5 Reasons why you Should Buy a Caravan

Caravanning is Cheaper

Whilst the initial outlay for a caravan may not been the cheapest purchase, once you’ve had a few weeks and weekends away you’ll start seeing the savings add up. If you stay in the UK you could be holidaying every weekend for around £10 per night.

Flexibility

No more hanging around in airport lounges or hoping that a snow flurry or fog won’t delay your flight. With a caravan, you could be off and away for the weekend in the time it takes you to finish work on a Friday and collect your caravan from storage.

With a caravan, you can take each day as it comes, changing your plans according to your budget, health or even the weather.

Boost the UK economy

By investing in a caravan and staying in the UK for your holidays you’ll be pumping your hard earned pounds back into the UK economy rather than spending it abroad. With the falling value of the pound, European holiday prices have increased so there’s never been a better time to enjoy a staycation and caravan at home.

Explore your doorstep

The UK has so much to offer, and we bet there’d be more than enough locations to visit even if you went away every weekend from now on! From beaches to cities, and mountains to villages, there are destinations to suit every taste and keep you occupied whatever your age and hobbies.

Packing

Prioritising what to pack is far less stressful with a caravan. No longer will you be having to squeeze everything into a couple of suitcases – instead, you’ll be able to take bikes, bbq’s and even the dog!

And if those reasons aren’t enough, you’ll be joining the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Dame Helen Mirren, Ray Mears, Lorraine Kelly and Jamie Oliver in their love of caravan getaways!

Gift Ideas for Caravan Lovers

iBoost Pro D8 Directional System

£159.99

When so many things rely on an internet signal these days it makes sense to make sure you have a reliable connection. This WiFi booster claims to enhance the externally available WiFi signal and repeats that signal at full strength inside your caravan. You’ll be able to connect your  laptop, iPad, tablet, smartphone all at the same time, all wirelessly. 

Vango Long Peg Puller 

£4.00

A nice little stocking filler here. The Vango Long Peg Extractor makes taking pegs out of the ground effortless so there’ll be no back strains or injured fingers.

Tefal Toast N' Egg

£29.99

When space is at a premium this nifty gadget comes into its own. In just 4 minutes you could have toast and your choice of poached or hard boiled eggs on the table. What's not to love!

Scrubba Portable Washing Machine

£41.77

We think this is great. When you don’t want to rely on campsite facilities, the Scrubba wash bag enables you to wash your clothes in just 30 seconds without any spilled water or wet hands. Just add your clothes, water and detergent to the bag, seal, then gentle ‘mungle’.

E&P Caravan Levelling System

From around £2500

Forget messing around with caravan jacks, drills or wedges. This levelling system puts your caravan in a horizontal position at the push of a button in under 2 minutes. This is a pricey one but perhaps a good investment and with all that time saved, you could be sat enjoying the scenery even sooner.

LEGO City Van & Caravan

£17.99

One for the kids here – and perhaps the big kids too! Lego has some great caravan themed sets available – great for caravan lovers of any age.

Poweradd Pilot Portable Power Bank

£19.99

Charge your phone, tablet or other portable device when you haven’t got mains power. This little gem can charge an iPhone up to 6 times without needing re-charging. Definitely a good buy when you’re outdoors and can’t rely on mains power.

Hubi Solar Charging Unit

£99.99

Use the sun to provide power and light when you’re away in your caravan. Don’t worry, it collects daylight too so you don’t need to rely on the great British weather! This solar panel Hubi system collects light and converts it into DC electricity which is then stored ready for use to power your smart phone, tablet, TV, laptop, lights and more.

TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN STORAGE SITE OWNERS - PART 2

In part one of our Top Tips for Site Owners, we looked at security aspects to consider when setting up a caravan storage site. In part 2 we will look at the administrative elements to think about.

An efficient administration system that complements security aspects will ensure that a site runs smoothly.

Caravan Storage Records
Accurate records should be kept of all plot holders and should be updated as and when necessary. All details provided should, wherever possible, be verified either by driving license or passport.
If possible, ask for evidence of address such as a utility bill.

