What to expect from Coachman Caravans for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman unveils new and updated caravans for the new season amidst reductions in weight and a freeze on prices for 2016

As reported earlier in the week, Coachman looks set to offer new and unique layouts within the popular Vision and Pastiche ranges, but it doesn’t stop there.

One of Coachman’s primary focuses for the season ahead has been on weight reduction, whilst refusing to compromise on solid construction and build quality – a feat that has been achieved on each one of the company’s 23 caravans on sale for 2016.

Using innovative materials and the company’s patented Advance Bonded Construction (ABC) techniques, Coachman has succeeded in significantly reducing the MTPLM by up to 70kgs, enabling Coachman’s caravans to be towed by a wider range of car. More on how Coachman has achieved this feat can be found here.

It’s not just weight that has been taken into account for the new season though. Coachman will also be taking the unprecedented step of freezing prices on all caravans for 2016.

Of the price freeze and weight reduction for the 2016 season, Coachman’s sales director, Elliot Hibbs, exclusively told CaravanTimes: “Coachman Caravans has announced that for the immediate future price’s will be held at 2015 prices.

“Focus this year has been on weight reduction without any compromise on quality, we now have the lightest and most competitively priced caravans that we have ever produced. With the introduction of two unique layouts we now have a range of 23 caravans for the 2016 season all at 2015 prices, even with the introduction of Alde on the Pastiche Range.”

Join us as CaravanTimes takes a look at what to expect from Coachman for 2016. We’ve got to admit, we’re pretty impressed.

Coachman Vision

For 2016, Coachman seems to have taken its entry-level caravan and changed the game. Whilst remaining spacious, comfortable and practical, the Vision range continues to offer a sleek, aerodynamic design whilst introducing a fresh new innovative layout for 2016 courtesy of the Vision 570 – a single axle, five-berth (with the option of six-berth) caravan with a fresh new ultra versatile layout featuring two large lounge areas at the front and rear.

Other models within the vision range for 2016 consist of the two-berth Vision 380, Vision 450 and four-berth Vision 520, all with end kitchen and washroom, four-berth Vision 560 featuring fixed double bed towards the rear, four-berth Vision 565 with two fixed singles before the end washroom, four-berth Vision 575 with fixed island bed, and finally the Vision 580 – a five-berth behemoth featuring dinette and two fixed single bunks to the side of the rear washroom.

Exterior features for 2016 include 10 spoke Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels, AL-KO one piece galvanised steel chassis with Euro Axle, overrun device and easy action handbrake, body colour step-on hitch cover with tread plates for easy cleaning of front windows, body colour rear light bezel surrounds, and Dimatec LED awning light.

Meanwhile, inside the Vision, soft furnishings consist of ‘Zembla/Heely’ design complete with scatter and bolster cushions, a ‘Sand Ruster’ wood colour scheme, overhead locker profiles in ‘Charcoal’ design, as well as chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles.

All kitchens in the Vision range benefit from an 800w, 20-litre microwave oven with dedicated housing, Concept C90 chromed ceramic tap, and splashback in ‘Glossy Larice Talvera’ design, whilst the bathrooms will feature domestic style square shower cubicle with pivot door (model specific).

Each model is said to have been reduced in weight by up to a whopping 70kgs for 2016.

Coachman Pastiche

The popular Pastiche range will see six layouts for 2016, including the new two-berth single axle Pastiche 470, featuring an innovative layout with front end fixed domestic-sized double bed. A first for any UK caravan manufacturer, this layout is popular throughout many countries in Europe and it will be interesting to see what the UK public think. From what we’ve experience though, the Pastiche 470 will provide the perfect opportunity to wake up to splendid views thanks to the large windows surrounding the bedroom area.

Additional models within the Pastiche range for 2016 will be two-berth Pastiche 460 with end washroom, four-berth Pastiche 520 with dinette and end washroom, four-berth 560, featuring fixed double bed, Pastiche 565, coming with four-berths including two fixed single beds just before the rear washroom, and the four-berth Pastiche 575, featuring fixed double island bed providing for plenty of space.

