NCC Verified Leisure Battery Scheme to launch at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Never worry about buying the wrong battery again, thanks to the NCC’s new verification scheme, set for launch this October

The National Caravan Council (NCC) will officially launch its Verified Leisure Battery Scheme this autumn at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015. The scheme looks set to provide product verification for batteries used in leisure vehicles.

With modern leisure vehicles featuring more technology and electrical appliances than ever before, buying an NCC verified leisure battery should provide consumers confidence that the battery they purchase for use is fit for purpose and will perform as advertised. Also, the NCC will encourage its leisure vehicle member manufacturers to fit NCC verified leisure batteries.

Battery verification comes via a comprehensive, industry leading, testing process conducted by suitably certified and audited test houses. Batteries will be verified, and labelled accordingly, into three categories, A,B,C, depending on their capacity and intended purpose.

Category A is for batteries with a higher storage capacity for people who frequently use their caravans or motorhomes away from electrical hook-ups, whilst category B batteries are aimed at those who frequently use sites with hook-up facilities, but require a greater battery capacity to operate devices such as motor movers. The final category, C, is for users that require a lower capacity battery to cover basic operation of their habitation equipment for short periods away from a hook-up.

David Reid, NCC Standards and Regulations Adviser, said: “The NCC has been aware that consumers could be getting short changed when purchasing a leisure battery because there has been very little guidance on how to match their requirements to the technical specification of the battery.

“Leisure batteries can cost as much as £200 each so we want to make sure that when people buy a new battery they get a product that is suitable for their caravan or motorhome and suits their lifestyle.

“The scheme is designed to bring transparency to the leisure battery marketplace and help consumers select a product that’s right for them. We already have some of the leading leisure battery brands signed up to the scheme, including Banner, Platinum and Yuasa and will continue to bring more on board in the future,” Reid continued.

John Richards, Platinum OE-OES & specialist channel director, said: “We are excited to start working with the NCC moving forward as we believe the NCC Verified Leisure Battery Scheme is right for the industry and our business”.

Consumers can find out more about the scheme on the NCC stand (7.12) at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, and following its launch from leisure vehicle dealers, leisure vehicle and battery manufacturers and via the NCC website here.

Bailey celebrates their sponsored Shaun the Sheep being Shaun-of-the-day by raising money for a good cause

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by Daniella Almeida

Bailey staff raise money for The Grand Appeal with Shaun the Sheep inspired events

Bailey of Bristol’s sponsored Shaun the Sheep, one of 70 in Bristol for the Shaun in the City challenge, was bestowed the title of ‘Shaun of the day’ on Friday 14 August – and Bailey certainly weren’t sheepish about celebrating in style.

To mark the occasion, Bailey staff held various fundraising activities throughout the day, in order to raise money for The Grand Appeal (the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity) with some baa-rilliant Shaun-inspired events.

The personalised Shaun sculpture, named Willow, was celebrated with two great themed events as well as being featured on The Bristol Post masthead and the official “Shaun the City: Sheep Spotter” app.

To commemorate the event and raise money for the great cause, Bailey head office staff took part in two Shaun-themed competitions. The first, called the ‘How many baa-lloons’ challenge, invited staff to pay to guess how many balloons had been herded into a new Bailey Pegasus Modena. If guessed correctly, the winner received a BBQ and some lamb chops – something we here at CaravanTimes aren’t too sure Shaun the Sheep would approve of.

The second challenge, entitled the ‘Great Bailey Bake Off’, saw staff taking to their kitchens to compete to create the best Shaun-themed cake. The competition was judged based on taste, decoration, and theme interpretation and was reviewed by Bailey’s company directors. The winner was named Bailey Star Baker.

Willow was designed by local artist, Rhiannon Southwell, and inspired by a collection of blue and white china at Tyntesfield House near Bristol. WIllow is adorned with iconic Bristol imagery including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and is located outside the St. Mary Redcliffe church in the city centre.

The sculpture is one of 70, each five-feet high, in the Shaun in the City trail in Bristol, on display until 31 August. The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, is behind the trail in an effort to raise money for their cause.

You can still enter the #BaileyShaunSelfie competition to win a weekend at The Caravan Club’s site in Hillhead, Devon in a Bailey Unicorn caravan. For more information, visit the Shaun in the City website here.

