Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i Practical Motorhome

It’s been a hectic few weeks here at Practical Motorhome HQ – as well as pulling everything together for our upcoming Van Live! virtual show (p62), we’ve been busy drawing up shortlists for our all-new awards. We’ve run award schemes before, but never to this extent, judging 22 categories, including everything from couples’ ’vans to family motorhomes, cleaning products to awnings. I can’t say it’s been an entirely stress-free experience: when there are so many fantastic products out there, and five judges all with different opinions, reaching a decision on the winners wasn’t easy. But reach a decision we did; you’ll find details of every one of our category victors on p53. We only had space for the winners in this issue, but to see every one of the brilliant…

While most pandemic restrictions have been lifted, many of us are still wary of enclosed venues and crowds. Fortunately, a lot of our late autumn and early winter celebrations take place outside, and several events cancelled in 2020 are keen to bounce back in 2021. Bounce might be the appropriate word when it comes to ice skating – we’ve picked out some great seasonal outdoor rinks overleaf. We also highlight places to enjoy that most British of celebrations – Bonfire Night. As I write, many events have still to announce full details, but they clearly hope to return with a bang. And if fireworks aren’t for you, I hope you get a chance to sit around a campfire, enjoy a jacket potato and perhaps a song or two – possibly…

Duration Five weeks When Summer 2021 Why? There’s so much to see and enjoy in these remote and beautiful islands When the words ‘summer holidays’ and ‘staycation’ were mentioned once more, a unanimous decision was made for a return trip to Scotland, to continue our voyage of discovery through the Outer Hebrides. A previous tour had given us a real sense of the uniqueness of each island – with its own flora and fauna, changeable landscapes and miles of deserted sandy beaches. Keeping an eye on the Government guidelines, we began the meticulous planning stage, booking all campsites and ferries well in advance. As the temperatures soared above 35 degrees, packing waterproofs and warm clothing alongside shorts, suntan cream and Smidge all seemed a bit surreal, but in the knowledge…

1 Kendal Calling Set in the beautiful Lake District, this is a more mainstream festival focusing on the musical side of things, often with big-name headline acts across the weekend. Motorhome tickets are available as an additional cost to the festival ticket itself. Web www.kendalcalling.co.uk 2 Isle of Wight Festival Offering an eclectic mix of artists, from top current performers through to bands from yesteryear, and a popular kids’ zone, this is a great festival for all ages. It can also be combined with a longer trip, allowing you time to explore the island. Web isleofwightfestival.com 3 Deer Shed Set in the gorgeous North Yorkshire countryside, which in itself is a big selling point, and described as a ‘three-day wonderland of music, arts, science and sport for all ages’, this…

We’ve been really busy organising our Practical Motorhome 2022 Awards this month, the results of which we reveal elsewhere in this magazine (starting on p53). You can also see all shortlisted products across every category at www.practicalmotorhome.com/awards. It’s been quite a challenge to reach a majority verdict, but we made it. All this tapping away on a computer, however, has made me even more keen to get on the road again. So I wasn’t surprised to read a recent Goboony survey that revealed many people see a motorhome as the best way to get a feeling of freedom. Having just come back from a trip to the Isle of Wight in our longterm-test Bailey, I know what they mean. Rarely have I returned from anywhere feeling so rested – and…

The Practical Motorhome Awards have long been a prestigious event on the industry calendar, but this year heralds our most exciting and comprehensive set of awards yet. We have overhauled the process, doubling the number of categories – this year, there are more than 20 – and widening the scope of what is being covered. As well as the brilliant motorhomes, this year we’re highlighting campervans, awnings and accessories, giving you a complete guide to our favourite products currently on sale. The Practical Motorhome Awards are all about helping you discover the very best products, as well as celebrating the latest innovations in the industry. Our aim is to help you make the absolute most of your money, no matter what you might be planning to purchase – whether that’s…

■ Plan your route carefully, avoiding dangerous roads and regions. Google Street View can be useful when you are planning a winter journey. ■ Decrease your speed. ■ Look further ahead up the road to keep an eye out for hazards. ■ Stopping distances are increased in standing water, ice or snow, so leave significantly greater distance between you and the vehicle in front. We always recommend turning the two-second rule int oat least the three-or four-second rule – and more if possible. ■ Make all of your driving inputs, such as steering and braking, gentler and more gradual than normal. ■ If your wheels lock when braking, ease off the brake and try doing this again – gently. ■ Keep your lights on all the time. But only use…

On the look-out 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. You can read our review of your chosen ’van, watch the video then find it online, making www.practicalmotorhome.com the 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…

