Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i Practical Caravan

Autumn is a wonderful time for touring, and you’ve been heading for the wide-open spaces to admire the scenery and take some fantastic pictures! TAG US #PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@PRACTICALCARAVAN.COM…

PLEASE NOTE All event details were correct as we went to press, but you should double-check the information before making any journey Until 10 January › Part of the celebrations of the Year of Coasts and Waters, the ‘Scotland’s Precious Seas’ exhibition - at the National Museum of Scotland - takes a fascinating look at the marine wildlife around Scotland’s coast, and examines the threats that face the region in future. Entry is free and will allow you to learn all about Scotland’s seas, which cover more than six times the area of its land mass. For more details, see www.nms.ac.uk. NOVEMBER ›7 November to 10 January Visiting Longleat in Wiltshire is a great experience no matter when you go, but the park and grounds will really come to life…

‘Daddy, when can we go away in the van again, please?’ I knew it was only a matter of time before our son, Harrison, asked me this question, although having just been on the road for almost a month, for a long John O’Groats to Land’s End trip, I must admit that I hadn’t expected to hear it quite so soon! Not that I was complaining - my wife, Kim, and I have never needed a second invitation to start planning our next trip, and it also confirmed that Harrison and his little sister Dorothy love being away just as much as we do. And so, barely two weeks after emptying and cleaning the van after our previous trip, we were sitting down to discuss where we should go next.…

PROFILE • When did you and your husband Ron start working for the C&CC? April 2015. • Where are you from? We’re Worcester born and bred, and we had camped at Blackmore as Club members for the past 25 years. • How old are you? I’m 49 and Ron is 55. What did you do before your current role? I drove buses from the age of 18, then qualified as a hairdresser. Ron managed the bus company where we met, before working for the county council’s Vehicle Inspectorate. We’ve been Club members since the 1990s, with our children. › What first made you decide to become a Holiday Site Manager with the C&CC? We had always fancied it, but obviously had to wait for our girls to grow up and…

The latest developments from caravan manufacturers and dealers NEXT FEBRUARY’S CARAVAN, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham has been cancelled, due to the continuing uncertainty about the spread of Covid-19. Organiser NCC Events said it did not take the decision lightly to put off the show, which was due to run from 23 to 28 February. But the company added that it felt making an early announcement was the only way to “safeguard show partners, exhibitors and visitors from the financial exposure of a late show cancellation”. NCC Events chief executive John Lally said, “The team is extremely disappointed, as they have done everything they can to prepare a Covid-secure floorplan, ensuring that both exhibitors and visitors would have a safe environment.” The next instalment of the…

Price £30,995 Berths 4 MTPLM 1734kg MiRO 1579kg COACHMAN’S TWIN-AXLE Laser range has been through some changes in the past few seasons. First, it was merged with the VIP; it was later unmerged. Then last season, we saw the arrival of the 8ft-wide Laser Xcels. This year, there’s yet another change, with the introduction of the Laser 575 Xcel, the first single-axle in the line-up. According to Coachman, this is designed to appeal to people who want to move up a grade from the VIP, and like the extra width, but don’t have the funds to go for a full-blown Laser Xcel. (At £30,995 OTR, the 575 is almost £5500 cheaper than the Laser 875 Xcel, which has the same layout.) Does such an offer work? Pitch and set-up At…

Tested by Peter Baber Price £40,785 Kerbweight 1682kg 85% match 1430kg Towball limit 100kg THE FIRST TIME I stepped into this Volvo estate, I was quite genuinely amused. The driving position seemed incredibly low down and close to the road. In fact, once I had adjusted the seat to take account of what I admit is my unusual height (6ft 5in), I felt I might even be a participant in Wacky Races! Could this really be a great driving position for a tow car, at least when compared to some of the mighty SUVs we have had in the past? Great towing In the event, I need not have worried. We’ve had the car for three months, I have taken it on towing journeys across the country on several occasions,…

