Índex per November 2024 a Practical Caravan

One of my favourite parts of editing this magazine is being able to read all about your fantastic caravans – we test some of the hottest tourers around, but it’s always great to see the caravans of readers. That’s why I’ve really been enjoying former editor Nigel Donnelly’s updates on his £1000, 1998 project caravan, Penny, as he tackles all of the ups and downs that come with owning an older model. This month he suffers an issue we’ve all encountered: that of a dead leisure battery – you can read all about how he dealt with the problem on p100. We’d love to feature more reader caravans in the magazine – tell us all about your own van projects, whether they’re major or minor, by dropping us a line…

Q WHERE IN SPAIN IS GREAT TO TOUR? We hear good things about touring in northern Spain, and we’re tempted. Do you have any recommendations on where to go? We’ve never been to Spain. Janet Benham Paul Critcher replies… Northern Spain was once one of those destinations in-the-know Brits secretly raved about while they let the masses migrate to the southern costas. But the secret’s out, with increasing numbers of tourists enjoying foodie San Sebastian, arty Bilbao and the ‘Camino’, the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. There’s still much for visitors to discover in ‘Green Spain’, particularly the coastal areas, but for a start I’d recommend the Picos de Europa National Park in the Cantabrian Mountains. There’s fantastic walking here, with routes accessible by car and lots…

When to go We went in August and spent most of our time outside, just enjoying the weather. But there are lots of indoor attractions in Newbury, so a trip to this area could work at any time of year. Way to go We took the A34 from Oxford to Newbury. After we’d bypassed Newbury on the A34, we took a left turn onto the A343 Andover Road and continued to follow it at the roundabout. We took the right turn soon after the roundabout to Penwood Road, leading to the campsite. Food and drink Newbury has plenty of good restaurants, including: Curry Cave ❱ currycave.co.uk Taj of India ❱ tajofindianewbury.co.uk Find out more Visit Newbury ❱ visitnewbury.org.uk Donnington Castle, Uffington Castle, Silchester Roman City ❱ english-heritage.org.uk/ Beacon Hill Iron…

When to go We toured in June, which meant the sea was actually warm enough for a swim! Getting there The closest French Channel port to the area is St Malo, about a 4.5-hour drive away. I sailed from Portsmouth on the Brittany Ferries vessel MV Bretagne, first launched in 1989, but extensively renovated to the tune of £5m in 2009. On board you will find an à la carte and a self-service restaurant, a piano bar, a cinema, several boutiques selling clothes and books as well as duty-free goods, and even a nail bar. You can also benefit from one of the 376 cabins available, or relax in one of the 319 reclining seats. ❱ brittany-ferries.co.uk Find out more Visit Ile d’Oléron ❱ oleron-island.com Visit Brouage ❱ guide-charente-maritime.com…

Caravan industry puts on a great show I paid my first visit to the Great Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show last month – the new Harrogate version of what used to be The Lawns Show in Hull. By all accounts, it was an improvement on the inaugural event last year (which I missed), with plenty of highlights (see p60). In any case, it was great to see so many exciting new models in the Yorkshire sunshine – yes, really! I came away with the distinct feeling that four years after lockdown, there is a real buzz in the air. I hope it continues, even with less certain news from Swift this month (see right). PETER peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER BABER is a hugely experienced caravanner who enjoys touring whenever…

Kate Humble Having grown up next door to a farm in Berkshire, TV presenter Kate Humble had what she describes as a “proper childhood” – building camps, climbing trees and exploring the great outdoors! Over the past 20 years, she has become a familiar face on our screens, presenting shows such as Animal Park, Springwatch and Autumnwatch. Kate will be talking about her love of the outdoors, and her latest book, with compere Rowland Rivron at the Inspiration Theatre on Thursday 17 October. Kwoklyn Wan When not cooking for the TV cameras on Steph’s Packed Lunch and This Morning, Kwoklyn loves to explore new places in his caravan. Join him as he shares some of his favourite destinations, and delicious, one-wok, one-pot dishes that he cooks while he’s on tour.…

