Innehållsförteckning för January 2017 från Practical Motorhome

Free your hands for photography Any keen photographers out there will know how much equipment is needed and just how awkward it can be to carry. The Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack offers plenty of storage solutions: it includes removable padded sections for lenses and cameras in a compartment accessed at the rear of the bag, giving extra security, which can be further increased by locking the zips. Manfrotto’s protection padding system will minimise the risk of damaging equipment, and the compartment is divided to enable it to accommodate up to three lenses as well as a DSLR body. The backpack – which weighs 1.4kg when empty – will take cameras such as the Sony Alpha 7S and Fujifilm X-T1, and also comes with a rain cover. Web www.manfrotto.co.uk Price…

YOUR TOUR Wiltshire DISTANCE 200 miles GLOBECAR Campscout DURATION 4 days Landlocked Wiltshire is a stunning county packed with treasures from the past A Christmas gift of a National Trust membership has encouraged us to explore parts of the UK that we haven’t visited before. When we have a few days free and have nowhere definite in mind to visit, we now flick through the National Trust guide book for inspiration; and that is how we decided on a short tour to Wiltshire. Within an hour and a half of setting off from home we were settling in at Piccadilly Caravan Park in Lacock. Beautifully landscaped and with good facilities, it was an idyllic base from which to explore this beautiful part of the country. We tucked into a lunch…

Where we stayed Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site Brown Rigg, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 2JY Tel 01434 220 175 Web www.campingandcaravanning club.co.uk Wild camping guidance • Fill up and empty at home or a ‘proper’ site • Obey all signs saying no overnight camping or parking • Do your best to keep away from dwellings • Don’t stay in the same place for more than a couple of nights • Practice ‘leave no trace’ camping; leave no litter and don’t dump waste water • Extend your wild camping capabilities by using the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Motorhome Stop-off facility; allowing you to call in, empty and refill your ’van for a small charge. Available at many C&CC sites, including Bellingham • Spend local whenever possible to repay the…

Price £64,995 OTR Sleeps 4 Belts 4 Base vehicle Fiat Ducato Engine 2.3-litre turbodiesel, 150bhp, Euro 6 L/W/H 6.99m/2.35m/2.89m(22’11”/7’9”/9’6”) MTPLM 3650kg Payload 473kg Water (fresh/waste) 120/110 litres Leisure battery 105Ah Gas 2 x 13kg With the Benimar brand, Marquis Leisure has a unique offering among new low-profile and overcab coachbuilts. Because its sister company is Auto-Sleepers, it has a foothold in van conversions, too. Now it’s looking to add A-classes, by taking on three models from Mobilvetta: an Italian brand that – like Spain’s Benimar – is part of the Trigano Group, but that hasn’t been sold in the UK for a while. Marquis has selected three models from the K-Yacht Tekno Line range of maritime-influenced A-classes, including the K-Yacht Tekno Line MH-80, the only one to feature a rear…

BASE VEHICLE Chassis Peugeot Boxer Engine 2.2-litre turbodiesel Power 150bhp @ 3500rpm Torque 236lb ft @ 2000rpm Transmission Six-speed manual Features PAS. ABS with EBD. Front-wheel drive with ESP and traction control. Driver and passenger airbags. Steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. Bluetooth connectivity. Spare wheel CONVERSION Steel panel van body with athermic privacy glass. 69-litre underslung fresh-water tank. 40-litre underslung waste-water tank. 25-litre underslung LPG tank. Electric step with auto-retract LOUNGING AND DINING Front lounge: Seats Five Dining Five. Rear- and forward-facing dinette seats. Cassette concertina blinds and flyscreens to side window. LED lighting Rear lounge: Seats Four Dining Four. Two freestanding occasional tables. Cassette concertina blinds and flyscreens to side and rear windows. LED lighting KITCHEN Three-burner gas hob. Oven/grill. Sink with glass lid with clip-on drainer and removable plastic…

Only a few years ago, most of us tea-loving Brits knew of just two types of coffee: instant and ‘proper’, the latter brewed by a filter machine, a percolator or in a French press. But high-street chains such as Costa and Starbucks helped change all of that. And, while filter coffee is a big taste step up from instant, Italian espressos, lattes and cappuccinos are in another league again. What’s less appreciated is that the coffee, rather than the fancy frothed milk, makes all the difference. Italian coffees should more accurately be termed espresso-based coffees because, regardless of what’s added to them, espresso is the foundation they’re built on. So what’s so special about an espresso? Well, it can only be produced by forcing water at very high pressure, and…

