Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i Practical Motorhome

★ Star picture Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts) to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides: Road Trip Europe – Best of Belgium; All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Sea View Camping Scotland; Sea View Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; and Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.com, 0131 208 3333.…

SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. No single digit can appear twice in any one row, column or 3x3 box HALF & HALF The term impressionism is derived from the title of a painting by which artist? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded squares will complete the puzzle answer WORDWISE You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue…

“We’ve come on holiday,” Richard E Grant’s character sneers in what has to be one of my favourite lines from the hit 1980s comedy Withnail & I, “by mistake.” The place he is being so disparaging about, as any good film historian will tell you, is Penrith, in Cumbria. More precisely Bampton, a village just the other side of the M6 from the town. Which I find a little sad. Although there are quite a few places that with hindsight, I would say I had mistakenly gone to on holiday, the area around Penrith is certainly not one of them. I can see that it might not have appealed to a couple of out-of-work, doped-up characters coming from London in the 1960s. But as a place to visit for a…

Home to a world-famous castle and the school that helped to produce 20 UK prime ministers, Windsor’s reputation precedes itself. The charming town hosts picturesque streets lined with interesting shops and a pretty riverside sprinkled with waterfront eateries. With London less than an hour’s train journey away and scenic green spaces such as Windsor Great Park nearby, this is the best of both worlds. DAY 1 10am Royal residence Where better to start than the jewel in the crown – Windsor Castle? The iconic royal residence is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, home to historic collections, artworks and more. Wander the hallowed halls and soak up 1000 years of history before taking a stroll through the elegant castle grounds. You can join a guided tour or…

Marquis brings in Panama A new Spanish-built campervan is coming to the UK, courtesy of Marquis Leisure, the UK’s largest motorhome dealer network. Based on Ford’s Tourneo people carrier, the Panama range, built in Peñíscola, consists of two models. The P12 features a classic ‘VW-style’ layout with a side kitchen, although it has also an optional second bench in the back, so it can potentially carry seven people. The longer P57 has five travel seats in total, including three at the back, with a kitchen and toilet at the rear and a rock ‘n’ roll bench seat which can convert into a double bed. Both models have a roof bed as standard. Other notable features include a 136PS engine with automatic gearbox as standard, automatic lights and wipers, speed sign…

This year, things have been more than usually secretive on the new season front, with many brands keeping their powder dry until the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf at the end of August. But one or two have broken their silence, and here is our round-up of what we know at this point. ■ ADRIA Slovenian manufacturer Adria will be launching Compact models based on a VW Crafter and called Compact Max. For 2025, it has also revamped its Twin van conversion range, with a new set of attractive options that includes an inflatable third bed. The new Compact Max models are 5cm wider than the current Compact models, at 2.17m. They also come with an all-new front hood and panoramic window. They will be available in three layouts, including a…

As you begin looking for your next motorhome or camper, particularly if you start your search online, you’ll soon notice just how much attention is given to the vehicle itself – the engine size, the extras it might come with, such as an automatic gearbox or cruise control, and above all else, what make it is. This isn’t altogether surprising. While it’s crucial to consider how the beds are made up or how much storage space the designers haved managed to squeeze into the kitchen at the back, one thing that’s very important is the vehicle that the motorhome is based on. So how well do you actually know yours? As a first step, you can begin to gen up more on this essential subject by reading our very own…

PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS TO 130+ ISSUES ** FIND YOUR PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SUBSCRIPTION AT www.magazinesdirect.com/PRM/D36N SUBSCRIBE TO PRACTICAL MOTORHOME TODAY CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS TO 130+ ISSUES** PRINT MAGAZINE, PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS ■ £20.55 every 6 months! ■ NEW! Digital access to 130+ issues ■ when you subscribe to print!** DIGITAL MAGAZINE ONLY ■ £16.44 every 6 months! Terms and conditions Offer closes 10 October 2024. Please allow up to 6 weeks for the delivery of your first subscription issue (up to 8 weeks overseas); the full subscription rate includes postage and packaging. *Savings are based on the cover price. Payment is non-refundable after the 14-day cancellation period. **Access to the digital library will end with your subscription. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries and overseas rates please…

