Road testing the TentBox Lite

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On a campsite full of motorhomes costing tens of thousands of pounds, it was a Kia Ceed with a vibrant orange roof tent attached that was getting all the attention. Caravanners looked on from their own pitches as we removed the PVC covering to reveal our compact TentBox Lite and using the ladders, unfolded it like a book.

The TentBox Lite is a pop-up tent specifically designed for use on a car and can be attached to a vehicle of any size, as long as you have roof bars. With an aluminium frame, strong canvas fabric and taped seams for extra waterproofing, it’s made from high spec materials, making it feel like it could withstand most conditions.

It certainly looked impressive, turning up on site and going from flat rectangular travelling mode to fully formed accommodation in a matter of seconds. There’s even a mattress inside, so there’s no need to haul camping mats up the ladders. It had, however, taken a significant amount of preparation to get to this point.

Pre-trip prep versus on-site set-up

Screwing the bolts inThe morning had been spent screwing the bolts in place to ensure the tent was fully secured to the car’s cross bars. But this is the beauty of TentBox’s products – they can be fitted to most vehicles as long as you have some bars, which keep the tent fixed in position above the roof.

A number of people have asked me about the fear of the roof caving in and to be honest, fitting it myself and seeing how sturdy the construction is helped assuage any such fears. It is a slightly bizarre concept, however, sleeping on top of a car and the even stranger thing is that once folded out, half of the tent is simply suspended above the ground, although kept at the correct angle by the ladders.

The telescopic design of the ladders means these fit compactly above the tent for travelling. We took a little bit of time adjusting the angle of the steps to get it right and, when the new configuration didn’t quite click into place, used the strap to ensure the rungs didn’t move while in use.

TentBox offers a range of rooftop tents and as the name would suggest, the Lite model weighs the least. At 50kgs it’s still pretty heavy and as two women road testing it, we sought the help of an extra pair of hands to lift it onto the car and off again afterwards. We noticed in the official video instructions that the two men fitting the Tentbox to their car lifted it on from a table, so we adopted the same technique.

The website states that the set-up time for the TentBox Lite is five minutes and once you’re in situ on your pitch or camping spot, that’s certainly true. Initially fitting the tent to the car takes significantly longer, however. Anyone putting the tent in place and leaving it atop the car in a secure location to use it multiple times throughout the season won’t be too put off, but it’s an effort for one trip.

Without any paper instructions, we used the website’s video to install the Tentbox. While this was really useful and easy to follow, the design of the tent has been tweaked a bit since it was filmed. Handily, this meant the tent’s rails were already attached, but we had to work this out for ourselves.

The TentBox comes with all the tools you need to fit it – most notably a spanner and an allen key. Luckily, I had a second spanner in my toolkit, so we could both work on screwing and unscrewing the bolts to attach the tent to the cross bars at the same time. It was a time-consuming task, but with a more sophisticated tool you’d be able to complete it more quickly. Be prepared to get well-acquainted with those bolts though, as they’re the vital pieces that keep your TentBox in place and you’ll want them screwed in tightly.

Comfort, space and putting the TentBox through its paces

TentBox with breakfast tableIf you want to test a tent then camping on a Scottish clifftop overlooking the sea as the seasons change from summer to autumn is a pretty good way to go about it. Although we managed to avoid any rain, there was a steady supply of wind, but at no point did the TentBox feel anything but stable. We decided to shut down a couple of the exterior flaps as a result of the wind to tweak the setup to the situation.

Among the benefits of camping on top of your car are not having to worry about uneven ground beneath your tent or the cold from the pitch seeping in either. In fact, it was quite cosy inside the TentBox, with the robust mattress more comfortable than most other camping options I’ve experienced. There was plenty of room for two adults and various possessions, as well as conveniently placed pockets and a spot from which to hang a camping lamp.

TentBox Lite – Yes or no?Packed up TentBox

My top tip for camping in a TentBox would be to bag yourself a picturesque spot to pitch up for the night. The elevated position of your tent offers an unprecedented vantage point and waking up to views over Bass Rock was undoubtedly a memorable experience. While a TentBox doesn’t offer all the luxuries of a caravan or motorhome, it helps to bring the humble camper into closer competition without paying out thousands of pounds.

In terms of practicalities, transporting your tent on the roof also frees up plenty of boot space for the all-important breakfast making set-up. I can see why TentBoxes are popular with outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who need a lot of kit but want to maintain a sense of ease to get up and hit the road. I’m just pleased we road tested the lighter TentBox model, as despite being compact, it took some heft to get it on the car.

TentBox products are undoubtedly well made and well designed. If you’re looking to invest a bit more in your camping trips without going full motorhome, a TentBox is definitely a viable solution. Just make sure you’re ready to receive some attention from fellow campers next time you pitch up!

