Nick’s News – Overnight parking in Northumberland, sleeping bags and the Knaus Südwind 580QS

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

It’s turning out not to be a cheap one this week, or rather month. It’s MOT time plus, with nearly 90,000 miles on the clock now, my Volkswagen California campervan is due its next full service. Running a campervan, or indeed any motorhome or caravan, is never going to be cheap, but the travel memories I’ve built up over the years are worth an absolute fortune, if only to me.

In the news

Get an import – grab a great deal?

There’s some good news for bargain campervan hunters. JMT Leisure, a dealership that specialises in lower-priced pre-owned motorhomes, has announced a new project to retail campers based on vehicles imported from Japan.

It’s not a new idea, but I speak from experience when I tell you these vehicles can be absolute bargains. For some four years I owned a Toyota Granvia that was imported and converted by Wellhouse Leisure.

Yes, it was a bargain. Yes, it was a very well equipped base vehicle. And yes, it lived up to the Toyota name for reliability. It was a well-made conversion too and we had plenty of adventures together.

Back to the present day, and JMT Leisure, based near Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset, is using the services of a local campervan conversion specialist. It will be selling campers based on Toyota’s Alphard, which is the successor to the Granvia and altogether more sophisticated.

JMT’s boss Jeremy Bray told me: “Vehicles can be tailored to customers’ requests and we will offer a number of variations on finish. While the base vehicles are not new, the conversion is. They are very competitively priced and offer a very cost-effective alternative to your traditional VW and Transits.”

Prices will be around the £25,000 mark, with plans to introduce Toyota HiAce-based models at a later date.

Overnight for less – the Northumberland coastal way

It looks like motorhomes are going to be allowed to park up overnight for a small fee at selected car parks in Northumberland.

Northumberland County Council has confirmed proposals to allow a limited number of vehicles with their own washrooms – specifically toilets – to stay overnight, using their own facilities, in the car parks near the beach at Beadnell, Amble Braid, and the main area opposite Bamburgh Castle.

It’s an encouraging move and will surely entice motorhome users to visit the area and – even more importantly for the local economy – spend a bit more time there. It does, of course, rely on folk acting responsibly and not dumping any waste inappropriately or making too much noise into the night.
The only question that remains it how much small fee will be? That’s still to be decided, as I write.

Caravan crush

Knaus Südwind 580QS – seven up?

It’s rare to find a true seven-berth touring caravan these days, let alone one that gives you so much luxury on a single axle. And yes, it does have a floorplan like no other, starting with a permanent French bed where nearly every other caravan on the market has its main lounge.

At the centre of the van is the kitchen and a U-shaped seating area, while at the back is a triple bunk bed arrangement, as well as a pretty spacious washroom. I told you it was different…

You’ll love the solid feel to the fixtures and fittings, complete with everything from the wider-than-average habitation door (although do note it’s on the UK offside) to the chunky furniture and equally solid mouldings. But you may not be quite so happy with the 1,900kg MTPLM (although this does seem to vary), nor the £40,000 price tag.

Three good: Multiple berths, quality build and it’s something different
Two bad: Pricey and hefty
Perfect for… Serious caravanning families
Also consider: Hobby Prestige 720UKFe

Gadget envy

A good night’s sleep – it’s in the bag

Sleeping bag or duvet? It’s a perennial question when it comes to bedtime preferences in your leisure vehicle. A for me, I use both. It’s typically a duvet when there’s two of us and just a sleeping bag when I’m on my own, although a fully-opened bag also makes for a very effective undersheet.

But who doesn’t sleep better in their leisure vehicle than at home? Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are certainly the cosiest, but they can feel a bit restrictive at times. Outwell says its latest Birch mummy-shaped bags – there are standard, Lux and Supreme variants – are wider and longer than most.

It also has an L-shaped two-way zip that means you can open from the bottom – to allow your feet to cool, for example – or you can even zip two together for a very upmarket duvet.

The Selk'bagOr maybe you prefer the idea of a sleeping bag you can wear? That’s the Selk’bag concept, making them great for sleeping in, as well as wearing when the weather takes a turn for the chill. There’s a range of unisex designs and colours here, plus options include removable booties.

If you do go for a sleeping bag, an additional liner is a great idea. Not only does it give you an extra layer of insulation, use one regularly and you only have to wash it rather than the whole bag. Look out for the Fleece Liner, Thermalon Insulating Liner or Silk Mix Liner or Poly Cotton Liner from Snugpak.

