Latest Motorhome News

The Tribute T-725 has been named the Family Coachbuilt of the Year by Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly (MMM), the UK’s best-selling motorcaravan magazine, and Which Motorhome, the UK’s number one magazine for motorhome testing, at their prestigious 2012 awards.

“This is the first year MMM has joined forces with Which Motorhome to create one set of combined awards to name the best new campervans and motorhomes on sale in the UK so it’s pleasing that our Tribute range should gain recognition from such a distinguished judging panel,” said Scott Stephens, General Sales and Marketing Manager for Auto-Trail, which makes the Tribute coachbuilt range at its Grimsby plant.

The judges looked carefully at everything from the functionality of the layout, the build quality and overall usability, to how the motorhome performs on the road as well as on the campsite, right through to whether it offers true value for money.

“I’m not surprised they were impressed – after all everything that leaves our factory is built to the same very high standards,” added Scott. “Ever since the initial launch, the Tribute coachbuilt range started to win awards and this year we have made the interiors even more luxurious, improved the exterior styling with better graphics plus a low line roof option, and started building on the latest Euro V compliant Ford Transit, itself an award winning motorhome chassis.

“Without sounding complacent, how could this be anything other than a winning combination?


“We set out to satisfy demand from British buyers who wanted home market features like well-equipped kitchens to cope with our weather conditions, especially as there’s a growing trend to use motorhomes all year round.

“Having made the effort to create this motorhome range, it’s pleasing that judging panels love it. But, more importantly, so do buyers, therefore we have been increasing the size of our dealer network to cope with demand.”

The new low line 615 and 715 Tribute coachbuilts will be revealed at the Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Show from January 19 to 22 before appearing at the SECC in Glasgow from February 2 to 5 and then travelling south to be star attractions at the brand new ExCel show between February 14 and 19.

The MMM / Which Motorhome awards were sponsored by the Caravan Club and were held at the Luton Hoo Hotel on Thursday January 12, with dealers and manufacturers from the motorhome industry present.

One of the judges, Rachel Stothert, MMM’s deputy editor, said: “The Tribute T-725 is perfect for hassle free family holidays.” Dave Hurrell, road test editor for MMM and senior judge, said: “Already a great value package on a great base vehicle, this Tribute is enhanced by an easy-access permanent bed that still retains plenty of storage.”

Chief judge and editor of Which Motorhome, Peter Vaughan, commented: “Why spend more? For £40k you get a fully loaded garage layout coachbuilt that’s perfect for four - it even has a separate shower, 140bhp engine and plenty of kitchen worktop.”

Are opening hours are the following over the festive period -

SAT 24th DEC - CLOSED
SUN 25th DEC - CLOSED
MON 26th DEC - CLOSED
TUE 27th DEC - CLOSED
WED 28th DEC - 9AM - 6PM
THU 29th DEC - 9AM - 6PM
FRI 30th DEC - 9AM - 6PM
SAT 31st DEC - 9AM - 4PM
SUN 1st JAN - CLOSED
MON 2nd JAN - CLOSED
TUE 3rd JAN - 9AM - 6PM

normal hours will then resume -

MON-FRI - 9AM - 6PM
SATURDAY - 9AM - 5PM
SUNDAY - 10AM - 4PM

If santa doesn't bring you the motorhome you asked for then why not come in and see us!

Also we will be attending the Shepton Mallet show from 6th - 8th January, with some big offers on motorhomes new and used. We hope to see you there! The showroom will be open as normal.

Finally from all at Freeborn we would like to wish all our customers past, present and future a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Merry Christmas

Seven is a lucky number among new motorhome buyers who attend the end of season events organised by Freeborn Motorhomes.

Cash savings totalling almost £40,000 are being offered on just seven new 2011 model year motorhomes as part of two end–of-season events which help mark the launch of the dealer’s new branch in Southampton and will also see one customer being told to get on his or her bike.

