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Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons!

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Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons!

Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons! Here we tow
Image Credit;- Pixabay

Whenever you are setting off on a great holiday, there will no doubt be all sorts of things that you want to achieve. Usually, the goals for the trip will include a combination of relaxation, excitement and adventure. We all want to create a collection of new memories and interesting stories.

While there are many ways to have a great a holiday, there are certain specific benefits to adventuring with a motorhome or caravan. If you are considering holidaying in a caravan or motorhome this blog will help you.

Here are a few benefits to adventuring with a motorhome or caravan.

The ability to get off road, and get close to nature, while still having temperature control and conveniences at hand

There are all sorts of beautiful, scenic, but inaccessible natural locations that you might be interested in exploring on your holiday.

All the same, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in a position where you can disappear into the wilderness for a week with a tent and a rucksack. Many of us love the idea of remoteness but still like our home comforts. This is certainly true if you have children who need to be entertained.

Travelling with a motorhome, or a caravan, allows you to get off grid, get close to nature, and explore those destinations which would otherwise be inaccessible. The benefit is you still have temperature control and conveniences at hand. Modern leisure vehicles are fitted with fridge freezers, heating, kitchens, showers and very comfy beds. You certainly wont be ‘roughing it’ for your holiday.

In many places, “wild camping sites” will have space for motorhomes. During summer months, small pop-up sites become available which offer great value. These are usually a farmers field set off the beaten track. They may not offer any facilities but that is the bonus of having your own onboard.

If you’re going off-road with a caravan, you might want to investigate the New Jaguar Range. A suitable tow car for your caravan is a must for safe towing. Campsites with grass pitches can prove a challenge if you suffer a downpour of rain during your holiday.

Being able to turn a single holiday into a series of multiple destinations with ease

On a typical holiday, logistics will need to be planned out carefully. Most people can’t afford to jump from location to location. Instead of booking several hotels we arrange for a stay in one resort for a week or two. Most of us can relate to a package holiday to Spain or Italy, for example.

With a motorhome or caravan you can wake up in one location and go to sleep in another, every day. The only extra expense, other than fuel, will be the cost of a pitch at a local campsite. Typically a pitch is far more affordable than a hotel room. Pitches at certified sites start from around £8 per night. A pitch at an adults only site will start at around £20 and a luxury site in high season could be as much as £50 a night. There is something for every budget, we know as we have tried various types or sites around the UK and Europe.

If you like the idea of your holiday encompassing a number of destinations, a motorhome or caravan might be just the thing.

Having a familiar environment with you at all times

There’s something to be said for having a familiar environment with you at all times while travelling. It offers reassurance, privacy and familiarity. With your own caravan or motorhome, you know you have a fully stocked kitchen of utensils. Your toiletries are ready to use in the bathroom. The wardrobe is hanging with your clothes before you even set off.
The great thing is you don’t need to sit in an airport lounge waiting for your delayed flight. Once you hit the road your holiday has begun.

You can find your own routine with your leisure vehicle. It is nice to go to sleep in the same bed every night, your bed. Knowing no-one else has slept on your mattress and in your fresh bedding. A motorhome or a caravan can change the way you experience your holidays.

There are many more benefits of holidaying with a motorhome or caravan. It certainly offers a unique way to explore the countryside and coastal destinations. Will 2021 be another year of the Staycation? Quite possibly.

conkerws

What People Forget About Wet Weather Caravanning

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What People Forget About Wet Weather Caravanning

Here we tow - What People Forget About Wet Weather Caravanning
Image Credit – Unsplash

It’s the perfect season to hunt for mushrooms and conkers in the woods! If you’ve got some road trips planned, you can be sure that you’ll have plenty of activities for a caravanning weekend away. After all, most of us have felt prisoners of the COVID restrictions. Many families have cancelled their holiday abroad this summer for a staycation at home.
If you’ve still got itchy feet, why not make the most of the half-term break coming soon for a camping break?

Wet weather caravanning needs some essential preparation, starting with investing in the proper weatherproof gear, towels for your pets and a heating solution for your caravan. But there’s a lot more you can do to stay warm when the weather takes a turn for the worse. 

Here we tow - What People Forget About Wet Weather Caravanning
Image Credit :- Unsplash – CC0 Licence

Don’t ignore a leaky caravan- damp is bad!

You can make your caravan nice and warm by Turing on your air blown or wet central heating. You may have a gas fire or even an electric fan. It’s hard to fix the damage made by a small leak to the structure and it can be costly. Water ingress will lead to damp within the caravan, including the floors and walls. Damp is harmful to your health and it can cause your caravan to rot and become unfit to use. If you are planning to travel in a caravan or motorhome that has water ingress, you may want to consider a repair or even a replacement. The new 2021 leisure vehicle models have arrived and there are plenty of deals to be done across the country.
For inexperienced buyers, it’s best to head to a reputable dealership that can advise and monitor the quality of their caravan and motorhomes. A dealership will have a number of manufacturers vehicles available to view, all in one place. A brand such as Burstner Motorhomes, has a well-deserved reputation for providing a mixture of comfort and luxury that suits most budgets.

Insulated drink-wares for hot drinks in the awning!

Can there be anything more comforting than holding a warm cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate between your hands? When you’re caravanning, you might find that your warm drink can rapidly hit an unpleasant lukewarm drinking temperature, as a result of a cold environment. Nobody likes lukewarm drinks when they are sat out in the awning enjoying a winters day. Something as simple as buying insulated drinkware can make a huge difference to your perception of cold. Indeed, drinking a hot and freshly brewed cuppa instantly warms you up! 

Cold weather - Here we tow - What People Forget About Wet Weather Caravanning
Image Credit – Unsplash

Don’t forget your thermals!

