To find a solution to this all-too-common problem, the Staffordshire-based company looked specifically at the joint between the brake hub, the wheel bolts and the wheel itself. From these investigations, WSL designed the first bespoke wheel bolt for the caravan industry and achieved a huge step forward in technical development.

Let’s look at why this was necessary…

The standard caravan wheel bolt was inherited from the automotive industry several decades ago and did initially perform well for caravanners. Over time however, the automotive industry has evolved considerably and the wheel bolt “joint” system has been upgraded to meet the changing demands in vehicle design and the market as a whole.

The caravan industry hasn’t responded with the same impetus. It’s no secret that over the last decade caravan design and the market has changed; indeed caravanners have become more discerning in their needs.

With new production methods, caravan content has increased and consequently, so has caravan weight. There are many factors to this: increased use of wet central heating systems, a greater number of twin-axle caravans being built, more technical braking systems, standard trailer control systems, larger wheel diameters and lower profile tyres. The aged joint between the wheel, hub and bolt, however, hasn’t withstood the challenge.

Enter WSL and its new Caravan Wheel Safety Bolts. We’ll try not to get too technical but the bolt features a high performance, anti-friction and anti-corrosion two-part surface finish, a floating collar (bespoke to the caravan industry), and a security/locking wheel bolt head.

WSL Bolts offer increased clamping force and bolt extension and an increase in grip length to help prevent bolt loosening and wheel detachment. The Bolts also help to prevent theft and are corrosion resistant to up to 840 hours of salt spray. What’s more, as each Bolt is tested and verified independently, they provide complete peace of mind. During extensive road testing, the WSL Caravan Wheel Safety Bolts were checked at 1583 miles and all bolts recorded an impressive 130Nm without movement when cold.

The new design can be retro-fitted to any UK manufactured caravan irrespective of the type of chassis it’s built on. It’s a simple DIY task to change your caravan’s existing wheel bolts but if your caravan is still under warranty please check that this procedure and product doesn’t invalidate that. Alternatively, you could ask your caravan service centre to fit the bolts for you.

Each WSL Bolt pack includes ten Caravan Wheel Safety Bolts and two Security Keys; you’ll require a calibrated torque wrench to complete the job as you’ll need to torque to a maximum of 130Nm – this is absolutely critical. WSL also recommends that the wheel and hub be cold when you torque the bolts.

It is vitally important that you check your caravan manufacturer handbook for specific information about torque setting as the WSL bolts must not be over-tightened past 130Nm, even if your handbook states a higher value. It is important that the bolts are used as a complete set, not individually.

Before fitting ensure that your caravan is on a flat surface, braked, the pack. Torque each bolt as you do it. When all bolts are fitted, torque each one again. Remember the 130Nm maximum. solid and secure. One by one remove the existing bolts and fit the new bolt using one of the security keys from the pack. Torque each bolt as you do it. When all bolts are fitted, torque each one again. Remember the 130Nm maximum.

This product is available from Wheel Solutions Ltd.

Bailey owners can purchase the Bolts from Bailey by clicking here.

Make sure you keep an eye out for exclusive WSL offers coming up!

Carrying at least 2 self-test breathalyser kits is still a legal requirement for motorists in France, however, the previously proposed fines of £9.50 for non-compliance have now been delayed indefinitely.

The fines had been postponed previously from November 2012 to March 2013 following a shortage of breathalyser kits, but now the French Minister of Interior has announced that the fines will be delayed again with no future date set for enforcement.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “The law for carrying breathalysers will no longer be enforced through fines, but in order to comply with the law we still recommend that you keep a breathalyser kit in the car whenever you’re travelling to or through France.”

Click here to read more on the issue.

Independent financial research experts have announced their 2013 Star Ratings for caravan insurance and we’re pleased to announce that Caravan Guard have retained the maximum 5 Star Rating.