WHICH MOTORHOMES CAN I DRIVE? Did you pass your driving test before 1 January 1997? ✔ You can drive a motorhome up to 7500kg on your B+C1 licence. When you reach 70, you must submit a medical form to renew your licence to continue driving a ’van over 3500kg, and do this every three years. Did you pass your driving test after 1 January 1997? ✔ You can drive a motorhome up to 3500kg on your B [car] licence. To drive a motorhome heavier than 3500kg, you must take a C1 test. 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 go below head height.…

Coordinates 56.9336° N, 7.5363° W Why tour here? Cattle on a beach! A sight that would make most people stare, but a common one on the Isle of Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides, which has been raisng beef cattle since the early 20th century. Years ago, livestock bound for market would have to navigate a treacherous 250m swim across the Sound of Vatersay to Barra. Fortunately, work started on a causeway in 1989, which the cattle have been able to use since 1991. Find out more about this stunning part of the Outer Hebrides on p22. Don’t miss… It’s magnificent here at any time; just make sure your visit coincides with the cattle! practicalmotorhomeuk…

From the return of the lynx, to a major ecological disaster, to narwhal shrimp communicating in the depths – these are just some of the fascinating images in the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, now enjoying its 57th year. A special selection of Highly Commended photographs has been released ahead of the opening of the exhibition, on 15 October, at the Natural History Museum in London. The competition attracted more than 50,000 entries from photographers in 95 countries, and the winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title award-winners, will be announced on 12 October. Among the newly revealed images is Sergio Marijuán’s young Iberian lynx, framed in the doorway of an abandoned hayloft. This species, once on the brink of extinction, is now slowly rising in…

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 information at www.practical motorhome.com/nightstops. For further information about the MCC, visit www.themotorcaravannersclub.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 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB 7 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS 8 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ 9 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW 10 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH 11 Elton Farm GL14 1JU 12 The Gloucester…

Your monthly guide to major roadworks and diversions ● A69/A68 Styford Junction, Corbridge, and A69/A6079 Bridge End Junction in Hexham Until late 2021. Road closures and diversions ● M6 junction 10 Until 2022/2023. Lane closure and 60mph speed limit ● M6 junctions 13-15 Until 2021/2022. Smart motorway upgrade. Contraflows in place ● M6 junction 19 Until late 2021. Continuing work for junction improvements ● M3 junctions 9-14 To 2021/2022. Lane closures ● A1(M) junctions 6-8 Work on smart motorway update, scheduled to end 2021-2022 ● M621 junction 7 Stourton Widening of junction as part of first phase of improvements to junctions on the M621 ● A19 Norton to Wynard Until March 2022. Upgrading from two to three lanes, in both directions. Lane closures…

WAY TO GO We went to and from the Outer Hebrides with CalMac Ferries: Ardrossan to Brodick, Arran (prebooked 55-minute ferry trip) Lochranza to Claonaig (30 minutes, pay on arrival at port terminal) Oban to Castlebay, Barra (prebooked 4.75-hour crossing) Ardmhor, Barra, to Eriskay (prebooked 30-minute journey) Drive over causeway to Uist, Lochboisdale South Uist to Mallaig (prebooked 3.5-hour ferry journey) Pets are welcome on the ferries. Prices vary according to season – visit calmac.co.uk for further information. WHERE WE STAYED ■ Lochranza Caravan and Camping Site Lochranza Campsite, Isle of Arran KA27 8HL Web www.arran-campsite.com Tel 01770 830 273 ■ Carradale Bay Campsite Carradale Estate, Campbeltown PA28 6OG Web www.carradalebay.com Tel 01583 431 665 ■ Borve Camping and Caravan Site 104 Borve, Isle of Barra BS9 5XR Tel 01871…

● Who are you? Susan Taylor, keen wanderer to all corners of the UK and Europe for many years with my husband, Ro. ● Where are you a local authority? Chester, a walled city on the River Dee in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. ● Why are you a local authority on this place? Born and raised in the area, I lived a few miles outside Chester for more than 30 years and often return there to visit family. ● What do you love about it? There is always a buzz and vibrancy in the city, with its café culture and holiday atmosphere. There is plenty of shopping, from the modern Grosvenor Shopping Centre to the 700-year-old ‘Rows’, a fine medieval half-timbered walkway housing many shops and bars, and on Bridge…

