Sommaire pour Summer 2024 de Practical Motorhome

Practical Motorhome has been going for a long time – more than 20 years, in fact – and as a result, we’ve covered an awful lot of subjects, advice and motorhome models over the years. That represents a huge amount of expert information packed into our pages – and now, if you’d like to gain access to more than 130 back issues, you simply need to take out a print subscription. That’s because current print subscribers get to read that number of digital back issues of the magazine, at their leisure. So whether you’re looking for a full test of that pre-owned motorhome from 2018 you’re thinking about buying, you need to find out how to fit a solar panel, or you simply want plenty of extra reading for the…

★ Star picture Tricky shot! Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts) to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides: Road Trip Europe – Best of Belgium; All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Sea View Camping Scotland; Sea View Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; and Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.com, 0131 208 3333.…

We’re in the heart of the holiday season now and I’m sure that many of you will be out and about at festivals and rallies. There’s nothing better than meeting up with fellow motorhomers, so be sure to look overleaf at some of the great events taking place across the country this summer. This month’s front cover features an old favourite, Weymouth in Dorset, and you’ll find there’s a lovely food festival taking place not far from the beach (see p26). You can also read Caroline Mills’ feature on Dorset and Devon for foodies, which is packed with brilliant things to do and places to stay in the area (p36). We’ve a real mixture of travel features this month – everything from a capital time in London (p46) to a…

WHEN WE WENT We visited in early April, but it’s always wise to pack clothing suitable for unpredictable weather, whenever you tour. WHY WE WENT To enjoy some sunshine after the long, wet winter, and leisurely walking in the Peak District. WHERE WE STAYED ■ Greenhills Holiday Park Crowhill Lane, Bakewell DE45 1PX Tel 01629 813 052 W greenhillsholidaypark.co.uk what3words denser.caressed.passed Open 1 February to 30 November 2024 Pitches 170 Charges From £31.50 Plenty of hardstandings, a pleasant onsite bar serving coffee during the day and alcohol later, plus a large dog-walking area and a children’s play zone. During our stay there, a pizza van or a pie van visited in the early evenings. Walking routes to Bakewell and Ashford-in-the-Water involve crossing the A6, but visibility is good, with a…

Ramsgate draws many visitors to its scenic shorelines and historic landmarks. Along with its rich maritime history, Ramsgate Harbour bustles with fishing boats and yachts and offers panoramic views of the English Channel. Sandy beaches, cliff walks and waterfront eateries all appeal, while museums and galleries tell tales of seafaring adventures. London is just 90 minutes by train, and coastal gems like Broadstairs and Margate are a short drive away. DAY 1 9am Breakfast with a view Ramsgate has a wealth of great culinary offerings, from cafés to restaurants to chip shops. You can sample several along the waterfront, including the Ship Shape Café. The rustic waterside spot is tucked away beneath the Royal Parade, offering plenty of breakfast options. Enjoy a full English in their jaunty nautical interior, or…

The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025 will be organised by Practical Motorhome with The Camping and Caravanning Club for the eighth year in a row – but we can’t do it without you. If you’ve bought a new or pre-owned motorhome since 1 January 2021, and have owned it for at least three months, then we’d love to hear from you. Everyone who completes our survey is in with a chance of winning a top prize of a seven-night stay at a Camping and Caravanning Club site of their choice; there are two additional prizes of a three-night stay at a Camping and Caravanning Club site of their choosing. Have your say by 20 October 2024, at www.practicalmotorhome.com/vote…

In association with In association with Welcome to our Ultimate Summer Campsites Guide! It’s not always easy to choose somewhere to stay – there is a fantastic variety of sites across the UK, so narrowing down somewhere that might suit you can be tricky. That’s particularly the case if you’ve a specialist interest – perhaps you’re into history, or want a park that’s suitable for those with families. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this guide to sites that offer something special for you – we’ve divided them by interest, to help you find the perfect spot. We’ve also marked sites that made it into our 2024 Top 100 Sites Guide with a logo – these parks come even more highly recommended!…