Luxury brands can be superb bargains I’ve been meeting plenty of folk on the forecourts and at recent shows who were looking at pre-owned tourers. For many, a sound used buy is the ideal way to get into caravanning on a budget. Several people I spoke to were browsing the luxury used models, such as Coachman, noting how most upmarket pre-owned vans seem to be very well looked after – we can vouch for that, too. Prices are still quite firm, but keep looking – that doesn’t mean you won’t bag yourself a bargain! ANDY practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan expert and historian – he loves pre-owned and classic tourers! ANDY'S PICKS OF THE MONTH 1 Something special 2013 Swift Ace Ambassador Although dealer specials are becoming rarer, there…

Kia Sportage (2016-21) The Sportage put Kia on the map. It looks good, is very well equipped, and makes a great tow car. Stability is the watchword when towing, and even if the weather is on the lively side, the Sportage remains unflustered. The interior feels well put together and is reasonably stylish. And the Sportage has plenty of space for five people. Nissan X-Trail (2014-22) The X-Trail might not have the go-anywhere ability of the Subaru Forester, but it does have one trick up its sleeve: it can carry seven people. Admittedly, the two rearmost passengers need to be small children, but it’s a boon. It’s also very well equipped and reasonably cheap to run. Boot space is smaller than is available in some rivals, however. Ford Kuga (2013-20)…

Tip 3 When buying your first van, factor in the cost of items such as towing mirrors and Aquarolls, unless your dealer throws them in as part of the deal Tip 4 If you think you can do without fixed beds, make sure there is still enough storage room for all that bedding during the day. You don’t want living space compromised Tip 5 L-shaped front lounges are becoming increasingly popular, particularly on 8ft-wide models, but check you’re happy with the resulting double bed ◆ MTPLM (Maximum technically permissible laden mass) The maximum weight the caravan chassis can take, as stated by the chassis manufacturer. On pre-1998 caravans, it is referred to as ‘maximum gross weight’ (MGW) ◆ Noseweight The weight applied to the car’s towball by the caravan. A…

OCTOBER 2002 Eye on the future This jam-packed issue was all about looking to the year ahead, with previews of caravans launching in 2003. Plus, tow car tests on the new Discovery Td5, the Rialto 535/5 and the Volvo XC90. And an exclusive review of the Bailey Pageant! Casting off Fishing and caravanning make for a wonderful partnership. Here, Ian Chapman caught 10 of the best angling sites across the UK and Europe. As Bob Mortimer might say: “And away!” Grab a bargain This Deals feature kept us up to date with what was going on in the tow car market, from a bargain Nissan Primera 1.6 GX to upcoming dual-fuel versions of the Astra coupé. Plus savings on Honda Accords and old-shape C-class Mercs Helping hands Our team of…

Skinners Comfort 2.0 These sock-shoes are designed with a tough sole, removable footbed and stretch-knit upper, making them suitable for walking, hiking and swimming. Price £53.90 Web wildbounds.com AeroPress Coffee Maker AeroPress has five new colours for its iconic portable coffeemaker, which uses ‘3-in-1’ brewing technology to make delicious coffee wherever you are. Price £54.99 Web aeropress.co.uk Hylite Jump-Lite This three-in-one gadget offers a jump start function with 10 built-in safety features, an LED torch with 150m reach and dual USB ports for charging devices. Price £129.95 Web defendersecurityproducts.co.uk Ocoopa UT3 Lite Hand Warmers This pocket-sized pair of handwarmers attaches with magnets, and also has a handy keyring hole, USB recharging, three different heat levels and up to four hours of running time. Price £26.95 Web berryuseful.co.uk PICK OF THE…

C'est magnifique! Okay, so French lunch service can be a bit of a tight window – 12 until 2pm and then it’s “Nous sommes fermés.” And yes, it can rain a lot in the north – you only have to have watched the Paris Olympics to see that! But apart from those minor points, there’s little for visitors to complain about in this beautiful country across the Channel. France’s campsites are well positioned and have fantastic facilities, it has superb beaches, attractive wine regions, great medieval cities… the plaudits go on and on. On my latest visit, I even found the waiters’ reputation for being a tad abrupt to be undeserved! All in all, it’s a wonderful place to visit, so I’m delighted to share a trio of travel features…

