Caravan Times test drives the Towcar of the Year: Land Rover Discovery 4

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By Holly Tribe

The trophy cabinet at Land Rover HQ must be looking healthy these days. In recent times the Land Rover Discovery has dominated its class at caravan towcar awards, and this year walked away with the top prize: Britain’s Best Towcar 2010. The Disco (as it is affectionately known) has regularly impressed due to an untold number of gizmos which make the towing and off-roading experience safer.

But despite this I was concerned as I stood waiting to test drive the award winner at the Land Rover Experience. I’m used to driving an archaic campervan, with only the most rudimentary controls (a column shift and leaky sunroof). I was wondering how I’d cope trying to decide which settings were correct, which dials to turn. Is it really sensible to rely on camera playback beamed to the driver from the dashboard when reversing? Would the urge to check my blind spot overwhelm me?


As I sat in the driver’s seat with the nose pointed skywards and the bonnet rising steeply in front of me, I could just make out a ribbon of grey cloud through the top corner of the windscreen. Suddenly the answers to my questions became very clear. Without these ‘gadgets’, I couldn’t imagine feeling as safe and secure as I did at that moment.

Urban jungle

At the Canary Wharf MotorExpo 2010, Land Rover recreated their off-road experience around the steel buildings of the London financial district. The course incorporated a 200 meter silicone strip watered down to simulate icy conditions, followed by the steepest of ramps to elevate you high above the streets.

Next up, a rock simulator where the driver must crawl over small asymmetric ramps, at times using only two wheels in contact with the road. A sharp bank would then pitch the car sideways at an angle before the final challenge, an up-and-over on a typically steep ramp. Sound easy enough?

Starting with the icy conditions, my Land Rover instructor Derek Moore turned off the driver aids so I could experience normal braking on ice. Picking up speed to around 25mph and then applying the brakes with some force, the wheels locked and we skidded about five metres.


Now Derek switched to the Terrain Response system for loose gravel and ice and I accelerated again. The braking response felt much more solid and efficient, making the Discovery’s line stay truer with zero snaking.

Another clever addition to the braking system which benefits caravan towers is the new Trailer Stability Assist. It detects sway movements that occur when the trailer snakes at speeds over 50mph, and counters this by applying brakes symmetrically then asymmetrically – slowing the vehicle and smoothing it out.

Up in the air


While up on the ramp with the bonnet pointing towards the sky Derek took me through the screen at the heart of the Discovery. From the dash mounted touch-screen you have an almost 360° view of the car from five external cameras. One below each wing mirror, two in the front bumper and a fifth widescreen camera mounted in the rear: perfect for parking or hitching up a caravan. Using the Hitch and Reverse system via the viewing panel, trajectory lines are over-laid on live footage from the rear camera projecting the paths of the vehicle and trailer to get an accurate line when reversing. You can further enhance precision, with the option to input trailer details onto the Disco’s computer, including trailer type, length and number of axles.


Once you’ve unhitched the caravan, the Discovery 4 is an incredibly capable off road vehicle. The pre-set programmes deliver greater control for sand, gravel, snow, rocks, mud and ruts and an impressive hill descent assist. The next in our simulated challenges was to try was a staggered undulation; two steep ramps, the right hand side set five metres back from the left. Even with two wheels off the road, the Disco feels balanced and steady, and there’s never any question its two and a half tonnes will get the better of the traction control.

Fear is not an optional extra

As with the previous Discovery there are seven seats, with all five rear seats independently fitted and collapsible, offering great flexibility for storage/passenger combinations. The interior is nothing short of luxurious with room for the family, the dog, a couple of bikes, an awning, food for an army. I won’t go on, suffice to say, it is very spacious.

Controlling a two and a half tonne vehicle with a caravan in tow can be pretty difficult on slippery and rough conditions. There’s no doubt that using a towcar with reactive automatic settings has its advantages. And if I (a total novice with no off-road experience) can master the controls after just 20 minutes, it would seem Land Rover are on to a winner.

So, if you’re looking for a high-end, well-equipped off-road vehicle set up with exceptional towing capabilities, then your search is over.

