These pods are collapsible with lots of built-in gadgets and come in very bright coloursThe Caravan Pods fit in standard car parking spaces when folded and are light enough to be towed by the smallest of cars, but expand to reveal a spacious and attractive holiday home.

Inside is broken into two pods: one seats or sleeps two adults, while the other houses the water system, power supply and storage space.
And the large central window is made of  film, which changes from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch.

The designer of these innovative holiday homes is David Tonkinson, a 23-year-old industrial design graduate, from Poole, Dorset. He said: “Caravans and caravanning are regarded among younger generations as a dated and old-fashioned pastime.
“I believe caravans are in desperate need of modernisation if they are to overcome the stigma surrounding them and are to appeal to more than just retired people.
“I wanted to create a novel, two person caravan that appeals to a fashion conscious user. It also had to be small and lightweight enough to be towed by a small car.

The exterior coloured body panels, interior panels, walls and floor are contact moulded glass-reinforced-plastic.
The window is polycarbonate with a polished aluminium frame and neoprene seal. And the chassis is cast steel, nickel-plated to protect it from corrosion

For those of you getting ready to store your caravan for the winter we’ve put together a few tips to protect your caravan.

The main problems over the winter period are frost, damp and unwanted visitors so anything you can do to protect your caravan over this period helps the first trip of the season much more pleasant.

Checklist
• Empty the water system.  It’s best to do this on your last trip before you set off home as this can take some time and can drain whilst you’re travelling home.
• Plug your sinks to stop insects getting in.
• Leave the mixer tap open at the halfway point, all drain points open and the shower head up fully so no water stagnates in the pipe.
• Drain the loo and empty the cassette
• Close the outside waste flaps
• Clear out all your food provisions
• Clear out the fridge and leave the door open.
• Unhook the gas and supply
• Disconnect the battery (depending on security devices)
• Wash down your van with a caravan cleaner, rinse and then wax
• Release the handbrake and place the wheel chocks.
• Spray all electricity connections with WD40

Optional
• Fit a breathable caravan cover
• Fit winter wheels (check your insurance policy)

The Northern Motorhome show kicks off on the 19th of September till the 21st.  Don’t forget that there has been a change of venue this year as pointed out in a previous blog.  This year it will be held at the Pickering Showground rather than York Racecourse.  For more information visit their website