by Chris Jefferies
Choosing your first caravan can be very confusing, particularly with so many layout choices and new terms to get your head around before parting with your hard-earned cash.
With this in mind, Towergate Insurance has recently released a new online guide explaining some of the most popular layouts in the UK, and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
The insurance provider starts with two-berths and examines the different kitchen and washroom options available on the British-built market, giving some examples of the most popular models.
Four-berths are also looked at in detail, with the pros and cons of fixed beds and bunk beds discussed in some depth.
And for those who are less familiar with terms like ‘nearside’ and ‘dinette’, a handy glossary of terms is included to help you decide exactly what you’re looking for before visiting your local dealer.
To take a look at Towergate’s guide to choosing a layout, read their original article: Choosing The Right Caravan Layout.
VIDEO: How Specialised Covers invented the tailored caravan cover
by Emmy Griffiths and Chris Jefferies
Caravan storage covers have been an indispensible accessory for caravans for many years, but how did the highly successful company Specialised Covers start out and what are its plans for expansion?
In this video Caravan Times talks to Founder and Chairman Douglas Long and General Manager Paul Smith about the origins of the company, how the design technique has now become a fine art, and why their tailored caravan cover is so beneficial to protect your caravan.
We find out about the most popular products, the warranty agreements and how Specialised Covers was the first company to produce a tailor-made cover which took into account tow bars, sun roofs and aerials.
We also find out about the expansion from within the company – how the number of employees rose – and their plans to introduce an apprenticeship scheme.
Paul also gives an insight into what we can expect from Specialised Covers in the future.
Thanks to Dickinson Caravans for their help with this video.
Airstream unveils new Land Yacht concept caravan
by Ben Wilby
Airstream is known for producing stylish and unique trailers, and the company has released a variety of concept models over the years with both Ford and Mini being inspired by the distinctive tourers.
And now the company has recently unveiled a more glamorous concept caravan will certainly appeal to the celebrity fans of the brand such as Denzel Washington, Sean Penn and Tom Hanks, who are known for their love of the classic trailers.
Their latest model is the Airstream Land Yacht – a trailer that has been completely converted on the inside to look like the interior of a luxury yacht.
The new model was a joint venture between Airstream technoform SA and Officinia Italiana Design, and helps reflect Airstream’s luxury approach to making caravans that are a little different from the norm.
The designer for the project was Mauro Micheli, known for his work with Riva Yachts, and it was his experience in this field that inspired the luxurious design of the tourer.
Airstream are proud of the caravan describing the interior as “truly yacht-like” something that is clear from the pictures that have been released.
The company also explains that this model “incorporates elements of the finest watercraft” and this is clear when you look at what has been added to the tourer.
Part caravan, part yacht
The most obvious change is the flooring of the trailer, which has been modified and uses high-lustre teak with a white wood inlay boat deck flooring that gives the impression of being on a boat.
This is the most visually striking part of the tourer and does a good job of creating the nautical impression.
Sleeping five people, the Land Yacht comes with a fixed queen-sized bed in the front, helping to emphasise the feeling of comfort and luxury that the designer clearly wanted to weave into the caravan.
Moving down the caravan, and the trailer has a kitchen and full-width washroom area in the middle along with a rear social space for entertaining.
Demonstrating the luxury aspect of the trailer, this space has a gallery that can be hidden away when not in use.
The furniture is all coated in a soft leather to aid the effect and help the tourer stand out from a typical model.
There is also LED panel lighting throughout to make the interior more yacht-like along with this effect most pronounced in the kitchen area.
It is not all seafaring however, and the Land Yacht also features plenty of the sort of things you would expect from an Airstream.
Other features
The trailer also comes with a variety of technology such as two LCD televisions and a powered lift storage area under the bed.
It also has a three-power awning that is remote controlled should you want to dock your caravan up for the night and head for dry land.
Along with this is the silent air conditioning unit which will allow an ideal temperature to be maintained throughout the trailer.
Although Airstream trailers are known for their weight, the Land Yacht is one of the heaviest available with all of the extras adding significantly to the MTPLM which stands at 3,447kg.
To put this into perspective a typical Airstream International which is 27’1 weighs 2,680kg, meaning the additions add nearly 1,000kg.
This brings the trailer to near the limit of what you are able to tow without an HGV licence, and indeed only a handful of towcars will be able to take on the job.
