The October NEC show means all the new models from Elddis, Coachman, Swift, Bailey, Lunar, Stealth and Adria. You know that. But what else is there to see? Practical Caravan picks 5 must-not-miss things to do at Birmingham this week.

1. Visit Practical Caravan!

Shameless self-promotion, but we will be there all week, giving buying and technical advice, dishing out free advice cards and helping you get the most from the show. Great offers if you subscribe at the show and gifts include an Autoglym valet pack or a Practical Caravan fleece. Snuggly…

Where to find it: Hall 19, stand 46

2. AS Caravans

Everyone’s new models will be there but one highlight will definitely be Auto-Sleepers whipping the covers off of it’s stunning new tourers. We can’t wait to see what you all think of them, but we are desperate to find out the prices and weights of these Cotswold-built caravans. Things like the TV shown below suggest they won’t be light…

Where to find it: Hall 19, stand 22

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3. See if Quest’s Dome awning is at clever as they say

The Dome awning very boldly claims to be a ‘new concept in awning’. Away from all the PR flim-flam though, this does look a seriously smart piece of kit. It can be an awning, gazebo or even a stand-alone tent.

Where to find it: Hall 17, stand 45

4. Go and see the RoadPro guys

These guys are the satellite TV experts [tl:gallery size=180×180]and the new PAPSA system is seriously cool. Set the unit up on a table in the awning, turn it on and within two minutes, you’ll be watching Strictly Come Dancing. If you want to. Not cheap, but go to the stand and watch the demo. It gives the convenience of automated sat tv without needing permanent installation. We love it. Where to find it: Hall 7, stand 15

 

5. The Financial Ombudsman Service?!

Bit of an odd one, but anyone looking for free money advice before signing up to a shiny new tourer should see these guys. Experts from the Financial Ombudsman Service are on hand to answer queries regarding your dealings with banks, insurance companies and financial businesses.

It’s a free service and last year handled over one million enquiries about problems from credit cards to caravan insurance. Click here for more details.

Where to find it: Stand 7, Hall 19