INBOX - latest news and features

See the ARCHIVE for previously featured stories - Do you have some motorhome related news? let us know!

Sureterm Direct

• Up to £5,000 personal effects cover
• Up to £2,000 awning and gas bottle cover
• Drivers 25 - 74
• Mirrored No Claims Bonus
• Limited Mileage discounts
• 15% Owners Club discounts
• 15% discount if you have owned your motorhome for more than 12 months
• Additional discounts for security devices including wheel clamps, alarms or trackers
• "Self Build" cover available
• ULR Legal and Breakdown cover also available (optional extras)

Your Freedom - Proposal to support the development of motorhome stopovers in the UK

The Your Freedom website gives you the chance to tell the Government which laws and regulations you think we should get rid of. Your feedback will inform government policy and some of your proposals could end up making it into bills brought before Parliament to change the law.

Motor Caravan Aires and wild camping in suitable locations

This proposal is a well argued case for the Public Health Act 1937 section 286, and The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 being amended. The legislation is completely out of date and need revision to reflect the differences between modern motorhomes and caravans.

We urge everyone to read the proposal, if you you agree with it please register to rate it to move it up the list. If you have more to say about the idea, then add your comment.

THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA CAMPERVAN TAKES TO THE OPEN ROAD

Camper fans can take a closer look at the new Volkswagen California campervan at a series of shows and events across the UK over the next few months.

The latest California, launched earlier this year, has new frontal styling similar to the latest Polo and Golf, a quieter, more refined and economical common rail TDI engine with Euro5 emissions, and more safety features, including daytime running function for the headlights.  Interior enhancements include revised instruments and front seats, plus a new wood-effect for the furniture.  As before, the California is refined and convenient with electrically-operated pop up roof, two double beds, a kitchen and two outdoor chairs and a table.

The new Volkswagen California will be on show at the following events:

'Everyone loves Volkswagen campervans, but there are still a lot of people who aren't aware Volkswagen makes its own campervan.  That's why we’re looking forward to giving more people the opportunity to see the California,' said Jason Hill, Events Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Further information of the Volkswagen California, plus low rate finance offers are available from www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/california or by calling 0800 717131.

TYREPAL INTRODUCES TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING FOR CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES

Having the correct tyre pressures is especially important with motorhomes and caravans, and yet most of us are surely guilty of meaning to check those pressures but it always seems to slip our minds doesn't it? And even if we do check them we have no way of knowing what happens to those pressures whilst we’re driving along.

Now TyrePal has introduced a system which will enable you to wirelessly monitor tyre pressures from your driving seat. The TD1200-AX04 uses valve-cap sensors to transmit accurate pressure and temperature data from up to 4 tyres, so a motorhome's tyre pressures can be continuously monitored, the system can also be used on 2-wheel single-axle and 4-wheel twin-axle caravans.

Installation takes approximately five minutes – there’s no need to remove the tyres, no wiring and generally no need to even re-balance the wheels. Simply screw the lightweight sensors onto your tyre valves in place of the normal caps, fit the anti-theft collars if required and position the monitor in view of the driver.

Pressures up to 180psi (12 bar) can be monitored and accuracy is ±3 psi, displayed in psi, bar or kPa.

The TD1200-AX04 continuously displays pressure for each tyre and gives audible and visual alerts for low pressure or high temperature. A backlight is provided for night driving. Power for the monitor can be from internal AAA batteries or from the vehicle's 12V power supply by means of the supplied power cord. Lithium batteries in the valve-cap sensors last for 1-2 years and are replaceable.

TyrePal is also introducing the TD2200-AX06 for vehicles with up to 6 wheels – for example a tag-axle or twin rear wheeled motorhome, a car plus 2-wheel caravan or a 4-wheel twin-axle caravan (with spare wheel). This unit also monitors up to 180psi (12 bar) and the individual axles can have their own alert levels set. TyrePal also sells the TD1000-AX for cars and other vehicles with monitoring up to 60psi (4 bar).

TyrePal will soon have another system (TD2000) for monitoring 8 or 10 wheels – ideal for a car plus twin-axle caravan or 6-wheel motorhomes with a TOAD (towed vehicle). This system incorporates a relay to capture and transmit the signal to the cab monitor – necessary because of the longer distances involved.

The TyrePal TD1200-AX04 is available now and costs £229.13 including VAT. The TD2200-AX06 costs £287.88 including VAT. Order online or get further information at www.tyrepal.co.uk.

