The annual vehicle checks you should make now

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Despite the sun making an encore, autumn is fast approaching and that means it’s the perfect time to start preparing your vehicle for colder, wetter excursions.

Many caravan and motorhome owners will be getting their leisure vehicles ready to enter storage until the next touring season. However, intrepid adventurers may be bracing for their next road trips.

From mid-September onwards, forecasts predict a wet and thundery outlook, with nights set to become noticeably darker. All of this means your driving experience will be impacted, so it’s vital to be prepared.

With that in mind, the experts at Select Car Leasing have compiled some essential steps all drivers should be taking now to ensure safe travels throughout the coming months.

Tyres

Before the weather takes a turn for the worse, check the condition of your tyres. This applies to your towcar and your caravan. Inspect the tread depth, ensure they are inflated to the appropriate level and don’t forget to look them over for any cracks or anomalies.

Remember, the legal requirement for tyre tread depth in the UK is at least 1.6 millimetres. Disregarding this rule could leave you with a £2,500 fine to pay, as well as three points on your licence for each worn tyre.

Lights

With the days becoming shorter and the nights darker, all of us will be increasingly relying on our headlights. Now is the best time to check your indicators, side lights, headlights, brake lights and reversing lights. 

Look out for blown bulbs and make sure your headlights are aligned properly so they won’t dazzle other road users. If this does happen, you could be looking at a fine of £100 and three points on your licence.

Windows and wipers

Inspect your windscreen for any noticeable chips and, if you spot any, arrange for them to be repaired as soon as possible. Like many problems in life, when ignored, a small crack can quickly become a large one and therefore much more expensive to fix.

Furthermore, take a good look at your windscreen wipers. Ensure all of the rubber components in contact with the windscreen are in good condition and free from signs of splits or fraying.

Fluid levels

Never underestimate the importance of maintaining the fluid levels in your vehicle. Your checks should include the levels of coolant, oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid, all of which are integral to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

Inspecting these regularly isn’t just sensible, but it could also save you from a lengthy spell on the side of the road in the event of a breakdown.

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

How to master the school rush safety

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Parents and children are urged to make safety their number one priority on journeys to and from school, according to road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist.

With the new school year upon us, it’s paramount that everyone – from toddlers to the elderly – is aware of the risks associated with our roads.

Parents may be breathing a sigh of relief as the kids head back to classrooms, but the school run can be one of the most hazardous journeys we take in our day-to-day lives. From children arguing in the back to lots of foot traffic on the roads and competing for parking spaces – it can all become a highly stressful experience.

Fifty-four children in the UK lost their lives on our roads in 2022, with more than 13,000 kids suffering severe injuries from motor incidents in the same period. The numbers show just how important it is that we ensure our children know and practice road safety, whether they’re on foot, on bikes, on public transport or in their parents’ vehicles.

Neil Worth, GEM chief executive, added: “As another school year begins, we encourage all parents, guardians, teachers, carers and older siblings to play their part in helping children to recognise the risks they face and to understand effective ways of reducing or even eliminating those risks.”

With help from GEM, we have put together some top tips for children – and their parents – as we enter the 2023/24 academic year.

Walk if you can

If practical and you live close enough to your children’s school, walking is a brilliant way for kids to get to know one another. It makes sure they get their steps up and most importantly – it’s a fun activity.

Try to learn of any local safe walking initiatives that are operating at your children’s school and think about teaming up with neighbours and walking together.

Don’t (school) rush

It’s called the school rush for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat it as such. If you’re driving your children, give yourself plenty of time to drive safely and park legally. 

Never stop along the zig-zag lines in front of the school and respect neighbours by not blocking driveways. Finally, when parking, don’t let your children exit the vehicle into the road.

Moreover, if you are late to drop your children off, or pick them up, you might end up feeling stressed and anxious. Kids often react to your mood, which could lead to arguments and potential distractions.

Buckle up

Before you set off, ensure younger kids are sitting properly in their car seats and that all belts are fastened. 

