Caravan Cruise Ireland Buyers Guide

Caravan Park Visit Reviews - Show Reports - Practical Advice

www.caravancruise.ie

IRELAND’S NEW MOBILE LEISURE & HOLIDAY MAGAZINE Volume 2. Number 3. Winter 2011

- All the major Motorhome and Caravan manufacturers - Mobile Home producers - Industry Bodies & Clubs

Also featured ... New Bailey Approach SE Motorhome ...

Lunar Caravans ... Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo...Subaru Legacy tow car ... Canal Cruising in France ...

€4.00 inc.V.A.T.

STG £3.20

Caravanning?

Make sure you tow the line.

It’s great to have the freedom to take off when you want, wherever you want. However towing a caravan or trailer can affect how your car performs, particularly its ability to accelerate and brake.

So if you want to have a safe journey make sure you tow the line and follow the advice below:

Before you set off Have your vehicle serviced to make sure it is mechanically sound.

The service should include the following checks:

• The tow bar or towing device is strong enough and attached securely • The wheels, tyres, steering, suspension and brakes are in good working order • The safety breakaway cable is secure and in good condition • The battery is in good condition and fully charged • All lights and reflectors are clean and working • Oil levels are correct Depending on the width of the caravan, you may need to fit extension mirrors to your car to make sure you can see the road behind you.

Never attempt to tow if you do not have adequate clear vision in both wing mirrors.

Tips for towing • Drive at the right speed. The maximum legal speed limit for a vehicle towing a caravan or trailer is 80km/h

• Pay particular attention when accelerating and braking • Leave more distance than usual between you and the vehicle in front • Allow extra time and distance when overtaking other road users and entering traffic • Be careful in wet, foggy, extremely bright conditions or in high winds • Where possible, pull over to allow vehicles behind you to overtake • Make sure the load in the caravan is spread evenly to reduce swaying • Try to drive out forward from a parking spot, as reversing with a caravan is difficult • Plan plenty of rest stops to avoid the onset of fatigue Remember - never let passengers travel in the caravan or trailer when you are towing it!

To find out more, download the Road Safety Advice for Tourists Towing Caravans or Trailers leaflet now at www.rsa.ie

Contents Buyers Guide 2012 4 Editorial A word from the Editor

Caravan Cruise Ireland, Fleet Publications Ireland, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372826/ 9372827 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: info@caravancruise.ie

35 Caravan Park Review 2 Dungloe Caravan Park, Dungloe, County Donegal

5 Competition Win a TomTom SatNav

Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie Editor: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie Contributors: Howard Knott Photography: Cathal Doyle, Jarlath Sweeney Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey Advertising: Mary Morrisey, Orla Sweeney info@caravancruise.ie

36 Waterways 2 Cruising on the Canal du Midi, France

6 News • Volkswagen California coming to Ireland • Visitor rumbers rise • UK trade show developments • Weather no affect on camping • Donaghey Motorhomes new agent for Swift • Iveco's motorhome engine • New luxury resort for Kenmare

39 Caravan Park Review 3 Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Boyle, County Roscommon 40 Motorhoming 1 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo test drive review 42 Event Review 2 Motorhome & Caravan Show 2011, NEC, Birmingham, U.K.

10 Event Review 1 Caravan Salon 2011, Dusseldorf, Germany

Design: Eamonn Wynne - info@wynneadvertising.ie

44 Awards Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2012 Awards

14 Caravanning Lunar Caravans' lightweight route to success

Printed in Ireland.

15 Tow Car Review Subaru Legacy proves worthy travelling companion

46 Motorhoming 2 New Bailey Approach SE motorhome 47 Event Review 3 Report and photos from the Eireball Run 2011

16 Caravan Park Review 1 The Apple Camping & Caravan Park, Cahir, County Tipperary

P 15

www.caravancruise.ie

17 Waterways 1 • New Celtic Horizon ferry launched • Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat service • Stena Superferry to Scotland

CHECK THE LATEST FROM THE MOBILE LEISURE AND HOLIDAY SECTOR ON WWW.CARAVANCRUISE.IE

19 Caravan Cruise Ireland Buyers Guide 2012 Caravans • • Motorhomes • Holiday Homes • Industry Organisations

Wish to send Caravan Cruise Ireland to your friends at home or overseas?

Let us do it for you! Just fill in the form!

Name: Address:

P 19

P 47 Caravan Cruise Ireland is published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Email:

Post Code: Tel: Fax: 2 ways to pay:Cheque made payable to Caravan Cruise Ireland Please charge my debit/credit card to the amount of € …………

• Laser • Mastercard • Visa • Electron • Maestro – please tick Card No: ………………………………………… Expiry Date: …………… CVV No: …………

Signature: ………………………………………………. Date: ……………

Rates: Ireland €6 (includes post/packaging) UK/EU €8 (includes post/packaging) US/Asia €12 (includes post/packaging) Send completed form to Caravan Cruise Ireland, c/o Fleet Publications, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Fax: +353 94 9373571 CCI12.11 Disclaimer: Caravan Cruise Ireland management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Caravan Cruise Ireland management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editorial team reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

3

Editorial

Fáilte!

W

elcome to the latest edition of Caravan Cruise Ireland magazine.

This is the time of year when people start thinking about, and planning next year’s holidays. For motorhome and caravan owners that may mean updating their existing vehicle, while others will be looking at making that first time purchase – or just catch up on what is new in the industry.

Which is where this special 'Buyers' Guide' edition of Caravan Cruise Ireland comes in. Making sense of the mobile leisure industry can be a confusing affair thanks to the large number of manufacturers involved. It is also quite a disparate industry, with the U.K. market, for example, very different to the European one.

While we don’t of fer specific recommendations on what models to buy, we provide basic information on most of the major manufacturers currently producing vehicles, with extra focus given to those that market their products in Ireland. We also list the major

trade shows. Caravan Cruise was at Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, and the Motorhome & Caravan Show in the NEC Birmingham, and reports on what’s new from the industry.

manufacturers in the holiday / mobile home sector. It will hopefully allow you to make sense of who is who in the industry, and help refine your purchasing decisions.

Equally confusing for first-timers can be the various industry organizations and clubs involved in the mobile leisure scene, many with largely similar names.

We have compiled a brief overview of who does what.

On a related theme, September and October is when most of the manufacturers unveil their new products at the major

4 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Elsewhere we have a first look at the new Bailey motorhome, see what Lunar Caravans has to offer, and try out the Mercedes-Benz Marco-Polo for size. There are reviews of caravan parks throughout Ireland, and we take an initial look at the Dromquinna Manor Resort under development in Kenmare. This promises to bring a whole new experience to Irish 'Glamping' holidays.

We also cruise the splendid Canal du Midi in France in our Waterways section, and for what was a highly enjoyable week according to all involved, check out our photo feature of the Eireball Run. Plus there is an opportunity to win a TomTom Satnav!

Hopefully something for everyone to enjoy over the festive season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.

Cathal Doyle, Editor.

CRUISE WITH EASE THANKS TO TOMTOM! WIN a TomTom Start 20 Series: for smarter, easier, more comfortable navigation ith the new TomTom Start 20 series, TomTom combines an attractive design, larger screen sizes and a new operating system for even smarter navigation.

TomTom has added two million kilometres of new roads to the maps in the Start 20 series, including roads in rural areas, enhancing graphics for built-up areas, water features and forests.

The maps contain twice as many Points of Interest (POI) as before, and the POIs themselves are richer – offering details such as phone numbers and opening hours.

The TomTom Start 20 series gives drivers a bigger and better view of their route. This is due to a choice of larger - 4.3” or 5” – screens. They feature a new design that is also safe and practical.

To be in with a chance to win one of the TomTom Start 20 series, please email or post your name, address, mobile telephone number and whether you have used a Sat-Nav to info@caravancruise.ie. The lucky winners will be notified directly.

The orientation sensor within the devices – coupled with the fully integrated flip screen mount – lets drivers mount their device to their dashboard, automatically rotating the screen 180 degrees.

Kenneally's Caravans Ltd are a long established company based in Cork.

We are Willerby & BK agents who supply all parks in the East and south of the Country, selling quality New and used caravans.

Kenneally’s Caravans Ltd Main Bandon Road Bishopstown Cork.

Tel: 021 4542478 www.kenneallysholidayhomes.ie

FREE Y VER DELI

We are nice people to do business with!

CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

5

News 1

Reduced VRT Rates sees Volkswagen California coming to Irish Market

T

he change to the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) rules for motorhomes, (which has seen rates for vehicles with an unladen weight of over three tonnes increase from a previous nominal flat fee to 13.5% of its value), has had a significant negative effect on sales of new vehicles in Ireland in 2011. However for one segment of the market, the new structure has meant good news.

Previously campervan type motorhomes with pop-top roofs such as Volkswagen’s California were not recognized as “motorized caravans” due to height restriction criteria, and as a result were subject to the same VRT rates as passenger vehicles. However since January 1, such vehicles are now classified under M1 body type, and therefore are now categorized as motorhomes. VRT is therefore now applied on such vehicles at a rate of 13.5%.

As a result, the good news for fans of Volkswagen’s iconic campervan is that Volkswagen Ireland Commercial Vehicles has announced that it is intending to include a campervan option in its model line-up for 2012. Previously the California was only available through special order via the UK. Speaking at a recent press event, Paul Burke, Director of Volkswagen Commercial

Vehicles Ireland said that the California will be one of a number of niche vehicles to be offered by Volkswagen Ireland for the first time, and will also include such products as a shuttle bus and complete taxi offerings. He said that they have yet to finalize what specifications of campervan will be offered, and noted that the California Beach may be a good fit for the Irish market.

The Beach is a slightly less well specified version of the full California as reviewed in Caravan Cruise Ireland Volume 1, Number 2, featuring, for example, a manual poptop roof instead of the automated version found on the California.

Prices have yet to be announced but whereas previously the California was significantly more expensive than a lot of full sized motorhomes, retailing in excess of €60,000, we can now expect it to be much more competitively priced.

Minister Varadkar welcomes 11% rise in visitor numbers in 2011

W

ith visitor numbers to Ireland up 11% this year, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar (pictured) has said this is a welcome sign of further recovery in the tourism industry.

“The Jobs Initiative launched earlier this year focused heavily on promoting tourism jobs. The 4.5 million visitors who visited Ireland this year have helped to create and sustain jobs, and boosted export earnings and tax receipts. The challenge is to maintain this positive momentum for the rest of the year. The extra €9 million winter tourism marketing blitz to boost visitor numbers to Ireland is now underway. This will promote Ireland to around 20 million potential overseas visitor in the coming months, and involves significant matching private sector funding.

The latest CSO overseas travel figures show that 2.1 million people came to Ireland during the peak June to August period, an increase of 6.1% on the same period last year. Overall figures for the first eight months of 2011 show that 4.5 million overseas visitors came to Ireland, an increase of 11% on 2010.

“These figures are very encouraging.

The Irish tourism industry is on track to record growth in overseas visitors for the first time since 2007. I hope the €9 million Tourism Ireland marketing initiative which I launched recently, to channel some of the proceeds from the travel tax back into tourism, will further stimulate visitor numbers,” Minister Varadkar said.

The figures for the first eight months of 2011 show that: • Visitors from Great Britain were up 8.3% compared to January to August of 2010;

• • •

Mainland Europe was up by 13%; North American numbers were up by 12.6%; And other long haul routes were up by 17.5%.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see a continued good performance from Great Britain as it remains our most important overseas market. Visits to Ireland from Great Britain rose by 4.8%, at a time that outbound visits by UK residents are falling, showing that Ireland is gaining market share.

6 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Minister of State for Transport & Sport Michael Ring TD welcomed the fact that more Irish people are choosing to holiday at home. ‘Irish people are enjoying Ireland’s own tourism product in greater numbers, including the great deals on offer. Peak season may be over, but the next few weeks are very important for the tourism sector as we host some of our most exciting festivals and events, including the continuation of the Dublin Festival Season, the Wexford Opera festival, and the Cork Jazz festival’.

News 2 Significant restructuring of UK Caravan and Motorhome Shows for 2012

T

he 2012 Boat and Caravan Show, the major annual mobile leisure event held at the NEC Birmingham every February, has become the prime casualty of a major restructuring of industry trade shows in the UK. Organisers Ocean Media Group has announced that the decision to cancel the show was taken because of a lack of support from the caravan manufacturers and their dealers, despite having had strong support from all other parts of the show.

The future of the Boat & Caravan Show, which has a history going back over 50 years and attracted over 87,000 visitors in 2011, had been called into question following the decision of the National Caravan Council to launch a rival show in February 2012 at ExCel in London. The NCC Events organized Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show is set to take place from February 14-19, and has attracted the support of the industry’s major motorhome and caravan manufacturers.

NCC Events now runs both of the major motorhome and caravan shows in the UK following its takeover of the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham.

This show was held under the new organization for the first time in October.

The previous organizers of this event are now holding another show, The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2012 in Manchester’s EventCity from January 19 - 22.

Weather hasn’t dampened camping spirit, especially for kids

D

espite the less than impressive summer this year, the weather hasn’t dampened our camping spirit or sense of adventure as more Irish people are choosing to go on camping holidays than ever before.

16% per cent increase in the number of Irish people going camping so far this year.

Niamh D’Arcy, chairperson of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council (ICC), said: “Weather doesn’t factor into most peoples’ decision to go camping. We find that once kids know that they’ll be sleeping in a tent, there’s very little that will put them off.”

Seasoned camper Laura O’ Sullivan from Clare said: “The weather never puts me off camping. It’s all part of the fun! My kids love playing in the rain. My advice is to just remember to pack the raingear.

“ICC members have invested heavily in on-park facilities and activities including in-door games rooms, tv rooms and kids clubs as well as making outdoor activities fun even when the sun isn’t shining,” D’arcy added. She confirmed that there’s been a

“And if you’re the more adventurous sort, there’s nothing better than water sports in the rain. Kayaking, fishing and other water sports are always great when it’s raining because you’re going to get wet anyway,” she added.

