Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2017 i Practical Motorhome

WHY TOUR HERE? Imagine a driving route that could take you past some of the UK’s most stunning scenery: by historic, crumbling castles and deep brooding lochs, heathery hills and craggy Munros… Fortunately, all that and more can be yours with a tour of the North Coast RR, fondly known as ‘Scotland’s Route 66’. Caroline Mills took just that trip for this issue; you’ll find her story starting on p. WHAT MOTORHOME? Romahome Duo Hy-Lo…

Some interesting news emerged from the National Caravan Council as we were busy putting together this issue – it reported that motorhome registrations had risen by 2> in the year to June P<, in comparison with the same period in previous years. Now that’s a pretty big jump, so what is it that’s changed? I reckon there are a number of reasons for the rise – not least the strength of the pound, which has made staying in the UK in your own vehicle that bit more attractive – but I also think it’s down to the sheer diversity in the motorhomes now available. I first joined this magazine in ; when I consider how much more exciting motorhomes – and smaller campers in particular – are than << years…

Keeping connected Price Z\L. X?. Web www.cellhire.co.uk If you enjoy updating your Facebook page with travel photos or finding local attractions while abroad, but are fed up with a poor phone signal and lack of free Wi-Fi, this handy little black box could become your new best friend. The portable Wi-Fi router (about the size of a pack of cards) is just like your internet box at home. But instead of attaching it to a landline, it uses a data SIM card. Once the unit’s charged, you just pop in a SIM card (available to buy from the same website) and switch it on. We tested a -day SIM for use in France, but they are available for other countries. Choose aGB or GB SIM card for either G…

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Devon and Cornwall earlier this year, looking at what makes the perfect cream tea and where to find it (September FL;i ssue). Now a new attraction (see right) celebrating that other heritage delicacy, the pasty, will have me signing up for a second Cornwall tour in the near future. Not that I, or anyone else on the team, need an excuse to visit one of the most popular touring destinations! Meanwhile, tourist boards and councils all over the country are coming up with ingenious ideas to entice us. As touring abroad gets more costly, bring it on, I say – there’s a lot to see on our doorstep. It’s hard to come up with a more convenient food-on-the-move package than the pasty, and it’s…

Contrary to popular belief, a rising roof does not instantly solve all the problems of confined space in a campervan. To provide access to said roof, you usually have to do away with overhead lockers, and having the rising roof often means you have less headroom. This matters, particularly where the rising roof doesn’t make much difference, for example at the back of the ’van. Derby-based Hillside Leisure, with its strong track record of van conversions, is no doubt aware of this. Which is perhaps why its Hartington makes the most of not having a raising roof to provide two things you don’t often find in a van conversion: an end kitchen and an enclosed washroom. The kitchen is L-shaped, which means you get plenty of workspace. You also get…

Such is the sophistication of Bailey’s motorhomes, it’s hard to believe that the Bristol-based company – which has decades of caravan-building experience, of course – has only been producing them since 2011. Since that time, its output has been tweaked and finessed, and these days, Bailey’s coachbuilts represent great value and top quality. Top of the tree for our judges in this category is the Peugeot Boxer-based Autograph 79-4, which was launched during the 2017 season, subsequent to last year’s awards. We’ve no doubt that it would have picked up one of our gongs if it had been eligible for those, though: this is a fabulous island-bed model for up to four occupants. The nearside kitchen, located just behind the accommodation door, is well laid out and should suit even…

The Exsis, first introduced as a range of motorhomes weighing around the 3000kg mark 10 years ago, was last given a refresh six years ago. So it’s due for a revamp – and it’s been done in style for the 2018 model year. This season’s makeover has borrowed much from Hymer’s more recently introduced B-Class Dynamic range to bring weights down further, but still retain a robust body. The range has also been built using PUAL 2.0, the latest version of Hymer’s wood-free construction system that has no screws or anchorages, but is specially bonded so that bodyshells can flex on the road. The anti-hail GRP roof also has an extra aluminium layer underneath it, for additional strength. The result is a range of ’vans with MIROs significantly under 3000kg.…

There’s a tendency in the leisure market for any product preceded by the word ‘motorhome’ to attract a premium price. And for something as simple as a door mat, it’s easy to imagine that a standard household mat will be just as good as any dedicated motorhome version. After all, what is a dedicated motorhome mat? Well, although several specific leisure/motorhome mats are available, ‘dedicated’ often refers to the pattern or the visual design. In truth, though, motorhomes do have a fairly unique set of requirements, which may not be met by the average household mat. Mat functions Household door mats tend to be used outside against a hard doorstep. In a motorhome, the mat could be used outside, inside, or even underneath an awning. And in all three situations,…

