Practical Motorhome November 2022

I can still remember visiting my first NEC motorhome show as if it were yesterday – I couldn’t believe how many fantastic vehicles there were to see, and thoroughly enjoyed clambering in and out of as many different types as possible. That was 16 years ago now, and I still love going to the NEC events – there’s something exhilarating about walking around the halls in the company of thousands of other motorhome lovers, and getting to see all of the latest new products in one place. It’s with that in mind that this issue, we’ve focused our regular Know-how guide on visiting and buying at a show; it’s perfect for anyone planning to walk the halls of the NEC – or any industry show – this October. With our advice, you’ll be…

Dolomites, Italy Coordinates 46.4102° N, 11.8440° E Why tour here? Increasingly popular as a destination for walkers, the Dolomites is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 142,000 hectares in the northern Italian Alps. It is renowned as a ski area and for its excellent hiking. The 18 peaks that rise to more than 3000 metres in the Dolomites are characterised by craggy peaks, sheer cliffs and deep valleys with limestone formations. Find out more about touring the Dolomites with Marcus Leach on p58. Don’t miss… For motorcaravanners in particular, the winding roads that lead up to mountains are both a challenge and a delight. And, of course, make for the perfect photo opportunity. Instagrammers, do your worst! practicalmotorhomeuk…

letter of the month In May we were returning from a holiday in Switzerland in our two-year-old ’van. Friends had recommended the aire at Urvillers on the A26 autoroute in France, where they’d stayed overnight. It has a fuel station, restaurant and well-lit parking, so we decided to stay there. In the early hours, we woke up and found that a camera, our TV and my handbag were missing. My handbag contained our passports, cash, cards and spare keys. I phoned the bank to report the stolen cards. Apparently there is a big problem in France with lorries and ‘camping cars’ being broken into by thieves using some sort of device that allows them to open doors without keys – they even remove complete rear doors from lorries. After going to the gendarmerie to…

1 Our new ’van and our tiny old one - it had character and brought many a smile, but sadly, was too small for two people and a golden retriever! The new one is far more practical (although less so for parking). Nichol Kerr 2 We crossed the Arctic Circle at Jokkmokk in Northern Sweden as part of a fabulous two-week trip travelling the length of the country, which followed on from our journey through Finland. And here’s a photo of our spaniel, Monty, taken when we stopped at a stunning campsite at Manamansalo, a beautiful island in Northern Finland, during our two-week trip from Helsinki to the north of the country. David Dowling 3 Bainbridge Ings Country Park was the highlight of our summer tour across the Yorkshire Dales and Moors.…

Our expert panel Sarah Wakely Editor-in-chief sarah@practicalmotorhome.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com Gentleman Jack Contributor askjack@practicalmotorhome.com Nick Harding Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com Diamond Dave Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com WHERE CAN I FIND A COMPANY THAT LEASES CAMPERVANS? Q I am considering getting a Q campervan. I think I want a day van for thrice-weekly 12-mile commutes across Edinburgh, plus the odd weekend away with my wife and our dog. Our finances dictate that this would have to be a used vehicle, but I’m unsure whether to buy or lease – and which might be the best leasing sites. I have a deposit of about £5000 and about £300 to pay each month.Ged Walls A Gentleman Jack replies… It’s going to be tough to identify a company that will lease a day van or camper on your budget. I tried and failed! All I found were companies that lease larger motorhomes and American…

Spice missile This neat hand-held spice rack has three dual chamber sections with waterproof screwtops, so you can take up to six of your favourite seasonings wherever you go. Price £13.95 Web wildbounds.com Lantern/Phone charger This space-saving, phone-charging lantern has up to 50 hours of battery life, recharging via built-in solar panels. It’s also waterproof. Price £44 Web luminaid.com Inflatable chair Forget bulky fold-out chairs and upgrade to a comfortable inflatable. This one is supportive, while the base is groundsheet-friendly. Price £20 Web vango.co.uk Wool throw Prepare for chillier nights and evenings under the awning with this 100% woollen throw made from recycled material. Price £19 Web thefuturekept.com Portable den kit Keep the kids entertained with this kit, comprising a haversack, tarpaulin, groundsheet, mallet and more. You’ll struggle to get them to sleep indoors! Price £40 Web thedenkitco.com Road Life: An Inspirational Guide Full of first-hand…