Summer holiday towing tips from The Caravan Club

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by Jessica Almeida

Advice to ensure you’re towing properly

Controlling two vehicles might sound daunting, but all it takes is a little extra preparation and precaution. and now, with the summer holidays well underway, The Caravan Club has compiled a list of towing tips and advice for those who are planning a road trip this summer.

The Caravan Club recommends the following advice to ensure the perfect getaway:

Planning

  • Before setting off make sure that the caravan is correctly hitched up to the towing vehicle, also check the lights, tyres pressure, caravan wheel fixing torques and breakaway cable.
  • Use extension mirrors when towing to ensure a good rear view. These are a legal requirement for most car-caravan combinations.
  • It is important not to panic if the caravan being towed begins to swing slightly, this can happen especially in cross winds or if a large vehicle is alongside. Gently slow down without braking or trying to steer and the sway should disappear.

Weight considerations

  • Check the weight of the vehicle being towed to ensure that your car is capable of towing it. You can get more advice on towing safely on the Caravan Club’s ‘experience freedom’ website.

Braking distances and manoeuvring

  • When controlling two vehicles, it is important to allow more time and space.
  • Brake earlier than normal and allow more time to accelerate. Also, due to the size of combination, it is important to make sure that corners are taken more widely.

Legal Requirements

  • It is a requirement for the towed vehicle to display a legal number plate which matches the car towing it.
  • Legal speed limits are often lower when towing, therefore it is important to check before beginning your journey.
  • Do not carry passengers in the caravan when towing, it is illegal and dangerous.

Don’t forget, if you’re taking to the road with your caravan for the first time or need to brush up on your towing skills, The Caravan Club offers a number of towing courses across the UK.
Also, remember to follow the advice given above and take extra care when towing.
It is also important to check the legal requirements of the destination country if towing abroad.

What other piece of towing advice would you provide to those less experienced than you?

Insurance premiums expected to increase by over a quarter due to texting and driving

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by Jessica Almeida

Mobile phone offenders are ‘four times more likely to crash’

New found research presented by the AA has suggested that many motorists, particularly younger drivers, believe it is acceptable to read or compose text messages while driving a car.

Even though most drivers admit that it is acceptable to read and compose a text message while their car is parked with the engine off, which is legal, close to half also believe that it is acceptable to do so if the car is pulled over with the engine running.

What is concerning is the fact that 28 per cent of all drivers say that texting or messaging is acceptable if stuck in a traffic queue. Out of those drivers 41 percent are aged between 18 and 34.

According to an AA-Populus survey, while 11 per cent say they would use a hand-held device while waiting at traffic lights, young drivers are the ones who are more likely to do so.

Furtermore, 16 percent of young drivers aged 18-24 say that it is acceptable to send or receive messages while driving in slow moving traffic.

Young drivers who claim to be more likely to use hand-held devices while driving, must retake their driving test if they gain six penalty points within two years of having received their full driving licence.

Insurance companies take mobile phone offences very seriously, with on average of a 26 per cent increase on premiums or, in worst case scenarios, possible withdrawal of cover from offenders. That compares with an average 12 per cent premium increase for speeding offences.

by law, it is an offence if using a handheld phone, unless the car is safely parked with the engine switched off. Using a phone when your engine is switched on brings a fixed penalty or £100 and three endorsement points, which is the same as a speeding offence.

However, depending on the assets, the offence could be increased to careless or even dangerous driving, which risks disqualification and a fine, as well as making it harder afterwards to find an insurer willing to offer cover.

Managing director of AA Insurance, Janet Connor, stated that drivers using a handheld mobile device are at four times greater risk of being involved in a crash.

She said: “These findings are shocking. Unlike speeding, it usually requires the use of a phone to be seen by the police officer, so many drivers think they can get away with it. It’s vital that there are more traffic police to catch offenders.”

Connor adds: “This deliberate act diverts attention from driving, significantly heightening the risk of a crash. If that happens, police officers will check the phone’s records to see whether a message or call was taking place that the time.”

Connor believes that drivers may unintentionally exceed the speed limit, however no one sends a text message by mistake.