You may spend every day in a pair of jeans, but when you’re caravanning in the wet weather, you want to add a pair of thermal leggings. They may not sound like an elegant fashion statement – thankfully, most of them are to be worn underneath your clothes – but they can keep your legs warm and cosy. Fleece-lined leggings are a must-have for a cold weekend away. When you’re out exploring the area from the campsite you will be warm and snug. These and a cup of tea in your new insulated drinkware, and you won’t even notice that it’s raining outside! 

Buy the best caravan bedding for the cold!

Caravan and motorhome bedding comes in different shapes, sizes and togs. Whether you’re sleeping inside the caravan, or in the awning, buy the best. One thing is for sure; you can’t carry around a pile of blankets and duvets as they are space-demanding. But simple changes such as a quality memory foam or quilted mattress topper can prevent cold nights. The Duvalay products are some of the most popular, they certainly get our vote.

Travelling without fearing the wet weather, that’s what you need to make the most of a weekend getaway before the end of the year. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation, or so they say. With the right gear you can enjoy a winter of touring and a whole new experience of caravanning.

Towing

New Land Rover Defender 2021

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New Land Rover Defender 2021.

The iconic Land Rover Defender was first brought to life in December 1948. It remained relatively unchanged until the end of production in January 2016. During its lifetime, the Defender amassed a huge following across the globe. This year, 2020, saw the launch of the completely new and re-designed Defender. The question is though, will it win over the hardcore Defender enthusiasts?
In this blog we share our experience after having a demonstrator to review for a day.

Here we Tow - New Land Rover Defender 2021
Front of New Defender

What do I need to know about the new Defender?

The new Defender is making its way in to dealerships across the country. Land Rover have released the passenger variants of the 90 and 110 first. The hard top 90 and 110 are available to order now but haven’t arrived in dealerships yet.
For 2021 there are four models, each has its own specification level, from Defender at £42,950 to Defender X at £79,260. The price can be even higher once options and accessories are selected.
All Defenders are AWD and come with an automatic gearbox as standard.

The Defender sits on Land Rover’s D7x platform, with ‘x’ standing for extreme. Land Rover says it is the stiffest body structure it has produced. Although it is a reworked version of the firm’s existing modular architecture, it is described as being 95% new. The aluminium structure has been designed to accept electrified, but not fully electric, powertrains. 

What are the engine choices available to me?

The Land Rover Defender is available to order in three diesel engine choices and one petrol.

The diesel options are;

D200 MHEV which offers a 3.0 litre diesel engine with 200hp and 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds.

D250 MHEV which offers a 3.0 litre diesel engine with 250hp and 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds.

D300 MHEV which offers a 3.0 litre diesel engine with 300hp and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds.

P300 turbo charged petrol which offers a 2.0 litre petrol engine with 300hp and 0-60mph in 7 seconds.

Here we Tow - New Land Rover Defender 2021 Salop visit
Salop Leisure and Hatfileds partnership

What are the features of the new Land Rover Defender?

The new Defender retains some of the charm of the previous Defender, but it has been launched in to 2020 packed with features.

The Defender offers the Pivi Pro media centre and screen. This is displayed on a ten inch touch screen, set forward of the dashboard and run on its own battery for a speedier response. Most of the vehicles features can be controlled through this. This includes the navigation system, radio and music, depth wading and off-road assistance.

The Defender provides 360 degree cameras, ideal in town centres or for parking. These assist when reversing to hitch up a trailer or caravan too.

To find out more about all the on-board features watch our review of the New Land Rover Defender 110 here.

Our YouTube review

How well does the Land Rover tow?

As you would expect, the Defender is a phenomenal tow car. With a kerb weight of just over 2.4 tonnes and a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg, or 3.5 tonnes, it will tow almost anything you want.
The Defender offers three types of tow bar, depending on your requirements. The maximum nose weight is 250kg or around 170kg on the deployable tow bar. This will exceed the limit of most other vehicles you may be considering.
The deployable tow bar is a good choice, with 13 pin electrics and an eyelet for the breakaway cable.
The vehicle has tow assist as standard, which helps line the carts the tow ball. The tow pack is an available option and will assist in steering the vehicle for you when manoeuvring at slow speed with a caravan or trailer.
The Defender is an exceptional tow car, with its air suspension the ride is smooth yet firm. The D200 will provide the power you need but the D250 is probably the engine to choose if you tow regularly.

Is it still good off-road?

Yes! The Land Rover Defender still remains a genuine off-road vehicle, despite its softer appearance and electronics.
The Defender has AWD, hill descent, low box and a wading depth of 90cm. On-board the Pivi Pro offers a depth wading sensor, to alert you when the water is too deep. It has a low traction launch for particularly difficult terrain and several other features to assist when off-roading. You can add an optional winch pack if you intend to use the Defender for serious off-roading. This will cost you an eye-watering £5000 though!

New Land Rover Defender 2021 – Should I buy one?

Here we Tow - New Land Rover Defender 2021 Hatfields.
Hatfields Jaguar / Land Rover New Showroom

Only you can answer that question, but from our test and review it is a very good vehicle indeed. The lower end Defender S D250 would probably offer what most buyers would need and would cost around £49,000. With plenty of equipment even at this level it would certainly be on our shortlist.

If you want to test drive a Defender yourself contact Hatfields Land Rover, or your local dealership, and see what you think. If your interested in any other tow vehicle reviews then check out other vehicles we have reviewed here.

security

Motorhome Security: Top Tips To Avoid Theft

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Motorhome Security: Top Tips To Avoid Theft

Your motorhome will no doubt have been a large financial investment for you. The last thing you want is for it to be stolen, or broken into. In this blog we will look at some of the best preventative measures you can take.