Nick’s News – Jerba Campers, the end of John Cross, and the Sprite Alpine 4

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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

Are you thinking of buying a brand-new touring caravan or motorhome for use next year? I’m going to be the bringer of bad news, I’m afraid. Your dealer will go through estimated delivery times with you and yes, I’m afraid at this stage they will only be estimates, and probably optimistic ones at that.

But there will also be disclaimers about price rises, with almost a 100 per cent probability that they will go up. That’s mainly because of the soaring prices of raw materials and plastics, plus key items such as silicon chips, not to mention a backdrop of supply challenges generally.

Still want to go ahead? If yes, I offer you a little bit of advice: keep your deposit to a minimum and make your money work for you elsewhere instead.

In the newsSimon Poole

Jerba and its employee-owned model

I’ve been speaking to Simon Poole, who is the boss of Jerba, a campervan converter based in North Berwick. He and his partner Cath founded Jerba back in 2006, before making it an employee-owned company in 2018. It’s a way of giving staff a bigger say in how a company is run and Simon says it’s really fulfilling.

He added: “People ask me what I’ve really enjoyed about the business and it’s walking out the door of an evening and knowing that I’ve given really good jobs to 15 people. We give bonuses out each year and by this time next year the company will have no debt whatsoever.

“In the not-too-distant-future, some of the staff will be receiving bonuses that, for them, will be life-changing. It gives them real job security and makes them financially secure into the future. It’s a really good story.”

He also cites the employee-ownership model as a key reason why folk buy a Jerba campervan, as well as reckoning it’s far less stressful because everyone is pulling together.

It sounds like a great way to run a business. I’m just surprised others across the leisure vehicles sector haven’t gone down the same route.

John Cross – gone

I was sorry to hear about the John Cross dealership in East Sussex going under. Owner Jaycross Ltd went into administration in August, after owner-director Peter Bartlett sadly passed away in 2020 and the business never re-opened after lockdown.

It’s somewhat amazing to think any retailer of motorhomes or caravans could be struggling at the moment, albeit the biggest single challenge for all of them is getting stock to sell. Nevertheless, all manner of circumstances seemed to conspire against John Cross.

There was an auction of the company’s remaining stock, which consisted of some six motorhomes and quite a variety of accessories. I understand a small number of motorhomes, which the company was due to sell on behalf of private individuals on a sale-or-return basis, were returned to their owners.

I hope the employees, who were on the furlough scheme, find alternative employment sooner rather than later.

Van Live! – coming your way

As socially distanced events go, Van Live! surely is the best. This year’s edition is the third such event brought straight to you by the publisher of the Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines.

It all takes place October 18th to 25th and you can sign in to see halls devoted to UK-made vehicles, imports, dealers, campsites, accessories, advice and more.

You even get to download your own goodie bag!

Caravan crushInterior of the Sprite Alpine 4

Sprite Alpine 4 – feeling a bit French

My goodness, if your Sprite memories are of caravans that pushed the boundaries at the budget end of the market, you’ll get quite a shock when you look at the current offerings.

The marque, under the ownership of Swift these days, heads into 2022 with an 11-model line-up and, while the Alpine 4 probably won’t be one of the bestsellers, an MTPLM of 1,284kg is light and attractive.

But it’s also one of the better executions I’ve seen of a rear French bed floorplan. That’s partly because of the washroom configuration being adjacent. Instead of cramming the basin, toilet and shower into the washroom, which so often also means also compromising the bed, the Alpine 4 puts the handbasin outside the washroom, albeit also handily bedside.

New for 2022 features include the Dometic series 10 98-litre fridge, extra USB ports and the like. And Swift has long excelled at turning out smart looking leisure vehicles.

Some £20,000 gets you a brand-new Sprite Alpine 4 nowadays and that’s considered a budget leisure vehicle That’s the price of progress, I guess, although do note French bed models like this don’t feature in many manufacturers’ portfolios now.

Three good: Great value, good French bed formula and smart styling
Two bad: Price creep and a floorplan that seems to be losing favour
Perfect for… Keeping the price down and the luxury up
Also consider: Bailey Phoenix+ 440

CaravanTimes’ Dan Cartwright on Towcar of the Year 2022

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The winners of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2022 have just been announced and we’ve got the inside scoop from our very own Dan Cartwright, who just so happens to be one of the judges.

Dan spent a week at the Technical Union for the Automobile Motorcycle and Cycle Industries’ (UTAC) Millbrook Proving Ground helping to put the vehicles through their paces.

He has been a driving judge at the awards for four years and explained to CaravanTimes why these awards are so useful for caravanners.

The importance of Towcar of the Year

Towing is an issue that affects caravanners specifically and it’s very hard to understand whether a vehicle will be a good towcar just by looking at it.

