Tyre Runner answers all your caravan and motorhome tyre questions

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A tyre comparison site has published a guide to help answer any questions caravan and motorhome enthusiasts have about tyres for their leisure vehicle. Tyre Runner covers everything from the differences to car tyres through to how long they should last.

It could prove to be a useful resource for anyone new to the lifestyle or those looking to purchase second-hand tyres with confidence. There’s also advice on maintenance after buying tyres too.

Bryan MacMillan, founder of Tyre Runner, told CaravanTimes: “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in 2021 in the amount of caravan and motorhome owners getting in touch with Tyre Runner looking for advice on the best tyres to purchase for their home away from home – car tyres, van tyres, commercial tyres, there are far too many options and many a misunderstanding of the differences between them!

“Despite not being used that often, or for very many miles in their lifetime, caravan and motorhome tyres are actually more susceptible to premature weather ageing than perhaps the average vehicle.”

He went on to explain that this is usually caused by motorhomes being stationary in all weathers, which is particularly likely to have occurred with the country having been in lockdown. This can result in tyre flat spots, cracking and bulges on the side walls, which increases the chances of having a blowout.

Mr MacMillian said: “That’s why Tyre Runner recommends replacing caravan tyres every five years no matter how many miles they have done. In the case of a caravan, when not in use, Tyre Runner recommends having tyres professionally removed and stored to prolong life – there is also a little upside for security as well.

“We also advise potential new owners to check the DOT date code on the side of the tyres of any second-hand motorhome they are considering for purchase. And of course, always check your tyre pressures before setting off on a trip – it will save a fortune on fuel and make sure the tyre offers optimal grip on the road.”

Tyre Runner’s ultimate guide to caravan and motorhome tyres offers more top tips like these to ensure leisure vehicle owners enjoy their trips away safely. It also talks readers through the various things to consider when trying to get the most out of their tyres.

It comes as Tyre Runner launches a new comparison tool to let owners find the best deals from retailers, wholesalers and tyre manufacturers. Being impartial allows novices to obtain the independent advice they need to make an informed purchase.

Users can search for tyres near them and by size or enter their caravan or motorhome registration number to find out what they require. The best deals from big names and small independent companies will then be presented to them in an easy to compare format.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Enis Yavuz

40% of Brits are planning to staycation this year

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A whopping 40 per cent of the British population are planning on taking a holiday in the UK this year, according to TentBox.

The roof tent company says that equates to 26.7 million people all taking advantage of beautiful destinations in the UK, as travel abroad remains uncertain.

Of that number, more than half are planning to go camping, which is seen as an affordable and environmentally-friendly way to enjoy a staycation.

Ollie Shurville, co-founder of TentBox, said: “The research findings confirm our predictions that this summer is going to be a bumper year for UK-based camping trips, and gives us tangible data on the sheer scale of the staycation boom.

“Camping with a TentBox on the roof of your car is a smarter and more comfortable way to sleep outdoors, whilst also increasing the sense of fun and freedom camping can offer.”

Roof tents represent a good compromise between traditional camping and enjoying a motorhome break.

They can be installed on the roof bars of any vehicle and allow campers to sleep on a built-in memory foam mattress away from the ground.

Within 30 seconds of getting parked in a pitch, you can turn your car into a basic campervan set-up using a TentBox.

They’re waterproof and midge-proof, which are both vital for trips during the UK summertime, and the company claims they can withstand winds of up to 35 miles per hour.

If you’re wondering how to climb down from your TentBox, perhaps in the middle of the night when nature calls, there’s an in-built ladder.

TentBox is experiencing high demand for its roof tents due to the increased popularity of camping, but is accepting pre-orders on new stock due to arrive in July.

Nick’s News – The problem with popular routes, Niesmann + Bischoff and an electric campervan

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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

Can we holiday, or can’t we? As I write, things are still a bit in the balance. With foreign holidays all but banned for those who are happier sticking by the rules, parts of the UK are busy booking up fast. And I’m simply not one for the crowds.

