Archive for February, 2012

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Eco Motorhomes

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

The drive to reduce emissions, cut down on waste and generally make the planet a better place to live is not restricted to discussions in Westminster or high end businesses, you and your motorhome can really help make a difference! What can you do to make sure you’re as green as possible?

Waste and Recyclables

Wasting as little as possible is best and think when you’re on the road about what sort of food you can store. Over a third of food in Britain goes to waste and with a limited fridge space campers are often the worst of the lot! Even though it’s difficult when you’re travelling, try and recycle what you can, too. It might make sense to start a recycling box in your motorhome and when you reach a point which does have separate bins you can decant everything off.

Fuel and Emissions

Simple things can really help you cut down on your fuel usage and emissions. In some cases using a ‘greener’ fuel can be more efficient, though they are usually more expensive at the pumps. Make sure you don’t unnecessarily leave your engine running for long periods of time and if appliances aren’t in use then make sure you switch them off.

Big Conversions

There’s every reason to dream big when it comes to motorhomes and you do see vehicles with solar panels fitted and even the occasional wind-turbine! Though these ideas might be a bit nutty, fitting a catalytic converter can really help you cut down on what you’re using and what you’re spending. If you are thinking of modifying your motorhome at all though make sure to let you motorhome insurance provider know.

There are plenty of ways that motorhome owners can chip in and help the green cause and the only limit is your imagination. Start small with recycling and cutting down on waste and perhaps you’ll end up getting the green bug!

Motorhome Owners Barred from Coastal Attraction

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Motorhome enthusiasts looking to enjoy a new wildlife facility on the east coast of the UK are up in arms by a council’s decision to effectively ban them from the area.

The coastline between Chapel St Leonards and Sandilands in Lincolnshire has attracted a grant of over half a million pounds to convert the area into a wildlife sanctuary and bird observatory. The plan is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area outside of the regions traditional holiday period in the summer months. However, the local council have installed height barriers in every council run car park that allows access to the area meaning motorhome owners cannot drive into the car parks.

Local enthusiasts believe the council may have placed the barriers to stop travellers accessing the areas but this has been denied. Whatever the reason, many local people believe the council are denying access to the very people who will bring trade into the region outside the normal tourist months. Sheri Burditt, a motorhome owner from Chapel St Leonards, wrote to her local paper, saying “I have lived in Chapel for many years and own a small motorhome and have previously enjoyed spending afternoons at Chapel Six Marsh and Moggs Eye but can now no longer go. We have met many fellow motorhomers whilst travelling here and abroad who have visited this area and have said how lucky we are and how they have enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of spending time near the sea in a lovely rural location.”

She was backed up by other local motorhome owners, one saying he specifically carried on renewing his motorhome insurance policy simply to travel the short journey from home to sit and watch the sea from one of the affected car parks. The council have yet to respond to the growing pressure from motorhome owners who guarantee they will continue to press for the barriers to be removed.

Travelling with Bikes in your Motorhome

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Whether it’s the successes of British cyclists in events like the Tour de France, people trying to cut down on travel costs in the recession or a renewed environmentally friendly buzz, something has got Britain out on its bike and cycling is taking over the country! Naturally, a motorhome or campervan is a great compliment to cycling and it allows you to explore new terrain and travel to different places with your bikes in tow.

Racks or Mounts?

There are a hundred different ways of getting your bike on (or in) your motorhome. Bike racks which attach to your rear door can be the most effective and are easy to affix, but some people prefer to keep their bikes on the roof to avoid blocking the door. If you want to keep your bikes in your campervan then you need to make sure they are properly secured on mounts and are not likely to come loose in the event of an accident.

Security

You’d be amazed at what some bikes can fetch on eBay and thieves are very clued in to this. The problem is that the often cheapest models are sometimes the flashiest and can tempt thieves, so whatever price range your bike is in, make sure you get a good lock for when you’re out and about and always store them behind a locked door when you’re camped. Check, too, that your motorhome insurance covers your bikes.

Safety Concerns

The biggest thing to watch out for when transporting bikes is height restrictions. You would not believe the number of drivers who forget they have bikes mounted on their roof and end up pulling their racks clean off their roof, damaging both bikes and motorhome. Remember that even if your bikes are flat they are likely to add a foot or so to your height clearance. Always check your bikes are full secured too, your bikes will add a lot of drag to your vehicle and they take a lot of force; it’s more likely than you think for things to come loose on the road.

Bikes are great for campers and there’s some great roads and terrain to explore both in the UK and abroad. If you take a few precautions and look into the safest way of getting your bikes about then you’re in for a few very good trips!

Caravan and Motorhome Firm to Hold Open Weekend

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Bridlington firm, Yorkshire Coast Caravans, has merged its showrooms at Sewerby and Beeford and opened a bigger and much more modern showroom and showground at nearby Carnaby. The move ensures that one of Yorkshire’s leading caravan and motorhome dealerships is able to expand their already excellent services.

