Innehållsförteckning för September 2021 från Practical Caravan

The news that this October’s Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC has been held over until next year (p9) was met with disappointment here at Practical Caravan HQ, and I know from reading comments on our social media channels and your emails to us that you feel the same. Still, with the majority of people having received two vaccinations, we’re in a much better place than a year ago. Let’s keep everything crossed that the planned February show gets to go ahead – what a highly anticipated event it will be! The NEC show is perfect for newbies and old-hands alike, of course; which brings me neatly to our special feature this issue, in which Consulting editor John Sootheran shares 60 tips on what you need to know about…

Waiting for the green light News that Irish Ferries has launched a Dover-Calais crossing (see our report at practicalcaravan.com) has reinvigorated my desire to travel to the Continent again. I’ve really missed being able to drive onto a ferry or Eurotunnel train, to be whisked away to the other side of the Channel, ready to enjoy the wonderfully relaxed touring lifestyle that you can find in France and beyond. Until we get the green light to tour abroad, I’m making the most of the amazing sights (and sites!) on these shores. As I type, the UK’s final legal restrictions have just been lifted, so hopefully things will feel ‘normal’ again soon. Fingers crossed! claudia.dowell@futurenet.com Features editor CLAUDIA DOWELL is our touring expert – she’s been caravanning for years, and loves…

REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES Sales are strong, supply is challenging So the annual knees-up that is the October NEC show has been postponed for the second year in a row (p9). Assuming that the pandemic does not worsen over the winter, it looks as though it’ll be next February before anything like it takes place (although we have been promised a larger show then). That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see any of the new season’s models before this, however: many dealers we have spoken to are still reporting bumper sales. What is perhaps less certain is how soon those promised caravans will actually be delivered, due to the disruption the pandemic has caused to supply chains. We are still living in challenging times. peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER…

Erwin Hymer opens up Erwin Hymer UK is running an open weekend at its factory in Consett, County Durham, on 4-5 December. A full range of 2022 model will be on display. For mor details, visit elddis.co.uk. Solihull couple win Swift Basecamp Susan and Iain Gray from Knowle, West Midlands (pictured right) have won a £22,000 prize - a Swift Basecamp 4 SE and a Vango awning – in a recent competition run by The Camping and Caravanning Club. The lucky couple received their prize at Broad Lane Leisure.…

Bag a bargain when the time is right Caravanning is on a high at the moment. Dealers can sell every tourer they get their hands on, and manufacturers can’t build them fast enough. Used vans in good nick are commanding high prices. Many first-time caravanners are contributing to this boom. But I’ve heard some industry observers suggesting that if they tire of their new pastime next year, used caravan prices could crash. I’m not convinced all these newcomers will simply sell up next year. But if a few do decide caravanning is not for them, and used prices settle down, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sensible pricing would be good news for us all. motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, and has towed with…

DACIA Duster (2013-2018) If you’re looking for a tow car that will cost very little to buy and even less to run, a Dacia Duster is a fine place to start. Its mechanicals have served in various Renaults over the years, so they’re well proven. It isn’t overburdened with kit, but there’s a heater and a radio in most versions. Looking on the bright side, of course, this means there’s less to go wrong. JEEP Renegade (2015-) The Jeep Renegade is a tow car to choose if you regularly head off the beaten track or to muddy sites. Few rivals can match it off-road, although it’s a bit rough and ready on the road. Still, it has space for four adults and a reasonable boot. It’s pretty well kitted out:…

APERTURE Aperture decides how much light is let into the camera, and is measured on a scale of f-numbers. This setting also dictates how much of the image is in or out of focus. > Small aperture A small-sized aperture of f11, f16 or f22 keeps objects in the distance looking sharp. > Large aperture Shooting with a large-sized aperture of f2, f2.8 or f4 will make objects in the distance appear out of focus, placing emphasis on the main subject closer to the lens. > Aperture priority mode This lets you choose the aperture with which you need to shoot. The camera automatically controls other important settings during this process. COLOUR CAST Colour cast describes the tinting that an image may have due to the type of lighting used.…

