Innehållsförteckning för April 2020 från Practical Motorhome

Motorhome Romahome Duo Hylo Duration 5 days When Spring 2019 Why? Stunning lake and mountain views, picturesque roads, peace and quiet There are moments in life you don’t want to end – and being beside Loch Achray in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, wild camping, was one of them. I was sitting outdoors in the darkness on one of those velvet nights, watching the western light fade, the shapes of the hills and the point of Ben Venue backlit by a ribbon of fluorescent orange. The rough shadows of trees and distant car lights flickered in the reflections of Loch Achray. I could hear only the sound of ducks making home for the night and the wingbeats from passing geese looking for somewhere, anywhere. Then silence in the…

Dreamer sees red Dreamer has just launched a version of its D43 Fun that has a striking red finish. The D43 Up Red Addict is the first in the group’s van conversion range to include a pop-up roof and Skyview roof. The van has a Rouge Profondo bodywork finish that contrasts with matte black panels and a gloss black grille and skid plate. You also get alloys. Featuring a rear transverse bed and two travel seats in the lounge, the new model comes with the Fun+ pack as standard. This includes a 140bhp engine, cruise control, cab blinds and a Pioneer car radio with Bluetooth and USB connection. And for those who might find the red a bit too much, a white version is also available.…

BEST MANUFACTURER GOLD AWARDS • Bürstner 84.3% • Hymer 82.9% • Roller Team 80.3% SILVER AWARDS • Auto-Sleepers 76.3% • Swift Group 75.3% • Auto-Trail 74.7% • Elddis (EHG) 74.4% • Volkswagen 71.2% • Chausson 70.9% • Bailey 70.0% Mentioned in dispatches Adria, Benimar, Carado, Carthago, Concorde, Dethleffs, Eura Mobil, Geist, Globecar, Hobby, Itineo, Knaus, Lunar, McLouis, Mercedes-Benz, Mobilvetta, Niesmann+Bischoff, Nu Venture, Pilote, Rapido, Rimor, Romahome, Sunlight 2019 winners Gold Award Adria Silver Award Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Bailey, Bürstner, Chausson, Elddis (EHG), Hymer, Swift Group, Volkswagen PRE-OWNED MOTORHOMES MOST COMMONLY PURCHASED BRANDS AMONG RESPONDENTS KEY PRE-OWNED MOTORHOMES MOST SATISFYING BASE VEHICLE…

> Price From £56,075/ £63,112 as tested > Sleeps 2 (4 as option) > Belts 4 > Base vehicle Fiat Ducato > Engine 2.3-litre 120bhp Euro 6D Temp turbodiesel (140bhp as tested) > Length/width/height 6.99/2.30/2.85m(22’9”/7’5”/9’4”) > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 595kg > Water (fresh/waste) 130/95 litres > Leisure battery 100Ah > Gas 2 x 13kg A layout in which the whole of the rear is sectioned off for a huge washroom, with a large garage on the outside, has been offered many times now by French firm Chausson. This year, rival manufacturer Pilote is launching its version, the 696D (‘D’ stands for dressing room).We visited SMC in Newark to find out more. You get the standard Fiat Ducato cab, with central drinks holders. Our test model came with a £430…

> Price £1000 > Weight 20.7kg > Dimensions 300 x 385cm > Fixing height 175-200cm > Pack size 86 x 44 x 45cm > Access Side door, front door, two doors in connection area > Key selling points Space-efficient design, can be used as a stand-alone tent, plenty of smart features > Optional extras Dual beading Connect Set (£26.99), footprint (£44.99), inner bedroom (£124.99), carpet (£89.99), Wind Gust electric pump (£109.99) > Web www.outwell.com LIKES Flexibility of use and ease of setting up DISLIKES Gaps between awning and ’van sides will mean draughts Versatility is what this drive-away camper awning is all about. It’s so new, you won’t find it in the shops until March, so here’s an early preview. First, the design. It runs parallel to your campervan, front…

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has just announced its programme of Motorhome Manoeuvring Courses for 2020 – they’re an ideal way for drivers of all levels to get to grips with driving a motorhome, as well as keeping up-to-date with legislation and safety aspects. Each course lasts for a day and takes in a range of topics, such as manoeuvring advice, safety checks, and the law. They’re open to non-members, although Club members do get a discount. All participants also have at least 20 minutes of exclusive, one-to-one driving tuition. The cost is £185. Even if you’re completely au fait with piloting larger vehicles, there’s still lots to be gained from attending something like this – not least for the specialist, motorhome-specific tips that you’ll pick up while you’re there.…