I’m still planning a trip to Scotland in August and I wondered if anyone could give me any tips on experiences of overnighting in a Scottish forest? I’ve recently discovered this website and love the concept of offering just the one night at a time for leisure vehicle users who might be simply passing through.

In the news

North coast, no thanks!

North Coast 500 (NC500), Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, Glasgow to Inverness… these are the UK’s favourite road trips, according to an organisation called Zutobi.

I’m afraid that sets alarm bells ringing as far as I’m concerned. All it suggests is that these roads and campsites are going to be chokka this summer – and are probably best avoided. If you’ve decided to take in any of these areas, good luck to you.

I’ve still yet to do the NC500, which follows the coast around the top of Scotland, but I’m quite happy to keep it on the bucket list for when things are quieter.

Dream the dream with your very own Niesmann + Bischoff

German dream machine manufacturer Niesmann + Bischoff has announced an online configurator for potential purchasers of its somewhat awesome motorhomes.

I couldn’t resist a play and started with an iSmove 7.3F, which is ‘modestly’ priced from £91,500, but then I added a customised paint finish (over £8,000, including trimmings), 18in alloy wheels (£2,374) and leather upholstery (over £2,000).

Of course, I didn’t stop there and had to have the Premium Kitchen Pack (£1,738), all manner of other options packs (ranging from £2,000 to £5,000), engine and automatic transmission upgrades (£5,000 or so), and then ‘details’ like Aguti cab seats (£678), second garage door (£830), sliding table (£252), oh and plenty more.

Well, you can guess what happened… I was fast approaching £130,000, but still, it’s fun to dream. Go on, I dare you to have a go yourself.

Motorhome for me? LEVC Camper on the beach

LEVC e-Camper – it’s all-electric

The world’s first electrically-powered campervan? Not quite*, but it looks like a damn good attempt. I’m talking about LEVC’s (London Electric Vehicle Company) e-Camper. It’s based on the VN5 van and yes, in case you’re wondering, its roots go back to being a taxi.

It’s all about the number of miles you can go between charges that’s critical for electric engines. Thanks to LEVC’s e-City range extender technology, e-Camper can do anything up to 300 miles.

The kitchen’s electric too, which means there’s no need for any gas system. The campervan conversion work has been carried out initially with help from Wellhouse Leisure, but the plan is for LEVC to go into full production on its own.

The company says it’s ready to take orders here in the UK, with deliveries possibly as soon as the last quarter of this year. But it seems Europe is a step ahead – early left-hand drive models are already being snapped up by dealers in Germany.

*It’s not the world’s first electric campervan. That honour goes to Hillside Leisure, which unveiled its Dalbury E micro camper based on Nissan’s e-NV200 (the electric-powered version of its NV200), back in 2014. The latest versions of the e-NV200 have a range of up to 174miles.

Three good: All-electric, including the kitchen and no VED (road tax)
Two bad: Initial cost and the element of the unknown
Perfect for… the environment!
Consider also: Waiting for more electric campers coming our way

Gadget envyThe Vango Sizzle

Electric cookers

If the future is electric for leisure vehicles, then what about the cookers we use in conjunction with the lifestyle? On-board electric hobs are yet to make it, although you might be lucky enough to have a gas hob with single electric hotplate. But, you can add to what you’ve got.

The news that gas barbecue specialist Cadac has added an electric model to its line-up is a possible pointer to the future. It’s the E Braai, which roughly translates as barbecue in its native South Africa.

I’ve always fancied an induction hob too. I know you have to have the right pans (easy) and the hob itself has to be exactly level in use or things can slide (trickier), but the cool-to-the-touch, instant efficient heat concept seems perfect for a leisure vehicle. Anyway, check out the Vango Sizzle – available as a single or double hob.

For a more basic electric addition to your existing facilities, how about something like the Whitby from Outwell? It’s a skillet with removable glass lid, ideal for frying or roasting.

TV filming locations to explore on your caravan staycation

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Forget Hollywood, it’s all about the TV filming locations here in the UK, which are easily visited on your caravan holiday this summer.

