Kategorie: Nieuws

Behind the scenes:
Karsten Tents

In Emmen we are busy with all preparations for the production start-up of the TakeOff. The production of the showroom models is progressing steadily, mid March we will start with the assembly of the ‚First Edition‘ models. By the end of March the TakeOff will be on display at the festive opening of our three tent trailer centers in Boxtel, Utrecht and Emmen in The Netherlands and at our German dealers in Karlsruhe and Bottrop. Further extension of the European distribution network is in progress.

After the successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravanning fair in Utrecht in October last year, we have kept you informed in the ‚In the spotlight‘ section in recent months about what will change in the production version of the TakeOff. You can read this again under the news items on our website.

In the new section ‚Behind the scenes‘ we give you a look behind the scenes of Easy Caravanning and the realisation of the TakeOff. This week we will tell you a bit more about our Dutch partner Karsten Tents.

 

It all started for Karsten in 1981 at the Camping & Caravan RAI and an excellent test in a camping magazine. The unique inflatable frame revolutionised the industry. After that, a lot of special Karsten tents were made, and not only for camping enthusiasts. The Red Cross and the army, for example, also knew how to appreciate Karsten tents. Karsten also makes professional work tents for the construction industry, see also:

 

 

A Karsten Tent is an established name in the camping world, it is not for nothing that we enlisted the help of Karsten for the development of the TakeOff. Both the canvas flex wall of the TakeOff and the special X10T awning combination were developed in close cooperation with Karsten. It is quite special that this is a quality product ‘made in Holland’, making these tents is still craftsmanship. By now, Karsten Tents is one of the few remaining tent manufacturers in the Netherlands. And since most products nowadays have a ‚Made in China‘ label, that is also the strength of the company. In this way Karsten keeps control of the quality and is able to respond flexibly and quickly. All parts and materials are tested in-house.

 

 

The X10T is a ‚pole tent‘ but with the quality and set-up speed you are used to from Karsten. The awning tent has only 1 custom-made arch, that’s all. Just like all other awnings from Karsten, 100% cotton Ten Cate tent fabric is used for an optimal living climate and fit in all weathers.

 

Behind the scenes:
tyre language and motorsport

In Emmen in the Netherlands we are busy with preparing ourselves for the production start of the TakeOff. By the end of February, we will start assembling the ‚First Edition‘ models. The new showroom models are currently being manufactured. These will be shown early March in Utrecht, Boxtel, Emmen (Netherlands) and Karlsruhe, Bottrop (Germany).

After the successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Fair in October last year in Utrecht, we have kept you informed of what is going to change in the production version of the TakeOff. You can read this again under the news items on our website.

In ‚Behind the scenes‘ we give you a look behind the scenes of Easy Caravanning and the realisation of the TakeOff. This week we will tell you a bit more about tyre language and motorsport and in particular the choice of tires and rims for the TakeOff.

 

Of course, the picture above is not based on reality. But all kidding aside: motorsport and tires are inextricably linked. It’s not for nothing that you almost always see advertisements for a certain brand of tyre somewhere in historic motorsport photos.

A tyre provides the grip between vehicle and road surface. And although that sounds very easy, in practice it certainly isn’t. Over an area of just a few square centimeters, driving forces, braking forces and, for example, centrifugal forces have to be transmitted between vehicle and road surface. And this in very different weather conditions.

A tyre also provides a significant part of the damping of road unevenness between the vehicle and the road surface. A tyre manufacturer, in close cooperation with the car manufacturer and other suppliers, is faced with the ultimate challenge of ensuring optimum grip at all times and thus guaranteeing the safety of the driver as well as possible. In addition to the above, the tyre must not produce too much noise, not wear out too quickly, and must be able to drain a great deal of water during heavy rain showers to prevent aquaplaning.

In motor sport, tyres and other components are tested to the limit, motor sport is actually the ultimate test laboratory. With these test results and experiences, improvements are made time and time again, which benefit the ’normal car industry‘ to the full. How extreme it sometimes gets during testing is demonstrated in the following video from our partner Toyo Tires:

 

 

Grip is certainly not a question of fitting as wide a tyre as possible. On the contrary, a tyre which is too wide, in some cases, can lead to more sensitivity to aquaplaning and less grip due to the lower pressure per square centimeter of contact area.