New for 2016 on the Pastiche are 10 spoke Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels, AL-KO one piece galvanised steel chassis with Euro Axle, overrun device and easy action handbrake, body colour step-on hitch cover with tread plates for easy cleaning of front windows, body colour rear light bezel surrounds, Dimatec LED awning light, and a programmable LCD colour touch screen panel for the Alde heating and hot water system.

Inside the Pastiche soft furnishings come with ‘Dillon Dazzling/Amillo Balloon’ design complete with scattered cushions and sculptured armrests, whilst wood colour scheme comes in ‘Charcoal’ design with locker doors to the lounge designed with Coachman’s ‘Sand Ruster’ scheme. Chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles complete the look.

A Midi Heki roof light over fixed beds allows for extra light and the feeling of an abundant amount of extra space, and the kitchen benefits from an 800w, 20-litre microwave oven with dedicated housing and Concept C90 chromed ceramic tap. The bathroom in the Pastiche range comes with domestic style square shower cubicle with pivot door (model specific), opaque windows and a heated towel rail.

Weights have also been reduced across the Pastiche range, with MTPLMs reduced by up to 55kgs, with the Pastiche 470 weighing in at just 1295kgs.

Coachman VIP

The meticulously crafted caravan range that is the VIP will also be available in six layouts for 2016, with weights down across the range by up to 40kgs for the new season.

Despite there being no new layouts for 2016, this hasn’t stopped Coachman making many enhancements to the range, starting on the outside with an Al-KO one piece galvanised steel chassis with Euro axle coming as standard on the VIP 460 and 520. All updated models in the range will also come with new VIP exterior graphics and colour scheme, as well as Dimatec LED awning light and Dimatec off-side services light.

Meanwhile, inside the VIP range comes the introduction of ‘Corsica/Everest Neutral’ soft furnishings, complete with scatter cushions and sculptured armrests. The kitchen laminate has been updated too, with a ‘Glitter Bianco’ design, as well as an 800w, 20-litre microwave oven with dedicated housing and Concept C90 chromed ceramic tap.

All bathrooms will have the added benefit of opaque windows for added privacy.

Models available across the VIP range for 2015 include the aforementioned two-berth VIP 460 with end bathroom and four-berth VIP 520 with dinette for mealtimes, as well as the four-berth offerings of the VIP 545 featuring end fixed island double bed, VIP 560 with fixed double bed and end bathroom, VIP 565 featuring two fixed singles towards the rear bathroom, and the VIP 575 with fixed island double bed.

Coachman Laser

The luxury that is the Coachman Laser range just got that bit more luxurious.

More limited than Coachman’s other offerings, the Laser will be available in three four-berth innovative layouts. They are: the Laser 620, featuring front lounge, central side dinette opposite a spacious kitchen and end bathroom; the Laser 640 with front lounge area, centre kitchen, fixed double bed and end bathroom; and the Laser 650, featuring spacious front lounge, centre kitchen, full width central bathroom and separate bedroom with fixed island double bed.

New graphics and colours come as standard across the VIP range for 2016, as well as an AL-KO hydraulic jacking kit, Dimatec LED awning light, and Dimatec off-side services light.

Inside the Laser, soft furnishings will come in ‘Corsica/Everest Blue’ design, complete with scatter cushions and sculptured armrests, kitchen laminates in ‘Glitter Bianco’ design, 800w, 20-litre microwave oven with dedicated housing and a Concept 90 chromed ceramic kitchen tap. Opaque windows are fitted inside all of the VIP’s bathrooms.

Weights have also seen a decrease across Coachman’s most luxurious range, reduced by up to 30kgs.

So there you have it. Coachman’s range detailed for 2016. Let us know what you look forward to seeing next season – there’s definitely plenty to choose from.

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Coachman Caravans announce weight reduction across all 2016 ranges

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by Joe Jeffrey

All 23 of Coachman’s caravans for 2016 see a reduction in weight

Coachman Caravans has announced a reduction in weight on all models across all caravan ranges for 2016.

