Top tips for buying your first static caravan

So you’ve decided that you want to purchase a static caravan. Here’s a list of key things that you should think about before making your purchase.

What are the costs involved?

Make sure you set yourself a realistic budget for how much you can afford to spend on the static caravan itself. Not forgetting that this isn’t the only cost that you have to worry about. There will also be annual costs to pay such as: a pitch fee, management fee, utility charges and insurance.

If you are purchasing a brand new caravan, check if the price includes the transportation to your chosen caravan site.

Brand new or pre owned?

Check with the park owners, how long you are allowed to keep a static caravan on their site before you replace it. Some parks have no age limit, whereas others have a maximum of 15 years.  Bear this in mind when purchasing both brand new and second hand. If you are purchasing a pre-owned static caravan, you only have the balance of years left on the lease before having to purchase a new one.

DSC02815

Location

Take the time to carefully consider where you are going to have your static caravan.  Do research and create a short list. Visit each place that you are considering, making sure you see all of the facilities that are available and visit the nearest town. If possible, speak to other caravan owners at the park.  Also consider how long it will take you to get to your caravan, from your home and will the distance allow you to use it regularly.

When do you want to visit?

Check when the holiday park is open, as they typically close during the winter months to allow for essential maintenance. Generally caravan parks are open for a maximum of 10 months a year and there may be some restrictions on how long you can spend there in one go.

Is it pet friendly?

If you are a dog owner, make sure you check that the park is pet friendly beforehand.

Static Caravan essentials

You will need to purchase new items for your caravan, just to make it liveable. Items you’ll need include linens, cutlery, crockery etc. Take this as a good opportunity to clear out the overflow from your home.  If you find your caravan is quickly overflowing with stuff, you’ll be able to purchase a caravan storage unit from Asgard. These metal sheds sit outside your caravan and are the ideal way to store surplus caravan items securely.

Asgard Caravan Site storage

Asgard Caravan Site storage

Remember owning a static caravan is a very worthwhile investment, if you plan on using it regularly you’ll save time and money on expensive holidays abroad.

How do you get more storage space for a caravan?

Caravan owners will know just how quickly the storage space inside a caravan can fill up and before you know it, you’ve run out of room for your caravan must haves. If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, there are only a few options for you. You can either stop buying more stuff for your caravan, or get rid of those items you rarely use. But what if you don’t want to do either of these,  what is the best way to create more storage space? Asgard has a solution!

Asgard Secure Steel Storage has a range of secure caravan site storage units, designed specifically to sit outside your caravan. These are available in 4 sizes, to suit all storage needs. These caravan site storage units are made from strong weatherproof steel and are fitted with features to keep your stored items secure. Asgard caravan storage sheds are perfect for seasonal items such as BBQ’s, outdoor furniture and play equipment.

“Very satisfied with service and delivery.  Instructions were easy to follow and easy to erect.  Happy with storage which we use for our caravan equipment.” BW

Asgard Caravan Site storage

Asgard Caravan Site storage

“We are delighted with the storage unit. It is just the very thing we have been looking for. It was delivered and unloaded by the courier driver on the time and date agreed.All the bits were there and fitted together really well. The instructions were clear and what a good idea to include one or two extra screws and bolts. The quality of build was first class and the finish excellent. It looks and feels very secure. We have had several other caravan owners having a close look at the bike store and the comments were very favourable. Thanks again for an excellent product and for your customer aware service” -Yeoman Smith

Not only are these storage units secure, they look good too! Take a look at the full range on the Asgard website.

Caravans targeted by burglars

2012 saw a rise in the number of burglaries on static caravans in the UK. An increase in these burglaries was seen in caravanning destinations such as Skegness, Wales, Newcastle, Lancaster and Worcester. These burglaries increased particularly in the winter period, as the caravan parks are much quieter. Caravans are being emptied of any high value goods such as televisions and other electrical items.

One caravan park in Skegness was hit with 20 burglaries in one night. A similar report came from Worcester where 5 caravans were targeted in one night and valuable items and cash were stolen.

Enjoy a Caravan break this Spring!

Is your caravan protected from theft?

The nature of static caravan burglaries is that thieves will look out for unoccupied caravans, close to dense foliage, allowing them to steal with a lower risk of being caught. Burglars are able to gain access into caravans by using small bathroom windows as a point of entry. These should be fitted with strong locks to prevent forced entry and help protect your caravan.

