Smit News

Author: SmitNews

  • Why is it important to have a towing cover on your caravan?

    Why is it important to have a towing cover on your caravan?

    A caravan towing cover is an essential accessory for protecting your caravan during transit. Here’s why it’s important:

    1. Protection from Debris: While towing, your caravan’s front panel is vulnerable to stones, bugs, mud, and other road debris. A towing cover acts as a shield, preventing chips, scratches, and stains.

    2. Preserves Appearance: By minimizing damage from road grime and UV exposure, it helps maintain the caravan’s exterior, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and touch-ups.

    3. Prevents Window Damage: Many caravans have large front windows made of acrylic or plastic, which are prone to cracking or scratching. A towing cover helps keep them intact.

    4. Improves Resale Value: A well-maintained exterior suggests careful ownership, making your caravan more attractive to buyers.

    5. Custom Fit and Visibility: Most covers are tailored to fit specific caravan models and include reflective strips or lights for better visibility and safety while on the road. In short, a towing cover is a smart investment that extends the life and looks of your caravan.

    Here are 5 of the most recommended caravan tow cover brands, known for their durability, fit, and protection:

    1. Specialised Covers Why it’s recommended: UK-based, high-quality, custom-fit towing covers tailored to specific caravan models. Easy to fit, with clear window options and reflective strips.

    Popular product: Tow Pro Elite

    2. Protec Covers Why it’s recommended: Known for bespoke, made-to-order towing covers. Strong build with padded protection and optional window access.

    Popular product: Protec Towing Jacket

    3. Purple Line (FullStop) Why it’s recommended: Offers durable and universal-fit tow covers. Less expensive than custom-fit brands but still reliable.

    Popular product: FullStop Towing Jacket

    4. Tow-Guard Why it’s recommended: Focuses on universal and semi-custom covers. Well-praised for ease of installation and robust materials.

    Popular product: Tow-Guard Front Cover

    5. Maypole Why it’s recommended: Budget-friendly, decent protection. Offers adjustable, universal designs that fit a wide range of caravans.

    Popular product: Maypole Universal Caravan Towing Cover (Click here)

    For the best results, choose a brand that offers a cover tailored to your specific caravan make and model.

    The one we are currently using on our own caravan is (Click here)

  • Hot Tub Lazy Spa Setup

    Setting up a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub is fairly straightforward and usually takes about 10–15 minutes to inflate (excluding water filling and heating time). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

    What You’ll Need:

    Lay-Z-Spa hot tub (tub, pump, cover, filter, and liner)

    A flat, solid surface (like decking, patio, or spa mat)

    Garden hose(for filling) we use this one(click here)

    Access to power and water

    1. Choose a Suitable Location

    Flat and level surface

    Close to a power outlet (but not in standing water)

    Away from sharp objects or direct sunlight all day

    Good drainage around the area

    1. Unbox and Check Components

    Lay out the spa, pump, filter, and all accessories

    Check for any damage or missing parts

    1. Lay Out the Ground Mat

    Put the insulating ground mat (if included or purchased separately(click here for ground mat) where you want to place the tub

    1. Inflate the Hot Tub

    Connect the pump to the inflation valve on the spa liner

    Power on the pump and inflate (use the air hose that comes with the spa)

    Do not over-inflate – it should feel firm but still give when pressed

    1. Attach the Pump and Filter

    Attach the pump to the side ports on the tub

    Install the filter cartridge inside the tub before filling with water

    1. Fill with Water

    Use a garden hose to fill the tub

    Fill to the waterline marked inside the tub

    This can take 1–2 hours depending on water pressure

    1. Power On and Set Heating

    Turn on the pump

    Set your desired temperature (up to 40°C / 104°F)

    Heating can take 6–24 hours depending on the initial water temperature

    1. Add Chemicals

    Use chlorine or bromine to maintain water cleanliness, I recommend Clearwater spa chemical starter kit(click here)

    Use a test strip to check pH, chlorine/bromine levels, these are the ones we use (click here)

    Add chemicals according to the water capacity and chemical instructions

    1. Cover the Spa

    Place the inflatable lid and cover over the spa

    This helps retain heat and keeps debris out

    here is a list of items and where you can buy them

    Lazy Spa Hot Tub – https://amzn.to/3SV7DIP

    Clearwater Spa Chemical Starter kit – https://amzn.to/4dCk2uR

    Clearwater hot tub and spa test strips – https://amzn.to/45wHKXj

    Bestway Lay-z Spa hot tub filter cartridge – https://amzn.to/3Z5vNUN

    CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector – https://amzn.to/43j9fCs

    HOZELOCK – 2-in-1 Compact Hose Reel 25m – https://amzn.to/43wsAib