Dan told us: “I also judge things like the Caravan Design Awards and the Motorhome Innovation Awards, and this one to me is probably the single most important for caravans. The reason is that as much as you can test drive a vehicle, you very very rarely get the chance to test drive towing.

“The difference in each class between winners and cars that don’t win can be huge. There’s no way of telling from statistics or from power-weight ratios, torque ratios or gearing whether or not a particular car will be a good tower.”

It’s up to the experts on the Towcar of the Year judging panel to put the vehicles to the test and answer the questions caravanners have when looking for a new towcar, because it can make or break a holiday.

Dan added: “The disparity between having a car that tows well and a car that doesn’t is huge. With some of our winners, you don’t even notice that you’re towing and it’s an absolute joy. Whereas with some cars, it can make the start of your holiday actually quite cumbersome and annoying if they’re not a good towcar.

“We’re doing this because members and caravanners can’t actually go and test a new car and a caravan together.”

Comprehensive testing

Dan praised the way that the tests are run, stating that all caravans are weighted and assessed to exactly their towing limit. They’re scrutinised in detail in what can only be described as a comprehensively complex and fair trial.

“The test itself involves doing different laps of the Millbrook Proving Ground. So we do everything from mountain routes to see how these things cope on extreme highs, lows, turns and very steep gradients, both up and down; through to how they perform in motorway situations around a high-speed bowl,” he told us.

Dan’s highlights

As an experienced judge in multiple caravan awards over the years, Dan explained what he considers to be his highlights from Towcar of the Year 2022.

“What stands out for me about this year’s awards is the range of manufacturers and vehicles that have actually won. And if you look at the winners here, we’ve got a Skoda, a SEAT, a VW, a Nissan, another VW, a Volvo, a Porsche, two Fords and a SsangYong.

“It’s really promising that while in previous years there have been certain manufacturers that have dominated multiple classes, whereas what I really like about this is there are cars here that tow really well that are really accessible. These are cars that people probably already have sitting on their driveway.”

“These are cars that people have not only as towcars; you can get a towball fitted and try caravanning. It feels that there are a lot of accessible cars in this. It’s not dominated by huge expensive 4x4s; there are a lot of cars that people could potentially already own and would want as a non-towcar anyway.”

This helps to banish the idea that holidaymakers need to go and buy a large 4×4 to tow their caravan.

“The right weight caravan on a small car is actually a joy to tow with,” Dan summarised.

What do this year’s awards say about the industry?

Towcar of the Year offers an interesting insight into the caravan industry as a whole and the trends manufacturers are tapping into.

With 2020 and 2021 seeing a huge boom in caravanning, towcars have become more of a consideration for many people than ever before, so looking ahead to 2022 and what’s on offer is truly fascinating.

Dan told CaravanTimes: “The key this year is that the whole industry has got more options available, depending on your licence restrictions and things like that. There are more small, lightweight caravans and there are more small, lightweight cars that are really good at towing.

“We know that not everybody here is going to run out and buy a brand new car. The Club’s been doing this for 15 years, so you can go back and look at the listings from previous years. If you’re looking at a three or four-year-old car as a towcar and you want to see what was a good towcar that year, you can go back and all the information is on the Caravan and Motorhome Club site.”

This allows caravanners to select a towcar that suits their budget knowing it will be up to the task, because it was among the best towcars in the year it was released.

Dan said: “With more smaller cars and more caravan manufacturers making more small, light and family-orientated caravans, it’s becoming easier and easier and easier for anyone to hook up and go!”

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2022 is… the SEAT Leon Estate

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The judges have spoken and the winner of the 39th Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year competition is the SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS.

After a week of vigorous testing at the Technical Union for the Automobile Motorcycle and Cycle Industries’ (UTAC) Millbrook Proving Ground, it was the SEAT that took the overall top spot.

Putting towcars through their paces

The unique and demanding track really put the vehicle through its paces as a towcar, demonstrating its performance in a selection of scenarios.

What’s great about the SEAT Leon is that it’s an all-round family estate and the judges were impressed with the 1.5-litre TSi petrol engine, which worked well with the seven-speed auto gearbox.

After handling the faster sections of the route with calm composure, the SEAT Leon didn’t disappoint on the hilly, twistier roads either. It felt agile with the engine coping really well with the inclines.

What’s more, there’s no shortage of room inside the vehicle to stash all your touring equipment, including a decent-sized boot.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said, “With the rise in popularity of the staycation, it’s more important than ever that the Club continues to provide qualified and unbiased information for its one million members to help them to find the right towcar for their needs.

“We’ve also been receiving an increasing number of enquiries about the technicalities and practicalities of towing with hybrid and electric vehicles so it’s fantastic news we are seeing a boom in competition entrants and winners in these categories.”

After the Club’s scrutiny team had assessed the towcars in fine detail, they were handed over to groups of specialised judges, including CaravanTimes’ own Dan Cartwright.