Government guidance dictates that children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old, or 135 centimetres tall – whichever comes first. If your little one exceeds this, they’ll need to be wearing a normal seat belt.

Slow and steady

A slower car is a safer car. If you’ve given yourself plenty of time, like above, to complete your journey, you’ll likely have a much more pleasant and comfortable trip.

Lots of schools in the UK and their surrounding areas are subject to 20 mph speed limits. If you get caught exceeding this, you’ll face a £100 fine as well as three points on your licence.

Photo credit: Wender Junior Souza Vieira / Pexels

How many bucket list activities can you tick off in a motorhome?

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Many motorhome enthusiasts have a bucket list of places or activities they’d like to experience in their leisure vehicle. For some it might be the North Coast 500 and for others it could be surfing the beaches of Cornwall.

But what happens if you turn it on its head and set out to experience some of the world’s ultimate bucket list destinations with the help of a motorhome? The Post Office has put together a list of the UK’s most longed-for experiences and many are well-suited to those with a love of touring.

Iceland

For example, at numbers one and three on the list are: experience the Northern lights in Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon, with 44 per cent and 35 per cent of the vote respectively. Iceland’s the perfect destination for a touring holiday, with its ring road circumnavigating the island.

You can tick off the Blue Lagoon as soon as you land at Keflavik, before hiring a motorhome and setting off in search of Iceland’s other breathtaking highlights. Just keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse of the Northern lights, as part of their appeal is they’re not a guarantee.

Italy

While island hopping around Greece or staying in an over-water bungalow in the Maldives may not be conducive to a motorhome holiday, there are plenty of other experiences on the list that are. Some 30 per cent of respondents to the survey said they’d love to visit the Amalfi Coast, which is a classic road trip destination.

Take the 50-kilometre route slowly and stop to enjoy destinations like Sorrento, Positano and Ravello. To extend your Italian touring trip, add the Colosseum in Rome (29 per cent), the historic Tuscan city of Lucca (23 per cent) and making a wish at the Trevi Fountain (21 per cent).

The Americas

The great American road trip is the stuff of legend, so if you’re in the market for hiring an RV in the States, then there’s a number of bucket list items you’re sure to want to tick off. Standing in the middle of New York’s Times Square came in with 29 per cent of the vote, while walking the Las Vegas strip was a must do for 28 per cent.

Flying in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon was a priority for 27 per cent and walking across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge was a desire for 25 per cent. Head further south for a Central American road trip that includes swimming with dolphins off the coast of Mexico (24 per cent) and visiting a Costa Rican rainforest (23 per cent).

There’s so much to explore in South America, like taking a boat trip down the Amazon River (22 per cent); seeing Iguazu Falls (16 per cent) on the border between Argentina and Brazil; and climbing up to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio (21 per cent). If you really want to tick off as many bucket list items in the Americas as possible and have the time and flexibility, there’s the 30,000-kilometre Pan American Highway that stretches from Alaska to Ushuaia.

Paul Paddock, head of travel and protection insurance at the Post Office, has some advice for anyone looking to plan such a trip. He said: “A bucket list holiday is typically a once in a lifetime experience so don’t risk ruining it by not taking out the right travel insurance policy and reading exactly what it includes. Policies are there to protect you and they could save you thousands of pounds and prevent your dream trip turning into a nightmare.”

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/TheAdventureTravelers.com

Do your research before the October NEC show

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Today is the first day of September and, as the back-to-school rush begins and supermarkets start crash sales on kids’ shoes, the children finally realise that never-ending summer is in fact drawing to a close.

In the caravan and motorhome world, the significance of today is that it means the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Caravan Show is fast approaching. It might seem like a long way off, given that it’s in… well, October. But it’s actually just six weeks away, which means six weeks of research for anyone thinking about buying a new leisure vehicle.

To add context, when I judge vehicles at the Caravan Design and Motorhome Innovation Awards, we have somewhere around 70 entries. It takes three weeks to look through manuals, websites and brochures, before four days of physically visiting each caravan, campervan and motorhome and validating those scores.

