INBOX - latest news and features
See the ARCHIVE for previously featured stories
- Do you have some motorhome related news? let
us know!
The Motorhome & US RV Show - Shepton Mallet - 12th to 14th September
Its fast
approaching that time of year again when we'll all be heading to the Shepton
Mallet Motorhome & US RV Show, held for the 23rd year at the Royal Bath
& West showground, just south of Shepton Mallet in Somerset on the A371.
If the idea of owning one of these fascinating vehicles appeals, there cannot
be a better place to view and compare so many different models than at everyones
favourite show.
Over the long weekend of the 12th-14th September new and used motorhomes from
Europe and the USA will be for sale along with a host of accessories from the
very latest awnings, to reversing aids and high tech electronic gear, plus a
great selection of outdoor leisure clothing, all at unbeatable prices.
In addition to the exhibition, visitors staying for the long weekend have a
varied entertainment programme organised for them. With cabarets on Friday and
Saturday evenings and a superb firework show on Saturday night. Kicking off
the
Saturday evening will be the presentation of trophies to the winners of this
years prestigious Motorcaravan of the Year Awards. Theres also a
fun craft
competition on the Sunday morning and a best pet show around lunchtime.
The show opens 9:30am - 6pm Friday & Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm on Sunday. Day
visitor admission price is £5 per adult, accompanied children under 16
are free
and day car parking is also free.
Visitors who would like to stay for the whole weekend can arrive from Thursday
onwards. The weekend fee is £30 from Thursday or £25 from Friday
onwards. This includes unlimited admission to the show plus all of the free
evening entertainment. You can book in on the gate or obtain booking forms direct
from The Organiser, Motorhome & US RV Show, Andrew House, Granville Road,
Sidcup, Kent DA14 4BN 020 8302 6069 or 6150 or FAX 020 8300 2315 or download
a booking form from www.stoneleisure.com
Brownhills' Management Buyout
(Statement issued by Brownhills on 30/4/08)
Brownhills Motorhomes Limited is pleased to announce the completion of a management
buyout (MBO). The deal, which is valued in excess of £46 million, is excellent
news for Brownhills' staff and customers as it secures all 365 jobs within the
Group and is the catalyst for a Customer Services Improvement Charter which
is planned over the coming months.
A Brownhills spokesperson explained: "The faceless enterprise syndrome
has been eliminated as the Brownhills' management team now has ownership of
the company. We will be focusing heavily on ensuring Brownhills' customers receive
the best possible service."
"Working closely with business advisors Kroll and our existing funders
we have agreed a comprehensive and robust three year business plan. This plan
focuses on core activities such as retail market penetration, growth in aftersales
revenues and the expansion of Brownhills' service departments."
Brownhills has strengthened its management team in order to implement these
development plans including the agreement of clear business objectives centred
first and foremost on its customer service offering.
The spokesperson continued: "We have been overwhelmed by the support given
to us from our key manufacturers and other business partners which has enabled
us to achieve this MBO and make the necessary changes to successfully take Brownhills
forward. We would also like to reassure our customers that the management have
undertaken to honour all previous Brownhills warranties and deposits already
paid on vehicles."
Despite discontinuing arrangements with six manufacturers Brownhills still represents
17 manufacturers with a spread of marques across the breadth of motorhome offerings
from the UK , Europe and the US .
The spokesperson concluded: "We are very pleased with these developments
and believe that Brownhills Motorhomes Limited is now in a strong position to
meet the growing needs of the motorhome community."
International Caravan and Motorhome 2008
NEC, Birmingham
Essential Information
Dates: 14-19 October 2008
Opening times: 10am - 6pm
Website: www.caravanshows.com
Ticket Hotline no: 08701 288 288
The Biggest Caravan and Motorhome Show in the UK! This is your first opportunity
to see the best selection vehicles for the season ahead. 12 halls full of caravans,
motorhomes, RVs trailer tents, awnings, holiday homes and thousands of
accessories, as well as holiday destinations, magazines and clubs - visit the
NEC this autumn for International Caravan & Motorhome 2008.
With brand new models from both UK and international manufacturers if
you order your new van at the show you can have it in time for the new season.
With so many dealers and manufacturers in one place, there is no better place
to shop around, compare prices and negotiate a great deal.