• Price £929.99 • Weight 24.6kg • Dimensions (W x D) 340 x 240cm • Fixing height 240-290cm • Pack size 37 x 77cm • Access Side doors, tunnel doors, whole front access • Key selling points Single-point inflation with isolation valves, clearly marked valves, quality materials, tinted windows • Options Carpet (£81.99), inner tent (£89.99), footprint (£32.99), Wind Gust electric pump (£99.99) • Web www.outwell.com The Country Road is a well-established model in Outwell’s drive-away awning line-up. It started life as a traditional poled unit, but these days it’s available as an inflatable (dubbed SA, for Smart Air). Effectively, it’s a tunnel tent with extra fabric for a direct attachment to your vehicle. This is the Tall variant, aimed at vehicles with an awning attachment rail anywhere between 240cm…

STAND G:88 Address Auto-Sleepers, Orchard Works, Willersley, nr Broadway, Worcestershire WR QF Tel \KU=R =?U UU= Web www.auto-sleepers.com After a fair few additions to the range in recent years, Auto-Sleepers enters the 2018 season with no all-new models. But the company – which was bought out by the Trigano Group this year – has spent the intervening time making changes here and there. Exterior decals now come in teal blue, while both the Peugeot- and Mercedes-based coachbuilts get a new GRP rear panel featuring a ‘hockey stick’ panel of LED lights. Inside, they have floral ‘Casa Mia’ upholstery as standard, and striped ‘Sagrada’ upholstery as an option; it’s the other way around in the van conversions. Must-see ’van CORINIUM RB On the shortlist for our Motorhome of the Year Awards…

STAND G=;A Address Marquis Leisure, Winchester Road, Lower Upham, Hampshire SO HA Tel ^:^^ ^WS RRRR Web www.marquisleisure.co.uk Marquis Leisure, the 12-strong network that is Benimar’s sole dealership in the UK, reintroduced the Spanish brand after a gap of years with its Fiat-based Mileo range two years ago. It’s a sign of how successful this has been that the emphasis this year is already on its second range, the Ford-based Tessoro. For 2018 these all come with habitation doors on the UK nearside, plus a microwave and extractor fan in the kitchen, speakers in the lounge, and external barbecue and shower points. The Mileos have a new rear spoiler and entrance light; some get speakers, too. Must-see ’val TESSORO ;9J The :V, the new baby in the Tessoro range, is…

STAND l Address Bernecker Straße , D-Marktschorgast, Germany Tel __>I IYYT TX9_ Web www.frankia.com This season the upmarket German manufacturer lives up to its reputation for bringing out UK-friendly rear-lounge models, as new versions of its popular I 740 Plus layout appear - one the shortest yet, in the shape of the I 680 Plus, and one longer version, the 8m-long I 790 Plus. All three of these A-class ’vans will be on Frankia’s stand this year, along with seven other models. Those of you who like the sound of the Platin, designed for off-grid living, will no doubt be eager to know that there will be two different versions of this ’van on display: the I 8400 GD and I 8400 QD. Must-see ’van l P LUS The I_…

STAND l 79 Address Webbs Motorhomes, Crusader Park, Bath Road, Warminster, Wiltshire BAMY B T Tel ‘MK:? YMY YYY Web www.webbsmotorcaravans.co.uk German manufacturer La Strada will be making a welcome return to the October NEC show this autumn, after an absence of several years. The company’s range will be on display at the Webbs Motorhomes stand, after the dealer agreed to distribute the German manufacturer’s products late last year. It specialises in top-quality van conversions on Fiat and Mercedes base vehicles. When La Strada was last here, the UK proved to be a particularly keen market for it, accounting for around one-fifth of the 350-plus motorhomes it was then producing per year. Must-see ’van AVANTI H New model the Avanti H will be taking pride of place. The Fiat Ducatobased…

STAND <8AG Addrell Montgomery House, Sheephouse Wood, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S GS Tel eQQE_ >>E EQQ Web www.moto-trek.co.uk Moto-Trek offers a range of smart motorhomes, many of which have American RV-style slide-outs; as a result they feature a large amount of living space. The company will be showing three models on its stand this year: the X-Cite EB, a two- to three-berth coachbuilt with an end washroom and slide-out sofa; the Leisure-Treka EB, a two-berth van conversion; and the Euro-Treka IB, a two- to four-berth with an island bed and a slide-out kitchen. Although the models are not new for this year, they will be available in fresh colour schemes. DID YOU KNOW…? If you think Moto-Trek’s ’vans look a little like horseboxes, you would be right: the company started off…