Coachman appoints new purchasing and logistics manager

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by Joe Jeffrey

Jason Thompson to undoubtedly bring wealth of experience to new role

Coachman Caravans has appointed Jason Thompson as Purchasing and Logistics Manager.

Thompson, a CIPS qualified professional, joins Coachman with 25 years’ experience within the caravan industry.

He assumes all business responsibilities for bill of material control, buying, stock control, stores and logistics within the company.

Having spent the majority of his career in senior management positions within the industry, specialising in purchasing and logistics, Thompson is sure to bring his vast experience in research and development and business systems to Coachman, based in Hull.

Martin Henderson, Coachman’s Managing Director, said: “We are all very excited by Jason’s arrival.

“His appointment strengthens our team and this role will form a key position in our future business improvement.”

Coachman Caravans is one of the leading caravan manufacturers in the industry, employing almost 170 staff at its base in Hull, East Yorkshire. The company recently unveiled its new Vision and Pastiche ranges, including two brand new, innovative models for 2016.

Driver in deep trouble over convertible caravan

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by David Bates

£25 caravan makeshift trailer lands driver with points on licence and ticking off from police

An unnamed Devon man found himself in bother with the police on Saturday (22 August) after he broke down with his homemade trailer in tow.

The brazen driver purchased a £25 caravan and removed the roof, before deciding that he had created a roadworthy trailer for transporting a conservatory.

Local police officer, Pablo Beckhurst, was forced to disagree with the man who he found broken down on an A38 layby, without valid insurance and a handwritten registration plate – with a letter missing, just for good measure.

The arresting PC said: “The driver had borrowed a friend’s vehicle to drive on trade insurance, but the policy was not valid.

“There was one piece of rope holding the sides from falling out on to the road, the lights were not working, the tyres had cracked and were not roadworthy,” Beckhurst continued.

What’s worse, the driver intended on heading right through to the M5 at Exeter, which is one of the region’s busiest roads, before returning with a half-caravan full of conservatory glass.

Understandably, the man is facing legal repercussions, though it may only be six points on his license for driving uninsured.

We’re as dumbfounded as PC Beckhurst, and urge everyone to only use their caravans for their next holiday.

Swift set to build upon Escape motorhome range for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift continues to build upon the popular Escape range for 2016

The Escape motorhome range from Swift continues to go from strength to strength for 2016 following significant enhancements launched last year, including Swift’s SMART intelligent construction system, Fiats new cab, upgraded exterior and new higher specification interior features which have been carried forward for 2016.

New for 2016 is the enhancement of Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system to SMART Plus, which now features a new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin providing greater durability from the elements, an upgraded hail resistant roof and front window jig with full GRP and foam construction.

Also, for 2016, comes the introduction of new Seitz C6 windows and refreshed stylish graphics, bringing the Escape into a whole new season. And for those who like to remain a little more active, bike rack fixing rails on the rear now make it easier to fit a bike rack than ever before.

Meanwhile, inside the cab, a new 12V socket and USB socket have been added – handy for the new dash mounted tablet holder. You’ll also find a new DAB radio to help make your journey that much more relaxed.

The interior of the Escape remains pretty much unchanged and carries forward the upgraded soft furnishings, locker doors in contemporary ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain, as well as chrome push button locker catches that add a distinguished element to the design.

A new digital control panel has been fitted to control the Truma Combi-boiler which comes as standard to provide for heating and hot water. Motorhomers also have the option of upgrading to a Truma iNet box to allow remote control functionality and the monitoring of the Truma boiler heating system wherever you are.

Washroom fittings have also seen an update, with new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with on/off button featuring as standard along with a new high gloss white washroom wallboard.

The new low-line Escape 622, ideal for couples, brings Swift’s Escape portfolio up to six in total – offering two low-line and four high-line models. Three models have four belted travelling seats and two layouts have five with an optional six available.

Models available for 2016, exclusive of the new Escape 622, include the five-berth Escape 624 high-line, the four-berth Escape 644 high-line and 644 low-line, as well as two six-berth options – the Escape 686 High-line and 696 High-line.

The power of the Escape comes from the Fiat 2.3 litre, 130bhp Euro +5 turbo diesel engine with six-speed gearbox. A Fiat Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox is also available as an optional extra.

