Practical Motorhome 11.2023

TALK
6 Where in the world? Cod Beck Reservoir, North Yorkshire

8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos
12 New gear A selection of essential touring kit
14 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers
16 Love Supreme Motorhomes show off their festival glamour!
Sarah Wakely 19 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers
20 Ask the experts Technical problem? We can help!
Editor-in-chief
TOURING
Are you planning to go to the Motorhome 25 This month All of the latest travel and touring news
28 Symonds Yat Join Susan Taylor for some gentle strolling
and Caravan Show at the NEC this October? to explore the superb scenery of the beautiful Wye Valley
The annual event saw more than 100,000 34 Forest of Bowland Nigel and Kay Hutson discover fine
scenery and fascinating history in the heart of Lancashire
visitors last year, and for many motorhomers 41 Autumn colour Seven top spots for enjoying the season
46 Stratford-upon-Avon Susan and Ro Taylor enjoy leisurely
it’s a must-visit fixture on the calendar. walking and relaxation on a short break in Warwickshire
If you’re planning to go to the show, don’t 52 48 hours in… Bude Make the most of your weekend visit
with our hour-by-hour guide to the buzzing seaside town
miss our comprehensive guide on p67, with 56 Big European odyssey pt 20 Asia beckons as Marcus,
Kim and the children head for Turkey and all points east
everything you need to know to make the
most of your visit. Even if you can’t make KNOW-HOW GUIDE
67 Visiting the NEC Show Everything you need to know!
it, there’s plenty of advice on show-going, 69 Plan your visit Check the logistics for a great day out
70 Show map Plot your route around the exhibition halls
including how to buy a motorhome at such an
72 How to buy at a show Finding the ideal motorhome
event. After you’ve read our guide, take the 74 Motorhome show stars All of the latest new launches
80 What’s on? Special events, and a chance to win tickets!
opportunity to enter our competition on p81
– you could win one of 50 pairs of tickets! TESTED
83 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates
We’re all keen to save a few pounds here and 86 Big test: Swift Carrera 144 Clever design and contemporary
good looks combine in this neat three-berth van conversion
there, and one good way of doing so 93 Caravan Salon 2023 Highlights of the Düsseldorf show
is to tackle certain base-vehicle servicing jobs 96 Accessible motorhoming Karla Baker discusses how
motorhomes lend themselves to touring for all abilities
that can cost a lot of money when carried out 98 ’Vans around the world Gentleman Jack’s overview of the
global leisure vehicle industry focuses on brands from Africa
by a dealer. Peter Rosenthal outlines some 100 Practical Motorhome Awards 2024 It will soon be time
potential DIY work on p116, which you can to discover the winners and celebrate the best of the best!
take on with just a few basic tools – give it PRE-OWNED

102 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports on the forecourts
a go and you could save a lot of cash!
104 Used ’van buyer Gentleman Jack casts an expert eye over
the many variants of Pilote’s popular Galaxy range (2015-2021)
106 Choosing a motorhome Peter Rosenthal’s top buying tips
sarah.wakely@futurenet.com
TECHNICAL
Scan to get
114 Diamond Dave Further work on a poorly performing fridge
116 DIY servicing Peter Rosenthal weighs up the pros and cons
our newsletter of carrying out your own base-vehicle maintenance tasks

122 Winter prep Get your vehicle ready for the winter lay-up!
126 Fix a door lock Sam Coles repairs a seized Hartal lock
Stay up to date with the latest from 128 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information
Practical Motorhome every week! 138 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear
Use your phone or tablet camera!
www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 5

6 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com
WHERE
IN THE
WORLD?
Cod Beck
Reservoir,
North Yorkshire
What3words
///juggles.articulated.spenders
Why tour here?

The North York Moors National Park has
it all - moorland, coast, forest and dale.
It also has this glorious artificial reservoir,
completed in 1953 and now supporting many
fish species, including brown trout, grayling,
eel, stone loach, minnow and lamprey.
The surrounding moorland is a Site of
Special Scientific Interest and the reservoir
is an important area for common toads,
which hibernate on the moors.
For visitors to the area, Cote Ghyll Caravan
Park & Campsite is only a 10-minute walk.
As well as being a beautiful base from which
to explore the National Park, it proved a
great venue for our recent cover shoot and
in-depth test of the Swift Carrera 144 (p86).
Don’t miss…
The circular walk around Cod Beck is easily
accessible. For a more challenging hike, the
40-mile Lyke Wake Walk starts opposite
the northern end of the reservoir.
practicalmotorhomeuk

Come on
My husband and I have an Auto-Trail
Mohawk, and more often than not
next roundabout or traffic lights!
Yes, we sometimes get a few cars
you Shrews!
we trundle along at a good pace. behind us, but we always pull over
However, we frequently find that when it’s safe, to let others go by.
cars will pull out quite late to get ahead We are in a big motorhome but able
of us. Presumably they do so because to get going along the roads quite well.
they perceive they will be stuck behind I just wish other drivers would think
a slow-moving vehicle. I appreciate before pulling out.
that, but I bet we will join them at the Julie Phillips
The writer of our Letter of the Month wins

a pair of Milenco Quattro Levelling Ramps
worth £40. They’re twice as high as many
plastic levels, with a high-grip leading edge,
and can be mounted back-to-back for
levelling tag-axles. Visit www.milenco.com
for details and retailers.
Salop Leisure’s marketing manager
Ed Glover (left) with Shrewsbury Town’s
commercial manager Andrew Tretton
Shrewsbury-based Salop Leisure has

renewed its sponsorship of Shrewsbury
Town Football Club’s South Stand at the
you also said…

club’s The Croud Meadow stadium.
The new deal means that by the end of
the 2023-24 campaign, Salop Leisure will
I read your article about the GOK Senso4s (until 15 November 2023), readers have sponsored the Shrewsbury Town
Plus digital level gauge for gas cylinders can order direct from Senso4s and stadium for 13 seasons.
(issue 275) with interest. It appears to receive free shipping. Simply quote The Salop Leisure Stand became the first
be just what I need. However, having discount code PRACTICAL2023 in England and Wales to offer safe standing
searched online, I’ve been unable to find when you place your order. in the 2018-2019 season, drawing national
a UK distributor, and ordering one from Alternatively, try these suppliers publicity for Shrewsbury Town and the
abroad involves an expensive delivery based here in the UK: motorhome, caravan, campervan and
charge of around £25. Could you please LPG Shop lpgshop.co.uk/ glamping homes dealership.
tell me where you got it from? senso4s-plus-level-indicator- Ed Glover, Salop Leisure’s marketing
Peter Hibbs gas-cylinder-with-app-for- manager, said: “The company is very
smartphones-and-tablets proud of its long association with
Reviews editor Peter Baber replies: Rose & Company www.roseand Shrewsbury Town Football Club, and
Our test model came from Senso4s companyshop.co.uk/senso4s-plus- committed to supporting our local
in Slovenia. For a limited time gas-level-gauge-6510-p.asp club, which is based close to our
HQ at Emstrey.”
OUT Untethered: Living the digital

nomad life in an uncertain world
nomad life reveals how you might do just
that. It offers a picture of the lifestyle,
NOW!
Nathan James Thomas, £14.99 bringing together case studies, practical
The chance to get away from it all and travel guidance and personal anecdotes. From
freely is a lifelong ambition for many people. types of remote working to tackling taxes,
This new book about the reality of digital it is packed with helpful tools and advice.

Like us on Facebook at Follow us on X at Follow us on Instagram Email us your letters and Write to us at
www.facebook.com/ twitter.com/pmotorhome practicalmotorhomeuk photographs to talk@ 121-141 Westbourne
practicalmotorhome for the latest news for beautiful pics, videos practicalmotorhome.com Terrace, Paddington,
and events and inspiration London W2 6JR
Swim wild!
Getty
Wild swimming has seen a huge increase in
popularity, according to the Outdoor Swimming
Society, with some 7.5 million people in the UK
venturing into lakes, lagoons and lochs. Now
the team at StressFreeCarRental.com have
researched 10 of the best spots across Europe
where visitors can enjoy an al fresco dip.
Lake Lungern, Obwalden, Switzerland

A natural lake that sits amid mountains in the
stunning scenery of the Sarneraa Valley in the
Swiss Alps. Take in the breathtaking views.
Llyn Idwal, Eryri, Wales Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
This mountain lake sculpted by glaciation
has crystal-clear water of emerald and blue,
and is surrounded by the peaks of Snowdonia. Lough Ouler, County Wicklow, Ireland Ponte de São João, Rio Coura, Portugal
A truly enchanting spot. This heart-shaped corrie (mountain lake) puts A natural pool in the Coura River, formed by
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland the ‘wild’ in wild swimming with its dark water mountain waters. The trek to the pool is a bit
Spectacular springwater pools fed by the and remote location, by Tonelagee Mountain. of a climb, but swimmers will be rewarded
tumbling waterfalls of the Cuillin Mountains. Lac d’Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France with stunning turquoise waters.
Linhope Spout, Northumberland Annecy’s pristine waters are home to a host Fuentes del Algar, Alicante, Spain
A 5m-deep wild swimming spot in the isolated of wildlife, with fish visible to swimmers in the This exquisite oasis is an idyllic natural spot
Breamish Valley, lying below an 18m waterfall. clear water, and dramatic mountain views. for wild swimmers, with waterfalls, springs
One for more experienced swimmers. Cascate Capelli di Venere, Campania, Italy and centuries-old irrigation channels.
Pulvermaar Nature Pool, Germany A short distance from the fabulous Amalfi
One of Germany’s deepest lakes and set in a coast, this picturesque spot is surrounded Wild swimmers should always follow local
volcanic crater, Pulvermaar has shimmering, by beauty, from rocky canyons to cascading advice and precautions; you can find out more
mineral-rich waters in a luxurious landscape. waterfalls and bubbling streams. by visiting outdoorswimmingsociety.com.
Point
of view New parking
Can you name this
famous churchyard? rules in Spain
It’s just for fun
A change to the regulations concerning
– the answer
is below… parking for motorhomes and campervans,
recently announced by the Spanish
Directorate-General for Traffic, has been
welcomed by drivers visiting Spain.
The new rules clarify the difference
between parking and camping, and state
that when a motorhome is parked it can
be treated in the same way as a car, so
long as it adheres to certain requirements.
First, it must only be in contact with
the ground through its wheels (without
the use of stabilising legs or other support
devices, with the exception of chocks).
Second, it cannot occupy more of a
surface area through the use of equipment
ANSWER: St Mary’s Church in Turville, Buckinghamshire, was used as a location in The Vicar of Dibley
such as camping tables and chairs.

CONNECT HOTSHOTS
The best of your touring photos
1 1 My partner and I made a tour

of Portugal in the summer and
stayed at a wonderful winery
in the Alentejo region, at Quinta
Monteiro de Matos, in Ribatejo.
We bought a few bottles of wine
from the owner, which allowed
us to stay on the site for free.
We were the only ones there
that night, too. Just stunning!
Linda Tulie
2 We found this glorious CS on

our way home from Norfolk.
My husband is enjoying some
lunch, watched very closely
by Tyke, our English bull terrier,
who at 12 still loves our trips.
Dawn Furner
3 A beautiful sunset at St Davids

in Pembrokeshire captured the
mood perfectly. Mark Salmon
Star picture
2 3
Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts)
to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides:
Road Trip Europe – Best of Belgium; All the Aires Spain and Portugal; All the Aires
Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning;
Sea View Camping Scotland; Sea View Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe
– The Great War and More; and Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. All are from
Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.com, 0131 208 3333.

CONNECT NEW GEAR
NEW GEAR
Our selection of brilliant kit that’s sure to enhance your tours!
Roxon C1
Camping Cutlery
Great for picnics,
quick meals or just
decluttering ’van
drawers, this stainless-
steel cutlery set has
three pieces with Dimmable LED Light Dometic Thermo 30 Wine Tumbler
built-in magnets and a This nifty 12V light is great for night-time This durable and ergonomic 300ml tumbler
folding design, brilliant reading or ambient lighting, especially since is a stylish solution for keeping your wine
for space-saving. the lamp is dimmable. It has a USB for charging at the perfect temperature, with double
Price £19.99 devices, and a 30,000-hour lamp life. insulated walls and a press-fit lid.
Web amazon.co.uk Price £18.40 Web kiravans.co.uk Price £19.99 Web campingworld.co.uk
Lancaster Solar Lamp Homikit Kitchen Set Dog Safety Light

This futuristic lamp is not only chic, it is Including a jar spatula and brush, this cheerful Come rain, fog or dark, this rechargeable,
also rechargeable via USB or solar power. seven-piece set is perfect for cooking on tour. waterproof light can be attached to a collar
The lamp has a six-hour run time and provides The durable silicone is gentle on pots and pans, or harness and offers three colours, three
ambient lighting both indoors and out. while the sizes are handy for all sorts of cooking. lighting modes and 20 hours of battery life.
Price £39.99 Web thesolarcentre.co.uk Price £13.99 Web amazon.co.uk Price £33.95 Web ruffwear.co.uk
HomeVac H11
Taking handheld to
a whole new level,
this compact, cordless
vacuum weighs
just under 550g.
Equipped with a 2-in-1
attachment brush and
Airnex Collapsible Food Waste Bin Step Cover nozzle, the rechargeable
Banish odours and reduce waste with this Easy to fit, remove, wash and cut to size, this vacuum is perfect for
one-gallon food bin, with 20 compostable bags. durable, lightweight step cover will keep you nooks and crannies.
Made from recycled materials, it folds down flat. safe from slips and your ’van free from mud. Price £49.99
Price £20.95 Web amazon.co.uk Price £20.99 Web berger-camping.co.uk Web uk.eufy.com
PICK OF THE MONTH Laminated tabletop

can be raised or
lowered as required
Stools stow away
inside folded table
for easy storage
Quechua Folding Camping Table and Stools
French brand Decathlon now has some 47 stores in the UK, and we love
its well-priced range of camping gear. This month, the Quechua Folding
Camping Table and Stools caught our eye - ideal for stashing in your
All prices correct at the time of writing
motorhome’s garage, ready to pull out on site for al fresco dining.

The laminated tabletop has an aluminium frame and steel legs for
durability, and the height of the tabletop can be adjusted. Best of all, the Table folds
down to just
four stools can be stowed within the table when it’s folded for storage, 60 x 60 x 10.5cm
there are two carry handles, and the whole unit weighs just 8.7kg.
Price £59.99 Web decathlon.co.uk

CONNECT NIGHTSTOPS
The latest information on all our current destinations in the UK
NOTE
We strongly
T he Nightstop Scheme is run recommend doub

le
checking that
by us in conjunction with the Nightstops are
Motor Caravanners’ Club open before
(MCC), and the sites are certificated 29 travelling
locations (CLs); you don’t have to
join any club to use them. You’ll
need to ring the relevant site to
confirm whether there’s space for
you before you visit: you’ll find
information at www.practical 14 Three Horseshoes
motorhome.com/nightstops. Cakers Lane, East Worldham,
For further information about Alton GU34 3AE
the MCC, visit www.themotor Open all year. Free to stay
caravannersclub.co.uk. if eating in pub. Water, toilet/
washroom, rubbish bins available.
1 Airman Hotel SG17 5JF Dogs allowed. Hardstanding.
2 The Black Horse Pub HP16 9AX
3 The Seven Wives PE27 5RF
4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms SA44 6LN
5 Railway Hotel SA32 7LQ
25
6 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB
7 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS
7 32
8 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ
9 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW
10 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH
11 Elton Farm GL14 1JU 26
12 The Gloucester Old Spot GL51 9SY 21
9
13 The Flying Bull Inn GU33 7JB
14 Three Horseshoes GU34 3AE 28
15 Landsdowne PR4 6XP 15
16 The Hawthorne OL4 5LN 16
17 The Bluebell Inn PE12 6SN
18 The Riverside Hotel Surfleet Ltd PE11 4DG
19 Banham Community Centre NR16 2HB 24
20 Great Danes Country Inn PE37 8BG 17
21 South Moor Farm YO13 0LW 18
33 20
22 The Seaview Hotel SA65 9PL
19
23 The Tipple Inn SN8 3EQ
3 30
24 Carpenters Arms DE7 4PP 4 31 27
25 The Old Stables DG10 9QX 22
26 Black Horse Inn DL7 0SH 5 12
34 1
27 The Red Cow SG8 8RN 11
10 2
28 The Park Club Cleveleys FY5 2BJ
29 The Bannockburn Inn KW8 6JY 23
30 The Bennet Arms IP30 9LH 14
31 The Tarrington Arms HR1 4HX 8 13
32 Angel View Hotel NE9 7UB
33 The Mill Leisure Holiday
Cottage & Campsite SY21 8BJ
34 The Harrow Inn SN4 0AE
6
FIND FULL DETAILS ONLINE www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops

CONNECT SPECIAL
nc y co st um es an d a touch of glitter on the

d impress with fa
Festivals are a time to let go an r our ’van s, to o – visit any festival and you’ll see
e same goes fo
cheeks. But for many of us, th spotte d at th e rece nt Lo ve Supreme Jazz Festival
re are a few w e
some great motorhomes. He
y got in
m er ci al Ve h icles has recentl
Volkswagen Co m
th e la u n ch of th e ID. Buzz Cargo-
t, with visiting
on the festival ac Va n (r ig ht) , which could be
lam pe r sure to
based one-off G . It s ey e- ca tching design is
u so on including
an event near yo s bu ilt-in photobooth,
to vi sit it op in for
attract people e fe stivalgoers can dr
pr op s, w h er p
lighting and h as a m ak eover filter to hel
m er a
a fun snap. The ca
al atmosphere.
capture the festiv Va n w as launched at Pen
nFest
la m pe r
The unique G
fe at u re d al on gs ide a range of VW
ere it
2023 in July, wh in cl u di n g everything from th
e
hic le s,
festival-ready ve ia to th e iconic California.
Ca lif or n
compact Caddy

|
CONNECT FESTIVAL ’VANS
As these pictures show, we recently enjoyed a weekend

at the fantastic Love Supreme Jazz Festival at Glynde,
in East Sussex. The dedicated motorhome/campervan
field didn’t disappoint, with everything from classic
flower power VeeDubs to a converted US school bus
taking up residence. Headliner Grace Jones’s ‘Pull up
to the Bumper’ was a fitting anthem for motorhomers,
while her 10-minute hula hoop session during ‘Slave
to the Rhythm’ drew gasps of admiration from the
audience! To find out more about Love Supreme
Jazz Festival, visit www.lovesupremefestival.com.
www.practicalmotorhome.com
| | November 2023 17
CONNECT PUZZLE BREAK
Whether you’re on tour or at home, relax with a cup

of tea and some brain-teasing puzzles to ponder!
SUDOKU WORDWISE NOTES
To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box
T U W
must contain the numbers 1 to 9. No single digit can
appear twice in any one row, column or 3x3 box
L F I
L S Y
You have 15 minutes to find as
many words as possible using the
letters in the grid. Each word must
contain four or more letters, one of
which must be the central square.
No proper nouns, plurals or foreign
words are allowed. There is one
nine-letter word in the grid, for
which the clue is: Longingly
8 = average
More than 16 = well done
HALF ANSWER LANE

DOWN LASER, LOUSE, YEARS
& HALF ACROSS LOLLY, SAUNA, REEDS
HALF & HALF
ANSWER WISTFULLY
What type of WISTFUL
bourbon-enriched SIFT, SWIFT, SWIFTLY, WILFUL,
sponge cake is the official FUSIL, FUSTILY, FUSTY, LIFT, LIFTS,
dessert of the American FLITS, FLUTY, FULL, FULLS, FULLY,
FILL, FILLS, FILLY, FIST, FITS, FLIT,
State of Alabama ? WORDWISE
Cross out a letter in

each square to get a
grid filled with words.
The uncrossed-out letters
in the shaded squares
give the answer.
SUDOKU
ANSWERS

CONNECT ASK THE EXPERTS
Type ‘Ford van repair garages near

Richmond, London’ and ‘Commercial
vehicle repair garages near Richmond,
London’ into your search engine and
a list of directories and garage websites
should appear. Probably a map, too.
Another avenue is to seek a mobile
van mechanic near you. Again, use
the internet to track one down.
My grandson runs a small fleet of
Transits for his carpentry business,
including one with almost 500,000
miles recorded, which he is currently
Burning questions about motorcaravanning? Our expert converting into a motorhome. He finds
team can help! Simply email one of the addresses below the online Ford Transit Owners’ Forums
friendly and informative. You could ask
or contact practical.motorhome@futurenet.com, and for garage recommendations on them.
we’ll do our best to answer it in an upcoming issue Finally, nearly all motorcaravans are
‘conversions’ because they were not
built by the base vehicle manufacturer.
This is true for campervans, high-top
SHOULD I HAVE MY CAMPERVAN panel vans (like yours) and coachbuilts.
RECLASSIFIED BY THE DVLA? The only current exceptions on sale in
Thanks for your comprehensive the UK are the Caddy California, T6
Q report on seatbelts for designated California and Crafter Grand California,
travel seats (issue 276) – although not the all built from the wheels up by VW.
answer I was hoping for! I am still trying
to find a garage in or near Richmond, WHY DOES THE ENGINE ON MY
London, to work on my campervan. COACHBUILT FAIL TO START?
One more question. My camper is a I have a 56-plate Peugeot-based
Q
Our expert panel conversion (1); are there any plus points
for having the certification changed with
coachbuilt with a 2.2-litre turbo-
diesel engine. Sometimes it fails to start
the DVLA to ‘motor caravan’? after a journey – and it happens whether
Sarah Ed Keogh we’ve driven one mile or 50.
Wakely After 15 minutes of not trying, it starts
Editor-in-chief Gentleman Jack replies… and then runs fine. My garage cannot
sarah@practicalmotorhome.com
A The most significant advantage of diagnose the issue: their computers
having it classified as a ‘motor caravan’ show no problem. I do let the engine
is that some specialist insurers offer a tick over for a minute to cool the turbo
Paul substantial discount on the premium. before switching off. I wait for the heater
Critcher Changing the body type on the V5C can plugs and other warnings to clear, but
Deputy editor be surprisingly difficult, and took me then it just turns over with no sign of life.
paul.critcher@futurenet.com over six months after the conversion The only useful advice I have found
of a minibus to a motorcaravan. online is to turn on the ignition and start
The problem many garages will have is immediately, rather than waiting for the
Peter with lifting the ’van by hydraulic ramp. heater plugs light to go out.
Baber Quite a few ‘car’ ramps will cope with Since doing that it has been okay, but
Reviews editor a sub-3500kg (approx 6m long) ’van, I’d like to replace whatever is sticking
peter.baber@futurenet.com but a high ceiling to the building is and causing a fuel block.
needed to keep both roofs intact! Ian Gapp
Ford commercial garages are your
Gentleman obvious starting point. Secondly, an Diamond Dave replies…
Jack independent commercial vehicle garage. A You need a garage with deeper
Contributor diagnostics, including monitoring live
askjack@practicalmotorhome.com 1 data during start-up, to establish exactly
what’s going on here.
One possibility would be low fuel rail
Nick pressure or a faulty rail pressure sensor.
Harding Modern diesels run common rail
Contributor injection, where a high-pressure pump
practical.motorhome@futurenet.com delivers fuel to the injectors via the
‘common rail’, in effect a fuel manifold.
The ECU will not fire the injectors
Diamond if the fuel rail pressure is too low (or
Dave reported as too low by a faulty sensor).
Contributor I suggest asking around locally for
practical.motorhome@futurenet.com a good diagnostic garage to help fix this.

