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.

Just take another look at price tag in the proverbial window. At £34,995, nothing else gets near this for a brand new high-top van conversion. Indeed, it would surely be churlish not to request the £995 cab air conditioning option. It’s not even as if it’s a meaningless “starter” price to which you’re expected to add all kinds of options packs to make it a feasible package. Nope, it all adds up here, right from the start.

In fact, apart from engine and transmission upgrades, the only other key manufacturer-supplied extra is the facility to add a second double bed at the rear, at £295, and make this a full four-berth. Second? Yes, this is a rather unique layout that can happily seat four for travel – thanks to a half-dinette behind the driver – with a central kitchen and washroom, topped off with a “permanent” transverse double bed at the back.

For those that don’t know, Tribute motorhomes are marketed and distributed here in the UK by Auto-Trail, both marques being part of the extensive Trigano empire. If Auto-Trail stands for premium British coachbuilts, Tribute plays the budget card with aplomb. Whilst the 669 is the sole high-top van conversion available, there’s also a line-up of six Ford Transit-based coachbuilts in the UK Tribute stable. Again, it’s the 669 that’s the exception, as it’s the only UK-bound Tribute that’s made in Italy.

There’s little compromise on the base vehicle here. It gets Fiat’s excellent 2.3 litre engine in 130bhp guise with six-speed gearbox, while the front bumpers are colour-matched to the rest of the white exterior. OK, the door mirrors have to be adjusted manually, although a bigger concern may be foregoing a passenger airbag.

Inside, all efforts are made to provide the key components of any motorhome. The lounge – both cab seats swivel to face the rear bench – gets a side-fixed table, while ‘amidships, the kitchen cuts across the sliding door entrance, leaving some space to manoeuvre past as long as you don’t have the extension piece up; indeed, this, and the table extension, may be great for the extra worktop they provide, but they do make things a tad tricky for moving about.

Specification is pretty good, however. There’s a Smev two-ring hob and sink in stainless steel, with a separate Smev grill/oven. Opposite the kitchen, the washroom cleverly makes the most of the space available by offering a sliding sink that stays out of the way when other ablutions are being performed.

Heating and hot water are via Webasto’s excellent Dual Top unit, operated off the base vehicle’s fuel supply system.

The bed’s a slightly short 1.83m but reasonably wide 1.40m, and the mattress sections are certainly more comfortable than what you’re going to get from a bed made up from daytime seating. Storage space generally is at a bit of a premium, but the wall-mounted main clothes locker over the bed is a neat bit of thinking.

Plus, the bed framework and mattresses here are such that it can all be tucked away to leave the kind of luggage area suitable for transporting bikes and the like. All that’s missing here are some suitable retainers and/or strapping.

The pricing strategy shows in the furniture and fittings, however. It’s pretty frill-free, with rather lightweight plastic mouldings and basic furniture construction. Dare we complain at this price, though? These 669s are already proving strong seller, so arguably it’s the customer that’s right.

Verdict: You can forgive so much at a price like this

Plus: Amazing price, 130bhp engine, full right-hand drive conversion and Webasto heating

Minus: Quality compromises, ergonomics issues

In a nutshell: Great value, but with some drawbacks

Cost to insure: £290.50*

In summary:

• Tribute 669
• Based on Fiat Ducato, 2.3-litre, 130bhp, Euro V
• Dimensions 5.99m L x 2.05m W x 2.68m H
• Maximum weight 3300kg
• Payload 500kg
• Key options: Cab air conditioning £995, Comfort-Matic automatic transmission £1,420, second double bed £295
• Security and safety Central locking to all doors, ABS, driver’s airbag
• MPG estimate 23-27
• Recommended Retail Price from £34,995**

*Motorhome insurance cost based on Tribute 669 retailing for £34,995. Fitted with standard security. UK travel only. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners
– teachers both over 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Quote correct as of 20/05/2013.

**Price is ex-works, includes VAT at 20%, but excludes delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner. Please check the price carefully before you buy as it can vary considerably dependent on many factors including the geographical location of your chosen park.

For everything you need to know about Tribute Motorhomes visit www.tributemotorhomes.co.uk

Have you wined and dined in France, soaked up the sun in Spain, visited one of the many beauty spots in Ireland or even travelled further afield? Or do you just prefer to stay in the UK? Wherever you’ve been and for however long, we want to hear from you!

Vote using the panel on the left hand side and tell us more about your favourite European destinations by adding a comment below.

At the bottom of the list with a just a few percent of the votes we have generators, satellites and reversing aids. Turns out you ‘vanners wouldn’t prioritise computer access when touring as laptops and tablets earned just 5% of the votes putting it into 6^th place.

