2012 Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport replace Charisma and Europa

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by Marcus Dubois

Swift Caravans has revealed two all-new ranges to replace the popular Charisma and Europa models for 2012.

Called the Swift Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport, the new models feature a completely new exterior design, as well as restyled interior furnishings. And the names offer an early clue to how Swift has positioned these new caravans. Both ranges draw heavily on the flagship Challenger and Eccles models, but with markedly different engineering for lighter weight.

The Caravan Times team was on hand in Cottingham yesterday for the official launch of the new tourers. And while most of the key details are still under wraps, over the next two months we’ll bring you the first pictures and video tours of the new range, as well as full specifications, layouts and reviews.

Less weight, lower costs

While Swift has taken its popular mid-range caravans upmarket, buyers looking to save money will benefit from the changes in weight and costs. The design team has used the “Sport” suffix to create a caravan that’s significantly lighter to tow, and as such is more affordable.

The new ranges are said to offer weight savings of 35kg to 50kg compared to the equivalent Swift Charisma and Sterling Europa models, without any loss in specification. As a result, we believe these new caravans will fall within the reach of family car owners, where weight has previously been an issue.

Both the Challenger Sport and Eccles Sport ranges feature eight models, with two all-new layouts. New for 2012 is an open plan four-berth featuring a fixed bed, while large families can enjoy a twin-axle six-berth offering bunk beds.

Over the next two months Caravan Times will bring you the first pictures and video of the new Swift and Sterling models, with full details of layouts and pricing. Stay tuned by liking our Facebook page or join our Swift Caravans group

Caravan couture taking over Britain’s tourers

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by Chris Jefferies
British caravan owners are spending as much money doing up the interior of their caravan as they are on holidays to Spain and Italy, it has been claimed.
Terrys Fabrics, an interior design company based in Stoke and Stockport, has reported a rise in inquiries about their caravan makeovers.
Threadbare seat covers, wipe-clean cushions and chintzy prints are a thing of the past, as Brits are embracing this new interior design trend, which has been dubbed ‘Caravan couture’.
Paul McGuinness, Director of Terrys Fabrics, said: “With the British weather being what it is, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be seeing a lot of the inside of your caravan on holiday, so it makes sense to make the interior comfortable and stylish and make sure it’s in tune with your personality.”
He added that there is a certain element of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ as many of the caravan owners he has spoken to are quite competitive about having a nicer interior than their neighbours.

Drivers name caravans as their top summer motoring pet peeve

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by Chris Jefferies
Tailbacks caused by slow-moving caravans have been voted as the most annoying thing about driving in the UK during the summer months.
In a survey by Manheim Auctions, 70 per cent said that they hate being stuck behind slow-moving vehicles, such as caravans or tractors.
Furthermore, bank holiday traffic jams came in second in the poll, something caravan owners are also likely to be familiar with.
Other pet peeves to make the top ten include hot leather seats and steering wheels on sunny days, as well as loud music being blared out by other drivers.
Complaining children were also regularly quoted as a major bug bear, although two-thirds of parents said that they combat road-trip boredom by playing traditional car games, such as i-Spy with their kids during long journeys.
In response to the survey results, Craig Mailey, marketing director at Manheim Auctions, has offered his top tips for summer driving.
“Be prepared for the worst when embarking on a long journey in the summer. Check your tyre pressures, oil and water levels and make sure you have enough fuel before you set off. But above all, try and stay calm and relaxed behind the wheel ,” he advised.

Lunar Caravans announce new 2012 models for Quasar, Lexon and Delta

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by Chris Jefferies

Lunar Caravans has today announced several changes to its line-up for the 2012 season, including four all-new models and eight improved tourers.

The Quasar 494, Lexon 420, the Lexon 520 and the Delta FB are the four new arrivals, all featuring larger bathroom and kitchen layouts, along with larger convertible front beds.

In particular we can report that the shower areas are genuinely spacious across the range, with the circular showers being phased out – resulting in plenty of space for even those who are picky about their elbow room.

