1. Regularly check your windscreen for chips and cracks.  If they are not dealt with they could worsen whilst you are driving and cause serious visibility problems. Some chips can be sorted without a whole new windscreen being fitted, saving you time and money as well as increasing safety. Approximately 2 million people fail their MOT each year because of problems with the windscreen.
2. Check your tyres.  Kwikfit estimate that 1/10 drivers head out onto icy roads with illegal tyre depth.  If you are unsure take your vehicles to a garage and ask their opinion.  In many snow bound countries there are laws insisting on the use of winter tyres, in the U.K. that is not law but it is advisable if you are going to be using your vehicles in difficult conditions.
3. Salt and grits spread onto the roads to prevent ice forming may make driving safer but have a detrimental affect on the health of your car.  Check for rust on the bodywork and under the car, the earlier you find it the easier it is to sort out.
4. Inspect your windscreen wipers for wear. If they break because of ice on the glass, or if they are just ineffective it could cause you major problems when driving.  It is recommended by manufacturers that windscreen wipers are changed once a year.
5. Watch out for pot holes and be sure to avoid them at all times.  Going into potholes can cause all sorts of problems for your car.  The most common problem caused by potholes is axle and suspension damage. It is estimated that the cost to British motorists is £2.8 billion every year.

Spring is almost upon us, so fingers crossed for some lovely weather soon.  But it is worth carrying out these simple checks on your car, caravan or motohome to ensure that every journey you make in your is as safe as it could possible be.

Bank Holidays

For a start most of our bank holidays take place in the Spring which means that you can take a long weekend break. Easter is early this year so the holidays are on, Good Friday, the 2^nd and, Easter Monday, the 5^th of April. The May bank holidays fall on the 3^rd and 31^st.

Great Value Caravan Pitches

Prices for prime caravan pitches in the Spring will be considerably less than in the summer high season. There will be premiums for the bank holidays but you will still be able to stay in some of the best places in the countryside for less than at other times.

Calm Caravan Travel and Caravan Rallies

Many sites are likely to be less full, if you are a caravanner that enjoys the calmer side of caravan travel then you may want to try out one of the busier sites without having to encounter hoards of other people. Alternatively lots of caravan rallies take place in the Spring. If you want to socialise with lots of people that also enjoy caravanning then you should consider attending one of these events. For example The Caravan Club traditionally holds it annual rally over the second May bank holiday.

Caravan Checks

Travelling a shorter distance for less time than your usual main caravan holiday will give you an opportunity to re familiarise yourself with your caravan. You will have the opportunity to check that everything is in perfect working order and it will remind you of any jobs that you may not have done at the end of last year.

So no excuses, get into your caravan or motorhome and spend some time in the Great British countryside this Spring!

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

• Get your car serviced so that it is in the best condition to deal with the adverse conditions.

• Check and, if necessary, replace the anti freeze in the radiator.

• Consider getting winter tyres put on your vehicles if you live in a remote or badly affected area. Always ensure that your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth and that they are properly inflated according to the manufacturers instructions.

• Check that your windscreen wiper blades are working well, replace them if they are not, this will help to ensure that you have the maximum visibility at all times.

Driving in Winter Conditions

If conditions are bad it is best to not drive. Always check weather reports before making a long trip. Use route planners and local radio traffic updates to get the latest information on the roads that you wish to travel.

Flooding & Strong Winds

The risk of flooding in certain areas is high this year. The Met office have issued severe weather warnings for much of the country, it is never advisable to drive in flooded conditions but if you have to then you should follow these basic guidelines:

1. Avoid driving through surface water; your engine may flood, or you may aquaplane which could cause you to loose control of your vehicle.

2. The deepest water is likely to be nearest the curb, if possible drive near to the centre of the road.

3. If you have to drive through surface water, stay in first gear and continually move to avoid stalling.

4. Always test your breaks immediately after driving through water, if they work fine then you can increase your speed.

5. High winds will particularly affect highsided vehicles including caravans and motor homes, slow down and remember to be extra cautious when approaching open areas such as bridges.