Insurance Details
The caravan owner’s insurance documents should be requested prior to a storage contract being exchanged. Check that the insurance will be valid for the term of the storage contract, and that it applies to the caravan or motorhome being stored.
Where applicable, make sure that the CRiS reference number on the caravan matches that on the insurance documents.

Damage Description
When a caravan first arrives onto the site it should be examined and any damage noted on a damage description form, which should be signed by the caravan owner and the site owner.
Ideally a check should be made each time the caravan is returned.

Site Fees
Site fees will be influenced by the quality of the site, its geographical location, and the economics of the area. On average, a year’s storage for a single axle caravan will be around £350.00*.
Undercover storage will usually generate a higher fee, and twin axle caravans are usually larger and therefore can also attract a higher fee.

Business Rates
As a business you will be required to pay business rates and the amount will be determined by the rateable value of the property. For more data on business rates check the Valuation Office Agency.

VAT
If the gross income from the site exceeds the current threshold of £82,000 then it is likely that VAT will have to be paid at the standard rate of 20%.

Storage Contract
A written contract is strongly recommended, as in the event of a dispute it can be invaluable.
All contracts must be fair and reasonable in their terms, and meet the requirements of Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999.
Terms must also be in plain language and if not, the interpretation which favours the consumer will apply. Site owners need to be aware that plot holders may take advantage of a site where there is no written contract.

Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is essential when the nature of the business allows people onto the site for a specific purpose.
There will always be the potential for an accident, and therefore insurance should be in place for such eventualities.

For more information, please download our Guide to SecureCaravan Storage. 

*Representative costs based on sample data taken from Bronze, Silver & Gold CaSSOA storage facilities across the UK. Price is based on
average yearly cost for the storage of a single axle caravan. Prices will vary from site to site depending on location and security level awarded.

TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN STORAGE SITE OWNERS - PART 1

There are so many things to consider when setting up a caravan storage business. Here’s our rundown of the most important elements to bear in mind.

Planning Permission

First things first. You’ll need to make sure you have the necessary planning permission in place. In the majority of cases planning permission for change of use will be required, and this will usually be “B8 - Storage and Distribution” to include outside storage.

Plot Spacing

As a rough guide, each caravan should be given around 30 square metres of space. CaSSOA recommends that the space between each caravan (hitch post to hitch post) is 3.5 metres.

You will need to decide whether you as the site owner will be moving caravans in and out of spaces, or whether you will allow your customers to do this themselves.

You’ll need to consider the following threats:

•          Criminal Damage
•      Theft
•          Fire
•          Flood
•          Falling Trees
•          Storm Damage
•          Vermin

Security

Here are the key areas of security you’ll need to look at:

• Perimeter Protection – to prevent access and secure an area, we recommend that fencing is over 3m in height.

• Access Control should:
• Deny access
• Record access
• Have anti-pass back control that prevents tailgating.
• Activate CCTV (if in use)
• CCTV
• Should you decide to use CCTV, signs should be prominently displayed warning that CCTV is in operation.
• Where personal data is processed, The Data Protection Act 1998 requires that CCTV systems are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
• Security Lighting should: 
• Complement physical and electronic security features.
• Illuminate an intruder
• Illuminate protected premises.
• Operate from dusk to dawn
• Be mounted out of reach of intruders and protected.

Fire Protection

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment be carried out, and any recommendations implemented. The site owner can do this.

In part 2, we’ll look at the administration aspects of setting up a caravan storage business.

For more information, please download our Guide to SecureCaravan Storage. 

CaSSOA at the Farm Business Innovation Show 2017

We are excited to be involved at the Farm Business Innovation Show this year! The Farm Business Innovation Show is dedicated to farmers, landowners, and rural business entrepreneurs who are looking to find new ways to diversify and increase their income. Returning to the NEC Birmingham on November 8th and 9th the show delivers…

• Expert Speakers such as Michael Eavis of Worthy Farm and Glastonbury Music Festival, Dan De Baerdemacker of British Deer Farms and Parks Association, Roger Allonby of Rural Payments Agency, and Doug Gurr the UK Country Manager of Amazon among many others!

• Live Debates on hot industry tops like Planning Permission, Succession Planning, Glamping, Equestrian Business Rates, Weddings, Social Media, and Marketing

• Over 500 hand-picked, world class suppliers

• Rural Digital Academy Workshops from Amazon

• Unlimited Networking Opportunities

... and much more!