Strengthen your landscape compositions by including some elements in the foreground of your images that will be of intrinsic interest 1 Now add some interest It might seem obvious, but placing something of interest in the foreground of your image really does work, catching the viewer’s eye and leading it on through the frame. Shots with no foreground interest are very boring. By simply lowering the viewpoint and including something in the foreground, negative space can be filled, and the resulting photograph will be far more pleasing. 2 Make water look more interesting When shooting large areas of water, you can create the kind of soft, milky effect used by landscape pros, simply by slowing your shutter speed (creating a longer exposure). This is a great way to illustrate movement…

CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE! Filter the frame A quick fix for achieving good exposure in bright conditions is to position your sunglasses in front of the lens. This works in a similar way to an ND filter Find support If you’re caught short without a tripod on an impromptu landscape shoot and need to steady your camera, position it on a nearby secure structure, such as a wall Steady your tripod Affordable tripods can be a bit lightweight, especially in windy weather. Keep it steady by at your camera bag to the central column, to help weigh it down Use self-timer mode Use your camera’s built-in self-timer to release the shutter when using slower shutter speeds. This will help you to eliminate all possibility of camera shake…

Caravanning with the experts Fridges and toilet flushes – not something you’d often read about in the same article, but they’re two subjects that many have queries about. We’re here to help, and in our article on p110, Nigel Hutson has expert advice on all those niggling questions. There’s always something new to learn about touring, so when we asked Consulting editor and expert caravanner John Sootheran for his advice, it was no surprise that he came up with 60 top tips! It makes brilliant reading, and we’re sure you’ll find it helpful – turn to p104 to get started. practical.caravan@futurenet.com *Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying…

FRIDGES AND TOILET flushes – two things you wouldn’t usually mention in the same sentence. However, they’re two subjects that regularly raise questions, especially from those who are new to caravanning. More specifically, the options for powering your fridge, and whether you can travel with flush water in the tank and how you empty that tank. If we start with fridges, one of the most common things I hear is people thinking they have a problem because their fridge won’t run on 12V. Sadly, social media sources aren’t that helpful, because they often suggest there is a fault, despite most people saying that there isn’t. It’s no wonder newbies are left feeling totally confused and bewildered! Most caravan fridges have three options for powering: gas, 230V mains electricity or 12V.…

Choosing a layout People’s needs differ, and your layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your caravan. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows, where manufacturers and dealers will be showing their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but can be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though, could raise issues or offer ideas you hadn’t considered. Think about your needs: will you want to carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture? Perhaps creature comforts are a bit higher on your list; you might want a separate sleeping area, a lounge with parallel sofas and TV points, and an oven. If you plan to…

A caravan with a huge number of bunk beds can sometimes start to feel a little like a dormitory. But with all of those bunks tucked away at the back, as in this layout, they are partitioned off from the rest of the van by the central washroom, so the front lounge feels like any other front lounge. With this layout, the adults can also put the children to bed and still have some space to themselves. Pros Plenty of sleeping space, but it is nicely tidied away, and everyone has easy access to the toilet Cons The caravan can sometimes feel rather like it has been split in half A The front lounge here is the only seating area, so it needs to be roomy B Given that this…

MARCH 1997 Making space With continuing improvements in their design and materials, awnings remain as important to caravanners as ever. Here we put together the complete guide to this useful bit of kit Gourmet nights This cookery masterclass was very much of its day, with classic staples on the menu such as pork with dumplings and herby sausages. Not a smidge of quinoa or tofu in sight. And as for vegan options... forget it! Lip smacking! Magazine writers are always looking for a new angle, but this was a particularly novel way of checking out the best new family tourers! Puckering up were the Sterling Europa 500L and Lunar Solar 524 Biting back Snakebite? Not the potent alcoholic concotion popular among teens in the late 1980s and early ’90s, but…