A number of you commented on the blog and put your own suggestions forward for ‘must have items of touring equipment’. These included having your own toilet facilities, wine racks, bottle openers, mini spirit levels, solar panels, slow cookers and torque wrenches.

On to the top five voted for items now and it looks like it’s outdoor space you’re after as awnings picked up 7% of the vote. Above that, with 9% of the vote, we have every driver’s must have companion, the sat nav. Ensuring you don’t get lost on the way to your campsite is an obvious priority!

Aquarolls round off our top three with 13% and in second place we have a popular modern day caravanning gadget, the motormover, with an impressive 23% of votes. One voter commented “The mover makes life so much easier especially after a fairly long drive to a site.”

But coming in at number one, with a massive 29% of the vote, as chosen by you, we have the kettle! So it seems that no trip is complete without a good cuppa’!

Thanks to all of you for voting. Why not vote in our next poll “Which European countries have you visited in your ‘van?”

Its rear washroom, centre kitchen and the model we saw had parallel seats in the living area but an L shape option is available at a cost option of £125.00.

The living area is spacious with a nice wide window shelf under the one piece window which has cassette blinds and an insect screen. You could use a television in this area as there are three mains electric power points to choose from and a TV socket. A neat low shelf serves a convenient place to put those mugs of tea or glasses of your favourite tipple and there is a free-standing table that stores in the wardrobe. Four reading lights are well positioned for day and night time even when the seats are made up into a double bed; it measures 6ft4 x 4ft7.

The upholstery is a refreshingly simple cream and aubergine colour with one piece base and back cushions, complemented by Aubergine coloured scatter cushions and curtains and a drop-in carpet. All this harmonises with the modern oak coloured furniture, yet it has a combination of traditional and contemporary look.

The kitchen benefits from plenty of cupboards and drawers and you’ll find a Thetford Duplex oven and grill with a three-burner gas hob. There is one mains electric power point. You get a fridge with a full size icebox and a side dresser with room for all those things that make a caravan home from home and for an electrical appliance such as a television.

Storage space has been maximised by the use of the innovative and award winning Whale gas and electric under floor space heater, which frees up locker space. There are two blown air ducts in the living area and one in the bathroom. Hot water is generated by the Whale Rapid-Heat water heater.

In the shower room, you’d be surprised at the space available but perhaps it’s fair to say that there isn’t a lot of storage space for toiletries; neat is a good description.

The exterior is plain and simple graphics with unobtrusive branding

Verdict: Despite its modest price tag and relatively small size this Lunar Venus is packed with a surprising amount of features as standard. The model we saw was fitted with the “Plus Pack” which includes Alloy wheels, AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser/AL-KO Secure wheel lock receiver, spare wheel and carrier, door fly screen and radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod connection; this costs just £399.00 very considerably less than buying the components separately so it’s a no-brainer really. Add the AL-KO Secure wheel lock and watch the insurance price for this caravan drop.

Cost to insure: £206.00*

In summary:

• Two berths
• Length including tow bar – 5.605
• Internal length – 2.960
• Overall width - 2.09
• Headroom - 1.908
• MRO - 849kgs
• MTPLM – 998kgs
• Overall height – 2.600
• Awning length - 850cms
• Recommended Retail Price from £11,295.00**

*Caravan insurance cost based on model fitted with an axle wheel lock, hitchlock, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of May 2013.

**Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £495 including VAT which includes delivery of your caravan to your dealer and preparing your caravan for collection by you.

For more information on the Lunar Venus visit www.venuscaravans.com

To see if you could receive a discount when you take out caravan insurance with Caravan Guard, click here.

Starting point here is the SE version of the Transporter T5 that Volkswagen supplies to a select band of converters here in the UK. It has a more motorhome-friendly specification, including windows all round, super cab seats, extra sound proofing and a lot more (much of which you’d have to order as options on a standard van). Here, it’s the Bluemotion economy version that still gives a lively enough 114bhp of power, returning anything over 36mpg to the gallon. The only surprise is it doesn’t have an extra high sixth gear.

If you think the resultant price is high, you have to see that in context against its competitors, particularly Volkwagen’s own California. But, there’s a strong case that Bilbo’s does things even better than Volkswagen itself.

There are plenty of extras you can order for your Celex. The examples listed below are fairly typical, resulting in an on-the-road price here of £44,590.

You get a traditional VW layout here, of course. It puts all the furniture along one side, starting behind the driver, allied to a rear bench seat that converts easily enough to one of the best (in terms of size and flatness of mattress) beds that you’ll get in any VW camper. When set up, there’s still some floor space, as well as easy access to the fridge.