The move comes following Coachman’s commitment to producing caravans without compromising on solid construction and build quality by way of employing Advanced Bonding Construction (ABC) techniques over the past two seasons.

Working alongside the world’s leading provider of advanced sealants and bonding agents, Bostik, as well as with support from the University of Hull’s engineering department, Coachman Caravans‘s ABC technique has enabled the manufacturer to reduce weight by up to 70kgs by replacing timber with lighter, stronger PU components, whilst removing screw fixings from the exterior of every caravan sold. This has, in turn, enabled the company to virtually eliminate the threat of water ingress through the caravan shell, adding enough confidence to offer customers a ten-year water ingress warranty.

The reduction in weight is sure to appeal to a wider caravan demographic too, owing to the weight reduction enabling more vehicles to tow more models with the company’s ranges.

With two new layouts by way of the five-berth Vision 570 (with the added option of six-berths) and two-berth Pastiche 470, as well as 21 additional models within the ranges to choose from, it looks like 2016 is going to be a strong year for Coachman.

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CaravanTimes battles the Powrtouch Evolution Caravan Mover in the ultimate caravan manoeuvre challenge

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes took on the Powrtouch Evolution Caravan Mover in a series of challenges – and there could be only one winner

When it comes to caravanning, nothing beats the rest and relaxation getting away from it all can provide. But it’s not all about simply rocking up at your chosen caravan park and getting the chairs out. Oh no.

As we’re sure countless numbers of our readers are aware, there’s an art to ensuring our caravans are pitched perfectly – and with that inevitably comes a bit of hard work before you can truly cast your worries to one side.

It doesn’t stop there though. From manoeuvring our caravan into the correct position to make sure we see that perfect sunset, to pushing our caravan up hill without the help of our car, not to mention hitching and unhitching, it’s pretty true to say that holiday you’ve been waiting to go on for months could actually result in needing another one once all of the hard work is out of the way.

Enter Powrwheel and the company’s Powrtouch Evolution caravan mover.

The Powrtouch Evolution is just one of Powrtouch’s caravan movers which claims to do all of the aforementioned hard work for you – all at the press of a button.

Designed and developed in the UK, the Powrtouch Evolution is said to make extensive use of lightweight alloy materials and an efficient gearbox, whilst ensuring a smooth roll and tight grip thanks to its innovative dynamic roller location mechanism and much more.

When it comes to the tried and tested method of a bit of elbow grease, however, how does the Powrtouch Evolution stand up? Well, CaravanTimes decided to put our money where our mouth was and put it to the test. We took Dan, the biggest, brawniest CaravanTimes staff member we could find and put him in a head-to-head battle with the Powrtouch Evolution to see how man would pit against machine in a series of three separate challenges, each one requiring a lot of caravan moving – something Powrwheel claims the Powrtouch Evolution can do with ease. But how would it stand up to our man, Dan? Watch the video to find out.

Travel updates for August Bank Holiday

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by Daniella Almeida

More than 13 million drivers will be setting off this bank holiday, causing heavy traffic congestion

The Great British summer bank holiday is fast approaching, bringing with it a swarm of travellers throughout the UK. And, according to a survey conducted by The AA, 39 per cent of drivers surveyed will be hitting the road this weekend. The average trip will be around 90 miles with more than 13 million motorists hitting the road.

The bank holiday essentially begins this Friday (28 August), with people taking advantage of the summer’s last weekend. The weekend will be full of people either beginning their holiday weekend or on the return home, which will inevitably mean the influx of people coupled with the plethora of events going on will surely impact traffic.

Even though more than 57 per cent of those surveyed are choosing to stay at home, the survey also revealed that the majority of those travelling will be from the East Midlands, citing 43 per cent who plan to embark on leisure journeys. Close behind are motorists from North-east England with 42 per cent. And lastly, with 41 per cent of members will be motorists from South-east England and the West Midlands.