Louisa O’ Callaghan from Cork, another camping aficionado, agrees. “I wouldn’t let weather dictate my travel plans as it could be raining before you leave and the sun shining when you reach your destination.

You just have to pack for all eventualities with good quality raingear a must,” she said. “And when it comes to camping, rain can make the experience even more fun, especially for kids. I’ve been told that rain pants make the slides faster!”

There are approximately 100 caravan and camping parks around the country, all of which are Fáilte Ireland approved.

It is estimated that caravan and camping generates in excess of €100 million for the local economy. For more information, visit www.camping-ireland.ie

Donaghey’s – newly appointed Swift Motorhome Dealers

M

otorhome customers interested in purchasing a British built 2 – 6 berth High or Low-line model can now look no further than Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny. Ireland’s largest motorhome dealers has acquired the franchise for Swift Motorhomes and its sister brand, Escape.

On announcing the latest major brand to join the Donaghey Motorhome family, Michael Donaghey, Managing Director said, “The multi-award winning Swift line-up offers three specific ranges starting with the entry level Sundance, which has the refinement and style to provide sector leading performance.

Next up is the Bolero which is the ultimate

“One of Swift's biggest selling motorhome ranges, the Escape is the ideal entry point to enjoy the freedom owning a coachbuilt motorhome can bring, with all the essentials and more at a price that makes owning a new motorhome an affordable proposition,” he added.

low profile and its extended range now provides travelling and accommodation for up to 4 people. At the top is the renowned flagship, the Kon-Tiki, which is also available in a low-line profile in addition to a high-line option.”

Long term re-assurance is provided by quality build using durable materials and compliance with the strict weight, dimension and safety standards of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. In addition all Swift coachbuilt motorhomes now also come with 10 Year Body Shell Integrity Warranty.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

7

News 3 Iveco introduces its most powerful 3.0 litre diesel engine for Motorhome market

T

he inte gration of Iveco into the newly created Fiat Industrial Group facilitates the Daily Light Commercial to join with the market leading Fiat Ducato in the lucrative motorhome sector. The new step-sister brand to Fiat Professional, in launching the eighth generation Daily, had the campervan fraternity firmly in mind. The development of an all-new twinturbo variant of the Fiat Powertrain Technologies supplied 3.0 litre common-rail diesel Euro 5 boasts 205 hp and 470 Nm of torque. Allied to this unit is a choice of 6-speed manual or the ZF AGile 6-speed autobox. Up to 7 tonnes total payload are now on offer which brings the Daily into the A-Class motorhome bracket.

This is where Iveco Daily is looking to gain market penetration at the top end of the scale, so in essence will not directly compete with Fiat. Both can compete for the 3.5 tonne category – the biggest selling weight classification.

A brief drive around Turin facilitated a hands-on feel for the new driveline in the Daily. The most powerful 4-cylinder diesel lives up to its name delivering instant response and power up through the 6-speed gearbox. Inside, the seating and dash area have been upgraded and the steering wheel can now be raised/ lowered. The gear lever is easier to operate and less intrusive, making cross-cab access easier. The new Daily provides four storage compartments and a pull-out table can be fitted to the central console if required.

Air suspension can be fitted across the range. Wheelbase lengths extend up to 3950 mms.

Dromquinna Manor Resort - the ultimate RV Location

T

he best of what Europe offers campervanners will soon be available in Ireland thanks to John Brennan at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare. With a reported investment of €2.5million, the former country estate is currently being transformed into the ultimate Recreational Vehicle Resort. With many years of experience in the hospitality business through Hotel management, John (who also happens to copresent the popular ‘At Your Service’ on RTE TV) knows what’s required to attract families to this new Count Kerry facility.

Not only will there be a fixed price (EU30)for overnight acco mm o datio n (that includes Electricity, Showers etc), the 30 acre site will have a host of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Nature trails, mountain biking, 8 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

watersports are just some of the recreational activities to explore while along by the redeveloped Marina, a Wine bar and Restaurant will add to the pleasurable experience.

For those who wish to take an alternative method of transport into Kenmare, a water taxi will take you across the bay.

Set for opening in April 2012, around 100 large pitches will be ready, each with its own secluded fully serviced area, while a separate parking section for caravans will be provided. Also along the waterfront will be a dedicated G lamping (glamorous camping) park that will attract newcomers to camping.

Ireland has seen nothing like this before - get ready for a new level of campervanning at Dromquinna Manor Resort.

NOW Stocking KVH Marine Satellite TV

Special Offers at Campermakeovers We also supply and ¿t all types of Àooring.

www.campermakovers.ie Pilot seats (front seats): €175.00 each Two seater bench: €265.00 euros each (including back and headrests) L Shaped lounge: €380.00 euros each (including back and headrests) U Shaped lounge: €480.00 Mattress cover: €90.00 each (all prices plus vat @ 13.5%)

WITH EVERY ORDER YOU GET FREE SCATTER CUSHIONS Contact Pat or Kay today for a quotation or check out our website to view our work on our photo gallery. We can have you back on the road with your new look camper or caravan in a few short days!

For more iinformation F f ti Tel: 063 89910/30849 - 086 1939500 or 086 3256713 E-mail: kay_oconnor@eircom.net

Event Review 1

Caravan Salon Dusseldorf celebrates 50 Years with biggest Show yet

2

011 was a year of marking time at Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, the world’s largest caravan and motorhome extravaganza. Not only were some of the major manufacturers including Hymer, Dethleffs, Burstner and la Strada recording milestone anniversaries of varying lengths, the show itself was celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1962 34,500 visitors came to the show; by 2011 that number had reached 179,000, with nearly 600 exhibitiors, and covering ten halls. Overall, confidence at the show was high, with many exhibitors expressing confidence that, after a number of difficult years, the industry will grow again in the coming twelve months.

This is the show where all the major European manufacturers unveil their new models for the forthcoming season Caravan Cruise was there to get a flavour of the latest products on display.

CI CI had two new Elliott models on a Fiat Ducato chassis on display, the Elliott 40 overcab, and this Low Rise Garage P.

La Strada Celebrating twenty-five years, La Strada presented new layouts on on its Renault Master based Fano, and shown here, the Fiat Ducato based Avanti-C.

Westfalia The conversion specialists have been producing campervans since 1950. Star of the stand was a special edition Jules Verne based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

CS Reismobile New at Caravan Salon was a new Rondo L model featuring L shaped bunk beds.

Reimo Van-Concept Reimo showed three new models based on the Volkswagen T5 – a new layout for the sem-integrated Monos, the Free Van, and this Bike & Surf model.

Rapido Rapido is celebrating 50 years in the industry and showed two special edition A-Class motorhomes to mark the occasion, the 990 MHV, and this 1001 model.

Dethleffs Another anniversary at Dethleffs, this one marking 80 years of manufacturing motorhomes and caravans. The company has launched the Eighty, a special edition low profile model with a French bed to commemorate.

T.E.C. T.E.C. unveiled the Travelbird 390, featuring design ideas from a young Dutch caravanning couple, including variable bed layout solutions that can be converted into garage space.

10 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Eura Mobil Eura Mobil had a new version of the Activa Style on display featuring an ALKO chassis. The company also showed a prototype hybrid motorhome.

Event Review 1 Hymer Celebrating 50 years of motorhome manufacturing, the new Exsis-I on a Ducato chassis was the major launch at the show, but there was also much interest in the world debut of this parallel-hybrid prototype B578 with the front axle driven by a conventional diesel engine and the rear axle driven by an aircooled electric motor.

Knaus-Tabbert The Knaus-Tabbert group comprises a number of brands, many of them exhibiting new products at Caravan Salon.

Among them were the new Eterno 490 HTD caravan from Wilk .

Carado Carado displayed a number of new low roof models - the T448, T449 and T337, as well as a new alcove model, the A361 and a new Bauriehe caravan. This is the T449.

Knaus had the new Sun Ti 700 LEG on show.

Chausson The French brand premiered new Twist van conversions as well as some innovative ideas including this hinge door system on a Sweet model.

Tabbert showed the new Puccinni 560 HTD caravan.

Volkswagen Among the vehicles on the Volkswagen stand was a California with a special high roof made by Polyroof OHG.

Weinsberg displayed the new Carabus 541 MQ Ducato based van conversion.

Mercedes-Benz As well as Sprinter chassis vehicles, Mercedes-Benz was displaying its Marco Polo model in both 2.2l and 3.0l variants.

And T@B had a new version of its funky caravan, namely the White T@B. www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

11

Event Review 1

Subaru The Japanese brand was one of the few car manufacturers to have its full range of models for review.

Fiat The new Ducato is rapidly proving to be the chassis of choice for many motorhome manufacturers.

Citroën Citroën had this special Dispatch/Jumpy Kombi Comfort “Homage á Jacques Tati”

by Zoom on its stand.

Renault The Master is another chassis cab that is becoming more popular with motorhome manufacturers.

Iveco For heavier motorhomes with a GVW of up to 7 tonnes, the heavy duty twin wheel Iveco Daily is a popular choice of chassis cab.

Roller Team The Italian manufacturer showed a number of new and updated low roof and alcove models, all using Ford Transit chassis.

Wanner Wanner showed this new Grand Comfort 740 EB A-class based on an Iveco Daily chassis.

Hartmann For going where other motorhomes would not dare tread, how about this Hunerkopf from Hartmann on a Mercedes-Benz Unimog chassis?

Notin Notin showed this new Parva A-Class on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

Concorde The new Carver 820L on an Iveco Daily chassis from Concorde.

Rimor This is the new Rimor Sailor 95 Plus on a Fiat Ducato chassis

PLA A new brand that started business last year, but with pedigree dating back thirty years, Italian manufacture PLA produces a range of low profile and overroof motorhomes including this S741 model.

12 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Event Review 1

Volkner Mobil Don’t want to leave the Porsche Carrera GTS behind when going on holidays?

Volkner’s Performance II may be the motorhome for you. The price? A cool €1.5m.

Carthago Carthago showed this new Chic C-Line I 5.8 A-class, as well as new low-profile Tourer models.

Niesmann + Bischoff New at Caravan Salon was the Flair 100 series on an Iveco Daily chassis.

Phoenix Phoenix showed its new Top-Liner 8800 BML “StylXelegance” built on a MAN TGL chassis.

Hobby This Hobby 600 concept gave an insight into how motorhomes of the future might look. The leading German manufacturer also showed its latest striking Premium range of caravans.

Fendt Fendt showed this Platini Scand especially equipped for winter activities.

Laika Laika had a new A-class, the Kreos 7009 as the star of its stand.

Challenger Challenger had a number of new models including a 6.36m Vany, Genisis overcab and low profile models, and this Mageo 119.

Burstner Burstner is celebrating 25 years this year had had this special edition Nexxo to mark the occasion.

Sunlight The Dethleffs offshoot showed off this new T67 low profile model.

Frankia This I8400 QD A-class has an exclusive combination of Mercedes-Benz cab with AL-KO chassis.

Pilote Star of the Pilote stand was the new Explorateur Diamond Edition range. This is the G832 LCE model.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

13

Caravanning - Manufacturer Overview

Lunar's Lightweight Luxury

L

unar Caravans of Preston in Lancashire is one of the major players in the UK caravan industry, accounting for approximately 12% of the overall annual market of twenty five thousand vehicles in 2010.

That’s up from 7% market share in 2007, a year that saw a management buy-out and the adoption of an approach to heavily reinvest profits back into the business.

integral to the company’s DNA. That approach is ever more important today, in order to reduce negative impacts on the environment, as well as allowing caravanners a greater choice of towing vehicles. On the manufacturing front also, the company has taken steps for a cleaner environment, with the installation of a Carbon Neutral Biomass Energy Heating System that utilizes Lunar’s waste wood to provide heat to the factory.

Quasar / Ariva, Lexon / Sellar, Clubman and Delta.

The eight model Quasar family start the Lunar range off and range from the twoberth Ariva and Quasar 462 to the six berth 546 and 556 models. The 462 has a revised layout for 2012 while the 4-berth 494, a shorter model with a lighter end bathroom makes its debut.

Speaking at an event to unveil its product line-up for 2012, Chairman and CEO of Lunar Caravans Brian Mellor said that the company has come through strongly despite a difficult time immediately after the buy-out, and continuing difficult market conditions, and said that he was confident of continued growth in the coming years.

The Lexon family comprises seven models with two, four or five berths. There are two new models for 2012 – the 2-berth 420 with an end-washroom and MTPLM under 1200kg, and the 4-berth 520 with a unique end washroom.

Other models to receive revised layouts include the Stellar, and Lexon 530, 540 and 560 models.

Eight models comprise the upper-end Clubman and Delta ranges. A new model for 2012 is the 5-berth Delta FB with fixed bunk layout targeted at family buyers, while revised layouts feature on the 2-berth Clubman CK and 4-berth Clubman ES and Clubman SE models.

Lunar Caravans dates back forty-two years to 1969. Like a lot of caravan builders, it started from humble beginnings when a couple of apprentices working for Knowsley Caravans decided to branch out on their own. The Lunar name came about because of the interest in the American space programme of the time. The company continued to grow during throughout the seventies and eighties including building motorhomes, initially in 1985 and twelve years later with the Roadstar model.

In 1999 the Tirus Group bought Lunar Caravans, and the early years of the new century saw a range of new models being introduced, along with an expanded motorhome family. However in 2007, the company returned to UK ownership following the buyout by the existing management of the time.

Lunar’s tagline is ‘Lightweight Luxury’, and from its earliest days making light but quality touring caravans has been

Across all model ranges, 2012 updates include 100% LED internal lighting in all models and reduced water consumption by up to 20% through the use of ecofriendly shower heads.

There are also revisions to specifications of soft furnishings, kitchens and Combined with an emphasis on designing caravans with fewer components to aid the manufacturing process, it has seen Lunar win a Lean Manufacturing Award at the prestigious Yorkshire Productivity Awards 2011.

Since coming under the new ownership Lunar has reverted back to its original area of expertise, and now focuses solely on caravan production. There are four main model ranges in the current line-up –

14 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

bathrooms.

In Ireland, Lunar Caravans are available through Cookstown Caravans of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and LPC Caravan and Camping, Bangor, Co. Down.

