I know, it sounds like something the Top Gear team have dreamt up, but this is reality.

This clip does seem like a trailer (no pun intended) for an epic movie but it does well to show exactly what the Sealander can do.

It is light enough to be towed by a small family car, yet with the addition of an outboard motor it can be used to sail the seven seas. Well, not exactly but you get the picture.

With its large windows and removeable roof, you can really appreciate your surroundings whilst floating on a calm and peaceful lake.

Facilities are limited to a a sink, a cool-box, a cooker and a camping toilet, btu what more do you need when you have this much freedom?

Just check out the link at the top of the page to see the Sealander doing what it does best.

A 58-year-old grandfather and his 26-year-old son have died in a caravan fire during the early hours of the morning on Saturday 11th June.

The pair were on holiday with the older man’s wife and granddaughter at the Sunny Sands Caravan Park, near Barmouth.

Other holidaymakers rescued the 50-year-old woman and granddaughter, aged two, who were then airlifted to hospital.

A white tent and screens have been erected around the caravan and an investigation has been launched by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.

In a statement made on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website; Gareth Griffiths, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: “The devastating caravan fire which claimed two lives at the weekend is a reminder of just how destructive fire can be.

“My deepest condolences go out to the family and my thoughts are with the little girl who is currently receiving treatment.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have issued safety advice to caravanners and campers following the tragedy this weekend.

Here is a list of things to keep in mind:

- Ensure tents or caravans are kept at least six metres apart.
- Find out what the fire-fighting arrangements are on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is.
- Fit an optical smoke alarm in your caravan
- Keep a torch handy for emergencies. Do not use a candle.
- Do not leave children alone in a caravan.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Do not overload electric sockets or extension leads if you have access to a power supply and make sure electrical appliances are working correctly
- Keep flammable liquids and gas cylinders away from tents.
- Do not cook inside your tent.
- Be prepared to cut your way out of your tent in the event of a fire.
- If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP AND ROLL.
- Oil burning appliances should not be used in or around tents.
- Cooking appliances should not be used in small tents.
- Do not smoke inside tents.

Last week in the Longframlington area, two caravans were broken into witch TVs and DVD players being stolen.

Caravan owners are being asked to sign up to Caravan Watch schemes and to be extra vigilant as they try to catch the thieves.

Alnwick Neighbourhood Sergeant Graham Vickers said: “Recent crimes have seen thieves break into caravans and steal items they can carry off quite easily like TVs and DVD players. Remove them where you can, ensure that your caravan is secure as possible and make sure you carry out regular checks on it.

“We’ve introduced a number of Caravan Watch schemes in the north Northumberland area where Community Support Officers carry out regular patrols and hold regular meetings which give the caravan owners the chance to receive crime prevention advice and the opportunity to meet other owners on their sites.

“If the owners all work together and form a watch scheme, similar to a Neighbourhood Watch system, then there is more chance of someone spotting any unusual people or behaviour on a caravan site.

“If anyone sees anything suspicious on or around a caravan site then contact police straight away and officers will happily come and check it out”.

According to figures released by the leading caravan manufacturers and transporters, 2010 saw a resurgence in both new and second hand caravan sales.

The Explorer Group, who builds the Elddis and Buccaneer ranges of touring caravans, posted pre-tax profits of ÂŁ3million in 2010, following a 40% rise in sales from ÂŁ35 million in 2009 to a healthy ÂŁ49 million in 2010.

Baileys, currently one of the largest caravan companies in the country today, showed a 27% increase in turnover last year, reaching ÂŁ95 million. This marks a return to pre-recession levels for the Bristol-based caravan builder.

Meanwhile The Swift Leisure Group who constructs, amongst others, the classic Sprite range of caravans, has had an excellent start to the 2011 caravanning and camping season with £2.5millon taken in orders at January’s Manchester Caravan Show alone. Sales at the Scottish Caravan and Mobile Home show in early February were double those of last year.

Sales of pre-owned caravans are also increasing. In the past 12 months Salop Leisure, a caravan servicing a repair specialist has more than doubled its workforce, seen the number of workshop bays increase from five to 12 and work seven days a week to meet demand from owners wanting to get their caravans ready for transporting.

Sourced from News Broadcast 8 Mar ‘11

Excess on the policy
Bear in mind there is always a certain amount of excess that needs to be paid if you make a claim. This sum of money needs paying in a lump sum out of your pocket. While offering to pay a higher excess can lead to making some savings on the premiums, if you do have to make more than one claim in the year, you could lose out. Bear in mind also that if the premiums for caravan insurance seem cheap it may be due to the fact that the excess is high.

The benefits to insurance
The typical static caravan insurance policy provides you with numerous benefits. However there could be limits so check these when checking the excess. For instance the policy would only pay out so much towards the loss of the contents of your freezer, with some providers this could be more than with others.

