Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Practical Motorhome

Most – if not all – of us will have stayed on a campsite at one time or another, and it’s clear that a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes: from cleaning the toilets to manning reception or cutting the grass, there’s a lot to attend to. We wanted to find out exactly what goes on during a typical day at a campsite, so paid a visit to our Top 100 Sites Guide overall winner, family-run Eye Kettleby Lakes, in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Once there, our team took on some of the many roles that were required – no matter how challenging – to really live the campsite life. Here’s how they got on… 7.00 am  The cookers are lit and fresh produce deliveries taken in, as…

Remarkably, and despite having reached the ripe old combined age of around 70, our art editor, Simon, and staff writer, Bryony, have never pulled a pint. This was not good enough. Barman James patiently talked them through the essentials – “Hold the glass at a 40-degree angle; straighten it up as it fills; be careful not to give it too much of a head; let it run over, then top it up” – then left them to it with his final words of wisdom: “It’s all about the right angle, the right amount of head and stopping the pump at the right time.” Bravely volunteering to go first, Bryony’s effort was pronounced “near enough perfect”, but she was just pipped to the top spot by Simon, who was declared the…

j Price £47,999 j Sleeps 4 j Belts 2 j Base Peugeot Boxer j Engine 2.0-litre, 130bhp, Euro 6 j L/W/H 7.57/2.50/2.76m (24’8”/8’2”/9’1”) j MTPLM 3500kg j Payload 558kg j Water (fresh/waste) 95.0/93.5 litres j Battery 80Ah j Gas 2 x 6kg The Advance 76-2T was one of two new Advance models Bailey launched in the run-up to the NEC Show in October last year, shortly before another of its models, the 66-2, was named Motorhome of the Year by Practical Motorhome. We thought it was time to look at this medium-length, fixed-single-beds, end-washroom model, a layout that also appears in Bailey’s newer mid-market Alliance range. DESIGN Based on a Peugeot Boxer, the Advance shares the same simple decal design that you see on all Bailey ’vans. Two bold stripes…

BASE VEHICLE Chassis Peugeot Boxer Engine 2.0-litre, 130bhp, Euro 6 Power 130bhp @ 3750rpm Torque 350Nm @ 1750rpm Transmission Six-speed manual gearbox Features include Electric cab windows, heated side mirrors, ESP, ABS, engine immobiliser, cab air-con, cruise control, airbags, captain’s seats, concertina blinds on windscreen and side windows, DAB radio with Bluetooth, two 12V sockets and USB sockets CONVERSION Ultra-low-profile Al-Ko AMC chassis, interlocking aluminium extrusion external framework, upper body panels with timber-free construction, high-density polystyrene insulation and GRP linings, strengthened floor panel, side skirts, door and wheel spats, slimline door with electronic step, external-access locker, wet locker, fittings for bike rack LOUNGING AND DINING Eucalyptus furniture, aircraft-style overhead lockers with high-gloss dual-finish doors, Hampstead soft furnishings, two scatter cushions, curtains, slide-out bed boxes, freestanding table, loose-fit carpets, ambient over-locker…

Add another name to the growing list of companies in the A-class world – Fleurette. Along with sister brand Florium, it’s part of France’s Rapido Group; Fleurette has been back in the UK since the 2016 season. You might think German marques have the monopoly on superior-quality A-class motorhomes, but perhaps it’s time for a rethink. It will take something special to break through – so why not the Fleurette Discover 65? At ‘just’ 6.59m long, this is the baby of the seven-strong range – an overall length that will appeal to those who don’t want too big a vehicle. Also of interest is the floorplan, which gives you a rear island-bed as well as the usual pull-down double over the cab. Take another look at the rear bed and…

Heavy tables are more easily accessed from floor-level storage spaces, but mine was stowed away inside the wardrobe, above the fridge. It was also tucked in behind a fixed, vertical part of the wall at the front right-hand side of the wardrobe, making it even more awkward to manoeuvre it in and out of storage. I planned to form a separate table compartment in the same place, but to remove this piece of board to create the narrow compartment door. To make the new wardrobe/table compartment partition, I needed some matching board. After unsuccessfully trying to find a piece of board in the same wood finish, I decided that, as it was inside the wardrobe, a 1220mm x 606mm piece of 5.5mm hardwood plywood, painted with satin oak stain varnish,…