Police are urging people to take greater care in securing their caravans. A caravan should be protected in the same way that you would protect your home.

Caravan security tips:

  • Never leave expensive items such as TV’s and Games consoles in your caravan, when you aren’t using your caravan.
  • Leave cupboard doors and curtains open as thieves will be put off by the empty appearance.
  • Have secure door and window locks fitted to your caravan.
  • Fit an alarm and use it!
  • Mark any valuable items inside your caravan.

If you want security for your seasonal items that always stay with your caravan, such as BBQ’s and outdoor furniture, then take a look at the Asgard range of Caravan Site Storage.

Asgard Caravan Site Storage

Asgard Caravan Site Storage

These metal storage units sit perfectly outside of your caravan and offer additional secure storage space. These caravan storage sheds are made from strong weatherproof steel and offer the best caravan site security for your items. The Asgard caravan site storage units are used at caravan parks all over the UK and are a preferred product of Park resorts. . Find out more about these caravan site storage sheds on the Asgard website.

Christmas in your caravan

Christmas is coming up, have you ever thought about going away in your caravan for the festive season? For some people this sounds like a nightmare, but for others the idea of caravanning at Christmas is perfect! If you are thinking about whether to give Christmas caravanning a try, we’ve come up with a list of must have’s to see you through!

If you are worried about being cold, most modern caravans are designed to be used all year round, however if the weather forecast predicts severe weather warnings,  in this case it might be best to reconsider.

iStock_000008478772XSmall

Thinking about Christmas in your caravan?

Decorations

For it to be Christmas in your caravan, you have to put those Christmas decorations up! A miniature fibre optic Christmas tree will be perfect or why not put some fairy lights in the window. You’ll be surprised at how far some bits of tinsel will go.  Don’t forget the stockings for Santa to put your presents in.

Christmas dinner

You might think cooking your Christmas dinner in a caravan might be tricky, But if you cook your turkey prior to the big day, you’ll have plenty of room left for your roast potatoes etc and you can just place the turkey back in the oven to warm up.

Who said you have to cook? Why not book your family Christmas meal at the local pub, this would save on stress, hassle and no one will have to do the washing up!

Entertainment

Board games are a Christmas entertainment must have! Be sure to bring a variety to keep the whole family entertained.

Make sure you pack your iPod dock/Speaker system so that you can play all the Christmas songs that you want.

Don’t forget those Christmas DVD’s, everybody loves a Christmas movie or special.

Christmas presents

Don’t forget your presents!

Essentials

Don’t forget your caravan essentials! You’ll need plenty of warm clothes, blankets and duvets. Make sure you have enough gas, and have stockpiled food.

If you don’t have much storage space at your caravan and it is already full to bursting, Asgard has a range of caravan site storage units, which provide plenty of extra storage.  These caravan site storage units sit outside alongside your caravan, offering incredible security and freeing up space inside your caravan. They are especially useful for storing seasonal items that you don’t use on a regular basis.  See the full caravan site storage range.

Is your caravan overflowing?

Have a caravan, but don’t seem to have enough storage space for the amount of items accumulating every year? Asgard has the answer to your storage problems, with a variety of secure outdoor caravan site storage units. These units are specifically designed to provide tough storage for all of your site essentials! With a range of sizes and colours to choose from that will look sleek alongside your caravan or static home, there is bound to be a unit for you.

Need more storage space at your caravan?

These practical and weatherproof storage units can be seen throughout the UK on all major caravan parks and are the preferred product of Park Resorts. All of the units have a variety of features, making the extremely secure from theft and hard wearing. But don’t just take our word for it, see what the customers thought:

“Very satisfied with service and delivery.  Instructions were easy to follow and easy to erect. Happy with storage which we use for our caravan equipment.” BW

“A great unit for storing all my garden furniture outside my caravan when i’m not there.” – E.D. Cheshire

“Our Asgard sheds provide clean, secure and assessible storage.  Installation was quick and efficient” – Beth – Park resorts

Asgard caravan storage

For full details on Asgard Caravan site storage range here>

Secure storage for your Caravan or Holiday Home

Escaping to the Caravan park or Holiday Home for the weekend is fantastic when you need a short break – especially during holidays where you can gather with friends and family and enjoy some time away.

