Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i Practical Caravan

‘Drive to the top of Llandudno’s mini mountain for fantastic views out across the Menai Strait, Puffin Island and the Isle of Anglesey’ Where are we?  The Great Orme, Llandudno, North Wales What’s going on?  Drive to the top of Llandudno’s mini mountain for fantastic views out across the Menai Strait, Puffin Island and the Isle of Anglesey (see p28 to read Elaine Ormerod’s Anglesey Adventure). Broad beaches, castles, Victorian seaside towns and famous gardens can all be found in the area, all against a backdrop of the mountains of Snowdonia. Outfit  We towed a Bailey Unicorn Cabrera with our long-term-test Ford Galaxy 2.0L TDCI AWD…

EMAIL US AT letters@practicalcaravan.com WRITE TO Letters, Practical Caravan, 1-10 Praed Mews, London W2 1QY JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AT practicalcaravan.com/forum facebook.com/ practicalcaravan twitter.com/ pcaravan instagram.com/ practicalcaravan The contributors of our Star letter and Star photo each win a pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors, worth £50. They’re designed to fit all wing mirrors and offer an outstanding view. If you have a top tip, send it in for a chance to win four Milenco Stacka corner feet, worth £14. For further details and a list of retailers, visit www.milenco.com…

WHEN TO GO The Cotswolds are a wonderful year-round touring destination, but in many ways, we enjoy this part of the world more ‘out of season’, when it is easier to get out and about and park where you want. Some campsites are open all year and are a lot less busy than they tend to be in peak season. FOOD AND DRINK Cirencester is full of olde-worlde pubs, and many restaurants catering for all tastes and purses. For example, we enjoyed a wonderful curry in the Indian Rasoi in Dollar Street, while other caravanners recommended the Thai Emerald in Castle Street. We would also recommend the Black Horse, on the same road, for traditional pub food. But the simplest way is to search online for a map of restaurants…

HOW TO GET THERE Once over the Menai Bridge, take the B5420, turn right at the A5025/ Pentraeth Road, and continue towards Brynteg. At Brynteg, turn left onto the B5110. WHEN TO GO THERE The campsite is open all year, and there’s plenty to do in inclement weather, but walkers should perhaps avoid the winter. February to June has the least amount of rain. WHERE TO EAT We dined at The Old Boathouse on Red Wharf Bay, which is open all year and serves breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals. Children are welcome and there is plenty of parking opposite the restaurant. There’s a wide range of meals on offer and if you sit upstairs, there’s a gorgeous view of the bay. FIND OUT MORE www.visitanglesey.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.beaumaris.com OUR…

ALDERSTEAD HEATH CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB SITE This campsite also welcomes nonmembers. Set in 30 acres, the 181 pitches are a combination of fully serviced, hardstanding and grass. There are also a few economy pitches, which are grass without hook-up. The two sanitary blocks are immaculate. Pitches are reasonably flat, although some towards the bottom of the site would require levelling blocks. The security barrier at the entrance locks between 11pm and 7am, with the late-arrivals area and car park just outside the gate. Address Dean Lane, Merstham, Redhill, Surrey RH1 3AH Tel 01737 644 629 Web www.caravanclub.co.uk Open All year Pitches 181 Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) From £21.40 (£15 without hook-up)…

BOTHWELL ■ Where M74 southbound between J4 and J5 (G71 8BG). Single site ■ Operated by Roadchef ■ Parking Large lorry park area. First two hours free for all vehicles, after which caravans pay £25 per 24 hours ■ Catering Costa, Restbite, Costa Express ■ Shops and amenities WHSmith, Game On, showers, cash machines ■ Fuel forecourt Shell, Spar, Starbucks on the Go, AdBlue4You ■ Charging Ecotricity electric vehicle charging point HAMILTON ■ Where M74 northbound between J4 and J5 (ML3 6JW). Single site ■ Operated by Roadchef ■ Parking Lorry parking. First two hours free for all vehicles, after which caravans pay £25 per 24 hours ■ Catering Costa, McDonald’s, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, Costa Drive Thru ■ Shops and amenities WHSmith, showers, motel ■ Fuel forecourt Shell, Spar,…