They drew conclusions on everything from driving to caravanability, which covers practical elements like measuring the towball height, both solo and hitched up, and checked the towing information provided in the manufacturer’s handbook.

The right towcar for youThe SEAT Leon Estate

While the SEAT Leon was the overall winner of Towcar of the Year 2022, 11 other vehicles won in a variety of categories, including accolades for pick-ups, electric vehicles and hybrids.

Some 32 entrants were put into caravan weight categories, instead of being listed by price, to facilitate buyers in knowing which cars could tow their caravans.

Here are the winners in each category:

Caravan Weight Under 1100kg and Electric Vehicles
ŠKODA Enyaq iV 80 Lounge 82 kWh 204 PS DSG

Caravan Weight 1100 – 1200kg and Overall Winner
SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS

Caravan Weight 1200 – 1300kg
Volkswagen Golf R-Line 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG

Caravan Weight 1300 – 1400kg
Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ (Xtronic)

Caravan Weight 1400 – 1500kg
Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake R-Line 2.0 TDI 200PS DSG

Caravan Weight 1500 – 1700kg
Volvo XC40 Recharge pure electric AWD

Caravan Weight Over 1700kg
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 8-Speed Tiptronic S

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Volvo V60 Recharge plug-in hybrid T6 AWD

Family Towcar
Ford Kuga ST-Line X Diesel mhev

Large Family Towcar
Ford S-Max FHEV ST-Line

Pick-up
SsangYong P Musso Rhino Auto

Nick’s News – New trailer limits, a long-distance route in Cumbria and the Pilote P626D Évidence

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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 quieter week this week, although there’s a definite highlight on the leisure vehicle front. I’m due to go and review the Chausson Combo X550 motorhome at the Highbridge Caravans dealership in Somerset.

While it doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, this latest Chausson from a company that’s never afraid to try something different, really does promise to be a bit special. It’s a compact, slimline model with what is starting to become the usual, space-efficient drop-down double bed and more.

In the news

New trailer limits mean a weighty towing issue

The idea that tests for those who are considering towing larger outfits are to be dropped does not seem like a good one to me. Surely overall road safety is paramount?

It’s all down to the lack of commercial drivers (lorries, primarily) and the prospect of a “quick fix”. However, a loophole has been created whereby if you passed your full driving test before January 1st 1997, you will be able to tow trailers up to 3,500kg laden. That’s far more than any typical touring caravan here in the UK.

This represents a step change from the current situation whereby that critical date meant newer drivers could only tow with a maximum total outfit limit of 3,500kg. That’s a car or caravan to you or me.

You can get more information by emailing customerservices@dvsa.org.uk. All I can say is, at a time when the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reporting up to one in six caravans stopped on our roads had a serious safety issue, the last thing fellow road users need is inexperienced drivers heading out with hefty outfits.

New model news – coming in dribs and drabs

I’m expecting news of the latest motorhome models to trickle out for the season ahead, with fanfare launches being kept to a minimum. That’s because manufacturers are still wary of getting the parts they want when they need them, as well as difficulties recruiting production staff.

I can tell you about some interesting stuff in the pipeline, though. First, look to Chausson, which is planning to announce a couple of lower-priced Ford Transit-based low-profiles under the name S. They’ll be slim on width too, at 2.10m.

The same company is also set to unveil a new Combo model. The X660 will complement the X550 which debuted in the 2021 season and promises something really different.

Also, there’s a third Benivan from Benimar in the offing. The 124 will replicate the 122 floorplan, but with the addition of an elevating roof on its high-top, thus offering two more sleeping berths.

Route to go – enter CCR200

Those of you who’ve seen or even heard of the popularity of Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) driving and camping route might be interested to hear about a Cumbrian equivalent that’s surfaced.

It’s called the Cumbrian Coast 200 (CCR200) and as the name suggests, it features some 200 miles of often rugged roads. It’s an attempt to show us more of Cumbria and take some of the pressure off the Lake District hotspots.

The route is broken down into five sections: Morecambe Bay; Furness peninsula and island hopping; Haverigg to Seascale; Seascale to Maryport; and Maryport to Carlisle.

It seems the authorities have learnt a bit from some of the tribulations of the NC500, which has proved too popular and attracted some rather appalling behaviour. An accompanying CCR200 Motor Caravanner’s Code has been published that we’re all asked to abide by. Check it out here.

Motorhome for me?Interior of the Pilote P626D Évidence

Pilote P626D Évidence – all clues point to a bargain

You need to keep your eyes open if you want a real bargain in the motorhome market, but every now and again an imported marque unleashes some really attractive limited edition runs. And that’s the case for the Évidence line-up of four coachbuilts and one A-class from Pilote.