Sales of 2012 models have already been strong, with 22 buyers ordering top-end motorhomes from the luxury Auto-Trail range, including eight of the very best tag axle models, as well others from Trigano, Tribute, Elddis, and Romahome.

“We are having very frantic days in the showrooms at both Godalming and Southampton,” said Freeborn Group sales director Darren Chatterley.

“After a strong showing at the recent motorhome event held at NEC, we have continued to receive orders from customers who appreciate the freedom that motorhome ownership brings.

“Many of these new orders are accompanied by the trade-in of nearly new vehicles, some of which have already arrived with us while delivery of new vehicles is pending.

“Every one of the many used motorhomes in stock can be subject to a deal while all the 2012 models, which now have the latest Euro V compliant engines, can be ordered at 2011 prices to beat the rises that the better technology has brought.”

Freeborn Motorhomes at Godalming will be holding its end-of-season weekend from November 25th to 28th with the Southampton event, which also marks the official opening of the new Freeborn Motorhomes and The Romahome Centre showroom and workshop facilities at St Mary’s, on December 2nd to 4th.

“Customers can order from the ranges from Auto-Trail, Elddis, Tribute, and Trigano plus every Romahome model, including the New R20 launched at the NEC,” adds Darren.

“For those who find our deals, and the weather, really cool there’s warm soup and mulled wine and owners of existing motorhomes who don’t want to buy can turn up for a warming drink and book a habitation check for £99, a saving of almost £150 and only available at the events.

“There’s something for everyone, plus an electric bike as a draw prize which will be welcome news for someone who prefers powered pedals to pedal power.”

Freeborn Motorhomes has a new branch in Southampton, opened the day before the sales team headed for the NEC motorhome show and sold almost £2 million of vehicles.

In addition to 10 high value Auto-Trail models, sales were also secured at International Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC for 26 Romahomes, the Freeborn Group’s own brand of motorhome made on the Isle of Wight.

“The success of both Romahome and the Freeborn Motorhome sales team at the NEC proves that we have exactly the right mix available for our customers in a very demanding market,” said Freeborn Group managing director Andrew Jones.

The new Freeborn Motorhomes showroom in Southampton has been created in the space vacated by Freeborn’s flagship Citroen car dealership, which has moved 200 yards to a new home opposite St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton Football Club.

“The new motorhome site complements our very successful Freeborn Motorhomes dealership in Surrey and brings a wide range of new and used motorhomes to enthusiasts on the South Coast,” added Mr. Jones.

“Freeborn Motorhomes will now have covered and open display areas for 50 vehicles in Southampton and, just as important, full mechanical and habitation repair and service facilities to ensure the highest standards of vehicle preparation and customer support thanks to the appointment of new motorhomes technical specialists using new workshop facilities.”

The new showroom has been appointed an Elddis dealership but will also be able to offer new Tribute and nearly-new Auto-Trail and Trigano models. It also remains the home of the Romahome Centre, still the national focus for buyers seeking the most enduring of small motorhome designs.

There’s no mistaking the heritage of the New R20 from Romahome.

The wraps come off the new model on Stand 10-45 in Hall 10 at the NEC today – until now it has remained a closely guarded secret. The list price is £30,995 but there is a one-off special introductory offer of a £1,000 saving when buyers place their order at the NEC.

Created with input from motorhome design supremo Barry Stimson to fit the latest Citroen Berlingo chassis, the New R20 is wider and sleeker than the model it replaces but still carries all the vital ingredients of a small Romahome thanks to its still compact exterior and versatile interior. Critically, there will be a version with an external height below two metres.

True to coachbuilt Romahome tradition, which goes right back to the demountable bodies that first carried the brand name 30 years ago, the entrance door to the living area remains in the centre of the rear panel of the New R20. But Romahome enthusiasts will immediately notice it is wider than before, making access much easier.

