Índex per January 2025 a Practical Caravan

Do you tour overseas? It can be a little daunting if you've never towed abroad before, but it's well worth giving it a go – France makes a brilliant destination for first-time Continental caravanners. Once you've taken the plunge, the world is your proverbial oyster, and there are hidden gems to discover. Take Austria, for example – it's a stunning country that's relatively unexplored by us Brits, but there are some real treats in store, as the Lyon family find out on p38. It's not just a winter destination either, with the hills coming alive (sorry) in the summer. Speaking of winter, we've been busy prepping for Christmas here at Practical Caravan HQ, with our guide to all things gift-related on p13. From all of us at PC, we wish…

TOURING IN LA BELLE FRANCE I enjoyed reading Peter Baber's article on touring in France (issue 484). We spent two months travelling in France and had a wonderful time. I'd encourage anyone with a caravan to give it a go. As it is such a large country, the roads are relatively quiet and free from potholes. We travelled in June and July and didn't book any of the campsites beforehand. The sites are of a very high standard, with most having swimming pools. A couple had individual bathrooms on the pitch – an extra cost, but a real treat when you are away for months. We sailed to Le Havre, and our first stop was Versailles. We then went to Dijon, where we visited the hospital museum, the Hôtel-Dieu, at…

If your next New Year's Resolution is to be more adventurous, or you simply fancy some winter sun, the CAMC's programme might be perfect. The Club has released its 2025 schedule of tours, including escorted and independent tours in Europe, the US and Canada, New Zealand (pictured) and more. With bespoke itineraries and all-inclusive pricing, they are ideal for your first foray abroad or for venturing further afield. The European Tour programme offers escorted tours all over the Continent, including a 24-night Balkan Adventure Tour, taking guests through the mountains and along the coastlines of Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. Feeling even more intrepid? Worldwide Tours range from Southern Africa's Savannah to Canada's Rockies and Queensland's coastal highways. For more information, visit caravanclub.co.uk/worldwide-holidays/worldwide-tours. Can you name this famous tree? It's just…

CONNECT GIFT GUIDE ESSENTIALS FOR… HIKING // EXPLORING // RELAXING £15 AND UNDER Phone holder Great for a long trip, this sturdy holder makes driving safer and more relaxing. It fits all mobiles and can be mounted on your windscreen or dashboard with the integrated suction cup. Price £14.99 Web halfords.com Vinsani packing cubes Make somebody's life easier with these handy packing cubes, which feature mesh panels, sturdy zips and carry handles. The set comes in a choice of seven colours and includes three sizes of bag and three zip pouches. Price £7.99 Web amazon.co.uk Camping lights Brighten up any outdoor set-up with these cheerful LED camping lights, which are waterproof and offer three settings, plus clips for hanging. Price £9.99 (three-pack) Web amazon.co.uk £15-£30 Camping Road Trips UK Named…

WAY TO GO Travelling from Ripon, take the Grewelthorpe, Kirkby Malzeard road. Bear left in four miles towards Kirkby Malzeard. At the village, turn left at the stone cross, signposted Galphay. The farm lane is on the left in one mile. Don't follow sat nav from Ripon, because it will take you along unsuitable roads. FOOD AND DRINK The Galphay Inn, Ripon galphayinn.com OUR OUTFIT 2023 Coachman Laser 575 Xtra and Range Rover Sport FIND OUT MORE Ripon Workhouse Museum riponmuseums.co.uk Fountains Abbey nationaltrust.org.uk Great Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show theharrogateshow.co.uk Theakston Brewery theakstons.co.uk Black Sheep Brewery blacksheepbrewery.com The World of James Herriot worldofjamesherriot.com The Druid's Temple swintonestate.com Ripon Hornblower www.riponcity.gov.uk/history/the-hornblower/ Middleham Castle english-heritage.org.uk Ripon Cathedral riponcathedral.org.uk…

Paella Valencia, on Spain's eastern coast, is the undisputed home of paella. The fabulous saffron-infused rice dish is now synonymous with the city and Spain more generally Ingredients ❏ 2 tbsp olive oil ❏ 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs ❏ 1 tsp salt ❏ 0.5-1 tsp pepper ❏ 75g chorizo, roughly sliced ❏ 1 medium white onion, diced ❏ 2 medium cloves garlic, diced ❏ 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped ❏ 1 tbsp smoked paprika ❏ Large pinch saffron ❏ 300g paella rice (arborio rice will also work) ❏ 1.25L stock (chicken, seafood or vegetable) ❏ 100g frozen peas ❏ 6 king prawns ❏ 8 mussels ❏ Lemon wedges, to serve Servings Prep time Cook time Eat at Casa Carmela casa-carmela.com Pitch up at Valencia Camper Park valenciacamperpark.com No other dish…

