Table of contents for July 2016 in Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan’s Andy Stewart has travelled all over Europe and beyond but maintains there’s nothing quite like Britain. Nowhere reaffirms his faith as easily as the Western Isles. 1 Stay here Oban Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a short drive from the ferry terminal and gives visitors the chance to make the most of the seafood capital of Scotland. Hidden in a glorious Victorian walled vegetable garden, the campsite has excellent modern facilities. 2 Eat here Seafood is practically a religion in this part of the world, and with eateries such as Café Fish serving locally sourced produce it’s easy to see why. Situated on the Calmac Pier, the restaurant’s terrace rewards patrons with spectacular views. For something more decadent, visit Isle of Mull Ice Cream. 3 Walk here…

What a day! Woke up to snow, then we had hail storms and now the sun’s out; is this typical caravan weather? Spent four nights at the gorgeous Woodland Waters site, just outside Grantham, Lincolnshire. Cliff Easton This 1960s Sprite 400, seen at Cumbria’s Solfest music Festival, has been converted into a live jukebox with musicians inside performing requests! Gary Richardson A peaceful stay at Milestone Caravan Club Site. My husband loves fishing in the two lakes and I chill out in our van reading or knitting – bliss!” Lesley Paulson Spent a great week at Craigie Gardens in Ayr over Easter in our Elddis Odyssey 656, celebrating my daughter’s and my birthdays. Graeme Henderson STAR PHOTO Cliff Easton wins a pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors…

“I opened the door after the winter break, stepped inside and fell through the floor!” THREE GENERATIONS OF the Thomas family have enjoyed breaks in this gem from the 1970s – a Cavalier – and despite the full maintenance required on an annual basis, the family intends to keep the tourer going for many more years to come. It all began with Nigel’s parents Joe and Barbara, who were keen campers, but their tenting career came to a close following a visit from a mole that burrowed under their tent while they were at a rally. They switched to tourers, buying the Cavalier in 1986, and thus began the family’s love of caravanning. “My mum and dad were into rallying at the time,” says Nigel, “and wanted a caravan with…

Tour the Scottish isles with the help of these experienced ferry operators. You’ll want to check which vessel serves your particular route before setting off, in case they are passenger ferries. It is also worth checking with the operator that there are spaces for caravans on a particular service, and what the limits are for trailer length and total outfit length. And, of course, all sailings are weather-dependent! Caledonian McBrayne ferries (pictured below) serve the Inner Hebrides and the Western Isles, and offer Hopscotch and Island Rover tickets, which can help you save money if you are doing a lot of touring. If you’re interested in visiting distilleries, the Whisky Hopscotch tickets can cut through the waters to tastings, tours and more. Tel 0800 066 5000 Web www.calmac.co.uk Northlink…

Bailey invests in customer service FRESH FROM ITS solid showing in the Practical Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2016, Bailey has announced improvements to its customer service. Among makers of new vans, the firm came in fourth, polling 85% – up from 83% in the 2015 awards. In the pre-owned category, Bailey’s 87.8% score propelled it to the top of the charts, up from seventh place last year. Although pleased with its performance – especially in a survey whose respondents provide ‘warts and all’ assessments of their vans – Bailey feels it can do better. The initiative comprises retailer training, a new eight-bay service centre at the factory and the introduction of a rapid-response vehicle. The education programme at the factory’s new training centre aims to improve dealers’ familiarity with Bailey…

Škoda will officially unveil the Kodiaq SUV at the Paris motor show in September, with UK sales starting in early 2017. The car is expected to be closely based on the VisionS concept (pictured below), shown earlier this year at the Geneva motor show. Insiders suggest that the production version of the big 4x4 will have a seven-seat interior, pitching the Kodiaq squarely against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. Technical details are thin on the ground, with the car’s launch still months away, but expect the Kodiaq to use engines already available in the Superb hatchback and estate. There’s no firm word on how much the Kodiaq will weigh, but we’d be surprised if it turns out to be as heavy as the Santa…

XC90 D5 auto This year we have covered 7500 miles with the van on the back. It’s a fantastic tow car: you can adjust the ride to suit. We use the Sport mode because it hardens up the back and stops the bounce from the double axle. The only drawback is the fuel consumption, which is dreadful! The best I have ever had when towing is 20mpg. Ronald Sandeman XC90 D5 auto I have found that towing with the XC90 is very comfortable and smooth; there’s no wind suction from buses and lorries as you pass, and I find that it easily carries out any required manoeuvre. The fuel consumption is very reasonable considering the size of the outfit we are towing, even on shorter journeys. All in all, it’s…

