At first sight, the available options for the layout of the interior of a caravan are bewildering. Here we’ll try to simplify the process, so you can make an informed decision.

How many berths?

First establish how many berths are needed. This is fairly straightforward. Simply decide how many people you’re likely to take on holiday with you. Not just how many children you may have, but perhaps you’ll want to take relatives or friends along in the future.

Remember that you could sleep adults or children under an awning, so avoiding the need for a larger caravan and possibly a bigger tow vehicle.

Of course, it is all very simple if you’re a couple who will always be touring on your own. You simply need to decide if you prefer a double or two single beds.

In the world of caravanning, one of the options is to have beds that double as seating during the day.

While seat-beds are still popular, there’s a move towards fixed beds these days to avoid having to make beds up. Some people think permanent beds are a waste of living space, but it can allow for a better quality of mattress as there’s no mechanism to accommodate.

Bunk beds are great for the kids; they love them! They are a common sight in larger caravans and an option well worth considering.

Fixed beds – a waste of space or the practical, more comfy choice?

Make sure there’s enough wardrobe space for you all, too! A popular choice, available in newer caravans, is a fixed

double bed, often right at the back of the tourer, and a dining area at the front which you can convert into sleeping quarters when needed. This arrangement could suit a couple, who might have occasional guests, or a family of four, equally well.

Use a tape measure to be certain each berth is long enough for your requirements as some berths will not be long enough for adults. Cushion depth in seating, when used as

a mattress, is important if you want a good night’s sleep. The way that the pieces fit together can make or mar a night’s rest so don’t be afraid to test any bed for length or comfort.

Two dinettes in a 4 berth is ideal if you have children. A dinette has facing seats, with a table between which lowers to make a bed base.

This creates both eating and play areas. At night, screened off, one dinette becomes the children’s bedroom. This layout results in a centre kitchen, which is good for balance on the road as most of the weight, fixed and portable,

is carried over or near the axle.

If there isn’t a double dinette, consider children reaching the toilet room from their berths at night, and the possibility of lights shining on their faces when asleep.

How do I choose the right caravan?

Adding an awning gives you loads of affordable space

What type of caravan should I buy?

If you buy a very old caravan, its boxy shape will increase fuel consumption and may compromise stability, but today’s streamlined caravans have much improved aerodynamics.

Such issues can be avoided altogether by considering a folding caravan or trailer tent. Modern versions of folders can be very quickly erected on arrival at a site, with the cooker etc (and even full length cupboards) being hinged up into position. Fewer top lockers can be provided and generally there is less storage space. As fuel becomes more expensive the economics of towing a folding caravan

may become more attractive, with its safer handling and a travelling height below that of the towing car.

What size caravan would suit me?

There isn’t really any rule of thumb relating to size and weight of a caravan. A small caravan packed to the gunnels with kit could be heavier than a larger, possibly older, caravan. Newer models have become heavier over the years.

Nearly all caravans today over 3 metres long (10ft) have a toilet room, only shorter ones not having the necessary

You might consider buying a trailer tent or folding caravan, as they’re easier and more economical to tow. Setting up on site will be a bit more of a palaver though!

space to include one. If you’re only going to be on sites where toilets are provided, this is less important, but if you will be staying on sites such as Caravan Club Certificated Locations, then the Caravan Code requires that you have your own facilities.

It makes sense to tow the shortest, lightest caravan that suits your needs. Consider getting a compact caravan and buying an awning for it. You’ll still have enough space and you could buy a 4 metre (13 ft) caravan with an awning for considerably less money than a 5 metre (17 ft) caravan. Attached to the side of your caravan, which has an

‘awning channel’ built in, you can use it for extra dining space, as an additional

room for children or visitors to sleep, or a place for you to sit out on hot summer nights when the kids have gone to bed.

Consider too that a long caravan will be more awkward to manoeuvre into gateways or drives, more difficult to park on and off site, and to store too. The maximum length of caravan that may be

towed on British roads by a car (with a Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 3.500kg) is 7 metres (22 ft 11½ in). The maximum width is 2.3 metres (7 ft 6½ in). If touring

abroad, the length will affect ferry charges. Some countries such as Switzerland have length and width restrictions because of their mountainous roads.

Is it hard to tow a caravan?

Get yourself the

‘Towing the Line’ DVD from The Caravan Club and find out just how easy towing can be

A towing course will give you all the confidence you need to tow your caravan in all situations

…and you get a certificate to prove it, too!

The touring season is here and it’s time for family togetherness, rest and relaxation, social interaction, feeling good and getting happy.

Sounds like a description of caravanning – but don’t just take our word for it. Academics have reviewed a welter of studies covering the benefits of camping, including caravanning, and came up with a long list. In other words, touring is more than just fun. The researchers found that it promotes physical and mental wellbeing, family cohesion and satisfaction, good behaviour among children and more.

