by Chris Jefferies and Marie Bleier
Lightweight, micro caravans are often sold as a cheap, convenient way of exploring the great outdoors, but none of them can have such a strong claim to this as the Sealander.
At just 380kg, this remarkable amphibious caravan, which was unveiled at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon earlier this month, is light enough to be towed behind a Volkswagen Golf, and buoyant enough to double up as a boat.
The brainchild of German industrial designer Daniel Straub, the Sealander is built using faserverbundtechnolgie (a material similar to carbon fibre) and features a modern Ikea-style pastel green and white interior.
The large panoramic windows allow you to get a great view of your aquatic surroundings, and you can even take the roof off on sunny days.
Those expecting the premium facilities you’d get with a Swift Challenger Sport, or even an entry-level Bailey Orion, will be disappointed.
In the Sealander, you’re limited to a sink, a cool-box, a cooker and a camping toilet, but the freedom that it offers is beyond compare.
As the video below shows, you can just reverse up to a lake, push your Sealander into the water, pop on the outboard motor and the water is yours to explore.
Ambitious amphibious gadgets
Herr Straub isn’t the first inventor to try his hand at an amphibious camper, though, with similar inventions dating back to the 1950s.
More recently, in 2006, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond memorably turned a VW Type 2 into his ill-fated Damper Van, which sank like a stone during a challenge in Rudyard reservoir.
Due to its waterproof chassis, the German-made Sealander is sure to avoid a similar fate, and the wide, bowl-shaped hull means it won’t run aground, even in the shallows.
Finally, the modular interior can be converted into a double bed, and when it comes to swimming, there’s a fold-out ladder to help you climb in and out of the water.
Daniel Straub, said of his creation: “A product like the Sealander needed a lot of testing, and after two years of developing and working, it is a stunning moment seeing how your baby learns to walk, or in our case, how to swim!”
The Sealander is due to be released next year, priced at roughly 15,000 euros (around £13,000), which is almost £5,000 more than a comparable micro caravan. But then again none of those can float, and you can’t really put a price on that.
Towcar drivers beware: The UK’s uninsured hotspots revealed
Caravan owners heading away on a late summer break might be well advised to avoid the West Midlands and West Yorkshire, as they are the UK’s key hotspots for uninsured drivers.
According to figures released by the Motor Insurance Database, the number of uninsured drivers in these two regions is eight times higher than the national average.
The good news for proud caravan owners is that this problem is in decline, with 750,000 uninsured cars having been removed from our roads during the past six years.
Ashton West, chief executive at the Motor Insurance Database, said: “We cannot stand by and let uninsured driving continue; otherwise the honest motorists will keep paying the bills for the injury and damage caused.
“We are determined to bring UK levels more in line with the rest of Western Europe.”
These figures reflect a wider trend, as Britain has one of the worst records of uninsured driving in Europe – on average, 1 in 20 motorists drive without cover.
Highways Agency issues high winds warning after A9 caravan smash
by Chris Malone
The importance of safety when towing a caravan has been highlighted by a recent incident on Scotland’s A9.
Four people were taken to hospital after a vehicle towing a tourer collided with another motor on the main road near Dalwhinnie.
The highland highway was closed for several hours after the incident, with traffic being diverted through the town.
There had been concerns for one of the passengers, who had to be airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, while the others were taken by road ambulance.
While it is now thought that none of the injuries are life-threatening, the accident serves to remind caravanners of the care they must take when moving their tourer.
Those with tourers at Scottish caravan parks should consider avoiding towing them over the next day or two, with northern parts of the UK being hammered by gale-force winds and storms as the remnants of Hurricane Katia hit Britain.
Yesterday, the Highways Agency issued an Amber Alert for strong winds of up to 70mph the next three days, warning caravan owners in the North East and North West of England to take particular care when towing.
Towcar drivers are also advised to plan their journeys before they set off and expect road closures due to storm damage in some Northern areas.
VIDEO: Swift Challenger Sport – New from the chassis upwards
Earlier this summer, Britain’s biggest manufacturer of touring caravans and motorhomes, Swift Caravans launched a brand-new entry-level range. Named the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport, these caravans will replace the outgoing Swift Charisma and Sterling Eccles ranges.
In the final episode of our four-part video series, Marcus Dubois speaks to the design team Mick France and Chris Milburn about the construction methods used on this caravan. By using GRP for the front panels and aluminium for the sides, Swift have managed to reduce the overall weights by up to 60kg.
The Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport ranges are on sale now, with prices ranging from £13,675 for the two-berth 382 layout to £17,425 for the twin-axle family model, the 636.
Cheryl Cole poses for 2012 calendar photos in retro caravan
As if there were any doubts that caravans are the very epitome of cool, Cheryl Cole’s latest calendar photoshoot should put them to rest once and for all.
