price brackets. The closest to this is the VW California which has a real competitor on its hands in the Marco Polo.

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Weather Warning-Truma Have It Covered

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Dan Cartwright

As the met office issue a yellow warning for the weekend, with the tail end of hurricane Maria and Lee whipping the UK, our friends at Truma want us remind you that you can still get away in your caravans and motorhomes while staying warm and toasty.

Truma supported Bailey of Bristol and ourselves on this years “arctic adventure” and they have just released the short video demonstrating how well their new Combi system helps in up to -15 degree temperatures. The Combi system kept the crew warm, cosy and clean during their stay.

So if the Combi system can conquer the arctic then surely it can deal all year round with our lovely temperate climate. To inspire you here are some things that are better in bad weather;

  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Jumping in muddy puddles
  • Kite flying
  • Fishing
  • Grass sledging

Alternatively you can curl up a beautiful spot in your motorhome or caravan and watch the weather pass over rolling hills whilst enjoying a hot chocolate and a whole bag of snacks.

A New Golden Age Of Tourism

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By William Coleman

As we enter a new era for Great Britain we also enter a new golden age for UK tourism. Over the past 12-18 months there has been a huge boom in the industry that has no sign of slowing.

Touring holidays, campsites, static sites or glamping. Whatever your preference there is no better time to get involved, if you have not already. It’s no surprise that the impact of Brexit has helped considerably with the boom. The weak pound is making holidays abroad more expensive and the worry of uncertain times ahead are keeping a lot of us home for the holidays. After speaking with a few different people regarding the reasoning behind their choice to stay in the UK for their holidays there were a small amount that were actually afraid to go to certain areas due to some of the events that have taken place in very popular destinations around Europe and the tension in other hot spots around the globe.

In my opinion this is exactly what the UK needs. At a time of slight unrest in the political world we need to look at what positives our country has to offer. And that is exactly what we, as a nation, are doing. July saw record breaking figures for people coming to England for their holidays. Which is amazing news for the economy and our tourism industry. The visitors to England spent £2.8 billion on their holidays in the UK. So not only are we spending more holiday time at home we are also attracting holidaymakers from all over the world. The boom is also being noticed by much larger and international companies too. The Hilton hotel chain has announced plans to build 34 more hotels across the country off the back of the numbers are figures coming from the tourism industry.

I spent every October term holiday in Devon in a static caravan with my family and it was the best. As I got older I went on my own adventures around the UK. There is so much on offer that it becomes quite difficult to chose where to go. Some of the views and landscapes rival lots of destinations around the world. Wales and Scotland for me have to be up there with some of the most beautiful stretches of natural wilderness our rock has to offer.

And we have seen the industry move on so much and evolve in some areas. With the creation of glamping now becoming a massive success which bridges the gap between camping and caravaning. And it is suitable for all ages and people. You can have a get away with your partner or your family.

The caravan and motorhome industry is also growing with a lot of people becoming first time buyers, many of which are a lot younger than what the industry was seeing 10 years ago. With such large investments going into the industry the sky’s the limit for the holidays and opportunities available.

The 2018 Tow Car Of The Year Awards Results

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By William Coleman

Last Friday the Caravan Times were invited to the Caravan and Motorhome Club 2018 Tow Car Of The Year Awards in London. We had a front row seats for all the results and winners. SKODA’s Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4×4 DSG took the top award this year, and also scooped class and category wins in the 2018 award ceremony.

The annual event, now in its 35th year, was hosted at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. A very impressive venue to say the least. The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) clearly spared no expense in presenting a fantastic afternoon for all the guests that attended. The drink was excellent and the three course meal was top notch.

These awards are so important to the industry and consumers. It is hard to find honest and relevant information when buying a vehicle that you know will be towing along your caravan. You cannot exactly tour around your local car dealers and ask to test the towing capability of their stock.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club have 350,000 member who have a lot of confidence in the information and opinion that CAMC provide. And the news and results that come from the show helps thousands of people make the right choice when purchasing their next tow car.