Make Your Motorhome Less Attractive To Thieves

Here We Tow - Motorhome Security: Top Tips To Avoid Theft

There is a saying that “if they want it, they will have it”. Whilst this is true, it is also true that thieves will steal the easiest motorhome they can. There is less chance of them being caught and they can be on their way with their ill gotten gains. The key factor to securing you motorhome is to make it the least attractive to thieves.

The most simple precautions you can take cost nothing. Make sure you close all your windows, lock all your doors and do not leave valuables on show. It may sound obvious but I am sure we have all been guilty of not doing these things at some point.

The second precaution is to use visual deterrents. These include security devices, windscreen etching and security tagging. The cost of these varies but we will look at a few recommended devices shortly.

Invest in non-visual security devices such as alarms, immobilisers and trackers. Some manufactures will fit these as standard but if not they are a sound investment. Most insurance companies will require a level of security fitted, depending on the value of your motorhome.

Look at where you store your motorhome. It is more likely to be stolen whilst left in storage than when you are asleep in it, on a touring site. For more information about secure storage visit the CaSSOA website.
If you store your motorhome at home, we will look at some steps you can take to improve the security there.

Motorhome Security Locks and Devices

Wheel Clamps

The Bulldog Wheel Clamp will fit most motorhome alloy wheels, with a tyre width up to 220mm. It offers a cost effective security option, is lightweight and easy to fit.
If you want to bulk up your wheel clamp security, for example in storage, then the Bulldog CA2000C Centaur Wheel Clamp is ideal. This wheel clamp is tested to Sold Secure standards and comes with a five year warranty.

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks are an excellent visual deterrent and they work.

We have tested two types of steering wheel lock and found them both to be robust and easy to use.
The first is the Maypole Stronghold MP5494 steering wheel lock, costing between £40-50, it offers a good level of protection. We have reviewed this for our website and on YouTube.

The second is a more compact version, ideal for when you are touring. This is the Maypole Steering Wheel Overdash Lock, costing around £20.

Clutch or Pedal Locks

Here We Tow - Motorhome Security: Top Tips To Avoid Theft

Clutch locks work by securing the clutch and brake pedals together.

The Centinel Clutch Claw has resisted testing using a professional car thief for more than 30 minutes. They are available for VW Transporters and a range of base vehicles, including Fiat Ducato, Mercedes and Peugeot Boxer. The claw also comes with flashing LED and window stickers to warn off thieves. This device costs around £119.

Motorhome Alarms, Immobilisers and Trackers

Let’s take a look at tracking devices, if your motorhome doesn’t have one here are a few you should consider. Trackers are rated based on accreditation through Thatcham. Founded in 1969 by a leading group of insurers, Thatcham Research is an independent non-profit making research centre. Its roots are in vehicle safety, but in 1990 it expanded into vehicle security, announcing categories for alarms and immobiliser. This includes tracking systems for vehicles too. There are currently two main Thatcham accreditations for trackers.
A Category S7 device is an asset location system, to increase the probability of the recovery of a stolen asset.  A Category S5 device is a vehicle tracking system. It will detect unauthorised use of a protected vehicle and increase the probability of the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

A vehicle alarm and immobiliser should be Thatcham Category One. This means it has been tested and certified to Thatcham standards and will meet the requirements of insurance companies. Modern motorhomes should already have a manufacturers immobiliser fitted.

Phantom Sentinel – Thatcham S7 Approved

The Phantom Sentinel is Phantom’s leading motorhome product, comprising a Thatcham category 1 alarm and approved tracking system. It offers protection of cab and habitation doors, plus bonnet, with internal ultrasonic sensors.
For many base vehicles, it will integrate with the remote control key to arm/disarm and set for night time or pet mode. It can also be upgraded to make it a Thatcham S5 device.
Sentinel comes with a smartphone app with battery monitoring. Enhanced app functionality means you can remotely arm or disarm or lock or unlock your vehicle, or simply check on its status. The Phantom Sentinel will cost around £699 plus a monthly tracker subscription.

HAL-Locate

The HAL-Locate is Thatcham S7 approved and claims 100% success rate in recoveries after a theft. It offers a priority monitoring service across the UK and Europe. The device operates using GPS, GPRS and GMS technology. Having an inbuilt battery backup, the device can remain active even if the vehicle power supply is disconnected.

Here We Tow - Motorhome Security: Top Tips To Avoid Theft
Image Credit – HAL-Locate

The system automatically arms itself if your vehicle is left stationary for over two hours. You can also control the tracker via a Smartphone with the HAL-Locate App.
HAL-Locate can be bought and fitted via several UK motorhome and caravan dealers, as well as a nationwide group of approved installers.

You can install the HAL-Locate from £260, including VAT and installation charges. The price includes access to the Hal-Locate App and a two-year subscription to a UK-Based European wide monitoring service.

Outsmart The Thief

Outsmart The Thief offer their own package of alarm and tracker, known as Lockdown. Whilst this system is not Thatcham S7 or S5 certified, it does claim an excellent success rate against electronic theft. The system comes with a high level of features and is fitted for £649. The annual subscription is additional to this but offers 24 hour cover. Lockdown is accepted by Safeguard, Lifesure, Caravan Guard and CAMC (Caravan and Motorhome Club) Insurance, to name a few and is highly regarded by its motorhome customers.

VIN Chip

It is worth mentioning here an added level of security offered by CRiS. This is VIN Chip. VIN Chip allows you to add tamper proof window labels and hidden chips to your motorhome. The package costs £34.99 and can be ordered direct from Cris. Not only is VIN Chip a deterrent, if your motorhome is stolen it will assist in the identification of it by Police.

Home Storage Security

Security Posts

A security post on your driveway is another visible security measure. It could make a thief think twice about trying to steal your motorhome.
They’re cheap to buy but they will need fitting to your driveway. There are a number of variations including telescopic, removable and fold down – which are locked into the ground to create a robust barrier to secure your vehicle behind.