High quality GRP

Romahome uses high quality GRP both for the body and internal furniture and the New R20 carries the 10 year warranty on all its GRP components that has now been a standard feature of Romahome models for a decade – so far without a single claim being made. The warranty remains in force after accidental damage provided repairs are carried out by Romahome or a dealer approved by the manufacturer.

Although its external appearance is a development of the Romahome Duo, Duo Plus, and R20 themes originated by Stimson, the New R20 is more advanced on the inside. There is flexibility through the variety of seating and bed layouts and the comfortable living space can be arranged with an L-shaped lounge or to give two rear travel seats with full three point safety belts in Pullman format.

Romahome owners are increasingly using their vehicles all year round, especially as models such as the R10, New R20, and R25 can also easily be used as everyday transport, negating the need to own a car as well.

Strength, light weight and economy

With this in mind, the double skin GRP body is now Grade 3 insulated to give all season versatility. Its frameless monocoque construction combines great strength with light weight, allowing a realistic payload. Combined with an aerodynamic shape, it also helps ensure good handling and fuel economy.

Base vehicle for the New R20 is the Citroen New Berlingo 1.6 HDi 90 bhp chassis cab which also underpins the larger Romahome R25 launched at NEC exactly two years ago. Its arrival marks the 25th anniversary of Romahome’s first use of Citroen chassis and provides a firm platform from which to advance to the Golden Jubilee 50th anniversary.

The New R20 will bring the choice of Hi and Lo body styles, the latter with a raising roof that allows it to fit into parking spaces or garages with lower headroom as it will remain under 2.0 metres in height. Although slightly wider, it retains the same external length as the original R20, based on the Berlingo First that has now gone out of production.

There is a double Pullman fitted with two forward facing seats as standard, one left and one right, and both can have a three point seatbelt fitted to give four travel seats. There is the alternative of two full length settees or an L-shaped sofa and the toilet has a new location rather than under the sink.

Practical kitchen

The cooker is upgraded, as are the grill, sink, and fridge and there are plenty of other clever internal touches, among them work surfaces that can be folded away yet help create the practical kitchen favoured by the majority of British motorhome buyers.

Sleeping arrangements consist of two long and wider single beds, a king-size double option, or a shorter double across the van. Whatever layout is selected, there is still good access to toilet facilities and a spacious dressing area.

While the Hi version will be at the NEC, both it and the Lo will be available to order. Deliveries start in January, 2012, for the Hi and March for the Lo.

“The New R20 is truly a step in the right direction from its highly successful predecessor,” says Romahome managing director Brian Bailey.

“It takes all of the original R20’s great features like the bench seat beds and Pullman tables while at the same time giving lots of clever storage units, greater comfort, and a greater feeling of space without detracting from its everyday usability.”

Dimensions, specifications, price:

Overall Length: 16ft 3in / 4.95m
Width mirrors out: 6ft 11.5in / 2.12m
Width mirrors in: 6ft 1in / 1.85m
Overall Height (to Heki): 8ft / 2.44m

Double Bed Length: 5ft 11in / 1.80m
Double Bed Width: 5ft 2in / 1.57m (narrow point), 5ft 10in / 1.78m (wide point)
Single Bed Length: 5ft 11in / 1.80m
Single Bed Width: 1ft 11in / 0.58m

Fresh Water: 23 Litres
Waste Water: 59 Litres
Gas Bottle: 3.9kg

Price: £30,995 for either Hi or Lo version

Optional extras:

1. Large Heki rooflight
2. Small Heki rooflight
3. Two three point rear seat belts
4. L-shape lounge
5. King size bed cushion
6. Tow ball bike rack
7. Erberspacher hot air heating
8. Upholstered cab seats to match rear furnishings
9. Reversing sensors
10. Extra 12v sockets
11. Extra 240v sockets
12. Grab handle
13. Drop down TV / Aerial
14. TV aerial point
15. White or cream GRP interior

It’s customary when handing over a new motorhome for dealers to give buyers sound advice on its future use.