Tow Car Review

Subaru's Legacy proves its Tow Car capabilities

I

t was with no small amount of regret that we returned our long-term road test Subaru Legacy Tourer back to Subaru Ireland in September. The estate had proven to be a most versatile and practical all-rounder during its stay with us.

The Legacy had a busy summer, taking in trips to France and the U.K. as well as travelling the length and breadth of the country, never missing a beat in that time.

It attracted more than its fair share of admirers, with a regular stream of people stopping to offer positive comments.

Subarus have not always hit the mark design wise, but in satin white this large estate car certainly oozed presence.

an opportunity to hook up to a Lunar Clubman SE and take it for a run. The caravan manufacturer has a reputation for producing lightweight caravans but even so, the Legacy made short work of pulling this four berth 'van. As we commented previously, you do need to rev the engine a little when moving off, but once on the move, it offers lots of torque across the rev range, while the permanent asymmetrical four-wheel-drive gives real confidence and sure-footedness in all driving conditions.

The Legacy got a further towing experience a couple of weeks later courtesy of a Bailey

Pageant Moselle provided by Mike Brown Caravans of Naas, County Kildare. (www. mikebrowncaravans.com). With a number of steep hills on our test drive, it gave us the chance to test the hill-start system.

This is the perfect companion for towing a caravan, allowing the driver to release the footbrake without the fear of the vehicle rolling backwards.

Overall we found it hard to find fault with the Subaru Legacy Tourer. At a price of €36,995, it isn’t the cheapest car on the market, yet for the level of equipment, permanent four wheel drive and overall engineering quality, we think it actually represents good value for money. It’s also a very competent tow car. Subaru attracts an unusually high proportion of repeat customers – after our experience with the Legacy Tourer, we can see why.

A family holiday to Normandy and the Loire in France had been organised prior to the arrival of the Subaru, but with its large boot capacity of 1677 litres with the rear seats down, it made perfect sense to take the Legacy – if just to maximize our French wine carrying capabilities!

The payload of 517 kg proved useful in this regard also. On the long French motorways, it was a relaxed companion, crusing effortlessly at 130 km/h. Even fully-laden it was returning average fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km (47 MPG) meaning stops for refuelling weren’t having to happen too often.

Early on we noted that the six-speed gearbox had felt a little notchy, not always easily slipping into gear, but as the kilometres mounted up, it loosened up considerably.

Shortly after returning to Ireland, the Legacy was heading overseas again, to attend Lunar Caravan’s launch of its 2012 model range. This allowed us Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

15

Caravan Park Review

Caravan Park Review 1 WHO

WHERE

CONTACT

The Apple Camping & Caravan Park

Traas, Moorstown, Cahir, County Tipperary

Tel: 052 7441459 Website: www.theapplefarm.com

ABOUT Green is more than just a colour at ‘The Apple’ Camping & Caravan Park situated in the Golden Vale near Cahir, County Tipperary. Just off the busy N24 Waterford to Limerick road at Moorstown, campers and caravanners will find a haven. Nature at its best.

Park or pitch up at one of 32 allocated spots on the 2-acre tree lined site which is adjacent to lines and lines of apple, plum trees and strawberry beds. 'The Apple' is owned and run by the Traas family, who originated from the Netherlands, and set up the facility back in the early 80s. It provides additional income to their main business, which is harvesting fruit and berries as well as bottling award-winning apple juices. Since 2002, the Bridgestone Guide has honoured their produce. One of the main attractions here for visitors is the opportunity to pick some of the fruits and berries for their own use while on site.

Also produced and sold in the ex-factory shop is a range of inviting home made jams and apple tarts.

As a result, a steady flow of overseas visitors come to ‘The Apple’ year-on-year, and due to its continuous popularity with Irish and European campers, the site is often booked up. Advice is to reserve your spot in advance.

Con Traas (pictured) highlighted the eco-friendliness of the site with a full recycling programme for refuse, while a local wind energy provider supplies all electricity in addition to the self-generated means through solar panels fitted to outhouses and buildings.

Pricing at ‘The Apple’ is different to most – there is no charge per unit be it tent, caravan or camper – just a charge per person - €6.50 per adult and €4.50 per child. Hot water, showers and use of awning are free of charge. For the young there is a multi-activity playground, tennis court while the adults can avail of the laundry and washing up areas if required. Con Award winning produce from 'The Apple'. plans to expand on these provisions by improving the indoor seating area, which is proving popular with everyone for dining, reading or using the wireless WiFi. Local attractions include the unusually shaped Moorstown Castle nearby with the Norman Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel within short driving distance.

While taking a guided tour of the ‘Rock’ we discovered the historical relationship the ancient monument has with St. Patrick and Brian Boru, once High King of Ireland, dating back to the 11th Century.

Nestled beside the Galty Mountains and the River Suir, if you wish to beat one with nature, come and visit ‘The Apple’. Bet you will stay more than one night!

Rating: 8/10

14 CARAVAN 16 CARAVAN CRUISE CRUISE IRELAND IRELAND || Buyers Buyers Guide Guide 2012 2012

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

Waterways 1 “Celtic Horizon offers more to the campervan market

W

exfordbasedand owned Celtic link Ferries has further improved its travel offering to the caravan and campervan sectors with the introduction of vessel 'Celtic Horizon' on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route. The vessel replaces the “Norman Voyager” on the three round trips weekly, year round service and marks a significant shift in the company’s focus towards serving the Irish and French tourism markets.

Celtic Horizon has a passenger capacity of just less than 1000 with berths for 480 in addition to several hundred reclining seats. Cabins range from two berth to six berth family cabins, and a couple of

suites complete with big screen TV’s, mini-bar etc. She boasts two bars and greatly improved restaurant facilities while Celtic Link promise that in the high season there will be children’s entertainment with musicians aboard.

Car capacity on board is 170 but the availability of 2885 lane metres of freight deck space should ensure that, even at the peak season there is plenty of caravan and campervan capacity. Celtic Link Ferries Marketing Manager, Rory McCall says: “What makes Celtic Horizon the most special is its prices.

Celtic Link ferries offer the absolute best prices for anyone travelling to France with their campervan”. They have reduced prices for 2012 and this means that a couple could travel to France and back with their campervan of up to 8.5 metres long, staying in a two berth outside cabin, for as little as € 336.”

RNLI lifeboat service for Lough Ree

F

ollowing representations from the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), cruise boat companies and other leisure users of Lough Ree on the Shannon navigation, the RNLI has agreed to establish a lifeboat station there on a 12 month trial basis. The rescue craft to be used will be similar to those currently operating on Lough Derg and Lough Erne and will be manned by local volunteers.

The IWAI estimates that there are more than 1000 boats moored in or around Lough Ree which has a number of large Marinas. The Lake is also a major

intersection on the Shannon-Erne and the Shannon-Royal Canal routes.

Local tourism interests, including the boat hire companies see this development as another important development in making the Shannon an attractive holiday destination.

RNLI Inspector for Ireland, Marilyn Smith commented: “Lough Ree is at present the only major lake on the Shannon that lacks a dedicated search and rescue presence. It is the centre of a variety of leisure pursuits tena will make a quantum leap forward in its North Irish based both afloat Sea Corridor services by placing the Stena 'Superfast' and ashore, and has a twins on their Belfast to Scotland route and running significant amount of them into a brand new port facility at Cairnryan. Picture marine traffic passing shows the first of these vessels, 'Stena Superfast VII' leaving through”. the Remontowa Shipyard at Gdansk.

Stena will open 'Superferry' link to Scotland

S

The new vessels and their service offering will be covered in the next issue of “Caravan Cruise” in 2012.

Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | SUMMER 2010

17

PAT HORAN MOTORS LTD.

BRIDGING THE BEST OF

THE CAMPER CENTRE OF IRELAND

IRELAND’S WEST

QUALITY NEW AND USED CAMPERS AGLISH,BORRISOKANE, CO. TIPPERARY, IRELAND.

All our campers are sold retail with full warranty.

We will always trade them back.

Phone: 067 21123 Mob: 087 2557348 www.pathoranmotors.com

NOW FRANKIA DEALER FOR IRELAND NOW ELDDIS DEALER FOR IRELAND

KERRY TO CLARE THE EASY WAY!

NEW FOR 2011

THE MATRIX

A: Killimer, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

T: +353 65 9053124 E: enquiries@shannonferries.com

www.shannonferries.com

THE CORAL

THE SPORT

FOR UP-TO-DATE DETAILS ON OUR STOCK CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK WEB SITE WWW.PATHORANMOTORS.COM

Devine Leisure Lodges Devine Leisure Lodges are renowned for designing stunning holiday lodges.

With more than 20 years experience we are one of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers and our reputation for innovation, quality, value and customer service is second to none.

Cabins

Park Homes are available in sizes ranging from 24 x 12 to 48 x 24 Built to full residential specifications.

Setup 2 -3 days maximum

Based in the Northwest of Ireland Devine Leisure Lodges are ideally situated to supply their products to anywhere in Ireland and the UK.

A wide choice of layouts to suit your needs.

In addition to our Leisure lodge’s we also offer a great range of other products, such as Cabins, Park Homes and Bespoke.

Leisure Lodges We Transport and site all our buildings onsite which save you the hassle.

Various Kitchen and Bedroom Furniture.

An extensive range of Interior and Exterior finishes to choose from

We also relocate your building if you wish to move.

“Quality and Value – The hallmarks of a Devine Leisure Lodge”

Park Homes

www.devineleisurelodges.com

Devine Leisure Lodges, Unit 2, 23 Art Road, Artigarvan, Strabane,Co.Tyrone. BT82 OHA Tel / Fax: 048 7188 4440 Mobile: 0044 77 45694596

BUYERS GUIDE 2012 Contents •

21 Caravan and Motorhome manufacturers with Irish Distributors and Dealers

•

26 Other Caravan and Motorhome manufacturers

•

31 Holiday Home, Lodges and Park Home manufacturers

•

33 Industry Organisations and Clubs

Motorhomes to exactly match your needs

We supply and fit a full range of accessories for all our motorhomes. We are Irish agents for Reimo and Movera Motorhomes Accessories and guarantee the highest quality products. Cara Motor Homes offer a full selection of motor homes available for rental.

• Annual habitation check and service • Accessory supply and fitting/repair • Fully equipped workshop We are agents for the following;

Cara Motorhomes - For Sales, Service and Rentals Co. Limerick

Tel: +353 (0)69 64400 Fax: +353 (0)69 63937 Email: info@caramotorhomes.ie Web: www.caramotorhomes.ie Office Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 6pm Open late evenings & Sundays by appointment

Finsure

O’Brien Finlay Insurance Associates Finsure, Bridge House Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 4.

Tel. 01 6601033 Fax. 01 6687985 Website. www.finsure.ie

• Finsure is Ireland’s leading provider of Mobile Home and Caravan Insurance • Our policy provides a wide range of benefits including cover for 60 days touring in Europe • Low policy excess • Competitive premiums • For a competitive quotation please contact our dedicated Finsure Team Directors: TM Gleeson; NP Maher BA ACII; Secretary DP Collins FCCA TMITI Finsure is a brand name of O’Brien Finaly Insurance Associates Ltd. which is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Registered in Ireland Number 39988. Irish Brokers Association member.

Buyers Guide ADRIA-MOBIL

From: Novo Mesto, Slovenia Web: http://2012.adria-mobil.com/gb-en Products: Caravans, Motorhomes & Van Conversions

Irish Agents: • Pat Horan Motors Ltd, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

Web: www.pathoranmotors.com (motorhome sales) • Buckleys Caravans, Mallow, Co. Cork Web: www.buckleyscaravans.ie (caravan sales) Adria has been manufacturing caravans since 1965 and motorhomes since 1982. Adria Concessionaires in Suffolk is the official Adria distributor for the UK and Irish markets.

New for 2012: The Astella 63HT caravan gets a new furniture design featuring a unique front kitchen and central lounge layout, while the Super Sonic 1701 SL motorhome made its UK and Ireland debut at the October Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham.

BAILEY

AUTO-SLEEPERS

AUTO-TRAIL

From: Lincolnshire, U.K. Web: www.auto-trail.co.uk Products: Motorhomes

From: Worcestershire, U.K. Web: www.auto-sleepers.co.uk Products: Motorhomes, Van Conversions & Caravans

Irish Agent: • Saville Motorhomes, Hillsborough, Co. Down.

Web: www.savilemotorhomes.com

Irish Agents: • Saville Motorhomes, Hillsborough, Co. Down.

Web: www.savilemotorhomes.com Auto-Sleepers has fifty years experience of building motorhomes. The company offers low-profile and high-rise coachbuilt models on Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz chassis, as well as van conversions of the Volkswagen Transporter and Peugeot Boxer. In 2010, the company introduced a range of caravans under the brand name AS Caravans.

New for 2012: Redesigned Neuvo and Broadway ranges, and a new 4-berth panel van, the Windrush. On the caravan front, there is a new Westminster model.

BAVARIA

• Buckleys Caravans, Mallow, Co. Cork.

Web: www.buckleyscaravans.ie • Dorvic Caravans, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim.

Web: www.dorviccaravans.co.uk Bailey is the leading caravan manufacturer in the UK, accounting for approximately one in three caravans sold there. In October 2011 Bailey officially launched its first motorhome model, the Approach SE. New for 2012: Bailey marks its arrival into the motorhome world with the introduction of the Approach SE in three different sizes, on a Al-KO chassis and using Peugeot underpinnings. On the caravan side, there are two new models, the Cabrera and Pamplona for the Unicorn family, plus a new layout for the Pegasus Rimini.

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

New for 2012: Two new Tracker models – the RS and FB - go on sale for 2012, while there are also changes to Euro 5 engines, and updates to interior designs and payloads.

BENTLEY

From: Bristol, U.K. Web: www.bailey-caravans.co.uk Products: Caravans & Motorhomes

Irish Agents: (Caravans Only)

With a history dating back thirty years, AutoTrail produces an extensive selection of low profile and high-roof coachbuild motorhomes from its manufacturing plant in Grimsby.