ONE OF MANY things the UK does very well is museums, offering everything from vast venues packed with global treasures, to outdoor living museums that give a real taste of daily life in the past. London is packed with options and you can spend days walking around all the best museums. But it’s worth seeing what you can find in the smaller towns and cities, too. Reading Museum, for example, is home to Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, painstakingly handstitched by Victorian embroiderers, while Derby’s Museum of Making is in what was the world’s first modern factory. Here are nine of the UK’s best museums, with a great open-all-year site to stay at. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Hampshire, England Located within Portsmouth Naval Base, this museum is home to some truly iconic ships,…

Leisure batteries provide 12V power in caravans, so you can use low-voltage devices and appliances when you don’t have 240V hook-up power. Typically, this includes your lighting, 12V TV and water pumps, while appliances that require more current, such as motor movers, heating systems and hot water boilers, will flatten your leisure battery in a relatively short time. Certain devices, such as hairdryers and kettles, are available in 12V formats for touring, but aren’t as powerful as domestic equivalents. A leisure battery can be charged when your caravan is on the road and when it’s plugged into a hook-up post. You can also charge it with a trickle charger when it’s on your driveway or in storage. Leisure batteries come in different guises. Here, we’re looking at three recommended lead-acid…

NCC Events has launched the #AdventuresOnReels Instagram competition, inviting people to create an Instagram Reel of their adventures on wheels over summer. There’s a £1000 cash prize for the winner and a shortlist of entries will be shown in the Inspiration Theatre. Simply document your adventures in a caravan, motorhome, campervan or roof tent, or on a bike, in a video reel and post it to your Instagram or Facebook account using the hashtag #AdventuresOnReels, tagging @neccaravanshows.…

Isabella The Nordic is the latest caravan awning from Isabella, available in 2.4m and 3m depths. Designed for all-year use, it has a heavy-duty frame and a solid PVC roof. Fronts and sides are interchangeable and are made from easy-clean, fade-resistant Isacryl material. You also get window flaps for privacy, additional ventilation and extra-wide entrance doors. Stand 17-34 ❱ isabella.net/uk Vango Head to the Vango stand to discover the accessories company’s wide range of caravan awnings, including the Balletto, Riviera and Tuscany air awnings, many with single-point inflation and made with Vango’s own hard-wearing Elements fabric. Stand 17-31 ❱ vango.co.uk…

THE HIGHWAY CODE was updated in 2022 with a strong emphasis on protecting people on two wheels, on foot, or riding horses. The guiding principle of these changes is the ‘hierarchy of road users’ – those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility. Sometimes this is misrepresented as implying that vulnerable road users can do as they please, which isn’t the intention of the changes. Everyone – whether they are pedestrians, cyclists or drivers towing a caravan – should always obey the rules of the road and do what they can to keep themselves and others safe. Here’s our guide to towing a caravan safely around vulnerable road users. Cyclists The latest edition of The Highway Code updated the guidance on how to drive around bicycles. Some…

Serial off-gridders and all-year caravanners Rod and Kim Farrendon love winter touring: “For us, the joy of being away in the caravan in winter is the quietness, the stillness of a winter walk through the woods or watching nature from the comfort of the van. It’s almost like being in a hide, and the wildlife is a little more brazen in its search for food. “If we’re near the coast, we love to walk on a deserted beach – the dog running free, waves crashing on the shoreline – all the time knowing we have a snug home on wheels to return to. “I suppose to sum up, I’d say, winter touring is a more solitudinous time for us, but a time maybe when we are more aware of our…

HOW TO BUY NEW Choosing a layout People’s needs differ, and your van layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your caravan. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows in Birmingham or Glasgow, where dealerships and manufacturers show their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but can be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though, could raise issues or offer ideas that you had not considered. Think about your needs: will you want to carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture? Perhaps creature comforts are a bit higher on your list. You might want a separate sleeping area, a lounge with parallel sofas and…