But the tables were reversed for Steve Barnes, senior sales executive at Freeborn Motorhomes in Surrey, when Mike and Pearl Wicks arrived to collect their second new Auto-Trail from him.

For the couple are about to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary while Steve is half a century behind – he’s getting married at the same time.

“It’s fair to say I received some pearls of wisdom – and sound advice from Mike, too,” joked Steve. “They are a delightful couple and I was more than ready to listen to them. After all, while I know a fair bit about motorhomes they obviously know a lot more about successful marriage!”

Other motorhome buyers can emulate Mr and Mrs Wicks, too, even if they still have a long way to go to their golden wedding – or if they aren’t married at all.

“We are currently running some excellent offers on Auto-Trails,” added Steve. “I’ll be away on my honeymoon shortly but there’s a great team here to guide buyers in my absence.”

For details of the Auto-Trail offers and other motorhomes in the Elddis, Tribute, Trigano, and Romahome ranges, call Freeborn Motorhomes on 01483 429999.

For those of you who couldn't make it, or for those that came but wish to reminisce on an entertainng weekend, please click the below link to view highlights from our open weekend at Tiltham's Farm.

The final day of Freeborn's first Tiltham Farm Event was met with yet more fantastic weather. As the campers arose they were met with tea, coffee and croissants. Some of our guests who travelled from further afield elected to get an early start, but most stayed to enjoy another day of fun, food and motorhomes.

The BBQ was in full flow, making sure all of our guests were well fed. We were again hugely impressed by the turnout of day visitors, all enjoying the opportunity to view the display of motorhomes and to take advantage of the summer of offers that Freeborn have in place.

A big thank you for all that donated to Bel Air Childrens Orphanage in Grenada, this is a fantastic charity that supports children are from background of neglect, abuse, or abandonment. £175 was raised in total, if you would like to find out more or contribute to this great cause you can do so by clicking the below link.

We would all like to say a big thank you to all that made the effort to come, day visitors and campers alike, we are grateful for all the thank you cards, cakes and most importantly your company. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you again next year!

Don’t forget if you would like to come visit us at our Godalming or Southampton branch’s we are open 7 days a week, address details below, or you can contact us on 01483 429999.

Don't forget Freeborn's big summer of offers continues so if you couldn't make it this weekend you haven't missed out! To view our special offers click the above tab.

Freeborn Motorhomes
Guildford Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3BU
01483 429999
steve.barnes@freeborngroup.co.uk

Freeborn Southampton
12 Rochester Street
Northam
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 5QW
023 80331144


Mon-Fri - 9am - 6pm
Saturday - 9am - 5pm
Sunday - 10am - 4pm

The second day went with huge success, once again bathed in glorious sunshine for most of the day, and we were all pleased to see such a huge turnout of day visitors.

With our summer special offers many customers were snapping up their new motorhomes, dont' forget we have massive savings on all remaining New Autotrail's, Elddis, as well as all our pre-owned motorhomes.

In the morning the Freeborn motorhome owners who have been camping all weekend were treated to a trip to the beautiful Wisley gardens - the Flagship of the Royal Horticultral Society, with transport and entry all arranged everyone was able to relax and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

On their return some chose to peruse the huge display of new and used motorhomes, whilst others returned to their motorhomes to relax for what was going to be another eventful night in the glade.

The free bar was again in full flow and with the BBQ churning out bangers & burgers in mass, our guests were certainly well fed. It was particulary nice to see some of the newest Freeborn customers, that had purchased during our event, join in the evening fun and frolicks.

The evenings atmosphere was kept vibrant and alive, with classic disco music, keeping the dance floor packed. Special thanks to the red coats for the hay bale podium dancing.

Again the entertainment went on long into the night and the staff where all impressed to see the guests showing how motorhomers like to party!

Thanks to all who came, Sunday will be your last opportunity to grab a bargain and join in with the fun - we would love to see you there.

Sunday 10am - 4pm

The first day of Freeborn's huge summer event went down in fantastic fashion, finally blessed with some summer weather guests starting arriving as soon as we opened the gates.

