Stealth Caravans launch unique custom colour service

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by Marcus Dubois

Stealth Caravans has announced a new service where customers can personalise the exterior colour scheme of their caravan. The unique service will allow future customers to choose from over 250 colours, and aims to “change the look of the touring industry in 2011.”

White exteriors have become the recognised standard in caravan design, often for practical and cost reasons. Yet a regular topic for discussion in the caravan community is the uniformity of caravan exteriors. And most recently Caravan Times forum member Paul Jackson asked the following question:

“Does anyone know why most caravans are such a bland white, resembling a kitchen appliance? Some thought goes into the interior, but what about giving some colour options for the outside?”

The new option for the Stealth may go some way to answering the question above. It allows future customers to adapt the colour scheme of the exterior stripes and the nose cone to create a two-tone effect. The side and rear panels will remain white as normal.

Customers interested in the scheme can view the full colour range on ralcolor.com – the RAL code will then need to be quoted when ordering a new Stealth Caravan in order to create the desired effect.

Caravanners who prefer the original colour options of Black, White and Silver Grey can still purchase these as a no-cost option. Yet with over 250 colours on offer, those with a particular look in mind may find a shade to suit.

Click here for more pictures of the custom colour service from Stealth – and have your say in our forum topic

Bailey Unicorn wins Best Newcomer award at Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

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by Holly Tribe and Marcus Dubois

At the end of last year we asked Caravan Times readers to vote for their favourite caravans, parks, dealers and towcars in the inaugural Caravan Times Reader’s Poll. Our editorial team wanted to give you the readership the chance to give credit where due and celebrate the best of 2010.

Throughout this week we will be announcing the winners of each category, starting off with the award for ‘Best Newcomer’.

A closely fought contest

2010 saw a raft of newcomers to the market including new ranges from established manufacturers, and brand new forays into the touring caravans arena from the likes of AutoSleepers.

In one of the most closely fought rounds of the Poll, AS Caravans and the Bailey Unicorn series both attracted a lot of praise. AS Caravans are complete newcomers to the market as manufacturers, and drew upon the experience of the Autosleepers brand to produce a striking and well-built caravan. Meanwhile the Bailey Unicorn set the bar for affordable luxury in a caravan, adding quality fittings and fixtures to the familar Alu-Tech platform.

And we are pleased to announce the Bailey Unicorn is the winner of the ‘Best Newcomer’ category for 2010 as voted for by readers of Caravan Times.

Bailey Unicorn: Best Newcomer of 2010

The Bailey Unicorn was the third series to be added to the Alu-Tech family and was arguably the most eagerly anticipated launch of 2010. Proving to be Bailey’s most successful Alu-Tech range to date, it brought in £39 million worth of retail orders by the end of the year.

After the retirement of the ‘classically constructed’ Senator series, Bailey introduced the Unicorn as a top of the range Senator replacement. The five model line-up features the highest specification seen on any Bailey Caravans range to date including the fêted Alde central heating system, superior cabinetry, and luxury fixtures and fittings.

Watch our video feature on the Bailey Unicorn below:

New Elddis Xplore 304 to launch at Manchester Show

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by Holly Tribe

It’s still the first week of 2011, but there’s already been a raft of exciting new announcements from the caravan industry. On Tuesday we revealed the impending launch of the new Bailey Pegasus Series II, and yesterday Lunar Caravans announced it will be adding two new lightweight models to its 2011 line-up.

And now another of the UK’s leading caravan manufacturers has announced it will debut a brand new lightweight tourer due to launch at the end of the month.

The Xplore 304 from Elddis Caravans is a four berth twin dinette model which adopts the Xplore ranges’ lightweight design principles.

The L-shaped dinette can be made up into a double bed and the side dinette converts into lift up bunks. Further intelligent space saving initiatives have been implemented, notably the Whale underfloor heating system which does away with wall mounted heating vents.

Since its launch in 2008 the Xplore range has focussed on providing affordable, family friendly touring caravans and the Xplore 304 promises to be a valued addition to the Elddis line-up. Check back soon for a full review including prices, weights and photos.

Win tickets to be among the first to see the new Xplore 304 at the Caravan and Motorhome Show 2011, Manchester Central from 20 – 23 January in our ticket giveaway here.