“Well,” said a dealer friend of mine, “we had a busy weekend just before the NEC October Show. Normally that weekend is quiet, but we sold seven tourers and the forecourt was busy!” Another dealer told me his used stock was doing nicely, despite the season coming to a close, as the spell of settled weather brought more folk out on to the forecourts. Some dealers are discounting used stock, also helping to drive sales. Older models are popular, especially with first-time buyers. practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY'S PICKS OF THE MONTH 1 Couples' choice 2014 Coachman VIP 460/2 What a lovely tourer the Coachman VIP 460/2 is! This one is in great condition. Priced at a fiver short of £13k, it comes with a nearly new awning, plenty of spec and a superb…

KEY FACTS Tow car kerbweight 1955kg 85% match 1662kg Budget £5000 1 2007 Sprite Alpine 4 Price £5995 Berths 4 MTPLM 1216kg Shipping length 6.40m This caravan is over budget, but if Tim and Donna can stretch to that, there are good reasons for going for an Alpine 4. Although a four-berth, it has always been a great option for a couple, because of its layout. You get a rear corner fixed bed, with a sizeable washroom next to it, and a spacious lounge. Yet this van is only 6.40m long, and with an MTPLM of just 1216kg, it should also be a relatively easy tow. This one comes with a motor mover, too. Kimberley Caravans kimberleycaravans.co.uk/caravan-search/sprite-alpine-4-9505 2 2008 Bailey Pageant Majestic Price £4495 Berths 2 MTPLM 1321kg Shipping length…

A caravan manufacturer recently shared some interesting research with me. It showed that among potential new customers, towing is considered the biggest barrier to caravanning. But towing isn't as tough as it seems. With professional tuition and a little practice, any competent driver can soon become a confident tow car driver. The hardest skill for most newcomers is reversing. Turning the wheel in what feels like the wrong direction takes some getting used to. But if reversing onto a pitch proves difficult, well, that's what motor movers are for! It's a real shame that anyone might be put off by towing. motty@practicalcaravan.com FIRST LOOK VOLKSWAGEN TAYRON Price From £45,000 (est) Kerbweight 1650-2000kg (est) 85% match 1403-1700kg (est) Max towing weight Up to 2500kg VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled the Tayron, its second-largest SUV after the…

TECH SPEC What will it tow? Kerbweight 2105kg Towing limit 3500kg Noseweight limit 128kg 85% match 1789kg Running costs Insurance group 29 Annual VED £190 Average economy 34.8mpg Interim/full service £208 Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk Trouble spots Good news, because the SsangYong Rexton has never been the subject of a recall. That means you can consider each car on its merits, without having to worry about whether or not you'll have to return it to the dealer for remedial work. So condition should be the main driver of your search for a Rexton. And the later the model you can purchase, the more of the five-year/100,000-mile warranty will be remaining. WHEN IT COMES to buying a pre-owned car that you plan to use for towing your caravan, the word 'pounds'…

Where are we? Salzburg, Austria Why tour here? “Doe, a deer, a female deer…” Film buffs will no doubt recognise many of Salzburg's best bits, given that the city served as a location for several sequences in The Sound of Music. But even if you're not a fan of Julie Andrews and Co, there is much to explore and experience is this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famed for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Don't miss… The mighty Festung Hohensalzburg dominates the skyline, seen here at twilight. Overlooking the Salzach River, the fortress is perfectly framed, with the lights below setting off this beautiful winter scene. It makes a great summer destination, too, as the Lyon family found out (p38). Photograph Bluejayphoto, Getty Images 'Fans of The…