In association with 11 Cheddar Bridge Touring Park Cheddar cheese has to be one of the UK’s most popular exports, and The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, in Cheddar, Somerset, is the only place it is now made in the village. It has a visitor centre, with a dairy and a display of the tools used in historic cheesemaking over the years. Visitors can observe the production process and buy delicious cheesy souvenirs. Cheddar Bridge Touring Park is an adults-only site with spotless facilities, and best of all, it’s within easy walking distance of spectacular Cheddar Gorge. Address Draycott Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RJ W cheddarbridge.co.uk 12 York Rowntree Park Earning TripAdvisor’s prestigious ‘Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best’, Robinson’s Café in York is a must when you visit the historic…

26 Dunes at Whitesands Camping Stay at Dunes at Whitesands Camping for easy access to beautiful Whitesands beach (pictured) in Pembrokeshire. The campsite has huge pitches – all of which are private, you won’t have to share with anyone – and provide a firepit and a picnic table, so you can make the most of the splendid views. Sea anglers could catch bass, flounder, dogfish and whiting here, among many others. Note that dogs are not allowed on the site, and chemical disposal is for Elsan Organic Green Toilet Fluid only. Address Craig-Y-Mor, Whitesands, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PT W dunesatwhitesands.co.uk 27 Loch Ness Shores C&CC Site As one of few sites with direct access to the lake (pictured), Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club Site has stunning surroundings.…

In association with 41 Highlands End A perfect spot for the whole family, Highlands End is packed with superb facilities, including a swimming pool, sauna and steam room, nine-hole pitch-and-putt, and for younger guests, a dedicated soft play area. The site, which has views along the Jurassic Coast, offers visitors a choice of touring pitches, glamping, lodges and holiday apartments. Four-legged friends are welcome, with a dog-exercise field and doggy shower, and gorgeous Eype Beach (pictured) is a 10-minute walk away. Address Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR W wdlh.co.uk/holiday-parks/highlands-end 42 Holgates Silverdale For the ideal all-singing, all-dancing family-friendly holiday park, look no further than Holgates Silverdale. The park has more than 100 acres of grounds and woods, overlooking the vast Morecambe Bay (pictured), and a range of activities and facilities to…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TOP SITE! Our annual Top 100 Sites Guide, produced in association with Practical Caravan magazine, recognises the very best sites in the UK. Large or small, adults-only or family-friendly, there are some truly fantastic parks out there. We’ve launched our next online survey, which allows you to vote for your favourite park – or parks! To have your say, simply visit www.practicalmotorhome.com/vote and enter the details of the site that you think deserves recognition in our guide. This year’s survey closes on 8 November 2024. The UK’s best sites, as voted for by you!…

PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS TO 130+ ISSUES** FIND YOUR PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SUBSCRIPTION AT www.magazinesdirect.com/PRM/D36N SUBSCRIBE TO PRACTICAL MOTORHOME TODAY CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS TO 130+ ISSUES** PRINT MAGAZINE, PLUS DIGITAL ACCESS ■ £20.55 every 6 months! ■ NEW! Digital access to 130+ issues when you subscribe to print!** DIGITAL MAGAZINE ONLY ■ £16.44 every 6 months! Terms and conditions Offer closes 15 August 2024. Please allow up to 6 weeks for the delivery of your first subscription issue (up to 8 weeks overseas); the full subscription rate includes postage and packaging. *Pay £20.55 every 6 months. *Savings are based on the cover price. Payment is non-refundable after the 14-day cancellation period. **Access to the digital library will end with your subscription. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries…

PICK OF THE MONTH Munros Rechargeable Lantern Blending classic with modern, this eye-catching lamp is rechargeable via USB and has three dimmable lighting modes. It also has a sturdy hanging hook and is weather-resistant. Price £44.99 W robens.de Vango Apex 20 This versatile daypack from Vango is made from water-resistant, rip-stop nylon and features storage for walking poles and a hydration pack, as well as a ventilated mesh back panel. Price £47.50 W vango.co.uk iMira LED Travel Mirror Lightweight and portable, this mirror has an adjustable stand and built-in LED technology with three touch-control light settings. It’s rechargeable with a USB, and one charge can last a very impressive two weeks! Price £34.99 W ekohome.co.uk Thrive Insulated Mug In seven smart colours, this vacuum insulated one-litre mug from CamelBak is…