Snow and Ice

1. Decrease speed

2. Stopping distances are increased so leave a large amount of distance between yourself and the car in front.  Take more time to slow down to navigate corners and bends in the road.

3. Do not break hard. Breaking gently will help to minimise skidding, if the wheels lock when braking, ease off the brake.

4. Have your lights on all of the time

5. Keep your windscreen, lights, windows and mirrors clean for maximum visability.

Winter Supplies for Your Vehicle

Prepare yourself for difficult conditions by having these essentials in your vehicle at all times and especially if you are taking a long journey.

• First Aid Kit

• Blankets and warm clothing

• Non perishable and high energy food eg nuts, dried fruit and sweets

• Water

• De-icer and ice scraper

• Maps of the area

• Torch and spare batteries

• Mobile phone

• Spare tyre, wheel wrench and jack

• Shovel, if snow is expected

• Towing ropes

• Tool Kit

• Jump leads

If you are well equipped you will find that you are able to deal with most situations easily and safely. The most important thing to remember is to be cautious and vigilant.  This is especially necessary if you are towing a caravan as it will be far more challenging to drive safely in difficult conditions, make sure that you plan your journey very well and take plenty of provisions.

310,000 deaths across Europe every year are directly attributed to bad air quality. The cost to the European economy is estimated to be 427 to 790 billion euros every year. In order to meet targets a number of countries have created low emission zones in certain cities. London was the pioneer of this idea, schemes are also in place in Oxford and Norwich. Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland and Italy all now have L.E.Z. in place. Unfortunately there is no unifying principle behind the zones; they are implemented differently in every country.

Generally in order to enter a LEZ your vehicle must fall below the required emissions targets or you must pay a toll, in certain places some vehicles are banned. The age of your vehicle and the type of engine it has contribute to your emissions rating. You can discover your emissions rating by looking at your vehicle registration papers, if your vehicle is registered in the U.K. or in the Netherlands you can find this information on line. In order to align your vehicle with the Euro Standards you can buy a newer vehicle, retrofit the engine including placing filters on the engine, or reorganise your travel plans to avoid these zones, there are also certain exemptions in place for example on very old vehicles, check with your destination for details.

All of the schemes penalise heavy goods vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, many diesel vehicles are affected but the treatment of other vehicles varies quite considerably. You will need to find out prior to travel what the restrictions are at your destination. In most cities the restrictions will not apply to caravans being towed by a moderately weighted vehicle, but some motor homes are likely to be affected. There are a high number of low emission zones in Germany, their policy can affect any vehicle and you must have a window sticker before you enter an LEZ city to avoid being fined (currently 40 euros).

This scheme is not likely to go away any time soon, there is evidence that suggests that it is having a positive affect on air purity which means that it is likely to continue to expand to new countries and cities. Always check before travelling to see if you are going to be affected.

Class A Recrational Vehicles

Class A recreational vehicles are top specification motorhomes. They are the largest, most well equipped and heaviest of all the motor homes available. An average length would be between 30-40 feet and they are likely to weigh between 15000 and 30000 pounds. Generally they are built up on a custom chassis, similar to the ones used for 3-10 tonne trucks. Often class A motorhomes will have additional space inside available at the touch of a button, allowing comfortable sleeping space for up to 8 people. These luxurious models have fold out sections which can be folded out when the vehicle is stationary. Expect all modern conveniences when you are looking for a motorhome of these specifications, but you must also expect a price tag to match, often the cost of these vehicles will exceed the cost of a small bricks and mortar house.

Class B Recreational Vehicles

Class B recreational vehicles are more commonly known as camper vans. Camper vans are the smallest totally enclosed van available. Typically they will sleep two to four people. Commonly they are constructed onto a van chassis with no extra modifications to length or width although they will have more height to them than a regular van. Campervans are known for being a practical size for general use and for being comparatively economical as holiday vehicles. Specifications will vary from model to model but generally they will be equipped with a kitchen, sink, toilet and electric.