Welcome to the Tourer of the Year Awards, our annual celebration of the very best that the caravanning industry has to offer buyers for the coming season. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a tight budget, are touring as a couple or a large family, or are looking for something out of the ordinary – there’s a van in our awards for you. Our judging team has been at every tourer preview and every major show to compile a longlist of runners and riders for each category, before those selections were narrowed down to our favourite trio. From there, our judges eventually decided on their winner. So without further ado, it’s time to reveal the finest new caravans – turn the page now! In association with…

Model tested 1.0 TSI 115PS SE Price £18,585 What Car? Target Price £17,264 Retained value after three years 41% Kerbweight 1240kg 85% of kerbweight 1054kg Gross vehicle weight 1765kg Max towing limit 1200kg Gross train weight 2965kg Towball limit 75kg Payload 525kg Boot min/max 467/1410 litres Test conditions Dry Engine size 999cc Power (bhp)/rpm 113@5000-5500rpm Torque (lb ft)/rpm 148@2000-3500rpm Official combined economy 44.8-49.6mpg (WLTP) Towing economy 32.5mpg CO emissions 113g/km 2 First year car tax £170 Second year car tax £145 Insurance group 17E Euro NCAP overall protection rating…

EVERY ISSUE WE aim to give you expert advice on all things caravanning, and this month we’re delighted to bring another expert into our team! Former Caravan editor John Sootheran joins us as Consulting Editor; in his first articles for the magazine, he reveals how to make the most of the winter, whether you’re touring or storing your van. You’ll find them starting over the page!…

Avoid tripping out the electric hook-up The last thing you need in freezing weather is for your electrical supply to fail because it has been overloaded. Campsite power supplies vary, from around 4A to 16A. If the devices you use in the caravan exceed the site’s supply, the hook-up post will cut out. Here’s how to calculate the maximum number of devices you can use, before exceeding this limit: How to calculate your amperage consumption One watt is one amp of current delivered at a ‘force’ of one volt. Amps x Volts = Watts OR Watts/Volts = Amps In the UK and Europe, voltage is 220-230V, so a 2KW (2000W) heater at 230V draws a current of 8.7A. This shows that, if you have the heating on and use the…

1 Bright lights, big city Lumiere Durham will be putting on a fabulous display on the city’s streets in this, its 10th year, and once again, it is completely free. Date 14-17 November Web www.lumiere-festival.com Stay at Finchale Abbey Touring Park Web www.finchaleabbey.co.uk 2 Great barrels of fire Delve into centuries of fiery history with The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary, one of many West Country traditions involving bonfires. Date 5 November Web www.tarbarrels.co.uk Stay at Oakdown Holiday Park Web www.oakdown.co.uk 3 Say cheers to Oktoberfest This autumn, the National Brewery Centre will host a traditional Oktoberfest, complete with foot-stomping, steins and music from a Bavarian Oompah band. Date 18-19 October Web nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk Stay at Dovesite Caravan Park Web www.dovesitecaravanpark.co.uk 4 Hail the saint’s day Join the Scots…

ONE OF THE great pleasures of our pastime is discovering new places to visit, and inspiration can come from many sources. For historians, or simply the curious, TV’s Great Railway Journeys can pinpoint interesting highlights for a tour. Next February, the series will turn its attention to Victorian Ireland, on a route over five counties – Kerry, Waterford, Offaly, Kilkenny and Galway – that includes the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park; Waterford and Lismore Castle; Birr Castle and what was once the largest telescope in the world, the Leviathan; and the Kilkenny hills (famous for black marble). It ends in a visit to the village of Claddagh, home to the famous ring design (two hands holding a crowned heart). It’s a tour with plenty to interest en route.…