Many took advantage of the spectacular deals we have put together, whilst others took the opportunity to view our comprehensive display of 60 + motorhomes and of course everyone enjoyed the BBQ we laid on.

The pre-booked campers starting arriving in the early afternoon and the evening entertainment started in the early evening.
In the beautiful setting of 'the glade' Freeborn customers & staff were treated to live music through the night as well as a few joining in with the singing! Special thanks to Chris Healy - Group sales manager for Freeborn, for sharing his piano talents with us all, and also a special thank you to the gentleman with the cornet! All enjoyed a hog roast and free bar and the fun went on long into the night, until people started heading back to their motorhomes & romahomes to get a good nights sleep to prepare for another action packed day tomorrow.

Don't forget all our welcome - we would love to see you their - opening hours are -

Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday - 10am - 4pm

Freeborn are eagarly anticipating the launch today of their biggest ever open weekend. Being held at Tilthams Farm close to the Godalming branch, offering a huge display of 60+ new, used and pre-registered motorhomes in a beautiful & relaxing farm environment, on site technical support and minor repairs, BBQ, refreshments and evening entertainment, as well as loads of fantastic offers available on all motorhomes. Evening entertainment is available for all campers booked to stay prior to the event.

Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

Please contact us for further details -

Freeborn Motorhomes
Guildford Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3BU
01483 429999

motorhome.weekend@freeborngroup.co.uk

Thanks, we hope to see you their.

Taking rest breaks and preparing hot drinks and meals in their Romahome R40 back-up vehicle helped a team of cyclists smash their target.

The six riders were raising funds for Hampshire charity Youth Options and their plan was to ride in relays from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a shorter time than the 82 hours taken by a group of celebrities for Sport Relief last year.

In the end, the Youth Options team, drawn together by Michael Scallan from Yateley, made the trip in a little more than 61 hours despite challenging conditions and tough weather.

“We initially wanted to beat the celebrities’ time but we are thrilled to have been able to smash that time,” explained Mike.

“It was a tough challenge - I know a couple of the guys had to dig really deep to keep going - but we all stuck together and I’m really proud of our achievement.

“Youth Options does really good work with the young people of Hampshire so am pleased to be a little part of making sure that work continues.

“I would also like to say thanks to Freeborn Motorhomes for the loan of a Romahome R40 motorhome from the Romahome Centre in Southampton for the event. It allowed us to get some quality rest time and to make hot drinks and food. We couldn’t have done the trip without it so we’re extremely grateful to them.”

It’s hoped that when all the sponsorship is gathered in, the team of six - Michael Scallan, Chris Allcock from Southampton, Mike Thomsen from Blackwater, Ian Woolner from Deepcut, Aaron Jepp from Aldershot, and Sam Graham from Yateley – will have raised £20,000 for the charity, which delivers a variety of services to under-privileged young people across Hampshire.

Andrew Jones, managing director of Freeborn Group, which manufactures the Romahome range on the Isle of Wight, said, “We have supported Youth Options for many years.

“When the team said what they wanted to achieve I knew that our most practical assistance would be loaning a support vehicle. With its four berths, six passenger seats and economical running costs, The Romahome R40 is ideal for such a long distance team event.

“Families also appreciate its versatility while the ease of driving makes it usable as an everyday car, perfect for today’s economic conditions when everyone wants to save on costs.”

Two extremely busy weekends have resulted in sales worth £600,000 for the team at Freeborn Motorhomes and the Romahome Centre.

The frantic activity started with attendance at the Romsey Show, held at Broadlands, where the team sold eight motorhomes. And, just to prove that success was no fluke, they achieved 10 sales at Peterborough the following weekend.

“It was busy time, but the results were well worth the effort,” reports Steve Barnes, of Freeborn Motorhomes at Godalming.

“We sold a mix of new and used vehicles between the two teams and there was plenty of interest in our own Romahome products from people who are downsizing but did not want to compromise on quality or equipment.