SINGLE-AXLE END-washroom tourers quickly found favour with British caravanners, particularly among those who preferred using low-facility campsites, and manufacturers were quick to respond to this new star on the market, including it in all their ranges. Subsequently, there are plenty of examples to be found on used forecourts. The fixed bed was also high on many caravanners’ ‘must-have’ list and in many cases came as part of the end-washroom package. However, there was an alternative; some models were equipped instead with a second dinette that could be made up into a double bed. This layout, which offered more living space, was extremely versatile, giving users the option to leave one end of the van made up as a bed or to keep it as a social area. On a recent…

With a nearside-rear dinette as well as rear corner bunks, this layout has lots of space for the kids, while mum and dad relax in the lounge. The amidships kitchen is often short on work surface, but the side dinette provides extra space. The washroom, opposite the kitchen, is useful for nighttime visits, but there is not as much elbow room in the shower. Pros Children can take over the rear while their parents relax up front. The rear dinette offers a separate play space, and can usually be shut off from the rest of the van. Cons The washroom has limited space, and the kitchen is squeezed between the lounge and the main door. A This area may house a wardrobe or dresser unit B Fixed bunks are a…

Fixed twin beds towards the rear of the caravan are accompanied by a central kitchen and an end washroom, plus a lounge up front. This layout is great for couples who want to relax in the lounge without having to disassemble a bed every morning. You’ll usually find a curtain or screen separating the rear beds from the lounge. Pros The pair of single beds means the front double doesn’t always need to be made up. The washroom is often quite spacious. Cons The side kitchen may not have much space for preparing meals. The fixed single beds cannot be made up into a double. A Square showers are more roomy than circular versions B There’s often an external hatch to access under-bed storage C If there’s no wardrobe here,…

WERE THINGS REALLY better in the old days? Following this month’s cover feature, I’m not so sure. Before I set off for Scotland, a friend was reminiscing to me about holidays in the family’s elderly tourer, wrapped up in blankets to combat the chill, following a never-ending drive at a snail’s pace. Today, we are spoiled. Powerful cars with stability systems, and caravans with anti-snaking devices, make a lengthy tow less of a chore. And the modern tourer, with its efficient heating, fixed beds and home comforts, is ideal for year-round touring. Rumour has it that 2017’s tourers are going to spring a few surprises, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next season. I love seeing classic vans on site, particularly when hauled by a period…

STACIE PARDOE enjoys touring with her young family and loves to put all of the latest gadgets to the test Ventura S8100 Price £399.99 Web www.snooper.co.uk Snooper’s Ventura S8100 has been launched with caravanners in mind. The sat-nav calculates routes avoiding low bridges, tight turns and narrow lanes. It comes pre-loaded with 24,000 campsites in 31 countries and has built-in Freeview to enjoy on rest stops. It features Bluetooth, an FM transmitter, large vehicle lane guidance and is Tyre Pilot compatible. Campingaz Party Grill Price £219.99 Web www.campingaz.com Campingaz is introducing its Party Grill range just in time for summer. There are three models: Party Grill 200, 400 and 600. The larger 400 and 600 models are the better sizes for caravanners and feature a stove top, grill, griddle and…

Win tickets to the Great Yorkshire Show THE 158TH GREAT Yorkshire Show opens its gates on Tuesday, 12 July, and we have 10 pairs of tickets to the event to give away. More than 130,000 visitors are expected to flock to Harrogate to enjoy the three-day rural extravaganza, which is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. This premier country show is an exciting blend of the best in British farming, cutting-edge fashion, cookery demonstrations and traditional countryside skills mixed with impressive garden displays and fantastic shopping opportunities. This year, the showground’s new £10m hall will make its debut as the venue for the food emporium. The hall will host the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, a cookery theatre and food show with TV chef Rosemary Shrager. Over in the…

Members are apt to like new apps NEWS HAS RECENTLY broken of handy new apps from the Camping and Caravanning Club. First, it is updating SiteSeeker – the popular application providing details of more than 1600 sites across the UK – to include advice for those new to our pastime. The Club has also launched the ‘Out & About’ app, which is perfect for members who love Club rallies, meets and other social events. It lets you search for these and other temporary sites by location; you can even get directions. ‘Out & About’ is available for free from the App Store and Google Play. Find out more at http://bit.ly/1SM5lpu. The C&CC’s policy on site arrival times has also changed. The earliest you can now arrive is 1pm, while the…

