Swift launches new Esprit motorhome range

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by Damien Sharkov
‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/">Swift Group has announced a new range of motorhomes called the Esprit, due to arrive in dealerships in time for the 2014 season.
This line-up of motorhomes will replace the outgoing Sundance range and will feature six low-line and two high-line models.

All models are powered by the Fiat 2.3 litre, 130bhp Euro5+ turbo diesel engine with a six-speed gearbox and will feature the Thatcham-approved Tracker Retrieve stolen vehicle recovery system, as introduced to all Swift motorhomes last year.
With the insistence of many insurers on tracker systems, Swift claims this addition may save customers hundreds of pounds on their premium.
The Esprit line up also boast the exclusive Duvalay Duvalite mattresses, (as seen on Dragon’s Den) while the interior features the option of fitting stain-resistant Impala seating fabric.
Low energy LED lighting is meant to keep energy consumption efficient, as each model features low level night lights, over locker ambient lighting, an illuminated kitchen splash back and swan neck cab reading lights.
In an attempt to deliver on their promise of assembling a line-up of robust motorhomes, capable of year round use, the new range is fitted with a Truma Combi 6 boiler and winter pack, which includes a fresh water tank, separate waste water tank, drain insulators, as well as a fridge vent.
The Truma Crash Sensor Mono regulator also allows the vehicle’s heating system to remain on while travelling.
The range sees the arrival of two models with brand new layouts – the Esprit 484 and 442, and the revision of the Esprit 444’s layout.
The 484 is planned as four seater, four berth model with a front travelling dinette. This layout has the kitchen and washroom kept in the centre, a fixed raised bed in the rear, allowing for plenty of garage storage.
The other model with a new design, the 442, will be a two seater/two berth with a lounge area in the front, a centre kitchen and washroom, as well as a full-width washroom in the rear.
What’s more, the Esprit 444’s layout has been revised for 2014, from its discontinued Sundance range.
The four seater, four berth motorhome is equipped in the rear with a fixed bed and a full-width washroom, keeping the kitchen in the centre and a travelling dinette in the front of the vehicle.
Swift explains that the new Esprit range has been designed to offer “an unrivalled package” for the motorhome customer with “a high level of specification and mid market budget”.
Those keen to take a look for themselves can visit the Swift stand at the Lawn’s Caravan Extravaganza in Cottingham (7-8 September).


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Skoda releases pictures and details of new Yeti

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by Damien Sharkov

Skoda has announced that the highly anticipated release of the new Yeti will take place at next month’s Frankfurt motor show (10-22 September).
The popular SUV’s 2014 instalment will feature two separate design ranges – an urban focused one, with body-coloured bumpers for a “stylish city look”, and a more rugged, off-road version, retaining the robust black plastic bumpers.
A point of interest to caravanners will be the layout of the Yeti’s new rear-end.

This includes a new form of tailgate with distinctive tail lights, optionally available with LEDs, and, in line with the new Skoda look, two cubist triangular elements alongside the new Skoda logo.

Shifting our attention to the layout of the interior, the outer seats can be shifted across with the middle seat removed, transforming the Yeti from a five-seater to a spacious four-seater.
When all rear seats are taken out the boot volume increases from the standard 405 litres, up to a maximum of 1,760 litres.
Skoda has also confirmed that the new Yeti boasts the most rear headspace among compact SUVs, all thanks to the Czech company’s VarioFlex rear seating system, aiming to bring maximum versatility to the vehicle.

The engine line-up features three turbo petrol engines – including a 1.2-litre unit with 103bhp, and a 1.4 with 121bhp – and four diesel engines, including a 1.6 with 103bhp and a 2.0-litre with 138bhp or 168bhp.
The SUV’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive, with fifth generation Haldex coupling and ground clearance of 180 mm, serve to make it suitable for handling on any terrain.
The new Yeti will also be the first Skoda car to feature a rear parking camera, and an Optical Parking Assistant feature, which can reverse parallel park and pull out the vehicle automatically.
The GreenLine version is the line up’s attempt at appealing to the environmentally conscious customer, producing the lowest CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
Skoda has reiterated their commitment to being “uncompromised in terms of safety”, an aspect for which the Yeti was awarded five stars at the 2009 Euro NCAP Crashtest.
With this in mind, the new model is equipped with electronic stability control and an anti-lock braking system.
Depending on the engine of choice, the kerbweight can be up to1,435 kg .
Based on the Caravan Club’s 85% rule, this would make a Sprite Alpine 4 a suitable towing match.
The new Yeti has not been given an official price tag yet; however it is unlikely to change dramatically from the current models, which are among the most affordable on the market.