They’re also easily removed when you need to drive your motorhome away.
Manufacturers of these posts include Bulldog, Sentinel and NKGroup.

Home CCTV System

Whilst is might not be an insurance requirement, a home CCTV system can offer peace of mind. Not only will it allow you to monitor your motorhome, but when you are away touring you can keep an eye on your home. The Ring CCTV system is effective and reliable. We fitted this system ourselves in January and have been very pleased with it. The benefits include cameras that don’t have to be hard wired, and a subscription service that covers the theft of your actual cameras – should the worse happen. We produced a vlog of the Ring system which shows the benefits of it and the installation.

Make Sure You Are Insured!

Your motorhome is a motor vehicle and will need to be insured, by law, to drive it on a road or highway. Third party cover is a basic requirement, but that won’t protect you from loss or damage to your own vehicle.
There are a number of insurance companies who offer varying levels of cover for your motorhome. The best advice is make sure you read the small print and ensure your cover is adequate. If you are unsure about insurance requirements around security products then contact your insurance company. We would recommend you use a specialist motorhome insurance provider, such as Shield Total Insurance. They can offer breakdown and recovery cover too for if the worst happens.

Hopefully, this blog has given you some insight in to some of the security measures you can put in place.

holiday

Planning your Caravan Holiday: Be Prepared!

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If you are going to be heading off on a caravan holiday, you’ve got to make sure you are prepared! There is nothing worse than being the type of person who likes to have a plan, but on this occasion, you’ve forgotten something essential. In this blog we’re going to be look at how to ensure that you enjoy your caravan holiday. If you want to know more about this topic, keep reading. You will find all the information that you need to be prepared. 

Plan Your Trip

Here We Tow - Planning your Caravan Holiday: Be Prepared!
Pic Source – CC0 Licence

The first thing thing we advise you do is consider planning out your trip. Plan and book your caravan site and your towing route to it. Have a good idea of the facilities available on the site, especially with the effects of the pandemic on some sites. What is there to do in the area? This is important if you have family members to keep occupied. It might be you are looking for quiet coastal walks and good pub food. If you have a plan, you’re not going to miss out on things that you decided you want to do. You don’t have to stick to the plan, it is your holiday, flexibility is always the key to enjoying your holiday!

Having a plan can prevent a day from being boring. This doesn’t usually happen when you are on holiday we know, but that doesn’t mean it never will. At least if you have a plan and you are stuck for ideas on what to do, you can consult the list and see what fun thing you want to be doing. This can be invaluable when wet weather stops play.

Don’t Forget About Fuel

We recommend you make sure you have enough fuel in your tow car to reach your destination. Many of you will know, petrol forecourts are not your friend when you are towing a large caravan. You don’t want to be paying service station prices either on the motorway. It is not only fuel you might need but AdBlue if you have certain diesel vehicles. You could consider an AdBlue storage solution such as red diesel from fuelbox.co.uk. These boxes may be handy for home storage.

Who to holiday with – friends and family!

When you’re planning the trip it is easy to get excited and start inviting various friends and family to join you. It is nice to go away with caravanning friends who share your interests. You can enjoy cooking together on an evening, visiting local attractions and generally having a good laugh. If you are inviting people to stay in your caravan, remember it is a limited space.
We found we have made friends whilst away in the caravan. It is easy to strike up a conversation with the neighbouring pitch.

We hope that you have found this blog helpful, and can enjoy your caravan holiday. Have a safe tow and a fantastic time away!

Planning your Caravan Holiday: Be Prepared!
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5 caravan top tips

Top 5 Tips For New Caravan Owners

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Top 5 Tips For New Caravan Owners

Top 5 Tips For New Caravan Owners

Pixabay CC0 License Don’t end up with something like this

The UK’s holiday parks are finally open once more, and holidaymakers are set to flock to the country’s best destinations like never before. After all, the prospect of travelling abroad may feel a little daunting for the next year or two due to the lasting impacts of the coronavirus. So, if you’re thinking about joining the caravan community for the first time in 2020, you are not alone.

One of the great things about caravanning is that it offers great flexibility, allowing you to do things your way. Nonetheless, good preparations will give you the best shot at success.

5 TOP TIPS ALL NEW CARAVANNERS NEED TO KNOW

1. Buy A Good Caravan

A quality caravan is an essential ingredient in the recipe for holiday success. While a little ‘roughing it’ is great fun, you will want a home-from-home to deliver the essential comforts. The best motorhome and caravan dealers have reopened. This will allow you to find a reliable outfit that boasts the storage and equipment that you require. Whether it’s new or used, a great caravan will encourage you to enjoy more frequent holidays. Crucially, it will boost your enjoyment on each trip.
Make sure you carry out some essential checks before parting with any money. Have the caravan checked by and AWS engineer, or at the very least have it damp tested. A caravan with damp means water ingress has occurred and this is not good. Damp will rot your caravan away and it can be harmful to health.
Check that you intended purchase is not stolen on the Cris register. It will reveal any outstanding finance, or previous serious repair. A Cris check is an absolute must!

Staycation

Pixabay CC0 License Practicality and comfort are key

2. Research The Best Destinations

The best caravan for your needs will create the perfect platform for building the ideal caravanning holiday. However, your surroundings are equally important. There are plenty of amazing holiday parks around the country. It’s important to find one that provides the amenities that are best suited to your needs. Caravan sites are located country wide, from 5 pitch certified location to 200 pitch holiday parks. If you want to include your honey with your holiday that is easy. Sites are located near fishing lakes, beaches and gold clubs. Once you have booked your pitch you can pack clothes and equipment, such as fishing rods or wetsuits. It’s usually possible to hire most items for activities you want to do. However, for the frequent activities, your own items are best.