WANT TO MAXIMISE
YOUR MOTORHOMING?
JOIN THE CLUB!
We all want to get the most out of life and maximise those brilliant
touring experiences. John Sootheran discovers how membership
of The Camping and Caravanning Club can help you do just that!
The Camping and Caravanning WIN! A great spend a relaxing weekend on a convenience and choice.
Club has been extolling the seven-night Club Site for a fraction of the And all that’s before you even
virtues of the outdoor leisure stay on a cost of staying at a B&B or hotel, start to consider the 1200 superb
lifestyle for over 120 years, Club Site and of course, you’ll have all your Certificated Sites, which are
so they know a thing or two – scan the stuff with you, too! It provides a affiliated to the C&CC.
about maximising brilliant code to enter! real home-away-from-home CSs are smaller and generally,
memories – and minimising holiday experience. don’t have the full facilities of
the cost of making them! us are looking for cost-effective larger sites. The benefit here is
ways to enjoy our motorhome Scotland, England, Wales that they are often in the most
From the people at HQ who run lifestyle. And with membership and Northern Ireland stunningly beautiful and unspoilt
the Club, to the Site Managers of The Camping and Caravanning The UK really is your oyster with locations, places where you just
and Assistants on its 97 full- Club starting at just £48 for an The Camping and Caravanning couldn’t get planning permission
facility campsites, C&CC staff are entire year, and a pitch at a Club Club membership, because for a full campsite.
passionate about the joys – and Site costing from only £10 per you’ll find there are fantastic, CSs are a major benefit of Club
benefits – of the outdoor leisure person per night in low season, fully owned Club Sites in all four membership, and exclusively
lifestyle, whether that’s in a there is no more cost-effective countries of the union. for the use of members. They
motorhome or a campervan. way to enjoy a few days away From Norwich in the east to are perfect for shorter breaks
Their first-hand knowledge from home and work, Armoy (County Antrim) in the and for the passionate off-grid
and insight (most staff recharge your batteries west, and from Brora in the north motorhomer or campervanner,
were active campers and discover a to Sennen Cove in the south, the whose self-contained outdoor
before they joined the new region. Club’s sites offer a guaranteed lifestyle means they don’t have
E XP L O R E
N
Club) help to ensure Two people can level of comfort, cleanliness, to rely on electric hook-up
B R I T A I
that all motorhom-
GREAT YOND
ers, whether novice
A ND BE
or experienced, enjoy
every second they
spend on Club Sites.
The devil’s very much
in the detail with the C&CC. At
Verwood New Forest Club Site in
August, I watched as staff greeted
new arrivals at the gate with a
friendly smile and a chat, and
escorted them to their pitch –
they must definitely get their
10,000 steps in every day!
They also clean the facilities
with great fastidiousness, and
ensure the entire site is kept in
pristine condition… even cutting
the grass when there are the
fewest people around.
Keswick is just one of
The price is right! many Club sites set in
While the cost of living crisis gorgeous countryside
continues to squeeze, many of

ADVERTISING FEATURE
CHOOSE F
SOME 130ROM
A M A Z I N G0
CLUB SIT
AND CSsE! S
The Glencoe Club Site

makes an ideal base for
exploring the Highlands Kessingland Club Site,
in Suffolk, is just a mile
and lots of facilities. Healthier and wealthier! from a superb beach
Whether you want to chill on As well as the potential to save
a beach, walk in the hills or visit you plenty of money on your
a historic city, The Camping and breaks, research carried out in
Caravanning Club has a perfect 2022 by Liverpool and Sheffield
Club Site or CS for you. Universities proved that being in
But Club membership isn’t just the great outdoors has a hugely
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are plenty of other benefits, too. wellbeing – and membership of
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A FRIENMDE…
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Inspirational travel stories, plus
expert advice, hints and tips, to help
you get the most out of your motorhome
IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

26 This month
Dates for your diary
PAUL CRITCHER Touring in the Midlands? There’s plenty to entertain here!
28 Your Tour
I love getting away at this time of year. The Symonds Yat
Join Susan Taylor for some gentle strolling to explore the superb
weather is usually warm, schools are back, scenery and many historic buildings of the beautiful Wye Valley
which means parks and tourist attractions are
28
generally quieter, and you can usually get a
decent table for a pub lunch.
Don’t get me wrong, holidays with kids
are great. But not all of us have big families,
and even those who do sometimes enjoy
the prospect of a solo or couple’s getaway.
There’s also the opportunity to immerse
yourself in all that autumn colour, as swathes 34 Your Tour
Forest of Bowland
of countryside turn from shades of green to Nigel and Kay Hutson discover some splendid scenery and
fascinating history in the heart of the Lancashire countryside
tones of red, brown and gold. Check out our
pick of seven sites where you can admire 41 Best sites for…
Autumn colour
the best of the season’s bounty on p41. Seven top spots for enjoying the natural beauty of the season
Early autumn sees lots of great events and

41
places to visit, and this month’s features are
a taste of what’s out there. Head west to the
Wye Valley, where Susan Taylor finds historic
buildings and natural wonders (p28), or north
to Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland, where Nigel
Hutson encounters history – and witchcraft
(p34)! We also take a relaxing break in
Stratford-upon-Avon (p46) and stay in the 46 Your Tour
Midlands for our pick of things to do (overleaf). Stratford-upon-Avon
Susan and Ro Taylor take a relaxing break to enjoy some leisurely
Further afield, Marcus Leach reaches Turkey walking in the historic market town in the heart of Warwickshire
(p56), said to be the point where east meets

52 48 hours in…
west. Finally, and firmly in the west, now’s Bude, Cornwall
Surfers’ paradise! Make the most of your weekend with our
a great time for a Cornish weekend away hour-by-hour guide to the gorgeous beaches and lively bars
– anyone for Bude (p52)?
56 Big European Odyssey pt 20
Turkey and beyond
Asia beckons as Marcus, Kim and the children head into Turkey to
paul.critcher@futurenet.com explore Istanbul, the starting point for their eastern adventures

touring
News and events to put in your diary
Focus on… 1 Take three…

Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral for Liverpool City Council’s River Festival, Phil Longfoot
The Curious events

Porthcawl Elvis Festival
Midlands 22-24 September 2023

That’s alright mama! There are
various events to enjoy at this
Gaia at Lichfield great celebration of all things
Cathedral, Staffordshire Elvis, from competitions to
22 September - 5 November 2023 movies and gospel music.
See the Earth floating and rotating elvies.co.uk
in three dimensions with this Stay at… Brodawel
spectacular touring artwork (1) by Touring & Camping Park
artist Luke Jerram. Measuring 7m brodaweltouringpark.co.uk
in diameter, the illuminated globe
will hang in the nave of the mighty World Porridge Making
Lichfield Cathedral. Adult tickets £5. Championship, Scotland
lichfield-cathedral.org/ 7 October 2023
what-s-on/gaia Macbeth at the RSC, Take two… Join porridge fans at this cook-off
Stay at… Drayton Manor C&CC Site Stratford-upon-Avon Secret gardens at the Village Hall in Carrbridge,
www.campingand To 14 October 2023 Bodnant Garden, as contestants compete to make
caravanningclub.co.uk ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair…’ but who Conwy, North Wales Scotland’s favourite oaty dish.
can say what Shakespeare would Used for filming The Secret Garden goldenspurtle.com
Goose Fair, Nottingham make of this production of his great in 2018, Bodnant is simply packed Stay at… Grantown-on-Spey
29 September - 8 October 2023 tragedy, with a makeover of the with botanical interest. There are Caravan Park
With more than 250 rides and Drunken Porter scene by comedian Edwardian Italianate terraces, caravanscotland.com
attractions, the Goose Fair is one and screenwriter Stewart Lee? meadows and an arboretum, along
of the largest travelling funfairs in rsc.org.uk/macbeth with 80 acres of formal gardens, World Conker Championships,
Europe, and Nottingham’s biggest Stay at… Riverside Caravan Park shrub-filled glades, meadows and Northamptonshire
annual event. Entry is free and the riversideparkstratford.co.uk woods, dells and water gardens. 8 October 2023
rides are individually priced. Tickets cost £15 (free entry for Have a crack at this most seasonal
visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/ Take one… National Trust members). of UK competitions! See the website
whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 Walking guidebook nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ for further information.
Stay at… Lake District & Cumbria: wales/bodnant-garden worldconkerchampionships.com
Shelford Nurseries Caravan Park Accessible Walks for All Stay at… Wern Farm Caravan Park Stay at… Stamford CAMC Site
www.shelfordnurseries OS Pathfinder Guide, £12.99 wernfarmcaravanpark.co.uk caravanclub.co.uk
caravanpark.co.uk This new guidebook from Ordnance
Survey aims to empower wheelchair Croft Castle and
East Midlands Food Festival users to explore the beauty of the Parkland, Herefordshire
7-8 October 2023 British countryside. Colourful herbaceous borders,
Artisan producers will rub shoulders It includes 38 short routes in a secret walled garden, a small
with street food vendors at this the Lake District National Park and working vineyard, historic apple
popular foodie event. There’s a Kids Cumbria’s Solway Coast Area of trees and a glasshouse are just a
Zone to entertain younger visitors, Outstanding Natural Beauty, and few of the many superb highlights
a choir and a veritable smorgasbord along sections of Hadrian’s Wall. to be enjoyed when you visit this
of cheese, pies, charcuterie and Walks are categorised into four National Trust property, set in 1500
chocolate, all washed down with accessibility ratings: easy, moderate, acres of parkland. Tickets cost £14
a splendid selection of ciders, beers, challenging and very challenging, (free for National Trust members).
gins and whiskies. Adult tickets £6. allowing you to choose your routes. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/
meltonfestivals.co.uk/ All trails in the guide are pushchair worcestershire-herefordshire/ 12 October New issue of
east-midlands-food-festival friendly and suitable for families croft-castle-and-parkland Practical Motorhome on sale!
Stay at… Eye Kettleby Lakes with young children. Stay at… Home Farm Subscribe to have your copy
eyekettlebylakes.com shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk homefarmaccommodation.co.uk delivered – see p112 for details

The beautiful Wye Valley marries an industrial past with historical
buildings and natural wonders. Susan Taylor goes with the flow
I t was a perfect piece of serendipity. I almost

didn’t bother going to the washing-up area
on the campsite, but we hadn’t heated the
water in the boiler and I had a bowlful of dishes.
Washing our breakfast crockery, I got into
The weather was glorious, the walk scenic, and
the ideal length for us these days, at around four
miles. Easy underfoot and simple to navigate,
starting from the campsite, we simply strolled by
the launch point for canoe hire, passed the pub
conversation with a fellow camper who’d been (duly noted for later) and continued along the
coming here for years. He recommended a walk river path as directed, to Biblins Bridge.
along the riverbank to the footbridge, crossing
the river and heading back on the opposite bank, Industrial history
stopping at the pub on the way before taking the Along the way, we encountered the old Symonds
hand ferry back to ‘our’ side of the river. Yat Limekiln, used for around 150 years from the
It sounded like a great first-day outing and early 1700s to extract lime from limestone – an
Duration half an hour later, we were on our way. unhealthy profession, as lime dust on the skin
Three nights But let me explain. We had arrived the previous causes burns, and in the lungs, cancer.
afternoon at River Wye Caravan Camping Park, on There is an old ironworks, again dating from the
When the banks of the Wye, just minutes from Symonds 1700s – further evidence of the area’s industrial
Spring 2023 Yat West (and Symonds Yat East on the opposite past and the importance of the river for transport.
bank), amid the splendid scenery of Wye Valley There is very little left to see today, other than
Why? Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. a few stone walls and an information board
An excellent variety We were planning a few days of relaxing and marking the spot, but it offers an insight into
of good walking exploring. Our pitch was perfectly positioned the lives of local people all those centuries ago.
trails, not far from on the riverbank, both for the views and as the Finally, we walked through Biblins Youth
the campsite starting point for a variety of walks. Campsite, a craft and outdoor centre for

TRAVEL SYMONDS YAT
2
Getty
1 3
youngsters, and the location of our of watersports enthusiasts gather 1 Ye Old Ferrie Inn
first river crossing. This turned out here, near the rapids and the river at Symonds Yat
to be a rather wobbly footbridge. slalom. At this very popular pub,
Originally built in the early 1900s we were lucky enough to nab a table 2 Splendid views
as a winch-point for moving logs outside, close to the river, where we from the Rock
along the river, today it is a wire could continue to enjoy the sunshine
mesh suspension bridge. while being entertained watching 3 Willow enjoys
Our pup, Willow, took some those out on the water. a woodland walk
persuading to walk across and was
clearly happy to be back on firmer 4 Ferry across the river 4 Pause for a pint
ground on the opposite riverbank. Suitably rested, we took the short walk of the local ale at
If you plan to visit here outside the to the hand ferry – a new experience for Ye Old Ferrie Inn
summer months, it might be best to check all of us, especially Willow, who took being
first, because the bridge apparently closes on (and rather near) the water very much in her
if the weather turns bad. stride. There are two of these ferries, one by The
Safely across on the opposite bank, we found Saracens Head and another five minutes away,
ourselves in ancient woodland, intentionally opposite Ye Old Ferrie Inn.
neglected and left in the main to fend for itself. Both date back to the early 1800s and are still
Here we discovered a choice of paths and hand-pulled across the river with the use of a
cycleways, but we decided to stick to the most pulley and a rope. Both ferries charge £1 for adults
direct route back towards Symonds Yat, and each way, a small price for the experience, never
were soon relaxing with a pint at The Saracens mind the efforts of the ferryman! We chose the
Head. Not only keen walkers, but also plenty second option, landing us at the pub on the

TRAVEL SYMONDS YAT
5 in common with others around the country, fell

during the dissolution of the monasteries. At the
time of our visit, it was undergoing restoration
work and some areas were out of bounds.
We were able to stroll around a re-enactors’
medieval camp in the grounds, watching the
women cooking, the men preparing weapons and
the children playing in the sunshine. Pretty soon,
the archers and riders gathered together, and we
were treated to a talk on the armour they were
wearing and the gear they were carrying, before
the archers set about bringing down the
‘marauding knight’ – great fun.
Another happy discovery lay a
short five-minute walk from the
abbey, in the form of the Abbey
5 Goodrich Castle opposite bank, where we Mill Craft Centre. Quirky little
has a long, turbulent booked dinner for a few shops sit by a watermill and
history, dating back nights hence, which would original mill buildings beside
to the late 1100s be our final evening in this the Wye – the perfect setting
pleasant spot. for an ice cream!
6 Ro and Willow A short time later, we were We stopped at the friendly
explore the ancient back at the site, relaxing and grocery store in Whitchurch
walls of the castle enjoying our riverside view and on the way back, to stock up
tucking into a tasty salad, this 6 on supplies and admire the view.
7 Goodrich village time being entertained by the local Of course, we couldn’t leave the
duck and swan populations. area without visiting Symonds Yat
8 Re-enactors at Next day, we decided to follow the river Rock, so our final morning saw us heading
Tintern Abbey take a again, but in the opposite direction, which took back across the river via the hand ferry and
well-earned break us past the pretty little 13th-century St Dubricius following the footpath up the hill.
Church. As it turned out, we were thwarted in Most of the walk was easy and flat, with a bit
our attempt to follow the river, because the path of a climb up to the Rock towards the end – there
became a very overgrown track, difficult to walk are some steps and a handrail to help here, too.
along. Instead, we turned onto the main road at You can drive there in 10 minutes if you prefer,
Whitchurch village, a 15-minute walk from the but I’m told the road is quite steep in places.
campsite and home to a grocery store and a pub. There is a good car park near the café, which
Not to be deterred, a quick search on my phone levies a small charge (the Rock itself is free to
showed us that Goodrich Castle was just 2.5 miles visit and always open), and then there’s a short,
away – another piece of happy serendipity. accessible walk along the path to the viewpoint.
Goodrich Castle Birds of prey

Dating back to the late 1100s, the castle was more At the summit of the limestone outcrop, the
a majestic family home than a fortified defence, far-reaching views are quite simply spectacular,
although it did come under siege during the looking down over the river as it winds its way
English Civil War while sheltering Royalists.
The cannon that finally reduced parts of the 7
castle to rubble, nicknamed Roaring Meg, still
stands in the grounds.
Despite its turbulent history, many of the walls
are more or less intact and the views across the
Wye Valley from the three-storey 12th-century
keep are spectacular.
There is a limited bus service from Goodrich
village to Whitchurch, but rather than wait
around for an hour, we chose to walk back. Weary
by the time we arrived at our pitch, we spent the 8
evening with our feet up, enjoying bowls of pasta
and a well-earned bottle of white wine.
Tintern Abbey
We awoke to a fine day, although the clouds were
trying their best to hide the sun, and decided to
drive the 30 minutes to Tintern Abbey, crossing
the Wye and the border from England into Wales.
Built by Cistercian monks in the rolling hills
of the Wye Valley, the splendid gothic abbey,

TRAVEL SYMONDS YAT
TOUR ESSENTIALS
9
WAY TO GO FOOD AND DRINK

From home in Buckinghamshire, The Saracens Head
we took the M4 over the River saracensheadinn.co.uk
Severn, then the A449 and A40, Ye Old Ferrie Inn
a journey of just under 2.5 hours. yeoldferrieinn.com
WHERE WE STAYED FIND OUT MORE

River Wye Caravan Camping Park Goodrich Castle
Symonds Yat West, english-heritage.org.uk/
10 Herefordshire HR9 6DA visit/places/goodrich-castle
Tel 01600 890 672 Tintern Abbey
riverwyecamping.com cadw.gov.wales/visit/
what3words places-to-visit/tintern-abbey
cabbages.wisdom.noun Abbey Mill Craft Centre
Open 1 March to 31 October abbeymill.com
Pitches 30 Symonds Yat Rock
Price £11 per adult, £3 per dog forestryengland.uk/
symonds-yat-rock
Pound coins needed to operate
the showers, and don’t make the 13
mistake I made the first time I used
them and try to get into the block
that is reserved for canoe company
customers! There is an amusement
arcade and bar attached to the site,
open during the peak season.
through the valley and beyond. There were also evening meal at Ye Old Ferrie Inn. Before dinner, 9 Re-enactors
plenty of magnificent birds of prey about, looking we sat outside in the sunshine with our drinks, at Tintern Abbey
for a meal, although I have to admit I’m not seated almost within touching distance of the prepare to do battle
sure whether they were sparrowhawks, kestrels pretty river, giggling at a swan chasing a family
or peregrines (which the area is famous for). of ducks along the riverbank before itself being 10 Sue admires the
I must learn more about our native bird species! chased away by one of the small rowing boats splendid view from
As well as the views and the birds, the Rock is that were still out on the water. Symonds Yat Rock
also home to the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort,
an alternative viewpoint a few hundred metres Dining in historic style 11 The trig point at
further along, and some excellent spots where Later, moving inside this charming 15th-century Symonds Yat Rock
you can pause for a picnic. building to enjoy our dinner, we treated ourselves
If, like us, you don’t bring a picnic with you, to a couple of excellent steaks and a bottle of red 12 Sue’s pitch at
there is a handy café (although with no indoor wine, to mark the final evening of our trip. River Wye Caravan
seating), perfect for refuelling with a cuppa and And then, all too soon, another enjoyable break Camping Park
a sandwich or slice of cake while you decide was over – we saw so much and yet left
which route to follow on your return so much undiscovered. Wherever 13 Abbey Mill
to Symonds Yat. we might tour, I never cease to Craft Centre
marvel at just how beautiful and
Strolling and climbing interesting our island home can
There are several walking trails be. Wye Valley? Why not!
here, including one leading to
some prehistoric caves known
as King Arthur’s Cave. We felt
that we had done enough for a
few days, and so decided to take
a leisurely stroll back. 11
En route, we came across a group
of rock climbers, balanced on outcrops
just above us. The imposing Symonds Yat Rock
is understandably very popular with climbers,
although there are restrictions to access from
time to time, to protect breeding birds.
We arrived back on site in plenty of time to
shower and change before heading out for that 12
LANCASHIRE
HOTPOT
Nigel and Kay Hutson discover a bubbling cauldron
of history and witchcraft in the Forest of Bowland
A few years ago, a friend suggested we should visit the Forest of Bowland,
and in particular the Trough of Bowland. To be honest, until then, Kay
and I had never even heard of these places, let alone knew where they
were. When we learned that they were in northern Lancashire, we realised
we’d skirted the area many times before, when traversing the country to visit
my sister, who lives in the Lake District.
Recently, when we were discussing plans for our next tour, Kay suddenly
remembered that conversation, so we started looking more closely at the
campsites in the area, and duly booked a Caravan and Motorhome Club site
just a few miles away from Clitheroe.
Arriving at Acre Hill CL, we were soon set up, the kettle was on, and we
spent the day relaxing and taking in the glorious views from the campsite.

TRAVEL LANCASHIRE
Duration
Three nights
When
May 2023
Why?
Exploring the many
hidden gems of an
undervisited county
Ŧ:KLOHZHDWHWKHFORXGVOLƏWHG
and we began to see why this
is such a hugely popular spot’
Next morning, we needed provisions, so we We planned to spend the following day, 6 May,
decided to go to Clitheroe, an attractive town at the site, because it was Coronation Day – we
with plenty of independent shops and cafés, and had a bottle of bubbly to mark the occasion!
the ruins of a medieval castle. After stopping for Although the skies were grey next morning, we
coffee in one of the cafés, we made the climb up decided to drive through the Trough of Bowland.
the hill to explore the castle. We’d seen it signposted at Dunsop Bridge, and
We slogged our way up the steps to get there, the tearoom owner had said how lovely the drive
not realising that we’d walked past a far more was, suggesting we head for the Jubilee Tower, on
accessible route. Although today, not much of the road between Abbeystead and Quernmore.
the structure remains, the views from the hilltop Sadly, as we headed higher, the visibility got
are stunning, looking down over the town and worse. Arriving at the Jubilee Tower, we could
across the countryside all around. barely see it, despite it being beside the road.
Thankfully, there is a car park just opposite,
Heading into the forest so we pulled in and as it was lunchtime, decided
As the weather wasn’t good, we decided to leave to enjoy a meal that Kay prepared.
Clitheroe and drive into the Forest of Bowland, an While we ate, the clouds lifted, and we began
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We made our to see why this is such a hugely popular spot. The
way to Whitewell, where I’d read about stepping Tower, a castellated structure built for Victoria’s
stones crossing the River Hodder. Diamond Jubilee in 1897, is essentially a platform
Parking by The Inn at Whitewell, it was a short that you reach via some stairs, from which you
walk to the river. Kay sensibly remained on the can enjoy an even better view of the area.
riverbank, but the stepping stones brought out As the fog cleared, Lancaster and Morecambe
the child in me, and I crossed them several times. Bay became visible, as did the hills of the Lake 2
Our route back to the campsite took us via the District, and even Blackpool Tower! On a clear
village of Dunsop Bridge (there’s a decent-sized day, you can see as far as Snowdonia to the south 1 Panoramic views
car park here), where we spotted the and the Lake District to the north. reveal the glorious
Puddleducks Tea Room. Dunsop Bridge is often Driving back through the Trough of Bowland landscape of the
cited as the geographical centre of Great Britain, in the sunshine, we could see what we’d missed Trough of Bowland
although the exact point is apparently some on the way up. Words such as ‘stunning’ and
4.5 miles north, at Whitendale Hanging Stones. ‘beautiful’ sprang to mind, but seemed somehow 2 Kay enjoying
It was only a short drive to the site (in the rain), inadequate to describe the glorious countryside dinner at the
but on the way, we passed some pretty villages. and hills we were seeing. We now understood Spread Eagle Inn

TRAVEL LANCASHIRE
3 4
5 6
more clearly why our friend had recommended The Spread Eagle Inn at nearby Sawley had been
that we should visit here, all those years ago. recommended as a great place for a meal, and that
Researching before our trip, we came across was where we ended up in the evening. Located
Browsholme Hall (pronounced ‘Broozum’) on on the banks of the River Ribble, the view from
the Historic Houses website, and as it was not the window was beautiful – and the dishes they
far from the campsite, that was our destination served up weren’t half bad, either!
next day. Built in 1507, this is the oldest family Walking off some of those calories afterwards, 7
home in Lancashire. we discovered the ruins of Sawley Abbey, just
Our first stop was the Cartshed tearoom, for across the road. The site was closed, but looking 3 The old stepping
morning coffee, where we got chatting to one of over the wall, we could see that it must have been stones at Whitewell
the staff, Gail, who suggested the best places to magnificent in its heyday, before its destruction
have a look at after our guided tour of the house. during the Reformation. 4 The Jubilee Tower
She also persuaded us to book for lunch there! Sadly, the grey skies returned next morning, makes an excellent
but determined not to be deterred by a bit of observation point
Great house, family home pesky weather, we made our way to the National
Having pre-booked our tour, Kay and I were met Trust’s Gawthorpe Hall, near Burnley. 5 Gawthorpe Hall
by guide Irena at the front door of Browsholme This imposing Jacobean house tells the story dates back to
Hall. She pointed out many interesting artifacts of the Kay-Shuttleworths, a wealthy Victorian Jacobean times
and paintings. A couple of things stuck in my family, in particular Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth,
mind – the wooden peg tankard and the bobbin who grew up at Gawthorpe and was a teacher, 6 Browsholme Hall
chair. The former is an old drinking vessel, which philanthropist and keen embroiderer. She also is the oldest family
when you open the lid, has several dowels (pegs) collected textiles, and much of her important home in Lancashire
at set intervals on the inside. These are believed collection is on display at the property.
to be measures for ale and could also possibly be 7 Kay admires the
where the saying ‘they need to be taken down Packed with heritage fine textile collection
a peg or two’ originally came from. There’s no café at Gawthorpe, which is a pity, at Gawthorpe Hall
The bobbin chair was indeed made of bobbins so for lunch, we decided to drive to the Pendle
and spindles – of course, much of Lancashire’s Heritage Centre at Barrowford – another venue
historic wealth came from the cloth mills. recommended to us – which does have a café.
After a stroll around the grounds and a hearty The Heritage Centre charts the construction
lunch, we meandered through the countryside, and development of the ancient farmhouse in
passing picture-postcard pretty villages en route. which it is housed, from the 1400s to today.

TRAVEL LANCASHIRE
8 Pendle Heritage 8 9
Centre tells the story
of the farmhouse
it now occupies
9 Explore the Pendle

Sculpture Trail and
you’ll soon spot the
mythical unicorn…
10 … and then find

some surprisingly
comfortable seating!
11 Acre Hill CL
offers fine views
of the countryside
Originally built by John Bannister, the house 10

remained in the family until the late 17th century.
As an interesting aside, possibly the most
famous descendant of John Bannister was the
great athlete Sir Roger Bannister, the first person
to run a sub-four-minute mile.
Our final day dawned, and we were greeted
by cloudless skies, which was just as well as we
were hoping to walk the Pendle Sculpture Trail.
The path towards the Trail took us up a steep
climb, so sadly, it is probably not very accessible
for those less able. Eventually we reached the top
and the start of the Trail. Descending the hill, we
saw lots of sculptures, including a chair in the
remains of a tree, bats, witches – and a unicorn.
Then our trip was over, and although we’d not
enjoyed the best of weather, we got a taste of this
glorious, often overlooked region. We had seen
enough to entice us back for another visit soon!
TOUR ESSENTIALS
WAY TO GO at the junction onto the road signposted FOOD AND DRINK
To reach the Acre Hill CL, we turned right Bolton by Bowland. Acre Hill is on the right. Spread Eagle Inn
off the A59 (Skipton to Preston) onto the Important note Many of the local roads are spreadeaglesawley.co.uk
A671 signposted Clitheroe. In about 0.75 narrow and unsuitable for motorhomes,
miles, at the roundabout, we turned right so sat-nav directions might be misleading. FIND OUT MORE
onto the road signposted Chatburn. Clitheroe Castle Museum
In Chatburn, we turned left onto the WHERE WE STAYED lancashire.gov.uk
road signposted Grindleton. In Grindleton, Acre Hill CL Forest of Bowland AONB
we joined the road signposted Slaidburn Acre Hill CL is for CAMC members only, with forestofbowland.com
and turned left at the Duke of York. After space for five units. The south-facing site Jubilee Tower
three miles, at Lane Ends, we turned right has hardstandings, each with EHU. The lancashirepast.com
fresh-water tap, grey-water disposal and Browsholme Hall
chemical-emptying point are lit after dark browsholme.com
and all is spotlessly clean. This charming CL Sawley Abbey
is almost like a garden and offers fine views. english-heritage.org.uk
Address Acre Hill, Lane Ends, Bolton Gawthorpe Hall
by Bowland, Clitheroe BB7 4PH nationaltrust.org.uk
caravanclub.co.uk Pendle Heritage Centre
Open 1 March to 31 October pendleheritage.co.uk
Pitches 5 Pendle Sculpture Trail
11 Charges £21 with hook-up visitpendle.com

SEVEN SCENIC SPOTS FOR
Touring as the season turns offers a whole new perspective on the

landscape. Here are seven stunning locations for admiring autumn
1 NEW FOREST VARIETY SHOW

Between the heather and gorse of the northern commons
and the glorious woodlands, there’s always plenty of colour
to be found in the New Forest during the autumn. Pitch on
the outskirts at Sandy Balls Holiday Village and you’ll have
fabulous views from the onsite walking trails, as well
as easy access to the fabulous New Forest itself.
awayresorts.co.uk
2 RESTORE GLORY IN THE MIDLANDS 3 CANALSIDE COLOUR

When you visit The National Forest, it’s hard to believe that this Enjoy the colourful scenery of Bath Valley from Avoncliff
project was started just over 25 years ago, and has transformed Aqueduct, a 100m-long structure that carries the
the area into a landscape of rolling farmland, ancient forest and Kennet and Avon Canal – which links London with the
newly planted woodlands. All of which looks fantastic in autumn, Bristol Channel – across the River Avon. Pitch close to the
especially when shrouded in the early morning mists. canal at Marsh Farm Caravan Site (adults only), whose
Pictures: Getty
Stay at Dovesite Caravan Park, close to the National Forest Paddock touring field is open all year, with hardstandings
Way, Charnwood Forest and Bradgate Park. and easy access to walks along the towpath.
dovesitecaravanpark.co.uk bathcaravansite.co.uk

TRAVEL AUTUMNAL SPOTS
4 FAMILY LEGACY
Take in a riot of colour created by more than 3000 species
of trees and shrubs at Bodenham Arboretum, a tranquil haven
developed in the past few decades by the Binnian family and
just a few minutes’ drive from Wolverley Camping and
Caravanning Club Site. Further to the west of the site, there’s
also Arley Arboretum and Gardens – one of the oldest
arboretums in Britain – where you can spot wandering
peacocks for a completely different range of colour.
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
5 PICTURESQUE PANORAMAS 6 WOOD AND WATER