The review involved more than 60 studies and was conducted at Liverpool John Moores University, with extra input from the Camping and Caravanning Club.

The club also conducted an online survey of campers and non-campers – people who have never been under canvas or in a tourer. There were 1000 adults and 500 seven- to 11-year-olds in each group. The survey found that:

87% of children who camp say camping in the countryside makes them feel really happy

73% of all adults surveyed say camping is something every child should experience

59% of campers say it should be on the national curriculum

84% of campers say it’s good for a child’s health.

79% of kids who have never camped said they would like to!

Kids love caravans

The findings form part of the Club’s Real Richness – The List, which includes statistics and stories of those who camp and how camping has transformed their lives.

Director General Robert Louden said: “Our findings certainly show that camping makes families feel closer – and richer – and at the same time there is a lot of evidence to show that not only can camping improve a child’s behaviour, but it can also make them more attentive and interested in the world around them.”

Field study

Asking kids what they think is one thing but showing them a caravan and seeing the reaction is equally fascinating. Our ‘Scrapbook’ writer  Andy Jenkinson wanted to see how kids would react when shown a caravan for the first time.

Andy borrowed a 2011 Sprite Major from Campbells Caravans at Kirkham and towed it to St Teresa’s Primary School and Teddy Nursery at Cleve Leys in Lancashire.

“I chose the Sprite for its big child appeal especially with the triple bunks and rear dinette. It’s like a caravan and climbing frame all-in-one. We knew none of these children went caravanning so I was interested to see what they made of a caravan.”

Tomorrow’s caravanners give their opinion

As you might expect, their reactions were pretty favourable. The first focus group was of two- to four-year-olds. To make the test a little more holiday-like, they took snacks and drinks into the Sprite while they formed their opinions.

The bunks were a big draw and so was the front lounge with the long front seats and the panoramic window. They fired questions in quick succession: “Can we take it to the beach?” “By a river?” “Can we sleep in it?” “It’s got a cooker!” Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the children’s excitement. 

A much tougher test came next. What did the primary schoolers aged nine or more think?

We needn’t have worried. Here are a few of their comments: “Cool – it’s got its own shower.” “How do the lights work?” “I’m on the top bunk!” The Sprite went down well with its young audiences but Andy didn’t need a university study or survey to find out. 

“I asked, ‘Would a caravan holiday be great fun?’ ’Yes!’ was the resounding reply from everyone!”

THE NUMBER OF caravans being stolen from petrol and service stations rose steeply in 2010 according insurance specialists Caravan Guard.

The insurer reports that a downward trend in caravan thefts from service stations started in 2006. The reduction is attributed to owner’s vigilance and the fitting of better security devices. Last year however broke the downward trend, with sharp rise in the number of caravans stolen compared to 2007, 2008 and 2009.

And Caravan Guard points out that losing your caravan from the road is potentially more traumatic than losing if from storage. With all your holiday kit inside, your caravan is at it’s most valuable so the loss could prove expensive as well as ruining your holiday.

Practical advice

Teresa Eastwood, Caravan Guard’s Claims Liaison Manager, gives some practical advice on how to avoid a theft when stopping at services,
“Most thefts are occurring when the caravan has been parked up for ten minutes or more while the owner is inside the service station, rather than when just filling up the tank. Most people don’t put their wheel clamp on in this situation, but doing so could be just the deterrent needed to stop your caravan being the next one taken.”

As well as things such as wheel clamps and hitchlocks which can be quickly and easily fitted when parked, Caravan Guard say protecting your tourer with a tracking device is also a good idea,

“Fitting a pro-active, monitored tracking device you are ensuring that even if a would be thief gets through your security devices then your caravan has a great chance of being recovered by police. Most caravans fitted with a quality tracking device are recovered within a matter of hours meaning the caravans contents are usually fully untouched.”

As well as minimising the chances of the caravan going missing in the first place, it also reduces the cost of your caravan insurance premium. 

Our advice for keeping hold of your tourer

• Invest in good quality, high-visibilty security kit
• Use your wheelclamps and hitchlocks whenever you stop for a rest
• Park with other caravanners rather
• Avoid leaving your caravan unattended for extended periods
• Invest in a monitored security device

For more information on security devices or to request a quotation, call us now on 01446 439284

It is estimated that 28 million walking expeditions were made in the Welsh countryside during the year, which also helped keep many people in their jobs.

“We want Wales to be an enticing destination for walkers everywhere and for our footpaths and walking infrastructure to be the envy of the walking world,” commented Angela Charlton, director of Ramblers Cymru.

She emphasised that efforts need to be made to protect facilities for walkers to ensure they can be used over future generations.

Ramblers senior everyday walking officer Des De Moor recently recommended anyone who does not like warm temperatures to embark on a walk along the coast or in a forested area to keep cool.

Second year win for Sprite Alpine 2

The Swift Groups Sprite Alpine 2 won the ‘Any Caravan under £11,000’ category for a second year in a row at the recent Caravan Club Design Awards announced at the recent National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show held at the NEC, Birmingham.