The worst traffic is expected for Friday evening and Monday afternoon, when drivers will either be starting their journey or finishing it.

AA patrol of the year, Max Holdstock, said: “August is a full-on bank holiday weekend, so it’s always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads. The busiest times will be Friday evening and Monday afternoon, so try to allow extra time if you’re travelling then.Routes to the South-west and the coast are usually among the busiest; and there will be localised congestion around events, particularly at finish time.

“If you’re travelling with children, take plenty of things to keep the entertained; and break up any journeys more than three hours long,” Holdstock advised.

Contributing to the traffic this weekend will be the considerable amount of music festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Creamfields, Towersey Festival, and many more that are set to go on. The iconic Notting Hill Carnival will also take place this weekend in London.

On top of all of the festivals are a few sports events that people will surely be swarming to including the rugby league’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and the MotoGP at Silverstone.

Even though the amount of respondents are down one per cent from last August, the AA will still be taking plenty of precautions. Around 35,000 breakdowns were reported by the AA last year over the long weekend. The UK’s biggest breakdown provider seeks to remedy this with extra patrols on duty, especially in the more congested areas.

Some other results accumulated by the survey revealed that 18 per cent of people have a plan in mind for their journey but 21 per cent have no idea where they intend to go. The areas in which people would rather stay at home are concentrated in South-west England (59 per cent), Wales (58 per cent), and North-west England (57 per cent).

Any motorists planning weekend trips are encouraged to proceed with caution. Enjoy and be safe out there.

Elddis continues expansion with new dealers in North and South of England

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by David Bates

Elddis grow further with two new official dealers

Elddis has appointed two new official dealers as part of growing success for the County Durham firm.

Robinsons Caravans, based in Chesterfield and Worksop, and TC Motorhomes are the two latest additions to Elddis’ expanding dealership network.

The north-eastern company is extremely happy to announce this new partnership with a caravan dealer as successful as Robinsons, which is lauded for its family-oriented approach and vast experience that goes back over 50 years.

“Robinsons Caravans’ confidence in Elddis – both with our industry-leading SoLiD Construction – combined with their strategy for growth is both exciting and encouraging,” explained Elddis’ national account manager, Spencer Davies.

Both parties seem particularly enthused by SoLiD Construction and Robinsons is excited to welcome in Elddis’ entire 2016 range, with the brand new Avante 554 scheduled to be one of the first arrivals.

Robinsons head and namesake, David Robinson, is equally satisfied with the partnership, saying: “Elddis are one of the best-known caravan brands and have been synonymous with quality leisure vehicles since 1964 and I believe the 2016 range is the best ever!”

TC Motorhomes will be adding Elddis’ award winning motorhomes to their already extensive range, which is housed within a purpose built site in Herne Bay, Kent.

All of Elddis’ motorhomes, Autoquest, Accordo and Encore will be added to the TC Motorhomes stable, with their head Tony Chamberlain also impressed by SoLiD construction, as well as the ten-year water ingress and body integrity warranty.

“We believe the Elddis brand is a real asset to TC Motorhomes – the name alone is synonymous with quality coachbuilt motorhomes,” he added.

Elddis continue to go from strength to strength in a thriving caravan market. For those living in Kent, or areas surrounding Chesterfield and Worksop, could this expansion convince you to make an Elddis your next touring caravan or motorhome?

Second World War plaque to be unveiled at Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club site

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by Daniella Almeida

Memorial plaque for Polish community based at Blackshaw Moor during WWII to be unveiled

Staff at The Caravan Club’s Blackshaw Moor Site are preparing to unveil a memorial plaque to commemorate the Polish community based in that area during the Second World War. The plaque will be placed on a gatepost from the original campsite entrance in Staffordshire on 16 September 2015.

Visitors will also be given the opportunity to see what the Polish campsite looked like during the war that shook the world through photos on display at the site.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2 so what better way to honor the memories of those often forgotten than with a plaque to stand the test of time? With this in mind, the staff decided to educate people of the often forgotten bit of history from that location.