“Those who flout the law are more likely to make a claim, and their insurance premium rightly reflects that risk,” Connor concluded.

Prices announced for new Volkswagen California campervan

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by David Bates

New Volkswagen California prices released

Volkswagen has announced the prices for its new California campervan.

The new Volkswagen California will come in two models; the entry-level ‘Beach’ and the top of the range ‘Ocean’, the latter of which will replace the California SE. The all new Californias boast reduced fuel consumption and emissions, feature Bluemotion technology and are compliant with Euro Six emission regulations.

Prices for the Beach begin at £37, 657 and buyers will be given a choice of two two-litre engines, either 102PS or 150 PS. The 102 PS TDI comes in a five-speed manual and the 150 PS TDI comes in either six-speed manual or seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic. This entry-level model features seven seats, with sleeping space for four and a conveniently stored table with chairs and an integrated awning. The California’s bench seats fold into a double bed, while its pop-up roof opens up further sleeping space for two.

The high-end Ocean starts at £47,840. Coming equipped with either 150 PS TDI or 204 PS TDI, both of which are two-litre, the Ocean has an optional four-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. This variant also features an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting and a kitchenette, consisting of two rings, a fridge and a sink.

Volkswagen have upgraded safety and driver assistance, with features including a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard in both models. Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency braking can be optionally added at an additional cost.

There is a new centre console, which comes as standard with the Ocean and optional in the Beach, fitted with DAB radio, bluetooth and multi-purpose display. To top it off, Volkswagen have updated cupholders, fabric, leathers and plastics to optimise the driving experience.

The new Volkswagen California will continue its unique, full in-house production in Hanover, Germany.

UK dealers will begin taking orders from 3 August, with first deliveries before the end of the year.

Swift unveils new entry-level Sprite Freedom caravan range for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift introduces the new Sprite Freedom range for 2016, with uncompromised quality at a more affordable price than ever before

Swift’s highly popular and award-winning Sprite caravan range has been extended for 2016, with a new entry-level Sprite Freedom range.

Unveiled for the first time at Swift’s 2016 launch yesterday (23 July) in Hull, the new Sprite Freedom range will offer three well thought out six berth family-based models with everything you need to hit the road – ideal for first time buyers or those looking to buy their first new caravan alike.

The single axle Swift Sprite Freedom 6 comes with front parallel seating, a side dinette and kitchen, and end twin bunk and washroom with separate shower, whilst Swift’s other single axle offering for 2016 – the Freedom 6TD – will feature front parallel seating, side kitchen and washroom with separate shower, rear dinette with a bunk over and a rear sized fixed twin bunk. The third model in the new Swift Sprite Freedom range, the Freedom FB, will be Swift’s latest entry-level twin axle model, offering front parallel seating, side kitchen, side dinette, as well as a rear fixed bed and washroom.

Perhaps, the most exciting element of the new range, however, is price; CaravanTimes has heard through the grapevine that the new Sprite Freedom range looks set to be priced at around £2,000 less than the current Sprite range; a price point is, however, yet to have been officially announced.

Despite a reduction in price, it seems as though Swift hasn’t compromised on quality, with the three new models being constructed using Swift’s new SMART Plus technology, including a GRP hail-resistant roof, aerodynamic profile and sweeping blue graphics, bringing it up to date for the new season.

Inside the Sprite Freedom, a number of exceptional features have been added, including a Mali Acacia wood grain and French oak effect, as well as high impact scratch-resistant vinyl throughout. In the kitchen area, a granite effect sink, Thetford 112lt electronic refrigerator and a Thetford 3 burner hob and grill come as standard, along with chrome effect kitchen tap, all of which provide for a stunning, high quality appearance. Meanwhile, LED lighting is featured throughout, including adjustable spotlights in the lounge/sleeping area, kitchen locker header and ceiling and washroom lighting.

A Truma Combi Boiler with manual control will ensure a plentiful supply of water in the washrooms on all models, complete with simple but effective shower curtain.

Swift Group commercial director, Nick Page, commented on the new Sprite Freedom range saying: “With the Sprite Freedom ranges being even more affordable than the Sprite range, it is an ideal caravan for those looking to buy their first caravan but are on a limited budget or looking to buy their first new caravan.