As part of its Sunny Staycations campaign, Uswitch has created a list of destinations to explore if you’re a fan of some of the biggest TV shows of the last few years.

Many of the locations are situated close to caravan parks, enabling you to easily incorporate them into a trip away with your leisure vehicle.

Kynance Cove – Poldark

Cornwall is a popular destination for caravanners, but fans of Poldark will have an extra reason to visit, as some of the show’s key scenes were filmed with the white sand and blue sea background of Kynance Cove.

Arley Hall – Peaky Blinders

Step inside the library at Arley Hall in Cheshire and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled across a gang leader’s study at the start of the 20th century. That’s because the manor doubles up as Tommy Shelby’s Arrow House in Peaky Blinders.

Belvoir Castle – The Crown

While a number of castles across the UK were used in the filming of The Crown, it was the interior of Belvoir Castle that doubled up as the most famous royal residence, Windsor Castle. Book a visit to take in the sumptuous decor and regal vibe.

County Wicklow – Vikings

Take your caravan over to the east of Ireland to experience the life of a Viking among the fairytale forests and tranquil lakes. County Wicklow’s scenery is just as dramatic as the action played out in the show.

Highclere Castle – Downton Abbey

Want to see the bedroom where Lord and Lady Grantham sleep in Downton Abbey? It’s located at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and decorated in the most elegant style by Lady Carnarvon, who calls the impressive property home.

 

 

Photo credit: uSwitch

Shot in the arm for an extended caravanning season

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Nearly a quarter of caravanners are planning to have a staycation in the autumn, a new study reveals, and many of them will enjoy this late break on top of a summer trip.

That is one of the insights revealed by Caravan Sitefinder’s annual spring survey, which looks at the holiday habits of Brits.

It discovered that the widespread vaccination programme is providing enough confidence to make bookings in this country, but uncertainty around foreign travel still remains.

In fact, 43 per cent of respondents stated that jabs and falling Covid rates had prompted them to plan their holidays.

Some 57 per cent said they’d only be taking a trip in the UK, while 31 per cent were hoping to enjoy both a staycation and a getaway abroad.

Respondents to the survey also underlined the importance of holiday parks having solid cancellation policies in place should the situation change.

Michael Paul, CEO of Caravan Sitefinder, said: “The faith of people in the ability of British parks to provide a safe holiday environment came across strongly, and is testimony to the precautionary measures these businesses have adopted.

“But given the unpredictability of this crisis, it’s not surprising that many customers wanted a refund safeguard in place if anyone in their party had to pull out for Covid-related reasons.”

After the pandemic has caused so many caravan sites to lose revenue due to restrictions put in place at various points over the last 15 months, the prospect of a longer season will represent an opportunity for many.

Mr Paul added: “This should bring a welcome boost to many parks, and suggests that the usual sharp fall-off in bookings after the peak season may not be a phenomenon this year.”

Caravan Sitefinder celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, continuing to provide booking facilities and user reviews for thousands of holiday parks.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Daniel J Schwarz

Campervans all kitted out for watching the Euros

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If there’s two things that are trending at the moment, it’s staycations and the Euros, and the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Motorhome sharing community Camplify has a selection of campervans available to hire that have all the kit you need to watch the Euros while enjoying a trip away.

Starlight VW T6, Yorkshire

Pick up this Starlight T6 Volkswagen Transporter campervan from Halifax in West Yorkshire and you could be sitting back watching the championships on its large smart TV in no time.

Sleeping four and complete with a fitted kitchen and Fiamma sun awning, the Starlight VW T6 has everything you need for a family getaway.

Curtis, Hertfordshire

Curtis is the Fiat Autotrail Apache 700 motorhome that staycation dreams are made of, with a U-shaped lounge for good views of the satellite TV.

Five of you can enjoy the football, then take advantage of the outdoor furniture and canopy that are all included with this luxurious van.

Daisy, Somerset

Host a Euros BBQ for six with the Jurassic Coast or a Cornish beach as your backdrop from this Swift Escape 696.

As well as the fitted TV, Daisy also has a fixed bike rack, making it easy to get out and explore on two wheels between matches.