Pick of the quartet, for me, is the P626, a low-profile two-berth (four optional), Fiat-based, it comes with the 140bhp engine and automatic transmission as standard (and that isn’t cheap at the moment).

It has a slightly strange 6.20m overall length, but it’s a particularly space-efficient floorplan, thanks to some clever thinking with the washroom and kitchen towards the back end, a very useful garage and a 2.20m long drop-down bed over the lounge at the front.

It’s not just clever, as an Évidence it’s absolutely packed with kit grabbed from the normal options list. And that’s why I say it’s a bargain. Check it all out for yourselves, but do make time to understand what is a very practical floorplan before falling for the added attractions of all the goodies.

Guess the all-in price? It currently scrapes in just under £58,000. No doubt that will rise next season, as indeed it will for all other new motorhomes.

Three good: Manageable size with 3,500kg chassis, stunning standard kit and generous sized washroom/kitchen/lounge/bed
Two bad: Limited availability and the kitchen only gets a two-ring hob
Perfect for… Get-about-ability
Also consider: Adria Axess 590 ST and Chausson 650 Titanium Premium

Caravanning remains popular into the autumn

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The trend for caravanning seems to show no sign of abating as we head into the autumn months, with demands for pitches still high.

Bookings for spots on the Camping and Caravanning Club’s network of sites are at around twice the level usually expected for this time of year.

Normally, things start to wane in September and October, but it seems people are still looking to make up for lost time and enjoy staycations.

As many families invested in caravans and motorhomes during the pandemic, it’s not surprising they’re keen to extend the season and make the most of their purchase.

The Club’s membership is now at record levels, with some 350,000 households tapping into its benefits. That equates to 750,000 individuals.

Simon McGrath, a spokesman for the Club, said: “Despite seeing 100 per cent growth in our Club site bookings for September and October, there are still plenty of pitches available. The autumn is a lovely season to go camping, caravanning and motorhoming – campsites are usually quieter as kids are back at school, while the countryside colours begin to change in readiness for the winter.

“The plants and wildlife in autumn provide a very different backdrop on campsites while the night skies can be crystal clear for a spot of stargazing so it’s a fantastic time to consider heading to a campsite.”

Andy Torbet, adventurer and TV presenter, is another fan of getting away in a caravan or campervan in the autumn.

He has suggested five locations that really shine at this time of year: Scotland’s most northerly national park, the Cairngorms; Dalby Forest, which is set within 8,000 acres of woodland; East Anglia, where bird spotters can see geese and ducks setting up for winter; Cannock Chase, England’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and the Brecon Beacons with its network of cycle paths.

New PC200 road trip launched in Wales

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The US has Route 66 and Scotland has the NC500, but not to be outdone, Wales now has its own long-distance road trip, the Pembrokeshire Coast 200 (PC200).

Put together by the people at CaravanCloud, the route is available as an interactive map or downloadable pdf to help caravan and motorhome enthusiasts enjoy the beauty of this area of Wales.

As well as breathtaking scenery and pretty towns and villages, road trippers can experience outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking or surfing on stretches of this stunning coastline.

Access to the route’s resources, including things to do and places to eat, is open to CaravanCloud members and it’s currently free to join.

The route has been conceived by CaravanCloud founder Connor Ennis, who is a Pembrokeshire native, living in the town of Tenby.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Mr Ennis comes from a caravan dynasty, his grandfather having founded Ennis Caravans in the 1940s.

Mr Ennis said: “I’ve lived in Pembrokeshire all my life and thought it would be good to actually help people discover all of it, because a lot of people only come to the south and don’t explore the north.

“Tenby is one of the main hotspots for tourists, and it’s a beautiful place, but so is the rest of Pembrokeshire. I don’t think there’s another county in the world that has such a diverse landscape of coastal areas, countryside and mountains – it’s got everything. Tenby is lovely, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

“I felt what was needed was a road trip that people could take part in and when I looked into it there wasn’t anything like it, so I decided to make one.”

It’s recommended that you spend between three and five days completing the PC200, taking in 30 different locations of note along the way.

Nick’s News – The Erwin Hymer Centre, the problem with names and the Buccaneer Commodore

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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

That’s me back home now from my Grand Tour of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so it’s time to catch up on the inevitable backlog of jobs that build up when you’re away for over three weeks.

Luckily, an incredibly slow puncture on my van was fixed whilst we were away. Thanks to the guys at CTS Tyres near Newtownards – not only did they repair it on the spot, the bill of £15 was so much lower than expected.

A cracked windscreen was a different matter and we nursed it back home. But again, lucky me as my insurance with Shield includes windscreen replacement cover.

Less a £125 excess, but do check yours. I have to say making the initial appointment with Auto Windscreens couldn’t have been easier. Now, I just have an out-of-control garden to tackle…

In the news

Erwin Hymer Centre – take a luxury break?

