Lightweight Caravans Week: Meet the 2011 Tab Caravans collection

Posted March 1, 2011 by

Fuel prices seem to be forever on the increase in recent times, meaning the cost of caravanning has been creeping up. So this week on Caravan Times is Lightweight Caravans Week, where we take a look at some of the excellent lightweight ranges currently on the market that can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money.

There is always a trade off when you go down the lightweight route. To keep the kgs down, it is necessary to make sacrifices in terms of kit and interior appointments. But lightweight doesn’t have to mean dull and uninspiring. Enter the wonderfully unique range of Tab caravans.

They are similar in shape to vintage American Teardrop trailers, but unlike their diminutive cousins, Tab caravans are bigger with full standing room inside. Even critics of ‘boring white caravans’ have been known to succumb to the quirky design of these German built tourers. Customers can choose from an array of colour kits, and there’s also or a range of graphics packs (pictured).

Weights range from the lightest entry level Tab 320 version with an MRO of just 550kg up to the meatier Tab-L at 1,000kg. But even at the heavier end of the scale, it is unlikely you would have to switch to a larger towcar. One Tab owner Suzi Love, even tows her Tab 320 with a tiny Fiat 500. She kindly got in touch with us to provide this picture of her Tab towed by her Fiat. (below).
Tabs are certainly a rare breed in the UK and likely to attract a lot of attention when you’re out and about on site. They do
come with privacy shades for the windows, but if you do own one of these striking compact caravans you could be forgiven for keeping the blinds up to witness the reactions of passersby!

Tab 320
The smallest of the bunch, the rear seating area converts into a wall to wall double bed and a compact kitchen runs the along the front end.

Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.77m
Overall width: 1.99m
Overall height: 2.28m
MPTLM: 800kg

Tab Offroad
The Tab Offroad comes with the same layout as the Tab 320 but has larger dimensions being slightly taller, wider and longer.

Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.84m
Overall width: 2.04m
Overall height: 2.40m
MPTLM: 1,000kg

Tab L
There’s a curved table at the front which converts into a compact double and the furnishing scheme comes in two options: hot red or cool blue.

Berth:
Overall length: 5.71m
Overall width: 2.23m
Overall height: 2.55m
MPTLM: 1,200kg

There’s an array of optional extras including a 40 litre fridge, heater and roof rails, and awning manufacturers, Isabella, have created a tailor made range of awnings to fit Tab’s unusual curved profile. For more information regarding colour kits and prices, head to Southdowns Motorcaravans or Catterick Caravans.

Are rising fuel prices changing the way we drive?

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

As prices on petrol forecourts continue to rise, the AA has revealed that the escalating cost of driving is having an impact on the way people operate their cars.

A recent survey of 15,199 AA members revealed that almost half aimed to reduce their speed and drive more economically in response to rising fuel costs.

Whether your towcar is hitched to a caravan, or if you’re out and about for the day, AA Drive Smart technical advisor Alan Esam advises drivers that slowing down can dramatically boost fuel economy: “Motorways are one of the key battlegrounds in the driver’s war against soaring fuel costs. Cruising at 80mph is illegal and can burn up to 25 per cent more fuel than driving at 70mph.

“That’s 25 per cent more money going up in smoke just to get from A to B. Drive Smart has proven that easing off the gas on the motorway, along with other eco driving techniques can slash up to £500 a year from your fuel bills – which means a two-car family can save up to £1,000 a year.”

Online campaign group Fair Fuel UK has warned of a looming fuel crisis where increased VAT, fuel duty and inflation could result in drivers being unable to fill up their tanks altogether. The organisation is building a petition which it plans to present to 10 Downing Street on tomorrow. To find out more and sign the petition visit their website fairfueluk.com.

Will rising fuel prices change the way you drive? Have your say in our forum topic here.

Kids well catered for in Yarmouth at Vauxhall Holiday Park

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Families with children often need to take entertainment into consideration when planning their caravan holidays.

Fortunately, at Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth, kids are well catered for with a variety of fun activities and attractions.

As the Loughborough Echo newspaper pointed out, there are facilities to suit all age groups, from pre-school toddlers to teenagers.

For example, the Tiny Tot Club for children under the age of five provides plenty of activities specifically catered for little ones.

Then there’s a Kidz Club for older children, where Louie the Lion organises treasure hunts, mini Olympic contests and story times.

And for creative types, there is an Arty Kidz session every afternoon, featuring activities such as face painting and hand puppets.

