Elddis Caravans overhaul Xplore, Avante, Odyssey, Crusader and Buccaneer for 2012

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by Marcus Dubois

Elddis Caravans has today announced major updates to its five key model ranges for 2012. The Elddis Crusader is a complete ground-up redevelopment of the caravan, with increased headroom and changes to the exterior colour scheme. Meanwhile the Buccaneer Caravans range is also completely refreshed for 2012 and includes a new grey-and-white colour scheme.

Additionally, three of the most popular ranges have received major tweaks and upgrades for the new season to complete an overhaul of the entire Elddis offering. New layouts have been added to the Xplore, Avante and Odyssey ranges, while there are significant changes to the material used on the exterior of new models.

The return of GRP

The main change for Elddis in the 2012 season is the use of GRP underskins on the exterior of the new caravans. The Consett-based firm is claiming greater durability from the material to everyday knocks and road chippings, as well as increased water resistance. During the research stages Elddis trialled the material alongside aluminium, and took a hammer to both materials to see the results. And according to Elddis the aluminium sheet was easily dented by the hammer, while the GRP material was far more resistant.

The other major area of focus for 2012 appears to have been saving weight. As caravans have become better appointed in recent times, the weight of each vehicle has increased proportionally – causing issues for those with regular family cars. So in the new Elddis Xplore 504 the overall weight has been cut from 1400kg to 1320, despite new interior improvements.

What’s new for 2012?

The 2012 Elddis Xplore range features an all-white exterior with a stylish new rear end. All Xplores now come with underfloor heating, while design tricks have been used to maximise the interior space available. For example the wardrobe has been moved to just inside the door, while the vanity unit can now be found in the bedroom, freeing up valuable space in the bathroom.

Most notable of all is a new mechanism for the convertible beds in the front of the caravan. Called “Easy-Glide”, the bed is now pulled out from underneath the chest of draws using a gliding mechanism – rather than folded out of the seating area.

Fans of the L-shaped layout will be pleased to hear of its return on the Elddis Avante range, where a new Whale lightweight water heater is able to warm up enough for two showers in half an hour. And Elddis are able to claim a first in the Avante 372 range with the Mark II Whale underfloor heater. The firm claims that customers won’t be able to find this in another caravan for the next six months.

Finally, the Elddis Odyssey is now clad in a white and silver exterior, with one new layout found in the 650.

This week Caravan Times brings you first pictures of the new Elddis models with details of layouts and pricing. Stay tuned by liking our Facebook page or join our Elddis group

Camping and Caravanning Club invite holidaymakers to tour the Forests

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by Chris Jefferies

Bicycle lovers inspired by the Tour de France have been offered the opportunity to get a great insight into Britain’s forests as part of their caravan holiday.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has launched the Tour de Forest cycle tour at its Forest Holidays chain of resorts.

These cycle tours will guide campers around several forest trails, taking in plenty of flora and fauna along the way, including fallow and roe deer.

Caravan owners who don’t fancy strapping a bike to their tourer can hire a bicycle at the centre, while those bringing their own can book onto the three-hour tour for as little as £10 per child and £12 per adult.

Alan Gibson, General manager of franchising and Forest Holidays at the Club, said: “Our sites are located in beautifully secluded areas of the New Forest – the perfect setting for a family holiday.”

UPDATE: Bailey Caravans continues to investigate wheel detachments on Unicorn models

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  • No obvious fault with wheel or hub
  • University of Bath simulating wheel loss under heat conditions
  • AL-KO Kober Vehicle Testing Department attempts to replicate wheel loss

Two months after Bailey Caravans first revealed reports of wheels becoming detached from single-axle Unicorn models, the firm has issued a detailed update on its research into the problem.

Technical Director Andi Linklater today revealed a series of initiatives currently undertaken by Bailey to identify the root cause of the problem. He explained that so far “the examination of the units which have experienced this type of failure has revealed no obvious fault with either the wheel or hub assembly or the individual components”.