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High Court ban issued on caravanning at Clacton Air Show

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by Damien Sharkov

Sea fronts, car parks and open spaces in Tendring will be off limits for campers and caravanners this week, as Clacton prepares to host thousands of visitors from all over the country, eager to watch the legendary Clacton Air Show.
Local authorities have been granted a High Court injunction banning campers from the premises of the show after last year saw a string of caravans and campervans set up around the Marine Parade West, Clacton- just days before the air show was due to begin.
The court order is now in force and runs until the end of August 28, covering specified areas from Jaywick, Clacton, Holland, Frinton and up to the Naze at Walton.
“”Last year the vehicles arrived and set up camp just as we were trying to set up for the air show which pulls in around 140,000 people over the two days,” Tendring cabinet minister of tourism, Alan Gogging told the East Anglian Daily Times.
“For obvious reasons we cannot run the risk of finding ourselves in a similar situation this year and have taken steps through the High Court to have the necessary measures in place.”
Anyone who disobeys the order could be held in contempt of court, sent to prison, fined or have their assets seized.
Now in its 22nd year, the Clacton Air show is the centrepiece of Tendring’s tourism calendar, bringing in £4 million into the local economy.
Highlights include displays by the Red Arrows on both days, an appearance by a Vulcan and a Rolls Royce Spitfire, an unarmed, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with a top-speed of 446mph.

Festival of Thrift set to bring caravan cuisine to Darlington

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by Damien Sharkov

Upcycling your caravan sounds like a great business idea for the aspiring gourmet chef with a mobile home.
Combining the kind of freedom that a four-wheeled home away from home provides with the pleasure of fine dining seems like the perfect recipe for a trip in the country, (if you’re kind enough to overlook that irresistible pun).
Come the third weekend of September, however, Linfield Point near Darlington will see the first gathering of ‘pop-up restaurateurs’, as campervan, motorhome and caravan owners set up camp for the first ever Festival of Thrift.
“This is a really fun idea and we’re looking for volunteers to run their very own thrifty themed pop-up restaurants.” Simon Preston, the man in charge of the festival’s culinary element, explains.
“We’re also looking for van, campervan and caravan owners to lend us their vehicles for the weekend. If people both own a van and would like to cook then that’s even better!”
The festival is attracting a lot of attention to the North Eastern town and locals are excited to play hosts to any cooking/caravan fanatics.
“From running our catering business, we’ve realised the importance of low food mileage, the greatness of local food and how much fun it is to be creative with what you eat” Alexander MacMurray, who owns a deli café at Lingfield Point, told the Northern Echo.
The Festival of Thrift will be held on 21-22 September. For more information or if you are interested in getting involved, email Simon at simon@graceonline.co.uk.

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2014 Elddis Avante: New spec and layout added to best-selling range

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by Chris Jefferies

The ever-popular Elddis Avante range has been updated for 2014, with key specification upgrades and a new layout.

This mid-range collection features Solid Construction, meaning that a chemical bonding solution is used instead of screws to attach the walls, roof and floor to the chassis.

What’s more, this technology comes backed up by an industry-leading ten-year water ingress warranty.

In the 2014 range, Avante owners will get a broad choice of layouts, as well as a refreshed exterior design, featuring feathered graphics and a silver GRP gas locker.

Spec and layouts

To keep you safe on the roads, Elddis has fitted the BPW IDC towing stability control system, which now comes as standard.

Moving to the inside and the 2014 Avante range should be much cosier, thanks to the upgraded 4KW Whale underfloor heater, which is fitted to every model apart from the two-berth 462.

Speaking of layouts, there is a new option available this year in the form of the 550, which is a four-berth, island bed configuration.

This layout has been brought down from the highly popular Elddis Affinity range, which was launched to much critical acclaim last year.

It doesn’t end there, as there are a couple of small changes worth mentioning, which really show off the attention to detail that has gone into these caravans.

For example, you now get a cutlery tray and an updated CD player with a USB charging point, for hooking up all your gadgets.

This comes at the expense of the Avtex TV, which is no longer fitted as standard, however the cabinetry is now more durable with the introduction of dovetail joints.

Prices and previews

The Avante range has always been about good value for money, and despite an incremental year-on-year price increase, this remains true to form.