Vauxhall Holiday Park has more than 210 electric touring sites with free awnings. There are also several super pitches, which include mains water connection, electricity hook-up and TV including Freeview connection.

Arsonists torch caravans in double attack

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Arsonists launched a double attack on two caravans parked in the same town last week, destroying both motor homes.

The fires were started on Grange Road and Saville Street in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of Thursday February 17th.

Police are investigating the incidents, believing that both blazes, which caused damage to homes as well as the caravans themselves, were started deliberately.

Chris and Caroline Slater told the Mansfield Chad that they were watching television at home when the caravan parked on their drive burst into flames.

They described how heat from the fire destroyed the front windows of their home.

“Luckily both of the gas bottles in our caravan were nearly empty,” said Mr Slater. “If they had been full there could be nothing left of the front of the house.”

The second fire was started just around the corner ten minutes after the first. Caravan owner Lynn Donkin said the windows of her property were also blown in by the force of the blaze.

Local police officer Amy Freeman commented: “These incidents are being treated as arson. Thankfully no one was injured, however, these were reckless acts which could have had fatal consequences.

“I would urge anyone who knows the perpetrators or has any information to call the police immediately.”

Firefighters tackle blaze on Doncaster caravan site

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

A fire broke out at a caravan park in Doncaster this week when a gas cylinder exploded, causing three caravans to go up in flames.

According to the Doncaster Free Press, firefighters were called to the park in Sutton Road, Askern, on the evening of Monday February 21st.

Residents were evacuated from the scene as crews attempted to put out the flames and prevent them from spreading to other motor homes.

No one is believed to have been injured in the blaze, which will now be the subject of an investigation.

Although an exploded gas cylinder was found on the site, fire chiefs will be looking to determine the exact cause of the fire.

A number other gas cylinders had to be cooled before residents were allowed to return to their caravans.

The Doncaster fire came after an arson attack on a caravan at Sea Croft Holiday Park in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

According to the Louth Leader, fire crews were called to the site on Sunday February 13th, where they managed to extinguish the flames.

Lightweight Caravans Week: 2011 Trigano Silver Collection

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

This week Caravan Times launches our Lightweight Caravans Week. With rising fuel prices and cost of living on the increase, many caravanners are hoping to save money in 2011. And each day this week we take a closer look at the best lightweight ranges on offer. To start us off, Holly Tribe explores the Trigano Silver range.

Wandering around the exhibition halls at the Boat and Caravan show last week, an unfamiliar range of ‘vans caught my eye; the 2011 line-up of Trigano Silver caravans. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a sucker for pint-sized tourers so I went in for a closer look.

The Trigano Silver series is a range of pop-up caravans that sits well and truly within the lightweight bracket – the biggest of the five models, the Silver 430, has a gross weight of just 1,200kg.

Cheaper towing

The French manufacturer proudly promotes the range as being ‘easy to tow and easy to store’. With a maximum width of 2m and 1.98m in height when folded, the compact dimensions make for great handling and less wind resistance when towing. And because it’s less than 2m in height, the range is exempt from the larger trailer category charges on toll roads in Europe.

The roof pops up with the aid of gas struts in a little over a minute to expand the internal headroom up to 1.95m making it spacious enough for day to day living, yet when it is collapsed, these models will still fit snugly in many garages.

As the name suggests, each model has silver exterior walls with white detailing, and the 2011 model year versions have new front locker doors which open with a satisfying slide-out-and-up action.

To keep weights down, the spec list is rather light and cooking areas are compact, but they do come equipped with 3 stainless steel burners and a 70 litre fridge. There is a decent amount of overhead storage and window panels in the pop-up section flood the cabin with sunlight during the day.

Compact is the name of the game here, and the Trigano Silver range is ideal for caravanners who enjoy regular short trips away.

Trigano Silver 310

A hyper-compact model, it stands at just 1.8m wide and 4.85m in length, including the coupling. An alternative version was brought out in 2011 which features an L-shaped kitchen area in place of the WC.

Price: £13,795
Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.85m
Overall width: 1.80m
MRO: 747kg

Trigano Silver 340

There are two versions are available: the twin dinette 340 DD or a fixed bed alternative 340 CP.

Price: £14,595
Berth: 3
Overall length: 4.95m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 787kg

Trigano Silver 380

There are three versions of the Silver 380 available, the DD (pictured) and two fixed bed alternatives.

