Tabla de contenidos para August 2024 en Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan has been going for a long time – almost 60 years, in fact – and as a result, we’ve covered an awful lot of subjects and van models over the years. That represents a huge amount of expert information – and now, if you’d like to gain access to more than 120 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 caravan 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 next time you’re away on tour, taking out…

This month we asked, how did you enjoy the May bank holidays? WIN ME! Star photo Our winning entry receives one of these beautifully illustrated maps from Awesome Maps – check out the amazing range at www.awesome-maps.com STAR PHOTO TAG US #PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@PRACTICALCARAVAN.COM NEXT MONTH’S THEME… FUN IN THE SUN! Send us your best shots while out on site for a chance to win an Awesome Map…

Q WILL THE A-FRAME HOLD A BIKE RACK? I want to buy a new caravan and fit a bike rack on its A-frame. That should be easy enough to do, shouldn’t it? Is it just a case of removing the moulding? Richard Barber Peter Baber replies… Actually, I would be very careful about doing that. You would need to check the caravan’s warranty beforehand, because removing the moulding might count as an alteration too far, and so invalidate the warranty. In any case, if you are buying a British-made caravan, you could well find that the A-frame isn’t going to be big enough to support any of the current bike racks that are on the market and designed to go in that position. This is because caravans produced in this…

GREAT ESCAPE TRAVEL ‘I discovered the delights of the Bakewell pudding on a visit to the town for which it is named’ 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…

Milestone Caravan Park Great North Road, Cromwell, Newark NG23 6JE ❱ milestonepark.co.uk Milestone Brewery with beer garden and taproom next door. ❱ milestonebrewery.co.uk Whitby Holiday Park Saltwick Bay, Whitby YO22 4JX ❱ whitbypark.co.uk Whitby Brewery with shop, beer garden and taproom, 10-minute stroll along the coastal path. ❱ whitby-brewery.com Buxton CAMC Site Grin Low Road, Ladmanlow, Buxton SK17 6UJ ❱ caravanclub.co.uk Buxton Brewery Tap House and cellar bar; walk into town (or take a taxi) to visit this lively pub with very good, local beer. ❱ buxtonbrewery.co.uk Hawes CAMC Site Hawes DL8 3PS ❱ caravanclub.co.uk Fantastic pubs around market square serving local beer from Theakstons and Black Sheep breweries. Nominate someone else to drive, visit the breweries for a tour and book a meal! ❱ theakstons.co.uk ❱ blacksheepbrewery.com Chatsworth Park…

GETAWAY TRAVEL GETAWAY WE ARRIVED AT Plas Uchaf Caravan and Camping Park, a family-run campsite on Anglesey, on a sunny day in June. We were immediately impressed by the tidiness of the site and the well-maintained, modern facilities. Usefully, we were told we could choose a pitch to suit our needs, and that meant one with a shady spot for our rather poorly pet guinea pig, Charlie. We pitched up by a hedge, close to the facilities blocks, while Charlie was peering out of his carry case, clearly itching to get out and explore. We constructed his run and let him out to graze. He thought the grass was great, and spent the next hour munching, while we set up the caravan. Once settled in, we secured Charlie’s accommodation and went…

Ever pondered how your favourite booze is made? There are some great opportunities to see behind the scenes at the UK’s finest breweries and distilleries. Smaller-scale outfits will often be happy to talk patrons through their set-up if you ask nicely; others you’ll need to book ahead. Many of the major beer players now offer tours and tasting sessions, including Shepherd Neame in Kent (which claims to be Britain’s oldest) and Fuller’s Griffin Brewery (one of London’s oldest establishments). Of course, it’s not all about beer, with many spirit makers getting in on the act, for those more interested in the production of liquor such as rum, gin and whisky.…