Despite all these changes, the weights have been brought down on various models, while some of the list prices have been cut as well.

A more domestic feel

The various modifications being brought in for next year’s range all share the same objective – to make these caravans feel more like a home from home.

Domestic-style furnishings abound, with Lunar Caravans describing the new ranges as something you might see from a high-street retailer such as BHS or Next.

Furthermore, the Preston-based ‘vanmakers have enhanced their green credentials by introducing LED lighting throughout the interiors, and adding an Eco-Camel shower in the bathroom.

This water-saving system was first seen on BBC’s The Apprentice last year and can reduce consumption by 20 per cent, while keeping the shower pressure as strong as ever.

In the kitchen, you get a new Sanyo microwave, as well as… Read more 

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

New 2012 Elddis Buccaneer Caravel: The end for transverse beds?

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Chris Jefferies
The luxury offering from Elddis has been completely overhauled for 2012, offering a range of premium features for truly discerning touring holidaymakers.
Despite the additions and extra space in some Buccaneer Caravans models, the weights have been reduced, resulting in lower running costs.
Continuing our In Focus series, we take a closer look at the improvements on-board the new 2012 Buccaneer Caravel, which features a new bedroom layout.

At their launch event last week (July 4th), Elddis bullishly asserted that the transverse bed is “dead”, as they believe that the island bed layout, as seen on the Caraval, offers much more space.
The popular his and hers wardrobes are available on this model, as well as a longer fixed bed – ideal for the taller gentleman who doesn’t want his feet poking out at night.
Moving to the living area, and the lighting has been overhauled to make way for new LED bulbs, which offer a softer, more ambient feel, as well as improving the overall energy efficiency of the lighting by up to 80 per cent.
New ‘Cardinal Mirage’ leather interiors have been introduced as an optional extra; in the bathroom there are new granite-effect surfaces; while the kitchen has new hardwood worktops.

When it comes to technology, you are well covered, with modern touches such as USB charging points for hi-tech devices and an optional self-seeking satellite dish, which makes setting up your TV a breeze.
Best of all… Read more 

Are transverse beds dead? Do island beds really offer more space?
Share your thoughts in our Elddis forum.



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Stonehenge caravan site to open after 18-month struggle

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by Chris Jefferies
Caravan lovers will be able to stay near the popular World Heritage spot of Stonehenge after plans for a camping and caravanning site were finally approved this week.
Stonehenge Campsite, as it will be known, was given the green light by Wiltshire Council, after an 18-month planning struggle and a public inquiry, the Salisbury Journal reports.
Space will be limited to 15 pitches in the winter and 35 pitches in the summer (March 19th to September 30th), so booking ahead may be necessary to get a space at this enviable spot.
For big events, such as the summer solstice, the capacity may be increased to allow up to 100 visitors to stay on the spot, the local paper adds.
William Grant, the owner, said: “What was here was a derelict pig sty that had been unused for 20 years plus. I think this is a good use and a major asset to Stonehenge.”
Several upgrades to the site are planned in order to attract visitors from all over the world, he added.

Family devastated by theft of new uninsured caravan

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Next week, Caravan Times will be bringing you Security Week – seven days of articles dedicated to keeping your tourer safe. In this news story a couple explain how their grandchildren were moved to tears by the theft of their caravan.
by Chris Jefferies
A couple from Oxfordshire have spoken of their despair at losing their brand new caravan to thieves before they had been able to insure it.
Paula and Geoffrey Day had spent their life savings, just under £13,000, on a Hobby Prestige. Yet just three weeks after they took delivery of the tourer, it was stolen in a well-planned raid, the Witney Gazette reports.
Thieves broke into their back garden in Sutton, crossed a field, cut through a fence and moved a wood pile to steal the caravan.
The couple told the local paper that they were devastated at the loss, as they were planning to use the tourer to take their two and four-year-old grandchildren away to Newcastle this weekend for their first ever summer holiday.
So distraught were the tots that they broke down in tears upon hearing the news that the caravan was gone.
“We had been getting the children excited and packing everything away ready for it. I had to say nasty people have come and stolen it, and they burst out crying,” Mrs Day added.
What’s more, the couple admitted that they couldn’t afford to buy a replacement, as their savings are now completely gone.
This heartbreaking story reinforces the importance of arranging comprehensive caravan insurance for complete coverage from the day that your new tourer is delivered. Taking the risk, it seems, is just not worth it.