Of all the interior layouts that are available these days – and there are more than ever – as far as the secondhand market is concerned, fixed single beds have ‘gold’ appeal. That’s partly because of their relative rarity. They’re quite a recent innovation, meaning not many have filtered through to the pre-owned sector as yet. There were just four to be seen during our visit to Brownhills, for example. And that was from their stock of some 50 pre-owned vehicles, making one of the bigger displays we found. In other words, if you’re looking for a motorhome with permanent single beds, be prepared to do even more research, perhaps travel a bit further than you might have expected, and possibly make a quicker decision to buy. Oh, and before…

AT A DEALERSHIP Dealerships are great for seeing a lot of used motorhomes in one place in a short span of time. The prices will be higher than from private sellers, but in return, a dealer must tell you about any problems and the cost of rectifying them, and give the ’van a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before you collect it. You’ll also be offered at least a few months’ warranty on used models, which is something you’re unlikely to get from a private vendor. See as many motorhomes as you can before making your decision; you’ll soon start to get a feel for what represents good value for money. If you can, build up a relationship with a local dealer. If problems arise or if it needs maintenance, the cost…

I am a keen reader of your magazine and, following the recent debate in the letters pages, I also think that motorhome lockers without shelves are preferable! I have a Hymer B594 and think I have developed two great ideas, which other readers might find of interest. First up is my suggestion for keeping the walls of the shower scuff-free while you are on the move. I take a roll of anti-slip matting, wrap it around the shower tap and water pipe, and tie it securely. As a result, there is not a single mark on my shower wall, despite us having covered 30,000 miles. When we stop for the night, I remove the anti-slip matting, roll it up and stow it below the basin, ready for use again when…

The Nightstop Scheme is run by us in conjunction with the Motor Caravanners’ Club (MCC), and the sites are certificated locations (CLs); you don’t have to join any club to use them. You’ll need to ring the relevant site to confirm whether there’s space for you before you visit: you’ll find all the information you need to know at http://po.st/PMHNightstops.For further information on the MCC, visit www.the motorcaravannersclub.co.uk. 1 Airman Hotel SG17 5JF 2 The Black Horse Pub HP16 9AX 3 The Seven Wives PE27 5RF 4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms SA44 6LN 5 Railway Hotel SA32 7LQ 6 Belmont Hall CW9 6JA 7 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB 8 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS 9 The Castle Inn EX20 4BH 1O The Highwayman’s Haunt TQ13 0DE 11 The Thelbridge Cross Inn…

Paying homage to the site’s farming roots are these rather lovely rare breed, Longhorn cattle. English Longhorns are said to have originated in Craven in the Yorkshire Dales, as far back as the 17th century and almost died out, but their numbers had been restored to ‘adequate’ by 1980. They were raised for their beef and milk, the latter being used in the production of Stilton, a Melton Mowbray speciality, and Red Leicester. Eye Kettleby Lakes’ Longhorns are ‘pets’, though. Despite having horns, which can be filed if they curve too far into the animal’s face, they are very docile creatures and, as they are able to graze the land in the spring and summer, there’s a chance they may photo-bomb your holiday snaps.…

Way to go We travelled by Eurotunnel to France, then Switzerland, Northern Italy to Ancona, and the ferry to Patras. Where we stayed • Apollon Camping 33054 Delphi, Greece Open All year Web www.apolloncamping.gr/site • Camping Poseidon Alepochori 19100, Greece Web www.campingposeidon.gr • Aphrodite’s Waters Corinth, Greece Open All year Web www.camperstop.gr • Bekas Camping Gialasi, Ancient Epidaurus, 21059 Greece Open 1 April-30 October Web www.bekas.gr • Campsite Alphios Archaia Olympia, Ilia 27065 Open 1 April-25 October Web www.eurocampings.co.uk • En Plo Beach Café Nikoleika, 25100, Aigio, Rizomylos Open 1 January-4 December Tel +30 6932 541 101 Find out more • Visit Greece www.visitgreece.gr Costs Ferry to Greece........................ £530 Fuel ............................................£185 Food & Drink............................ £520 Attractions ................................. £22 Site fees....................................£240 TOTAL ....................................£1497…

