Elddis Avante becomes first British caravan to win European award

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

The popularity of the ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/elddis/">Elddis range of tourers shows no signs of abating, after the company took home the Caravan of the Year award at a prestigious ceremony in The Netherlands.

Held in Utrecht, the Kampeer en Caravan Jaarbeurs event saw the new Elddis Avante scooped the top prize, with judges speaking in glowing terms about the technical advancements of the firm’s new caravans.

A panel of experts, including Frits Ronner, editor-in-Chief of De Caravan, the Nederlanse Caravan Club Magazine and Aad van der Poel, editor of KCK (Kampeer en Caravan Kampioen / Camping and Caravan Champion), assessed all entrants in what was a hotly contested field.

Ultimately though, it was the 2013 version of the Elddis Avante that came out on top, with each vehicle judged on layout, innovation, appearance, practicality and value for money. This accolade makes Elddis the first UK manufacturer to win this particular award.

Commenting on the award, managing director Rob Quine said: “The team at Elddis and all those involved in the development and launch of Solid Construction are thrilled to have won Tourer of the Year in The Netherlands.”

Solid Construction is a new caravan building method, which incorporates structural bonding into the development of every Elddis tourer.

Strathclyde Country Park due to join the Caravan Club family

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

The Caravan Club will soon be welcoming members and non-members alike to sample the local delights of the Strathclyde Country Park, which is set to open later this month.

Boasting 107 all-weather pitches, the Strathclyde Country Park also has space for 296 storage pitches and 50 tent pitches.

Open all year round, the site lies deep in the valley of the stunning River Clyde in Motherwell, with campers invited to visit the nearby hustle-and-bustle of Glasgow, which is just 12 miles from the park.

The addition of this site represents something of a coup for the Caravan Club, with the Strathclyde Country Park widely regarded as one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers visiting Scotland.

With walks available across 400 hectares of countryside and outdoor activites like rowing, cycling and even water skiing there is something for almost everyone too.

Tony Barnett, Head of Estates for The Caravan Club, said: “We’re confident that the site will be a popular destination throughout the year for members as well as non members.”

The park is set to host the triathlon event at the next Commonwealth Games, which are being held in Glasgow in just under two years time.

Swift reports 27% jump in caravan sales from first day of NEC show

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

It appears that customers couldn’t get enough of the caravans on offer at the NEC in Birmingham last week, with Swift Group reporting record sales at the first day of the event.

Opening on 16 October, the show represents the most comprehensive showcase of all things caravan around today.

And while the manufacturers have been out in force, the level of interest from the wider public has been phenomenal, as Swift Group can testify to.

The company has already seen a major sales boost at the event, with some 27 per cent more tourers sold in the first day of the Midlands show than in the previous year.

This notable increase has been welcomed by all those within the industry, with the rise in purchases highlighting the continued interest in these holiday vehicles.

Swift Group commercial director Nick Page was particularly pleased with the level of take-up for the company’s new mid-range products.

“Over the past 12 months we have redesigned the majority of our touring caravan products in this sector, reducing weights and providing increased value,” he said.

VIDEO: Take a closer look inside the 2013 Bailey Unicorn Series II

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
Bailey Caravans has been making headlines right, left and centre this year, but the real news came with the launch of the Unicorn Series II.
This flagship caravan takes inspiration from the luxury styling of the original Unicorn and adds a double-height front window, which dramatically changes the exterior look and floods the interior with plenty of daylight.
In this video, CaravanTimes meets Simon Howard, marketing director at Bailey of Bristol, who explains the decision to implement such a radical redesign.
He also talks us through some of the key specification upgrades and how the company has managed to reduce the MTPLM weights by around 100kg.
Prices in the 2013 Bailey Unicorn range start at £18,895 and MTPLM weights range from 1,350kg for the two-berth Seville layout, to 1,686kg for the twin-axle Unicorn II Barcelona. For more details click here

VIDEO: Wheel Solutions explains how to torque your caravan wheel bolts

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
One of the most important, and yet oft neglected, caravan chores is the job of tightening your wheel bolts, or torquing as it’s often called.
In this video, CaravanTimes meets Richard Moorse from Wheel Solutions, who tells us how to carry out this task properly.
He explains that wheel bolts can work themselves free if they are too loose or they can shear off altogether if they are too tight.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in a good quality torque wrench to do the job, as Richard explains, and we find out how often this job is meant to be repeated.

