The UK may be infamous for its tea making abilities but the weather definitely isn’t anything to brag about, which means a major drawback of this novel idea is that there may not be enough light to power some of the hefty motorhomes that have been entering the motorhome market recently. Short trips however will benefit more from solar panel power, and even when you make a pit stop, the panel will continue to charge itself so it’s ready for the next leg of your journey – and the good news is you can fit them yourself.

MotorCaravanning.co.uk have reported that “ a good battery bank is pretty much essential because we use power in bursts, more in bad weather and less in good weather. As a result you will need at least two leisure batteries to make the best of solar power by storing all that good weather energy for use when the weather deteriorates”.

If you’re an adventurous explorer you may want to discover some unknown territory in your motorhome instead of the general camp sites, which is why the best thing about having a solar panel charging your motorhome is that you have the freedom to go almost anywhere that takes your fancy, safe in the knowledge that you have a stable source of power for your mobile home.

Solar power systems will give you the power you need to go anywhere you desire, with an enduring design, which is built to withstand summer heat as well as the typical Great British cold weather conditions. Making the impossible seem achievable is a tricky task, and while money might not grow on trees, power produced by the sun is not only possible, but readily available.

Fitting a solar panel may be a ‘do it yourself’ task, but why not let Sureterm Direct help you find your motorhome insurance?, Call free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for an online quote.

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“The red glue is an example of an environmental transition in an industry that creates products heavily reliant on the desire to enjoy the outdoors and natural wonders”, reports etruth.com. It has been said that RVs are among the best conservers of our planet; in fact ezinearticles.com reveals that “your Class C RV can be a Number One Class Act when it comes to being greener”.

As RV manufacturers and suppliers are having to develop new products, engage in new thinking and form new collaborations, it’s no surprise that “the feeling in the motorhome industry is focusing on the importance of creating a higher level of visibility for going green”, according to Derald Bontrager, President and Chief Operating Officer of Jayco.

RV manufacturer Jayco implemented a recycling program in the mid-1980’s out of concerns for the future of the planet, which in turn saw them paying less for fewer loads of debris and were also getting paid for the recycling products it could sell – who said we couldn’t protect the planet and make a profit doing so?
Over the past few years, “outside forces have started pushing RV manufacturers to build units that weigh less”, reports etruth.com, which is also nourishing the ‘green’ movement as the building materials are made from composites. These materials are infiltrating the industry as they are durable and lightweight, and with the process boasting a more environmentally friendly approach, the final product will be much less harmful.

With an estimated 8 million RVs on the road, “greening” your motorhome, travel trailer, or 5th wheel can help you make a difference now and for future RVers. Add this to the number of motorhome manufacturers who are also following the RV eco-trends and soon enough the road will be a very green one.

Owner of Little Dealer Little Prices RV manufacturers in Arizona has commented on the RV way of life saying that “RVers already harbour a love and respect for the outdoors and want to protect the environment”, which emphasises the green aspect of RVs and RVing that could entice more people to try the lifestyle.

If you’re enticed by the outdoor lifestyle, let Sureterm Direct ensure your green machine gets the insurance cover it deserves. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 and get a tailored motorhome insurance or RV insurance policy. Alternatively click here for a competitive online insurance quote.

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Leading camping and caravanning site Pitchup.com have “looked into their crystal beach ball to make predictions about what the future may hold for camping and caravanning”, and signs are positive especially if you add this to the fact that the volume of “pitch nights significantly surpassed expectations in 2009”.

A country that really knows how to make the most out of the motorhome lifestyle is America. What better way to live the American Dream than to travel round in a luxurious house on wheels, arriving at each destination in style and class? In a BBC News article it is claimed that “in Britain you need a professional license to drive such a vehicle, however in America all you need is the nerve and desire”.

With an increase in the number of people planning to take motorhome or caravan holidays, manufacturers will have to battle it out to attract RV and motorhome customers. RV maker Winnebago Industries believe that “customers are drawn to quality and well-established brands, particularly during the challenging economic conditions”.

Now glamping (glamorous camping) has gone mainstream and the demand for camping and caravanning continues to grow, there is likely to be a flurry of both rural and urban campers. Travel Daily News reports that “as London 2012 approaches, the great urban outdoor and motorhome breaks away will become increasingly en vogue as an alternative to expensive city centre hotels”.

Camping is now seen as rather fashionable, which means the introduction of sleek-futuristic mod-con motorhomes or caravans will be on the agenda, as well as additional facilities and features added to campsites. Spokesperson at The British Holiday & Home Parks Association agrees that the future looks bright for camping, predicting “we will see an increase in high-quality accommodation, and the introduction of even more luxury spas and leisure facilities as sites invest to broaden the park experience”, which provide even more enticing reasons to stay in the UK during holiday season.

Trying to plan a holiday on a budget can be very challenging, but with the future of motor-homing and caravanning looking bright, you should jump on the mobile home ‘band’ wagon and head to the Great British countryside. Step into the light with Sureterm and trust us to provide motorhome insurance, caravan insurance or RV insurance to ensure you have a vibrant holiday. Call free on 0800 999 2030 or get an online quote here.

