When it comes to motorhome releases, the February Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC is often a little quieter than its bigger cousin in October, except perhaps for the display from van converters.
And this year, with the supply chain issues that blighted much of the previous year still not quite resolved, it is quite likely to remain so.
But the show, which runs from 21 to 26 February at the NEC, remains a great day out if you’re thinking of buying a motorhome, a fun way to see the new releases out there, and of course, the perfect place to snap up a bargain. Here’s some of what you can expect to see.
Motorhomes at the February NEC Show
Adria Stand 3060/3060a
It looks very likely that the February show will be your first chance to see one of Adria’s new Matrix models, based on the Mercedes Sprinter.
The Slovenian manufacturer plans to have the Matrix MB 670SL Supreme, with fixed single beds at the rear, on display. You will also be able to see the brand’s new Twin models, with their newly enlarged skylight.
Auto-Sleepers Stand 3075
There’s sure to be excitement on the Auto-Sleepers stand, as it will include the first of two new Mercedes-based van conversions the firm is bringing out this year. There will also be a wide selection of the company’s existing models, based on both the Sprinter and the Peugeot Boxer.
Auto-Trail Stand 3040
The Grimsby company’s model line-up remained unchanged this season, and a wide choice will be on display. There is another reason to celebrate, too.
This year, the Auto-Trail Owners’ Club marks its 30th birthday. It will have a special desk on the Auto-Trail stand, where you can find out how to join, and learn more about the major celebration that the club is planning at Newbury, in Berkshire, this July.
Bailey Stand 3020
Bailey’s stand at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show should include the very latest additions to its Continental-inspired Adamo range, the 6m-long end-washroom Bailey Adamo 60-4 and the 75-4T, with fixed single beds behind a central washroom.
Bilbo’s Stand 5098
There will be five models on display from the well-known Volkswagen van converters, featuring side- and end-kitchen layouts. These will also include the Celex, with its distinctive low-lie elevating roof.
Carthago Stand 1130
Models from the upmarket German brand’s five A-class ranges and two low-profile line-ups will be on display, all based on a variety of chassis, too: Fiat Ducato, Al-Ko low frames, Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Daily.
Chausson Stand 3052
Chausson has slimmed down its model tally again for the 2023 season, but a wide selection of its Titanium Ultimate models will be on display, many of them with highly innovative layouts.
Coachman Stand 3000
If you haven’t yet come across them, Coachman’s two Travel Master models – the caravan company’s first foray into motorhomes – are well worth taking a look around. Based on a Mercedes Sprinter, both of them include a very automotive-style front lounge.
Erwin Hymer UK Stand 2200
The motorhome line-up stays fairly unchanged at Elddis and Compass this year. But look out for the new design Elddis Autoquest/Compass Avantgarde 115, built on a longer chassis and with extra-long settees as a result.
Frankia Stand 3080
The luxury German company’s stand will be largely the same as it was last October, so don’t miss the chance to see the new A-class Neo models, as well as Mercedes-based Platins and Fiat-based Titans, both designed especially for self-sufficiency.
Globecar Stand 3077
Globecar’s Summit Shine range, which includes some innovative layouts with only one seat in the rear to maximise space, has been added to the existing Elegance and Summit Prime line-ups this year. All will be on display here.
Marquis Leisure Stand 3075
To celebrate 50 years in the business, Marquis Leisure, Britain’s largest motorhome dealership network, will be giving away two years of free habitation checks on all of its exclusive vehicle ranges, including Benimar and Mobilvetta.
Morelo Stand 1130
A supremely luxurious liner by Morelo is always a highlight of any NEC show, especially for those who like to dream!
This year, you’ll be able to see the brand’s new Empire Liner, built on a Mercedes Atego 1230 L chassis. It’s been reconfigured to include more design elements from the larger Grande Empire up at the front.
Moto-Trek Stand 2120
Moto-Trek is best known for its large vehicles with slide-outs. But the focus at this show will be just as much on Three Peaks Campers, the firm’s van conversion range that is being spun out to be a brand in its own right.
These models are all based on a Ford Transit Custom, and come with some attractive goodies, such as a reversing camera, fitted as standard.
Rapido Stand 1120
The French manufacturer launched A-class versions of its Compact C Series at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon last August. On the stand, you can take a look at two of the models, the C55i with fixed single beds and the slightly longer C86i, with an island bed.
Roller Team Stand 3065
In the face of continuing supply chain issues from Fiat, Roller Team moved all of its Auto Roller models onto a Ford Transit base vehicle for the 2023 season. You’ll be able to check them and other models out here.
Swift Stand 4050
If you missed the three new ranges Swift unveiled at the October show last year – including Voyager, the company’s first-ever line-up built on a Ford Transit, the Ascari compact low-profiles and the Carrera van conversions – this will be your chance to discover them all.