Our expert panel Sarah Wakely Editor-in-chief sarah@practicalmotorhome.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com Gentleman Jack Contributor askjack@practicalmotorhome.com Nick Harding Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com Diamond Dave Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com CAN WE RESOLVE A PROBLEM WITH A LEAKING WINDOW? Q We have a 2014 coachbuilt and recently visited Dorset, staying on a site by the sea. The weather was fine for the most part, but on the final day, there was torrential rain. The angle we were pitched at meant one side of the ’van took the brunt of the driving rain. When we were about to leave, we noticed water had come in beneath the lounge window – this has not happened before. It has rained since and we didn’t notice any issues, but we’re worried in case it happens…

Duration Seven nights When Spring 2024 Why? Sampling gorgeous scenery and superb food in these two beautiful counties When shall we four meet again? Hopefully not in thunder, lightning or rain! Because Dartmoor dripped. Frog-green, mossy tree trunks soaked up every downpour like a sponge, while roadside streams gurgled more than usual. But on Pew Tor, the sun peeped out and cast rays over four haggard-looking hawthorn bushes, yet to leaf. Their exposed forms were windswept, bent like the witches of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, as I approached the otherworldly rock formations at the tor’s summit. At least a meal at Langstone Manor Holiday Park’s onsite restaurant, only a 30-minute walk away, awaited my return. I had opted for a tour of Dorset and Devon to enjoy its food and drink scene.…

Duration Three nights When April 2024 Why? Combining Anna’s half marathon run with a city break Our son, Ben, was busy plotting his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Section. This involves spending four days and three nights in the great outdoors, with eight hours of planned activity each day and at least 50% of that time on the move – in his case, in the glorious scenery of the Peak District. Meantime, Harvey and I were sitting opposite, planning our trip with Lucy, our seven-year-old Cavachon. Our city break would combine some sightseeing in the capital with my participation in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. With our training schedules and routes sorted, and gear packed, we waved Ben off on his adventure – his fully laden backpack would be…

We were standing beneath the crisp blue sky, looking up at the vast grey slabs of concrete that were once part of the infamous Berlin Wall, when a single word entered my mind. Freedom. The Wall itself is a symbol of freedom, or at least it has been ever since it began to come down in 1989; so perhaps that is why today, of all days, I was preoccupied with the idea of being free, of having the precious ability to enjoy living the life we do. It’s 687 days since we set off on a trip that was, originally at least, only going to be for 12 months, a trip that has literally changed our lives, the way we view the world and how we want to live in…

WAY TO GO Setting off from home in the Derbyshire Peak District, we followed the A515 to Ashbourne and Lichfield, then travelled on the A38, M6 Toll, M42, M40 and A34 to join the M3 at J9. We took the M27 to Portsmouth Docks for our overnight crossing to Le Havre with Brittany Ferries. TAKING YOUR DOG TO FRANCE ■ Following Brexit, the regulations for touring with pets have changed. Brittany Ferries has a useful online checklist for anyone who is planning to take their dog, cat (or ferret) with them on holiday to countries within the EU. W brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/pet-travel/customer-advice ■ Further information on travelling with pets is also available from DEFRA. W gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland ■ Pets must be microchipped, be over three months old, be vaccinated against rabies and have…

In association with 1 Trewethett Farm CAMC Site The Caravan and Motorhome Club Site at Trewethett Farm provides very easy footpath access to all of the legendary sights of Tintagel, and you will also find the picturesque little harbour of Boscastle nearby if you follow the South West Coast Path north. However, the big attraction here is the fabulous view from the site over Bossiney Cove’s long sandy beach, which is simply delightful. The beach is covered by the tide at high water and it’s a steep descent, so you might prefer Polzeath, just down the coast. Address Trethevy, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0BQ W caravanclub.co.uk 2 Ladram Bay It’s easy to see why this campsite is so popular – you couldn’t place a holiday park in a better location, overlooking…