Enjoy a celebratory glass of bubbly in one of our Champagne Bars, if you
purchase your dream vehicle at the show! Watch celebrity chefs at work,
admire awe inspiring photos, or just relax at one of the seating areas
there is plenty for the whole family, with kids 15 and under entering for free!
See us in Halls 6-20 of Birminghams NEC for a fantastic new look show!
With over 10% more space, you are sure to find what you want. Parking at the
NEC is free for all visitors to the show.
For the latest show information visit www.caravanshows.com
New venue for 'York' show
The Northern Motorcaravan Show, known to many as the York Show, has a new venue
this year, it's moving to the Pickering Showground.
We have had no official information from the organisers, Warners, however we
understand that they have made the following statement:
"We have decided to move because a lot of work will be taking place at
the racecourse, which would make it impossible to do the things we want to do,"
said exhibition manager Maxine Shepherd, of organisers Warners Group Publications.
"That led to us seeking an alternative, which we have been doing for the
last six months, and we are picking everything up and moving to Pickering. The
show will be as big as it has always been and there is the added benefit of
being able to allow campers to stay for an extra day.
"We're very pleased to have found a venue so close to York, and as it is
a proper showground it will give us more on-site facilities for our biggest
event of the year. We will be looking to arrange buses to take visitors around
local attractions, including York."
York residents will no doubt be pleased to avoid the gridlock that often accompanied
the show, however the Pickering Showground is on the busy A169 south of the
town and events here are known to cause traffic problems at times.
The Motorhome & US RV Show - Stratford-Upon-Avon - 6th to 8th June
One of the biggest dealer shows of the season is fast approaching.
The Motorhome & US RV Show at the Racecourse Stratford-Upon-Avon from 6th –
8th June, is set to be bigger than ever this year. With more dealers exhibiting
an even wider range of Motorhomes. Great deals on all the latest models and
selected pre-loved vehicles from Alan Kerr, Brownhills, Chelstons, Cotswold,
Destination RV, Devon, Emm Bee, Freedom, Glossop, Hayes, Murvi, P&P, Timberland,
West Country and many, many more. Plus the latest innovations in the accessory
market, clothing, gadgets and gizmos!
Owners and first timers will be coming from all over the country to enjoy the
three day show. Although the show doesn't open until Friday, hundreds of enthusiasts
will be arriving from Monday 2nd June, making the most of all that there is
to offer, right here in the heart of Shakespeare country.
Stratford's historic town centre is within walking distance via the charming
riverside pathway that runs past the Racecourse. From Friday there are shuttle
buses running to and from the town centre, as well as mystery coach trips around
the surrounding countryside. But as always, the stars of the show are the Motorhomes
themselves!
The show is open from 9:30am until 6pm Friday and Saturday and 9:30am until
5pm on Sunday. Accompanied children are admitted free of charge and day car
parking is also free. Admission charge for day visitors is adults £5 per person.
Overnight pitches are available from Monday £45, Tuesday £40, Wednesday £35,
Thursday £30 and Friday onwards £25. These fees cover your motorhome and 2 adults
until Monday mid-day. More details on www.stoneleisure.com
or telephone 020 8302 6069 or 01332 874731.
Budget campervan hire company expands3 years ago Simon Cullum and Suzanne
McNeil were the 1st company to introduce budget campervan and motorhome hire
to the UK.
They started with one campervan and due to popular demand the company grew quicker
than anybody imagined. Within 2 years they owned a fleet of over 30 campervans,
motorhomes and a garage / workshop with an MOT Station. In 2008 Coolcampervans
will be introducing Coolmotorhomes, and adding brand new Rimor 2,4,6 and 7 berth
motorhomes to their extensive fleet. They will still keep the budget side but
now want to introduce 5 star luxury for those who like to travel 1st class.
2008 also brings another angle to the Coolcampervans company because they will
be introducing 1970's VW campervans. Once again a 1st in the UK for Coolcampervans
as they will be the only company in the UK to offer budget, brand new and classic
hire all from under one roof.
Also in 2008 the Coolcampervans site in Derby is becoming a dealership in the
Midlands for Rimor motorhomes offering a chance for people to 'try before they
buy'.
There is more information on their number one Google rated website
or you can contact Simon direct at simon@coolcampervans.com or call on 01332-668103.