1999 (T) AUTO-SLEEPER RAVENNA > Price now £15,995 > Price new £28,761 > Base Peugeot Boxer 270M > Engine 1.9-litre turbodiesel, 91bhp > First registered June 1999 > Mileage 49,644 > Berths/travel seats 4/3 > L/W/H 5.84/2.15/2.89m > Extras Awning, habitation door security lock, JVC radio/CD player, CO alarm, turbodiesel engine > MTPLM 3200kg > Payload 664kg + Plus points Brand pedigree, great condition for its age - Minus points That rear travel seat doesn’t quite convince Can a motorhome of this age really be in such good condition? Pretty much. We are talking 20 years old here and it’s the interior, especially, that puts this one in my top spot this month. Ravenna was a popular model for Auto-Sleepers. It has an L-shaped lounge at the back, with a…

Autocruise burst on to the scene in 1988, the result of a search for a new UK brand underwritten by Derby-based dealer Don Amott. They were quite unlike anything else then available, built to a very high standard, with especially appealing furniture any time-served cabinetmaker would have been proud of. In addition, this was one of the first marques to popularise the use of GRP, both moulded for overcab pods and rear panels, and as cladding for sandwich side panels. Autocruise always listened to customer comments and requests (including altering production models to suit individual requirements), and was renowned for its outstanding customer service, available at the factory-based workshop. Back in 2007, customers wanted the pin-sharp roadholding of the independently sprung Al-Ko chassis, 3500kg or under maximum weight, plus a…

TIME TO GET ALARMED… Vehicle security is a serious problem. Almost every day, we see reports of stolen motorhomes via social media. So what can you do to protect your ’van from being targeted by thieves? At a base level, your motorhome will have a factory-fitted immobiliser. The key has an embedded electronic chip, which the vehicle ‘reads’ when the key is inserted into the ignition. The engine ECU will only allow the engine to start if the code from the key matches the one stored in its memory. These systems work quite well, but there are limitations; for example, if your keys are stolen, the thief has easy and full access to your motorhome. Some base vehicles allow the code to be read from the ECU via the diagnostic…

Many motorhomes don’t have their wheel arches insulated on the inside. This can make a really big difference to the cosiness of your ’van, especially for those who like to tour in autumn and winter, because the thin, plastic wheel arch liner offers very little barrier against those often freezing temperatures outside. As a thrifty, year-round motorcaravanner, Rod is not one to waste gas and battery power on unnecessary heating, so he set about adding extra insulation. 1 In most motorhomes, the wheel arches are easily accessible via one of the cupboards or lockers. Some, however, are located directly under the shower unit and consequently, these can be a bit trickier to gain access to. The existing wheel arch liner is only going to be about 2-3mm thick, so offers…

> Price From £72,125 > Sleeps 2-4 > Belts 4 > Base vehicle Mercedes Sprinter > Engine 143bhp Euro 6d > Length/width/height 6.99/2.32/2.99m (22’11”/7’7”/9’10”) > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 440kg > Water (fresh/waste) 120/100 litres > Leisure battery 95Ah > Gas 2 x 11kg cylinders The Lyseo M Line is the first range of Bürstners based on Mercedes Sprinter to be developed under Burstner’s new wohnfuhlen (or well-being) concept. What that means is that you get an exceptionally comfortable and stylish interior with colour schemes that are gentle on the eyes. Bürstner feels the inclusion of a Mercedes range is important not just because of the extra kudos it brings. The Sprinter comes with rear-wheel drive: that makes it sit better on the road. In addition, the Harmony Line tag…

Coordinates 56°20’37.2”N 4°28’22.9”W Why tour here? Freedom! As a famous Scot once said. And there’s plenty of ‘freedom’ to be had, with wild camping available throughout Scotland. Lochearnhead is the perfect place to enjoy it, sitting as it does within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Caroline Mills went wild for the area in her article on p20, revelling in a landscape of lochs and mountains. Don’t miss… Lochs galore - Lomond, Lubnaig, Achray… take your pick of the glorious views. Sunset at Ben Venue is indeed the perfect venue. Photographer Caroline Mills…