Top tips for making great pizzas on your caravan holiday

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Heading off on an adventure in your caravan or motorhome doesn’t mean you can’t eat well and there’s a vast number of cooking gadgets available to suit the lifestyle.

Among them are pizza ovens and this National Pizza Day (February 9th), we’ve got a selection of tips from Ooni Pizza Ovens about making the best meals on the road.

Kristian Tapaninaho, co-founder and co-CEO of Ooni Pizza Ovens, said: “At Ooni, we’re all about making pizza. As well as pizza ovens, we have all the tools and high-quality groceries you need to make incredible, flame-cooked pizza wherever you are.

“A common query when people start on their pizza-making journey is how to successfully get pizza dough off the peel and into the Ooni Pizza Oven. Practice really does make perfect but there are also some tips and tricks you can tap into, to help you make delicious pizzas, every time.”

Always use OO flour

Using the finely ground OO style of flour will make your dough easy to work with and produce a delicious flavour and texture in the end result.

Don’t make your dough too wet

Adding too much liquid to your dough can make it difficult to handle and can mean it sticks to the peel when you’re trying to put your pizza in the oven.

Stretch at room temperature

If you’ve made your dough in advance and left it in your van’s fridge, be sure to bring it back up to room temperature before stretching it into a pizza shape.

Use two peels

Utilising one peel for prepping your pizza and putting it in the oven and another for retrieving it will mean your dough doesn’t get warm before being cooked.

Flour everything

Put plenty of flour on your hands, your caravan worktop and the peel to ensure your dough doesn’t get stuck.

Check for holes

Make sure there are no holes in your dough where the sauce or toppings could escape and cause your pizza to stick to the peel or the oven.

Shoogle

This is the process of giving your pizza base a little shake while on the peel before the sauce is added and ensures it can move freely.

Go easy on the toppings

It’s tempting to heap toppings onto your pizza, but this will make it difficult to manoeuvre in and out of the oven, as well as your mouth, with an increased chance of them falling off.

Move quickly

Once your pizza is ready you’ll want to get it into the oven quickly to cut down on the chances of sticking and get dinner served up promptly.

Lift the dough as it slides

Lifting one edge of the dough as you slide it into the oven will help you achieve an easy glide. This motion can be practised over time.

Ooni specialises in high-temperature outdoor pizza ovens, which are perfect for caravan trips, after launching the world’s first portable wood-pellet fired pizza oven in 2012.

The pizzas cook really quickly, meaning you can feed the whole of your camping group in no time, after a day of exploring.

Adria explores the popularity of #vanlife

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If you own a leisure vehicle or are just interested in the lifestyle, you’ve no doubt come across the #vanlife hashtag on social media.

Especially popular on Instagram, there are some 12 million posts featuring the tag and that’s before you look at variations, including #vanlifeuk.

So what is it about finding the right vehicle for you, converting it and hitting the open road that’s so appealing?

The experts at Adria, which manufactures caravans and motorhomes, have identified some key elements in the allure of #vanlife.

Versatility

Having a home on wheels makes it possible to park up wherever you like and enjoy new adventures on a regular basis.

This can mean exploring a brand new city one day and then heading out into the countryside the next, or perhaps spending time by the sea.

Simplicity

It’s very easy to fill a flat or a house with an ever-increasing quantity of possessions, but life in a van involves paring back your belongings and making do with the things you have.

This in turn leads to living more simply, which can be much less stressful than a routine filled with the trappings of modern life.

Comfort

Despite a simpler way of life, van conversions still offer a large degree of comfort and it’s all about deciding which elements are vital for you and your travel companions.

One of the most rewarding parts of fitting out a vehicle for #vanlife adventures is finding innovative ways to make the most of your space and still have everything you need.

Adria will be exhibiting at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham from February 22nd to 27th.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/RODNAE Productions

New book leans into the nostalgia of touring caravan holidays

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A new book, which is set to be released in March, will take fans of touring caravans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The Touring Caravan Story: Over a Century of Towing by Andrew Jenkinson will feature tales from those who have enjoyed this type of holiday over the years.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the touring caravan was a status symbol for the rich, but has evolved into an accessible holiday option for many families.

The Touring Caravan Story explores this history and delves into what it means to the British public.

Illustrated with beautiful pictures, you may be able to spot the caravans you remember from your childhood and revel in the accessories that were made to enhance the lifestyle.