Editor's note:
We think that these are an excellent safety innovation and hope to be able to bring you a test report soon.

The Motorhome Show - Shepton Mallet

It's fast approaching that time of year again when we'll all be heading to the Shepton Mallet Motorhome Show, held for the 25th year at the Royal Bath & West showground, just south of Shepton Mallet in Somerset, on the A371. There's no better place to view and compare so many different models than at everyone's favourite show.

Over the long weekend of the 10th-12th 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 year's prestigious Motorcaravan of the Year Awards. There's also a fun craft competition on the Sunday morning and a best pet show around lunchtime, plus free mystery coach tours of the beautiful Somerset countryside (limited numbers) as well as a free shuttle bus to the nearby historic city of Wells.

The show opens 9:30am - 6pm Friday & Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm on Sunday. Admission charge for day visitors is adults £5 per person in advance online at www.seetickets.com/stoneleisure or £7.50 per person on the day. 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 £35 from Thursday or £30 from Friday onwards. This includes unlimited admission to the show plus all of the free evening entertainment. More details at www.TheMotorhomeShow.com or telephone 020 8302 6069 or 01332 874731.

Timberland Motorhomes

28/6/10
Readers may be aware of the recent reports that Timberland Motorhomes had ceased trading, We asked Kevin Cain, the owner of the company for a statement to outline the postion.

A statement by Kevin Cain, owner of Timberland Motorhomes.

Timberland Motorhomes was started by me in 1999 with what I remember was a whole £500.

Over the past 10 years we have manufactured a brand that is much sought-after and regarded as one of the top vehicles of its type in the market. Our vehicles have won a number of Caravan Club awards.

We have always prided ourselves on customer care, but I will admit that over the past 12 months due to pressure from our bank we have turned ourselves into a small B……..H……. looking more often at numbers rather than our customers.

I have never been in business just for the money. I have had many years of dealing with nice customers, many of whom have become friends and others I regard as family.

I love my job and will say that other than this year I have woken up every day with a smile looking forward to a day’s work. It is known that some people work to live. I feel I live to work and in fact worry about the inevitable day I will retire.

So, to the matter in hand…

TRUE: The fact is that following a banking system-created recession the property the company owned had fallen in value.

TRUE: As a result our bankers wished to restructure the company facilities.

TRUE: The bank wished to increase the interest rate on my overdraft and mortgage from 1.875% to 5%.

TRUE: The bank also wanted to charge me a 1.5% set-up fee for the overdraft and mortgage which I already had in place.

TRUE: The bank also wanted to charge me a £1,000 per calendar month for a management fee just to look at my account.

In a nutshell, with the charges the bank wanted to impose on us it meant the company would be giving the bank a further £105,000 more profit per year.

I found this to be a bitter pill to swallow. As we all know it would have been a cost that in one way or other would have hurt the company, which we all know is the customer.

TRUE: As a result of the above and the bank imposing other demands in addition which the company could not agree to at the end of the discussions the bank demanded repayment of in excess of £2million.

Even though we tried to look for other funders in today’s market we found that to be an impossible task.

We therefore were presented with two options.

One option was to let my company, which I love and have worked so hard for, go into liquidation.

* This would have cost 33 jobs in total
* All Timberland customers would have lost their warranties
* All suppliers would have lost even more money
* The sale value of the Timberland brand would have been damaged

The second option was to invest personal funds in buying back Timberland Motorhomes from the Administrator.

* This has saved 22 jobs
* Saved all customers warranties
* Suppliers if they choose can go forward and earn money from Timberland Motorhomes as they have done over the past 10 years
* And the good name and reputation of Timberland can go forward with the knowledge of being one of the biggest motorhome dealers, if not always the best

I would like to reassure customers that Woodland Motorhomes Limited trading as Timberland Motorhomes that nothing has changed and we are now a stronger company.

All warranties on Timberland, Adria, Burstner, Autocruise and Auto-Trail will be honoured as will all warranties on any pre-owned units we have sold – and looked after in the same professional manner as we have always done.
All new customers of Timberland Motorhomes will receive the same high level of customer care that they should expect and deserve.

At no point have we benefitted from anyone’s loss, but have in fact saved England from losing an English manufacturer.

If any visitor to ukmotorhomes.net wishes to know more, my e-mail address is kevin.cain@timberlandmotorhomes.com

Kind regards,

Kevin Cain

Proprietor

Timberland Motorhomes

ENJOY A CAREFREE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY

As part of The Camping and Caravanning Club's Carefree Travel Service, the latest edition of the Winter Sun Camping brochure for 2010/11 has been launched.