When to go This part of the Highlands can really offer a holiday to suit your mood. Want winter sports? Come during the ski season, at its peak from December to April. Seeking warmth and seaside fun? Try summer, when walkers are out in force. But the locals reckon that Fort William is at its best from March to May, when the winter cold has gone but the midges that plague this region in the summer have yet to arrive. Way to go We took the M40 and the M6, with a stop in Cumbria. Our site at Crossfells was ideal, but another option (open 4 March to 6 November) is Tebay Services, which has 80 hardstanding pitches with hook-up, just off the motorway (www.tebayservices.com). From Cumbria we followed the…

Enjoy these sites and much more when you join! Just £48 a year gives you access to over 2500 of the best caravan and camping sites in Europe and a host of member benefits. Tel 01342 488 115 Web www.caravanclub.co.uk/membership Bunree Enjoy stunning mountain views as you pitch on the banks of Loch Linnhe. You might even spot sea otters or cormorants from your van! Address Onich, Fort William PH33 6SE Tel 01855 821 283 North Ledaig One of the finest locations on Scotland’s west coast, situated on the two-mile sand and shingle beach at Ardmucknish Bay. Address Connel, Oban PA37 1RU Tel 01631 710 291 Maragowan An ideal family holiday base, on the banks of River Lochay, and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Killin. Address…

‘At 4084ft, the CairnGorm Mountain is the sixth-highest peak in the UK, with 30km of ski runs’ CARAVANNERS The Faircloth family CARAVAN Bailey Orion 460-5. TOW CAR Audi A6 WE LOVE Skiing in Scotland, it has a lot to offer IN 1960, THE CairnGorm Mountains Ski Area was established and today it is the second largest ski resort in Scotland after Glenshee. In 1976 my father introduced me to skiing here and, at the tender age of five, I was well and truly hooked. I still remember the first skis that he made me! Forty years later, I decided it was time that my children, Emily (11) and Daniel (8), experienced that same joy. So we planned, prepared and packed up the caravan, and headed for our adventure to the…

GARY RICHARDSON Reader team veteran Gary often tours the north of England from his Newcastle home. His friend Alison encouraged him to go further north A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY party and the chance to visit my long-time friend in her new home in the Scottish Borders promised a fun-filled break in the tourer. Alison and I have known each other since we started school in Newcastle as four-year-olds, and have remained firm friends ever since. Two years ago, she settled with husband Hugh in Peebles, south of Edinburgh, and I had been hoping to visit them as soon as a free weekend came along. The fact that the weekend chosen coincided with Hugh’s birthday meant careful and secret planning to fit in with the celebrations that were being kept under wraps.…

‘Lights, caravan, action…’ for Bailey In other Bailey news, one of its caravans has landed a leading role in a new movie. Golden Years is about senior citizens caught up in the pensions crisis, who rob banks using a caravan as their base. With the film developed and filmed in Bristol, Bailey was the obvious choice to supply a tourer — a top-end Unicorn Valencia. The film stars Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Phil Davis and Una Stubbs. Golden Years is showing at cinemas throughout the UK. See the trailer at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SemaqycU_l0. Saga’s unusual van insurance claims Over-50s caravan insurance specialist Saga spent over £500,000 repairing customers’ vans last year. Among many claims, some stood out. One unlucky caravanner faced a £5000 repair bill after a very intense hailstorm, while another…

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR TOURER’S FRIDGE THREE-WAY FRIDGES are powered by a trio of supplies, and work via a different system to our conventional fridges at home. Domestic units use a compressor to pressurise a gas that is then forced through small pipes; when it is allowed to expand it absorbs heat from its surroundings. This heat is then carried to the outer section of the cooling circuit, where the heat is dissipated. That, in very simple terms, is how a compressor fridge operates. Three-way fridges, on the other hand, use heat to create a ‘thermo syphon’ motion in the cooling circuit: as the heat is absorbed into that circuit, the gas inside rises and creates the flow through it. The heat that is required to provide the energy…

Accounting for around 10% of caravans supplied to the British volume tourer market, the parallel-lounge, end-washroom floorplan is popular with those who go to rallies. There’s room to socialise, and the end washroom will compensate for a lack of site facilities. This floorplan also appeals to those who are happy to make up the lounge bed. The seats are usually long enough to work as single beds, too. Pros Tidy layout within a small footprint. Spacious washroom with dressing area. Cons Making up the double bed, and breaking it down, can be a chore. The kitchen can be squeezed for space. A Choose a U-shaped lounge over a centre chest for more space B It should be possible to use the lounge sofas as single beds C The full-width washroom…