“Customers needn’t worry about quality as Sprite Freedom comes with all Swift Group’s build reassurances including a ten-year bodyshell warranty.”

Institute of Advanced Motorists insists taking selfies is as dangerous as drink driving

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by David Bates

Beware the driving selfie warns new study

Drivers and caravan users across the UK should be wary of “driving selfies”, according to new research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The latest study reveals shocking levels of smartphone use on Britain’s roads; nine per cent of the 500 drivers admitted to taking a selfie on the road in the past month. Amongst under 35s, this figure reaches 17 per cent, whilst men are twice as likely to dabble in onboard photography as women. One motorcyclist posted a picture to instagram, helmet and all, with the caption “#imcominghome”.

IAM’s Mark Lewis has urged prudence, saying: “What will surprise people is the fact that it’s as dangerous as being over the limit for drink or drug driving. It has the same effect on your capability to drive”.

It isn’t just selfies which are endangering Britain’s drivers. The study also found eight per cent of drivers had made video calls, seven per cent watched video and TV programmes on their phone or tablet, and 18 per cent had been online.

Shaun Helman, Head of Transport Psychology at the Transport Research Laboratory, explained to Sky News: “Smartphones have not been around very long, mobile phones a bit longer so it’s not really become a socially unacceptable thing to do yet, and I think that’s going to take some time to change.”

Sarah Sillers, of IAM, wants smartphone-use to become as stigmatized, socially unacceptable and legally punishable as drink-driving. The number of penalty points given for smartphone offences fell in 2014, thought to be linked to fewer patrols and reduced policing budgets, rather than fewer incidents.

North Wales caravan park given go-ahead with £1m expansion

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by Jessica Almeida

Tree Tops Caravan Park adds 52 additional plots

North Wales’ tourism industry looks set to receive a boost of over £520,000 a year following plans for for a £1 million expansion of an award-winning caravan park being given the go-ahead, it was revealed earlier this week.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of proposals to build an extra 52 holiday home plots at Tree Tops Caravan Park, Gwespyr, Flintshire. The popular caravan park currently provides 168 plots with the expansion said to help meet demands for further pitches to be made available.

The site was opened more than half a century ago by the farming parents of managing director Maureen Walker and covers 15 acres of land. It is currently run by her husband Harry and son Andy.

Welcomed by members of Flintshire County Council‘s planning committee, Maureen believes that the expansion will bring in more than a half million pounds a year to the local economy.

Maureen said of the accepted proposal: “We are delighted and over the moon that the council has given the plans the go-ahead and we would like to thank them for allowing us to make the site bigger.”

“There is always a big demand for caravans on the park, which are all privately owned.
“We’re like a big community, a town, and we’re really pleased to be able to grow that further.
“We always encourage our customers to shop local, and all the work on the expansion will be carried out by local contractors and developers,” she continued.
On behalf of the site, agent David Middleton said: “The economic benefits that result from this development will be significant and add to the economic sustainability of Tree Tops Caravan Park as a rural business and employer.”

He added: “This monetary spin-off will directly benefit local businesses to this part of Flintshire and will sustain Tree Tops as one of the main holiday accommodations providers and employers in this area.”

Work is set to begin in September this year, with plans for completion by March of next year.

First ever European Airstream caravan sold celebrates its tenth birthday

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by Megan Henderson

First European Airstream ever sold reaches double digits – and is still going strong

Almost ten years ago the first European Airstream was sold – and a decade later that very same Airstream is still taking to the road and enabling its owners to travel the UK and beyond in true style.

Owners Jenny and Peter Verard, purchased the 2005 Airstream 503 just after they got married and have continued to use it to this day.

Of the pride and joy, Jenny, 68, said: “We wouldn’t swap it for anything else. Peter and I used to both work in the film industry, so we were used to seeing them being used by directors and producers. Then Peter read an article about astronauts using Airstreams after they returned from space [Mobile Quarantine Facilities, used to keep the astronauts contained upon their return to Earth].” It seems this was more than enough to enable the Verards to get one for themselves. Fortunately, Airstream was about to come to Europe.