Caravan site operator calls in administrators

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by Chris Malone

The future of caravan site operator Green Parcs looks uncertain after the company’s directors called in administrators.

According to accountancyage.com, the firm, which owns three sites near Inverness in Scotland, is to continue to trade during the summer.

It will look to sell off its assets to help address its financial problems and Deloitte administrators Dominic Wong, John Reid and Matt Cowlishaw will be responsible for the emergency action.

“These are well established and popular sites which were caught out by the current economic environment,” explained Mr Cowlishaw.

He added that the parks will continue to welcome caravanners while they look for a buyer who can take the business forward.

Mr Cowlishaw was quick to add that any new buyer would have to demonstrate that their ownership would benefit existing residents at the sites and have the ability to attract new customers.

Meanwhile, the Hackney Gazette has reported that a special Irish traveller barrel-topped caravan is on display in Stoke Newington.

COMPETITION: Win a complete Caravan and Motorhome care kit from Autoglym

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For those new to caravanning (but used to the chore of washing the car) there is the fear that products we use on cars may not be suitable for caravans. What’s clear though is that regular cleaning is highly recommended – as when left dirty the exterior finish can soon deteriorate. Routine washing, polishing and waxing all helps to maintaining the external appearance of your caravan and preserving its value for future resale.

There is a wide range of products offered for this purpose, but one of the most popular and highly rated is the Caravan & Motorhome Care Kit from Autoglym. The six-piece kit contains an all-purpose caravan cleaner which is complimented by Fast Glass, a product developed specifically for the windows. Vinyl and Rubber Care helps condition and protect the exterior, while the Super Resin Polish finishes the job.

This week we’re giving away one of these superb kits from Autoglym to readers who can offer tips on how to clean the caravan. What do you use to clean yours, and do you have any tricks or tips you’ve discovered over the years?

Post your advice for cleaning the caravan in our forum topic by clicking the link below:

Take me to the Caravan Times forum topic

If you’re not yet a member of Caravan Times, signing up is easy to do and membership is free.

The closing date is midnight on Sunday 18 July. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. To enter a Caravan Times competition you must be:

(a) UK resident; and

(b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.

2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Caravan Times, or any subsidiary of Adfero.

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Only one entry per person.

5. If you want to enter this competition you must enter via the Caravan Times community forums.

6. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason in our forum.

7. The winning entry will be selected by the Caravan Times Editorial Team, whose decision is final.

8. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and we reserve the right to amend the competition details at any time.

9. If you win a competition, we will notify you by e-mail and/or through our community. The organiser’s decision will be final, and no other correspondence will be entered into.

10. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

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Caravanners could head to Bordeaux

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Bordeaux could prove a draw for caravan owners after it emerged the French city is benefiting from a rise in UK visitors.

According to Hotels.com, the area has enjoyed a 100 per cent year-on-year rise in interest from British holidaymakers.

The strength of the pound over the euro has helped many European destinations, but none more so than Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Tourism suggested that part of the region’s popularity was down to its fine gastronomic offerings.

Spokeswoman Apolline Belondrade suggested that the fine food and wines on offer are complemented by a number of popular golf courses and spas.

She added that oysters are a particularly tasty treat in Bordeaux.

“For the freshest ones in nice and simple surroundings, don’t hesitate to go to La Boite a Huitres, in the centre of Bordeaux,” Ms Belondrade said.

The spokeswoman pointed tourists in the directorn of Comptoir Bordelais, where they can pick up local foods and wines to take home.

She noted that it is a “true experience” for those who love their culinary delights while on holiday.

Caravan sites warned of flooding dangers

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The Environment Agency has urged caravan sites to ensure they are fully prepared for a flash flood.

At the start of the British summer holiday season, the public body has suggested that the threat of a flood should be considered as serious as that of a fire by caravan sites.

This is because of the potential damage floods cause to a park’s infrastructure as well as its business reputation.

As a result, the Environment Agency has urged travel businesses to be on their guard, greenwisebusiness.co.uk reports.

According to the news provider, the agency said: “Ensuring your tourism business is prepared for flash floods could save lives – it could also save your business.”