Admire Capability Brown’s landscaping genius Of the nine spectacular glens to be found in
in Croome’s beautiful parkland, and take in views County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Glenariff Forest Park
across Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills from the is often considered the most stunning. Here you’ll find
Panorama Tower. Stay at Turks End Farm, a charming waterfalls, rivers and more in the serene surroundings
CS where you can pitch up in the peace and quiet of the wooded glen. Ash, oak, beech and hazel turn the
of a grassy, open field. (Note that the campsite woodland into a picturesque place every autumn.
has no shower or toilet facilities.) Pitch up at nearby Cushendall Caravan Park.
turksendfarm.co.uk causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
7 WILDLIFE ON THE LOCH

Head to Loch Ness to enjoy beautiful colours on the slopes,
often topped by early snowfall on the peaks of the high
mountain summits, and spot red squirrels and deer while
you explore. Stay at Loch Ness Bay Camping, which lies
right on the shore of the loch and is the ideal base for
making the most of these stunning surroundings.
borlum.co.uk

1
Duration
Three nights
When
Our stroll around

Spring 2023
Why?
STRATFORD
To enjoy some
downtime, relaxing
and exploring at
a leisurely pace
For Susan and Ro Taylor, Stratford-upon-Avon proved

the perfect place to unwind and soak up the atmosphere
I know I’ve said it before, but every now and

then, you just need to stop and do a little bit
of nothing very much.
Normally, weekends away in our motorhome
are full of activity – exploring and sightseeing.
of window-shopping to while away a happy hour
or two, and don’t forget the local pubs!
Happily, Stratford-upon-Avon has all of this
and more, and could provide plenty to occupy
us for an afternoon of wandering.
We do plenty of walking, drive to neighbouring But for now, having arrived onsite with the
towns and nearby attractions, and squeeze every afternoon sun set to ‘high’ and in full relaxation
last drop out of our breaks. mode, even the crazy golf seemed too strenuous
But this time, it was different. Over the past an activity. Instead, it was clearly time to let the
months, my husband Ro’s work has seen him cares of everyday life start to drain away and do
traipsing around the country, so when we had exactly what we had set out to do – a little bit of
the chance of a springtime weekend away, we nothing very much!
decided it was time to switch off for a while.
Avon calling
Leisure time Riverside Caravan Park, as its name so clearly
Cue a short break at the delightful Riverside suggests, lies on the banks of the beautiful River
Caravan Park, in Stratford-upon-Avon, with Avon, a pleasant 30-minute stroll away from
nothing to do but relax and enjoy the weather the town, or if you prefer, a short river-taxi ride
and the beautiful scenery. (the water-taxi runs directly from the campsite
Don’t get me wrong – there is plenty to keep and there is a small fee).
you busy in this part of the world. You could There is also an onsite restaurant and bar,
visit the National Trust’s Charlecote Park and and while we’re usually not too bothered about
Packwood House estates, or explore historic campsite restaurants (we enjoy sampling the
Warwick and its stunning castle, for example. delights of the locality), on this occasion, since
The pretty villages of the Cotswolds are all the name of the game really was relaxation, this
within easy striking distance, too. got the thumbs-up from us.
But we just wanted to relax and unwind for a Having spent our first afternoon at the site
change. We’ve been to this area before and are simply unwinding and enjoying the sunshine,
2 fairly familiar with the local towns and villages, once darkness fell, we strolled along to The Galley
so we didn’t feel the need to rush out and explore Kitchen (part of the onsite Riverside complex).
the surroundings, or that we were missing out Here we enjoyed a couple of steaks, cooked
on anything by not venturing far from the site. exactly as we like them thanks to a sizzling-hot
All that said, we can’t just sit on camping-chairs lava stone brought to our table, washed down
for a whole weekend. Chilling out for us involves with a glass or two of red wine – bliss.
gentle strolls – nothing strenuous, just enjoying Next day, after breakfast al fresco (prepared by
a spot of fresh air and the great outdoors. Ro, breakfast chef par excellence), we decided to
It also invariably includes a good meal, dining take advantage of that river-taxi service to carry
out or perhaps a barbecue onsite, possibly a spot us into the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.

3 4
5 6
1 Take a boat trip

to enjoy a different
view of the town
2 Memorials to the
Bard abound here…
3 … as do the iconic
half-timbered houses
4 Sculptures at New
Place include this
strongbox holding
property deeds
5 Lambs of Sheep
Street serves a very
fine rack of lamb!
6 Stroll around to
discover the historic
buildings in the town

TRAVEL WARWICKSHIRE
7 The Welcombe Bard business Jenkins, Shakespeare’s teacher, and even using
Hills obelisk is a We found a charming, bustling market town a quill pen and ink, I find I still cannot write
local landmark with plenty more to offer than its Shakespeare plays or poetry!
connections, although of course, we did visit By now, we felt the need for refreshment, so it
8 The delightful beer some of the places where the Bard lived and was time to call in at The Garrick Inn, apparently
garden at Riverside worked – it would be remiss not to. the town’s oldest pub, dating back to the 1400s,
Caravan Park We first stopped at the Visitor Centre by the and possibly the origin of a 1564 plague outbreak.
river and picked up a walking tour leaflet to help We couldn’t resist the steak ciabatta and a pint
plot our route around town. There are a couple to of the Bard’s Best, all the while watching out for
choose from, and guided tours can be booked. anyone with boils or a nasty rash! We were lucky
We started our own tour with the house where to find a table at this very popular pub; if you visit
Shakespeare was born, in 1564. This is attached in the summer, I’d recommend booking ahead.
to the Shakespeare Centre, an excellent place to
begin any exploration of Shakespearean Stratford. Window-shopping
Following the death of his father in late 1601, Hunger sated, our afternoon consisted of a spot
William Shakespeare inherited the house and the of window-shopping, a visit to the Canal Basin,
cottage next door, both of which he leased out. which hosts regular street markets, a pause for
The main house became an inn and much later, ice cream, and then a spin on the big wheel.
a butcher’s shop. In 1846, the house was put up There are also a couple of museums to explore,
for sale and a public campaign to restore it was including Tudor World and the intriguing MAD
launched, supported by one Mr Charles Dickens. (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum, but as the
It was eventually bought by the Shakespeare main aim of our weekend was decompressing,
Trust, which has cared for it ever since, along we gave them a miss on this occasion.
with Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (childhood home We later came across a restaurant called Lambs,
of Shakespeare’s wife, a 20-minute walk outside on Sheep Street – and because this rather amused
Stratford-upon-Avon) and New Place, the Bard’s yours truly, we decided to book a table there for
final home, where he died in 1616. dinner the following evening, it being Saturday
and likely to be busy even early in the season.
House and gardens And then it was time to step aboard our floating
The house itself is no longer standing, but the taxi to return to our pitch, for camping-chair
Shakespeare Trust maintains a beautiful garden relaxation and novel reading, followed by a pizza
there in his memory. and a drink at The Muddy Oar to aid another
Wandering around the garden, as well as excellent night’s sleep.
enjoying the charming selection of plants and The following day, after making a late and lazy
flowers, we found a fine sculpture, The King’s start, we decided to see if we could walk to the
Ship (a reference to The Tempest), a splendid monument that we had spotted standing proud
Terrestrial Sphere (representing the world as on the landscape above the site, which we had
Shakespeare would have known it) and a huge admired while we relaxed.
strongbox, whose contents include a copy of It turned out that in doing so, we were entering
the title deeds to the famous house. the Welcombe Hills and Clopton Park Nature
We later called in at William’s schoolroom, Reserve – good decision!
housed in an important building which served as There is an audio trail you can follow, imparting
the town’s Guildhall. Sad to say, despite receiving such facts as the origin of the name – it seems
a highly entertaining lesson from Master Thomas there was a historic well, in which the daughter
of William Clopton sadly drowned in 1592. Some
7 historians believe that this might have been the
inspiration for Ophelia’s death in Hamlet.
We reached the monument, which is actually
an obelisk, to discover that it was erected in 1876,
to commemorate Mark Philips, a local politician
who was instrumental in setting up the first free

TRAVEL WARWICKSHIRE
public library in England, and in founding the 9

Lancashire Public School Association.
He became High Sheriff of Warwickshire
in 1851 and purchased Welcombe Manor,
rebuilding the property as his family seat.
It was after his death in Stratford in 1873 that
his brother Robert had the memorial erected.
Today it remains a landmark that can be spotted
from miles around. The views from up there are
superb and there are plenty of pathways to stroll
through woodland and grassy areas, providing
good places for birdwatching and picnics. The
trail is a little hilly, but still easy going.
We also found ourselves following part of the
Monarch’s Way, which is based on the route
taken by Charles II in his escape from Oliver
Cromwell. This long-distance footpath extends
for 625 miles in total, but we only walked a small
part – after all, we were on a mission to rest and
relax! Besides, we had dinner to freshen up for. before strolling into town for lunch (an indulgent 9 Pen & Parchment
trio of roasts followed by strawberry cheesecake) does an excellent
Evening entertainment at the Pen & Parchment. This charming hostelry Sunday lunch
Lambs Restaurant dates all the way back to the has a very tempting Sunday lunch menu and in
time of Henry VIII and still looks very much the good weather, a welcoming beer garden. 10 Riverside Caravan
part, with imposing white timber-framed walls Park from the bridge
and heavily beamed ceilings. Taking to the water
We thoroughly enjoyed the delicious rack of Later that day, because Stratford is indeed upon
lamb (I must admit, it did amuse me, eating lamb the Avon, it felt only fitting to spend some more
in Lambs of Sheep Street) – a great treat. time on the water. We had enjoyed our water-taxi
Other popular evening entertainments to be rides, but now we wanted something more.
enjoyed in Stratford-upon-Avon include ghost There are a couple of options, including hiring
walks and of course, a visit to the theatre. a rowing-boat, but we were far too lazy for that
Maintaining our aim of rest and relaxation, we this weekend and opted for a leisurely guided
didn’t indulge on this occasion, but I smiled to cruise. This gave us a different view of the Royal
discover that we could have seen a production Shakespeare Theatre and passed Holy Trinity
of Much Ado About Nothing, since doing nothing Church, where the Bard is buried beside his wife.
was precisely what we were there to do. Next day, all too soon, we were heading for
Sunday dawned warm and sunny, and we home. A big thank you to Stratford-upon-Avon
whiled away a pleasant couple of hours outside and Riverside Caravan Park, for helping us to do
our motorhome, just watching the world go by, a little bit of nothing for a while!
TOUR ESSENTIALS
WAY TO GO walking into town. If you want to explore WHERE WE STAYED
The campsite was just under 1.5 hours from further afield, buses and trains run from Riverside Caravan Park
our home in Buckinghamshire, travelling the centre to various destinations. This family- and dog-friendly site offers
via the M40, B4087 and B4086. You could also hop on an open-topped grass pitches on the banks of the Avon.
bus if the weather is suitable, to enjoy an Facilities include a bar and restaurant,
FOOD AND DRINK informative guided tour of the town, or crazy golf, fishing and children’s play area.
The Galley Kitchen if you’re visiting on a summer Sunday, Address Tiddington Road,
avon-estates.co.uk take a heritage steam train trip on the Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7AB
The Garrick Inn Shakespeare Express. avon-estates.co.uk
greeneking-pubs.co.uk Open 1 April to 31 October
Lambs of Sheep Street FIND OUT MORE Pitches 65
lambsrestaurant.co.uk Visit Stratford-upon-Avon Price From £36
The Muddy Oar visitstratforduponavon.co.uk
avon-estates.co.uk Shakespeare Birthplace Trust 10
Pen & Parchment shakespeare.org.uk
greeneking-pubs.co.uk Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
shakespearesschoolroom.org
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Welcombe Hills and
With the river-taxi operating from the Clopton Park Nature Reserve
campsite, there is no need to take your thewelcombehills.co.uk
motorhome, even if you don’t fancy warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Splendid sands and
great waves at Bude
HOURS IN
BUDE
T his popular North Cornwall tourist
resort has all you could possibly
want from a seaside destination,
including pristine beaches, boutique
shops, plenty of welcoming bars and
DAY 1
8am Best foot forward
Take an early walk around the headland
to the south of Bude. Cross to the south
side of Bude Canal and follow the South
restaurants – and fantastic waves. West Coast Path, taking advantage of the
Watersports lovers will be particularly viewing point at the Levee before carrying
attracted to three Blue Flag beaches (Bute on to Compass Point. You’ll enjoy beautiful
has a third of Cornwall’s nine Blue coastal views all the way, and it only
Flags) and nearby Widemouth takes about 20 minutes each
has plenty of quality way from central Bude.
breakers to entertain For a longer hike, keep
the surfing community. following the path to
That surf, of course, Efford Beacon and beyond.
has claimed its fair share www.southwest
of ships over the years; coastpath.org.uk
the north Cornwall coast Exercising some pedalo
is famously one of the most 9.30am Canalside cuppa power on the canal!
dangerous shipping areas in Time to make a quick pitstop
the whole of the British Isles. and enjoy hand-roasted coffee at
Once an important Cornish trading the canalside Wharf, which also offers a 10am Cultural highlights
town, Bude became a major draw for fine selection of baked goods. Opens at The Castle is a Grade II listed building
tourists during the Victorian era, and 10am Wednesday to Friday, 9.30am at the alongside the canal, and home to the
today, it remains as popular as ever weekends, closed Monday and Tuesday. Heritage Centre, three art galleries,
with families and surfers alike. thesplitbean.co.uk a café and a shop. It is also a concert
venue for a variety of superb music.
Appetisers at The Bank At Bude tapas bar Check out the Victorian facade and
La Bocca Pizza view artworks by local artists.
thecastlebude.co.uk
11.30am Pedal power

Take a delightful trip on the water by
hiring a car-themed pedalo on the canal
(£10 for half an hour). Beware the low
bridge! Email for opening hours.
buderowingboats@gmail.com
1pm Lunch at The Olive Tree

Words: Paul Critcher
Bank at Bude
There’s something for all tastes at this

popular canalside bar and bistro. In peak

48 HOURS IN BUDE
WHAT’S ON
17 August 2024
Bude Carnival
Join the revellers as they make their way
down the Lower Wharf in procession on
this entertaining carnival day, which
raises money for local charities.
budecarnival.org.uk
August/September
2024 (date TBC)
Bude Jazz Festival
This four-day event covers everything
from blues and ragtime to mainstream
and bop, along with old-style New
Orleans and classic jazz. Venues include
local pubs, hotels, small halls and
restaurants. Stroller tickets provide
access to all bands and venues, and
ticket prices start at £40.
budejazzfestival.info
PLACES TO STAY
Upper Lynstone
Peaceful family-run park three-quarters
of a mile from Bude on the coastal road
season it can get busy, so it’s best to book waves and hone your board skills with to Widemouth Bay.
in advance – or be prepared to queue. a surfing lesson. A 2.5-hour taster upperlynstone.co.uk
Tasty sandwiches, classic burgers, fish session costs £45.
and chips, pasta and tacos are just some freewavesurfacademy.co.uk Wooda Farm Holiday Park
of the numerous dishes available. Just outside Bude and easily accessible
olivetreebude.co.uk 11.30am Coffee, anyone? from the A39, this beautiful campsite is
In between waves, grab an espresso packed with facilities and only 1.5 miles
3pm Beach and pool and brunch at the Widemouth Bay Café. away from the splendid beaches.
There is no doubt that Bude’s greatest Try the all-day Widdy Big Breakfast! wooda.co.uk
attractions are its wonderful beaches and widemouthbaycafe.co.uk
the sea water lido on Summerleaze Willow Valley Holiday Park
beach. This 1930s tidal-fed 2pm O sole mio! Sheltered site near a beautiful river with
pool is one of the oldest If all that splashing eight hardstanding pitches suitable for
in the country, yet is about has built your motorhomes, caravans and tents.
beautifully maintained appetite, head back willowvalley.co.uk
and very popular with to Bude and grab
swimmers, who can a pizza for lunch Park life
enjoy the full extent at La Bocca Pizza. Given that it is such a popular tourist
of its 91 x 45m area. Neapolitan-style town, we were pleasantly surprised
Choose between surf, pizzas are served, by the amount of parking in Bude.
sand and pool – or along with calzones The Crescent Long Stay Car Park on
sample all three. and antipasti dishes. Coolen Road is one option – it has an
budeseapool.org The Castle is home to laboccapizza.co.uk overflow field good for motorhomes and
a Heritage Centre campers. It is also the location of Bude
7pm Sundowners 3pm Walk it off Tourist Information Centre. Park for up
right by the beach After lunch, time to take a gentle, to four hours for £6.50.
Ice-cold beer, burgers and baguettes are leisurely stroll along the canal and River
the order of the day at Life’s A Beach, a Neet – there’s an accessible flat walk Hey Bude!
relaxed bar and restaurant that sits above alongside the canal, or if you prefer, Bude Sea Pool (right)
Summerleaze Beach just a stone’s throw you can make your way back via the is a great asset, but
from the shoreline, with views across the cycle path along Bude Marshes. only a few years ago
water. Fish dishes are a speciality and you www.alltrails.com it was threatened
can order food until 8pm (4pm Sundays). with demolition.
lifesabeach.info 6pm Bank on it Fortunately, the
Tapas and sundowners are specialities community rallied and
DAY 2 of The Bank At Bude, a hidden treasure the Friends of Bude Sea
9am Surf’s up! by the River Neet. Paellas, fish platters Pool Charity was formed. Today,
Take a short trip three miles south of Bude and other Spanish favourites using fresh the pool remains open thanks to the
to the glorious sands of Widemouth Bay, Cornish produce – the perfect match! efforts of this fundraising group.
where you can take advantage of breaking thebankatbude.com budeseapool.org

DELIGHTS
Reaching Istanbul and the beautiful Bosphorus, Marcus, Kim
and the children prepare to head out of Europe and into Asia
BULGARIA
IS TA N B U L
TURKEY
GREECE

SPECIAL FEATURE EUROPEAN ODYSSEY PT 20
P roblem!” said the border control officer,

shaking his head while looking at our
passports and vehicle documentation.
Not a word you want to hear when attempting
to enter a country – although thankfully it’s a
problem we had been warned about, so we had
what we hoped was the solution, which would
smooth our passage into Turkey.
Kim handed over an additional sheet of paper,
all very official looking, with company livery and
a bold red notary stamp on it, which quickly
disappeared through the small window
in the booth we were sitting by.
A few nervous moments passed
while it was read, and even the OUR
children’s morning excitement EUROPEAN
faded while we waited to hear
the officer’s next words, for they ODYSSEY
would dramatically shape the
coming months of our travels. pt 20
“OK, now there is no problem,”
came the verdict, just as we had
begun to fear the worst, and with it,
a huge sense of relief. “You park over there,
buy insurance inside, bring it back to me and
then you enjoy holiday in Turkey.”
The barrier in front of us went up and I drove
forward as quickly as possible, just in case Mezil,
the border officer, changed his mind and turned
us back towards Bulgaria.
In the time it took Kim to make Harrison and
Dorothy some peanut butter and jam sandwiches,
I obtained the required vehicle insurance, had our
passports stamped and headed back to the ’van,
eager to get on the road once more.
Gateway to Asia
Turkey (or Türkiye, to give this beautiful country
the official name it has used since May 2022) is
much more than just another destination on our
travels – it’s the gateway to what we hope will
be the defining months of our journey.
Given its geographical location, it will enable
us to leave Europe behind and cross into Asia, the
third continent we will have visited since leaving
Wales. In doing so, we also have the chance to
visit Georgia and Armenia, two countries that
have long been calling to our spirit of adventure.
A combination of the promise of such a unique
trip, and huge relief that we had actually made
it into Turkey after the doubt surrounding our
border crossing, resulted in a heady wave of
excitement as we headed east to Istanbul.
Official documentation
For reasons that are unknown to us, the Turkish
border authorities are particularly strict about
turning away vehicles trying to enter the country
that are not registered to the person driving them
at the time of crossing.
That is, unless you have official documentation
in the form of a legally notarised letter from the
registered owners, giving explicit permission
for the driver to take the vehicle into Turkey. 1 The Süleymaniye
This was what we had been alerted to the week Mosque, in Istanbul,
before we were due to head to the border, which dates back to the
1 was just enough time to organise such a letter 16th century

from our vehicle’s owners, Bailey, have it 2 Pitched in the

translated into Turkish, taken to a notary in shade under the
Bristol for its official stamp and then scanned trees at Star One
and sent over to us. Karavan Park
A pool and a pitch 3 Marcus and

The worries surrounding that whole procedure Dorothy loved the
were thankfully long gone by the time we arrived beautifully restored
at Star One Karavan Park, in Bodrum, which was 19th-century tram
to be our base for our first week in Turkey. to Taksim Square
With temperatures reaching the mid-thirties
by the time we arrived, just before lunch, the
sight of a pool and a pitch in the shade of the
trees was most welcome. As was the hospitality
of Murat, owner not just of the campsite, but also
of the caravan dealership it is linked to – which
just so happens to import Bailey of Bristol
caravans – talk about a small world!
Later, there was a sense of déjà vu as we wove
Ŧ7KHZDUPDƏWHUQRRQ our way through throngs of people on the cobbled
street running down towards the Bosphorus.
air was full of the smell The warm afternoon air was full of the smell
of roasting meat, as calls from the stall owners
RIURDVWLQJPHDWDVFDOOV peddling their wares filled our ears, and our
eyes flicked this way and that in an effort to take
IURPWKHVWDOORZQHUV it all in. The last time I was in Istanbul was back
in 2018 as part of the joint venture between
ƉOOHGRXUHDUVDQGRXU Bailey of Bristol and the Caravan and Motorhome
Club to take two caravans and a motorhome all
H\HVƊLFNHGDURXQGLQ the way to Asia and back.
Then, thanks to a seemingly minor wrong turn,
DQHƈRUWWRWDNHLWDOOLQŧ we had actually ended up driving (albeit at

4 5
‘That curiosity was

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ZHWRRNWRH[SORULQJ
,VWDQEXORQIRRWWKLV
FLW\RIKXJHVLJQLƉFDQFH
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WUDYHOVEXWWKURXJKRXW
KLVWRU\DVZHOOŧ
walking pace), down this narrow street, the seas Merchants old and new 4 Harrison and
of people looking at us as if we’d gone quite mad. As we navigated the labyrinth of alleyways that Dorothy enjoying
Thankfully, this time around we had the sense make up the city’s Grand Bazaar, it was easy to one of the many
to leave the motorhome at a campsite on the edge imagine these quarters alive with burgeoning cafés in Istanbul
of the city, although you could argue that trying trade during the prosperous Byzantine era.
to keep an eye on two excitable children among Today, modern merchants still rely on selling 5 The Galata Tower,
hordes of people is easily as stressful as driving their goods to survive, and in that sense, nothing originally built as a
a convoy of leisure vehicles through it all. has changed, other than the country’s name and watchtower at the
Now, though, after more than 16 months of the world around us. highest point of the
travelling with them, Kim and I have become It was the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne that formally city walls, is now
adept at second-guessing their movements established the Republic of Turkey, moving its an exhibition space
and thus able to watch out for them while capital to Ankara in the process. Seven years and museum
allowing them a degree of freedom to indulge later, Old Constantinople, long known informally
their ever-growing curiosity for the world. as Istanbul, officially changed its name, another
That curiosity was further piqued as we part of its vast history set in stone.
took to exploring Istanbul on foot, this city Travelling with children allows us to see the world
of huge significance, not just for us on our through their eyes, and as much as we were drawn
travels, but throughout history as well. Given to the wonder that is Hagia Sofia and the Basilica
its location on the cusp of Europe and Asia, Cistern, they were as enthralled by the hordes of
Constantinople, as it was formerly known, people fishing off Galata Bridge. One fisherman,
has a history dating back thousands of years. Burak, was happy to let Dorothy unhook the horse
For much of that time, it was an integral part mackerel he’d caught and add it to his full bucket.
of great trade routes that were the lifeblood “I’ve been coming to this bridge every week
of many lands. for many years,” he explained, helping Dorothy

7
6 8
6 Basilica Cistern is get to grips with the glistening, wriggling fish If ancient written accounts are to be believed,
the largest of many on his line. “For me, always the same day, same the legendary Ottoman aviator flew, with wings
ancient cisterns that spot and same time to catch fish for our family attached to his arms, from the top of the tower
lie beneath Istanbul meal. It’s how do you say, a ritual.” across the Bosphorus and over to Doğancılar
Square in Üsküdar, on the Asian side of the city.
7 Baklava is widely More stickers for our collection Sadly for Çelebi, however, not everybody
available in Turkey Istanbul proved to be the ideal place to continue admired his achievement. Sultan Murad Khan
and some of the best with two of our own rituals: acquiring artwork subsequently grew suspicious of him, exiling him
is to be found at to decorate the inside of our motorhome, and to Algeria. At least he didn’t end up like Icarus!
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 finding stickers to add to the ever-growing
number now displayed on our storage box. Crossing the Bosphorus
8 Hagia Sophia dates Thankfully, the area we were staying in, which Back at the campsite and savouring the calm after
from the Byzantine was in the shadow of the Galata Tower, was full three busy days, we could begin to dream of our
era, although it of shops selling a wide range of art and other own crossing of the Bosphorus. When we began
has been a place of elegant offerings to remember the city by. planning this trip, the thought of heading into
worship since the With art and stickers obtained, all that was left Asia seemed almost unimaginable, and the worry
time of Constantine for us to do before heading back to the campsite we had crossing into Turkey had not helped. Now
was to head up the Galata Tower, which offers not it was just a matter of a few days away.
only some of the best views in all of Istanbul, but Whereas visiting Africa from the UK in a
also a glimpse into the history of this great city. motorhome is fairly easy – an overnight ferry
Of particular interest was its significance when to Spain, two days of driving and a quick
the Galata neighbourhood was inhabited by the ferry to Tangiers – reaching Asia is an entirely
colonies of the Republic of Genoa, around the different journey.
14th century, and much of the cultural influence We suddenly felt a long way from home, a
of that time is still visible in the area today. feeling that would intensify as we headed east.
However, it was the story of Hezârfen Ahmed But we set out all those months ago in search of
Çelebi that proved the most captivating to us. adventure, and the future promised just that.
You can follow the full story of the Leach family’s Big European Odyssey, not only through Practical Motorhome but also
via their social media channels (@marcusleachglobal and @our.roaming.odyssey on Instagram, @MarcusGLeach on Twitter
and @OurRoamingOdyssey on YouTube), as well as those of our Bailey of Bristol and the Caravan and Motorhome Club

In association with
KNOW-HOW
SERIES
GUIDE TO
VISITING THE
NEC SHOW Here’s how to make the most of your October visit!
CUT OUT
AND KEEP
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE
Plan your visit GUIDE!

