Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2024 i Practical Motorhome

Put a spring in your step! Reader Ken Octon recently asked the Practical Motorhome experts about improving the ride on his Ducato X250 (issue 281). I can add a little more to Diamond Dave’s response regarding the use of MAD assister springs. Starting 30 years ago, I have fitted these to three of my Ducato vehicles. In all three cases, I found that they absolutely transformed the ride and handling. Most recently, I have added them to my current ’van (2017 Ducato X250) and I’m pleased with the outcome. This resulted in a smoother ride, with 95% less banging and crashing on our appalling road surfaces. I have had no experience of air or semi-air systems for comparison, but given their extra cost, I have never felt the need to…

■ TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU… I live in Bridgwater, in the heart of Somerset. I’m a transport manager for KRG Transport, which operates a fleet of 30 crane lorries. I work for a mate, who used to race stock cars. ■ … AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR STOCK CAR RACING! I’ve been a keen follower of BriSCA Formula 2 stock car racing for ages. This is ‘short oval’ racing (run on an oval track that is quarter-mile long or less) and is considered a semi-contact motorsport (self-explanatory!). Racing takes place between March and November, pretty much every weekend. There are 15 tracks on the UK circuit and five in Holland. As a scrutineer, I do safety checks on the cars and make sure they stick to the rules. I…

Duration Five nights When Summer 2023 Why? To explore the famous sights of Western Scotland Does it really get any more quintessentially Scottish than Ben Nevis or Loch Lomond? Well, maybe midges and heather. And whisky, mustn’t forget the whisky, very Scots. Which is why, on a trip to Scotland last summer, we decided we had to experience these (no, not the midges, but definitely a drop of the whisky!). A river runs through it Our adventure began at Lomond Woods Holiday Park on the southern tip of Loch Lomond, amid tuneless renditions of ‘The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond’ – singing is not our forte, but fun! This pretty campsite is just a stroll away from the small town of Balloch, and it was here that we spent our…

‘There are some truly wonderful views across this ancient landscape’ We were at Tehidy Holiday Park, the base for our stay in Cornwall, when co-owner Richard Barnes explained the secret of the region’s enduring appeal: “It’s all about the light. It’s a very blue light reflected off the sea and the beach. The countryside and the light draw in the artists and what appeals to them, appeals to the people.” It had certainly appealed to me. Temperatures there seemed to be averaging 5-10 degrees cooler than the hot summer the capital was experiencing at the time of our visit, and any thoughts of getting away from it all by air had been thwarted by reports of cancelled flights to an even hotter mainland Europe. The sensible thing to do, I…

How can you improve on what is an already popular product? Adria’s Fiat-based Twin van conversions have proved bestsellers since they were first introduced at the beginning of this century. But with continuing supply issues at Fiat, and the trend among other brands to start producing more upmarket van conversion ranges, it seemed inevitable that Adria would do the same. The Twin Max, on a MAN base vehicle (at 6.84m, nearly half a metre longer than the extra-long-wheelbase Fiat), is the impressive result. The 680 SGX model we review here, with a long rising bed in the rear, also nods to another trend, for designing motorhomes to help people pursue other hobbies, as we shall see. The van as standard has an MTPLM of 3500kg, but all UK-imported models come…

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Many Practical Motorhome readers might think V-Line was Auto-Trail’s first panel van conversion range. It wasn’t, but it is their first in quite a long time, since the mid-1990s, in fact, when they made the SEVEL-based Badger and Fox, along with the rather short-lived Ford Transit-based Stag. The V-Line burst onto the scene back in 2007, when some models featured a stylish GRP forehead and crown to the standard Ducato high-top. These ceased in 2017, after which, our featured generation of V-Line commenced, all on the standard high-roof version of the ubiquitous X/290 Fiat Ducato. There are currently 11 direct descendants, plus a further five close relatives, and also many ‘Tribute’-badged doppelgängers. The majority of pre-owned examples for sale are from the V-Line SE and Sport ranges. The most significant…

Keep harmful emissions at bay EGR, CAT, DPF. What are they and what do they do? Well, they are all emission control devices, so they help to reduce the emission of harmful products of combustion from the exhaust. With the ever-increasing attention being paid to vehicle emissions these days, and the importance of minimising them, it’s essential to understand how these devices function. EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), put simply, recirculates some exhaust gas back into the air intake system. This might seem a bit strange, but there are good reasons for it because it helps control the in-cylinder temperatures and thereby reduces the production of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory problems, as well as environmental changes. The CAT (catalytic converter) converts toxic gases within the…