However, this is an exercise well worth considering if you’re thinking about buying a leisure vehicle. My best recommendation to anyone in this position is that in one day at the show, without conducting any prior research, you won’t even see all of the models available. You won’t be able to find them or even know in advance where they’ll be.

Moreover, a large proportion of all caravan and motorhome sales in the UK take place at the October show. It’s an appealing proposition – dealers will offer a trade-in, take your old leisure vehicle at the end of the season and deliver you a brand new one before the start of the next.

But, just because it sounds good, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your research in advance.

How to prepare for the October show

British manufacturers showcase more than 350 individual leisure vehicles at the show. This doesn’t include the smaller, boutique converters – just mainstream manufacturers. So, the choice consumers have is huge.

Including all of the European-manufactured vehicles, there are thousands of options to choose from. Of course, most people will have ruled out two-thirds of these, based on whether they want to buy a caravan, campervan or motorhome. But once you’ve broadly decided on the type of vehicle you want to buy, you’re still left with hundreds of options.

Prices can range from the cheapest options to higher-end vehicles that come in four or five times more expensive. It’s not always clear to see how – or why – they cost so much, but start by looking at the layout. To see every layout will be impractical, although it is the biggest factor that will affect your holidays.

So, decide on this in advance. I’d recommend you consider it a non-negotiable when talking to sellers. It’s so easy to see something that doesn’t have the ideal layout, but comes with all the bells and whistles which convince you to buy it and, inevitably, regret it.

If you consider it a hard stop, it should cut your number of potential new leisure vehicles down to roughly 15 to 20 UK options, or 40 to 50 if you include all the European ones as well.

Now your list of leisure vehicles to inspect is much more condensed, grab a copy of the NEC floorplan and take note of where you’ll need to go. Some considerations you should think about before visiting the show include practicalities such as load capacity and, in motorhomes, the freshwater tank capability. Other aspects to watch out for are:

  • Electronics
  • Charging
  • Off-grid capabilities
  • Solar panels
  • Battery inverters

Once you’ve found a leisure vehicle that has your desired layout, consider how important individual items are to you. Is it vital to have a separate oven and grill? Will you need a dual-fuel hob? If you answer these questions in advance and come to the October NEC show prepared, it’ll make buying much easier and you’ll end up with a leisure vehicle you’ll enjoy a lot more.

Europe’s most idyllic wild swimming spots

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The summer is coming to an end, but for wild swimmers, this doesn’t make much difference. Braving the cold waters of the UK and northern Europe is quite a task, regardless of the time of year.

However, those looking to head off on a final tour before the warmer months fade away will be interested in some of the best wild swimming spots Europe has to offer.

Wild swimming has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 7.5 million people in the UK alone now venturing into lakes, lagoons and lochs for the benefits.

Those who swim outdoors report the various positive effects it has on them, with 69 per cent saying they partake in the activity for their mental health and 94 per cent claiming it makes them feel happier and less stressed. 

The location is also very important to the majority of wild swimmers, with a huge 84 per cent claiming that scenic swims – with a focus on landscape and nature – are a priority.

So, from a natural pool in the crater of a volcano to a picturesque lake in the Alps, the experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have named the top five places for adventurers to head for a dip.

1. Lake Lungern, Switzerland

Tucked between towering mountains among the breathtaking scenery of the Sarneraa Valley, you’ll find Lake Lungern. Approximately 9 km wide, this wild swimming spot sits within the Swiss Alps at 750 metres above sea level. It’s known for stunning, steep views with rolling hills and bustling woodland.

2. Llyn Idwal, Wales

Llyn Idwal is another mountain lake, with crystal clear emerald and blue water, nestled in the jagged peaks of Snowdonia. As swimmers dive in, they’ll notice reflections of the mountains above. Sculpted by glaciation, the lake, its wildlife and the enchanting rock formations make it an appealing destination.

3. Fairy Pools, Scotland

The Fairy Pools look like a scene from a dramatic movie. Situated on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, they’re made up of tumbling waterfalls running from the Cullin Mountains, which lead into a series of spectacular spring water pools. Note to keen swimmers: the water here is reported to be extremely cold, so come prepared.