69 Key info on how to buy tickets,
accessibility and where to stay
Show map
70 Plot your route around the halls
How to buy at a show

72 Top tips for finding the ’van
that will best suit your needs
Motorhome show stars

74 The latest new models that you
can expect to see at the NEC
What’s on?
80 Celebrity speakers, the latest kit,
and a chance to win show tickets!
GET THE LATEST

SHOW NEWS!
Visit our website for
all the latest show
information, including
during the show itself
– simply scan the QR
code to get started…
Also available as a FREE ebook

see www.practicalmotorhome.com/know-how to download yours!
In association with www.swiftgroup.co.uk | November 2023 67

VISITING THE NEC SHOW
PLAN YOUR VISIT

TO THE NEC SHOW
Check the logistics before you go and you’ll enjoy a superb day out!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit
Opening times ticket. Car parks are open from 7am to Where to stay
The show runs from 17-22 October 2023 11pm – once you reach the NEC, keep The closest campsite to the NEC is the
and is open from 10am to 6pm each day. your eyes peeled for the car park Caravan & Motorhome Club’s temporary
signposted ‘Motorhome and Caravan site. The campsite provides hook-up and
Tickets Show’. Overnight parking is not allowed. fresh-water and waste disposal, as well
Tickets for the show can be purchased Disabled parking is also available, but as toilets. It is located in NEC Birmingham
for £12.50 until 16 October, after which you can’t pre-book it – the NEC asks you North Car Parks 10 and 10a.
the price increases to £15.50. There’s to bring your Blue Badge with you, too. caravanclub.co.uk/whats-on/
also a £1.25 transaction fee applied. temporary-sites/NEC-October-
Children up to the age of 15 get in for Accessibility temporary-campsite
free when they accompany a paying Don’t forget your Blue Badge. If you plan to
ticket holder, but free tickets still need take a taxi to the NEC and you have your Blue You’ll find a number of other sites in the
to be acquired online. Badge, you can be dropped off (and picked surrounding area, including Stanmore Hall
Similarly, a carer is also allowed in for up) at the main entrances. Touring Park, a finalist in our Top 100 Sites
free when accompanying a Registered The NEC provides wheelchairs free of Guide 2023. Another nearby option is
Disabled visitor with a valid show ticket charge for Blue Badge holders (otherwise Kingsbury Water Park.
– a free carer’s ticket will be required. £5), but recommends bringing your own morris-leisure.co.uk/caravan-parks/
Tickets can only be used on the day if you can, because the supply is limited. stanmore-hall-bridgnorth.htm
they are purchased for, and buy before There is also the option of hiring mobility campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/
you set off – tickets are not sold at the scooters (£15 per day), with booking in campsites/uk/west-midlands/sutton-
door! You can purchase your tickets advance encouraged, by emailing coldfield/kingsbury-water-park-
by visiting www.mcshow.co.uk. info@necgroup.co.uk. camping-and-caravanning-club-site
To find out more about accessibility at
Parking the Motorhome and Caravan Show, go to:
Parking at the Motorhome and Caravan
Show is included in the price of your
mcshow.co.uk/plan-your-visit/
disabled-access WIN!
T
ICKETS
Plan ahead and
TO THE
enjoy a great day
NEC SHOW
out at the NEC See p81

KNOW-HOW
SERIES
NEC
SHOW MAP

Plan your route around the exhibition
halls, so you can see all the latest
motorhomes and accessories!
For a zoomable map, see www.mcshow.
co.uk/plan-your-visit/show-map


KNOW-HOW
SERIES
HOW TO BUY A
MOTORHOME
AT A SHOW
We reveal 14 essential tips for getting the most from any
show visit, and finding the ideal motorhome for your needs!
Research brands before you visit the rooflights) to give what might perhaps
Take your time in checking
the show. Check out our annual be a false impression of light levels.
out any potential buy
Owner Satisfaction Survey results – each Try not to be drawn in by showroom
year, Practical Motorhome readers and glitz, but pay great attention to the detail.
members of The Camping and Caravanning Imagine what the motorhome will look like
Club tell us about their buying and owning without the show lights – is there enough
experiences, both of their ’van and of their illumination for you to be able to read
interactions with the supplying dealer. comfortably during the evening?
We then draw up tables of those brands
and dealers who have impressed them the Don’t be afraid to spend as much
most – it’s essential reading for anyone time in a specific model as you want,

considering buying, whether at a show or so you can check that it’s just right for
elsewhere. To see the latest results, go to you. Kick off your shoes and lie down on
practicalmotorhome.com/OSS2023. The next step is to plan your route the beds – are they comfortable and long
around the show. Take a look at our enough? Open the drawers and lockers
Once you’ve decided on the brand, map of the NEC Motorhome & Caravan – will there be enough space for all of your
make a list of all the features that Show on p70, if that’s where you are kit? Does the washroom door intrude into
you would like your new motorhome planning to visit – use a pen to mark the kitchen area when you open it, and if
to have, including the ‘must-haves’ out your route to save time and shoe so, can you live with that? Don’t let a
and the ‘nice-to-haves’. leather! Factor in some breaks, too dealer rush you – take your time and
For example, if you’re only planning – you’ll need them as the show is large. test out every aspect of the layout.
to use your ’van in the summer months, For more on choosing the right
there’s not much point in having things Now it’s time to start looking inside motorhome, see p106.
like Alde-type heating (which will increase motorhomes! Your first impressions
both the weight and the cost). Conversely, are vital, but be aware that most of the It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find
if you’re a hardy soul who’s going away vehicles on display will have some form the ‘perfect’ motorhome, because
whatever the season, there might be. of extra lighting (usually tucked up into they are all a compromise in one way or
If you’re a family with young children,
while a fixed-bed layout may look very
attractive, it might not be that practical
for your use. Our Buyer’s Guide (featured
in each issue of Practical Motorhome)
can help narrow down potential models
that could best suit your needs – work
out the number of berths you’ll require,
and take it from there.
Think carefully about your budget

and don’t forget that you will also
need to factor in the additional cost of
insurance, kit, a cover and more.
Make sure that you can safely and

legally drive your potential new
motorhome. You can find out more
about licence categories and weight List your priorities
restrictions on our website, at www. to narrow down the
practicalmotorhome.com/advice/ choice of models
motorhome-driving-tips.

Keep an eye out for any great

deals, including valuable extras
another, but if you can live with small which one is which! It’s also a good idea to Remember you don’t have to sign
foibles, don’t write off that particular take a snap of the information board you’ll on the dotted line there and then.
model. If it would be an irritation (and find outside each model, for reference. If possible, speak to a couple of dealers.
can’t be altered) every time you use the Ask for an exact price from the dealer:
vehicle, then it’s best to look elsewhere. How will you finance your new ’van? if you come across one who sidetracks
If it’s a loan, finance arrangements and won’t give you a firm price, walk
Keep an eye out for great deals at the are usually available at shows. The main away and seek another.
show. Buying at an event can bring finance companies normally maintain a Bear in mind, though, that by buying
additional benefits, including ‘freebies’ presence at these events, so you should after the show ends, you might miss out
from manufacturers or dealers. These be able to get a quick decision. You might on any special event deals.
could include an awning or other valuable also want to consider part-exchange.
options, or exclusive show-only discounts Only you can decide the best way to Chances are you’ll be given a date
on vehicles that are sold there. fund your purchase, but either way, set for manufacture, but don’t be too
your budget and stick to it – it’s all too surprised if that comes and goes. Stay in
If you’re a seasoned motorhomer easy to be tempted to spend more than close contact with the dealer for the latest
and you know a good dealer who you planned in the heat of the moment. updates about your new vehicle.
is not too far from your home, check to
see if they’re represented at the show.
If you’re new to the game, be careful.
Find out where any dealer you speak to
is based. It might be that you’re offered
a fantastic deal on a new motorhome,
but if their HQ is a couple of hundred
miles away from where you live, it’s
likely to be a poor deal overall.
Why? Sadly, chances are, you will need
something rectifying under warranty at
some point, so you don’t want to have
to travel for hours to get the work done.
Take lots of photographs of models

you’re interested in. That way, you
can go away and discuss your potential
purchase over a coffee, and have images
to refer to in case of queries. Plan your route to make
Don’t forget to take a photograph of the best use of your time
outside of each motorhome, so you know

KNOW-HOW
SERIES
NEC SHOW
Here is our guide to just some of the brilliant things you can expect to see
at the October 2023 NEC Show when you get down to browsing
the new models and the latest accessories!
Adria Stands 7.30, 7.35 and 7.36 Auto-Sleepers Stand 8.25 Auto-Trail Stand 8.30
Auto-Trail is promising to launch a new
range at this October’s show, although
precise details were still under wraps
as this magazine was going to press.
The Grimsby firm will also be showcasing
all its other ranges of van conversions,
low-profiles and overcabs, as well as the
luxurious Grande Frontier A-class models.
www.auto-trail.co.uk

Bailey of Bristol
All information on show models correct at time of printing, but subject to change. Contact manufacturer or show organisers for confirmation before visiting
Stand 19.25
Adria Twin Max Auto-Sleeper M Star
The big news on the Bailey stand is the
There should be a good spread of vehicles Chief among the ’vans on display at the launch of the Endeavour, the company’s
for your delectation at the Adria stands. Auto-Sleepers stand will be the new first-ever van conversion.
There is a new Supersonic, for example M Star - a two-berth van conversion Coming 12 years after Bailey branched
- the 7.8m-long 780DL, with fixed single based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes out into motorhomes, the new model is
beds in the back - taking the model tally Sprinter. You can expect a high spec, plus based on a Ford Transit and has been built
in this Mercedes-based range to five. loads of driver assistance technology. in partnership with Ford Pro. It is launching
Then there is the new range of Twin Max There will also be an extensive line-up of just as Bailey celebrates its 75th birthday.
van conversions, based on a MAN chassis. continuing Auto-Sleeper van conversions In addition, you should be able to see
The three layouts include some innovative and coachbuilt models, built on both a good selection of the Bristol company’s
space-saving ideas, dealing with such Mercedes and Peugeot vehicles. coachbuilt motorhomes, including the
things as how to get a drop-down bed www.auto-sleepers.com two most recent models in its more
out of the way when you don’t need it. Continentally inspired Adamo range,
The Active Duo, Adria’s first campervan the 75-4T and the 60-4.
Bailey Endeavour
based on a Renault Trafic, will finally be www.baileyofbristol.co.uk
making its proper debut at this October’s
show. You should also be able to see the
new Matrix and Coral models, which are
based on a Mercedes chassis.
www.adria.co.uk
Autohaus Stand 12.150a

With continuing problems in the supply
of base vehicles, Autohaus has turned to
new suppliers and at this October’s show,
will be displaying its first-ever conversion
based on the new Renault Trafic.
The Creston, on a top-of-the-range
Trafic, is named, like all of Autohaus’s
models, for a variety of apple – as you
would expect from a Somerset company.
www.autohaus.co.uk

Benimar Stand 8.25 Chausson Stand 8.20 Erwin Hymer UK

Stands 20.19 and 20.38
Benimar Tessoro 481 This season, Chausson has introduced
a second model - the X650 - to its EHG UK’s Elddis Autoquest range of
X crossover range, which includes an campervans have been unavailable for
end dressing room. There’s also a special immediate purchase for all of the 2023
edition Etape range, based on a 140bhp season, due to problems in the supply chain.
Peugeot Boxer, while its van conversions But they could be just coming on line again
now come as a special edition with a as we head into the new season.
170bhp engine, automatic transmission Here you will also find the coachbuilt
and a pop-up roof. Much of this should Autoquests, the compact Accordo line-up
be on the stand for visitors to discover. and the more upmarket Encore range.
www.chausson-motorhomes.com www.elddis.co.uk
'HWKOHĈV Stand 20.50 Frankia

Head to the Marquis Leisure stand to see Stands 10.45, 10.50 and 10.60
the full range of Spanish-built Benimar
motorhomes, which the dealership sells
Frankia
exclusively. This season, the Mileo range
Yucon
has been given a totally new look.
Models from the other two line-ups,
the more budget-priced Primero and the
Ford-based Tessoro, will also be shown.
www.marquisleisure.co.uk
Bürstner Stand 20.60

Dethleffs Globebus Go T45
Bürstner Playa
This upmarket German brand may still only
have one dealership in the UK - SMC in

Dethleffs is getting in on the trend for Newark, Nottinghamshire - but it is no
compact coachbuilts, with the launch longer just concerned with A-classes and
in the UK of the new Globebus Go range. liners. At this show, you can see the new
The smaller of the two models in the line-up, Mercedes-based 4x4 vehicle produced by
the T15, has a transverse bed at the rear, Yucon, Frankia’s van conversion brand.
while its sibling, the T45, has fixed single Raised higher for better road clearance,
beds and is 6.69m long. Both vehicles are this vehicle includes an innovative way
only 2.2m wide, so they should be easier of folding the rear beds for a mini-garage.
to manoeuvre down narrow city streets It looks the part, too, with plenty of smart
and twisting country lanes. monochrome in its colour scheme.
www.dethleffs.co.uk www.frankia.com/en
Bürstner will be offering its Playa
campervan at the show as a special
Limited Edition model. It comes with
17-inch alloy wheels, a cooled glovebox,
a diesel parking heater, blackout blinds,
a 41-litre compressor refrigerator, and
Isofix anchor points on each of the rear
travel seats that also come with cushions
you can stow away easily. The 50-litre
onboard water tank is a notably generous
size for a campervan.
www.buerstner.com
Carthago Stand 9.26

The luxury German manufacturer will be
launching only one new model this year,
and it will be on its stand for show visitors
to view. Whether in low-profile or A-class
mode, whether you go for a Fiat or a
Mercedes base vehicle, or whether it’s
a standard model or with Superior spec,
the 145 RB LE is just over 7m long, and
comes with single beds at the back. Carthago C-Tourer 145 RB LE
www.carthago.com

KNOW-HOW
SERIES
Jerba Tiree
Hillside Leisure Stand 12.15
Hillside, one of Britain’s best-known van
converters, will be showing its wide range
of largely VW-based campervans, including
the T6.1-based Birchover, the Cromford,
featuring an end kitchen, and the Hopton,
which is based on the VW Crafter.
www.hillsideleisure.co.uk
Jerba Stand 11.55

Based at North Berwick in East Lothian,
Jerba Campervans is famous for building
its own pop-up roofs with mesh windows
in the removable canvas that are resistant
not just to mosquitoes, but also to the
much smaller Scottish midge.
The employee-owned company will be Le Voyageur Stand 10.50 McLouis Stand 8.25
displaying all five of its models, all named
for famous places in Scotland - the Tiree, Head to the Pilote Group’s upmarket brand Italian brand McLouis, in partnership
Cromarty, Taransay, Sanna and Jura. to see the new Eterna range, which has with its fellow Trigano Group subsidiary
www.jerbacampervans.co.uk replaced the old Classic. This comes on Auto-Sleepers, produces the Fusion range
Al-Ko’s STC chassis, which provides a flat of low-profiles exclusively for the UK
Laika Stand 20.55 floor inside and a lower centre of gravity market. You will be able to see three
when the vehicle is being driven. of these new models on display at the
The entry-level Kosmo range has been www.levoyageur-motorhome.uk Marquis Leisure stand.
given an update for the 2024 season, www.mclouisfusion.co.uk

while there is a new model to explore Malibu Stands 9.27 and 9.28
in the upmarket Kreos range, the H 5109, Mobilvetta Stand 8.25
with fixed single beds. Both should be Carthago’s budget brand has been
making an appearance at the show. expanding its selection of van conversions Head to the Marquis Leisure stand as well
www.laika.it/en for the past few years. This season sees the to see the latest models from Italian brand
introduction of two new family-of-four Mobilvetta, including the clearly nautically
models, the Malibu Comfort Van 600 DB inspired K-Yacht Tekno Line range, the
and the 640 LE. Both come with a pop-up A-class range and the Kea low-profiles.
roof – unusually manufactured in-house www.marquisleisure.co.uk
by Carthago and produced
at its new factory premises Morelo Stand 9.50
at Ormož, in Slovenia.
www.malibu-carthago.com
Morelo Empire Liner
A liner from Morelo (which you usually

have to queue to see) is often one of the
star attractions at the Motorhome and
Caravan Show. This year, the new Morelo
Empire Liner 98MB, built on a Mercedes
Actros chassis and weighing 18 tonnes,
will be the largest Morelo model Premium
Motorhomes has ever brought to the NEC.
It has an island bed at the rear, a huge
washroom/dressing room spread across
the centre, and a spacious front lounge.
Other more conventional models on
display should include the Palace 90M,
also with an island bed, the Loft 79F, with
a transverse bed, and the Home 82LS,
Malibu Comfort Van which provides fixed single beds.
www.morelo-reisemobile.de/en

Moto-Trek Leisure-Treka
Moto-Trek Stand 12.60

Moto-Trek will be focusing in particular
on its Leisure-Treka van conversions at
this year’s show. You can check out the
RL model, with a spacious rear lounge,

the ELD, with extra travel seats and the Pilote Stand 10.60 Rapido Stands 6.38 and 11.145
option to add a rear double bunk or a
child’s bed, and the EB, with an L-shaped There should be an opportunity to see Two models in particular should stand out
front lounge and an end washroom. both models from the new Atlas range of among the many new vehicles on display
www.moto-trek.co.uk low-profiles on the Pilote stand. Based on at the Rapido stand. The latest model in
the Ford Trail Transit chassis, with limited the French company’s compact range,
1LHVPDQQ%LVFKRĈ slip differential making the vehicles more the C03, is a transverse-bed ’van. But at
Stand 20.70 suitable for off-road travel, the line-up 6.19m, it has just enough length to give
includes the A696G, with a transverse you that extra bit of comfort.
Niesmann+Bischoff Flair 920 bed, and the new A656D, which comes The conventional-width 606F, meanwhile,
with an end dressing room. manages to include a large end washroom
Look out, too, for some smart new and a sizeable kitchen in its 6.69m of
van conversions, including the new-look length. The 6 series as a whole has had
V600G and the Joa Camp, from Pilote’s a facelift this year. Models from Rapido
budget range of vehicles. Group’s other two brands – Itineo and
www.pilote-motorhome.uk Dreamer - that are likely to be on display
include the PS700, the first ever six-berth
vehicle in Itineo’s Cozy range.
www.rapido.fr
The Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld stand

will include a range of models from the
German group’s most upmarket brand.
There’s the Flair 920, based on an Iveco
chassis (so with an MTPLM of 7.49 tonnes)
and with a washroom that wouldn’t look
out of place in a penthouse apartment.
Then there are two models from the
low-profile iSmove range, the 7.3 and
the 6.9E, which both have MTPLMs of
less than 3500kg and so could be driven
by a much wider range of buyers. Itineo PS700
www.motorhomes.co.uk

KNOW-HOW
SERIES
Swift Voyager 475
Swift Stands 6.33 and 6.39

Proving that overcabs are far from fading
away, Swift will be launching a Voyager 4 Weinsberg Stand 17.32
range of overcabs at the show, featuring WildAx Stand 10-20
three models, to complement the Voyager This year, the Weinsberg stand should
5 low-profiles it revealed last season. be showing the X-Cursion CUV, the first It doesn’t look as though there will be
The three models include the 475, a five Weinsberg vehicle based on a VW T6.1. any absolutely new models on the WildAx
berth with a rear lounge, the five-berth The model, which includes a raising-roof, stand. But you should see a good range of
485 with fixed single beds at the back, and will be shown in Pepper spec, with a pure what the company has to offer, including
the four-berth 494, with an island bed. grey driver’s cab, 17-inch VW alloy wheels the Altair, the Constellation XL, the Europa,
The new ’vans come with the same spec and LED headlights, among other features. the Pulsar, the Aurora Leisure XL, the
as the Voyager 5s, including external cold www.weinsberg.com Proteus and the Solaris XL with a Skyview.
water showers and barbecue points, and www.wildaxmotorhomes.com
concertina cab blinds. The 475 and 485
both provide three travel seats: two
Weinsberg
forward-facing and one rearward-facing. X-Cursion CUV
Also on display on the Swift stand will be
the Monza, the campervan based on the
people-mover Ford Tourneo, the compact
Ascari range, and the Carrera range of van
conversions, including the new 144 that
is reviewed on p86 of this magazine.
www.swiftgroup.co.uk
Vanworx Stand 11.135

Van converter Vanworx will be showing
its MaxTraxx 4x4 campervan, which is
designed for off-road touring and can be
based on either a VW Crafter or a MAN TGE.
While you’re there, look out for the Slipper,
based on a VW Highline Kombi vehicle and
with a premium raising-roof.
www.vanworx.co.uk

Sunn Camp Swift

Van Air Sun Canopy
driveaway awning has been updated with Van Air Sun Canopy 260 LOW – this one
smart new colourways. It has single-point is non-driveaway, but it comes with Sunn
inflation and can take an Eris or Universal Camp’s Air Volution technology, which
annex either side. There’s also the Zodiac, makes putting it up a real doddle.
a driveaway model made of ripstop fabric www.sunncamp.co.uk
that has removable side panels and a full
canopy. In addition, for more long-term Telta
stays, the Vega also comes in new colours. Stand 17.30 (Raymond James)
www.miriad-products.com
Head to the Raymond James stand to
Sunn Camp Stand 17.45 see the full range of awnings from this
relatively new company, cofounded by
New models from Sunn Camp include Max Lawless, who previously worked
the Swift Motor Air, a parallel-running at Kampa, the firm his father founded.
driveaway awning with an integral front Among the many awnings the company
And don’t forget porch, a sewn-in groundsheet and a
two-berth inner tent.
offers made of nylon (which has better
elasticity than polyethylene, and so can
about awnings… The larger Touring Motor Air driveaway
awning is made of highly waterproof 150D
be pumped to a higher pressure) is the
Pure 330 driveaway.
Isabella Stand 17.34 Ace Tech fabric. Also check out the Swift www.mytelta.com
Isabella Dove
Check out the Dove, a new porch awning

from Ventura, Isabella’s air awning sister
brand. Designed for both motorhomes
and caravans, its height can be adjusted
and it comes with double beading, so
you should easily be able to move it on
to another vehicle if you wish.
www.isabella.net
Quest Leisure Stand 7.33a

Two new and updated models should be
of particular interest to motorcaravanners Quest Leisure Westfield
on the Quest Leisure stand. The Orion Orion 2.0 Line 481

KNOW-HOW
SERIES
WHAT’S GOING ON… We explore what’s happening around the show halls,
from inspirational speakers to the latest must-have accessories
LOOK WHO’S TALKING! Head to the Inspiration Theatre for brilliant Guest Speakers
Joe Swash Marcus Leach Kat Bird Highlands2Hammocks

Former EastEnder and winner A regular columnist for Travel expert Kat ‘Wandering’ Travelling adventurers
of I’m a Celebrity Joe Swash Practical Motorhome, Bird tells all about her recent Gemma and Campbell of
will be swinging by the show award-winning travel writer adventures in Iceland, in her the Highlands2Hammocks
to chat with comedian and and cyclist Marcus Leach talk entitled ‘The Land of blog have a passion for
writer Rowland Rivron. is currently engaged on Fire and Ice’. On an epic Scotland. Here in their talk,
TV presenter Joe bought a a mammoth tour of Europe summer road trip that saw ‘Scotland’s Scenic Road Trips’,
campervan during lockdown and beyond (p56). But he’ll be her driving from the UK to they give an introduction
to holiday with his wife, back in the UK to give his talk, Iceland and back again, she to the country as a dream
Stacey Solomon, and young ‘Eastern Delight: A Practical explored glaciers, waterfalls, destination for touring. Expect
family. Stop by to hear Guide to Touring in Greece volcanoes and ice caves, all an overview of popular routes,
revelations about his time and Bulgaria’, in which he under the midnight sun. including the North Coast
on the road, top travelling takes us on a tour through When Daily, time TBC 500, the subject of their latest
tips – and no doubt two of Europe’s most guidebook, Destination
a few laughs along the way. intriguing destinations. NC500, along with tips on
When 18 October at 12.30pm Marcus will share first-hand what to expect when visiting.
advice and knowledge to help With insights into the best
you plan your own Balkan times to visit, weather
Top tip! adventure. Join him on an Top tip! conditions, festivals and
Spanning 11 halls, exploration of the wonders of With so much to events, and areas of interest,
this huge event is the Greece – combining ancient see and do, it’s good this is a must-see for anyone
UK leisure vehicle history, mythology and to have a plan for your planning to explore this
industry’s national dazzling landscapes – and day, but don’t forget beautiful nation.
showcase. That means on into magical Bulgaria, to factor in breaks When 20-22 October,
a lot of walking – so with surprises at every turn. to rest and refuel, to time TBC
wear comfortable When Daily, time TBC make the most of
shoes! your visit
MOTORHOME MANOEUVRING CAMPERVAN TEST DRIVE

If you need a refresher course on motorhome skills or you’re Thinking about downsizing? Or just curious about campervans?
a first-timer in need of some tips, this free 20-minute course Use this 20-minute taster session to get some expert tips and
is a great condensed experience. The qualified instructors from insight from the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s drivers. You’ll
the Caravan and Motorhome Club will help you build new and be able to get behind the wheel of a campervan and imagine
existing skills and offer helpful advice. All you need is a full yourself on the open road, before browsing some of the
UK driving licence. Visit the Club at stand 7.12 to book. show’s exciting options. Visit the Club at stand 7.12 to book.
mcshow.co.uk/whats-on/motorhome-manoeuvring/ mcshow.co.uk/whats-on/campervan-test-drive/

! SUPERB PRIZES TO BE WON!

M PS While you’re at the show, don’t miss these superb Club competitions,
CO for a chance to win spectacular prizes.
First up is the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s holiday of a lifetime
to the Canadian Rockies. The prize, worth over £12,500, is for two
adults to join a 26-day escorted motorhome tour to see Calgary, Banff,
Radium and much more. You can enter the Caravan and Motorhome Club
competition at Stand 9.95 in Hall 9.
Or how about winning yourself a splendid new campervan? The Camping
and Caravanning Club has partnered with Swift to give you the chance to
win a wonderful Swift Monza, worth £65,680. Visit The Camping and
Caravanning Club at Stand 8.10 in Hall 8 to enter.
ACCESSORISE THIS! Got your ’van? Now to fill it! There’s plenty to buy at the show
Fire Safety Stick Cadac Harbour Hounds Solar Technology

An incredibly light, compact Outdoor cooking specialist Check out these fantastically International
and versatile fire extinguisher, Cadac is launching two new stylish dog-drying robes, With solar panels now
this is a safety item suitable barbecues – the Carri Chef 40 which are 100% absorbent an increasingly important
for all leisure vehicles. and the 2 Cook 3 Pro Deluxe cotton and available in part of touring kit, we’re
Weighing in at 215g, it has QR. The Carri Chef 40 range six colours. They’re the hoping to see STI’s new
a 50-second discharge time offers a high-performance perfect way to keep your super-smart Mono High
and is certified for all major burner with automatic piezo pet comfortable and dry Density products. Featuring
classes of fires, including ignition, and the unit comes after a day of messing ground-breaking technology
cooking oils/fats. It’s safe for with an adjustable foot on one about in the water! to deliver superior efficiency,
use inside the ’van and leaves leg, so you can keep it stable We’ll also be looking these energy-dense panels
no damaging mess, so you no matter how uneven to see the EM Tick-Off Dog are compact and powerful.
can even leave it in the ’van the ground might be. Necklace, described as a Available in rigid models up
to continue repressing a fire, The 2 Cook 3 Pro Deluxe QR natural way to deter ticks to 200W and semi-flexible
while you escape to safety. is packed with features, such and prevent bites while you versions up to 290W, the
Stand 10.16 in Hall 10 as gas ignition protection, explore in grassy areas. panels suit a variety of power
a bottom heat shield, dual Stand 9.49 in Hall 9 needs for leisure vehicles.
windshields, a coffee pot Stand 12.188 in Hall 12
stand and a grill plate handle.
Stand 8.01a in Hall 8
For a complete list of accessory companies exhibiting at the show, visit www.mcshow.co.uk
SHOW TICKET GIVE AWAY!