Appliance of science

Bailey has announced they are working closely with a number of key partners in the industry on the issue. The Bristol firm is currently participating in a Working Group chaired by the National Caravan Council on the subject of wheel detachments. Professor Adrian Hobbs, a specialist in transport safety, has been employed by the Group to look into the potential cause of the wheel detachments. Professor Hobbs has previously looked into similar issues in the automotive industry.

The University of Bath regularly collaborate with Bailey in testing vehicles, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering is using its Chassis and Suspension Dynamometer to try and simulate wheel loss under various heat and load conditions. Meanwhile at Loughborough University the Vehicle Safety Research Laboratory has been commissioned to investigate the causes behind wheel detachments, through analysing activity by the owners of units that have experienced this problem.

Modelling and simulation

As well as working with partners at home, Bailey has also reached out to experts from abroad. The AL-KO Kober Vehicle Testing Department at Kotz in Germany is attempting to replicate wheel loss on a rolling road, in order to ascertain the original cause and experiment with a variety of possible solutions.

Additionally the Bristol firm’s product team are being aided by component suppliers throughout Europe to source alternative parts offered as solutions by the various testing groups.

Advice on tightening wheel bolts

To date Bailey have been unable to find any obvious fault with either the wheel or hub assembly, or the individual components. However they have “been able to eliminate a number of extraneous factors from the search” and “remain confident” that an appropriate solution can be found.

Until then the firm has re-stated the importance of torquing the wheel bolts of a caravan in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Owner’s manual. Click here to read Bailey’s advice on torque settings.

Click here for full details of how to contact your Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre . Alternatively you can telephone the Bailey Customer Helpline on 0117 305 2939 or email helpline@baileycaravans.co.uk

Have you been affected by this product recall? Click here to have your say in our forum topic

VIDEO: Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary – Peak District and folding a Gobur

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by Marcus Dubois

It’s the beginning of July, and the height of the caravanning season is upon us. And if you miss the videos of former Caravan Channel presenter Chris Gosling from around the country, then fear not – you can now watch his new show here on our website. The presenter has teamed up with us to show the best campsites and attractions from around the UK.

In this week’s episode Chris takes a trip to one of Britain’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. The Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath offers stunning views over the Peak District – but unless you like walking up hill, the only way up is by cable car…

Meanwhile, taking down a Gobur 12/2 caravan can seem daunting if you’re new to the world of folding caravans. Yet here Chris makes it look remarkably simple as he packs away his tourer accompanied by wife Dot.

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Coachman Caravans heading to Teesside

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan buyers in the Teesside area could find themselves with an influx of Coachman tourers to choose from, after the manufacturer signed a deal to supply a local dealership.

The award-winning 2011 Coachman range will be sold by Teesside Caravans from their newly launched caravan dealership and service centre in Stockton on Tees.

This new showroom will be one of the largest of its kind in the UK, with over 500 units kept in stock at one time.

The on-site service centre will also sell a range of caravan accessories and awnings, while owners can bring their tourer in for a clean or a maintenance check.

Lisa Pluves, general manager of Teesside Caravans, said: “We chose Coachman because of its reputation for stability and excellent craftsmanship, which perfectly complements our passion and enthusiasm for the caravan industry.”

The Coachman range is expected to arrive this month and customers will be able to buy at the dealership or online.

Veteran fireman saves the day by putting out caravan fire

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by Chris Jefferies

A caravan fire at a country event last weekend inspired a veteran fire-fighter to spring back into action and save the tourer from major damage.

Chris Wannell, a 67-year-old retired fireman, was attending the Strawberries and Steam engine rally in the Wiltshire village of Wanborough with his vintage 1959 Commer fire engine, ThisisWiltshire.co.uk reports.

When he saw that a nearby caravan had caught fire, he reacted so instinctively that he dropped his cup of tea.

“This is the first time in a long time we have had to use one of the engines. It is a buzz and I think if you have ever been a fireman you get that rush of adrenaline,” he told the local news provider.

Mr Wannell was assisted in his efforts to bring the blaze under control by Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, who determined that the cause of the caravan fire was a small gas leak.

Fortunately, no-one was hurt in the incident and the damage to the caravan was only minor.

Silver Bullet Caravans relocates to Kidderminster

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by Chris Jefferies

Bespoke caravan manufacturer Silver Bullet Caravans has moved into a new home in Easter Park, a prominent industrial estate in Kidderminster, it has been announced.