Fancy a bit of the motorhome high life? You might want to visit the Erwin Hymer Centre on the outskirts of Stafford, just off junction 14 of the M6 motorway, any time between October 2nd and 17th.

It’s a real state-of-the-art set-up here but, as well as the impressive premises, it’s a first opportunity to view new models from the Erwin Hymer Group marques that this retailer represents – from Niesmann + Bischoff to Dethleffs and Carado, not forgetting Hymer itself.

Potential visitors are being asked to pre-register via www.motorhomes.co.uk in the shows section. Events like this are, in my opinion, the best way to go and see the very latest from any brands you wish to explore further.

Also, you benefit not just from the expertise of those involved with selling and servicing the products, but it’s also a great chance to go and view the company you might be buying from.

Refreshingly honest – Auto-Sleeper Group

I rather like the approach that’s being taken to 2022 by the Auto-Sleeper Group. It’s the organisation that comprises not just Auto-Sleepers, but also the McLouis, Benimar and Mobilvetta brands, as well as the Marquis Leisure network of 13 sales outlets.

Emma Franklin, company spokeswoman, told me: “Putting it simply, there are no major changes on the habitation that we can sing and dance about for 2022 for Auto-Sleeper or McLouis.”

She also added that we should not expect any big things to come from McLouis or Mobilvetta either. But there are quite a few tweaks, like an uprated cab for any Auto-Sleeper based on a Peugeot Boxer, a couple of new upholstery choices and new “infotainment” system for McLouis.

So, is no news good news? Yes, if you’re happy with the adages don’t make changes for change’s sake and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. An early exclusive for you too, because I can confirm all research and design efforts are going towards the 2023 season product.

What’s in a name? Time for a class act?

Sometimes, the motorhome market does itself no favours. The inability to define certain vehicle types is a particular bugbear with me. Can you believe there are no official definitions for the likes of campervans, van conversions, coachbuilts and A-classes?!

It’s a problem that goes right to the top, with even the DVLA having problems. It still prefers to stick with the catch-all term ‘motor caravan’, spelled with two words. It does however add: “also known as camper vans, motor homes, recreational vehicles”. There’s more here.

Over in America, they’re much clearer, keeping it to three class designations – A for the big stuff, B for more typical coachbuilts, C for van conversions and campers.

Does it matter? Well, there are implications for general parking, including covenants for outside homes; servicing; access to low-emissions zones; insurance; breakdown recovery; and plenty more. Anyway, over to you. What do you say?

Caravan crushThe Buccaneer Commodore

Buccaneer Commodore – a real swashbuckler

Perhaps every caravan review should start with a verdict on the comfort and support of the seating? It’s an instant indicator of what you’re going to get elsewhere and let’s face it, most of us spend proportionately more time sitting in our vans than doing anything else.

That puts the twin axle Buccaneer Commodore in a very good starting position, with its deep-set cushioning and curved backrests Indeed, even before you settle down onto those incredible settees, you’ll have probably picked up the distinctive smell of leather upholstery.

There’s also new bodywork for the 2022 season Buccaneers, with a more pronounced curve to the front end, improved front locker access and extra-wide skylight. Some further equipment upgrades for 2022 include options that extend to onboard Wi-Fi and a rack capable of taking e-bikes.
Transverse island double bed and en suite facilities, a separate toilet and shower rooms, forward of this, the floorplan ensures the best privacy from the other occupants for a four berth.

Three good: Sky-high extravagance, spacious interior and general 2022 upgrades
Two bad: The usual – heavy and pricey
Perfect for… Living the luxury life
Also consider: Coachman Laser Xcel 850 and Swift Elegance 580

Love Touring Expo returns in November

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After a pandemic-related hiatus, Love Touring Expo is returning to P&J Live in Aberdeen this November to showcase the latest caravan, motorhome, campervan and holiday home releases.

Running between November 4th and 7th, the event boasts an extra day and will be spread across a larger space to enable effective social distancing.

Jamie Taylor, organiser of Love Touring Expo, said: “We are excited to get back to exhibiting and to bring the first major consumer exhibition of its type to Scotland. Safety is paramount, and we are committed to ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Some 15,000 people are expected to attend the event next month, with a mix of seasoned tourers and those keen to find out more anticipated to enjoy the expo.

Anyone looking to invest in a new leisure vehicle in the near future will have the benefit of checking out many of the 2022 season’s models.

Such opportunities to see a selection of motorhomes in person have been sparse during the pandemic, but it hasn’t dampened sales.

New caravan sales are up 47 per cent in 2021 and the pre-owned market has grown by 65 per cent, as holidaymakers seek their own slice of the staycation trend.

As well as viewing a vast array of products, attendees will be able to ask experts questions about the caravanning lifestyle and join in with activities.

There will even be an indoor zipline, making the expo a fun day out for all the family.