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The BBC have reported on the popularity of the mobile home at this glitzy and glamorous event from previous years, which reveal an “adrenalin-fuelled atmosphere behind the scenes”, where a very different kind of lifestyle exists – filled with celebrities, egos and some very impressive motorhomes.

The BBC have gone onto say that “it’s not what you’ve got, but how big it is”, and have also explored each team’s motorhome and have given some insight into what goes on behind the blinds. Ferrari got a 7.5/10 for their continental mobile home in 2008, which was a little cramped but had an impressive modern twist. Not surprisingly, McLaren received an 8.5 for their eye-catching motorhome, “covered in mirrored glass, with an equally impressive futuristic interior”.

It’s common knowledge that motorhomes aren’t cheap, but their price reflects the luxurious comfort and design that they offer. An event as prestigious as the Grand Prix attracts people from all different walks of life and so needs to be geared up to impress. The impressive motorhomes that are likely to feature at the event, and are guaranteed to dazzle guests, reflect the philosophy that “if you’ve got the money, flaunt it” – which is exactly what the F1 teams do best.

With the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button racing head to head, this year’s event promises to be as impressive as the motorhomes which provide the ideal habitat for these motoring legends.

If you want an equally as impressive insurance policy, trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with competitive motorhome insurance or caravan insurance, and rest assure you will have a smooth ride – which is more than can be said for the F1 racing team. For an online quote click here, or call free on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our expert advisors.

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Sometimes being labelled can be a hindrance, but having the label of “the UK’s most successful niche TV programme” as reported on UKPRwire, is definitely a label you want to stick. Having such a good reputation has paid off for The Caravan Channel, with the Swift Group (£200M p.a.) and Bailey Caravans (£80M p.a.), who premiered their advertising on Wednesday 10th February, showing their support for the programme which caters for not only caravan and motorhome enthusiasts but also fans of the great outdoors.

The Caravan Channel producer and director Chris Gosling, has commented that “many of our audience change their caravans or motorhomes every two to five years, as well as spending widely on accessories, services and campsites. They find The Caravan Channel’s mix of news, information and background detail suits their needs”. With new programmes being aired every two weeks, and each edition being shown 8 times a fortnight, there is no excuse to miss out on the latest industry news.

The channel features coverage and links to the well known Caravan Club, which offers viewers the chance to find out about the latest news and events, such as the Boat and Caravan Show which will be held between the 23-25 February at the NEC.

In the 4 years that the show has been running, Chris Gosling claims that the channel has “built what must be one of the most dedicated niche programme audiences” which aims to encourage newcomers to the caravan and motorhome industry as well as cater for the “expert cross-section of outdoor people”.

Sureterm Direct are dedicated to the caravan and motorhome niche markets and provide competitive caravan insurance and motorhome insurance policies. Call free on 0800 999 2030 or get an online tailored quote here.

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As the green shoots start appearing, and the countryside again becomes a picturesque spring playground, you might want to get your caravan or motorhome geared up for some seasonal adventures. According to The Telegraph camping is now in style thanks to the efforts of design experts and classic car enthusiasts, who have “painstakingly renovated vintage trailers” which are popping up all over the country – meaning you can camp in style in the crème-de-la-crème of camping luxury.

Traditional retro camping is experiencing a modern make-over, with a trendy camping face-lift. Combining sleek curves and stylish alternatives to the simple bare necessities that used to be enough has now created an updated holiday experience with the latest cool camping accessories.

There comes a time when an upgrade is needed; and I’m not talking mobile phones, I’m talking mobile homes. The appeal of being warm and comfy at a festival, coupled with the aim to reduce our carbon footprint has given us a “yen for the natural life”, reports the Times Online, which means cool camping is the future.

If you have the yen for a modern camping experience, trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with caravan insurance or motorhome insurance comprehensive cover. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 or get an online quote here.

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The Times Online reported that other celebrity converts include “Will Smith, Robbie Williams, Jenson Button, Jamie Oliver and Jay Kay” (lead singer of Jamiroquai). John de Mierre of the Motorhome Information Service (MIS), which represents the motorhome industry in Britain, has commented on the unintentional celebrity endorsement by saying “celebrity owners have really given us an image boost and shown that motorhomes can be sexy and modern”.

The Boat and Caravan Show, which brings caravan and outdoor enthusiasts together on February 23rd until the 28th, will be graced with celebrities such as well known TV personality Linda Barker, who is also a member of the Caravan Club, as well as fellow celebrities TV chef James Martin and Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury.

Joining the celebrity egos at the 13,000 capacity event will also be the latest product editions and industry exclusives from boats and static caravans, to tents and motorhomes. If you’re new to the caravan and motorhome mayhem, you can get behind the wheel with The Caravan Club and ‘try before you buy’. Why not visit the show and experience the growing popularity of the great British outdoors and “cool caravanning”, which is showing no signs of abating.