Previously based in the nearby town of Stourbridge, the company makes fifties-style polished aluminium caravans and commercial trailers based around the original Airstream designs. According to Insider Media, the size of their new plot totals 9,200 square feet.

Silver Bullet’s retro Americana styled tourers start at just 16-feet in length, in a design based around the iconic Airstream Bambi caravan. Each model is hand-built to the buyers’ specification.

The company prides itself on its lightweight models, some of which weigh less than 900 kg, while the insulation is made from lambs wool and the internal lighting is provided by energy efficient LEDs.

Prices in the Silver Bullet range start from just £16,995, and whilst the American diner style interior won’t be to everyone’s taste, these vintage looking models will certainly help you to stand out from the crowd.

Why Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie all chose Airstream caravans

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By Marcus Dubois

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are not the first people one would associate with caravanning. Neither is critically acclaimed actor and director Sean Penn. And while former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is famous for many things, owning a caravan is not one of them.

Yet all of the above are united by their professed love of the Airstream caravan. Since the first Airstream was made over seventy-five years ago, the camera fell in love with the iconic silver bullet. Now it seems that stars of the screen have also fallen for the distinctive aluminium trailer. Here we take a look at how Airstream Caravans have become part of Hollywood culture.

When one Airstream is not enough

The undoubted king of celebrity Airstream owners has to be Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. The Texan reputedly owns three Airstreams including an Ocean Breeze model, a refurbished 1958 classic, and a 2010 “Timeless” version which has been fully customised to the star’s tastes.

In 2008 McConaughey was permanently living in the $80,000 Ocean Breeze model with his pregnant girlfriend Camilla Alves at a Malibu caravan park. The large four-berth trailer boasts a queen sized bedroom as well as a full-sized washroom. A well appointed kitchen and roomy dinette made this the perfect home for the free-spirited star.

Batchelor pad

Brad Pitt is said to have a special fondness for his Airstream, a vintage 345 model which he nicknamed the “Luv Sub”. Yet when love hit the rocks in 2005 after separating from wife Jennifer Aniston, the actor was reported to have taken refuge in the Airstream for comfort and sleep. He may need an awning now, as the six berth caravan will not be enough to accommodate him, partner Angelina Jolie and their six children.

Whenever playboy Colin Farrell is filming in the US he likes to take his own accommodation in the form of his $120,000 Classic Airstream. The well-appointed caravan features a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom and shower, and a kitchen with its own pantry.

Three years ago Sean Penn had a scare when his Safari Airstream survived a fire at the house in Malibu he used to share with ex-wife Madonna. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are also reported to have owned and enjoyed the Airstream trailer.

The Airstream in pop culture

Perhaps the Airstream is so beloved by celebrities for the durability of its exterior, meaning vintage models can be brought right up to date and customised to the owner’s taste. And one owner recently pushed the boundaries of taste when she refitted her trailer to include a vibrating bed and stripper’s pole. Step forward Pamela Anderson, owner of an Airstream painted in custom white.

Finally, directors seem to turn to the silver bullet during filming. When Paris Hilton took a cross country trip with Nicole Ritchie in “The Simple Life” she towed an Airstream with a pink pickup truck. Two years ago leading music video director Anthony Mandler practically made an Airstream the co-star alongside Rihanna and Justin Timberlake in the promo for song “Rehab”. And last week Airstreams were seen on the set of Guy Ritchie’s latest film Sherlock Holmes 2.

With an ever-growing band of admirers, the Airstream seems to be the classic choice for stars needing a home from home.

If you would like to join the Airstream Group in the Caravan Times Community please click here.

Caravan owners urged not to leave dogs in the car

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by Chris Jefferies

Leaving your dog in a car on a hot day for anything more than five minutes could be dangerous to their health, caravan owners have been warned.

Richard Allport, holistic vet and principle of the Natural Medicine Centre, has said that, even when cars are parked out of direct sunlight, it can quickly get too hot for a pet.

“Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, they can only lose heat by panting. But of course, when they’re panting it puts more heat out, so they are warming up the car even more,” he explained.