There are three product ranges – the Tracker, Apache and Frontier, all built on Fiat Ducato chassis.

From: La Limouzinere, France Web: www.bavaria-camping-car.com Products: Motorhomes & Van Conversions

From: Yorkshire, U.K. Website: www.bentleymotorhomes. co.uk Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agent: • Cyril Johnston Motorhomes, Carryduff, Belfast.

Web: www.cyriljohnston.co.uk/ motorhomes

Irish Agents: • Vanderlust. PK Services Complex Shannon Airport. email: dhanley@vanderlust.com Part of the Pilote Group, Bavaria has been producing motorhomes since 1997. The present line-up consists of A-class, low-profile and van conversion models under the brand names Fjord, Baltic and Artic.

New for 2012: There is a new Artic van conversion, the Fiat Ducato based F60 DG featuring a traverse fixed-bed, front dining area layout.

Bentley Motorhomes has only been in existence since 2009, but has a wealth of experience in the motorhome industry behind it. The company produces a range of coachbuilt models under the Artisan and Signature brands using Renault’s Trafic and Master as base vehicles.

New for 2012: Having introduced the Signature brand at the beginning of 2011, Bentley is expanding the smaller Artisan range for 2012 with the Cerise, which features a rear entrance door.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

21

Buyers' Guide CARADO

From: Bad Waldsee, Germany Web: www.carado.de/en.html Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

Irish Agents: • Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Web: www.irishmotorhomes.com Carado is one of Europe’s rapidly expanding brands with sales in 2011 up over 30% on last year. The company offers four high roof and seven low-profile models in its motorhome range, and a choice of seven caravan models.

New for 2012: There are three new caravan layouts for 2012, all positioned at the lower end of the market. A new motorhome model, the T448 is joined by a revamped A361 model. All motorhomes use a Fiat Ducato chassis.

CHAUSSON

From: Tournon Cedex, France Web: www.chausson.tm.fr/uk-uk Products: Motorhomes & Van Conversions

Irish Agents: • Fort Motors Ltd, Dublin.

Web: www.fortmotorhomes.ie Chausson is a brand of the Trigano Group.

It offers a range of high roof and low profile motorhomes under the ranges Flash, Welcome and Suite on Ford and Fiat chassis and the Twist range of van conversions.

New for 2012: There are two new Flash high roof models, while for low profiles there is a new Suite Cosy model, a new Flash 22 4-berth, and a new Welcome 98. There is also a new Twist 02 van.

CARAVELAIR

From: Tournon Cedex, France Web: www.caravelair.tm.fr Products: Caravans Irish Agents: • Charles Camping, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Web: www.charlescamping.com Caravelair is part of the Trigano VDL Group and will celebrate fifty years of manufacturing caravans next year. Offering a choice of four caravan models, the focus is on lightweight and functional vehicles.

CARTHAGO

From: Schmalegg, Germany Web: www.carthago.com/en Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agent: • Anchor Point Motorhomes, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Web: www.anchorpointmotorhomes. com/ Manufacturing since 1979, Carthago produces five main product lines - chic c-line, chic e-line, chic s-plus, chic-High-Line and Liner. Liner was a new model in 2011.

New for 2012: The Allegra model gets a new smooth body and updated interior fittings, while the Venicia has been completely restyled.

New for 2012: Carthago showed a new Chic C-Line on a Fiat Alko chassis at Caravan Salon as well as a new T-Plus model, the 145H.

COACHMAN

DETHLEFFS

From: Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.coachman.co.uk Products: Caravans

Irish Agents: • Dorvic Caravans, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim.

Web: www.dorviccaravans.co.uk One of the UK’s leading manufacturers, Hull based Coachman has been building caravans for over 25 years. Its present line-up consists of four model ranges – Amara, Pastiche, VIP and Laser.

New for 2012: The Pastiche, VIP and Laser ranges have received more modern and streamlined exteriors, while interiors have got new interior lighting and a heating system updates.

22 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

From: Isny, Germany Website: www2.dethleffs.de/gb Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

Irish Agents: • Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Web: www.irishmotorhomes.com • Cara Motor Homes Ltd, Co. Limerick Web: www.caramotorhomes.ie One of Europe’s leading motorhome and caravan manufacturers, Dethleffs is celebrating eighty years in the industry in 2011. The extensive motorhome range offers vehicles from under 3.5t up to the luxury Premium Liner.

New for 2012: Lots of detail updates across the model range, but the Alpa, a higher than normal high roof model designed by a motorhoming couple attracted particular attention at recent shows.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

Buyers Guide ELDDIS

From: Co. Durham, U.K. Web: www.elddis.co.uk Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

Irish Agents: • Charles Camping, Blessington, Co. Wicklow Web: www.charlescamping.com • LPC Caravan & Camping, Bangor, Northern Ireland Web: www.lpccaravans.co.uk • Pat Horan Motors Ltd, Co. Tipperary Web: www.pathoranmotors.com One of the UK’s leading manufacturers, Elddis produces motorhomes under the Autoquest and Aspire brands, while its caravan models are Xplore, Avanté, Odyssey and Crusader.

EURA MOBIL

FRANKIA

From: Marktschorgast, Germany Web: www.frankia.de Products: Motorhomes

From: Sprendlingen, Germany Web: www.euramobil.de Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agent: • Pat Horan Motors Ltd, Co. Tipperary Web: www.pathoranmotors.com • Thompson Leisure, Co. Down.

Web: www.thompsonleisure.com

Irish Agents: • Fort Motors Ltd, Dublin.

Web: www.fortmotorhomes.ie/ Eura Mobil started producing caravans in 1959 and motorhomes in 1983. It produces a range of two low profile models, three high-roofs and two integrated A-Class models.

New for 2012: A new Integra A-Class model and a new Activa Style 770 EB, both on Fiat AL-KO chassis, have been launched for the 2012 season.

New for 2012: The Aspire luxury motorhome range gets increased payloads for 2012, while there a special limited edition of the Crusader caravan – the Diamond Jubilee.

HOBBY

From: Fockbek/Rendsburg, Germany Web: www.hobby-caravan.de/en Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

Irish Agents: • Anchor Motor Homes, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Web: www.anchorpointmotorhomes.com/ • Thompson Leisure, Dromore, Co. Down Web: www.thompsonleisure.com Hobby is the world’s biggest manufacturer of caravans, employing 1,030 employees at its two factories in Schleswig-Holstein, North Germany. It also offers a range of low-profile and high-roof motorhomes on Ford, Fiat and Iveco chassis.

New for 2012: For caravans there is a new Premium range of nine models, a redesigned Prestige range and two new Landhaus models.

On the motorhome front there are six new Siesta models.

KARMANN MOBIL

Frankia is a major producer of motorhomes for European markets offering seven classes, three building types (A-class, high-roof and low-profile), and four chassis options.

New for 2012: A new high-roof model, the A 50-Plus with a new floor plan joins the Frankia family for 2012. It features a round seating arrangement at the rear and two bunk beds above the cabin.

HYMER

From: Bad Waldsee, Germany Website: www.hymer.com/cms/en/ company.html Products: Van conversions, Semiintegrated & A-Class Motorhomes

From: Sprendlingen, Germany Web: www.karmannmobil.com Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agents: • Carroll & McCauley Motorhomes, Dublin 10.

Web: www.cmca.ie/ Karmann Mobil offers a selection of low-profile and high-roof motorhomes as well as van conversions on Fiat Ducato and Volkswagen Transporter chassis.

New for 2012: The company unveiled the new Dexter van series at the Dusseldorf show, based on a high-roof Fiat Ducato. The Davis van series has also been expanded for 2012 with the launch of the 620 model.

Irish Agents: • Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Web: www.irishmotorhomes.com One of the largest and most successful motorhome manufacturers in Europe, Hymer celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2011 with the company having produced almost 150,000 vehicles since 1961.

New for 2012: There is an updated Exsis-I A-class model for 2012 with Fiat Ducato underpinnings and AL-KO frame. Hymer has also unveiled a world premiere - a roadworthy B-Class prototype with hybrid drive developed in conjunction with AL-KO.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

23

Buyers Guide KNAUS

From: Jandelsbrunn, Germany Website: www.knaustabbert.de Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

Irish Agents: • Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Web: www.irishmotorhomes.com Knaus is part of the giant Knaus-Tabbert group that also includes Tabbert, T@B, Wilk, Weinsberg and BavariaCamp. The Knaus brand, which celebrates fifty years in 2011, produces a full range of motorhomes as well as caravans and van conversions.

New for 2012: There are two newly developed low profile motorhomes for 2012, the Sky Ti and Sun Ti.

MERCEDES-BENZ

LAIKA CARAVANS

From: Firenze, Italy Web: www.laika.it/index.php/en/ Products: Motorhomes

• Ballybrittas Motors Ltd, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Web: www.ballybrittasmotors.ie Manufacturing since 1964, and located in the heart of the Chianti region, Laika is a modern and cutting-edge company with a production plant of over 20,000 sq.mt. The company currently produces six lines of motorhomes.

• Cookstown Caravans, Co. Tyrone Web: www.cookstowncaravans.com • LPC Caravan & Camping, Co. Down.

Web: www.lpccaravans.co.uk Lunar is the third largest caravan manufacturer in UK producing approximately 3000 units per annum. The company specializes in producing lightweight caravans.

New for 2012: Laika has launched a new A-class range for the 2012 season under the Keros name with eight models on offer, six on a Fiat ALKO chassis with wider track and two on an Iveco chassis with rear drive and twin wheels.

New for 2012: There are a total of twenty three new or revised Lunar models for 2012 including the 5-berth Delta FB, the 2-berth Lexon 420 and the 4-berth Lexon 520.

PILOTE

RAPIDO

From: La Limouzinere, France Web: www.pilote.fr/en/ Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agents:

Irish Agents:

• Mercedes-Benz products are distributed in Ireland via Motor Distributors Limited, Naas Road, Dublin 12

• Cara Motor Homes Ltd, Co. Limerick Web: www.caramotorhomes.ie

New for 2012: The Marco-Polo was facelifted in 2010 in line with the Viano update.

Mercedes-Benz has incorporated a number of enhancements for the current model year including optional wood-paneled floors.

From: Lancashire, U.K. Web: www.lunarcaravans.com Products: Caravans

Irish Agent: Irish Agents:

From: Stuttgart, Germany Web: www.mercedes-benz.com / www.mercedes-benz.ie Products: Campervan

Mercedes-Benz produces the Marco-Polo campervan in partnership with Westfalia. See our full review in this issue. The company also offers the Viano Fun while the Sprinter is a popular choice of base vehicle for motorhome manufacturers.

LUNAR CARAVANS

Pilote started manufacturing caravans in 1962 and motorhomes in 1978. It offers an extensive range of coachbuilt and A-class models under four brands – Aventura, Réferénce, Explorateur and Explorateur Diamond Edition.

Vans are built on Fiat and Mercedes-Benz base vehicles, with AL-KO chassis available for selected models.

New for 2012: The company’s new flagship is the new Explorateur Daomond Edition A-Class with sixteen models on offer. There’s a new Réferénce G40 LR model. Other vehicles get upgrades including double floors for the Réferencé range upwards.

24 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

From: Mayenne, France Website: www.rapido.fr/sites/irl/index. php Products: Motorhomes

Irish Agent: • Cara Motor Homes Ltd, Co. Limerick Web: www.caramotorhomes.ie Rapido celebrates fifty years in 2011. The company offers an extensive range of motorhomes ranging from vans to the top of the range Mercedes-Benz-based 9M/MH A-class series.

New for 2012: There are a total of fourteen new models for the 2012 season, with the entry level low-profile Series 6 motorhomes gaining two new models. The Series 10 A-class series grows to four models. The Series 7 range gets one addition while there are two new models in the Series 70 family.

Buyers Guide STERCKEMAN

STERLING

From: Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.sterlingcaravans.co.uk Products: Caravans

From: Tournon Cedex, France Web: www.sterckeman.tm.fr/en Products: Caravans

Sterckeman is part of the Trigano family and has been producing caravans for over sixty years. With a focus on the more affordable side of the market, there are three ranges in the Sterckeman line-up - Starlett, Alizé and Romance.

New for 2012: Sterckeman is introducing new models in each of its ranges for the 2012 season, namely the Starlett 465CP, 490PE and 525PE, the Alizé 430CP and Espace 500, and the Romance 440CP and 455CP.

T.E.C.

From: Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.swiftgroup.co.uk Products: Caravans, Motorhomes and Mobile Homes

Irish Agents: • Cookstown Caravans, Co. Tyrone.

Web: www.cookstowncaravans.com

Irish Agents: • Charles Camping, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Web: www.charlescamping.com

SWIFT

Sterling is one of three caravan manufacturers that form part of the Swift Group (Sprite and Swift itself are the others). Sterling caravans focus on offering a unique style with light woodwork and complimentary soft furnishings. Three ranges – Eccles, Elite and the new Eccles Sport are offered.

New for 2012: The new Sterling Eccles Sport replaces the popular Europa model for 2012, with a completely new exterior design, and new interior.

Irish Agent: Caravan Dealers: • Abbey Caravans - www.abbey-caravans.com • Charles Camping - www.charlescamping.com • Cookstown Caravans - www.cookstowncaravans.com • LPC Leisure Bangor - www.lpccaravans.co.uk • Moores Caravan Sales - www.moorescaravans.co.uk/

Motorhome Dealers: • Abbey Caravans - www.abbey-caravans.com • Hagan Leisure - www.hagansmotorhomes.com/ • Donaghey Motorhomes – www.irishmotorhomes.com

Swift is the leading brand within the Swift Group producing both motorhomes (the Sundance, Bolero and Kon-Tiki ranges) and caravans (Challenger Sport, Challenger and Conqueror ranges).

VOLKSWAGEN

New for 2012: The Swift Challenger Sport replaces the Charisma model. All Swift motorhomes will be fitted to Fiat Ducato Euro 5 bases for 2012, whlle the Bolero model gets AL-KO chassis.