The two-berth 462 will set you back £15,499, while all five single-axle models are priced at £16,999. The twin-axle 636 tops the range with a price-tag of £18,999.

Avante fans will be able to take a look inside these new tourers at the Lawns Caravan Extravaganza in Cottingham (7-8 September) and the Elddis Factory Preview weekend (21-22 September).

Tree Tops Caravan Park says goodbye to its green-fingered couple

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by Myron Jobson

Tree Tops Caravan Park in North Wales, which is famous for its floral arrangements, is bidding a sad farewell to two of its top gardening experts.

Head gardeners Dave and Christine Ball have decided to hang up their gloves and hoes for a restful retirement at their home at Weaverham in Cheshire, after more than two decades of tireless service.

The park has secured a Wales in Bloom accolade every summer for 21 years, an achievement which is due, in no small part, the help of gardening duo.

The latest accolade was announced on 16 August, with Tree Tops achieving top spot in the holiday park category, and means the couple will bow out in style.

Throughout their time at the park, the green-fingered couple are thought to have put over half-a-million bedding plants into the soil on the 15-acre park near Holywell.

They also helped to maintain thousands of trees, shrubs and perennials in the family-run park.

Tree Tops director Andy Walker has paid tribute to his workers for maintaining high standards which attracts thousands of visitors to Flintshire each year.

He said: “We are very lucky to have staff here who have worked for many years at Tree Tops, and who take a real pride in tending the grounds.

“They show great imagination in their choice of plants and the way everything is laid out to provide a delightful new spectacle at every turn,” he added.

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Caravanners warned about flash for cash scam

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by Myron Jobson

Caravanners beware, anti-fraud experts are warning motorists of a new insurance scam dubbed ‘flash for cash’ where drivers flash their lights to allow innocent drivers in front of them, and then purposefully crash into them.

The scam is employed to use the crash they caused to put in false injury claims such as whiplash and back problems resulting from the accident.

Other claims can include fraudulent costs for repairs and a claim for lost personal items such as earrings. Gangs can gain tens of thousands of pounds per ‘accident’ in this way.

Caravanners and motorhomes owners especially should therefore be wary of these tactics.

The Asset Protection Unit, which helps the police and insurance companies to investigate fraud, claims these criminals prey on expensive cars and vulnerable road users – i.e. those who wouldn’t put up a fight against the incident.

Caravans and motorhomes are relatively expensive and some owners might not contest an accident but might instead blame it on the difficulty in towing a large vehicle.

Some even remove their brake lights so that other road users don’t know when they are stopping according to police investigators.

Flash for cash is a new variation of a well established crime called ‘crash for cash’ whereby drivers slam on their brakes for no reason, giving the other motorist no time to hit the brakes, resulting in a crash.

However, the new scam is even more devious because it’s hard for the victim to prove their innocence in a court of law: it’s their words are pitted against another’s.

Usually, motorists courteously flash their lights to let people out onto busy roads but beware of sinister motorists who abuse this show of good manners for their selfish personal gain.

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Solar-powered RV takes green caravanning to the next level

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by Myron Jobson

The UK caravanning industry has recently embraced the idea of sustainability and ‘green caravanning’. Now our American cousins are attempting to take it to a new level.

Robrady Designs is planning to create a luxurious yet ecologically sustainable motorhome. The campervan is slimmer than the traditional American RV, and therefore more fuel efficient – a good selling point at a time of high fuel costs.

Green caravans is not a new concept, with solar panels on roofs of caravans becoming commonplace in the UK.

What’s particularly newsworthy about the Robrady RV is how its features mark the next step in the evolution of ‘green caravanning’.

While British caravans feature solar panels to charge the leisure battery and keep the lights running, this American RV will have a solar-powered engine.

The sizable solar panels on the roof and awnings and hydrogen fuel cells have been installed as an alternative power source to fossil fuels.

The campervan includes charging points for electric motorbikes and Segways but the most impressive feature is its condensation capture technology, which generates water from air.

This hugely ambitious campervan is still in the prototype stage and there is no indication of when to expect to appear on the British streets.

However, the development of such a revolutionary caravan marks a small step for man, but one giant step for environmentally friendly caravans.

Caravan transformed into cinema for sick child

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by Tom Walsh

A taste of Hollywood came to Winnersh as a nine-year-old saw a caravan in his back garden converted into his own private cinema.

Jack Daly, from Mermaid Close, is currently battling a brain tumour which he was diagnosed with in May 2009. It was removed last year following a ten-hour operation but Jack has had to undergo radiotherapy every day for the past six weeks.