Mr Jenkinson is the author of 12 books on leisure vehicle history and writes for The Caravan Club, Practical Caravan and Park Home & Holiday Home magazine.

His personal archive of caravan memorabilia dates back to the 1920s and demonstrates his expertise in the subject.

The Touring Caravan Story is published by The History Press and will be available to purchase in paperback from March 2022, priced at £12.99.

Pre-orders are already open for those keen to get their hands on a copy as soon as possible.

There’s no doubt it’ll appeal to those who love touring and its place in the history of staycationing in the UK.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/RODNAE Productions

Nick’s News – The CCR200, trailer tents, and the Auto-Trail F68

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

A visit to one of the UK’s larger caravan and motorhome dealerships at the start of this week confirmed all you need to know about to current state of the market for new leisure vehicles.

“We’ve got lots of stock, but they’re all demonstrators of individual models and we still don’t know for sure when we can guarantee delivery to anyone who places an order,” I was told.

With no new sales going out, it means part-exchanges aren’t coming in… so we’re in something of a situation of paralysis, with a background of rising prices all round and demand completely outstripping supply.

My month

February for the CCR200?

I’ve now reached month two on my 2022 Year of Touring and there’s a biggie coming up fast. It’s the Cumbrian Coastal Route 200, which I’m aiming to do in two weeks’ time. It coincides with what, for many, is the onset of the touring season. At least a couple of the sites we wanted to stay at won’t have opened. Never mind, there’s still a good selection to choose from.

So, what is the CCR200? It’s a chance to see some 100 miles of relatively unexplored Lake District coastline, from Morecambe Bay in the south all the way up to the Solway Firth. Take the route back again if you want to make it the full 200 miles.

In a nutshell: Go west

Handy campsite? There are loads on the route itself but, if you’re coming up from the south, why not kick off with a stay at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s open-all-year Meathop Fell Site, near Grange-over-Sands?

More at: www.visitlakedistrict.com/information/vanlife-lake-district-cumbria/cumbrian-coastal-route

In the news

A folding tent in actionTrailer tents and folding campers – on the rebound?

Are there signs of a bit of a comeback for trailer tents and folding campers? They’ve long seen dwindling sales but there’s more than a suggestion that their time is coming back around.
Traditionally beloved of teachers who could trek down into France and beyond for extended summer breaks at low costs, plenty of enthusiasts over the years have relied on these uncomplicated units for their touring holidays.

There’s a subtle difference – a trailer tent is literally a tent in its own trailer, unpacking for pegging direct to the ground; folding campers also live up to their name, unfolding and generally offering accommodation that sits off the ground. That’s until you add an awning.

There’s good news too, in that Venture Caravans and Motorhomes has just been appointed UK distributor for Cabanon trailer tents. Northamptonshire-based Venture can trace its history back some 40 years to when – as Go Camping – it was a Cabanon retailer, along with trailer tents from Combi Camp and Conway (the latter using Cabanon canvas and frames). Small world, eh?

Cabanon is certainly one of the more highly regarded manufacturers in this sector, thanks particularly to the renowned quality of the canvas it uses in its products. Other names to look out for include Camplair, Camp-Let (now owned by Isabella), Jamet, Opus, Pennine, Trigano, SunnCamp.

As we seek out units that are lightweight, easy and highly economical to tow (especially if you’re switching to an electrical vehicle), offer optimum living space when pitched and can be stowed relatively easily, perhaps it’s time for a closer look?

Prices look good too when compared to caravans. New Cabanons start at £6,975.

Motorhome for me?

Auto-Trail F68 – two packs shy of a bargain?

Fair play to Auto-Trail. Best known as a purveyor of upmarket motorhomes with generous specifications, it also has little difficulty dipping into the budget end of the market.

That’s certainly the case with its F-Line models – a line-up of six coachbuilts introduced for the 2022 season. Because they’re based on Ford’s Transit chassis-cab, you might just have a bit more luck with delivery than if you opt for anything using Fiat’s Ducato.

The F68 is a pretty classic end lounge layout, a 6.8m long two-berth with extensive U-shaped seating at the back. Prices start at £54,965, which counts as highly competitive these days, although two option packs – Drivers and Lux – cost £1,495 each and will probably prove too tempting to resist.