VOLLER ENERGY'S ALTERNATIVE EMERALD FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
Voller Energy is the first company in the world to develop fuel cells running
off LPG, Calor Gas or Propane. The 1 kilowatt Emerald fuel cell uses alternative,
environmentally friendly technology to produce electricity in motor caravans.
The fuel cell is the reliable upgrade to the traditional diesel generator.
Stephen Voller, CEO of Voller Energy commented, "Voller Energy is continuing
to lead the way in developing fuel cell generators running from alternative
fuels. Our aim is to become the preferred source of power for A-class motor
caravan owners".
HOW DOES VOLLER ENERGY'S EMERALD FUEL CELL WORK?
The Emerald Fuel Cell
Voller Energy's Emerald fuel cell, the realistic alternative to the diesel generator,
works on a simple principle. The chemical energy in hydrogen is converted into
electrical energy. Hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air across a special
membrane to produce water and electricity. This is a reverse of the electrolysis
process.
Outputs from the reaction are electricity, heat and water. No toxic emissions
are produced in the process.
Inside
the Emerald Fuel Cell
* Reforming Process
To run the fuel cell, hydrogen is required. The Emerald fuel cell is globally
the first system that can reform LPG, Calor Gas or Propane in order to produce
hydrogen. Reforming is a process that converts hydrocarbons into hydrogen and
carbon dioxide.
The 'low cost fuel processor technology' developed by Voller Energy and used
inside the Emerald fuel cell uses a steam reforming process in which the LPG,
Calor Gas or Propane is reacted with steam at a high temperature over a special
catalyst, producing hydrogen. The fuel cell's onboard electronics automatically
manage the reforming process
The hydrogen generated in this process is then carefully fed into the Emerald
fuel cell with oxygen from the air in order to create a controlled electro-chemical
reaction over the fuel cell's special membrane.
* Fuel Cell Membrane
In order to provide sufficient voltage for a useable electrical load, several
individual fuel cells are assembled between plates in the form of a fuel cell
stack
Within the fuel cell there is a membrane consisting of two electrodes, the anode
and the cathode, each are coated with a catalyst layer and are separated by
a proton exchange membrane (PEM).
The flow plates direct hydrogen to the anode and oxygen to the cathode.
When the hydrogen reaches the catalyst layer of the membrane, it separates into
protons (hydrogen ions) and electrons.
The electrons, which are produced at the anode, are conducted as electrical
current through an external circuit.
At the cathode, oxygen from the air, electrons from the external circuit and
protons combine to form water and heat.
* Results of the Reaction
The result of this reaction is electricity which is then used to recharge batteries.
Heat is also produced as a by-product which can be used to compliment water
and space heating.
* Monitoring the Fuel Cell
Inputs and outputs to the fuel cell system can be closely monitored using software
written by Voller Energy. The software can be used to remotely monitor the fuel
cell at all times.
BENEFITS OF THE EMERALD FUEL CELL IN A MOTOR CARAVAN
* Compact dimensions - width 80cm, height 59cm, depth 54cm
* Quiet operation - low noise and vibrations
* Low overall weight - 140 kilos
* Reduced maintenance - one filter change after 1,000 hours
* Safe - automatic shut down if system detects malfunction
* Reliable
* Remote diagnostics - via modem and Voller Energy software
* Environmentally Friendly - no toxic emissions are produced
The system works by constantly monitoring the vehicle's batteries and automatically
recharging them when required, catering to personal on-board power demands.
As well as generating power, the system can provide hot water and space - heating
with the ability to support air conditioning.
Visit the Voller Energy Website
Watch the Voller Energy Movie
German Environmental Zones
(Updated 9/4/08)
If you are heading for Germany you should be aware of new Umweltzonen (Environmental
zones) being introduced from 2008. Entry to the zones will be restricted, depending
on the particulates emissions of vehicle engines, based on the Euro classification.
To enter a zone the vehicle must display an Umweltplakette (Environmental badge).
There are 4 classes, based on emission standards:
Emission level up to Euro 2: No badge
Emission level Euro 2: Red badge
Emission level Euro 3: Yellow badge
Emission level Euro 4: Green badge
The
first environmental zones will be introduced on January 1st 2008 in Berlin,
Köln and Hanover. Zones will be marked with this sign, together with an
indication of the Umweldplakette colour allowed within the zone. Entering the
zone without the appropriate badge will result in a fine and possible licence
endorsement.