Whether you’re new to the world of caravanning and motor-homing or a dedicated enthusiast, Sureterm Direct will provide you with a tailored caravan insurance or motorhome insurance policy to suit your requirements. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 or visit here for an online quote.

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The Caravanning News channel have reported that Peak Leisure Vehicles( Derbyshire) are planning to launch a “motorhome search service” to help prospective owners find that perfect holiday home on wheels. Claire Parsons of Peak Leisure Vehicles said “the process of finding the perfect used vehicle to exactly meet your current and future needs may take a while. That’s why we are offering our free sourcing service”. With services like this, it’s no surprise motorhome sales are ascending to new heights.

This year has seen a lot of hype around the number of people planning to stay in the UK during the holiday season. In addition, low interest rates are also supplying the motorhome market with record numbers of people spending their money on a British mobile home holiday.

The world’s smallest motorhome, the R10, “had an unexpected boost after it was featured on Top Gear”, even though the presenters made amusing remarks such as saying “it looked like it had a top hat on”, reports Isle of Wight, Country Press Online. The saying goes, any press is good press, and this was clearly evident for the R10 model, because it got people interested and saw predicted sales more than triple.

Mr Bailey of Romahome motorhomes revealed the extra mile they go for their customers, saying “the company has also changed its marketing strategy, broadening its target market, and the result was stronger sales to a younger market”. The sudden leap in demand can be down to many factors, but it’s no surprise that Romahome have announced a 50% increase in production of fresh new models.

Sureterm Direct aim to assist in steering the success of the motorhome industry, so trust us to provide you with a fresh new motorhome insurance policy, tailored to your needs. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and let one of our expert advisors find the perfect quote for you.

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Understandably the smaller the RV the easier they are to drive, but with the larger ones you get to take all your home comforts with you. The more amenities an RV contains the higher the price tag, so when considering which type is best for you, knowing what you want to spend on your motorhome is always a good place to start.

Class A RV’s are designed and built specifically for motorhomes and are generally considered the nicest motorhomes of the three main classes. Due to the sheer size that these mobile machines posses, they are seen as more homely and comfortable – being the closest to a house, these homes on wheels are perfect for long breaks away.

Class B RV’s are built on a van chassis so are much smaller in size, on average 17-16 feet. These petite mobile homes are often used for day-to-day use as they are not much bigger than your average van, which is how they get their name ‘van conversion’. The main drawback of one of these may be the lack of space, however if it’s a short term getaway you’re looking for, the Class B could be the ideal option.

Class C RV’s are somewhere between a Class A and Class B motorhome, and are built on a truck chassis. The average size of one of these RV’s is 20 to 30 feet long and they are often designed with side slide-outs for extra room when stationary.

Bus Conversions are another RV option, which are simply a bus that has been converted into a Recreational Vehicle. These motorhomes range from having the amenities of a Class A to others which only have the bare essentials. A major drawback of a bus conversion is the cost, although the top end models look a million dollars, we don’t want to pay that much for one.

Towable RV’s are specifically designed to be pulled behind a car or in most cases a truck. The different varieties of towable RVs include 5th wheel trailers, travel trailers and pop-up trailers and can range from having full amenities to just the basics.

Enjoying your RV is easy; it’s being spoilt for choice that is the hard part. Trying before you buy is a common practise with many things in life, so if you are still unsure which motorhome is right for you then get your comfortable driving shoes on, test drive each model and see which one feels the best.

Trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with a competitive motorhome insurance or RV insurance quote. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our expert advisors.

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If you are planning to use your motorhome on a day-to-day basis, together with use at weekends and holidays, the most obvious interest would be in performance of fuel efficiency. Someone considering towing a touring caravan will be looking for the previously mentioned features coupled with other factors such as brake horsepower (power produced by the engine) and torque (pulling power).

Both petrol and diesel engines have their pros and con’s, so depending on what you’re looking for in a motorhome this will determine which engine style you choose. The main advantages of a petrol engine are that they tend to produce more brake horsepower than diesels, acceleration is quicker and petrol engines are generally more lightweight. Diesel engines have their own advantages, such as producing maximum torque at lower speeds, and so you tend to get more miles to the gallon while retaining torque over a wider engine revolution range.

The main similarity between a petrol and diesel engine is that the price of both fuels is around the same in the UK, but be aware petrol can be more expensive on the continent. None of us want to feel out of pocket but it could pay to have some understanding of fuel terms in other countries -there is nothing more frustrating than filling your tank up with petrol then realising you have a diesel engine! Say Bonjour to a more fuel efficient motorhome and Au Revoir to high prices.

As of 2010 both Class A (full-chassis) and Class C (van-chassis) motorhomes are available in either petrol or diesel. Maybe the best way to test which type is better for you is to take a test drive and experience what both engines have to offer then work out which best suits your driving needs.

Say hello to low cost motorhome insurance and goodbye to spending hours looking for the best policy for you. Sureterm offer competitive quotes for petrol and diesel motorhomes, call free on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our expert advisors.

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