Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i Practical Motorhome

THE NEW FOREST  WHY TOUR HERE? We’re big fans of UK touring: it’s fantastic to cross the Channel, but there’s so much to enjoy here on our own shores. This month we’ve been inspired by our annual Top (.. Sites Guide – free with this issue – to explore some of Britain’s best locations; they include the glorious New Forest, which we visited in our new Auto-Trail Imala FI. Turn to p for more great British touring inspiration. WHAT MOTORHOME? Auto-Trail Imala FIJ PHOTOGRAPHED BY Peter Spinney…

Here at Practical Motorhome we visit a lot of campsites, both in the UK and abroad; and it’s fair to say that they vary in terms of quality and the visitor experience. Your own expectations play a part of course – couples touring on their own may prefer an adults-only site over a family-friendly park – but overall, a good campsite will impress just about everyone who stays there. Identifying the country’s best parks has always been the aim of our annual Top /66 Sites Guide, and it continues to be so to this day. I won’t reveal the overall winner here, but suffice to say, putting the guide together has highlighted how lucky we are in this country to have so many great sites and attractions. With that in…

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has expanded its portfolio of worldwide and European escorted and independent tours. You can now follow the Rocky Mountains across Canada and America on a 22-day tour that takes in Banff, Jasper and Yellowstone National Parks, or spend 15 days on Route 66. A 22-day independent and a 36-day escorted tour of New Zealand also join the club’s offering. In Europe, choose between a 30-day tour of Spain’s south-eastern coast, a 31-night tour of Sardinia and Corsica, and 29 days in Sweden and Norway. Tours take place in April and May. In addition, the club has increased its recommended campsites across Europe by 19, taking the count to more than 300 for 2018. If you’d rather stay in the UK, the club has frozen pitch…

Climbing away from the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy along a track trodden over centuries, I had to watch my step. Swallows rested on the ground around my feet and every few yards, a plume of Marbled White butterflies would lift into the air. A patch of poppies stained the barley field beside me, and the collage of yellow and green fields beyond seemed all the more animated against the purple sky. Turning around at the top of the rise, into view came the North York Moors, the Vales of York and Pickering, the Howardian Hills and, in the distance, a thin line of Dales. The Yorkshire Wolds aren’t so high profile as the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, which attract a greater number of visitors. It…

High Onn is lovely – doggy heaven! Annette Cordon (Facebook) Practical Motorhome says… This small, simple site is, indeed, a gemr Set in peace1ul 1armland, it looks out towards The Wrekin and the Shropshire Hills and is completely unspoilt – per1ect 1or a quiet break 1rom a hectic li1er Pet owners will like the extensive private dog walks around the 1ormer RAF baser There is no 1acilities block, but there is a service point and pitches have electric hook-up; you can also stay connected via the Wi-Fir You can choose 1rom dd hardstanding pitches, or grass pitchesr Cyclists will enjoy pedalling along the surrounding lanes, or beside the Shropshire Union Canalr The site is also ideal 1or sightseeingr Visit nearby Ironbridge 1or Victorian history, or explore the cli11s,…

The Tessoro is a dream to drive, with a cab that feels comfortably like a car’s, and a very powerful engine. Thanks to the automatic gearbox, you’re sure to enjoy a smooth ride, too. It’s also a dream to sleep in, whether there are two or four of you: bed space – both in the island bed and the drop-down example – is very generous. The cook hasn’t been forgotten, either: there’s a high-spec kitchen, and this area feels well-planned and designed. The two-part washroom is also practical and spacious. There are only two niggles you might encounter: the 320kg payload, and the small dinette. If you can live with both of these, the Tessoro 494 should be on your must-see list.…

Bailey’s Advance - one of two coachbuilt-motorhome ranges in its stable - was launched in 2015. Over the years it’s been tweaked and improved, but recently it has started to look and feel a bit dated, particularly in comparison with its more luxurious sister line-up, the Autograph. So a refresh for the range this year felt appropriate, and we were looking forward to seeing what the Bristol-based manufacturer would present to the world at the February NEC show. We were among the first to see the new models – so new, in fact, not all of the ’vans had been finished - at the company’s factory before the show. We had a good look inside and out. The new Advance features six models – up from the previous four –…