Three good: Huge rear lounge, Ford base and bargain potential
Two bad: Option packs bump up the price and only the 130bhp engine comes as standard
Perfect for… Anyone who loves a rear lounge
Also consider: Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL, Bailey Autograph 69-2, Pilote P696U and Roller Team Auto-Roller 747

Gadget envy

Take three – another mixed bag

A random selection of three products this week, all with a common aim, of course – to help you get out there and make the most of the outdoors.

Firstly, no camping trip is complete without a good walk… and that’s why a decent pair of walking boots is, for most of us, an absolute essential. There are plenty of brands out there and the trick is getting to know at least one that perfectly suits your needs, comfort and support expectations.

You won’t go far wrong with something like the Expeditor Trek from Berghaus, for example. At around £100 they’re bang-on for price, with a great spec for the money – suede uppers, waterproof lining, mesh ventilation and well-padded.

Pop an extra blanket in your van and, again, I’m sure you’ll find it will become an essential. Something like the Hoodligan from Kelty, at around £45, can be used as a blanket or a poncho. It’s double-sided, with soft-brush fabric and insulation layers, and stuffs into a little sack when not in use.

Don’t forget your base layers, either. Your first line of personal insulation? Again, these make all the difference in cooler weather. Something like the EDZ Women’s Merino Wool Base Layer Zip Neck Top Graphite with Contrast Stitching – that really is its official name – is 100 per cent fine wool that will wick away any perspiration and dry quickly.

Expect to pay around £50 and you get a garment like this that’s a better performer than anything cotton or synthetic.

Is a motorhome escape the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

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Every year, motorhome hire company Goboony sees an increase in bookings to rent leisure vehicles around February 14th.

In fact, Valentine’s Day hires were up 380 per cent in 2021 compared with 2020, making an escape with your other half a great way to up the romance factor.

Spending a weekend away just the two of you is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some quality time and indulge in the things you have in common as a couple.

Whether that’s exploring the great outdoors, cooking up a feast together or snuggling up with a film, all of these activities are well suited to a motorhome getaway.

Goboony has availability on a selection of leisure vehicles to hire for the weekend of February 10th to 14th with different types of couples in mind.

The Ben Nevis is a converted Land Rover based in Bishop’s Stortford and is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten track.

Complete with all the mod cons, including a coffee machine, the London-based Luxury Glamper Van is equipped with everything foodies could possibly need to create a memorable Valentine’s dinner.

Depart from Blackburn in the Lydia J and find a suitable spot to park up and watch a romcom on the 40-inch cinema screen, accompanied by a Bose speaker.

If your pooch is the other love of your life, then explore Scotland with your four-legged friend in a campervan named Pamela Vanderson.

Alternatively, go for a real retro vibe in Lincolnshire-based Orla, a classic VW campervan that can transport you to the swinging sixties.

If you’ve got your own leisure vehicle, then perhaps you’re planning a Valentine’s getaway to a special spot you both love or embarking on an adventure to make new memories.

Cumbria holiday park supports local nature reserve

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One of the best things about going on a caravan or motorhome holiday is the chance to enjoy nature and the great outdoors.

With this in mind, a holiday park in Cumbria has made considerable efforts to ensure it’s giving back to the local ecosystem.

Windermere’s Park Cliffe Holiday Park has raised nearly £3,000 over three years to support Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve in nearby Crosthwaite.

The nature reserve is popular with visitors to the holiday park and will once again be carpeted with bluebells and primroses as the seasons change.

It’s home to the rare high brown fritillary butterfly, as well as other charming species, such as dragonflies.

Susan Dickson, co-owner of Park Cliffe, said: “For many years we have asked our guests to make a voluntary donation to local environmental good causes when they book their holidays online.

“Almost every guest does so, which I think underlines the affection they have for this area, and their concern to be involved in maintaining its upkeep.”

She added that the amount raised is bolstered by a number of events run at the holiday park each year, including treasure hunts, raffles and quizzes.

Last year, such fundraising events were limited due to lockdowns and other restrictions, but Park Cliffe still managed to donate £400 to the nature reserve.

With a record number of advanced bookings in the diary for 2022, Ms Dickson hopes Barkbooth Lot will receive a windfall this year.

The holiday park is home to a number of initiatives to protect native flora and fauna, and holds a David Bellamy Conservation Award.

Some 400 trees and hedgerows have been planted on the site as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme to mark the monarch’s platinum jubilee.

Park Cliffe has pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as luxury holiday homes and glamping accommodation for those keen to enjoy nature.