4. Linhope Spout, England

Dubbed by many as a ‘bottomless’ plunge, this five-metre deep wild swimming spot sits beneath an 18-metre waterfall. Linhope Spout can be found in the Beamish Valley and it isn’t recommended for unconfident swimmers due to its lack of shallows.

5. Pulvermaar Nature Pool, Germany

Fancy treading water in a volcanic crater? This one’s for you. Located in Vulkaneifel, the Pulvermaar Nature Pool is one of Germany’s deepest lakes, spanning 74 metres downwards from the surface. Originally part of a volcano, it boasts shimmering blue, mineral-rich waters among a vivid green landscape.

Photo credit: StressFreeCarRental.com

10 reasons to plan a wintry trip to the Lake District

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As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about holidays later in the year. Some caravan and motorhome enthusiasts pack their leisure vehicle away into storage for the winter, while others continue to go touring through the colder months.

For those not keen to face the elements in their own camper, Pure Leisure has a number of lodges for sale instead. With this in mind, the holiday park operator has put together a selection of things to enjoy in the Lake District this winter.

Wintry walks

Hiking is a popular pastime in the Lake District year-round, but in the winter you get an extra sprinkling of magic with frosty sunsets, snow-capped mountains and glittering white
fields.

Among the best in the winter are:

  • Tarn Hows
  • Blea Tarn
  • Stock Ghyll Force
  • Catbells
  • Grizedale Forest
  • Latrigg
  • Skiddaw

Warm up in the pub

The traditional English pub is the perfect way to warm up after time in the great outdoors. Enjoy a roaring fire and a local ale in the likes of Hole in t’Wall in Bowness or Ambleside’s The Flying Fleece and The Drunken Duck (as long as you’ve parked your vehicle up for the evening, of course).

Lake swimming

It’s not called the Lake District for nothing, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cold water swimming experience. From Rydal Water to Stickle Tarn, each spot is different. Make sure you take the proper precautions before going for a dip and don’t swim in multiple locations in wet swimwear, as this can spread an invasive weed species to pristine lakes.

Christmas markets

Tap into the Lake District’s artistic culture with a visit to one of its Christmas markets. For an entirely unique experience, try the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival, where people dress up in Victorian clothes.

Literary heritage

It’s hard not to visit the Lake District without understanding why it inspired poets such as Wordsworth. Visit his former home of Dove Cottage in Grasmere and the neighbouring Jerwood Centre, which houses manuscripts, paintings, books and memorabilia relating to the Romantic poets and includes Wordsworth’s own library.

Ancient history

The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a Neolithic monument dating back to 3,000 BC and affords panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat. It can easily be combined with a wintry walk and warm up in a heritage pub.

Afternoon tea

If a pub’s not for you, then why not enjoy a decadent afternoon tea at Armathwaite Hall, while enjoying views across Lake Bassenthwaite. The menu includes delicate savoury finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and a choice of plain or fruit scone, served traditionally with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Distillery tour

Find out more about the processes involved in making whisky, gin and vodka at The Lakes Distillery in Setmurthy near Bassenthwaite Lake. The tour includes plenty of samples for those who aren’t driving.

Winter boat ride

Windermere is the biggest lake in England and hopping aboard a boat to head onto the water represents a great way to get a different perspective on the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, Ullswater is home to a fleet of steamers, which stop at a number of locations where you can get off and explore.

Wet weather activities

While the main draw of a caravan holiday in the Lake District is enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to enjoy if the weather’s not on your side. Check out:

  • Blackwell – a Grade I-listed arts and crafts mansion designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and complete with stunning interior decor.
  • The World of Beatrix Potter – from a captivating illustration of characters from the famed author’s 23 tales to meeting Peter Rabbit, this family-friendly attraction will help create lasting memories.
  • Lakes Aquarium – meet native and exotic fish at this haven for animal lovers, as well as frogs, axolotls, otters and harvest mice.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios

National Dog Day: Driving safely with your best friend

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Many people around the world will say their dog is their best friend. Our canine companions accompany us on all of our leisure vehicle adventures, so travelling with our pups in tow is often a given for touring holidays.

