How to keep your home safe during your caravan trip

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The last thing you’ll likely be thinking about while away on your caravan staycation is your home, but there are a number of precautions you should take before forgetting about it completely.

Experts at money.co.uk have put together a list of tips to ensure you’re not advertising your house as empty while you’re away.

Be careful about posting online

Don’t post pictures of the exterior of your house to social media, as thieves could use them to target your home when they then see pictures of your holiday highlighting that it’s empty.

Believe it or not, it’s also possible to have keys cut from pictures, so never pose with them in a new home picture you intend to share on Instagram or Facebook.

Maintain a lived in look

Put your lights on a timer to come on regularly or ask a friend to park in your drive in order to make your home look lived in while you’re away.

Invest in a video camera doorbell

You can answer a video camera doorbell remotely, which could deter criminals if they’re testing to see if anyone is at home.

Alternatively, you can use the footage to catch burglars should they break in.

Get covered with home insurance

Just as it’s vital to have specialist insurance for your caravan, you should also get cover for your home in case you’re burgled while you’re away.

Check your policy

Make sure your insurance policy covers expensive items like laptops and bikes when you’re away from home, if you’re not taking these things with you.

Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert from money.co.uk said: “Always be mindful when sharing your holiday pictures and location on social media. It’s almost the same as walking down the street and telling everyone you’re not going to be home.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Lubo Minar

Nick’s News – Caravanning with dogs, safe towing and the Coachman Lusso 1

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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

I’m sneaking a night away in Suffolk this week at Polstead Camping and Caravanning Club Site. It was one of the Club’s first ever franchise sites – privately owned but otherwise run as a Club venue.

It’s well over a decade since it joined the network, so I’m looking forward to hearing how franchisees Greg and Karen Baines have been getting on since they gave up their teaching jobs for a complete career change. I’ve always liked their policy of not charging for Wi-Fi and instead asking for donations to go towards the upkeep of the wonderful floral display on site.

In the newsDog and owner taking in the view

Who let the dogs out?

I wonder if we’re going to notice more dogs than ever on sites this summer. One of the side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is loads of folk – as many as half the population, according to one survey – in the UK have gone out and got themselves a lockdown pet.

Needless to say, the consequence of this is people are on the lookout for pet-friendly holidays. I just hope all those owners (old as well as new) behave themselves. You might also want to be a bit more wary when you’re out on your travels, as dog thefts are very much on the up too.

Go tow, but keep it safe

Safe towing, if you’re hitching up to head off touring this summer. I know you’ll be aware of all the tyres, lights, loading, mirrors and more checks you need to make before you hit the road.

If you want further back-up, it’s all there in the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) recently updated £6 Trailer Towing Guidance and The Law Guide. It’s the tenth edition and there’s more of a skew to first-time tow-ers in this version – because there’s a huge growth in that particular sector, of course. Not your typical holiday reading, I grant, but essential all the same.

More motorhomes on the way?

Coming soon… or so it says. A well-established UK caravan maker is set to enter the motorhome market in 2022. Can’t wait. How many more brands can the UK motorhome market take though?

Arguably, it’s a good time to be able to produce motorhomes, such is the demand at the moment, which is something that looks set to continue over the next year, at least. Now watch this space…

Interior of the Coachman Lusso 1Caravan crush

Coachman Lusso 1 – single luxury item

Watch out for another version of Coachman’s flagship Lusso tourer, due to hit the showrooms in time for the 2022 season. It’s a smaller, single axle sister to the twin axle model announced a year ago. So, it’s shorter and lighter, and will cost less (prices are still in the offing). It will feature the same floorplan though – the current chart-topping transverse island bed with full-width washroom across the back. And, of course, it’s packed with luxury fittings, right up to an E&P self-levelling system.

There’s a big change in the lounge, though, where the original Lusso’s C-shaped seating has given way to a more conventional L-shape and the fixed pedestal table is now a more lightweight free-stander.

Funnily enough, I rather liked that previous lounge with its fixed table… too different, perhaps?

Three good: Upmarket charm, equipment and quality
Two bad: TBC but it’ll be hefty… and expensive
Perfect for: The style conscious
Also consider: Swift Elegance 580

Gadget envyThe tipi in action

Time for an award-winning tipi?

Excuse me while I go slightly outside my caravans and motorhomes remit, but I thought you might like to hear more about a tent that’s just picked up a major award. It’s the Robens Chinook Ursa S and it’s just been awarded the UK Outdoor Industry Award 2021 for Best Tent/Awning.

