Category Archive for ‘Caravans’ at CaravanPress

Archive for the 'Caravans' Category

Winter camping challenges - water

Published

Tommi

on March 1, 2010

in Carado T 135 diary, Caravans, Motorhomes and Technology

. 0 Comments

Winter camping

Freezing water is a common problem in winter camping. Fresh water tanks are usually located under the seats in motorhomes, so they stay warm when the heating is on. Some caravans may have the fresh water tank inside the gas bottle locker, which is not heated. These caravans are not suitable for winter camping.

Most caravans do not have a built-in waste water tank, but all motorhomes do have it. It is most often placed under the vehicles floor and near the rear axel. This is a good position considering the weight distribution, since it helps to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. However the position also means that the tank is outside and freezes up easily.

Heated water tank

Electric heating and some insulation around the tank is the most common way to prevent the waste water tank to freeze up. This is available for most motorhome models with a cost of few hundred Euros. The solution really does not make a motorhome winter proof. An outlet pipe hangs in the air under the motorhomes floor and gets covered on snow and ice. The valve mechanism gets jammed and it’s impossible to get the heated waste water out of the tank. There’s no point to pay any extra to get only the tank heated and insulated.

Frozen water outlet

Heated outlet pipe

Some motorhome brands provide insulation and heating also for the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe and valve still tend to freeze up, so this is not a completely reliable solution, but helps to some extent. Electric foils or wires are used to implement the heating, so mains supply is always needed. The system is not on while driving, so snow and ice may clog up the pipe. The heating power may not be sufficient for very cold days. This approach helps through some cold nights, but it is not enough for serious winter camping.

Winter proof solution

The most reliable way to solve the waste water tank freezing problem is to position the tank in a heated part of a motorhome. A natural position can be for example between a heated double floor area. Some motorhomes use Truma’s warm air outlet to keep the tank warm. The outlet pipe and the valve mechanism should be also placed inside a heated area. A separate hatch can be provided to enable easy access to the valve handle.

This solution does not require any additional heating for the waste water system. No extra energy gets wasted to keep the tank warm and mains electricity is not needed. The waste water system is fully functional when a motorhome heating is on - even while driving. The user experience is excellent, since there’s no need to worry about turning the system on or off. This could be also referred to as a low energy solution, which keeps the environment happy.

Carado 2010 caravan preview

Published

Tommi

on September 7, 2009

in Caravans

. 0 Comments

Carado C 363

Carado has 9 caravan layouts in the new model range. The company sees the products as upper low end of the caravan market. The interior width is 2.18 meters and there’s 1.95 m of headroom. The wall thickness is 34 mm and the floor thickness 41 mm. Cold form mattresses are standard just like in Carado’s motorhomes. An indirect lighting is used in seating areas, but there are also spotlights. The refrigerator is 113 litres with 11 litres freezer. The washrooms have been upgraded from the previous versions. The Thetford WC connects to the 45-litre water tank. The standard heater is Truma S 3002 with automatic ignition.

The accessories emphasize on practicality and all in all the accessory level is really good for an entry level caravan. There are also some optional extras to choose from. Electric floor heating is now available as an option. Another option is Winterhoff safety coupling. The exterior can be ordered with an optional smooth plate.

The look and feel seems to match Carado motorhomes, which provide a good bang for the bucks. The furniture decor is Canadian walnut.

Caravan range

The range starts from C 100 with a body length of 4 meters. There’s curved seating area in the front, which can be converted into a double bed. The kitchen is located at the back of the caravan.

The C 419 is a completely new layout in the mid-size category. It’s length is 6.57 meters and width 2.32 meters. The layout has a king size “american style” bed in the rear and a curved seating area in the front. The pass-through area at the rear is also accessible from the outside. The storage space is shown in the photo below.