The company will also have its Monza campervan on display, based on a Ford Transit Custom and available in four different metallic colours.
Vantage Stand 5010
Perhaps best known for its wide range of mostly two-berth Fiat-based van conversions, Vantage has recently moved into campervan territory, with the launch of the Fuze and the Luna, two Ford-based models. Both will be on display on the firm’s stand.
WildAx Stand 5080
WildAx hopes to be launching a longer version of the 5m-long Pulsar, which is currently its best-selling model, at the show. This will give you the option of having two singles up front, or one large double, rather than just having a transverse bed made up from the seats, as you get in the current model.
Awnings at the February NEC Show
It’s not just the latest motorhome releases on offer at the February NEC show – it has always been an excellent place to check out new awnings, and this time should be no exception. Here are some of the exhibitors to look out for.
Bradcot Stand 1033
It’s not so much what’s new at Bradcot this season, it’s where it will be coming from. This year, the firm has decided to transfer all of its manufacturing back to the UK.
It was persuaded to do this by the disruption in the supply chain caused by Covid, and by Brexit.
To underline the company’s claim to be the only major leisure vehicle awning manufacturer to make its product in the UK, it will be launching the 2023 range at the NEC show with a special “Made in Britain” logo.
Glawning Stand 5168
Glawning’s polycotton awnings are designed to fit any size of motorhome.
Shaped like bell tents, they also have space for a woodburning stove, if you have room to carry one with you. And because they can also stand alone, you can always use them as marquees in the garden back home, too.
Isabella Stand 1048
Isabella’s new Buddy is designed to turn your roll-out awning into a full awning, with side and front panels, too. That should reduce the amount of awning you have to pack away and find space for when you set off again.
Outwell Stand 4300
Danish brand Outwell’s innovations for 2023 include the Nightlight System, a rechargeable and remotely controlled soft lighting set-up designed to let you access the awning without waking up anyone who might be sleeping there.
The new system fits the company’s Superior Air Touring drive-away awnings range, which has also been expanded with the addition of the Crossville 250SA.
Made of a polyester ripstop fabric with a 6000mm hydrostatic head, this awning runs parallel to the vehicle and comes with doors front and back, plus a groundsheet-free tunnel where you can leave wet clothing.
Vango Stand 4150
Vango’s stand at the show will include the new Galli CC awning, available in low and mid heights for campervans or motorhomes. Made of lightweight Sentinel Active fabric, this comes with a pre-attached canopy to provide more space for relaxing outside. The firm’s best-selling Cove II Air model will also be on display as a mid-height awning.
And more…
Although it probably isn’t the top item on any motorcaravanner’s would-be purchase list, a tent can actually come in extremely useful, especially if you tour with children or need additional storage space when you’re onsite.
For the first time, this February’s show will have a dedicated Tent and Camping Hall, with a 14% increase in the number of models compared to last year. These include standard camping tents from the likes of Outwell, Outdoor Revolution, Coleman, Regatta and Vango.
Accessories at the February NEC Show
As well as the latest motorhome releases, the NEC Show is also a great place for kit. Here is our pick of the new products.
CADAC Stand 5002
The modular barbecue manufacturer is expanding its range for 2023 and new products on its stand will include the 2 Cook 3 portable stove and the Braai 4 barbecue.
Nagonic Design Stand 4312
The portable solar panel brand will be launching Solar Lander, a panel that rotates in line with the sun for optimal battery charging. It even senses sunset, and returns to the expected sunrise position ready for the next day.
QUQUQ Stand 5009
This company, a regular at the show, makes a “mobile home in a box”. This includes a kitchen, bed and storage, designed to fit in the boot of your car. Among models on display this time will be one designed for VW’s recently launched ID. Buzz electric vehicle.
Tuck Me Under Stand 1059
This Nottingham firm set up shop just before the pandemic, making all kinds of bedding designed for motorhomes, as well as replacement curtains.
Its patented Tuck Me Under design incorporates a “valance” to ensure the bed stays tucked in during the day.
Events
A full line-up of events is taking place across the show’s six days. For the first time, Paul Merton and Suki Webster will be appearing, fresh from their Channel 5 series Motorhoming with Merton & Webster, which aired last year.
Also making an appearance is former Royal Marines commando sniper, now explorer and TV presenter, Aldo Kane, talking about past assignments – and his recent US motorhome tour. Talks on different destinations will take place in the Inspiration Theatre, while experts (including some from this magazine) at The Leisure Vehicle Advice Centre aim to answer all your motorcaravanning questions.
New to the NEC Motorhome Show is Woodland Wildlife, including nature talks and campsite cooking demonstrations.
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