A tipi that can also be adapted into a shelter, it retails for a pretty cool £900-plus. It’s a stylish number, alright – a great combination of retro chic and modern materials, including a polycotton flysheet with that unforgettable cool in the summer/warm in the winter ambience of an old-style tent. Bet it would look great next door to your campervan, motorhome or touring caravan.

Get the new Caravan and Motorhome Club digital membership card on its app

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) has launched a digital version of its membership card, which is stored within the organisation’s UK Sites App.

Offering increased convenience, the digital card should mean the end of scrabbling around in drawers at the last minute before embarking on a caravan trip.

It also enables new members to access the rewards associated with the scheme immediately, instead of waiting on the physical card to arrive in the post.

CAMC has introduced the measure based on member feedback, after 47 per cent of those asked said they’d like to be able to access their card from their phone.

It’s easy to find the new membership card section on the app as soon as users have downloaded the latest version and logged in.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at CAMC, said: “The Club is delighted to be able to offer members this new digital membership card. We’re always looking for ways to simplify processes for our members and provide great experiences.

“Membership cards can now be instantly accessed, safely and securely, at the touch of a button. This is something our members have been asking for and we’re really pleased we can deliver this new convenient way for members to access their membership cards. Simply download the card and head off on the next adventure!”

Priced at £54 a year, membership offers access to more 2,700 campsites in the UK and abroad, as well as discounts at a selection of attractions and on important elements of a holiday such as ferries and motorhome insurance.

CAMC was founded in 1907 and is a well-trusted name in the caravan world, offering advice and information as well as a network of sites for tourers across the UK and beyond.

Caravan parks facing staff shortages

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The coronavirus pandemic has meant many challenges for caravan parks in the past 18 months, but the latest is the prospect of not having enough staff to keep them running.

With demand for staycations high and competition from other hospitality venues already an issue, employing enough people to keep caravan sites going this summer is a potential problem.

Add to this the fact that many staff could be forced to self-isolate at short notice to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and holidays could be at risk.

One site that’s particularly aware of the potential for staff shortages is Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow and it’s been proactive in coming up with a solution.

The award-winning site has asked holidaymakers to volunteer to step in and contribute to the tight cleaning regime should staff have to self-isolate.

Patrick Langmaid, owner of Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, said: “Like many tourism providers we are desperate to recruit staff, but the staycation boom and the easing of lockdown has created more jobs than there are people to fill them.

“Unless we can find enough volunteers to give up part of their holidays to keep our toilets spotless, we could have to start cancelling stays already booked for this summer.

Not everyone who has been contacted by the park has been keen to take on cleaning duties, but so far more than 20 people have agreed to help out.

It takes 25 full and part-time staff to run the holiday park and there’s a good chance the test and trace app could alert any number of them to times when they’ve been in contact with a person infected with Covid-19.

The site will be giving away 200 holidays to NHS staff and key workers this year, as a thank you for treating patients throughout the crisis.

Mr Langmaid hopes the spirit of everyone pulling together will continue if any of his staff have to self-isolate.

How does the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill affect caravanners?

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The third reading of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill passed through the House of Commons earlier this month with a majority of 100. While a lot of attention has been given to the impact it will have on protests if it makes it through the House of Lords, the bill is far-reaching and could have serious consequences for caravanners.

Owners of caravans, motorhomes and campervans could have their leisure vehicles seized by police simply for parking in places without the landowner’s permission. This includes farmland, but also car parks and laybys, and while it’s only likely to be a problem if the police receive a complaint, the law will not be on the caravanner’s side.

While wild camping in Scotland is permitted, overnight parking in a leisure vehicle without consent is already illegal in England and Wales. When enforced, perpetrators are guilty of the civil offence of trespass, but the new bill would mean tougher punishments.

Caravanners found trespassing could have their vehicles seized, face a fine of up to £2,500 or be given a prison sentence if they don’t move when asked. This could have serious consequences for the 1.15 million Brits that own a leisure vehicle, especially as demand for caravan site pitches is higher than ever this summer.

Nick Rosen, author of How to Live Off Grid, said: “The bill will have a chilling effect on sales and rentals of campervans, of which there are over a million in the UK already. It has been an inalienable right in the UK to take off in a campervan, and park down a quiet lane or on the edge of a farmer’s field. Now this freedom is being chipped away under the guise of saving us from protest camps.”