Almost all new motorhomes come with a form of ambient lighting, and in some cases it’s dimmable, too. I was recently looking around my parents’ aging ’van with my son, James, and realised that there isn’t a single LED light in it: all of the illumination is either via mains bulbs, or power-hungry 12V halogen units. We wound things back from James’s suggestion of disco-style lights, but decided that an upgrade to LEDs wouldn’t be a bad idea. In the first instance, though, we decided not to simply replace the 12V bulbs with LED types, but to add another dimension to the lighting system that’s quite easy and cost-effective. Preparation is key First, I gathered a couple of 5m reels of self-adhesive LED ribbons, some 1mm square (core) cable, a…

Any motorhome (including van conversions) that offers a U-shaped settee at the back is known as an end-lounge model. Despite the ever-increasing prevalence of floorplans with permanent beds and/ rear garage storage areas, there’s obviously still a place for the end lounge. There’s a thinking that says the UK likes end-lounge motorhomes because of the increasing numbers of caravanners switching to motorhomes, who simply enjoy the idea of being able to sit comfortably indoors and see out to three sides. Or maybe we simply have more opportunity – or need – to stay inside when we mainly holiday in the UK. Essentially, there are two kinds of end lounge: one where the side seating is shorter and the whole converts into a transverse double bed; and larger models where the…

2007 (07) DETHLEFFS GLOBEBUS I3 Price now £29,995 Price new £39,900 (est) Base Fiat Ducato chassis-cowl Engine 2.3-litre turbodiesel, 130bhp First registered April 2007 Mileage 37,534 Berths/travel seats 4/2 Length/width/height 5.99/2.15/2.62m MTPLM 3495kg Payload 510kg Extras Awning, reversing camera, TV aerial, cab air-con, roof rack and ladder Plus points Compact dimensions, build quality Minus point No airbags A low price here, but you get a heck of a lot for your money with this absolute cracker of a compact A-class. And yes, it does have a generous U-shaped lounge at the back. That lounge has a large freestanding table – the only point of criticism being the excessive amount of space it takes up when stowed in the wardrobe for travel. You may want to consider alternatives. Lockers line the…

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…

“Our new Bailey’s leaking tank was a quick fix. We’re so glad we upgraded because we’ve doubled our berths” We had planned to keep our first motorhome forever. We’d had it for six years. Recently, though, we’d found it increasingly frustrating being unable to carry any other passengers in our strictly two-berth Auto-Sleeper Warwick Duo. I also got fed up of having to make up the bed nightly. These niggles go part way to explaining why we’re now the owners of a new, squeaky-clean Bailey Approach Autograph 745 French-bed four-berth. After quickly chucking in all of our kit, we set off to the Dales, to a favourite site in Hawes. We had a great time playing with all the toys in our home-on-wheels and enjoyed the extra space. Inevitably, we…

I’m finding that the near parity between the pound and the euro is having an impact on the way I think about spending when in Continental Europe or, most recently, Ireland. I’m less gung-ho about spending ›20 on a glass bauble – it was hand-blown, but that’s £18, perhaps more, in real money. However, everything seems expensive and that’s a blow when you want to enjoy meals out. It seems to be good news for British tourism, though. I think I’ll save my pennies to spend in one of the fabulous Christmas markets in Bryony’s comprehensive list on page 46. How’s your sense of adventure – and your stamina for that matter? Because you’re going to need plenty of both if you take up the newest tour offer from the…

Way to go From the M5 take the M4, exit at junction 17 (Chippenham). Follow the A350, signposted Warminster, Poole, then Lacock. Turn off the A350 between Chippenham and Melksham into Folly Lane West, signposted Garstad and the caravan symbol. Where we stayed • Piccadilly Caravan Park Folly Lane West, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2LP Tel 07896 668 370 or (01249) 730 260 Web www.piccadillylacock.co.uk Situated half a mile from the village of Lacock, with well-signed public footpaths nearby and the North Wiltshire Cycle Route running through the village. Find out more • National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk • Wiltshire www.visitwiltshire.co.uk Entrance fees per adult for: • Lacock Village, Abbey and Museum £12.10 • Avebury Manor & Gardens £6.75 • Avebury Museum £4.40 • Avebury car park £7 per day •…

