Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2022 i Campervan

Contributors Iain Duff Nick Harding Hazel Hutchinson Carol Kubicki Ellen Manning Martin & Helen Matthews Lois Parker & Alan Parker Sue Phillips Claire Tupholme Peter Vaughan Hey, all! So it’s been an active month for me here at Campervan HQ, as I’ve been super-busy with the highly contested Campervan Awards 2023. Categories include Best VW campervan, Best innovation, Best pop-top and Coolest campervan, to name just a few of the exciting categories. All category winners are to be announced at the Birmingham NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show (where I’ll be handing out the trophies!), and full coverage will follow in the December (next) issue of Campervan. So, if you’re looking to buy a 'van at the moment, you really don’t want to miss out on our guide to the latest…

Eco-campervan specialist, CampervanCo, has launched its latest Eco Camper Pioneer II campervan. The new model is based on used versions of the Toyota Alphard Hybrid v2 with enhanced performance and lower emissions over previous models and so offers greater and greener independent living, more storage and extras such as a lithium leisure battery to allow a longer time camping off-grid without the need for mains electricity. The main feature of the new model is its 200Ah lithium leisure battery, which can power 230V appliances, such as a cooker and fridge, without the need for a mains hook-up or intermittently running the engine to top up the battery while parked. It also powers the lighting and climate control, and it can do this for over a week without recharging based on…

Lincolnshire-based premium campervan converter, Knights Custom Conversions, unveiled its first Ford Transit Custom campervan at Motorhome & Campervan Show Season Finale. The new Custom Tourer is closely related to the company’s existing Prestige Tourer conversion, which is based on the VW Transporter T6.1. As well as the different base vehicle, the Custom Tourer’s USP is that it’s a gasless camper. This means that it has a Sterling single induction hob, rather than a gas cooker. It also comes with a 42-litre Vitrifrigo compressor fridge and (optional) Webasto AirTop 2000 STC diesel-fired heating, as well as a 1,600W inverter. The conversion (excluding the Ford base vehicle) is priced from £22,990 (plus £5,650 for the Reimo pop-top), and also includes a Reimo Variotech 3000 sliding seat system with Isofix, blackout blinds, swivels…

After a decade producing and selling high-end and high-spec campervans, first in its home market of Poland and then Germany and now in 15 European countries, Globe-Traveller is now entering the UK market with a range of right-hand drive models. The company began when its founder, Sobiesław Zasada, a former Polish rally driving champion who had extensive experience using leisure vehicles as back up’vans and quarters when competing, created his own motorhome manufacturing company in 2009. Three years later, the Globe-Traveller brand was born with a simple ethos – to always deliver above expectations. While now aged in his 90s, Sobiesław is still involved in the company and, today, Globe-Traveller campervans can be seen all over Europe and, very soon, across the UK, too. For UK buyers Globe-Traveller has been…

Landseer sounds like an appropriate name for a campervan which should, after all, take you to see the land. But that wasn’t the reason the moniker was chosen and nor are these new Ford Transit Custom conversions named after the eponymous breed of dog. In fact, the company takes its title from Edwin Landseer, an English painter who also sculpted the lions on the base of Nelson’s Column. So, what has that got to do with campervans, which still weren’t much in evidence in 1873 when Edwin passed away? Not much, except that he is a favourite of company owner, David Heeney, and the brand logo (a stag) comes from The Monarch of the Glen, painted by Landseer. While we’re on the subject of paint, you can choose from 10…

The autumn and winter seasons are perfect for enjoying a campervanning city break. After all, if it’s raining outside or blowing a hoolie, cities offer a myriad of indoor entertainment opportunities to keep you occupied! Visit Scotland’s capital and where better to start than with a day out at the legendary Edinburgh Castle? Keep your eyes peeled for events, too, such as the Castle of Light: A Kingdom of Colour in November and December, as well as Christmas-themed lunches and afternoon tea. For a spot of shopping, take a mooch around both the medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, and check out a range of attractions such as the Royal Botanic Garden and Holyrood Park - did you know that Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in the park,…

Sunny Scotland We’re making the most of a snap of good weather and are away in our campervan enjoying the Moray Firth. Felicity, Twitter Meet Kefi Check out our new campervan called Kefi! Ashleigh, Facebook Singing praises We visited and camped at the Warners Campervan and Motorhome show at Shepton Mallet. What a show and the entertainment was out of this world – well worth the long journey. Our campervan is a 2017 Swift Select 122, which we adore, but I am having trouble with the 12V compressor fridge draining the battery and the solar panel not being able to keep up. So, approaching the dealer we purchased it from (incidentally, our ’van is just outside the warranty) with no success to any of the questions I asked, we walked…