Way to go We booked our trip on a P&O ferry through the Caravan and Motorhome Club. On our way to La Tranche-sur-Mer, John and I came off the A28 between Rouen and Bernay, on to the D438 to Brionne, staying at Camping Municipal Les Marronniers for a couple of nights. This site is adjacent to the Voie Verte, one of France’s picturesque cycle trails. The 40km route runs along an old railway track, connecting Evreux to Honfleur. Its highlight is the village of Le Bec-Hellouin. When to go Seaside towns such as La Tranche-sur-Mer really only come alive during the summer season. It would be fine to tour at any other time, but some amenities, particularly on the coast, might not be open. Most of the shows at Puy…

The first Bailey caravan was built by founder Martin Bailey in Bristol in 1947, and sold for £200. The company grew rapidly in the 1950s and moved to its current site in South Liberty Lane in Bristol (then the main exit out of the city towards the South-West) in 1960. In 1977 the company was sold to the Howard family, and they have owned it ever since. The company moved into motorhomes in 2011 – one of the last major caravan manufacturers to do so – and opened an Australian factory in 2012.…

Like any gas appliance, a ’van refrigerator must be serviced at frequent intervals and an annual service is recommended by the major manufacturers. However, this only applies to absorption fridges or three-way fridges. First, let’s look at the types of refrigerators found in leisure vehicles. Absorption fridges Also known as ‘three-way fridges’ (1), these are found in most coachbuilts. Heat is used to circulate refrigerative chemicals around the cooling unit. The heat used to provide the energy comes from one of three sources: ■ A burner (butane or propane) ■ A heating element that runs on 12V power from the leisure battery. ■ A heating element operating on 230V AC when coupled to the mains supply. Compared with compressor fridges, absorption fridges’ main strengths are versatility and quietness. Installation is…

If you’re budgeting for a pre-owned motorhome, or you already own one, don’t forget to factor in servicing costs for the base vehicle and the habitation area. For a Fiat Ducato, typical base vehicle service costs range from under £200 to well over £300, depending on whether you use an independent or a franchised dealer. A habitation check hovers around the £200 mark. Neither are large outlays, especially in relation to the price of the vehicle. However, regular servicing not only brings peace of mind, it will also ensure your ’van is in tip-top condition. Sussex-based Campersales, which specialises in retailing used and, more recently, new campervans and van conversions, has added Autohaus to its growing portfolio of brands. Autohaus is increasing the number of models it offers – starting…

This is a very big dealership, possibly the largest specialist motorhome set-up in the UK. It’s impressive, too, with a heated showroom that can take up to 60 vehicles, and room for hundreds more outside – without giving you the feeling that everything is packed in. Customer parking space hasn’t been compromised, either. There really is room for vehicles of all sizes here. Total acreage is some 10.5. In addition, it has an extensive array of back-up facilities. Everything from the multi-bay (25 at the last count) workshops, to the accessories shop, to its on-site café/restaurant. And then there are the many bonuses of being a member of Club Brownhills, with the provision of even more facilities, such as an overnight stopping area, indoor pool, sauna and lounge, plus a…

MAY 2007 Adria’s Coral Sport 660 DP was the cover star of this issue – and we gave it a thorough cold-weather test in Romania. Elsewhere, we brought you a touring guide to Hampshire, and advised on secondhand A-classes Romania joined the EU this year, and we celebrated by touring this extraordinary country. We saw brooding castles, enjoyed local hospitality and ate at wonderful restaurants during our visit Garage overcabs were the theme of our Big Group Test this month – we featured models from Ace, Auto-Trail, Laika and Mobilvetta, with prices ranging from £37,195 through to £44,325 We gave an overview of the controversial subject of motorhome gas attacks in this issue, after the matter had been debated at length on our internet forums and via our letters pages…

1 CAMPSITE TAKE-OVER Ever wondered about what happens behind the scenes at a campsite? We visited our Top 100 Sites winner, Eye Kettleby Lakes in Leicestershire, to find out. Read more on p22! 2 GREEK ODYSSEY We were wowed by Vera and Peter Whalley’s story of their tour to Greece – you can also enjoy reading it, from p36. 3 BACK IN THE DAY What were you doing in 2007? We were busy touring! Find out exactly where we went and more, on p138. 4 POWER PLAYS It’s really crucial to understand how much power your various gadgets use when you are touring – fortunately, this month, Sam Coles explains all (p90). 5 CAMPER SPECIAL The Practical Motorhome office is an even busier hive of activity as we test lots…