For the TakeOff we have selected 2 rim-tyre combinations in close cooperation with our partners:

• A 14 inch steel rim with Toyo tyres 175/65R14 82T
• A 15 inch alloy wheel with Toyo tyres 185/55R15 82H

With the conscious choice of a larger rim diameter and generously dimensioned load index of the tyres (more than usual in our industry), the risk of punctures due to overheating and overloading is reduced to a minimum. However, always ensure the correct tire pressure of course!

There are many codes on a tyre, what exactly does this ‚tyre language‘ mean? Here we stick to the essentials:

185/55 R15 82H

• 185 = the width of the tyre measured from bead to bead.
• 55 = a 55 series tyre means that the ratio between the height and width of the tyre is 55%.
• R = a radial tyre. This refers to the method of construction of the tyre carcass (layers of cords).
• 15 = the rim diameter in inches.
• 82 = the load index. 82 stands for 475 kg per tyre, for the TakeOff with a maximum allowable weight of 750 kg amply dimensioned!
• H = speed symbol for maximum allowed speed of this tyre. H stands for 210 km/h.

 There are many more codes on a tyre. For example, DOT 2118 means that the tyre was produced in week 21 of 2018. For the TakeOff the tire sizes have been chosen in such a way that the 14 inch tire-rim combination as a spare wheel can also be combined with the 15 inch tire-rim combination that comes standard on the Sport and Xcite models. Changes reserved.

 

 

Behind the scenes: preparation production First Edition

In Emmen in the Netherlands we are busy with preparing ourselves for the production start of the TakeOff. By the end of February, we will start assembling the ‚First Edition‘ models.

After the successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Fair in October last year in Utrecht, we have kept you informed of what is going to change in the production version of the TakeOff. You can read this again under the news items on our website.

In ‚Behind the scenes‘ we give you a look behind the scenes of Easy Caravanning and the realisation of the TakeOff. This week we will tell you a bit more about the production preparation and in particular the fit of the exterior parts that give the TakeOff its unique look.

In traditional caravans and folding trailers, the walls are usually attached to each other with screws and aluminium profiles. With the TakeOff, we wanted to achieve a smooth rounded bodywork as automotive as possible. In order to keep its aerodynamic resistance to a minimum and to emphasize its unique design. But that’s easier said than done. That’s why we are currently working hard to check the first plastic exterior parts we received from our supplier for dimensions, fit and tolerance.

We also manufacture special bonding and fitting moulds that always ensure during the assembly process that the parts are correctly bonded together and that the roof fits seamlessly to the trailer body.

 

The result is an impact and hail resistant streamlined bodywork. The plastic exterior parts are wrapped around the inner body like a jacket. Thanks to this double-shell bodywork structure, water does not get a chance to penetrate the interior, as rainwater is always drained off between the inner and outer walls. Our cooperation partner Plastoform in Slovenia is market leader in the supply of plastic moulded parts for the recreational vehicle industry.

The production process is explained in the following video:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the scenes: how to realise an interior that appeals to everyone?

In Emmen in the Netherlands we are busy with preparing ourselves for the production start of the TakeOff. By the end of February we will start assembling the ‚First Edition‘ models.

After the successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Fair in October last year in Utrecht, we have kept you informed of what is going to change in the production version of the TakeOff. You can read this again under the news items on our website.

In ‚Behind the scenes‘ we give you a look behind the scenes of Easy Caravanning and the realisation of the TakeOff. This week we will tell you a bit more about the accomplishment of the interior design.

„We had the ultimate goal to create a design that can be adapted to the personal wishes of every camper, both on the outside and inside. As far as the interior design is concerned, we started, in close cooperation with Hegge Industrial Design, to make so-called mood boards. The mood boards gave us the overall direction for the atmosphere we wanted to create with the interior. On the basis of the interior atmosphere images, we then selected the decors for the furniture body, the cabinet and drawer fronts, and the furniture tops for the table and kitchen, among other things.“

„Armed with the mood boards and decor samples, we travelled to Capiro Textiles in Belgium, the leading manufacturer of upholstery fabrics for the recreational vehicle leisure industry. By mixing and matching with the mood boards and furniture decor samples, 4 fabric designs were selected in the showroom of Capiro in Deerlijk (located nearby their own weaving shops). Almost all of them can be combined with each other. In theory, with the further choice of cabinet doors and furniture tops, more than 60 different interiors can be created. But perhaps we should just say: there are 64 different interior atmospheres possible, because after all, there is no arguing about taste?“

A small selection from the many interior options for the TakeOff: you choose!