Caravan Guard Director Sally Wilby had to this to say of the 5 Star Rating,

“We’re delighted to maintain our 5 Star Rating. As a company we pride ourselves on not taking our customers for granted and aim to continually improve the features and benefits of our insurance policies to continue to meet our customers’ needs. This 5 Star Rating is testament to the recent improvements we made to the cover, which combined with our latest prices for 2013 means we are offering our best ever value insurance policy this year.”

The Defaqto Star rating runs from 1 Star, which provides the minimum level of features for a customer wanting a basic caravan insurance policy, to 5 Star, for a policy which has one of the widest ranges of features.

It’s important to remember though that the Defaqto Star Rating doesn’t take into account a company’s customer service or claims handling ability, so ensure you opt for a company with a good customer service reputation and a policy underwritten by a large, trusted insurance company.

To find out more about our 5 star cover visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk/touring-caravan-insurance

A European Union (EU) ruling due to come in to force on the 21st of December 2012 dictates that insurance companies can no longer discriminate based on gender, which could mean more expensive premiums for thousands of female motorhomers in the UK.

However Caravan Guard customers won’t be affected by the ruling, as Director Sally Wilby explains,

“Caravan Guard already have an insurance pricing structure in place which rates female and male motorhomers exactly the same, meaning the new law will not affect any of Caravan Guard’s customers. One of the great things about motorhoming is that it can be enjoyed by anybody; families, couples, and single people of either gender. With this in mind we are pleased to be in a position to offer the same price to men and women when taking out an insurance policy with Caravan Guard.”

If you are insured elsewhere then it may be a good idea to call your insurance provider and check if there will be an insurance premium increase due to the new ruling.

Whether you would like a motorhome quotation or some advice on motorhome insurance in general, you can visit our motorhome insurance page at www.caravanguard.co.uk/motorhome-insurance.

A Defaqto 5 Star Rating has been awarded to Caravan Guard’s newly launched touring caravan insurance policy, which offers increased levels of cover and also new lower prices for many caravan owners.

Defaqto is an independent, financial research company that specialises in rating, comparing and analysing financial products. The 5 Star rating was awarded to the new policy after Defaqto researchers deemed that it provided some of the highest quality cover available in the caravan insurance market.

Revised policy benefits include up to 240 days of cover for your European trips, £500 cover if you lose your caravan keys or have them stolen, and up to £100 per day for 30 days emergency accommodation cover so you can continue your holiday. Plus ill driver and legal expenses cover have been added, whilst fatal accident and public liability cover has been increased.

Sally Wilby, Director at Caravan Guard, had this to say of achieving top marks,

“We’re delighted to have earned a 5 Star Rating from Defaqto for our newly launched touring caravan policy. We’ve benchmarked our policy against every other on the market, improving cover and making our policy easier to use for both new and existing customers. Achieving the highest possible rating from Defaqto is testament to the quality of cover offered by our policy.”

However whilst we offer 5 Star rated cover, we also give flexibility for customers to tailor their policy to suit their needs with various options available.

Yet despite increasing cover levels and being awarded a 5 Star rated policy, we have actually made several price reductions which will benefit thousands of caravan owners. Sally, gives one example of this,

“Our research has shown that claims for theft and damage of caravans stored at home has declined, hence we have implemented a new discount for what is a considerable chunk of caravan owners who keep their caravans at home.”

The Bailey Unicorn S2 range has arrived and let there be light. Lots of it, in fact, due to the swanky new vertical front skylight and the lighter weights across the range; up to 100kgs of weight loss has been achieved in some models by use of alternative materials and more advanced design techniques using the patented Alu-Tech body shell.

For example, the Unicorn Cadiz Series 1 had a MTPLM of 1593kgs; it’s now 1498kgs and Team Bailey has taken the decision to limit the MTLPM of all its 2013 single axle models to 1500kgs or less, thus making them more accessible to younger drivers, given the driving licence restrictions, and compatible with modern light-weight tow cars.