WESTFALIA From: Sassenberg, Germany Web: www.tec-caravan.de/ Products: Motorhomes & Caravans

From: Wolfsburg, Germany Web: www.volkswagen.com

Irish Agents: Irish Agents:

• Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Web: www.irishmotorhomes.com T.E.C. has fifty years experience of producing motorhomes and caravans. The current model line-up consists of three caravan ranges and four low profile and high roof motorhome series.

New for 2012: There is a new Travelbird 390 caravan, while on the motorhome front is the new compact sized AdvanTEC model. There is also a new high roof model, the FreeTEC A.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland Web: www.vwcommercials.ie The original VW Type 2 campervan defined a whole category of mobile leisure vehicle; now Volkswagen offers a full in-house modern version, the California, based on the facelifted Transporter T5. A more basic verision, the California Beach, is also offered.

New for 2012: For the first time Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland will be offering a campervan option in its model range for 2012.

From: Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Germany Website: www.westfalia-mobil.de The German conversion specialists can lay claim to constructing the original camping bus in 1951, meaning the company celebrated sixty years in 2011. Today it employs 200 people and produces a range of motorhomes under the Westfalia brand based on vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Ford and Opel. It also provides conversions on behalf of automobile manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Ford and Opel.

New for 2012: To celebrate sixty years, Westfalia has launched the ‘Jules Verne’ – a limited anniversary model based on the MercedesBenz Vito, which uniquely for the type of vehicle features two built-in single beds and a toilet.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

25

Buyers Guide Briefs

Airstream

Auto Campers

Autocruise

From: Jackson Center, Ohio, U.S.A. Penrith, Cumbria U.K. (EU market) Producing: Caravans Web: www.airstreamandco.com

From: Winnersh, Berkshire, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.auto-campers.co.uk

From: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.autocruise.co.uk

Auto Campers produces a range of van conversions based on the Ford Transit, designed and manufactured by Roy Wood Transits, an independent Ford Transit specialist dealer.

Founded in 1988, Autocruise produces a range of high quality van conversions based on the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato. Since 2007, Autocruise has been part of the Swift Group.

Bessacarr

Buccaneer

Bürstner

From: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, U.K Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.swiftgroup.co.uk/ Motorhomes/Bessacarr

From: Consett, Co. Durham, U.K. Producing: Caravans Web: www.buccaneercaravans.co.uk/

From: Kehl Rheinhafen, Germany Producing: Motorhomes and Caravans Web: www.buerstner.com/uk.html

Part of the Swift Group, Bessacarr offers a range of three low profile and high rise coachbuilt motorhomes based on Fiat Ducato chassis – the E400, E500 and E700 series.

Owned by the Explorer Group, and sister company to Elddis, Buccaneer produces limited number, craftsman-built higherend touring caravans. There are four ranges in the current line-up – Corsair, Clipper, Caravel and Schooner.

Manufacturing caravans since 1924 and motorhomes since the fifties, Bürstner is one of Europe’s largest motorhome producers. Part of the Hymer Group since 1998, today it produces an extensive range of Low Profile, High Roof and A-Class vehicles.

Caravans International

Challenger

Chameleon Motorhomes

From: San Gimignano, Italy Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.ci-motorhomes.co.uk

From: Tournon Cedex, France Producing: Motorhomes and Van Conversions Web: www.challenger.tm.fr

From: Gloucester, United Kingdom Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.chameleonmotorhomes. co.uk/index.html

Part of the giant Trigano Group that also includes Autotrail, Chausson, CI, EuraMobil, Karmann and Roller Team among others, Challenger has the distinction of being the only brand created by Trigano - all other brands were acquisitions.

Chameleon Motorhomes produces hand-built van conversions based on the Mercedes Sprinter panel van in both medium and long wheel base versions, or the medium wheel base Fiat Ducato.

The oldest recreational vehicle manufacturer in the world, Airstream produces highend caravans that are recognized around the world for their unpainted aluminium bodies and retro-styling.

Caravans International or CI is part of the French owned Trigano Group of recreational vehicles. The company produces a range of low-profile and high-roof vehicles using Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato as base vehicles.

26 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Buyers Guide Briefs

Concorde

Danbury

Devon Conversions

From: Schlüsselfeld-Aschbach, Germany Producing: Motorhomes Web: www..concorde-reisemobile.com/en

From: Bristol, U.K Producing: Campervan conversions Web: www.danburymotorcaravans.com

From: Durham, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: http://devonconversions.co.uk

A manufacturer of high-end and luxury motorhomes, with a range of A-class and coachbuilt models, Concorde can count among its customers Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

The UK’s biggest VW campervan supplier offers brand new ‘old style’ versions of the VW T2 running on biofuel, unleaded petrol or LPG option. Also offered are new and used VW T5 campervans, and Fiat Scudo and Doblo campers.

Devon Conversions specialises in van conversions and is one of the oldest names in the business, the company having been established in 1956. It produces conversions of Renault, Fiat, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

East Neuk Caravans

Enfield Leisure Vans

Eriba Touring

From: Fife, U.K. Producing: Campervans Web: www.eastneukcampervans.co.uk

From: Lincolnshire, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.enfieldleisurevans.com/

From: Bad Waldsee, Germany Producing: Caravans Web: www.hymer.com/cms/en/caravans/ Touring

East Neuk Campervans is a family run business based in the coastal village of Anstruther, situated in East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. The company manufactures the Fifer Touring range of campervans based on the Citroen Relay.

A new company that started in 2011, Enfield Leisure Vans produces the Elite model based on the high roof version of the Peugeot Expert mid-sized van, and the larger Venture and Venture L based on the Fiat Ducato.

Fendt

Fifth Wheel Company

FR-Mobil

From: Mertingen, Germany Producing: Caravans & Motorhomes Web: www.fendt-caravan.com/en.html

From: Denbighshire, U.K. Producing: Caravans Web: www.fifthwheelco.com

From: Schloß Holte, Germany Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.fr-mobil.com

Originally part of the giant agricultural machinery corporation, Fendt was taken over by the Hobby Group in 1997. Primarily known for its caravan range, the company has also been making motorhomes since 2006.

Manufacturing caravans that attach to specially modified 4x4 pick-ups, models include Dreamseeker and Celtic Rambler.

In 2011 the company also launched the INOS range of caravans featuring slideout sections.

Since the mid-noughties, FR-Mobil has been producing a range of luxury A-Class motorhomes using Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Iveco Daily and MAN TGL as base vehicles. The company has engineering roots going back 45 years.

Part of the Hymer Group. Eriba caravans have been in existence for over fifty years.

The company specialises in producing distinctive lightweight caravans with compact dimensions featuring pop-up roofs.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

27

Buyers Guide Briefs

Geist

Giottiline

Globecar

From: Sassenberg, Germany Producing: Motorhomes & Caravans Web: Web address of parent company LMC is www.lmc-caravan.de

From: Poggibonsi, Tuscany, Italy Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.giottiline.com/?lang=en

From: Ainring, Germany Producing: Van Conversions Web: /www.globecar.de/en/index.html

Giottiline manufacturers a range of lowprofile and high roof coachbuilts. There are three model ranges in the current lineup - Windy, Therry and Top Cruiser, using base vehicles from Citroën and Iveco.

Globecar specializes in the conversion of Citroën, Fiat and Ford vans under two model ranges – D-Line and H-Line.

Globecar is marketed in Ireland through Donaghey Motorhomes, Letterkenny.

Gobur Caravans

Hillside Leisure

Home-Car

From: Norfolk, U.K. Producing: Caravans Web: www.goburcaravans.co.uk

From: Derby, U.K. Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.hillsideleisure.co.uk

From: Overpelt, Belgium Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.homecar-motorhomes.com

Gobur Caravans specializes in the manufacture of folding caravans under the Carousel brand name since the early 1970’s. There are presently three models in the Carousel line-up - Slimline, Standard Width and Clubman.

A family run business that specialises in building high quality Compact Motor Homes on new or low mileage pre-owned vans. Hillside Leisure was established in 2004 by two brothers, Mark & Adrian Cross.

Home-Car manufacturers a five model line-up of low-profile and high roof coachbuilts based on Fiat Ducato chassis, as well as one model using the Ford Transit as base vehicle.

Horizon Leisure Vehicles

Itineo

Jerba Campervans

From: Staffordshire, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.horizonsleisurevehicles.co.uk

From: Beaucouzé, France Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.itineo.com/motorhome_ index.php

From: East Lothian, U.K. Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

Geist produces a range of caravans and motorhomes through parent company Lord Munsterland Caravans (LMC).

Donaghey Motorhomes of Letterkenny is a dealer for Geist Motorhomes.

Horizon Leisure Vehicles offer campervan conversions on Ford and Peugeot bodies.

The company, which was founded in 1992, now markets its products directly, having previously sold through Roy Wood Transits.

Itineo manufactures high-end low-profile and A-class motorhomes based on the Fiat Ducato chassis. The 2012 line-up consists of two low-profiles and nine A-class models.

28 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

This Scottish company converts campervans and motorhomes to customer specifications. It offers four of its own conversion designs for the Volkswagen Transport T5 as well as one for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, but can also convert to customer’s own designs.

Buyers Guide Briefs

La Strada

LMC

Murvi

From: Echzell, Germany Producing: Van conversions Web: www.lastrada-mobile.de

From: Sassenberg, Germany Producing: Caravans and Motorhomes Web: www.lmc-caravan.de

From: Devon, U.K Producing: Van Conversions Web: www.murvi.co.uk/

La Strada produces conversions of fixed roof vans including Fiat Ducato, MercedesBenz Sprinter and Renault Master. In 2011 the company has been taken under new ownership.

Lord Mßnsterland Caravans have been in production since the 1950’s, using the LMC brand since 1981. The company has been part of the Hymer Group since 1991. Three caravan series and five motorhome variations comprise the current model line-up.

Murvi is a respected specialist in campervan conversions with over thirty years of experience in the industry. The company produces a range of high roof and pop-top conversions for Fiat Ducato and Volkswagen T5 vehicles.

Niesmann + Bischoff

Notin

Nu Venture

From: Polch, Germany Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.niesmann-bischoff.de/en/home/

From: Montbrison, France Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.notin.fr

From: Lancashire, U.K. Producing: Motorhomes and Van Conversions Web: www.nuventure.co.uk/

Niesmann + Bischoff is one of the leading manufacturers of luxury liners, offering an extensive range via its two models, Arto and Flair. The company celebrated 30 years of manufacturing motorhomes in 2011, but has been in the industry since 1955.

Notin produces a range of luxury lowprofile, and A-class motorhomes using Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. The company is one of the longest established in the industry, having produced its first caravan in 1921 and first motorhome in 1948.

This Wigan based firm manufactures its own range of award winning compact motorhomes. It also undertakes full or part-conversions for all types of motorhomes.

Phoenix

Rimor

Roller Team

From: Aschbach, Germany Producing: Motorhomes Website: www.phoenix-reisemobile.de

From: Poggibonsi (Siena), Italy Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.rimor.it

From: San Gimignano, Italy Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.rollerteam.it

Phoenix is one of the largest European manufacturers of luxury A-Class motorhomes, and also produces a selection of large high-roof coachbuilt models. Base vehicles include the Iveco Daily and Eurocargo and MAN TGL.

Rimor has been manufacturing motorhomes since 1978 and produces a range of low-profile and high-roof models as well as a single van conversion using Ford, Fiat and Renault base vehicles.

Part of the Trigano Group and sister company to Caravans International (CI), Roller Team manufacturers low-profile and high-roof coachbuilt motorhomes as well as a van range, using Fiat and Ford chassis.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

29

Buyers Guide Briefs

Romahome

RS Motorhomes

Sea Group

From: Isle of Wight, U.K. Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.romahome.com

From: Yorkshire, U. K. Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.rsmotorhomes.com

From: Trivolzio, Italy Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.sea-camper.com/ENG

Romahome specializes in the production of compact sized motorhomes based on Citroen vans. Models range from the R10 based on the Nemo to the Despatch based R40. The new Berlingo based R20 was unveiled in October.

A luxury motorhome manufacturer specialising in bespoke motorhomes and RV’s with 25 years experience, the company started out supplying specialised motorhomes to the motor sport market but in recent years has expanded into the leisure market.

SEA, or Società Europea Autocaravan, is the biggest Italian manufacturer and the third largest in Europe in the mobile market. Brands include Elnagh, Mobilvetta, McLouis, Miller, Joint, Sharky, Dream, Orian & Auto Sleepers.

STX

Sunlight

Tabbert

From: Wolvertem – Meise, Belgium Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.stephex.com

From: Isny im Algau, Germany Producing: Motorhomes Web: www.sunlight-caravaning.de

From: Jandelsbrunn, Germany Producing: Caravans Web: www.tabbert.de

Motorhomes STX produces high-end truck sized motorhomes with a focus on the show-jumping industry from where the company has its roots. Renault Magnum and Volvo FLL7 trucks provide the basis for these motorhomes.

Sunlight is a brand of Dethleffs that focuses on the more affordable segment of the motorhome market. It offers high roof and low-profile models using a Fiat Ducato chassis. Sunlight is available in Ireland through Saville Motorhomes of Hillsborough, Co. Down.

Part of the giant Knaus Tabbert group, Tabbert is one of the major manufacturers in Europe, focusing on the higher end of the market. The range consists of four model lines – Paganini, Puccini, Vivaldi and Da Vinci.

Vanmaster

Wheelhome

Wilk

From: Lancashire, U.K. Producing: Caravans Web: www.vanmaster.net

From: Essex, U.K. Producing: Motorhomes Web: http://home.btconnect.com/ wheelhome/

From: Jandelsbrunn, Germany Producing: Caravans Web: www.wilk.de

Wigan based Vanmaster produces handbuilt caravans for the higher end of the market. Range includes the Accolade, Applause and Occasion models, while the company has recently launched the new 2-berth Darwin model.

Wheelhome is a niche manufacturer specialising in micro motorhomes. It hand-builds three products: the Skamper and Vikenze based on the Fiat Fiorino Combi, plus the slighty larger Panache on the Fiat Scudo Panorama.