Many thanks to David Whitehead for posting the information in the Caravan Times forum this morning. To let us know your thoughts, please join in the discussion here.

Holgates Parks buys Lancashire caravan site

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by Gemma Roskell

Holiday park company Holgates has purchased a new caravan site in the Silverdale Arnside area of outstanding natural beauty in Lancashire.

According to the Lakeland Echo, the firm will add the Silver Ridge Caravan Park to its portfolio, which includes sites in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

It plans to develop and extend the existing accommodation at the park, which covers 40 acres of private woodland.

The site’s facilities will also be refurbished, bringing it into line with other Holgates properties.

Last year the company acquired the Bay View Holiday Park near Morecambe in Lancashire and has since spent £5 million on redevelopment.

Michael Holgate, managing director of the group, said he was “delighted” to add Silver Ridge to the Holgates brand.

“Holgates is becoming well known for offering outstanding accommodation facilities in beautiful locations and Silver Ridge complements our portfolio perfectly,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the company has announced that it will be offering new 2011 seasonal pitches for tents and touring caravans at its Hollins Farm and Bay View sites.

Caravan park to create butterfly habitats

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners heading to Holgates Caravan Park in north Lancashire can check out its impressive population of rare butterflies.

According to the Westmorland Gazette, the site in Silverdale is creating a new habitat for the creatures, which it hopes will help them thrive in the area.

New ‘corridors’ of connecting woodlands will be created, giving moths and butterflies greater freedom to move around.

The project will continue over the next ten years, and it is hoped that increasing numbers of insects will populate the park over time.

“We have a very widely regarded and localised population of rare butterflies here,” said Mike Turner, general manager of Holgates Caravan Park.

“Our customers have reacted very well and it’s nice to be able to say that you have something very rare on your doorstep.”

The site will also be introducing a guided nature walk, enabling caravanners and members of the public to take a closer look at the butterflies.

Camping and Caravanning Club to open temporary sites for London 2012

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners hoping to catch some of the Olympic action in 2012 could stay at one of two temporary sites being opened by the Camping and Caravanning Club.

In partnership with Gravesham Borough Council, the group will be offering pitches on a combined site at the Gravesend and Old Gravesendians Rugby Clubs and another at Culverstone Recreation Ground.

Each site will be equipped with toilets and shower facilities, as well as club houses, and will be welcoming visitors from July 20th to August 16th 2012.

The highlight for caravanners is that both sites are close to Ebbsfleet International railway station, which will be operating a high-speed rail link into Stratford in east London, where the Games will be taking place.

Paul Jones, membership services director at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said he expects pitches on these temporary sites to fill up quickly.

“We are expecting interest from countries such as Holland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France and Germany as well as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA, so we are advising people to register their interest early.”

The 2012 Olympic Games are due to take place from July 27th to August 12th. They will be followed by the Paralympic Games from August 29th until September 9th.

VIDEO: Inside the ‘Silver Bullet’ – Vintage Airstreams revealed

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by Marcus Dubois

The Airstream is often argued to be the most iconic of caravans. Having maintained the same basic look and shape since its inception in 1936, the trailer is similar to the Land Rover Defender in maintaining an identity throughout the years. Instantly recognisable by its silver aluminium exterior, vintage examples are becoming increasingly popular especially with celebrities.

And classic examples of the Airstream are available for British caravanners, thanks to a company that lovingly and painstakingly restores them. Vintage Airstreams began as a passion and pastime for its owners, but the company now ships refurbished and bespoke Airstreams around the world. We caught up with them inside a classic 1960’s Bambi to find out more.

Lunar Caravans launch two new family friendly layouts

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by Holly Tribe

Lunar Caravans has announced it will launch two new family friendly layouts at the Boat and Caravan Show next month.

Lunar are specifically targeting the family market with the 4 and 5 berth single axle models described as ‘high specification caravans’ that will provide spacious and versatile living.

Prices and weights have not yet been confirmed, but the both models promise to uphold the company’s lightweight heritage. Lunar’s sales and marketing director Martin Henderson commented: “These two new models highlight our rigorous commitment to producing lightweight caravans that combine home-from-home comfort with practical and flexible living space.”

The recent rise in VAT may put off some prospective buyers from investing in big tickets items such as touring caravans.