It is possible to get Umwelt stickers at all German "TÜV" and
"DEKRA" offices, which you usually find (pretty well signposted) somewhere
in the industrial districts of most German towns. These are the institutions
which do the regular technical checks on motor vehicles (like British MOT).
With your van's VIN number these institutions should be able to find out which
sticker is suitable for your vehicle, and hand it out within some minutes. If
you don't find one, ask local people or at petrol stations for the nearest "TÜV".
An alternative would be to contact a German representative of your MH's base
vehicle manufacturer, or a local car registration office ("Kfz-Zulassungsstelle").
The "TÜV" charges only EUR 5 for a sticker.
More information about the scheme, together with detailed maps of the zones
to be introduced can be found here (in German): www.umwelt-plakette.de
It is possible to get a sticker in advance, by post. The city of Cologne (Koln)
have made the facility avaialble here: www.stadt-koeln.de/en/lowemissionzone/article/11609/index.html#sm1.
Although the form asks for payment by bank transfer, we understand that they
will accept a 5 Euro note.
NEWS FROM THE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUBNew
look for the Club
In
order to provide the best camp sites, services and facilities for all of it's
450,000 members, regardless of how they choose to camp, The Camping and Caravanning
Club has a new look and the commitment to help everyone share in the adventure
of the outdoors.
The change has followed extensive research into what The Club's members, staff,
the general public and industry representatives think about the organisation.
The need to modernise but keep The Club's ethos intact was at the heart of the
research findings. A new logo was designed to embrace our history but express
our commitment to provide a forward thinking approach to our business. Alongside
this, new photographs have been commissioned to reflect the way people holiday
today. A new colour palette will be used for everything from uniforms to
brochures.
As part of the process The Club's magazine Camping and Caravanning has been
transformed. It will have more features and articles but stay true to The Friendly
Club. The website www.friendlyclub.co.uk
has also changed, making it easier for campers to find the right information
and advice for their accommodation, travel and event requirements worldwide.
Matthew Eastlake, Marketing and Communications Director for The Club said: "The
Club has been a pioneer in outdoor adventures for more than 106 years. Since
then, there have been a lot of changes and our members understand that now is
the right time for The Club to move forward in order to provide the right
camping experience for all outdoor enthusiasts.
"We will continue to speak with our members to ensure we have the right
knowledge and the expertise in order to provide the most memorable camping adventures
for many years to come."
Improved insurance for motorhome owners
An improved insurance, designed specifically for motorhome users will be
available through The Camping and Caravanning Club's insurance service, Club
Care.
A new dedicated team, made up of motorhome specialists with significant industry
and customer service knowledge, will be working hard to improve the existing
service that is offered with the product. To further improve the customer
experience, Club Care has invested heavily in systems and resources to improve
speed and efficiency.
Club Care Motorhome Insurance provides cover for all makes and models of
motorhome including imports, self-builds and recreational vehicles. Premiums
remain competitive, with product enhancements planned later this year and in
2008, including an optional Breakdown and Recovery service and on-line
quotations and purchasing.
Paul Jones, Membership Services Director for The Camping and Caravanning Club,
says "We have listened carefully to our members' comments and have worked
with
Club Care to make sure that the product we are providing closely meets their
needs.
"We now have a great team and new systems in place, and can provide our
members with a tailor made product backed up with great service. The new team
has a real understanding of what motorhome owners are looking for, and the issues
that may arise, so these can be addressed quickly and efficiently."
Your Place in the Country 2008
The 2008 edition of Your Place in the Country is now available, and contains
even more sites and innovation from The Club which pioneers sites and services
for almost 450,000 members.
Highlights of this year's publication include the ground breaking camping pods
at Eskdale, stunning log clad Lodge Holiday Homes at spectacular locations and
what is arguably the UKs first carbon-neutral site at Delamere Forest. With
eight new sites added to this year's brochure, this annual guide now features
103 beautiful, award winning Club Sites as well as 24 Forest Holidays Cabin
and
camping and caravanning Sites. New Club Sites include:
Dartmouth* overlooks Start Bay on the lovely South Hams coast, and is just a
five-minute drive away from the town after which it is named. The award-winning
Blackpool Sands beach is just a mile from site. This superb site joins the Club
network from 2008 and will be renovated over the winter months.