The family owned business is in its tenth year of providing a quality selection of new and pre-owned caravans, motorhomes, awnings and accessories. The owners are confident that the move will give customers an even larger choice of products to see and try out. The company is run by managing director Mark Fairey and his father Brian who have support from an experienced team of staff. They provide a comprehensive service and the whole team believe the move to new premises will enhance their mission to not just meet but exceed their customers’ expectations.

Mark Fairey said: “This move to bigger premises is proof that the UK is seeing more people enjoying camping. We have seen a large increase in the number of people interested in buying a new or used motorhome. Any first time buyers are always advised to take out good motorhome insurance to protect their new investment. We are hoping for a busy weekend with visitors from inside and outside the area attending.”

Yorkshire Coast Caravans place an emphasis on both value and choice, they display popular caravan and motorhomes at the new two-acre site and they will provide new and existing customers with a much bigger accessory and awning section. They also have an eight-bay service centre where they can carry out repairs on any make or model. No staff lost their job as everyone has transferred from the two sites to the new premises, so regular customers will be greeted by familiar faces. The open weekend is being held from Friday, March 16, to Sunday, March 18 and they hope both old and new customer will come along and see what’s on offer. During the weekend there will be a number of promotional offers on both new and used caravans and motorhomes and some great deals on accessories.

Dogs and Motorhomes

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Dogs make great companions on the road and the rising costs of kennels and dog sitters means more and more people are choosing to take their dogs away with them. Travelling with a furry friend is not always stress-free, though, so it’s worth thinking about a few things before you go.

Dog Guards

You’ll need to make sure your pooch is safe when you’re travelling and a dog guard (or ‘safety lattice’) is by far the best way of doing this. It means you are safe to drive unimpaired and in the event of an accident it prevents your dog from travelling too far up your cabin which could be dangerous to both of you. Though many people find these impractical, it is possible to buy custom made dog guards that will fit exactly to the specification of your motorhome.

Covers and Mats

Even the best trained dog can’t clean up after itself so do bear your upholstery in mind. Seat covers and mats are imperative as you won’t be able to claim damaged or dirty furnishings on your motorhome insurance! It’s good to separate off an area where your dog is free to roam for itself and make sure you allow plenty of stops so it doesn’t get too restless.

Dog-friendly Campsites

Not everybody is a dog person and some campsites do operate no-dog policies. This is something that you’ll just have to accept so check with the proprietor that it’s okay to bring your dog onto the site. Even on dog-friendly sites, though, you need to have respect for other campers – letting your dogs run wild won’t gain you many friends and, after all, that’s what camping is really about!

Dogs are good fun to travel with and often they become just another family member who you wouldn’t want to leave behind! Get kitted out with the right equipment so everyone is safe and make sure your dogs are kept under good control – it saves any disputes with other campers that might spoil both of your holidays.

Motorists Set to Foot the Bill Again

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Campervan drivers in Bristol will be disappointed to learn that they may soon have to pay to park at work even if their companies have a private car park.

Bristol is set to follow in the footsteps of Nottingham Council who charge private companies a levy for the parking bays they have in their city centre locations. The problem is that many companies pass the charge on to their workforce who now find they have to pay a £1 a day to park.

The idea behind the scheme is to raise money to fund local road improvements and is seen as a viable alternative to levying a business tax. Motorists and unions in Nottingham are already protesting over the extra financial burden passed on to the workforce and residents in Bristol will be disappointed to find out they could be next.

Tim Kent, leader of the transport committee on Bristol Council, left motorists in no doubt what would happen when he said: “Bristol City Council wants to use the levy to raise millions of pounds to fund bus only lanes, separated from other traffic, to cut congestion. I have said I don’t want businesses to pay a penny I really believe it should be paid by those who benefit from having a free car parking space in the city centre.”

It is doubtful Bristol Council will introduce the legislation without a fight. Already leaders of trade councils in the city have said workers and trade unions will oppose the levy if it is passed onto staff and there is little wonder. Campervan drivers for instance are already paying more than ever before for fuel and finding it ever more difficult to find cheap campervan insurance. Many workers have not had a pay rise for several years and to have to find an extra £20 a month for parking will be seen as the last straw.

A spokesman for leading motoring organisation the AA said: “These schemes are pure anti motoring opportunism by a minority of local authorities desperate for funds keen to exploit 12 year old legislation. Once again drivers and business are easy targets yet it is they that keep local economies going.”

Motorhome Fridges

Friday, February 24th, 2012

It’s been said before that the only difference between a campervan and a tent is a roof and a fridge. Of course, that’s not quite true, but refrigeration does make a real difference when it comes to the practicalities of day to day camping. Fridges are a valuable asset for any campervan so how can you make sure yours is well looked after?

Finding a Fridge

There are a lot of options available to you when it comes to finding a fridge. You’ll need a fridge which matches your power source (whether that’s electric or gas) and what you need very much depends on your usage. A proper camping fridge powered by gas is probably your best bet for storing large amounts of food, but if you just want to keep a few beers cold then something smaller and more akin to a domestic fridge might suffice.

Defrosting

You’ll have to defrost your fridge periodically, just like your kitchen fridge, to make sure it’s able to keep to the right sort of temperatures. If things are starting to get icy or even starting to feel warm then take everything out, lay down a few towels to catch any drips and just switch the fridge off and allow it to get to room temperature. Give it a quick clean and once you’re done you can restock.