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On sale 17 November 2022 Campervan awards Campsites Perfect sites for escaping on a city break in you campervan this winter… In the know Check out our Christmas gear guide and stock up on the best gifts ever! Vanlife We check out what’s been rockin' your weird and wonderful campervan world… Plus Enjoying the snow roads of Arnside and Silverdale, winter walking, and much more All contents subject to change Subscribe at outandaboutlive.co.uk 01778 392019 subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk Digital Campervan offers To enjoy access to a fully searchable digital library of all issues of Campervan since it was launched, visit motorhome.ma/exdigi22cpvn For extra photos, video, interactive adverts, live web links and additional web-based articles, head to motorhome.ma/cpvnpocketmags…

Hymer revises its campervans Hymer is making changes across its Fiat campervan range, after six years on sale. The Ayers Rock, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are all revised, with the Yellowstone getting a new swivelling washroom. The other models retain their existing floorplans. Two different interior styles are offered on the 2023-season models, which go on sale next spring. Real materials, including cork and ceramics, are featured, and heat and noise insulating felt lining helps to optimise insulation and warm air circulation. Other innovations include what Hymer calls the “first comprehensive four-level lighting concept in a campervan”. The interior lights are each equipped with a warm white/cold white and dimming function. There are new reading lights with touch controls above the driver and front passenger seats and, as an…

Over 54,500 pets travelled from Folkestone to Calais on the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle in August – a record-breaking month – which takes the number of pets carried on the Eurotunnel to over 3.7 million since 2000. In a survey of its customers who have travelled with a pet in the last three years, Eurotunnel found that 61.5% regularly holiday with their dog, and many choose the Eurotunnel over ferries due to being able to stay with their pet for the duration of travel. If you’re planning on travelling with your dog, Eurotunnel has shared the following tips: • Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date before travel• As the EU pet passport is no longer valid for travel from the UK to the EU, you will need an animal…

A trend we’ve noticed in recent times is a higher demand for smaller campervans – or micro-campers, as they are often called – as more and more people use their campers as their only vehicle. A trend also picked up on by Volkswagen, which launched its VW Caddy California last year. These car-like campervans are not only ideal for solo campers but are actually well-suited to couples, too. Brighton-based campervan converter, Love Campers, builds on a range of base vehicles but the majority of its orders are for VW Caddy-based conversions. It builds on both the Caddy (short-wheel base) and Caddy Maxi (long-wheelbase) and offers three layouts. The Chamonix is a two-seater, two-berth model with a side kitchen opposite a side sofa, while the Zanzibar is a five-seater camper, having…

Farmer, Simon Green, has always been interested in environmental issues; he was a volunteer photographer with Greenpeace in the 1980s. His passion for sustainability has been carried forward into every aspect of his farm and award-winning campsite in West Sussex. I found Stubcroft Farm on the Green Tourism website. The campsite was conveniently close to friends we were keen to visit, so we booked four nights. We booked a further six nights at Sumners Ponds campsite on the other side of the county for easy access to a half-day ‘wildlife safari’ at Knepp Estate. I was keen to learn how Stubcroft Farm had earned that Green Tourism gold star award. Fortunately, ‘Farmer Simon’ was on hand to tell me. Starting with toilets… Composting loos may be associated with 1970s hippies,…

1 Parkland Caravan & Camping, Devon Sorley Cross, Kingsbridge, Nr Salcombe TQ7 4AF 01548 852723 parklandsite.co.uk If you’re looking for an adults-only Devon retreat, Parkland is an ideal choice. Set just one mile from the market town of Kingsbridge, within three acres of mature landscaped grounds, there are hardstanding or grass fully serviced pitches available. As a winter treat, why not upgrade to a deluxe pitch, one of only three, with your own private washroom and shared utility room with dishwasher and fridge/freezer? Site facilities include toilets, showers and baths, plus a launderette, campers’ kitchen and licensed shop. Public transport is 400 yards from the site, with services to Kingsbridge and the popular seaside town of Salcombe, or historic Dartmouth and Totnes. 2 Inver Caravan Park, Highland Houstry Road, Dunbeath,…

The Matthews family Campervan fans Base vehicle VW SWB Transporter Conversion type CamperKing St Tropez Owned since 2021 Travel seats 5 Berths 4 What we l♥ve about it Small, easy to drive and can be used as a second vehicle for day-to-day life We’d taken our older child (then aged one) camping in a tent in Scotland in 2018. It rained – a lot. We enjoyed some sun in Ayr before pitching in what became a swamp/river/rapids/torrent of water in the middle of a tempest in Glencoe. We watched other people’s tents float away in the dark of night like driftwood in the sea, leaving their weary owners chasing them across a field, or taking shelter in their cars. We, and our belongings, somehow stayed anchored in place as torrents of…

How many music festivals can you do in a season? 2022 has proved something of a personal high for me and my partner, Lin, with weekends at four – Wychwood, Tartan Heart, Wickham and Beautiful Days. Frankly, though, anyone can be a festival expert. The key thing is, you’re going to have fun – whatever the weather, whatever the music line-up. Whatever the camping conditions. Did I say music? Yes, I’m talking weekend music festivals. Let me tell you about Wickham Festival, then. A few aspects set it apart from other festivals. The two main stages are under cover – housed under huge, big top-style tents. There are two other stages here, too. Camping is mixed in that campervans, caravans and tents happily intermingle in the same field (there are…