3. Protect The Caravan

The value of a caravan isn’t measured solely by the improvements made to your lifestyle. It is a huge financial asset too. Unfortunately, it could be vulnerable while parked on your driveway, in storage, or when it’s pitched on the caravan site or holiday park. Therefore, it’s imperative that you protect your vehicle with the best caravan insurance. Even a basic third party policy of insurance is important. Your caravan will not be insured by your car insurance, most policies will only cover third party damage when towing. Make sure you insure your investment against theft and fire damage. There are plenty of security features that should be used with your caravan. All caravans should have a hitch and wheel lock regardless of value. Caravan theft is, sadly, a regular reality. High value caravans will require an approved alarm and tracker by insurance companies. Many new models will have these fitted as standard by the manufacturer.

Planning

Pixabay CC0 License Don’t travel unprotected

4. Prepare For The Worst

Even as a safe driver, there’s always a chance that you could break down. Likewise, when you pitch up at your caravan park, it is possible an accident or injury could occur. For these reasons, as well as your peace of mind, you should build a pack for emergencies. Include a spare phone, first aid kit, torch, fire extinguisher or blanket and bottled water. The good news is that you probably won’t need to use the items. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

5. Towing Safely

Perhaps this should have been first on the list rather than the bottom. Either way, it’s vital that you check that you are permitted to tow your caravan outfit. This covers several aspects. Firstly, you must check that your driving licence allows you to do it. Secondly, you must ensure that your car is able to tow a caravan. Thirdly, you’ll need to know that the caravan and car match is safe based on weight guidelines. When these considerations are checked, you’ll be set for far better adventures.
Before towing, attach your towing mirrors to ensure you meet the legal requirements for vision.
Make sure you check your nose weight of the caravan with a Milenco gauge, the only one we would recommend at this time. Check the torque settings of your wheel nuts, this should be done every time you tow. Check the tyre pressures on your tow car and caravan, an under inflated caravan tyre can cause a dangerous blowout.
Make sure you don’t overload your caravan with equipment and clothes, try to transport more items in your tow car. It is easy to quickly exceed your MTPLM, as we discovered when we visited a weigh bridge!
Once your checks are complete, hitch up and enjoy the best Staycation you’ve had in years.

Footprints

5 Effective Ways to Make Your Caravan Getaway Greener

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5 Effective Ways to Make Your Caravan Getaway Greener

As we take the first steps in returning to caravan sites, we look at how we can make simple changes to look after the environment around us.

The world has changed in the past few months. The COVID-19 pandemic remains one of the most profound global tragedies in living memory. At the time of writing, the virus has claimed over 40,000 lives in the UK alone and disrupted a great many more. Over a quarter of a million people have contracted the virus, and a great many more have faced enormous disruption to their jobs, their lifestyles and their personal wellbeing. Many have not known what to do with themselves after being placed on furlough. Many have lost their jobs altogether as UK businesses go into administration. 

5 Effective Ways to Make Your Caravan Getaway Greener

Image by Jill Wellington via Pixabay

Still, even the darkest and most menacing rainclouds show a glimmer of silver lining. All around the world we’ve been spending more time indoors, using our cars less and taking fewer international flights. We’ve been dropping less litter and pumping fewer harmful compounds into the atmosphere. The planet has undoubtedly benefited from it. Carbon emissions are estimated to be down 6-8% this year. While this may not seem like much, it’s a huge step in the right direction.
Our nation’s wildlife and plants are starting to bounce back. This is the time not to lose the momentum that we’ve built up over the past few months. 

With camping sites opening again from the 4th July, we are beginning to feel that we could all do with a holiday. For those who tow, this means getting packed up and taking the family away on a caravan getaway.

The good news- Caravan holidays are already one of the greenest getaways!

We assume that a holiday is not only a costly affair for our household budgets, but for the environment too. International flights, coach tours, cruises, they all create a carbon footprint. But caravaners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their preferred means of getting away is among the greenest holidays possible. 

If you were to take the family on a holiday to Europe, the return trip would produces roughly 250kg and 500kg of carbon dioxide per passenger. For a family of 4, that’s up to 2,000 kilos of CO2. That is more than most families produce in a year. However, if the same family travelled 250 miles in a petrol driven vehicle towing a medium sized caravan, they could expect to produce around 38kg in carbon dioxide emissions. Many newer caravan models are made from recycled and recyclable materials. They are designed and developed with aerodynamics in mind. This reduces petrol consumption while towing, thereby reducing your trips carbon footprint.

A caravan getaway makes a lot of sense in the current climate. It’s easy to socially distance when you and your family are completely self-contained. You’re likely to be spending time in some of our nation’s favourite beauty spots. You’re likely to enjoy the mental health benefits that come with spending time in nature. You may prefer the beach, countryside or our amazing woodlands and national parks. 

Still, eco-conscious campers may wonder if there’s anything more they can do to make their caravan getaway greener. It just so happens that we have a few suggestions…

Could you choose a more efficient tow car?

If your old workhorse is starting to age, now might be the time to consider choosing a more efficient model. Dealerships have reopened around the country, many are motivated to move their stock after poor sales. If your finances allow, it makes sense to consider upgrading to something new. 

Now might be the time to consider a hybrid vehicle. Many caravan owners believe that a hybrid, or plug-in electric vehicle, won’t have the capability to tow a caravan. As we found ourselves when we tested the Subaru e-BOXER, they do. There are numerous hybrids and even an all-electric model which can generate the torque necessary to tow your caravan. The most capable electric tow car is currently the Tesla Model X SUV. This is the only all-electric vehicle capable of towing a caravan. It has an impressive towing limit of 2,270kg!  