Class C Recreational Vehicles

A class C recreational vehicle has a separated cab, they are a smaller version of a class A vehicle. Often there will be sleeping space built above the cab to maximise the use of space. They are more similar to class A motor homes than to class B vehicles. They may also have fold out sections which enable the user to create more space inside when parked, although it is worth noting that this feature is likely to add a fair amount onto the cost of the vehicle. They are likely to have a range of entertainment features in addition to the basic amenities provided by a class B vehicle.

Towable Recreational Vehicles

Trailer Tents

Very much as it is described, a trailer tent or a folding camper trailer is a tent that folds away into a trailer which can then be towed by another vehicle. They are easy to use and the cheapest of all the options available, although they normally come without any facilities apart from sleeping areas and a large living area. One advantage, over camping, is that the bed areas will be raised off the floor and will have mattresses ensuring a warmer and more comfortable nights sleep.

Truck Campers

A truck camper is a specially designed trailer that fits onto the back of a pickup truck. They tend to be popular for short trips as they are quite easy to use, they are also good for accessing more remote areas. Again they can be costly to purchase.

Travel Trailers, Caravans and Fifth Wheel R.V.’s

Travel trailers and fifth wheel recreational vehicles are large towable vehicles, in some cases identifable with caravans. They tend to be packed with entertainment facilities and modern conveniences. Fifth wheel trailers need to be moved with a pick up truck, whereas travel trailers can be moved by a regular towing vehicle. The size of the vehicle needed is dependant on the size of the trailer which can very considerably.

]]> http://www.c4caravans.com/blog/motorhomes-a-guide-to-rvs-and-campervans.php/feed 0 http://www.c4caravans.com/blog/preparing-for-a-winter-caravan-holiday.php http://www.c4caravans.com/blog/preparing-for-a-winter-caravan-holiday.php#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:14:30 +0000 admin http://www.c4caravans.com/blog/?p=197 Gone are the days when the onset of winter meant that caravanning was no longer a viable pastime. Widespread availability of well insulated caravans and a plethora of useful equipment mean that you can now caravan in the winter. There are many caravan sites across the U.K. that stay open in the winter to cater for the dedicated caravanners among us. If you are considering going away in a caravan this winter don’t forget to be prepared. There are a number of things that you will need for your winter trip that you didn’t need in the summer.

Keeping Warm

Gas appliances can be used, but be aware of the dangers of leaving them on overnight whilst you are sleeping. It is a better idea to invest in a low wattage electrical heater that you can leave on most of the time to keep the caravan warm.

Modern caravans are well insulated. Buying a porch awning is a good way to preserve heat. It will stop cold air rushing into your caravan when you open the door. A porch can also be handy for storing things like wellington boots, wet shoes and large winter coats.

Take lots of extra bedding; it is worth investing in a high tog quilt or a expedition quality sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.

Pack lots of extra clothes, remember that you are likely to need extra pairs of everything as there may be adverse weather conditions to contend with.

Access to Water

Outside water containers are likely to freeze if the temperature plummets below zero. In order to ensure that you always have access to fresh water it is worth keeping an insulated tank inside your caravan. Many modern caravans have the advantage of having tanks in lockers on the inside of the caravan that are accessible from outside, often these are designed to prevent freezing. It is advisable to check the manual before you make your journey.

Filling up water tanks in the evening creates a large mass of water that will be more resistant to freezing than a small amount. The slightly higher temperature in the day time should help to prevent freezing in the daytime as you lower the water supply.

You can use anti-freeze or a similar product to keep waste water from freezing. Make sure that there is no chance of contaminating fresh water when you use any products of this nature.

Try to ensure that pipes are all flat so that no pools of water gather in them as this is when the water is most likely to freeze.

Other Things To Consider

Use propane and not butane. Butane will freeze when it reaches -4 degrees. Not being able to cook or heat up water if the temperature did drop below this would not be ideal. If you need to change from butane to propane use do not forget that you will need a different adaptor as they are not interchangeable.