He is campaigning to have amendments added to the bill before it goes through the House of Lords to prevent wild camping becoming a criminal offence. His petition to withdraw the power to seize vehicles used as mobile homes already has more than 44,000 signatures.

Mr Rosen added: “There are upwards of 60,000 people living off-grid in mobile homes of various sorts in the UK. Some are taking a break from their normal life, while others live this way permanently.

“Many people don’t realise that the van-dwelling way of life is under direct threat from the bill, at a time when it has never been more popular and necessary. Action is needed urgently to raise awareness and stop this unintended consequence of the crackdown on protesters.”

While many wild campers cause no nuisance and leave no trace, the potential implications of the new laws will likely put many people off. The idea that owning a leisure vehicle represents the freedom to go away at short notice and wherever the mood takes you clashes with the reality of legislation in England and Wales.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Sharon Carr

New service connects caravanners with landowners for overnight stays

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A new concept has been launched in Northumberland to connect caravanners with private landowners for wild camping experiences.

Wild With Consent offers exclusive overnight stays in some of the most beautiful remote spots in the north-east of England.

Only permitting one caravan in each location at a time, Wild With Consent represents an opportunity to get off the beaten track and reconnect with nature.

Grace Fell, founder of Wild With Consent, spent her childhood enjoying campervan holidays, which inspired the concept.

She said: “Every holiday was spent in our trusty Iveco campervan and we travelled all over the place. But Scotland and its ‘right to roam’ really captured my imagination.

“Being able to park right next to the sea or shore of a loch in complete isolation was a very special and liberating experience. South of the border, it is illegal to park anywhere other than a campsite, which in my mind, completely defeats the point of having a campervan!”

The locations offered by Wild With Consent have been handpicked to offer something truly special with unparalleled access to nature.

Among the options is a chance to stay at Elwick with views across the sea to Holy Island, which is crowned with the iconic Lindisfarne Castle.

Parked up less than 100 metres from the nature reserve, caravanners who listen carefully will be able to hear the sounds of seals and oyster catchers during their stay.

Locations featured by Wild With Consent are split into three categories – standard, premium and super premium – and are charged at £25, £50 and £100 respectively.

An introductory offer is currently available with 50 per cent off at selected locations. After making a booking, caravanners are sent an exact point to pitch up via What3Words.

Nick’s News – The show must go on, plus Niesmann+Bischoff iSmove 7.3F

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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

Well, the Erwin Hymer Group UK (that’s Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore) 2022 preview last week was quite interesting… but there’s a mid-August embargo on any new model news. What I can tell you, though, is there’s been significant investment by its Erwin Hymer Group parent company – and that’s great news in terms of confidence in its UK operation, not least for job security for its workforce. 

This week’s trip out is to Coachman to see its caravans for the season ahead, but there’s likely to be a similar embargo. 

In the news

The show goes on – in Germany

Our own industry showcase event, originally scheduled for October at Birmingham’s NEC, may have been postponed, but there is still a Europe-wide event, of sorts.

The organisers of Caravan Salon, Europe’s largest motorhome and caravan show, say they’re going ahead with a “hybrid” offer at its Dusseldorf, Germany venue – combining a live event with virtual experiences.

There will also be a matchmaking tool which enables potential buyers to introduce themselves to manufacturers and retailers, with a view to ending up with an actual meeting at the show itself. 

That’s if we’re allowed to go to Germany by that point, of course. Caravan Salon is scheduled to run from August 28th to September 5th.  

Working from (motor)home?

A new twist on the theme of working from home has been announced by German manufacturer Sunlight, part of the Erwin Hymer Group. 

Its Home Office on Wheels project means you really can take your work with you wherever you go. OK, some will love that idea, others may not be quite so keen…

Sunlight calls it digital nomadism. Very much a concept at this stage – and, of course, quite a few folk have tried similar things in the past, I – for one – am definitely interested. 

Sunlight’s project sees the fitting of a modular system comprising a folding desktop, complete with computer monitor, plus suitable storage space, and more.

If you’re going to have an office on wheels, I have to say the seat (especially) and desk must be designed for such uses, for starters. Add in full connectivity and, er, you’re away!