Head to Devon’s south coast for Dartmouth Food Festival, taking place 18-20 October. Stalls offering the best food and drink of the area will be lining The Embankment, Market Square and the Royal Avenue Gardens, as well as the Boat Float. Take part in workshops, seminars, tastings, competitions and demonstrations by local and national food heroes, celebrity chefs and wine experts. It promises to be a feast for the senses and the best thing is that it’s free. Find out more and try out some recipes from www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com, and see next month’s issue of Practical Caravan for more food festival ideas.…

CIRENCESTER PARK CARAVAN & MOTORHOME CLUB SITE The campsite is on the edge of the town itself and adjoins Cirencester Park, which is home to the Bathurst family and forms part of the extensive Bathurst Estate. Wi-Fi is available throughout the site, although a small charge is made. From the campsite, it is a 15-minute walk along the footpath by the main road into the town centre, but we found a much pleasanter, quieter route, via the park itself. Here you can stroll past the local cricket pitch and then down through a beautiful wooded drive into the old part of town. Beware, however, that the park gates are normally only open from 8am to 5pm. Address Cirencester Park Caravan & Motorhome Club Site, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1UT…

1 Welsh luxury In the rolling countryside of west Wales, with the beautiful landscapes of Cardigan Bay on its doorstep, Bargoed Farm Caravan, Camping & Glamping Park has more than a touch of luxury – it even has pitches with private hot tubs, where you can relax and take in the rural landscape. Web www.bargoedfarm.co.uk 2 Pristine sands on Isle of Mull The landscapes on the Isle of Mull are stunning indeed, from the rugged slopes of Ben More to the beautiful sands of Calgary Bay and Langamull Beach. You can pitch up at Tobermory Caravan Site, a short walk from the pretty port with its painted houses; but really, wherever you choose to stay on this fabulous island, you’re sure to be surrounded by spectacular scenery. Web www. tobermorycampsite.co.uk…

Slimmed-down Lunar resurfaces LUNAR WILL BE pressing ahead with a slimmed-down range of caravans for the 2020 season under its new owner Lunar Automotive, we can reveal. For 2020, the Preston company, which was bought out of administration by South African owners in August, has axed the budget Venus brand – which some dealers sold on its own. The Lexon range has also been dropped, although the two-berth Stellar model that was associated with it is now continuing with a Quasar interior. The four largest Quasars have been reproduced as a standalone Taurus range, all now eight feet wide. This includes the single-axle Taurus 560, and three double-axle models: the 660, 680 and 690 (pictured). The latter two are Taurus versions of the Quasar 686 and 696, respectively, the two…

Price £1990 Web www.isabella.net Weight 35.5kg Dimensions 400 x 275cm Fixing height 242-255cm Pack size 110 x 40 x 40cm Access Two side doors, two removable front panels Selling points Single-point inflation, front canopy section, light roof sections, side windows with mosquito nets, draught skirt, wheel arch cover, plastic and stainless-steel pegs Optional extras Air annexe (£995), roof lining (£110), roof lining for annexe (£85), groundsheet (£125), annexe groundsheet (£90), electric pump (£99)…

Price £94,580 What Car? Target Price £94,580 Retained value after three years 61% Kerbweight 2453kg 85% of kerbweight 2085kg Gross vehicle weight 3150kg Max towing limit 3500kg Gross train weight 6650kg Towball limit 140kg Price of towball and electrics Standard fit Boot size min/max 667/1246 litres Payload 697kg Test conditions Dry Engine size 2925cc Power (bhp/rpm) 282@3400-4600rpm Torque (lb ft)/rpm 443@1200-3200rpm Official combined economy 25.2-25.9mpg Towing economy 21mpg CO2 emissions 252g/km First year car tax £2135 Second year car tax £465 Insurance group N/A Euro NCAP overall protection rating…

This month, we’re focusing on winter, with expert advice about touring (p92) or storing your van (p98). Elsewhere, Tony is fitting grab handles (p103) and Nigel installs a Truma iNet (p104) NIGEL HUTSON is a lifelong caravanner who toured as a child before buying his first caravan at the age of 22. He served in the police for 30 years SAMMY FAIRCLOTH grew up in a family of keen caravanners, and tours extensively in the UK and further afield whenever she has the opportunity TONY BROWN is a retired dental practitioner; he bought his first caravan in 1964, and has enjoyed the pastime ever since…