Big tests These are our most detailed tests – we spend at least one full day (usually more) inside each motorhome, to bring you our comprehensive verdict. The overall score is based on the opinion of multiple members of the team. ’Van reviews Each issue we test new models of all sizes – we then report back to you in our regular ’van reviews pages. This is the place to look for the quick low-down on a model! Our ’vans, Our month Practical Motorhome has numerous long-term-test vehicles – we’re loaned these by manufacturers. We treat these as if they’re our own, allowing us to give you a full, warts-and-all report over the months.…

Advertisement feature MOBILVETTA The recent long periods of lockdown mean that there are only very slight cosmetic changes to Mobilvetta for the 2022 season, although all models will continue to be sold exclusively through Marquis Leisure’s 13 branches. In the UK, Mobilvetta is known for two Tekno Line ranges – the K-Yacht A-classes and the Kea P low-profiles. K-Yacht Tekno Line, as you might imagine, takes its inspiration from the nautical world. So interiors feature gloss white surfaces and plenty of chrome. But there are some practical extras, too, such as an exterior barbecue point, mains socket, shower and skirt storage. Inside, there can be underfloor storage. Two new models for 2022 include the 59, a compact 5.9m four-berth rear-washroom model and the 95, a 7.45m rear-lounge model. Alde heating…

I’m a strong believer that campervans are different to van conversions, hence the need for clearly defined product differentiation (see p14). For starters, a campervan (with elevating roof) is often smaller, and doesn’t tend to offer the same degree of living facilities. Van conversions are a compromise between a coachbuilt and a campervan, with the facilities of the former (most importantly, a washroom) and the bodywork integrity of a van. I also believe that campervans and van conversions have different usage patterns. A campervan is far more likely to be used as a daily driver (including ducking under height barriers) and/or second family car ideal for weekend camping, as well as extended trips. There might also be wider implications for aspects such as home covenants, which can prohibit the parking…

Last month I told you about a problem we had with a mature Ducato-based motorhome, when a customer brought in a year-2000 Hymer and the Fiat immobiliser threw a hissy fit and shut the engine down. I bought a new immobiliser box from Fiat and had it programmed, but no joy. I had a new key cut and programmed to the new immobiliser box, but still no joy. In brief, the immobiliser on that generation of Ducato consists of a box of electronics under the dash, which reads the code from the key then sends a signal to the second part of the immobiliser, mounted to the back of the injection pump. If all is well, the second part opens the fuel solenoid and away you go. The issue with…

NOVEMBER 2009 MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to buy a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit www.magazines direct.com/single-issue/, or email help@magazinesdirect.com…

Our expert panel SARAH WAKELY Editor-in-chief sarah@practicalmotorhome.com PAUL CRITCHER Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com PETER BABER Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com GENTLEMAN JACK Contributor askjack@practicalmotorhome.com NICK HARDING Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com DIAMOND DAVE Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com HOW MUCH CAN WE CARRY IN OUR TOYOTA CAMPERVAN? Q We’ve just inherited an ancient Toyota HiLife motorcaravan (1), but we don’t know how much we can put inside it without overloading it. We are also trying to trace the maker, but on the V5, it just says Toyota HiAce. Could you please help? Sammy Clayton A Gentleman Jack replies… The Toyota HiAce base vehicle was made by Toyota itself, although the high-top and motorcaravan conversion was by Elddis, now part of the Erwin Hymer UK Group (www.elddis.co.uk). It isn’t ancient. I’m ancient, your new acquisition is merely experienced! From memory,…

Get your skates on! It’s great to hear that the ice rink at Somerset House (1), in London, will return after taking a break during 2020. Skate at Somerset House is one of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions in the winter months – the magnificent ice rink transforms the neoclassical courtyard into a winter wonderland, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree. Throughout the season, there are a number of activities available, including skating lessons with Skate School and nightlife sets provided by popular DJs. Adult tickets cost from £11 and must be booked in advance. For information and tickets, go to www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house. Other seasonal outdoor ice rinks include Hampton Court, which operates from November to January (hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk) and London’s Natural History Museum, from 22 October to 16 January…

Duration Two days When Late summer 2021 Why? Wild With Consent is a new scheme offering motorhome owners exclusive use of remote pitches It was one of those mornings when the waters of Ross Bay, on the Northumbrian coast, were beautifully glossy, the shards of sunlight barely disturbing their stillness. And as a gull took flight it created ripples that jarred the eye, as its feathered companions remained motionless. Moments earlier, I had watched a late summer sunrise beside Lindisfarne. No-one else would have been able to reach the island just then; the famous causeway refuge box stood alone on the horizon. Autumn was beginning to hang on the downy thistleheads and make the straw-yellow grass seeds and knapweeds droop. An egret stood guard over the marshy pools and rivulets…

