Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Practical Motorhome

SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. No single digit can appear twice in any one row, column or 3x3 box WORDWISE You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Mediate 20 = average More than 40 = well done HALF & HALF The world’s highest example of what natural feature is thought to be found on the peak of Ojos del Salado in Chile? Cross out a letter in each square…

Duration Seven nights When Spring 2024 Why? Dramatic mountain scenery with walking trails to suit all ages One particularly vivid memory from my childhood is a framed postcard that hung on the wall by my grandparents’ front door. It depicted a rugged and rocky mountain reaching high into a cloudless sky, with a great sweep of rolling green hills below – the kind of image you’d imagine a train company using to advertise travel destinations back in the sixties. On the postcard, there was a short quote: “There’s no better way to see the world than from the top of a mountain.” Those words stuck with me as I grew up, and they still do to this day; which might go some way to explaining why, whenever we have the…

Being an über-luxurious brand, Niesmann+Bischoff is a relatively small producer, and it only updates its ranges once in a while. In the past few years, we have seen the launch of the company’s first-ever low-profile, the iSmove, and updates to its top-of-the-table Flair. So it seems only natural that for 2025, the German manufacturer should focus on its other range, the Arto. We visited Erwin Hymer Travelworld, the brand’s only UK dealer, to see the Arto 78, the smaller of the two models in the range. The firm is known for its customisable models, as we found in the £207,029 vehicle we saw. Much of the upgrade concerns things that are not immediately obvious, such as a new 300-litre fresh-water tank, 200-litre waste-water tank, 150Ah lithium leisure battery and 660W…

Autocruise (Swift) Select 144 Price £47,545 Berths 4 Belts 4 Base vehicle Fiat Ducato Engine 2.3-litre, 130bhp Length 6.0m Width 2.26m Height 2.72m MTPLM 3300kg Payload 358kg Previous reports Issues 296, 297 We published our popular Top 100 Sites Guide in the previous issue, and as ever, it was great fun to put together. I always make sure to read the comments from our readers about why they choose to stay at a particular site; very often, it’s not the all-singing, all-dancing campsites that appeal most, but those offering that little something extra, that you can’t quite put your finger on. And when you discover a good campsite, many of you often comment on how you love to return there, too. Which is one of the reasons that we decided…

Choose plots a pre-owned journey Kent-based Choose Leisure has devoted a section of its website to showing the journey that a used motorhome makes from initial purchase/trade-in to the forecourt, looking for its next owner. Vehicles undergo all manner of checks and tests before they are ready for sale, from safety aspects through to thorough valeting inside and out. Typically, Choose will have up to 80 ’vans on display – emphasising the importance of being able to compare and contrast models in one place before you buy. As Choose puts it: “Finding the right one is the toughest decision, with so many options and layouts to consider, but the team are on hand to help. Like looking at a house or a car, you always know when you find the…

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I don’t know about you, but most people seem utterly baffled by the future of motoring in the UK. Government tinkering with the Zero Emission Vehicle deadlines for electric vehicles hasn’t helped. The automotive industry has had to deal with the erratic nature of these back-and-forth decisions and it’s now little wonder that most consumers’ heads are spinning. The UK’s original timeline was to transition to a ban on the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles by 2030, in line with the EU-wide goal – set by the Paris Agreement - of reaching net zero for carbon emissions by 2050. Rishi Sunak then moved it forward to 2035, before Keir Starmer pledged to bring it back to 2030. The aim is for new vehicles powered only by fossil fuel to…

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…

what3words ///cherub.badminton.overgrown Why tour here? One of the many things we’re blessed with here in the UK is an abundance of outstanding historic architecture. We have so much to celebrate in our fascinating past – and picturesque villages tucked away in glorious countryside offer an exciting glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and their world. Stillington, in Yorkshire, is just one example: it’s mentioned in the Domesday book, with the name deriving from its Saxon settler, Styfel. Let the present meet the past when you visit in your motorhome; enjoy a walk around its streets and savour the history. We take a look at 10 other atmospheric and culturally significant English villages in our feature on p52, plus, we reveal somewhere fantastic nearby to pitch up. Don’t miss… Grade…