Lottery winners eye luxury caravan in £3.3m spending spree

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by Chris Jefferies
Two lucky lottery winners from Hull have said that they plan to spend some of their multi-million pound winnings on a luxury caravan.
John and Susan Denston, who have been married for 37 years, scooped a life-changing £3.3 million in last Friday’s Euromillions draw after Susan saw that it would happen in a dream.
“I dreamt we had won and that we had gone to Leeds and put the winning ticket into the machine. I said to John it would be nice if we got £250,000. But to win £3m was unbelievable,” she explained.
The couple have already partly planned out their spending spree, with a BMW X5 named as their choice of towcar, but if they are still unsure about which luxury caravan to plump for, we at Caravan Times thought we’d offer our top five luxury picks.
Swift Conqueror
Price Tag: from £18,000
If the Denstons want to shop local, then they can choose from a range of caravan makers in Hull, with Swift’s Conqueror option always proving popular amongst discerning buyers, thanks to its redwood and granite-effect surfaces, as well as the Ultra Comfort luxury beds.
Bailey Unicorn
Price Tag: from £17,995
This model would be a wise investment as the Alu-Tech body makes for lightweight towing and added durability. The luxury features on board include a heated towel rail in the bathroom, walnut furniture and a dedicated drinks cupboard.
Vanmaster Occasion TBEW
Price Tag: from £39,950
For coachbuilt luxury, this tourer is a fine choice, billed as the ‘Caravans of Distinction’ due to its unsurpassed build quality. This particular model comes with a built-in DAB radio, which you can even listen to in the shower, thanks to the bathroom speakers. The underfloor heating system would keep the Denstons cosy, while the optional leather upholstery and solid ash furniture all add a touch of luxury to proceedings.
Tabbert Paganini 655 DF
Price tag: from 37,000 euros
If the Denstons are willing to look overseas for their next tourer, then this German offering could be just the ticket for futuristic luxury. High-quality wood, leather and stainless steel creates a truly opulent look, while the lighting can be individually adjusted to set the mood.
Fifth Wheel Inos
Price Tag: from £36,000
A British-built first – this caravan offers a slide-out side section resulting in three metres square of added interior space. Premium features include an air conditioning system and a rear camera for safer and easier reversing. The super-spacious 6’7″ headroom sets this one out from the chasing pack, while the electrically operated entrance step will make a great first impression on the Denstons’ guests.

Three-tonne whale and WWII relic washed up near caravan parks

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by Chris Jefferies
Some weird and wonderful items have been seen washed ashore on beaches near caravan parks during the past week, including a three-tonne whale and a World War Two ‘torpedo’.
A touring holidaymaker got a shock when he stumbled across a rusty torpedo-shaped object on Monfieth beach, while taking a stroll yesterday, BBC Tayside reports.
The caravanner, who was staying at TayView Caravan and Camping Park, alerted the authorities, who later disposed of the 30-inch long relic, which was thought to be a parachute flare used during the Second World War.
A controlled explosion was carried out by bomb disposal experts at 8 o’clock on Monday evening and fortunately the nearby caravan park did not have to be evacuated.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers staying on the south coast at Bunn Leisure caravan park last weekend may have seen an even larger item wash up on the shore – the body of a three-tonne whale.
The cetacean was found on Saturday and since then the council has thoroughly cleaned the beach, making it safe and hygienic for visitors to return, the Chichester Observer reports.
Marine experts believe that the mammal was of the minke whale variety, which are normally found in the Pacific Ocean. The Natural History Museum has been notified of this unusual discovery.