STAND D?FQ Address Route du Demi Boeuf, La Limouzinière @WL_, France Tel __WW X@_ WXL T__ Web www.pilote-motorhome.uk Van conversions and top-of-the-range Le Voyageur A-classes will be a particular focus on the French manufacturer’s stand this year. There will be three LV ’vans and one example from the Signature line-up that Pilote is basing this year on an Iveco Daily. There will also be two van conversions: a V600G with a sporty Premium interior, and the V630J with slide-away loo in the washroom; although neither will feature the pop-up roof (see photo, right) that Pilote is including as an option on most of its van conversions this year. You can also take a look around 10 other Pilote low-profiles and A-classes. Must-see ’van LE VOYAGEUR SIGNATURE If the NEC show…

STAND A=9I Address Unit C, Harworth Business Park, Blyth Road, Harworth, Doncaster DN DB Tel ZJSZT P?J PJZ Web www.rsmotorhomes.com Doncaster-based RS is in the middle of updating its mid-market Elysian range, but as this issue was going to press, the company wasn’t sure whether it would be ready in time for the NEC show. The range offers a variety of island-bed, French-bed and fixed-single-bed models, some including slide-outs. You can also expect to see an example of its 9.1m Endeavour model, complete with sizeable overcab. There should be a Mercedes Atego-based Evolution, too; although with its chassis weighing at least 7.5 tonnes, you’ll need to have the correct driving licence if you’re tempted! Must-see ’val EVOLUTION Visiting motorhome shows is often as much about dreaming as it is about…

STAND I>LC Address Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU J X Tel dNB<^ <BW ]]^ Web www.swiftgroup.co.uk Swift has consolidated its motorhome and caravan ranges for 2018 to bring them more under a single Swift brand. This means the Autocruise name is gone: for 2018, Swift’s van conversion range is known as Swift Select. Having been stripped down to basics last year, some extra comforts (such as a wastewater tank) have been added back in, while the range of options has been made more simple. Bessacarr has been revamped as the Swift Bessacarr 500 series, with new decals and furnishings, and four new four-berth layouts. Swift Escape, meanwhile, gets one new layout (right). Must-see ’van ESCAPE IQ< The Swift Escape XdB – our ^dN< Motorhome of the Year (see p)…

STAND AJ<A:N Address Franz-Knöbel Straße , Rheda Wiedenbrück [[[W, Germany Tel ccAL @\A \O@c Web www.westfalia-mobil.net Westfalia has carved a niche for providing top-quality van conversions, and you can see eight of them on its stand at the NEC, including three new models. There’s a Kepler 6 to add to the VW-based range, this time on a long-wheelbase version. The Fiat Ducato-based Columbus range gets a shorter member of the family with the Columbus 540 D. But perhaps of most interest is the all-new Sven Hedin, a transverse-rear-bed model based on the almost-as-new Volkswagen Crafter. At the same time, you can see other established models, such as the Club Joker. Must-see ’van SVEN HEDIN It’s not just the VW base vehicle that makes the Sven Hedin special – that transverse…

A common issue for motorhome owners is battery life – not how many years it will last, but how many hours it will power devices for. Most leisure batteries are the lead acid type and suffer a reduced lifespan if they are excessively discharged on a frequent basis. The rule of thumb is not to discharge beyond % regularly. So how long should a leisure battery provide power? This depends how much current is drawn from it. Capacity is measured in amp hours (Ah) and, in theory, aAh battery should provide A for KK hours or A for one hour – but sadly, it’s not that simple. First, you need to bear in mind the 50% rule – a 100Ah battery is only reliably good for 50Ah. You also need…

My wife and I have decided that our retirement is going to be spent touring Europe in a motorhome. We are looking to stay on campsites as we make our way across Europe, but we are not booking places in advance because we don’t want to be tied to a schedule. Reading your magazine for the past few months, I have seen a lot of your readers stay in aires in France and free places in Germany, as well as stopping overnight in service stations that have showers and food outlets. These seemed perfect to us, because it gives us the freedom to move between areas without racing between pre-booked campsites. However, I have recently been told that aires and service stations are being targeted by gangs who attack vehicles…

Climbing up from the lakes as the timid sun began to chase grisly clouds from the sky, we turned a corner at Rispond to find a jewel-decked sea and silver-sand beach set against brilliant purple banks of wild thyme. We were close to the most northwesterly point of our Scottish road trip. The Scottish Highlands are brimming with superlatives: the most northerly town on mainland Britain, the best waterfalls to see leaping salmon, the deepest gorge in Britain, the oldest national nature reserve in the UK, Europe’s largest herring port, the shortest street in the world, the biggest dolphins in the world… the list goes on. Now added to that catalogue is ‘one of the best driving routes in the world’: the North Coast 500. This 500-mile (officially 516) road…