Airstream is not the only company who are releasing concept caravans, with Swift recently unveiling a new Colour Concept tourer.
And if either of these visions makes it into mass production, then we would certainly be looking at a bright future for caravan design.
Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes
Rate a C&CC washroom, win £1,000 of Outwell gear
By Arash Hekmat
If you fancy getting your hands on £1,000 of Outwell Camping and Caravanning Equipment then make haste and check out the latest competition from the Camping and Caravanning Club. The rather inspired name for this latest promotion is the Lavy Looksee.
As you’ve probably guessed already, it involves giving the washrooms a quick once over whenever you arrive at one of its sites. To enter the competition, simply take a photo outside the toilet block after conducting the Lavy Looksee at any Camping & Caravanning Club Site.
You’ll be able to express your rating in the photo by giving the facilities either a thumbs up or – if they were not up to the standards you were expecting – a thumbs down. At that point, simply upload your photo to the club’s Facebook page for a chance to win the prize.
The Camping and Caravanning Club says: “We want you to help us keep our sites in tip top condition and in return, you could win £1,000 of Outwell camping and caravanning equipment!”
Outwell produces a range of great items that can enhance your holiday – from sleeping bags to cool bags and boxes, as well as all manner of holiday furniture that is compact enough to be lugged from place to place in your trusty caravan.
In order to promote the competition, the club has drafted in arguably the premier authority on hygiene in the bathroom, Kim Woodburn of the hit Channel 4 series How Clean Is Your House.
She told Caravan Times earlier this month: “The Camping and Caravanning Club said to me: ‘We pride ourselves on our washrooms, they’re spotless,’ so I went to inspect them and they were fabulous! It was all wonderful – bathrooms are very hard to keep clean as people have very dirty hands. I think people play a big part in keeping them nice too.”
The competition aims to give people just that opportunity.
Airstream set to host an Open Weekend at Cumbria factory
by Arash Hekmat
Airstream has announced that it will host a special event this weekend after being absent from last week’s NCC Spring Caravan and Camping show at Birmingham’s NEC Arena.
To make up for this, it has announced an Open Weekend over the first weekend of March (2nd and 3rd) in which visitors will be able to check out its entire European range for the first time including all new models.
Airstream owners and those in the market for a new caravan or trailer will be able to visit the company’s production facility in Tebay, Cumbria, for the weekend.
There they will be able to check out the all new models including the 604, the five-berth 685 and the 2.5m-long Airstream Studio, as well as a range of pre-owned caravans. With so much on offer, there’s sure to be something that will catch your eye.
If you’re not in the market for a purchase, it still represents a great opportunity to see how the company works and how Airstreams go from the design board to the finished article, all to the highest of standards. You’ll even be able to learn all about creating your own bespoke Airstream.
The site will be open on both days from 10am to 4pm, with refreshments available.
Spring Caravan Show takes the NEC by storm with over 80,000 visitors
The inaugural Spring Caravan and Camping show has proved to be a massive success as a grand total of 83,854 visitors showed up to join in with the fun.
Taking place at the Birmingham NEC, the event was an ideal chance for both caravanning enthusiasts looking to purchase new models and newcomers looking into holiday ideas.
The brand new show was launched this year by NCC Events, and ran from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 February, occupying four vast halls filled with touring and static caravans, motorhomes and camping equipment.
Advance ticket sales had reached more than 43,000 by the start of the show, which was complemented by a huge walk up attendance, with Saturday proving to be the busiest day when over 20,000 people attended.
Although the organisers will no doubt be delighted at the strong visitor total, they still fell short of the standard set by the 2011 Boat and Caravan Show, the last spring show of this kind to take place at the NEC, which attracted 86,988 attendees.
Show highlights
The exhibitors included major manufacturers Bailey, Coachman, Elddis and Swift, showing their latest releases and best-sellers, with a great reaction from the crowds.
The show proved popular with adults and children alike, as visitors were given an insight into family-friendly activities, including rock climbing, kayaking and water-zorbing, all of which made the kids attending excited to be there rather than dragging their feet.
There was also a wildlife section that included birds, reptiles, fluffy critters and, most importantly, face painting.