30 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Also part of the Knaus-Tabbert group, Wilk has been manufacturing caravans for over 55 years. The current range consists of four models, Vida, Sento, Eterno and Vida Natura.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Buyers Guide - HOLIDAY HOMES ABI From: East Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.abiuk.co.uk ABI is one of the leading manufacturers of mobile homes, with an extensive 2012 collection comprising twelve different styles and layouts to cover every taste and budget. In Ireland, ABI is available through Smyth Leisure of Newtownmountkennedy and Youghal (www.smythleisure.com) and Johnstons Caravans Ltd of Letterkenny (www.johnstonscaravans.ie).

Atlas Leisure Homes From: Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.atlas-caravans.co.uk Atlas Leisure Homes has over thirty years experience in the holiday home industry.

The 2012 range consists of eleven model options. In Ireland, Atlas holiday homes are available from Burkes Caravan Services Middleton (www.burkescaravans. com), Harry Farrell & Sons, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin (www.harryfarrellsons.com) and Johnstons Caravans Ltd of Letterkenny (www.johnstonscaravans.ie).

BK Bluebird From: Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.bkbluebird.co.uk Part of Willerby Holiday Homes, BK Bluebird offers a choice of six designs including for 2012 the all-new Calypso and redesigned Seville. Irish distributors include Cunningham Caravans of Limerick (www.cunninghams.ie), Kenneallys Caravans of Cork (www.kenneallyholidayhomes.ie), Harry Farrell & Sons, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin (www.harryfarrellsons.com), Northern View Caravans, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (www.northernview.co.uk/) and Sandycove Holiday Homes of Newtownards, Co. Down (http://home2.btconnect.com/Sandycove-Holida/index.htm).

Carnaby Caravans From: Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.carnabycaravans.co.uk Sold in Ireland through agents Smyth Leisure of Newtownmountkennedy and Youghal (www.smythleisure.com), and Johnstons Caravans Ltd of Letterkenny (www.johnstonscaravans.ie), Caranaby Caravans’ six model 2012 range includes the Essence which was awarded the title of Caravan Holiday Home of the Year 2012 at the Lawns Show in September.

Delta Caravans From: Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.deltacaravans.co.uk Not just a leading manufacturer for the UK market, Delta Caravans, which was established in 1983, is also a successful exporter to European countries via partner Recreahomes. The eight model range includes the new for 2012 Danbury design.

Devine Leisure Lodges From: Strabane, Co. Tyrone.

Web: www.devineleisurelodges.com Devine Leisure is one of the leading manufacturers of holiday lodges in the U.K. and Ireland. The company manufactures cabins, leisure lodges, and park homes as well as bespoke buildings to customer specifications. A wide range of options, from layouts and colours, to heating are available.

Europa From: Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.europacaravans.com Europa has been manufacturing holiday homes for more than thirty-five years for the UK and European markets. The 2012 range consists of five models – Poplar, Tupelo, Cypress, Spruce and Sequoia. www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

31

Buyers Guide - HOLIDAY HOMES Pathfinder Park Homes From: Newton Abbot, Devon U.K. Web: www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk Pathfinder Park Homes is a leading manufacturer of high quality park homes and lodges, with a firm focus on energy efficient building practices. The company offers a selection of seven park home styles, and twelve lodge styles.

Pemberton Leisure Homes From: Wigan, U.K. Web: http://pembertonlh.co.uk/ One of the UK’s longest established manufacturers of holiday homes, Pemberton Leisure Homes has a reputation for longevity and quality. The company offers a choice of twenty seven models across fourteen ranges. Pemberton products are available in Ireland through Harry Farrell & Sons, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin (www.harryfarrellsons.com) and Johnstons Caravans Ltd of Letterkenny (www. johnstonscaravans.ie).

Prestige Park & Leisure Homes From: Kettering, Northamptonshire, U.K. Web: www.prestigeparkandleisurehomes.com Having started as a park home refurbishment business, Prestige Developments started producing its own range of leisure homes in 2007 under the name Prestige Park & Leisure Homes. Today it offers an extensive catalogue of residential home and leisure lodge styles, including the new Winchester Lodge which was unveiled at the Motor Home & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham in October.

Regal Holiday Homes From: Wareham, Dorset, U.K. Web: www.regalholidayhomes.co.uk Regal Holiday Homes offers a range of five holiday home designs, including the Symphony which was the winner of the Caravan Holiday Home Constructor’s Award for 2012 by the Caravan Writer’s Guild. Regal is available in Ireland through Harry Farrell & Sons, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin (www.harryfarrellsons.com).

Swift From: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.swiftgroup.co.uk/holiday-homes The major caravan and motorhome manufacturer has been producing holiday homes for seven years. The current range comprises nineteen models across four model styles – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Moselle, Chamonix and Champagne. Hayes Caravans of Dungannon, Co. Tyrone (www.hayescaravans.com) is the main dealer and distributor for Swift Holiday Homes in Ireland.

Willerby Holiday Homes From: Hull, Yorkshire, U.K. Web: www.willerby.com The UK’s largest manufacturer of holiday homes and lodges, Willerby offers holiday homes for all tastes and budgets with sixteen holiday home designs and nine leisure lodges to choose from its extensive range. Distributors in Ireland include Cunninghams Caravans, Limerick (www.cunninghams.ie), Kenneallys Caravans of Cork (www.kenneallyholidayhomes.ie), Northern View Caravans, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (www.northernview.co.uk/), and Seaview Caravan Sales, Milisle, Co. Down (www.seaviewcaravansales.com).

32 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Buyers Guide - Organisations/Clubs Irish Caravan & Camping Council (ICC) What is it? An organization representing caravan and camping park operators, other members include manufacturers, dealers and equipment suppliers. As well as representing member’s interests, the ICC provides advice and information to the general public relating to camping holidays, including the annual Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Guide.

Web: www.camping-ireland.ie

Irish Camping & Caravan Club (I.C.C.C.) What is it? Representing the interests of campers and caravanners, the I.C.C.C. is affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de Camping et de Caravanning (F.I.C.C.), the international organization that concentrates on defending interests of camping and caravanning. As well as organizing events most week-ends of the year, members can also avail of discounted offers on a select range of services.

Web: www.iccc.ie

Irish Motor Caravanners Club (IMCC) What is it? A club representing motorhomers in Ireland, membership is open to any person over 18 years of age who owns a motorhome or has an interest in motor caravanning. The club organizes an extensive rally programme each year for members and visitors across the thirty two counties of Ireland.

Web: www.imcc.ie

Waterways Ireland What is it? Waterways Ireland is a North/South Implementation Body with responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of inland navigable waterways principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under the remit of the body are the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann, the Royal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation.

Web: www.waterwaysireland.org

Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) What is it? The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland is a voluntary body of inland waterways enthusiasts who advocate the use, maintenance, protection, restoration and improvement of the inland waterways of Ireland. It represents the views of members to governments (NI & RoI), to Waterways Ireland and other navigation authorities, and government bodies. IWAI has approx. 4400 members drawn from all walks of life and from people with a wide range of interests including boating, angling, walking, heritage, environment.

Web: www.iwai.ie

National Caravan Council Ltd What is it? The UK trade body for the tourer, motorhome, caravan holiday and park home industries. The NCC represents some 800 member outlets, in manufacturing, park operations, distribution, retailing and in the provision of specialist supplies and services, within the UK caravan industry.

Web: www.nationalcaravan.co.uk

The Caravan Club What is it? The Caravan Club is the largest touring organisation of its kind in Europe, with over half the UK caravanning population as members. The Club provides members with a choice of around 200 Club Sites and some 2,500 Certificated Locations, together with an unrivalled range of exclusive services.

Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Camping & Caravanning Cub What is it? The world’s oldest and largest Club for all forms of camping, with over 500,000 members.

It provides membership rates at 110 award winning Club Sites and an additional 1500 member-only Certificated Sites, as well as technical and legal advice, publications and access to member services.

Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) What is it? The British Holiday & Home Parks Association represents the interests of the British parks industry.

Membership is made up of the owners and managers of park home estates, touring and tenting parks, caravan holiday home parks, chalet parks and all types of self-catering accommodation. The BH&HPA provides an online directory to over 2,800 holiday and residential parks in the UK at www.ukparks.com.

Web: www.bhhpa.org.uk Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

33

www.volkswagenvans.ie

8S WR WKH ODNHV GRZQ WR WKH EHDFK RU RYHU WKH KLOOV DQG IDU DZD\" &KHFN RXW WKH &DOLIRUQLD FDPSHU YDQ DW \RXU ORFDO DXWKRULVHG 9RONVZDJHQ GHDOHUVKLS

7KH &DOLIRUQLD $UH \RX D FDPSHU IDQ"

Caravan Park Review

Caravan Park Review 2

WHO

WHERE

Dungloe Caravan Park

Carnmore Road, Dungloe, County Tel/Fax: 074 95 21021 Mobile: 087 931930 Donegal Website: www.dungloecaravanpark.com

CONTACT

ABOUT No matter what direction one approaches the town of Dungloe, the region cannot but be described other than the ‘Connemara of the North West’. Weather worn barbed wire fences and delicately poised stone walls dot the landscape as the meandering roads direct one towards the coastal ‘Capital of the Rosses’.

Approaching ‘An Clochan Liath’ – the grey stepping stone as it’s known in Irish, from the R252 Fintown Road, the sight of Lidl, Aldi and Supervalu supermarkets all located within close proximity of each other will surprise many of Dungloe’s progress in recent years.

While new developments such as these are welcoming, one of the longest established businesses in the area can be found nearby in the local Touring Caravan Park.

Established over 35 years ago, the family-run facility, run in a friendly and efficient manner by Ann and Charles Greene, is an ideal location to stop off while exploring the vast number of attractions in the region.

Both ensure that your stay will be enjoyable, starting with a warm welcome.

Apart from the beautiful scenery, the Glenveagh National Park, Newmills Corn and Flax Mill and the historic railway at Fintown are just a few of the local recommendations.

Members of clubs and associations across Europe are regular visitors to the Dungloe facility, which has everything covered regarding the requirements of the campervan, caravan or camper. Parking pitches are arranged in a circular format with plenty of shelter all around. The block area houses the toilets, showers, laundry and reception, with a chemical toilet to the rear of the building.

At one time this site was a scrap-yard for Charles Greene’s father’s garage, which was situated across the road. After a major tidy up was done, some parking slots for caravans were provided. Improvements have been continuously made since then and in preparation for this season the parking areas have been re-surfaced. While we were there, there was an even mix of caravans, campervans and tents on site.

Let Dungloe Touring Caravan Park be your ‘stepping stone’ to a pleasurable visit to North West Donegal.

Rating: 7/10

Text & Pictures:Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

35

Waterways 2

Cruising on the Canal du Midi – a wonderful experience

E

verybody knows about the world’s great canals that cut through the narrow regions between oceans.

These include the Panama Canal, built in the early 20th century and now being re-developed to take the largest ships afloat from the Pacific to Atlantic oceans, the earlier Suez Canal linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway bringing ocean going vessels deep into the heart of North America, but the daddy of them all is the Canal du Midi. It runs from the Camargue Mediterranean coast west to Toulouse where it links with the Canal du Garonne, which itself runs into the Garonne River and out into the Atlantic at Bordeaux.

As Christopher Columbus was discovering the new World and many other exciting discoveries were being made, one fact that caused grief with merchants both in northern Europe and the Mediterranean region was that to carry out their mutual business involved a voyage around the Iberian peninsula taking a month or more, and with huge cargo losses due to storms.

Though the Romans had built good roads through France that was an even more unsatisfactory way to go – so the dream

of a canal linking the Rover Garonne with the Mediterranean was born. Leonardo da Vinci was called in to design and specify the new canal and, though he got much of the design done, he was stumped by the need to supply it with sufficient water and the project was dropped.

Some 150 years later the 240 km. Canal du Midi was back on the Agenda with Pierre-Paul Riquet taking it on for the local Government which was anxious to develop a proper link from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Riquet’s master stroke was to pick up the original plans and to build a reservoir in the high mountains and pipe the water down the 25 km. to the canals highest point some 800 metres above sea level. Curiously, though the prospect of building the canal with its 91 locks, a few aqueducts and multiple bridges did not seem to bother the mainly military engineers, the system of pipes from reservoir to canal was a real problem for them. The problem was solved through the import of up to 1000 peasant women from the Pyrenees region. These women had day to day experience of keeping the mountain water systems put in place by the Romans maintained and developed.

36 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

The building of the Canal du Midi was totally successful and, like all pieces of infrastructure was developed and improved over time. The arrival of the railways and the inevitable laying of the line linking Marseilles and Bordeaux close to the canal seemed, for a time, to threaten the canal and there was even a threat that part of a canal route planned to improve one stretch should be turned over to become a rail route instead, thus, killing the canal’s business, but that did not happen.

By 1980, though, commercial traffic came to an end on the Canal du Midi.

Since then the canal has become one of the great leisure inland waterways with self-hire cruisers from many companies and hotel boats constantly traversing the waterway for eight months of the year.

The Canal, like the cities of Carcassonne and Bordeaux has been given UNESCO heritage status and photos of some of the 2000 plane trees that border the canal have become iconic.

Having traversed sections of the Grand Canal and Shannon–Erne Canal in Ireland and the Crinan canal in Western Scotland some years ago, it was high time for the Knott family to explore the Canal du Midi

Waterways 2 and we headed off in October this year.

We flew Ryanair to Carcassonne airport where a taxi arranged by the Le Boat hire company picked us up and brought us the eight kilometre journey to their base in the charming little town of Trebes, east of Carcassonne. Le Boat is a sister company of Emerald Star Line and part of the TUI travel group. TUI has fleets of broadly similar boats on rivers and canals from Venice to Fort William in Scotland and as far east as Berlin as well as, of course, the substantial Emerald Star fleet.

We hired one of their Continentale Class six berth cruisers, taking her on the 52 kilometre journey from Trebes northwest to Castelnaudary, what the brochure described as a “Medieval Short Break”.

We had four nights on board. However, as we spent the first afternoon in Trebes soaking up the midday heat over a very leisurely lunch on the banks of the little harbour, we basically left ourselves three days to climb the 31 locks, a journey that should take about 18 hours. We also did our boat handling training session on that first afternoon learning to master the, for me counterintuitive, art of reversing into a canal berth and some of the tricks of handling a boat with rather “average” steering into and out of the locks. That evening we went to the next door restaurant and sampled the local “Cassoulet” dish. That, though very tasty, is seriously heavy food, not unlike Irish Stew but with much more fat.

After a quick breakfast shop in the village we headed out of Trebes the following morning and over a four hundred year old aqueduct and into the first lock on the way to Carcassonne. The lock sides, unlike those anywhere else, curve towards the gates at each end. This was one of Monsieur Riquet’s innovations in the canal as he felt that this design would make infinitely strong locks and they have, indeed, stood the test of time.

Our boat handing improved as we ambled along between the rows of plane trees and the temperature climbed from an early morning four degrees towards lunchtime, twenty-five degrees. We reached Carcassonne by early afternoon, tied up at one of the many mooring posts along the canal side and set out to explore the medieval fortress and the slightly more modern La Cite quarter. Even in midOctober the city was crowded but the walk up through the narrow passageways with shops and cafes everywhere, to the castle www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

37

Waterways 2

walls was worth it. The view in all directions was stunning.

Next morning, after a brief stop in the formal port of Carcassonne, where they charge €3 for a hour’s stay with use of shore power and a chance to refill the fresh water tanks, we headed west again, through the twists and turns of a calm and very uncrowded canal. There were bursts of lock activity and what was effectively a compulsory lunch stop as the lock-keepers take a strict 12.30 to 13.30 lunch hour. That evening we came alongside near the Roman town of Bram and used our bikes to take us the kilometre to the little town in pursuit of a meal. However, being a Sunday evening and off-season that did not work out and we attacked our supplies on board. Early the following morning we cycled to the town again, appreciating the large cycle path some short distance from the roadside.

mainly, I suspect, because it is managed from Portsmouth and gets into sterling/euro muddles. Their inability to send on a hard copy brochure in advance was disappointing and if we had had it our planning might have been better. I would have loved to have known in advance about the new Cruisers on the Canal du Midi, their Le boat 1500 series that use solar power to drive a hybrid engine designed and built by Volkswagen.

However, everyone we met at the le boat bases and all along the canal was smiling and helpful, the sun shone all day and the Canal du Midi was magnificent.

Replete with coffee and baguette we headed off again, reaching the village of Villepinte by lunchtime. Here we found a real Routiers truckers’ cafe. To Irish eyes the real surprise looking at the twenty or so trucks of all sorts and sizes, was that they were parked in a block. There was no way the guy at the back could get out before half a dozen others did. The meal, served at long tables, was great, three courses including wine for €9; at 13.25 the place emptied, five minutes later the truck park was empty.

That afternoon we followed a large hotel boat through a number of locks, eventually reaching a four lock stair just outside Castelnaudary. Though all the locks are automated there is a lock keeper for each set controlling activities and happy to chat, but at the Castelnaudary stair the lockkeeper was in an overlooking control tower. It all looked a lot scarier than it actually turned out.

Out of the trees we went and into the beautiful harbour at Castelnaudary overlooked by a medieval town. There we found Le Belle Époque Restaurant and a delicious meal. The following morning a thick fog descended, but it did not matter as it was time to clean up, report to the Le Boat office, pay the 10c that we owed for diesel – we had paid a €100 charge in advance and had used €100.10. Then, down the road to catch the Bordeaux train.

Three hours later we saw the Atlantic end of a 500 year old dream route to cross France.

What did we think of Le Boat / TUI? Their whole set of booking and payment procedures for Irish based clients was cumbersome, 38 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

Caravan Park Review

Caravan Park Review 3

WHO

WHERE

CONTACT

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park

Boyle, County Roscommon

Tel: 071 9662212 Website: www.loughkey.ie

ABOUT “If you go down to the woods today …” especially at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park rest and play combine into one big adventure for young and not so young. Set in 350 hectares of woodland and grassland, the Coillte owned public amenity has entertained and energised generations. Most recently a newly constructed Visitor Centre was opened which features a Lakeside Restaurant, Adventure Play Kingdom and the Boda Borg Experience. Here challenging activities and puzzles await for adults and children alike, where only teamwork will result in progress.

Just 500 metres away is the landscaped Caravan Park with over 50 pitches carved into the forest. 5.5 hectares are provided here with separate areas for caravans/campervans and tents. Overnight charges for Unit + 2 adults + 2 children are set at €22 plus €3 for electricity hook-up. Showers are €2 extra and there is a €5 charge on parking an extra car or for extending your awning. Entrance into the pitches are narrow and parking uneven on the majority of bays.

It is obvious that their design was of a different era Doolin Pier and needs revamping, particularly for campervans as many of the vehicles are hired out, driven by generally inexperienced drivers. Planned out in a circular format, the centre of the site houses the amenities block and a small children’s playground. The shower unit, although roomy is timed to 5 minutes. However, the hot water flows for around 25 seconds duration and even when automatically stopped the metre counts down – so one has to be quick about it!

Stopping off here facilitates a whole host of interesting things to do from taking in the local history in King House and Boyle Castle to the Arigna Mine’s Experience to scenic drives around the Curlew Mountains. Cruising and other water sport facilities are provided here while the County itself is renowned as a premier angling destination. Lough Key Forest Park was once the estate of the King family which was at one time one of the largest land-owning families in Ireland. They built Rockingham House here having moved from King House in Boyle. All that remains now at Lough Key are the stables with a high observation tower built over the cellars of the once grand mansion.

Rating: 6/10

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

39

Motorhoming 1 ??????????

Living with Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo

W

hidden inside an interior cupboard, while even when the rear bench seat is laid flat into a bed, there is still useful storage space underneath. While compact, the layout is obviously a well-refined design that allows for a surprising amount of belongings to be neatly stored away.

A few phone calls with Mercedes-Benz in Germany and all was set. I would fly to Stuttgart, the home of Mercedes-Benz, where I would collect the Marco-Polo and drive four hundred kilometres north to Dusseldorf to Caravan Salon. After three days attending the show, it would be back to Stuttgart to return the van.

So how did I get on? Well having a manual in German only wasn’t a whole lot of help in finding how to turn the gas on, or when filling the fresh water tank, how to stop it running straight out again. But perserverance – and a logical layout – meant that it didn’t take long to work it all out.

The other ‘challenge’ was in the kitchen department where, because the van wasn’t equipped with cooking equipment other than basic cutlery and crockery (German journalists prefer to bring their own apparently), the gas stove and fridge remained criminally underused during my stay. That said, I had naturally brought the compulsory Barry’s teabags, and could find no fault with the speed the gas hob brewed up the numerous essential cuppas. Comprehensive user test of kitchen – tick!

hen Mercedes-Benz extended an invitation to come and test their Marco Polo camper-van in Germany, we were naturally keen to take them up on their offer. And with Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, the world’s largest motorhome and caravan exhibition, taking place in August, the chance to kill two birds with the one stone presented itself. The Marco Polo could be the perfect accommodation while attending the show, while allowing an ideal opportunity to undertake an extended test review.

The Marco Polo is Mercedes-Benz’ direct rival to Volkswagen’s California, as well as numerous other conversion specials.

Built in partnership with renowned campervan conversion experts Westfalia (formerly owned by Mercedes-Benz, but now independent), it is based on Mercedes’ mid-sized passenger van the Viano. Mercedes-Benz supplies the base vehicle to Westfalia who replace the fixed roof with a pop-top version and fit the kitchen and living quarters equipment. Tested here is the latest version featuring the updates incorporated into the facelifted Viano of 2010. It is a full Mercedes-Benz product offered with full company warranty, and sold through Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

The interior layout will be familiar to anyone who has stayed in a campervan. It follows classic Westfalia design with a kitchen unit comprising sink, gas hob and 40 litre fridge fitted to the left side of the vehicle. A slideable bench seat can be folded flat into an air-sprung double bed, while a table slots into the sliding door when not in use. Behind the sink is a versatile multifunction wardrobe, From the back door, the gas cylinder bay is 40 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Also in the interests of user testing, I slept both ‘upstairs’ –

Motorhoming 1

there is a double bed compartment in the pop-top roof - and ‘downstairs’ and had no complaints about either living quarters.

The air-sprung bench seat in particular converts into a very comfortable bed with the push of a few buttons. Even though temperatures varied significantly from heat wave conditions of over 30 degrees on the first couple of days to a decidedly cooler 15 degrees, I had no problems getting comfortable.

Positive feedback also on the driving experience. If campervans are most commonly associated with tardy progression via aircooled engines, then this Marco Polo is in a different league. That’s thanks to my test vehicle coming with the more powerful of two engine options – a nominal 3 litre V6 diesel (with a displacement of 3199 cc) that develops a healthy 190 PS (there is also a 2.2 litre diesel version). Combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox, it made for effortless cruising, even on the German autobahns with unrestricted speed limits. Interestingly Mercedes-Benz quote a rather poor official combined fuel consumption figure of 12.5 l/100 km, but I managed a much better return despite a high porportion of motorway driving, recording a figure of 8.7 l/100 km over nearly 900 km of driving. Certainly for its sheer ease of use, this bigger engine is worthy of consideration for any prospective buyers of the Marco Polo.

used a bullhorn to let them know where I was going. In fairness there was probably a way to deactive this function, but sadly the German manual got the better of me in this case.

That little annoyance aside, I enjoyed my time with the Marco Polo. As a driving machine it will beat most other motorhomes hands down, while its versatility means it can double up as an everyday MPV or even a spacious van. It represents a welcome addition to the campervan market, particularly for anyone looking for the security of a factory approved product. Sadly though, Mercedes-Benz Ireland has no plans at present to offer the Marco Polo for sale in Ireland at present, but now that the VRT rate has come down, a change of heart may happen. We certainly hope so.

new & used touring caravans, motorhomes & trailer tents

For day to day use, the Mercedes-Benz is virtually as nimble to drive as a car, which is surely one of the great appealing factors in choosing to opt for a camper-van over a full sized motorhome.

Its compact dimensions allow it to fit in a regular sized car parking space – no need to seek out truck sized facilities with this motorhome.

Staying in the dedicated camping site at the massive Messe Dusseldorf where the Caravan Salon was held was quite an experience, as literally thousands of motorhomers and caravanners turned up for what is an annual pilgimage to the trade show. Lined up neatly nose to tail for column after column, it was an impressive display of mobile leisure opulence. Parked between a giant Phoenix luxury liner and an equally imposing Niesmann + Bischoff, the poor Marco Polo looked rather miniscule, though the chap who arrived on his bicycle towing a (bike sized) Dethleffs caravan may not have thought so.

The biggest compromise for some with the Marco Polo is, like most campervans of this size, the lack of onboard toilet facilities.

Not a problem on a site with full facilities, but it did highlight one minor irritation – when I would unlock the vehicle after dark to go out to spend a penny, the headlights would automatically come on, casting light all over my neighbours. Might as well have Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

MOTORHOMES

285-291 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 9RW

Tel: 028 9036 5522

TRIGANO TRAILER TENTS

email: info@abbey-caravans.com View our stock online @ www.abbey-caravans.com www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

41

Event Review 2

Show Motorhome Show of previous years, but for the vast majority of exhibitors and visitors, it was business as usual for the big Autumn trade event. Over 93,000 visitors – a record – visited the show over the six days, and exhibitors reported a significant increase in sales compared to similar exhibitions in recent years.

Most of the manufacturers had their latest products on display, ready in time to capture cutomers for the 2012 season, with the new Bailey Approach SE motorhome, and the Sprite Lite range of affordable caravans on the Swift stand among the highlights. Caravan Cruise Ireland was there to capture a flavour of the event.

Patrick Duff y of ‘Dallas’ fame was guest of honour on The Caravan Club’s stand on the opening day. A keen 'camper' this was his second appearance at the Show in recent years.

Donaghey MotorHomes

Cara Motor Homes

Michael Donaghey and Gerry Doherty of Donaghey Motorhomes in Letterkenny were meeting show visitors on the Dethleffs stand.

Rathkeale, Co. Limerick based Cara Motorhomes is also making succesful inroads into the UK market. John Lenihan was pictured alongside the striking Dethleffs Alpa.

Bailey

Coachman

Vanmaster

As well as the new Approach SE motorhome, Bailey also had some new caravan models on show including this Unicorn Pamplona.

Coachman reported sales of nearly 350 units at the show, among them the redesigned VIP model.

Vanmaster showed this new lighter 2-berth Darwin model with underfloor hearing and optional wifi.

Elddis

Adria

Swift Caravans

Among the new models on the Elddis stand was this Crusader Shamal. The company also had some limited edition Diamond Jubilee models on show.

The brand new eight foot wide Adria Astella 613HT with very spacious interior proved to be the company’s best seller at the event.

The new Sprite Lite range of caravans offer an ideal and affordable way to get into caravanning– this is the two berth Sprite Lite 2.

he Motorhome & Caravan Show 2011 which took place at the NEC in Birmingham from October 11-16, replaced the Caravan &

42 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Event Review 2 Autocruise The latest Autocruise Alto based on the Fiat Ducato which sleeps three now comes with Euro 5 engines.

Swift Motorhomes This 2 seater 4-berth Bolero 712 SB was one of four new Bolero motorhomes from Swift.

Autotrail Autotrail had its new Ducato based Tracker FB (for Fixed Bed) and Tracker RS (Rear Shower) models on show.

IH

Chausson

Pilote

IH’s first attempt at a caravan – this striking Monopod 660 certainly garnered lots of attention. The curved shape is possible by use of a GRP mould.

With its wide over-hinge door and built in barbeque kit, this Suite Maxi is certainly practical.

Among a number of new Pilote models was this Explorateur Diamond Edition G742 LGJE.

Fiat

Hyundai

Romahome

Since the launch of the latest Ducato, Fiat has proved that it is still the leading chassis manufacturer for a majority of motorhome coach builders.

Hyundai is offering a real alternative to Volkswagen’s popular California with the i800 camper van built by Wellhouse Leisure in association with kit supplier Reimo.

The specialists in compact van conversions, Romahome showed off its latest R20 model based on the Citroen Berlingo.

Dometic

Hobby

Danbury

As one of the leading equipment suppliers to the motorhome industry, Dometic had an especially converted VW T5 Demo Vehicle at the show to highlight the range of products it offers.

Making its UK, debut, the German company’s striking looking new Premium 700 was one of the highlights of the Motorhome & Caravan Show.

From the classic T2 to the latest facelifted T5, Danbury is the recognised specialist for Volkswagen Campervan conversions.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle & Jarlath Sweeney

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

43

Awards

There’s nothing ‘Betta’ than a Jetta!

Volkswagen Jetta 2.0TDI DSG - The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2012.

T

he Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG took the top honour in its Class and went on to be voted overall winner of the twentyninth Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Competition. It was selected the winner by a panel of 11 judges who applauded its elegant design, its practicality as a caravanning family car and its great performance when towing in a variety of situations.

As in previous years, the trials were held at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, the Competition attracted 30 entrants. Bailey of Bristol once again supplied all the caravans used in the Competition, and ensured the caravans were correctly ballasted, noseweights kept in trim and in general good working order while Al-Ko ensured brakes were adjusted, wheels kept tight and all undergear properly fettled.

Category wins in the Competition also went to the Škoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 DSG; the Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI and the Volvo V60 D5 AWD (Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition).

From these Class winners the sleek, stylish and very capable the 2.0 litre TDI diesel Volkswagen Jetta emerged as the overall victor.

Special guest, former Formula 1 race winner Johnny Herbert, attended the testing regime at Millbrook and then presented the prized Class awards to representatives from the winning manufacturers at the Awards ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London. The racing driver was impressed saying, “It was a real eye-opener being at Millbrook seeing all the cars being put through their paces, they really are put to the towing test.”

Grenville Chamberlain, Caravan Club Chairman, commented, “The Club extends its congratulations to all the winners in this Competition. Special plaudits go to the terrific Volkswagen Jetta, it really is a great vehicle and it proved itself time and time again with the judges during testing.”

44 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2012 Where, When and How… Testing took place in August at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, arguably the best car testing facility in the country. This year 30 cars were divided into three price Classes and two All-Wheel Drive categories (under 1800kg and over 1800kg); on the basis that anyone thinking about buying a new car will first consider their budget.

Manufacturers were invited to submit for testing any cars that were new launches in the period 1 August 2010 to 30 September 2011, or existing models that had been substantially modified (e.g. new engine, different transmission etc). The Caravan Club also invited the previous year’s overall winner to submit its car for retesting – in this instance, the Škoda Superb Estate Elegance.

The cars entered are carefully scrutineered to make sure they conform to the exact specification declared on the entry documentation. Track tests, using six expert drivers, assess each car’s towing

Awards ability as well as acceleration, braking and the ability to cope with demanding hill starts. Another team of four ‘caravanability’ judges makes a careful assessment of each entrant’s usability in terms of everyday caravanning. Will it carry a set of awning poles, for instance, and do you have to get on your hands and knees to connect the caravan electrics?

All caravans used during testing were supplied by Bailey of Bristol and loaded to 85% of the relevant car’s kerbweight. Noseweights are set at the car manufacturer’s recommended limit, 5-7% of the caravan’s running weight or the maximum stipulated weight for the caravan coupling head, whichever is lowest.

MORE ABOUT THE WINNING VEHICLES…

>>>>>>

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - jarlath@fleet.ie

Overall Winner Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2012 Winner: Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG

Class & Over 1800kg All-Wheel Drive Category Winner: Volkswagen Touareg Escape 3.0 V6 TDI

This car is as controlled as it is quick, offering stable towing both at speed and while driving around hills and bends. It steers smartly and accurately with little body roll, yet offers a well-damped ride even with a lively caravan on the back.

It zooms up hills, stops on them securely and pulls away cleanly. And when you’re not driving it, it’s great to look at.

The Touareg flew round ‘the bowl’ at Millbrook with never a twitch, even on the hill circuit. On-rails cornering was interspersed with an apparently insignificant collection of steep gradients, including hill-stops and starts. A nearultimate towcar.

Class Winner: Škoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 DSG The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year history book will record the Superb as legendary. As overall winner last year, it could do little more to prove the point than come back fighting its corner and winning its Class yet again. This vehicle goes, stops, corners and cossets like it’s always done, almost as if there’s no caravan attached.

All-Wheel Drive Category Winner: Volvo V60 D5 AWD Volvo Ocean Race You would have to get ultra critical to find fault with this V60. The V60 is endowed with good control, accurate direction changing and great handling.

Strong, linear power delivery took the outfit briskly to speed and it remained stoically stable; hill stops and starts were also commended. All this in a beautifully-restrained cabin wrapped in a slinky body.

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

45

Motorhoming 2

Bailey set to shake-up Motorhome Industry

E

ver since Bailey first started dropping hints that it was considering entering the motorhome market, the arrival of its first offering, the Approach SE has been eagerly anticipated. Small wonder then that at its public unveiling at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October, the Bailey stand was thronged with interested visitors for the duration of the event.

The Bristol company has over sixty years of experience in building caravans and has established a reputation second to none for the quality of its products in recent years.

That’s not least thanks to its use of the AluTech construction system that allows for a much stronger structure while significantly eliminating the age-old problem of water and damp ingress. With the Approach SE using the same construction techniques, could this herald the start of a new era in motorhome coachbuilding?

Bailey certainly believes so. Having put its development models through extensive accelerated life and structural tests, as

a result of which the motorhome has been deemed compliant with European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, the company is confident enough to offer a ten-year bodyshell integrity guarantee on the caravan body.

The Approach SE uses Peugeot underpinning allied to an AL-KO AMC chassis. This combination not only reduces weight, but also offers a lower mounted floor compared to a regular chassis thereby improving centre of gravity as well giving more flexibility in the interior layout.

Power comes from Peugeot’s 2.2 HDi diesel engine with 130 bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox. The cabin comes with air conditioning and cruise control as standard, and is fitted with dual airbags.

Three models are available from launch. The Approach SE 620 is a two-berth low profile model with an end-kitchen. The Approach SE 740 is a four-berth low profile, but with fixed double-bed end-bedroom. For those who prefer a traditional high roof model, the Approach SE 760 fits six, and has the lounge area located to the rear.

Checking out the 760 model at the NEC show, the first thing that struck us was that Bailey has successfully incorporated many of the skills it has learned in caravan design into the spacious layout. Indeed it felt more like stepping into a caravan than a traditional motorhome, thanks possibly to the rear lounge area giving a feeling of spaciousness. Size-wise, interior headroom measures 1.96m while the width of the body is 2.34m. Many of the design cues and interior finishes that you associate with Bailey have been adopted for the Approach SE, with a high specification throughout, and the use of quality equipment such as Dometic 8-series refrigerators, a Spinflo antishock oven, and dual-fuel Truma ‘Combi’ central heating system.

We also liked the semi-bulkhead that separates the driver’s areas from the living quarters. Bailey highlights safety as an important consideration in the design process, noting that it added additional strengthening to the floor and furniture in the rear passenger areas to make the four fitted three-point seat belts in the 760 model more effective.

Obviously the proof of the pudding will be in actually driving and living with the vehicle, but first impressions are that Bailey’s first foray into the world of motorhome manufacture is a well thought out and executed product, and one that is set to make a significant impact in the sector.

46 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Event Review 3

Exploring Ireland By VW Campervan

on Eireball Run 2011

S

hould you have been travelling around some of the more remote regions of the country during the middle of last August, you may have come across a colourful convoy of campervans (and the occasional car) all bearing Volkswagen badges, as they wound their way past some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.

friendly and diverse bunch of people as they put up camp for the evening close to Keel Bay. Apart from the obvious camaderie amongst the group (despite many having met for the first time at the start of the event), what was also immediately clear is the sheer fondness that people of all ages continue to have for Volkswagen’s iconic campervan. Of the vehicles present, Type 2’s of various ages and If so, you happened to conditions predominated, come upon the Eireball but there were also a good Run, a we ek- long ‘This colourful and immaculate Type 2 belongs to Sid and Anne Dolans from County Meath.’ selection of T25 and T3 challenging event for examples, as well as the classic Volkswagen campervans occasional newer model. Despite and cars. Challenging, because having covered half the country, with an average age of thirty years, there had been no dropouts the 1,000-mile route was to test from the convoy, although there some of these vintage vehicles was the occasional tale of cries to the limit. Thankfully there was for assistance over the walkieplenty of assistance on hand for talkies during the previous days. those finding themselves in any Thankfully nothing terminal, and difficulties. “all part of the Eireball experience” as one participant observed, noting Now in its sixth year, the event is that the wealth of knowledge of undoubtedly a fun week for all concerned, country, taking in stops along the way in all things VW amongst those taking part but there is a serious side also, with all Sextons Campsite in Timoleague, West meant that it would take a pretty serious money raised being donated to charity.

Cork, The Railway Tavern in Camp, Tralee, problem to leave somebody behind.

Indeed this year alone the Eireball Run Roundstone in Galway, Achill Island in raised over €10,000, bringing the total Mayo, and Ballyshannon and Fahan in Planning for the 2012 event is already collected by the event in its six year Donegal before finishing up in Armagh. underway. If you are interested in taking history to over €50,000. For 2011 the Well over forty participants took part, part, or supporting the worthy Eireball Mercy Hospital Foundation Cork Cancer some for the entire event, with others charities, contact louisa@eireball.com.

Appeal, and Focus Ireland were the dropping in and out along the way.

Further information is available on the worthy recipients. website www.eireball.com, or follow Caravan Cruise Ireland caught up with Eireball on Facebook (www.facebook.

The 2011 Eireball Run started in Arklow the Eireball Run participants during com/eireballrun) or Twitter (www.twitter. and made its way clockwise around the their overnight halt in Achill, meeting a com/eireball).

www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

47

Event Review 3

Event organiser Louisa Barry from Cork with Abbie and Jake alongside Louisa’s American imported 1974 Type 2.

Padraic Bolger from Kilkenny with his 1980 T25. Previously air-cooled, it now runs with 1.9 TDI diesel power.

Séad Ni Mhaoilmhia with dog Lacca from Cork in her colourful 1978 Type 2 that she has owned since January.

Gary Cassin from Dublin has been the proud owner of his 1989 T3 for the past three years.

Tish Cleary and Ken O’Neill from Waterford with Ken’s 1983 T3. Tish’s ’82 version is currently being renovated.

Liam Whelan from Waterford with ‘Betsy’, his original Irish registered Type 2 from 1976 that he has owned for 4 years. Note the immaculate paintwork - Liam explained that it was all done by people with disabilities.

Liam’s daughter Elaine Whelan also has the VW bug (if you’ll pardon the pun), seen here with her 1983 T3 that she has owned for 1-½ years.

Mike Looby and Ann-Marie Kennedy from Limerick with ‘Billy Jean’, a 1989 T3 converted to campervan spec from an original minibus.

48 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Event Review 3

Teresa Dollory from Bruff in Limerick with her 1971 Type 2 that she has owned for 2 ½ years. This is a fully restored original Irish vehicle now running with a 1.9 TDI engine.

On her first Eireball Run was six month old Ellen Cooper from Saintfield, Co. Derry, with parents Richard and Karen, and four year old brother Patrick. The Coopers have been proud owners of ‘Ruby’, their 1989 T25 for five years.

Adorned with blue and yellow flags of the Premier county was ‘Katie Sue’, a 1978 Type 2, with its passengers Lorraine Delaney and Niamh Gleeson from Tipperary.

Una, Enda, Jade and Isobel Collins from Rathconrath in Co. Westmeath with a well travelled 1978 Type 2. This van previously lived in Germany, Spain, France, South Afr ica and the UK before sett ling in Ireland!

Claire Crowley, Seamus Crowley and Daragh Walsh from Mullingar, with their 1978 Type 2 that has been in the family for twelve years.

Adrian Quinn from Co. Down was on his first Eireball in his 1971 Type 2 Westfalia that he has owned for four years.

Eireball regulars Valerie Byrnes and Liam Cummins from Dublin with their fully restored 1973 Type 2 Westfalia which they have owned for ten years, and is their everyday mode of transport.

From Kerry, Jack and Greg Yeomans and Liam Singh of Dubluv Graphics supply vinyl graphic products, specializing in VW slogans and logo decals.

They were travelling in their 1989 T25 panel van. www.caravancruise.ie | Buyers Guide 2012

49

Event Review 3

Keen surfer Dave McKenna from Dublin was making the most of the Achill stopover. He was travelling in his 1976 Type 2 which he has owned for four years.

Dan Magee from Portarlington and Molly, Noel and Harry Magee from Meath were on their second Eireball event in their 1977 Bay-window Type 2.

Andy and Geri Cole from Co. Down had one of the newer vehicles on what was their first Eireball rally, this 2007 Danbury Type 2

Ross, Olivia and 15 months old Sophie Cremin from Dublin just happened to be passing by on their holidays in their 1993 left hand drive Westfalia when they spotted the Eireball gathering. They weren’t long joining in….

Margaret Sexton from Sexton’s Caravan Park in West Cork is an enthusiastic veteran of past Eireball events. In 2011 she was following the rally in her car – a VW naturally!

50 CARAVAN CRUISE IRELAND | Buyers Guide 2012

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

call: 0044 20 7387 8136

IRELAND r Car e m y H 322 - tic tas a fan tive to na alter anel van p other ersions conv As a family owned and run business we greatly appreciate our customers both old and new. It will be our 10th anniversary in 2012 and we have become the largest motorhome dealer in Ireland, due to great aftersales service and great prices.

We have over 100 motorhomes in stock at any time. We are the only Hymer fully accredited franchise in Ireland. We are agents for Swift, also franchises for Dethleffs, TEC, Carado. We use motorhomes ourselves every weekend as we love the lifestyle. Come talk to the experts.

Fully trained staff in our 12 bay workshop. All accessories available.

Visit our online parts shop at www.partsformotorhomes.com

Order Your New Motorhome NOW!

www.irishmotorhomes.com

Call: 00353 (0) 749 11 11 11 Email: info@irishmotorhomes.com

The place where everyone matters