The Farm Business Innovation Show is the place to find all the tools, resources, advice and inspiration you need to find creative and successful additional revenue streams to help keep maintain the traditional farm.

Tickets to this game-changing event are free and you can register via www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk! Your ticket will also give you access to the sister shows - Country House Business Innovation, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, and Family Attraction Expo - which run alongside.

See you at the NEC, we will be on stand 1486!

Caravan Gadgets

Which caravan gadgets?

The nation’s inventors have been busy and there is now a new wave of caravanning-related gadgetry that’s been designed to catch our eye.

We’re certainly not claiming to endorse any of these or saying that we’ve tested them personally. But here is a quick run down of just a few that have caught our attention recently!

Video recorder sunglasses

This brilliant idea that comes from individuals not wanting to miss any video worthy moments because their hands are full (e.g. cycling).

They look like ordinary and actually very sporty sunglasses but they contain a built-in video recorder. They could be useful at times but then again, do you want to see your partner’s efforts to reverse the caravan recorded for posterity?

Bubble tents

These are effectively large plastic transparent bubbles which can be inflated and which have some camping-type accommodation inside. The idea is that you can sit in it at night and watch the stars in comfort, perhaps protected from that chilly draught.

WIFI Boosters

True, these aren’t exactly brand new but today they’re much smaller and using 4G – much more reliable.

You can now just switch them on and all your connected gadgets will have a local network and boosted internet access (assuming there is a 4G service in the area).

The Boatbox

Now we thought this was really ‘neat’. It basically involves turning your roof rack, once emptied, into a small boat by joining the top and bottom together and using a small flotation bag.

Absolutely ingenious though as always, do make sure you’re careful when enjoying water sports.

The Solar Panel Bag

This is clever – to a point.

It consists of small, lightweight and flexible solar panels that are sewn into the back of your rucksack. The idea is that as you hike, you can be charging up several devices at the same time and all for free.

The “to a point” kicks in here though. Once you admit to having one of these, you’re going to end up carrying everyone’s mobile, tablet and laptop devices for charging. There goes all that space for water and food and your back muscles of course!

Caravan Expanders

These aren’t entirely a new idea either but today’s models are super-slick and very well designed.

There are all sorts of variations here including some that expand telescopically from inside your caravan shell meaning you add more space instantly.  Be sure that things such as this will be covered by your caravan insurance though.

Giant towel-sized wet wipes

However brilliantly equipped many camping sites are, some are rather more rudimentary.

So, if you’re disappointed by the shower facilities, you might welcome the new near bath towel sized wet wipes.  They just might help make you just a little bit easier to live with in the caravan and car – until you reach a decent shower block!

Pocket blankets

These are really great. About the same size as a small pack of crisps, they unfold into a huge and very tough nylon ground sheet. It’s ideal for picnics and the like.

What will they think of next?

Caravan Park Security

At CaSSOA we’re all about providing secure storage for your caravan or motorhome when it’s not in use. But what about when you’re out and about on holiday?Security is still important when you’re away so here are some points to consider when leaving your tourer on a caravan park. 

• Lock all windows, doors and skylights. 
• Hide all valuables from view – including TVs and other electrical equipment. Remember to mark these with a UV or permanent marker so that they can be traced back to you if stolen. 
• Consider using a floor-anchored safe. 
• Take keys, money, credit cards and passports with you when leaving your caravan. 
• Leave curtains open (after hiding valuables from view) so that it can be seen that there is nothing of value to steal. 
• Consider purchasing an alarm system to alert others if your caravan is broken into.  
• Security posts and wheel clamps can also be used when you’re away from your caravan. Visible security devices like these act as a visual deterrent.  
• Make friends with neighbouring caravanners – they’re more likely to raise the alarm if someone unfamiliar is loitering around your caravan.  
• Awnings can be useful – not only to add extra living space. A thief may be less likely to steal a caravan with an awning because of the time they’d need to take it down or cut it away. 

And finally, check your caravan insurance policy to see if there are any specific requirements you need to be aware of whilst taking your caravan away from its storage location.