CROSSWORD // SUDOKU // WORD GAMES Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a long-running TV crime series (6, 7). ACROSS 1 Vista (6) 4 Goal (9) 9 In the direction of (6) 15 Seat (5) 16 Quits work (7) 17 Reclining (5) 18 Ovum (3) 19 Peek (4) 20 Headland (9) 21 Sport (6) 24 Officials (11) 26 Weekdays (10) 29 Place of worship (6) 31 Type of takeaway (6) 32 Noise (5) 33 Employ (3) 35 Differing (11) 36 Extensive (10) 40 Kept in good condition (10) 42 Focus hard (11) 44 Domestic fuel (3) 45 Rift (5) 47 Stay (6) 48 Pressing (6) 50 Beatrice, Eugenie, for example (10) 52 Type of light breakfast (11) 56 Small river (6) 57 Therapy (9) 59 Tops a cake (4) 62 Managed (3) 63 Move to music (5) 64 Judder (7) 65 Musical drama (5) 66 Stable (6) 67 Spoke extremely quietly (9) 68 Taunted (6) Down 1 Receive (6) 2 Flatland…

“Look, it's the Tardis,” exclaimed Ro, “and a Dalek!” The pitch of his voice rose at this rather unexpected discovery. Turning to look in the direction of his gaze, fearing we had unwittingly wandered into some sort of alternative universe, I must admit I was as surprised as him. A police box and a five-foot cyborg alien were not the sort of thing I had expected to see on a quiet street corner – but there they were. Unusual and unexpected Mind you, I've become accustomed to coming across the unusual and the unexpected as we wander around Britain's towns and villages – it's one of the many fun things about any touring holiday. The town in question today was Allendale, in Northumberland, and the Dr Who characters were the…

West Leas Farm CL Warren Lane, Galphay, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3PB 07525 612 911/01765 658 416 westleas.uk Open All year Pitches 5 Charges £20, including 10A electric hook-up This small, basic, very peaceful CL has five grass pitches with 10A hook-up, offering beautiful views of the countryside towards the Yorkshire Dales. There is a single toilet shed, but otherwise you must use your own facilities. You have to be a Caravan and Motorhome Club member to use the site. Dogs are permitted.…

Turner departs from Swift Group After more than 30 years with the company, James Turner is standing down as chief executive of Swift Group. Executive chairman Peter Smith has assumed leadership on an interim basis, supported by a management team headed by Amy Archer. Former sales manager sets up on his own A former sales manager at Greentrees Caravanstore has set up a new caravan sales business in Dereham, Norfolk. James Brown, who worked at Greentrees for 14 years, has set up his new business, the Caravan Hub, on a site just across the road from the old Greentrees premises. Although the Hub was set up selling used caravans only, it has already taken on a Swift franchise for new caravans, and will have its first delivery in January 2025.…

SHOWROOM PERSONAL SHOPPER KEY FACTS Tow car kerbweight 1712kg 85% match 1455kg Budget £18,000 1 2019 Swift Sprite Major 4SB TOP PICK! Price £16,995 Berths 4 MTPLM 1442kg Shipping length 7.54m This layout – end washroom, transverse bed – is popular with couples. The washroom is conveniently located, and in the morning, you don't have to worry about changing the bed, because that very comfortable lounge is ready and waiting. There's a good kitchen, too, with a separate oven and grill and lots of workspace. One point to bear in mind is that this van is only just within the 85% guideline for their car. Grantham's granthamcaravans.co.uk/model/caravans-for-sale/4-berth-caravans-for-sale/swift-sprite-major-4sb-2019 2 2019 Bailey Phoenix 640 Price £16,995 Berths 4 MTPLM 1389kg Shipping length 7.36m Unlike the Sprite, this Phoenix has an in-line island…

TECH SPEC Price £36,995 What Car? Target Price £36,995 Retained value after three years 49% Kerbweight 1672kg (Including 75kg for driver not included in Subaru's published kerbweight) 85% of kerbweight Above max tow Gross vehicle weight 2100kg Max towing limit 1270kg Gross train weight 3370kg Towball limit 80kg Price of towball £591 (Fitted, but not including electrics) Boot size 315-1297 litres Payload N/A Test conditions Damp Engine size 1995cc Power (hp/rpm) 136@5600 Torque (lb ft/rpm) 134@4000 Official combined economy 36.8mpg Towing economy 22.9mpg CO2 emissions 174g/km First year car tax £1085 Second year car tax £180 Insurance group 20 Euro NCAP overall protection rating What's new? Subaru's Crosstrek replaces its XV. Every version is four-wheel drive, helping to make it more capable off-road than most of its contemporaries. However, the…

'Unless your car was first used before 1 August 1998, any towbar must be type approved' Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before…