North Cornwall What3words ///eased.agency.swatting Why tour here? North Cornwall is famed for its abundant breakers, found at renowned beaches such as Widemouth, Polzeath and Sennen. Indeed, surfers have been attracted to these waters since the late 1920s, when four Australian teenagers first launched boards into the waves at Cribbar near Newquay. Since then, Newquay, with its top beaches including Fistral, has become a centre for surfing in the UK, attracting visitors looking to live that dream lifestyle – a waxed board, baggy shorts, long sun-bleached hair and, of course, a VeeDub complete the image. Don’t miss… At dawn, all across Cornwall’s north coast, you can watch surfers seemingly recreating the famous Guinness ads… ‘Good things come to those who wait’. Find out more about touring in Cornwall on p42. practicalmotorhomeuk…

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 HALF & HALF Nicholas Breakspear is the only English person to have held what position? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded squares will complete the puzzle answer 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: Feasted…

There was, I must admit, a momentary sense of dread as I turned the key in the ignition of our motorhome. “Will it start?” I was wondering, as I held my breath. We’d returned to the UK for a month in October to see family, and give a daily talk in the Inspiration Theatre at the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show, sharing our experiences of life on the road, most notably of Bulgaria and Greece as superb and alternative touring destinations. Our motorhome had been stored at a small, family-run garage in Tbilisi, Georgia, and perhaps one too many personal experiences of “Oh no, we forgot to empty the fridge!” made me sceptical as to our ability to make sure everything had been correctly turned off before we left. Mercifully,…

It’s a campervan bonanza Swift, Roller Team and Dreamer are all bringing out new ranges early this year, with one other manufacturer possibly following suit. Swift’s new Trekker line-up should be launched to the public in early March, but the company has already issued silhouettes of the new vehicle. Meanwhile, Roller Team and Dreamer will be unveiling their new campervan ranges at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show. Roller Team will be launching a UK version of its new Livingstone range at the show. The Fiat-based van conversion has already been introduced in Europe, where it is available in six different layouts with three different spec levels – standard Livingstone, Livingstone Sport and Livingstone Advance. Dreamer is bringing out a new range based on a Ford Transit Custom, aimed at…

Yes, those doors at the NEC will soon be opening again, with many thousands of eager visitors ready to explore the exhibition halls. Including, very likely, you. The February show – this year held from 13-18 February – usually has more of a focus on accessories and camping (which is why it’s called the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show). But there should still be a good many motorhomes, awnings, and useful accessories to take a look at. Here is our pick of the crop. MOTORHOMES Adria Stand 3060 Although there won’t be anything brand new on Adria’s stand, you will be able to see a model from every one of the Slovenian company’s ranges. That includes the MAN-based Twin Max van conversions, which are new for this coming season (see…

When we bought our latest ’van, our ‘must-have’ list included Alde heating. I have absolutely nothing against any of the other great systems fitted in leisure vehicles, it’s just that Alde is our preferred choice. One of the things we found most useful in our previous ’van’s Alde 3020 was the Night mode setting. This handy function allowed us to dim the display screen, have a lower heating setting and turn off the water heater overnight. It then reverted to our preferred ‘normal’ settings. I’m pleased to say this has been carried over to the 3030 system. Not only is the new 3030 more efficient (heating up faster than the 3020), it also has a slightly larger hot water capacity. In addition, it comes with an updated control panel; you…

NOVEMBER 2016 This pre-show issue heralded the arrival of the all-new Bailey Autograph. We liked the look of its sleek bodyshell, low-profile chassis and plush interior. Plus, our Motorhome of the Year awards! It appears that 2016 was the year of the coachbuilt, with Swift’s superb Bolero 744PR taking home our overall winner trophy. There was praise for the spacious end lounge, luxurious detailing and impressive spec, all of which added up to an excellent ’van for couples Normandy’s coastal towns and beaches provided Donna and Phil Garner with the opportunity to dive into history (right). Once you’ve gone cordless, you’ll never go back! Reviewer James Stanbury checked out the best drills on the market (below) MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply…

Tuffers bowls over audience It was fantastic to see cricketing legend and TV personality Phil Tufnell presenting the trophies at the recent Practical Motorhome Owner Satisfaction Awards dinner, held at Edgbaston Stadium, in Birmingham. A former I’m a Celebrity King of the Jungle and Test Match Special favourite, Phil was in fine form, regaling the audience with tales from Down Under – everything from having to cope with sledging fast bowlers to eating witchetty grubs. He was joined on stage at the event by Practical Motorhome Editor Sarah Wakely, who announced the winners, with Bürstner taking the coveted title of Best Motorhome Manufacturer (Overall) after scoring 81.4%. Our Owner Satisfaction Awards are run in conjunction with The Camping and Caravanning Club and based on a set of wide-ranging questionnaires completed…

