Literally thousands of motorhome owners spent up to a week at this years Motorhome & US RV Show on the racecourse at Stratford Upon Avon with temperatures reaching eighty degrees at times.
Judging by visitors leaving the show the accessory traders did well but sales of new motorhomes were slightly down on previous years reflecting the present uncertainty caused by the coalition government dragging their heels and not being straight with people about how bad the economy really is and not declaring whether the VAT will be increased.
The Euro temporarily dented sales of imported motorhomes and the distributors of these are currently seeing an improvement in the exchange rate. The American RVs and the dollar is dragging down sales of these fascinating vehicles although sales of used units is still bouyant. Several visitors criticised the organisers for not displaying new US RVs clearly a loss for the British distributors. Several visitors complained that there were no new US RVs on display which is clearly a loss for the few remaining distributors.
Several of the long standing motorhome dealers who have supported the show for many years would like to see the exhibition to go back to its former layout.
The Motorhome Show (10-12 September) at Shepton Mallet, Somerset looks like being a sell-out with very few trade stands now available and with record advance bookings for overnight stays.
Winners of the Motor Caravan of the Year Awards
Chris Burlace, John Page, Alison Page and Kate Jones were the judges for this years awards which are based on value for money.
After two days deliberations the judges announced their winners which were Micro Class the Wheelhome Scamper; Best Van Conversion Class Leisuredrives Crusader; Best Coachbuilt Class The Romahome R40 and the Supervan Class the Hobby Toscana.
There were no eligible entries for the US RV Class.
Rosettes were awarded to the winners at Startford Upon Avon and cups will be presented to them at the Motorhome Show at Shepton Mallet on the 11th September.
Coachbuilt Class
Romahome R40 on Citroen Dispatch - from £40,995 OTR
When it comes to GRP work, Romahome is unrivalled. The R40’s elegant monocoque body and its DIspatch host look as if they were cast from a single mould, while rear entry - for convenience with safety both at home and on the Continent - is a factor which helps this motorhome appear to pack more into less. Flexible seating makes two dinettes or two couches, two singles or a double bed and for travel allows for up to four rear passengers (subject to load limits) in belted seats. The kitchen puts many a larger motorhome to shame with its workspace and practical detailing, while the washroom is again a model for user-friendly features, clean looks and easy-to-clean detail. Storage provision is good with underseat spaces, twin wardrobes (optional slide-out) and eight large and stylish high-level lockers. Technical pluses include the Webasto Dual Top diesel. fuelled space/water heater and full LED lighting.
Shown by Romahome Ltd. - 01983 292451 •
Micro Class
Wheelhome Skamper on Fiat Fiorino Combi - from £25,904 OTR
Just 12ft. 8in. long and 76in. tall, Skamper will slot into any parking space and slide into your garage. It’s a cleverly conceived camper - the most innovative yet from Master-of-the-Micro, Stephen Wheeler, and still a full four-seater daily driver. The elevating roof goes up at the touch of a switch, side extensions slide out and there’s a two-singles (optional double) bedroom. Below, there is comfortable seating for two, all facilities remain available (PortA Potti included) 24/7, while on the road, the Fiorino is a lively and economical performer, and with a spec. which includes air-con as standard.
Shown by Wheelhome - 01277-822208 •
Van Conversion Class
Leisuredrlve Crusader on VoIkswagen T5 - as shown £31,990 + VED
This is not about novel solutions, it’s the classic, ever-popular Transporter layout fine-tuned in its detail from years of experience. The seat system ensures comfort on the road and on site, converts to sleeping mode in an instant with - its well engineered rock-and-roll mechanism. Convenience pluses are easy wardrobe access and the flexible table positioning. And while the price says basic, the spec. says more. This Crusader came in Reflex Silver metallic including bumpers, mirror housings and roof cap, with electric windows and mirrors, swivel passenger seat, 60-litre fridge, grill/warmer oven as well as 2-burner hob, second battery, mains and charger, not to mention Webasto diesel-fired heater and Fiamma roll-out awning. In the fight against rising prices, Crusader is a true winner.
Shown by Leisuredrlve - 01204 574468 • www.leisuredrive.co.uk
Supervan Class
Hobby Toskana Exclusive 750 ELC on Fiat Ducato AlKo Super-maxi low frame 4.5 tonne 160 PS - as shown £74,995
This tag axle beauty stretches to just over eight metres. Up front was a spacious, leather upholstered lounge area with cab seats turning to join L- and straight couches; room enough and comfort for seven or eight peoole and - at the giant table - space for them to enjoy a dinner party. The catering quarters could cope: ample cupboards and drawers for equipment and provisions Dometic Tec Tower (150-litre fridge/freezer plus oven), alongside the trademark Hobby drinks cabinet, a three burner hob and just enough workspace complete the area. Moving rearwards, there were full height hanging and shelved wardrobes, then two single beds and the door to the full width rear washroom with self-contained shower cubicle, basin and swivel bowl toilet to the centre and then on the other side a large shelved cupboard. This is a ‘road liner’ lavish with the detail to satisfy those who love to travel but only with all home comforts. Cab air con caters for cool when underway, Truma’s Combi 6 for warmth and removal carpets provide comfort underfoot. There’s a flyscreen door, Remis pleated blinds for the cab, bed covers sat nav and Omnistore awning for shade plus much, much more.
Shown by Camper UK - 01522 697070 •