Carado C 419

The C 164 offers a double bed in the front and a dinette in the rear. The C 205 and C 255 provide curved seating area in the rear and a double bed in the front. The C 364 has a horizontal bed across the front, bunk beds in the rear and a dinette in the center of the caravan.

The C 415 offers a curved seating area in the front and a double bed in the rear. The C 417 has a curved seating area in the front and twin beds in the rear.

: Carado C 363

: Carado C 419

: Carado C 419

: Carado C 419

Multicellular caravan concept Mehrzeller

Published

Tommi

on August 24, 2009

in Caravans

. 0 Comments

Mehrzeller multicellular caravan

Multi-cellular caravan concept Mehrzeller is something that really stands out from the crowd. It can be argued if it’s beauty or the beast, but it definitely is unique. Mehrzeller is far from a typical mass produced caravan.

The caravan is manufactured from a mixed shaped sheets. This gives the multicellular look, which is something else than aerodynamic. The interior shape is really as wild as the exterior. Still standard kitchen appliances, toilet, etc are available. Mehrzeller can be tailor made for each customer with own measures. The concept is a result of a degree project in Technical University of Graz and it has been supported by many brands in the caravan industry.

Caravans with a personal look and feel have been popular at least in the smallest category. A good example of this is Tabbert’s T@B. The results of research projects are often very wild. It will be interesting to see if some of the ideas in Mehrzeller will end up into a mass production of some big brand company. Photos (c) Mehrzeller.

: Mehrzeller multicellular caravan

: Mehrzeller multicellular caravan

: Mehrzeller multicellular caravan

: Mehrzeller multicellular caravan

Old caravan in 2009

Published

Tommi

on July 14, 2009

in Caravans

. 0 Comments

An old caravan can get a new life with a little fixing and changing the interior fabrics. A good example of this is the old beaty shown in the photos below. The interior is simple and the equipment level is low when compared to modern caravans. The caravan looks fresh and unique. The exterior has got some touch up paint work and some nice stickers. This caravan has clearly more personality than any of the new models have.

The caravan is owned by a Finnish magazine publisher and it is used to promote their interior decorating magazine.

T@B XL caravan for 2009

Published

Tommi

on September 10, 2008

in Caravans

. 9 Comments

The sweet T@B line continues with three different layouts for 2009: the original small T@B, L, and XL. The original model is available as a standard RS320 model or off-road version.

T@B-320 & Off-Road

This is the original model that started the T@B line few years ago. The body length without the gas bottle locker is 312 cm. The curb weight with basic equipment is 550 kg and the maximum gross weight is 800 kg. The maximum can be increased to 1000 kg (standard in Off-road). Starting price for the caravan is 7390 euros in Germany. Off-road model starts from 8990 euros.

There are several exterior color kits available and two options for interior fabrics. Off-road model has an Adventure kit styling as standard. Heating with Truma S 2002 is an option for 522 euros. Dometic 40 litre fridge costs additional 816 euros. Al-Ko Trailer Control is available also for this smallest T@B for 685 euros although it is not really necessary.

T@B-L

T@B L starts from 14 290 euros is Germany and offers layout designed for two persons. The internal body length is 394 cm. The curb weight with basic equipment is 1000 kg and the maximum gross weight is 1200 kg. The maximum figure can be raised to 1300 kg.

Heating is based on Truma S 3002. Fridge is 86 liter Dometic model. Fresh water tank holds 45 litres and wamr water capacity is 10 litres. Toilet unit is Thetford C-250 S. There are 9 lights operated from 12 V supply. There are 5 sockets for 230 V. The 12 V optional packet provides 16 A charger with integrated 10 A solar control module. The 80 Ah gel battery is suitable for solar charging.

Cool Blue and Red Hot color themes offer two choices for interior fabrics.

T@B-XL 510 DS

The largest XL model with twin axels is the luxury model. Tabbert says it represents an “American Way of Life” style and this really shows in the photo above. The room design is light and open. The interior combines materials like fine leather, teak or wenge and metal. Leather interior is 3900 euros extra. Starting price for XL is 37500 euros in Germany.