Motorhome for me

Niesmann+Bischoff iSmove 7.3F – top of the class

This is a serious motorhome. But we’re also talking serious money. If the £91,500 starting price isn’t enough to make your eyes water, the optional extras listings certainly will (hint: expect to end up paying at least £110,000). The iSmove 7.3F is a 7m-long A-class from Germany’s Niesmann + Bischoff and it really is the business, in all senses. This is a manufacturer that doesn’t do cheap and, with the iSmove, definitely tries to do it differently.

It’s also very exclusive. Still, if you’re going to go to all the effort of specifying exactly what you want, you’ll surely find any wait is more than worthwhile.

OK, it all sounds straightforward enough – a rear island bed floorplan on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko chassis running gear, but then you can easily get carried away with the bespoke nature of the N+B way of making its motorhomes. 

What more can I say? Go and see for yourselves, when you can. 

Three good: Build quality, style/presence

Two bad: Phew it’s pricey, so are the options

Perfect for: Grand touring

Also consider: Carthago Chic e-line I

Gadget envy 

Time to break out the barbie?

Fancy a new barbecue? There’s plenty to choose from. I really like the look of the little new Attitude model from Campingaz. Truly portable, the 2go CV uses small gas canisters but nevertheless has a cast-iron cooking area that reaches temperatures up to 250 degrees C and reckons it’s large enough to cater for up to six people. 

Not exactly a barbecue, but if you really do want to create some gadget envy, how about the new FirePit from BioLite. It’s not cheap, but it’s a portable unit that cooks using charcoal or wood as its fuel. It also replicates a campfire and comes complete with a fan and flames that can be adjusted via an app. Neat, eh? 

Almost exactly midway in price between the above two (it’s around the £150 mark) is the Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit. Again, it’s an open fire design but burns charcoal or logs and is equally adept at barbecuing. 

Searches up 81% for motorhomes and 62% for caravans

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It hasn’t escaped many people’s notice that there’s a staycation boom upon us and roadtripping is at the top of plenty of holidaymakers’ wishlists. In fact, demand for motorhomes is up 81 per cent and caravans 62 per cent compared to two years ago.

That’s according to Lexham Insurance, which has been analysing Google Trends data. The specialist broker has launched a dedicated motorhome insurance scheme for 2021 to cover new, used and self-built motorhomes and it’s designed to address the specific needs of leisure vehicle owners.

Andy Goodson, sales and marketing director at Lexham Insurance, told CaravanTimes: “2021 is definitely the year of the staycation, with more people than ever desperate for a holiday after the last year, but unable to go abroad.

“That might seem a little dissatisfying to some, but there’s no reason to be disheartened, a road trip is something that not many have experienced and it’s a breath of fresh air for those who’ve been looking for some adventure this past year.”

He highlighted the fact that hotels and B&Bs have a limited capacity and are already filling up. In particularly popular areas there’s simply not enough provision in terms of this type of accommodation to meet demand, but caravans and motorhomes will help to plug this gap.

Mr Goodson added: “There’s no better feeling than getting out on the road – there are some fantastic destinations in the UK like the Lake District, the Cotswolds, or even the Scottish Highlands – this country has an absolute wealth of picturesque tourist spots to travel to.

“Not only that, but our local businesses have taken a beating over the last twelve months – so keeping your money in the UK will help relieve the burden many are feeling, especially in the hospitality sector – who’ve been hit hard by the pandemic.”

Instead of being a last resort, caravans and motorhomes represent a great way to travel and the standards of accommodation can be incredibly high. The stereotypical view of leisure vehicles from the past is gone and there are now options available to suit all levels of luxury required.

Staff at Lexham Insurance have revealed they’re often told that touring the UK by caravan is on many people’s bucket lists. While uncertainty around green and amber list countries continues, this summer seems to be a good opportunity to do it.

Mr Goodson summarised: “It’s a no-brainer to get to see the best the UK has to offer – leave the hotels behind you and take your family in a campervan or motorhome this year, before they all sell up!”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kojiro Inui

Caravan Guard turning heads during awards season

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Specialist insurer Caravan Guard has been shortlisted as a finalist in the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2021.

It reflects the work carried out by the Halifax-based firm to implement a new framework around customer feedback.

The changes are improving standards for what is already a high level of customer service, ensuring everyone gets the best assistance when it’s required.

Ryan Wilby, managing director at Caravan Guard, said: “It’s a great honour to be nominated as finalists in the UK’s most prestigious customer service awards.

“This shortlisting is testament to the fact that we aim to continually push the bar ever higher when it comes to delivering brilliant customer experiences and market leading cover for our customers.”

