The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is the traditional curtain-raiser for the new camping season, and for 2018 it runs from 20-25 February at its regular home, the NEC Birmingham. Last year nearly 95,000 fans of tent camping and touring in caravans and motorhomes filled the halls during the show’s six-day run.
I’ll be there all week, poring over the mouth-watering new tents, caravans, motorhomes and accessories, many of which will be on show to the British public for the first time. Keep an eye on our magazine website for our ‘Online Show Special’ to find out what our team thinks of the new kit. Here’s my round-up of what to look out for, and where you’ll find it:
TV action-man star turns
Pioneering British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes opens the show on Tuesday 20 February, and our own celebrity columnist Andy Torbet will appear on behalf of the Club at our stand (5200) on Friendly Friday (23 February).
Swift Group goes wider (2100 & 2200)
Britain’s largest caravan and motorhome manufacturer will join the trend for wide-bodied tourers with the launch of the 8ft 1in-wide Sprite Super at the show. Check out the two all-new twin-axle models.
Bailey reboots Advance motorhomes (3020)
This highly-specified, hugely popular range of compact motorhomes from the Bristol-based manufacturer is completely refreshed with this second-generation line-up, featuring four all-new layouts among its six-model line-up.
Malibu motorhomes take their bow (3115)
German motorhome maker Carthago, best known for building premium A-class models, will unveil two coachbuilts and three van conversions to the British public for the first time.
Lunar Campers’ new vee dub offering (1300)
Lunar, in partnership with small van converter Wellhouse, which it acquired last summer, will launch its all-new VW Caledonia. The rear-hinged elevating roof features a sliding seat system, and comes highly specified.
Try your hand at the Vango Airbeam Challenge (5320)
The tipi-style Rosewood tent will star among tent giant Vango’s offering at the show. Also featured will be the massive Serenity Air tent and the Varkala Connect Air awning. Also, be sure to try your hand at the Airbeam Challenge – with prizes for the fastest to inflate an Airbeam tent.
Take part in our Kampa competition (1000)
We’ve joined forces with Kampa to offer the chance to win a Kampa Paloma AIR family tent, which runs for the duration of the show. Go take a look at one, then enter online.
As well as its latest air awnings and its innovative Travel Pod Tailgater – effectively an awning for your car – check out Kampa’s clever new Easy Awning Pulley system. Insert the pulley into your caravan’s awning rail, attach the carabiner to the awning eyelet, and pull!
Check out Outwell’s goodies (5330 and 1345)
Outwell will feature a wide range of tents, awnings and accessories at the show. We’re fans of the Vacationer 400, which is an inflatable tent with an affordable price tag, and the Milestone Pace SA, which is a drive-away awning and always popular with show goers. Caravanners should also check out the Tide 440SA air awning too.
RoadPro launches new tech (3320)
Gadget fans should drop in at RoadPro and check out the new SMART-Trailer system, an app that can do the job of levelling your tourer on site for you, check your van’s tyre pressures, monitor the leisure battery, let you know if doors or windows are open before you hit the road, and keep an eye on temperature in your fridge. Clever stuff indeed!
The Club at the show (5200)
Don’t forget to visit our Club stand at the show. If you’re not already a member, join up (from £38) and take advantage of our special show offer: two free Club Site nights. And if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, check out our member exclusive offers.
We’ll be presenting the winner of our Swift Basecamp and Hyundai i30 competition on the Club stand on the show opening day, and launching our new competition: to win a Basecamp and a Hyundai Kona tow car! You can even try out towing with this outfit in our Towing Experience during the show – just walk up and register your interest.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment at our stand theatre, with Eat Local cooking demonstrations, Travel Service presentations on European and worldwide destinations, face-painting and character meet-and-greets with the Gullivers Theme Park team, our own Simon McGrath on tips for camping with kids, and much more.
If you’re already a member, have a chat with our friendly Club member volunteers, and enjoy a free tea or coffee in our members’ area, or ask our tech team a question. And while you’re there, be sure to take part in our Owner Satisfaction Surveys – we’re launching for 2019, so let us know what you think of the tents, trailer tents, caravans and motorhomes you own.