No Comments

filed under: Video

Tags:

Top ten things to see at the 2012 NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
The UK’s largest and busiest caravan show got underway earlier at the Birmingham NEC this week, and there are just two days left to head along and see the sights.
With 11 enormous halls and hundreds of exhibits to explore, it’s almost impossible to see everything at the show in just one day.
Fortunately, CaravanTimes is on hand to pick out all the best bits and make sure you get the most out of your visit. Here is our top ten guide:

1 – See the new Bailey Unicorn

The most talked about new caravan of the year has to be the Bailey Unicorn II, and the NEC is the perfect place to get a proper look inside and make your mind up about its radical new design. Head to Hall 19, Stand 29 for a closer look.

2 – Try your hand at archery

Did the London Olympics inspire you to take up a new sport? If so, then head on over to the archery zone in Hall 12, where you can learn how to draw the bow, take aim and fire like a pro. Prizes are up for grabs if you can prove yourself as the sharpest shooter of the day.

3 – Spot the Swift Challenger SE difference

The latest Swift Challenger may look very similar to its predecessor, but the closer you look the more clever gadgetry and luxury touches you will find. See these caravans for yourself at Hall 6, Stand 41.

4 – Watch Matt Dawson cook up a storm

Former rugby star and Celebrity Masterchef champion Matt Dawson will be sharing some of his tips for cooking up a tasty meal on holiday. Visitors on Saturday can catch him in the Cookery Theatre in Hall 9.
Update: Matt Dawson has pulled out of the show for family reasons. He will be replaced by Andrew Dickens.

5 – See the future with Elddis Solid Construction

The team at Elddis are claiming a major breakthrough with their new Solid Construction caravan and motorhome building technique, and they have brought along a dazzling array of tourers to prove it. Track them down in Hall 20, Stand 19.
Click here to continue reading 

Airstream and Co unveil 604 and Studio models at NEC show

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

The annual NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham is certainly living up to the hype, with Airstream & Company the latest to unveil some dazzling new additions to their current range of vehicles.

This year, the caravan manufacturer has opted to highlight the features aboard two of its latest tourers at the event, with the Studio and 604 models wheeling their way into the spotlight at the exhibition event.

Designed for towing by mid-sized 4x4s as well as other standard cars, the twin-axle 604 European Airstream has the usual array of surprisingly spacious onboard features.

For starters, the main bedroom is positioned at the front of the tourer with the option of creating a private bedroom area using the bathroom door, while an angled wardrobe provides ample storage space.

The all-new 604 also offers a rear seating area that can be used as either a dinette or large L-shaped sofa, while Formica Ebony laminate-finish worktops are also present along with Corian worktops in the bathroom area.

With a lower MTPLM of 2,000 kg and an upper limit of 2,100kg, Airstream & Company technical director Anthony Slocock explains that the new tourer has been made to “meet customer demand and enable those with lighter vehicles to own – and tow – the ultimate travel trailer”.

In addition to this latest model, the show also marked the arrival of the Airstream Studio, which offers many of the features found aboard the previous Series 2 model, but with a new versatile twist.

Located at the back of the vehicle is a special interchangeable desk and bed facility, while an additional door at the rear of the tourer adds to the versatility of the caravan as a potential purchase for home-workers or those travelling on corporate excursions.

Mr Slocock explains: “The challenge was to design an Airstream that would fulfil the needs of the modern Airstreamer and provide a practical work space that could easily be converted to a sleeping area and vice versa.”

Priced at £49,970 and £58,470 respectively, the two new tourers are on display along with the five-berth Airstream 685 and the Series 2 Airstream 534.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Dunster House Caravans cuts warranty after NEC no-show

Posted by

by Chris Jefferies
Visitors to the Birmingham NEC this week will be able to see all the major names in the world of caravanning, with one notable exception.
Dunster House, the company behind the Stealth and Concordia ranges, has opted not to exhibit at the biggest caravan show of the year.
The NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show attracts upwards of 90,000 caravanners over six days, and Dunster House’s decision not to attend will no doubt raise eyebrows, given that the company had a significant presence at last year’s show.
Dunster House’s main business involves building log cabins and wooden climbing frames, but the company launched its most recent collection, the Concordia, just over 12 months ago.
Furthermore, the company’s website has recently been edited to change its warranty on touring caravans from six years to six months.
At the time of writing Dunster House were unavailable for comment.