This bank holiday weekend holds an extra surprise – National Dog Day falls on Saturday 26th August, which means plenty of drivers will be bringing their dogs along for one last caravan or motorhome outing before the summer ends.

Yet drivers risk a fine of up to £5,000 for not properly securing their dogs while driving. If you’re caught for this, there’s also the possibility of nine points on your licence and invalidated insurance.

With that in mind, the experts at Select Van Leasing have compiled a list of the safest ways your pooch can join your next adventure, whether that’s up front alongside you or in a dedicated cage in the back.

Dog seatbelt

A dog seatbelt should be at the top of your priority list if you plan on travelling with your pup on the seats. It will keep them securely in place and prevent them from causing any distractions to you while driving.

It works exactly like a normal seatbelt would, with an end that plugs into the buckle and another that clips around the ring of your dog’s harness. Speaking of which…

Harness

Many dog owners have made the switch from a collar and lead to a harness, which won’t choke or cause any damage to your pup when you attempt to gently pull it along.

Similarly, in your vehicle, the harness fits safely around the dog’s chest and neck, with padding built into the front, and has a D ring on the back for a seat belt to be clipped on. This means your pooch will stay in place without causing any pain to its neck.

Dog seat/carrier

For smaller pups, a dog seat/carrier offers a cosy and confined space. This can be used in conjunction with a seat belt and harness, but also works well for more nervous pooches that need their own space to feel comfortable on a journey.

Dog crate/cage

If there’s no room for your canine companion to sit with you, there’s another option that allows your dog to travel safely in the back. Much like a crate that you might have in your house, you can purchase a crash-tested and crush-proof version for your leisure vehicle that can be securely fixed to the back of your van.

Photo credit: Özgür / Pexels

Spend a little time looking after your caravan this bank holiday

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

As we approach the August bank holiday, most of us are already overwhelmed with every supermarket’s back-to-school promotion – the true mark that summer is actually coming to a close.

If you can give your caravan a few hours’ love and care at the end of the season, you’ll set yourself up for a much better start when the holiday season arrives next year.

This is a lesson I learned from my family and have practised ever since. If you own a caravan, it’s probably hit peak usage by this point in the summer. Some might have been off skiing earlier in the year, but for most, Easter and those first hot weekend getaways in May would have been the busiest periods.

Most readers who own a caravan will be planning one last outing over the bank holiday weekend before it heads back into some form of storage, whether that’s on the driveway or in a centre. You might use it once or twice more this year, but it’ll be in worse weather.

So, while we have long, sunny days and light late into the evenings, here are some of the things I’d strongly recommend you do to your caravan.

Fix it up

Take a very good look around your caravan to work out if anything is broken. You’d be amazed at how many things can go unnoticed which, if you take the time to fix, will set you up perfectly for next year.

There are the obvious habitation checks, like your sink and pipes for leaks, or your water pump, but don’t forget to check the outside too. There’s nothing worse than going back to your caravan and finding a flat tyre! Have a think about how old your tyres are and make sure all of the bolts on the wheels are nice and tight.

Air it out

While the weather is still favourable, open the windows and allow ventilation throughout your caravan. Give it a good airing, move in and out and, if possible, have your kids run around in it.

With airflow throughout your entire caravan, there will be much less chance of damp and that musty smell when leisure vehicles are left alone for an extended period of time.

This also provides an opportunity to ensure all of your window catches are shutting and locking properly. Lots of people only realise they’re broken when they put their caravan in storage, which means they have to ferry it to and from the centre for repairs.

Service it

Check your leisure vehicle’s handbook and you will find there are regular maintenance intervals. This varies from one caravan to another, but there is one thing they all have in common – maintenance is much easier to do on a bright summer bank holiday than on a rainy November afternoon.

