The Western Motorhome Show takes place this weekend and promises a host of fun for all the family.

Whether you’re in the market for buying a new motorhome or simply want to browse new models or accessories, the show will have something for everyone.

Taking place in the scenic setting of the Malvern Hills at the Three Counties Showground in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, between August 15th and 17th, the event has a country and western theme, offering great entertainment and fantastic shopping opportunities.

A range of new motorhomes will go on show from leading American, European and British manufacturers and importers.

For a great motorhome insurance quote, then call the team at Sureterm Direct on 0800 999 2030.  They won’t charge you for the phone call but they will save you money on your motorhome and RV insurance.

Mechanic Andy Saunders has gone flat for a new record – the world’s lowest camper van.

Andy, 45, has to drive with his head out of the roof after squashing a 7ft 8ins Volkswagen Camper down to just 3.3ft high.

He rebuilt it in just THREE days in front of an amazed audience at a motor show.

It has an 80mph top speed, seats two, can squeeze under car park barriers and even has room for a bed in the back!

Andy, of Poole, Dorset, said: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

“We applied to the Guinness Book of Records and they indicated it’s the world’s lowest van.”

For the UK’s best camper van insurance quote, then you must give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030.  They won’t charge you for the phone call but they will save you money on your camper van insurance.

A hot date for the classic car enthusiast’s automotive calendar is the Monterey Week. This used to be billed as the Pebble Beach Weekend but things have expanded over the last decade. Now the seaside towns of Carmel and Monterey are overrun by classic cars starting from the 8th August. The last stragglers drive off on Monday 18th August after a full festival of all things automotive.

A highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the Gooding & Company Concours. David Gooding’s company is the official Pebble Beach Auction House and as such holds it sale at the Prestigious Equestrian Centre just up from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance itself. The collection of over 130 fine automobiles will be on display in the Gooding & Company grand marquee from Wednesday 13th August and the actual sales take place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August.

This year’s sale includes a collection of outstanding Bugattis, a couple of Oprah Winfrey’s classics cars as well as a legendary 1959 Ferrari 250 GT ‘California’ Spider, the acclaimed 1934 Triumph Dolomite 8C 2400 Super-Charged Grand Sport, the rare 1938 ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Alfa Romeo 6C and the original 1914 Stutz Series E Bearcat.

In addition, the impressive 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC Spider, the famous 1907 Thomas Flyer Model-36 60 HP Touring ‘Blondie’ and two significant American race cars, the 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I and the 1965 Shelby GT350 R will go under the hammer. To round off the proceedings, the Bugatti Veyron that will have been on display on the lawns of Pebble Beach, chassis number 001, will also come under the hammer at the Gooding & Company auction.

Now, a number for your mobile to save you money on your classic car insurance - Sureterm  Direct.  They don’t charge you for the calls but they will save you money on your classic car insurance.  Give them a try on 0800 999 2030.

One of the quickest ways of getting from A – B must surely be the Bugatti Veyron. One of the safest ways in which to embark on the same journey is in the new Jeep Cherokee. Especially if your travails are intended as the crow flies, which means mountains are likely to stand between you and your destination!

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.

Driving your classic car or towing your caravan abroad with your 4×4 can be fantastically enjoyable if you follow these sensible tips suggested by the team at Sureterm Direct.

• Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of your holiday destination, including the local speed limits and which side of the road to drive on!
• You will be subject to these laws when driving your classic car or towing your caravan abroad and if you are stopped by the police it is not an excuse to say that you were unaware of them. 
• Consult your insurance company to check that you are fully covered to drive abroad and for any medical expenses that could result from an accident.
• Check you are covered for breakdown. You should buy a separate breakdown policy with your holiday insurance or from your motor insurer. Some insurers, like Sureterm, often include this within your policy
• Some countries require you to have a Green Card, which provides the minimum insurance necessary in that country. Check whether your holiday destination requires you to have one.
• Check whether your holiday destination requires you to obtain an International Driving Permit
• Service your classic car before leaving the UK and check that it complies with the vehicle requirements of the countries you will visit.
• Plan your route thoroughly before you leave and make sure you have maps of your journey.
• Pack an emergency kit for your classic car or caravan including a basic first aid equipment
 
When you’re away:

• Make sure you carry your registration documents, driving licence, passport, insurance documents, breakdown policy and a Green Card if required at all times when you are driving.
• Make sure you have all relevant emergency helpline numbers on you, including emergency services, breakdown assistance and your insurance company.
• If you are involved in an accident you should contact your insurer immediately and take photographs of any damage to your vehicle.
• Drive defensively – expect the unexpected.
• Do not drive when you are tired and take regular breaks at service stations or designated stopping points while you are on the road
• Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that all passengers wear theirs too.
• Do not drink and drive.  Be aware that the alcohol limit may be lower abroad than in the UK and in some countries there is zero tolerance for drink driving.
• Never use your mobile phone while driving.
• Do not overload your classic car, 4×4 or caravan.
• Be aware that the local style of driving may be different to that in the UK.  Always give the car in front of you plenty of room.
• Have a clearly visible GB sticker on the back of your classic car or caravan if your number plate does not include this information.
• You should use a set of headlamp converters when driving on the right-hand side of the road.
• You should carry a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit and spare bulbs in the boot of your car.