Enjoy the short break at your Holiday Lodge

Enjoy the short break at your Holiday Lodge

But with all the camping  and bbq equipment, gas bottles, patio furniture and bicycles – you may struggle to store these valuable items when not in use.  One alternative is a metal storage box – such as the Trojan Caravan Storage Box from Asgard.

The Trojan Caravan Site Shed is a cleverly designed tall site storage shed.  Built from tough, heavy gauge, weather proof steel panels with a hard wearing built in metal floor and large single door access.  This all metal caravan site store is ideal for keeping you furniture and gardening equipment safe and dry through out the year. 

“We are really pleased with are shed and also very pleased with the guys that delivered it – In fact it’s the best shed quality we have ever had!  You we see it fits perfectly behind are holiday lodge.”

Alan Seal

TrojanShed2

The secure Storage Box for the holiday home

TrojanShed4

Store your caravan equipment securely in this Trojan Storage Box

See the full range of secure storage units for the Caravan park or Holiday Lodge here.

The Static Caravan and Motorhome Show 2011

Caravan and motor home campers will be spoilt for choice this weekend when they have not one but two fantastic exhibitions lined up this weekend in Lincolnshire. The Static Caravan and Motorhome Show and theMotorhome Show Season Finale.

Your first option is the Touring Caravan/Static Caravan and Motorhome Show 2011 will be held this weekend at the New Forest Showground.

Static Caravan Show 2011

The Holiday Home and Static Caravan Show 2011

Why travel all across the country when you have a massive show on your doorstep? This is the second year at this brilliant venue, it is an outdoor event with indoor exhibition pavilions.
What to expect

Discover all that is new and exciting in Holiday Lodges and Caravan Holiday Homes and find that perfect holiday site for you. See all the latest types and models, talk to experts, meet the holiday parks where you can keep your dream home.

Don’t miss it!

Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th andSunday 25th September 2011 (Opening Times:9.30am – 4.30pm.) Venue: New ForestShowground.  For more information, visit the Touring Caravan/Static Caravan and Motorhome Show website here.

Caravan and Motorhomes

See all the latest Motorhomes and touring Caravans all in one place.

Alternatively, the Motorhome Show Season Finale 2011 this weekend is renowned for giving campers a great weekend of entertainment and this year is no differentWith the introduction of a marquee, we are delighted to confirm that the multi-talented comedian, actor and television personality, JOE PASQUALE, will be top of the Saturday night bill.  Joining him will be 60′s band, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich with further entertainment from Niqi Brown performing a tribute to Tina Turner – and that’s just Saturday night! 

Motorhome Show 2011

End your outdoor camping season in style with The Motorhome Show Season Finale

  • Over 200 exhibitors will be on-site to offer advice and a great choice of motorhomes, accessories and spares.
  • Talk to experienced motorhome users, manufacturers andUKleading dealers on all aspects of motorhoming
  • Visit for the day or camp with us for up to 4 nights
  • Campers can enjoy 4 nights of top quality entertainment whilst on-site
  • Visit the historic city ofLincolnduring your stay
  • Top Entertainment from a great line-up including Temple Brothers, Bootleg Blondie, Staying Alive, Bob Oakley, Get Back, Carnival and the West End Story.  For all our campers who enjoy line dancing, they will be line dancing classes on Saturday and Sunday.

Some comments from last year……

‘This is our first show and on what we have seen and experienced, we would say it is difficult to improve!’

‘First time at a motorhome show and we have really enjoyed the whole event!’

Each year, thousands of campers attend our shows, however, don’t worry if you are new to the hobby or have never experienced an outdoor show before, you will find a community of campers who will be more than willing to share their experiences with you and help you enjoy the weekend. 

The Motorhome Show Season Finale: From 23 – 25 September 2011
Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln LN2 2NA

For more information about the show visit The Motorhome Show, Season Finale website  or contact them directly on 01778 391123 (Monday – Friday9am-5pm)

Get ready for the Barbecue Season!

Now that summer has finally arrived, its time to dust off the barbecue and get the party started outdoors! Inviting all your friends and family round and cooking a meal outdoors is the best way to spend an evening or weekend when the sun is shining and you want to make the most of the time off from work. 

Gas Barbecue and Bottle Storage

Get the Barbecue party started!

A barbecue meal can be a refreshing change after spending the colder months indoors but during periods of hot weather, the London Fire Brigade has seen an increase in barbecue and grass related fires.  

