Caravanning with reduced mobility

There are many topics on the Web regarding caravanning and often helpful advice can be attained if you know where to look. Barrier-free camping for people with reduced mobility is one such topic.

Anyone who travels would like to be able to enjoy the highest possible degree of freedom and flexibility – this, of course, also applies to people with disabilities. With the right equipment, people with disabilities can travel more independently and enjoy the real advantages of access camping holidays - the closeness to nature, the freedom to choose where to go and the relaxed atmosphere on the campsite.

What does barrier-free mean? In most cases, the term 'barrier-free' refers to campsites that are accessible to people with mobility restrictions. In terms of camping holidays, this means that both the mobile home and the campsite should have no barriers. Travelling to the campsite should be as comfortable as possible and wheelchair users should be able to explore the campsite grounds without difficulties. Those wishing to explore a little should find out whether the local facilities are barrier-free and whether any local excursions are accessible for wheelchair users.

Camping holidays can be enjoyed by many people with disabilities: With the right equipment, a holiday in a motorhome (or caravan) can be a good alternative to holidays by bus, train, or plane. A wheelchair-accessible unit and a barrier-free campsite make a carefree holiday possible. The requirements for a barrier-free converted motorhome (or caravan) are the same as those for the living space at home - from low switches and wide doors to a wheelchair-accessible bathroom area.

Additional equipment such as fully electronic environmental controls makes camping holidays even safer and more comfortable. At the campsite, it is also important that the site has been designed to be barrier-free, not only in the sanitary area but also in important facilities and communal areas. This guarantees that the camping holiday is also a pleasure for people with limited mobility and does not become an unwanted adventure.

So, where to look! There are various websites that provide this type of information for both travel in the UK and abroad and a good guide to this subject can be found at: https://www.camperdays.co.uk/guide/barrier-free-motorhome-travel The guide contains many tips on barrier-free travel and camping and provides campers with disabilities with further information on the best way to prepare their holidays.

With thanks to the team from camperdays.co.uk in producing this article.

WD40

Most motorists have a can of WD40 in their car. It is a very useful item of equipment to keep our vehicle going. However, did you know that there are over 2000 uses listed on the WD40 website (www.WD40.com) for this most versatile item. Some of those listed include:-

• cleans sidewalls on tyres
• removes tar from car, caravan and motorcaravan bodywork
• removes decals from glass and plastic
• cleans and protects chrome-work
• removes insects from the front of vehicles and caravans
• stops door seals freezing in cold weather
• removes crayon from upholstery
• cleans marks from rubber surfaces
• tree sap from bodywork

There’s an oven in my caravan

I use it all the time

I never have to scrub it

To wash away the grime

…

Some people think I’m very odd

Well, nearly everyone

But it’s very useful storage

When all is said and done

…

No I’ve never roasted chicken

Or baked treacle tart

But ladies when we’re hungry

We use the supermart

Sheila Hill

A complete guide to towing a caravan

Towing a caravan can be a daunting experience. This applies to all of us, experienced or a beginner. A change of car or caravan can make even the most experienced of caravan owners rethink how they can drive safely. A useful article entitled “A complete guide to towing a caravan” is now available from the RAC website:www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/towing-a-caravan

This article covers a wide range of issues including:

• trailer driving licence categories
• how to work out towing capacity
• width and length rules
• tips for towing a caravan

An interesting read for all touring caravan owners

VASELINE

Pure Petroleum Jelly to quote its proper name is a most versatile product. Developed by Robert Augustus Chesebrough (a British chemist) in 1870, many of us use it to stop metal threads rusting and, of course, use it for chapped skin and lips, minor burns and to prevent chaffing of the skin.

However, other uses around our vans include applying it to door and window seals to keep them supple and prevent drafts, rubbing along extending awning poles to prevent rusting and aid smooth operation and applying to battery terminals to prevent corrosion.