Sureterm Direct offer the very best rates and policy add-ons for your classic car, 4×4 or caravan insurance.  If you would like a competitive quote, give a member of our friendly team a call on 0800 999 2030.  Sureterm don’t charge you for the phone call (it’s free) but they will save you money on your classic car insurance, 4×4 insurance or your caravan insurance.

Our classic car nuts here at Sureterm Direct were pleased to hear that the challenging sweeps and bends of the historic Goodwood track will not be the only curves to watch at this year’s Revival. There’s more nice bodywork on the cars, and the girls to see too!
 
Hailed by many as the greatest motor show of all time, the 1948 event held at Earls Court saw the unveiling of great classic cars, such as the Jaguar XK120, Rover P4 and Morris Minor – and to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Goodwood has announced that it will host a classic recreation at this year’s Revival meeting on September 19-21.

The Goodwood Earls Court Motor Show area will take its inspiration from the celebrated London Motor Shows, and features an Art Deco frontage reminiscent of the famous exhibition centre. This spacious new area will give meeting visitors an insight into how motoring of the future might look from a classic pre-1966 perspective.

The Revival meeting, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, is famed for not allowing post-1966 cars on site during the Revival weekend, but the Earls Court recreation will allow the event to break free, and display some of the industry’s latest models.

Manufacturer displays will feature classic cars from the 1950’s and 1960’s, as well as the future-modern concepts. Car manufacturers confirmed for the ‘motor show of the future’ will include Maserati, Jaguar, BMW, Ford and Rolls-Royce.

There will be a central concours d’elegance exhibition commemorating ‘the Fastest Car in the World’, featuring around 25 performance cars including classics from the 1920’s to today.

Goodwood Revival founder, Lord March, said, ‘The challenging sweeps and bends of the historic Goodwood track will not be the only curves to watch at this year’s Revival. It’s great to see such nice bodywork on the cars, and the girls.’

For more information, visit the Goodwood website, www.goodwood.co.uk, and to order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline on 01243 755055, or via email bookings@goodwood.co.uk.

If you need great classic car insurance then give the team from Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030.  They won’t charge you for the phone call but they will save you money on your classic car insurance.

A vast array of leading motorhome related companies have signed up as exhibitors for this year’s Northern Motorcaravan Show at the new venue of the Pickering Showground in North Yorkshire, on September 19, 20 and 21.

The season finale show has always been a great place to pick up a bargain and this year is no exception as many of the UK’s leading motorhome dealers attend the Northern Motorcaravan Show, selling off their 2008 stock as well as pre-owned models. With a growing exhibitor list it looks like this year won’t disappoint the motorhomer looking to bag a bargain.

You’ll also be able to stay one extra night FREE! So rather than packing up your motorhome and heading off on the Monday you’ll be able to spend a whole extra day in the beautiful Yorkshire Moors and enjoy an extra night of FREE entertainment.

Seeing as the motorhome ralliers will be enjoying an extra nights camping for FREE, Monday will see the launch of organised trips to some of Pickering’s, and the surrounding areas, greatest attractions.

There is a great line-up of top entertainment, with national treasure Des O’Connor top of the bill for Saturday evening. Des will be supported by Giddea Park who will perform a tribute to the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, plus they’ll be music from The Sound of the Drifters.

This great entertainment will take place in Pickering showground’s brand new entertainment building. You can pre-book your tickets to see Des O’Connor when you book your camping pitch, tickets are £15.00 for adults and £7.00 for children (aged 5 - 14 years).  Entertainment tickets are subject to availability at the time of processing.

You can also save £5 by booking your motorhome pitch to the show before September 1 For further information and booking details visit
http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/exhibitions/booking/step1.asp?exhib=1&clear=1

Sureterm Direct can save you a lot more than a fiver on your motorhome insurance; they even pay for your phone call.  So give the team a call on 0800 999 2030 for the best motorhome insurance quote on the market.

