14/08/2017

It’s that time of the year again when our Directors got their 1st sneak peek at the new models for 2018 and they were not disappointed!

For the month of June, our Directors Russell and Andrew, along with Sales Manager Ben, traveled throughout Europe to get the low down on the newest models.

Some interesting news out of Burstner for 2018 is they are now working with Citroen who will produce some of their chassis for their 2018 models.  However, Fiat are still working with Burstner on several of their popular models such as Argos, Elegance and Ixeo.

To get your sneak peek at the new 2018 models from Burstner and our other manufacturers, direct from the show, have a look at our Facebook page and find some inspiration for your next motorhome!

Keep up to date with all our pages. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Carado are pleased to announce their own range of Van Conversions for 2018, called VLOW.

Simple, stylish and available with extra’s, Carado’s motto for the VLOW is

‘No matter what reason you need the VLOW: the main thing is, you have it.’

They are releasing 4 models throughout 2018, the V540, V600, V601 & the V640. Which includes 3x breadthwise sleepers and 1 x lengthwise sleeper.

Built on the Fiat Ducato Chassis with a 2300cc 115ps engine, which can be upgraded to 130, 150 or 180 depending on your travel needs.

The basics will all be included such as daytime running lights,driver airbag, ESP incl. ASR & Hillholder, electric operated cab windows and a new perk for 2018 a Tablet holder with USB port.  And so much more!

They’ve also released a new fabric specifically for the VLOW’s. **insert image of dark fabric**

The Explorer is a darker material that comes as standard on all models.  However, they’ve also had huge demand for the Arctica upholstery that really adds some depth and warmness to the living space.

We can’t wait to get them in our Portsmouth showroom so stay tuned for more information.

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With the winter months looming now is the time to start planning ahead to get your motorhome safe and secure for the winter months.

We list out some do’s for getting your motorhome prepped for winter ready for the next travel season.

Do drain down all your water. If you don’t, the water will become stagnant and make for a not so nice experience once you return and want to top it up for the next season.

Do start and drive your van every 3-4 weeks.  Doing this allows you to check the heating is still working properly and helps keep your brakes clean and rust free, which means they are less likely to seize up.

Do Spend a bit of time giving the interior a good clean. Give the fridge a good scrub and empty it, leaving the door on the ajar catch will help air flow and help prevent any odd smells. Follow the manufacturers guide for cleaning the oven, hob and grill.

I spoke with our Service Manager, Andy Bottle, to get the best advice on how to prep your motorhome.

Andy says the most important servicing item is the water ingress check.  The sooner you catch any leaks the sooner they can be repaired and prevents larger and more costly issues such as damp. Which keeps you off the road longer and makes your pockets a lot lighter.

Keep to your regular habitation and damp test schedule to avoid these issues.

Do Operate your blinds, make sure they slide open easily or pull up and down easily.

Do Open the exterior lockers make sure the hinges haven’t seized up and are still operating correctly.

Do Empty out all your cupboards, you wouldn’t want a shock when you find that a mouse has been living rent free in your motorhome and has made their way through your favourite pack of biscuits that you’ve left behind. 

Do Check under the bonnet for mice as well, they have a tendency to nest in the close confines of your engine compartment and given the opportunity will chew through some of the wiring.

Do you have any tips or tricks you would like to share? Let us know in the comments.

This week in our accessory shop, our manager Trevor has chosen the Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ as his product of the week.

When asked why this was his chosen Product of the Week, Trevor said;

 It is one of the best selling BBQ’s for motorhomers to use. You can use it to cook anything from a full English breakfast to your Sunday roast dinner. And who doesn’t want something with such versatility while on the road?

We wholeheartedly agree.  When you travel for such long periods of time, it’s nice to know you can stop for a while and make a bit of home comfort food.

The Carri Chef 2 BBQ on it’s own is a great cooking system to have, and comes with the pot stand and a BBQ grid.  Other tops can be purchased in store as optional extras.

Its simple to sue, easy to build and a breeze to clean! With its stainless steel burners and piezo ignition, you can get the perfect temperature for whatever you are cooking, all the time. Simply take the lid off to grill and pop it back on for oven type cooking.  Plus with the built in dome thermometer you can roast, smoke, steam or bake in a cinch.

Knaus Tabbert, who manufactures both the Knaus and Weinsberg motorhomes and caravans has officially announced they will offer a 10-year warranty on your water ingress across both ranges for the 2018 season.

Knaus has actively focused on building its UK presence.  With the construction of their new manufacturing plant in Hungary, its aim is to increase their current output of motorhomes and Caravans, or CUV’s (Caravanning Utility Vehicles, as they are now calling them.

At present they are manufacturing 9,900 motorhomes and 5,550 caravans with the expectation of further growth for their 2018-2019 season.

Francis Venten, who is responsible for Knaus Motorhomes in the UK has said that UK prices should only increase by 1.5% this season, which is below average for most other motorhome manufacturers.

Knaus will be at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon in Germany and will be showcasing their final new model.