Sunny caravanning times ahead? One of the great things about going to see caravans such as the Capsule Mini R (p66) is that it reminds you that there are still plenty of companies out there who think differently. From every corner of the world, it seems, there are brands who are willing to come to the market with something really novel – and at a price that shouldn’t lead to much raising of eyebrows. The directors at Erwin Hymer UK may have sent out warnings about the underlying UK economy with their full year results (opposite), but I’m still looking forward to seeing what other innovative ideas may emerge as we head into launch season. PETER peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER BABER is a hugely experienced caravanner who enjoys touring whenever…

Peugeot 5008 (2017-) Peugeot has rediscovered its mojo in the past decade or so, and cars like the 5008 are proof. Where its predecessor was a bland MPV, this version is a funky seven-seat SUV, with a stylish dash and good economy. But bear in mind that its towing limit is a bit lower than rivals’, and the soft suspension allows any trailer to move around a little in side winds. Škoda Kodiaq (2017-24) As competition goes, the big Škoda provides some of the stiffest for the CR-V. It offers loads of cabin space for five, but bests the Honda by also having two more seats in the boot. They’re designed for kids, but fine for adults on short trips. And when they’re not in use, the boot is huge.…

Get kitted out for great touring There are so many caravanning gadgets out there that it can be tricky to know what’s best to take with you on tour, and what you should leave behind to save space (and your payload). So that’s why, this issue, we have a comprehensive round-up of all the kit that you should carry when you’re out on the road (p92) – think of it as your definitive guide to kitting out your van! Also this month, we take a closer look at damp, and everything you need to know to help prevent the problem. Our Consulting Editor, John Sootheran, has all the information, starting on p98. practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson AT SKILLS SCHOOL…

THE PENNY PROJECT SKILLS SCHOOL THE PENNY PROJECT IT HAD TAKEN some doing, but after a couple of months of scouring eBay, we finally found what we were after. Our 1998 Bailey had left the factory with a combined shower mixer and basin tap unit. The typical version has a mixer unit with a showerhead emerging between the tap heads. These are common and easily found secondhand for around £50. Ours, though, was the less common version – a smaller unit, taking up less space on the top – and the mixer runs up under the tap fitting. The shower mixer head and basin tap head are one unit. These are available new for £120, but used versions are much harder to come by. Complete units are tricky to find, so…

HOW TO BUY NEW Choosing a layout People’s needs differ, and your 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 dealers 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 you hadn’t 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 TV points, and…

MARCH 2016 Everything's all white We took a colour-coordinated outfit to Warwickshire, and detected Agatha Christie’s connection to the English Riviera Magic bricks Visitors to the NEC show in October 2015 were treated to a spectacular sight – a full-size caravan made of 215,000 Lego bricks! In this issue, editor Alastair met the director of Bright Bricks, which constructed the incredible vehicle A bard day's night Claudia Dowell fulfilled a long-held ambition to see Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the one and only William Shakespeare. As she followed in his footsteps, she met some colourful characters and took in a fantastic show Hot pursuit Part of Bailey’s popular and well-priced 2016 Pursuit range, the fixed corner bed 430-4 was the subject of one of our reviews in this issue. Our verdict? “The…

Where are we? Cheddar Gorge, Somerset Why tour here? Breathtaking cliffs, spooky caves, a gorgeous gorge and a chance to visit the home of England’s premier cheese – Cheddar, in Somerset, is a caravanner’s delight. Rock climbers of all levels can scale the heights here – the cliffs reach 450 feet and there are climbing walls for the less experienced. Meanwhile, underground, you’ll find two of Britain’s oldest showcaves, with stalagmites and stalactites shimmering under the lights. Don’t miss… The Cheddar Gorge & Caves experience, where you can climb the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder for far-reaching views of the magnificent Mendip Hills. Find out more about Cheddar Gorge and other UK natural wonders on p32. Photograph Wirestock / Getty ‘Cheddar Gorge is the UK’s deepest natural canyon, featuring 130m…