Wired cameras These cameras are directly connected to a monitor via a cable. They will typically offer reliable performance with minimal interference, but installation can be more complicated, owing to the need to route the cable from the rear of the caravan to the driver's 'cockpit'. Wireless cameras Wireless systems transmit the video signal via a wireless connection, which will simplify the installation process. But they might be prone to the problem of interference from other electronic devices, and the signal can drop out occasionally, depending on the distance and the obstacles between camera and monitor. Dual-lens cameras Some of these systems feature dual-lens cameras, providing both a close-up view for reversing and a wider-angle view for monitoring traffic behind the caravan. This dual functionality can be particularly beneficial for…

TA Twin-axle Practical Caravan top pick OUR TOP BUYING TIPS Tip 1 Two-berth caravans with end washrooms and a large front lounge are becoming popular again. But even if it is just the two of you, you might still find more space to spread out in a four-berth Tip 2 How you intend to use your caravan obviously has an impact on the model you buy. If you are planning to use your van as a seasonal tourer, leaving it mostly on site, you can probably go for something bigger TECHNICAL TERMS EXPLAINED ◆ Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/EC (which still applies), the car or other vehicle's weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and 7kg of luggage. This is the…

The nation's favourite road is the A19, according to research carried out by Transport Focus. The transport watchdog's survey asked 9166 drivers about aspects of their journeys in 2023 and 2024. The A19, which runs from Doncaster to Tyneside, was commended for its condition, markings and feeling of safety. The route scored 85% in overall satisfaction, beating last year's winner, the M4, which slipped to third place with a score of 78%. Dropping from 61% in 2021 to 55% this year was the A12, placing it at the bottom of the table. It also claimed the worst road surface in the study, with 34%. See the full survey results at transportfocus.org.uk/publication/strategic-roads-user-survey-2023-24.…

Q WILL CLEANFLEX BAGS BIODEGRADE? Could you please provide some more detailed information on the new Cleanflex toilet system, launched by Knaus this year? I see the benefits of a sealed bag, but just wonder how we will dispose of these at a regular campsite waste system. Are the bags biodegradable? And what exactly does Knaus mean by saying the rolls the bags come on are endless? Alan Raxter Peter Baber replies… Knaus says that when you use the Cleanflex system, all material is deposited in the bags (which are only partially biodegradable). These drop into a compartment underneath the toilet. When you arrive on site, you slide open the compartment door, retrieve the bags, and dispose of them in the waste bin, just as you would with dog waste,…

World class Did you see the story on the BBC website about East Anglia being listed in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 guide as one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit? And why shouldn't it be? We Brits can be a little too modest about our best bits, and sometimes they don't get the recognition they deserve. Although if that keeps them from experiencing the levels of global tourism now affecting more celebrated places, such as Barcelona and Venice, maybe we should keep our opinions to ourselves… For now though, East Anglia remains relatively uncrowded, and with highlights such as RSPB Minsmere to explore, it is well worth adding to your must-visit list. We've got several must-visit places this month, including the atmospheric Hadrian's Wall,…

GETAWAY Last year, we took a caravan trip to coincide with the Great Holiday Home Show, in North Yorkshire. Staying near Harrogate, where the event was held, we explored the area and visited the show. We decided to do the same this year, but as well as the name of the show changing, to the more appropriate Great Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, we also changed our choice of campsite. West Leas Farm CL, near the village of Kirkby Malzeard, six miles north-west(ish) of Ripon, is a place we've stayed at several times before, and it's one that we'll return to many times in the future – you'll get the idea that we like it there, and it was to be the venue for our break this year. Views…

GETAWAY TRAVEL GETAWAY With our son Ben nearing his second year at Sixth Form College, we were aware our summer holiday this year would need to accommodate his Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, numerous parties and music festivals. Working around these commitments, we planned the quickest route toward the mountains, having all agreed that this was our happy place. School was out for me, too; with time at home to prepare, we boarded the overnight ferry at Harwich more sedately than usual, taking Lucy (our little Cavachon) with us in our 'pet cabin' after securing the holiday Toblerones and enjoying a refreshing 'deck pint' in the wonderfully balmy evening. Going Dutch A good night's sleep was had by all, and following the example of the Dutch, who drive through the day and…

