CARAVAN INSURANCE

to a maximum 35% No Claims Discount Welcome!

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We’ve worked really hard on behalf of Caravan Club members to create an excellent package of superb cover and competitive premiums, tailored for caravanners just like you. That’s why more people insure their caravan with our 5Cs caravan insurance than any other UK scheme. And with our generous up to 35% No Claims Discount, which we think is unbeatable, and the host of other discounts available, you could save up to 65% on your premium! You’ve nothing to lose by getting a quote from us, so let us prove how much thought we have put into our caravan insurance. Why not go online or call us today and compare a Caravan Club 5Cs caravan insurance quote with your current insurer’s offering?

● No claims discount up to 35% ● 10% discount for corner-steady or tilt alarm* ● 10% discount for an approved tracking device* ● 5% discount for completing a Club caravanning course ● 5% discount for storage at a CaSSOA Gold site or Club secure storage ● 10% discount for an AL-KO Secure or BPW Diamond Wheel Lock* ● 10% discount for an AL-KO ATC or BPW iDC trailer control system ● Up to 15% discount for choosing a voluntary excess

See how Club insurance works for you

Lines are open Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.30pm. Calls may be recorded Call 01342 336 610 or get a quote online at www.caravanclub.co.uk/caravanins quoting PRACT

Visit the Club website to join, www.caravanclub.co.uk *Security discounts not available if we make fitting the device a condition of the insurance. Twin-axle caravans must have two AL-KO Secure wheel locks fitted on the same side. The Caravan Club acts as an intermediary in making your insurance arrangements. The Caravan Club Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. >>PITCHSIDE VIEW Basic tourers are caravanning’s future

WELCOME TO PRACTICAL CARAVAN. Whether or not you are a fan of big caravan shows, it’s hard to deny that October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC was a good one. Record numbers of people visited, the major players enjoyed stunning sales successes and a raft of new models really captured the imagination. It was great to see so many of you there, and thanks to those who said hello and gave us feedback on the magazine and the website.

Free weekends on site (sort of) Touring through the winter is great, and I’m not just saying that’s something you should do while I’m sitting in a nice toasty office. I’ve got a couple of crisp winter weekends planned. After all, modern caravans are warm and comfortable, so a bit of four-season touring is a great way of getting your money’s worth out of your van in the low season.

If you’re carrying your touring on into the cold weather, I’d like to help you with the cost. At this time of year, we get fewer of your site reviews at the magazine, but it’s the perfect time to get in touch. We’ve got a page on the website explaining how to review campsites, but if you prefer a paper and pen, that’s fine, too. Send me a note asking for the review guidelines and we’ll post them out to you. Write us a review, include some pictures and send it in. Anything published gets £50 and at this time of the year, that’s enough for a weekend away.

No frills touring With the launch of the Sprite Lite range, the market has taken a step in the right direction. With no shower, no oven, no blown-air and no carpet, it doesn’t sound super-promising, but these vans hark back to the Sprite models of old.

In the 1950s, Sprite caravans were basic tourers for the masses. The shamelessly broad approach, along with the marketing genius of Sam Alper, made Sprite the world’s best-selling caravan brand, with exports even reaching the USA.

Comfort is king for today’s caravanners, but basic vans mustn’t be consigned to history. Getting the next generation into touring is a must if we want to preserve this fabulous route to holiday freedom for the future. The Sprite Lite recalls the halcyon days of caravanning, so it’s ironic they represent our hobby’s next generation. Affordable, towable and appropriate models are truly the caravans of the future, and if you turn to page 20 you’ll get all the details.

N wsfl ! Practical Caravan Reader Rally 2012 If you fancy joining the PC team on our annual Reader Rally at Stowford Farm Meadows, the dates for next year are 5-7 May. Pencil it in the diary and we’ll let you know when the bookings open. As usual, we’ll have a deal on extra nights on site, too, so keep ’em peeled and we’ll have the details soon.

Nigel Donnelly Editor nigel@practicalcaravan.com www.practicalcaravan.com/blog/editors-blog

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