Going back to basics, Jeep has turned a blind eye to contemporary 4X4 styling schools of thought and revisited its square roots once more. As much a symbol of uncomplicated masculinity – the original Jeep Cherokee was unequivocally the spit ‘n’ sawdust option of the rough and ready off-road world, before the likes of the Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V were even twinkles in rival manufacturers’ eyes.

New suspension and steering assemblage and full-time four wheel drive is non negotiable – seeing as its all included in the price. Selec-Trac II is a permanent, active on-demand 4WD system that helps anticipate and prevent wheel slip, making it ideal for road driving and towing your caravan or trailer.

Full animal hide interior – the front of which are heated and can recall exactly the positions you usually sit in – climate and cruise control are all standard furnishings.

Elsewhere on the interior, driver and passenger alike will see increased load and storage space, with the aforementioned leather spilling over to handbrake and gear gaiters, door panels, grab handles and the centre console.

A brand new feature is the powered Sky Slider. A fully opening canvas roof which – akin to a sunroof – can be operated back and forth whilst driving. Sky Slider is a powered roof that affords all occupants uninterrupted views.

One engine size of 2.8 litre diesel, six-speed manual and five-speed auto transmissions choices with the automatic gearbox will also featuring the new Hill Descent Control system which offers even more 4×4 downhill control in low-traction conditions.

While you’re considering your new 4×4 choice, you must get a 4×4 insurance quote from the team at Sureterm Direct.  They won’t charge you for the phone call, but they will save you money on your 4×4 insurance.  Give them a call now on 0800 999 2030.

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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.

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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.

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Once you’re happy with the weight of your horsebox then don’t forget to contact Sureterm Direct on        0800 999 2030 in order to make sure that there’s nothing weighty about your horsebox insurance quote!
 

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New soft-touch interior dashboard materials, interior colours and new textures all help to make the new Grand Cherokee 4×4 even more lip smacking, while a host of new features – tilt and telescope steering column, improved steering wheel and armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort, new instrument clusters and floor console with improved cup holders – all add to the high-class ambience.

In addition, Limited and Overland models get a new leather-wrapped parking brake handle and the Overland gets a new leather package on seats, doors and dashboard and heated second row seats.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers 4×4 owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There’s MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system as well as the ability to store up to 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive- fantastic for long distance driving. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

On the exterior, a new front fascia and grille surround with a new body-colour front sill and air dam give the latest Grand Cherokee 4×4 a more modern look, together with a new range of alloy wheels and a new headlamp design.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “Our new leather package helps create a sumptuous interior to cosset driver and passengers and offers everything that customers want from a luxury without the excessive price tag. As usual the latest Jeep offers outstanding value for money and the efficiency of a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine across the range.”

The latest Grand Cherokee is also still hard to beat for off-road 4×4 driving. Hill Descent Control now comes as standard on diesel models and is designed to mimic the safe downhill control offered by the ultra-low gearing usually found in hard-core off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Elliott added: “If you think that all of these off-road gadgets never get used then think again. Driving up or down ice or snow covered roads will be made safer with 4×4 and Hill Descent Control, while anyone who has ever towed anything like a caravan or a horse trailer in wet and slippery road conditions can appreciate the benefits of being able to control your speed down a steep hill.”

So for glamorous 4×4 driving, we love the new Grand Cherokee.  If you need great 4×4 insurance for your 4×4, caravan insurance or trailer insurance, then call the team on 0800 999 2030.  We don’t charge you for the calls and we know that we’ll pleasantly surprise you on how competitive our 4×4 insurance quotes can be.

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The innovative insurance company launched its new cover after inquiries from thousands of customers who use Sureterm Direct every year for their 4×4 insurance.

A spokesperson from Sureterm, said: “We’re delighted to launch our new horsebox insurance policy. Having firmly established our business as 4×4 insurance specialists we were aware that more and more customers were inquiring about specialist horsebox cover.

“We believe that if you own a horsebox or trailer then you expect that insurance should be there when you need it, removing any worry, leaving you free to get on with the day to day caring for your beloved animal.” 

Sureterm offer horse trailer insurance to cover trailers or boxes for regular or occasional use and promise to obtain the best cover at the most competitive rate.  Other key benefits include Personal Possessions Cover (includes horse equipment), it allows a maximum of six horses to be carried in one trip and offers Unlimited Glass Cover (subject to £50 excess).

Have a look at our policy details for yourself at www.sureterm.com/horsebox.php

Visitors to the new www.sureterm.com website can also scoop £500 off a policy if they correctly identify the ‘Engine Noise of the Month’. The competition features an engine revving, with a choice of three vehicles.

Anyone who correctly identifies the vehicle is entered into a prize draw every month, which gives free insurance up to a £500 maximum value.

“We wanted to have something on our new website that gave all our visitors a bit of fun.”

“We’re always confident that we can provide all our customers with the very best prices for their insurance – but in this case someone could walk away having paid absolutely nothing for their horsebox insurance. Now that really is an offer that can’t be beaten!”

The new website at www.sureterm.com is clear, easy to navigate, and enables users to ask for an online quote or request a call back at a convenient time they specify.

“We believe it is important for horsebox owners to be able to contact our expert, professional company at any time of day. The new website enables our customers, new and old, to reach us and ask for a quote when it’s convenient for them – even if that’s the middle of the night.”

Sureterm Direct is one of the UK’s leading specialist insurance companies with a wide range of policies at discounted rates, from classic car insurance to motorhome and 4×4 insurance – from household cover to horsebox insurance. Over 72,000 valued policyholders have used the company since it was launched in 1998.

Sureterm Direct uses over 40 different underwriters – so phoning the company is the equivalent of phoning 40 different insurers directly.  So give us a call now on 0845 20 20 230

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