February 6th, 2012
Awnings are very popular these days and it’s a great way to maximise the space inside and outside of your campervan or motorhome. Awnings can be great for dining under and admiring the stars or just somewhere dry but outdoors to leave dirty boots, bikes or dogs.
Finding an Awning
There are as many different types of awning as your imagination will allow and different types of vehicle will need different awnings. There’s plenty of choice for caravan or motorhome owners from full awnings which stretch the length of the vehicle to smaller annexes or even just sun canopies. For campervans it can be a little more restrictive as the particular awning has to be fitted to your model. However, plenty of places will make up a custom awning for you if you have something a little bit out of the ordinary.
Safety and Etiquette
Obviously putting up awnings can be tiresome – it’s essentially a more complicated tent and probably one of the reasons you bought a motorhome was to avoid putting up tents at all! Even if it’s tough, don’t take risks or be tempted to climb on top of your motorhome and don’t use the awning for support – it’ll keep the rain out but not a human being. Equally, some campsites are quite stringent on pitch size so ensure that your awning allows those next to your plenty of room to manoeuvre.
Security
Awnings are prone to theft or accident, so ensure you are covered on your motorhome insurance and never leave anything valuable inside an awning – it can be a real temptation for opportunist thieves. Make sure there’s always a locked door between the outside world and your possessions: especially overnight.
Awnings are cheap, fun ways to maximise your exposure to the outdoors and useful kit to have. Do a test run on putting your awning up away from the wind before you leave and make sure to keep your possessions locked away in your motorhome or campervan overnight.
February 6th, 2012
With weather forecasters tipping temperatures to drop to -10% this week and snow already upon many areas of the UK, motorhome owners should ensure their vehicles are geared up to deal with problems associated with cold weather conditions.
Motoring groups are urging drivers to check their vehicles before they set off and also to check they have the correct materials in their motorhome to deal with any emergency situation. First and foremost drivers really should ensure they have breakdown insurance before they venture out in extreme conditions. Breakdown cover is often built in to a conventional motor home insurance policy but if it isn’t then motorists are advised to speak to their insurance providers to get protection.
Jim Smith is a breakdown recovery operative and spends his working day helping motorists in awkward situations, he said “It is amazing how many motorists don’t have cover and have to sign up for a policy there and then, when they are stuck at the side of the road. It is no longer possible to cure engine ailments just by lifting the bonnet and seeing a fault. Today’s cars need computer technology to identify a fault and specific tools to rectify most problems. I wouldn’t leave home in winter without breakdown cover.”
He also went on to say that motorists should always carry an emergency kit in winter which should consist of a shovel, gloves, hat, boots or Wellingtons, food, drink, torch and a mobile phone. Motorhome owners have no excuse because space should not be a problem.
It does appear that winter has at last arrived and February looks like it will be the coldest month for some time. The Arctic weather in Eastern Europe has killed hundreds of people and snow and ice will take its toll in the UK over the next seven days. Motorists are particularly vulnerable if the weather closes in and experts advise that local weather reports should be monitored before setting off on any journey.
February 3rd, 2012
Buying a new motorhome or campervan second-hand is a great way to save a bit of money on a big purchase and you can really pick up some good deals on different models. Knowing where to start when searching the classifieds can be quite daunting so here’s our guide to help you out.
Looking Online
The quickest and easiest way to get started is online. The obvious auction sites might be a good place to get a feel for the sort of models and prices you’re looking at but it’s normally better to buy from a specialist motorhome or campervan site: the sellers on here are more likely to give you good, accurate information and the prices will be a lot more reflective of the market. Because of the nature of online adverts motorhomes do get snapped up quickly, though, so be prepared for a quick sale!
Print and Newspapers
Despite the speediness of technology, many people still prefer to advertise in local newspapers and in publications like Trade-It. Because, normally, classifieds in newspapers cost per word or column inch you’re likely to find less information on the face of things but sellers will be more than happy for you to get in touch over the phone or via email to find out more.