“With the promise of a sunny Easter and the country in real holiday mood thanks to two four day weekends away from work, I expect we will all be kept on our toes for the rest of April and into May.”

The team will be travelling to Newbury Show on May 20 to 22 and look forward to seeing you there!

A very special Elddis motorhome range looks like it will go down a storm with Freeborn Motorhomes customers.

Elddis has agreed to make the Storm versions of its Autoquest range exclusively for Freeborn and already the first example, a Storm 140, has been delivered to its new owners.

“The big thing about the Storm range is that it comes with the lux pack as standard, adding a Heki rooflight, flyscreen door, an electric step and electric blown air heating,” says Steve Barnes, of Freeborn Motorhomes.

“To emphasis the exclusivity of the Storm, we have also specified unique interior upholstery and exterior graphics. It’s a great reminder to owners that they have made a very individual choice and other motorhome owners are also going to take notice when they see these very individual Autoquests.”

The first buyers are Geoff and Doris Feasey, from Wimbotsham, in Norfolk, (pictured with Freeborn Motorhomes technical sales adviser Andy Davies) who are very happy with their new Storm, which replaces their previous Autoquest 120 that they bought new from Freeborn in 2007 and wanted to upgrade to a slightly larger vehicle.

“We are already taking advantage of the Storm,” adds Geoff. “The heating system makes it ideal for these cooler days while little details like the flyscreen door will make it easier to ventilate when the weather’s warmer.

“Freeborn have given us really good service and we love our new van.”

A Romahome R20 Hi made a fleeting television appearance when it featured on Dragons Den on the 9th August 2010.

And no, it wasn't anyone from the Freeborn Group asking for £750,000 for 5% of the company (though if they'd like to make such an offer...).

A supposed new invention involving satellite navigation and tracking designed especially for motorhomes had been fitted to the Romahome R20 because it was one of the few vehicles compact enough to fit into the BBC studios near Slough.

Sadly the 'invention' went down like a lead balloon with the Dragons but we're delighted to say they loved our Romahome.

Now let's see if we can persuade Peter Jones to drive our smallest model, the R10, just to see how well his 6 foot 5 inch frame fits in!!

That would be a definite hit.

Private pilot Bob Woolford has decided to spread his wings – by trading in his plane for a motorhome.

Bob, a former part-time air traffic controller at Sandown and Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight, almost gave up flying when a runaway plane struck him five years ago, causing serious injuries.

After five weeks in hospital and a further six months convalescing, he decided to carry on with his hobby with the aid of Jim Birnie, who had originally helped Bob gain his licence.

But Bob’s wife, Margaret, has decided she doesn’t want to fly any more so Bob (57) is going to see more of the world by driving to his destinations rather than dropping in on them.

“When you arrive places by aeroplane you are either stuck on the airport or have to find transport,” said Bob. “Our new Romahome R25, made close to where we live on the Isle of Wight, will give us much more freedom to get where we want to be.

“Margaret and I have also just got a new rescue dog, Charlie Bear, and he will be coming with us for Continental tours once we have his pet’s passport.”

Bob says that, apart from other running costs, fuel approaching £2 a litre and consuming 38 litres an hour meant his Piper Cherokee was becoming expensive to keep in the air. But his Romahome should go much further for the same money, making it easier to see the world.

“When I spoke to Andrew Harris at the Romahome Centre in Southampton, I said I would do a deal for a new R25 if he would take my plane in part exchange. Within half an hour he was back on the phone, having found a buyer, to provide me with the deal I wanted.

“The R25 has been adapted with wheelchair ramps at the Cowes factory and they have also installed a television for me but otherwise it was already perfect for what I want.

“I’ll start off by nipping from one end of the Island to the other to have a cup of tea but once Charlie’s passport is through we’ll be going much further afield!”

Andrew said that during several years in the motor trade he had never been asked to part exchange a plane before, although he had once taken a longboat in a motorhome deal.

