Destination Viaduc: restoring a classic Volkswagen campervan (Part One)

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When VW enthusiast Simon Thompson sat down with his wife and planned a summer camping holiday in France, there was only one problem. He had just four months to transform the empty interior shell of a 1967 Volkswagen split screen into their dream camper. What followed was an epic journey in its own right as petrolhead Simon designed, cut and built a brand new interior from scratch. Over the next four weeks Caravan Times will relive his story. For more images take a look at his video diary
(below).

Words and pictures by Simon Thompson
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This isn’t the tale of how I came to own my precious 67′ split screen camper back in 95′. Neither is it the story of the years spent transforming the body and chassis into something solid that I’m proud of today.
It’s about planning a summer camping holiday abroad in early 2008 with my wife Louise. And being blasé about the fact that I would finish the interior in time for the big trip: a 2021 mile round trip camping in France for ten nights, which included an un-missable visit to the magnificent Viaduc de Millau.

Admittedly I made my grand plans when the interior didn’t actually exist. Everything was pulled out ahead of a complete re-build and spray job back in August 2003, and was never looked at again since! And so the challenge was set…

‘Destination Viaduc’: Setting the Goal

It was February 2008 when my wife and I agreed on taking the last week of August and the first week of September for a holiday abroad. That was the easy bit. We had recently watched a television programme about how the French built the Viaduc De Millau, commissioning our own Sir Norman Foster as the architect, and had to go and look at it for ourselves. Situated just north of Montpellier in the south of France, I wanted shots of our pride and joy next to something modern, magnificent, beautiful and many miles away.

And so the holiday was named ‘Destination Viaduc’ and the preparation began by booking the time off from our day jobs to put a stake in the ground and give us something to work towards. But boy did I have some work to do. This would be the first trip abroad since we have owned the vehicle…

The key word when designing the interior was “simple”. I wanted it to be clean, unique, and to have all the amenities of a modern caravan. This meant that I needed to build it myself. Thank goodness for the Internet, as this helped me research options throughout the project. It also came in handy for planning the route for our camping trip as Louise harnessed the power of Google to detail our proposed journey.

Fourteen hour days

So I bought all the tools I thought were needed – new saws, welder, safety specs, you name it. The list was long and cost over £500 in total. I knew that if I had any chance of success, preparation here would be crucial. I decided on keeping things as light as possible and bought a mix of aluminium tubing for the framework, various thickness wood ply sheets for everything else and started from the ground up. I had all the plans in my head and could see the end vision.

I took a week off work at the end of April and worked pretty much 14 hours days, every day. Making major inroads early on proved to be crucial in getting the ball rolling to meet our deadline, and I loved it! Work then continued throughout May before and after my day job; any spare hour regardless of time of day was spent building the interior.

By the end of May the bare bones of the interior were complete and I was ready to start installing all the electrics, heater, sink and cooking facilities, which was no small task in itself. It was in the middle of this whirlwind that we received the wonderful news that we were to have a baby, due in early January 09.

Time flew by and before I knew it we were in the middle of June, with only two months left. Urgent work started on a less
glamorous yet crucial part for the trip: the new roof lining. Alongside this we both started the upholstery. The process consisted of covering the bare wood with a leatherette vinyl, and then painting any other exposed surfaces for some additional protection.

Test runs

The maiden voyage of our VW splitscreen was our first weekend away with the refurbished vehicle – and a great excuse to go to Bug Jam 22 in July. With no curtains and lots of loose ends and unfinished bits, we still enjoyed a sunny weekend away, but best of all it gave us a chance to thrash it out and refine any points. The major test was ensuring that the split charger worked. In the end it coped with running a fridge all weekend and lots of LED lighting, and still managed to start the engine on Sunday! Relief hit us after the weekend went perfectly and was a major success.

Upon return I started the work of finishing and cosmetic upgrades. For the seating, I took on the work myself of cutting out all the foam to size. The rest was left in the hands of a local upholsterer (www.surreycarinteriors.co.uk) who covered the foam seating in real leather. Can you believe that two whole cow hides went into the seating and bedding area? Indeed it cost a fortune, but the end result was the icing on the cake. We bought the ready-made curtains from www.vwcurtains.com which finished off the project. Thankfully the curtains arrived on the Monday before we left for France, giving me just enough time to install them.