We have just booked our usual two weeks at Highlands End near Eype. It has fabulous views, is a great site and is handy for West Bay and Bridport. b uzz (forum member) Practical Motorhome says… This holiday park has spectacular views down the coast from many of the pitches, thanks to its cliff-top position. It is just a m walk to reach the sandy beach, so you can take in a refreshing seaside stroll whenever you feel the urge. Walkers can also enjoy direct access to the South West Coast Path. Site essentials The park has lots of facilities – a bar and restaurant, leisure club complete with swimming pool, a coffee shop, visitor information, two play areas and a shop. There is also a games room,…

You notice something different about this season’s Sun Living ’vans as soon as you walk up to them. The designers have moved away from the grey, yellow and black of last year, which was similar to other brands. Instead, they have gone for a bold graphic with the word ‘Sun’ emblazoned in – wait for it – blue. A blue sun? It’s a bold move, but it works: it makes the brand look youthful, which should appeal to the target market. This boldness is matched on the inside. How often do you hear ’van interiors compared to hotel rooms because of the sense of space? With Sun Living, this is justified – because of an innovation from the world of van conversions. The washroom has a tambour door that fits…

This category of our awards is always hotly contested, and this year was no exception - every single one of the ’vans shortlisted (see below) represented fantastic value for money. After a huge amount of debate and discussion, we finally narrowed the field down enough to pick a winner – enter the Sunlight Cliff 601. Sunlight is a German manufacturer that’s relatively new to the UK market; it’s part of the Erwin Hymer Group, and has garnered itself a strong reputation for producing well-built, well-priced motorhomes. It has previously majored in coachbuilts, but for the 2018 season, the company has made the leap into A-class and van conversions. And it’s the latter that impressed us most. The range is made up of four models, sitting on various lengths of the…

Brace yourself, Bessy fans, because Swift’s traditionalist has got funky, with an all-new look fronted by a Black Edition cab, alloy wheels and bronze lettering spelling out the famous name. At the head of the 10-model range is the magnificent 599, with its lowline bodyshell and chassis adding to those rakish looks. Fortunately, the qualities that have made Bessacarr such a success remain: this is a luxurious motorhome and, although it does have four belted seats and four berths, with the front lounge making up into a double bed, it’s really best suited to a couple. Up front, the comfortable six-seater lounge is flooded with light by the huge panoramic sunroof, and at night is made cosy by a variety of lighting options. The familiar Fiat Ducato cab features bronze…

So is it really possible to improve on perfection? Niesmann + Bischoff, the uber-luxury brand within the Erwin Hymer Group, certainly thinks you can. For the past few seasons, the fixed-single-bed Arto 76E has been one of the bestselling models in the manufacturer’s entire range. But there always comes a time when you need to freshen things up. So, with a little bit of re-engineering this year – specifically, lengthening the vehicle by 10cm and thus calling the 76E’s replacement the 77E - the company’s designers have managed to provide the same layout with significantly longer, so more comfortable, beds. In addition, they have fitted a sliding door between the bedroom and the central washroom, to provide a little bit of extra privacy. There have been a few extra touches…

Every October, thousands of motorcaravanners travel to Birmingham’s NEC for the annual Motorhome & Caravan Show. It’s an extraordinary event that showcases the very best of the industry under one (very large) roof: all of the biggest brands will be present, with their very latest products. It’s your chance to see all of the new motorhomes for the upcoming season, as well as top accessories, inspiring talks and demonstrations, and much more besides. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of shiny new ’vans to see; which is why we’ve made it easier for you this year, by rounding up the highlights of every major manufacturer’s stand in one easy-to-follow guide. We’ve also given you details of the must-see ’van on each display - if you’ve only time…

STAND MARV Address Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN T U Tel ^L@TY ?TL ^^^ Web www.auto-trail.co.uk There are two new Auto-Trail coachbuilt models this year. The Imala 732 is a 7.26m rear transverse-island-bed model – a layout previously only available in the more expensive Tracker range. In the Tracker line-up itself, you will now find the 7.6m-long LB, with a rear in-line island bed - a shorter version of the Frontier Delaware floorplan. Among the van conversions, the V-Line Sport range has been discontinued. But there’s a Sports Pack you can add to three of the four models in this year’s V-Line range. This gives you, among other things, a boot at the back. •For Tribute models, see p119 Mustlsee ’van IMALA MQR Rear transverse-island beds are…