If there was one trend to pick up on at this year’s NEC show, it was that ’van converters are getting more adventurous in their choice of base vehicles – mostly, it seems, to the benefit of one particular French manufacturer. Devon might be doing well with its Ford-based Firefly, and Ford-based Auto Campers may even be considering VW, but many converters are favouring the Renault Trafic. I don’t think this means that VW is about to lose its hegemony, but it does mean that the market is opening up to competition. And that can only be good for us consumers. Visitor numbers to the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in October were 5% up on last year. Some 98,901 people visited the show over its six days,…

The simplest form of espresso maker, all moka pots require is a stove. Water goes in the unit’s lower chamber and heat causes high-pressure water vapour to form in the top. This forces the hot water up a tube, then through the ground coffee before it goes up another tube, almost up to lid level and trickles down to fill the upper chamber. For us, moka pots are the perfect way to make quality coffee when mains hook-up isn’t available, even if moka espresso tastes different to other espressos. In part two of our test, we use the same coffee in each unit to see if the different designs produce differing flavours. We also factor in usability. Finally, because of the pressures reached, the silicone washer between the halves has…

MoT time strikes fear into the hearts of many, even those motorhome owners who are diligent about keeping their ’van in tip-top condition. But it shouldn’t – it’s a relatively simple test of roadworthiness that checks items such as the seatbelts, tyres, brakes, washers and wipers, the body and chassis for corrosion, exhaust emissions and the road lights. While it’s not within the ability of most owners to test brakes and examine the underbody for corrosion, many of the other items are easily checked – in fact, most should be regularly looked at by the driver anyway. So it’s time to take a look over your motorhome prior to its MoT – let’s start with the simple bits. Do all of the road lights work? The MoT test covers the…

2007 (07) BÜRSTNER MARANO t595 Price now £26,995 Price new £33,130 Base Fiat Ducato Engine 2.3-litre turbodiesel, 130bhp First registered 2007 Mileage 18,189 Berths/travel seats 2/2 Length/width/height 6.34/2.30/2.85m MTPLM 3500kg Payload 610kg Extras Camera, bike rack, cab air-con, Smev oven/grill, stereo radio/CD, awning Plus points Large lounge and big bed, good price Minus point Only two travelling seats Introduced as a budget range by German maker Bürstner, the Marano offers yet further proof of the way motorhomes can hold their prices over the longer term. This excellent example has the uprated 130bhp engine and chassis (models started on the 3300kg rating), as well as a rather interesting interior treatment by one of its three previous owners. Strictly a two-berth, at 6.34m it’s a manageable length and…

1 THE BLACK FOREST Traditional towns, pine trees dusted with snow, an occasional hot chocolate and the obligatory gâteau… highlights of Claudia Dowell’s trip to Germany from p32. 2 CHRISTMAS MARKETS Finding an extra-special gift in the coming weeks will be made that bit easier, thanks to the dozens of markets all over the UK and in Europe. Head to p46 for more. 3 NORTH PENNINES Love long walks and cycling in the great outdoors? Chrissie and Geoff Crowther tell us about their tour on p56. 4 PASSING GRADE Diamond Dave’s five-minute check will tell you all you need to know about passing the MoT test. Find out what to look at on p100. 5 MUD ’N’ GUTS We love the appeal of these go-anywhere used 4x4 motorhomes. See what…

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 need to join any club to use them. Please ring them at the times listed* to check for vacancies. Fresh water tap Shower Toilet facilities Washroom Rubbish bins Chemical disposal Electric hook-up Hardstanding Suitable for stays of 7 days Dog friendly Dog exercise area Wheelchair friendly BEDFORDSHIRE 1 Airman Hotel, 16 Hitchin Rd, Meppershall SG17 5JF Tel 01462 850 853 (*9am-10pm) BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 2 The Black Horse Pub, Aylesbury Road, Great Missenden HP16 9AX Tel 01494 862 537 (*11am-12pm) CAMBRIDGESHIRE 3 The Seven Wives, Ramsey Road, St Ives, Huntingdon PE27 5RF Tel 01480 462 180 (*9am-7pm) CARDIGANSHIRE (DYFED) 4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms, Cross Inn, Llandysul SA44 6LN…