All models come wit a “TRACKER Retrieve” Thatcham approved tracking system, as well as Swift’s ten-year body integrity warranty. An optional Comfort pack, featuring Winter pack with waste water tank heaters, under floor pipe insulation, fridge vent covers and Status 570 TV aerial is also available, in addition to cab-air-conditioning, passenger air bag, electric entrance step and much more.

Nick Page, Swift’s commercial director, said: “Escape continues to be our top selling single range and has provided many people with their first experience of the freedom owning a motorhome can provide. With models for couples and families, this year’s package is still very much aimed at anyone wanting to buy new rather than second hand or just looking for amazing value.”

Australian family living caravan dream

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by David Bates

Family of four take to caravan, leave Sydney behind

Two Australian city-slickers have traded in their Sydney lifestyle to escape the rat race with their two young children in a luxury caravan.

Matt and Kass Pine have taken their two children, five-year-old Luca and three-year-old Sullivan, on a nine-month caravan tour extraordinaire, leaving behind their hard-earned and much-enjoyed careers.

Britain’s Meek family are famous for their caravan tours, frequently taking their children from school on long cultural trips, but it looks like they’ve got serious rivals.

The Pines considered themselves typical Sydneysiders; Matt plied his trade as a sports scientist for top Aussie Rules side Sydney Swans, while Kass co-owned Boheem Design in Surry Hills for eleven years.

Self-confessed spenders, a significant proportion of which was on the pricey mortgage on their Lilyfield – an inner west Sydney suburb – home, Matt now home-schools elder son Luca and Kass works remotely for Boheem Design on a smaller scale.

Both parents acknowledge their plans were blessed by a strong property market and Kass’ existing business. Kass said: “After chatting with my business partner, we agreed I could access equity I had in our graphic design business to purchase our caravan and Jeep, and then it was a case of reducing our debt so we had as little expenses as possible while we were on the road.

“This prompted us to make the decision to sell our house in Lilyfield. Fortunately we sold at a good time and we were then able to use the profit to make a couple of new investments,” she continued.

A partially owned flat in Surry Hills was fully settled, with the resultant rent now providing valuable income on the road and they laid further foundations for the future in an ‘off the plan’ property in Brisbane.

Neither Pine professes to be a monetary guru, in fact they required advice from Equeus financial planning to ensure their caravan dream could become a sustainable and practical reality.

Travelling in a caravan has obviously brought the family together, but the Pines have also made an effort to visit family members who they may have missed in city life. Beginning on the east coast, Matt said: “We moved at a pretty leisurely pace for this segment of the trip as we had lots of friends and family to catch up with in different places which included a detour into Armidale – the country town where we both grew up.”

They certainly aren’t looking back just yet and their trip has already taken them up through Townsville, west through the Outback and Queensland, north into Katherine and Kakadu, onwards to Darwin and Kimberley in West Australia.

Matt admitted: “It will be difficult to think about going back to normal life,” but plans are certainly in place, with Kass using the trip as an opportunity to develop an All-Australian Stock Photography business in conjunction with her Boheem Designs partner.

Having bitten the bullet, they are now living a life many fantasize over, but few experience, and understandably they have no regrets. What’s more, with a landscape as spectacular as Australia’s, they’ll definitely have some holiday snaps to remember.

East Anglia Easton Farm Park plans caravan expansion

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by David Bates

Farm park wants to expand holiday business

Easton Farm Park has submitted plans for a 70-pitch caravan site to Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The popular park, which was the second farm park attraction within the UK, has remained open for over 30 years and recently requested planning permission to convert a paddock on the area’s west side, which is currently used for livestock and grazing.

The park’s management have named October as the earliest possible date for the redevelopment to begin, however, they could be forced to wait until November 1 for a decision.

The plans involve a significant overhaul of current facilities, presently able to allow for up to five caravans to be pitched, as well as new buildings to cater for the park’s prospective guests. These include a washroom, separate male, female and disabled toilets, a storeroom, a new reception area, shop and staff office – all of which would take between two and three years to complete.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s planning portal contains a statement from Easton Farm Park which reveals they are aware of the immediate implications for their popular attraction. It reads: “The business plan does accept that for much of the nine month period, the site will be at much less than capacity.

“A near to fully occupied site is forecast for the busiest summer months, with capacity at bank holiday periods.”

Is this an unnecessary expansion? Or a great addition to an already great day out?