STAND B>J< Address Arist Dethleffs Straße , Isny im Allgau, Baden-Württemburg ::XMT, Germany Tel ‘‘?K S>TY K:S‘ Web www.dethleffs.de Two huge overcabs make up the new models for Dethleffs in 2018. Both the Trend A 7877-2 and the Globetrotter XXL A 9050-2 are designed for large families, and include a suitably spacious front lounge with a side settee that can be set up to connect into a U-shape, cutting off the cab. If these are too big for you (and bear in mind the A 9050-2 has an MTPLM of 6700kg), you can still check out the design package on all Trend models. This gives you a choice of upholstery finishes and a range of furniture upgrades, including upholstered fabric panels on the wardrobe and chrome towel hooks. Must-see ’van…

HALL EP Address Holzstraße NL, =ZZL Bad Waldsee, Germany Tel bbBL UA[B LLLb Web www.hymer.com/en The NEC will be the first showing in Britain for Hymer’s new B-Class Supreme Line (BSL) range, launched at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf this year. You can also see the new-look Exsis T and Exsis I models launched in May – mid-market, low-weight low-profiles and A-classes last upgraded six years ago. These ’vans include garages capable of carrying 450kg, LED lighting throughout and separate heating zones. Budget brand Carado has six ’vans on show, including the Vlow 640, part of a new four-model van conversion range, and the I447, one of two 7.43m A-classes launched this year. Must-see ’van BSL P> The Hymer BSL bB is one of two models in the Hymer B-Class…

STAND DO=KO Address E ast Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, Devon PL GE Tel gO[B‘ >M‘ ‘gg Web www.murvi.co.uk There are no brand-new models on show this year from the upmarket Devon-based van converter. The company is limbering up to produce a conversion of the new six-speed automatic Ford Transit, but that now looks more likely to be unveiled at next February’s show instead. In the meantime, however, you can be impressed by two end-kitchen Fiat models, the Morello and the Morocco XL, and two models based on a Ford – the Piccolo and the Pimento. As usual, you can also expect find attention to detail and a very superior build quality that more than justifies the price tag. Must-see ’van MOROCCO Murvi’s Morocco van conversion has the same…

STAND J?=Q Address @Lr ue des Perrouins, CS X__LJD?WL_L Mayenne Cedex, France Tel __WW X@W W_L _S_ Web www.rapido.fr Popular French manufacturer Rapido is planning to show a grand total of 29 models at this year’s show, covering both its flagship brand and Itineo and Dreamer sub-brands. Highlights include a large number of the 15 new models for the 2018 season, across both low-profile and A-class body shapes; you’ll also be able to take a look inside the brilliantly priced Itineo models, including the family-friendly SLB 700, which featured on our recent Motorhome of the Year Awards shortlist. Be sure to step inside the compact and practical Dreamer ’vans, which will also be making an appearance on the Rapido stand. Must-see ’van RAPIDO dF The Rapido dF is an impressive…

STAND D?KU C LIFF :?QUG Address Bahnhof , Leutkirch <<_LL, Germany Tel eeBL WAYN LeLW _ee Web www.sunlight.de/en This German manufacturer began life as Dethleffs’ budget brand, but has since grown apart to the point where it has a separate head office. Having initially confined itself to low-profiles and overcabs, this season it felt confident enough to move into A-classes and van conversions, too. You can see three low-profiles, one overcab and the all-new I 68 A-class on Sunlight’s stand. Two van conversions, which are based on (fellow Erwin Hymer Group brand) Bürstner’s City Cars and given the endearingly English-sounding name of Cliff, will be on display on the Lowdhams stand (stand 8-20). Must-see ’van I 68 The . m-long fixed single beds I 68 is one of two A-classes…

With two takeovers in the recent past – first Wellhouse (p121) becoming part of Lunar and, more recently, WildAx being bought by the Rapido Group (p60) – there is sure to be a fair amount of lively discussion and gossip in the van conversion section of the show – although all of the companies involved in these deals insist that it will be business as usual, certainly for many months to come. WildAx itself will have no new models at this year’s show, although it will be presenting the full range on its stand (11-80); so you’ll be able to see the Pulsar, Constellation, Aurora, Aurora XL, Solaris and Solaris XL. Rolling Homes, however, is launching two models at the show (stand 12-82). The first is a new version of…