Tested REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES This month, I had my first longer-term use of a totally electric tow car. While the driving experience was better than the last time we tested an electric car (in that case, a PHEV), I just wish that I could say the same about the charging infrastructure. Public charging points are still too rare and the ones I saw were impossible to use with a caravan in tow. That is going to affect the way we tour, especially if charging times remain as lengthy as they are at the moment. And until EV ranges improve, long-distance towing will be difficult. What do you think? Let us know at letters@practicalcaravan.com. HOW WE TEST VANS Our review types explained In-depth test In our most detailed…

It's a touring certainty – there will come a time in every caravanner's life when there just isn't enough space for the whole family in the van, and someone has to be banished to the great outdoors. This often occurs around the time that your children (or grandchildren) become teenagers. The girls grow taller, while boys start to broaden out and stretch, seemingly overnight, to become too big to sleep in comfort in the caravan bunks or beds. I speak from experience – this happened to us, and we spent two weeks in France losing sleep each night owing to the bassy thuds when my son turned over in his bunk and bashed the wall of the caravan. Luckily, there is a very simple solution to the problem. We invested…

Choosing the right caravan for you is never just about choosing the right layout; it's also about ideally making sure your chosen caravan is within 85% of the weight of your car. And there is your budget to consider, too. That's why it's never easy. But we are once again here to help. Here are three more scenarios where we help readers look for a suitable solution. If you'd like us to sort out your conundrum and show you the used caravan of your dreams, contact us via our email address (see right). WANT OUR EXPERTS TO HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT USED CARAVAN? Let us know by emailing letters@practicalcaravan.com and we'll do the legwork for you!…

KEY FACTS Tow car kerbweight 2185kg 85% match 1857kg Budget £20,000 1 2018 Elddis Avanté GTS 866 TOP PICK! Price £18,995 Berths 6 MTPLM 1770kg Shipping length 8.05m An 8ft-wide van makes sense with four boisterous kids. This one has an ideal layout, with a front lounge for the adults, a middle dinette for the older children (conveniently close to the kitchen for mealtimes) and a little dinette next to the bunks for the smaller kids. The GTS is a special edition, produced by Newport Caravans, and it's a good idea to buy from the original dealer. This van has had just one previous owner. Newport Caravans newportcaravans.com/caravans/elddis-avante-gts-866-dealer-special-edition-model-2018 2 2017 Swift Sprite Major 6 TD Price £17,495 Berths 6 MTPLM 1528kg Shipping length 7.50m The 2025 version of this model…

Keep an eye on the road behind you Yes, you have your towing mirrors, but for a really good view behind your outfit, you can't beat a rear-facing camera. There are lots of models on the market, and some are more suitable for caravans than others – which is why this issue, our Consulting editor John Sootheran is on the case, taking a close look at your options. You'll find his expert round-up on p84. Also this month, we have all you need to know about annual servicing (p91), go behind the scenes at Alde (p94), and find out about Nigel Donnelly's progress with his 1998 Bailey (p88). practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, former PC editor Nigel Donnelly and Nigel Hutson HOW TO… PREPARE YOUR OUTFIT…

SEVERAL BIG HITTERS in the leisure vehicle industry have been celebrating landmark birthdays in 2024, including Swift and Elddis, both marking 60 years. But they are youngsters in comparison to sister companies Alde and Truma, which are 75 years young and counting. Earlier this year, I visited Alde's head office in Sweden, where I witnessed their manufacturing processes and learned about the long history of the company. Early developments As is often the case, there's an interesting story behind this famous brand. So how did it all begin? To find out, we have to go back to post-World War II Sweden. After the war, there was a great shortage of fuel, but one thing Sweden has never lacked is wood. Alde Rask, an inventor and entrepreneur from the tiny town…

TA Twin-axle Practical Caravan top pick 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,…

TA Twin-axle Practical Caravan top pick 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…

SEPTEMBER 1984 I want to break free… What a treat to step back into the 80s with this cover dating back to 1984 – is that Brian May from Queen checking out the jockey wheel? A used buyer's special and top sites in the North-East were some of the highlights, plus the new Cosmos Making the cut Make the right choice and a pre-owned van can prove to be an absolute bargain. Our guide to used tourers scored them in a number of key categories, from bodywork condition to value for money Oven ready In our Workshop section, we published a detailed step-by-step guide to fitting an Optimus gas oven. The accompanying illustrations are classics! Northern heights Regular contributor Bob Musker drove north and then kept on going. His journey…