Furthermore, Mr Allport advised tow car owners that leaving the window open a crack “doesn’t work” and added that dogs should always have an easy-to-reach supply of water on hot days.

His advice comes after a caravan owner was recently rebuked by animal welfare services for leaving his dog in an overheated tourer near the coastal resort of Brighton.

The canine, a border collie named Robbie, was taken into care as a result.

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Driver fined for towing 40-foot caravan on M62

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravans are often derided for taking up too much space on the UK’s roads, but one driver has taken it one step too far and now faces a nine-month suspended prison sentence.

A motorist from Accrington was sentenced by the courts after he was spotted attempting to tow a 40-foot American-style caravan along the M62.

The mobile home was roughly twice the length of a normal UK touring caravan and even though the driver opted to use a Land Rover as his tow car, a police officer still described this as “the worst combination” he had ever seen on the roads.

Bradford Crown Court heard how the police approached the driver after he stopped just before a bypass where there was a significant danger of vehicles jack-knifing.

It was feared that if this journey had continued then there would be a significant risk of an accident.

The judge handed down the suspended sentence yesterday (June 27th), which included a fine of £2,000 and 250 hours of community service.

Camping and Caravanning Club add third Olympic site for 2012

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by Marcus Dubois

With a little over a year to go until the Olympic Games begin in London, fans will have already began to look at the options for accommodation. And while the prices for renting hotel rooms and apartments are guaranteed to be eye-watering, caravanners have a number of more affordable alternatives.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has now added a third site to its portfolio of event campsites on offer for the London 2012 Olympics. Westland Playing Fields in the London Borough of Havering is located close to Romford Train Station, giving a journey time of around 15 minutes to Stratford Station (located next to the Olympic Park and Olympic Stadium).

The event campsite will run from Tuesday July 24th until Monday August 20th and boasts 430 pitches on what has been described as “a state of the art facility”. Amenities include showers and toilets, catering and entertainment facilities, and changing areas.

Olympic fever

After a surge of interest in the campsites at Old Gravesendians Rugby Club in Gravesend (which offers 247 pitches) and Culverstone Recreation Ground (221 pitches) the Club moved to partner with the Borough Council to increase the range of accommodation for caravanners. Membership Services Director Paul Jones was “delighted” to add another Olympic campsite to the Club’s expanding collection, and spoke warmly of the area.
“Havering really does have something for everyone and is a great place to live and visit with a thriving community and a prosperous economy.

“The demand for Olympic tickets has been incredible and now that successful applicants are discovering which events they’ll be going to, I’m sure accommodation in and around the London area will be high on their list of priorities to organise and confirm.”

Things to see or do

As one of the largest boroughs in Greater London, Havering includes the town centres of Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster. Half of the borough is in the Green Belt and according to Councillor Andrew Curtin the area has “much to attract visitors during the Olympics and Paralympics”.

“From history and exhibitions at Havering Museum to the arts and drama at the nationally-renowned Queen’s Theatre, as well as historic villages at Havering-atte-Bower and Rainham and the chance to relax in our award-winning parks and sports facilities.

Councillor Havering added “We will be working hard to minimise disruption for residents during the Games, and hope that those visiting us enjoy our arts, history, parks and sports facilities.”

South Tyneside caravan site re-opened after £1.2m revamp

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners have a new reason to explore the South Tyneside region this summer, after a local caravan park was re-opened with some new facilities.

Sandhaven Holiday Park has been landscaped and new pitches, complete with mains water, gas and waste facilities, have been added, the Shields Gazette reports.

The family-owned and operated site was bought from the local council three years ago and £1.2 million has been ploughed into improving the seven-acre park.

Nigel Thompson, the owner, said: “We wanted to add Sandhaven to our portfolio of parks, which includes three sites on the Northumberland coast, because of its fantastic location yards from the beach.”

The caravan park’s upgrade is part of an ongoing regeneration of the local area, which will include a new £18 million leisure centre, due to be opened in 2013.

Furthermore, the nearby South Marine Park has had a £5.4 million revamp, and £2 million worth of improvements have been carried out at Sandhaven Promenade.