If you have a motor mover, consider its service and greasing. Even though it’s often very sunny at the end of August, once you’re finished using your caravan, fully drain down the water ready for freezing temperatures.

Photo credit: Roadpass / Unsplash

Introduce kids to traditional outdoor pursuits on a caravan holiday

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One in four children have never gone fishing, swum in a lake or played on a tree swing, according to new research. A study carried out by the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) has revealed many kids are missing out on traditional outdoor activities.

Caravan or motorhome holidays are a great opportunity to introduce children to the delights of the British countryside. With autumn fast approaching, it could be time to right the wrongs of 26 per cent of kids never having played conkers and 33 per cent not experienced in building a campfire.

Some 2,000 parents of children aged between four and 12 were interviewed for the research, with 42 per cent saying playing outside sparks their kids’ imaginations. The GMAC wants to highlight the benefits of children spending time in nature, as just 76 extra minutes outside a day can reduce the risk of short-sightedness by 50 per cent.

Camping holidays are a great way to facilitate this time away from screens, with many sites offering safe ways to interact with traditional pastimes. Some include access to natural swimming spots, while others offer woodland where collecting conkers from horse chestnut trees may be easier than it is at home.

Lisa McAlister, chair of the GMAC, said: “It is so important that we are supporting the future of children’s long-term eye health – myopia affects one in six children in the UK and is one of the biggest threats to eye health.”

With this in mind, the organisation has worked with optometrists to put together the Sight Sanctuary Guide. It offers lots of ideas for parents looking to spend more time in the great outdoors with their kids. From making an obstacle course to creating a birdwatching space, it’s a good way to tap into the individual interests of each child.

While some parents will want to approach the idea strategically, heading out in a caravan or motorhome with the kids is almost inevitably going to lead to more time outdoors. Sandford Holiday Park in Dorset, for example, boasts a woodland setting, a rope course and nature trails for families to enjoy.

Meanwhile, Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite in North Wales is a great place for kids to enjoy fishing or wild swimming. They also allow campfires, meaning there’s an opportunity to tick another of the activities off the list of those the GMAC said many children hadn’t tried.

Also popular with families is Wharfedale Club Campsite in North Yorkshire, due to its location within the national park. From rock climbing and pony trekking to geocaching and canoeing, there’s plenty to tempt everyone out of the caravan.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Daiga Ellaby 

Could an all-electric VW campervan be the best off-grid leisure vehicle?

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

People within the leisure vehicle industry are divided about the possibility of an all-electric campervan. A lot of work has recently been done on battery technology that could transform small vans into highly capable off-grid machines.

But when will there be an electric powertrain campervan in the near future? The proliferation of EVs has been huge, but that of vans hasn’t been as significant. There are some self-converted – and very niche – ones out there, but not the kind that you or I could quickly pick up and start using. I think that’s going to change very, very soon.

Having recently driven the VW ID. Buzz during the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year testing, it’s a vehicle that’s crying out to be converted into a campervan.

In my opinion, the race is going to be between whether we see a full-production campervan like the ID. California, or an innovative converter. Either way, I predict that we might even see one at the Motorhome and Caravan Show this October.

 

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz

 

Prior to the ID. Buzz, I thought it would be unlikely to see a mass-produced motorhome with an all-electric drivetrain and habitation within the next 12 months. However, I’ve since driven the vehicle and seen its range capabilities first-hand.

Yes, you’ll be adding a little bit of weight (although not a huge amount in comparison to its battery), but the prospect is very exciting for habitation and wild camping. 

The giant engine – which will take you 258 miles – could run all of the internal features you need, making it the most capable off-grid camper available today. It could power habitation features such as heating, hotplates, lighting, sound and anything else you could want, for days and days.

Photo credit: Volkswagen

Caravan theft and security measures

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Caravan theft has increased by seven per cent since 2021, according to new research from leisure insurance specialist InsureMy. 

The data also revealed that holidaymakers aged 60 and above tend to suffer the most expensive losses from theft, with the average value stolen being £6,135 – more than doubling the £3,064 figure of caravan owners aged between 20 and 40.