The kitchen has an aluminium front and the drawers are self-extracting. The bath interior is wood with metal accents. The lounge area has an optional electric fireplace. It provides a bit of warmth (max 1.5 kW), but it is not designed for heating. It mainly creates the atmosphere. Fireplace price is 2000 euros. The optional media package has 18 ich flat screen TV and DVD-player. Speaker system has also a sub-woofer. Standard price for the media package is 2600 euros.

The body length without the gas bottle locker is 507 cm. The curb weight with basic equipment is 1485 kg. The maximum gross weight is 1800 kg and it can be increased to 2000 kg. The chassis is Al-Ko AKS with Trailer Control stability system. Standard steadies have big foots, which is really handy on soft terrain. The Skyview window is electrically controlled.

Kitchen has 90 litres Dometic fridge. The cooker has 2 burners. Fresh water tank holds 45 litres. Truma Combi 4 kW takes care of the heating. There is 10 litre capacity for the hot water. Alde water pipe heating is available for 2550 euros.

Waste water tank holds 27 litres. There is integrated 10 A solar controller, so fitting a solar panel is easy. Battery is 80 Ah gel unit, which is suitable for solar charging. Toilet unit is Thetford C-250 S.

Electric system provides 16 A automatic charging system with the 12 V power supply package. There are 6 socket outlets for 230 V.

Polar caravans 2009

Published

Tommi

on September 7, 2008

in Caravans

. 0 Comments

Polar has introduced several refinements throughout the entire range. There are no completely new models except the special 1000 series. All the caravans have new front, which is more aerodynamic than before. This makes the towing easier and more stable. The lid of the new gas bottle box has a lift mechanism.

Interiors have received a face-lift. There’s a new collection of curtains and upholstery to choose from. Polar says that the floor heating system is improved from previous models. Polar has always focused on good winter characteristics and heating has been one of the strong points in Polar line-up. All the models use Alde 3010 water heating system. Insulation thickness is 37 mm in the roofs and walls with EPS material and 44 mm in the floor.

The range

The new 1000 special series let’s you choose the external color scheme. The interior presents a Scandinavian feel with new material oak veneer. Other models in the range are 520, 560, 590, 620, 680, and 730. All the models are 254 cm wide providing plenty of space for mobile living.

The smallest model 520 has an internal length of 507 cm and weights 1250 kg in minimum configuration. There are two layouts available.

The 560 is the most popular model in the range. The internal body length is 563 cm. The minimum weight is 1310 - 1340 kg depending on the layout. There are five layouts available.

The 590 is a spacious family caravan with internal body length of 591 cm. The minimum weight is 1345 - 1425 kg. There are six layout available.

The 620 has 8 layouts to choose from. The internal length is 619 cm and the minimum weight 1485 - 1585 kg. The living room of the 620 CTXLR was introduced in the Åre 2007 concept model.

The 680 has 7 layouts available. The internal length is 675 cm and the minimum weight 1535 - 1650 kg.

The 730 has 5 layouts available. The internal length is 731 cm and the minimum weight 1725 - 1800 kg.

2009 Motorhome & Caravan previews

Published

Tommi

on September 1, 2008

in Caravans and Motorhomes

. 0 Comments

We will be publishing 2009 model previews from several brands during the following days and weeks. You can find the updated preview list also from the sidebar. Here are currently published previews:

Carado 2009 models

Published

Tommi

on July 26, 2008

in Caravans, Motorhomes and News

. 0 Comments

Carado production was started in December 2006. More than 2000 Carados have been produced by the end of August 2008. One third has been caravans and two thirds motor homes. There are 170 emplyees working on the production line in Neustadt, which is near Dresden. Carado has published their 2009 range, which includes 16 models. There are 8 caravans, three alcove motorhomes, and 5 semi-integrated motorhomes.