Coachman unveils new Vision and Pastiche models within its 2016 lineup

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman reveals its caravan lineup for 2016, including two brand new, innovatively designed and lighter layouts

Coachman Caravans has unveiled two new models for 2016, featuring even more of a decrease in weight across the company’s quality ranges.

The first new model for 2016 is the Coachman Vision 570. The single axle five-berth caravan, which also comes with the option of six-berths, features an ultra versatile family layout with two spacious parallel seating lounge areas both at the front and rear. A luxury centre washroom, featuring opaque window, and spacious centre kitchen complete with fitted low level microwave divide each lounge area. The innovative layout provides for a number of options, suited to many families looking to hit the road and the possibilities are endless, including a separate sleeping area for two couples, a place for the kids to escape to and so much more.

From a design standpoint, soft furnishings come in ‘Zembla/Heely design complete with scatter cushions and bolster cushions, whilst a ‘Sand Ruster’ wood colour scheme, ‘Charcoal’ locker door design and chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles comes as standard.

One the outside, ten spoke, Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels add a touch of class and complement the Vision’s exterior graphics and colours a rear light bezel surrounds.

An additional seven layouts will be included within the Vision range for 2016, including the two-berth Vision 380 and Vision 450, fourth-berth Vision 520, Vision 560, Vision 565 and Vision 575, as well as the five-berth Vision 580.

Coachman’s Pastiche range also sees a new model introduced for 2016. The single axle Pastiche 470, featuring Alde central heating as standard, is a brand new two-berth offering, again with a unique layout, featuring a full domestic size fixed bed at the front of the caravan. The first of it’s kind in the UK, the front bed layout has proven to be a popular choice of layout across the rest of Europe and presents something new for UK caravanners looking to spend more time outdoors than in. Elsewhere inside, a luxury end washroom with domestic style square shower cubicle with pivot door and opaque window feature. Central to the layout is a spacious kitchen with low level microwave and, opposite, a central dinette which should make mealtimes complete. Ample storage comes by way of plenty of space under the bed, as well as plenty of storage space towards the rear.

Design for 2016 hasn’t be shirked upon either, with soft furnishings in ‘Dillon Dazzling/Amillo Balloon, design complete with scatter cushions and sculptured armrests for enhanced comfort, as well as a ‘Sand Ruster’ wood colour scheme, overhead locker profiles in ‘Charcoal’ design and chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles. A Midi Heki roof light over the fixed bed creates a more-than-ample feeling of light and space during the day.

As with the Vision range, ten spoke, Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels come as standard, as do Vision exterior graphics and colours and a rear light bezel surround.

Five more layouts complete the Pastiche range for 2015, including the two-berth Pastiche 460, four-berth Pastiche 520, Pastiche 560, Pastiche 565 and Pastiche 575.

That’s not all that’s new for 2016, however, with huge weight reductions making each range lighter than ever before, dispelling the myths that Coachman are a weightier alternative. The Coachman Vision range sees an MTPLM of less than 1525 kg, whilst the Pastiche range benefits from all models weighing in at less than 1535 kg, with the new Pastiche 470 clocking in at just 1295 kg.

Make sure to check back on CaravanTimes over the coming weeks to read more about what Coachman has planned for the new season – we’re sure you’ll be impressed.

Have you won a Kilrock damp and mould blasting bundle?

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by Joe Jeffrey

Keep reading to find out if you’ve won one of five Kilrock cleaning bundles worth £50

CaravanTimes recently teamed up with Kilrock to offer you the opportunity to fix those pesky damp and mould problems faced by many, in one of our latest competitions where we offered five lucky readers monster damp and mould blasting bundles worth £50.

The bundles, which contain everything you could ever need to keep your precious caravan or motorhome clean, dry and damp free, including various items to enable effective and hassle-free solutions for the removal of excessive moisture and damp in your leisure vehicle, certainly proved popular to say the least. All CaravanTimes readers had to do to be in with a chance of winning was to simply like our Facebook page and complete a short form.

And now, we are pleased to announce the winners are:

Chris Bayless
Ian Blackwell
Tracey Denby
Emma Pollard
Kevin Tyler

Congratulations to those named above. We’ll be in touch soon to discuss sending your prizes to you.

Alas! There could only be five winners, but don’t despair. If you’re still feeling lucky, why not enter our competition to win one of 15 pairs of Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 tickets here now!