Overhead, there’s a side-hinged elevating roof that, again, is simple to operate. If you want bed boards up here they’re extra.

There are plenty of individual quirks here, too, much of it based on the company owners long experience of using the campers they produce. The two-ring hob, for example, doesn’t have spark ignition (it tends to get clogged up after too much cleaning). The table rail is such that, wherever you choose to put it, that tabletop will always be steady. Upholstery throughout is the same (Tasamo here). Many of the reading lights are on stalks (for full adjustment). And Bilbo’s was at the forefront of using compressor fridges (a generous 65-litre model here) in campervans.

Storage also, is particularly good in the Celex. The kitchen drawers, for example, are much more practical than a single locker. And the two slimline lockers over the kitchen unit come in so handy, without compromising the chef. There’s plenty of space for bulkier items (including a portable toilet) under the rear seat. There’s a shelved cupboard with easy-access tambour door adjacent to the kitchen. A ceiling locker sits overhead, just behind the rear seat. And there’s a small but handy wardrobe at the end of the furniture run, sitting over a gas locker that’s accessible when the tailgate’s open.

There’s a good, sturdy non-nonsense quality to the conversion work, too, with all surfaces easy to wipe clean, a tough vinyl floor. But, it’s with the all-round ergonomics that Bilbo’s excels. It fits curtains (thick, lined) for all the windows – arguably more effective and less troublesome than some of the fittings others use.

In summary, plenty of other manufacturers produce Volkswagen-based campervans. Few can match the blend of quality and practicality that Bilbo’s brings.

Verdict: A definite yardstick by which all other VW campers should be judged

Plus: Quality base vehicle and conversion, Extra economy of Bluemotion option,  Superb ergonomics, Excellent storage

Minus: Initial price

In a nutshell? Volkswagen heaven

Cost to insure: £288.50*

Key features:

• Recommended Retail Price from £40,454
• Dimensions 4.89m L, 1.91m W, 2.02m H
• Maximum weight 3000kg
• Security and safety Electronic immobiliser
• Remote central locking with deadlocks to all doors
• ABS, ASR, EDL and ESP
• Halogen headlights
• Twin airbags (with deactivation for passenger’s)
• Day-running lights
• Stop-start technology
• MPG estimate 38-plus

Price is ex-works and includes VAT @ 20% but excludes a recommended retailer delivery charge of £565 including VAT which includes delivery to your dealer who will prepare your caravan for collection by you.

Additional extras available:

• Bluemotion engine, stop-start technology and cruise control  £750
• Cab air conditioning £850
• Alloy wheels £614
• Trip computer £300
• Silver metallic paint £920
• Mudflaps £120
• Rear parking sensors £260
• Privacy glass £285

*Motorhome insurance cost based on Bilbo’s Celex 2013 retailing for £44,590. Fitted with standard security and Thatcham Category 1 approved security system. UK travel only. Kept on driveway at home at TD9 8ED. Motorhome owners – both teachers 50 years old with no claims, convictions or health conditions in last 3 years. 4 years no claims bonus mirrored from car policy and 2 years motorhome driving experience. Members of motorhome club doing less than 5000 miles annually. £300 excess applies. Quote correct as of 20/05/2013.

Visit Bilbo’s Design at www.bilbos.com for more information

Check to see if you could receive a great discount on camper insurance with Caravan Guard, by clicking here 

The Inos single axle caravan with a slide-out side is made by the North Wales based, Fifth Wheel Company. It made its first public appearance late in 2012. Handmade and built to order around a standard floor plan, Inos brings high-end high street and a domestic interior design palate to a new level in caravanning.

Inos is a wood free body construction technique; wood is replaced by polyurethane Styrofoam panels and uses a four element sandwich construction method, which has good insulation properties. Heating is by convection using the Alde wet central heating system combined with under floor heating. The water system is top-end too, using the Whale water system with a triple insulated on-board tank.

The kitchen is designed to be used and enjoyed; it has a fridge freezer, a 800W microwave, a triangular stainless steel sink, a four burner gas hob with oven and grill and an extractor fan. With a drawer stack featuring self-close drawers, dedicated storage for the freestanding dining table and generously sized overhead lockers, there’s more than adequate space for utensils and crockery.

The slide-out section runs almost the entire length of the caravan and gives an extra 14 sq metres of living space. It’s electrically operated (12V) with a double seal and gives extra space in the living area allowing for more seating space. Storage space is not lacking here either as there is space under one of the sofas and spacious overhead lockers. The model we saw had an L shape seating arrangement making it possible for junior family members to sleep on the sofas.