Caravans

There are two new layouts. C 100 is a compact caravan with a curved seating are at the front. The seats can be converted into beds. The body length is 413 cm and total weight is 1350 kg. Starting price is 11590 euros in Germany.

The C 364 has a bunk bed in the back and a bed across the front area. The body length is 557 cm and total weight is 1600 kg. Starting price is 13490 euros in Germany.

The caravans have 34 thick walls and 41 mm thick floors. The chassis is fully galvanized in every model. Payload range is 300 to 470 kg depending on the model. The furniture uses slightly darker Canadian walnut finish. Thetford toilet has a direct water supply with a generous 45 litre tank.

Motorhomes

The alcove motorhomes have one new layout A 361. It combines a bunk bed with dinette and an optional large refrigerator. The base is a rear wheel drive Ford as all the alcove models have. The basic engine is 85 kW (115 hp) 2.4-litre TDCI. 140 hp engine is available as an option. The length is 695 cm, width is 230 cm and height is 315 cm. The total weight is 3500 kg, but it can be raised to 3850 kg. Starting price is 39290 euros in Germany.

T 134 is a new semi-integrated model that introduces the very popular “Van type” layout. The vehicle is under 6 meters in length has a raised rear bed with wardrobe under it and semi-dinette. The base is front wheel drive Ford as all the semi-integrated models have. The basic engine is 81 kW (110 hp) 2.2-litre TDCI. 140 hp engine is available as an option. Starting price is 35190 euros in Germany.

The interior of the motorhomes have generally 34 mm thick walls and 42 mm thick floors. Smooth outside plate is available as an option. The interior design uses slightly darker Canadian walnut finish. The upholstery has two new choices of microfibre/leather-look versions.

Brochures and Technical data

Carado Caravans catalog
Carado Caravans Technical Data, Note: German language
Carado Motorhome catalog
Carado Motorhome Technical Data, Note: German language

Hymer 2009 line-up

Published

Tommi

on July 17, 2008

in Caravans, Motorhomes and News

. 3 Comments

Hymer has released news about their new motor home and caravan range. There are two motor home debuts: HymerCar 312 and HymerLiner. Also the caravan range has two debuts: HymerSporting and HymerFeeling.

HymerCar 312 is a van designed for every day use. It is half a meter shorter than HymerCar 322. The bed is easier to access as it is lower. HymerLiner is extending the higher end of the line-up. It is based on Iveco chassis with 6.0 and 6.5 ton rating offering high payload and improved towing capacity.

The interior of the B-class Hymermobil SL has been redesigned. The C-class alcove models have completely revised layouts. Two models are based on Ford and five on Fiat.

HymerSporting is an entry level caravan with five layouts. HymerFeeling is a pop-top caravan and it has been completely revised with new layouts, materials, and furniture.

Brochures and Technical data

Hymer Integrated Motorhomes
Hymer Car
Hymer Semi-integrated Motorhomes
Hymer Alcove Motorhomes
Hymerliner Motorhome
Hymer Forever Young caravans
Hymer Caravans, Note: German language!

Kabe Royal Tower

Published

Tommi

on September 12, 2007

in Caravans and News

. 2 Comments

Kabe is a Swedish caravan and motorhome manufacturer specialized in winter ready models. The most spectacular innovation for the 2008 model year is a two storey caravan called Royal Tower. The first floor has a dinner table, kitchen, and separate beds. The second floor has a living room and a balcony. The Royal Tower measures 4.47 meters in height and 8.2 meters in length. This set some hard limitations to the tow car and where you can tow it.

Kabe Royal Hacienda holds the title of the longest caravan in Europe. Royal Tower is certainly the tallest. The level of accessories is very good. Both storeys have air conditioning, the kitchen has a dishwasher, and the living room has a surround sound system. The only thing missing is a sauna that could be located on the second floor next to the balcony.

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