To help in this area, a leaflet has been produced which offers advice on the best way to prepare for a flood.

Friday (June 11th) saw the opening of a £38 million flood alleviation scheme in Carlisle which will help to protect homes and businesses.

Safeguard insurance name Bailey Pageant most popular caravan of 2009

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by Holly Tribe

A leading motorhome and caravan insurer has named the Bailey Pageant Bretagne Series 7 the most popular caravan of 2009.

Safeguard, who have specialised in motorhome and caravan insurance for 25 years, reached the outcome after assessing figures from caravan sales in 2009.

Rita Sadler, manager of Safeguard said: “According to our figures Bailey caravans continue to be the most popular for our customers with the Bailey Pageant Series 7 really coming out on top this year, but it’s also good to see some other homes in the list such as the Swift Conqueror 630 and the Elddis Xplore 546.”

Bailey featured in five of the top ten places on Safeguard’s list. Swift, Elddis, Stirling and Coachman brands also featured, with the Swift Conqueror and Charisma taking second and third places respectively.

The increased popularity of caravanning over the last few years could be attributed to the high quality finishes of newer models. Sadler added: “Caravans and motorhomes have come a long way over the past few decades. They now offer unbelievable levels of comfort as well as a few luxuries.”

Here is the list in full (The current best-selling Bailey Pegasus range was only released to the market in September 2009 – and so statistics reflect the limited customer exposure for that year)

1. Bailey Pageant Bretagne Series 7
2. Swift Conqueror 630
3. Swift 630 Charisma
4. Bailey Pegasus 534
5. Bailey Pegasus 624
6. Bailey Senator Series 6 Wyoming
7. Elddis Xplore 546
8. Bailey Olympus 464
9. Sterling Eccles Jewel
10. Coachman Amara 520/4

The One Show features caravanning for second time this year

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Last month we were delighted to find caravanning given prominence on prime-time television, as Carol Vorderman and Christine Bleakley got to grips with towing during an episode of the One Show. So imagine our surprise when yesterday BBC One’s flagship magazine programme aired yet another major feature on the subject of caravans.

In the final film in their History of The Holiday series, presenters Matt Allwright and Christine Bleakley introduced their roving reporter Michael Douglas, a self-confessed mod and hairdresser to the stars. The segment featured a retrospective of holidaying in the 1950’s and 60’s, and pitted camping against caravanning.

Bigger cars, better caravans

Douglas began by looking at how the holiday camp fever of the 1950’s began to wane in the 60’s. And how it was the rise of car ownership in that decade which brought about the advent of camping and caravanning.

It led to a massive surge in membership figures as more people took to the hobby. Camping and Caravanning Club membership was 13,000 in the 1950’s but leapt up to a staggering 91,000 in 1965 – helped by the manufacture of more powerful cars and the introduction of new, affordable caravans.

The One Show spoke to experienced caravanners Barbara and John Carwood who own two vintage models.

When asked what type of people like to caravan, Barbara noted it tends to be people who have grown up with it: “Born and bred really. You caravan as a child, you caravan as an adult.” For her the appeal lies in the independence that caravanning affords: “It’s the freedom and adventure that we can come and go whenever we like”.

Campers vs caravanners?

Reporter Michael Douglas then looked at whether there is a separation between campers and caravanners, and describes how the two areas at holiday parks feel very different.

The Carwoods showed their vintage model which cost £660 new in 1962 – and explained how it was the cost of caravanning that initially separated campers and caravanners. Caravans cost a significant amount of money compared to a tent, and coupled with the necessity of having a car capable of towing it, made owning one prohibitive to many campers.

Avid campers Les and Tracey French met on a campsite in the 1950’s and still camp outdoors today. They explain the proliferation of camping in the early 60’s being down to the manufacture of more sophisticated tents, and the fact that the reputation of camping moved on from being the domain of hippies and scouts.

Last year camping and caravanning rose by 27% on the previous year. And with the threat of ash clouds and airline strikes as well as the recession looming, Douglas signs off with the exclamation “Britain is clearly where it’s at!”

Click here to watch the episode on BBC iplayer

When did you first start caravanning? Share your memories with us in our forum topic.