Price: £14,795
Berth: 3
Overall length: 5.25m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 857kg

Trigano Silver 420

There’s plenty of storage underneath the fixed double bed and the mid dinette offers space for entertaining.

Price: £15,195
Berth: 4
Overall length: 5.85m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 917kg

Trigano Silver 430

Living and sleeping areas are clearly defined in the 430, with a compact dinette towards the rear and front twin beds which can be converted into a large double by adding a central slatted frame.

Price: £15,295
Berth: 3
Overall length: 5.85m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 927kg

For more information contact Trigano dealers Campers & Leisure based in Dorset.

Councillors call for beach clean up near Welsh caravan parks

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Councillors in the Welsh village of Llanddulas are calling for a clean-up of the local beach, which could benefit caravanners heading to the area.

Speaking to the North Wales Weekly News, councillor Brenda Taylor said the village’s tourism trade is suffering because the beach is a “bomb site”.

“Whilst we are the victims of extensive tides and bad weather every year it just seems we go from bad to worse,” she remarked.

“We’ve got several caravan sites along that coast and we don’t even provide a decent beach.”

Ms Taylor pointed out that millions are being spent on improving the beaches and promenades at nearby Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, yet the work does not extend as far as Llanddulas.

She stressed that the coastline does not end at Colwyn Bay and called for capital investment to improve the beaches, walkways and sea defences.

Gwynedd Webb, owner of the Plas Newydd Caravan Park in Llanddulas, said the beach is a major attraction for visitors to her site.

“It would be lovely if they could bring back the sand to Llanddulas beach,” she remarked.

“There is a lot of stones being washed up there, for what reason I’m not sure, but when you see the sand at Rhos-on-Sea, it would be great to see something like that done in Llanddulas.”

Caravanners given fire safety warning

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners have been reminded of the importance of fire safety after a man in his eighties died in a motor home fire.

The Yellow Advertiser reported that firefighters were called to an isolated area of Buckwyns Chase in Billericay last week.

By the time they arrived on the scene, the fire had completely destroyed the caravan and crews were only able to damp down the remains.

Fire chiefs have been unable to determine the exact cause of the blaze, due to the extent of the damage. However, they do not believe it was an arson attack.

Following the incident, station officer Martin Trevillion issued a warning to caravanners about the dangers of poor fire safety.

“Caravans hold the same dangers as any homes and need exactly the same care over safety,” he remarked.

“Smoke alarms should be installed and tested regularly. All wiring and electrical systems should also be checked regularly.”

He added: “All caravans should be equipped with fire extinguishers and fire blankets.”

Lightweight Caravans Week: celebrating green and affordable tourers

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Marcus Dubois

As Boat and Caravan 2011 came to a close on Sunday the main story this year was the increase in lightweight caravans on display. Caravan Times has often heard from readers looking for models with low weight and towable by ordinary family cars. And with fuel prices on the increase, it gives us an even greater need for lightweight tourers as Britain claws its way out of recession.

So throughout this week on Caravan Times we’re celebrating lightweight caravans. Each day we’ll showcase a manufacturer’s range of low weight tourers, giving you the inside track on features and specifications available. Most of all, we’d love to hear your thoughts about the weight and size of caravans today: click here to have your say in our forum topic.

Boat and Caravan 2011: light and affordable touring

Mainstream manufacturers stole the headlines at Boat and Caravan by showcasing a number of lightweight and cost-effective models. Take a look below at what’s coming up during Lightweight Caravan Week.

Elddis Caravans has continually innovated in the small caravan sector and with the Xplore 302 offers the smallest UK-built caravan in the market today. Elddis also revealed its big brother the Xplore 304 at the NEC – and with a weight of only 1050kgs MTPLM, the firm claims it is the UK’s smallest and lightest four-berther. Both have full-sized bathrooms and show clever use of space with their L-shaped lounge layouts.

“Lightweight luxury” is the motto of Lunar Caravans – and at Boat and Caravan 2011 they didn’t disappoint.
The Lexon 550 and Quasar 464 are squarely aimed at the family market, and both feature bunk beds and strong levels of equipment. The Quasar offers an impressive MTPLM of 1,240kg but still offers four berths, a front end lounge, and a spacious kitchen.

Meanwhile Bailey Caravans took the opportunity to showcase its new “entry-level” tourers which combine light weight with popular layouts. The Bailey Orion is light enough to be towed by popular family cars such as the Citroen Picasso, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus C-Max.