Pipamoka coffeemaker In need of espresso on the go? Simply add water and coffee, twist the ring and when the water chamber has risen, serve! Price £36.90 Web www.wacaco.com Microfibre travel towels These super-absorbent towels come in two sizes. They are antibacterial, and the larger one also has a wet and dry bag. Price £10.55-£19.95 Web snugpak.com Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller Keep the kids entertained on the road – they can personalise a story, and listen through headphones or the integrated speaker. Price £64.95 Web www.cuckooland.com Livall smart helmet This BH60SE Bluetooth smart helmet can help you to ride safely, with features including LED indicators. Price £99 Web www.halfords.com Outwell Windscreen Deluxe Protect your privacy with this durable 5m-long windbreak – just check campsite restrictions before you set up. Price…

WAY TO GO From the south, I approached Loch Lomond via the M74/M8 around Glasgow and the Erskine Bridge M898/A898. From the bridge, it’s just 15-20 minutes on the A82 to Balloch, close to the southern shore of Loch Lomond. All the roads I used are fine for coachbuilt motorhomes, except the road from Callander to the Crags and Bracklin Falls, which is steep and narrow, with deep gutters. There is limited turning space if the Falls car park is full. To access the Bracklin Falls walk, it’s best to park up at Callander meadows and walk via the pretty Callander Crags. Parking a large motorhome in Balmaha on a busy summer weekend can be problematic unless you arrive early. The Camping & Caravanning Club has two sites (Milarrochy Bay…

● WHO ARE YOU? Trish Deeley, semiretired aerobics instructor and reader-contributor to Practical Motorhome with more than 40 years of experience of touring. ● WHY ARE YOU A LOCAL AUTHORITY ON BURTON UPON TRENT? Our daughter has lived here for 18 years and we visited regularly. So regularly in fact, that nine years ago we decided to move here! ● WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT? The river. On a sunny day there is no better place to be. There are several parks where you can access the Trent and in the summer, you’ll often see people on the water with dinghies, canoes and paddleboards. We enjoy taking our kayak out on a sunny day. It’s amazing just how different the landscape looks from the viewpoint of the river, not…

Welcome to our annual Owner Satisfaction Awards. Whether you are planning to buy a new or a pre-owned motorhome in 2020, the results of our survey make essential reading. Over the next few pages, you’ll discover the most satisfying motorhomes to own, and the dealers offering the highest levels of customer service. You’ll also learn which base vehicles are most highly rated by ’van owners, and which are the most common faults you should watch out for. Of course, one person’s view is always worth hearing, but the opinions of thousands of owners are impossible to ignore. Throughout last year, readers of Practical Motorhome and members of The Camping and Caravanning Club have contributed their buying and owning experiences to the survey. In total, we received some 2307 full responses.…

> Price From £87,800 > Sleeps 4 > Belts 4 > Base vehicle Mercedes-Benz/Al-Ko > Engine 2.2 143bhp Euro 6 > Length/width/height 7.54/2.35/3.00m(24’7”/7’7”/9’9”) > MTPLM From 3500kg > Payload TBC > Water (fresh/waste) 132/110 litres > Leisure battery Two x 100Ah > Gas 2 x 11kg cylinders A trip to the Brownhills mega-site on the outskirts of Newark, Nottinghamshire, is usually rewarding. I was there in the run-up to Christmas, so, while key staff took time out to serve a free festive lunch to valued customers, I was able to sneak in and take a closer look at this newfor-2020 model from Rapido. The M96 is also an award-winner, scooping the Innovation prize in our Motorhome of the Year Awards 2020, with the judges noting that it’s “packed with clever…

2001 (51) HYMER SWING 544 K > Price now £15,995 > Price new £26,000 (est) > Base Fiat Ducato 14 > Engine 2.8-litre turbodiesel, 127bhp > First registered September 2001 > Mileage 68,811 > Berths/travel seats 6/6 > L/W/H 5.54/2.27/2.88m > Extras Bike rack, Smev grill, JVC radio/CD, engine upgrade > MTPLM 3400kg > Payload 425kg + Plus points Quality coachbuilt, multiple berths - Minus points Check that you’re happy with the beds set-up A perfect starter ’van? Yes. Especially for families, as it can accommodate up to six. Germany’s Hymer needs little introduction and the budget Swing series helps maintain that reputation. This is a classic family floorplan of its era. You’ll notice the conversion work hasn’t been switched for the UK, so the habitation door is on the…

