News
Catch up with the latest news from the world of motorhomes:
DECEMBER 2011
Caravanning Christmas
For those considering holidaying in their motorhome over the festive season, the Caravan Club has a useful guide.
Presents for caravanners
The Caravan Cookbook by Monica Rivron (Pavilion, £14.99): This is compiled by wife of TV presenter Rowland Rivron. She is a trained chef and her recipes can be cooked on the go, over a fire or in a slow cooker.
Campervan Calendar: This wall calendar with a distinctly retro feel is available from Amazon and other online retailers.
Stig reveals love of motorhomes
The original ‘Stig' from the popular BBC show Top Gear has revealed that he - like many other racing drivers including Jenson Button - regularly uses a motorhome. Perry McCarthy, ex racing driver turned Top Gear icon has also revealed he is a member of The Caravan Club.
Sites for the London show
The Caravan Club has suggested a number of sites in London and the home counties for those visiting the Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show 2012 at ExCeL London. The Club will not provide a temporary campsite on site during the event due to logistic difficulties but suggests the following as suitable alternative sites:
Federation Road, Abbey Wood, London SE2 0LS
Approximate journey time to ExCeL: 50 mins
Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site
Crystal Palace Parade, London SE19 1UF
Tel: 0208 778 7155
Approximate journey time to ExCeL: 55 mins
Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site
Dean Lane, Merstham, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 3AH
Tel: 01737 644629
Approximate journey time to ExCeL: 1hr 20 mins
NOVEMBER 2011
10-year warranties for motorhomes
Elddis has announced that its 2012 season Autoquest and Aspire motorhomes will now benefit from a 10 year Body Integrity Warranty. The Consett-based manufacturer upholds its products are built to last, using the very latest manufacturing techniques and advanced materials technology.
Swift Group says their new 2012 season coachbuilt motorhomes will come with ‘an industry leading 10-year body shell integrity warranty’. This is in addition to the 3-year manufactures’ warranty on the base vehicle. An annual service is required to maintain the warranty.
95 per cent satisfaction levels for Approved Workshop Scheme
In its first user survey, the Approved Workshop Scheme for motorhome and tourer servicing has achieved high satisfaction levels. Nearly 3,000 caravanners responded to the online survey, after they had used a workshop - a massive 9.5 out of 10 (95 per cent) said they were satisfied with the service received.
Earlier this year, the first ever Workshop Awards were held. The winners were:
- The Approved Mobile Workshop of the Year - Total Caravan Care
- The Approved Fixed Workshop of the Year - Dave Butlin Caravan Services
- The Approved Dealer Workshop of the Year - Fry’s Caravans Limited
Elddis launches ‘belts equals berths’ campaign
Motorhome manufacturer, Elddis, has launched a ‘belts equals berths’ campaign. The company says it will ensure that there is a seat belt for every designated sleeping berth in every model that it produces.
Latest motorhome models come to London
At the Motorhome Caravan & Camping Show (ExCeL London 14-19 February 2012) a raft of new motorhomes will be on show – including models from Auto-Trail, Bailey, Bilbo’s, Elddis, Lunar, Marquis and Swift - there's a full list on the website. It’s being billed as the biggest event of its kind in the south of the country.
London Low Emission Zone – pre 2002 motorhomes affected
Owners of older motorhomes are reminded that from 3 January 2012, the London Low Emission Zone standards become tighter. Virtually all the Greater London area is affected and to drive within it without paying a hefty daily charge, vehicles must meet certain emissions standards. Motorhomes from 2.5-3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight and registered as new before 1 January 2002 are affected, unless fitted with an approved filter to improve the vehicle's emissions. Otherwise, charges starting at £100 per day will apply. More information about charges and vehicles affected is available on www.tfl.gov.uk
New NCC member Wellhouse Leisure now has ten agents nationwide where buyers can see the award winning Hyundai i800 Camper. Next year, the Camper will be available from selected Hyundai dealers; in the meantime, existing customers are making their own Hyundai available. For more info visit their website or call 01484 600416.
OCTOBER 2011
Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham breaks records
The October 2011 Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham attaracted a record-breaking 93,323 visitors and saw a significant increase in sales - read the press release.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Bailey motorhome unveiled
Bailey's first venture into the motorhome market, the Approach SE range has just been unveiled. Full product details and the option to book a test drive in one of the new vehicle are available on a new microsite www.baileyapproach.co.uk. Models go on display for the first time at the Motorhome & Caravans Show in October (Hall 19, Stand 19-29).
Practical Motorhome readers give Auto-Trail thumbs up ...
Motorhome manufacturer, Auto-trail has been given gold awards for both its new models and for pre-owned ones in the 2011 Owner Satisfaction Awards, compiled from reader survey results.
The company says it is already working on ‘even better' 2012 models, when it will celebrate 30 years in the industry.
... and Auto-Sleepers bags two golds too
Practical Motorhome readers who had bought a new or pre-owned motorhome since January 2009 were invited to rate their van and supplying dealer in the owner satisfaction survey. Motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleepers also celebrated success by winning gold in both the new and pre-owned motorhome categories.