Storing Food

Fridges should never be used to store hot food, particularly in campervans. The small size of fridges in campervans means that they are severely affected by changes in temperature and storing something warm in there can really kick up the temperature. It’s also worth thinking about prioritising space – milk and butter always need refrigerating and will go stale within a few hours whereas last night’s chicken can probably last a day.

If you keep your fridge clean and defrost it regularly you should have no problems but if it leaks, floods and damages your upholstery you might not be able to claim on your motorhome insurance. Keep cool, think through what you need your fridge for and keep it well maintained!

Time is Ripe for Motorhome Purchase

Friday, February 24th, 2012

According to a leading caravan and camper organisation, investors looking to upgrade or even buy a brand new motorhome should consider taking action right now.

The National Caravan Council (NCC) report that the trade in new motorhomes especially, has been very slack over the last couple of years and prospective buyers looking to spend their money now could land themselves a bargain, possibly getting a big enough discount off some models to pay for their motorhome insurance with the savings.

According to the NCC report less than 7,000 new motorhomes were sold in 2010-2011 which is the first time in 8 years that sales have dipped below the 7,000 mark. The report goes on to say that although 2011 figures are not complete yet, after a bright start they fell away drastically as the year progressed. Early indications show that trade in 2012 is slowing further and although this is bad news for manufacturers, punters looking for a good deal have every reason to be optimistic.

Mick Davies, who runs a motorhome business in Yorkshire, said “It’s true we have struggled over the last 12 months and bargain hunters can certainly get a good deal right now. They should not limit themselves to looking at one manufacturer but be prepared to consider any if they really want the best deal. There are still plenty of brand new unregistered 2011 models available and this may be where the real bargains are.”

Of course with the National Motorhome Show just eight weeks away prospective buyers could organise their finances now to be ready to clinch a deal when the show starts. All the top manufacturers will be present and competitive pricing is guaranteed.

Depreciation on Motorhomes

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Something to look out for if you’re thinking of picking up a motorhome second hand or perhaps if you’re looking to sell on a motorhome is the depreciation rate. Like cars, motorhomes can be depreciated at a particular rate and the amount of depreciation is calculated year on year and will differ for each different model. Here’s a quick guide to the things that might affect your motorhome.

Model and New Price

Almost all new motorhomes depreciate as soon as you take them out of the showroom. This is partly due to the VAT which you can no longer recover but also a second hand motorhome just isn’t as desirable as a new one. The rate of depreciation after this depends on the model: some models are known for reliability and continued good service and others are known to fall apart a little bit quicker. In the same way, vintage or rare models might not depreciate at all – it’s all circumstantial. Glass’s guides provide for a good indicator, however, so check these out for an indicator.

Extras

These guides won’t take in any extras you bought with your motorhome, however, and things like Sat-navs will have been priced higher than their value at the dealer’s. You may have paid £500 on top of your purchase price when you bought it, but that’s probably only worth £100 to someone who could otherwise buy one for that price from the shop!

Condition

One of the most fundamental things to remember about motorhomes is they’re designed to last and a motorhome in good condition will be much more favourable. Motorhome insurance can help you cover the costs of repairing little damages and a good clean, service and regular tidy will help you maximise value when you come to selling on.

Depreciation is one of these slightly backwards ways of thinking about things but it’s good to have a grasp of the concept. Then if you’re buying a used motorhome you’ll be able to estimate roughly how much you should be paying and you can use these features to give you a good indicator and perhaps some tools when it comes to haggling!

Campers Heading to Chester for an Easter Break

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

For this year’s Easter weekend Chester Racecourse will be opening its gates to five-hundred campers in caravans, tents and motorhomes while they visit the annual Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival.

There is no other location in the United Kingdom where so many campers can stay in the heart of a historical city that is also located right next to one of the biggest food and drink festivals in the UK. The organisers anticipate they will have over 27,000 visitors during the three-day event. With the delicious smells of the festival drifting across the campsite, campers are going to have the best corner shop in the county, right on their doorstep.

The racecourse will open its gates to campers from Thursday 5th April to Bank Holiday Monday on the 9th and motorhome owners are booking up places very quickly. The Camping and Caravanning Club have reminded those attending to make sure that their motorhome insurance policy is up to date. As well as the festival, campers can also discover all of the wonderful attractions Cheshire has to offer.

Festival Chairman and Cheshire Taste Cafe proprietor, Jane Mooney, said “The festival is a wonderful opportunity to see much of our local produce at its peak as well as learn our chefs’ secrets as to how you can get the very best out of our wonderful food and drink that’s available on our doorstep. We are looking forward to welcoming 500 campers who are booking their place for what will be a great weekend.”

There will be plenty to keep campers entertained with celebrity chef demonstrations making a welcome return. For anyone bringing the whole family to the festival there will be activities to keep the children entertained including kids cooking workshops. Due to popular demand, the festival is also welcoming back the ‘try and buy’ restaurant area where visitors are able to sample dishes from fifty regional restaurants.

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