“When Bob said what he wanted to trade in I thought it might be a challenge,” he added.

“But I only got as far as our parts department at the Freeborn Motor Village in Southampton where I mentioned the problem and Victoria Ward, who was visiting from Citroen UK, put me in touch with a buyer. I’ve had more trouble trying to shift Jeep Cherokees than I did the Piper!”

Bob won’t be losing the link with his plane entirely, though. Its call sign was G-ATVS and the number on his new Romahome is B7 TVS - but at least his travel costs won’t be sky high any more.

“This is definitely my home – if I’m going to go camping this is where I want to be,” said Phillip Schofield, host of “This Morning”, on ITV as he took to the wheel of the latest Auto-Trail Cherokee, courtesy of Freeborn Motorhomes, live on air.

Wisely, the Freeborn team had taken the key out of the ignition when parking the £55,000 Cherokee with its leather interior, fixed double bed, superb kitchen, and luxury bathroom on the lawn outside ITV’s London studios. A disappointed Phillip turned to co-presenter Holly Willoughby and said he would “definitely” have driven away, given the chance.

The popular ITV team had been presenting a feature on camping and getting away with the family but none of the tents and gadgets they saw before entering the motorhome could persuade them that a life under canvas was an easier option.

Holly and Phillip readily agreed that with the motorhome the world was at their doorstep. It could literally be driven anywhere they wanted to go at the drop of a hat.

“When I was asked to provide a vehicle at the studio it was a chance too good to miss,” said Freeborn Motorhomes director James Saint.

“Our website address was shown on a caption during the programme and the hits started straight after the feature had finished.

“While we sent a top model to ITV, there are many more options for people with a tighter budget – or a bigger one! We have both new and used motorhomes covering a wide price spectrum and will happily guide potential owners inspired by the broadcast through all the options.

“Freeborn Motorhomes has a team of experts, all of whom are motorhome users, just waiting to impart advice and share their knowledge. We are only a phone call away on 0800 211 8 211 in Surrey or 0800 311 8 311 in Southampton – it’s a free call, so it’s literally free advice.”

To watch the feature on This Morning (the best bit with the Auto-Trail is towards the end, but worth waiting for), click below.

LEISURE EVENTS SHOW THEIR VALUE TO FREEBORN

The value of attending motorhome and leisure shows has been driven home to the Freeborn Motorhomes and Romahome team in a big way this year.

After attending their sixth event when they pitched up at Stratford last weekend for The Motorhome Show, James Saint, newly promoted to director from general manager at Freeborn Motorhomes, is reporting a sales total approaching £3 million – with the biggest shows at Shepton Mallet and the NEC still to come later this year.

At the Stratford show, the Romahome R40, the Isle of Wight firm’s largest model, was voted Best Coachbuilt Motorhome by the motorhome press and members of motorhome and camping clubs and associations.

The R40 offers fourth berths plus belted seats for six passengers, making it versatile yet still true to the Romahome principle of compact dimensions.

“Business volumes for Freeborn Motorhomes at the shows have been very good for us in 2010, with the year getting off to a great start with sales worth £1.5 million for Freeborn Motorhomes and Romahome, a Freeborn Group company, at NEC in February” says James.

“Since then, we have been at the British Leisure Show at Windsor, plus events at Peterborough, Romsey, Newbury, and Stratford and seeing strong sales of new vehicles at them.

“The Romahome Centre in Southampton is enjoying its best year ever while at the Guildford motorhomes centre, where I am based, we sell at least one vehicle a day.

“There has been a great team effort but the value of the business we are doing reflects the superb positioning of the brands we sell in the current market plus the effort we put into sourcing the right used stock for sale at realistic prices.

“AutoTrail is serving us well at the top end, while Elddis, Excel and Trigano are also strong performers for both new and used sales.