16 Cardiff Caravan & Camping Park The capital city of Cardiff hosts an impressive range of civic buildings, with a fine museum, City Hall, the Law Courts and the University. Within a stone’s throw is the magnificent Cardiff Castle, which dates back to Norman times. Cardiff Caravan & Camping Park, which is ideal for visiting the city, has a lovely rural feel – you camp in the peaceful parkland, while only being a short riverside stroll away from Cardiff and its many great amenities. Address Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff CF11 9XR W visitcardiff.com/highlights/cardiff-caravan-park 17 Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park Edinburgh is many things to many people. From its location below an extinct volcano, to its spectacular castle – the most visited attraction in the whole of Scotland – to the film,…

In association with 31 Teversal Campsite The magnificent Elizabethan mansion at Hardwick Hall (pictured) might be more familiar as Malfoy Manor to fans of Harry Potter, but it has its own truly spectacular history, as one of England’s earliest examples of Renaissance style. Now owned by the National Trust and English Heritage, it is open to visitors. Stay at Teversal Campsite for trips to the Hardwick estate, and bring your hiking boots, so you can explore the beauty of the Peak District, too. The site is open all year round, and has three types of pitch available. Address Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 3JJ W silverhillwoodlandretreats.co.uk/touring 32 Boroughbridge C&CC Site Boroughbridge C&CC Site, on the banks of the River Ure, is the perfect place to stay when you are visiting Aldborough Roman Site.…

46 Concierge Camping If your pets appreciate the finer things in life, Concierge Camping will suit them down to the ground. This peaceful, premier campsite shows that the ‘dog is in the detail’; every element, from pitches and facilities to the coffee shop and electric vehicle charging points, indicates that this destination is a class above. Dogs stay for free, and there’s a luxury dog-shower, too. Set in gorgeous rolling countryside, a short drive from the coast, this one’s definitely worth considering. Address Ratham Estate, West Ashling, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8DL W conciergecamping.co.uk 47 Woolacombe Sands The stunning stretch of Devon coast at Woolacombe Beach (pictured) is simply perfect for dogs. Local dog-owners tend to park on Marine Drive and walk down to the beach, because it’s cheaper to…

In association with 56 Disserth Caravan & Camping Park Despite the name, there are few peaks in the Cambrian Mountains, but what the area lacks in dramatic summits, it more than makes up for with the understated beauty of its rolling hills, wild moors, wide lakes and rippling valleys. As such, it’s a great place for a cycle ride or three, with routes suitable for all abilities. Disserth Caravan & Camping Park is ideal for enjoying cycling and everything else the region has to offer. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, who might spot otters, red kites and buzzards, and simply wonderful for stargazing. Address Disserth, Powys LD1 6NL W disserth.biz 57 Knight Stainforth Hall ​Immortalised in James Herriot’s famed All Creatures Great and Small as the quintessential English countryside, complete…

→ Price From £103,574 → Sleeps 2 → Belts 4 → Base vehicle Fiat Ducato → Engine 2.2-litre 140bhp → Length/width/height 5.42/2.29/3.02m (17’8”/7’5”/9’9”) → MTPLM 3500kg → Payload 665kg → Water (fresh/waste) 140/140 litres → Leisure battery 95Ah →Gas 2 x 11kg Contact Wingamm UK Address Eldo House, Monkton Road, Prestwick KA9 2PB Tel 01292 262 233 Web wingamm.com/en/uk In May, our tester spent a couple of nights in motorhome heaven. Actually, we’ll qualify that – it would have been motorhome heaven if they were half of a motorcaravanning couple looking to buy a short leisure vehicle, for ease of driving and parking, but also wanting superb comfort. That dream couple would need to be unconcerned about not having a huge amount of interior storage for big items such as…

Sometimes, fixing a problem in your motorhome can involve spending more time on solving the puzzle of where to fit the new equipment than you do on actually installing it. For example, while we were away in our motorhome, KC, for a few days earlier in the year, we found we were getting quite a lot of condensation in the washroom, particularly after showering or if we hung wet coats to dry in the shower area. My solution was to fit an extractor fan to draw out the damp air, but then the problem was where to install it. KC’s washroom spans the full width of the rear of the ’van, with the toilet on the driver’s side and the shower opposite. A shallow cupboard above the toilet houses the…