Star letter Stand up for the older caravans! I’ve been reading Ian Blackwell’s letter about older tourers (issue 482). Many of us are singing from the same hymn sheet! There are amazing vans out there, but at too high a price. I’ve been caravanning since the 1970s, as a baby with my folks, which really sparked my enthusiasm. My van is 20 years old and I have repaired and improved it many times. It’s important to keep getting away and enjoying this beautiful country of ours, and we have met wonderful people over the years. After several great breaks, you get home tired and you put everything away. Then a couple of days later, you find yourself asking, “So when are we going away again?” It would be nice to…

Autumn arrives Illuminations, blues get-togethers and spooky goings-on! 3 Oct to 3 Nov 2024 The Enchanted Forest, Highland Perthshire Enjoy the splendid Scottish Highlands in captivating lights, as Faskally Wood transforms into a spellbinding forest. This annual event features a spectacular light show over Loch Dunmore, an interactive trail through the forest, and a mesmerising orchestra conducted by Beira, legendary Goddess of Winter. Indulge in delicious toasted marshmallows and churros along the trail, for a perfect evening. Adult tickets cost £30. ❱ enchantedforest.org.uk Stay at Milton of Fonab ❱ fonab.co.uk 24-27 October 2024 The Dragon’s Breath, Carmarthenshire Watch and wonder as the much-loved National Botanic Garden of Wales reveals a captivating fire trail. Immerse yourself in the exciting story of the Dragon’s Breath, told in flaming performances, handcrafted fire sculptures, music,…

GETAWAY TRAVEL THE ILE DE RÉ, lying halfway down the west coast of France, has in recent years become something of a prime destination for caravanners in the know, because it has fine beaches, with proper waves and miles of fabulous sand, not to mention a handful of pretty seaside resorts. The island does have one snag, however, and that is the cost of getting there. At the time of writing, the toll to cross the bridge with a caravan was at least €16 between June and September (realistically, the only months when the sea is likely to be warm enough for an enjoyable swim), although you can get a seasonal pass if you are stay for a long time. Exploring further afield So should you tire of spending time on…

1 Alabaster Coast Normandy On the beautiful Alabaster Coast in Normandy, with a pebble beach at the foot of the campsite, Camping Falaises is the ideal spot for a seaside break that is not too far from the ferry terminals of Le Havre and Caen. Surrounded by towns and landscapes that inspired the Impressionists, with plenty of family activities on site and a spectacular walk along the clifftop, you are sure to have a relaxing holiday here. ❱ camping-les-falaises.fr 2 White Sea Brittany The location of delightful Camping du Letty, on the Brittany coast, with a sandy beach and the White Sea only metres away, is just part of this campsite’s appeal. The peaceful 11-hectare woodland makes this a haven for local wildlife, but there’s also a water park, with organised activities…

Opening times The show is open between 10am and 6pm every day from 15 to 20 October. Ticket offer Show tickets are now on sale at mcshow.co.uk. Take advantage of the Practical Caravan Reader Offer for tickets at £13.50 (expires midnight 14 October, £16.50 after this time). Use the discount code PCRV. Parking and a show guide are included. Free entry for under-16s accompanied by a paying adult/ senior, but they still require a ticket to attend. Note that no dogs are allowed (except assistance dogs). Where to stay The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be hosting a temporary onsite campsite at the NEC in North Car Parks 10 and 10a between 11am on Monday 14 October and 10am on Monday 21 October. For more information and to book, go…

If you want to refresh your towing skills or try it for the first time, free one-to-one sessions will be run by the Camping and Caravanning Club and official tow car partner Isuzu. All abilities are welcome. Book in advance at eventbrite.co.uk/e/motorhome-and-caravan-show-2024-towing-experience-booking-form-tickets-883347134057?aff=oddtdtcreator. If your chosen session is full, there will be on-the-day slots available at the show. Head to the towing feature outside the main entrance to book your spot. Note that a driver’s licence is required, and a valid show entry ticket is required before booking (one booking per ticket). Participants need to complete a DVLA check code online (gov.uk/view-driving-licence) before they arrive. You can either print this off or access it on your phone on the day.…