Munros Rechargeable Lantern Blending classic with modern, this lamp is rechargeable via USB and has three dimmable lighting modes. It also has a hanging hook and is weather-resistant. Price £44.99 Web 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 Web 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 two weeks! Price £34.99 Web ekohome.co.uk Thrive Insulated Mug In seven smart colours, this vacuum insulated 1-litre mug from CamelBak is designed with a non-slip outer surface, a leak-proof lid…

Down the rub-a-dub We’ve got a couple of drink-related features this month, with Julie Thorpe exploring Devon’s local ales (p28) and a special report on some of the quirky boozers found around our islands (p38). It should go without saying (but I’ll say it anyway), be sure to have a soft-drinking driver or take the bus. But you might find you don’t have to miss out on the beer stakes if the brewer in question has tapped into the newfound popularity for non-alcoholic ale. These non-alcoholic beers are tasting better and better – and make a nice change from diet cola. Stepping away from the pub, we’ve a fantastic look at some of the UK’s natural wonders (p32) and we take in the best of Bakewell in Derbyshire, with pudding…

Find out more Visit Devon ❱ visitdevon.co.uk Top pubs in Devon ❱ devonlive.com Food and drink Start Bay Inn Torcross, Kingsbridge TQ7 2TQ ❱ 01548 580 553 ❱ startbayinn.co.uk South Hams Brewery and Taproom Stokeley Barton Farms, Stokenham TQ7 2SE ❱ 01548 581 151 ❱ southhamsdrinks.co.uk The Cricket Inn Beesands, Kingsbridge TQ7 2EN ❱ 01548 580 215 ❱ thecricketinn.com The Ferry Inn Fore Street, Salcombe TX8 8ET ❱ 01548 844 000 ❱ theferryinnsalcombe.com The Billy Can Gull Cottage, Torcross TQ7 2TQ ❱ 07388 866 920…

When to go We visited Anglesey in the summer, definitely the best time for a break by the coast. Way to go We followed the M6 north. At junction 10A, we took the M54, then the A41 and A55. Food and drink The Tavern on the Bay ❱ thetavernonthebay.co.uk We were self-catering most of the time, but this is a lovely restaurant at Red Wharf Bay Find out more Visit Anglesey ❱ www.visitanglesey.co.uk/ Anglesey Sea Zoo ❱ angleseyseazoo.co.uk Plas Newydd ❱ nationaltrust.org.uk South Stack Lighthouse ❱ trinityhouse.co.uk Oriel Môn ❱ orielmon.org Parys Mountain ❱ visitanglesey.co.uk Beaumaris Castle ❱ cadw.gov.wales…

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, and 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. So 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 (practicalcaravan.com/top100) with a logo – these parks come even more highly recommended! TOP SITES FOR… VIEWS SEEKERS Want to enjoy some of the best views…

Few things beat relaxing at your campsite while enjoying a brilliant barbecue in the sunshine. The good news is that if you are looking around for a barbecue and grill, there’s a wide range available, whether you’re after a premium product or a more budget-friendly offering. To help you find the option that is ideal for you, we’re sharing our top choices of caravanning barbecue, including portable models and grills that combine two important qualities – high-performance cooking and compact design. In this guide, we’ve stuck to gas- or charcoal-fuelled barbecues – as well as providing you with that authentic barbecue taste, these models will also be easier to power than electric grills would be when you’re staying on site in your caravan. CAMPINGAZ PARTY GRILL 200 Dimensions L32 x…

As bought, Penny had come supplied with a non-standard fridge. The non-standard arrangement worked well enough, but our plans to take Penny to festivals and off-grid sites were not going to be compatible with this set-up. Fridge history Like any caravan, Penny would originally have come with a three-way fridge. For those who might be unaware, the ‘three-way’ refers to a fridge that can cool while running on mains electricity, gas or 12V. We can only presume that Penny’s fridge had given up the ghost and had been replaced. Sadly, this was not replaced with another three-way model, but with a domestic-style, mains-only mini-fridge instead. The mini-fridge works reasonably if you are on a mains hook-up, but even then, it’s not ideal. Caravan fridges are designed to be bounced around…