Caravan owners could take kids to festivals

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Caravan owners could be among the increasing number of older Brits taking their children to music festivals.

According to Virtual Festivals, many of the UK’s first generation of festival goers are now returning with their partners and offspring in tow.

This may be partly to do with sharing an experience that helped shape them as a person, but editor Dan Fahey believes that the family-friendly approach many festivals are taking has played a part.

“The likes of Latitude, Camp Bestival and Wychwood in the UK are certainly attracting a more middle class following because they’re good at accommodating the arts as well as the music and they make it very easy for families to attend as a whole,” he said.

He added that the “music and escapism” are big draws to the UK audience, many of whom will take in a couple of festivals throughout the summer rather than head abroad.

The festival season begins on June 11th with the Isle of Wight Festival.

Elddis motorhome used as police vehicle

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Eyebrows have been raised in Britain’s second city with the addition of the Peugeot Elddis motorhome to the West Midlands Police fleet.

Five of the vehicles are being used at community shows and events and also as a mobile community police station.

The motorhomes, worth £17,000 have a top speed of 80 mph, and whilst they won’t be much cop in high speed chases, it is hoped the vehicles will be a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman from the West Midlands Police told Caravan Times: “The motorhomes give officers an opportunity to sit down with the public and partake in community engagement”. One of the vehicles was recently used in a park crime prevention campaign in Birmingham.

Caravanners should fuel up before the ferry

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Caravan enthusiasts planning a trip to the continent should fuel up before leaving on the ferry or Eurotunnel, it has been claimed.

According to Post Office Travel Money, petrol and diesel in the UK is cheaper than many European nations at the moment.

Sarah Munro – head of the organisation – suggested that Brits should do some research before their journey to ensure that they are not ripped off.

She noted that petrol prices in the UK are generally quite favourable in comparison to European nations at the moment and advised drivers to fill up before leaving.

Diesel drivers should be especially keen to head to a filling station as it will cost them even more on the continent.

With the recent ash cloud chaos and strikes from British Airways staff, Stena Line has reported a record number of bookings in recent weeks.

Those heading to the continent should also sort out their foreign currency before they leave, Ms Munro added.

Tickets on sale for the 2010 International Caravan and Motorhome Show

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It’s the biggest event in the caravan calendar with manufacturers and brands showcasing the latest equipment. Today was the day that tickets went on sale for International Caravan and Motorhome 2010, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 12 – 17 October.

The previous event saw the historic launch of the Bailey Pegasus and the firm’s all-new Alu-Tech range – and this time there are a few big names with their own surprises.

Last years’ show attracted around 80,000 visitors who spent over £100million during the six days. With a recent rise in popularity for ‘staycations’, the event organisers are expecting an even bigger turnout this year.

Show Director Sam North said: “We saw an increase in younger families attending the show last year and we expect even more this year as the appeal of these types of holidays continue to grow”.

250 leading exhibitors have already been confirmed, with big name showcases from Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Coachman expected. Sam North commented “We also have over thirty new exhibitors so it really is the only place to be if you’re thinking of buying a caravan, motorhome, holiday home or camping equipment ahead of your 2011 travels.”

Look out for several free new additions to this years programme including a new cookery theatre, farmers’ market, real ale bar and an expert talks theatre – where industry professionals will give advice and guidance on all things caravan related.

Advance ticket prices start from £14.95 – please visit the Caravan Show website to purchase tickets.

In addition you can click here to watch an interview from last year’s event with show director Sam North.

Arson suspected as blaze destroys caravan

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A caravan was razed to the ground shortly before midnight on Saturday in the Borders area of Scotland.

The Charisma tourer was parked just outside Tweedside Caravan Park, near Innerleithen when it was set alight.

Lothian and Borders Police are treating the incident as wilful fire-raising and are looking for youths believed to have been spotted in the park when the incident occurred.

The tourer had been parked just outside the park for several weeks was valued at around £12,000 and was completely destroyed. The owners who were not staying in the caravan at the time were unhurt.

A police spokesman commented: “This mindless act of destruction has left the owner of the caravan out of pocket, though, thankfully, uninjured.”