If your budget doesn’t stretch to the Tesla then take a look at the Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid. Vauxhall’s first ever all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid has a respectable towing capacity of up to 1,250 kg. When you need to unhitch the caravan, you’ll find that you can go up to 30 miles in all-electric mode. The regenerative braking option captures kinetic energy and converts it in to electricity, adding a 10% boost to this range.

Keep your speed down

You don’t have to invest in a new car to shave some of the carbon emissions off your journey. By reducing your speed you can reduce your fuel use and save money at the pump. Keep your speed to a safe minimum when towing and stick to speed limits on site. You’ll be able to reduce your fuel consumption, saving money and cutting down on your emissions. 

After all, you’re on holiday. It’s really not the time to rush. 

Cooking outdoors cleaner

Image by RitaE via Pixabay

Cooking outdoors? Pile your plate with veggies

When caravanning a huge part of the enjoyment is food and cooking. We all enjoy a few takeaways with the family in the caravan, and get to try out some great local restaurants and eateries. One of the most social aspects comes from cooking outdoors. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill to enjoy the intoxicating aroma of food cooked in the open air. A BBQ with friends and family is something we can all enjoy. 

Before you fire up the BBQ, think about what you put on it. It is fair to say we have been guilty of not considering the health benefits of what we cook. Our consumption of meat may be contributing to climate change, if theories are to be believed.

Animal agriculture is one of the world’s largest causes of air pollution. It accounts for 18% of the planet’s global emissions.

Of course, that’s not to say that every eco-conscious caravaner has to go vegan or vegetarian. We can consider mixing things up a little. Throw a few more veggie kebabs on the grill, a vegetable paella on the Cadac or veggie burgers the Cobb. Believe it or not, I have tried plant based substitutions and found some to be very good. Linda McCartney sausages and Beyond Burgers are actually very good. When buying produce look out for plastic packaging, which brings us to…

Reduce waste and recycle, recycle, recycle

It goes without saying that you need to think responsibly when it comes to dealing with your caravan waste. Purchase reusable cutlery and crockery rather than paper plates and non-recyclable plastic cutlery. Where you can, buy fruits and veggies loose rather than packaged in plastic.
Never dispose of waste water in lakes and streams as the detergent from your washing up or showers can be extremely harmful to local plant and marine life. 
Most camp sites will have a motorhome waste disposal area where you can empty out your grey water tank. There will be facilities for emptying chemical toilets responsibly. Think about the chemicals you are using in your toilet cassette and flush. Try to use environmentally friendly products which are septic tank safe.
While your pet waste may not pose a huge problem for the environment, it can really sour other holidaymakers’ getaways. Pick up after your pet and dispose of it properly. There are lots of biodegradable poop bags out there which are a good alternative.
Recycle where you can, but try to reuse and repurpose and use recycling as a last resort. Sadly, a disturbing amount of our recycling waste never actually gets recycled. 

Wherever possible, leave only footprints and take only memories. 

Get on your bikes

Once you’ve arrived on site, unhitched your caravan and relaxed it will be time to explore. If you have room and the payload then take your bikes. You can see much more whilst pedalling around the local area than you will in the car. We have certainly found this with our eBikes and have enjoyed the exercise. Cycling is a much more immediate and enjoyable way to explore your destination than driving round. You’ll encounter far less stress in finding somewhere to park and save on car park charges. It’s easier to stop when you see somewhere for a picnic or take a photo. It’s a nice way to bond as a family. Cycling is good for both your health and the environment. 

Where ever your touring trips take you this summer, think about the local environment and your impact upon it.

Caravan-myths

6 Caravan Holiday Myths Debunked

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6 Caravan Holiday Myths Debunked

There are many converts to caravan and motorhome holidays on the UK. We ourselves were converted two years ago when we bought our first touring caravan. Yet there are many, even today, who are undecided. They assume that a caravan can’t give them what they need from a holiday. They believe that a caravan holiday is the preserve of a wealthy and knowledgeable elite. They believe that it’s all a little too much hard work and too little luxury and opulence. In this blog we will debunk those myths and give you the facts.

Image by TookaPic via Pixabay

The longer we hold onto these myths and misconceptions, the longer we are kept from the truth…that caravan holidays are for everyone! It seems such a shame for people to miss out on an amazing getaway because of a handful or persistent myths. If you’ve held off on buying or renting a caravan or ever wondered whether it’s the right kind of getaway for you, read on. 

As caravan and motorhome dealerships reopen we begin to realise how much we need a holiday. In the wake of all that’s happened this year, there’s never been a better time to consider all your options. You might learn why so many of us are so enthusiastic about our caravans and motorhomes.

Myth 1- Caravans are fine as long as you only want to holiday in the UK

This argument might have held sway in 1993, but it has no place in 2020. Thanks to the miracle of the Euro Tunnel, UK holiday makers and their caravans can explore mainland Europe. There is the option of the ferry too, which we used last year on our Sweden trip. Indeed, it’s possible to unlock the gems of the entire continent from the comfort of your caravan. 

You can breakfast on freshly-baked French pastries in the morning, then hop in the caravan and tow south. You can be in Spain in time for a leisurely tapas lunch. This blog has some charming ideas for planning a European caravan holiday with your family. The beauty of caravanning is that you have the freedom and autonomy to be able to change your plans as you go. 

Yet, all this isn’t to say that you can’t have a marvellous caravan holiday within our own shores. Indeed, you may be astonished at how many incredible beauty spots there are on your doorstep. The high cost of hotels and B&Bs is one of the main reasons why many of us don’t holiday within the UK more often. The beauty of owning a caravan is that it makes the country and the continent your oyster. You are free to explore campsites all over the country, located near some of the country’s greatest “bucket list” destinations. Not only that, you are supporting British businesses and our tourism industry.