Caravan owners invited to join the Club for Lakeland walks

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by Chris Jefferies
The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced that it will be running a series of walks in the Lake District this September, giving touring holidaymakers a chance to explore the area’s beautiful countryside.
Starting from the Club’s sites in Eskdale and Ravenglass, each walk will be led by Tom Higgs, a fully qualified Mountain Leader, and they will include an opportunity to see some of the most unspoilt and hidden paths in Cumbria.
Each walk has been tailored specifically to be family-friendly, and outdoor enthusiasts can benefit from Tom’s 20 years of experience and expertise in the region.
The local site owners have described the area as a “walker’s paradise”, with peaks such as Harter Fell and even the gentler Tarns offering great views.
Each walk is priced at £15 for adults and £10 for under-17s for a full day and the trips will be offered from September 4th onwards.

Used Caravan of the Week: 1985 Rapido Pop-Top

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by Chris Jefferies

With lightweight caravans coming back into fashion, this cute 1980s Pop-Top could prove to be a real bargain for the successful bidder. Touring couples looking for a super-compact trailer may be tempted by the low running costs of this two-berth caravan, which weighs just 630kg.

Rapido is a French company that was set up in the 1960s. Nowadays they only make motorhomes, but the used versions of its 1980s folding and pop-top caravans remain highly popular among second-hand buyers.

History

This model has been with its current owner for four years, and it has seen action across Europe, including being towed along the Autobahns of Germany at up to 70mph without any wobbles.

The seller describes the Pop-Top as ‘ready to tow away and start camping’ and he claims that it boasts ‘much more luxury than an Eriba Puck’. Despite being well into its 20s, this mini-tourer has been kept in pretty good condition.

Furthermore, the surprising amount of interior space has led the seller to describe this ‘van as a ‘Tardis’, with the simple pop-top extension offering extra headroom ‘within seconds’.

Kit and caboodle

Certainly all the fittings are included, with an Electrolux three-way fridge freezer and a two-burner hob unit. A knob is missing from the grill, but a frying pan is thrown in to seal the deal.

Storage is provided by several cupboards and a cutlery drawer, while the original wipe-clean flooring is also included, along with a mirror and a smoke alarm.

The double-glazed windows should help make your touring experience that little bit cosier, although there doesn’t appear to be anything in the way of heating.

Meanwhile, bedding is provided in the form of a table conversion, which makes for a ‘massive’ double bed, according to the seller. The interior is decorated with red curtains and some slightly dated pastel pink velour furnishings, while the kitchen area comes with a fold-down blind.

All the lights and the hand brake are in working order and there are four grab handles on each corner for easy manoeuvrability.

  • Price: £265 (bidding not yet ended)

  • Gross vehicle weight: 630kg

  • Overall Length: 13′ 5″

  • Width: 5′ 4″

  • Berth: 2

  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details of the 1985 Rapido Pop-Top for sale


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VIDEO: Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary – Great Yarmouth Caravan Club Site (Part Two)

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by Marcus Dubois

If you miss the site reviews and anecodes of the original Caravan Channel since Chris Gosling left the show a year ago, we have good news. You can now watch Chris’ brand new show “Caravan Diary” right here on Caravan Times! The presenter is on a tour of the best sites the UK has to offer and each week we’ll bring you the highlights from his trips.

Last week Chris took a trip to the Norfolk Broads to visit the Caravan Club site at Great Yarmouth. With 115 pitches including hardstandings and sandy grass pitches, there’s plenty of accommodation for all, while as sandy beach is 300 yards away. Yet this week Chris takes us to one of the main attractions for visitors at this time of year.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse hosts a number of race meetings each week in July and August, including a special “Music Live” race night on 3 August where a live music concert follows the horse racing. Follow Chris as he enjoys the sights and sound in this week’s episode.

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