Explore the great outdoors ■ Lantern Walk, Worcester 10 February 2024 Take a stroll in a good cause on this 1.5-mile walk in aid of St Richard’s Hospice, through the parkland of Croome Court, in the Malvern Hills. The route will be illuminated, so you’ll be accompanied by the calming glow of lanterns. Singer Hannah Mac will be providing entertainment; tickets cost £15. W strichards.org.uk/event/lantern-walk Stay at… Blackmore Camping and Caravanning Club Site W www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk ■ South Downs Dark Skies Festival, West Sussex 10-18 February 2024 South Downs Dark Skies Festival will feature nocturnal wildlife walks and stargazing parties.  W southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/dark-skies-festival Stay at… Concierge Camping W conciergecamping.co.uk ■ Olney Pancake Day 13 February 2024 Head for Buckinghamshire to see this historic pancake race, in which women of the town run…

GRAVETYE MANOR, WEST SUSSEX W gravetyemanor.co.uk Glorious Gravetye Manor, near East Grinstead in West Sussex, was originally built for a local family in 1598, and has been operating as a country house hotel (currently four stars) with a fine dining restaurant for more than 60 years. The manor stands majestically in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, with 35 acres of gardens that were first laid out in 1885. The award-winning Dining Room has a Michelin star and is led by Executive Chef George Blogg. Marcus Wareing, of Masterchef fame, worked at Gravetye earlier in his career. Visitors can enjoy a three-course seasonal lunch for £75. Top dish Monkfish, Jerusalem artichoke, caviar and citrus Stay at Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park W longacrescamping.co.uk Nearby attractions Explore the splendid gardens at…

SEVEN SISTERS & BIRLING GAP Distance 5.5 miles Difficulty There can be few more iconic sights in Sussex than the towering chalk clifftops of the Seven Sisters. Start and end this scenic stroll in the sleepy village of East Dean, a short walk from Beachy Head. Take the footpath south over Went Hill towards Birling Gap, and then wind across the sweeping Sussex Downs to the sea. Follow the coastal path past Belle Tout Lighthouse, before circling inland back to East Dean. On arrival, settle in for a well-earned tipple at the Tiger Inn (beachyhead.org.uk/the-tiger-inn), a fine 16th-century pub, with oak beams, local ales and – should you be walking with non-motorcaravanning friends – five very comfortable bedrooms. Stay at Buckle Holiday Park W buckleholidaypark.co.uk PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH Distance 6.5…

Bailey’s Alora launched with very little fanfare at the NEC show last October. (It’s likely to be given much more pride of place this February.) But launching a line-up of compact ’vans seems a logical step for the Bristol firm, with Continental and UK rivals doing similar things. It has also enabled Bailey’s designers to expand on the Continental look first displayed in the Adamo. Like the Adamo, the Alora is based on a Ford Transit. The 6.99m-long 69-4T, with single beds at the rear, has a striking exterior, with black frames to the windows and, unusually, the cassette toilet hatch. So you can’t miss where the latter is - it’s on the nearside, which does mean it would be within any awning, and is close to the door. As…

Following their introduction some two decades ago, air (or inflatable) awnings quickly caught on. This is mainly due to them being lighter to carry and quicker to erect, saving you from worrying about where the poles go, or having to tighten them. Instead, all you need is a pump. Here, we’re running through some of the options on the market, so you can find the one that’s just right for you and your motorhome. 1 Sunncamp Swift Motor Air Price £729.99 W aeleisure.co.uk Pros A really watertight awning Cons You’ll need to check your chosen site allows groundsheets New from Sunncamp for 2024 is this driveaway awning in 150D Ace-Tech fabric, with an impressive 6000mm hydrostatic head – you would need a tropical monsoon to arrive before you felt any…

Record sales for Wellhouse Leisure It was a bumper year in 2023 for camper specialist Wellhouse Leisure, topped off with two wins in our annual Owner Satisfaction Awards. Founded some 20 years ago, last year was its best ever for sales, mainly thanks to a return to focusing on sales of campers based on pre-owned Japanese base vehicles that are petrol-engined, so low emission zone compliant. It is currently producing campers based on Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire, Honda’s Elysion and Stepwagon, Nissan’s NV350 and NV200, and more. Typically, these are low-mileage vehicles in top-class condition, with high specifications. Generally, prices start in the early £20,000s. Wheelhouse also picked up a Gold Award for Best Van Converter – Manufacturer (New and Used) and was overall winner in the Best Van Converter…

HIGH TOP, FIXED ROOF how to buy… Setting a budget Begin by setting a realistic budget: not just the initial cost, but maintenance (both base vehicle and interior will need regular servicing), fuel consumption and insurance. The price of a new ’van can look prohibitive, but offset this against what you’d spend on a holiday, how you’d use your vehicle, and how often, and the freedom it gives you to explore new territories. Remember that motorhomes tend to hold their value very well, too. Finance options are available, but do bear in mind that you may not get an advance of much more than £40,000. That’s one reason why the £40,000+ market is so competitive! how to buy… Choosing a layout People’s needs from their vehicle will differ, and your…