All models feature new 14ins Alloy wheels and a weight-saving new winch operated spare wheel carrier shaves 6kgs of the weight; all very helpful with fuel economy.

The Walnut frame for the skylight has integral energy saving LED lighting; the two-piece skylight’s blinds allow the top blind to be open and let in the light while the rest of the blinds are drawn, so you can wander round in your jim-jams and still enjoy the light. Dare we say sunlight?

The contemporary style drinks cabinet is a feature, and the recessed three-drawer chest of drawers with a slide out table has a wider than ever front shelf, facilitated by moving the gas bottle locker to a central position. This has reduced the all-important noseweight too; in the Cadiz by whopping 10kgs.

Kitchens have been re-designed and up-graded with a dual fuel hob, more useable work space, more power points and a round sink with a free standing drainer and chopping board which neatly store under the sink when not in use.

Shower pods have been re-designed and sport sexy looking shower towers, with an integral waterproof light and eco-friendly shower head thus reducing water use.

There’s enhanced practicality on the exterior too, with a new single sheet impact resistant GRP outer skin and new front and rear integrated bumpers. Bold graphics are stand-out feature and there are now awning channels on each side.

All new Unicorns are fitted with AL-KO Secure, AL-KO ATC, Alarm, TRACKER monitor stolen vehicle recovery system, new high performance Michelin branded tyres and a new high security door lock. Having such good ‘as standard security’ will earn new owners fantastic caravan insurance discounts too.

Verdict

Unicorn Series 1 was a multi-award winning caravan range, the most decorated range ever produced by Bailey. The highly refined Unicorn Series 2 is a strong contender to usurp that accolade. Light and spacious interiors, a host of practical features, a regard for reducing the motoring cost of your touring holiday and the lighter weights than Unicorn Series 1, make Unicorn Series 2 caravans more accessible to more of the public. Plus the Bailey Unicorn tourers come with some fantastic ‘as standard’ safety and security devices, meaning insuring your new caravan will be much cheaper.

Prices for the Bailey Unicorn 2:

Bailey of Bristol has announced that it will freeze prizes at the start of the 2013 model year, hence prices for the Bailey Unicorn 2 range will be in line with those for series 1 models when the new models first go on sale.

Unicorn Seville £ 18,895
Cost to insure: £220*

Unicorn Madrid £ 19,995
Cost to insure: £231*

Unicorn Valencia £ 19,995
Cost to insure: £231*

Unicorn Cadiz £ 20,195
Cost to insure: £234*

Unicorn Barcelona £ 21,995
Cost to insure: £330**

(Model prices are correct as of 6th August 2012. They include VAT @ 20% and exclude a Retailer Delivery Charge of up to £565)

*Insurance quotes based on: Caravan stored at home on an open driveway, HX4 0BE. Quoted with hitch lock, Al-Ko Secure axle wheel lock, alarm, tracker & Al-Ko ATC. Includes a 10% online discount. Policyholder is a Club member, over 30 years of age with 3years No Claims Discount. £100 excess. Includes standard European Cover (180 days) & standard Emergency Accommodation (up to £75/day for 15 days). **The Unicorn Barcelona is a twin axle caravan and was quoted as above but on a home driveway with a 24 hour locked barrier. Quotes correct as of 19/09/2012.

For more information

www.baileyunicorn-s2.co.uk

Where and when can you see Bailey Unicorn 2 models?

Unicorn models will be on Retailer forecourts during the week commencing September 3rd and the national Unicorn product launch will be at The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2012 to be held at NEC 16th to 23rd October.

Caravan Guard are proud to have represented the caravan industry as finalists in two categories, and to meet awards host comedian Jimmy Carr, at one of the UK’s most important insurance award ceremonies.

We were on the podium alongside some of the country’s largest insurers and brokers for the Customer Care Award and Community Broker of the Year award categories, but just missed out on the top spot, with Hiscox and Coversure taking home the silverware respectively.