Undoubtedly, at some point in your motorhoming life, you’ll suffer from a flat battery and be unable to start your vehicle. In this scenario, it really pays to have a battery booster pack ready to hand, to allow you to restart your motorhome with no dramas – that also means there’ll be no need to call a breakdown company and then potentially have to wait for hours to get help. The roads are so busy these days, response times for recovery firms can sometimes be long. And in case you’re wondering, the number one call-out cause is a flat battery. If you can avoid being in this situation in the first place, it’s easily the best policy. Luckily, there are several ways to avoid it happening, and lots of good…

Ullswater, Lake District What3words ///unfocused.tarred.flight Why tour here? The Lake District’s second largest body of water after Windermere, Ullswater is certainly a contender for its most beautiful lake and has inspired artists and poets for hundreds of years. With the charming village of Pooley Bridge to the north and England’s third highest peak, Helvellyn, only a short distance away, exquisite Ullswater luxuriates in its position in the surrounding countryside. Poet William Wordsworth was famously inspired by the scenery here, and indeed, it was nature that created Ullswater – a glacier carving the lake out of the landscape. Don’t miss… Be sure to take in some of the Ullswater Way, a 20-mile route around the lake. You can walk the whole distance or pause at one of the many bus stops…

Eclectic days out across the country ■ Bournemouth Air Festival 29-31 August 2024 Head to the south coast to enjoy spectacular aerial displays (1) from the likes of the RAF Typhoon Display Team and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, and a varied selection of vessels on manoeuvres out in the bay. On land, the festival site, stretching 1.5 miles between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers, will host traders, Armed Forces villages, performances, fairs, and food and drink stalls. W bournemouthair.co.uk Stay at South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park W southlytchettmanor.co.uk ■ North East Dog Festival 31 August - 1 September 2024 Visitors will be in pooch heaven at this celebration of all things canine at Kirkley Hall, Newcastle, where you can see trainers and clubs from across the…

Whether you’re seeking culture, adventure or nature, or simply some rest and relaxation, the stunning lakes and waterways of the UK always deliver. Linking towns and cities with remote corners of the countryside, touring near water is an exciting way to combine rural and urban areas. The same can be said for Britain’s storied canal system, boasting an impressive 2700 miles of connected waterways - simply follow along in your motorhome! As for the nation’s stunning lakes, these are often to be found among the dreamiest of landscapes, with everything from the lush Welsh wilderness to the misty mountains of the Scottish Highlands to be discovered. Here, we’ve a round-up of some of the UK’s most interesting and picturesque bodies of water. We also reveal fantastic sites to stay at…

One of the most satisfying feelings is arriving at your campsite and knowing you’ve reached your destination and your holiday is well and truly underway. At this point, many of us just want to sit back and relax with a cup of tea – and to do so, you’ll want a good kettle for the job. That’s where our guide comes in. We’ve looked at the many motorhome kettles on the market and rounded up some of the products that caught our eye, including brands such as Collaps, Vango, Outdoor Revolution and Quest. In our guide, we’ll cover a couple of different types, including a space-saving collapsible kettle and others that require mains power. Outwell Collaps Kettle Price Around £40 (amazon.co.uk) Weight From 500g Capacity 1.5-2.5 litres Wattage N/A We…

Retailers Marquis and converters Auto-Sleepers were both members of the Italian SEA Group when these motorcaravans were launched; today both are part of the European Trigano empire. Marquis had for many years offered ‘dealer specials’ (standard production models with enhanced specification), but the Mercedes County range was something quite different, specifically built for Marquis and only available from their branches. Baby of the County range was the 5.94m (19’ 6”) low-profile Devon, with a forward lounge ahead of an offside rear-corner washroom and rear kitchen. The only sleeping option was in a transverse double bed converted from the lounge settees. Standard engine was a 109bhp turbodiesel, with upgrades available. Next was a brace of 6.45m (21’ 2”) overcab coachbuilts. Surrey arrived with a forward lounge, Suffolk featured a rear U-shaped…

Although it might not be at the top of anyone’s list when it comes to fun ways to spend £200 to £400 every year, motorhome habitation servicing is definitely one of the more essential options, which, in the long term, should pay dividends. A high-quality check carried out by an experienced – better still, accredited – technician will keep you and your touring companions safe and sound on site and on the road. It will also prolong the life of your vehicle, minimise the chance of any malfunctions when you’re on holiday and fulfil your warranty obligations. In addition, it could also pay back big time when it comes to selling on. In a standard annual habitation check, your technician should use a list of tests to ensure that all…

