The National Caravan Council (NCC) estimates that over two million Brits now take ‘staycations’ each year in rented or owned caravans or motorhomes; with many families preferring shorter, regular UK based breaks over the traditional two-week summer holiday.
In fact, according to the latest GB Tourism Survey, jointly sponsored by VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, 7.48 million domestic caravanning holidays were taken in England in 2017. This includes 762,000 trips in Scotland and 1.56 million trips made to Wales, with £1.64 billion spent on domestic caravan holiday trips in GB last year.
As a result, manufacturers and traders have seen an increase in sales of static caravans, tourers and motorhomes, particularly over the past two years. However, as money savvy consumers look for further ways to reduce their holiday expenses, there has also been a subsequent rise in demand for lighter caravans and motorhomes to reduce fuel costs.
As a result of this, manufacturers are increasingly seeking alternative materials that are light in weight, strong and waterproof which has resulted in an increase in demand for ThermHex, the innovative polypropylene honeycomb core material.
ThermHex is suitable for use throughout the caravan as a lightweight alternative to timber and is often used for lining the floor and body, as well as internal compartments such as the washroom area and fixed furnishings.
ThermHex is up to 80% lighter than a like-for-like thickness of plywood, yet is extremely strong and rigid, but can be shaped as required, all properties that make it appealing to the caravan industry.
Manufactured in Germany in an innovative, patented process which ensures rigidity in terms of its mechanical strength, as well as stability, ThermHex is resistant to chemicals and moisture. In addition as part of ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials, it is also 100% recyclable.
Already well established as a material of choice across mainland Europe, ThermHex is also suitable for a number of other applications including boats, furniture, OEM, industrial equipment and commercial vehicles.
The material can be purchased in a standard sheet of 2500mm x 1200mm, or Panel Systems can supply bespoke sizes up to a maximum of 7000mm x 1200mm. ThermHex is supplied in thicknesses ranging from 3.5mm to 30mm and is also available in different core densities to suit specific applications.
Our 3 and 5 Axis CNC routers with a bed size of 3600mm x 1500mm allow for the production of flexible designs and panel shapes. This means our skilled Sales and CAD/CAM team is also on hand to bring your ideas and designs to life, and can advise on specific cutting details, suitable materials and capabilities.
We also offer a bespoke structural bonding and fabrication service, with the expertise to work with a wide range of facing materials, such as metals, plastics, timber and decorative laminate.
If you are unsure on what thickness or facing would be most suitable to your project, we can also offer technical assistance in selecting the right size and material for your application and performance requirements.
Over the past 40-plus years, we have built a reputation for offering innovative, bespoke panel solutions for a diverse range of markets ranging from leisure and playground equipment to caravans, truck bodies, the window industry and construction.
As the caravan industry continues in its quest for lighter panels with equivalent strength, we will continue to develop our range to meet with future demands and requirements of our customers.
For more information or to speak to a member of our team, contact us on 0114 249 5635 or email sales@panelsystems.co.uk. Alternatively, to see our range of standard options and to place your order for delivery, visit our online shop.