Getting the Facts
Whether you’re buying online or from an advert in print it’s really important to get in touch with the seller and, if possible, arrange a viewing and drive. Ask plenty of questions about details like reliability, servicing, motorhome insurance quotes and, of course, what price they’re really looking for. Always feel at liberty to negotiate and even if you’ve had a test drive you’re never obliged to buy. Sellers won’t take to time wasting particularly kindly but everyone has a right to walk away if the product or price just isn’t for you.
There are a lot of classifieds out there and there is a lot of information to take in but be focused, be specific and narrow down your options to a few viewings. Don’t buy anything without having a good look around first and don’t be pressured by difficult sellers – your money is yours to spend as you please!
February 3rd, 2012
Motorhome enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that at long last the Department for Transport (DfT) appear to be doing something that will help the motorist rather than hinder them.
The DfT have resolved to slash the red tape surrounding motoring regulation and certification at a stroke. The initiative will enable motorhome owners to get out and enjoy their time on the highways of the UK rather than spend their time filling out forms for the DfT. The government department are promising to dispel with much of the protocol surrounding taxing and insuring a vehicle within the next 12 months.
The first target will be the paper part of a driving licence. Everyone now has to hold a photo card driving licence but when it comes to identification with regard to vehicle documentation, the paper part must also be produced. It is a total waste of time and at long last the DfT have recognised this. The same applies to the need for proof of insurance when taxing a car. Computer databases already exist for insurance, taxation and documentation and they are interconnected. The DfT now realise that the proof is already in the system and so the current procedure is simply stopping drivers from using online solutions to tax and register vehicles and it is clogging up the system.
The revamp of the procedures will mean motorhome owners will no longer need the hard copy of their motorhome insurance certificate when they tax their van and it seems as if the Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) will also change. The SORN was tightened up in 2011 but now DfT officials are thinking of just allowing owners to declare once and not renew every 12 months. This will save on paperwork and on staff and perhaps more importantly give vehicle owners a bit of breathing space.
A spokesman for the RAC welcomed the changes and said: “Copious amounts of paperwork need not be held by motorists just to prove their eligibility to drive. We live in digital age – and one where the environmental impact of wasted resources, including paper, is very prevalent – we need to embrace that fact.”
February 2nd, 2012
Following a highly successful debut last year The Scottish Caravan & Camping Show is back for a second year. The two-day event will be bigger and better than last year and is again being held at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on the 15th and 16th of June.
The show organisers, ANM Group, are delighted with the response from both the exhibitors and public and they have already confirmed that the show will now become an annual event on the United Kingdom leisure show calendar. Last year’s event attracted over 8,000 visitors and this year will again be sponsored by one of Scotland’s leading caravan dealers, Dyce Caravans of Aberdeen, who are also celebrating twenty-five years in the business.
There will be a number of motorhome specialists at the show, including Brownhills Motorhomes, Cleveland Motorhomes, Perthshire Caravans and Tyne Valley Motorhomes. Visitors will be able to buy a motorhome on site and compare motorhome insurance via wireless broadband facilities. The show is the only one of its kind to be held north of the Central Belt in Scotland and the organisers believe that stay-at-home outdoor holidays have never been more popular. After feedback from last year’s visitors a wider range of leisure accessories will be available this year along with the usual caravans, motorhomes and tents.
Paul Cole, a sales director at Cleveland Motorhomes, said “Last year’s show was a great success, not only for us, but the whole industry and we are delighted to be involved again and we expect the event to be even better than last year. More people are investing in a motorhome and travelling to the length and breadth corners of the United Kingdom.”
February 1st, 2012
In the UK, though there are plenty of top class motorhomes available, we’re not necessarily known for producing, retailing or even buying the really high-end motorhomes that can be found in places like the USA and Continental Europe. Because of this many motorhome users choose to import specific models from all over the world. What are the pros and cons of buying a motorhome from overseas?