Couple celebrate 45 years of touring with Swift Caravans

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

Two veteran caravanners, who have been touring the UK and Europe in Swift Caravans since the 1960s, have claimed that the firm’s latest model is the best yet.

Barry and Marion Brown first purchased a Swift Group tourer back in 1968. Since then, the couple have been involved in a love affair with caravanning and Swift Group that has spanned over four decades, thousands of miles and ten different models in the process.

To honour their loyalty to the firm, the caravan manufacturer held a special handover ceremony to mark the arrival of the couple’s latest tourer – a brand new Swift Challenger SE.

Swift Group chairman Peter Smith gave the couple the keys to their new vehicle. And after touring the onboard facilities, the caravanning couple admitted they were “amazed” at the latest edition of the tourer.

“This latest model is the best yet,” they said. “The Alde central heating is brilliant for us as we get older, and the Sunroof, LED lights, fixed beds and stylish design are impressive.”

It marks a stark contrast to their first caravan, and Barry and Marion are now eager to take the vehicle out on the open road.

Man wanted in connection with Yorkshire caravan TV theft

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

A Yorkshire caravan dealership has become the latest victim of theft, after a television and jacket were taken from its premises earlier this month.

The items were taken from Catterick Caravans in Brompton-on-Swale at around 2.50pm on Friday September 21st, North Yorkshire Police reports.

Local authorities suggest that the man wrapped the Avtex television in the stolen jacket before passing it to another person in the retailer’s café.

However the pair made one mistake – failing to spot a CCTV camera, which captured an image of one of the suspected thieves in action.

Richmond police are now calling for information on the man. PC Heather Campbell, of Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “If you recognise the man captured on CCTV please contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.

“I am also asking the man pictured to get in touch if there has been a misunderstanding and he is not involved with the theft.”

Those with information on the incident have been asked to get in touch with PC Campbell at Richmond police.

Belvoir Castle to host 2013 Caravan Club National rally

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

The Caravan Club is inviting members, non-members and those new to touring to head down to Belvoir Castle over the weekend commencing May 24th 2013 for a different kind of Bank Holiday experience.

For those three days the idyllic and much-cherished site on the border of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire will be transformed into a caravanners’ paradise, as part of the annual Caravan Club National.

Visitors will be provided with a glimpse of all the best that caravanning has to offer with a variety of live entertainment activities planned and pitches spread across the stately home.

The event represents the biggest of its kind to date, with 2,400 pitches set to be made available and a number of packages also provided to give campers access to the house itself.

“National attendees all say the same thing – that the experience of staying in the grounds of a stately home is unrivalled and that the events are always good fun,” explained Len Short, events manager at the Caravan Club.

“This year we would love to welcome first timers to what promises to be a truly amazing experience.”

The site has a rich history dating back to Norman times, while the house itself was built in the early 19th century.

Club organisers will be hoping for better luck with the weather next year, after this year’s event was cancelled due to heavy rain.

New North Wales caravan park to target fishing lovers

Posted by

by Jack Beresford

Plans for the development of a new caravanning site in the relaxed setting of Ewloe in Flintshire have moved one step closer to becoming a reality after the proposals won local government approval.

Garage owner James Woodcock is eager to turn local land into a site for up to 27 caravans, with the development set to feature a car park, reception and play area along with wash facilities and disabled access features, the Flintshire Chronicle reports.

Under the plans, the area would be open to holidaymakers from March to October each year, with fishing pools also set to be made available all-year-round.

Speaking to the news provider, Mr Woodcock explained the specific appeal of the site.

“Camping and fishing go hand in hand,” he said. “If you’ve got camping you attract families who want to fish. And if you’ve got kids you need to find something for the family.”

The approval of the plans is welcome news to the caravanning industry, coming just days after proposals for a site in County Durham were scrapped.

Update: These proposals have now been rejected by the local committee.