Euro 5 engines power Swift motorhomes
All new Swift motorhomes will be powered by the greener and more fuel efficient Fiat Ducato Euro 5 engines. The company says this will give better performance, lower emissions and reduce running costs. See www.swiftgroup.co.uk/motorhomes/euro-5-engines
Importance of checking gas appliances
September saw the re-launch of Gas Safety Week, which aims to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances. The NCC advises all motorhome owners to have gas appliances tested annually - faulty appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact your local Approved Workshop for more information.
Comanche named luxury motorhome of the year
Auto-Trail's Comanche Super Lo-Line has been named ‘Best luxury motorhome over 3,500 kgs' in the 2011 Practical Motorhome awards.
And finally
For those with no onboard toilet facilities ... the appropriately named BoginaBag made a recent appearance on TV's Dragon's Den. This solution to an age-old problem is a foldaway, portable seat that doubles as a toilet, ‘perfect for when nature calls and there's nowhere to go' apparently.
JULY 2011
Bailey to enter motorhome market
The well-known touring caravan manufacturer, Bailey of Bristol, is to enter the motorhome market. The first models will be on show at the Motorhome & Caravan show at the NEC. The company has spent months developing its Alu-Tech body shell construction system for use in motorhome production. Prototype motorhomes have been subjected to a variety of tests, including an automotive standard structural durability assessment at Millbrook, equating to 50,000 miles (or six years) of heavy use.
Let's do lunch (and more) at the Motorhome & Caravan Show
Star of 'Let's do lunch', Gino D'Acampo will be cooking up a storm at the NEC October show. As well as Gino, there will be all sorts of activities, promotions and giveaways there. Dometic UK Ltd, for example, is giving away an absorption fridge every day in their competition that celebrates the manufacture of their 10 millionth refrigerator. Find out more - and have the chance to win one of 100 pairs of tickets at www.motorhomeandcaravanshow.co.uk
Re-launched Majestic with Euro 5 Peugeot engine
Marquis is to re-launch its Majestic range for 2012 with 'significantly enhanced features and an additional new model'. The new Euro 5 Peugeot engine will be used across the range to provide better fuel economy and fewer emissions. A new 4 berth, fixed bed 165 model had been added to give more choice. For more information about Marquis Motorhomes contact the Free Phone number 0800 026 77 77 or visit www.marquismotorhomes.co.uk/majestic-2012
Autocruise van conversion range enhanced with new Euro 5 engines from Fiat/Peugeot
To benefit from the Euro 5 enhancements, all models will initially be built on a Fiat base with the new 2.3 litre 130bhp Euro 5 engine (giving better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions). When Peugeot Euro5 models are available, the medium wheelbase Jazz will have a 2.2 litre 110bhp Peugeot engine with 5-speed gearbox as standard. The 2.2 litre 130bhp Peugeot engine with 6-speed gearbox will be standard in all other models.
Other improvements include upgraded radio/CD player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, USB MP3 device connection and a Truma 'Drivesafe' regulator for en-route use of heating and water heating.
Improved power and fuel economy in Swift Group's 2012 Sundance and E 400 models
A combination of the new Euro 5 engine and cab package from Fiat, general improvements and new wood finishes aim to give the Swift Sundance and Bessacarr E400 models improved performance and feel for 2012.
The new 130bhp Euro 5 engine/6-speed gearbox, now standard on all models, gives improved acceleration and economy. The cab comes with a fully integrated factory fit radio/CD/MP3 player. A new, specially-priced Driver's Pack provides upgraded radio/CD player with steering wheel controls, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, USB MP3 connection and a twin view colour reversing camera. The pack is completed with cab air-conditioning and cruise control.
SORN or insurance: motorhome owners beware
The NCC is reminding motorhome owners to ensure they have the correct insurance for their vehicle as the Continuous Insurance Enforcement law has now come into effect.
Keeping an uninsured motor vehicle is now illegal unless it is declared as being 'off the road' - even if it's unused on a driveway or locked away in a garage. Previously motorists were only charged with the offence if they were actually caught driving an uninsured vehicle.
'Staycationers' don't bother with insurance
Over half of people take a 'staycation' without taking out travel insurance. A survey by moneysupermarket.com showed only one-fifth would take out adequate cover in the UK. Holidaymakers will therefore not be covered for e.g. cancellation costs, loss or property or other eventualities excluded under their motorhome insurance policy.
Motorhome owners to Guernsey
Two of Guernsey's campsites have now agreed to accept motorhomes - see Wildguernsey.wordpress.com
Approved Workshop status for Marquis Service Centres
Marquis Motorhomes and Caravans has announced that all nine of its Service Centres passed stringent assessments and have been awarded the coveted Approved Workshop Scheme status - see www.approvedworkshops.co.uk To comply with the Scheme, the benchmark for caravan servicing standards, Marquis have been investing heavily in training and additional equipment.Graham Davidson-Bowman, Marquis Commercial Director commented: "Our Service Centre personnel should be justifiably proud of this achievement.
FEBRUARY 2011
Industry launches new Spring Show in 2012
A new show is launched in February 2012 - Ncc Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show ExCeL London 14 - 19 February 2012
Once again supported by all major industry manufacturers and dealers and by The Caravan Club, this show will be managed by NCC Events and will be the only exhibition taking place in the Spring where the major caravan and motorhome manufacturers will be displaying their latest season’s models.