To our knowledge here at Sureterm, no-one has ever appeared on TV’s Mastermind programme and picked Caravanning as their specialist subject. Now, I’m sure we’ve all come across those who think they are the world’s foremost authority on caravan and motorhome ownership (why are they always in shorts?) but the simply fact is – you can never have enough information to hand.

Whether you are a seasoned ‘vanner, or completely new to this great pastime, there’s something here that will strike a chord. This is part one of our A-Z of caravanning, from A to I – covering everything from Accessories to Insurance.

A  IS FOR… AMPS
Amperes (A) – or amps – are the quantity of electrical current flowing along an electrical cable. You’ll suddenly find yourself being governed by this piece of scientific knowledge, simply because it contributes to the amount of energy an electrical appliance uses. And if the combined appliances in your caravan, if they are all one, use more than 16A – the max amps available on a UK caravan site - there’s a danger you’ll trip the mains.
Multiply the amps of each appliance by the mains volts (230V in the UK). Add them all together. Divide by 230 and this gives the number of amps being used by your caravan at any one time. If it exceeds 16A, switch something off!

A is also for Accessories… New caravan ownership is a chance to shop, shop, shop. You will need things like a fresh-water container, waste-water containers,  Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) butane or propane, a 12V leisure battery, folding chairs, tables, a small stepladder, TV aerial extension lead, caravan directional TV aerial, hard ground awning pegs. The list is endless, really!

B  IS FOR…BUTANE.
Better in Summer than Winter. Butane is a liquefied petroleum gas and one of two used in caravanning. Identified in the UK by blue cylinders it will not turn to ‘gas’ below 1°C, whereas propane will do so down to -40°C. Many seasoned caravanners stick to propane all year.

B is also for…Battery. The majority of electrics in a caravan operate on 12 volts, making a 12V leisure battery essential even if you can hook up to a site’s mains supply.  Specialist leisure batteries are better than standard car batteries because they supply power over a longer period and are easier to recharge. And Breakaway Cable…which has to be attached to a caravan by law. They apply the brakes to a caravan if it becomes uncoupled from its towing vehicle in transit.

C  IS FOR… CHINA PLATES
And ‘crash’ - which is the noise they make when they tumble from your cabinets and shatter on the caravan floor! You will definitely need something to eat from – but make it a set of melamine crockery. 

C is also for… Cooking utensils. Equip your caravan permanently with its own set of cooking utensils so you never leave them at home. Saucepans, kettle, cutlery, spatulas and drainers are all useful and cheap. You don’t need to look like Marco Pierre White in the caravan kitchen, so stick to basic essentials.

D  IS FOR… DRYING RACKS.
If your caravanning adventures include a family, there will be plenty of wet towels every morning (unless, like our kids, you view caravanning as an excuse to ‘rough it’ and not shower every day!). A drying rack that hangs from the caravan window is perfect and can be used with or without an awning. We’ve also know people use a small rotary dryer, or string up a washing line, but that can be a bit unsightly (and frowned upon) at some caravan sites.

D is also for…Delamination. Modern caravan floors and walls are made of sandwich construction with bonded layers. If the bond breaks, delamination occurs – spotted by floors becoming spongy and walls bulging. An application of a specially-formulated epoxy resin usually does the trick.

E  IS FOR…ELECTRICITY
As mentioned earlier, it governs your life when caravanning – unless you prefer to live like a caveman with no heat or light! All caravans use 12 volts direct current (DC) and usually 230 volts alternating current (AC) as well. The 12V supply comes from the leisure battery and powers smaller electrical items like lamps and water pump. The mains is used to power the battery charger, mains lights, fridge, water heater etc. It’s good caravan etiquette to use electricity sparingly. If something doesn’t need to be on, don’t leave it on.

F  IS FOR…FILTERS
Caravan water systems use filters to trap dirt. Some clean all the water coming to the caravan, and others only filter the cold supply to the kitchen tap. Always change filters regularly (after every 4000 litres is a good yardstick) or annually if you use the caravan only infrequently.

F is also for Fire extinguisher. Get one, and keep it by the cooker. A small fire blanket is also a good idea, as is a battery operated fire alarm. And Fuses… keep some replacements to hand. They’re the same as car fuses in tubular glass and blade varieties.

G  IS FOR… GAS TAPS
Isolation taps enable the gas supply to a faulty appliance to be cut off, while allowing the others to continued to function safely.  All the taps are usually found together in one of the kitchen cupboards. G is also for… gas bottle spanner.  Get one that fits all standard size bottle valves, and some can also remove certain water cartridges.

G is also for… Gabina waste disposal system. This simple hygienic waste bag holder comes complete with waste sacs and attaches to a wall or door. Saves rooting around for old plastic backs to stick food and other waste in.