Bepe, Edinburgh

Collect this VW T6 Campervan from South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh and watch the tournament unfold on the TV with a Firestick included. Perhaps just don’t mention the football to any Scots you meet!

Relax outside the van under its pop-up gazebo or have a nap after all the excitement in one of the two double beds in this professionally converted van.

The Euros will run until July 11th when the final is expected to be played at Wembley Stadium in London.

Nick’s News – A heatwave, the Caddy California and top tips for converting a VW

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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

Spending nearly half a day last week with Volkswagen’s latest California – the smallest, Caddy variant – left me with mixed thoughts. It’s great to drive and is a full five-seater, plus it has just about enough kit for camping.

You’re probably going to want an awning or separate tent and, depending on how you look at it pricewise, it’s either fantastic value for a California or rather expensive for a car that can do a bit of camping.

Session over, I got back into my own Transporter-based Cali, thinking how roomy it all is. Still, I’m sure folk who want the best possible drive and economy in a highly modern vehicle with just a few camping facilities are going to have their heads turned by the Caddy offering.

In the news

Convert your own VW? It’s tempting, but…

Despite a shortage of vehicles – and rocketing prices – there are still plenty of folk out there who are keen to buy a pre-owned Volkswagen Transporter van and convert it into a camper themselves.

I have to be honest and say I’ve witnessed plenty of “failed projects” and some that were downright dangerous. Nevertheless, I can see the temptation, especially if you have the DIY wherewithal.

So, here’s some very early, general advice from a good friend who’s been there and done that:

• Invest in some kind of closed cell insulation so it doesn’t absorb condensation.

• Use a high-temperature spray adhesive when gluing to the steel as it gets very hot in sunny weather.

• The best way to fix timber to interior steel is using self-drill fixings. These have a point that drills through the steel in conjunction with a self-tapping thread.

• It shouldn’t be necessary to use fancy (expensive) lightweight ply – the ordinary stuff will do, as weight is not generally that crucial in this type of conversion.

• Connect the leisure battery to the engine battery with nice chunky cables (say 16mm) to make the most of charging when on the road.

• Fit a roof fan to keep cooking condensation to a minimum and if it’s a suck/blow version it can help cool the interior as well.

• The Chinese diesel heaters you can get on eBay are suspiciously cheap (£100 or so) but actually work really well. Make sure it’s the 2kW version – you can get a 5kW for the same money, but it will be too powerful for a small van and if you run them on low power they tend to soot up.

• If you use 18 mm plywood for the floor it’s thick enough to screw all the furniture down nice and solid. Excellent sealant/glue is Sikaflex EBT. Better than silicone and cleans up with white spirit.

Carthago

Carthago is the quality pick for Choose

Kent-based motorhome specialist Choose Leisure has come up trumps with Carthago. It took on the German manufacturer franchise after the most recent lockdown and immediately sold three of its first batch of four models. That’s saying something in the motorhome sector, especially as prices are not exactly cheap.

As Paul Santos, Choose’s owner and managing director told me: “We’re delighted to have paired up with the hugely-respected manufacturer Carthago. It’s a name synonymous with style and quality. The current industry-wide stock shortage meant we had just four models delivered initially and sold three straight away! However, we’ve got more coming later in the year.”

Motorhome for me?

Volkswagen Caddy California – all set for spring

Volkswagen UK has announced its latest addition to what is now the California range – and it’s based on its Caddy NPV. It’s thoroughly refined and, with a lineage you can trace to the Golf car, superb to drive.

The Caddy really is a camping car. It boasts a small slide-out kitchen, designed for use with the tailgate up, and a clever and comfortable double bed that’s a highly impressive 1.98m long. Plus there are those “Cali essentials” – two folding chairs and a free-standing table, for use outside, all with a dedicated storage bag under the rear seating. This consists of two units, both of which are removable.

There’s no elevating roof option, nor does there need to be – although when it comes to the UK early next year (the order books open this October) the plan is to offer two different awning options.

Prices start at just under £30,000 for the short-wheelbase petrol-powered version, with two diesel alternatives as well as DSG automatic transmission among the options.