Condensation can be an issue in the winter, try to make sure that if you are cooking or showering that the area is well ventilated. If necessary you can purchase moisture absorbing crystals to deal with this issue. They are widely available.

Keep moving parts of the caravan well oiled to prevent seizing.

If the weather is set to be ice and snow then consider buying winter tyres for your caravan and your towing car. The improved grip will make the journey much safer.

Getting the Right Tyre Pressure

• Your tyres need to be the correct pressure, this varies from vehicle to vehicle.

• Tyres that are over or under inflated will wear at a much faster rate and their performance will not be at the required standard.

• Always check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The heat gained during movement causes tyre pressure to rise. If you adjust the pressure using hot tyres as your starting point you will have under inflated tyres.

• It is recommended to inflate the rear tyres of the towing vehicle to the suggested ‘fully laden’ pressure, as they will bear a lot of the weight of the caravan.

Wear and Age

• Check that the your tyres have enough tread. The legal minimum tread pattern depth in the U.K. is 1.6mm through the central 75% of the tread width and around the circumference.

• Do not use tyres that are over seven years old, even if they have not been used. Tyres deteriorate over time and tyres over this age should not be trusted.

• It is recommended to change tyres that are over five years old, if not before.

• If you do not use your caravan frequently you should always check the tyres before any journey. Look for signs of deterioration and wear. Tyres that are left static will deteriorate more quickly than if they are used regularly.

• If you are not going to use your caravan for some time it is advisable to take the weight off the tyres to preserve them. You should shield them from the sun.

• Older caravans may be fitted with tyres that are no longer available, for example cross ply tyres. If your caravan is fitted with these tyres you should consult a specialist about the best way to upgrade your tyres.

• Always keep a spare tyre inflated to the right pressure in both the caravan and the towing vehicle.

The most important thing to remember is that your tyres need to be checked regularly on both the caravan and the towing vehicle. Towing a caravan puts a significant amount of extra pressure onto the tyres of the towing vehicle so it is best to always be diligent.  Having good quality tyres that are in a good condition will help you to have an easier journey and towing will be safer.

 Deal With the Water Systems

• Drain the hot and cold water systems completely. Open the taps and remove the drain plug (often located on the outside of the caravan). It is a good idea to do this at the last place that you use your caravan as the journey home should clear out any excess water.

• Empty the toilet tank, then clean and dry thoroughly. If you have a cassette toilet you should apply lubricant to the seals and blade, this can be a specific maintenance product, silicon spray or olive oil. This will help to avoid corrosion and sticking.

Remove All Accessories

• Remove all upholstery if possible. The best place to store it is in a dry place in your house. If you do not the risk of damp and mould is high.

• Remove gas cylinders if possible. Make sure that they are turned off, stored in an adequately ventilated place and keep them securely locked away. Remember that butane freezes below -4°C and it is not usable at less than 3°C. Propane does not have this problem.

• Remove the leisure battery, it is advisable to recharge it every couple of months to keep it at maximum efficiency. Ensure that the battery you remove does not power the alarm system in your caravan. Most alarm systems have a dedicated power source.

Prevent Damp Setting In

• Open all of the cupboards and storage places in the caravan, including the fridge and freezer if you have one. This will ensure that air circulates through the whole caravan, which will help to prevent damp and ensure that the air does not get stale.

• Open all of the vents and windows and lightly lubricate them. When you have done this make sure that they are all closed and locked, to avoid the weather and vandals getting in. Air circulation is important to ensure that damp does not set in, so do not cover vents. You can also place dehumidifiers in the caravan to combat damp.

Clean Thoroughly

• Clean everything thoroughly, taking special care to ensure that there are no traces of food anywhere. You could leave non perishables, like tinned food, in the caravan, but in case of damp and the potential of tins to rust, this is not strictly advisable.