FEBRUARY 2015 This cool winter issue saw some of the PM team warming up with a trip to Spain and Portugal. And if they had any difficulty choosing what to pack, our winter gadgets feature had the answer! MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to purchase a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/single-issue or email help@magazinesdirect.com…

The Nightstop Scheme is run by us in conjunction with the Motor Caravanners’ Club (MCC), and the sites are certificated locations (CLs); you don’t have to join any club to use them. You’ll need to ring the relevant site to confirm whether there’s space for you before you visit: you’ll find information at www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops. For further information about the MCC, visit www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. NOTE We strongly recommend double checking that Nightstops are open before travelling Stop of the month 25 Old Stables Inn Main St, Beattock, Dumfries & Galloway DG10 9QX Open all year. Free if ordering pub food/drink, otherwise £10 for MCC members. Max length 10m. FIND FULL DETAILS ONLINE www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops…

“You can see the doctor at 4pm, Mr Sims,” said the receptionist. During the past few months, I’d been experiencing some chest aches and occasional dizzy spells. I’d also been suffering what had been nicknamed a 100-day cough, and some discomfort in my shoulder. When I saw my GP, he said, “You’re going to cardiology now via A&E. Do you have someone who can take you? If not, I’ll call an ambulance.” NIL BY MOUTH Jude took me to A&E. There, I saw several nurses and doctors, and a consultant who suggested my asthma was the cause of my chest discomfort. The same consultant suggested I simply needed to drink more water. I was later approved for an echocardiogram and an angiogram. Believing that all I would need to do…

Duration Five nights When April 2024 Why? Excellent walking in Derbyshire’s Peak District When is a tart not a tart? When it’s a pudding, of course. Best not to get the two confused, especially in Bakewell, in the Derbyshire Peak District. As every local will tell you, the pudding is the original – an egg-custard-type mixture over a layer of raspberry jam on a puff pastry base – which came about thanks to an inexperienced chef pouring the eggy mixture on top of the jam instead of stirring it into the pastry. The tart is a more recent invention, with shortcrust pastry and a frangipane-style sponge filling, usually topped with icing. Before you start wondering if you’re reading a cookery magazine, I should explain – I discovered the delights of…

WAY TO GO We followed the A12 to the M25, over the Dartford Crossing (note there’s a toll – we used our phone to pay it when we arrived at the campsite), turning off onto the A2 signposted Bexleyheath and then the A221, the A207, the A2041, and finally, Federation Road. WHERE WE STAYED ■ Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite Federation Road, London SE2 0LS Tel 020 8311 7708 W caravanclub.co.uk Open All year Pitches 151 Prices From £22.90 what3words ///rift.belt.herbs FIND OUT MORE ■ Elizabeth Line W tfl.gov.uk/modes/elizabeth-line/ ■ Thames Path W nationaltrail.co.uk ■ Parkrun W parkrun.org.uk ■ Royal Arsenal W visitgreenwich.org.uk/woolwich/royal-arsenal ■ Thames Barrier W www.gov.uk/guidance/the-thames-barrier ■ Green Chain Walk W tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/green-chain-walk ■ Thames Clippers W thamesclippers.com ■ London Landmarks Half Marathon W llhm.co.uk ■ Battersea Power…

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…

6 Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site With 250 square miles of forest, as well as reservoirs and trails, Kielder Forest is a great spot for walkers. Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site is perfectly located in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, with plenty of facilities. For those who enjoy a more challenging hike, try the route from Bellingham C&CC Site to the spectacular Hareshaw Linn waterfall. On the way, take in the beautiful wooded gorge, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where you can observe an array of rare ferns and lichens. Address Brown Rigg, Bellingham NE48 2JY W campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk 7 Sherwood Forest Holiday Park For gentle walks amid ancient oaks (there are said to be 997 of them!), Sherwood Forest has a great deal to…

In association with 21 Lyndon Top Caravan & Camping Park With more than 390 acres of habitat, 25,000 wildfowl and some 31 bird hides, Rutland Water Nature Reserve has to be one of the best places in the UK if you enjoy watching birds and wildlife. The reserve has seen great success in increasing the population of ospreys, once an endangered species, and they are a real highlight of any trip here. To make the most of your visit, pitch up at the lovely Lyndon Top Caravan & Camping Park, which lies beside the shores of Rutland Water. Address Lyndon Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8RN W lyndontop.com 22 Honeycott Caravan Park The native red squirrel is sadly now rare in Britain, but there is a thriving population in the Widdale…