N! We’ve partnered with the Motorhome and Caravan Show
WI to give you the chance to win one of 50 pairs of tickets!

Whether you’re after a new vehicle, want to browse the
latest releases, or are looking to talk to the different
brands out there, the Motorhome and Caravan Show
is quite simply the place to be.
The lucky winners will then get to visit the show
on a day of their choice.
For your chance to win and to read the full T&Cs,

simply head to practicalmotorhome.com/competitions
before midnight on 3 October 2023 – good luck!

The latest news and products
from across the motorhome
and campervan world

84 New ’vans
Latest from the industry
Swift adds new models to its Voyager range of overcabs, while
PETER BABER Hymer UK is taking style inspiration from its Venture S line-up
Reviews editor
86 Big Test
Swift Carrera 144
When I came back into this industry in the The latest van conversion from Swift offers plenty of storage and
an excellent spec, along with a particularly impressive washroom
early part of the previous decade, I was told by
more than one person that overcabs were on 86
the way out, owing to their perceived ugliness

and the wind resistance upping fuel costs.
It is true they don’t feature in manufacturers’
line-ups as often as they used to, but they have
not died out. Swift’s expansion of its new
Voyager range to include the overcab
Voyager 4s is a very welcome sign of that (p84).
You could say it is a bid to attract more family
93 Show round-up
customers, and it should certainly do that. But Caravan Salon 2023
New models and latest news from the Düsseldorf show
even if it’s just the two of you, sometimes it
feels better to be able to hop upstairs to bed, 93
rather than worry about infill cushions.

I hope you enjoy seeing the new overcabs
from Swift and elsewhere if you
are visiting the NEC this October.
Our preview of the show starts on p74.
Email Peter via peter.baber@futurenet.com
96 Advice
Accessible motorhoming
Our tests explained Karla Baker’s long experience of
Here’s what you can expect from our reviews touring shows how motorhome
Big tests you in our regular ’van reviews travel can be surprisingly accessible
These are our most detailed pages. This is the place to look for for people of all abilities
tests – we spend at least one full the quick low-down on a model!
day (usually more) inside each 98 Around the
motorhome, to bring you our Our ’vans, Our month world in 80 ’vans 96
comprehensive verdict. The overall Practical Motorhome has Africa
score is based on the opinion of numerous long-term-test Gentleman Jack’s whistlestop tour of the global
multiple members of the team. vehicles – we’re loaned these leisure vehicle industry turns to the leading brands in Africa
by manufacturers. We treat these
’Van reviews as if they’re our own, allowing us 100 Awards preview
Each issue we test new models of to give you a full, warts-and-all Practical Motorhome Awards 2024
all sizes – we then report back to report over the months. It will soon be time to celebrate the best of the best
in the motorhome and touring accessories sectors!

tested
The latest from the forecourts and the factories
Swift extends Voyagers with overcabs 1

This season, Swift is extending the
Ford Transit-based Voyager range that
it launched last year, with a sub-range
of overcab models comprising three Carado adds
different layouts. a new layout
Known as the Voyager 4 range, to Carado’s latest
make them distinct from the Voyager low-profile offers
5 low-profile models, the new line-up parallel settees
includes the 475 (£69,995), a five-berth that convert into
with a rear lounge, the 485 (£69,495), travel seats.
a five-berth with fixed single beds at The 7.39m-long
the rear, and the 494 (£68,995), an T457 features two
island-bed four-berth. fixed single beds
All three have an MTPLM of 3500kg, 1 Swift is adding new production”. Disruptions in chassis in the rear that are
so can be driven by anyone holding a models to its Voyager supply were also a factor. both 2m long, plus
C1 driving licence. range of overcabs But despite this, it says demand a drop-down bed
They will also have a similar spec to continues to be robust, and it has over the lounge.
the Voyager 5 range. This includes an 2 Updates to more of a strong order book going forward. It has 2.10m of
external cold-water shower and BBQ Hymer’s models take interior headroom.
point, and in the 475 and 485, three inspiration from the More Hymer vans get Venture S style The vehicle, which
travel seats in the rear – two facing brand’s Venture S Hymer has taken inspiration from last runs on a 2.2-litre
forward and one rearward. off-road vehicle year’s Venture S off-road vehicle in the 140bhp Fiat engine
The new Voyager 4 models will be way it has updated the interior and the as standard, costs
on display at the Swift stand at this 3 Carado is offering spec of two models for 2024. £64,890 OTR.
year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show a second low-profile The Hymer ML-T 580 low-profile
at the NEC in October (see p78). model with parallel will now include a tiled wall in the
lounge seating kitchen, matt-black fittings in the 3
EHG UK reports supply chain issues kitchen and washroom, and leather
Continuing problems in the motorhome straps on the overhead lockers – all
supply chain caused the UK branch of features of the Venture S.
the Erwin Hymer Group to go £4.6m In addition, the vehicle comes
into the red last year, the company with a diesel heater, and optional
has reported. extras include three additional 80Ah
Erwin Hymer UK, the firm behind lithium batteries, an 1800W inverter
Elddis low-profiles and van conversions and two 95W solar panels, to make
and a wide range of dealer specials, it easier to take the vehicle off-grid.
made a pre-tax loss of £4,556,677 The Grand Canyon S now comes
in the year to the end of July 2022, 2 with premium panels on the Hobby extends
compared with a profit of windows and doors, and a its guarantee
£2,460,336 for the same four-level lighting system. Hobby is extending
period the year before. It too runs on diesel heating, its water-tightness
It also saw turnover drop while an 80Ah lithium guarantee from five
from £101.8m to £95.2m battery comes as standard. to 12 years for all
over the same period. The German company has 2024 season ’vans.
The company says its launched a special-edition To qualify, buyers
business in the period van conversion, based on need an annual
continued to be restricted a Mercedes Sprinter, with inspection by an
“due to ongoing component a blue-grey exterior colour authorised Hobby
shortages specifically in and a matching rising-roof. dealer, with results
semiconductor supply to The Hymer Free S Campus documented in a
the automotive sector, which also comes with a 170bhp engine test report.
limited motorhome and campervan and front-wheel drive as standard.

ONGRE A C
W
E O AT &CC
AT
IN
F T STA SI
!
HR YS TE
EE
TING
VO OW
N EN!
OP
WHO BUILDS
BRITAIN’S
BEST ’VANS?
Tell us about your buying and owning experiences, and
you could be in with a chance of winning a great prize!
The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024 will be organised by Practical Motorhome with The Camping and
Caravanning Club for the seventh year in a row – but we can’t do it without you. If you’ve bought a new
or pre-owned motorhome since 1 January 2020, and have owned it for at least three months,
then we’d love to hear from you. Tell us how you were treated when you bought the motorhome,
how it’s behaved, and whether or not you would buy again from the same dealer!
Launched in 2004, our Owner Satisfaction Awards is the only industry scheme that’s completely
based on owner feedback, including both the practicality and reliability of the motorhome
itself. What’s more, everyone who completes our survey stands a chance of winning
a top prize of a seven-night stay at a C&CC site of their choice; there are two additional prizes
of a three-night stay at a C&CC site of their choosing. The survey closes on 22 October 2023.
For competition T&Cs, see www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/tc.
Have your say by 22 October 2023, at

www.practicalmotorhome.com/oss
BIG TEST S wift’s Carrera van conversion
range is only just over a year old;
it’s a five-model line-up of Fiat
Ducato-based van conversions, offering
from two to four berths, depending on
which model you choose.
SWIFT
We had a look at the two-berth 122
just after the range was launched (issue
271). But we thought it might be time
to test a different floorplan, so took the
CARRERA 144
144, with front dinette and rear lounge,
to Cote Ghyll Caravan Park, in North
Yorkshire (www.coteghyll.com).
This cleverly designed van conversion offers plenty
of storage and an impressive washroom Exterior and cab
Lanzarote grey – a smart dark charcoal
colour – is clearly the colour of choice
in van conversions at the moment,
because it appears either as standard
or at the very least as an option on a
great many of them.
It’s the standard colour on Swift’s
Carrera range, but if you are heading
for off-road adventures, as we were,
it’s a colour that also makes sense,
because it won’t show the dirt as
much. Tinted flush-fitting windows
add to the smart looks.
The nearside of the ’van includes
a gas barbecue point (1), while the
hook-up and cassette toilet access
hatch are away on the offside (2),
so no chance of either getting in the
way when you pull out the awning
that comes as standard.
The gas bottle locker is inside the rear
of the ’van and is accessed by opening
the barn doors. That could mean it’s a
jPrice £73,495 jSleeps 3 jBelts 4

jBase vehicle Fiat Ducato jEngine 2.2-litre, 140bhp
jLength/width/height 6.00/2.26/2.72m (19’7”/7’4”/8’9”)
jMTPLM 3500kg jPayload 571kg jWater (fresh/waste) 93/58 litres
jLeisure battery 90Ah jGas 2 x 3.9kg
2
Words: Peter Baber
Contact Swift Group Address Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4JX
Tel 01482 847 332 Web swiftgroup.com

BIG TEST THREE-BERTH VAN CONVERSION
bit of a haul up for some, but the gas

bottles are only 3.9kg, so it shouldn’t 3
prove too much of a heavy load.
The cab is a standard Ducato, with
drinks holders in the middle (3). You
get cab blinds as standard, which you
don’t always find in van conversions.
The windscreen blind is slightly
bowed out at the top, so that it goes
around the rear-view mirror. It might
also lessen the chance of condensation
building up: we’ve removed blinds on
mornings in the past, to be met with a
cascade of water. But this design does
make it slightly more difficult to attach
the blind at the top and keep it there.
In addition to the cab seats, there
are two belted seats on the bench in
the front dinette. Whoever sits here
will be rewarded with having USBs
close at hand in the armrests.
Lounging and dining

All the controls you need to operate the
living services are in a panel just above
4
the sliding door as you come in.
With the cab seats swivelled and the
clip-on table extended, the dinette
has enough room for four people to
comfortably enjoy a meal (4). It’s well
lit, too, by daylight coming through
the sunroof and the large Heki as well
as the windows, and by subtle ambient
lighting and a striplight at night.
If you are expecting the rear lounge
to be a much larger space, however,
you might be a bit disappointed (5).
This lounge feels rather cramped, an
impression not helped by the narrow
gangway you go through to reach it,
past the kitchen. 5 6
It’s possibly a result of having to
squeeze everything into a van that is
only 6m long; although the Carrera
184, which has the same layout in a
length of 6.36m, has a similar-size rear
lounge to this ’van, because Swift has
chosen to use the extra space for a
full-size wardrobe.
Four people would still be able to
relax here quite comfortably, however.
And because the pedestal table, while of a squeeze if you wanted to invite The good news is that in this ’van,
it has space for four, doesn’t take up all more people in to join you. there is technically a third dining area,
of the aisle, a couple of them would Both parts of the table are stored particularly if it is just the two of you.
have ample room to stretch their legs. in the half-height wardrobe under the Unlike the Select range, the kitchen
On a sunny day with the barn doors two-way opening fridge. The storage unit in the Carrera includes a tabletop
open, this would be a perfect perching for the tabletop is fine. But the leg has that you can slot into position on the
space. Even on a more wintry day, to be strapped in with rucksack-style outside (6), giving you the chance to
there are speakers here in the locker straps, rather than just pushed into a eat al fresco when the weather permits.
base and the position of the TV sockets clasp. If you are tall, you could find One of you could sit on the pull-out
should mean everyone could watch. bending down to do this quite fiddly, step, so you would really only need
It’s just that you might find this a bit given the narrow space available. to take one other chair with you.

Kitchen
Another welcome change in the
Carrera, compared with the Select
7 8
(or with a lot of van conversion
ranges, in fact) is the extension to
the kitchen unit (7).
Instead of folding this up, you pull
it out of its dedicated spot, then slot
it in place. Although this can seem
quite fiddly at first, it does feel very
sturdy. It also gives the kitchen a
surprisingly large work surface just
where you need it, next to the travel
seat. There’s even a fold-out bin
immediately below the extension (8),
so you can easily dispose of any waste
from your culinary endeavours.
At the other end of the kitchen unit, 9 10
safely away from any breeze, is a neat
stainless-steel two-burner hob that’s
inline with a rectangular sink (9). Both hob and sink have glass
Both have glass covers, potentially covers, which are handy for
expanding workspace even further, extending the workspace
and there is a mains socket close by.
Underneath this is a combined oven
and grill. Swift has managed to include
a 90-litre compressor fridge, one of
Dometic’s two-way opening Series 10
models (10). So you can easily reach for
another beer while remaining seated
comfortably in the rear lounge.
The area is well lit, from outside and
by a striplight. With everything folded
away it looks very neat, too, with those
curved edges that are now becoming
something of a Swift hallmark.
Washroom
11 Van conversion washrooms are not
usually the most enticing of places.
Swift has brightened this one
Ŧ6ZLƏWKDV
up with some marbling effect on the
wall and a mint-green splashback
brightened
behind the basin (11). So although the
headroom isn’t the most generous we
WKLVVSDFH
have seen, this room still feels inviting. XSZLWKVRPH
marbling
The basin folds away, giving you as
much space as possible to shower in,
given that there is no separate cubicle.
The shower head is separate, which HƈHFWRQWKH
wall and
means that you don’t have to push
a hose back through into the tap, as
a mint-green
you do with some small washrooms.
Above the smart splashback panel is
a large mirror, with a cupboard next to
it for all your shampoos and cosmetics. VSODVKEDFNŧ
The whole room is well lit, and it has
a large roof vent, too. All in all, this
washroom is pretty good.

Sleeping
12
Slats fold out from

the nearside to
clip onto the
offside settee
This isn’t really a van for very tall in all Sevel vehicles) of having to swap The front dinette can be converted
people – the two settees in the rear them because otherwise, the little into a single bed by lowering the table
lounge are only 1.32m (4ft 4in) long, cutaway in the corner won’t allow (13). Even here, you only need one infill
so you have to make up the double (12). for a smooth fit. But at least you don’t cushion. We have struggled with some
Even then, it is only 1.70m long. You have to worry about having to deal other beds where no fewer than 10
could try to sleep diagonally, but as we with any infill cushions. extra cushions were needed.
have already established, there is not
a huge amount of space here, so your 13
partner might not forgive you.
That said, if you are within the right
height range, this bed has advantages.
Instead of using platforms that come
out (and in our experience always
leave you worried they might slide
back in again in the middle of the night
and dump you on the floor), Swift has
included a very ingenious set of slats
(made by Hymer). These fold out from
the nearside to clip onto the front edge
of the offside seat. This makes for a
much sturdier set-up.
The only difficulty we had was trying
to fold them back afterwards. You have
to rely on gravity to fit the sides back
tightly within a clasp, and this can be
fiddly. If you turn over the mattresses,
you have the usual problem (common

Storage
Those foldover slats in the nearside The half-height wardrobe might compromised by the TV aerial fitting.
settee are a boon when it comes to be a bit small for four to use, especially Below is a large cupboard that, even
storage, too. They allow Swift to as the table is stored here, too. But you with a shelf, is big enough for most
include a large drawer that pulls out do get four overhead lockers in the pots and pans (17). There are also
under here (14), making stowing bits rear lounge (15), plus two more over three drawers – one above and two
of kit so much easier. The offside the front dinette and corner lockers below the oven (18).
underseat area is more conventional, above the cab. Washroom storage, with the small
however, and you do have to lift up The kitchen includes a large cupboard, is minimal, but that is what
the base cushion to reach it. overhead locker (16), albeit partly you might expect in a van conversion.
14 16 17
18
15
Equipment
The spec level on the 144 is pretty good The bed system should give you
19
for a mass market van conversion. reassurance, too, even if, like the
You can’t guarantee that you will get windscreen blind, it is a bit fiddly
fitted cab blinds in a van conversion, to set up and take down.
for example, so even if they are fiddly, Perhaps it is just the wardrobe (21)
the ones included here are a plus. that would be a bit small for four. And
The Thule awning is fitted as standard we might have preferred to see a metal
(19), where on most Continental rivals, clasp for storing the table leg.
such things are only ever an optional
extra. It’s good to see both a BBQ point 21
and a cold shower on the outside (20).
The inclusion of underfloor heating
and moving the gas bottle to the rear 20
frees up more space for storage inside.
The oven is a matter of taste - we
might prefer a microwave. But having a
two-way opening fridge in a compact
interior is a definite plus point.
The separate shower hose and the
foldaway basin elevate the washroom,
while USBs in the armrests should keep
kids content on a long journey.

The last word

TECHNICAL DATA
BASE VEHICLE
Chassis Fiat Ducato Engine 2.2-litre, 140bhp turbodiesel
Power 140bhp @ 3500rpm Torque 350Nm @ 1400rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Features 7-inch touchscreen dashboard colour display,
cruise control, DAB radio with Apple Carplay, Android
Auto, USB and Bluetooth, cab air conditioning, driver and
passenger airbags, ABS, reversing sensors, electronic
and heated wing mirrors, captain’s seats, drinks holders
CONVERSION
Lanzarote grey exterior with body-coloured bumper and
black cab trims, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof-mounted Thule
awning, 22mm insulated floor, 14mm insulated roof panel,
body insulated with 3M Thinsulate, flush-fitting tinted acrylic
windows, LED awning light, external barbecue point and cold
shower, sliding door flyscreen
LOUNGING AND DINING

Sangella Elm woodgrain in interior with Oxford Canvas and
Graphite furniture, Sangello Elma and cream gloss locker
doors with graphite strip, chrome inlay and concealed
handles, dark-grey Savoy fabric wall covering with
Highs stain-resistant finish, French Oak effect high-impact,

scratch-resistant floor, loose fit carpets, moulded
• Great little washroom window surrounds and storage pockets in diamante
• Impressive storage fabrics, front sunroof with chrome trim and door section
• Kitchen workspace is a to match side lockers, USB sockets in armrests
good size for a van conversion
KITCHEN
Dometic stainless-steel two-burner hob and combined
oven and grill, Dometic 90-litre compressor fridge with
Lows two-way door, lift-out worktop extension
• Rear lounge a bit cramped, with narrow gangway

SLEEPING
• Table leg storage could be better
Rear double bed: 1.86 x 1.32m
• Beds not ideal for taller people
Front single bed: 1.70 x 0.54m
EQUIPMENT
100W solar panel, roof-mounted speakers, EcoCamel
Buy if… shower head, Thetford cassette toilet, Whale underfloor and
water heating, EC400 control unit for monitoring battery,
In a word, if you are short, or rather not tall. It is
lights and water level, LED lighting throughout, Status 570
possible to get a bed longer than this in a motorhome
aerial, two TV points, VIN CHIP identification system within
(if not a van conversion) that is only 6m long.
construction, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm
Other than that, this is a perfectly respectable van
conversion for a couple who might need to use it as
a day-to-day vehicle as well. It also has one or two OR YOU COULD TRY…
innovative features that should appeal to buyers.
Verdict
The 144 is a smart, clever van conversion with plenty of
storage and a good spec level, with a couple of clever extra
features. The washroom in particular is enticing for a van
conversion. The one let-down, perhaps, is the rather small
rear lounge. But if you need to stick at 6m long, and you WILDAX AURORA LEISURE AUTOHAUS KINGSTON
definitely need the extra bed, your choice will be a bit limited. £73,995 £64,995
Based on a Citroën, with Fiat-based, with an awning as
a smaller fridge, and you only standard, but a smaller fridge
get three travel seats and a more conventional interior

SPECIAL REPORT CARAVAN SALON
A visit to the annual Caravan Salon

in Düsseldorf is an absolute treat.
Some of the big European brands
have whole halls to themselves, and
there are always novelties from brands
1
and manufacturers we simply don’t

see in the UK. For example, there were
world debuts of popular campervans,
such as the all-new Ford Nugget and
the Volkswagen California Concept.
Here are just a few of the highlights
from this year’s show, which ran from
25 August-3 September 2023.
Ford
The latest Ford Nugget campervan (1),
still converted by Westfalia on the
all-new Ford Tourneo Custom, made
its world debut at the event.
Its exterior design is a pleasant
evolution of the outgoing Transit 2
Custom. UK models will have sliding
doors on both sides. The table stores
in the sliding side door and two deck
chairs are stowed away in a pocket
on the rear tailgate (as in the
Volkswagen California). and connectivity, plus a large 13-inch vehicle, which is
The Nugget’s unique interior layout, touchscreen on the dashboard. why it was shown
with the rear kitchen (2) behind the There will be the option of a PHEV with an awning on
three-seater bench seat, continues model, using the same engine as the one side and a sun
with some further enhancements to Kuga. An all-wheel-drive model will canopy on the other.
the kitchen units, including a new be introduced, and the long-wheelbase It is longer (5172mm) and wider
drawer-style fridge. Nugget Plus will return at a later date. (1904mm) than the current California,
The rear shower attachment has The Nugget will be available to order which creates more room inside, but
hot water as standard and there are in the UK later this year from £64,800, it is still under 2.0m high.
blackout blinds on all rear windows. with first deliveries due in spring 2024. Instead of a bench seat, the Concept
There’s also a 7-inch touchscreen has two individual rear seats that can
control unit that you can operate via Volkswagen be used to create a double bed.
an app on your phone, plus the option The California Concept also made its The fridge is in the end of the kitchen
of a 350W solar panel on the roof. first appearance at the Caravan Salon. unit, with a sliding door, so it can be
The rear seat is now lighter, so it can It is based on the long-wheelbase accessed from inside or outside the
be moved using only one hand, and it Multivan (people carrier/MPV), rather vehicle (as with the Grand California).
is also heated, which could make this than the Transporter, and for the first To operate the electric roof and
very cosy when in bed mode. time will have twin sliding side doors monitor things such as the levels of the
It’s now easier to walk through – so no more complaints about having fresh- and waste-water tanks and the
Words: John Rawlings
from the cab, because there’s no to get out on the ‘wrong’ side of the infotainment system, there is a large
longer a handbrake between the seats. road for UK customers. touchscreen on the C-pillar. These
As you’d expect, the new Nugget Volkswagen says this will create functions are also controllable from
has Ford’s latest technology for safety a ‘living zone’ on both sides of the a ‘Cali on Tour’ smartphone app.

SPECIAL REPORT CARAVAN SALON
There will be a PHEV model, but no 3

details of other engines or technical
information will be available until we
see the production version, which
should be “sometime in 2024”.
Reimo exhibited a concept of a
camper conversion, also based on the
Volkswagen Multivan. This had the
traditional side kitchen plus sliding
rear bench seat and pop-up roof.
Like the California Concept, it also
has twin sliding doors, although the
kitchen limits access to the vehicle
from that side. Apparently, there
will be variations on the furniture
to include a full-width bed and rear
cupboards and wardrobes. The model
at the show was fitted with a neat
slide-out cooker in the tailgate.
Citroën
For something a bit quirkier, Citroën
had a distinctive-looking Type H model
based on the conventional SpaceTourer
conversion with a 2.0-litre engine. Bürstner was also showing a Lyseo Dethleffs
It’s a modern campervan, but with TD Lounge concept vehicle (4) with The new Dethleffs Yoka Go motorhome
retro-styled body mouldings (3). a side ‘push out’ (in other words, a has a minimalist interior style, with
Curious! However, it is not a concept slide-out) that could provide a fairly removable seats, and a simple kitchen
and will be available to buy, although surprising amount of extra interior with a sink and a portable induction
there were no prices listed, nor any space (5) when deployed. hob and fridge. There is a rear tailgate
indication if it’s heading for the UK. The slide-out’s side panels looked as (7) and double entry doors for a wide
though they were made from the same entrance to load bikes, and so on, plus
Bürstner inflatable panel material used on the load rails in the floor to attach them to.
Bürstner had a new ‘urban camper’ Lyseo Gallery model. The settee folds Other differences include fabric
Copa model, based on the Ford Tourneo out into a double bed, with a sideboard storage containers instead of lockers,
Custom. There are two versions, the opposite to accommodate a large TV. and no washroom. Based on a Ford
C500 (which was on display) and the Taking Bürstner’s company motto Transit, the Yoka Go T1 costs €46,999.
longer C530 with a washroom/toilet. of “Travel Small, Live Large” to a new
The C500 has the conventional side level was its Habiton micro-camper 7
kitchen layout with rear (two-seater) concept, which is based on a Renault
bench seat and the option to add two Kangoo people-carrier.
individual seats. The modern design This has an inflatable tent neatly
of the exterior and interior was stylish, integrated into its roof, with the option
making this a highly desirable camper; of a removable kitchen and an inflatable
hopefully it will be available in the UK. double bed for inside the vehicle, plus
a rear tent for more living space.
4
Hymer
There was always a crowd surrounding
Hymer’s new ML-T 4x4 (6) – based on
a Mercedes Sprinter chassis – despite
the prices, ranging from €158,805 for Niesmann+Bischoff
the 4100kg ML-T 850 to €169,315 for The new Flair 880 model making its
the ML-T 580. The €243,035 Venture S debut at the Caravan Salon is 8.87m
also attracted plenty of attention! long, with just a few changes to the
interior (mainly in the kitchen) to
save a few centimetres over its bigger
5 6 920 (9.27m) sibling.
There’s no shortage of luxury or
style, however, as you’d expect with
a price of over €380,000 with all the
extras fitted to the show model.
The interior is stunning and available
with a wide choice of options for the
upholstery and real-wood veneers for
the furniture, plus exterior finishes
in white or Eifel Grey.

advice
MOTORHOMING Karla Baker offers an insight into motorhoming with a disability,

and reveals how it can be a surprisingly accessible way to travel
P icture this. You’re sitting outside

your motorhome on a glorious
summer evening, after a very
satisfying day of exploring.
The sun is just beginning to set over
you could be driving around in your
own accessible home-from-home.
Before buying a vehicle, however,
there are certain things to consider:
What size/layout suits your needs?
Top tip If your lungs are affected by dry air
(if you have asthma, for example), you may
prefer to specify a wet heating system,
rather than one using blown air.
snow-capped mountaintops, casting What can you drive on your licence? Adapting your motorhome
a pink glow across the sky, and the Will you need a larger fridge for There is a huge selection of vehicles
chirping of crickets creates a soothing storing medical foods? on the market. But if you can’t find
duet with the nearby glacial stream. Will you be driving yourself? If so, anything that is suitable for your needs
A moment of perfection. will your ’van need modifications? off-the-shelf, fear not – there’s also
It would be all too easy to assume Will your chosen vehicle layout be a host of modifications available!
that moments like this are out of reach economical to modify if necessary? A major player in this specialised
if you have a disability. But they are Does it have plug sockets located field is Coachbuilt, based in Nuneaton,
closer than you might think! in the right places? Warwickshire. The company’s close
Do you need a garage large enough relationship with many motorhome
Finding the right fit for a wheelchair or mobility scooter? manufacturers allows the warranty to
If, like me, you find that the hardest be honoured even after modifications
part of travelling is locating the right It’s worth drawing up a list of your have been made, and gives Coachbuilt
accommodation to suit your needs, ‘must-have’ and ‘would-be-nice’ items, access to genuine parts, keeping your
a motorhome might be the answer. then shopping around. It’s important vehicle looking close to the original.
At first glance, they might not appear to get as close to perfect as possible When it comes to adaptations, there
to be so, but with a few modifications, before making major modifications. really isn’t much Coachbuilt can’t do.
To begin with, you’ll need to think
1 2 about how you’re going to access your
motorhome. If needed, they can widen
the doorway and fit a hydraulic lift for
wheelchair access.
Inside, motorhomes aren’t known
for being spacious. This might work in
your favour if you’re ambulant and
prefer to have surfaces close by to hold
onto as you move around. But if you’re
a full-time wheelchair user like me, the
internal layout can be reconfigured to
3 4 allow space to manoeuvre.
They can even fit a 12V slide-out for
maximum room! Aside from this, it’s
possible to add almost any accessibility
fixtures – that’s everything from grab
handles and electric profiling beds, to
ceiling-track hoists and wet rooms.
There really isn’t much that can’t be
done, provided that it’s within your
vehicle’s weight limit.
1 A ceiling-track hoist is just one of many useful modifications 2 Superb facilities in this Top tip If possible, modify your vehicle
specially designed wetroom 3 Electric profiling bed adds to the level of home-from-home based on a bad day. That way, if your
comfort in your ’van 4 Slide-outs can maximise the amount of room inside the vehicle condition flares up while you’re away,
you can continue your tour in comfort.