When the pair bought the caravan, friends pushed the couple to take it on a practice run somewhere close to their North Wiltshire home, just so they could learn how everything worked with ease. Contrary to advice, the Verards had other plans.

“We drove non-stop into France,” Jenny went on. “We eventually stopped in Avignon – we didn’t even know how to plug the power lead into the electric post. But we loved it.”

The Airstream has proven to have been pretty reliable to the couple over the years, with the Verards main aim being to get away for a month every summer – often back to Europe from where they began their Airstream adventure; one of their favourite sites is in Brittany, where visitors can take a walk through woodland and then head straight out onto the beach.

So far, the couple has travelled through France, Spain and Portugal with their trust Airstream in tow. They even used the caravan to go to a wedding near Barcelona. With two dogs, the Verards have found exploring cities to be difficult, but really enjoy the long walks off the beaten path that their dogs have prompted them to take. The dogs have pulled the couple to explore places they would not have thought of going before.

“It’s that kind of freedom that sums up caravanning,” says Jenny. “Whether you’ve got an Airstream or a conventional white caravan, I think you’ve got a different outlook to other people. You don’t want to be trapped in a hotel. You want to explore. You can be independent and cook for yourself, and have your own space at the end of a long day.

“I absolutely love our Airstream, and for as long as we are able to, we’ll carry on.”

Top five tips to alert drivers to early signs of road rage issued

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by Jessica Almeida

GEM Motoring Assist releases warning signs to watch out for following untimely death of pensioner, Don Lock

Road safety and breakdown cover specialist, GEM motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to protect themselves when driving by being aware of early signs of road rage. The advice comes following the death of 79-year-old Don Lock following a suspected road-rage confrontation on the A24 in Sussex last week.

Taken from its Courtesy on the Road campaign, which has been supported by the National Campaign for Courtesy, GEM has released a number of steps that will hopefully decrease the risk of you becoming the next victim of road rage, or simply becoming a bit hot under the collar when it come to sitting behind the wheel:

Always keep calm and show restraint. With every journey comes the risk of frustration and conflict. Make a promise to be patient. Refrain from using your horn or making gestures in anger.
Avoid competition and withstand the desire to ‘get even’. If the standard of someone else’s driving upsets you, don’t attempt to educate or rebuke them.
Don’t push into traffic queues. Drivers don’t like being forced into giving way, If you wait and signal properly, you won’t wait long before another driver lets you in.
Courtesy encourages co-operation on the road, say thank you, say sorry. If you happen to make a mistake, which we all do, or perhaps cut things a bit fine, then a gesture of apology avoids confrontation and helps restrain anger.
Move away from trouble. If you feel threatened by another driver, then ensure your car doors are locked and drive, at a legal speed, to the nearest police station or busy bus area. More ideal places such as petrol station forecourts. Use your mobile food to alert the police. Pressing the horn repeatedly is likely to deter a potential attacker.

“Most of us will have some experience of being on the receiving end of someone else’s aggression,” GEM chief executive David Williams MBE said.

Williams added: “Thankfully, violent and unprovoked attacks are rare.

“We encourage drivers to leave plenty of time for their journeys, which means they can feel calm and in control at the wheel. Stress can lead to risk taking, and this in turn increases the likelihood of aggressive incidents.”

GEM also urges drivers to avoid becoming involved in any situations they foresee as dangerous or risky. If you’re worried about another driver who may be in danger, then stop and call the police.

Caravan Club to host summer parties for The Prince’s Countryside Fund

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by Ellie Pritchard

The Caravan Club hold a host of exciting events this week in association with The Prince’s Countryside Fund

Holidaymakers staying at Caravan Club sites this coming weekend (25 and 26 July 2015) can show their support for The Prince’s Countryside Fund by joining in with tea parties, quizzes and treasure hunts.

As part of National Countryside Week, those staying at rural Caravan Club sites across the UK can get involved in the outdoor fun whilst raising money for The Prince’s Countryside Fund. The charity is led by HRH The Prince of Wales and works with local projects and communities to promote the British countryside, supports farming and educates people about the value of the countryside.