During the Second World War and up until 1964, allied troops sought refuge and occupation at the land at Blackshaw Moor, later bringing their families to the area.

But the rich history doesn’t stop there. In 1943, the site was used as a transit camp by the American 565th US Anti-aircraft battalion. They stationed there in readiness for the attack on Europe. In 1946, the site was used by Polish troops. Their families later joined them when they couldn’t go back to Poland on account of the looming Russian threat.

In order to get the history right, staff worked with two members of the Polish community to get their accounts of the camp that used to occupy the land. Most of the people who lived on the site must have worked in the local quarries and old buildings are still seen on an adjacent field at the site.

Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site is based in Staffordshire, south of the Lake District, which was recently named the most beautiful area to travel in the UK.

Newborough caravan park cafe makes it into the Good Food Guide

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by Daniella Almeida

Caravan park cafe edges its way into the ranks of the best restaurants in Britain

A caravan park cafe has joined the ranks of some of the best restaurants in Britain after cutting the mustard and appearing in the Good Food Guide 2016.

The Marram Grass Cafe, located at the White Lodge Caravan Park in Newborough on the Isle of Anglesey, has made its debut on the list, with business sure to skyrocket following being bestowed the honour of appearing in the prestigious publication.

Owners of the restaurant, Liam and Ellis Barrie, are two brothers in their twenties whose parents own the park. The brothers have been actively trying to improve their restaurant and the effort hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Liam Barrie said: “We changed the existing menu from one that relied on frozen food to ours which sources from as many local producers as possible. We are really proud of that. We like staying creative and are always experimenting with our dishes.”

The changes have proved successful for the cafe and the Good Food Guide Editor, Elizabeth Carter, called it “an extraordinary find” with “cooking that shows ambition and skill”, offering “a simple recipe for success that not many manage to get so right.”

Success has come tumbling towards the small culinary marvel, with celebrities such as Terry Wogan flocking to the Marram Grass Cafe to sample culinary delights including lamb steak, crushed carrot and smoked bacon lardons, pan roasted seabass with Jerusalum artichoke and much more. We’re hungry thinking about it.

The Marram Grass Cafe is in good company behind restaurants including L’Enclume and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which took home the first and second spot, respectively.

Located in the village of Cartmel in Cumbria, L’Enclume takes home the top spot for the third year in a row. The restaurant is owned by Simon Rogan and was awarded full ten points for its twist on British cooking with a flare of structured style. Some choice pieces the restaurant offers include a venison tartare and apple tart with ginger ice cream.

Completing the top three spots are Restaurant Gordon Ramsay located in London and Nathan Outlaw’s seafood restaurant in Cornwall.

Some new additions have been included into the Top 50 including Adam’s in Birmingham, Sketch in London, and The Dairy also located in London.

However, some spots have been knocked out of the Top 50 as well. The Chiltern Firehouse, a popular hangout for celebrities, was knocked down as well as London’s The Clove Club.

The Guide also included their Editor’s Awards recognising and awarding the chefs and restaurants that have shone in their field. The best restaurant award was given to The Ox in Belfast. Robin Gill, chef of The Dairy and The Manor in Clapham, London, was praised with the title of chef of the year.

Lest we forget the British staple, pubs were given their own list with Freemasons at Wiswell taking the first spot.

The Good Food Guide, owned by Waitrose, is celebrating its 65th year anniversary this year. Click on through to their website here to see the full list.

Caravans and motorhomes banned from Colwyn Bay in move set to anger holidaymakers

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by David Bates

Motorhome owners hit by new restrictions in North Wales

British motorhomers’ ever-decreasing rights to park overnight have suffered another hit in North Wales.

Conwy County Borough Council has introduced an ‘experimental order’ which prohibits motorhomes parking along Colwyn Bay promenade and its surrounding streets between the hours of 11pm and 8am.

The measure, which was introduced on 12 August, will allow potential protestors six months to file any objections before the ruling is made permanent. Any objections can be sent to: Head of Law and Governance, Conwy County Borough Council, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU, or here.