Here are this years winners;

Vehicles priced under £24,000. Class winner SsangYong Korando SE 4×4 MY17

Vehicles priced £24,000-£26,000. Class winner Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport SRi NAV 1.6 136PS Turbo D ecoTEC

Vehicles priced £26,000-£30,000. Class winner SKODA Octavia Estate Scout 2.0 TDI 150PS 4×4

Vehicles priced £30,000-£33,000. Class winner Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI 4MOTION 184 DSG

Vehicles priced £33,000-£38,000. Class winner SKODA Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4×4 DSG 190PS;

Vehicles priced £38,000-£50,000. Class winner Volvo XC60 D4 Inscription

Vehicles priced over £50,000. Class winner Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Momentum; also voted category winner of All-Wheel Drive Over 1800kg
Pick-Up Category. Winner Volkswagen Amarok Highline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 224P

Overall Winner. SKODA Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4×4 DSG 190PS

Tourist Chief Shuns Tax For Motorhomers and Caravanners

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By William Coleman

The tourist chief for the Outer Hebrides has publically shunned the plans for a tax of motorhomes and caravans as “ill-advised”.

There has been widespread backlash against the idea of taxing tourist who travel to the Outer Hebrides with motorhomes and caravans. The tourism leaders have said that the idea is wholly unacceptable to suggest that we want to tax any of our visitors before they come here on holiday”

Last week the SNP MSP Alasdair Allan went to the Government and asked them to consider a “motorhome levy”. The proposal, should it go through, is to help locals to better handle the increased vehicle numbers that the island has seen recently. Mr. Allan explains that the number of motorhomes that visit the island has shot up dramatically in the last 10 years. Although this is great news for the island, the extra traffic has had a knock on effect. The ferries that bring across the tourist have become extremely congested and has caused some infrastructure problems.

Although it was explained by Mr. Allen that the tourists are more than welcome he has said that with the resources available they are not enough to provide suitable sites and lack the waste disposal points .
The concerns are quite clear and have been made public by the Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) who have said that the tourism industry they have brings in £2million per year to the local economy. The OTH conducted a study over this year’s summer that showed that visitors would spend an average of £500 per trip. This money would be spent on food, drinks, fuel, goods and meals throughout an average 7 day trip. OTH added that tourism contributes £50million to the economy and sustains over 1,000 businesses.

The body said: “It is an enormously successful industry and critical to the islands’ financial sustainability. We are renowned for our people, landscape, hospitality and the warmth of our welcome.
It is completely ill-advised for our MSP to suggest we impose a tax on these visitors – his proposal would put at risk an annual spend of £2million and the financial stability of our islands.
“Motorhome visitors are highly flexible in their holiday plans, so are most likely to choose another destination in the face of discriminatory taxes or levies.”
There are some real concerns following this announcement. Extra tax on tourists is something that would put someone off of visiting a location. But if it goes towards strengthening the sites and facilities available would that be so bad?
The alternatives would be to crowdfund it from local businesses who would more than likely not be overly keen on that. Should the latter be an option it may force local businesses to raise their prices which in turn would end up being a form of tax in its own right as visitors are having to spend more when visiting. Is there a way to do this without financially impacting the community and visitors?

Mercedes Marco Polo Review

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By William Coleman

This week I had the pleasure of drive the new Mercedes Marco Polo around London and spend an overnight in the campervan to see what you get for £70,000.

Exterior

The Marco Polo does not look like a camper van or any other recreational vehicle. It has the appearance of a modern high end people carrier. Something you’d expect to book ahead of a trip to the airport. The stylish design makes it stand out from the crowd and will certainly turn heads. Driving around London the Marco Polo fit in just like any other Mercedes-Benz would. This really is a high end vehicle. If you can imagine a top spec brand new Mercedes that just happens to be attached to a camper conversion.

Beds and Sleeping

The Marco Polo is listed as a 4 berth, I feel that you will struggle with getting 4 people in here comfortably. The first bed is located in the main body vehicle. The two passengers chairs can be adjusted totally flat and then moved to the back of the van to connect to the other half of the bed. At first glance you’d think that you’re going to be lying across two different surfaces, half of which are the upholstery of the leather chair. But Marcedes provide a very firm and comfortable mattress topper style layer. Once this is rolled out across the bed it makes for a very comfortable sleep. With such a high price tag, Mercedes has ensured that there are as many electricity powered gadgets as possible to make your experience easier. I am not sure that being doubled over for quite a while holding down the buttons to flatten the seats is easier than a simple fold out. I found that the bed narrowed slightly at one end and with two people it could be a tiny bit too small and stuffy during the warmer months.