England Medieval Festival fast approaching

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by Daniella Almeida

Pack up your caravan and get ready for a weekend camping and glamping at the England Medieval Festival

Next weekend, from 29 August through 31 August, join fellow caravanners and medieval times enthusiasts at England’s Medieval Festival, overlooking the picturesque and aptly moated Herstmonceux Castle.

The festival, which is considered the most authentic medieval festival in the UK, will feature three outdoors and two indoor stage areas and performances throughout the day. But the performances don’t stop at night. Once the sun goes down, enjoy much more entertainment taking place indoors in the main marquee.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own camping tents. However, the festival provides you with the ability to “glamp” in weatherproof canvas Bell tents with beds, blankets, rugs, table and lights inside. To complete the aesthetics, a crackling fire and medieval torches will be lit outside.

Some of the fantastic activities England’s Medieval Festival provides include an enticing Knights Joust, twice daily Battle and Siege of the Castle, a grand parade, Falconry displays, and so much more. Entertain children with the Kid’s Kingdom, magicians, and jesters throughout the grounds.

Keep a look out for these incredible performers such as Portcullis, Bombus Lucorum, Pentacle Drummers, and so many more.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Kegs ‘n Casks’ Beer, Cider & Mead Festival will also be taking place during the weekend. Enjoy over 40 locally sourced real ales and ciders from the Sussex area, local lagers, and even international beers from France, Germany, and Hungary. If mead is more your fancy – an old medieval beverage consisting of main ingredients honey and water – you’re in luck. There will be more than 20 different varieties of mead from England, Scotland, Wales, and Europe.

Don’t worry about leaving the four-legged member of your family at home as dogs are welcome too, so long as they’re on leads.

Advance discount tickets are available online on the festival’s website from £15 adult, £6 child, £13 concession, and £34 for your entire family. So what are you waiting for? Start polishing off your armour and find out more, including how to book your tickets, here now!

What to expect at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 will offer thousands of people the opportunity to check out the latest leisure vehicles for 2016 and so much more

The UK’s most popular national leisure vehicle launch, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, takes place between 13 and 18 October this year at Birmingham’s NEC and looks set to be the best show ever.

Here, CaravanTimes highlights just some of the new and exciting products that will feature across the six days, all to browse and buy under one roof.

Caravans and motorhomes

Adria (Stand 20.77, 20.15)

To celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary this year, Adria will feature special edition Silver Collection versions of its UK best sellers at the NEC this autumn. This includes touring caravan models the Adora 613DT Isonzo and Altea 472DS Eden, as well as Matrix and Twin motorhome models. Adria will also showcase a new range of small coachbuilt motorhomes – the Compact range.
Auto Campers (Stand 11.110) continues to expand its model line-up with the launch of a Hybrid model. The new, MRV (Multi Recreational Vehicle) is based on the short wheel base Transit Custom and offers twin side doors, with fixed O/S furniture and a suspended bed system.
Auto-Sleepers Group (Stand 6.55, 6.49) will have a number of new models on display. These include award winning special edition products available from Marquis, such as the company’s exclusive Benimar Mileo Range, enhanced for 2016 with a host of added features and two new layouts. Then there’s the revised 2016 Lifestyle motorhome and caravan ranges in a choice of award-winning layouts. Also, the Majestic Motorhome range, exclusive to Marquis has been increased to 14 all powered by the 150bhp Peugeot engine. Auto-Sleepers Van Conversions will reveal its new ‘Fairford’ model based on the Peugeot XLWB chassis, taking centre stage for its official launch at the show.

Bailey (Stand 19.28, 19.29)

Bailey has launched its new, fourth generation Pegasus touring caravan with a choice of seven layouts. The five berth single axle Pegasus Ancona has a redesigned layout including a dedicated rear children’s bedroom and a full width transverse end washroom. It will make its public debut at the show this October.

Bürstner GmbH (Stand 8.40)

The leisure vehicle powerhouse will reveal the first layout from its new 2016 IXEO range at the show. Called the IXEO IT680G it features a longitudinal double bed which disappears into the ceiling when stored and lowers to the level of the main seating when in use.

Coachman (stand 19.39)

Coachman will bring its 2016 models to the NEC in October, in particular its two new caravan layouts. These include the 5-berth Vision 570 and the 2 berth Pastiche 470. The latter is a single axle caravan with a full domestic size, fixed bed, luxury end washroom at a weight of 1295kg. The former is a versatile, single axle caravan with two large lounge areas and an optional sixth berth making it attractive to the family market.