Vespera observation station Available to pre-order now, the Vespera is the ultimate portable telescope, with auto-alignment and tracking. Price ¤1499 Web vaonis.com/vespera DJI Mini 2 drone You’ll have great fun on tour with this 249g mini-drone, which has a 4K camera and can fly for up to 31 minutes. Price £419 Web store.dji.com Touring time Decorate your van, home or garage with a fun caravanning clock, such as this one designed by planetmarsstore at Red Bubble. Price £40.91 (inc p&p) Web redbubble.com Defender plug-In simulated TV This clever little device plugs into a mains socket to emit LED lights that look like the TV is on in your caravan when you are out. Price £17.99 Web redlinesecurity.co.uk Polaroid Go Starter Set If you love the retro look of a Polaroid…

Your monthly guide to major roadworks and diversions › M6 junction 10 Until 2022/2023. Lane closure, 60mph limit › M6 junctions 13-15 Until 2021/2022. Smart motorway upgrade › M6 junction 19 Until September 2021. Work on junction improvement › M621 J7 Stourton Widening of junction › A1(M) junctions 6-8 Until 2021/2022. Smart motorway upgrade › M54 to M6 link road Until summer 2021. Survey work between junction 11 of M6 and junction 1 of M54 Sources: Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales…

When to go Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast is enormously popular as a holiday destination, so it’s pretty busy throughout the high season. But there are quieter places, even in summer, so you can vary the pace of your stay. Find out more English Riviera › englishriviera.co.uk Brixham › visitsouthdevon.co.uk/places/brixham Cornwall › visitcornwall.com St Ives › stives-cornwall.co.uk Tintagel Castle › english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle Tintagel Brewery › tintagelbrewery.co.uk Where we stayed ■ Wall Park & Centry Road Camping Site Address Centry Road, Brixham TQ5 9ET › centrytouring.co.uk Open All year Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) £15-£28; minimum two night stay at weekends There are 150 grass pitches, on mainly level ground, with two facilities blocks. A coffee van is on site every morning, serving hot drinks and pastries or rolls, and there was also a burger van operating…

Who are you? Susan Taylor, wanderer for many years! Husband Ro and I enjoy touring and exploring throughout the UK and, when the regulations permit, further afield. There are so many beautiful regions just waiting to be discovered. Where are you a local authority on? Ambleside, in the Lake District National Park. Why are you a local authority on this place? Being from England’s north-west, I spent many happy weekends camping here until I moved south a few years ago. I still return as often as I can. What do you love about it? Everything! The Lake District really is perfect walking country, from gentle lakeside strolls to more strenuous climbs. There are pretty villages dotted throughout the area, as well as fascinating castles and museums to explore, and scenic…

Live-in test In our most detailed test, we spend at least one day (usually more) in the van, to bring you our verdict. The score is based on the opinions of the PC team. First look Each month, we test new models of all sizes and report back to you in our regular review pages. This is the place for the quick low-down on a model! Our vans, our month Our long-term-test tourers are loaned to PC by the manufacturers, allowing us to give you warts-and-all reports over the months.…

An even bigger central front window that is part of a new profile, increased payload and pre-wiring for Wi-Fi are just some of the features Bailey is introducing in the fifth-generation Unicorn. The window is 50% bigger than on Unicorn Black Editions, and more integrated into the shell. Following customer demand for more payload, MTPLMs have been increased. The vans also come prewired for Wi-Fi, with an Avtex router as an option. Prices start at £26,799; for more, see p56. Knaus offers electric options Knaus is producing a special electric-only edition of a UK-bound Sport model for 2022, with a smart control unit that automatically adjusts power distribution in the van. The ePower option is being made available on 10 Sports and three Südwinds on the Continent for 2022. However,…