I’M THINKING OF BUYING A BRAND NEW CARAVAN, AND THE DEALER SAYS IT WILL COME WITH A WARRANTY. THAT’S JUST LIKE A GUARANTEE, RIGHT? Not exactly. The Consumers’ Association distinguishes between the two. It says guarantees are mainly focused on whether a product lives up to your expectations, and are free. Warranties, on the other hand, are more like an insurance policy, and you sometimes have to pay for them. The main thing to remember is that a warranty should have no impact on your consumer rights. As Alicia Dunne, deputy director general of the National Caravan Council, says: “The simple rule is that a warranty can add to a consumer’s rights, but it can’t take them away.” NCC consumer rights adviser Peter Stonely takes this important point a step…

The conundrum Caravans for couples are a key trading sector for manufacturers and dealers, who put a great deal of effort into offering plenty of choice at competitive prices. So if you want good value and a high spec, the market is on your side. Be sure to shop around and look at other models and manufacturers, too, because the nearly new examples shown here are just a starting point. BAILEY UNICORN MERIDA (2019) OUR REVIEW SAID… Unlike some other caravan lounges, this one really feels like home, because as well as the comfortable parallel settees and the chest between them, it has a sideboard with the fridge down the nearside by the front door. The top of this is an ideal location for a TV, which is no doubt…

What’s new? Volvo has embraced electrification faster and with greater commitment than most car makers. The brand’s XC40 SUV line-up now includes two plug-in hybrids and an all-electric. Even the more conventional internal combustion engine cars feature mild-hybrid technology. We’re testing the more powerful of the plug-in hybrids, the T5 Recharge. What are we looking for? We’ve tested the diesel Volvo XC40 in the past and been impressed. Can the hybrid match it as a tow car? Towing ability We’ve had mixed experiences towing with plug-in hybrids. Some are noisy and thirsty while towing, others are hampered by their low towing limits. Neither of these constraints applies to the XC40 T5 Recharge. It has a kerbweight of 1812kg (listed as the weight in running order by Volvo). That gives it…

Where are we? Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk Coordinates 52°57’27.3”N, 0°51’03.3”E Why tour here? Coastal Norfolk is a stunning place to tour, with small, friendly towns, fascinating wildlife and big blue skies. If you’re lucky, you might even see a double rainbow! Get the lowdown on coastal Norfolk on p42. Don’t miss… The seafood is about as fresh as it gets – there are some outstanding restaurants in this area where you can try local delicacies. One is the Wells Crab House, handily located on Freeman Street, which also offers a takeaway service. Photographer Paul Stewart, Getty Images…

Boot bananas Wet walking boots? Just slip these cheery yellow moisture absorbers inside them and they’ll dry out much more quickly. Price £22 Web www.amazon.co.uk Fineway 12V heated blanket Stay warmer in your motorhome this winter with the Fineway heated blanket – simply plug it into the nearest 12V socket. Price £17.99 Web www.amazon.co.uk Relax Vulcano Hammock Chair Find a tree and simply hang this bright and comfy chair. It holds up to 120kg, so you can chill out confidently and in style. Price £57.10 Web simplyhammocks.co.uk Hoover H-Handy 700 The cordless H-Handy 700 Express vacuum weighs just 660g and is only 42cm long, yet runs for up to 12 minutes before it needs to be recharged. Price £119.99 Web www.hoover.co.uk Pet Room Dog Walking bag Keep your dog’s treats…

■ Just give it a go. Like my sister said: “If you don’t like it, you can always sell it.” ■ I didn’t do a course, but I hear they are very good. If I could go back, I’d do a Caravan and Motorhome Club towing course before I started (www.caravanclub.co.uk). ■ On your first trip, stay near home. It’s an opportunity to get used to the van, learn the ropes and iron out any little issues. If there is a problem, say with the heating, you can always head home and try again another time. ■ Don’t fear the loo! I don’t mind emptying it. It’s simple and civilised these days, and just part of caravanning. ■ Go with friends. People are always very supportive – both caravanning friends…

Reviews editor Peter Baber is a hugely experienced caravanner who enjoys touring whenever he can Everyone loves Scotland, don’t they? All those gorgeous glens and heavenly lochs - certainly worth putting up with the odd midge and spot of rain for. But Scotland in winter? This year, January was the only time I could get away for such a visit. Well, the midges wouldn’t be there, of course, but I shuddered to think of the icy roads, bad weather and perhaps snowdrifts that I might have to encounter in the Highlands at that time of year. And everything would probably be closed. But then I remembered that there was one part of Scotland, within easy reach of people travelling from the south like me, that tends to get forgotten about.…