ADVICE ACCESSIBLE MOTORHOMING
across their site networks, with level

access to most of their reception and
information rooms, and designated
pitches near accessible washrooms.
These facilities are usually accessed
with a key and consist of a wet room
with a toilet, shower seat, handheld
shower head, wheel-under basin,
grab handles in all the right places
and a pull-cord for emergencies.
Both of the clubs provide detailed
access statements for each of their
campsites on their websites,
so it’s worth checking them
out first if you need more
specific information.
Top tip The websites

for the CAMC, C&CC
and Alan Rogers all
have search filters
that include sites with
accessible facilities.
Get exploring
With an accessible ’van,
you can begin your touring
adventures and get out on the road,
without the hassle of having to hunt
Karla and Stephen have travelled thousands down suitable accommodation.
of miles in their modified leisure vehicles Not only that, but having everything
you might need with you will give you
the confidence to travel further afield,
Aids and accessories apps to monitor your leisure battery’s perhaps to more remote places that
As well as the extensive modifications status. Most of these things are useful you might not otherwise consider.
available, there are various accessories for able-bodied people, but if you have So why not dream big, and reach for
that can make your touring experience a disability, they could be invaluable. the mountains? Motorhoming is a great
easier and more straightforward. way to see the world at your own pace,
To start with, setting up on site can Top tip A good night’s sleep is really no matter what abilities you have.
be a breeze with useful add-ons, such important, so it’s well worth investing
as reversing cameras, hydraulic levelling in a comfortable mattress. I love our Useful links
systems and switch-controlled canopies. memory foam topper from Duvalay! Alan Rogers
If you want to access your motorhome alanrogers.com
without modifications, but you would Access on campsites The Camping and Caravanning Club
struggle to climb the step, you might So you’ve acquired your accessible www.campingand
find the Motorstep very handy. This motorhome – now it’s time to book caravanningclub.co.uk
freestanding platform sits outside your somewhere to stay. Caravan and Motorhome Club
door. Stand on it, press the button and As with most places, accessibility on www.caravanclub.co.uk
it raises you to the appropriate height. campsites does vary. However, I would Coachbuilt
Technology is edging its way into the say my experience has been positive coachbuiltgb.co.uk
leisure vehicle industry, making it more overall, and it’s improving all the time. Karla’s travel blog
accessible than ever. In a lot of modern Both The Camping and Caravanning adventurewheels.co.uk
motorhomes, you’ll find app-controlled Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Motorstep
heating systems, and you can even get Club have a good level of accessibility motorstep.net
Useful add-ons, such as a reversing The Motorstep makes it easy to enter Campsites’ accessible washrooms provide
camera, will help with manoeuvring your vehicle with the push of a button all of the facilities that visitors might need

AROUND THE WORLD IN
Gentleman Jack takes a global perspective on the

leisure vehicle industry. This month, we head for Africa!
BESPOKE BUILDS Brakenfell-based
AC Motorhomes was started by Carey
Wareham and builds on a variety of base
vehicles – in fact on any, within reason!
It is the largest bespoke motorhome
builder in South Africa. Pictured is an
elevating-roof coachbuilt on a Land
Rover. The ‘Landy’ has been popular
in Africa for well over 70 years.
HERITAGE It’s disappointing to discover

that the most famous manufacturer of
motorhomes in Africa is no longer with
us. Jurgens first started trading in the
Netherlands back in 1938, moving to
South Africa in 1952. Pictured is one of
its VW Transporter coachbuilts. Many
survive, unlike the firm, which was taken
over by Ci before entering administration.
WORLD-CLASS
Cape Town is a popular
tourist destination for
A
motorcaravanners, and
home to several converters
including Motorhome World A F R IC
– the clue’s in the name!
The company is based in four
separate but adjacent units for
maximum attention to detail at
every stage of production. Pictured
PVC-4-U Schroeder Motorhomes also converts here is an Extreme on Iveco 4x4.
a huge variety of base vehicles at its Jeffreys Bay
HQ, including MAN-based ‘desert schooners’
with the very appropriate model name Hercules.
Gaining in popularity are panel van conversions
such as those pictured here. Fiat Ducato and
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are currently the most
popular, although Ford’s ‘global’ Transit is likely
to challenge their position.

GLOBAL MOTORHOMES AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 ’VANS
Did you know?

The African continent is huge, second in size only to Asia, and accounting for around
20% of the Earth’s total land mass. It has an estimated population of a mind-boggling
1,393,676,444 (about 1.4 billion) people and is bisected by the Equator. There are at least
56 recognised African countries, with another five in dispute. More languages are spoken
than on any other continent. The largest African country, both in area and population,
is Nigeria; the smallest in both is the Seychelles. It is claimed that at any one time, there
are more motorcaravans visiting Africa than are owned by residents. The most popular
destinations for UK-based motorcaravanners travelling independently are Morocco and
South Africa. There are many escorted motorhome tour companies, with itineraries
including places as diverse as the Sahara Desert and the Victoria Falls. South Africa has the
most residents with motorcaravans (estimated to be around 3000). The Motorhome Club
of South Africa is the largest and most influential owners’ organisation on the continent.
LONG SERVICE Africa was awash with

British commercial vehicles from the
1960s to the 2000s. Many of these were
imported as ‘KD’ (Knock-Down) kits,
usually Leyland or Bedford. Pictured here
is a tipper truck, in use for half a century!
On occasions, these will carry a ‘caravan’
body resembling a UK timber summer
house, clad with feather-edge boarding
and mounted on a pallet base. A fork-lift
truck is required for mounting and
STAR TURN Boksburg-based motorhome dismounting the body.
converter Travelstar (Iveco Daily model
pictured) is part of a multifaceted South
African leisure group, Tourism Holdings.
It has companies covering all aspects
of the leisure industry, including
owning and running campsites.
An early group strategy was
to import Britz and Maui hire
vehicles from Australia.
FAIR PLAY
We’ve already mentioned that
visiting ’vans outnumber those
owned by residents in many
African countries. FairCar started
converting Toyota Hi-Lux pick-ups
not as visiting motorhomes, but for
visiting motorcaravanners using
their Lusaka-based hire fleet. With
a high demand to buy models sold
out-of-service, it can only be a matter
of time before they begin building for SUNNY OUTLOOK Phoenix Renewables
retail, as well as for hire. was founded in Nigeria by Mustapha
Gajibo. His vision was for a manufacturing
facility producing 100% electrically
powered vehicles, to use the country’s
plentiful solar power. Building them
from the wheels up was going to need
a huge investment, so he thought of
converting existing vehicles. Basic
campervan conversions using recycled
equipment are expected soon.

GET READY FOR…
THE PRACTICAL
MOTORHOME
AWARDS 2024
Our annual Awards – covering everything from the best motorhomes
to the most brilliant touring gadgets – are about to take place.
Here’s how you can discover all of our fantastic winners!
This is the third year that we’ve held our new-format Our expert team – who also form our panel
Practical Motorhome Awards – they’re all about of awards judges – have decades of motorhome
helping you discover the very best products, as experience under their collective belts: from the
well as celebrating the latest industry innovations. biggest A-class motorhome to the most compact
Our awards encompass a range of categories, campervan, from the smallest, cheapest gadget
including brilliant accessories, awnings and of to the most innovative awning, we have tested
course, the best new motorhomes out there. them all over the years.
You can find a full list of categories on the right. You can join our expert team online at www.
Our aim is to help you make the absolute most practicalmotorhome.com/awards from 2 October
of your money, no matter what you’re planning 2023 to find out who’s won this year’s accolades;
to purchase, whether that’s a £3 bottle of specialist you’ll also be able to read our full round-up in the
cleaning products or a £120,000 motorhome. next issue of Practical Motorhome.
www.practicalmotorhome.com/awards
CATEGORIES INCLUDE…
Best 2-Berth Motorhome Best Luxury Motorhome

Best 4-Berth Motorhome Best Small Campervan
Best 6-Berth Motorhome Best Budget Campervan
Best Motorhome under 6m Best Luxury Campervan
Best Motorhome under 7m
Best A-class Motorhome Accessories
Best Low-profile Motorhome Best Motorhome Cover
Best Motorhome for Full-Time Living Best Motorhome Awning
Best Motorhome for Couples Best Motorhome Cleaner
Best Motorhome for Families Best Motorhome Sat-Nav
Best Motorhome for Innovation Best Motorhome Gadget
Best Budget Motorhome Best Motorhome Accessory
MEET THE JUDGES
Sarah Wakely Paul Critcher Peter Baber

Editor-in-chief Deputy editor Reviews editor
Peter Byrne Jo Davies

Content editor Staff writer
‘Our aim is to help you make

the most of your money’
From Monday 2 October 2023!

pre-owned
The place to
come for used-
’van news, buying
advice and more
each issue

103 On the forecourt
Latest news from the dealers
NICK HARDING Marquis Leisure extends its LPG refilling service, while Brownhills
is expanding its warranty and roadside assistance offering
It’s coming to that time of year when some
104 Used ’van buyer
folk are considering selling their ’van. Pilote Galaxy (2015-2021)
Gentleman Jack casts an eye over the numerous models that
So what’s the best way? By far the easiest make up this popular range from the French manufacturer
is to sell to a dealer, who can offer instant
104
cash, straight into your bank account.
But if you hope to make a bit more, you
might look at the kind of brokerage that
puts you in control, with no risks.
Choose Leisure, in Kent, introduced this 15
years ago, taking its cues from the boat
market. As Choose Leisure MD Dave Williams
explains: “Brokerage allows you to sell
through a professional dealership, with all
106 In depth
dealer benefits, right up to a purchase with Choosing your next motorhome
a warranty. It takes away the stress for the Peter Rosenthal offers some expert tips on how to track down
the vehicle that comes closest to fulfilling your requirements
private seller, where you’ve got people
106
coming to your house, everything from
serious buyers to tyre kickers.” The dealer
can also take in a part-exchange and make
repairs – all subject to your agreement.
Email Nick via practical.motorhome@futurenet.com
112 6XEVFULSWLRQRĈHU
Pre-owned know-how Subscribe and save!
Take out a subscription to your favourite motorhome magazine
A monthly round-up of shows, news and advice today and you can have every issue delivered direct to your door
Buying a Mk1 Fiat Ducato/ the sills behind the door step are
Talbot Express vulnerable, too. Front wheel arch
Even the most recent models of and wing corrosion is usually
these vehicles are now 30 years cosmetic but can be an MOT failure.
old, so that’s more than enough Rear and cab doors all rust happily,
time for rust to take hold. Pay so be vigilant and budget for
particular attention to the repairs. Panel availability is not
windscreen surround and good either, so unless you are
structural mountings underneath. talented with a welder or rich
The door step area is prone to enough to fund uneconomic
corrosion and on van conversions, repairs, avoid very rusty examples.

FORECOURT The latest from dealers around the UK
Marquis Leisure steps on the gas 1

Dealership network Marquis Leisure has added a
second LPG refilling service across its 13 outlets
– with the promise of more to come.
As well as at its Devon premises, just off the
M5 near Exeter, you can now go and fill up with
LPG at the Gomshall, Surrey, branch.
Marquis has also confirmed a longer-term plan
to offer the refilling service from all of its outlets
over the next few years, with its Durham branch
the next in line.
As at Exeter, refills are carried out by Marquis
staff (that is, they’re not self-service).
Marquis Leisure marketing manager Emma
Franklin said: “The pilot at Exeter has been
enormously successful and is exceeding our
expectations, so we are now implementing it at
Surrey. Some areas of the country really are thin promotional activities also sees it giving away 1 Marquis Leisure
on the ground for the provision of LPG and we vouchers worth £250 to spend in its on-site plans to add LPG
intend to fill those gaps first, so customers don’t accessories shop – again, with every pre-owned refilling stations
have to travel too far to refill.” Do note that this motorhome purchase. As the company puts it, across its network
service is not for automotive use or Calor-type the offer will “help you set up for your first trip
cylinder refills. You can find out more by visiting with all the little extras you need”.
www.marquisleisure.co.uk. At the time of writing, Brownhills had some
67 pre-owned vehicles in stock, ranging in price
Brownhills hits a triple from £54,995 for a 2019 special edition Swift
Brownhills is now offering three-year warranties Compact C205, to a barely used Adria Supersonic
and three years of roadside assistance on every tag-axle A-class at £183,995.
pre-owned motorhome it sells from its premises Don’t forget to ask about Club Brownhills
just off the A1/A46 interchange on the outskirts when you make any purchase.
of Newark, Nottinghamshire. A third part of its More at www.brownhills.co.uk.
PROFILE Bilbo’s Nexa

The Nexa has long been a popular pre-owned Nexa. It’s currently our
model for Volkswagen conversion Owner Satisfaction Awards winner
specialist Bilbo’s – an independent in the Best Van Converter class, for
company that has been making new and used sales, although it
campers for over 45 years. does look as though we may have
Bilbo’s Nexa is an alternative just missed out on the 2010,
campervan floorplan, providing short-wheelbase, high-top
four forward-facing travel seats example here, which had been
that make up into two single beds priced at £29,950.
or a double, with a galley kitchen The VW Kamper Centre in
sited at the back. Ringwood, Hampshire, meanwhile, Motorhome Sales, Warwickshire, four individual travel seats
Available in both short- and has a 2006, 5.3m-long version with has a 2008 standard-length Nexa Watch for A good service record
long-wheelbase models, as well as 2.5-litre engine and some 87,000 with 2.5-litre engine and automatic will help overcome any fears for
elevating-roof or high-top variants, miles recorded, priced at a very transmission. It’s covered 69,500 high-mileage examples
there’s plenty of choice. reasonable £26,995. Somewhat miles and is on at £32,995. Find out more www.practical
Bilbo’s itself is a natural starting rare for vehicles of this date, this Plus points Bilbo’s heritage, motorhome.com/advice/used-
point if you’re on the hunt for a one also has cab air conditioning. fuss-free conversion work, buyers-guide-bilbos-celex-nexa

used ’van buyer
2015-2021
Each issue, Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand motorhome. He then reveals
which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for
A ccording to astronomers, there

are a mind-blowing 200 billion
galaxies. Less in number, but
also difficult to grasp, are the differences
to be found in the huge number of
Al-Ko chassis extensions, to which
a DFS (Double Floor Storage) is fixed.
This has a higher internal floor height,
allowing for a deeper void that can be
accessed for storage.
R LIKES
Huge range of lengths and layouts
Most at 3500kg
Strong residuals
variants of Pilote’s Galaxy. Next to demystify are the three levels All fitted with either a ‘services’
The French manufacturer has seven of specification for this era – Essentiel, or a ‘storage’ double floor
decades of experience in the design Sensation and Emotion. Essentiel is the Contemporary vibe to the interior
and construction of leisure vehicles standard offering (although ‘standard’
and was the first volume producer to suggests that it was more parsimonious Q DISLIKES
bring low-profile coachbuilts to the UK. than it actually was). Driver’s and habitation doors
It was equally ahead of the game Sensation adds LED rear lights, cab are on ‘wrong’ side for the UK
when it came to launching its first blinds, better door locks, and stowage
A-class (integral) coachbuilt, the bars in the garage, and upgrades the
R800A, back in 1985. Truma Combi 4 boiler to a Combi 6. white laminate finish. Originally, the
Since then, the brand has become Emotion replaces blown-air heating drop-down transverse overcab bed was
Groupe Pilote, comprising seven highly with a programmable domestic-style a cost-option, although most retailers
regarded marques, including Bavaria, wet radiator set-up, courtesy of Alde. specified them for stock models.
Frankia, Hanroad, Le Voyageur, RMB It also adds a rear-vision camera, soft Our featured ’vans commenced with
and the value-for-money Mooveo. furnishing fabric upgrades, and visual the launch of the facelifted Ducato
There isn’t room to describe every enhancements (aka bling). (X/290) for the 2015 model year and
Galaxy derivative, so we’ve grouped For most models, there was a choice consisted of 15 basic models, each in
them by length and layout, and of matt or gloss wood-effect locker three spec levels, and available with
concentrated on imports to the UK. fronts and cupboard doors, or a gloss three engine outputs and manual or
First, similarities. All Galaxy models automatic transmission.
are A-class coachbuilts powered by The G650U, with the very popular
the Fiat Ducato cowl and having a ESSENTIALS U-shaped rear lounge, was created for
double floor. Behind the cab, some are j Pilote Galaxy on Fiat Ducato and Ducato the UK market and launched for the
based on Ducato chassis extensions, Al-Ko chassis-cowl jBuilt 2015-2021 2017 model year. Originally, the front
attached to which is what Pilote calls in La Limouzinière, western France grille was white, then it was black as a
a DSF (Double Service Floor) – this j A-class integral coachbuilt jOverall cost-option, then black was standard,
houses all water, electricity and gas length: 5.99m/19’ 8” (600 Series) to until a completely facelifted front was
circuits. Other Galaxy models run 7.9m/25’ 11” (781 Series) introduced towards the end of 2017.
on independently sprung, galvanised The table (below left) lists the layouts.
Pilote Galaxy model layouts WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Model Chassis Length MTPLM (kg) Travel seats Main bed(s) in salon Base vehicle
G600L Ducato 5.99m/19' 8" 3500 4 Double converted from lounge Look for a full service history from
G600P Ducato 5.99m/19' 8" 3500 4 Rear corner permanent double
a Fiat main dealer or independent
G600G Ducato 5.99m/19' 8" 3500 4 High-level permanent transverse double
G650U Ducato 6.49m/21' 4" 3500 4 Double/singles converted from lounge commercial vehicle specialist. Check
G690G Ducato 6.94m/22' 9" 3500 4 High-level permanent transverse double engine drive belts and tyres have been
G690L Ducato 6.99m/22' 11" 3500 4 Double converted from lounge replaced at the required time interval.
G700C Ducato 6.99m/22' 11" 3500 4 Permanent island double
G740C Ducato 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4 Permanent island double
The standard 130bhp engine won’t pin
G740GJ Ducato 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4 Permanent longitudinal singles you back in the seats, but is perfectly
G740G Ducato 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4 High-level permanent transverse double adequate for 3500kg examples.
G741C Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* Permanent island double
G741G Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* High-level permanent transverse double
G741C Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* Permanent island double Conversion
G741GJ Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* Permanent longitudinal singles These are generally well put together
G741G Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* High-level permanent transverse double and Pilote is a dab hand at integrated
G741J Ducato Al-Ko 7.49m/24' 7" 3500 4/3* Permanent longitudinal singles
G781C Ducato Al-Ko 7.9m/25' 11" 4500 4 Permanent island double
aluminium extrusions with (durable)
G781GJ Ducato Al-Ko 7.9m/25' 11" 4500 4 Permanent longitudinal singles polyester walls and roof. That said,
*Essentiel and Sensation: four travel seats, Emotion: three travel seats

PRE-OWNED USED ’VAN BUYER
1 2
3 4 5
1 Pilote’s Galaxy received a heavily revised front 6 7

end in 2017, offering better driver visibility and
easier access to the engine
2 An example of the earlier version
3 Al-Ko underpinned DFS models provide

additional storage between the floors
4 General view rearwards in a 2022 G720, 7 Galaxy models with the suffix ‘C’
which is actually a slightly stretched G700C feature a permanent island double bed
8
5 Hugely popular U-shaped rear lounge was 8 The latest Ducato sports a ‘virtual cockpit’
created for the UK market’s 2017 season and offers more driver assistance systems
than you can shake a stick at!
6 Typical Galaxy kitchen, with three-burner
hob and square sink, both in stainless-steel
and inset into the work surface
insist on a written damp ingress report WHAT TO PAY

that shows it to be leak-free, or carry
out your own investigation using a
Prospective buyers will need around
£60,000 to bag a used UK-supplied
NEXT ISSUE
damp meter with a % readout, rather RHD model of this generation. LHD We run the rule
than one with an alarm. Pay particular
attention around retrofitted accessories.
imports from Europe are a bit cheaper.
Fuller Leisure has a 2016 G600L
over the…
A full habitation service should ensure for £59,999 (price today: £80,000). 1995-2009 Auto-Sleeper
the safety of gas appliances. Motorhome Depot Stockport has a Duetto on Ford Transit
2018 G740C for £69,000 (price today:
OUR PICK £91,000). Older Pilote Galaxy models
Is accessible storage between the floors are available from £16,000 (1990s
a priority? If so, one based on the Ducato models, private sales).
Al-Ko chassis-cowl is for you. Without
doubt, the compact 600 Series offers OR YOU COULD TRY…
A-class luxury in a very manoeuvrable Any A-class from other Groupe Pilote
package. Author’s choice: G741J, with marques (except Hanroad). Mooveo is
easy-access longitudinal single beds cheaper, the rest are more expensive in
ahead of a full-width washroom/ the UK. French A-classes from Rapido
changing area at the far rear. are also popular imports.

in depth
HOW TO CHOOSE
You’ve decided to buy a ’van, but how do you pick the one that’s just right
for you, while avoiding the most common pitfalls? Peter Rosenthal explains
F or many people, buying a

motorhome will represent the
second largest investment they’ll
ever make, after buying their house. So
it’s vital to get it right. But what does
with a proper cooker and washroom.
The point is, we’re all different and
we all use our vehicles differently.
So there really is no such thing as
one perfect layout – we all prioritise
PARK THE FIXED IDEAS
Before you even begin your research,
try to park any fixed ideas you might
have, such as “It must be a VW,” or
“It needs an electric drop-down bed.”
that mean? How do you go about the habitation space differently and These limit your options too early,
picking your ideal motorhome? there is no one-size-fits-all vehicle before you’ve had the chance to see
If you’ve had a few ’vans and gained that excels in every area. what is available on the market.
some experience of them, you’ll have The trick is to pick one with the right If you’re more open-minded about
no doubt refined your ideas along the balance of features to suit you best. brands and base vehicles, you could
way, but if you’ve never owned one, Certain things are common to all of find a ’van that suits you much better
where do you start? us, though. Having a comfortable, and, sometimes, for a lower price than
easily made up bed is vital, as is good you might have expected.
READ THE REVIEWS seating when you need to shelter from
Immerse yourself in as much expert the British summer. LAYOUT, LAYOUT, LAYOUT
information as possible – it might be a Having enough three-point seat belts Just like the Channel 4 property show
bit baffling at first and you’ll be advised for all family members is another key that obsesses about the location of
all sorts of random things, but it gives point (never, ever transport people a house, when you’re researching
you an overview of what to look for. unbelted). Equally, as much battery motorhomes, it’s far more important
Make sure you know the source of power as possible and a reasonably to prioritise the habitation space,
the content you’re reading – magazines powerful base vehicle are vital. Nobody rather than the base vehicle.
and their websites are independent and ever complains that their ’van has too The only exception to this is if there
the best source of information, because much electricity or is too fast! isn’t a base vehicle servicing centre
they are run by professional journalists
who have been reviewing and writing
about vehicles for many years.
YouTube reviews are also valid, but
ensure you know if it is an independent
review, or a sponsored or paid-for one.
Reputable reviewers indicate if there’s
a financial element to their video.
WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS

One thing to keep in mind is that we
all lead our lives slightly differently.
For example, my campervan prioritises
large, comfortable beds and is fitted
with a sliding rear-seat system, for
storing car spares when we’re doing
motorsport-related things.
The kitchen is basic and there’s only
a chemical toilet, but it suits us. Other If you will need to be able to park your vehicle on the street, a compact Nissan
people might not want as much storage NV200-based camper makes sense, but the living area space is compromised
space and could prefer a fixed layout

PRE-OWNED CHOOSING A MOTORHOME
Fiat Ducato is still one of the best base

vehicles around and having a pop-top
makes them even more versatile
VW Transporter-sized campers are hugely popular with motorhome buyers, mainly Ducato-based coachbuilts dominate the
because they offer a great balance of everyday practicality and lots of interior room market, offering great space per pound
near you – having a Fiat Professional and have enough headroom and Shows are always well worth a visit
centre or Ford dealer close by can save legroom, you might spend several because you get to see a lot of vehicles
you trekking for miles at service time. weeks living in the habitation area. in one place. The key thing is not to be
But ’vans only usually need servicing It’s far more important to get that dazzled by the glitzy lights and fancy
once a year (and less often with many right than to be brand-centric. And features. Really focus on the basics: is
models on long service schedules), so always remember, you can’t see the the bed supportive and easy to make?
this might not be important for you. grille badge when you’re inside. Is the lounge comfortable? Do I fit in
For example, if you decided that you the washroom? Does the kitchen have
only wanted a VW or Mercedes base SHOWTIME! everything I might need?
vehicle on a coachbuilt, you’d really Rather than schlepping about all over The sheer volume of vehicles at a
limit your choices. And needlessly, the country searching out individual show can be quite overwhelming and
too: it is not the case that a Mercedes motorhomes at dealerships, it’s far this can add more confusion to your
Sprinter drives hugely better than a better to head to a show – there are ideas – and sales reps are very good
Fiat Ducato. When it comes to brands many outdoor events all over the UK, at planting seeds in your head!
on base vehicles, the difference as well as two main motorhome shows So it’s really important to take your
between the best and worst modern in February and October every year at time and have a break before making
vehicles isn’t that significant. the NEC in Birmingham (see p67). any big decisions. We always suggest
Most modern motorhomes all drive
pretty well and these days, this is not
so critical a buying decision as it used
to be in the past.
I bought my Renault Trafic camper
because I prefer how they drive to
VW Transporters. And they’re about
£10,000 cheaper. But many people are
fixated by the badge on the grille…
Features such as automatic gearboxes
– which we’d always recommend for
a motorhome, because they make life
so much easier – used to influence
the choice of model, but these days,
most manufacturers offer some form
of automatic (including many excellent
robotised manuals and dual-clutch
models) that will work well.
While you might spend a few hours For the ultimate in interior living space, a large A-class vehicle really takes some beating,
on the road driving to your campsite although their size won’t suit everybody, and hardstandings are going to be essential
and it’s important to be comfortable

spending a couple of days at any show,
because an overnight break can refocus
your ideas and allow you to pinpoint a
layout that best suits your needs.
Spending a lot of time in a potential
vehicle is also key. Fold out all the beds
and lie down on them. Are they easy to
make up? Sit in every lounge seat, with
and without the table in place. Are the
seats comfortable? Can you stretch out?
Is the fridge nearby if you want to grab
a cold drink on a hot day?
Try to imagine you’re living in the
vehicle on a site. Is there enough room
for the dog? Where can your bicycle fit?
VISIT A LOCAL DEALER