Sales team member Jeff has been with the dealership for many years: “I was with Barron’s before Kimberley took over. We have a great selection of new and used tourers and motorhomes here at the Darlington branch. The branch is a real showcase, with our café/accessory shop and awning display. We sell Swift, Coachman, Compass and Sprite from this branch, too.” Address Kimberley Darlington, West Auckland Road (A68), Burtree Gate DL2 2XZ Tel 01325 383 333 Web www.kimberleycaravans.co.uk…

Caravan and Motorhome Club Tel 01342 326 944 Web thecaravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club Tel 024 7647 5448 Web thefriendlyclub.co.uk CRiS Tel 020 3282 1000 Web www.cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme Web www.approvedworkshops.co.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) Tel 0843 216 5802 Web www.cassoa.co.uk Towsafe Web www.towsafe.co.uk DVLA Tel 0300 790 6801 Web www.dft.gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) Tel 01249 651 036 Web www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk…

MARCH 2008 It was all about families for us in the spring of 2008, as we took a close look at a model offering Six Appeal – the six-berth Bailey Senator Carolina. Also on our cover, we flagged up our preview of the upcoming NEC Show Expert advice Our team offered hints and tips on a variety of subjects, including air conditioning, generators, awning sizes and the Nissan Qashqai. Our Weekend DIY project meanwhile – written by the late, great Doug ‘Fixit’ King - was on how to retension a Remis blind For two on tour A trio of two-berth, end-washroom beauties from Coachman, Elddis and Swift took part in our Big Caravan Test. The Coachman grabbed the trophy - “it has excellent build quality,” we commented – but what…

Ardmair Bay, north of Ullapool, a stone’s throw from the caravan site. Stunning views. Thoroughly recommend the site there. Excellent facilities and a brilliant base for the area. Lisa Halcyon Polzeath, a long drive from Glasgow, but so beautiful, we make the pilgrimage every summer. Steve Hobbs Bedruthan Steps, love it there, and a lovely National Trust tea shop, too! Marilyn Morris Yellowcraig, between North Berwick and Edinburgh. A couple of minutes’ walk from Yellowcraig Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. John Roberts Has to be Hayle! Worth the train ride from Lelant to St Ives, just for this view! Jamie ‘Jaf’ Bowdidge Cayton Bay – Browns Caravan Park, the owners are fabulous, the site is immaculate and they’ve just been awarded five stars (again) by Visit England. Angie Buxton Got…

‘The rolling countryside is dotted with pretty towns and villages built of warm yellow stone’ THE COTSWOLDS ARE quite rightly one of the most popular holiday destinations in the south of England – rolling countryside dotted with pretty towns and villages built of the warm yellow stone for which the area is famous. This makes it a ‘must-see’ for many visitors, from home and abroad. Of course, the downside of this great popularity is that most places are packed out during the summer months and parking can be a nightmare. We only live a couple of hours’ drive away, so we tend to visit outside the main holiday periods, and having a few days free in the autumn, we headed for the rural town of Cirencester, which lies to the…

WAY TO GO It’s advisable not to use sat-nav, which will likely try to take you along roads that are unsuitable for caravans. From both east and west on the M25, exit at Junction 8, signposted A217, Reigate and Redhill. Take the left turn, signposted Merstham (Gatton Bottom). Continue for two miles and turn left at the T-junction. Take the second turning on the right, signposted Caterham B2031 (Shepherd’s Hill). After one mile at the sharp right-hand bend, turn left into Dean Lane. The site entrance is on the right in a few yards. FOOD AND DRINK ■ The Fox Web www.vintageinn.co.uk ■ The Harrow Web www.harrowcaterham.co.uk OUR OUTFIT We towed Practical Caravan’s 2018 Bailey Phoenix 440 with our Land Rover Discovery. FIND OUT MORE ■ Ightham Mote Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk…