 

 

 

In the spotlight: TakeOff 2020 ‘First Edition’ – multi purpose seating group

In the Netherlands in Emmen we are busy with all the preparations for the production start-up of the TakeOff. By the end of February next year, we will start assembling the first series of models. In the coming period we will keep you updated on a regular base on what changes will be made to the TakeOff after the extremely successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Trade Fair in October.

The design of the TakeOff and the matching X10T awning-tent combination will be further refined on the ‚First Edition‘ models in a number of respects on a detailed level. Keep following us and get the latest updates. This week we will further elaborate on the multi-functional seating group.

The TakeOff is equipped as standard with a multi-functional dinette in which the benches are divided into a so-called 1/3 – 2/3 split in longitudinal direction. In no time at all, the handy swiveling table can be positioned in the back near the kitchen as well as in the front. With the optional extension to the round-table group (standard on the TakeOff Xcite), as many as 8 seats can be created. Or, for example, you can enjoy lounging against the front wall with your legs stretched out backwards: relax! Thanks to the multi-functional layout, you not only have access to a king-size bed of 2.05 x 1.60m for the night, but you can also leave your bed for the day if you wish. This way you can still have a comfortable breakfast together and you are immediately ready for the night. With the TakeOff you can adjust the interior very easily, also due to the handy removable kitchen that we have explained before, always exactly the way you want it.

Soon the configurator on easycaravanning.com will be further expanded and you will be able to put together the TakeOff in all its facets, it is up to you, always ready to go. The TakeOff is for sale from € 12.995,- (temporary introduction price until the end of December 2019).

 

 

 

In the spotlight: TakeOff 2020 ‘First Edition’ – prices and versions

In the Netherlands in Emmen we are busy with all the preparations for the production start-up of the TakeOff. By the end of February next year we will start assembling the first series of models. In the coming period we will keep you updated on a regular base on what changes will be made to the TakeOff after the extremely successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Trade Fair in October.

The design of the TakeOff and the matching X10T awning-tent combination will be further refined on the ‚First Edition‘ models in a number of respects on a detailed level. Keep following us and get the latest updates. This week we will further elaborate on the 2020 program and associated prices.

Package „Active“

From the 1st of January 2020, the Active will be the entry-level model of the TakeOff and is available from a starting price of € 13,495.

Package ‚Sport‘

On the Sport (available from € 15.795,-), in addition to the equipment level of the Active, an interesting package of options & accessories is offered. Your advantage over ordering these extras separately is already more than € 500,-.

Package ‚Xcite‘

With the Xcite (from € 18.995,-) there is not much left to be desired. Even the X10T awning is standard in this ‚top of the range‘ version.

 

Soon the above versions and the details will also be included in the configurator on easycaravanning.com and you can configure the TakeOff in all its facets, just the way you want it, always ready to go.

 

TakeOff 2020 ‚First Edition‘ – kitchen concept

In Emmen in the Netherlands we are busy with all of the preparations for the production start-up of the TakeOff. By the end of February next year, we will start assembling the first models. In the coming period we will keep you updated on what changes will be made to the TakeOff after the extremely successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Trade Fair last month. The design of the TakeOff and the matching X10T awning-tent combination will be further refined on the ‚First Edition‘ models in a number of ways on a detailed level. Keep following us to be kept informed of the latest developments.

The design of the TakeOff and the matching X10T awning-tent combination will be further refined on the ‚First Edition‘ models in a number of respects on a detailed level. Keep following us and get the latest updates. This week we will further elaborate on the kitchen concept.

The easily removable kitchenette offers you all you need to prepare a delicious meal. Whether it’s in beautiful but sometimes windy and rainy Denmark, or for example in a sun-drenched Puglia in Southern Italy. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, turn the kitchen cupboard upside down and you’ll immediately have comfortable working height at your disposal. Do you prefer to cook outside? In the blink of an eye, you can put the kitchenette on the frame provided. Connecting gas and water is extremely easy with the snap-on quick couplings. Need more space? The kitchenette can easily be extended with the attachable worktops. Enjoy your meal!

Soon the configurator on www.easycaravanning.com will be further expanded and you can put together the TakeOff in all its facets, exactly the way you want it, always ready to go.

The TakeOff is for sale from € 12,995 (temporary introduction price until the end of December 2019).