Fifth Wheel Company Fifth-wheel caravans (huge tourers that attach to the flatbed of a pick-up truck, rather than a towball) have been around for a long time now — but only in the US. The Fifth Wheel Company, which is based in the Denbighshire region of Wales, is rather younger — it was founded in 2002 — and is very much a family affair. Fifth Wheel Company is the brainchild of Mervyn and Jenny Parry-Jones, together with their son Adrian and daughter Ceri; it came about following their successful management of a Massey-Ferguson tractor dealership. The family imported a fifth-wheeler from the US to live in at tractor shows and events, and it attracted such a positive reaction that Mervyn spotted a gap in the market for a UK equivalent.…

Wingamm This italian firm may be new to the tourer market, having only branched out into caravans over the past few years, but it has a much longer history — back to 1977 — as a maker of motorhomes. In both fields, however, it has a USP: glassfibre monocoque construction. Making the living pod as a one-piece GRP unit has many advantages, key among them being high resistance to water ingress: with no joints or fixings, it should remain impervious unless you play chicken with height-restrictors. The standard kit includes an on-board fresh-water tank, and among the 'big-van' options are ATC and air-con. Despite that, the mid-spec Pitch boasts an MTPLM of 1000kg (including a hefty 270kg payload), making it ideal for someone who likes the idea of an Eriba,…

June–August Concerts in a cloister The peaceful and intimate surroundings of the Italianate Peto Garden at Iford Manor in Wiltshire will host a variety of opera, jazz and classical concerts this summer. Stay at Merkins Farm Web www.merkinsfarm.com 6, 13, 20, 27 July Botanical delights Sounds Green is part of the Cambridge Summer Music Festival, and welcomes five new acts to a picnic proms in the University Botanic Garden. Stay at Cambridge Cherry Hinton Caravan Club Site Web www.caravanclub.co.uk 23-26 June A grand venue for the greats The vast Great Court at Blenheim Palace is to host Nocturne Live, with music from the likes of oscarwinning conductor Ennio Moriccone, Elton John and The Corrs. Stay at Bladon Chains Caravan Club Site Web www.caravanclub.co.uk June–July Music in the woods Join one…

ALL GROUPS, ORGANISATIONS, sports and squeaky-leather-sofa London gentlemen’s clubs have their own unwritten rules. So, for the benefit of first-time caravanners (and as a gentle refresher to us all), here’s my take on touring etiquette. 1 Dress Many of us still prefer the ‘matching Aran jumper’ look when taking part in any outdoor activity, and a cravat has never-ending appeal. But for those who have moved with the times, and ditched itchy wool for soft fleece, joggers and polo shirts are all the rage. Animal-print onesies are acceptable, but only if you dare… and definitely not after 9am. 2 Pitching If you have a tendency to get territorial with your towel on poolside loungers, take note. While we caravanners are a sociable lot, pitching so close that you can see…

Make a list of everything you need and stick to it. Things that we have forgotten in the past include teabags, washing-up liquid, pillows, the kettle (I actually ran it over with the car), torches and matches. Saint-spoon Remember you are on holiday and try to relax. That’s all the easier if you have remembered to pack the tipple of your choice! Lynnybobs We keep tea and coffee, cereals, crisps and nibbles ready in the van. I just have to check stock levels. Keefanmaxx A good checklist is our best advice. My wife has hers on a tablet and we run through it before setting off. In the past we have forgotten odds and ends, such as a tin opener. Raywood It helps if you don’t forget the key to…

WHEN TO GO The skiing season runs from December to April, but this can vary from year to year depending on the weather. However, for those that do not wish to ski and prefer to enjoy the scenery or undertake a mountain-bike descent from 3500 feet, the funicular railway runs throughout the year. Beware of the midges in the summer! WAY TO GO Travel to the Glenmore Campsite on the A9 from Perth and take the turn-off for Aviemore. At the first roundabout, follow the signs for Glenmore village on the B970. The Glenmore Campsite is approximately eight miles down the road on the right-hand side. For the CairnGorm Ski area, continue on this road for approximately another mile, until the road comes to an end. FOOD AND DRINK La…

