What Motorhome March 2023

Watching buyers at a motorhome show can be fascinating and one aspect that always surprises me is that some folk seem to completely ignore the base vehicle, although that’s not true, of course, with the VW Transporter, many purchasers of which would have nothing else. Perhaps, it’s simply because, in recent years, the Fiat Ducato has so totally dominated the mainstream motorhome market − maybe buyers just assumed it was yet another Fiat they were looking at! Well, in 2023, things are not so straightforward, with more Fords and Mercs on the market, in particular. So, the time seemed ripe for a guide to all the popular chassis − see page 54. I’m also thrilled to see a wider selection of models based on the MAN TGE/Volkswagen Crafter twins, which,…

Polish campervan company, Globe-Traveller, which won the Campervan of the Year 2023 award, has launched a brand-new model at the CMT Show in Stuttgart. The new Falcon is this brand’s first conversion to be based on the Volkswagen Crafter. The design of this campervan followed market research into the requirements of those owners spending more than three months in their ’van and motorhomers who work while they travel. The most common must-have features turned out to be: high-power solar panels two leisure batteries an inverter a WiFi router diesel-powered heating habitation area air-conditioning an environmentally friendly (dry) toilet As a result, the Falcon that made its debut in Germany was based on a 4x4 Crafter with full winterisation and the following spec: 320W solar panels two lithium batteries, total capacity…

With over 400 exhibitor stands across almost 20 acres, it could easily be daunting to attend this show if you’ve never been before. Spread across halls 1 to 5, the show will be a great chance to see the latest motorhomes and campervans and, as well as the 2023-season models that appeared for the first time in October, there are some brand-new launches. A new Campervan Hall is promised, too, with exhibitors including Bilbo’s, Bodans, Danbury, Dirty Weekender, Dreamer, Ecowagon, Hillside, Jans Lifestyle, Malibu, Murvi, Rolling Homes, Swift, Vantage, Westfalia, WildAx and more, while outside there will be free campervan and motorhome manoeuvring test drives. Look out for ’vans boasting victory in the recent Campervan Awards and Motorhome Awards (announced in our December/January issue), while the models listed here should…

LIKE a number of other firms, 8 Ball Camper Conversions is known for its VW Transporters but has moved into the ‘big league’ with its very appropriately named XL, based on the T6.1’s big brother, the Crafter. This is no ordinary Crafter, either. That was obvious as soon as it pulled onto the small campsite behind the Wishing Well pub in Dyke, Lincolnshire. With rugged-looking KMC alloy wheels and BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres and a 60mm suspension uplift kit, plus a winch, Thule awning, roof rack, rear-mounted spare wheel and even an offside ladder and surfboard holder, this ’van looks set for adventure. It even has steps built into the wheel carrier, so that you can climb up to clear snow off the solar panels (350W) on the roof. And,…

FACT FILE BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit PRICE FROM £74,495 to £79,995 BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 LENGTH 5.98m (Tessoro 481) to 7.38m (Tessoro 463, 482, 494) GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg (all models) PAYLOAD 366kg (Tessoro 463) to 561kg (Tessoro 481) HERE’S a marriage of Ford’s latest Transit and Spanish coachbuilt motorhome, imported by Marquis Leisure. It debuted here for the 2017 season and, for 2023, offers a nine-model line-up of low-profile coachbuilts, ranging from 6m to 7.4m. Maximum gross weight for all of them is 3,500kg. There’s a comprehensive spec, starting with the 168bhp engine. Automatic transmission is available for a £2,500 premium, while the only other factory-fitted option is a towbar, at £1,400. All Tessoros have their habitation door on the UK nearside – something that’s very unusual with imported…

YOU couldn’t miss the pair of Bulldog Fords at last summer’s Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show. The local company was exhibiting a pair of its Transit Custom-based campers, each in vibrant Orange Glow metallic. It’s hard to stand out in this sector but the colour, along with a deep front spoiler, black 19in alloy wheels and extended rear bumper (incorporating the exhaust outlets) were definitely attracting attention. Bulldog’s bodykit, along with the side steps running between the wheelarches on either side, is standard spec. The basis of the camper is a short-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend with the 130PS engine. Going up from base Leader trim to the Trend gives you a range of extra kit, including power folding mirrors, static cornering lights, automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking…