Our 4×4 and Land Rover nuts here at Sureterm Direct Insurance have heard that the beloved, trusty Land Rover will be phased out of front-line action after years of loyal army service, after the MOD ordered a fleet of new Ridgback 4×4’s.

Early Land Rover Defenders are now approaching pensionable age, and with this in mind the MOD has ordered 157 American-built – and armed to the hilt – Ridgback 4×4’s as a crucial aspect of its £150 million overhaul of conflict fleets.

Taking leads from dogs specifically bred to fight - namely the Pitbull and Mastiff- the Ridgback 4×4’s don’t exactly mince words when showcasing their pedigree for future battles that lie ahead. Utilising heavy duty machine guns and grenade launchers from remote-control launch systems, the comprehensively tooled up utilitarian American 4×4 vehicles, mix state-of-the-art weaponry and deployment assemblage with cutting edge communications equipment to support the soldiers work in the field like never before, whilst being covered from almost chassis to roof in mine-resistant armour plating.  Glad to hear that our troops are going to be safe.

If you need a fantastic 4×4 or Land Rover insurance quote, then give the team at Sureterm a call for FREE on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the call, but we will save you money on your 4×4 insurance or your Land Rover insurance.

Whether you’re just starting out on your first caravan adventure – or you’re a bit more of a seasoned campaigner – there are lots of questions that are asked about how to caravan both successfully and hassle-free.

The team at caravan insurance specialists Sureterm Direct Insurance, looks at the most common questions, and provide some helpful answers.

Is towing difficult?
Becoming skilled at towing a caravan can be picked up quite quickly on your own. But there are special courses available which can be a great help in giving you a head start and making you aware of good habits. These are held at various locations countrywide. 

How will I know if my vehicle is suitable for towing?
A very quick rule of thumb is to take a look at the side of the car. If it has a reasonably long wheelbase and the distance between the centre of the rear wheels to the towball is short, that’s a good start.

I’m nervous about my caravan swinging about. What causes it?
The first way to minimise the chances of ‘trailer-swing’ is to have the heaviest possible towcar for a given caravan. Aim for a towed load that is 85% of the car’s kerb weight (KW), or the vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit, if lower. The towed weight that the car is asked to pull is classified as the actual laden weight (ALW) - which means the empty weight of caravan plus what you add to it. If the caravan is more than the kerb-weight of the car and you are stopped by the Police you could be prosecuted.
 
Here are some key terms you should memorise:
• Actual Laden Weight - The total weight of the caravan together with all the items of luggage and extras inside or attached to the caravan. This is almost impossible to gauge without the use of a weigh bridge.
• Gross Vehicle Weight - The weight of the vehicle which is fully loaded up to the maximum limits specified by a manufacturer
• Kerbweight - The weight of a car or vehicle that is empty. This is defined by the vehicle manufacturer and can usually be found towards the back of the car handbook.
• MTPLM - Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass. This is the maximum weight that the caravan can be fully loaded. Exceeding this will mean that you are breaking the law and are at a higher risk of having an accident.

Do I need a stabiliser?
If you follow the weight ratio guidelines above, a vehicle that’s well-matched with its caravan shouldn’t encounter many stability problems. However, all caravan and car designs are different and therefore some will always be more stable than others. If you want to play safe, then extra assistance from a stabiliser can lead to a more comfortable tow - particularly in very wet and windy conditions or when an overtaking vehicle’s ‘bow wave’ causes ‘wobbling’.

Do I need a warning device in the car that tells me the caravan indicators are working when it’s in tow?
Yes. This is a legal requirement.

I’ve heard about noseweight. What is it exactly?
Basically it means the weight of the caravan pushing downwards on the towball. Towbars are tested to tolerate a maximum downwards force and if this is exceeded they could fail. Obviously this would be extremely dangerous when on the move.  Your car handbook should quote a maximum permitted noseweight for your vehicle, but if not, consult the manufacturer and they will advise you. It is also important for stability that the caravan noseweight is actually heavy enough - and the optimum for stability when towing is approximately 7% of the caravan’s ALW. So you need to match this with your towing vehicle’s maximum noseweight recommendations.

Can I insure my caravan with my car insurer?
You can, but it’s advisable to seek out a specialist caravan insurance company – like Sureterm Direct – and use them for a bespoke, specific policy that directly suits your needs. Many high street insurers offer caravan insurance almost as an afterthought – but getting advice from a reliable specialist caravan insurer is very, very sensible.

How should I care for my caravan tyres?
Any tyre over five years old should be replaced, ideally. High-pressure tyres (50psi and above) are slightly more prone to damage from impact, cutting or puncture and they should always be regularly inspected. And as they tend to carry higher loads, their life expectancy may also be shorter. If your caravan is unused for long periods, it is good practice to remove the tyres and wheels and store them at normal pressure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. 

What are the main differences between Propane and Butane gas?
For the caravanner, the main difference is that they have different boiling points at atmospheric pressure – i.e. the temperature at which they change from being a liquid to a gas. Butane will only readily become a gas above 0°C (32°F), so is most suitable during spring and summer. Propane becomes a gas down to -40°C (-40°F) and therefore is perfect for use in winter, or all year round if desired. In the UK, Propane can usually be found in red cylinders, Butane in blue.

What fire precautions should I take in my caravan?
Firstly, don’t ignore the risk of fire - it is very important to take adequate protection. Fit a battery-powered smoke detector, preferably made to the British Standard (BS 5446 pt 1) or one that has American UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approval. We recommend always carrying a portable fire extinguisher, and placing a compact 1m x 1m fire blanket near your cooker is ideal for small kitchens. Look for BSi kitemark BS EN 1869:1997.

Is it better to tow using an automatic transmission vehicle, rather than manual?
Automatics do give an easier ride all round. They are more comfortable on the driver, because your left leg doesn’t have to be used for changing gear using the clutch – and this is great in slow-moving traffic. Automatics are easier on hill starts, especially in difficult (i.e. slippy) conditions. And to be honest, if they give you one less thing to think about when towing, it’s got to be good news.  You may have to accept a little bit of drop in engine performance – and the cost of an ‘auto’ is generally higher than manual - but it should be a serious consideration. 

Why do I need a Leisure battery instead of a car battery for use in a caravan?
Car batteries supply a high current for a short time – to start your engine, for example. It is not designed to supply a few Amperes over a longer period of time, which is what you need in a caravan. Car batteries can be used if you have a way of keeping them charged, but leisure batteries are better. They can be discharged and recharged many times but, remember, battery life is enhanced if it has little work to do - so use a charger if a mains hook-up is available.

How can I keep the battery life high?
Switch off all appliances when they are not being used; avoid using high drain appliances such as televisions; keep your battery regularly topped up; consider a battery charging device; never totally discharge a battery - ideally, don’t let it go below 60%.
 
I’m taking a ferry journey - can I run my refrigerator?
The simple answer is…NO! The content of your fridge should remain cool on ferry journeys for a couple of hours or so, providing the refrigerator was pre-cooled sufficiently beforehand. To pre-cool the food compartment before taking to the road, load up some non-perishable items like bottles of water and run the refrigerator for four hours or more on either mains or gas. Other tips include using frozen freezer blocks to keep the fridge temperature low, and filling the fridge to capacity so it runs at maximum efficiency. But, to be honest, if you can, plan to buy fresh when you arrive at your destination.

Is a caravan cover a necessity in winter?
No, because trapping a caravan under polythene or a tarpaulin can cause condensation and mould growth. If you believe you must have a cover, buy one in a breathable material.

What anti-theft security devices are available for my caravan?
Having made sure you have a good caravan insurance policy, it’s also essential to make sure you take precautions against theft. Not only does this protect against heartache, it helps you maintain your no claims discounts if you can avoid caravan theft. At the very least, invest in a good wheel clamp or hitchlock, but if you have more to spend look at electronic vehicle tracking systems.

Will my television function abroad?
A UK TV using the PAL 1 operating system will not work abroad, except in very few countries. The most widely used system in Western Europe and other countries is PAL B/G – although France, Luxembourg and Monaco use a different system, SECAM L. Ultimately, if you require a television that will work while on holiday, you need a multi-standard set.

I have trouble parking my caravan. I’ve seen someone using a motorised mover – are they as good as they look?
Motorised movers consist of two powerful electric motors that drive the road wheels of the caravan via rollers. Once the drive rollers are engaged, you can manoeuvre the unit via a remote control in any direction with inch-perfect accuracy. Shifting a caravan is reduced simply to pushing a button - even on muddy or difficult, sloping pitches.  They make hitching up is less stressful too, as the caravan can be moved up to the towcar under complete control. Our advice – go for it! It’s just like having a giant (but slow) remote controlled vehicle. Truma and Powrwheel (correct spelling) are popular models.

For the very best caravan insurance quote, give our team at Sureterm a call for FREE on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the calls but we will save you money on your caravan insurance.  We will also offer you a 15% discount if you are a member of a caravanning club.

The classic car enthusiasts at Sureterm Direct Insurance noticed this change to an important classic car rally diary date recently.  Apparently, The Blue Oval Rally Day at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, will now take place on July Sun 13, a week earlier than previously scheduled.

Any classic vehicle with a Ford connection is invited to attend, from Zephyr to Scimitar GTE or Ford-powered Cobra replica. Once you’ve finished browsing the classic cars on display outside, head in to the Centre’s recently revamped museum.

Clubs are entitled to 12 free admission tickets (Email clubs@heritage-motor-centre.co.uk), but all Ford club members, Ford drivers and their passengers get a reduced fee on the day (£6, normally £9).

For further details call 01926 645120, or see www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

For the very best in classic car or kit car insurance, then give our team at Sureterm a call for FREE on      0800 999 2030.  We don’t charge you for the calls but we will save you money on classic car insurance and kit car insurance. We also offer a 15% discount to members of classic car clubs or kit car clubs.

The team at Sureterm were not surprised when they recently read that new registrations of motorhomes in the first five months of 2008 were up again by over 3.5%. Following 12 continuous years of growth, motorhomes have clearly become the ‘must have’ leisure vehicle for Brits on the move and our ringing phones at Sureterm Direct Insurance are certainly proof of that fact.

Auto-Trail and Swift are two of the UK’s top motorhome manufacturers. Once considered almost a boutique motorhome manufacturer, Auto-Trail has now moved from a niche supplier to being one of the biggest players in the UK market.

Part of Trigano, one of Europe’s largest motorhome manufacturing groups, Auto-Trail has built an ever-increasing customer base, with model ranges all named after Red Indian tribes. Cheyenne, Apache, Mohawk, Dakota and, now, Delaware - a mighty twin axle vehicle – are seen on the roads of Great Britain and Europe

Besides making its own vehicles, Auto-Trail also markets the Italian built CI and AutoRoller coach built motorhomes, plus the Trigano Tribute Camper - all designed with the flair you’d expect.

Three brands make up the Swift fleet of award winning motorhomes; Ace, Bessacarr and Swift all offer a range of coachbuilts to meet every need, taste and budget. Each brand has its own distinctive personality and style and all the group’s models are based on the Fiat Ducato and range from the giant Swift Kon-Tiki - the largest of which has a permanent bedroom and all the space you need for the grand tour - to the compact two person vehicles such as the Ace Airstream.

Also making a welcome return this year has been the Swift Mondial campervan range, which meets the growing demand for the type of vehicle that originally launched the motorhome market.

The Motorhome Information Service (MIS) says: “Once you’ve bought your motorhome, it can provide you with all year round leisure which doesn’t cost a fortune and you can really explore Britain or Europe at your own pace in your own way. Modern motorhomes really do have everything on board, are very driveable and give you almost complete independence.”
For more information see the MIS website www.motorhomeinfo.co.uk or call 01444 458889.