But Lunar’s reputation for building lightweight ‘affordable’ tourers stands them in good stead. Mr Henderson added: “This is a really important launch for us. With increasing fuel and tax prices, the benefits of touring in a lightweight family caravan have become more evident in terms of greater fuel economy and the choice of a smaller tow car.”

Both models will be unveiled at the Boat and Caravan Show held at the Birmingham NEC from 22-27 February.

Caravan owners warned of dangers of wood burning stoves after fire

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by Gemma Roskell

A wood burning stove is believed to have caused a caravan fire close to Shepton Mallet.

This is Wiltshire reports that the fire service was called to a caravan site in Old Wells Road on Monday to put out a blaze at around 17.30.

One man was taken to hospital after being given oxygen at the scene, said a spokesman for the fire service.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued warnings that more homes are at risk during of fires during winter.

A spokesman explained: “As the colder weather continues to bite it is only natural that we spend more time indoors and endeavour to stay as warm as possible.

“There’s nothing like a cosy open fire or the added warmth of an electric blanket, but these and other winter must-haves like candles can bring an increased risk of fire.”

Caravan owners are advised to use fire guards to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.

Last week, caravanners were urged by the AA to take extra caution on UK roads due to the icy and wintry conditions

Jealous girlfriend damages boyfriend’s caravan

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by Marcus Dubois

It is the kind of story that would make any caravan owner break out into a cold sweat. Imagine if your pride and joy had been systematically trashed – by none other than your girlfriend.

Yet that’s exactly what happened to a resident of Queensland, Australia after his girlfriend discovered him with another woman.

According to the Queensland Times, Ipswich Magistrates Court heard how Kerry Lee Grantham, 45 visited her partner who was staying in his caravan at the Marburg showground in November.

While she was there her boyfriend went out to get lunch – yet she soon became suspicious after more than half an hour had passed.

Prosecuter Kerry Allison then recounted how Grantham went to look for her boyfriend, before finding him at a female friend’s house at Lowood.

Upon this discovery she immediately returned to his caravan and set about destroying as much as possible.

She explained how Grantham cut the cord of the kettle, smashed the television and tore the shower head from the wall. She then proceeded to spray shaving cream over his clothes and bedsheets before pouring food on his bed. The final act was puncturing the tyres of a vehicle.

Grantham pleaded guilty to charges of wilful damage and stealing. The charges were adjourned and will next be heard in court on February 2.

Win tickets to The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2011, Manchester Central

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by Holly Tribe

Thank you for your entries, this competition is now closed.

Caravanners from the North West of England are in for a treat this January. The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2011, Manchester Central will be held from 20-23 January, and Caravan Times has joined forces with the organisers to give away 15 pairs of tickets.

Click here to enter the competition

With a large selection of touring caravans, motorhomes and accessories, there’s something there for newcomers and seasoned tourers alike.

An extra hall has been added for January’s show to make room for over 100 exhibitors – a phenomenal increase on last year’s 70 to give visitors more choice than ever before. The show will be the first opportunity for the North West caravanning community to see, explore and purchase all the latest 2011 caravan and motorhome models in one place.

Many big name manufacturers will be there including Swift, Bailey, Lunar, Elddis and Coachman, and representatives from the Camping and Caravanning Club and the NCC will be on hand to answer your questions.

For your chance to win one of 15 pairs of tickets, follow the simple instructions below. Good luck!

If you’re not a lucky winner, tickets can be purchased online at manchester.caravanshows.com or via the ticket hotline 0844 209 7351. Please quote promo code: CAR28 when booking.

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Thieves systematically target caravans in Tyne and Wear

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by Gemma Roskell

A total of 17 static caravans have been broken into in the Frosterley area and various items stolen from the scene.

The Wear Valley Mercury reports that police are asking the local public to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity around caravan sites such as people acting suspiciously or new vehicles arriving in the area.

The local police force has also opted to increase patrols of the area in order to deter the thieves from striking again.

PC Frank Hewison, an upper Weardale beat officer, said: “A number of the vans have been badly damaged and property has also been stolen.

“Even at this time of year many of the caravans are occupied and the public walk in the areas that have been targeted.”

Meanwhile, the Lonely Planet guidebook publisher has highlighted the wide number of options that the UK can offer British travellers and caravanners.