These numbers highlight the sad reality of caravan theft. Just 11 per cent of leisure vehicles stolen in 2022 were recovered and a mere two per cent of all reported crimes resulted in a suspect being charged.

Once a caravan has been stolen, it’s not easy to get it back. So, the best thing you can do to avoid losing your leisure vehicle is to take preventative measures.

 

Caravan security measures

According to the National Caravan Council, there are approximately 555,000 touring caravans in the UK this year, meaning the opportunity for theft is high.

When it comes to security measures, data from InsureMy showed that hitch locks and wheel clamps were the most common methods used by caravan owners to deter criminals, whilst trackers, microtags, anti-tamper devices and even Smart Water all featured in the responses, albeit far less often.

Older caravan owners appear to be more concerned about security, with an average respondent in their 70s implementing 35 per cent more preventative measures than those aged under 30.

In fact, more than two-thirds of caravanners aged over 70 have an alarm, compared to just 41 per cent of those under 30. While other measures exist to slow down criminals, an alarm draws attention and could force them to give up on your caravan before they get caught.

Jon Hatton at InsureMy commented: “Caravans may not seem like the obvious priority for a gang of thieves, but the value of a caravan itself and its contents, the fact they are built to be easy to tow and the lack of compulsory registration details that are required for motor vehicles means they can be a lucrative target.”

With that in mind, here are five tips to prevent caravan theft:

  1. Ensure your caravan is kept in a secure location that is difficult to access
  2. Use adequate preventative measures – a hitch lock and wheel clamp should be a minimum
  3. Don’t leave valuable items in your caravan
  4. If the leisure vehicle is parked on your drive, consider having the tow bar face your house to make it more difficult for thieves to steal
  5. Above all, make sure you have adequate insurance that covers you should your caravan be damaged or stolen.

Read the full InsureMy Caravan Security Report 2023 here.

Photo credit: Pixabay / Pexels

Budget-savvy ways to keep kids entertained on a camping holiday

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When research of 1,500 parents resulted in a list of the top 20 budget-savvy ways to entertain kids that put camping in the garden at number ten, we thought a camping trip could be a great backdrop to the other activities. After all, pitching up in a caravan or motorhome and playing pooh sticks go hand-in-hand when it comes to lots of people’s childhood memories.

According to Boundless, which commissioned the research, 56 per cent of parents recommend going on picnics, 45 per cent champion playing board games and 42 per cent are in favour of bike rides. It’s already reading like the itinerary for a great camping trip, with looking for shells on the beach, berry picking and climbing trees all also appealing options.

Some of the activities listed, such as swimming in lakes, are not easily accessible to those who live in an urban setting and a trip away offers the perfect opportunity to give them a go. In fact, nature is a great provider of fun ways to keep the children entertained, whether it’s making daisy chains or concocting perfume out of petals.

That’s until it rains, of course, then doing jigsaws and playing cards are the stuff that family caravan trips in Britain are made of. Anyone who camped as a child will have memories of sitting around the table while raindrops made their way down the window panes, being glad to be cosy indoors.

Darren Milton from Boundless said: “The research shows that British parents are having to scale back some of their summer holiday activities this year, embracing old-fashioned pastimes such as berry picking and tree climbing.”

The research also suggested kids complain of being bored an average 21 times a day during the school summer holidays. When combined with 82 per cent of Brits thinking of savvier ways to keep their kids engaged this summer, it’s time to get creative.

Some 56 per cent of parents said they were going to forgo eating in restaurants, while days out at theme parks were being cut by 55 per cent of those surveyed. Trips to the cinema were out of the question for 48 per cent of families and visiting zoos or safari parks were no longer on the agenda for 47 per cent.

Many of these activities can be adapted and reproduced in a fun way on a caravan trip. We’re talking about cooking up a storm on the barbecue and eating al fresco; getting hold of a smartphone projector and a sheet to watch films as a family; and petting animals at a local farm close to a rural campsite.

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production