Of the charitible initiative undertaken by The Caravan Club, the Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, said: “We are pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile cause that protects and promotes what the UK countryside has to offer for staycationers.

“Our sites are located in beautiful settings across the country and we are all set for a host of summer parties to raise money for this worthwhile cause, whilst encouraging members to get outdoors and make the most of the natural surroundings.”

All donations made over the weekend will go to The Prince’s Countryside Fund to further its efforts of ensuring everyone is able to enjoy the countryside and spend time in the great outdoors now and for decades to come.

For a list of sites involved in the fundraising summer parties this weekend, click here

The Caravan Club launches search for best UK caravanner in association with BBC2

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by Ellie Pritchard

You could win the Caravanner of the Year competition and be on BBC2

The Caravan Club will be hosting the first ever nationwide Caravanner of the Year competition.

The competition will see the Club search caravan parks across the land to find the best of the best caravanners and motorhomers, and will be filmed for a special BBC2 programme to highlight the event.

Shortlisters will be given a set of exciting challenges to prove they have the best caravanning skills in the UK.

The unique competition will be judged by The Caravan Club‘s chairman, Grenville Chamberlain, caravan expert Andy Harris, along with a sea of other special guests who will be judging the different challenges.

The brand new programme, which is due to be aired at some point next year, has been commissioned by the BBC and will be raising a toast to the passion, talent and skills of caravanners up and down the country.

If you think you have what it takes to win, you can enter the competition here. All you need to do is fill in the application form with the nitty gritty details of your caravanning experience. You will be asked questions about your favourite places to go when you travel in your caravan, your touring holidays and you will need to provide photos and videos of your caravan or motorhome.

Good luck!

Swift Group launches videos dedicated to first time caravan buyers

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by Jessica Almeida

Extended range of videos provide useful information to first time buyers

Swift has launched a variety of videos geared towards first time caravan buyers.

This series, which was originally launched in January of this year featuring an insight into choosing your first caravan, will now include footage on how to load your caravan, tow your caravan, pitch your caravan when you arrive on site and how to choose your perfect destination.

Throughout the 2015 season,Swift has continued to remain active in promoting the leisure lifestyle at all industry shows and through several Swift ambassadors who are Swift owners themselves. These ambassadors have been documenting their experience online via social media and also in the national press – all raising awareness of the industry and have succeeded in making the leisure lifestyle highly appealing and attractive to potential first time caravan buyers.

Group commercial director, Nick Page, said of the company’s video initiative: “Swift TV has been a resounding success. From research we have conducted at shows and also via our online social media channels such as Swift Talk, Facebook and Twitter it is clear that part of the buying and decision making is done through viewing products online, and videos are an incredibly important part of that process.”

Dave Spikey from Phoenix Nights to perform at Brownhills Auto-Trail 2016 launch weekend

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by Megan Henderson

Adult comedy act by Dave Spikey and loads more planned Brownhills launch event

Dave Spikey of Channel 4 Phoenix Nights fame will be performing at the Brownhills Auto-Trail 2016 Launch weekend, which is set to take place from the 18 to 20 of September.

Spikey will be performing his adult comedy act to start the night on Saturday 19 September. Frank Sinatra tribute act, Phil Fryer, will also be performing classic songs for guests to sing and dance to.

If the above entertainment isn’t enough, you can also be first in line to see the new 2016 Auto-Trail and Tribute motorhomes. The event will take place rain or shine, with motorhomes situated within the showroom all weekend long.

On Friday 18 September there will be supper for those in attendance, where you can chat with other motorhome owners and friends. Afterwards, Melody Lanes, a professional double cabaret act, will perform for the crowd.

To really make a weekend of it, overnight stays will be welcomed by way of camping on-site, with Brownhills taking overflow bookings at Smeaton’s Lake, just three miles from the Brownhills site in Newark,once all pitches have been reserved. There will be complimentary buses between Smeaton’s Lakes and the Brownhills site all weekend, both day and night, for visitors’ convenience.

Tickets for the exciting event go on sale from Monday, the 3rd of August for just £20. You can book by clicking here. Those already Brownhills Club Members will be refunded the £20 on arrival.