Who are you? I’m Bryony Symes, staff writer for Practical Caravan magazine and avid traveller. Why are you a local authority on Winchester? I went to university in this lovely city, and only reluctantly left when my commute into London for work became a bit too time-consuming. I still visit often and have friends living in the area. What do you love about it? Winchester is one of the smallest and most compact cities in the UK, but has a surprising variety of things to see and do, thanks to its rich history. Did you know it was once the capital of England? Or, more specifically, Wessex. The history reaches even further back, though – the Romans made it a regional capital. You can still see this heritage in the…

First drive SsangYongKorando 1.6 diesel Price From £26,495 Kerbweight 1610kg (2WD) Towing limit 2000kg 85% match 1369kg SSANGYONG HAS A very strong following among caravanners, and it has built this reputation with heavy, affordable SUVs. The Korean brand has now set itself a difficult task: keeping tow car drivers happy while appealing to more mainstream buyers. And as the Korando shows, this is not easy. Bad points? The Korando is lighter, less powerful and more expensive than the old model. A kerbweight of 1610kg for the 2WD diesel rises to 1700kg if you choose a 4x4, but that’s still 125kg less than the old car. Good points? The 1.6-litre diesel might be less punchy than the previous 2.2-litre, but it is more economical – 51.4mpg on the combined cycle if…

How much? £1600-£18,000 There are Mk6 Golfs around for under £2000, but they’ll have a mileage akin to that of a passenger jet and are likely to have the 1.4 petrol or 1.6 TDI engine, neither of which is ideal for towing. However, if you can stretch to £2500, you’ll be in line for a 2.0 TDI, albeit still with a high mileage. A budget of £5000 will net you a later, high-spec car, with a less astronomical mileage, and if you can shell out £9000, you’ll get a late example with a low(ish) mileage and good history. What will it tow? Kerbweight .......................... 1351kg 85% match ...........................1148kg Towing limit ........................1500kg Noseweight limit ....................75kg How much is a towball? Witter flange towbar...... £122.76 Witter detachable towbar .................................................. £231.81 Fitting extra…

‘Make 2020 the year to sample the wonderful feeling of being warm and cosy in your van, whatever the weather’ YOU NO LONGER need the fortitude of Captain Scott to be an all-year-round caravanner. Almost all modern vans have incredible insulation and heroic heating, which make four-season touring not just possible, but a positive pleasure. There are plenty of benefits to all-year touring, too: sites are emptier (so you get the best pitches and views), popular attractions are quiet, and cold-but-sunny winter days can be unbeatable. Plus, there are all those magnificent Christmas markets and events to savour. I’ve been winter caravanning since 2011, and the only problem I’ve ever had is being too hot to sleep in the van! Who knew expanded polystyrene was the caravanner’s best friend? So…

1 Chances are, your van will be a little oasis of tropical heat in Britain’s icy winter, but be prepared, and take extra clothes: thick socks, your warmest pyjamas and a sweater. A winter-spec duvet (Tog 12) and a hot-water bottle are good ideas, too. 2 Plastic covers can be obtained to partially cover external fridge vents in very cold weather. 3 Toilet chemicals can freeze, so store them inside the van. Alternatively, use sachet or tab-style chemicals instead. 4 Keep your washroom well heated and – horror of horrors – leave the toilet seat up to minimise the chances of the toilet freezing up. 5 Be safe. Fit a carbon monoxide detector. 6 To avoid condensation creating mould in your mattress, when leaving the caravan for the day, consider…

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I fitted an Alde Smart Control unit to our caravan. This enabled us to remotely control (via GSM) the heating in the caravan, using my mobile, and I must admit that after my cynicism wore off, it was used to great effect, especially in the cooler months. Perhaps the best memory of it, for me, was when I went to the October Caravan & Motorhome Show for a few days and was camped on the C&MC’s temporary site. The EHU was only 6A, which meant that if I wanted the heating on (and working effectively), I needed to use the gas, too. Anyone who uses their Alde heating on gas will know that it likes to consume it at a reasonable rate. With the Smart Control, I…