The brochure, which incorporates Carefree’s guide to Winter Sun Holidays, is the definitive guide to camping, caravanning and travelling to winter sun destinations.

It includes information on Carefree's new Motorhome Touring Holidays to countries such as; South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Canada, the USA and a unique Christmas Market Tour in Germany, giving Club members every opportunity to experience the holiday of a lifetime whether they wish to travel independently or take an escorted tour..

Richard Grimsdale, The Club's Travel Services Director, was encouraged by the surge in winter travel with around 19,000 Club members expected to camp abroad this year.

He said: "Carefree offers some fantastic deals for members throughout the year and our Winter Sun holidays are perfect for campers who want to escape the cold British winter and explore warmer climates.

"We endeavour to tailor every holiday to meet our members' needs from booking ferries, campsites and insurance to a fully inclusive holiday.

"The new Winter Sun Camping 2010/11 brochure is the ideal guide for anyone thinking of camping abroad during the winter months."

In addition to its worldwide tours, Carefree also offers a wide range of winter sun rallies across Portugal and Spain providing members with excellent opportunities to make friends while they travel.

The brochure costs £10, which is refunded if a holiday is booked through the publication.

For further information, telephone 0845 130 7701 or 024 76 422024 or visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/travelabroad

THE SEARCH IS OVER AS CLUB DEVLOPS SITESEEKER

The Camping and Caravanning Club has improved its SiteSeeker camp site search facility.

The new search directory went live on Tuesday, June 15 and gives users more control when searching for that perfect site.

The exciting new development allows people to make a proximity based search centred around a city, town or postcode using Google Maps.

Site details can be viewed by clicking on the relevant flags in the area of choice. Users may refine their search further by selecting from the 40 facility options, an increase of 28 options from the previous search directory.

A huge amount of research has been conducted into the usability of the resource allowing The Club to create an interface that allows users to navigate with ease. Plus visitors are being encouraged to complete a short feedback form so that SiteSeeker can continue to be developed and improved.

The Club's eBusiness Managers, Tamsin Smyth and Will Knott, were enthusiastic about the new development.

Smyth said: "It has never been easier for members and non-members to select their perfect site. We have worked relentlessly to complete SiteSeeker and we are confident that this latest development will speed up the site selection process."

Knott added: "With a large range of new tools, SiteSeeker gives users more information than ever before.

"There is now no excuse to stay at home as over 2,300 camp sites are just a few clicks away."

Additional new features also include a favourites page, the option to view satellite imagery and a history tool giving users more control and options in their search.

The Club launched its new website in March 2010 and currently attracts approximately 175,000 unique visitors a month.

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

£50 per night to camp at the Tall Ships Event at Hartlepool

The Tall Ships Event, at Hartlepool between 7th and 10th August 2010 is expected to attract between 70 and 100 vessels from 15-20 countries. Up to a million visitors are expected to descend on the town and there will be great pressure on local accommodation.

We hoped that there could be some dedicated allocation of space for motorhomes to stay overnight near to the town centre for a reasonable price, but a local rugby club has announced that it will be charging motorhomes and caravans £50 per night to stay at a temporary campsite that it is setting up. Details of the facility can be found here.

This seems to us to be an excessive price to pay, especially as there will apparently be no electric hookups available.

We are still hopefull that the local council itself may provide alternative facilities for motorhomes and we hear that another local club is also considering setting up a temporary campsite. We hope that their pricing will be more realistic and will publish details if and when we receive them.

For full information on the Tall Ships Event at Hartlepool visit the Tall Ships Hartlepool website.

Editor, UKMotorhomes.net

Proposal to reduce certain motorway speed limits

The Department for Transport has proposed changing the maximum speed limits for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) having a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes. The proposals also include new speed limits for PCVs.

They are proposing to to reduce the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph for HGVs not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, and for PCVs up to 12m long to 65mph. The proposed speed limits for PCVs will also affect passenger vehicles, motor caravans and dual-purpose vehicles with an unladen weight exceeding 3.05 tonnes.

This will mean that every motorhome with a GVW of more than 3500kg (and potentially some with a GVW below 3500kg) will be restricted to 65mph on motorways and also prohibited for using the third lane on 3-lane motorways.

The consultation has now closed, details can be found here: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/2010-06

The results of the consultation are due in July 2010.