“The Romahome range, which sells through a network of national dealers as well as directly through Freeborn, has also turned out to be very much the product of the moment at a time when buyers are emphasising the need for both value and quality. These, along with great design, were the virtues assigned to the R40 in making its award for best Coachbuilt.

“The new Romahome R25 is very popular and building on the success of the R10 launched for the 2009 market. Meanwhile, R20 is drawing strong orders, showing how much people still appreciate the marque for its unique qualities. There have been imitators, but the genuine product has seen off all of them and I can’t think of a year when at least one Romahome product hasn’t picked up an award.”

SLAY THE COST OF YOUR HOLIDAYS

As many people probably know, but few seem to remember, April 23 is St George’s Day.

It’s also the opening day of the National Motorhome Show, which runs from April 23 to 25, at the East of England Showground, near Peterborough, where the team from Freeborn Motorhomes will be offering visitors the opportunity to slay the dragon of future holiday costs.

Freeborn Motorhomes General Manager James Saint is promising a comprehensive display of 22 vehicles at Peterborough, among them the full range of Romahomes created on the Isle of Wight.

“As well as the full complement of Romahome models, which suit a variety of size and budget needs, we will also have the 2010 Autoquest, AutoTrail, Elddis and Trigano motorhomes to show.

“But I also realise that not everyone necessarily wants a new motorhome so we will also have a good selection from our stock of used vehicles, too.

“This is billed as the largest outdoor motorhome show and we aim to have the most impressive array of vehicles from which to choose. Freeborn means freedom when it comes to quality, budget, and choice and visitors to our stand will not be disappointed.”

NATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR MOTORHOME
LAUNCHED IN SURREY

A motorhome launched during a private event in Surrey before it went on to be revealed nationally at the NEC in Birmingham has won a top award.

The Romahome R25, based on the second generation Citroen Berlingo and launched last October, has been named small motorhome of the year by Motorcaravan and Motorhome Monthly, the UK’s best selling motorhome magazine.

“Romahome leads the small motorhome field and since introducing the Outlook and Hylo models on the Citroen C15 base vehicle in the mid 80s has consistently been getting awards for its products,” said James Saint, general manager at Freeborn Motorhomes at Guildford Road, Godalming.

“Outlook and Hylo graduated to the first Citroen Berlingo chassis and have been replaced by the R20 Hi and R20 Lo, both still on that chassis and winning awards until 2009. They now sit below the R25 in the current Romahome range of six models.

“It’s very pleasing that the new R25 won its first award so early in its life but I’m not surprised. Romahome is part of the Freeborn Group and we organised the launch event for R25 at Loseley Park, where I was privileged to sell the very first example before the national reveal at NEC soon after.

“One of the main aims of the new design was liberating interior space and this feature wowed the judges and helped sway the decision in R25’s favour.

“The new layout moves the beds forward to provide more living, kitchen, and bathroom space behind without more than a few inches being added to the overall external dimensions.

“The big thing about the R25, and the Outlook, Hy-lo and R20 models before it, is that it’s compact enough to be used as everyday transport, a role enhanced by R25’s four full seat belts.

“The current recession has not done much to dampen owners’ enthusiasm for the motorhome lifestyle – in fact at the many shows we attend there is ever more interest but owners have to be careful how they spend their money.

“Here at Freeborn Motorhomes we keep a large stock of other brands and hold dealerships for AutoTrail, Elddis, Excel, and Trigano as well as Romahome.

“I have also just bought a good selection of very low mileage late model motorhomes to meet the demand we see in Surrey. We are now the county’s major motorhome outlet and have a constant stream of customers for both new and pre-owned vehicles.

“I am conscious of the need to have a good choice of vehicles and there are now more than 40 used motorhomes on site as well as a selection of new demonstrators and special offers.”

Caption: Brian Bailey of Romahome receives the first award for the new R25 from Jane Jago, editor of Motorcaravan and Motorhome Monthly magazine

Caption: Brian Bailey of Romahome reveals the R25 at Loseley Park during its first public viewing.