Motorhome water systems are very sophisticated, but things can break or become damaged. With that in mind, here I look at how to replace a kitchen tap and cartridge. Buying the tap should be simple, but they come in all styles and materials – plastic and metal, traditional and contemporary, single lever and double mixer. The connecting water pipes also come in different diameters. A good first step is to contact your motorhome dealership. They will either recommend that you bring in your old tap, or ask for your motorhome VIN so they can identify the part you need. If you already know what you require, many companies sell taps online or at the shows – just be careful to check your measurements first. Replacing a tap ■ Removing the…

Which motorhomes can I drive? Did you pass your driving test before J anuary ? ✔ You can drive a motorhome up to k g on your B+C licence. When you reach O[, you must submit a medical form to renew your licence to continue driving a ’van over k g, and do this every three years. Did you pass your driving test after J anuary ? ✔ You can drive a motorhome up to k g on your B [car] licence. To drive a motorhome heavier than k g, you must take a Ct est How to load your motorhome correctly Heavy items, such as TVs and boxes of wine, should be stowed low down and as close to the floor as possible; medium-weight items, such as clothing, should…

Our six-month European tour led us to the Spanish mid-Pyrenees on the C. Not really a road for the faint-hearted or a motorhome the size of an Auto-Trail Comanche, but what a view! Paul & Christine Lawrence Time to relax and enjoy a game of Scrabble at a great aire in Oradour-sur-Glane, France, after a poignant visit to the historic village. Stephen & Valarie Clarke This is us at Tafraout in Morocco in early February, after travelling down through Spain. It was nice and warm so we stayed for two weeks before setting off back home through the high Atlas mountains to Tangier for the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. Brian Davis Email your pictures and their stories ( words, plus…

By their very nature, rising-roof campervans are compromised in terms of space – designers constantly need to come up with ways to allow users to enjoy the very best motorcaravanning experience, while acting within the constraints of a small base vehicle. It’s easy to get this wrong, but much more difficult to get it oh-so-right; which is why the Auto Campers MRV impressed every one of our judges this year. The MRV is also available on the Ford Transit Custom base vehicle, but the conversion of the Volkswagen T6 only serves to make this little camper even more impressive. The flexibility that it offers is what makes it so loveable: key to this is Auto Campers’ innovative four-rail floor system (£1200), which allows you to secure the travel seats or…

A handful of changes were announced at Swift for 2018, one of the most notable being the decision to bring all of the models under one brand name. This means all of its motorhomes’ monikers now get ‘Swift’ at their start, which the company hopes will help streamline its offering. Changes last year to the popular Escape range, meanwhile, were prolific: it received an extensive redesign and update. With that in mind, the tweaks to the line-up for 2018 have been a little more subtle. With one exception: the introduction of the new four-berth 604. Where the 604 shines is in its flexibility and practicality. While it’s a four-berth on paper - two can sleep in the drop-down bed over the lounge, with another two in that lounge below -…

The best family ’vans should have space for everyone to get together, but also somewhere for the adults to retreat to, for a little privacy. This new Auto-Trail provides both, admirably. The Imala 732 is one of two ’vans introduced this season by the Grimsby-based manufacturer with the aim of bringing a luxurious layout into a range that is more affordable. So in this motorhome – only 7.26m long – you get a transverse island bed, as well as a sizeable front lounge that could easily seat the six people who can sleep in this ’van if you go for the no-extra-cost Hi-Line bodyshape option. Plus, you still get a perfectly adequate washroom and kitchen between. The rear bedroom will be perfect for two adults, and it has light flooding…

“The 6=(’s strength lies in the fact that it does exactly what it’s supposed to, and it does so extremely well” Our Motorhome of the Year awards are always hard to judge: all of our team have to suspend subjectivity and focus on identifying the very best products. This year has been particularly tricky, but from tiny campers to mega A-class Liners, we’ve assessed – then reassessed – every model in depth. Not suprisingly, the judges’ opinions varied; but one thing we did agree on was that this all-new four-berth truly deserves our 2018 Motorhome of the Year award. The 604’s real strength lies in the fact that it does exactly what it’s supposed to, and extremely well. Its body length is a tiny 5.97m – shorter than many van…

Marquis Majestic A?F Price , GK< Mileage GK4 Eclnlmy TBC Faults Sticky door lock Expenses None Growing up, as I did, around motorsport paddocks, you get used to motorhomes and caravans. I’ve lots of fond memories of them. There was the time when it rained heavily before a practice session at the 1985 British GP weekend. The then Tyrrell driver (now Sky commentator) Martin Brundle vaulted a fence and ran into my godfather’s ’van for shelter, grabbing a bacon sandwich to boot. As a young fan, I sat there stunned. So you might not be surprised to hear that I was hoping to give my children a memorable experience staying in a motorhome during the British Grand Prix. I was lucky enough to borrow Practical Motorhome’s long-term Marquis Majestic 196…