More must-have touring gear… Dometic Outdoor tech specialists Dometic will be on hand at the NEC to showcase some of the company’s most innovative products, including mobile power supply solutions and energy-efficient rooftop air conditioners. Be sure to check out the firm’s new range of inflatable awnings, too. Stand 12-195 ❱ dometic.com Duvalay Get ready for a good night’s sleep in your caravan with Duvalay’s choice of award-winning sleep solutions. Visitors will be able to see Duvalay’s new-look mattress range, which features the lightweight, ultra-comfortable D-Roll and D-Lite Alto mattresses, as well as the D-Luxe range, with grey edging. Stand 6-23 ❱ duvalay.co.uk Energian Authorised UK distributor for EcoFlow, Energian will be showing its renewable energy and energy storage products. Expect to see everything from portable batteries to solar panels,…

Choosing the right toilet chemical can make the task of emptying the toilet cassette a much less daunting prospect, helping to maintain your facilities and keep them fresh. This is because the best chemicals will make it easier to dispose of waste, breaking it down and liquefying it, as well as combatting odours. Even if you are staying at a full-facility touring park, it’s likely you will want to use your own washroom at some point, which is why keeping things fresh is so important. There are three main types to choose from. These include the pink toilet rinse, which will go in the flush reservoir, and the blue toilet fluid, which goes into the waste cassette. The final type is a combined product, which can be used in both…

Time to take a look at other brands? Caravanners are a loyal bunch. Many of us buy one brand, then stick with it through thick and thin. Compared with the typical habits of car buyers, we’re far more likely to stay true to one company. But should we be more willing to choose different brands, rather than staying with one we know? It’s striking that higher-selling brands and those that score well in our own Owner Satisfaction Survey aren’t always the same. I’m not suggesting we should all change allegiance for the sake of it. But the next time we shop for a tourer, it must be worth seeing what other brands can offer before choosing what’s familiar. MOTTY motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor,…

Brilliant touring in all weathers It’s hard to believe that winter is on its way – it only feels like a few days ago that we were celebrating Easter! But we can’t stop the seasons, of course, and it’s crucial to prepare your caravan if you’re planning to tour during the colder months, to ensure that it continues to perform at its best for many years to come. That’s why this month, we asked our Consulting editor John Sootheran to compile a guide on why there’s so much to be said for winter touring – and he’s come up with plenty of brilliant reasons, starting over the page! practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, former editor Nigel Donnelly and Nigel Hutson PC’S TOP TIPS CASSETTE MAINTENANCE…

HAVE YOU EVER visited one of the national leisure vehicle shows and been wowed by the huge array of LED lights now available on the market? I often find myself – just like a moth – drawn to them (1)! Companies such as Leisure Lines/CAK Tanks (leisurelines.net) sometimes help customers to get a feel for LEDs by having a working display of products to assist buyers in choosing colour, style and function (2). In a lot of older caravans, the interior lighting can seem rather dim. Some of these models still use halogen light bulbs. In contrast, my newer van has fantastic lighting and at night, can be lit up like the Starship Enterprise (3)! But improving the lighting in your caravan is not a very difficult job and sometimes,…

www.practicalcaravan.com/forsale ON THE LOOKOUT for your next caravan? If so, we can help! Just like our travel stories, expert reviews and advice, we reckon that our online classifieds are the best in the business, featuring a host of caravans, both new and used – you’re sure to find the right one for you. If you’re looking for a new van, you can also read our expert reviews, making www.practicalcaravan.com the one-stop shop for all your touring needs. We already know that 50% of you access our website via mobile devices, so our classifieds are fully responsive – they will work just as well on your tablet or smartphone as they do on your desktop or laptop computer. We’ve worked hard to make these classifieds as easy to use as possible,…

USEFUL INFORMATION Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › caravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club › 024 7647 5448 › campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk CRiS › 020 3282 1000 › www.cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme › www.approvedworkshops.co.uk NCC (National Caravan Council) › thencc.org.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association (CaSSOA) › 0843 216 5802 › www.cassoa.co.uk Towsafe › towsafe.co.uk DVLA › 0300 790 6801 › www.gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) › 01249 651 036 › mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk › For the very latest reviews and brilliant buying guides, visit Practical Caravan at www.practicalcaravan.com…