Old Conwy Promenade is restricted across the full width of the road, from the southern boundary wall to the railings on its northern side, as well as from its junction with Rotary Way, extending 35 metres east of Cliff Gardens.

At Cliff Gardens, both sides of the road are prohibited for 20 metres northerly from its junction with the promenade. At Colwyn Bay Promenade and West Promenade the ban includes both sides from the point it joins with Rotary Way to its junction with Cayley Promenade. The whole of Rotary way is restricted, from Colwyn Bay Promenade junction for 40 metres in a southerly direction.

All areas in Poth Eirias car park are now forbidden too.

The order defines “camping vehicle, caravan or motor caravan” as any vehicle designed or adapted for sleeping or cooking.

A spokesperson for Conwy County Borough Council said of the new imposed regulations: “The restriction has been introduced this week following concerns from local residents and councillors of a number of people camping in the area, sometimes for extended periods of time.”

Is this another unfair restriction? Or are Conwy council within their rights?

Elddis Affinity lineup announced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Elddis announces its six model Affinity range for the new season

Elddis has announced its lineup for the popular Affinity range for 2016.

The multi-award-winning Affinity will be available in six single axle models for 2016, starting at an OTR price of £19,494 and offering a lightweight alternative to couples and families looking to hit the road with weights starting at just 1298kgs.

Many changes have been made for 2016, including a new large Heki Lux ‘Stargazer’ roof light, featuring pleated blind, fly screen and stylish surround and integrated downlights.

Other additions for the new season include new ‘Hydrangea’ Aquaclean upholstery with Ozio Hi-Performance construction, new Teleco Teleplus X2/39U directional aerial, new bathroom accessories, and new external graphics. The addition of a new USB point at the front shelf will prove handy when it comes to charging up your smart devices, whilst improvements have been made to the Alde 24-hour programmable central and water heating system featuring touchscreen control panel.

Updates have also been made in the washroom, which also features an exclusive Ecocamel Orbit water saving Halo shower.

The six models within the Elddis Affinity range will consist of the two-berth Affinity 482, three-berth Affinity 530, as well as four four-berth options: the Affinity 540, Affinity 550, Affinity 554, and Affinity 574. Both the Affinity 554 and Affinity 550 feature a retractable bed, creating 400mm additional floor space.

Keep watching this space for more offerings from Elddis for 2016 over the forthcoming weeks and make sure you let us know what you’re looking forward to the most for the season ahead.

Caravan Park facing closure needs YOU

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravanners need your help to save their favourite caravan park from closure

A group of dedicated caravanners are reaching out to the caravanning community in a bid to to halt eviction from their favourite caravan park in Kent.

Back in June, CaravanTimes highlighted the planned closure of the caravan park, as proposed by pub operator Shepherd Neame, who is continuing to press ahead with plans to evict longstanding visitors to the site, located behind The Sportsman pub in Whitstable.

Third-generation caravanner and long-term visitor to the park, Patrick O’Neill, has since started a petition in order to halt the destruction of the park and has, thus far, attracted over 500 signatures – but it’s still not enough. And this is where you come in.

Following being served a 17 day eviction notice, Patrick has reached out to CaravanTimes readers with a view to seeking legal advice, as well as requesting for CaravanTimes readers to help save the park by adding their name to a petition opposing the closure of the park many have come to call their second home.

Signing the petition literally takes seconds and could lead to ensuring future generations get to enjoy exactly what Patrick and his caravanning friends have over the years. To sign it, click here.

In addition, if you think you can help Patrick and his fellow caravanners with any legal advice, please email thesportsman_caravaners@outlook.com.

Let’s all pull together and try to help as much as possible.

UK Power Networks advises caution to caravanners this bank holiday

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by Daniella Almeida

With the bank holiday nearing, UK Power Networks advises caravanners to look out for power lines when outdoors

With the summer bank holiday just a stone’s throw away, it is almost certain that many of us are planning to make a break for it in our caravans to explore the countryside. And now, UK Power Networks caution is advising those that do to look out for overhead electricity lines.