Myth 2- Caravan holidays aren’t luxury getaways

We all work hard and want our precious holidays to offer luxury and relaxation. You want to might enjoy chilled champagne and a sea view or a pack of Fosters and a BBQ. I am sure we all have our own ideas when it comes to luxury.

But don’t let the myths and misconceptions fool you. Your caravan getaway can be as high-end as you want it to be. It’s a matter of how much you want to invest. If you have the money to spend, the opulence can begin the moment you set off. If you’ve been thinking of treating yourself to a new vehicle for a while, now might be the perfect time to take a look at the New Jaguar Range. As well as the sleek, distinctive looks these cars can tow. The new F-Pace will be more than capable of towing your caravan in style. From the entry-level 2.0 litre diesel engine to 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine, at the top of the range. There’s all the horse power you need under the bonnet and a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kg. Needless to say, there are a wealth of in-cabin luxuries to enjoy while you drive to your destination.

Luxury doesn’t have to finish with your tow car. Many of today’s high-end caravans have similar facilities and interiors to what you’d expect to see in a 5 star international hotel. Take a look at the Elddis Buccaneer Aruba, for instance, which screams luxury on the inside and out featuring craftsman built ash carpentry, tile-effect shower cubicle and anthracite-finish sports alloy wheels. Within the price you get E&P self-levelling included, ideal for arrival on site.

Quite simply, a caravan holiday is like any other kind of holiday. It’s as luxurious and high-end as you want it to be. Several caravan sites offer real 5* luxury with hot tubs on your pitch and ensuite shower rooms.

Myth 3- I can’t afford a caravan holiday. They’re only for the wealthy!

While there are some who may not have considered a caravan holiday high-end enough for them, there are also some who may consider a caravan holiday beyond their budget. They see the high-end £30,000 caravans and assume that the humble caravan holiday is reserved only for well off. This is absolutely not the case and caravans for all budgets can be found. You don’t need to spend you life savings to create lifetime family memories in a caravan. 

A caravan holiday is for everyone! As long as you have the necessary drivers licence and access to a tow vehicle, you can enjoy a getaway in a caravan. The beauty of caravanning is that there are so many rental options that you don’t even have to commit to buying a caravan. You can dip your toe in the waters and see how much you enjoy this kind of holiday. If you decide that it’s for you, you can take as long as you need to save for a caravan of your very own or look into different finance options. 

In terms of knowledge and experience, you’ll find that the online caravanning community are only too happy to share theirs… after all, you’re reading this blog, right? YouTube has video upon video of friendly and honest advice for you to watch for free.

Image by Elviss Railijs Bitans via Pexels

Myth 4- A caravan holiday means living on baked beans on toast for a fortnight

Don’t be silly! It’s strange how many people assume that a camping holiday must be a holiday that’s free of any kind of culinary delight.

First of all, you’ll find that most camping sites are within easy reach of fantastic restaurants and pubs. You can avail yourself of all kinds of fantastic cuisine. But if you’re the kind of family that loves to cook together, you’ll find that the kitchens in most caravans compare favourably to those in self-catering accommodation. Many will provide a gas hob, gas grill and oven and a microwave. We have cooked our Christmas dinner in our caravan before.

What’s more, when you bring a barbecue along with you, you avail yourself of some incredible cooking opportunities. You may just find that you have some of your most treasured cooking memories together, cooking outdoors under the stars. It’s the perfect way to bond with your family enjoy food together.

Myth 5- Caravanning is for older people

We’re not sure where this myth came from, but far too many young people assume that caravan holidays are only for those on the other side of middle-age. There are many enthusiastic caravanners who are in their 20s, 30s and 40s. But whatever their age, caravan enthusiasts are looking for the same thing as you, a fun time!

When you take yourself, your significant other or your family on holiday in a caravan. You’ll meet all kinds of people at your chosen campsite. You’ll find singles, couples and families of all ages. If you’re the kind of gregarious person who loves to make new friends, there are ample opportunities to do so. You will meet interesting people from all walks of life on holiday.

Myth 6- Caravan holidays are only for summertime

Some assume that a caravan holiday is only a good idea in clement summer weather, because a caravan won’t keep you comfortable, warm and cosy in winter. There may have been a time when there was a modicum of truth in this. But in recent decades, the standard of caravan insulation has drastically improved. Most caravans have air-blown heating as standard. Wet central heating is fitted as standard to higher end caravans. Some models have underfloor heating, so your bare feet will never have to touch cold flooring when you rise in the morning. They certainly offer home from home comforts.
Winter caravanning can offer its own enjoyment and adventures. You can visit Christmas markets around the country. Many sites hold Christmas and New Year parties which are great fun.

Don’t believe the myths and misconceptions. See for yourself how enjoyable a caravan holiday can be by renting one.

The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow

The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock

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The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock


If you’re starting to make your touring plans for the year ahead, then have you considered Devon? Last week we spent two nights at The Camping and Caravanning Club Site in Tavistock. Is it worth a visit you may wonder, we think so.


Where is the site?


This well kept site, run by The Camping and Caravanning Club, is set in a beautiful rural location outside of Tavistock. Tavistock is a lovely market town in Devon, it is well serviced by supermarkets and local shops.
The site itself is situated on a country road and leads straight out on to Dartmoor NationalPark. Dartmoor offers fantastic opportunities for walking and cycling, it is ideal if you’re wanting to get outdoors and explore.
If you’re looking for a bit more bustle then the Maritime City of Plymouth is in reach.

  • The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow | Dartmoor


What does the site have to offer?

The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow


The site is open all year and welcomes caravans, motorhomes, campers, trailers and tents.
The reception is at the entrance and has a small shop for essentials.
There are 75 pitches in total. These vary from grass without electric, grass with EHU, hardstanding with EHU and serviced pitches. The pitches are nicely spaced out and offer space for awnings and parking on your pitch.