The Geordie singer, famous for being a member of chart-topping group Girls Aloud, as well as her number one solo hit Fight For This Love, has delighted her fans with a provocative new set of photos, which will be released later this year for her 2012 calendar.
Whilst the caravan in question needs a bit of a touch-up, Cheryl herself looks picture perfect, wearing a floral skirt and a polka-dot blouse, with a subtle nod to gypsy chic in her red floral headband.
The photoshoot took place in the south of France and also features Cheryl in a Mediterranean-style villa, wearing some outfits that would certainly raise a few eyebrows at the local camp site.
Having been axed from her role as a judge on the American version of X Factor earlier this year, Cheryl is reportedly due to return to our screens next year for the sixth series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Her endorsement of caravanning is sure to delight many ‘van owners, as she was chosen as the number one person that caravan owners would most like to share 24 hours in their tourer with, according to a survey conducted by the Caravan Club last year.
More single parents holidaying with kids in the UK
by Chris Malone
The number of Brits taking their kids on caravan holidays could be on the up, with singlewithkids.co.uk noting that there has been a spike in the frequency of UK single-parent families holidaying in Britain.
According to a survey by Monarch Airlines, 11 per cent of British respondents said they never go on holiday.
Singlewithkids.co.uk co-founder Chrissie Lewandowski explained that this is not a surprise with financial struggles affecting many households.
This year has seen more families leaving their vacation plans until the last minute as “people haven’t been sure of their jobs and the economic situation and whether they can afford it”.
“We’ve also seen a number of people who, instead of going overseas, are stretching their budget over a number of UK trips,” the expert said.
“There’s a wider range of holiday possibilities in the UK now – we’ve had glamping [luxury camping], for example, which is very popular.”
Brits worried about finances but still wanting to take their kids away could enjoy a trip to the sea or countryside at one of the UK’s thousands of caravan parks and campsites.
Alde wet heaters to warm up the new Stealth Concordia range
Often seen as the definitive sign of a luxury caravan, the Alde heating system will be fitted to all the models in the new Stealth Concordia range, it has been announced.
The details of these premium caravans are being kept closely under wraps, but Stealth has confirmed that they have built the Concordia with the Alde system in mind at every step of the way.
Alex Murphy, Managing Director of Stealth Caravans, said: “It is all well and good using an Alde system, but if it is not [fitted] as Alde prefer you can end up with cold areas, like washrooms.”
The Stealth Concordia range will be making its public debut at next month’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the Birmingham NEC, and these caravans will feature Alde heating throughout, including a convection heater in the bathrooms.
What’s more, the Compact Boiler fitted to these models is the most powerful system Alde has ever produced – it can reach maximum output on either gas or electric, meaning you can have a cosy stay even on non-serviced camp sites.
Further information about the Stealth Concordia range will be released later this month, and Caravan Times will be the first to bring you all the key details.
Introducing the Bailey Approach SE: the first motorhome from Bailey Caravans
Perhaps the worst kept secret of 2011 has been the development of the first ever motorhome range by Bailey Caravans.
Having made its name in caravan manufacture for over sixty years, the Bristol firm recently confirmed the existence of the new model series, due to be launched at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2011 in October. And Caravan Times can now reveal the name of the forthcoming range: the Bailey Approach SE.
The vehicle will use an adapted version of the Alu-Tech bodyshell which Bailey introduced to its caravan ranges in 2009, and which is now used throughout its portfolio. The company partly chose the name “Approach” to reflect this new thinking behind its motorhome products, while at the same time promoting the idea of “travelling to” and “arriving at” a chosen destination.
Powered by Peugeot
For the base vehicle Bailey has chosen Peugeot to underpin its new touring range. The Boxer cab is well known in motorhome construction, and has been cited by Bailey as having a “well-deserved reputation for durability and value for money”.
And to keep the offering simple, Bailey has decided to offer a single cab for all models in the range. Working closely with Peugeot, the firm determined the most suitable engine configuration for the Approach SE, as well as the most popular range of options to include.
All vehicles will be powered by the Peugeot 2.2. Hdi engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. With an output of 130bhp we believe this diesel unit is likely to be relatively forgiving at the fuel pumps, whilst still giving enough power to tour in comfort.
Comfort and protection
Bailey appear to have worked hard to ensure standard equipment levels are high. All models come complete with air conditioning and cruise control for driver comfort, while seating includes a pair of fully-adjustable front swivel seats with twin arm rests.