• Clean and dry the awning, ideally you should store it in your house. If you do not it is likely that it will go mouldy.

• Clean and polish the outside of the caravan. There are specialist products available for the winterising of caravans if you wish to protect your caravan as much as possible.

Store Carefully

• Plug all of the water and waste outlets and inlets. This will stop creatures using your caravan as their home.

• Taking the weight off the wheels for even a few weeks will increase the life of the suspension, running gear and tyres. Remove the wheels and support the axles with axle stands. Store the wheels and bolts securely. Check with your insurance company that your caravan is still covered when you do this. If this is not possible try to move the caravan every month or so to even out the wear on the tyres.

• If necessary purchase a cover for your caravan, make sure that it is made from a breathable material otherwise it will do more harm than good. This is particularly a good idea if your caravan is stored under a tree.

• Leave the handbrake off.

• Check the caravan regularly for damp, vandalism and other damage.

Static Caravans

Static caravans are great if you have one place that you really love to go. They are normally fairly large and stay in one place all of the year. The main advantages of a static caravan are:

• Stays in one place at your favourite destination.

• You do not have to transport your caravan when you wish to go away.

• You do not need to organise storage when you are not using your caravan. (Although you may have to pay the park it is in for general security and upkeep).

• More suited to the installation of modern conveniences for example washing machines and double glazing. (This means buying a static caravan can be expensive).

Touring Caravans

Touring caravans are the most popular form of caravans. They allow for spontaneous holidays and if you do not like where you end up you can just move on. Here are a few general key facts about touring caravans.

• They must be attached to a towing vehicle for transportation. Heavier caravans must be transported by more powerful cars.

• Size varies enormously.

• Generally the seating area is transformed into the sleeping area at night.

• Touring caravans are likely to have a kitchen and washing area of varying description. Some may have a toilet and others will not.

• Touring caravans are popular because they offer the greatest amount of personal freedom.

Full/Standard Touring Caravans

This is the most recognisable style of caravan. They have solid sides and a solid roof. They are set up to be easy to connect to amenities and normally have a fairly high roof for comfort.

Pop-top / Pop-up Caravans

As the name suggest these kinds of caravan have roofs that can be raised up providing extra head room. Normally this flexible part is made of a strong vinyl to ensure water resistance. Pop-top caravans have some specific benefits. They make towing easier because they are less wind resistant. They use less fuel in transportation because they are less heavy that standard caravans and they will have good air circulation inside. The disadvantages are that you will have less storage space and they take a little more time to set up.

Compact Caravans

As the name suggests these caravans are small. Normally they have a solid metal shell. They do not have a large amount of room so do not expect luxury. The main attraction is that they will have beds inside (normally two). If you are looking for a more comfortable nights sleep than you could get in a tent then they are a good option.

Fifth Wheel Caravans

These caravans are not often seen in the U.K. however they are popular in America. A pick up truck or similar vehicle is needed to tow them. They are very large and contain many home comforts, they are quite literally a home away from home. But they use a significant amount of fuel to be transported and need a large specialised towing vehicle. Getting around some of the small country roads in the U.K. would not be possible with this kind of caravan.

A few things to consider before making a purchase

• How far and how frequently are you going to travel? Smaller caravans are easy to transport, but the living space is reduced, you will need to strike a balance between the two.

• Where are you going? Do you need a shower/toilet which will take up space and add weight or are you going to stay in caravan parks where they are likely to have these facilities?

• What weight can your towing vehicle tow? Do not forget to budget for a more powerful car if you want a large caravan.

• Fuel will cost more with a heavier caravan.

• How many beds do you really need?

• What appliances will make you comfortable? For example in the kitchen will a microwave be sufficient or do you want a grill and hob? If you will only go caravanning in the summer you may be able to BBQ outside instead.

• There are only a few caravans that are expressly listed as off road suitable. If you do want to go off road, fully check the manufacturers warranty to ensure that what you want to do will not invalidate it. Off road caravans will weigh more because they are re-enforced with a lot of extra metal. They are likely to come with more spare parts and will ideally have low energy appliances.