STAND 20-75/77 Address Adria UK, Unit , Drury Drive, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury COK\ WH Tel \KQ=Q === =I\ Web www.adria.co.uk The most striking changes at Adria this year are in its entry-level coachbuilt Coral range. Each model now comes with a ‘Sky Lounge’ double panoramic window, which gives you a glazed roof all the way to the central kitchen. They also now have flat floors throughout. All Matrix models now come on a Fiat Ducato, rather than a Renault Master; although Coral and Matrix ’vans with Axess specification are based on a Citroën Jumper to keep them cheaper. The Sonic range is now four-strong, all with Supreme specification. It includes a new fixed-bed layout in the 810 SL and a reworked washroom in the 710 SC. Must-see ’van MATRIX…

STAND HFARF Address South Liberty Lane, Bristol BSX YSS Tel ^LLT JUU ?JUT Web www.baileyofbristol.co.uk The Bristol manufacturer will be bringing its full range of motorhomes to the October NEC show, comprising the four-model Approach Advance line-up and the flagship six-model range that is now just known as Autograph. All are based on Peugeot Boxer Euro 6 base vehicles, and have been put together using the Alu-Tech system that Bailey also uses on its caravans, where the whole body – not just the floor and chassis – contribute towards the vehicle’s strength. The main difference between the two ranges is that Autograph comes with Alde heating, while Approach Advance settles for blown-air heating from Whale. Mustlsee ’van AUTOGRAPH MFA= Winner of our Best Coachbuilt Motorhome award for Y^L; (see p…

STAND EAS= Address Carthago Ring 9VWS, Aulendorf, Upper Swabia, Germany Tel ]]?I R>W >IW ]]] Web www.carthago.com This German luxury manufacturer will have 13 ’vans from its main low-profile and A-class brand on show at the NEC, as well as five from its more budget-priced Malibu range. This year, the latter will all remain van conversions – Malibu low-profiles and A-classes are still only sold in the company’s home country. Pride of place among those ’vans at the NEC will be the Compactline I 144 QB, a 6.99m island-bed A-class that is being made available this year in the narrower, 2.12m-wide Compactline format, having been very popular as a more conventional C-Tourer 144 QB. Mustlsee ’van COMPACTLINE I >> QB Compact by name, compact by nature: for ]L9 you can…

STAND AA;AL Address Chequers House, Chequers Lane, Derby DE A W Tel _JXXY Y_S HSU Web www.hillsideleisure.co.uk This Derby-based van converter has made a name for itself with the models it has based on VW Transporter base vehicles over the years. So it’s hardly surprising that it jumped at the chance to have a go with the new Volkswagen Crafter. Its latest model is due to be launched at the NEC show and is a conversion of the 5.98m medium-wheelbase version of the Crafter, so it is possibly still just short enough to fit into a conventional parking space. Other information about it was being kept strictly under wraps as this magazine was going to press. Must-see ’van HARTINGTON If the new Crafter isn’t for you, have a look at…

STAND =G8D= Addrell Sherdley Road, Lostock Hall, Preston PR JF Tel eQZZ_ ^^Z [_> Web www.lunarcaravans.com Lunar’s stand should prove particularly popular with visitors to the NEC, because it is launching a whole new budget range, and the Maira, an unusual van conversion with a slide-out. Just two years after introducing its new Roadstar coachbuilts, the Preston company is bringing out the Cassini, a three-model range based on a 2.3-litre 130PS Renault Master. Layouts for the models in this new range include the EL, an end-lounge two-berth, the EB, a four-berth with fixed single beds, and the TI, a four-berth that, unusually, also includes a transverse island bed in the rear. Mult-lee ’van MAIRA The Lunar Maira is unlike many van conversions you will have seen. Based on a Renault…

STAND DO=HD Address Travelworld, Halesfield OD, Telford, Shropshire TF QR Tel gOMB‘ B>\ >>> Web www.motorhomes.co.uk Über-luxury Erwin Hymer Group brand Niesmann + Bischoff will have five of its A-classes on show at the NEC. This will include three from its Fiat-Ducato based Arto range – the 77 E, 78 F and 88 EK – and two from its Iveco Daily-based Flair range – the 830 LE and 920 LE. This year, the entire Flair line-up has been subjected to a series of safety tests that were run exclusively in conjunction with Iveco – said to be the first time that any motorhome manufacturer has run such exhaustive tests. The results of these have led to so many changes that rehomologation was required for every Flair model. Must-see ’van ARTO…