When our son, Brad, moved to New Zealand in March 2018, we made the long journey to the opposite side of the world to help him settle into Kiwi life. Not wanting to miss an opportunity for some great sightseeing, we decided to rent a campervan to get to know this fabulous country. We had made a couple of motorhome tours across New Zealand in the early 2000s, and realised from those trips that there was no better way to immerse ourselves in the incredible surroundings the country has to offer. New Zealand is probably one of the most camper-friendly destinations in the world. There are a huge number of Freedom Camping areas provided both by local authorities and the Department of Conservation. The one important requirement for using these…

> Price From £57,440 > Sleeps 4 > Belts 4 > Base vehicle Fiat Ducato > Engine 2.3 120bhp Euro 6 > Length/width/height 7.47/2.35/2.95m (24’8”/7’9”/9’8”) > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 362kg > Water (fresh/waste) 100/100 litres > Leisure battery 95Ah > Gas 2 x 13kg cylinders A transverse island bed is fairly common in caravans, but a rarity in motorhomes, which tend to be narrower. This new model has one, however, and it is placed over a garage so large that all the family’s bikes could probably fit in it. Nor is that the only surprising thing you will find in this model. Step forward from the rear bedroom, through the central washroom that can be compleately partitioned off, and into the kitchen, and what do you find? Accessed through…

> Price £51,499 > Sleeps 4 > Belts 2 > Base vehicle Peugeot Boxer > Engine 2.0 Blue Hdi 130bhp Euro 6 > Length/width/height 7.57/2.49/2.88m (24’10”/8’2”/9’0”) > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 558kg > Water (fresh/waste) 95/93.5 litres > Leisure battery 80Ah > Gas 2 x 6kg cylinders This layout has single beds towards the rear of the ’van, and a good-sized end washroom housing the wardrobe. Up front are parallel sofas and swivelling cab seats, so there’s lots of room to invite in friends. Kitchen kit comprises combi oven/grill, three-burner hob and 95-litre fridge.…

> Price From £54,825 > Sleeps 4 > Belts 4 > Base vehicle Fiat Ducato > Engine 2.3 120bhp Euro 6d > Length/width/height 7.86/2.31/2.88m(25’9”/7’7”/9’5”) > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 510kg > Water (fresh/waste) 100/68 litres > Leisure battery 80Ah > Gas 1 x 6kg and 1 x 13kg cylinders Joining Swift’s Escape range this year is the 675. This four-berth has a front lounge, midships kitchen, twin beds and a spacious rear washroom with wardrobe. The lounge comprises two belted seats and a sofa on the nearside wall, which convert into a double by night, plus swivelling cab seats and a fixed telescopic dining table. Kitchen kit comprises a Dometic 85-litre fridge, Thetford combi oven/grill, three-burner hob and microwave. Heating is a dual-fuel Truma system. This and the electrics are…

letter of the month It was fascinating to read about your team’s New Year resolutions (issue 229), particularly as so many of them seem keen to come to Scotland. We live in the Highlands – it is beautiful around here, but of course you never really appreciate what is right on your own doorstep! Conversely, our New Year resolution is to cross the Channel in our Hymer for the first time – it’s a long way for us, so over the four years that we’ve had our ’van we’ve solely toured here and further south into England. This year, however, we’re determined to go to Normandy – I’ve always wanted to visit the historic beaches there (1). But that’s what we love most about our motorhome: the opportunities that it…

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY MOTORHOME’S NEXT MOT? Q The MoT is due on my motorhome base vehicle in the next couple of months – could you please give me some advice on what I should do to prepare beforehand, to give me the best chance of it passing first time? Are there any simple things that I should look out for? Geoffrey Butcher A Diamond Dave answers… Most of us don’t have access to lifting equipment (1) or brake testers, so there are limits to what you can check yourself, but there are several simple things you can do. For a start, make sure all of your road lights are working properly, including brake lights, headlights, indicators and rear fog lights. Tyres are another item you can check;…