Hereford is in an idyllic rural location, next to the mill pond after which
the
Site was originally named. Just down the road is the ancient city of Hereford,
on the banks of the River Wye. This beautiful site joins the Club's network
in
2008 and will be renovated over the winter months.
Bellingham Set in the glorious Northumberland National Park, Bellingham Club
Site is a perfect base for exploring this undiscovered part of England. To the
east you will find the beautiful coast of Northumberland. This ancient ground
holds many secrets to be discovered by explorers and adventurers alike!
Delamere Forest is in the heart of the Cheshire forest. This site is still
developing and includes many environmentally friendly features to complement
the
forest around. This includes rain-water harvesting and wood burning stoves and
future plans include solar hearing for the facilities. Locally sourced
materials have been used where possible, helping the site blend into its forest
surroundings. The planting of native trees and shrubs make it a haven for
wildlife and visitors alike.
Dunbar, on the Scottish sunshine coast is just up the road from the previous
Club Site at Barns Ness. Still close to the famous Barns Ness lighthouse, this
site has a long, sandy beach nearby and is within easy reach of the attractions
of Edinburgh. A wildlife lovers paradise, the great outdoors is brought home
in
true highland fashion. This site replaces the Barns Ness Club Site featured
in
the 2007 brochure.
Eskdale is situated in perfect Lake District walking country. Hidden near the
end of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, its location makes it ideal for tent
campers. Stunning views and newly refurbished facilities await visitors.
Visitors can also enjoy the innovative Camping Barn or stay in a Camping Pod.
The Camping Pods are a UK first, and provide a warm dry timber roof, whether
rain or shine. Eskdale is located just 10 miles from Wastwater, which was
recently voted as "Britains Favourite View' in the TV programme of the
same
name.
Oswestry, is overlooked by the sandstone crags of Nesscliffe Country Park.
Situated in the rolling pastureland of Shropshire with its ancient woodlands
and
commons, this site is a nature lovers paradise. Local contractors have updated
the sites facilities, and with over ten years experience, the Site Franchisees
are a hive of information, about the site and the locality.
Conkers in the National Forest, Derbyshire is a greenfield site sited next to
the award-winning attraction of the same name. This minimum facility site is
at
the heart of the forest providing the perfect location for the whole family.
Like the forest itself, our Club Site is under development and will eventually
become a full facility Site open all year round.
The brochure is full of interesting information about each Club Site, including
accessibility and things you can do in the locality. Booking is made easy with
a
central booking service available through the Club, internet booking or through
the contact details for each site featured in the brochure. Your Place in the
Country also contains information on Self-Catering Holidays, Caravan Holiday
Homes and Lodges. Each Site will also be listed on The Club's new on-line
Siteseeker search facility, making it easier than ever to find the perfect site
for a great adventure.
Trevor Woodward, The Camping and Caravanning Club Sites Committee Chairman,
says: "Your Place in the Country 2008 provides a huge amount of choice
for
campers across the UK. Our Club Sites provide a standard of accommodation that
is second to none. Each is individual and run to the highest of standards and
friendliest of service."
Your Place in the Country is just one of the range of publications that The
Club
provides for members. Others include the monthly Club magazine - Camping and
Caravanning, the quarterly Out & About events listing supplement; Your Big
Sites
Book, the UK's biggest and most comprehensive camp sites guide (published every
two years and listing over 4,000 places to camp) and finally the Carefree
brochures, with details of overseas travel destinations and much more.
For further information about The Camping and Caravanning Club, its Sites and
Services visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
or call 0845 130 7632.
Swift buy Autocruise
It was in Dec 2006 that Autocruise, the South Yorkshire-based motorhome manufacturer,
underwent a £13m management buy-out backed by private equity investor
Inflexion. Inflexion invested £5.9m in the deal.
On Friday 5th October 2007 they were taken over by Swift Holdings, the parent
company of caravan and motorhome manufacturers, Swift Leisure. Peter Smith,
chairman of Swift Holdings told us "We bought Autocruise from the Administrator
last Friday night at 11.45pm. We bought the assets and property but didn't take
on any liabilities, they were effectively insolvent."