My pick? The Maxi versions are that critical bit longer, and with 122PS engine with DSG it’s priced at a still reasonable £36,029.

Three good: Great to drive, full five-seater and clever camping kit
Two bad: No floorspace and limited camping gear
Perfect for… camping-plus
Also consider: Randger R535 and Wheelhome Vikenze

Gadget envy

Heatwave? What heatwave – time to vent

I started writing this during the blistering June heatwave. There’s been a bit of a weather lull since, but if we do get a long, hot summer you might be glad you read it.

Leisure vehicle accessories specialist RoadPro sells a wide range of air conditioner and general vehicle cooling and heating products (also backing it up with excellent technical advice). The latest addition to the portfolio are Maxxfans from the USA. These roof-mounted electric cooling fans come in domed and square versions, the latter dropping exactly into the aperture of a standard rooflight. Prices start at just over £100, ie a fraction of the cost of a full air con unit.

If you do want to go the whole hog with air conditioning, start with market leader Truma. Its Aventa Compact models, which can also be used in conjunction with Truma or Alde heating systems are typically in the £1,500-£2,000 range and you can ask your local leisure vehicle dealer about fitting.

Close rival Dometic’s top Freshjet model, the 3000, can top £3,000, although its FreshWell product for underseat fitting is an interesting alternative at around half that amount.

Prices start at around £735 for a more basic but nevertheless effective air conditioner from Cool My Camper – it might just do the job in terms of keeping things chilled inside your leisure vehicle as well as taking the heat off your wallet.

Now, bring back that sun!

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Malcolm Griffiths

Caravan and Motorhome Club encourages you to enjoy summer in the city

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When thinking about a caravan holiday, your first inclination might be to pitch up by the sea, while a countryside locale may also come to mind.

This summer the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) is suggesting you take your camping gear to a city location for a different type of getaway.

It insists that this sort of holiday is compatible with the metropolitan experience, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors, alongside iconic sights, shopping and nightlife.

At present, the CAMC currently has availability in the following city sites:

Crystal Palace – pitch up in your caravan, motorhome, campervan or tent and take the number three bus directly to Brixton, Lambeth Bridge, Trafalgar Square or Oxford Street.

Alderstead Heath – surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, you’d be forgiven for forgetting this site is close to the M25 for easy access into London.

Abbey Wood – the attractions of Greenwich can be found on the doorstep of this caravan park, while central London is just a 35-minute train journey away.

Commons Wood – stay in your motorhome in Hertfordshire and breeze into London via King’s Cross in half an hour.

Burrs Country Park – take advantage of Manchester’s extensive tram network and reach the city from the tranquil countryside in 30 minutes.

Strathclyde – the city centre attractions of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling are all less than an hour’s drive from this family-friendly site situated in picturesque parkland.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, told CaravanTimes: “For those visitors to London in particular, we offer a great cost effective option to explore our vibrant capital city.

“However many activities our guests decide to pack into their day, they can be safe in the knowledge that they have their own unit waiting for them in the tranquillity of one of our campsites.

“Also with campsite prices starting at just over £15 per night, we offer a very cost effective way to explore. What is saved on accommodation, can be splashed out as extra spending money!”

To find late availability at one of the CAMC’s network of caravan parks across the UK, you can use the special search tool on its website.

Brits to drive 212 miles further for holidays this summer

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Motorists in the UK are set to drive an average of 212 miles further to reach their holiday destinations than they have in previous years.

That’s according to a study conducted by Euro Car Parts, which looked at the plans being made to staycation amid international travel restrictions.

With 33 per cent of respondents saying they’ll travel further and 30 per cent stating that they’re happy to spend extra time in the UK, it’s clear there’s a desire to explore as much of the British Isles as possible.

This was underlined by the findings that 27 per cent plan to branch out and discover a different part of the UK and 27 per cent will be going on multiple staycations.