Duration Five nights When September 2024 Why? Superb walking in dramatic clifftop and coastal landscapes I like Cornwall very much. It is not England. It is bare and dark and elemental.” So wrote DH Lawrence while living there in the early 1900s. And I have to agree – I like Cornwall very much and find it elemental and wild. But we also discovered a gentler, calmer side to this beautiful region, staying at Bude, on the northern coast, last September. Yes, there are classic surfers’ waves and daring tales of smuggling in times past, but there are also buckets and spades and crabbing lines, golden sandy beaches for relaxing on and seas just made for paddling in – the North Cornwall coast really does have it all. Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches…

One of the many marvellous things about English villages is their huge variety. Even neighbouring villages can develop very differently, their characters reflecting their own histories and the people, influences, mishaps and opportunities that have shaped them over centuries. It is a joy to explore an unfamiliar village and stumble across some unexpected, extraordinary feature that I haven’t seen before and it’s almost possible to find a favourite for every day of the year. This selection includes those I love that illustrate key village-heritage themes and share characteristics with many other places. It’s no coincidence that they are also great to visit for non-historical reasons – not least good walks, a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or a decent pint. 1 The origins of English villages West…

Knaus brings in heavyweights Knaus Tabbert is taking on some key industry figures to help it see through the stabilisation programme brought in last year, which it says is already producing results. The German company, which manufactures Knaus and Weinsberg motorhomes, has already appointed Matjaž Grm, former chief sales officer at Adria Mobil, as a consultant. From the start of May Jochen Hein, who spent eight years as Hymer’s technical director, will join the firm as its new chief operating officer. The stabilisation programme was introduced last autumn by new CEO Wim de Pundert, who joined Knaus after an investigation that had led to two former board members being dismissed. Knaus Tabbert says that it enjoyed a successful CMT show in January, and as a result reduced its overall vehicle…

Avacuum cleaner can be a rather underrated, yet crucial, gadget when it comes to experiencing an enjoyable motorhome tour. After all, if you’re anything like us, chances are you’ll find it hard to relax when there’s dirt and debris around you. A good cleaner will ensure you can keep the interior of your vehicle clear of crumbs, dirt and dust. This could be particularly important if you’re an activity-lover who will be bringing muddy gear inside, or you tour with a canine companion leaving a trail of mucky paw prints or hair. The crucial factors here are going to be how you want to use the device, and where you tour. An option with a rechargeable battery will typically be cordless and handheld, helpful for getting into the nooks and…

Even just a cursory glance at showroom or exhibition windscreen prices reveals just how expensive new and nearly-new motorcaravans are these days. For many, all of those noughts make them simply unattainable. Don’t despair, a deep dive into the pre-owned market shows that there are desirable vehicles available at all price points. Here, we focus on those priced at under £10,000. It was BC (Before Covid) when I last researched this, and then, the average annual mileage for a coachbuilt was under 4000, with many covering less. I doubt it has changed much. In addition, nearly all motorcaravans are privately owned by folk wanting to look after their investment, which means that finding an affordable, cared-for model is going to be easier than for most other vehicles. All of the…

FRIDGE SPECIAL DO MOTORHOME FRIDGES HAVE TO BE LEVEL? Yes, motorhome fridges should be level to work properly. The gas moves to a heat exchanger, transferring heat outside and condensing back into liquid. This process depends on gravity, so if the fridge isn’t level, it won’t function efficiently. This in-depth guide reveals the best ways to keep food and drink cool while you’re out on the road, using your motorhome fridge and electric coolboxes. Some built-in, under-counter fridges can be a bit too small for a family of four or more, so keeping an electrically powered coolbox in the cab or in an awning is a great way to expand your cold-storage capacity when needed. Here, we’re looking at all the options to keep your provisions as cool as a cucumber…

Outdoor activities and events Brighton Fringe 2 May to 1 June 2025 This world-famous celebration of culture champions the weird, wild and wonderful, including everything from circus (1), dance and comedy to music, nightlife and cabaret. Confirmed events include a performance of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, and Rachel O’Connor’s Astroballs comedy show. Events are free or individually priced. w brightonfringe.org Stay at Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite w caravanclub.co.uk Keswick Mountain Festival 16-18 May 2025 Don your climbing gear and head for the Lake District to enjoy this great festival of all things outdoors (2). There will be guest speakers, music and sports events. The huge selection of activities will include climbing, kayaking, orienteering, paddleboarding and axe throwing. Tickets from £20. w keswickmountainfestival.co.uk Stay at Derwentwater C&CC Site w…