February 12 February - 12 March Discover Ferries, the industry body representing 13 ferry companies, is launching Big Ferry Fortnight, when hundreds of free ferry tickets for access around the British Isles will be up for grabs. The tickets are for passengers; you will need to pay a supplement for a motorhome and the cost will depend on which operator you sail with. The ballot opens on 27 February and you can apply for as many tickets as you like, but if successful, will win tickets for one return sailing. Register your interest at Bigferryfortnight.com. 11 February - 31 October If you’re touring Co Kildare, you might want to visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens, which opens for guided tours this month at Tully. February and March are good…

Motorhome Bespoke DIY van conversion on LDV V80 Biggest (p106) Duration 90 days When December 2019 Why? Spectacular scenery in a perfect place for touring and enjoying outdoor pursuits. Oh, and sunshine in December… Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand, a country of dramatic landscapes, endless coastline and incredible volcanic activity, reminding us of nature’s powerful presence across these two islands in the south-west Pacific. This was our fourth trip to this wonderful land and this time, we were making the tour in our own self-build campervan (see p106). Our explorations of the North Island started in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand and main arrival point for international visitors. We set out on foot, through the busy shopping streets, and soon arrived at the 328m Sky Tower, where…

‘We were well aware travelling would be different with children, and it most certainly is, but that wasn’t going to stop us planning trips near and far’ When we discovered we were going to be parents for the first time, we accepted that life would change. Visits to gourmet restaurants would be replaced with meals at more family-friendly establishments, lazy Sunday mornings in bed would be traded for rambles around parks and forests, and leisurely coffees would probably be a thing of the past. However, there was one aspect of life we were determined to retain, and that was travelling and seeing the world. My childhood was full of family adventures, my favourites being our camping trips to various corners of the UK and France. Memories of long coastal walks,…

The A9 is also known as The Spine of Scotland Scotland’s longest road runs from Thurso in the north, via Perth and Stirling, to Falkirk in the south 1 USEFUL STOP East Brora • Where KW9 6NJ Past the Durnoch Firth. Fuel is avilable at East Brora on both sides of the road (northbound has more space for motorhomes) The A9 starts at junction 5 of the M9, but because the M9 motorway continues to form the primary route as far as Stirling, the A9 is non-primary here. The new Falkirk bypass has adopted the A9 number around the north side of the town, to meet the original line of the A9 at the junction for the Falkirk Wheel Average speed cameras (ASC) were introduced in 2016 to try to…

Swift contraction sees site close The Swift Group is reducing production of this season’s models and has closed one of its sites, in response to what it says is a “prolonged turbulent political and economic climate”. The company’s Mexborough site in South Yorkshire, formerly home to Autocruise until Swift bought the firm in 2007, has been closed. All motorhome production from there, and what the company describes as a “small number of colleagues”, are moving to the main Cottingham site in East Yorkshire. We understand that less than 5% of the workforce have been made redundant, after staff consultation. In a statement, the company said, “We have accepted a number of voluntary redundancies in affected areas at Cottingham and have been able to redeploy some employees.” Government firm on VED…

BEST DEALER GOLD AWARDS • Peter Roberts Caravans & Motorhomes 95.8% • Meridian Motorhomes, Chichester 92.8% • Dolphin Motorhomes, 84.2% Christchurch/Southampton SILVER AWARDS • Todds Motorhomes, Preston 77.2% Mentioned in dispatches BCS Manchester, Becks Motorhomes, Broad Lane Leisure, Buyamotorhome, Campbells Motorhomes, CamperUK, Caravans & Campers, CaravanTech, Choose Leisure, Cleveland Motorhomes, Coachbuilt GB, Continental Leisure Vehicles, Cotswold Edge Leisure Vehicles, Countywide Motorhomes, Danum Leisure, David Fuller, Dicksons of Perth, Donaghey Motorhomes, ES Hartley Lakeland Motorhome Centre, Elite Motorhomes, Emm Bee Motorhomes, Geoff Cox Leisure, Glossop Motorhomes, GoEuropean Motorhomes, Goodmans Motorhomes, Hayes Leisure, Highbridge Caravans, JC Leisure, Johns Cross, Kimberley Caravans & Motorhomes, Lowdhams, Martins, Moran Motorhomes, Motor Plus Motorhomes, Motorhomes & Caravans, Motorhome Depot (Redditch), Motorhomedepot.com, Motorlands, Nick Whale Motorhomes, Oaktree Motorhomes, P&P Car and Camper Sales, Perthshire Caravans, Premium Motorhomes,…