Swift Holdings say Autocruise will continue to be run as a separate company
and will have a separate strategy and management to Swift Holding's other
motorhome interests.
Peter Smith said: "Autocruise has established a strong reputation for its unique
design and construction qualities and these will be maintained under our ownership.
Investing in Autocruise will add tremendous strength to the company and give
confidence to staff, dealers and Autocruise owners about the long-term future
of this award-winning operation."
Dragon Performance U.K 'Plug and Play' Digital Diesel tuning systems
Based
in West Sussex but with a nationwide dealer network Dragon Performance UK offer
'DIY fit' or 'Dragon Dealer installed' plug-in chiptuning systems for most diesel
engines - they tell us that these clever systems get rid of those 'turbo lag'
and 'flat spot' problems associated with many modern turbo diesel vehicles.
The general performance, driveability and economy of the engine is vastly improved.
The systems can be fitted on most models in a few minutes, and just as easily
removed at any time to revert the vehicle back to it's standard configuration.
The systems do not interfere with the engines electronic control unit, and work
within preset manufacturers tolerances.
Diesel Motorhomes and Diesel tow vehicles greatly benefit from the extra
torque especially, making for a more relaxed performance with less gear
changes and less use of higher engine speeds - which leads to improved
economy.
Dragon systems come with CE approval, and they are are an ISO approved electronics
manufacturer.
30 Day refund offer allows you to try the system out for yourself - don't take
our word for it!
3 Year product warranty
Support from the guys who designed the systems.
They have 111 dealers nationwide - who can also fit the systems if you prefer
to pay for the installation.
There is also Dragon distribution in many worldwide locations.
Dragon are offering a 10% instant website discount to ukmotorhomes.net customers
- just make a note of the Discount code (UKM2007) this is typed into the 'coupon
box' at the checkout stage and gives you an immediate 10% discount on the Dragon
Performance website dragon diesel tuning systems
More info can be found on their diesel
tuning support site
Their website is car/van orientated - if you know which Van your Motorhome is
based on then feel free to order, if you are not sure, you can email
them or call 01903 716080 (Mon-Fri 09.00 - 17.00)
You can use your 10% Dragon discount code via the Phone also.
Desert Detours
Specialising in small group, self drive Motorhome Tours of Morocco
Read our full report of a Desert Detours tour here
WHO ARE DESERT DETOURS?
Desert Detours is a family business owned and run by Ray Monteith-Smith with
now than a little help from wife Debbie and daughter Becky. From a background
of journalism in the Adventure Travel sector [sub-edited on a few UK based national
publications and now freelance] emerged Trailmasters Int Ltd, a world-wide 4x4
based adventure touring company. The major part of the business, Trailmasters,
was sold off [getting too old for all that 4x4, deep desert expedition stuff...
] and continues to prosper as a leader in its field, leaving him free to concentrate
wholly on the Motorhome and Caravan tour side of the business......plus
some survival training courses!
Years and years of experience, unsurpassed knowledge of Morocco, unquestionable
support, and info structure and logistics capability and most important of all.....
a love of MOROCCO and harbour the genuine wish to introduce you to this truly
wonderful country and its every friendly people.
ABOUT THE TOURS
On most tours you will be accompanied by a custom built Mercedes U1300L Unimog
4x4 truck. So, in the unlikely case of need recovery is not a problem. . On
most tours they also use a second "runner/sweep" support vehicle.
Experienced Tour Leader
Ray Monteith-Smith. Born in Canada but lived mostly in the UK. Extensively traveled
throughout Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. Qualified expedition medic and Survival
Instructor. Now living in Southern Spain.
Full Time Moroccan staff
They have a number of FULL TIME Moroccan staff who have been with them many
years, in particular Sibha Hassan and Ibraham A'Hammed. Both have
sons who are now in training. One or more of these will join the tours. As well
as everyday assistance and providing invaluable local and national knowledge
they are also covered for Arabic and Berber as well as most local dialects.
Open Algeciras-Ceuta return ferry
Your open return ferry crossing is included in the tour cost. They use only
the high speed luxury services. The open return means that should you decide
to stay on in Morocco your return crossing is covered.
