Practical Motorhome April 2020

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the bi-annual motorhome show at the NEC once again; as always, we’ll be joining the thousands pounding the hall floors. The sheer number of ’vans at this and other shows (’vans both new and used) always brings home to me how we here in the UK have such a good range of vehicles – and dealers – to choose from. That can be both a blessing and a curse, though: how do you begin choosing which to go for? That’s why we think our Owner Satisfaction Survey is so important – this year more than 2000 of you told us about your buying and owning experience. We, along with our scheme partners the Camping and Caravanning Club, can now bring you the results;…

Coordinates 56°20’37.2”N 4°28’22.9”W Why tour here? Freedom! As a famous Scot once said. And there’s plenty of ‘freedom’ to be had, with wild camping available throughout Scotland. Lochearnhead is the perfect place to enjoy it, sitting as it does within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Caroline Mills went wild for the area in her article on p20, revelling in a landscape of lochs and mountains. Don’t miss… Lochs galore - Lomond, Lubnaig, Achray… take your pick of the glorious views. Sunset at Ben Venue is indeed the perfect venue. Photographer Caroline Mills…

letter of the month It was fascinating to read about your team’s New Year resolutions (issue 229), particularly as so many of them seem keen to come to Scotland. We live in the Highlands – it is beautiful around here, but of course you never really appreciate what is right on your own doorstep! Conversely, our New Year resolution is to cross the Channel in our Hymer for the first time – it’s a long way for us, so over the four years that we’ve had our ’van we’ve solely toured here and further south into England. This year, however, we’re determined to go to Normandy – I’ve always wanted to visit the historic beaches there (1). But that’s what we love most about our motorhome: the opportunities that it offers us for…

1 Thought I’d share a photo from last year’s visit to the Elan Valley, in Wales. We stayed at a campsite at The Hundred House (great name!). We chose this area for the dark skies – I’m a keen photographer. It was our first year of owning a camper and we loved the peace of the place, watching red kites in the day and the stars by night. Gerry White 2 These shots were taken in the Ullapool area of the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Scott Potter and Colin Hopper Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts) to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides: All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Seaview Camping Scotland; Seaview Camping Wales; Seaview Camping West Country; Road…

Pipamoka coffeemaker In need of espresso on the go? Simply add water and coffee, twist the ring and when the water chamber has risen, serve! Price £36.90 Web www.wacaco.com Microfibre travel towels These super-absorbent towels come in two sizes. They are antibacterial, and the larger one also has a wet and dry bag. Price £10.55-£19.95 Web snugpak.com Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller Keep the kids entertained on the road – they can personalise a story, and listen through headphones or the integrated speaker. Price £64.95 Web www.cuckooland.com Livall smart helmet This BH60SE Bluetooth smart helmet can help you to ride safely, with features including LED indicators. Price £99 Web www.halfords.com Outwell Windscreen Deluxe Protect your privacy with this durable 5m-long windbreak – just check campsite restrictions before you set up. Price £119.99 Web www.worldofcamping.co.uk Treasure Trails Make a spring stroll more interesting…

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY MOTORHOME’S NEXT MOT? Q The MoT is due on my motorhome base vehicle in the next couple of months – could you please give me some advice on what I should do to prepare beforehand, to give me the best chance of it passing first time? Are there any simple things that I should look out for? Geoffrey Butcher A Diamond Dave answers… Most of us don’t have access to lifting equipment (1) or brake testers, so there are limits to what you can check yourself, but there are several simple things you can do. For a start, make sure all of your road lights are working properly, including brake lights, headlights, indicators and rear fog lights. Tyres are another item you can check; look for tread depth…