DISTANCE 995 miles HYMER ML-T 580 4x4 DURATION 5 days Visit historic and quaint towns on your tour of the Black Forest’s many highlights “This was exactly how I imagined the Black Forest to be: dark, foreboding and just a little magical” The road was mostly a good width, although it narrowed occasionally, and there were some sharp hairpin bends as it climbed its way through the forest. The Hymer ML-T 580 4x4 was coping admirably with Germany’s Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road), though. Our passage was flanked on both sides by regiments of tall, straight, dark-green pines, draped in swathes of green cobwebby branches and bearing a light dusting of snow. They were beautiful in the diamond-bright light. We passed a high lake cut short by a dam, and…

FRANCE Most cities and towns will have fabulous Christmas celebrations; here are a few: • Strasbourg’s medieval streets are the backdrop to Europe’s oldest Christmas market. The first Chistkindelmarik was held in 1570 and now comprises 300 stalls. Portugal is this year’s ‘guest country’ with its own area of stalls. Date 25 November-31 December Web www.noel.strasbourg.eu/en • Nancy celebrates St Nicholas Day with a month of events, including a show in honour of the city’s patron saint. Les Fêtes de Saint Nicolas is a three-day event (2-4 December), followed by the Christmas market until the end of December. Date December Web www.saint-nicolas.nancy.fr • The five markets of Colmar (right) are linked by a labyrinth of streets with illuminations highlighting the historical architecture. There are six weeks of celebrations,…

YOUR TOUR North Pennines DISTANCE 334 miles AUTO-SLEEPER Warwick Duo DURATION 1 week The unspoilt countryside of north-east England offers superb cycling and walking The air hung heavy with mist and it was cold. I wanted to stop, but the challenge had bitten me. I was cycling to the top of the highest road in England. I breathed deeply and the steep incline reduced my pace to somewhere only just above the point where I could keep balance; any slower and I’d fall off. We’d arrived in Upper Teesdale the day before and, this morning, I waved Chrissie off with our lab, Tilly and a friend, Mike. Their plan was to walk up to Kirkcarrion, said to be the burial ground of a bronze-age chieftain who, legend suggests, haunts the…

BRYONY SYMES “I’m a big fan of van conversions, and ones made by Auto-Sleepers are always a treat to take on tour. There’s all the kit you could need, and I can see why the new seat and cushion design is so popular with buyers. It gives the interior a fresher, younger look.” NIALL HAMPTON “The Fairford is a great addition to Auto-Sleepers’ van conversion line-up. Twin lounges mean more flexibility on tour, and I’d definitely specify the two additional travel seats so you’ve future-proofed your investment. The fit and finish is superb, as you’d expect.” CLAUDIA DOWELL “I particularly like motorhomes with a rear parallel lounge. One can open the rear doors to enjoy the views, and having two occasional tables was better than a single one that eats…

For those of you who thought you couldn’t afford to buy the new motorhome of your dreams, I’m sure you welcomed recent PCP news from finance specialist Black Horse. PCP – that’s Personal Contract Purchase – is a way of spreading the cost of buying a new vehicle over anything from one to five years. PCPs have revolutionised the car market and finance experts have decided that the motorhome sector is also now ripe for similar treatment. I’m no gambler, but I’d say sure as eggs are eggs, it won’t be long before you’ll be able to buy a pre-owned motorhome with PCP. Again, just like the car market. Watch this space. Marquis Leisure, until recently the sole retailer for the Benimar Mileo range of motorhomes via its 11-strong network…

2013 (13) AUTO-TRAIL SCOUT Price now £49,995 Price new £64,716 Base Fiat Ducato Maxi Engine 2.3-litre turbodiesel, 130bhp First registered April 2013 Mileage 14,611 Berths/travel seats 3/3 Length/width/height 7.90/2.35/3.03m MTPLM 4250kg Payload 565kg Extras Satellite dome, bike rack, solar panel Plus points Extensive specification throughout, lots of seating Minus point Only the standard 130bhp engine Auto-Trail’s venerable Scout has been with us for decades. This is the Lo-line version, with lockers in the overcab section and a large, opening sunroof above. There’s also a Midi-Heki rooflight over the lounge. Not only is there a generous end lounge here, there’s also a double dinette immediately behind the driver, while after the cab passenger there’s a kitchen equipped to the usual standards, including a full cooker with dual-fuel hob and separate…