Despite the appeal of getting away from it all, at peak times, campsites can be pretty busy and most site etiquette comes down to a combination of common sense, courtesy and mutual respect. The written rules on sites are usually prominent and easy to follow; the unwritten rules are usually based on simply being a considerate person. When you arrive at a campsite, take the time to read and understand the rules and make sure the others in your party are also in the picture. As far as making sense of the rules and customs goes, the simple advice is: be aware and, if in doubt, ask. Booking and arrival • When you make a booking, be clear about what you want and expect and what you are paying to…

Campervan converter, Orange Campers, has, up until now, specialised in offering conversions on the short-wheelbase Fiat Ducato, thus creating a side kitchen layout in a vehicle offering noticeably more interior space than the ubiquitous VW Transporter, but with a similar sub-5m overall length. Now, with future supplies of the SWB Fiat uncertain in the UK, the company has launched a version of its Trouvaille campervan on the Ford Transit Custom, while it is also developing a conversion of the longer, medium-wheelbase Fiat Ducato. The Ford, called the Trouvaille Actif, is the first to reach the market and is now available from £66,999 based on a Transit Custom Active SWB with standard 17in alloy wheels and limited slip differential, as well as the 168bhp (170PS) engine and manual gearbox. The Trouvaille…

Barnsley-based campervan blind specialist, Vanshades, has moved to a new 11,500 square-foot facility, thanks to support from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme. Founded in 2016 by Pete Staniforth, Vanshades manufactures and produces thermal blackout blinds for VW and Ford campervans, which are installed directly into the window recesses to improve thermal properties, and keep them in place on the move. The company now plans to expand its range to support more vehicle models and create new jobs.…

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, we’d estimated that there were around 500 campervan converter companies in the UK. We think it could be even more now, but it’s almost impossible to know with certainty, as it fluctuates all the time – new firms come along as other go under, and some slip under the radar completely. Dan Cooper, owner of Leicestershire-based Custom Camper Solutions (CCS) describes his company as exactly that: a below-the-radar campervan converter that focuses on giving its customers the best cost-effective conversion it can, rather than trying to become the next best thing. The firm was set up in 2012 and now consists of a team of six members of staff, including Dan, who enjoys working on the shop floor, being a hands-on campervan technician himself. As…

Driving out of the port at IJmuiden near Amsterdam we took the shortest route to Germany. Notbecausewedon’tcareforthe Netherlands, we were just eager to get to possibly my favourite European country. It was a few years since we had visited and, crossing the border, we did a supermarket sweep before checking into a campsite, stocking up on German goodies including paprika crisps, Krombacher beer and veggie frankfurters. At the campsite near Wilsum, my German was so rusty they thought I was Dutch! Once we had cleared up my nationality, I was warmly welcomed back to Europe, asked to complete more paperwork than seemed necessary for one night and allowed to choose a pitch anywhere on the rambling site. For us, it was a no-brainer and we were soon set up in…

Our new campervan is an Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus on a Fiat Ducato LWB chassis, purchased from Derby Motorhomes, in 2021. This is our seventh motorhome/campervan. We bought our first coachbuilt in 2001 and followed that with four others of various sizes over the years, until 2016 when we decided to downsize to a campervan. We chose an Auto-Sleeper Warwick XL, which served us very well for nearly five years. Now we have shrunk the van length a little bit more with our Symbol Plus, named Sybil. The very comfortable lounge area is accessed from the side sliding door, via an electrically operated step, and is very light and airy. Both of the cab seats turn around, so that, with the third passenger seat and the two-seater sofa, there is plenty…

Once upon a time, cooking while camping involved a tiny gas stove, possibly a disposable barbecue or even a fire if you were brave. But, these days, especially in campervans, cooking can be as simple or as complex as you like. From a fry-up to a full Sunday roast, the world really is your oyster. Of course, cooking facilities differ depending on what campervan you call your home from home, but whether it’s two burners and a grill in a VW, or an induction cooker, microwave and oven in a bigger ’van, the longer you have your ’van the more possibilities you’ll find when it comes to cooking. In the five years we’ve owned our VW, we’ve eaten everything from one-pot wonders and slow-cooked feasts to meals comprising several elements…

“Where would you like to pitch?” asked the warden at Sherwood Pines campsite. “At the edge,” was my immediate reply. There is something appealing about camping on the edge of the forest, watching it gradually darken as evening falls, hoping to catch a glimpse of a wild animal. From the map, I could see that the campsite was a stone’s throw from Center Parcs, which we used to visit when the children were young. “Just think how much cheaper it would have been to bring the children here instead,” I remarked. There may not be a swimming pool at Sherwood Pines, but there are plenty of places to walk and cycle in the forest. Following some of these paths at random, we found ourselves at a café offering a tempting…