• Price £629.99 • Weight 15kg • Dimensions (W x D) 280 x 300cm • Fixing height N/A (ove1all height: 205cm) • Pack size 85 x 35cm • Access Doo1 in f1ont • Key selling points No need to fix it to you1 ’van; inbuilt g1oundsheet • Options Ca1pet, footp1int (to go unde1 g1oundsheet), inne1 • Web www.outwell.com There are perhaps a couple of good reasons why awnings aren’t as popular among motorcaravanning folk as they are among touring caravanners. For one thing, motorhome owners like to think that they are much more get up and go, and so don’t have time to put up and take down an awning. Second, there is the hassle of what you do with the awning when you want to drive off just temporarily…

Why do you need a mains hook-up? Answer: it saves gas, powers the kettle and microwave, keeps the battery topped up, and more. All motorhomes require a leisure battery to run the electronics controlling the gas or compressor fridge. It also powers the lights, TV and satellite system, water pump and so on. If you’re touring ‘off-grid’ – or away from electric hook-up – you’ll need to find a way to keep your appliances running and your battery charged. Here are some things to bear in mind. Lighting Ensure lights are LEDs, which consume about 10% of an equivalent halogen downlighter. Replacement bulbs are available for most systems, including fluorescents (although these are only marginally less efficient than LEDs). TV and satellite  systems The most economical TVs are LED-based flatscreens…

My wife and I read your magazine and watch your TV shows with enthusiasm, having just joined the world of motorcaravanning by way of buying our 2010 Carado A366, called Doris. Watching your shows and reading the magazine has made us want to tour France; for next year, being keen skiers, we are planning a one-month trip to the Alps. We’re really looking forward to it, but we’ve come across a bit of a dilemma. Here in Ireland, there seems to be a lack of companies that provide European breakdown cover that includes repatriation for a motorhome the length of ours (seven metres). Our vehicle insurance gives us roadside assistance for up to one hour, and a tow to the nearest garage, but should we and Doris need repatriation to…

‘The size (of one’s motorcaravan) does matter, especially over the pond.’ It’s a widely held view, but not MddQ true. ‘US RVs have always prided themselves on being bigger and therefore better than the UK offering, right?’ Wrong, actually: the US market is just as diverse as ours, with many touring in VW1based elevating1roof campervans and Ford Transit1 sized truck campers (aka demountable motorcaravans). Currently a big growth area is in panel van conversions based on the US version of the Fiat Ducato, which positively beams behind its macho rebrand as the RAM ProMaster. That said, miles of interstate freeways, National Parks the size of a small country and cheap fuel have all been catalysts in the development of US motorhomes bigger than our coaches. We don’t have the space…

We felt quite forlorn when leaving Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park to begin the return journey to Perth via the South Coast Highway. In our search for ‘good’, ‘better’ and ‘best’ beaches, we’d found the magnificent Wharton and Little Wharton beaches in the national park (April 2018 issue). The South Coast Highway towards Ravensthorpe is a heavy-vehicle route, with many agricultural and mining developments in the region. Petrol stations are few and far between, but alerts from the TomTom sat-nav pinpoints their locations. Supercell thunderstorms with damaging winds, hailstones, heavy rainfall and flash floods are not uncommon in Australia’s Golden Outback region, and we met such a squall near Esperance. Hailstones and rainwater ran off the causeway, and what were previously dried-up streams now became torrents. Kangaroos on…

We attend lots of newmotorhome launches during the summer months, both in the UK and abroad, but we’re always particularly keen to see what British manufacturers come up with. Thus it was at Auto-Trail last year; and we were interested to find that the company decided to launch two new models, both of which brought existing luxurious layouts to its cheaper ranges. They were the Tracker LB, the island-bed floorplan that had featured only in the Frontier range; and the Imala 732, whose transverse island-bed layout had previously appeared as a Tracker. It was the Imala 732 that we really loved; in fact, it impressed our Motorhome of the Year 2018 judges so much that it took the prestigious Best Family Motorhome category win at our most recent awards. So…