84 Digital cameras Making the most of your camera, and choosing the right kit and accessories for your needs 86 Jargon buster How to tell your macro from your megapixels! 88 Automatic modes Let your DSLR take control for brilliant images 90 Composition Follow a few basic rules to frame great shots 92 Shooting landscapes Expert advice on composing and taking really eye-catching photos of your surroundings 94 Inspirational destinations A round-up of some of the finest scenery across the UK, with campsites nearby 98 WIN a subscription to PC! Enter our fantastic photography competition; plus, get your two FREE digital bookazines! CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE! Also available as a FREE ebook – see www.practicalcaravan.com/know-how/ to download yours!…

One of the particular pleasures of owning a caravan is being able to pack all of the clothing and gear you need – whatever the weather! However, your caravan’s ability to store so much kit does mean that it’s quite easy to overload it, especially when you’re packing for a fortnight away with the family. To avoid this, you need to check that you are not exceeding the van’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), which is the most it is permitted to weigh when fully loaded. Weighing each bag individually is a bit of a faff, so it’s well worth investing in some van scales, such as Reich Caravan Weight Control. But it’s not just about how much weight is in the van, it’s where you put it. In…

This layout, with a transverse island bed and an end washroom, is one of the most popular in the current market. It is particularly favoured by those who are looking to use their caravan as a seasonal pitch. With the washroom tucked away like an en-suite, it almost feels like home. It might not be so great if you travel frequently with younger children, however. Pros With no separating washroom, the central area often feels very airy Cons The washroom isn’t very convenient for anyone sleeping in the front A Front lounge mustn’t be squeezed to make way for everything else in here B Even with the van’s airy centre, you might still want a concertina partition here C Make sure the gangway past the bed is large enough for…

SHOULD I SWITCH TO LITHIUM BATTERIES? Q In all of your reviews, you quote an ‘Ah’ figure for the vehicle’s leisure battery. Could you please explain what that term means? I have recently been looking at lithium batteries. Would they be a better solution anyway? Chris Dickinson Peter Baber replies… Technically, the ampere-hours, or Ah, reading indicates the number of amps that a battery will provide for one hour. Generally speaking, the higher the Ah figure, the longer the battery can continue to power the 12V circuit in your caravan when you are off-grid. However, this is only a very rough guide. The power of any battery can be affected considerably by, for example, the ambient temperature. Those readings are made at 25°C, a temperature rarely reached inside your caravan,…

Sponsored by THE 153 MILES of the A483 cross Brecknockshire, Carmarthenshire, Cheshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Glamorgan, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Shropshire. Known as the Swansea to Manchester trunk road (although it actually ends in Chester), this south-north route through Wales runs from a junction with the A48 and the M4 at Earlswood in Glamorgan. En route, it passes through the spectacular Cambrian Mountains. Journey north Unless you want to visit Swansea, which the A483 loops through before joining the M4 at J42, you should drive west along the M4 to its end at J49, from where the A483 starts its journey north towards the former mining town of Ammanford, now a thriving cultural centre. The route then passes through Llandybie, eventually reaching the very pretty ancient market town of Llandeilo. To the…

A simple question of supply and demand To gauge how the used caravan market is doing these days, I took a walk to my local dealership – I can always rely on the guys there to tell it like it is. Their answer was clear: “We can’t keep up with demand – we have just five new and three used models in stock!” The forecourt was looking a bit like a desert. This dealer also sells new and used motorhomes and leisure homes, and the same problem was evident there. Naturally, the upshot is that prices are going up. I remember this scenario back in 1985, when a pre-owned 1976 model was going for the price it had been new. Good luck tourer hunting! practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan…

IF YOU’RE NEW to Practical Caravan, you might not know about our Owner Satisfaction Survey. In a nutshell, we – with scheme partner The Camping and Caravanning Club – ask our readers to give feedback on the caravan(s) they’ve owned, and their buying experience, telling us how they got on, and rating both the van and supplying dealer. Once we’ve got all the results in, the numbers are crunched to produce a comprehensive picture of which brands and dealers have impressed you. The survey results make fascinating reading and can help you reach more informed decisions about what (and where) to buy. With that in mind, we’ve reprinted the results of the used-van categories in our most recent survey for you! Across all categories, as well as naming winners, we…