The show was also rife with celebrities, including dancing duo Vincent and Flavia from Strictly Come Dancing, BBC ‘Operation Iceberg’ presenter Andy Torbet and wildlife TV presenter Kate Humble.
John Lally, CEO of NCC Events, had this to say:”This brand new show has exceeded all expectations. There has been a great atmosphere in the halls all week and everyone has pulled out all the stops to ensure visitors enjoyed themselves and didn’t go away empty handed.”
Did you go to the show, and if so, what was your favourite part? Post your comments below!
PREVIEW: The Caravan & Motorhome show at Chepstow Racecourse 2013
One of the most popular caravan shows in Wales is due to take place this weekend at Chepstow Racecourse (1 to 3 March).
Visitors can swap gambling for bargaining, as the racecourse will be filled with masses of caravanning accessories and gadgets as well at the latest designs in caravans and motorhomes.
All the leading brands such as Swift, Bailey and Elddis expected to be on show at the event.
It’s not all brand new though, so if you’re after some fantastic used deals, there is also an array of pre-owned caravans and motorhomes to see.
The show will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, opening on Friday 1st March and running until Sunday 3rd, with tickets priced at £7 for adults, £6 for seniors and free for kids.
The venue is easy to get to, as Chepstow town centre is within walking distance (just over a mile) and the outstanding Wye valley and Tintern Abbey are just a five minute drive away.
Caravanning is particularly popular in Wales – according to recent research by the BBC more than three million people a year take their tourer there, so expect some big crowds!
Bailey to auction off Approach and Unicorn after royal inspection
by Arash Hekmat
Since the Queen marked her 60th anniversary on the throne last year with the Diamond Jubilee celebration, royal celebrations have been all the rage.
Admittedly, that’s a hard act to follow, but Bristol-based Bailey Caravans has five years on the Queen and has been doing a pretty good job of celebrating its own blue sapphire jubilee over the past few months.
That’s for 65 years in case you were wondering, long enough to make Bailey the caravan manufacturer the country’s longest established UK independent manufacturer.
Yes, the company’s currently in the middle of marking its 65th anniversary and, extending the regal theme, got celebrations underway in November with a visit from none other than Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh at its South Liberty Lane manufacturing plant.
The highlight of the trip was definitely their inspection of an Approach SE 760 motorhome (pictured above with a royal lookalike) and a Unicorn Cadiz touring caravan, two carriages fit for a queen.
In the latest development of this story, it appears that the tourers generated so much interest in the ensuing media storm that Bailey has made the decision to put both of the vehicles up for auction to its Retailer Network, with all proceeds going to a local charity.
This means the company’s partner retailers will have an opportunity to bid for both the Unicorn Cadiz and the Approach SE 760, with a view to then selling them on to customers.
Included in the package is a certificate of vehicle authenticity, a framed photograph of the Queen in the caravan or motorhome, an opportunity to take the very same Royal tour of the Bailey Factory, and a special lunch with the company’s directors in Bristol.
All in all, that’s quite a haul for fans of both the monarchy and Bailey’s selection of caravans and motorhomes.
Even though the public won’t be able to bid on either of these two vehicles, the company currently manufactures over 7,500 units a year, so you’ll still be able to get your hands on either model, even if yours doesn’t come with a picture of the Queen inside.
Enjoy Rembrandt landscapes fit for a caravan holiday in Chatsworth
by Arash Hekmat
One of the best bits about caravanning is discovering the great outdoors. Often times, it’s the little things that make all the difference, like enjoying a view worthy of a landscape painting by one of those old masters.
If you’re heading to Chatsworth anytime soon, you’ll be able to choose both. That is because the impressive estate – nestled in the heart of the Peak District and close to the Chatsworth Park Caravan Club Site – is hosting a special exhibition of landscapes by Rembrandt.
Considered one of the greatest artists ever to take up a brush, the Dutch master will have a selection of works one display at the grand old house from March 10th until July 31st.
Included will be ten landscape drawings by Rembrandt detailing his surroundings in 17th-century Amsterdam.
This will mark the first time that Chatsworth has displayed the works for visitors since they were purchased by the second Duke of Devonshire in 1725.
Entry to this and Chatsworth’s other exhibitions is free with a ‘house and garden’ ticket, which costs £16 for adults.
REVIEW: How useful would the Pioneer wireless speaker system be in a caravan?