All Camp and location fees
During the tour they cover ALL camping and service fees as well as any charges
for "wilderness camping". They also cover daily parking fees.
Additional guides
On occasions they provide planned tours, for example Volubillis and Meski Kasbah
etc. For these they provide knowledgeable local guides.
Additional entry fees
They cover entry fees for planned visits to Museums, places of interest, and
those areas that require an entry fee.
Security
Whenever vehicle are left [for tours or visits] they provide guardians. This
also applies to "wilderness camps" where overnight security is provided.
Free pre/post-tour location costs
It is required that you arrive at the meeting point the day before departure
to Morocco. Your overnight charges at the meeting point are covered. Your costs
are also covered should you wish to return to the location on your return to
Spain.
Free pre-tour camping
Some clients may wish to arrive in Southern Spain some days before the tour
start. For those wishing to do so they have use of a small, but full facility,
site about 20km inland from Malaga. Subject to availability limited stay is
covered. Long term by negotiation.
Full and comprehensive schedule
A tour itinerary is provided. In addition daily briefings will ensure that you
are at all times aware of add-on or changes in the route as well as detailed
local information.
FAQ Sheets and Comprehensive Moroccan Info Document
Said to be the best available on the internet this document should cover any
points or questions you may have regarding a Motorhome or Caravan tour of Morocco.
This extensive and comprehensive document is issued when your booking is confirmed.
You are also entitled to unlimited pre-tour questions.
All vehicle and personal documentation
Your Tour Leader will ensure that all your vehicle and personal documentation,
as well as the extensive form completion, is in order and will carry out formalities
at border control.
Special Licenses and Permits
All permits/licenses.......On some tours they may use private and/or National
Park areas. All the necessary permits and licenses are included.
Some traditional meals
During the tour they encourage the sampling of local dishes. At least two full
course traditional meals are included in the tour cost as well as a number of
camp style menus. Refreshment costs at some scheduled "comfort" stops
is also included.
Traditional Entertainment
They DO NOT run a Rally style tour, but will take every opportunity to sample
local entertainment and events. In such cases any costs will be covered.
Discounted purchases
They assist with local purchases and in restaurants where cost is not covered
to ensure that you are only charged "Local or Discounted Rates" and
not the "Tourist Rate".
All in all a pretty comprehensive package, for full details of what Desert Detours
offers see their website: www.desertdetours.com
PARTS
SUPPLIER
We've heard from All Parts Southwest Ltd, about the parts they can supply for
the base vehicles that most motorhome are built on, it sounds as if there are
some savings to be made!
They are a large motor factors covering the South West of England specialising
in crash repair and recycled car and van parts.
They do a lot of parts for Peugeot and Fiat Vans, and are able to offer parts
from the original equipment manufacturers at a fraction of main dealer prices.
Contact details:
Allparts South West Ltd.
Tel: (01392) 824 893
Fax: (01392) 203 161
Email: parts@allpartssouthwest.com
Web: www.allpartssouthwest.com
Planning a holiday to Australia in an RV/Motorhome? Don't hire,
buy your own. Let husband and wife team of Glenn and Bernice Kesbah share their
experience of over 20 years travelling around Australia in motorhomes and campervans.
They can help you purchase the right vehicle, to suit your needs and your budget.
Vehicles are sourced from a vast network from private sellers and dealers.
They tell us:
We have saved time, unnecessary expense and stress for our happy clients who
have already used our service.
This service is brand new, and most importantly, free to buyers! Glenn loves
all things about motorhomes, and he saw a need in the market to assist overseas
visitors from the planning stages of their motorhome/campervan holiday to the
purchase of the vehicle and even selling the vehicle at the end of the holiday.
Our service starts with emailing you details and images of motorhomes or campervans
suitable for you. Based in beautiful Sydney, we can meet you and take you to
inspect suitable RVs. Glenn can do a vehicle inspection & advise on all
aspects of RV travel, including: cheapest insurance; vehicle registration -
using our address as a contact; places to visit, places to stay.
For more information please visit our website: www.motorhomefinder.com.au
Email contact - glennal@optusnet.com.au
Looking forward to helping you begin a wonderful RV holiday .
Glenn & Bernice Kesbah
Information is presented here in good faith - we will be pleased to include
further details or corrections on request.
|