Nick’s News – Safety first, the Cotswolds for dogs and the Swift Sprite Super Quattro FB

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

Porous alloys – that was the response I got when I posted a story to you last week wondering why my campervan seemed to have a slow puncture. My local specialist fitters could find no sign of anything untoward in the tyre, but sure enough, have a look online and you can immediately find out more about the problem of alloy wheels and slow releases of air from tyres.

It can be anything from some dirt in the beading – sufficient to ensure there’s not a good seal between tyre and wheel – or something else to do with the wheel. Luckily, there’s also lots of information on possible cures. Right, I’m off to do some more investigating…

In the news

Safety first – on all fronts

It looks like the UK’s best towcars are also among the safest vehicles on the road. The safest cars to drive, according to independent assessment body Euro NCAP, include Nissan’s Qashqai, the all-electric Mercedes-EQ EQS, Genesis G80, Skoda Enyaq iV, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen ID.4.

They all scored particularly highly in NCAP’s various adult, child and safety assist categories. Be wary and do check out official towing limits, however, especially with electric models. Skoda’s Enyaq iV, for example, can be as little as 1,000kg, depending on the model. Ditto for the ID.4 and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Cotswolds – going for the dogs?

There’s probably no need for me to tell you about the many attractions of the Cotswolds as a place to visit with your leisure vehicle. An added bonus is likely to be a new initiative to be unveiled this spring.

It’s too early to say much, but there’s a Dog Friendly Cotswolds campaign in the offing. It will start with a new section at the www.cotswolds.com website, so do keep your eyes peeled if you like to take your pooch on holiday with you.

Caravan crushInterior of the Swift Sprite Super Quattro FB

Swift Sprite Super Quattro FB – Six-ing things up

The name’s a bit of a mouthful, but Sprites are built by Swift these days. The Super bit tells you it’s an extra wide (2.46m) body, Quattro signifies a twin axle and FB stands for French bed.

Got that? Being a Sprite means it’s also highly competitively priced. And that also partly explains what is a relatively low maximum weight – at 1,704kg – for what is potentially a pretty wieldy 8m long van.
It’s a very family-friendly floorplan, with its permanent French double bed at the back alongside a relatively roomy washroom (again, that extra width helps), plus the ability to cope with up to four more by adapting the front settees (two single beds or a double) and turning the U-shaped central seating into a double. So, lots of berths, lots of seats, lots of appeal.

Three good: A lot of tourer for your money, twin axle on-road stability and that Sprite value-for-money name
Two bad: Still needs a hefty towcar and ATC is only an option
Perfect for… Families who want space
Also consider: Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Palermo

Gadget envyAwning attached to campervan

Got a van? Get an awning

A drive-away awning is a perfect complement to a campervan, vastly increasing your living space, storage and sleeping options when on site. It’s even an ideal way of reserving your pitch when you’re out for the day. Hardly a new name – it produced its first tents over a 100 years ago – but it’s interesting to see Coleman making an entrance into the campervan awnings sector.

It’s announced three models under the Journeymaster brand, with prices starting at just under a grand, including pre-attached bedrooms complete with Coleman’s proven Blackout technology at the windows.

Coming at this end of the market from a somewhat different angle is top-dollar caravan awning maker, Isabella. Look out for the X-Tension, again designed specifically for campervans. It’s a premium product that comes with a premium price, so expect to pay around £1,350.

The newest addition to the Vango line-up is the Cove II Air Low. At around £570, it still packs in a full range of features, from a sewn-in groundsheet that keeps the bugs out to lantern hanging points.

By the way, all the above use inflatable technology, so they’re easy to put up and there’s no messing about with unwieldy poles, even if the awnings themselves can be a bit bulky when packed down. Key features to look out for, especially with inflatable awnings, include ventilation, how it attaches to the vehicle, windows and curtains, and number and type of doorways.

Torchlight Festival of Camping to be held at Walesby Forest

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A new family-friendly event is to be hosted by the Camping and Caravanning Club in Nottinghamshire’s Walesby Forest this summer.

The Torchlight Festival of Camping will be a members-only event and feature performances from the likes of Squeeze, Gabrielle and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

It takes over the mantle of a previous event called the National Festival of Lanterns (NFOL), which was originally held in 1921 to mark the end of the summer season.