In 2019, Love Touring Expo was a huge success and with the increased interest in caravan holidays due to coronavirus, it’s set to be popular again this year.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 for adults and can be purchased here. Children under 16 go free and there’s ample free parking on site.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/lucas Favre

The Lake District launches initiative to make the great outdoors more accessible for everyone

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The Lake District National Park has launched a new initiative to make it easier for those reliant on mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking aids to get around and enjoy its stunning scenery.

Marking its 70th birthday this year, the national park is considered one of the UK’s finest treasures and should be accessible to as many people as possible.

With this in mind, 49 ‘Miles Without Stiles’ walks have been created, which offer low-level routes for those unable to tackle the Lakes’ more traditional trails.

TGA Mobility is supporting the national park’s initiative to emphasise the wellbeing advantages of getting out into the great outdoors.

While many people with movement challenges may think the Lakes’ scenery is out of reach, TGA says the right scooter or powerchair can tackle all terrains.

Mychaela Green, a TGA scooter owner, recently spent a week exploring the Lake District by way of the ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes.

She said: “The new accessible trail along the old railway line between Keswick and Threlkeld was so memorable, flat and easy for everyone, [and] really pretty. Considering what we have all been through during lockdowns, to get away was so lovely.”

Caravan holidays represent a great opportunity for anyone with reduced mobility to get away, as leisure vehicles can be adapted to suit individual needs and ensure accommodation doesn’t fail to deliver upon arrival.

Among the most common adjustments made to caravans to improve their usability are widening doorways, installing grab rails and creating wet rooms.

Emma Moody, recreation and sustainable transport officer for the Lake District National Park, said: “We’re delighted to welcome more people to places that they previously thought were inaccessible, [to] savour the memorable sights and take home lifelong memories.”

You can watch the initiative’s launch video here

Nick’s News – Trouble on the NC500, on-site rounders and the Benivan 120

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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

Week three of our Grand Tour and we’ve made the crossing over to Northern Ireland. We’re pitched up at the Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Delamont Country Park. Like last week in Scotland, it’s all rather quiet over here.

We arrived to a pretty full site on the Sunday evening, but by Tuesday I’d say around half the pitches are empty. It wasn’t us, honest! OK, Monday was a Bank Holiday, which as ever, I forgot, but our trips out so far – especially driving around the wonderfully atmospheric Strangford Lough, including the five-minute Portaferry-Strangford crossing – have been largely pretty quiet.

Call me lucky, but in pretty much all of our Wales, Scotland and now Northern Ireland travels we’re yet to encounter the hordes of fellow tourists we were secretly expecting.

In the news

North Coast 500 – stirring up a s***storm?

Gosh, this is tricky. The North Coast 500 (NC500) – the 516-mile route through the most spectacular scenery around the very top of Scotland – is suffering. And it’s motorhomers and campervan users who are in the wrong. Quite simply, it’s proving too popular and too many travellers are leaving behind a mess.

As one local told me: “It’s not even a small minority. We have public toilets here but there are plenty of stories of people defecating behind walls and leaving their rubbish everywhere. Why can’t they just take it with them?”

I must admit, we did a bit of the NC500 ourselves last week, around the particularly picturesque Applecross area and heading on up to the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Kinlochewe site before heading back south. There were definitely more VW-based campervans using the road than I’ve ever seen on any other road journey I’ve taken.

There are campsites along and near the route, but there are also spots where folk prefer to wild camp and I fully understand the attraction of such things, in the right circumstances. But the freedom to explore such areas does come with responsibilities.

Batting for England? Club hits first base with rounders pitch

No ball games here? I love the fact that the Camping and Caravanning Club has announced a tie-up with governing body Rounders England. Anything that encourages folk to get out and enjoy any sporting activities can only be a good thing, surely?

Both organisations are encouraging us to “pack a bat”. As ever, you’ll need to ensure you’re not going to upset any of your camping neighbours if there’s a ball involved, but any campsites that ban ball games outright should be able to point you towards some space nearby where you can go and enjoy yourselves.

As for rounders, apart from a few very informal games, I last played it at primary school. I’d happily give it another go though.

Motorhome for me?Cooking equipment in the Benivan 120

Benivan 120 – a superior Spanish conversion rate

It’s not hard to see why van conversions are so popular at the moment when you look closely at examples like this, the Benivan 120 from Spanish manufacturer Benimar.

Fiat’s Ducato is still by far the base vehicle of preference for vans of this ilk. In its six-metre-long guise, it manages exactly the right blend of interior space versus overall dimensions that aren’t too intimidating. I feel the Ducato shows its age in places, but it’s still well ahead of all others where it matters most – in the sales charts.