Elddis (Stand 20.19 & 20.39 & 20.43)

New touring caravan layouts to feature at the Show include the Avante 554 with transverse bed and Whale Expanse underslung heating system as well as the new Compass Corona 576 six-berth and a new Buccaneer too. There are also new developments in the Elddis motorhome offering with two new models in the Encore range making their debut at the show, the 254 and 285.

Jerba Campervans (Stand 11.55)

This specialist VW camper producer from Scotland has been working on a new elevating roof design that includes an easy zip-out canvas – removable in under five minutes, it’s ideal for cleaning as well as making the most of the warm weather. It uses YKK zips and Ventile material that’s fully breathable as well as being watertight.

Lowdham Leisureworld (Stand 8.20, 20.45)

Lowdham celebrates 50 years in business in 2016 so will reveal its all new Swift Hi-Style range including Alde heating plus a special 50th anniversary pack, the latter also featuring on the company’s Freestyle SE range. Its Bailey Pegasus and Unicorn caravans will also feature the Lowdhams 50th anniversary pack. On motorhomes there’s the launch of the Knaus Boxlife van conversions with innovative sleeping systems, the Lowdhams’ anniversary edition Knaus SKY TI – plus an exclusive special edition Bessacarr Hi-Style.

Lunar (Stand 17.39 & 18.13)

Lunar will showcase its Lunar and Venus touring caravans including three new additions to the Lexon range. The Lexon 560 is a four-berth with a popular transverse island bed. Also a four-berth is the new Lexon 570, which features fixed single beds and an end washroom and for large families there is the new Lexon 580, a five-berth caravan with fixed bunks. Also on view at the NEC will be the new Delta RI, a four-berth caravan, and a refined Venus range of value-for-money tourers, including the new Venus 570. The full Lunar Landstar motorhome range will be on display too.

Pilote (Stand 9.10)

Pilot will have as its star vehicle for the UK on show, the new G650L A-class motorhome. It has large front lounge which can comfortably accommodate up to eight people and sleep four. A completely fresh bathroom layout with separate shower and dressing area, extra-large wardrobe and plenty of storage are just some of its other features.

Rapido (Stand 7.40)

On show this year, Rapido will have a 6 series version of its well-known 7065FF. The 665F will be a 7.4M vehicle with a rear bathroom and Alde heating systems as standard. To capitalise on British interest in twin-bed layouts, Rapido will also unveil a new 7m model, the 855F, with separate shower thanks to an innovative bathroom design. Not only this, but the company will launch two brand new ranges, the 80DF and a refurbished Distinction. Both will offer double floors and Al-Ko chassis. British special vans, 600FF, 9048DF and 9094DF will feature too.

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes (Stand 9.98)

The Halifax dealership will unveil its new and improved range of Special Editions, the Musketeer Range, featuring the D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos & Aramis. These will offer increased specification, new fabrics and new graphics.

Shire Conversions (Stand 11.50)

The conversion specialists will showcase its brand new van conversion, the FL Twin. Based on a Fiat chassis, it’s a 2 berth motorhome with twin bed, front lounge and a high specification.

Southdowns Motorhomes (Stand 8.16)

Southdowns Motorhomes, based in Portsmouth, will reveal two Concorde motorhomes seen on UK shores for the first time at the show, including the Concorde Liner Plus 990G and Concorde Credo 841L. The Laika Kreos 5 series range – with the Kreos 5009 – will also feature.

Swift (Stand 6.39, 6.34, 6.33, 6.31)

The company’s new Sprite Freedom range of caravans is sure to get plenty of interest at the NEC. These are positioned as entry-level caravans ideal for those looking to buy their first new tourer, featuring three popular 6 berth family models. There’s the Freedom 6, Freedom 6TD and Freedom FB. Swift will also feature a wide selection from its 2016 leisure vehicle portfolio, including new motorhome models. The sporty Rio range has expanded to feature two new models, the 310 and 325, with more traditional motorhome layouts and standard side entrance doors. The Bolero range also has two new models, the 612EK and 744PR. The former is a 2 seater, 2 berth vehicle with parallel front lounge and rear kitchen, with the latter a 4 seater, 4 berth model with U-shaped rear lounge, front travelling dinette and side seat plus side kitchen and washroom.