Automatic hydraulic leveling systems for motorhomes from Glide-Rite

Glide-Rite Products Ltd is a UK based company specialising in access products for the ambulance and wheelchair accessible vehicle market, they are also the sole importer of the Goldschmitt hydraulic self levelling jack systems from Germany.

Since Glide-Rite launched the jacks in October last year they have had an unbelievable level of interest with 10+ units being sold so far. They are extremely well engineered units and are covered by a three year unlimited mileage warranty.

Two main types are available, 'Vertical Star' and 'Swing Star'. The 'Swing Star' system is especially suitable for motorhomes with low ground clearance as it uses a patented folding mechanism that automatically swings the hydraulic cylinder down into position with no manual operation necessary. This means that the jacks can be installed in very tight spaces and used practically anywhere with a minimum of free ground clearance.

Both types are available with manual or fully automatic control and for vehicles up to 14 tonnes

Prices start at £2405, plus fitting at £680

Glite-Rite also produce spring upgrades and semi air suspension for a range of common motorhome chassis.

For full details of the products contact:

Glide-Rite Products Ltd,
Mill Lane,
Passfield,
Liphook,
Hampshire,
GU30 7RP
01428 751 711
Fax: 01428 751 766
info@glide-rite.com
www.glide-rite.com

Western Isles to increase facilities for campervans

Campervan/caravan traffic to the Outer Hebrides has increased significantly over the 2009 tourism season, with an increase of over 144% on the Ullapool - Stornoway route. This increase has lead to increased demand for facilities, mainly for overnight parking and for disposal points for chemical toilets. The council is considering installing additional toilet disposal facilities and proposes the innovative solution of Croft Camping which is based on an existing exemption with regard to the statutory provisions applied to larger scale sites. This would spread out provision across the islands and could act as a source of additional income for crofters.

Full details are in the report which can be downloaded here

Some action has been necessary to prevent damage to the fragile environment, these are some links to information about the 2010 arrangements for camping in the Western Isles:

Barra and Vatersay information here: www.isleofbarra.com/for-visitors/accommodation/camping-and-caravan-site.html

Islay, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay are all very small islands in the Inner Hebrides, and all have made arrangements with CalMac that motorcaravans must book through the island ferry offices, not the main booking office, so that they can ensure that everbody who comes has somewhere to park.

Islay information here: www.islayinfo.com/islay_campsites_motorhomes.html

Tiree information here: www.isleoftiree.com/history-nat-heritage.html

Coll information here: www.visitcoll.co.uk/Coll.php?p=motorhomes

Colonsay information here: www.colonsay.org.uk/camping.html

Height Barriers - our view

A current campaign to encourage people to sign a number10.gov petition against height barriers is being conducted by the Association of British Drivers.

Whilst we support anyone what wishes to complain about height barriers, it is our view that the petition itself is ill-founded.

Height barriers are a local authority issue, nothing to do with national government, and it is to local authorities that complaints should be addressed.

Height barriers are in place for two reasons, to prevent commercial vehicles from using car parks where they are not permitted by virtue of Off-Street Parking Regulations, and to prevent 'travellers' setting up camp.

Deal with those issues and the 'height barrier problem' would go away.

The fact is that they are a good way, at little cost to the council tax payers, of reducing the problems caused by illegal traveller encampments. The side effect, of course is that they restrict access to others who have a legitimate reason to be there.

It would be necessary to put a rational case to the individual local authority, outlining cost-effective suggestions for eliminating the problems that they were erected to prevent, to stand any chance of getting height barriers removed.

You can read about the Association of British Drivers height barrier campaign here: www.abd.org.uk/topics/height_barriers.htm. Their page does contain useful suggestions on how to make an effective complaint if you are affected by a height barrier, and also a link to the petition, should you wish to sign it.

Special offer for selling your motorhome!

Our sister site www.motorhomemarket.co.uk is offering 2 months advertising for the price of one!

To take advantage of the offer just register on the site and purchase one credit at a cost of £6.50

Then use the 'Contact admin' link on the site and request your extra credit, you will get a an additional credit absolutely free!

Terms and conditions of the offer:
1) The offer is for a limited period and may be withdrawn at any time.
2) The offer only applies to private sales.
3) The offer only applies to purchases of the £6.50 package.
4) The free credit request must be made within 1 week of the purchase.
5) The offer is limited to one per registered user.
6) The free credit will be added within 1 week of a valid request.
7) The free credit must be requested, it's not added automatically.

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 available 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.

Planning a holiday to Australia in an RV/Motorhome?

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