At Green Transport Week gets underway, the National Caravan Council (NCC) claims that the current boom in UK caravan holidays could save literally thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Bookings to caravan parks in the UK are currently up by around 25 per cent while passenger numbers at UK airports have slumped. The NCC believes that many of those new to caravanning have switched from taking a European trip, choosing instead to holiday in Britain, while existing caravanners are 'staycationing'.

A return flight to Europe produces between 250 kgs and 500 kgs of CO2 (depending on distance and age/type of aircraft) per person. However, four people travelling 250 miles in an average sized petrol car towing a medium sized caravan would only create 38 kgs of CO2 emissions per person – and even less in a diesel car - resulting in significant savings.

Director General of the NCC, John Lally, says: "We believe people are changing their holidaying habits. We know that new people are being attracted to caravanning. We also know that many existing caravanners are choosing to holiday closer to home.

"Caravan enthusiasts have a high level of "green" awareness compared to the public in general. They often choose cycling and walking once they have arrived at their destination and are already more likely to be using energy efficient products. This week saw the launch of a carbon offsetting policy for caravan owners from leisure insurance specialist, Towergate Bakers.

"We really want to get the message out that not only does caravanning support rural economies, but it allows you to control costs, get back to nature and to choose a greener holiday option."

Other 'green' aspects of caravanning include:

- 95 per cent of touring caravans on UK roads are actually made in Britain

- In many caravan parks, great attention is paid to protecting the environment, with e.g. use of solar power to heat communal shower blocks, wildlife areas, recycling points etc.

- Water and power usage during the holiday is often less than in a hotel.

Lifeboatmen have made one their most unusual rescues - towing a caravan to safety. Kinghorn Lifeboat was called out by the Coastguard on 3 May after the caravan, which had been pushed into the water by a gang of youths, was reported floating near Cockenzie Power Station on the Firth of Forth.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the caravan was floating just a few metres offshore, and two RNLI crewmen entered the water to check that nobody was trapped. The caravan proved to be empty but attempts to push it ashore failed, so the Atlantic 75 lifeboat towed it in to deeper water and along to an area of beach near the slipway at Cockenzie for recovery.

"This must be a first for the RNLI," said lifeboat helmsman Scott McIlravie, "I doubt we will have been called out to tow a caravan before, but it certainly would have posed a danger to passing vessels if it hadn't been brought ashore."

from Motor Boats Monthly

Most responsible  people who tow caravan or trailers know about noseweight and how to obtain this figure.  What I, and I think a lot of other people didn't realise is the noseweight gauge you and I have been using is probably grossly inaccurate.

Tests performed by Milenco have shown that after a while, a normal piano spring gauge can be out by as much as 30kg.  Milenco took this information and developed their own gauge which complies with the British Standard and is very accurate.

Take a look at here for more detail about this new product:

Milenco Noseweight Gauge

Many caravan dealers are seeing a surge in sales, particularly from young families. Many of the enquiries are coming from first time caravanners who are trying the hobby for the first time due to the credit crunch and poor exchange rates.

Weather forecasters are predicting a good summer after the cold winter we have just experienced and both the Caravan Club and Camping and Caravanning Club have seen a significant increase in bookings.

Let's hope the predictions are accurate!

We are constantly searching the market for high quality products and we are very pleased to announce that we are now distributors of the Powrtouch range of caravan movers.  Powrtouch's name is synonymous not only with a superbly engineered product but also with fantastic customer care which is why all of their movers are covered by a five year 'no quibble' guarantee.

We have a stock supply of the most popular models, including the Heavy Duty Model 3, and can also supply the twin axle versions.  For more information, please take a look at the product pages where there is also a video demonstrating the movers.

If you need more details please give us a call on 01224 676155 or use our contact form

Caravan holidays in the UK have overtaken Spain as a destination this year as more people look to the rising costs of a foreign holiday. While the number of visits abroad is falling sharply, more and more Britons are looking for options to holiday at home this summer, say reports.

This release of new figures came on the eve of the National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show, which is on at the NEC in Birmingham until the weekend.

Milenco caravan and motorhome products are synonymous with high quality outdoors products.  Many of their items are made in the UK and their towing mirror range has been highly commended by the caravan press.

We are very pleased to announce that we are now Milenco stockists and have started to stock towing mirrors, steps, bumper protectors and motorhome thermal blinds.

All the items can be found over at our shop at very reasonable prices accompanied by our outstanding service!

The number of touring caravans stolen in the UK has plummeted to an estimated 1,400 in 2008, from a one-time high of 4,000-5,000 per annum, according to the industry trade body, the National Caravan Council (NCC).

The NCC believes this is partly due to greater use of the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS), which was set up by the NCC in 1992 and is administered by HPI. CRiS is a voluntary national register of every touring caravan manufactured by NCC members, via a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Through the issue of a Keeper Registration Document, it acts as a security check for dealers and private caravan buyers, helping to prevent and detect caravan crime.

Greater awareness of the need for security among owners and advances in security products (such as immobilisers, hitch locks, wheel clamps, alarms and tracking devices) have also contributed to the fall, the NCC says.

Caravan owners who want their caravan to be CRiS registered and electronically tagged, should email cris.uk@hpi.co.uk. A CRiS Check costs just £14.95 and is available seven days a week by calling 01722 411 430. For tips on buying a second hand caravan, see www.tourerinfo.co.uk.

'Van-chester' cara-fans plan for the 'Great Escape' in 2009

www.caravanshows.com

Celebrating its 13^th successive year, The Manchester Central Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009 welcomed thousands of visitors between 22nd – 25^th January. With over 70 exhibitors offering the region's best choice of touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and the ever-popular accessory megastore, it was truly the place for the North West's 'cara-fans' to be.

The show's theme for 2009 was 'The Great Escape', and organisers were delighted that visitors were inspired by the variety of vehicles on display – many at special 'show-only' discounted prices – proving that even at a time of economic uncertainty, caravanning offers a great value and easy way to enjoy a holiday.

The event was officially opened by the new Chairman of The Camping & Caravanning Club, Keith Jackson who emphasised in his welcome address that the pastime is very much on the increase in 2009, commenting that: "Despite the uncertain climate our Club is continuing to grow and in terms of advanced bookings we are 15 per cent up than at the same time last year".

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Manchester based, World record breaking escapologist David Straightjacket to perform in unique challenge at the North West's biggest leisure vehicle event..

The Manchester Central Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009: 22 – 25 January 2009

Ticket Hotline number: 0871 230 1090

www.caravanshows.com

The Manchester Central Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009 will be opened by a one-of-a-kind race, pitching man against man and machine, to show why caravanning should be the only choice for anyone who wants to escape the constraints of their credit-crunched life this year.

In the first known challenge of its type, World record breaking Manchester based Escapologist David Straightjacket will pit his skills against the experts from the Explorer Group, as he attempts to shed his buckles and chains before they are able to hitch and drive away a caravan and be first onto the open road.

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