On site, the king-size bed glides into the slide-out and because of the extra internal width created the corner radius is reduced. There is storage under the bed, accessed by lifting the bed up.

A solid domestic style sliding door leads into the shower room situated at the rear of the Inos. We liked the non-slip safety lino on the shower tray and the bi-fold door is space saving; not that space is at a premium in this unit. The Alde header tank does take up space but that aside, there is plenty of storage for a goodly variety of toiletries including in the cupboard under the semi-recessed basin.

Fabrics are largely the customers own choice and need to blend with the interior wood furniture. Lockers were previously sourced in Italy but the wood is sourced in the UK not far from the factory, thus improving the company’s carbon footprint. Lighting throughout is LED – a mix of warm white and cool white – which help its green credentials too.

High security locks are fitted to all the doors and Inos is built on a BPW chassis with BPW IDC Anti-Snake trailer control system and Winterhoff 3000kg stabiliser. Extra security such as an alarm is optional. Bear in mind as the caravan retails at £36,000 it is very likely you’ll need to buy a tracking device to satisfy the requirements of your caravan insurer (make sure you invest in a system that is insurance approved). The awning rail is according to the customer’s specification.

Verdict: it’s a unit to aspire to for some, a must-have purchase for others and some may overlook the design principles altogether. Taking the middle road, we think it has its place within the industry and is a long-term lifestyle investment, ideal for a couple or a family that can take time out to tour the UK or abroad for extended periods or to put on a seasonal pitch. It would be wise to check with site owners that a unit this size could be accommodated and allow the necessary space for manoeuvring. The BPW iDC anti-snaking system will lower your insurance premium with a safety device discount.

Cost to insure: £420* (annual premium)

In summary:

• Two or four berths
• Overall body length: 5.75m
• Internal length: 5.5m
• Overall width: 2.3m
• Width with slide out extended: 2.9m
• Headroom: 2.0m
• MRO: 1600kgs
• MTPLM: 1800kgs
• Overall height: 2.7m
• Recommended Retail Price: from £36,000**

*Caravan insurance cost based on model fitted with an axle wheel lock, hitchlock, plus standard security and safety devices. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of May 2013.

**Price is ex-works, includes VAT at 20%, but excludes delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner. Please check the price carefully before you buy as it can vary considerably dependent on many factors including the geographical location of your chosen park.

For more information visit www.fifthwheelco.com

To get more from your caravan insurance or to see if you qualify for one of our fantastic discounts, click here

Get up to 27.5% off a new quote!

As a buyer of any touring caravan or motorhome from the 2013 Swift, Sprite, Sterling,  Autocruise, Bessacarr or Escape ranges, you have the protection of a Tracker Retrieve Battery Powered security system.

Caravan Guard recognise the security the Tracker Retrieve provides to these models with a huge 25% insurance discount for caravans and 27.5% discount for motorhomes.

To claim your insurance discount, please call 01422 396 769 quoting “Swift Tracker Discount” or get an instant quote online

Get 27.5% off a motorhome insurance quote by clicking here

Get 25% off a touring caravan insurance quote by clicking here

Just make sure you select tracking device during the quote and tick ‘Club Member’ discount to get your full discount. Quotes are valid for up to 3 months.

Click here to find out about the other benefits of Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve security system.

Discounts made up of our approved tracking device discounts for caravans and motorhomes plus club discounts, which are also available to various other organisations and can only be claimed once per policy term. Discounts are correct at the time of publication (May 2013) but may be subject to change. Subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Tracker Retrieve Battery Powered fitted to all 2013 Swift Group caravans is a Caravan Guard approved device for caravan insurance or motorhome insurance. Device must have an active subscription for the duration of the policy. Minimum premiums apply. Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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.

We would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all Caravan Guard staff who braved the elements to take part in this year’s Overgate Hospice charity run on Sunday 14^th April.

A total of 450 runners took part in the event held in Elland, West Yorkshire, close to Caravan Guard headquarters.

With two challenging routes to choose from and a 5 or 10k distance to cover, each runner showed grit, determination and maybe even a few tears to reach the finish line in good time.

Here you can take a look at some of the pictures taken on the day

After contending with strong winds throughout the day, the fastest 10k runner crossed the finish line in just over 36 minutes!

The final tally is currently being calculated but Overgate Hospice hope to have raised over £15,000, which is a amazing amount for what really is a very deserving cause.

We’ll be announcing the grand total very soon so watch this space!