H  IS FOR…HEATERS
There’s no escaping it, thanks to climate change, global warming or whatever you want to call it – it can get bone-numbingly cold at any point in the UK now. So having a caravan heater is a must. Knowing about heaters comes into play especially when buying a new caravan as you’ll need to understand which type your chosen ‘van uses. Space heaters have a combustion chamber that is sealed off from the living area, so the carbon monoxide produced during combustion is exhausted outside.
Some heaters have a blown-air option, where warmed air is channeled through ducts around the van by a heater fan. You can, of course, choose to use a warm air blower which runs off a socket too.

H is also for Hitch-Head. Again, for the benefit of ‘newbies’ this is the part of the A-frame which fits over the towball. There are various types available, but they all do the same job: they couple the van and the tow vehicle via the towball. H is also for… Help. Once you join the caravanning fraternity, never be afraid or embarrassed to ask others for help and advice. No-one is born an expert, so rather than struggle with things like parking, or awning assembly on your own, if you need a hand – ask for one.

I  IS FOR… INSURANCE
Having splashed a decent amount of cash on your new caravan, the next vital thing to do is insure it properly – with a policy that gives you absolutely everything you think you need. This is when it pays to seek out a specialist caravan insurance company, like Sureterm Direct, rather than go to the same people who supply your car or household cover.

Specialist insurance companies know the caravanning business inside out, and rather than treat your caravan insurance package as an add-on to an existing policy (which is likely not to give you the best protection) they will craft a bespoke policy built exclusively for caravan owners.

Always speak to an operator, rather than relying purely on online quote forms, as these friendly experts know how to get important information from you (you might think it’s insignificant at the time) that could certainly help whenever you encounter the need to claim.

And if you are a member of a caravan club, then companies like Sureterm Direct give you a further 15% discount on your insurance premium.  Sureterm don’t even charge you for the phone calls. So give their team a call on their Freephone number 0800 999 2030, they’re bound to save you money on your caravan insurance policy.

Some people plunge into classic car ownership with gusto. Others stray too far on the side of caution and believe the hobby is fraught with problems and danger. Our classic car fans at Sureterm Direct explode some of the myths about classic car ownership.

Myth 1: Classic cars are expensive.
The honest response here is that they do not need to be expensive – and classic car ownership is all about how much you can afford to spend.

No-one can expect to pick up a classic Aston Martin for small change, but at the same time some great examples of much less rare cars can be picked up, literally, for just hundreds of pounds. In the same vein, a decrepit old wreck of a Ford Anglia will be much cheaper than a fully-restored, roadworthy version.

As a general rule of thumb though, classic saloon cars (ie family motors) are priced much more competitively than sports versions. Classic Triumph ownership is a great example – a neat and tidy Herald saloon could be bought for well under £1,000 but its sports equivalent, the Spitfire, could easily be double the price.

To be honest, it’s much like buying a new modern car – where top quality sports models cost much less than affordable family cars. But with classic cars you get much more fun and definitely more admiring glances. New Daewoo Matiz or old MGB? Hmmm, let us see now…

Myth 2: Classics can’t run on unleaded petrol.
Oh yes they can, but you need to take advice. Generally, more recent classics with alloy heads and hardened valve seats run ok on unleaded petrol, but my advice would be to check with those in the know like classic car clubs and other owners.

Very old engines found in cars like Morris Minors do struggle on unleaded and damage can be caused to the engine, but even then it’s a rectifiable situation if you’re prepared to pay a couple of hundred quid or so for a reconditioned cylinder head.

Another option is to use a liquid fuel additive, which you pour into the tank before filling up but generally avoid any weird gadgets or gizmos which claim they will enable you to run on unleaded. The easiest things is to check with other enthusiasts or owners and, let’s be honest, the internet has made that incredibly easy.

Myth 3: The insurance premiums are high.
There is no reason to believe that classic car insurance is any more expensive than normal car insurance, although you do have a better chance of getting competitive quotes if you use a specialist classic car insurer like Sureterm Direct.

Rather than add your classic to existing insurance policies, or sell something that doesn’t quite suit your vehicle, specialists understand all about classic car ownership and are able to tailor unique insurance packages to match your vehicle and needs exactly.

The very best thing to do is make sure you speak to a classic car insurance specialist operator, rather than relying purely on online application forms. This way, you can cover every single aspect of what you need your policy to cover. 

And if you are a member of a classic car club, companies like Sureterm Direct offer you extra discount on your classic car insurance premium.