THE A11 RUNS between London and Norfolk, on route that goes via Epping and Harlow, bypasses Cambridge and then continues to Newmarket and Thetford before reaching Norwich. It began as a coaching route linking London and Norwich, taking in Epping Forest, Newmarket and Thetford Forest. On the road at Epping, travellers were targeted by highwaymen until the early 19th century. The town was an important stop, with 6 coaching inns - a few still survive today. To the south-east of Harlow, the road joins the A414, becoming the A1184 at Harlow Mill before crossing into Hertfordshire and Sawbridgeworth. The A11 was downgraded to the A1184 when the M11 was built to relieve the congestion on the A11 out of London. From Sawbridgeworth, the road heads north to the market town…

Price £19,999 Berths 4 MiRO 1255kg MTPLM 1410kg BAILEY’S PHOENIX was introduced with relatively little fanfare a couple of seasons ago. Since then, the manufacturer has been hard at work launching the more budget Discovery and updating its other ranges. So isn’t it about time the Phoenix was given a bit of an upgrade? Well, for 2021 it becomes the Phoenix+, described as a limited edition, although you won’t be able to buy standard Phoenix vans any more (just as Unicorn became Black Edition). Bailey has dropped the 760 - it felt there was only room for one bunk-bed layout and, as the 650 was more popular, that remains in what is now a six-model range. For our first look, however, we stepped inside the Phoenix+ 642, a four-berth with…

‘I’ve always really loved the great outdoors, and joining the Caravan and Motorhome Club has given me the opportunity to enjoy that even more’ › Tell us about your current role – what do you do? I’m Director of Marketing and Membership Services for the Caravan and Motorhome Club. My role with the club is all about communicating to the members, so they understand all of the great benefits and things that we do as a club to support them and ensure they can get the most out of the great outdoors. › How long have you been with the club? Five years. I previously worked at Eurotunnel for seven years as marketing director and the club was one of our clients. So I knew of the club’s reputation, but…

Price £24,900 Kerbweight 1380kg What’s new? Volkswagen calls the Golf mk8 a “digital revolution”. The VW’s dashboard is entirely digital, with no conventional instruments, even on entry-level vehicles. What’s more, this is the first VW to use Car2X technology, which shares information between cars to warn of potential hazards ahead. In addition, there have been changes in the design and the engines, with a view to cutting emissions and using less fuel. We’re testing the 115hp 2.0-litre TDI Life with a six-speed manual gearbox. What are we looking for? You can see what VW means by a digital revolution when you sit inside the car and see a screen in front of you instead of dials. But has VW concentrated too much on infotainment and connectivity? Is the car itself…

YOUR VAN BUYING QUESTIONS ANSWERED Now featuring new 2021 models! How do I match my car and caravan? The most commonly asked question in caravanning is whether a certain car is appropriate for pulling a certain caravan. To answer this, you must know the kerbweight of your tow car (X), the legal towing limit of your tow car (Y) and the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of your caravan (Z). Car details are often found in the handbook, but if not, you can contact the car manufacturer. The weight of the caravan can usually be found on a chassis plate, by asking the seller or, if it is a new model, by checking the brochure. Please check model details with the manufacturer or dealer before travelling to view or…

★ Star letter ★ I have always had it in the back of my mind that one day, someone would clip the rear of our caravan and fail to notify us. I decided to fit a rear-facing dashcam that works off the van’s 12V supply. Lo and behold, arriving at a destination one day, there it was, considerable damage to the offside rear lower panel; luckily, the rear lights were intact. I did not feel anything of the impact. On uploading the footage, I found it to be a Mercedes, which had cut back in from an overtaking manoeuvre and clipped the back of the van. I copied the footage to my insurance company, which found the driver’s details through the clear image of the numberplate and successfully redeemed the…

Way to go One of the many plus points about the Ayrshire region - apart from the fact that this is a relatively untouristy part of the world - is that for most people coming up from the south, it is really easy to reach. It’s just an hour or so from the M74, the continuation in Scotland of England’s M6. For those of you travelling to Ayrshire from further north, it’s not going to be too difficult, either, being only about an hour south of Glasgow. And in fact, if you want to combine your visit with a trip around the southern Highlands and Islands, that should be perfectly possible, too. Ferries go from Ardrossan to the Isle of Arran and then on to Kintyre and beyond. When to…