ROOFLIGHTS WHERE CAN I FIND A NEW ROOFLIGHT FOR A RAPIDO? Are motorhome rooflights all the same size? I have a Rapido 7099F, and its two small rooflights are likely to need replacing soon. Where is the best place to source replacement units? Kevin Haswell Diamond Dave replies… Sadly, no, motorhome rooflights are not all the same size. They can vary in dimensions from 280mm s1uare, up to 700 x 500mm. First of all, you need to remove the inner frame and measure across the opening, in order to establish the size. There is a wide variety of motorhome rooflights available, from several manufacturers; most can be obtained from online suppliers. BATTERIES DO WE NEED A SPECIAL MOTORHOME BATTERY? Could you recommend an engine battery (not a leisure battery) for…

2015 (65) BAILEY APPROACH AUTOGRAPH 745 • Price now £46,495 • Price new £48,500 • Base Peugeot Boxer/Al-Ko • Engine 2.2-litre, 130bhp • First registered 2015 • Mileage 6621 • Berths/travel seats 4/4 • Length/width*/height 7.45/2.41/2.79m • Extras Awning, bike rack, reversing camera, solar panel • MTPLM 3500kg • Payload 341kg RPlus points Roomy interior, Alde heating system • Minus points Table stows under the bed This is the more expensive offering of two Autograph 745s at White Arches – it’s always a big bonus when you can compare and contrast a pair or more of the same model on a forecourt. One thing’s for sure, the great feeling of space in this vehicle compared with the other two here is no illusion. That Autograph body is just a bit…

2012 (61) AUTO-TRAIL TRACKER FB • Price now £40,995 • Price new £53,000 (est) • Base Fiat Ducato • Engine 2.3-litre, 130bhp • First registered 2012 • Mileage 10,800 • Berths/travel seats 4/4 • L/W*/H 7.09/2.35/3.03m • Extras Media Pack, auto clutch, half-dinette seating, bike rack, water-tank heaters • MTPLM 3650kg • Payload 370kg + Plus points Lots of kit, set up for all-year use - Minus points Table can be tricky; check your licence Introduced for the 2012 season, this is the Super Lo-Line version, with a large, long, opening sunroof extending from the cab area (although there’s still some storage in the overcab). It’s a four-berth, thanks to the half-dinette option, which means a further two passengers can travel safely. Just be aware that, with the seating set…

HOW IT WORKS L MAX WEIGHT The Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) is the most that a ’van is allowed to weigh when fully loaded. If you obtained your driver’s licence after C January CAAK, you’re restricted to driving motorhomes u1 to k g MTPLM, unless you take a retest. V BERTHS & SEATS Bear in mind that not all motorhomes have the same number of belted seats as they do slee1ing berths. You’ll need to make sure that you have sufficient belted seats to carry as many 1eo1le as you intend to tour with. Our buyer’s guide lists front-facing or rear-facing seats with la1 belts as well as three-1oint belts. U LAYOUT Deciding which layout suits you best is 1robably the most im1ortant factor in choosing a motorhome.…

Email your pic1ures and 1heir s1ories ( 40 words, plus name, address and con1ac1s) 1o hotshots@practical motorhome.com. The bes1 pho1o will win 1hese guides: All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Seaview Camping Scotland; Seaview Camping Wales; Seaview Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.co.uk, K<E< FK0 EEEE. For full T&Cs, see p.…