Forty two vehicles were submitted for the Caravan Design Awards. The aim of the Awards is to provide Club members, and caravanners in general, with fair and objective assessments of the vehicles submitted for scrutiny. All manufacturers are invited to submit entries.

The panel of independent Judges and Technical Researchers for the Caravan Design Awards follow rigorous scoring checklists and assess everything from sitting comfort, standing headroom, kitchen design, storage, switches, wiring, security, repair and warranty arrangements to general safety.

Out of the seven traditional caravan categories five of Swift Groups products were awarded either first, second or third places in four of them.

Grenville Chamberlain, Chairman of The Caravan Club, who announced the results commented, “The Club would like to thank the manufacturing industry for wholeheartedly supporting these Awards. We offer our warm congratulations to the winners.”

Swift Group had a successful show reporting record sales and said they had seen a large increase in the number of families looking at caravans, particularly the award winning models like the Sprite that are affordable.

The list of awards are:

Call us on 01446 439284
for an UNBEATABLE DEAL on this caravan
 
 2  Berth      
Internal Length  4.340m  14′ 3″ 
External Length  6.040m  19′ 10″ 
Width  2.230m  7′ 4″ 
Weight (MTPLM)  1156kg    
Awning Length  8.550m  28′ 1″ 

 The Sprite Range offers an outstanding specification at an affordable price, with many features unique to this sector of the market. With the choice of 7 models, from the brand new compact, light weight Finesse 2, to the spacious twin axle Quattro FB, it is the ideal starting point for owning a new caravan.

 
Exteriors feature one piece aluminium side walls with improved impact resistance and smart new graphics. Generous width and headroom gives spacious interiors with modern new fabrics and contemporary furniture in ‘Tanganica’ wood grain with matt nickel accents. Space frame construction roof lockers and seat bases maximise storage and beech slatted seat tops are sprung assisted for easy access to storage areas below. With well equipped kitchens and washrooms the Sprite really is in a class of its own.
 
Key Features
•New: EN1645 Grade 3 classification for heating and thermal insulation for all year round comfort (verified by calculation)
•New: European Whole Vehicle Type Approval ensuring compliance with strict weight, dimension and safety regulations
•New: Hankook branded tyres with higher rating for improved performance and safety
•New: Stainless steel braided gas connection hose supplied a standard for reliability and safety
•New: ‘Traffic’ heavy duty durable floor vinyl
•Positive catches on all overhead lockers
•Fully opening spring-assisted seat and bed tops with sprung beech slats
•Full length access flaps on front seats
•Seat backrest ventilation boards to help stop condensation
•Granite-look moulded kitchen sink
Key Options
•Built-in microwave oven (Dealer fit) (except Finesse 2)
•Diamond Pack, consisting of:
◦Alloy wheels
◦AL-KO Secure wheel-lock receiver (two on Quattro FB)
◦AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser
◦Spare wheel and carrier
◦Door flyscreen
◦Radio/CD player with iPod connection
◦Pair of scatter cushions
CALL NOW ON 01446 439284

FOR OUR UNBEATABLE DEALS!

Overview

Budget without Compromise

Since its launch in 2008, the multi-award winning Elddis Xplore caravan range has become synonymous with exceptional value for money. Super-affordable, this vibrant range makes owning a brand-new caravan an achievable dream. We don’t believe in cutting corners, so despite their very modest price tag, all Xplore touring caravans boast features and specification to put other ‘budget’ models to shame!

Elddis – the only touring caravans that give you freedom with flair.

All Elddis and Buccaneer caravans are classified as Class 3 thermal insulation. This means that with an outside temperature of -15°C the internal temperature can be raised to 20°C within 4 hours of starting the heating

New for 2011 Season

• GRADE III THERMAL INSULATION for guaranteed all weather comfort
• BPW V-tec galvanised steel chassis, braking system and running gear for market-leading towing stability
• New exterior graphics
• Streamlined smooth side exterior
• Interior design and luxurious ‘Lois’ upholstery, with optional alternative ‘Kascada’ fabric choice
• Deeper overhead lockers
• Halogen corner feature lighting
• Warm ‘Cappuccino Stone’ granite effect worktops and co-ordinated trim
• New style ‘Noce Prosecco’ real hardwood framed locker doors with resistance door catches
• Spark ignition to oven and hob
• Upgraded domestic style fridge with greater storage capacity (115L)
• Round, stainless steel sink with anti-slip removable drainer for easy cleaning
• Status 530 directional aerial
• Thetford C250 swivel wheeled-cassette with greater capacity (exc. 302)
• Higher bed frame with deeper oak-effect base for greater comfort and style (540 only)
• Aluminium bunk ladders (556 only)
• New round stainless steel sink oven and hob now with spark ignition
• Deeper overhead lockers