View of one of the leading caravan manufacturer stands at the NEC show.

Plenty of folk come to buy a new leisure vehicle at the Motorhome and Caravan show at Birmingham’s NEC (11th – 16th October).

If you do, I strongly advise you check out the caravan retailer you’re about to deal with. Price really isn’t everything when it comes to such a high-value transaction. In a nutshell, choose a caravan dealer that’s as near to your home as possible and one with a proven track record.

I’ve been working closely with Broad Lane Leisure (the South Midlands caravan dealership), to come up with a caravan buyers’ guide for anyone thinking of buying a new caravan at the forthcoming show.

To view our “top ten tips to buying a caravan“, just click the following link: caravan buyers guide – ten top tips.

The Vanmaster Darwin caravan has classic lines and quality finish.

Its over 16 years ago since Vanmaster was founded.

John and Cyril Darwin (twin brothers) established the Vanmaster brand after being involved with Vanroyce, Trophy and working for Knowesley Caravans back in the 1960’s.

Years of experience shows through the Vanmaster design which has evolved and built up a loyal following among those caravanners who want to deal with the caravan manufacturer direct and have spec changed to their liking.

Stunning new look for the Coachman Pastiche caravan range.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show, National Exhibition Centre. Birmingham. October 11-16. That’s all you need to know, and all the excuse you want to get yourselves to the UK’s number one show for caravans, showcasing all that’s new for the season ahead

Seasoned show-goers will spot that admission prices are considerably less than in recent years – it’s £9 / £10 on the door for seniors over 60 / other adults, children (under 16) go free and there are no parking charges.

I can certainly guarantee you’ll see lots that are new from all the major caravan manufacturers.

Sprite Alpine 2 caravan 2012 model lends its looks from the new Swift and Eccles models.

The Sprite caravan brand is nearly 65 years old and in that time it has provided affordable caravanning holidays.

It’s had a turbulent history mixed in with some halcyon times when Sprites simply sold the world over.

The Swift Group who produce the Sprite nowadays have realised that the brand has a loyal following and a heritage as long as your arm.

The Sprite brand is being developed further and 2012 looks set to further its success.

I went a few days ago to see the first Sprite Alpine 2 caravan prototype being built (- yes the caravan was missing its rear end one-piece back panel).

So what is the Sprite like? Does it offer a stylish tourer that retains a “value for money” status?

For a web exclusive, why not check out my “first impressions review” of the new Sprite Alpine 2 caravan 2012 model which goes on sale from late October (and will be on show at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the forthcoming  Birmingham NEC, 11th – 16th October). CLICK HERE