 

 

TakeOff 2020 ‚First Edition‘ – interior decors and upholstery options

In Emmen in the Netherlands we are busy with all of the preparations for the production start-up of the TakeOff. By the end of February next year, we will start assembling the first models. In the coming period we will keep you updated on what changes will be made to the TakeOff after the extremely successful introduction of the prototypes at the Dutch Camping & Caravan Trade Fair last month. The design of the TakeOff and the matching X10T awning-tent combination will be further refined on the ‚First Edition‘ models in a number of ways on a detailed level. Keep following us to be kept informed of the latest developments.

Do you like warm and friendly, modern and sleek, or do you prefer a combination of these styles? With the TakeOff you can do it all. You can choose from no less than 4 different fabric designs for the seat and back cushions, mix and match to your own taste. A real statement can be made with the stubborn decor ‚Loop White‘ for the furniture tops. It becomes very chic and stylish with the Havanna wood decor, very nice if you also choose this decor for the cupboard doors. With Ikarus blue on the cabinets, the interior becomes playful and contemporary, the TakeOff continues to surprise.

Soon the configurator on our website will be expanded and you can also decide for yourself which interior style suits you best: in all respects your own TakeOff, always ready to go.

The TakeOff is for sale from € 12,995 (temporary introduction price until the end of December 2019).

 

 

Congratulations Tesla! We have the ideal travel companion for Tesla drivers.

Easy Caravanning congratulates Tesla with the achieved sales results. For the first time in the Netherlands, an electric car seems to be the best-selling car of the year. With the TakeOff recently launched by the Dutch Easy Caravanning, there is now the ideal travel companion for electric and compact towing cars.

In the Netherlands, the Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling passenger car up to and including September, with a market share of over 4 percent. And in September, the Tesla Model 3 even accounted for 15.5 percent of all cars sold. This year, 9 percent of all newly sold cars in the Netherlands are fully electric.

Electric cars are becoming increasingly affordable. The fiscal climate in the Netherlands is also favourable for the purchase of a fully electric vehicle. In addition, the range (for the Tesla model 3, depending on the type, from at least 400 to over 500 km) and the number of charging stations are steadily increasing. The engine characteristics of an electric car are ideally suited as a caravan towing vehicle because the torque is immediately available at low revs.
This makes the electric car (especially in the case of the Tesla Model 3) more and more suitable to tow a caravan or tent trailer. And that is good news for a caravan-loving country like the Netherlands, where as many as 3 out of 100 people own a caravan.

With the TakeOff, Easy Caravanning responds to the trend towards increasingly compact and economical passenger cars with small combustion engines and to the transition to fully electric vehicles. Due to its small exterior dimensions, the TakeOff falls completely ‚in the shade‘ of the front surface of the Tesla Model 3 (and of almost all other compact towing cars). Because the air resistance of a combination of a car with a caravan increases quadratically as a function of vehicle speed, the range of an electric car in combination with a traditional caravan will normally decrease drastically. Even in the case of a compact towing vehicle with a small, economical combustion engine, the performance will decrease significantly as a function of speed where the fuel consumption will increase significantly.

Since the extra drag with the TakeOff (also due to its aerodynamic design with a low cw value) is almost negligible, only the weight and rolling resistance still have an influence on the fuel or energy consumption of the combination. With an empty weight of only 550 kg, the TakeOff weighs at most half of the average of a traditional middle class touring caravan. In short, the Tesla model 3 and the TakeOff are the ideal holiday combination.

Tesla: we are ready for TakeOff!

-The TakeOff is for sale from € 12.995,- (introduction price 2019) –

The TakeOff is ready for use and ready to go in the blink of an eye. Of course, this includes an awning-tent concept that can also be set up quickly to create extra space.

At the Camping and Caravan Trade Fair in Utrecht a prototype X10T awning-tent concept was shown that differs from the final X10T for the TakeOff in terms of both design and frame construction. Together with our partner Karsten Tents, we have once again carefully examined the prototype over the past few weeks. As a result, the frame construction has been greatly simplified and the number of poles is kept to a minimum. This way, the X10T awning can be erected very quickly with only 1 aluminium arch in line with the back of the TakeOff and 1 central roof bar that connects this arch to the TakeOff. The weight of the total package of tent and frame remains as low as possible, which of course benefits the remaining payload.

When the X10T awning is erected, it can easily be expanded into a fully-fledged tent in no time at all, without additional poles: the three optional walls can simply be zipped in, that’s all. For families there is an optional connectable sleeping tunnel tent available (l x w x h = 2.0m +0.50 x 1.60m x 1.2m).
Easy Caravanning, Easy X10T!