Caravan Guard were invited to the swanky bash down at London’s Royal Albert Hall on the 4th July to see if we could add another trophy to our growing collection of gongs from previous events. Director Chris Nettleton attended the event with colleagues, and got the chance to meet the awards’ host, comedian Jimmy Carr,

“It is a massive achievement for us to be finalists in these awards. The judges that nominated us clearly saw our commitment to delivering brilliant customer experiences and our efforts to put something back into the local community. This recognition should give further confidence to our customers that they receive the highest possible standards of care when insured with us.”

Caravan Guard have been shortlisted for not one but two prestigious awards at the British Insurance Awards 2012.

We have been named finalists in the Customer Care Award and Community Broker of the Year Award categories, and will be hoping to take home the silverware, and add to the list of celebrity hostswe’ve met over the years, from the ceremony being held at the Royal Albert Hall, London on the 4th July.

The customer care shortlisting is reward for Caravan Guard’s efforts to make us ‘easy to do business with’ by employing expert staff, technology and a dedicated claims service.

We had to demonstrate to the award judges how it monitors and maintains customer care standards. A recent survey of our existing caravan and motorhome customers revealed extremely high levels of satisfaction. Another survey of customers who had made claims in 2011 revealed that 91% of respondents rated the overall standard of claims service they had received as “Exceptional” or “Above Average”.

The Community Broker award finalist place reflects how the Halifax based broker has sponsored local Paralympian Hannah Cockroft and supported the nearby Overgate Hospice both financially and by pledging staff time to help on certain projects. Caravan Guard also donates £1 to Heart Research UK for every ‘paperless’ policy generated via this website where a customer chooses to have emailed documents only rather than posted.

Ryan Wilby, Director at Caravan Guard,

“With insurance being something that you can’t touch and feel, the main indicator of quality is often the level of service received and that’s why we’re delighted to be recognised for our service standards. Delivering brilliant customer experiences has been vital to our current success as a business; we share that success by supporting local and national charities.”

With Caravan Guard up against some multimillion pound companies including Hastings Direct and LV it will have a tough fight to win one of the trophies, but everybody here has got their fingers crossed.

Why it’s still important to secure your caravan

Despite the reduction in caravan thefts seen in recent years it’s not time for the industry to let its guard down yet. Theft is still the second highest claims cost caravan insurers face, after accidental damage claims, with up to 1000 caravans stolen in the UK each year, not to mention numerous thefts of equipment following break ins.

The key to keeping thefts down is the continuation of the security conscious approach that owners and manufacturers have adopted over the last decade.

Most caravan insurers still have a minimum requirement for a wheelclamp and hitchlock to be fitted whenever the caravan is left unhitched and unattended – so if you’re new to caravanning it’s a good idea to invest in these two items before hitching up your new caravan and pulling off the dealer forecourt.

Wheelclamps and hitchlocks are a first line of defence that will prevent an opportunist thief attempting to steal your caravan. That said, for higher value caravans and twin axle models it’s worth taking extra steps to secure your ‘van.

It’s great to see more caravan manufacturers fitting the excellent axle wheel locks (or receivers for) and various other security devices as standard, especially on larger, twin axle caravan models.

The security and safety devices being fitted as standard including axle wheel locks, alarms, tracking devices and electronic anti snaking devices offer great peace of mind both when leaving your caravan unattended and whilst towing.

Fantastic insurance discounts

Caravan Guard and many other specialist caravan insurers continue to offer insurance discounts that reward the fitment of security devices. Caravan Guard offers a 5% discount for fitment of caravan alarms and 25% off for fitment of an approved tracking device.

Many sure to be big selling 2012 caravan models are fitted with the receiver only for an axle wheel lock such as AL-KO Secure. Buying the locking mechanism may cost you more than your average wheelclamp, but not only does the axle wheel lock often count as a wheelclamp (helping you to meet the minimum requirements of your insurance policy), it will earn you a healthy 10% insurance discount at each renewal. Please note the maximum combined security device discount for caravans is 30%.