Webbs Motor Caravans (Stand 9.85)

Webbs will officially launch its exclusive partnership with French, hand-built, motorhome brand Fleurette at the show. For the last six years there have been no new Fleurette models stocked by UK dealers, so Webbs will be the only place to see the brand’s 2016 models, such as Mayflower, for the new season.

Wellhouse Leisure (Stand 12.85)

The popular dealership will have a host of new product launches at the show, including the Ford Terrier 2 M-Camper which features a full body-kit, alloy wheels and looks more like a racing van than a traditional campervan! It is part of the new Terrier 2 range with updated interior and furniture designed by Technoform, the Italian company that supplies many premium brands. It will be unveiled, by a special guest, on the second anniversary of the original Terrier’s launch at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2013. There’s also the Terrier Lux – a new entry-level Ford based model. Finally, there will be the new Moselle – based on the all-new Mercedes Vito van.

Trailer tents and folding caravans

OPUS Campers (Stand 12.105)

Opus will officially unveil an innovative folding camper with the ability to carry two motorcycles on its roof. The OPUS Moto is a brand new concept allowing motorcyclists to combine a family holiday, group getaway or romantic weekend with a biking break. Loading and unloading a motorcycle is simple, using the camper mounted crane, and takes just 20 seconds.

Trigano MDC (Stand 12.10, 12.05)

This year, Trigano will feature its Galleon model in a new brown colour and two new versions of its Odyssee model, one basic version and one “plus” with an easy access luggage system make opening the luggage compartment simpler.

Raclet (Stand 12.12)

Rclet’s Panama UP Xtrail product will be on view as well as its Solena, Safari, and Quickstop X-Trail models.

Holiday homes and lodges

Omar Park and Leisure Homes (Stand 9.120)

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Omar Park and Leisure Homes will be displaying the award-winning park home, the Anniversary along with its most long-standing signature home, the Colorado.

Swift

Swift will showcase holiday home models from its Bordeaux Escape, Burgundy, Chamonix, S-Pod, Loire, Biarritz, and Moselle Lodge ranges as well as two brand new models yet to be revealed.

Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes (Stand 9.120b)

Wessex will have its exciting new luxury lodge model, the Summerhouse, alongside the sleek and distinctive Contemporary luxury lodge.

Awnings and porches
Vango (Stand 17.36) will exhibit key models from its new 2016 collection, including caravan awnings Rapide, Varkala II and Kalari, including new annex addition as well as Idris II, Kela Deluxe and Galli drive-away awnings.
Outwell (Stand 17.81) will have its latest inflatable and pole drive-away awnings on show, with the Country Road SA from the Smart Air Touring Collection taking pride of place. There’s also the brand new Daytona Air from the company’s Air Crusing Collection and the new Darlington.

With so much to see and do, we can’t think of a reason not to go. So what are you waiting for? To buy tickets to the show and for more information, click here. Alternatively, why not enter our competition to win tickets by clicking on this link.

COMPETITION: Win 15 pairs of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015!

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by Joe Jeffrey

Enter our competition today and you could be heading to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 for free

It’s pretty true to say the countdown has begun. Motorhomers and caravanners across the country – not to mention leisure vehicle manufacturers throughout the UK and further afield – are preparing to head to Birmingham’s NEC for the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.

The show, taking place this year between 13 – 18 October, promises exactly what we’ve come to expect from organisers, NCC events, including a sneak peek at all of the new 2016 caravan and motorhome models from leading UK and European manufacturers – all under one roof.

The show, supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, will also feature every other type of leisure vehicle too, including campervans, trailer tents, innovative folding caravans, luxury lodges and holiday homes. There’ll even be a Guinness World Record attempt taking place, with show organisers planning on building the world’s largest LEGO caravan ever seen.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, undisputed World Superbike racing legend and current I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! king of the jungle, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty will be in attendance to open the show in true style.

And now, CaravanTimes has teamed up with Motorhome & Caravan Show organisers, the National Caravan Council (NCC) to offer fifteen lucky CaravanTimes members the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show of the year.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets is like our Facebook page here and complete the form below by midday on 11 September.

Good luck, we look forward to seeing you there!

Terms and Conditions:

Fifteen winners will be picked at random on Friday 11 September and the winners will be notified via the email supplied in the entry form

Competition open to members of CaravanTimes only

Only one entry per person

No purchase necessary

No cash or alternative will be offered

The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over