Accidental loss or damage may be included in your insurance policy. Accidental damage typically covers such things as your TV and any other electrical equipment in the caravan. It might also cover fittings and fixtures in the bathroom, the panels of your caravan and windows and skylight.

The contents could be insured against damage, destruction or theft. You could get new for old cover in which case you get brand new goods or the provider might consider depreciation. Always make an inventory of the contents to ensure that you have adequate cover in the event that you lose everything.

Third party liability cover is offered and is essential if you rent out your static caravan to others. Check the wording of any static caravan insurance you are thinking of taking out to find out how much liability insurance is offered as there is always a limit. This part of the cover pays out towards your legal costs if someone gets injured or dies while staying in your caravan and it is deemed to be your fault. You could also want to make sure that personal accident cover is included in the policy too.

Although your caravan is stored away for the winter, you should take the opportunity to shop around for important caravan accessories. For example, does your awning need replacing? Get it all done before spring and you will save yourself a packet.

Finding used caravans for sale is always easiest at this time of year, too. People who have had the last summer they want out of their current caravan tend to ship them off to the dealers autumn/winter – which means that from now until the end of the year there should be more used caravans on offer than at any other time. Getting in ahead of next year’s pack, again, means that you’ll get the pick of the bunch at the best prices.

These days, touring caravan add-ons are capable of turning your leisure hours into the most comfortable you’ll ever spend. Caravan technology has come on to such a degree that you can kit one out with flat screen TV, HD, proper digital reception. As for the space of the thing – well, an awning here and a trailer tent there and you’ve practically got a whole mobile house behind your car. Get your caravan accessories now and pick from the very best examples of modern space saving, space amplifying and waterproofing ideas for unbeatable 2011 holidays.

Buying a caravan brand new is an exciting prospect. For many, it will be one of the biggest purchases they will make. When you consider the possibilities that a new caravan can provide, it is definitely worth it. As there are a number types of caravan, it can be a daunting prospect.

>> If want the caravan for a particular hobby or activity, you may need certain features or storage requirements.

>> A new caravan should also be able fit and sleep all passengers in good comfort. If you are looking to accommodate the whole family, make sure they can all be housed adequately.

>> Remember to think about the size of your tow car too. Larger caravans will need bigger cars to tow them. Small caravans can be extended with the use of an awning.

>> Consider extras. You may need to add on some optional features such as a TV, barbecue or awning. Be aware that these may affect the weight.

>> If you a buy a caravan you will be covered under warranty and will require it to be serviced regularly.

Used Caravans for Sale

It is not always feasible to buy new caravans for everyone. They are an expensive purchase for most. If you have less of a budget, you should consider a used caravan. If you want to buy a used caravan, there is no reason why you cannot get as much joy out of it as you would if you bought a new caravan.  Certain checks should be carried out:

>> Used caravans for sale are prone to rust, which can be a very expensive issue to sort out. In particular, check for rust near the chassis and under the caravan.

>> Check the tow hitch and make sure that when it is moved it does not stick. Ensure the handbrake is in good working order.

>> Check the caravan chassis number has not been tampered with. If it has been removed or modified, be weary.

>> Have a look for damp inside the caravan. Inspect areas surrounding the windows and look at pipes for signs of leaks.

>> Make sure that all internal equipment is in a good state. This includes lighting, heating, cooler and furniture.

>> Look up potential second hand caravans on the CRiS register. If the caravan is registered with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme, you can find out the vehicle’s history. If you buy a CRiS registered caravan, the seller must complete the necessary notification form and hand over the document to you.

>> The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should be etched on the windows of second hand caravans. This must match up to the numbers in the CRiS documents. Do not buy a caravan that does not match up correctly.

>> Make sure the numbers plates of the caravan and tow car are the same. If the number plates appear temporary or handwritten, be weary.

Remove all clutter and give it a good vacuum. You could also rejuvenate surfaces with dedicated spray products. Adding certain touches, like a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit, can really heighten a buyers’ vision and will to buy.

Take measures to make the caravan smell nice. Buyers will not appreciate a caravan that smells of stale smoke or anything unpleasant. A good airing and the use of neutral air fresheners will do the trick.

Second hand caravans for sale should have as few problems as possible. If there are minor issues that you are aware of with your caravan, it is normally worth having them fixed before putting the caravan for sale. The money that you will lose from a buyer for a broken component could work out to be more than how much it would have cost to fix in the first place.

Ensure that plumbing and electrics are all in good order. Check that the tires and brakes are working well.

Selling Caravans
When advertising second hand caravans for sale, it is important that you are helpful and as honest as you can be. Potential buyers could be put off by the simplest of things when looking for caravans for sale. For instance, if you do not include your home telephone number, buyers can become suspicious. Although this seems like a minor omission, buyers may be weary of someone who is not willing to give a permanent, fixed number.

When selling caravans, make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready for buyers to see. This includes regristration with CRiS and its service history.

When a buyer comes to visit caravans for sale, it is important that they try out everything they can. Allow them to test all features.