Further 5% caravan insurance discounts reward the fitment of risk minimising devices such as electronic snaking systems such as AL-KO ATC or BPW iDC and even Tyron Safety Bands.

Even if your caravan doesn’t have many security and safety features at the moment they can always be bought and retrofitted so it’s well worth asking your dealer to go through options available.

In this edition we caught up with Bailey Caravan’s Marketing Director Simon Howard for a chat about their current range of caravans; including some inside info on what have been the popular models this year and what you can expect from Bailey in the years ahead.

What’s the most exciting news from Bailey for 2012?

Probably the big news for us is the launch of our first motorhome range. We’ve been making caravans successfully for 60 years and we’ve grown to be the UK’s number one caravan brand and what we’re doing now is looking to branch out into the motorhome market. So I’d say that’s the big news.

Also, in our Touring caravan range, we now have alu-tech construction across all models, so we’ve got a strong proposition in all areas of the market, starting at the top with Unicorn and then working down to Orion at a sort of entry level – so that we have a caravan that covers every budget and every size of towing vehicle.

When designing your new Bailey motorhome have you found that the needs of a motorhomer are different to that of a caravanner?

I think the way they use their vehicles is quite different – a motorhomer is very much on the move all the time so therefore you’ve got to design a vehicle which is very simple to set up, and very simple to pack away, very much looking at the convenience for motorhomers. A caravan is more suited to people who want a base if you like, from which to explore somewhere. So again, I think their needs are slightly different

But yes you do have to take in the different needs of particular customers, and in that respect we have done a lot of motorhoming ourselves, the design team went out in the summer and they did about 5,000 miles between them in the prototypes to get a feel for how to use a motorhome – we’re all seasoned caravanners, we’ve been doing that for a long time.

Do you consider other running costs, such as fuel economy and the cost to insure, when producing a new model?

You’ve got to these days. Now when people look at cars, “fuel economy” is no-longer a dirty word. I mean 5 years ago no one would buy a car if it said “good fuel economy”, now they’re worried about emissions, fuel economy, and obviously you’ve got to make caravans to suit those cars so they need to be lighter, more aerodynamic. But you’re right, also insurance is all part of the ownership, and keeping those ownership costs down, so if you put in features such as Trackers, or Wheel Locks, or any other security devices, that’s good news for the customer when it comes to renewing his insurance and getting reductions in the price.

More families seem to be getting into caravanning. Has this affected the way Bailey design their ‘vans?

Yes certainly we have looked to make more family vans in the caravan ranges this year. There’s a good mixture, I’d say two thirds of our business would be to couples and one third to families at the moment. So ‘the couples’ are probably still the most important part of the market but ‘the families’ is growing, and obviously they are the life blood for the future, so you’ve obviously got to have an offering in terms of having new vans that families can use, and can afford, and can tow with a standard family saloon. But bear in mind also a lot of families will buy a pre-owned vehicle to try caravanning for the first time, and again our retailers will have good stocks of pre-owned vehicles for them to try. So that’s typically a common route in for families, but you do have to have a new option for those who want to start at the top with a brand new ‘van.

What have been your most popular caravans this year?

We’ve got a pretty even spread now across the range, I mean last year it was all about the Unicorn at the top end of the range, this year we’ve got a much better balance between the range. Certainly the entry level Orion has been very popular for us; it’s a very small, compact, light weight caravan. It’s slightly quirky and quite retro with its curved shape. That’s proved surprisingly popular.

There is some evidence it’s because people are downsizing in terms of getting smaller cars and also getting lighter, more affordable caravans – so that’s probably been the surprise package of the year.

A big thank you to Simon Howard for taking some time to speak to us at the recent NEC Show.

To find out more about Bailey’s range of caravans and motorhomes, visit

http://www.bailey-caravans.co.uk/