Once you have refined all your ideas, If you combine motorhoming with outdoor pursuits and other hobbies, it’s important
it might be time to visit a local dealer to ensure your prospective vehicle fits in with your interests – or just add a bike rack!
who stocks vehicles that are as close
to your requirements as possible.
It’s best to buy local if you can – ONLINE SCAMS TO AVOID
they can look after the vehicle for With the ever-increasing demand for
you and are not too far away in the leisure vehicles comes a corresponding
case of any warranty issues. increase in fraud, and sadly, there are
We have heard of instances where lots and lots of clever scams out there
dealerships won’t service any vehicle in Internet World.
that they didn’t sell. In addition, Popular platforms such as eBay and
warranty claims become far more Facebook Marketplace take down as
difficult if you try to sort them out many fake listings as they can, but
at a dealer who isn’t the one you thousands still get through.
purchased the vehicle from. Many The key thing to bear in mind here is If you’re touring with multiple occupants,
warranties on used vehicles will tie that the scams are getting increasingly make sure that everyone has a belted
you to the supplying dealership, so sophisticated and are being created by seat to sit in when you’re on the road
do be aware of this. criminals who do this full-time for a
If your local dealership does stock living. They’re very good at it and are
the layout you’re looking at, it’s wise no fools. So the half-price motorhome vehicles – so always check their other
to go and test it out. Spend as much with blanked-off numberplates isn’t listings – with lots of details about the
time as you can inside the ’van and really the way they do things these vehicle (usually just cut and pasted
ask lots of questions. days. That’s far too obvious. from a genuine listing).
Some will let you stay in the vehicle Instead, they’ll list a vehicle that is There’s rarely a number to ring and
overnight on their premises, and many slightly too cheap, in a desirable spec. they like to deal with you via online
have an adjacent campsite nearby. But not suspiciously cheap, just a bit messages. They often come up with
This allows you to refine ‘must-have’ of a ‘bargain’. It is usually an actual an excuse for why you can’t telephone
ideas and drill down into the habitation vehicle, so that when you check (‘in meetings’ is a common one) and
aspects that are most important to you. the MoT history (on www.gov.uk/ will initially be really helpful.
Many people find that a ‘must-have’ check-mot-history) it comes up as The ’van will sound amazing, a real
feature isn’t looking so significant after matching vehicle (same for the HPI bargain not to miss. The golden rule is
an overnight stay – other aspects are check). They normally list multiple never, ever send any money without
far more important to them. standing in front of the vehicle at the
buyer’s address. And never send your
HIRE BEFORE YOU BUY
Although it might seem like a waste
‘Although it might money via PayPal Friends and Family
– scammers often try to get you to do
of a few hundred quid to hire a ’van
before you buy, it really is an essential
seem like a waste this as you can’t recall the money.
Anyone who wants money up front
step, especially for first-time buyers.
Motorhoming is brilliant, but it’s not
of a few hundred to hold a vehicle is to be avoided.
for everyone and it’s very important to

know that, before you invest thousands
quid to hire a ’van BUYING PRIVATELY
Always ring up and speak to the seller
of pounds in a leisure vehicle. before you buy, it – don’t communicate with them via
really is an essential
It also allows you to experience what online messages, because this doesn’t
it’s really like to live with a ’van, away give you an impression of the person.
step, especially for

from the artificial world of dealership A phone call will soon weed out
showrooms or brightly lit trade shows. potentially dodgy sellers, for whom
That way, you get a taste of the reality, all bodywork is “perfect mate” and
not the Instagram presentation of it! ƉUVWWLPHEX\HUVŧ who will say things like, “It has a few

Side settee layouts don’t always offer One thing to bear in mind about the very
Check that a good rear travel seat is forward-facing travel seats, so check. fashionable drop-down bed is that they
provided if you travel with children Some have seats that can be made-up are often high up and lack windows
Most large vehicles tend to drive more

Although this two-berth motorhome has agriculturally than smaller ’vans, but
a good drop-down bed, there’s nowhere A-class overcab beds usually allow you this Frankia is one exception, as it offers
to sit when it’s in use, so everybody is to still use the lounge seating, but fixed air-suspension seats and a Mercedes
forced to go to bed at the same time beds will be even easier to live with automatic base vehicle
engine lights on, but my mate in or “I’m waiting for it to come back numbers on both the V5C and the
the garage says that it’s just a fuse.” from the DVLA”, just walk away. HPI or Car Text Check numbers. Any
Then why haven’t you fixed it? The V5C isn’t proof of ownership, missing or obviously tampered-with
The purpose of phoning isn’t really though, so you’ll also need to check VIN plates? Time to walk away.
to ask details about the vehicle – you’ll the seller provides a written receipt. Run the numberplate through the
see it all when you visit – but to try to In addition, make sure that they have MoT history check service (www.gov.
sound out the character of the seller. all of the paperwork with the vehicle, uk/check-mot-history) and make sure
Proper people sell proper vehicles. such as the owner’s manual, service the mileage matches that shown on the
Always arrange to meet them at their history booklet and lots of invoices. odometer of the vehicle.
house, never at some half-way point, Excuses such as “it got lost by the Use your common sense, too. If you
or anywhere else. previous owner” are often an attempt are looking at a low-mileage vehicle,
Avoid those sellers who try to put to disguise poor service history, or to but the driver’s seat is worn out, the
time pressure on you: “I’ve got someone remove any links to the person the pedal rubbers are worn and the gearknob
coming to visit later today, but if you vehicle has been stolen from. and steering wheel are shiny, then it’s
want it and can get here sooner, I can An HPI check is worth doing (or a clear that something isn’t right. Again,
hold it for you.” Many years ago, I used cheaper version, Car Text Check – just if in doubt, walk away.
to sell cars, and applying time pressure text the reg to 83600 – which costs £3), Finally, ask to see photos of the
is a standard sales technique that is but won’t help in the case of a cloned vehicle being used on holiday, on the
taught from day one. Don’t fall for it. vehicle, where the numberplates have owner’s phone. All genuine sellers will
When buying privately, you need to been replicated from a genuine vehicle. have such pictures, but scammers are
check that the vehicle does actually So it’s really important to do your highly unlikely to. This very useful tip
belong to the seller. So ask to see the homework on the vehicle that you’re comes from colleagues in the police
V5C logbook and check the registered looking at, to see if all the stamped and stolen vehicle recovery unit.
address is at the premises where you riveted VIN plates are in place (they’re Unless you’re very handy with the
view the vehicle. If they don’t have it usually on the bulkhead, windscreen spanners, don’t buy a vehicle without
because “the previous owner lost it” and/or doorjamb) and match the an MoT (unless it’s too new to need

If the bed has to be made up out of the For the ultimate in hotel-style living, A basic campervan such as this Auto-Trail
seat base cushions, make sure that you an A-class such as this Morelo takes Adventure offers plenty of comfortable
test it carefully for comfort and find out some beating, but the cost will be epic lounging space, while the rear doors allow
where any infill cushion is stored and they’re massive, heavy vehicles you to enjoy the view while you’re relaxing
one yet), because you just don’t know

what you might be getting yourself
into. Although the MoT is by no means
comprehensive, it does at least provide
a basic safety check.
IT’S NOT PERFECT

No motorhome is going to be 100%
perfect and the limited interior space
always has to offer a balance of various
features. The key thing is to try to get
as many of these aspects to suit your
needs as you possibly can. Don’t be too fixated on the base vehicle, A 12V battery powers all of the systems
Bear in mind, too, that while going but if you want an automatic (which in your motorhome, so go for the biggest
up in size gives you a wider choice of we’d always recommend for ease), your bank that you can afford – nobody ever
interior options, it also brings in some options might be rather more limited complains of having too much power!
other questions.
For example, RVs and large A-class slightly wrong, it’s not the end of the you have when you are exploring an
models offer vastly more living space, world. Few first-time buyers will nail amazing part of the world. So long as
and benefits such as hotel-style power it with their initial ’van and next time, you’ve fulfilled the basic requirements
showers, but their size and weight will that experience will allow you to have – a comfortable bed and lounge – you’ll
limit where you are able to travel and a much better idea of what you want find you can put up with many of the
necessitate pre-booking hardstanding from your subsequent motorhome. less-than-perfect aspects of your ’van.
pitches. Smaller villages can become Equally, people’s circumstances can Remember, a great site will always
inaccessible and finding parking can be change with time, for example, with offer a great holiday, whether you’re
difficult. Generally, the larger the ’van, more family members, new hobbies, in a Bongo or a Bürstner. The plot of
the more truck-like the drive becomes. different budgets and so on, so it’s your favourite film doesn’t change if
Learn by experience when you’re always something of a moving target. you’re watching it on a 32-inch screen,
choosing your next vehicle. Even if The important point here is that it rather than at the cinema – and the
you got your first motorhome choice doesn’t really matter which vehicle enjoyment will remain the same!
Most motorhomes are pretty similar in

terms of their economy (body shape plays
a much larger part), so it’s always wise
to go for the most powerful model, which It doesn’t really matter which motorhome you have when you’re staying on a beautiful
will provide more relaxed cruising campsite like this, with fabulous scenery all around – so just get one and get out there!

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Everything you
need to know to
keep your motorhome
in great working order

115 Workshop
Improving the fridge
Dave continues with the problem of his fridge’s poor performance
DIAMOND DAVE 116 In depth

DIY leisure vehicle maintenance
As we all try to watch the pennies, is it worth carrying out your own
It is odd how some jobs come in batches, and repairs? Peter Rosenthal weighs up the pros and cons of DIY work
here’s a typical example. The problem was a 116
failing rear-view camera system and the first
thing to establish was whether the fault was
with the camera, the monitor or the wiring.
My initial test was to connect a third-party
video source to the monitor input; if that gave
a decent picture, the monitor was fine.
Next was to connect the camera output to a
separate monitor, preferably near the camera;
although that’s not always possible, depending
on the type of connectors. In this case, the 122 How to…
camera was faulty, so a replacement was fitted. Prepare your ’van for winter
If you’re laying up your motorhome for the winter months, John
A couple of weeks later I had almost exactly Sootheran has some handy advice on steps you’ll need to take
the same issue on another motorhome. 122
I repeated the tests and sure enough, it was the

camera again – but when I came to remove it,
I found out why. The camera had a short lead
with a multi-pin plug connecting it to the
main feed through the motorhome and when
I disconnected it, this was full of corrosion.
At least one pin had corroded away, so another
new camera was required, but this time the
main feed had to be replaced as well.
The fault was caused by the plug 126 Advice
Overhaul your door locks
being hidden in a spot where it Lock mechanism seizing up? Follow Sam Coles’ step-by-step
would be repeatedly subjected guide to repairing and maintaining your locks in good order
to very wet conditions, so 128 Buyer’s guide

A-class motorhomes
I was careful to fit the new Comprehensive listings and technical information
one in a dry location.
Email Dave via practical.motorhome@futurenet.com

What’s keeping Diamond Dave busy this month?
The fridge saga, episode two

Following on from last month’s motorhome 1
fridge saga, when I explained how I monitored
the temperature in both fridge and freezer with
data loggers, I can now reveal more results.
When set to the mid-temperature position, the
fridge was barely getting down to 7°, while the
freezer managed minus 15°, both barely adequate
and less than ideal in terms of performance.
By simply moving the sensor in the fridge to
a position an inch or so below the cooling plate,
I managed to get the temperature down to 3-5°
inside the fridge and minus 18-22° in the freezer,
within the correct range for keeping food fresh.
Taking the temperature

So then I tried putting the two data loggers in the
fridge, one on the top shelf and the other on the
bottom. You might expect the bottom to be the
coldest part of the fridge, bearing in mind that
heat rises and cold falls, but actually, this turned
out not to be the case.
The top shelf was getting down to 3° but the
bottom shelf was still only getting down to 7°
or so, which is not much good when we want
to store the milk in the bottom of the door. My thoughts were that when the heat source 1 This clever little unit
I decided to add a couple of small fans inside was ‘on’ and the outer fans working, that would displays the fridge,
to help distribute the cool a bit better, but I made be the best time to run the internal fans as well. freezer and ambient
the mistake of wiring them to the controller for Unfortunately, the first opportunity to try this temperatures, along
the upper vent fans at the back of the fridge. out wasn’t really hot enough to warrant the outer with relative humidity
fans and running them meant that the air flow
2 through the cooling unit was too great – so the 2 Moving the sensor in
fridge didn’t cool efficiently at all. Back to the the fridge to a spot an
drawing board! inch or so below the
I have also added a fridge-freezer thermometer, cooling plate brought
which gives the freezer temperature, the fridge some improvement
temperature and the ambient temperature, all
on one display (it also shows relative humidity).
It does all this with wireless sensors in the fridge
and freezer, which means we can see at a glance
what the internal temperatures are. This handy
unit is not expensive (under £20 online), but it
does provide peace of mind.
My next attempt will be to wire the internal
fans separately from the externals and probably
design a better mounting spot, but for now, the
fridge is working to an acceptable level – so long
as we put the milk in the top shelf of the door!

in depth
DO IT YOURSELF
MOTORHOME
MAINTENANCE
In these cash-strapped times, you could potentially save money by doing
some of your own vehicle repairs. Peter Rosenthal looks at your options
F or years, the motor industry has

told us how complicated modern
vehicles are, and you must always
visit a main dealer for servicing work.
If your ’van is under manufacturer
warranty, we’d definitely concur. But
what if you have an older vehicle, or
want to do a simple job that doesn’t
need to involve pre-booking and a
tediously long wait in a reception area?
Actually, some tasks on modern
vehicles are easy to do and best of all,
you can save a small fortune by doing
them yourself. If your dealer is miles
away from where you live, you need to
factor in your time, too. For many jobs,
it’s quicker to fix it yourself than travel.
The tasks we’ve outlined here won’t
steal a whole weekend of your life away Basic tools, such as a socket set, torque wrench, jack and axle stands, should
– just a few hours, tops – and they be all that you might require to service many items in your base vehicle
don’t require specialist tools.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE? up a shelf, you might want to think isn’t on axle stands and with its wheels
As an example, Halfords charges £20 twice before graduating to motorhomes. chocked. It must also be in gear (‘Park’
for swapping a vehicle battery. This is But for most people, if you’re if an auto), with the handbrake on.
five minutes’ work with a basic socket methodical and careful, you’ll be fine. A trolley jack of around 1.5 tonnes
set on most ’vans, so it’s an easy win. Many jobs on a vehicle involve lifting will lift one wheel of a 3.5-tonne
They also charge £9 for fitting each light it up and it’s vital to do this safely – vehicle (remember that the weight is
bulb. Again, these can be an easy fit. start by parking on solid flat ground, distributed over four wheels), so you
However, the big wins come if you such as Tarmac or concrete. Grass and don’t have to buy a bulky four-tonne
do your own oil changes and replace gravel are not suitable. If you want to trolley jack. A two- to three-tonne jack
the brake pads. A simple oil and filter raise it to remove a wheel, it’s wisest will easily cope with most lifting tasks
change can cost £180 or more at a main to invest in a trolley jack and a set of for a circa 3.5-tonne motorhome.
dealer; doing it yourself can cost as axle stands and Machine Mart (machinemart.
little as £50 and an hour of your time. chocks. Never co.uk) has a great selection of
Save even more on brake pads and work underneath jacks – just check it will go high
discs: a BMW dealer once quoted over a vehicle that enough to lift your vehicle. Never
£500 to replace the front pads and discs work under a vehicle supported
on our car, while identical top-end OE A good automotive only by a jack (and definitely not
parts cost under £200. An hour later socket set – such the wobbly emergency jack
they were fitted, saving over £300. as this excellent supplied with the ’van)!
200-piece Halfords Levelling ramps
THE BASICS Advanced kit – is a – especially taller
Before you start, a few safety basics. wise investment for models – are also
First, know your limitations. If you’re long-term savings useful for safely
the sort of person who has never put raising a vehicle

TECHNICAL DIY SERVICING
National chains, such as Euro Car

Parts and GSF, can be a useful source,
but they’re rarely cheaper than your
local motor factor for identical parts.
With online suppliers you have to be
very careful – eBay is awash with cheap
parts and all manner of substandard,
non-approved stuff. Many are cheap
because they’re poor quality and some
of them are simply fake.
A trolley jack helps to lift your vehicle One online supplier worth looking
Always make sure that you use wheel rapidly and safely, but always support at is Autodoc (autodoc.co.uk), or its
chocks whenever the vehicle is being the ’van on axle stands before going lower-priced sibling, Buycarparts
lifted up off the ground for any reason underneath to carry out any work (buycarparts.co.uk).
Identifying parts is best done by
removing the part and looking for a
to work on the underside, but must of information is Practical Motorhome’s part number, so you replace like with
always be used with chocks (and the website and owner’s group forums. like. This isn’t always practical, and it
handbrake safely on/vehicle in gear). Ideally, you want to look for photos makes sense to buy locally, so you can
We wouldn’t recommend doing and videos detailing the work. easily return unwanted items.
any tasks on large RVs that involve Generally, random non-expert DIY
removing a wheel. But for Fiat Ducato, videos fall somewhere between two SNAPPED AND SEIZED FIXINGS
Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter-sized extremes: either a car crash of issues On newer ’vans just out of warranty,
vehicles and lighter, you’ll be okay. as some hapless would-be mechanic you probably won’t encounter too
Before you start any DIY task, make blunders from one problem to another, many stuck fixings, but on older
sure that you have the correct personal or a thorough account of how to do it. vehicles, it’s an ever-present threat.
protective gear. Goggles are essential Either way, you’ll get a sense of what Any fixing exposed to the exterior
for working under a vehicle. Disposable is involved and whether you want to can corrode and this is exaggerated
gloves are vital for anything involving tackle it. Don’t just look at one video, in dissimilar metals, where galvanic
old oil (a known carcinogen). watch a few and you should get an idea corrosion is a factor. Equally, parts
of who is giving competent advice. subject to heat can seize in place.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS Stuck, snapped and seized fixings are
It’s likely that you already have a good WHERE TO GET PARTS just one of those things that will bite
set of tools, but you might want to add While buying original parts from your the home mechanic from time to time.
a few Torx bits (internal and external). local main dealer is the easiest way to Happily, you can buy all manner of
These are widely used on modern ensure compatibility, you will pay tools to remove them – from applying
’vans – they take more torque than through the nose for them. heat with a blowtorch, to penetrating
hex heads and better resist rounding. Parts made by the original equipment fluids and extraction tools. If you get
If you’ve never really worked on your manufacturers are available elsewhere. really stuck, remove the item and take
vehicle, head to Halfords (halfords.com). We’d highly recommend buying locally it to your local garage.
They offer a wide selection of socket and using your nearest motor factor to
sets and you want to look for their source parts. That’s where your garage SIX SIMPLE DIY JOBS
Advanced range. Bahco (bahco.com) sources parts from and they’re geared Checking and replacing fuses
also has great value socket sets. up to supply the correct items, quickly Fuses have a very simple role – they
Halfords sells torque wrenches, too, and at the right price. stop wiring or faulty appliances from
essential for tightening fixings to the More importantly, they will allow catching fire. If you overload a circuit,
correct torque – these are needed for you to return parts quickly and easily often by running too many things at
work on the drivetrain. – it’s easy to order the wrong parts once, they will blow. This means the
We’d also suggest buying a multimeter and it’s far more difficult to return thin metal strip inside will overload
– these start from as little as £10 online them to an online supplier. and melt, cutting the power to that
and are important for a range of tasks, circuit. It’s common to hear a ‘pop’
from testing fuses to checking batteries when a fuse blows. If several electrical
and alternators. items have stopped working all at the
For an oil and filter change, investing same time, suspect a fuse first.
in an oil filter removal tool (under £20) You can find your vehicle fuses
can be helpful, while a brake caliper listed in the base vehicle handbook,
wind-back tool is another useful thing while habitation fuses should be
to have (around £20) if you want to detailed in your ’van conversion
swap a set of brake pads. handbook and are often listed on
the fuse box/consumer unit.
ONLINE RESEARCH Once you’ve identified the fuse that
Before you get stuck into any DIY task, It’s wise to visit your main dealer for oil controls the failed circuit, remove it
do your homework. The internet is a services while the vehicle is in warranty, with a fuse removal tool – often a small
great resource for information and you but there are substantial savings to be yellow/red/orange plastic tool clipped
can bet that someone will have carried made when it is out of warranty on or near the fuse box lid. You can also
out the task before you. A great source use a small pair of pliers, or even your

fingernails if there’s sufficient access. on each headlight – one on the wing
Always replace the fuse with one of and one on the grille. Remove these
identical rating (for example, a 10A (they’re usually a T30 Torx bit) and pull
fuse must be replaced by a 10A one). the headlamp unit towards the front of
Never fit a higher-rated fuse – you the vehicle, away and to the centre to
might overload the wiring. It’s worth release the clips. This should give you
noting that fuses are colour coded: 10A access to the rear of the headlamp.
is usually red, 15A blue and so on. You can either unclip the wiring
You could check a blown fuse with loom to work on the headlamp on a
a multimeter, but it’s usually pretty workbench, or swap the bulbs in situ. A blown fuse (right) is very easy to spot,
obvious when the filament has melted Remove the round plastic dust covers because you can see a melted section
out, and you will be able to see it. to the rear and you will see the bulb or a break in the metal link
Be picky about where you buy your holder inside. Remove the plastic
fuses from – get them from Halfords, connector from the rear of the bulb,
your motorhome dealer or motor factor, squeeze together the metal securing voltage doesn’t change, the alternator
or a reputable electrical supplier, such wires and you should then be able to is faulty and needs checking.
as RS Components (uk.rs-online.com). wiggle the bulb free. If the voltage keeps jumping up
Do not use cheap unbranded items, Fit the new bulb, taking care not to and down randomly, it could be
which have been known to cause touch the glass section. If you do touch because the ’van has an ECU-
high resistance – and problems. it, clean it with solvent before refitting. controlled ‘smart’ alternator.
If you replace a fuse and it keeps The bulbs often have an orientation Load up the electrical system some
blowing, check what you have plugged tang, so check this is in the correct more – headlights, radio, heated rear
into that circuit and remove it. If the slot before refitting the securing wire. screen – and remeasure.
fuse still keeps blowing with nothing Refit the dust covers and reattach the If the battery seems fine, but is
plugged into the circuit, you need to headlamp in the lower clips, then refit sluggish to start the vehicle and won’t
visit a main dealer or a competent auto the securing screws. Well done, you’ve hold charge, you’ll need a drop test.
electrician, who will check for a wiring just saved enough for a pub lunch! Any local garage can do this.
fault. Fuses always blow for a reason, Finally, if you do need a battery,
so you should always investigate. Checking the battery and alternator don’t opt for the ‘free disposal of your
After tyres, batteries are one of the old battery’ schemes that many places
Replacing a headlight bulb most common issues in a motorhome. offer. Always keep it and recycle it
A blown headlight bulb isn’t just If the habitation battery goes flat, it can at your local scrapyard yourself –
dangerous, it can also cost you points be annoying, but if the vehicle battery lead has a high scrap value and a large
on your driving licence, so it’s a real fails, you can have a long wait for the motorhome battery will be worth
priority to swap it. rescue service. Avoid this by checking around a tenner.
If one headlamp blows, it’s also not the basics yourself with a multimeter.
uncommon for the other one to follow Voltage is easy to check, but you Oil and filter service
suit, plunging you into complete need to know what the voltage means. Hush, keep this under your hat! Many
darkness at night, which isn’t ideal. A 12V battery is flat when the voltage modern motorhomes are far easier to
If your vehicle has factory xenon or reads 12V. Yes, this sounds a little mad, service than older ones and have an
LED headlamps, you’ll need to visit but it is the case: 12.5V is considered easy-to-replace oil filter cartridge that
your dealer and might require an entire half flat, 12.9V ‘full’. With the engine is a doddle to swap.
new lamp. If you have a halogen bulb, off, read the voltage using a multimeter. The hardest part of the job is usually
it’s relatively easy to do it yourself. Anything above 12.7V is fine. accessing the sump – you often need
The actual bulb swap is simple, but Now switch on the engine and the to lift the vehicle up on your levelling
not all manufacturers provide good headlights (this triggers the alternator ramps to remove the plastic undertray.
access to the back of the bulb. to start charging) and measure the If you have an older vehicle with no
For a Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro, voltage again. It should jump up undertray, it’s an easy task.
they can be swapped in situ, but on significantly to about 13.5-14.5V. Make sure you have an old washing-up
some models of Fiat Ducato, it will be Any higher than this and there is bowl to catch the old oil and always
easier to remove the whole headlamp. an alternator issue – you run the risk dispose of it safely – recycling centres
Happily, this isn’t too big a task. of boiling the battery – while if the have special dump points.
You must replace the bulbs with ones
of identical wattage to the originals
(check the spec in your base vehicle
owner’s manual, which will also detail
the type – for example, H4, H1 and so
on), but changes to the law mean you
can’t use LED or xenon replacement
bulbs. You’ll fail the MoT if you do.
You can buy uprated halogen bulbs,
but they must be replaced in pairs. Replacing headlamp bulbs also offers
These slightly brighter bulbs tend Fuses come in several different sizes you the opportunity to upgrade to a
to have a reduced lifespan, too. (regular and mini shown here) and a fuse more modern, white light halogen
On a Ducato, open the bonnet and removal tool can save your fingernails! bulb, such as the Osram Night Breaker
you should see two screws holding