Myth 4: I need loads of tools in case my classic car breaks down.
This all depends on your level of car maintenance expertise in the first place. If you don’t drive around with a full toolkit in the back of your 08 reg BMW today (and, be honest, who does?) then why would you want to do so just because you own a classic?

If you get good insurance and breakdown cover, any serious problem can be dealt with quickly by the experts. If you know your way around an engine just a little bit, then we’d recommend stocking up with some water, oil and anti-freeze and carrying a set of spanners and screwdrivers. This is enough to deal with minor problems. And duct-tape is a must. It’s sticky as hell, tough and water resistant, so for a quick repair to rubber hoses and vinyl roofs, it’s a must-have. Sometimes we think the world must be held together by Duct tape! 

Oh, and invest in a good tow rope. Sorry to be negative, but it’s essential.

Myth 5: UK classic cars are tax-exempt
No they’re not. Cars built prior to Jan 1 1973 do qualify for zero rated road tax. You are still required to display a tax disc to prove that when you applied for the disc you had current insurance and MOT. But you don’t have to pay anything.

You can thank the government for the Jan cut-off. So it means you may have to stump up while your neighbour’s car, built 24 hours earlier, is tax-free. And remember, it’s when the car was built – not registered.

Myth 6: Spare parts for old cars are very expensive.
Again, this depends on the type, make and model of car and how desirable, common or rare it is in the classic car world.

Unsurprisingly, there are specialist parts dealers and, in some cases, it’s easy to buy newly-manufactured replacement parts based on the originals’ design. If you get into classic car ownership and join a club, then networking with other like-minded individuals soon helps you navigate through the parts minefield – and it’s surprising how many serious classic car fans have actually stockpiled spares so they can help out other owners – even it’s for a small fee.

Once again, the internet comes into play here and it’s a fun and helpful way to find spares. Quite often, you’ll find forums and sites where some people are seeking spares and others selling them.

Myth 7: Classic cars are unsafe.
No, they’re not. They were roadworthy once and age doesn’t make them instantly unsafe! But it is true, of course, that they are not as well equipped with safety features as modern cars. In the not so distant past, there were no airbags, ABS or crumple zones – go further back and even seatbelts were missing!

Volvo’s ‘king of safety’ reputation started in the 1950’s and it took a while for other manufacturers to catch up, but a good quality classic is still a safe motor so long as it’s in good condition. Generally speaking, older cars are made more substantially (ie heavier and stronger) than more modern vehicles. And while they don’t fold and absorb crash impact energy like modern cars, the bodywork is certainly a lot tougher.

The sensible classic car owner has, in the forefront of their mind, the fact that while the car may be tougher – the stress and strain on the driver/passenger in a heavy shunt is a lot more uncomfortable than with a car of today. So, to compensate, they drive much more safely – leaving appropriate stopping distances, appreciating weather conditions, and respecting speed limits and road signs.

For the best classic car insurance on the market, then give our team a call at Sureterm on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you a penny for the calls but we will save you money on your classic car insurance.

Land Rover has registered the “E-Terrain” name as an umbrella term for a host of new technologies.

Land Rover is in full development on their new hybrid and green vehicle platform collectively known as the e-Terrain System - that reduces fuel consumption and emissions while improving 4×4 capabilities.

Evidently, a little thing like an ownership change is not slowing down those crafty Land Rover engineers from moving full speed ahead on a host of new technologies.  In fact, it may be responsible for speeding them up.

According to UK trademark records, on June 27 Land Rover began the process of registering the name “E-Terrain”. This name was used to identify Land Rover’s new hybrid systems that were featured in the Land-e Concept which debuted back in 2006.

The list is extensive and it indicates what Land Rover is doing to stay ahead of the market on delivering new hybrid systems for future Land Rover vehicles.

Here’s a list of the new technologies that are featured in the Land-e Concept’s E-Terrain System:

- Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive
- ISG Integrated Starter-Generator
- Innovative Propshaft with Seamless Re-connect
- Terrain Response e-Mode
- Bio-diesel capability
- ITP Intelligent Thermal Programme
- EPAS Electric Power Assisted Steering
- IMES Intelligent Management of Electrical Systems

Going off-road - and being fuel-efficient about it - has never been so complex.  Land Rover must be environmentally responsible if it wants to maintain its edge in the 4×4 market in this day and age.  It looks like now, going green and going off-road are no longer mutually exclusive!

If you want fantastically competitive Land Rover and 4×4 insurance quotes then look no further.  Our team at Sureterm Direct will save you money on your Land Rover and 4×4 insurance and we won’t charge you a penny for the phone call.  Give us a call on               0800 999 2030 and save yourself some money and improve your carbon footprint.