From the ribs of bare metal to the plush finish of the final restoration took the whole four months. Crucially however we made it in time for the trip. Join us next time as we set out from Guildford for our VW campervan’s ultimate test.

Simon Thompson.

You can click here to read Part Two of Simon’s journey as they head for France.

If you’re a fan or owner of VW campervans you can join our Volkswagen Enthusiasts group here.

Icelandic volcano causes rise in Park Holidays UK bookings

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Caravan holidays in the UK were on the up in the days following the volcanic ash cloud situation.

Tony Clish, the director of Park Holidays UK, has noted that bookings at his company’s parks had grown by 15 per cent as flights were kept grounded because of the eruption of the Icelandic volcano.

Meanwhile, doubts about whether some airline staff will take part in industrial action is highlighted as another possible reason for a rise in the number of families wanting to holiday in the UK.

Mr Clish said: “People just aren’t prepared to gamble on their main leisure event of the year, and as a result we are seeing some summer weeks nearing capacity on our parks.

“For many families a UK holiday booked now is likely to be the least stressful way of spending the next few months before their break.”

Furthermore, Mr Clish feels that families would be best served to book their caravan holidays early in order to ensure they have the widest range of possible locations to select from.

Those wanting to enjoy a number of outdoor activities may find that a UK caravan holiday could prove enjoyable, Park Holidays UK has previously stated.

VIDEO: Bailey Caravans explains Alu-Tech construction (Part One)

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Over the last six months there has been a buzz at caravan shows around the country after leading manufacturer Bailey Caravans unveiled an all-new line up: the Pegasus and Olympus. In the autumn of 2009 the Pegasus made its debut and became an overnight sales success, in no small part due to being the first range built on a pioneering technology called Alu-Tech.

Developed by Bailey in Bristol after an intensive research and development period, it incorporates a system whereby the individual body shell components contribute to the overall strength (rather than traditionally relying on the floor and chassis). Furthermore the other main benefit is to reduce the opportunity for water to enter the structure.

Caravan Times spoke to Bailey’s marketing director Simon Howard to find out more about what makes Alu-Tech caravans different.

If you’re a Bailey owner or a fan of their caravans, you can now join our Bailey Caravans Group by clicking here.

You can also click here to share your thoughts and experiences of Bailey’s new Alu-Tech construction.

Bailey Caravans add new family layout to Pegasus

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Bailey Caravans has strengthened the line up of its ground-breaking Pegasus range with the introduction of the new Pegasus 646.

The largest of the Pegasus line-up, it boasts a twin axle six berth layout with a full length parallel bed front saloon. From first appearances it is clear just how much the living quarters have been arranged with the family in mind. A separate end bedroom offers triple fixed single bunks as well as an L-shaped dinette. Completing the versatile interior is a central kitchen and separate shower washroom.

As with all Pegasus models the 646 is built in the award-winning Alu-Tech body shell. A new construction method developed by Bailey after comprehensive design and testing, Alu-Tech caravans consist of a five part system (rather than the more usual nine-part) bound together with an aluminium framework for additional strength. The new system and its reduction in component parts is said to offer greater protection against the age-old problem of water ingress in caravans.

Bailey are confident enough in this system to offer a market-leading 10-Year integrity guarantee with all Pegasus Caravans including the new 646. Other features include the latest safety and security equipment from AL-KO including its Secure wheel lock.

For those hoping to try out the new layout, the company have announced that display models are arriving at retailer depots this week. In addition you can visit the Bailey microsite for more information on the Pegasus 646

Look out this week for our video interview with Simon Howard of Bailey who explains the science and testing behind the Alu-Tech platform, the new construction method to be found in Bailey’s best-selling caravans.

Caravan parks could be screened off

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Caravan parks could have large screens erected around them to help cut their visual impact, it has been suggested.

A study into the coastline of north Wales suggested the idea as part of measures to improve the area between Denbighshire and Conwy.

The Turning the Tide report said that tourism along the coastline is generally seasonal and low value.

“It has shown significant decline over the years and although the decline has probably bottomed out, it is still fragile,” it explained.

However, a number of suggestions were made to help reinvigorate the industry in north Wales, including the landscaping and screening of caravan parks to make the area more aesthetically pleasing.