Price £35,549 Berths 4 MTPLM 1990kg MiRO 1831kg BUCCANEER’S BARRACUDA introduced the L-shaped lounge, with a space on the wall where you can install a large (for a caravan) TV, to the modern brand. Now that Barracuda has settled in (with a couple of minor tweaks), the design team in County Durham no doubt decided it was time to take the idea into new layouts. Step forward the Buccaneer Bermuda. It has an L-shaped lounge, just like the Barracuda (only facing the other way), a space for a TV, and a central washroom spread across the van. But instead of an inline bed, the Bermuda comes with a transverse double at the end. It still has the same interior length as the Barracuda (6.39m), but the extra space from the…

Tested by John Rawlings Price £17,499 Berths 4 MiRO 1059kg MTPLM 1206kg Awning size 1156cm TO MAKE UP for its lockdown-imposed idleness, this month, our long-term Bailey Discovery D4-4 has been very active, starting with a weekend in Oxfordshire, followed by a wonderful trip to the Lake District. And this time, it was put to the stringent test of accommodating a family of four. It first put its legs down at the Henley Four Oaks Caravan and Motorhome Club Site at Henley-on-Thames, in Oxfordshire. The town centre is walking distance from the campsite and it’s impossible to resist admiring the range of pleasure boats by the bridge. The purpose of our weekend trip was to rendezvous with friends who live a similar distance from Henley, but in the opposite direction.…

We’ve all had an eventful few months in so many ways – 2020 is a year that most of us will never forget. It’s taken its toll on the caravan industry, too, as many manufacturers had to completely halt production during the lockdown, campsites were forced to close, and keen caravanners had to resign themselves to many months of being unable to get out on the road. Catching up Caravan and motorhome shows were also postponed or cancelled, which meant that it’s been more difficult for caravanners to see new models and products, and catch up on the latest industry trends and news, campsite information and more. And that’s where our Van Live! Caravan and Motorhome Virtual Show came in. From 12 to 18 October 2020, you could visit our…

BACK IN 2011, motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleepers caused a stir when it launched a range of luxury tourers at the October NEC show. Beginning with three layouts, they soon added a fourth. AS caravans, as they became known, were luxury tourers with a spec that included such desirable items as an Al-Ko mover and a hairdryer. They were priced at just under £30,000 by the end of production in 2014, and these days, you should be able to pick up one of these super tourers for about £15,000. The AS Kensington that we found at Salop Leisure is an end-washroom four-berth with extras fitted, such as satellite TV and a side pull-out awning. The only problem with the range was that its looks didn’t appeal to everyone. They were well made,…

AH, THE BMW 5-Series Touring, that icon of business motoring, designed to take high-flying executives from their home in the suburbs to their chrome and glass office block in the city. But what about the weekend, when you want to head in the other direction, from suburbia to rural idyll – preferably with a caravan attached? The good news is, the 5-Series estate has you covered there, too. Executive estates sell well, despite the SUV onslaught of the past few years. Jaguar hoped to cater for the driving enthusiast with its XF Sportbrake, while Mercedes plays the comfort and space cards with its E-Class Estate. BMW, however, targets the perfect middle ground, with a car that’s good to drive, comfortable and roomy (A). When the range first launched in 2010,…

JOHN SOOTHERAN is Practical Caravan’s Consulting Editor and an experienced caravanner WHEN IT COMES to creating a really home-like environment of luxury and convenience, caravans have been transformed in recent decades. One of the biggest factors is the availability of hot and cold running water, and the ways in which it reaches your van. Foot pumps, buckets and boiling kettles are long gone. Here’s how we get our water on tap. Water to the tourer These days, most people use a portable water-carrier to bring fresh water to their caravan. The term ‘Aquaroll’ is now to caravanning what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners: a catch-all term for the brilliantly simple rolling water-barrel. Few people would be able to carry 50 litres of water (that’s 50kg!) from tap to tourer, so rolling…