• Having lots of windows allows for a greater view of the scenery around and lets in lots of light.

• Interiors and layouts vary enormously so shop around for something that makes you happy. Remember it is not about how large the caravan is but how the space it used!

When you are choosing somewhere to stay it is worth considering what you need from your holiday destination. Here are 10 things that could affect your choice of pitch:

1. Animals – Not all sites allow pets, some may charge if you do take them.

2. Adults – Some sites are adult only sites, creating a completely different atmosphere.

3. Children – Some sites will have lots of child friendly facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts and even petting zoos.

4. Privacy – If you want a high degree of privacy it may be worth looking for somewhere with en-suite facilities and secluded pitches.

5. Facilities – Sports facilities, food and drink availability and social events all differ from place to place. If you want to cycle, many sites offer cycle hire facilities.

6. Public Transport Connections – If you wish to see the local area you should find out about the local transport system. Check how close the train station or bus stop is to the site.

7. Locations – If you want lots of things to do during your holiday, check the local area or your intended destination site for information about areas of natural beauty, tourist attractions, water parks, beaches, local events and other things to do.

8. Locality – It is worth finding out how long it will take you to get to the site, and how much that journey will cost you.

9. Price – Price varies enormously, from £3 a night upwards, you may find that it is beneficial to join a club so that you can take advantage of their reduced rates.

10. Booking – Book well in advance if you have a specific site in mind. During peak times some sites get completely booked up.

Once you have decided upon what you need from a site you can start looking at the different kinds of sites available.

Static Caravan Sites

There are lots of static caravan sites in the U.K. They are available to buy and to rent. If you particularly like a certain area and wish for the comfort of having your own things around you then buying a static caravan may be a good idea. You can also rent static caravans. This is excellent if you do not have the means to transport a touring caravan. The parks that static caravans are located on will normally offer a range of facilities.

Touring Caravan Sites

Touring caravans are flexible homes. You can stay in large parks with many facilities or you can retreat to small rustic pitches in the countryside, the choice is yours!

Certified Locations

The smallest sites known as Certified Locations to the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club, are suitable for no more than 5 caravans at any one time. They offer seclusion and basic amenities. Certified locations are casual, normally rural caravan sites designed to facilitate your enjoyment of the local area rather than to provide you with on-site activities. Many sites of this size are affiliated to a caravan club so they are only available to use if you are a member. The cost of staying in a site of this size starts at about £3, which makes it great value for money if you can entertain yourself.

Starred Caravan Sites – The British Graded Holiday Park Scheme

There is a system in place to evaluate holiday parks and caravan sites. It is the traditional 5* system. Private sites, holiday parks owned by commercial operators and the club sites that are open to non-members will generally all be rated under the star system. It is organised by the tourist boards of the U.K. As you would expect 5* is the top rating; caravan sites with this accolade will have groceries available daily, 24 hour access to a public telephone, good lighting, heated toilets and 75% of pitches will have electrical hook ups. 5* sites will have extremely high levels of cleanliness and all facilities will be in good order.

The other sites are graded according to where they fall in comparison to this. 5* means exceptional standards, 4* excellent quality, 3* is the industry standard, 2* is good, 1* is acceptable. Any parks that fall below these standards will not be awarded a star.

The star system is not an indication of the types of facilities available, but of the quality of the facilities that are there. Star status is reviewed annually. Always check individual brochures for details about the exact facilities that will be available.

Other Criteria for Judging Holiday Parks

The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club have their own criteria for judging their own caravan sites. This information is available to members. Both of the clubs have a good reputation and many choose these sites because they have a high minimum standard.

The David Bellamy Conservation Award is given to all of the caravan sites in the U.K. that are making a comprehensive effort and having a positive affect on local wildlife. There are 600+ awarded sites at the moment. Many of the sites are in areas of great natural beauty and some are completely eco-friendly.

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