Helen Robinson, corporate communications director at Euro Car Parts, said: “With international travel likely to be off the table for many families, more and more people are looking to explore the amazing holiday destinations that the UK has to offer, and from our research it’s clear that Brits are far more willing to look at destinations in Britain that are further afield for their getaways.”

When travelling long distances it’s important to optimise your fuel efficiency and this is even more vital if you’re towing a caravan.

Euro Car Parts has offered a series of expert tips on maximising fuel efficiency for long drives this summer:

Manage your revs – staying between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM in a petrol car is ideal, while you should be between 1,300 and 2,000 in a diesel vehicle.
Slow down on high-speed roads – it’s most cost-efficient to drive at speeds between 55 and 65 mph.
Don’t overfill your fuel tank – the extra weight will cost you more in the long run.

If you’re towing a caravan, you can cut down on the weight further by ensuring water and waste tanks are also empty when driving.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Elina Sazonova

Caravan park marks 50 years with fundraising push

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Highlands End Holiday Park in Dorset is celebrating its 50th birthday this year and is making a huge push to reach an impressive fundraising milestone to mark the occasion.

Over the years, the park, along with its four sister sites, has supported the Jurassic Coast Trust, to the tune of £95,000.

The charity is responsible for managing the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.

It does so with the help of nine members of staff and 60 volunteers, who work to protect and conserve this beautiful part of the world and encourage responsible enjoyment of it.

Now, Highlands End hopes to reach the £100,000 donation target in its golden anniversary year to cement the relationship between the two organisations.

The farm-based park occupies an enviable position on a stunning cliff top with views along the coastline stretching for nearly 100 miles.

It first welcomed guests in 1971 and is still run by Martin and Vanessa Cox, although they’re now joined by their sons James and Robert.

Mr Cox said: “It’s difficult not to feel responsible for helping to try and conserve this fragile environment, and that is why we have long championed the aims of the Jurassic Coast Trust.

“As well as our own fundraising for the trust and its conservation work, we add an optional donation … to customers’ bookings which is gladly given by the overwhelming majority.

“I’m excited that we may now be able to add extra glitter to our golden year by creating a new high water mark for money raised – despite the earlier lockdowns.”

The park offers a selection of spacious hard-base, gravel and grass pitches with electric hook-up to caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

Nick’s News – Whisky not whiskey, a look at a 2022 Bürstner and watching the Euros in your caravan

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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

Phew, what a scorcher! There can’t be too many people who’ve avoided the hot temperatures and sunny days recently. If you’re out and about travelling, so much the better. Be careful out in the sun. I hope it’s yet another sign that things are getting back to normal.

In the news

Scotland, home of whiskey? I’ll nae drink to that…

Oh, Alan Rogers. How could you? The most recent mail-out from the highly-regarded sites inspection and leisure vehicle travel specialist, which published its first guide to campsites in the UK and across Europe back in 1968, takes a closer look at Scotland – “land of mountains and lochs. Home to bagpipes, haggis and whiskey” – that’s its take.

It then goes on to mention the Isle of Sky as a key place to visit. It’s Skye, not Sky, of course. More serious though – especially to us Scots – is that Scotland is the home of whisky, definitely not whiskey.

We all make mistakes, of course. And it’s true, it’s how we respond to such setbacks that is the making of us. In that spirit, I’m happy to raise a dram to another 50 years of campsite inspecting success for Alan Rogers

Bürstner to bring the roof up?

You can always rely on Bürstner to announce something a bit different. Among the early news for the 2022 season are a potentially emissions-free van conversion and the Gallery Roof, a concept that adds an elevated section to the overcab pod of a low-profile coachbuilt motorhome.

A touch of a button and compressed air literally raises the roof, making it viable for sleeping in. I don’t care much for the looks, but it could prove to be rather effective.

The German manufacturer is also debuting the Eliseo CNG, a van conversion based on Fiat’s Ducato with a hybrid engine that uses compressed natural gas as well as petrol and offers a range of nearly 250 miles.

Caravan crush

Swift Elegance 565 – a singular approach

Style, kit, single beds… Swift’s Elegance 565 has it all, but of course there’s a price to pay and vans like this are never going to be light. Those two factors aside, if you want all that’s best in a contemporary caravan, think Elegance.