1 Strings attached Visit the Victorian-style Biggar Puppet Theatre, where the resident International Purves Puppets Company performs and holds puppetry workshops. Stay at Mount View Caravan Park Web www.mountview caravanpark.co.uk 2 History in stone Trace the development of the town of Galashiels on a tour of Old Gala House, built in 1487 and extended several times since. Stay at Rosetta Holiday Park Web www.rosetta holidaypark.com 3 Track to the past Railway buffs will love the Whitrope Heritage Centre near Hawick and the Border Union Railway that follows the old Waverley Route. Stay at Lilliardsedge Holiday Park Web www.lilliardsedge park.co.uk 4 Choice of walks Pop into Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre for exhibitions, four signposted walks around the area, a gift shop and an award-winning tearoom. Stay at Jedwater…

First drive Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTi 136PS Price From £19,470 Kerbweight 1403kg 85% match 1193kg Towing limit 1500kg Towball limit 75kg A ‘SPORTS TOURER’ may sound like a racy caravan, but it’s actually Vauxhall’s term for the estate version of the new Astra. While the hatchback has a 370- to 1210-litre boot, the Astra Sports Tourer boasts a 540- to 1630-litre capacity. The rear seats fold to give a 1705mm load floor length. Engine-wise, all three diesels are 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged units, delivering 108bhp/221lb ft, 134bhp/236lb ft and, for the range-topping biturbo, 158bhp and 258lb ft of torque. The turbo petrol line-up starts with a 104bhp 1.0-litre engine with 125lb ft of torque. There are then three 1.4-litre options, with between 99 and 148bhp, plus the top-of-the-range 1.6…

How much? £3500-£29,000 At the lower end of the scale you’ll only find high-milers (140k+). That’s reassuring in one way — they’ll go the distance — but for something with lots of life left you need to pay more than £6500. At least there’s no premium to be paid for the rarer, and preferable, manual gearbox. For something really desirable and long-term, around £13,000 should land you a manual 2010 D5 SE with below-average miles and a proper history. Above that, prices rise sharply as we venture into nearly new territory, along with the prospect of still-fierce depreciation. What will it tow? Kerbweight ..........................2105kg85% match........................... 1789kgTowing limit........................2250kgTowball limit............................90kg(Figures for 2009 XC90 D5 SE) How much is a towball? Witter flange towbar.......£112.80 Bosal detachable towbar..................................................£177.42 Fitting extra (www.pfjones.co.uk) What about servicing?…

IMPORTANT! You will be breaking a gas seal, so ensure that all gas and electrical supplies (mains and battery) are disconnected, and that you are in a well-ventilated area. THERE ARE STILL plenty of vans out there that have a Carver Cascade 2 water heater, whether it’s the earlier gas-only version or the later GE that runs on gas or mains power. Their presence is testament to the Cascade’s longevity, because production ceased well over a decade ago. One example I know of has given its owners little trouble, just a broken plastic union when the tourer was less than a year old and occasional difficulty in lighting the gas burner, which has been remedied by cleaning debris from the burner. The unit we’re going to look at is the…

Families on tour need a flexible and practical space that caters for the needs of all ages, and this clever floorplan does just that. You’ll find a pair of bunks on the rear nearside wall, and a handy double dinette that the kids can use as a play area. Up front, the adults get a large lounge where they can relax when the youngsters have gone to bed. Pros A versatile floorplan that’s ideal for those with a larger family. Plenty of dining and sleeping space. Cons The side washroom is likely to be narrow, and kitchen worktop space could be compromised by the inclusion of the rear bunk beds. A Check storage space in the lounge and elsewhere is adequate B The side dinette is ideal for impromptu dining…

Transverse-island-bed tourers are the height of luxurious touring, given their large end washrooms, and his-and-hers wardrobes. However, the double beds are not necessarily 'fixed'. They must often be retracted during the day to permit unhindered access to the washroom. Some caravanners consider this too much trouble. These can sometimes be twin-axle tourers. Pros This layout is close to that you'd find in a domestic bedroom. It's now available at a variety of prices. Cons The lounge may be smaller. The island bed sometimes requires setting up. A Spacious washroom has all the features and storage you need B It should be relatively easy to access either side of the bed C Kitchen space can be compromised to allow for the bed D The lounge can be turned into a bed…

Hobby Much like Tabbert, Hobby has long been one of the brands of choice for people who prefer to stick their caravans on seasonal pitches, rather than towing them to various campsites. And after more than 40 years in the business, it’s fair to say that these big German vans have got their standards of build quality well and truly nailed — they really are beautifully engineered and fitted out. Unlike many of its rivals, however, Hobby has had a strong UK presence for a long time. The brand has its own UK importer — Hobby UK, based in Ambergate, Derbyshire — and has established a surprisingly comprehensive dealer network. Impressively, too, most models in the range (and there are a lot of them) are available to buy over here,…