Possibly the biggest downside is it’s only a two-berth – featuring a much favoured two-settee rear lounge with kitchen and washroom mid-van. Note the sliding door is UK nearside. But I think that actually works in favour of the 120 as well as its rivals, of which there are more than a few. Converting the seating to a transverse double bed is pretty straightforward and there are all the facilities on board for full self-sufficiency.

Where the Benivan really scores is its overall specification, everything from the 160bhp engine to solar panel, gas tank, TV aerial and grill/oven are standard. Importer Marquis Leisure hasn’t just gone to town with the standard kit list, it’s also kept the price very sharp. In the world of Fiat-based van conversions, you could pay a lot more and get a lot less.

Three good: Competitive price, generous specification and popular two-person floorplan
Two bad: Small washroom and high-cost auto option
Perfect for: Full facilities in a six-metre-long package
Also consider: Auto-Trail Expedition 67, Elddis Autoquest CV20, Roller Team Toleno L, Swift Select 122

Gadget envy?

What’s new for 2022? Dometic and Lippert out of the blocks

With the 2022 season getting ever closer, it’s interesting to hear news of what some of our key leisure vehicle equipment suppliers are bringing to us.

Dometic has unveiled new window blind fittings for Fiat Ducato cabs, as well as a roof top tent for cars.
There’s also the CH Combo space heater/hot water boiler, which can be teamed up with one of its air conditioner models, plus a number of kitchen appliances from new hob tops in a choice of steel or glass to new sink designs.

It’s also giving us a glimpse of the future, with pipeline concepts such as a fridge camera – you can see what’s inside without opening the door – and motor-operated window coverings that can also be opened or closed remotely.

Lippert is another major European component supplier that has announced a raft of new products for the season ahead. It’s certainly wasted no time with Schaudt, the electrics company it took over earlier this year, revealing a new leisure battery booster, the WA 12545, a switch mode-up/step-down converter that compensates for the fluctuating alternator voltage and provides a high charging current.

Watch out also for another Lippert brand, Polyplastic, and its latest Piuma range of windows with integrated blinds. Another new addition is the Lippert R-Bike carrier designed for conversions using Mercedes’ Sprinter, Volkswagen’s Crafter or Ford’s Transit.

The Skia is an all-new blind system for Fiat Ducato cabs, while the Vela is an addition to Lippert’s range of elevating roofs for campervan conversions. I’m not sure if the future’s looking bright, but it’s certainly looking a lot easier.

How to prevent family road trips from becoming stressful

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While many of us are enjoying packing up the kids into the caravan or motorhome this summer, a whopping 87 per cent of parents find family road trips stressful, it has been revealed.

That is according to a survey of 2,000 parents carried out by Car Shades, which has subsequently shared its advice on cutting down on the stress and enjoying a holiday together.

The firm partnered with psychological therapist, counsellor and systemic life coach Michael Padraig Acton to provide the following tips:

Plan effectively

A successful road trip with the family starts with the planning and it’s important to ensure everything will be comfortable for the kids, including the space they have and the temperature of the vehicle.

Boredom can lead to tension among family members, so make sure there’s plenty of activities that the kids will enjoy, ranging from games to play together to things they can do on their own.

Be sure to pack snacks for the journey, but keep anything too high in sugar to a minimum, as this will only lead to excess energy with nowhere to go in a vehicle.

Manage your emotions

Getting road rage can lead to a tense atmosphere in the car or motorhome, so think about ways to stay relaxed if you experience traffic jams or inconsiderate drivers.

Have a strategy for dealing with the kids’ behaviour

If there’s more than one adult in the car then it should be the passenger who deals with the kids if they start misbehaving, so that the driver can concentrate on the road.

Remember to speak calmly but firmly to ensure the atmosphere in the vehicle doesn’t become confrontational and everyone can remain happy.

Take a break

Road trips can feel long for both children and adults alike, so be prepared to pause the journey and let everyone get out of the vehicle for a few minutes to stretch their legs and improve their mood.

Trying to stick to a strict schedule can exacerbate the level of stress experienced by parents, so plan in breaks and be realistic about how far it’s reasonable to drive in a day.

Include the kids in the itinerary

Providing kids with an idea of the route, how long it will take and the landmarks they can look out for along the way will help them to establish a feeling of control.

This is a good strategy for pre-empting issues and allowing children to adjust their expectations to the situation.

Steve Giles, managing director at Car Shades, said: “Everyone looks forward to their summer trips away and being able to relax with the family.

“However, as our survey has demonstrated, the journey can prove quite stressful when there is constant arguing, followed by ‘Are we there yet?’, and ‘I’m bored’, whilst the driver is trying to follow road signs and listen closely to the satnav’s last-minute directions.

“We want to make everyone’s holiday enjoyable from start to finish, and with that comes the initial drive to the destination. We hope the tips provided allow for a stress-free drive, enjoyed by all.”

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Anton Luzhkovsky