What Motorhome June 2022

Fiat is unlikely to lose its crown as the number one motorhome chassis supplier any time soon, but Ford and Mercedes-Benz are certainly nibbling away at its dominance. In this issue, we review three of the latest Merc-based models, including the very first motorhome from leading UK caravan maker, Coachman. As well as covering the French bed 560 here, I’ve been fortunate to spend a few days with the island bed 545 and I have to say that it’s hugely impressive. Combining British-style features with the very best of continental build quality has resulted in a very special motorhome and one that truly deserves the prestige of a three-pointed star on the front. But what of the motorhomes of the future? In Germany, Dethleffs has turned to Nissan – never…

Etrusco, the Italian entry-level brand from the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), has launched a line-up of Ford Transit-based motorhomes, with prices starting from just £45,299. In Etrusco’s compact (2.14m wide) low-profile line-up, called the Van range, there are two new Ford-based models – the two-berth V 5.9 DF (£45,299), which has a rear transverse double bed layout, and the longer two/three-berth V 6.6 SF (£46,499), which has twin rear single beds. Both feature the Vario-bathroom with its swing wall to increase showering space by concealing the washbasin. Then, in the wider (2.32m) ‘T’ range of lowprofiles, there are four new Ford-based models. These include the T 7.3 SF (twin beds, halfdinette seating), the T 7.3 QCF (island bed, front lounge with side-facing sofas) and the T 7.3 SCF (twin single…

Motorhome manufacturer, the Swift Group, has donated £30,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support. The Hull-based manufacturer raised the funds through a scheme in which staff can purchase damaged or unsellable items in exchange for a charitable donation. Swift’s Content Marketing Manager, Cheryl White, explains, “Any kind of redundant or surplus materials that we have in the factory, which could be anything from offcuts of wood, which employees often use for firewood, or any slightly imperfect items, like a scratched microwave, that can’t be used in final products; employees have the chance to purchase them. They then take that home knowing money is raised for charity.”…

The DVLA is reporting ongoing lengthy delays for postal driver’s licence renewals and applications but has confirmed online applications are not affected. Delays are being faced by some drivers applying to keep the C1 category on their driving licence when they need to renew it after reaching the age of 70. Being based in Wales, the DVLA has had to work under different and often stricter Covid rules in comparison with other countries in the UK. Industrial action at the organisation has caused further delays, too. Further adding to the issue, over the previous winter period (December 2021 and January 2022), the DVLA’s medical checks were temporarily paused. A DVLA spokesperson said, “Our online services are working as normal and we ask customers to use these wherever possible. More complex…

French tyre manufacturer, Michelin, has launched a new all-season tyre specifically for the motorhome market. The CrossClimate Camping tyre follows the launch of the CrossClimate 2 for the car market, and has been designed for year-round driving safety in most weather conditions. The tyre has been A-rated for grip on wet ground according to European labelling and is certified 3PMSF for driving on snowy roads. The V-shaped tread, known as Michelin’s V-Shaped Technology, has been designed especially for the all-season tyre, combining wider rubber blocks and large grooves to allow for driving in both dry and wet conditions and on multiple surfaces, including grass, gravel, snow and mud. The CrossClimate Camping tyre has also been designed with a problem unique to the motorhome market in mind – being parked up…

The winners of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards for 2022 have been revealed. A total of 72 campervans and motorhomes were submitted for the awards, which are now in their 23rd year, with judging taking place at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC, plus desktop assessment prior to inspecting the ‘vans at the show. Although not driven by the judges, the vehicles were assessed on electrics and safety, comfort, kitchens, washrooms, air-conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, technical specification and stowage. The judges also considered seating, handbrake positions, visibility, safety whilst travelling in the habitation area, front seat comfort and driver ergonomics. The winners in each of the categories are: • Campervans under 5m: Auto-Sleeper Air on Ford Transit Custom (pictured, above left)…