To be honest, I felt there was very little innovative stuff, in terms of caravans. One thing that did catch my eye was the caravan produced by the Fifth Wheel Company, with an 'expandable' off side. The idea of expanding the off side wall when pitching up on site is something that we have seen more often, in recent years on motorhomes. This electonically expandable wall makes for a roomy interior, and the transverse island bed is much more realisic than what Bailey tried out in one of it's Pegasus models in the first series. I didn't have time to assess the quaility of the 'van, but at a price of £32k +, I would expect it to be well made. The new 'no frills' Sprite will appeal to some, but if I were buying a new van, at present, I would be going for a Pegasus Verona. As this is exactly the same layout as our present Pageant Sancerre, even if I could afford it, I still wouldn't be changing at present. Our 2009 Sancerre looks as good as anything on offer, and there's nothing really different about most of these van. I don't know if it was just me, but there seemed a lot of motorhomes on show, in comparison to caravans.
As for awnings, I had a quick look and (if you discount Isabella, because of the price) I felt that the quality of the Bradcot awnings take some beating. Quite a few of the awnings on display had the aluminium poles, which personally, I wouldn't have gone for. Nearly all the awnings have these awful ladder pegging points (IMHO) - I wished these companies would take a look at what Eurovent did with their pegging points. I felt the Dorema awning were a bit 'thin' (I suppose good if you are looking for a light weight) and some of the Quest awnings appeared dark, with a more heavily patterned roof and very dark mudwalling.
So what did I buy? Well I went with the intention of buying some more Elsan 'Blue Bags' for the toilet, but I didn't spot any Elsan products at all. Instead I bought some 'QuickTabs' - toilet tablets to use instead of fluid. I'll see how they go. I also couldn't resist buying some cheese from the Snowdonia Cheese Company, especially after having tried the samples - I just can't resist cheese - bought three different sorts, one with brandy!
What I almost bought - one of those remote control toy hellicopters!! Don't know why, but they looked great.
For those of you who have been to the show, why not add your likes and dislikes to the thread?
I had a lovely afternoon out, and it was actually better going on my own (wife at work, daughter at school). No-one to get lost, I could go at my speed (slow!) and look at what I wanted to look at. Just a bit of indulgence!
It wasn't too bad today at all. I had no intention of going on the first day (yesterday) - thought it might be busy. I expect it might be busy on Friday and pretty manic on Saturday and Sunday (that's just my guess). I just had food in the car before I went in, but only stayed about 3 hours - long enought for me. Food can be expensive. Today eating places were busy, but no real big queues. I took a little fold up stool (that doubles as a walking aid) I bought from the National Trust. They had some for sale (I think it was at the stall, or near too, that had a Fenwicks sign) for £12 (I think).
I started at Hall 11 (mobile homes etc) and worked through the motorhomes, mainly Halls 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,, and then on to Caravans and main accessories which are mainly round about Halls 20, 19, 18, 17. The main accessories are where to go if you want to buy stools and those plastic wheely boxes. (Incidentally, the order of the Halls are: 11. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 20, 19, 18, 17) You could, of course, start at 17 and work up to 11. In the knowledge that I was more likely to but accessories I planned to end up at 20-17 - less time to carry the stuff around the exhibition. Just my way of doing it.
Today, there were two ticket offices open (one at either end), but it might be different other days.
Lol we were also drooling over the 5th wheelers....out of my price range though but looked lovely. I went to look over the new Pennine Artemis folding caravan, not impressed with it really. Was more taken with the Crusader deluxe. Also looked at Bailey Orion, as it's within my tow limit with the fixed bunks, but wasn't overly impressed with the 'feel' of it, the quality wasn't the best.
------------- Vid walkthrough of my Aztec Cantera 12 tent *Click Me*
Video of my folding caravan *Click Me*
The Caravan made by the Fifth Wheel Company is not a '5th Wheel' van, it is an 'ordinary caravan' made by the Fifth Wheel Company. It's called the Inos and can be found HERE. More expensive than the show. Here it comes up as £36k!
liked the monopod
disliked the heat and the boxes on wheels and the huge number of motorhomes
agree with DSB if you sat down and thought about it before you went in you could miss out everything you werent interested in
I was there today and was impressed but the component companies and awning manufacturers having sufficient techie guys and gals there to answer questions and discuss good and bad features of their products. Wale and Truma were notable for their willingness to help. Unfortunately the caravan manufactures were less approachable and the stands were patrolled by sales people from the dealers acting like hawks and swooping on anyone showing a bit of interest and then showing their own lack of product knowledge.
It was good to see a selection of awnings with Issabella having a particularly large stand and range on display. The guy on the Bradcot stand was very helpful regarding information about their pole systems and use of additional poles and securing.
I could have spent a fortune on things like auto seeking sat TV dishes and range extenders for wifi but instead I went away with a few brochures to contemplate away from the buzz of the show.
Pleased I went on a weekday to avoid the crowds and in general I found it well organised with a good mix of exhibitors. I would have loved it if the show had included camping in its remit but I guess I am in the minority who caravan and also like to get away in the tent as well.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Quote: Originally posted by D S B on 12/10/2011
The Caravan made by the Fifth Wheel Company is not a '5th Wheel' van, it is an 'ordinary caravan' made by the Fifth Wheel Company. It's called the Inos and can be found HERE. More expensive than the show. Here it comes up as £36k!
Ahhh I see! My bad :) We liked the actual 5th wheel trailers...very nice indeed but very pricey.
------------- Vid walkthrough of my Aztec Cantera 12 tent *Click Me*
Video of my folding caravan *Click Me*
I was there today I was there for 7 hours! It's a massive show. I had a good day. It was good to see Carlight's back at the show and at the other end of the spectrum it was good to see Freedom caravans there again.
I am off Sunday perhaps an earlier leaving time will be required as I thought 3-4 hours would be plenty, whole day will be needed by the sounds of things!
We are now at New House Farm at Hurley and are going to the show today. Will have breakfast in the van and then a meal when we get back again, only eat twice a day anyway. I am interested in seeing the Adria which has separate "rooms", but have never yet been impressed by continental vans. Also want to look inside the 5th wheels but don't want to be harrassed by sales people.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Just back from the NEC show, and.........
Thanks for sharing.