BAILEY ADVANCE 76-2T > Price £51,999 > Berths 4 > Belts 2 > Base vehicle Peugeot Boxer/ Al-Ko AMC > Engine 2.0 Blue HDI, 135bhp > Length 7.57m > Width 2.49m > Height 2.76m > MTPLM 3500kg > Payload 558kg > Water (fresh/ waste) 95/93.5kg > Battery 80Ah > Gas 2 x 6kg > Expenses None > Previous reports Issues 217, 218, 220, 224, 225, 228, 229 Live-in test 219 LIKES Comfy lounge, plenty of charging points DISLIKES Could do with a reversing camera This month we are finally waving farewell to our long-term-test Bailey motorhome, the Advance 76-2T. It seems incredible, but we have had this ’van for the best part of a year. We first tested the motorhome in March on a particularly blustery stay at Eye Kettleby…

Just when you think you’re about to get lost on the fens, you come across this oasis. And how’s this for a family business? Around three decades since it was first set up as a specialist motorhome dealership, the third generation of the Hyndman family are working at Wellsbridge Motorhomes. Today, Lance and Miles Hyndman, the nephews of co-boss Harry, represent that third generation. Not that Harry (pictured) likes the term ‘boss’. As he prefers to put it: “I don’t like to think I’m the boss. We’re just a family business and we own everything here. We have a lot of regular customers and we’re never going to sell up.” Just as importantly, I counted at least 20 vehicles that would have fitted the original challenge for this month –…

1999 (T) AUTO-TRAIL MOHICAN > Price now £15,995 > Price new £41,466 > Base Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko > Engine 2.8-litre turbodiesel, 127bhp > First registered July 1999 > Mileage 107,117 > Berths/travel seats 4/2 > L/W/H 7.09/2.19/3.05m > Extras Bike rack, leather upholstery, rear bumper, towbar, EtherAlert, TV holder, JVC radio/CD > MTPLM 3850kg > Payload 780kg + Plus points Space and luxury - Minus points Mileage might put some off, well-used interior Just in at Wellsbridge, and the dealer admits there’s a bit of work to be done. But it’s a potential bargain. This is by far the largest vehicle this month, and perhaps the most luxurious. That is the case in terms of kit, where options such as leather upholstery boost an already generous spec. With the Hi-Line overcab…

1 A simple flip-up worktop extension adds some handy extra space to your motorhome’s kitchen counter, without impinging on sofa space when dinner’s done and dusted. However, some motorcaravanners have problems with the position of these surfaces. 2 You have to be careful what you place on work surface extensions. They have a weight limit, and standard extensions are usually positioned right over the lounge upholstery, so any spillage could be disastrous. And if you want the extension in position, you’re in effect losing one seating space on the settee. Rod decided to tweak his fold-up extension, to create extra seating space without losing any worktop. The aim was to create an L-shaped work surface, with the extension moved to the front rather than the side of the worktop. This…

Rod’s wife, Kim, felt that she needed a bit more side support when she was sitting at the end of the settee, near the door. “Kim likes to snuggle up in the lounge when we have our friends in,” he explains. “She really didn’t like the lack of support at the end of the settee.” Rod pondered the problem and came up with the idea of a detachable armrest that would match the upholstery. 1 First, he decided on the shape and size of the armrest and then created a template in cardboard. Rod used this to fashion two pieces of 4mm-thick plywood. He went for two pieces to create sufficient thickness (about 12mm) to match the original settee side panel, on which the armrest would sit – Rod always…

People quickly become very attached to their motorhome or caravan; they’re almost part of the family. And like any family member, you’ll want to protect your motorhome or caravan and keep it safe. The threat of theft is very real. “We have seen a rise in motorhome thefts in the past 12 months,” says Craig Thompson, marketing director of specialist insurer Caravan Guard (www.caravanguard.co.uk). “Caravan theft is also on the rise.” Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to keep your home-from-home secure. Storage Most touring units spend far more time in storage than they do out on the road. So when choosing where to store your motorhome or caravan, security should be a top priority. A friendly local farmer might rent out the corner of a disused barn,…