Choice and Specification
It’s true that you can find a much greater variety of models overseas. Models like the Isuzu Elf and Mazda Bongo can be found in Japan and there’s plenty more Winnebagos and Chevrolets in America than there are over here. If you’ve been shopping around but can’t find the model, specification or even colour that you want then look into purchasing your model from overseas.
Exchange Rates and Shipping
Though it is possible to buy from import dealers you can still import motorhomes yourself…although things can get a little complicated! Shipping a motorhome can be costly but if you’re looking to buy from the USA or Japan it’s pretty much the only way to do it. It’s possible, however, to purchase flights to Europe and drive back home to the UK. Consider, also, the currency you’re buying in and factor in the likelihood of a drop in value – we live in turbulent economic times, remember!
VAT, Taxes, Papers and Insurance
It’s a lot to think about, but you’ll need to consider the implications of tax regimes of different countries when buying your motorhome. You’ll have to pay import duty for anything imported from outside of the EU, but you may be able to reclaim some VAT. A professional tax advisor can help get the ball rolling. You’ll also need your import papers to make sure your motorhome is registered properly in the UK and, of course, make sure that your motorhome insurance policy covers imported motorhomes and that the premium is worthwhile.
Importing offers a lot of food for thought and if you want a particular model or a particular style then sometimes it’s the only way. If you’re incredibly savvy then you might even be able to save some money by importing but be sure to factor in all the hidden costs of doing the deal. Even if you end up spending a little more, though, the drive to pick up an import can be just like a free holiday!
February 1st, 2012
Campervan drivers caught speeding will be facing higher fines in future as the Justice Minister looks to raise money by picking on the motorist once again.
News filtering out from the Justice Ministry suggests that a camper driver, or any other driver for that matter, who flouts speed regulations will not only get points on their licence, and a higher campervan insurance quote, but now looks like facing a minimum £100 speeding fine too. The ministry is looking to find cash to bolster the victim support scheme and they think the easiest way to do this is to expand the Victim Surcharge Scheme.
At the moment the Victim Surcharge Scheme is just levied on criminals who receive a fine when they go to court. It is a standard £15 for an offence and has been so since it was introduced. Now the scheme will be targeted at all criminals and will extend not only to murderers and rapists but also to motorists who pick up fixed price penalties. And with this change will come a change in the surcharge. It will now take the shape of a sliding scale from £15 to £120 depending on the seriousness of the offence. The idea has been lambasted by motoring groups across the UK.
Andrew Howard, head of road safety for the AA, said “We do have a problem when speeding offences are being used as a way of compensating victims of crime. The idea that motorists are being used to raise money to pay victims of crime is something we have opposed in the past and will continue to do so. Many take the view that enforcing motoring law is about raising money and this reinforces that view.”
The Justice Minister Ken Clarke has not yet given details of exactly when the change will take place but it is expected to in the next 12 months.
January 31st, 2012
There are few things more frustrating than breaking down when you’ve just crossed the channel or driven off the ferry. Even if you’re a few days into your holiday or on your way home a breakdown can really put a dampener on an otherwise great trip. Breakdowns can’t always be avoided but there are some precautions you can take to minimise the chances of putting yourself in danger.
Servicing and Maintenance
It makes good sense to get a professional service before taking on a long drive or a big trip abroad. A service won’t necessarily prevent a breakdown but it will definitely help identify any serious issues before they become a real problem. Equally, test things like your sink and oven before you go abroad – often trying to get a serviceman to fix a gas problem in a motorhome is harder than finding a full breakdown recovery service.
Good Preparation
With any motor vehicle, check your oil, brake and washer fluids but also check your gas supplies and water tank for mould or debris. If you’re off to Europe then you’ll also need an EU breakdown kit which usually comprises of a yellow reflective vest and a red warning triangle. If you breakdown you’ll need to use both of these, regardless of whether it’s day or night. In many countries it is law so don’t be caught out.