Safety has been the watchword for Bailey during a rigorous testing process, and potential owners will be glad to know the Approach SE is equipped with dual front air bags and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Bailey Approach SE: model range
Initially the Approach SE range will feature three of the most popular layouts currently offered in the motorhome market:
- Approach SE 620 – 2 berth low-line end kitchen
- Approach SE 740 – 4 berth low-line end bedroom (fixed double bed)
- Approach SE 760 – 6 berth high line end lounge
All models feature the Peugeot 2.2 Hdi 130 bhp engine complete with a six-speed manual gearbox, AL-KO AMC chassis and the Alu-Tech bodyshell as standard specification.
Finally, for additional peace of mind, a comprehensive Peugeot 3 Year/100,000 mile warranty and 12 months Peugeot Assist Cover are also included as part of the package.
Elddis caravans boasts of strong sales at Lawns Show
Last weekend saw the official start of the autumn caravan season, with the major manufacturers showing off their new offerings at the Lawns Show in Hull.
Elddis Caravans have claimed that they performed better than most, posting a year-on-year increase in sales, while the other major makes saw their Lawns Show sales fall by around 30 per cent.
The biggest sellers amongst the Elddis range were the new luxury options – the Buccaneer Schooner, Buccaneer Clipper and the Crusader Shamal, which accounted for 60 per cent of all the manufacturer’s sales.
Key upgrades in the 2012 Elddis Crusader range include a scratch-resistant GRP front and one-piece aluminium sides, while the interior headroom has been increased to 6’5″.
Meanwhile in the Buccaneer range, buyers may be tempted by the once-piece GRP sides, as well as longer fixed beds and more headroom.
Those interested in seeing the new Elddis range can get an exclusive look inside the company’s factory on their open day next weekend (September 17th and 18th).
Prices in the 2012 Elddis Crusader range start at £20,299 for the Shamal layout, rising to £23,799 for the Supercyclone, while the 2012 Buccaneer caravans will be priced from £23,999 to £26,999.
For sale: Caravan lover to cash in on mobile Finnish sauna
Luxury caravanners often pride themselves on their heating systems, but one touring enthusiast appears to have trumped them all with his latest creation, which puts Alde, Whale and Truma to shame.
This mobile sauna features a traditional timber-frame construction, with one crucial difference – it has a Finnish log stove in the centre, Small World News reports.
Now, Tony Goulden has decided that it’s time to part with his creation after four years’ faithful service, so he is selling it for £3,800.
Tony spent two months building this barrel-shaped trailer in 2007, and his Finnish girlfriend Merja Stock told the news website that it would be a truly luxury option for anyone looking to trade up for a cosier option.
“Everybody who has been inside it has loved it – so it would make a great luxury for campers,” she said.
The trailer is large enough for six to share a sauna, while there is also enough room to put in a double mattress and sleep in it – once the stove has been switched off, of course.
Tony and Merja have decided to cash in on their mobile hot-house as they are moving house and planning to build a static sauna in their new home.
Those tempted by this unique caravan will be reassured by Tony’s workmanship. “The sauna is double-skinned and fully insulated,” he said.
“It heats up so quickly and you get the best steam. In 20 minutes it’s ready. You can sleep in it on a double air mattress, and cook on the stove.”
Tony also suggests that his mobile sauna would be an ideal caravan for a music festival, but for those bemoaning the dull British winter this may be the perfect solution for the coming months.
VIDEO: Hidden weight reductions on the Bailey Olympus II
Last month, Bailey Caravans relaunched their mid-range Olympus tourer, with several improvements being made on both on the inside and the outside.
In the final episode of our three-part series, Chris Jefferies talks to company Director Nick Howard about how Bailey has brought down the weights on these new models, without compromising on the luxury. Compared with the outgoing Olympus range, the MTPLMs have been lowered by around 20kg, meaning you can use a smaller towcar to pull them.
The Bailey Olympus II range will be on sale later this year, with prices ranging from £14,795 for the two-berth 460-2 layout, to £16,795 for the twin-axle 640-6 layout.
Henlow Bridge Lakes to host caravan rally
by Chris Malone
This weekend will see Henlow Bridge Lakes, situated on the border between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, host a Caravan Club rally.
Starting from tomorrow (September 8th) and running for four days, the event will see more that 150 tourers descend on the site, which features a large rural space that will be used for activities and entertainment, the Biggleswade Chronicle reported.
Caravan Club members from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and North London are expected to take part and Club spokesman Alan Evans told the newspaper that the organisation had been choosy about where to host the event.
“It is the perfect place to hold a rally like this, especially as we have a full programme lined up for everyone,” he said.
Some of the owners will be arriving on Thursday, and the rally will run until Sunday.
Mr Evans added that there will be a fun run for the adults, while kids can get involved in the egg and spoon races and other activities designed for youngsters.
These include craft contests, bingo and a dog show, while live music and comedy will be performed on Saturday night.
Henlow Bridge Lakes also offer opportunities for fishing, walking and private functions, according to its website.
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