Duration Three nights When August 2021 Why? Great music, family fun, running… oh, and did we mention the fantastic music? “This is amazing, Daddy,” Harrison shouted to me from his lofty perch on my shoulders, where he could have a better view of the stage and his favourite musician. He was right, of course: it was, after so long away, simply amazing to be back at a music festival, the first we had been to since his and Dorothy’s arrival in our lives. Through the ensuing years of broken sleep, early mornings, even later nights, endless toddler groups and traditional family-based activities, Kim and I had almost forgotten just how much we loved the energy and atmosphere that are unique to great music festivals. Back when Kim and I first…

Sponsored by The A66 starts near Redcar, at Grangetown, running as mainly dual-carriageway past Stockton-on-Tees and single-carriageway past Darlington, becoming a motorway – the A66(M) – just before J57 of the A1(M). It joins the A1(M) route south to Scotch Corner, from where it continues west across the Pennines, past the old staging post of Brough, and on to the market town of Appleby, with its castle, almshouses and church. It’s a beautiful stretch, but a bit prone to vagaries of the weather. It bypasses Temple Sowerby, aka Queen of Westmorland Villages, set around a green with a maypole. The village gets its name from the Knights Templar, once the owners of Sowerby Manor. On the edge of the village are the National Trust’s Acorn Bank, which has the largest…

Advertisement feature AUTO-SLEEPERS HALL 1 The long lockdown and supply problems caused by it led Auto-Sleepers to decide not to produce any new models for 2022, and instead focus R&D on what looks likely to be a bumper 2023. But the company, which celebrates its 60th birthday in 2021, has not been resting on its laurels. Instead, it has used the opportunity to upgrade the cab in the Peugeot Boxer-based models it produces. For the 2022 season, the Peugeot cabs now come with twin armrests fitted on captain’s seats, as well as a Zenec T-N965 9-inch media console with DAB/FM radio, integrated high definition touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable screen positioning and full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and steering wheel controls. There is a new upholstery colour scheme…

Advertisement feature MARQUIS First founded as a single dealership near Southampton in 1973, Marquis Leisure has grown to become Britain’s biggest motorhome dealership network, with a total of 13 branches across England. Most recent acquisitions include new outlets in Surrey, and Exeter, Devon. These have been added to the firm’s existing network, which includes sites in Berkshire, Plymouth, Dorset, Durham, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk and Sussex, as well as the original base in Hampshire. The company is now fully owned by the Trigano Group. This means it has exclusive distribution of fellow Trigano subsidiaries Benimar and Mobilvetta in this country, as well as a long-standing relationship with Auto-Sleepers. But those aren’t the only brands it sells. Head to a Marquis dealership and you can also see the latest Auto-Trail…

These days, thankfully, you no longer need the fortitude of Captain Scott to enjoy all-year-round touring. Almost all modern vehicles 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: campsites are emptier (you get the best pitches and views), popular attractions are quiet, and cold-but-sunny winter days can be unbeatable. In addition, there are those magnificent Christmas markets and events to savour. I’ve been winter touring since 2011, and the only problem I’ve ever had is being too hot to sleep in the ’van! So all in all, we’d say 2021 is the ideal year to make the most of your investment and sample that wonderful feeling of being warm and cosy in…

1 Chances are, your ’van will be an absolute oasis of tropical heat in Britain’s icy winter, but be prepared, and take extra clothes: thick socks, warm pyjamas and at least one sweater! A 12 tog duvet or winter sleeping bag and a hot-water bottle are handy, too. 2 Special plastic covers can be obtained to partially cover the external fridge vents in very cold weather. 3 Toilet chemicals can freeze, so store them inside, or use sachet or tab-style products instead. 4 Keep your washroom well heated and – horror of horrors – leave the toilet seat raised to minimise the chances of the toilet freezing up. 5 Fit a carbon monoxide detector. 6 Avoid condensation creating mould in your mattress. When you are leaving the motorhome for the…

Know your weights When buying a used ’van, you should carefully check the vehicle’s weight and payload. The V5C and the chassis plate on the ’van will indicate the MTPLM and individual axle weights of your motorhome, but you really need to know the actual weight, to work out what you can carry. MTPLM minus the actual weight is your payload. There is only one way to do this: visit a public weighbridge and have your front and rear axle weights measured. This is essential, because the touring kit you carry is individual to each motorcaravanner and there’s no way to predict it. Bear in mind that this figure needs to include everyone inside the vehicle, too.…

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