Earlier last month Swift Caravans caught up with Caravan Times and revealed the Sprite Caravans range has seen a 40% increase in sales over the last year. Since its relaunch in 2004 the Sprite range has been renowned for being light and affordable caravans, and its competitive price may have attracted new buyers.

Finally, we’ll take a closer look at some of the lightest caravans on sale today. Trigano Caravans range of “Silver” pop up tourers were on display at Boat and Caravan 2011, and we’ll give you the lowdown on these striking caravans this week. We also spoke to Freedom Caravans about their Microlite range. And for those looking for something different entirely, Tab Caravans and Little Guy Caravans offer that classic teardrop shape with a modern twist.

Are caravans getting too heavy to tow with ordinary cars? Have you recently changed to a lightweight model to save fuel costs? Click here to have your say in our forum topic

Top Lodge Caravan Club Site wins Sites in Bloom contest

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning a visit to the Top Lodge Caravan Club Site in Lincolnshire will be in for something of a visual treat when they arrive at their pitch.

The park has just won first place in the Caravan Club’s Sites in Bloom awards, the results of which were announced at the 2011 Boat and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Site owners Steve and Jan Rosam were presented with the Alan Payne Trophy for their efforts in creative horticulture (pictured below).

The Caravan Club launched the awards in 2003 to reward parks whose floral arrangements keep their grounds looking attractive throughout the year.

Commenting on Top Lodge’s labours, Mr Rosam said: “We wanted to create a visual welcome for members and visitors arriving on site.

“So we came up with the idea of planting a wall of flowers around the reception area, as well as coordinated colour-filled troughs and other naturalised containers around the site.”

Runners up in the competition included Chapel Lane Caravan Club Site in Warwickshire and Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site on Bristol’s waterfront.

VIDEO: Bailey Orion review and interior tour

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Bailey’s newest Alu-Tech range was launched at the Boat & Caravan Show 2011 and Caravan Times was there to see the Bailey Orion series first hand. Read on as we take you through some of the dynamic new designs and to watch our full video feature.

Click here to see our video review of the Bailey Orion

The range comprises of four competitively priced entry level models, ranging from two to five berths. Looking at each caravan head on there are two noticeable differences that distinguish them out from other Alu-Tech models; a one-piece picture window frames the front end and there is no front gas locker. Gas bottles are instead accessed via a hatch which sits above the axle on the nearside, so what you lose in storage you then gain in better weight distribution.

As you move around each Orion model the ‘retro’ curved rear end comes into view. Bailey Caravans has been working in partnership with scientists from Bath University to improve the towing efficiency of the caravan, resulting in this striking new profile. The new curved shape helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by up to ten per cent.

Three of the four models have spacious rear end washrooms, the 400/2, 430/4 and 440/4, and it is here the new curved line is most keenly felt. But despite the arch, they still contain full height walk-in showers. The triple bunk 450/5 is compact yet flexible with an L-shaped rear lounge which works well as a dedicated ‘kid’s room’.

Because there’s no front gas locker, more space has been created inside the cabin. And yet another space saving initiative has been introduced in the form of a floor mounted Whale blown air heating system – an innovation first used by lightweight rival Elddis Caravans in the Xplore 302.

Click below for a video tour of the new model range where Holly Tribe talks to Bailey’s sales director John Parker, and catches up with Jack Lewis and Molly Buckingham from Bath University who run us through the theory behind the new rear end shape.

Half term caravan holidays: Great places to take the kids

Posted February 25, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners with young children will know that keeping the kids entertained during a break away can be a tough task.

Fortunately, British Airways High Life magazine has offered some tips on the best places to take little ones for days out in the UK.

Writer Tessa Clayton named Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as a popular family attraction, pointing out that the landmark has featured in two of the Harry Potter films.

“Kids will also love trying their hand at archery and Knight’s Quest, which is the chance to dress up and take part in sword fighting, jousting and other challenges,” she remarked.

On the other side of the country, Manchester United’s football ground Old Trafford offers plenty of excitement for children, whether they are fans of the club or not.

“For most children the highlight is the chance to have their own Wayne Rooney moment and emerge from the tunnel to the roar of the crowd, even if it is made up of just mum and dad,” Ms Clayton said.

Other family attractions that made the list included the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, the National Space Centre in Leicester, Watergate Bay in Cornwall and the BeWILDerwood adventure park near Norwich.