OUR TOP BUYING TIPS Your needs – and your party size – might change over the years. Remember that when you consider the size and number of beds you need in your caravan › MTPLM (Maximum technically permissible laden mass) The maximum weight that 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 car also has a towball limit, which is the maximum weight that can be applied to the towball. The lower of the two figures is the maximum you are permitted. Legally, it needs to be 4% or more of the weight of the trailer, or at least 25kg, whichever is…

OUR TOP BUYING TIPS Many people choose to retain their awning with a new caravan. But you still need to make sure it fits – not just for the length, but also for features such as where the caravan windows are USEFUL INFO Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › caravanclub.co.uk The 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 the Practical Caravan website…

GETAWAY TRAVEL ALTHOUGH I’M NOT a big drinker, I like the occasional beer – a tasty, dark stout or porter in the colder months, a fruity IPA in the summer. Since starting caravanning four years ago, I’ve found that these two hobbies sit very well together – of course, not in combination with any driving. There is a rich history of brewing in the UK, dating back centuries to the days of monks and mead. Today, over 1800 small and microbreweries produce ales, using traditional methods and local ingredients. Most of our best beer finds have been around Yorkshire and Derbyshire, so with about 1785 more brewers to discover, we decided to spread our wings. The beautiful south-east Devon coast is a long drive from north Nottinghamshire, but it was worth…

Germany has its bierkellers, France its bistros, Spain its bodegas and the US its sports bars, but for the UK, it’s always been the humble pub. From the coast to the hill ranges and moors, from huge cities to tiny villages, inns are ubiquitous throughout the land, but they’re far from alike. As proven by this wide-ranging selection, there are some true outliers, offering something beyond the staples expected of any pub worth its salt(ed peanuts). We’ve also identified great sites to stay at. So what are you waiting for – leave your car onsite, call a cab or take public transport, and enjoy a pint at one of these brilliant bars on your next tour! 1 The Square & Compass DORSET, ENGLAND This hardy tavern on a bluff overlooking…

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First-timers are bagging bargains On visits to various dealers in the past few weeks, I could see that family-friendly tourers were being snapped up. Used models that were proving particularly popular included Sprites and some of the more recent Lunars, such as the Venus range. But they were nearly all family-friendly layouts and the good ones were selling fast. One small dealership told me they were always looking out for cheaper used models, because most new caravanners were on limited budgets. But discounts on new vans were helping to move sales along and the used sector had been quite lively, they said. 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 A great explorer 2022 Elddis Xplore…

Perfect weekends on your doorstep Most of us have favourite spots we go back to again and again. Not necessarily the destinations that we seek out for a fortnight in the summer, but the local gems that are just an hour or so from home. They’re far enough away to feel like a change of scene, but close enough to provide hassle-free weekends and short breaks in the caravan. After a lifetime as a soft southerner, I’m about to swap Surrey for Yorkshire, so my nearby favourites are going to change. I’m looking forward to exploring all around my new home. I’ll miss all my haunts down south, but I’m looking forward to finding lots of new ones. MOTTY motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor,…

According to research by Ripe Insurance, caravan thefts have been rising recently. Some 568 were stolen in 2022, a 9% increase compared with two years before. Caravans don’t have the complex keyless entry systems fitted to modern cars, so that’s one less weakness to worry about. Instead, keep your van secure by using a quality wheel lock from the likes of Al-Ko or Milenco. Two types of lock are better than one, so fit a hitch lock, too. This should prevent a thief from hitching up and simply towing your caravan away. At home, consider fitting security posts on your driveway. Basically, the more difficult and time-consuming it is for a thief to steal your caravan, the more likely they are to target someone else instead.…