STAND F=IM Address Auto-Trail, Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby DN T U Tel ZJ?PT >PJ ZZZ Web www.rollerteammotorhomes.co.uk The Italian Roller Team brand is distributed in the UK by Auto-Trail, which is why you’ll find it alongside the latter’s stand at the NEC show this year – although it does have a separate dealer network. Roller Team specialises in providing keenly priced low-profiles, overcabs and A-classes for families: its Zefiro, Auto Roller and T Line ranges all start from four-berths upwards. During the summer we were particularly impressed by the new-look Pegaso 740 (see panel, right), which now features a cab door on the UK offside. Must-see ’val PEGASO F;M The Pegaso ?Z was first released in mid- as an A-class at a bargain price. It now has a…

STAND QU?K=/ Address Unit , Drury Drive, Woodhall Park, Sudbury, Suffolk CONe WH Tel eNW<W <<< L<e Web www.adria.co.uk Sun Living is Adria’s budget brand, although – unlike other mainstream manufacturers’ budget spin-offs – it goes down the same assembly line as Adrias. A radical overhaul has seen grey and yellow decals replaced with blue, plus new interiors that include coachbuilts with washroom tambour doors that slide away when the room is not in use, to create more space. That’s something usually only seen on van conversions. Locker doors on the 10-model range (two van conversions, six low-profiles, two overcabs) have also been replaced with grab holes, rather than handles. In addition, all prices are south of £50,000. Must-see ’van S S P The best way to appreciate just what…

STAND AJ<8: Address Sherdley Road, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire PR JF Tel cOWW\ [[W X\< Web www.wellhouseleisure.com The company known as Wellhouse Leisure was bought this summer by Lunar, but for this show at least, the two companies have separate stands. Formerly Huddersfield-based, Wellhouse has enjoyed great success in recent years with its Terrier range of Ford Transit conversions. In fact, it was in part the need to increase production of these that led it to seek out a buyer with larger premises. You’ll see three Terriers on the stand – the Supersport, Lux XL and Le-Tour. But it is also known for trying its hand at converting other base vehicles, and you can see five of these on display here. Must-see ’van SSANGYONG TURISMO If you are looking for…

This low-cost project (mine cost under £25) covers the installation of a dimmable full cabin length array of white LEDs or programmable coloured mood lighting. They can be fitted separately or together. The procedlre First, cut the conduit to the required length and remove the capping. Locate a point on the ’van’s side to drill through to a place inside where the controller and wire terminations can be housed (check that this won’t invalidate any warranty). The point chosen should be where a 12V supply can be obtained. I chose a void at the side of a cupboard, so I could tap into the 12V feed to one of the lights in the bottom of it. A false back can also be made in a cupboard to create a void.…

What an August I had, fetching up in Germany for the Bulli Festival, after a visit to the Netherlands. I spent a day in the medieval city of Amersfoort and made a stopover at the lovely Resort de Arendshorst (a treat if you like angling). The Bulli Festival celebrated y ears since the initial concept of the VW Transporter. My trip to Germany included a tour of the factory in Hanover where VW makes its Californias. There was the sneakiest of previews of the all-new, Crafter-based California XXL – although my hopes of a world exclusive were dashed by a promise to stay shtum until the official debut at Düsseldorf’s Caravan Salon – which is wher I’m heading next! Are dealer visits about to become a thing of the past?…

If we had to pick out a newish motorhome range that had succeeded most in capturing the hearts and minds of readers, saloon bar sages and other know-it-alls, it would be something European, A-class and very expensive. That’s despite such ’vans actually selling in very modest numbers in the UK. According to our annual Owner Satisfaction surveys, the most appreciated volume-selling range is the Escape from the Swift Group. The Escape was launched in late 2009 with the tightly focused aim of providing value for money for those who thought they could only afford a heavily used example. Here we’re concentrating on the multi-berth models, because Escape has become a favourite with young families and other advocates of mob-handed motorcaravanning. Originally an eight-model range, Escapes could be recognised by their…

Our first motorhome was a converted Bedford CF2 that my husband, Tony, and I built back in the last century – we named it Blue Moon. We took Blue Moon on the Plymouth-Santander ferry and toured around Spain and Portugal. We had a great time going through lots of little villages in that ’van. Next time, we went for a slightly larger model, a Dodge Ram Van, and again, Tony did a lot of work on it. Our last van conversion was a Trigano Tribute. This was love at first sight for me, and I named it G-No after its numberplate. It was just like the Tardis – a lot larger once you stepped inside it. With our dog, Roxy, we toured France, Belgium, Germany and Spain many times. We…