It’s not the only award where Caravan Guard has been getting attention recently, as the insurer took gold as What Motorhome magazine’s Insurance Provider of the Year 2021.

The judges noted that as well as a highly competitive price, Caravan Guard was comprehensive in what’s included, with UK breakdown cover as standard.

It beat 19 other providers to the top spot, as insurers that specialise in cover for leisure vehicles were pitted against each other over features, benefits and cost of premiums.

Neil Menzies, director of Caravan Guard, said he was delighted the company’s cover had been recognised as market-leading.

He added that this comes at a time when demand for caravan and motorhome insurance is at an all-time high, as the lifestyle welcomes many newcomers.

Caravan Guard has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and over 110,000 customers.

It insures everything from luxury motorhomes and static caravans to folding campers and trailer tents, meaning it can cover most holidaymakers’ setups.

Joining one of the UK’s recognised caravan clubs earns owners a ten per cent discount on any Caravan Guard premium.

World’s first totally renewable lithium-ion battery is perfect for touring

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The first reusable, repairable and fully recyclable lithium-ion battery has been launched and it’s compatible with touring in a caravan, motorhome or campervan.

Award-winning clean technology company Aceleron has developed a unique compression-technology method to ensure each individual element of the battery can be accessed either to repair, replace or upgrade.

This is not only better for the environment, but allows users to keep costs down while being reassured the product will have a long lifespan.

The Essential battery comes in a variety of voltages, providing uninterrupted, reliable power, which is important when pitching up in your motorhome.

Carlton Cummins, chief technical officer and co-founder of Aceleron, told CaravanTimes: “Touring with the Essential battery on board means you get to go further and do more, and experience complete peace of mind while you do it.

“The Essential is a lightweight, easy to carry and versatile lithium-ion battery that can be installed in three different positions, to replace any group-31 battery.

“It will provide enough long-lasting, reliable power for any appliance in your motorhome, caravan or campervan – from the TV, hairdryer and microwave to your coffee machine or fridge freezer.

“Should you need even more power, it’s also easy to connect extra Essential batteries in series or parallel.”

Aceleron boasts that the Essential is half the weight of a traditional battery and has been given an ergonomic design to make it look sleek, as well as being portable.

Offering up to four times the cycle life and three times more continuous power than a lead-acid battery, the Essential sounds like it ticks all the boxes.

As many caravanners work to reduce their impact on the environment, the eco benefits of the battery will certainly be a plus.

Treating batteries as disposable makes them a drain on resources, so the renewable element will be a welcome addition to the market.

Carlton Cummins and Dr Amrit Chandan of Aceleron

Mr Cummins added: “The really unique thing about the Essential is that it’s the world’s most sustainable battery. All components from the protection electronics to the cells can be replaced for repair, upgrade or recycling.

“It means your battery’s performance lasts a lifetime and you also get to protect the planet – and all those beautiful views you’re travelling to see.”

As the UK pushes towards the government’s target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, technologies such as the Essential will need to be more widely adopted.

It fits in with the new right to repair rules, which came in last week, making manufacturers of electrical appliances responsible for ensuring spare parts are available to prevent products from becoming obsolete.

Aceleron has always had sustainability in mind, as the company was started when its founders took apart and tested hundreds of battery packs, realising they aren’t designed to be maintained.

They hope to empower communities around the world with greater access to energy storage solutions that don’t result in tonnes of unnecessary battery waste.

Nick’s News – NEC October show cancelled, the Knaus Deseo caravan and clean air solutions

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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

Things are hotting up across the leisure vehicle sector. I’m off to see what’s new from Elddis/Erwin Hymer Group this week, then looking in at the latest launches from Adria and Coachman over the next two weeks. With news that Bailey is to unveil its next-generation Unicorn caravans, I’m getting the feeling things really are beginning to return to some kind of normality.

In the news

No show for the NEC in October

In a funny way, I’d like to congratulate our National Caravan Council for taking the decision to put off October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show. Against a background of high interest in touring caravans and motorhomes and, frankly, the opportunity to sell even more product, the UK industry’s trade body has put the welfare of people ahead of commercial interests.

Instead, efforts will focus on the subsequent national showcase, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show next February at the same venue – Birmingham’s NEC.

It’s a dreadful place, the NEC. I know I’m not the only one to come away from events there having gathered up a cold, sore throat or worse in the past. The good news is, it’s started using Enhanced Venue Sanitisation – more cleaning, more warning signs, more sanitisers and staffed toilets. I’m sure we can wait a bit longer and I look forward to caching up next February.

