Safe towing is easy, once you know how. See below for our caravan expert's "top 10 tips to towing".   To many towing a touring caravan or trailer is a daunting task and can put “would be buyers” off, but it is simple once you know how. Safe towing is common sense. Follow some simple guidelines and you will find the experience can be enjoyable. Firstly, when choosing a touring caravan, it isn’t just down to the number of berths and/or your budget – consider your tow vehicle. Is the car in good overall mechanical condition and will it be able to tow your chosen caravan legally? You ...

Whilst the exact cause of a caravan wheel loss may be difficult to determine, the problem is by no means an uncommon one for caravan owners. Each year, wheel detachments account for a number of claims made by Shield Total Insurancecustomers. Only those with a comprehensive touring caravan insurance policy are adequately protected against the costly damage this kind of problem can cause.When a caravan is sold or serviced the wheel nuts should be tightened to the correct torque and many service centres will insist on you being present when this job is undertaken.

How often should I check th...

Every hobby comes with its own jargon, and the world of caravanning is no exception. To the newcomer, it can appear baffling – all the terminology and technical lingo that seems to be the native tongue of every other caravanner with which you come into contact.Just what is a hitch head stabiliser? And how exactly does it differ from a leaf spring stabiliser? What is secondary coupling and does it have anything to do with my noseweight limit? For every caravanner who has ever been caught out on the meaning of this, that, or the other here is a ‘starter for ten’ jargon buster; a simple, e...

Before choosing your touring caravan, there are steps you may need to take in order to pass certain rules and regulations that enable you to tow.  Then you’ll have to decide on exactly what you want from your caravan, thinking about layout, size, style and service cost. Sounds overwhelming? Read on and we’ll help you make the right decision.

What can I tow?

If you have a 4x4 or large estate, you should be able to tow anything available in the UK. If not, you’ll need to workout what it will legally and safely be able to pull. The key figures here are your car’s kerbweight and the carav...

Looking to buy a previously owned motorhome? Why not start with a list? Once you’ve determined your budget and preferred layout, just list the features and fittings you want in your ideal motorhome – then decide whether you consider them essential or just desirable.For help choosing the right layout for you, check out our handy guides to the best motorhome layouts for families and the most suitable motorhome layouts for couples. We’re assuming you know what type of motorhome you want (panel van conversion or coachbuilt, up to American RV), as well as what your driving licence entitles y...

Given the choice available, it helps if you know the make you want.Thinking of taking the plunge and buying a brand new motorhome? Read on, because the following might not only save you thousands of pounds, it could give you a whole lot more peace of mind.

Do your motorhome research

Unlike caravans, there is a massive choice of motorhome out there, so you need to be extra aware of the make and model you want and what exactly you are getting for your money. Information is king, at every point of your purchase journey. Regular reading of the specialist motorhome magazines such as MMM, P...

Taking the first few steps on the path to becoming a caravanning genius can be a challenging experience.  Nothing can seem more baffling to the newcomer than choosing a caravan generator. All this talk of watts, amps and volts can leave you scratching your head and trying to remember your GCSE physics lessons.Getting a generator for your caravan means you’re not restricted to pitches with power sources provided. This opens up a host of new opportunities and new caravan destinations, and finding the right generator is nowhere near as confusing as it might at first seem. Generators are ra...

  Our leisure industry expert, Andrew Jenkinson, offers an in depth review of the Swift Chamonix static caravan, from Swift's holiday home range. The distinctive Chamonix is sure to appeal to Shield static caravan insurance customers looking for a well equipped holiday caravan that offers comfort, a quality build and a range of features as standard.

  In our "guide to folding campers" respected caravan journalist, Andrew Jenkinson, reviews the all new Pennine Pathfinder Q6 from folding camper manufacturer, the Pennine Group - which is sure to be of interest to Shield Total Insurance customers looking to either downsize, or find a leisure vehicle that is easier to tow and/or manoeuvre.

Our video guide to "Gobur Carousel folding caravans" is the essential guide to folding caravans. It will be of particular interest to Shield caravan insurance customers looking for a quality, touring caravan that is economical to tow, easy to maneuver and, perhaps most importantly, easy to store in most domestic garages. The video features commentary from Richard Moss (Managing Director of Gobur Caravans) and the well respected caravan journalist, Andrew Jenkinson who provides his expert opinion on the Gobur Carousel (Britain's number one folding caravan).