The study asserted that towns such as Rhyl need sprucing up as they are seen as “shabby [and] depressing with little to do”.

It added that changing the perception of the 15 miles of coastline would only be achieved by major action.

France a popular camping destination

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France remains a popular destination among UK holidaymakers, thanks in part to its camping options.

Caravan enthusiasts often head to Brittany due to its lovely scenery and relatively cheap prices and it has been pointed out that the nation still holds appeal for Brits looking to get away from it all.

The Association of British Travel Agents noted that the country is still the second most popular place for UK residents to head on holiday.

Spokesperson Sean Tipton said: “In terms of visitor numbers from the UK it’s only a few years ago that Spain overtook France as the number one most popular foreign holiday destination and it is still number two”.

He added that this is a reflection of how dominant the country has been over the years and suggested that the dip in visitor numbers in 2009 is unlikely to change its popularity.

As well as Brittany, France’s capital Paris and other destinations such as Cote D’Azur, the Dordogne and the Loire Valley all hold appeal for UK visitors, Mr Tipton explained.

Local law firm help couple secure future of caravan site

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A popular caravan site with question marks over future ownership has now been secured thanks to teamwork between a couple and a local law firm.

Eileen and Ian Cox are now the sole owners of Abbot’s House Farm in Goathland, offering 90 pitches for caravans and tents. Their purchase was completed with the aid of Latimer Hinks Solicitors who helped secure the future of the business. They had previously owned the firm with another couple.

The caravan site attracts up to 2,000 holidaying families a year and is situated in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park alongside the North York Moors Railway.

Only a Heartbeat away

Many of these tourists are attracted by the nearby village of Goathland, made famous by the TV programme Heartbeat and only a 15 minutes’ walk away from the site. It is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside and tourist attractions by car, walking, or cycling.

The existing toilet and shower block has been further enhanced this season with the addition of a toilet/shower facility for the less able. Future developments this year will include a laundry and a new games room that Mr and Mrs Cox will make, by converting existing unused buildings. A detached holiday cottage will also be available towards the end of the current season, being a complete refurbishment of Abbot’s Cottage, a former farmworkers’ bungalow.

Legal aid

After question marks over the future of the caravan park Eileen and Ian were delighted to finally secure the business and singled out legal firm Latimer Hinks for their specialist support. Ian Cox commented “Thanks to there being a wide range of specialists available at Latimers Hinks, we were able to use the firm for all the legal requirements needed to complete the deal. We could not have achieved our dream of owning the business outright without the breadth of expert knowledge available at Latimer Hinks.”

Nicola Neilson is a partner at the firm which is based in Darlington and she was “delighted to have been able to help them achieve their goal of becoming the owners of this popular caravan and camping site. She added “We wish them well with their plans to further improve the business, which is located in one of the most stunning areas of Britain.”

Abbot’s House Farm can be found in Goathland and as well as the aforementioned 90 pitches for caravans and tents, offers self-catering holiday accommodation comprising a bunkhouse barn, and a holiday apartment which is part of the farmhouse. For more details click this link or you can call 01947 896270.

Site operator Parkdean believes Norfolk ideal for cyclists

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Caravanners holidaying in Norfolk have the benefit of being able to take advantage of the many fantastic cycle routes, it has been claimed.

According to Parkdean, the area is full of beautiful sandy beaches, famous broads and protected wetland, which make it a great destination for holidaymakers who love getting on their bike.

“What better way to take in the stunning views than taking a bike ride around some of the most scenic areas of region,” the firm said.

The caravan site operator has constructed a list of favourite local cycle routes around Norfolk, with everything from a gentle ride around the countryside to a tough pedal down dirt tracks.

It is also keen for its customers to add their own favourite routes to the list and urged them to get in touch to recommend them.

The company added that Norfolk is a great place to visit for families or those looking for a relaxing break with plenty to do.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently noted that its sites in Devon could be ideal for those planning to visit the Gold Coast Oceanfest, which takes place from June 18th to 20th.

The cost of waiting at airports

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Park Resorts has released figures which show that Brits waste a collective 15,773 years of their lives waiting at airports.