What will it tow? Kerbweight 1370kg Towing limit 1500kg Noseweight limit 75kg 85% match 1165kg Figures for 2015 1.6 DDiS SZ5 Running costs 1.6 DDiS Insurance group 20 Annual VED £155 Average economy 64.2mpg Interim/full service £83/£116 Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk Trouble spots The good news is that throughout its lifetime, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross has been subject to only two recalls. The first of these concerned front airbags that might not deploy correctly in a crash, while the second concerned incorrect emissions. We would advise making sure both problems have been fully corrected under the terms of the manufacturer recall programme. Full details of the recalls can be found at www.check-vehicle-recalls. service.gov.uk…

DECIDING WHICH CAMERA to buy can be rather tricky. There are different camera types, manufacturers, features and prices to consider, but we believe it’s not just about the camera, it’s about knowing how to use it. Each type of camera has its own set of pros and cons, and which one you choose will be dependent on what you’re using the camera for and your past experience in photography. If you simply want to catch quick shots on tour or take videos of a grandchild, a compact or smartphone will probably suit you. But those looking for large printouts and more advanced shooting options will need to look towards DSLRs. No matter what you choose, with this guide, you’ll get to know the key aspects of your camera and soon…

Traditional composition rules have been followed by professional photographers for many years, which is why it’s important for beginners to understand how they work and why you should use them. We’ve outlined four of the best rules here, which can immediately help to set you on your way to becoming a better landscape photographer. Rule of thirds Use the camera’s grid lines, which divide the scene into thirds, and position your focal point on one of the intersecting points with the horizon appearing straight along the top or bottom line. Lead-in lines Lead-in lines are designed to draw your eye further into a photo. It’s important to ensure that they are leading inwards towards a focal point or the centre of the frame, as opposed to away. Framing the view…

WE HOPE YOU’VE enjoyed the photography special in this issue of Practical Caravan, and if you’d like to take your photography to the next level, then don’t miss the opportunity to download your two free photography bookazines! Each 196-page digital bookazine is packed with brilliant hints, tips and advice on how to get the best photographs possible, whether you are out and about on tour with your camera, or simply enjoying the view in your own back garden. Here’s what you’ll get: Teach yourself Photography Teach yourself Photography explains all of the photography concepts beginners need, such as how to balance exposures, how to obtain sharp shots, and how to maximise image quality. Once you’ve got to grips with these basics, you can move on to the more advanced skills section…

› Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/ EC, the car or other vehicle’s weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and 7kg of luggage. This is the figure that is used to calculate a tow car match › GTW (Gross train weight) The maximum allowable combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan, as specified by the maker of the towing vehicle › Hook-up Cable connection to the mains electrical supply at a campsite. Provides power to mains sockets and appliances › Maximum towing limit The. greatest weight that a car can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle › MiRO (Mass in running order) The caravan’s weight, with all factory-fitted equipment, when it leaves the factory.…

Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › thecaravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club › 024 7647 5448 › thefriendlyclub.co.uk CRiS › 020 3282 1000 › www.cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme › www.approvedworkshops.co.uk NCC (National Caravan Council) › www.thencc.org.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) › 0843 216 5802 › www.cassoa.co.uk Towsafe › www.towsafe.co.uk DVLA › 0300 790 6801 › www.dft.gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) › 01249 651 036 › www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk › For the very latest reviews and brilliant buying guides, visit the Practical Caravan website – you’ll find us at www.practicalcaravan.com…

Rear corner beds are commonly known as French beds, for reasons that are becoming rather lost in the mists of time! They do take up less room than an island bed, so are quite a happy compromise if one of you is prepared to climb over the other to get out of bed at night. With this layout, the bed doesn’t take up so much space in the van, either, because the washroom fits in beside, rather than behind, it. Pros A corner washroom is more accessible for everyone in the caravan Cons There’s less privacy than you would get with a central washroom A Front lounge settees should ideally be long enough to act a single beds B The second dinette often includes an optional bunk bed C The…