For the best motorhome and camper van insurance quote on the market, give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the call but we will save you money on your motorhome insurance and campervan insurance.

The team at Sureterm Direct Insurance often get asked the question, ‘what are motorhome classes?’  The answer is not as complicated as it sounds, so the team have come up with some simple explanations to help you motorhome enthusiasts out there.

Motorhomes are divided into three main categories, referred to as classes A, B and C.

A-Class Motorhomes
A class represents all motorhomes that are ‘coach shaped’ - the smooth lined body added to a bare chassis cowl.

B-Class Motorhomes
B Class are panel vans (such as transit vans) fitted out as motorhomes. These are also called day-vans and camper vans.

C-Class Motorhomes
C class refers to a chassis cab conversion with purpose built ‘caravan’ body attached.

An easy question we often answer is ‘where can I get a great motorhome insurance quote?’ 

At Sureterm of course, call us for FREE on         0800 999 2030 and let us save you money on your motorhome insurance.

The team at Sureterm Direct Insurance are major caravan enthusiasts so any hints and tips they pick up on caravan safety, they love to pass on.  A recent review, spotted by the team,  recommended that motorists should check their caravan tyre’s condition before heading out on the road this summer, according to Protyre, a well known caravan tyre specialist.

Protyre recommend that consumers should ensure that their caravan’s tyres tread is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm and that their pressure is also correct. They also note that some people may also accidentally overlook the age and general condition of their tyres.

The firm suggests that drivers replace any tyres that are over seven years old, irrespective of tread depth, adding that age can be determined by looking at the four-digit code on the tyre’s sidewall. The first two numbers will refer to the week of manufacture and the second pair will refer to the year.

For more information on caravan tyres from Protyre, visit www.protyre.co.uk

For a fantastic caravan insurance quote, give the knowledgeable team at Sureterm a call on          0800 999 2030.  They won’t charge you for the calls, but they will save you money on your caravan insurance.

Taking your motorhome away for weekends in the UK or abroad can be a very enjoyable experience but not everyone can afford to buy a new one (particulary in this current climate).  Buying a second hand motorhome is a great option but if you’re considering buying a second hand vehicle, there are some pitfalls that can easily be avoided.  The team at Sureterm Direct Insurance have put together some helpful tips to guide you through.

• Check the overall condition of the motorhome including the chassis, the underneath, the engine and the motorhomes mileage.
• Check the seals and trims on the outside of the motorhome for cracks, sun damage, knocks and scrapes.
• Inside the motorhome check carpets, cupboards, handles and upholstery, be aware of any personalisation.
• Damp in older motorhomes can be a problem and must be checked for, but can normally be cured. Motorhomes suffering from damp have a distinctive smell, mildew in cupboards is a sign but an inexpensive damp metre is worth having.
• Motorhome floors can de-laminate giving a bouncy feeling, again this can be cured. Wear and tear should be in line with the age of the motorhome.
• Test that all gas/electrical parts are working.
• Get a motorhome or RV insurance quote from Sureterm Direct.  Give the motorhome specialists a call for FREE on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the calls but we will save you money on your motorhome and RV insurance.

Our 4×4 enthusiasts here at Sureterm Direct insurance know a thing or two about 4×4’s.  So they weren’t surprised that Kia’s outstanding performance in the workhorse-world of caravan and trailer towing, had won them yet another award in the latest Towcar Awards – jointly hosted by Practical Caravan, What Car? And The Camping and Caravanning Club.

This time it was the flexibility and versatility personified by the Sportage that captured the judging eyes that concluded in it being awarded the mantle of best Budget 4×4 in a competition that focuses on weight categories not price.

In particular, it was Sportage’s range-topping 2.0 CRDi Titan model that was singled out by the judging panel who collectively agreed that this vehicle showed it wasn’t necessary to spend enormous sums to get a capable, comfortable and enjoyable 4×4 towing vehicle with all-wheel-drive.