That is why they have put together these top tips on BBQ safety and fire safety outdoors. 

BBQ safety tips:
  • Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
  • Never use a BBQ indoors (yes, people do!)
  • Never leave a BBQ unattended
  • Make sure your BBQ is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
  • Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
  • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If the ashes are hot they can melt the plastic and cause a fire
  • Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your BBQ, use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals
Gas BBQ safety tips:
  • Store gas cylinders outside away from direct sunlight and frost
  • Take care when turning bottled gas BBQs on and off
  • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
  • After cooking turn the gas supply off first and then the BBQ control. This will stop any gas from leaking
  • Change gas cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

For more fire and safety advice – visit the Hackney Council website.

Bottles gas barbecues are increasingly popular compared to Charcoal based barbecues – they can be more costeffective and less messy.  However, make sure you know how to store them safely and securely in a suitable bottled gas storage unit – such as the AsgasGas Bottle Storage Unit from Asgard.

Small Gas Bottle Storage

Store your Barbecue gas bottles safely with a suitable gas bottle storage unit.

 The Calor Gas approved Small Asgas unit allows you to store up to 2 x 19kg gas bottles safely and securely when not in use.  The Unit is designed with special vents allow a free flow of air preventing a gas build-up in the event of a leak and the locking facilities keep your gas cylinders safe from tampering or theft.   For more information – visit the Asgard website.

The UK Motorhome & Caravan Summer Fair 2011

The UK Motorhome & Caravan Summer Fair is a superb show for motorhome and caravan owners, taking place on Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July 2011 at Shropshire & West Midlands Showground in Shrewsbury.

MotorhomeShow2011

Don’t miss the Summer Show for all Motorhome & Caravan Owners

Whether you are a day visitor, weekend camper or club rally, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome at this event.  With a whole range of activities and events for the keen carvanners as well as fun for all the family – see below of what to expect from the weekend inShrewsbury:

  • With all the leading caravan and motorhome manufacturers taking part and a host of outdoor leisure stands and accessories available – this show will give you a perfect start to the new touring year.  Grab a bargain for your caravan essentials, spares & accessories!
  • Family entertainment with a Craft Fair & ‘Kids Corner’, scheduled Replica Spitfire display and exclusive free evening entertainment in luxury facilities – Including ‘Last Night of the Proms Summer Concert’ with Shrewsbury Light Orchestra.

Excited?

Don’t miss a great weekend that is guaranteed to get you and your caravan ready and prepped for your next caravan break.  To find out more, and to book tickets, visit the UK Motorhome & Caravan Summer Fair 2011 website.

The Southern Motorcaravan Show and The Park & Holiday Homes Show (Newbury) 2011.

If you haven’t decided where to go caravanning or camping this year then there will be not one but two great Caravan Shows happening in Newbury this weekend!  Thousands of motorhome, camping and outdoor leisure enthusiasts are set to descend on the Newbury Showground from Friday 20th to Sunday 22 May 2011.

SouthernCaravanShow2011

The Southern Caravan Show 2011 in Newbury

 The ever-popular The Southern Motorcaravan Show where you can spend a weekend away enjoying up to 4 nights camping, 4 nights of entertainment and 3 days shopping.  This well-established and popular motorhome and leisure event draws thousands of visitors and this year it promises to be an even bigger extravaganza of outdoor leisure excitement.

The Southern Motorcaravan show 2011

See over 150 specialist outdoor exhibitors at one venue and take your time to browse through a great selection of British, European and American motorhomes, both new and pre-owned. You can spend time comparing models and talking to different people about the benefits of each model.  Alongside a variety of motorhomes, you will also be able to shop for a range of outdoor leisure accessories, attend the Castle Rock mini-beer festival or a Dog Show scheduled to take place during the weekend.

Returning once again this spring and taking place at the same time is the Park & Holiday Homes Show where you can view a selection of park and holiday homes from major manufacturers who will be on hand to offer advice on the benefits of ownership.Park&HolidayHomesShow2011

Each year, hundreds of campers return to the show, however, don’t worry if you are new to the hobby or have never experienced an outdoor show before, you will find a community of campers who will be more than willing to share their experiences with you and help you enjoy the weekend. 

 For more information, visit the Southern Motorcaravan Show and The Park & Holiday Homes Show website.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,871 other followers