Although it is one of the largest seaside towns to be found on England’s south coast, there’s an understated charm about Worthing. And while it might not have the edgy swagger of its eastern cousins at Brighton and Eastbourne, it makes up for that with a beautifully maintained, wide promenade with plenty of space to walk and enjoy the sea air, – and places to park! The town was listed in the Domesday Book and came to prominence during the Georgian era, when it became fashionable with wealthy visitors, and subsequently during the 19th and 20th centuries with holidaymakers. In the later 20th century, it became something of a retirement hotspot, but since the 1990s, the town’s population has enjoyed an influx of young families in search of the relaxed…

Mrs S likes her holiday sunshine guaranteed, making summer UK touring a bit of a hard sell. In a spirit of harmony and diplomacy, I’ve always agreed to take the ’van to Europe, to those places where opening the curtains in the morning is almost certain to leave you temporarily blinded, so bright is the sunlight. I love Euro touring. The driving is easy, the sunshine incessant, the beaches just sensational and the cultures fascinating. There’s a real spirit of adventure as you board the ferry or Chunnel train, and once at your location, the standard of the campsites is excellent, too. All that said, Euro-freedom does have its price, and that comes in the form of some additional planning and admin. Over the next few pages, I’ll be sharing…

Bailey Adamo 75-4I Price £75,499 Berths 4 Belts 4 Base vehicle Ford Transit Engine 2.0-litre, 160bhp Length 7.49m Width 2.38m Height 2.85m MTPLM 3500kg Payload 358kg for a night at Ladybirch, including dinner; £200 on fuel) Previous reports Issues 280, 287, 288, 289, 296, 297 We all have our own nominations for the worst stretch of motorway in the UK, the one where you are most likely to be held up. For me there is a clear winner, and no, it’s not on the M25. It’s the section of the M6 between Junction 8, where it joins the M5, and Junction 16, north of Stoke-on-Trent. Everyone who knows this stretch of road usually talks about the section past Hilton Park Services as being particularly bad, and it is. I am…

Prequel In Blighty, and before the 1965 launch of the Transit, the forward-control Ford Thames 400E occupied the market sector. However, in Germany the Transit was preceded by the… um… er… Transit – and here it is. Officially monikered Taunus Transit and built at the Ford plant in Cologne. First Generation Mk 1 (1965 – 1978) All were rear-wheel drive with a short bonnet and a white grille. Most were powered by Essex V4 petrol engines of either 1.7 or 2.0-litre capacity. The 1.8-litre Perkins diesel and later York 2.4-litre diesel were both in-line engines and didn’t fit in the standard engine bay, thus these had an extended bullnose front. Pictured here is the IPC Suntrekker demountable. Mk 2 (1978 – 1986) This CI Motorhomes body sits well on the…

FRIDGE SPECIAL We’ve been regularly sifting through the mountains of stuff for sale on eBay and Facebook Marketplace over the past year, in the hope of finding a fridge for our 1998 project ’van. It hasn’t been easy. When we bought the vehicle, it had been fitted out with a small domestic fridge underneath the counter, resting on top of a microwave. In its favour, the set-up did work if you were plugged into a hook-up, but it looked horrible and every so often, you’d find that the fridge had come loose from its mounting. This really wasn’t a good solution. Factory fresh What we wanted to do was to restore our ’van to the way it was when it left the factory back in 1998. We were looking out for…

How to use the guide We’ve organised our listings by layout, which is generally the most crucial aspect for buyers. Simply locate the floorplan you like in the guide; then, on the left of it, you’ll find details of every UK model with that layout. Simple! This month, we’re looking at van conversions (aka campervans). HIGH TOP, FIXED ROOF great for… Being best of all worlds MALIBU GENIUS 641 LE (p106) Price £85,270 Sleeps 2 Belts 4 Base vehicle Mercedes Sprinter Engine 150bhp Length 6.40m MTPLM 3500kg Payload 554kg Water (fresh/waste) 100/90 litres Leisure battery 90Ah Gas 2 x 11kg Malibu’s first-ever conversion on a Mercedes Sprinter aims to be both a van conversion and a coachbuilt: the vehicle is 47cm longer than the base vehicle, thanks to a clever…