The Pioneer XW-SMA1 wireless speaker system is undeniably cool. When it arrived in the office we opened it up like it was Christmas morning, pulled the sleek black device out of the box and, beaming with anticipation, plugged it in.
Twenty minutes later, my colleagues lost interest and went back to their oh-so simple computers leaving me to sit in front of an instruction sheet about the same height as me, prodding touch-sensitive buttons, and becoming increasingly despondent.
How easy is it to use?
Theatrics aside, it isn’t too difficult. It is admittedly confusing initially, though for good reason as there is a range of ways to use the speaker so there are several different instructions and it takes a while to identify the right one.
Once you have found the version that instructs you how to connect an iPod (iPhone or Laptop) to the speaker wirelessly, the pictures and written instructions are relatively simple, but understandably fiddly.
Setting up the WiFi connection via Airplay takes around 30 seconds of waiting, but after that, you’re ready to go.
How could it be used in a caravan?
Basically your device, whether it is an MP3 player, smartphone or laptop, acts as a remote control to select the music and volume, giving you the advantage of a portable source of music rather than having to change it at the source.
It is time-saving, and would be great in a caravan as the connection from the device to the speaker proves excellent as I was able change the music from another room.
Caravanners would have no problem sustaining connection in and around the ‘van, which would be handy if you were outdoors, having a barbecue or relaxing in the awning and wanted to change the music.
The speaker also boasts a low 1.6A ampage, more than reasonable to use in a caravan with no concerns that it might monopolise the electricity limit.
Another positive is that the speaker can also charge your device if it is running low on battery. Obviously this would mean plugging it into the speaker, but it is a useful addition that allows you to continue listening to music whilst the device is charging.
The verdict
After a sticky start, I enjoyed the Pioneer speaker. Once you’ve worked out how to set it up the first time, there are no problems using it again, and there are some obvious perks of using a wireless device on a caravanning holiday.
But the retail price of £199.99 begs the question of how wise an investment this would be for a caravan holiday, when changing the music manually would be relatively effortless, especially when there are many more cost-effective speakers available with similar sound quality.
On the other hand, the Pioneer XW-SMA1 is stylish, it’s small enough to pop on a shelf, and would certainly make you a source of envy for your vacationing neighbours.
Channel 5 Emergency Biker buys Elddis Affinity at NEC show
Mark Hayes, AKA Flaymo from Channel 5’s Emergency Bikers, has bought his second Elddis caravan at last week’s Spring Caravan and Camping Show.
The TV personality was so impressed by the new SoLiD Construction that he plumped for a brand new Elddis Affinity 540.
Hayes told Elddis:”We found that the build quality and finish on Elddis vans was superior to the other makes we had viewed.
“Again we looked at all the makes but deep down I’d already decided I wanted an Elddis caravan again – especially with the introduction of their SoLiD Construction [.] now all I had to do was convince my wife and children!”
Mark saw the caravan when attending the NEC Spring Camping and Caravan show after purchasing his first caravan in October 2011, he reminisces:
“It was an Elddis Sunstyle 524 – a special edition [.] after 16 months we realised we’d been bitten by the caravanning bug and decided it was time to invest in a ‘van with a fixed bed.”
The biker especially liked to look of the sleek, sporty exterior and the design detail inside, but this doesn’t mean he has given up his motorcycling for good, stating:
“I also ended up getting another bike, so this was definitely a win-win situation!”
NCC scheme approval awarded to Parkdean
by Arash Hekmat
A holiday home provider has received the prestigious mark of approval from the National Caravan Council (NCC).
Parkdean, a UK focused Holiday Park operator with 24 sites, is the latest holiday home provider to be accepted into the ‘NCC Approved Holiday Park – Holiday Home Ownership’ scheme.
The mark is awarded in cases where firms can show that they have complied with and exceeded the council’s exacting Code of Practice.
John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean, said that the scheme is used by the NCC to identify cases of best practice in areas including customer service and operating standards.
“We’re extremely proud to have been approved by the NCC and recognised, by independent assessors, for our commitment to high standards and professional service,” he said.
Parkdean hopes that displaying the logo will provide its customers with more peace of mind aobut the quality of its homes for sale.
“We look forward to building on this great achievement by improving our offering even further and we hope this announcement will encourage yet more buyers to consider a Parkdean holiday home in the future,” he said.
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