36 Old Oaks Touring Park Just a 10-minute drive from Glastonbury, Old Oaks Touring Park is an absolutely pristine adults-only touring park in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Large hardstandings are attractively laid out and you can choose from standard, super, premier and superior pitches. Dogs are welcome and can enjoy the 300m dog-walk, hot water dog-shower, dog swimming pool and more. Also onsite is a shop stocked with local produce and a modern facilities block. There’s even a pair of high-tech toilet cassette emptying machines! Address Wick Farm, Wick Lane, Glastonbury BA6 8JS W theoldoaks.co.uk 37 South Wales Touring Park South Wales Touring Park, also known as Llwynifan Farm, offers visitors really stunning views of the South Wales countryside, yet is located just a mile away from the…

In association with 51 Annalong Holiday Park Part of the Chestnutt Holiday Parks group, this site is located in the pretty seafront village of Annalong, home to an excellent choice of restaurants and independent shops. The 11 touring pitches lie at the back of the park, with stunning sea views. Access to the facilities block, with accessible services, is good, too. The site welcomes dogs, and allows barbecues. There’s an award-winning fish & chip shop nearby, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to visit the popular Annalong Harbour Bar. Address 38 Kilkeel Road, Annalong, Newry BT34 4TJ W chestnuttholidayparks.com 52 Pentewan Sands Intriguing coves, fishing villages and wide sandy beaches can be found along Cornwall’s southern coast. The mile-long stretch of near-white sand at Pentewan looks out over the English…

The European Parliament has taken the first step in what could be a radical move to allow younger drivers and those who no longer have a Cl licence to start being able to drive heavier vehicles again (see right). The proposed change is just a position, but it raises plenty of questions. If the proposal is ratified by member states, would manufacturers start making heavier vehicles again, or would they just give us better payloads? And would Britain follow suit? I can't see British manufacturers being happy with being forced to stick to 3500kg when Continental brands can go higher. And what about all those people who have spent money on courses to get their licence upgraded in the meantime? It will certainly be interesting to watch and see what…

Buying your first leisure vehicle? Then it’s time to ask yourself a few quick questions. First up, why do you want a motorhome? Next, what kind do you want? They range from campervans for daily driving/weekend breaks, to coachbuilts big enough to live in. Now, who will be using your motorhome (including any pets)? Are there enough travel seats? What are the sleeping arrangements and how easy will the beds be to set up? Following on from the above, where do you intend to take your vehicle? UK only? City breaks? Abroad to hotter/colder climes? You’re almost there, but how do you intend to pay for your motorhome? You might have money set aside, or will you need a loan? Once you have clarified your thoughts on all these points,…

SUNTREKKER DEMOUNTABLE 1973-1998 Long ago, the author got into huge trouble by calling these ‘demountable’. The (then) editor of a newsstand magazine opined that there was no such word in the English language, the correct one was ‘dismountable’. Whatever, this type of motorcaravan is hugely popular in America. They didn’t achieve the same level of market penetration in Blighty, but have sold steadily since 1973, when the Suntrekker first went on sale. Others had built demountables before, but this was the first to sell in any number. Originally developed by Northamptonshire-based ICP Sales and Exports, and underpinned by Ford Transit and Bedford CF pick-ups. It was a traditional ‘frame and clad’ build, with glass single-glazing and a rear entrance door. Owners were informed the body should be lowered as close…

How to keep your cool It’s strange how work seems to come in batches. For example, we don’t see a Merc-based ’van for months, then we get three in a week. The same applies to the type of work that comes in – last month was fridge month, starting with the fridge in KC, our own motorhome. You might remember that last year, we were having problems with the fridge not cooling consistently. I just about fixed that by renewing the heat transfer paste and repositioning the temperature probe, but it turns out, it wasn’t working properly on 12V while we were driving. This became obvious with the temperature monitor I added last year. I’d pre-cool the fridge on mains for 24 hours before going away, then load it up,…