Want to work on a campsite? Join the Club…

I see the Caravan and Motorhome Club is looking to recruit people to come and work on its site network. It can be very rewarding, but you should be warned, it’s also no picnic. I don’t speak from direct experience, but have certainly heard enough tales of hard graft.

As consumers, we do tend to get sucked into the idea of sitting on a lawnmower, cutting the grass and just chatting to campers while the sun shines… perhaps not caring to think about the myriad of responsibilities carried out by site staff.

By far the biggest majority of folk using campsites are decent, but it only takes the odd one to spoil things for others, though. Frankly, I do think there’s a sitcom waiting to be written there! Who knows, it could even be based on someone’s experience as a rookie assistant manager.

Caravan crush

Knaus Deseo – out of the ordinary

It’s no concept caravan this, I was there when the Deseo was first unveiled by Germany’s Knaus, back in the mid-2000s, and it still bucks plenty of trends today. Its short, boxy, twin axle, minimal-windows design still sets it out from the rest. As does its full-size tailgate at the back – ideal for taking on heavy loads of anything up to motorbikes.

It’s all rather more practical than you might expect, too, with everything from its drop-down double bed to a proper bench toilet. Proper? Yes, I do consider these older Thetford toilets preferable to swivel-bowl variants, for one key reason – hygiene. They’re easier to keep clean because you don’t have to – literally – grub around the back of them. Just a thought, but I think I’ll leave it there.

Three good: Build quality, at least 300kg payload and it’s different
Two bad: Price, plus you’ll want to add options
Perfect for… Carrying kit, as well as offering accommodation for four
Also consider: Trip Buddy Anywhere

Gadget envyThe MaxxFan with remote control

Clean air – let’s act

In current times, ensuring a good supply of fresh, clean air means more than ever before. So, what can you do to make sure you’re getting the right stuff when you’re out and about in your caravan or motorhome? You could add an air conditioner, of course, but prices here do tend to run into the low thousands.

So, what are the alternatives? Well, opening windows and vents wherever and whenever possible is a great start. It might even be enough to make you decide you don’t need to do anything else.

Or you might decide you want a 12V fan fitting that can be used as an extractor. If so, you could ask your local dealer to fit a Thule Omnivent, or the Fiamma equivalent, called the TurboVent.

There’s also the MaxxFan, which is a rather interesting looking item that’s recently been introduced to the UK by specialist leisure vehicle accessories supplier and fitter, RoadPro. For easy fitting, it can actually take the place of a 400mm x 400mm rooflight and even comes with a remote control.

Thieves now target caravans as much as supercars

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Top-of-the-range caravans, motorhomes and campervans are now being targeted by thieves as much as high-end luxury cars.

That is according to GPS vehicle tracker specialist Trackershop, which says the trend is being driven by overwhelming demand for leisure vehicles and the relative ease with which they can be stolen.

Caravanners are therefore being warned to adopt extra security measures to ensure they don’t become the victim of crime and see their staycation plans ruined.

Identity markings are easily removed from caravans, which means the majority of those that are taken are never recovered.

Trackershop noted that while increased search volumes have been seen for caravans for sale, queries for caravan trackers have remained the same.

Vehicles with a tracking device fitted have a 95 per cent recovery rate and they’re often a requirement of many insurance companies.

Shaun Carse, managing director at Trackershop, said: “With this in mind it is concerning that caravan and motorhome owners don’t seem to be carrying out due diligence when it comes to securing their vehicle.

“Recent research discovered that just 13 per cent of motorhomes and six per cent of campervans have trackers installed, whilst 54 per cent and 45 per cent of these vehicles respectively don’t have alarms.”

There are two main types of tracker available – those that are hard-wired into leisure vehicle’s electrics and battery-operated options that can be hidden in unexpected places so thieves can’t find them.

As well as using a tracker, caravanners can increase their chances of having a stolen vehicle returned to them by having the VIN (vehicle identification number) etched on all the windows and keeping a record of the Central Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS) number.

Ways to keep your caravan, motorhome or campervan safe from thieves include:

  • Installing a tracker
  • Fitting an alarm system
  • Investing in CCTV on your driveway
  • Installing security lighting
  • Purchase a wheel lock
  • Buy a hitch lock

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Saad Chaudhry