Bed Number 2 is located on what you could call the second floor. This bed it a lot easier to deal with. A full electrical pop-up roof that forms into a nice secluded double bed. This easy-up bed can be electrically controlled from the comfort of the drivers seat. One button that is an arms reach away. A few moments later and you have the bed ready without having to move seat and roll out mattress toppers. The pop up bed would be my first choice. It is a lot easier to set up and a lot more private and secluded.

Interior

When sat in the driver’s seat it is hard to differentiate between the Marco Polo and a Mercedes S-Class. There was every mod con available. The full display screen came equipped with a sat nav and full bluetooth connectivity. All modern day Mercedes have toucher sensitive dial and steering wheel controls, the Marco Polo is no different. What stood out to me was the 360 parking cameras. For someone who may not be a comfortable parker, especially in a motorhome, these cameras actually make parking a pleasure. There was one thing that totally surprised me and I thought would never been in a vehicle that is available to the public, a bird’s eye live stream of your Marco Polo. Put the van in reverse and one of the options on the screen is a satellite image of you car moving. You can even see people walking past if they are close enough.

The passenger and drivers seats are heated captain chairs with full leather and a great lumbar support. One of the more comfortable Mercedes chairs I’ve sat in. The leather does not stop there, the two passenger chairs in the back of the van are also full leather and 100% controlled by electrics. The chairs can be adjusted to any position including flat out that forms part of a small double bed.

There is a good amount of storage inside as well of a cold water tap, double hob and a small fridge. Maybe not enough to store food for four people for a weekend stay. A supply run half way though would need to be done if you wanted to have enough refrigerated food for 4. All the sides and cabinets are solid and very well built. When driving there is not a single noise or shake from any of the fittings, a very solid interior design. There is a fold out table that can seat 4 people (with the two front chairs span round). The two back chairs can be moved to any part of the car so there is a lot of flexibility for room but it will be tight for 4 adults, especially when preparing food and or drinks.

Driving

When it comes to smooth and soundless engines you do automatically think of motorhomes or camper vans. I took this van around London and some surrounding suburbs, with country roads, to see how it was fair in a city environment. After I while I forgot I was driving a camper van. With such smooth power steering and a quiet engine you only realise there is a camper van behind you when you actually turn your head and look.

Summary

For £70,000 you certainly do get quite a lot. I wouldn’t really want to spend too much time away in the Marco Polo with 4 people as I feel it would get a little too crowded, So a weekend for away with 2 will be perfect. The features that come with the campervan are great but may be a little too much as Marco Polo tries to do everything for you. This leisure vehicle is some serious competition for the VW California but with such a large price tag you could find something similar with a smaller cost. But if you do have £70,000 burning a hole in your pocket this purchase will certainly get you your monies worth.

The 2018 Caravan And Motorhome Club Towcar Awards

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Tomorrow afternoon the 2018 Caravan And Motorhome Club Towcar Awards will take place in London. The annual event will be held at The Royal Autocar Club, Pall Mall, and Caravan Times will be in attendance.

The award ceremony is to find out what the best car, across several categories, is the best for towing your leisure vehicle. The categories that are tested are: acceleration, brakes (including parking brake), reversing, driver ergonomics, hill start, visibility, traction and stability of gear box. Each car is put forward by the manufacturers and judged by caravan journalists, national motoring journalists and club members who provide an informative examination of each vehicle.

The 2017 awards saw top three brands take awards home in all different categories. BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes all won awards. With VW taking the top award at the event, being labelled The Towcar of the Year. The VW model that won was the Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI 4MOTION 150PS

This year will be the 35th anniversary of the awards and looks to be the biggest yet and we will be there to give full coverage. Stay tuned for all the news from the show.