Sabina Voysey, director general of the Club, said: “Now, 100 years on since the first NFOL, it is time for a new generation to carry the torch and for the Club to take the opportunity to reinvigorate a special festival, breathing new life into its line-up and inspiring new followers to make memories of their own.

“From die-hard members to wide-eyed young explorers, this new event will offer everyone the chance to meet, camp, eat, dance and play in an enchanting woodland setting.”

Visitors to the festival can purchase a Walesby Forest Activity day pass for £17.50 per person, which entitles them to unlimited access to activities such as climbing, archery and ziplining.

Getting into the festival spirit will be facilitated with food kiosks, bars, a large campfire and historical displays, as well as the Wellness Sanctuary where guided yoga and forest bathing sessions will be conducted.

The highlight is likely to be a magical light trail with campers asked to light up their caravans, motorhomes and tents in line with the traditions of previous NFOLs.

There’s a wide selection of ticket options available, with a weekend pitch and entertainment tickets for families of up to two adults and four children priced at £199.

All ticket packages come with the opportunity to arrive early on the Thursday for an additional charge.

Look ahead to barbecue season with Weber’s new grills

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Barbecue season may seem like a long way off, but it’s good to get prepared if you like nothing better than to fire up the grill on your caravan or motorhome trip.

Not much compares to cooking outside and it’s a great way to get everyone fed if there’s a big group of you camping together.

With this in mind, Weber has announced its new product line for 2022 and there’s three barbecues to get excited about.

The all-new WEBER CRAFTED Gourmet Barbecue System

This versatile complete outdoor kitchen features six interchangeable pieces of grillware, allowing you to steam, bake, roast or sear right at the barbecue.

That means you could do the majority of your cooking outside your caravan or motorhome, no matter what’s on the menu.

The 2022 GENESIS Smart Gas Barbecue

If flip and serve notifications are what’s been missing from your barbecue experience, then the GENESIS is the piece of equipment for you.

No more wondering if your burgers are properly cooked, as you’ll be relying on the latest technology to ensure everything is done to perfection.

The 2022 SMOKEFIRE Wood Fired Pellet Grill, STEALTH Edition

For that distinctive wood-fired flavour, there’s the SMOKEFIRE Barbecue, which allows you to enjoy both high-heat searing and low and slow smoking.

Built-in grill lighting means you can fire up the barbecue early in the morning or late at night without having to rig up any other lamps.

Jennifer Bonuso, senior vice president and general manager, global product management of Weber, said: “These new products are shaped by insights from barbecue enthusiasts around the world, who crave to create more when they cook outside.

“We answered that desire by bringing together our best smart technology, new features, and a unique grillware collection to enable many different cooking methods at the barbecue.”

Nick’s News – Punctures, insurance and the Auto-Sleeper Burford

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My week

When is a puncture not a puncture? Prolonged stays on the drive at home during the festive period for my campervan only revealed one thing – the slowest of slow punctures. It’s the front nearside and you might remember the front offside had something similar, which was successfully fixed, but now it’s happening on the other side.

Despite checking into my local tyre centre, which took the tyre off and gave it a full check for no charge, officially there’s no sign of a puncture. I guess I’ll just need to keep checking it… or get out more, as it doesn’t seem to go down if there’s regular use. Unless anyone out there has any other advice?

In the news

Insurance – where loyalty means FCA

A little-spotted piece of news slipped by us all at the start of this month. Loyalty penalties in the world of automotive insurance are no longer permissible. It marks the end of that horrible process whereby those of us who stuck with the same insurer each year were often penalised, as new customers snapped up introductory deals which didn’t apply to us.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to which anyone who sells or arranges insurance must belong, has closed this particular loophole, meaning that any private motor insurance premium cannot be higher than the price offered to new customers for the same product.

It’s all good news. If nothing else, it will save you hours checking around reading the small print as you look for a better value premium.

Driving? Don’t drink

I know we get the usual warnings about not combining alcoholic drinks with driving in the festive season, but this common-sense approach applies throughout the year.

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says the majority of motorists are still unaware of when they might be over the limit for drinking with alcohol in their blood system. One particular area of worry has long been driving the morning after drinking. The simple way to complete peace of mind is to take your own breath test, of course.

You can pick up a single-use breathalyser for as little as a fiver. Or you can go all the way up to something like the multi-use, pocket-sized, battery-operated Alcosense Pro Breathalyser at around £150. As ever, the best advice is: none for the road.