There is one facility block on site, this has a large dish washing area and separate toilet and shower facilities. The toilets and showers are well heated and very clean. There are hairdryers available at a cost of 20p.
The site provides a separate accessible toilet and shower next to the reception.
Next to the reception is a well stocked information room and laundry. If you want to wash any clothes then a wash is £3.50 and a dry is £1 per twenty minutes.

The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow | Tent Field
Large Tent Field


Can I hire any accommodation on the site?


There are four pre-erected canvas tents available to hire through the Club. These Ready Camp tents are available as well as some self catering cottages adjacent to the site. Details are available on the website.

| Here we Tow | Just Camp Tents
Ready Camp Tents


Is there any Wifi?


There is complementary Wifi across the site and a password provided when you arrive.
There is good 4G coverage across the site and we found the TV signal was strong too.


Can I bring my pets?


Yes, they are certainly welcome but remember to keep your dogs on a lead and clean up after them. The site has a fantastic dog walk, this is around the back of the site and takes about ten minutes to meander around. The dog walk is a nature walk too, when we visited there were hundreds of Snow Drops in flower. The spring bulbs were pushing through ready to flower.
Walking with your dogs on Dartmoor is an added bonus of this Tavistock site. Be mindful of livestock and wild ponies on the Moor though.

  • The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow | Fudge dog walk
  • The Camping and Caravanning Club Tavistock | Here we Tow | Fudge dog walk


Where can I find more information about the site?

| Here we Tow | Fudge dog walk


To find out more about booking, the cost of staying and the local area then visit The camping and Caravanning Club website. You can find details of other sites in the area too.
We had a relaxing two nights at the site, a lovely short break with our dog, Fudge. The weather was beautiful whilst we were there and we were able to get out on foot.
Although we didn’t eat out there were plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area. The information room provided details of these along with Trip Advisor.
The setting was very peaceful and we would recommend the site.

Adria weighbridge

How do you weigh your caravan?

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How do you weigh your caravan? We visit a weighbridge to find out!

Have you ever wondered what your laden caravan actually weighs? Do you know your M.T.P.L.M (Maximum Technically Permissable Laden Mass) or where to find this information? In this blog we will answer your questions and show you what we discovered when we took our Adria to a weighbridge!


We have owned our Adria for almost two years and never weighed it. We have always presumed we could estimate our weight based on what we put in it. So we decided to visit a weighbridge to find out how much we actually weigh. The result may surprise you.

How much should my caravan weigh?

All caravans have different weights, it is important to know what yours should weigh. To find out this information you will find a manufacturers plate near to your caravan door. On here you will find several figures, the top number is your MTPLM. This is the important number, the maximum technically permissible laden mass. Your caravan should not weigh more than this, it is the maximum including your payload. The plate should also show your MIRO (mass in running order), you subtract that from your MTPLM to find our payload. These figures should also be available from your caravan manufacturer. It may be on any paperwork you possess. Our MTPLM is 1750kg on the Adria and our MIRO is 1591kg, this gives us a payload of 159kg.
On the plate will be a higher figure, this is the maximum weight the manufacturer recommends is suitable for the axle. You can “up-plate” your caravan through your dealer to increase your MTPLM to this, we will come to this later.

Adria weighbridge

What’s included in your payload?

Each manufacturer includes different items within their MIRO. In 2015 the criteria changed so check your specific manufacturer for items like gas bottles, battery, electric cables, water and tv aerials.
Items that wont be included are motor movers, additional solar panels, air conditioning units and bike racks.

How do you weigh your caravan? We visit a weighbridge to find out!

How do I weigh my caravan?

The easiest way to do this is find a weighbridge local to you, this link will point you in the right direction. We chose a Trading Standards weighbridge as this is calibrated and accurate. It is advisable to call ahead to make sure they can accept you.
Tow your caravan, with all its usual contents that you would tow with, to the weighbridge. The one we visited had a Stop line where we waited whilst we went inside to give our details and pay the £10 fee. You will be invited to drive on to the weighbridge plates, which are flat. Make sure that your wheels and jockey wheel are all on one weigh plate. You then unhitch and drive off the plates. The operator will take the reading and provide you with a print out of the weight. You then hitch up again and you’re on your way in a matter of minutes.

How do you weigh your caravan? We visit a weighbridge to find out!

What does the result mean?

Your print out will show the weight of your caravan, a weighbridge may weigh in increments of 20kg so check with the staff there. The reading may be rounded up to the nearest 5, 10 or 20kg.
As long as you are under your MTPLM you don’t need to anything as it means you are within your permissible laden mass.
If you are over then you need to remove items from your caravan to lower the payload. Such items may be your awning, clothes, food, bedding or camping chairs. You can place these items in your tow car.
If you feel you need more payload you can ask your dealer, or manufacturer, about “up-plating” your caravan to that higher figure. This may cost you around £50 and you will receive a new plate to a-fix over the present one. You will receive new documentation to confirm the upgrade. It is worth remembering this will effect the tow car match on the 85% recommendation as you now have a higher MTPLM.

What did our Adria weigh?

accessories

If you want to find out more you can watch our vlog of the visit to the weighbridge.
We were very shocked to find our caravan, with an MTPLM of 1750kg, weighed 1800kg. This meant we were over weight, we immediately removed several items that brought us down to 1750kg. We removed our awning, awning carpet, two large camping chairs, hose pipe and cleaning / toilet chemicals.
Taking in to account the 20kg increments we were still at least weighing 1781kg.

We are now considering up-plating our caravan to our maximum of 1800kg.
Why don’t you consider visiting a weighbridge, you may be surprised too. This is a valuable exercise in towing safety and now we have the peace of mind knowing exactly what we weigh.