• 24 hours• Seven days a week• 365 days a year• 50 members of staff• Four directors• 13 cleaners• One head chef• One deputy head chef• Three second chefs• 23 bar and tearoom staff• Five grounds staff• Six receptionists• 50 pedigree Longhorn cows• 20,000 snowdrops about to be planted• 72 – the age of the most mature member of the grounds staff• 400 total acreage• 20 acres to be mowed Eye Kettleby Lakes  Address Eye Kettleby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2TN Website www.eyekettlebylakes.com Telephone 01664 565 900…

Way to go There’s no direct UK-Norway passenger ferry, so you’ll need to drive to Denmark, cross to either Norway or Sweden, then drive. Don’t underestimate the length of the route from Oslo to Tromsø – but this would be an extraordinary part of the journey itself. For motorhome hire in Oslo, see https://touringcars.eu. Where we stayed We pitched up at Tromsø Lodge & Camping, which is open all year. Activities such as dog-sledding can be booked through the site – just ask at reception. There are a number of super-warm, underfloor-heated washrooms for campers to use, and a full-facility kitchen. For details, see https://tromsolodgeandcamping.no. The motorhomes We tested Hobby’s Optima Ontour Edition Citroën Relay-based coachbuilt models, and the Vantana Ontour Fiat Ducato van conversion models. Truma Combi heating (Combi…

CLAUDIA DOWELL “Bailey always makes sure that its motorhomes offer a decent payload, and with 558kg, this model is no exception. There’s plenty of room to store bedding and the like. Storage in the kitchen isn’t quite so generous, so pack light there.” SARAH WAKELY “I’m a big fan of full-width rear washrooms – as long as there’s enough space in them to get dressed – and that in the 76-2T is certainly impressive. There’s plenty of room to move about in here, and it’s great to see a separate shower cubicle, too.” PETER BABER “The beds – their length, width and general comfort – make this ’van special. We found it a very cosy place to sleep in, even as Storm Gareth raged outside. The spotlights above each and…

Big lounge, big beds – that’s the theme for Rapido A-classes in 2019. The 880F is not strictly a new model for this season, but it has been stretched by some 10cm. Inevitably, there’s a bit of price stretch, too. As ever, the starting cost needs to be scrutinised. For example, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an 8F series Rapido without the £3600 Select Pack – the usual bundle that’s too tempting to miss. You might want an engine upgrade from the standard 130bhp, too. Comparing specifications and deciding exactly what you want is part of the fun of buying a motorhome, but layout is paramount. By Rapido standards, the floorplan is quite routine (the firm is not afraid to offer innovation) – rear island bed, pull-down double over the…

Price...................................................................... £61,325 Berths...................................................................................3 Belts.......................................................................................4 Base vehicle............................................ Fiat Ducato Engine.............................. 2.3 litre, 150bhp, Euro 6 Length...................................................................... 7.50m Height......................................................................2.85m MTPLM................................................................3500kg Payload....................................................................436kg Previous reports......March, April, May 2019…

For many motorcaravanners, choosing where we stay in our ’van will be influenced, at least in part, by whether we will be able to hook up to mains power. Increasingly, we’ve come to expect all of the comforts of home when we tour –a microwave, electric space heating and a fridge/freezer are just some of the ‘essentials’. But unlike home, we don’t have the same mains supply capacity, and if not heeded, this can cause problems. On two recent trips, site neighbours have approached me with the age-old question: “Has your power gone off?” Sometimes the supply itself has gone down, but more often than not, they have exceeded the current delivery capacity of the hook-up and the overcurrent trip has activated. Although normally it’s just a case of re-engaging…

On the lookout for a new motorhome? If so, we can help! Just like our inspiring travel stories, expert reviews and useful advice, we think that our online classifieds are the best in the business. Now you can read our review of your chosen ’van, watch the video then find it online, making www.practicalmotorhome.comthe one-stop shop for all your touring needs. We already know that 50% of you access our website via mobile device, so our classifieds have been designed to be fully responsive – they should work just as well on your tablet or smartphone as they do on your home computer. We’ve worked hard to make these classifieds as easy to use as possible, with filters to help you narrow your search by location, price, brand, year, weight…