TOP EVENTS A >II Years of the RAF Festival As the Royal Air Force gears up to celebrate its centenary, you can look forward to a weekend of nostalgia. There will be plenty of activities to enjoy, not to mention vehicle displays, re-enactments and live music. Date >6I April IO>1 Web www.rafmuseum.org.uk B Staffordshire County Show Try the region’s finest produce, wander among the animals, browse crafts and enjoy the displays at this popular annual event, which takes place at the County Showground near Stafford. Date HO6H> May O>1 Web www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk C Staffordshire Day Although Staffordshire Day is actually on > May, this year there will be a week of celebrations. They include a special race day at Uttoxeter Racecourse, and an exhibition dedicated to Philip Astley, the founder of…

• Price From M2, J<V AM2J, PV as tested) • Sleeps 2 A1 as tested • Belts 2 • Base vehicle Fiat Ducato • Engine 1 V6litre bhp (1-litre, bhp as tested) • Length/width/height 1 <</ 1 / 1 m ’”/’”/’” • MTPLM k g • Payload k g • Water (fresh/waste)>VV/ V litres • Leisure battery Ah • Gas P x kg German brand Sunlight has come into its own over the past couple of years. Formerly a subsidiary of fellow Erwin Hymer Group brand Dethleffs, it’s now a name in its own right. Where previously it focused on coachbuilts, for the 2018 season, it’s offering van conversions and A-class models, too. The brand was always known for value for money, so we were looking forward to seeing its…

Accidents do happen, which means it’s always best to go away with a well-stocked and up-to-date first-aid kit, whatever type of holiday you prefer. But this is especially true when you are going on a touring holiday, thanks to them being part motor tour; this means they’re more hands-on than most breaks, and often outdoors-based. What’s less clear, though, is the best type of first-aid kit you should buy. Shop around and you’ll find motoring kits, typical holiday packages and even domestic-based sets. And, in truth, a touring holiday kit should be a mix of all of them. In other words, you need to buy the most comprehensive kit you can, and then add those essential extras to cover all eventualities. Keep your kit handy Before building a huge and…

2015 (15) SWIFT BOLERO 684 FB BLACK EDITION • Price now £51,495 • Price new £57,920 • Base Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko • Engine 2.3-litre, 130bhp • First registered 2015 • Mileage 8191 • Berths/travel seats 4/4 • L/W*/H 7.04/2.35/2.79m • Extras Vogue Pack, Impala upholstery, bike rack • MTPLM 3700kg • Payload 560kg + Plus points Good spec, modern styling, comparatively short length - Minus points You need C1 on your driving licence Black Edition represented Swift’s last roll of the dice with its Bolero range (dropped for 2018), but don’t let that put you off. There’s a flamboyance inside and outside this ’van, thanks to the black cab, alloy wheels and optional part-leather upholstery; as well as other touches of style, such as the gloss finish to the overhead lockers.…

Autohomes had a very famous address among manufacturers of motorhomes, at 59 Old Wareham Road, Poole. Previously inhabited by an earlier incarnation of the firm, it started life as Bluebird Caravans, then became part of CI’s empire, and finally, Autohomes. They were brilliant for value-for-money coachbuilts for the masses and, at one stage, outsold all other UK-based manufacturers. ‘Autohome’ was originally a model name (see the April 2018 issue, p11). ‘Motorhome’ and the longer, plusher ‘Travelhome’ were Ford-based coachbuilts from the same stable. The Travelhome V (Mark 5) was the last generation of a well-received marque. It differed from predecessors by having the entrance door forward on the nearside, whereas all previous models featured a door centrally placed on the back panel. Travelhomes were built on the Ford Transit chassis-cab,…

My mum had enjoyed camping since she was a child, and in my youth we took holidays in our trailer tent, usually in Abesoch. Mum loved to travel and enjoyed a little adventure, especially with grandchildren Aalish and Archie. With the money she left us, we bought Colin, a 2008 Bürstner Nexxo Family, to experience new adventures and places in her memory. After a few nights spent locally, we decided to head over to Ireland from our home on the Isle of Man. Arriving in Belfast, we settled on visiting an old friend in southern Ireland, and headed down the M8; the kids didn’t even fight! Colin had magical powers. We stopped overnight at Parsons Green Holiday Park in County Tipperary. It was friendly and quiet, with farm animals and…