Recovery Services
If the worst does happen you’ll need to know you’re covered. Your motor home insurance provider may offer your breakdown recovery but if not then organisations like the AA and the RAC (amongst others) will offer EU recovery. Check your policy details very carefully, however, as many companies offer cover which is restricted within the EU. Make sure your provider gives you exactly what you need and don’t get caught out – the costs of recovery are not cheap.
Breaking down is a possibility anywhere but there’s plenty you can do to minimise the chances of you encountering problems. Unfortunately, travel is a bit hit and miss so don’t let a breakdown abroad spoil a good adventure – be prepared and make sure you’re covered.
January 31st, 2012
It has been announced that a huge £3 million caravan and motorhome park near Ludlow, which will bring £1 million into the area’s economy, will now be opening on May 9th. The 135-pitch, twenty acre park has been built by Morris Leisure and the first caravans and motorhomes will arrive in time for the Ludlow Spring Food Festival on May 12th and 13th.
Despite residents raising concerns about environmental damage from construction and extra traffic, Shropshire Council backed the build after the developers allayed the fears that were raised. Workmen started on the park in July last year and Morris Leisure estimated that the park would open sometime in the summer of 2012. However, the mild weather has allowed contractors to make excellent progress. The park will now open ten-weeks ahead of schedule and motorhome owners are already making sure their motorhome insurance policy is up to date and looking forward to an early break in the UK.
Morris Leisure’s Managing Director, Edward Goddard, said “We are delighted to announce that Ludlow Touring Park will be open for business on May 9th and bookings are now being accepted. It’s an exciting time for everyone associated with the new park, which is generating an incredible amount of interest from caravanners and motorhome owners from across the UK. We believe it is going to enhance the local tourism offer and generate around £1 million a year for Ludlow and surrounding area, which has got to be good news for the local economy.”
The opening is timed perfectly, as visiting caravan and motorhome owners will be able to enjoy the delights of the Ludlow Spring Festival. The festival offers more than one-hundred real ales, has local producers selling excellent food, a huge display of classic cars and fantastic music inside Ludlow Castle over the weekend. Morris Leisure is delighted to add a new park to their other four high quality caravan parks in Shropshire and Snowdonia.
January 30th, 2012
Repairing a damaged motorhome can often be a real problem, especially if you’re just about to set off on a big trip or, worse still, if you’re away from home already. Unfortunately, reliability problems do plague a lot of motorhomes and damages are something that just have to be dealt. Make sure, though, you’re always dealing with repairs safely and efficiently – below are a few tips to help you out.
Interior Damage
Most small interior repairs can be patched up quite easily but accidents do happen. In the worst case scenario the best thing you can do is look to source a spare part. If you bought your motorhome new your dealer is the place to go for a spare part but it might be more challenging for second hand or vintage models. There are a lot of resources online and there’s plenty of items available on sites like eBay, but always be sure to check the specification of your old part carefully and get something that is an exact match.
Mechanical Damage
Unless you’re particularly skilled mechanic it’s likely that you’ll have to take your motorhome in to the dealer to repair any mechanical parts; engines and drive trains are just too big and lethal to deal with single handily. It’s always worth trying to identify the problem yourself but make sure you’re not tinkering with any electronics or mechanical parts too regularly – you might do both yourself and your motorhome permanent damage.
Warrantees and Insurance
You’d be surprised at what you’re able to claim under warrantee these days and if you have a new motorhome then it’s always worth trying your warrantee provider first. Motorhome Insurance is your second port of call and you can stand to save an awful lot of money by getting well covered. Be careful with some policies and warrantees, however, many companies require you to go to specialist dealers that they will recommend to you for repairs.
Damages are nasty business, particularly if you’re in the middle of a holiday but regular servicing, a good insurance policy and a bit of savvy research about where to source interior parts you can make the best of a bad lot.
Awnings are very popular these days and it’s a great way to maximise the space inside and outside of your campervan or motorhome. Awnings can be great for dining under and admiring the stars or just somewhere dry but outdoors to leave dirty boots, bikes or dogs. 