GetReading reported that his mum and dad wanted to do something special to celebrate his road to recovery and transformed the garden into a full cinema experience with popcorn machines, movie props and a big screen.

Allan Daly, Jack’s dad, told the news provider: “All the way through his treatment he has been so brave and all he wants to do is be like other normal children.”

A team from Starlight Children’s Foundation was enlisted to help bring the movie experience to life while a life-size Tardis and Dalek were also set up in the garden.

Highways Agency says caravans need TLC

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by Daniel Mackrell

The UK Highways Agency has released a video guide for caravanners, explaining how to stay safe when towing their caravan.

The agency is encouraging people to follow their TLC check-list, which stands for Tyres, Load and Coupling.

The video has come at a time when caravan safety precautions have been a big talking point, after the EU proposed plans for caravans to face compulsory MOT checks.

The Government looks set to oppose the plans, and many caravanners have voiced their concern that it could see a decline in the British caravan industry if the laws are put in place.

The Highways Agency stated in the video that 98 people were injured in incidents involving caravans on English motorways in 2012.

The high rate of incidents last year seems to have caught the Highway Agency’s attention, and has prompted them to release the video message.

In the video, the Agency urges caravanners to check their tyres are legal and safe to drive with before towing their caravan.

Caravanners must also check the load, making sure there is not too much weight, that it is all safely secured, and heavy items are evenly distributed across the axle.

The final part of the check-list is the coupling, which means making sure the caravan is securely attached to the car that is towing it, with a breakaway cable properly fitted.

As a bonus tip, towers were also reminded to make sure their extension mirrors were in place so they can easily view what’s behind them.

To hear the Highway Agency’s advice to caravanners, watch the video below:

One in three holidaymakers take their pets on holiday, survey shows

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by Daniel Mackrell

A growing number of people are taking their pets on holiday with them according to a new survey, which could come as bad news for some caravanners.

The survey of 1,000 people by flea and tick treatment supplier Frontline, showed that around a third of people now take their pets on holiday with them, while 30 per cent of people even based their entire holiday choice on how well it would suit their pet.

Dogs in particular have been at the centre of an ongoing debate between caravanners, regarding whether they should be allowed on caravan sites in the UK, with some people calling them a nuisance, whilst others see them as great company while on holiday.

Some people believe that the breed and size of the dog should be considered, but many believe that it comes down to small minority of owners who need to look after their dogs better at caravan sites, with the main concerns being mess and noise.

There are a number of caravan sites across the country that do not allow dogs, but equally there are many that do allow them and also provide great facilities, including acres of fields, and paths specifically for dog walking.

Other findings in the study showed that 16 per cent were willing to spend at least £200 to take their pet with them, which shows how much of a connection pets have with families.

A similar study was also released by HolidayCottages.co.uk, which claimed that more people were taking their dogs on holiday in the UK, preferring to travel locally instead of going abroad and leaving their dog behind.

The survey also gave dog owners some tips and advice on how to make sure it’s a happy holiday, such as ensuring they’re comfortable on the journey, keeping them under control, and cleaning up after them.

Holidaymakers are also advised to make sure their dog is chipped, and has up-to-date vaccinations.

A Caravan Times poll back in 2011 showed that 77% of people felt that dogs should be allowed on caravan sites, as long as they are taken care of properly.

Nissan working with Fifth Wheel Co on new Navara

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by Myron Jobson

Car giant Nissan is seeking the expert opinion of Fifth Wheel Company, as part of the development process for the new Navara.

Adrian Parry-Jones of the company known for its range of fifth wheel tourers is due to meet with Nissan’s Global and UK Brand Manager to discuss their new truck.

Adrian said: “I was delighted to be invited to Nissan to discuss their new vehicle.”

He added: “Here at Fifth Wheel we use Nissan models and recommend them to our customers so we want them to be efficient, comfortable and as economic as possible.”

This is not the first time the two car and caravan companies (respectively) have worked together.

Fifth Wheel has previously partnered with the Japanese car manufacture to work on their Navara 4×4, which is their preferred choice of tow vehicle.

The latest discussions will explore how they can improve rear seat comfort, suspension and fuel efficiency.

Prices for the Nissan Navara starts from £21, 545, and it is available in two versions: the King cab and the double cab.

These models have proved particularly popular with caravanners due to the maximum towing capacity weights of up to 2700kg.

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