Motorhome for me?Interior of the Auto-Sleeper Burford

Auto-Sleeper Burford – a bit of badge engineering

You’ve every right to expect something pretty special for your near £90,000 spend on a new motorhome, but maybe this could entice? All credit to Auto-Sleeper as the only mainstream UK motorhome manufacturer to work with Mercedes.

And arguably it is all about the badge here, or badges, as that combination of Mercedes and Auto-Sleeper is a potent force. For some, only the best will do and that means that distinctive three-pointed star on the bonnet.

A total body length of 26ft (7.20m, if you prefer) and 2.35m width makes this a pretty meaty motorhome. That’s something that’s reflected in the particularly roomy, twin settees and front lounge area, as well as the full-width end washroom.

Needless to add, the overall specification – for the base vehicle as well as the conversion – doesn’t hold back. True, the French double isn’t always the most popular fixed bed offering and you’ll struggle to find other manufacturers listing such a floorplan. Ideally, the taller person sleeps against the wall and visits the loo less in the night. But, if that works for you, check out this range-topping Auto-Sleeper in all its glory.

Three good: Roomy living quarters, extensively equipped (with Premium Pack option) and Mercedes/Auto-Sleeper badge blend
Two bad: It’s heavy and French beds divide opinion
Perfect for… Three-pointed star-gazing
Also consider: Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort T600, which has twin single beds

Gadget envy

Beefing up your vehicle security

Stronghold ApexWhether you own a caravan or a motorhome, you have what for some is a highly describable piece of kit. And that’s why you need to think about vehicle security. There’s no harm in adding to what you’ve already got, especially if it brings you greater peace of mind. And sometimes it can even lower insurance premiums.

If you keep your vehicle in the same place most of the time – at home or on the drive for example – a security post is a great, visual deterrent which you can lock your vehicle to if it has a towbar or simply park up against.

Bulldog’s SA7L Removable Hitch Post, typically priced at around £190, is meatier than most. It includes the company’s own Super lock bolt, ground socket and cover plate.

A wheel clamp is another deterrent where the sheer visual aspect may be enough to convince a thief to look for easier pickings. The Stronghold Apex (around £160 for the most popular 15in-18in version) comes with a Sold Secure Gold rating and fits motorhomes and caravans with wheel sizes 15in-18in, although versions are also available for smaller wheels. It’s a recognised triangular design that covers the wheel nuts and comes with a unique locking plate and a pick-free lock with three keys.

All caravans have them, quite a few coachbuilt motorhomes too, although sometimes they can even be retrofitted. I’m talking corner steadies. A locking mechanism for these will keep them in the down position, making it that bit harder for a thief to tow away your vehicle.

SAS sells its Corner Steady Leg Locks in singles (from around £30), twos and fours, each coming with a hex key that has to be inserted whenever you operate the steadies.

The Camping and Caravanning Club announces Certificated Site of the Year

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The Camping and Caravanning Club has awarded Riverside Caravan Site near Skipton in North Yorkshire the best Certificated Site (CS) for 2021.

Just one of the 1,300 CSs across the UK, Riverside gained the accolade based on votes cast by Camping and Caravanning Club members throughout the year.

Voters are encouraged to name their candidates for best friendly Club welcome, best hideaway, best new site, best facilities, and best CS for families.

Riverside gained more votes in the best friendly Club welcome and best CS for families categories, making it the overall winner for 2021.

The site was originally set up in 2008 by husband and wife team James and Alison Naylor on an area that had previously been used for dairy farming.

It boasts hardstanding and electric pitches, as well as 360-degree views of the Yorkshire Dales’ rolling hills in an idyllic location.

Ms Naylor said: “We used to be caravanners ourselves and then we thought ‘what else can we do to earn a bit more money?’

“We have plenty of land here so thought, yes, let’s set up a campsite! We knew what to expect from camping ourselves having gone caravanning in the past, and the Club was very helpful.”

There are two local pubs within walking distance of the site, as well as a shop, giving those staying at Riverside the chance to park up and head off on foot to find a meal.

CSs are smaller sites than traditional holiday parks and offer room for just five caravans or motorhomes and ten tents at a time.

The price of staying at one of the Club’s network of CSs can be as low as £10 per night. Some CSs offer only the most basic of features such as waste, water and drainage facilities.

Others are more sophisticated with hardstanding pitches and electric hook-ups, modern amenities and shower blocks for caravanners and motorhomes to use.