The caravan site operator, which runs 37 facilities around the UK, noted that delays and check-in times when heading off abroad amount to more than 138 million hours of holidaymakers’ vacations.

According to the study, the financial cost of this waiting time totals £319 million, which marketing director Andy Edge suggested may surprise some holidaymakers.

“We’ve all experienced the frustration of spending twice as long in the airport as the flight itself, but we were shocked to see just how much the ‘wait at the gate’ is costing holidaymakers travelling abroad,” he said.

Mr Edge noted that the additional security measures brought in recently have only added to the frustrating delays.

Airport operator BAA recently revealed that its earnings per passenger through its retail outlets had risen six per cent year-on-year to £4.72.

In other news, Park Resorts has noted an increase in the number of families taking holidays with three generations together.

Win a copy of My Cool Caravan

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At the end of the last decade a number of people in recession-hit Britain turned to a pasttime which many have enjoyed for years. The popularity of caravanning surged as many took to the roads to discover the country, and in the midst of this a craze for vintage tourers started to grow.

Retro caravan enthusiasts Jane Field-Lewis and Chris Haddon have been discovering old trailers and vehicles for years, and became friends through their shared interest. With an aim to document some of the fantastic and stylish vehicles being restored around the country, the book My Cool Caravan was born.

Documenting over forty caravans of all vintages with lavish photography, this is the perfect sourcebook for the design-conscious who are curious about how people refurbish and customise their caravans.

We reviewed My Cool Caravan back in February and were taken with the personal stories and accompanying artwork.

Now we’re offering you a chance to win a copy of the book!

To win email us your full name and address to hello@caravantimes.co.ukand we’ll be selecting one entrant from random by Monday 26th April.

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 using the email address hello@caravantimes.co.uk

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.

7. The winner will be selected by the editor of Caravan Times, 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. 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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Caravan Club offers major discounts on caravan insurance

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Recently we reported on an increase in caravan theft, and in the light of this choosing to insure your caravan is one of the easiest decisions to make. Yet selecting a provider which meets your needs can be trickier with the array of offers in the market.

However being a mamber of a major touring club can come with additional benefits. One of the many services provided by the Caravan Club is their touring caravan insurance scheme. A specialised product designed only for caravanners it provides the cover needed in touring situations.

The latest offers include an increase in the ‘no claims’ discount to a maximum of 35% after 4 years free of claims. This means policy holders now qualify for 20% for 1 year of no claims, 25% for 2 years’ of no claims. and 30% for 3 years’ of no claims.

In addition it has been proven that wheel locks reduce the risk of theft, and the Caravan Club offers a 10% discount for caravans fitted with a qualifying device. Examples include the BPW Diamond wheel lock as well as the previously recognised AL-KO Secure. A 5% discount is offered for those storing caravans at a CaSSOA Gold site or in Caravan Club secure storage.

Towing safety devices are also recognised in the comprehensive scheme, and an additional 10% discount is offered to policy holders for fitting an AL-KO ATC or BPW iDC trailer control system to their caravans.

Lesley Coell is the Head of Insurance and Financial Services for The Caravan Club. She noted that “the newly implemented discounts could result in those qualifying for all the caravan insurance discounts being able to reduce their base premium significantly, enjoying a huge saving on what is already an exceptionally competitively priced and comprehensive product.”

More information on the Caravan Club’s range of insurance products can be found by clicking this link.

Beach destinations to be popular this year

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A new study has found that UK beach locations may be even more popular this year.

According to the figures from consumer magazine Which? Holiday, two-fifths (40 per cent) of Brits enjoyed a trip to seaside destinations in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland in 2009.

Spokesperson Rebecca Leach predicted that the number may even rise in 2010, with the fine summer weather helping to boost visitor numbers.

“The reasons people gave for holidaying in the UK were that the locations were easier to get to, they preferred holidays in UK, or simply that they couldn’t afford to go abroad,” she explained.

Blackpool was found to be the nation’s favourite seaside resort of all time and offers a lot for families to enjoy while on vacation.

As well as its beach, there is also a theme park known as the Pleasure Beach and the famous Blackpool illuminations and tower.

Lets Stay UK recently noted that the number of UK tourists heading abroad during 2009 fell by 15 per cent.

Meanwhile, it recorded a 20 per cent rise in bookings for trips to Dorset.