Safety experts at the company, which delivers electricity to the East of England, London, and the Southeast is encouraging caravanners and campers to “look out and look up” before setting up camp.

According to the company’s head of health and safety, Peter Vujanic, as well as being aware of the power lines, caravanners should be careful as to where they place their TV aerials. Caution should also be extended towards where a campfire is started or where washing lines are tied.

Vujanic said: “Camping and caravanning are fantastic ways to enjoy the great outdoors and we want everyone to enjoy their leisure time safely.

“Cables and power lines can carry anything from 230 volts to 132,000 volts and even coming into contact with the lowest voltage cables can be fatal.

“Overhead power lines are more common in the countryside than towns and much of the equipment associated with camping and caravanning can easily conduct electricity so it is always wise to ‘look out and look up’ first and then follow some simple guidelines so everyone can be happy – and safe – campers,” he concluded.

Amongst the aforementioned advice, UK Power Network also cautions caravanners to stay well away from any lines in the vicinity of the campsite you are intending to use as much of the camping and caravanning equipment can conduct electricity (metal and carbon fibre tent poles, guy lines, etc.).

Always carry anything that can conduct electricity horizontally and parallel with the ground since electricity can jump across gaps.

Never attempt to judge the height of power lines and never attach or tie anything to power line wooden poles, pylons, or electrical equipment.

Never light a fire under an overhead line. The fire produces heat that could cause the wires to droop low or even to break.

For more safety tips, check out the UK Power Networks website and remember to be safe out there!

Wellhouse marks two-year anniversary with new campervans for NEC

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by David Bates

Wellhouse to unveil exciting trio of campervans at NEC

Huddersfield campervan conversion specialists Wellhouse Leisure are set to announce three new Ford custom models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2015, at Birmingham’s NEC between 13 and 18 October.

In addition to their existing Terrier XL and Evie models, which were launched earlier this year, Wellhouse will be presenting three new campervans; the Terrier Lux, Terrier Two, and Terrier M-Camper.

The Terrier Lux is intended to meet demand for an entry-level camper. With a 2.2 litre Duratorq engine, with 100 PS, based on the long wheelbase Ford Transit, this two-berth van with twin singles and a rear kitchen starts from £34,500 and customers will be able to choose from an elevating or high roof.

The standard specification for all Terriers is impressively high, even within this entry level model, which contains the following as standard: air conditioning, heated and swivelling front seats, arm-rests, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights, DAB radio, bluetooth, a leather trimmed steering wheel with inbuilt radio controls, a heated windscreen. Optional extras include a heater, solar panel and alloy wheels.

To celebrate the two-year anniversary of their first Terrier, launched in October 2013, which with 300 sold has been a huge success, Wellhouse have created the Terrier-Two. This new incarnation is equipped with stylish, new Italian-designed furniture and interior courtesy of Technoform, which is said to enhance its high-end feel and modern aesthetics whilst retaining favourite features such as the sliding rear seats and side kitchen.

Wellhouse Leisure’s iced cake is called the M-Camper, a bells and whistles conversion, which would look just as comfortable on a racetrack as a campsite. Designed by M-Sport, the people behind Ford’s World Rally Championship team, the M-Camper has a rally-style exterior, lowered suspension, 18 inch limited edition alloys, new front and rear bumpers, a tailgate spoiler and a quad-exhaust-system.

The M-Sport race-style interior dovetails perfectly with Wellhouse practicality; white dials, nappa leather seats, blue seat-belts and sports steering all fit in perfectly with Technoform campervan furniture.

A 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi engine boasting 155 PS, 385 Nm torque and a six-speed manual ensure you’ll arrive in record time.

Former Top Gear host Chris Goffey will host the official unveiling on 13 October in Hall 12, number 12.85, with the exact time to be confirmed.

Whilst we’re on the subject of the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, if you’re thinking of heading along, why not enter into CaravanTimes‘ latest competition to win a pair of tickets? Details can be found here.