With a powerful four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing a massive 305lb/ft of torque – essential for towing your caravan, larger diameter disc brakes that provide added security with a van or trailer behind and an extensive standard equipment list including air-conditioning all for just £19,195.

It was universally acknowledged that the Titan is an excellent choice for campers and caravanners, and to that effect the Sportage saw off all-comers to snatch the sought-after value title.

Yaser Shabsogh, sales Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “This accolade simply confirms what our dealers and customers have been telling us for quite some time – it is almost impossible to find a better package of ability, quality, reliability and value than Sportage Titan.

“It has been a very successful addition to our Sportage range and impresses anyone who thinks that you have to spend big bucks to get big 4×4 ability. We are delighted that the Towcar Awards 2008 have recognised what our customers have been saying for some time – for quality and value Kia continues to surprise,” he added.

For a quality 4×4 or caravan insurance quote, giving the team at Sureterm a call on           0800 999 2030 is a must.  We won’t charge for the phone call but we will save you money on your 4×4 insurance or caravan insurance.

The team at Sureterm Direct love reading 4×4 product reviews, so they were very pleased to see that the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 was joint winner of 4×4 Magazine’s ‘ultimate tyre test’ to establish the best mud-terrain tyre on the UK market.

It shared top honours with a BF Goodrich, beating offerings from Goodyear, Wildcat, Maxxis, Cooper, INSA and Pirelli by a significant margin. All eight makes of 235/85 R16 tyres were subjected to six challenging, real-world tests such as mud climb, bog run, side slope, rock crawl, gravel and tarmac braking. One test vehicle was involved – a 2007 Land Rover Defender 110.

4×4 Magazine found the Kumho KL71 radically different in appearance from all its competitors and, in fact, to be the best looking as well as the joint best performer. The Kumho was awarded top marks on the rock crawl and gravel braking tests and performed with credit on the mud climb and bog run. In summary, 4×4 Magazine said, “The Kumho MT KL71 is a great tyre and a deserving all-round winner. Give it a try.”

Said Kumho’s Managing Director Steve Tidmarsh, “Naturally we are delighted with the result. 4×4 Magazine’s test is very much in line with our own research and reinforces the confidence we have had in the KL71 from the outset. I can also reveal that the new 18in rally raid tyre we have developed for the Bowler Nemesis is based on the KL71 and that is surely the ultimate test for an MT tyre.”

For further information on Kumho and its products, log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk or contact 4 SITE on 0870 112 9404 for details of your nearest stockist.

To take a closer look at 4×4 Magazine, check out www.4×4i.com.

For the ultimate 4×4 insurance quote, give our team at Sureterm Direct a call on        0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the calls but we will save you money on your 4×4 insurance.

Porta-Pak and Bio-Pak are the No. 1 selling caravan and motorhome products of their kind in the USA and have recently been introduced to the UK market. Porta-Pak and Bio-Pak are toilet waste treatments in a portion-controlled sachet which are safe, effective and simple to use.

Porta-Pak is a convenient alternative to the traditional blue liquid chemical treatments.

Bio-Pak differs from Porta-Pak because it is based on a natural enzyme deodoriser and waste digester, making it septic tank friendly and 100% biodegradable.

If your caravan or motorhome basin, shower or sink has a nasty odour, usually caused by bacteria, simply dissolve a Bio-Pak sachet in a little water and pull the plug. Bio-Pak will set to work in your grey waste tank and on its way down will clean all the pipes, valves and seals.

Both products are formaldehyde free, provide odour protection, have a non-staining colour, a fresh scent and sensor-cleaning and valve-lubricating properties.

The treatment portions are in sachets which dissolve in water and are packaged in sturdy foil re-sealable zipper packs of 10, meaning no more liquid spills or measuring out quantities of messy chemicals. Just pop a sachet into the bowl with a little water which then flushes into your cassette or black waste tank.

For more information and where to buy, please visit www.mssportapak.co.uk

For a caravan or motorhome insurance quote not to be sniffed at, then give the team a call at Sureterm Direct on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the calls, but we will save you money on your caravan or motorhome insurance.