How to use the guide We’ve organised our listings by layout, which is generally the most crucial aspect for buyers. Simply locate the floorplan you like in the guide; then, on the left of it, you’ll find details of every UK model with that layout. Simple! This month, we’re looking at van conversions (aka campervans). HIGH TOP, FIXED ROOF how to buy… Setting a budget Begin by setting a realistic budget: not just the initial cost, but maintenance (both base vehicle and interior will need regular servicing), fuel consumption and insurance. The price of a new ’van can look prohibitive, but offset this against what you’d spend on a holiday, how you’d use your vehicle, and how often, and the freedom it gives you to explore new territories. Remember that…

letter of the month I have been wondering whether you have looked at solar generators with solar panels as a power source, and if you might be doing a comparison feature on them any time soon. They seem to be popular with van lifers and would appear to offer excellent flexibility. I have been considering buying one with panels – the most popular seem to be Jackery (pictured), Anker and Bluetti. It would be good to get some real-world comparison tests on weight, solar charge times, what they can power and for how long. Most of the reviews that I have seen online seem to be from van lifers who have been given one of the products to use, so there’s no direct comparison with other units. Eric Ware Editor…

‘As you park up, you get a fine view of the castle’s Eagle Tower, so called because of the sculpted eagles that graced it’ In the roll call of great English monarchs, I don’t know why Edward I isn’t far better known. We never stop hearing about Henry VIII and Victoria, and even Charles II (aka The Merry Monarch) gets a frequent look in. But you could argue that the Plantagenet king, Edward, left just as much of a legacy on our small island as any of those rulers. Particularly when it came to relations between England and Wales. Edward’s immediate predecessor, Henry III, had recognised one Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales in 1267. Ten years later, Edward reneged on that and invaded Wales, confining Llywelyn’s authority to…

Van conversions are literally that – the conversion of a van, with the converter working within the dimensions of that van. At least they were until now. For 2025, German brand Malibu is bringing out its first van conversion based on a Mercedes Sprinter. But because it couldn’t fit its tried and tested “Comfort” layout within the Sprinter’s 5.93m length, it has designed its own rear extension to the vehicle, bringing its overall length to 6.40m. You might not immediately notice the difference, because the extension, built using a GRP sandwich with RTM hard foam in the middle, includes the same beading on the outside that you get in the main Mercedes body. It also uses the original rear lights. Malibu has made a change to the rear panel itself,…

‘In our Wingamm, we were as snug as the proverbial bug in a rug – the only disturbance was a faint rainpattering sound’ Wingamm Oasi 540.1 → Price From £103,574 → Berths 2 → Belts 4 → Base vehicle Fiat Ducato → Engine 2.3-litre, 140bhp → Length 5.42m → Width 2.29m → Height 3.02m → MTPLM 3500kg → Payload 665kg → Distance travelled 430 miles → Previous reports Six-page review: issue 287 It’s been a fairly hectic schedule of travelling around in motorhomes these past few months. Much of this has been in our long-term Bailey Adamo, as already reported. But there have been other vehicles, too: a campervan from Ventura at Easter, for example. And then during May, I took my first tour in a Wingamm. I had heard…

The battle of the bulge The importance of draining your motorhome’s water system down thoroughly in very cold weather really cannot be stressed enough. When water freezes, it expands, and if that water happens to be inside a closed container when it freezes, it can exert enough force to break the container. I recently had a job in the workshop that demonstrated this perfectly. It started out as a straightforward mains elements replacement in a Truma Combi. As Truma no longer supplies the bare elements, you have to replace the complete heat exchanger, with the new elements embedded in it. That means the heater has to be removed and almost completely stripped, and as the heat exchanger unit costs several hundred pounds, this is not a cheap job. Pulling out…

Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. So if the roof of your motorhome hasn’t been cleaned for a year or more, it’s likely to be pretty filthy. Tree sap and bird droppings are two common contaminants that can cause damage to the finish of your roof, while road grime and algae just make it look bad and can become ingrained in the paint or plastic surface. One thing’s for sure – the longer you leave the dirt, the harder it will be to remove when you get around to it. The key to effective roof cleaning is to take a planned approach. To watch this in action, I headed to Suffolk, to see Andrew E and his Adria, which was about to turn one year old,…