Whilst accepting the general penchant for island beds, there’s always room in the portfolio for a single beds offering, especially when they’re accompanied by a general, full-width washroom like this.

I remember getting a very early view of the about-to-be-launched Elegance back in 2013 and was quick to praise Swift’s bold approach. Being a little bit arrogant, I couldn’t help suggesting such a futuristic-looking tourer needed a little bit extra – USB ports. Sure enough, all Elegances have them.

Three good: Aesthetically pleasing inside and out, with wood-free bodywork
Two bad: Nearside bed is a tad short and it’s hefty
Perfect for… Style seekers who prefer to sleep separately
Also consider: Adria Alpina Colorado or Coachman VIP 565

Gadget envyOutwell projector screen

Time to gear up? Kit you never knew you needed

You know what it’s like, you see something another caravanner or motorhomer has and think: I’d love one of those. Well, here’s three. Firstly, how about an off-line screw bit holder? It’s for getting at otherwise inaccessible screws, in corner steadies, perhaps?

Laser Tools has the whole problem solved here, with this oh-so useful attachment for an electric screwdriver or cordless drill. It’s dual-functionality allows it to be locked in a straight position for normal use, then releasing its ball joint means it can be used at any angle – including, of course, any otherwise inaccessible corner steadies. Not bad for just over £15.

I’ve also just discovered a new DIY headlamp cleaner. It’s the Quixx Headlight Restoration Kit, from Germany. And it helps restore headlight lenses to their original condition, so your lights are as bright as they were when new.

Thirdly, as we are in the middle of several massive events – I’m thinking mainly of football’s Euro 2020 here – if you don’t want to miss any of the action, why not invest in a Movie Screen, from Outwell? Perfect for setting up in an awning, you just need to supply your own projector…

A new generation embraces the caravan and motorhome lifestyle

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It’s interesting to observe the shifts in attitude of younger generations when it comes to caravans and motorhomes. Gone are the days when this type of holiday meant a wet week away with family in a leaky van that felt anything but glamorous.

Now, leisure vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and fitted with all the modern luxuries of a boutique hotel. A new generation is embracing vanlife, fuelled by the lure of social media-worthy snaps of #vanlife and restrictions on foreign travel as a result of coronavirus.

Robinsons Caravans, which has been in the business for 54 years, has seen many trends come and go. While it still maintains the over-55s as its largest proportion of customers, the under-40s now account for around a quarter of Robinsons’ caravan sales.

The new generation of caravanners are buying vehicles that reflect their hobbies, epitomising the ethos and aesthetics of their passions. For some, that means a simple van conversion perfect for strapping kayaks, paddleboards or bikes to and heading off the beaten track.

Others are tapping into quaint and vintage trends, with gingham curtains, fairy lights and pastel-coloured accessories. While the big names in caravan and motorhome building are thriving as demand for leisure vehicles mounts, there are plenty of alternative brands that are catering to the younger generation.

Take Barefoot Caravans, for example, which specialises in curved fibreglass bodywork that comes in a variety of colours, leaning firmly into the retro aesthetic. Rocket Caravans are highly influenced by the mid-century aluminium caravans made popular in the US, but with updates that bring them right up to date.

Here at CaravanTimes, our very own Nick Harding has confessed to having a caravan crush on the Mink camper. This dinky tourer is on its way from Iceland and is sure to turn heads with its sleek design and yellow touches as the next generation of caravanners hit the roads of the UK.

Jarrod Clay, managing director of Robinsons Caravans, told the Guardian: “Where caravans were always white in colour, now you’ve got silver, champagne or metallic blue coloured sides. The graphics used to be a stripe from front to back but can now be quite elaborate. They are a lot more modern.”

Modern caravan and motorhome design is certainly far from boring and innovations are being driven by the younger generation. While some wish to leave the trappings of the 21st century behind and enjoy nature, others expect the same levels of luxury and technology they have at home, and there are caravans and motorhomes to fit both sets of requirements and everything in between.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Blake Wisz