the upper fill point, until you can see

the oil covering the minimum mark
on the dipstick.
Start the engine and drive the vehicle
off the ramps. Then on level ground,
recheck the engine level and top it up
to the maximum mark on the dipstick.
With practice, you can easily do an
oil change in under an hour, saving you
lots of labour and parts costs at your
On a Ducato, the headlamps need to be local dealership. Plus, it’s often quicker Checking your battery is straightforward
removed to swap the bulbs. Two fixings to do it yourself than to drive to your with a multimeter and these units can
(arrowed) will locate each of the lamps dealer. Definitely a win-win! be purchased for less than £20
on most models
Fitting new front brake pads/discs
Of all the base vehicle tasks, fitting
a new set of front brake pads is one
of the easiest to do. Bone up on the
procedure before you start, by taking
a look at some online videos.
Front brake pads are far easier than
rears, because you don’t have the
handbrake mechanism to deal with.
Front brakes do around 80% of the
braking, too, so they tend to wear out
first. It’s a very simple DIY task, taking
On a Trafic/Vivaro, bulbs can be replaced If you find the voltage checks out and the
under two hours (less with practice)
without removing the headlamps in their alternator is working, but the battery still
and can save you hundreds of pounds.
entirety, although the access is tight gives problems, it might need to be drop
Armed with the registration number,
source the pads and discs from your tested. Any garage can do this for you
The procedure for all vehicles is local motor factors. Brands such as Febi
similar: put the vehicle on ramps and Bilstein (also branded as Blue Print), them out with a flat-blade screwdriver.
secure it with chocks (in gear, with the Bosch, Textar, Jurid, ATE, Ferodo and Now push the caliper piston(s) back
handbrake on). Remove the undertray, Mintex are all high-quality OE-spec into the caliper housing.
cover the ground with an oil-proof brands that provide great quality at A brake caliper wind-back tool
sheet and place your bowl on it. a fraction of the price of parts sourced (about £20) is the best way to do this,
Unscrew the sump plug and collect from main dealers. but a beefy G-clamp will suffice. If the
the old oil in the bowl. It often helps Before starting, photograph all the piston doesn’t push back smoothly, or
to raise the bowl up, to avoid the wind brake parts as you go along – this will is seized solid, the brake caliper will
blowing the oil away from it. help you remember how it all goes need to be removed and reconditioned
While the oil is draining, locate the back together again if you get stuck – replacements are widely available.
oil filter and remove it (YouTube videos (and it’s a really good idea to do this With the pistons pushed fully back,
are helpful for this). It makes very good for all DIY tasks). support the brake caliper on the
sense to buy a removal tool if you have Pads often wear out at the same rate suspension strut using a bungee cord
a metal cartridge type, because they as the brake discs and if you can feel or cable ties – this prevents the brake
often stick in place. a pronounced lip at the outer edge of hose from being strained.
On a reusable plastic housing that your brake disc, it needs replacing. If you’re replacing the discs, unbolt
contains a separate filter element, all Remove one wheel at a time to do this the caliper carrier (these bolts are large
you need is a socket set or spanner to job, making sure to chock the wheels and will be very tight), remove the
remove it. But you must use a torque and use an axle stand. You don’t need securing screws holding on the old disc
wrench to tighten it up, to avoid leaks to disturb the hydraulic system, so no and remove. Clean the hub with a wire
– they usually come with a replacement fluid will be lost. brush and ensure loose rust and debris
rubber O-ring seal, too, and this must Remove the roadwheel and place it are removed, so the new disc sits flush.
be replaced each time. behind you – it will make a handy stool Discs are shipped with a protective
Metal cartridge oil filters then simply for this task! Check the lip on the disc coating to prevent rust – remove this
spin back on (after putting a smear of – if it is pronounced, it makes sense to with a solvent, then refit the new disc.
fresh oil on the rubber seal) and are replace it. If it can barely be felt, you Clean any loose rust and debris from
tightened by hand as much as possible. may get away with just doing the pads. the caliper carriers, then bolt them
With all of the oil drained out, refit Brake caliper designs vary, but the back in place. Torque up the fixing
the sump plug – ideally with a new procedures are all similar – remove the bolts using threadlock.
copper washer or dowty seal – and caliper (it usually has slide pins to the Refit any spring clips around the
torque it up to the correct tightness rear that unbolt) and lift it out of the pads and refit the caliper over them,
detailed in your workshop manual way. Caliper pin bolts are rarely that making sure any springs or alignment
(or listed online). stiff to remove. clips are in place. Refit the caliper slide
Check the correct volume of oil your Remove the old pads from either the pin bolts (it’s best to use new ones –
engine needs and refill the sump via caliper carrier or the caliper by prying often supplied with the brake pads).

Broken latches and catches

It’s worth bearing in mind that most
motorhome interiors are not built by
robots, but hand-built by humans.
So they can be fixed by humans.
By far the most common issues are
with latches and catches breaking or
failing in some way. Often, these can
be replaced with nothing more than
a screwdriver and a little patience.
If you want to change your own oil, always Start by unscrewing the old catch or Pads fit into a caliper carrier that the
check the owner’s manual, which will tell latch – some have hidden fixings under caliper then bolts over – make sure
you the precise grade (for example, 5W 30 coverplates that need to be picked out all of the clips and pins are correctly
here) and the specification needed with a small flat-blade screwdriver. located before refitting
Remove the old part and look for any
part numbers and maker’s brands on DIY TASKS TO AVOID
it. If you’re lucky, they will be clearly Exhaust and emission control
marked. If not, it’s just a question of You can buy pattern exhaust parts very
comparing items online from photos. cheaply, but it’s not worth fitting them
Motorhome manufacturers often use yourself. Spending their life funnelling
catches from firms such as Häfele and super-hot gases out of the engine, they
Zadi, and you may even find similar invariably get welded together.
items in your local B&Q. The bolts often seize, too, as they’re
If you can’t find the exact part, look subject to so many heating and cooling
for a similar replacement – supplies of cycles. Exhaust system parts are often
catches often vary over time, so it can very long and can be almost impossible
Collect the old oil in an oil drain pan or be more difficult to source older items to extract/refit when the ’van is on axle
a washing-up bowl. Dispose of it at your on classic motorhomes. stands – you can’t angle them enough
local recycling centre and always wear Always refit the new catch or latch – garages use lifts for a reason!
gloves – old oil is a known carcinogen with new screws of the correct length For anything involving the exhaust
– Screwfix (screwfix.com) sells large or emission control systems, always
multipacks, invaluable for DIY. visit a garage or exhaust centre. Let
Ensure the cabinet you fit the catch them tackle those seized bolts.
to is secure – if the holes have enlarged
or cracked, try moving the latch, or VERDICT
repair the damage with wood filler. Carrying out a few basic tasks on your
motorhome every so often can help to
save you a fortune.
It can also save you time, once you
are familiar with how to do things and
don’t mind getting the odd bit of oil on
your (gloved) hands.
Dipsticks are usually marked with notches Only tackle jobs you’re comfortable
or cross-hatching – always make sure the doing, and remember that you always
level is up to the upper mark have the safety net of a local garage.
Torque the caliper pin bolts to the right Fitting your own brake discs and pads will USEFUL LINKS
spec and refit the wheels. In the cab, save you a bundle. New discs need to be Autodoc autodoc.co.uk
press the brake pedal and check that cleaned with solvent first, because they Bahco bahco.com
it feels firm. Repeat on the other side are covered in an anti-rust oily coating Buycarparts buycarparts.co.uk
of the vehicle and again, check that Euro Car Parts eurocarparts.com
the brake pedal feels firm. If it doesn’t, GSF Car Parts gsfcarparts.com
seek professional help. Halfords halfords.com
New brake pads/discs can often feel Machine Mart machinemart.co.uk
a little feeble until they are bedded in, RS Components
and you do need to follow the brake uk.rs-online.com
manufacturer’s bedding-in instructions Screwfix screwfix.com
to the letter. This will usually involve a
series of repeated brake stops, followed Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical
by a period of cooling off. ! Motorhome, provides the information in this article

in good faith and makes no representation as to its
Replacing brake pads and discs is completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions
do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement
a surprisingly satisfying job and with New pads are best fitted with new caliper in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances
practice, you can easily do them in bolts – these are often supplied with the and skill level. References to specific products are for illustration only
under 90 minutes. If your dealer is an pads. If they’re not, you can always and not intended as recommendation. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability
hour’s drive away, you’ll not only save order some from your main dealer in connection with the use of this information. Double check any warranty
lots of money, but your time, too! is not affected before proceeding.

in depth
THE MOTORHOME
If you’re planning to store your motorhome during the colder months, don’t miss
John Sootheran’s top tips on how to get your vehicle ready for the winter layover
W ell, it’s almost time for some

motorhomers to begin the
process of putting their
beloved vehicle into hibernation for
the winter months. If you’re one of
sidewalls in the wind can permanently
damage the all-important panel finish.
The best options are custom-made
covers from the likes of Specialised
Covers or Protec. These are designed
them, here’s some sound advice on to fit the precise dimensions of each
prepping a motorhome properly, to vehicle and have durable waterproof
ensure that you will have no nasty exteriors. They also have soft-touch
surprises come the spring. linings, and breathable materials that
will allow moisture to escape.
MOTORHOME COVERS Costing around £300-£600, these
Once your motorhome is spotlessly are not cheap accessories, so if you are Check the condition of your tyres and
clean, a good-quality cover can protect on a limited budget, another option is look out for signs of wear or damage
it from the worst winter ravages. a universal-fit cover, for around £150.
It’s important, however, that any The best of these, fitted correctly, can
cover is a good fit and made of the right still offer good all-round protection. artificial light with a high UV content.
materials, because cheap, low-quality This is because the protective waxes in
covers can do more harm than good. MOTORHOME TYRES the rubber dry out, leaving the surface
This is because abrasive materials Rubber compounds deteriorate when vulnerable to degradation.
that constantly flap against the ’van’s they are exposed to sunlight and strong Rarely used tyres, stored outside,
are particularly vulnerable, and the
damage manifests itself as fine crazing
Protec
and deeper cracks.

I treat my tyres with Meguiar’s
Endurance Tyre Gel. This not only
makes them look great, it will also help
protect against UV damage and
browning – and, in theory, should
keep the tyres in better condition.
When you are checking your tyres,
have a look at the production date,
which is printed on the sidewall.
It’s a four-digit number, usually in
a lozenge. For example, ‘1219’ means
a tyre made in the 12th week of 2019.
By applying the major touring Clubs’
guidelines of replacing rubber at five
years old, this tyre has less than a year
of advisable use left. You could leave
it on over the winter, but be prepared
to replace it before you tour next year.
If your tyre is in excellent condition,
with no wear, cracks or damage, and
plenty of tread depth, the Clubs suggest
A good quality motorhome cover can help protect against the worst of the winter weather seven years as a maximum lifespan.
Seek the advice of your dealership

TECHNICAL PREPARE FOR WINTER
about this the next time that you

have your vehicle serviced.
Finally, check your tyre pressures
when you park up, as underinflated
tyres left for extended periods can
cause flat spots, which will increase
vibrations when you are on the road.
INTERIOR CLEAN-UP
Wipe down all of the kitchen surfaces
and clean the interior of the fridge with
disinfectant wipes or a spray.
Make a special effort here to clean or
vacuum up any crumbs and food debris,
because such remnants can attract
mice and other unwelcome visitors.
Rodents have been known to cause
significant damage to motorhomes,
especially by nibbling through electric
cables, water pipes or upholstery. Use a spray lubricant to keep lock mechanisms and the like in good order
If you store your ’van on a farm, this
can be a particular problem, so make
every effort to seal up cable access long-haired family members. This might PARKING
holes in the bottom of the vehicle. require the (gentle) use of a plunger! If at all possible, avoid parking your
Mice can get through tiny holes the Clean the toilet, but avoid coating motorhome under trees: they will
same diameter as a pencil, and have the bowl with strong chemical cleaners invariably deposit sap onto the roof
even been known to chew through and leaving them in place, because this and increase the chance of corrosive
the plastic mesh that covers the gas could damage or discolour the surface bird droppings landing on it, too.
drop-out vents. This may be the case, if left for many months, especially if That’s before you even start to
but definitely avoid sealing these with the bowl is plastic. consider the potential damage from
tape, because you want air circulating falling branches in a winter storm.
through the stored vehicle. TOILET CASSETTE Always aim to park your vehicle
Always try to avoid parking on long Having cleaned the cassette and prepped on a dry, well-drained, hard surface.
grass or anything that could make it with some toilet chemical solution,
mouse access to your ’van easier. consider lubricating the slide valve to
Next, thoroughly wash down the keep it in tip-top condition.
shower and handbasin, ensuring all This is a simple job involving a quick
the water drains away, and empty the spray or rub with silicone lubricant
waste- and fresh-water tanks. Don’t – some motorhomers even use olive oil.
forget to empty the boiler, too. I give the slide-out handle mechanism
Remember to remove any hair from a quick blast as well. This is also a good
plugs and pipes, especially if you have moment to give the unit a check over.
Try to park your ’van away from trees

and on a dry, well-drained surface
SAFE AND SOUND

Alarms and trackers don’t consume
massive amounts of leisure battery
charge, but your battery will need
topping up every so often.
At home, you might be able to leave
a trickle-charger attached. Models
such as Ctek’s MXS 5.0 cost around
£80 and have built-in software to
manage your battery charge, thereby
extending the life of the leisure battery.
Alternatively, you could fit a solar
panel, which should keep your battery
topped up, even in winter weather.
Remember, if you have a motorhome
cover made, you should specify a clear
window section that will sit over the
Make sure the interior is spotlessly clean, with no crumbs to entice the mice! panel, allowing it to charge even with
the cover fitted. With no cover fitted,

TECHNICAL PREPARE FOR WINTER
make sure that you keep the panel free

from grime, corrosive bird lime and
tree sap, because these will lower its
charging potential.
It seems like basic common sense
to fit a full arsenal of security devices,
such as wheel locks, when storing your
vehicle. You might also find that your
insurance is invalidated if you do not
have certain security devices fitted.
Ideally, you should start the engine
every month and allow it to run at idle
for a couple of minutes. Move the ’van
slightly while you’re there, so that the
tyres do not develop flat spots.
FRIDGE
Clean your fridge’s interior thoroughly,
dry it and leave the door ajar to allow
air to circulate. This will prevent the
build-up of odours. Many fridges have
a catch to hold the door open.
Some people also maintain that you
can prevent bad odours accumulating
in your fridge by leaving a small dish
of sodium bicarbonate inside it.
Consider removing valuable gas bottles from your motorhome for storage elsewhere
Some people close the silver-backed plastic storage box is ideal, and should
blinds when not using their vehicle, be kept somewhere accessible but
but it’s perhaps better not to. secure, away from the motorhome.
Potential thieves won’t be able to see While you’re doing this, make a note
that there are no valuable contents of your key numbers, in case you ever
inside the ’van, and reflective blinds need replacements, and you could also
will repel all of the sun’s heat, keeping remove batteries from remote controls.
the interior cooler – and quite possibly,
damper. Blind mechanisms can also AND FINALLY…
become damaged if left in the ‘closed’ Turn off your gas bottles and consider
position for long periods. removing them from the motorhome.
Gas bottles are very valuable!
STAYING DRY Ensure that all of the windows
Some people swear by moisture traps and rooflights are securely closed.
to keep their motorhome’s interior Using the supplied thin nozzle tube,
Clean the fridge thoroughly and allow drier. These contain moisture- put a squirt of WD40 into each of the
it to dry, then leave the door ajar absorbing crystals and are fairly cheap. motorhome’s lock mechanisms and
Those living in wetter areas of the work the key in and out.
country might find them beneficial. Treat all seams of sealant with great
SOFT FURNISHINGS care while you are cleaning the ’van.
If at all possible, it’s best to remove THE KEY TO SUCCESS Remove any valuables.
some or all of your ’van upholstery At the end of the touring season, make
over the winter and store it in your sure you have all your keys and remotes Follow these simple steps and when
house, which is heated. in a safe place, away from the vehicle. you return in spring, all should be well.
Not only will doing this keep the soft These might include the motorhome
furnishings in better condition, it’s also keys, security lock keys, the locking Ɣ For more info on laying up your
a deterrent to thieves – remember that wheel-nut adaptor, bike-rack keys, ’van for winter, see our guide at
stolen motorhome settee cushions can the remote controls for your TV and www.practicalmotorhome.com/advice/
cost you a fortune to replace. air-con, and more. A clearly marked how-to-lay-up-your-van-for-winter

how to…
OVERHAUL A
HARTAL DOOR LOCK
After finding that the door lock on his ’van was seizing up, Sam Coles
carried out a simple repair. Here, he describes the steps involved
1 2
1 Exterior handle
2 Interior handle M any leisure vehicles, including mine, are

fitted with a Hartal door-lock assembly.
Over recent months, the lock’s internal
mechanism has become stiff, making it difficult
to open and close the door.
B Take care when you’re removing the spring that
returns the door catch, as it is inclined to jump
out and get lost (I speak here from experience!).
C After sanding down the components, make sure

As a result, I have become worried that the you remove any plastic ‘dust’. If you don’t, this
process of locking and unlocking the door might could form a paste with the applied grease and
result in the key snapping off in the lock – not exacerbate the problem.
a scenario any motorhomer would wish to
encounter, if at all avoidable. D I removed plastic from both the handle shaft
According to one or two online forums, this is and the guide in which it rotates with a piece
a common problem with this type of Hartal door of rolled-up sandpaper, because gaining access
lock. It is caused by the central shaft of the inner to the upper part of the shaft is difficult.
assembly binding in its plastic guide housing.
E It is essential that the knob is turning freely in
A money-saving solution its guide before reassembly. If it’s not, it won’t
Given that many of you might be experiencing when it is back in place on the door either, and
a similar problem with this kind of door lock, you will just have to start all over again!
I thought that it would be worthwhile to explain
how you can strip down the assembly and rectify F When reassembling the parts, press the two
the malfunctioning lock. halves of the assembly together before making
Of course, fitting a new door-lock unit would sure it operates correctly. Only then should you
resolve the situation, but at around £100 for a screw them back together.
complete assembly, a simple and relatively easy
repair that will return the lock to an ‘as-new’ I applied a little grease to all moving parts.
operational condition makes a lot of sense. Don’t use oil, which tends to run off over time,
Before we go through the procedure, on the making a recurrence of the problem more likely.
opposite page, here’s my list of six things to
watch out for while you are doing the work: Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the
! information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its

completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their
A When taking out the screws that hold the two own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness
parts of the lock assembly together, make sure of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and
be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent
each of them goes back in the same place it came permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection
from, as mixing them up could cause damage. with the use of this information. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.

ADVICE DOOR LOCK MAINTENANCE
KIT Tools screwdriver, pointed Expendables

FOR THE You’ll need the piercing tool and so on Grease (I used a
TASK conventional toolkit,

including a Pozidriv
A pair of external
circlip pliers
lithium-based product)
Fine sandpaper
3 4 5 3 Using a pointed
tool, carefully
remove red and
green screw caps
4 Using the same

tool, gently lift off
secondary Hartal
screw-cap panel
5 Securing screws
are compatible with
Pozidriv screwdriver
6 The lock tongue

bar is secured with
its own screw, which
6 7 8
should be removed
Securing
screw 7 This is how the
assembly looks with
the lock tongue and
spring removed
8 Remove circlip and

crinkle washer with
external circlip pliers
9 Once you have

removed the circlip
9 10 It may be necessary to remove 11 and washer, you can
some of the plastic from the
inside of the knob guide with take out the handle
rolled-up sandpaper
10 This will be the
case if the upper
part of the shaft
is scraping against
the knob guide
11 Try to sand down

the plastic from the
shaft mechanism
evenly all round
12 13 Using a pointed tool, push
the spring in this direction 12 Check that the
until the end engages with handle turns freely
the plastic lug inside
before screwing
the mechanism
back together
13 Once you have

checked the handle
action, replace the
tongue and lock it in
place with its screw

buyer’s guide
How to use the guide
We’ve organised our listings by layout,
generally the most crucial aspect for
buyers. Simply locate the floorplan you
A-CLASS
like in the guide; then, on the left of it,
you’ll find details of every UK model
with that layout. Simple! Note that TA
in a model name denotes a twin-axle.
MOTORHOMES
Considered to be the most luxurious of motorhome types, A-class models offer a tremendous
amount of space, facilities and storage – but they’re also fairly pricey. Read on to find all the
data you need to know when considering one of these popular models of motorhome
BUNK BEDS
MAX TRAVEL
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT LENGTH BERTHS SEATS (INC PRICE
(KG) (M) DRIVER) OTR (£)
TRANSVERSE
Itineo Famili SB740 Spirit Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 5 77300
Itineo Famili Compact CS660 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.61 5 4 72100
FRENCH BEDS
MAX TRAVEL
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT LENGTH
(M)
PRICE
BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR (£)
(KG) DRIVER)
FULL DINETTE
Weinsberg CaraCore 650MF Fiat Ducato Fiat 6.99 4 4 79600
ISLAND BEDS
MAX LENGTH TRAVEL PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT (M) BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR (£)
(KG) DRIVER)
FULL LOUNGE
Frankia Platin I 8400 QD Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.61 4 4 203260
Frankia Platin I 7900 QD Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.07 4 4 200230
Carthago chic s-plus I 64 XL QB Iveco Daily 6700 8.86 5 4 190540
Frankia Titan I 890 QD-B Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 8.9 4 4 185623
Adria Supersonic 890LC TA Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.9 4 4 172135
how to buy…
Carthago chic e-line I 64 XL QB TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.84 5 4 170790
Carthago chic e-line I 64 XL QB TA Mercedes Sprinter 5000 8.99 5 4 168830
Carthago chic e-line I51 QB DA TA Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.91 5 4 163470
Carthago chic e-line I51 QB DA TA Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.07 3 4 161520
Knaus Sun I 900 LX TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.82 4 5 159970 Choosing the number of berths
Carthago chic e-line I51 QB Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.91 5 4 158280
Carthago chic e-line I51 QB Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.07 3 4 155340 You may feel that this one is easy – you simply
Frankia F-Line I 840 QD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 8.46 4 4 152530 have to go for a motorhome that has the same
Dethleffs Globetrotter XLI 7850-2 DBM TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.61 5 4 151090
Frankia F-Line I 790 QD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 7.86 4 4 149260 number of sleeping berths as occupants, right?
Hymer B-Class Master Line I 890 Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.99 4 4 144910 That’s one way of doing it – but taking a look
Le Voyageur Classic LV8.5CL TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.55 4 4 139000
Carthago chic c-line I6.2 XL QB Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.65 5 4 135850 at the bigger picture is a better method, and
Carthago chic c-line I6.2 XL QB Mercedes Sprinter 5000 8.78 5 4 133180
Hymer B-Class Master Line I 790 Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.89 4 4 132670
likely to cause you less frustration in future.
Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 DBM Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.81 5 4 129090 If you’re travelling as a couple, opting for
Carthago chic c-line I 5.0 QB L superior Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.78 5 4 128750
Le Voyageur Classic LV7.8CL Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.85 4 4 128000
a four-berth can be a great way of getting a
Carthago chic c-line I 5.0 QB superior Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.48 5 4 126970 motorhome that offers just that bit more space,
Carthago chic c-line I5.0 QB L superior Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.91 5 4 125540
Carthago chic c-line I 5.0 QB L Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.78 5 4 124460 meaning that you’re less likely to get in each
Carthago chic c-line I5.0QB superior Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.61 5 4 123760 other’s way when moving about. Conversely,
Carthago chic c-line I 5.0 QB Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.48 5 4 122680
Carthago chic c-line I5.0 QB L Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.91 5 4 121250 if you’ve older children, you could consider
Carthago chic c-line I5.0QB Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.61 5 4 119470 going for a smaller motorhome and letting
Carthago c-tourer I150 QB Comfort Fiat Ducato 3500 7.48 5 4 115700
Carthago c-tourer I150QB Comfort Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.61 5 4 112330 them sleep in an awning or a pup tent -
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 690 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 4 4 112070 that way, you won’t necessarily need to
Malibu I 500QB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.48 4 4 95500
Dethleffs Pulse I 7051 DBM Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 92990 downsize when they’ve flown the nest.
Dethleffs Trend I 7057 DBM Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 5 4 87490
Roller Team Pegaso 740 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 86392
Whichever you choose, always make
Pilote Galaxy G740C Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 85400 sure that every occupant gets their own
Sunlight I69L Adventure Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 78890
Sunlight I69L Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 76890 belted seat – or, if not, that they travel
Carado I449 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 73690 separately to your destination in a car.

ISLAND BEDS (CONTINUED) great for
MAX TRAVEL
modern styling
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(KG)
(M)
DRIVER)
(£)
ADRIA SUPERSONIC
TWIN FACING SOFAS
Adria Supersonic 780DC
Le Voyageur Heritage LVXH8.7CF TA
Mercedes Sprinter
Mercedes Sprinter
4500
5500
7.83
8.75
4
4
4
4
156690
153600
780DC (P129)
Bürstner Elegance I 920 G TA Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.99 4 4 152195
Le Voyageur Heritage LVXH7.9CF Mercedes Sprinter 4500 7.91 4 4 143600
Le Voyageur Classic LV8.5CF TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.55 4 4 139000
Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 DBL Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.81 4 4 130090
Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF88 TA Fiat Ducato 5000 8.8 4 2 129422
Le Voyageur Classic LV7.8CF Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.85 4 4 128000
Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF80 Fiat Ducato 4500 8.07 4 2 119318
Adria Sonic Supreme 700DC Fiat Ducato 4400 7.48 4 4 118390
Mobilvetta Tekno Line K.Yacht 90 Fiat Ducato 4400 7.45 4 4 112995
Bürstner Lyseo I 736 G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3850 7.36 4 4 112495
Fleurette Discover 75LMF 55th Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 99790
Florium Wincester 75LMF Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 99790
Pilote Galaxy G781FC Expression Fiat Ducato 4500 7.89 4 4 99400
Laika Ecovip H4112 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 99340
Fleurette Discover 71 LMF 55th Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.19 4 4 96090
Florium Wincester 71 LMF Fiat Ducato 3500 7.19 4 4 96090
Price From £156,690 OTR Sleeps 4
Dethleffs Pulse I 7051 DBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 93990 Belts 4 Base vehicle Mercedes Sprinter
Pilote Galaxy G740FC Evidence Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 90500
Dethleffs Trend I 7057 DBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 88490 Engine 2.0-litre 170bhp Euro 6 Length/width/
Pilote Galaxy G740FC Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 85400 height 7.80/2.32/2.96m (25’7”/7’7”/9’9”)
Itineo Famili MC740 Spirit Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 77900 MTPLM 4500kg Payload 729kg
Laika Kosmo Emblema 912E Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 77540 Water (fresh/waste) 150/150 litres
Etrusco I 7400 QBC Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 76400
Laika Kosmo 912 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 73840 Leisure battery 2 x 100Ah Gas 2 x 11kg
Itineo Famili Compact CM660 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.61 4 4 72900
This season, Adria marks its return to using the

SINGLE BEDS Mercedes Sprinter as a base vehicle for the first
time in over a decade, with this super-stylish
MAX TRAVEL
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT
LENGTH PRICE
BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR (£) A-class with all mod cons. The dark interior
(M)
(KG) DRIVER)
might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you
FULL LOUNGE want to look the part on the Med next summer,
Frankia Platin I 8400 GD Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.61 4 4 203260 this could well be the vehicle to be seen in.
Frankia Platin I 7900 GD Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.07 4 4 200230
Carthago chic s-plus I 61 XL LE Iveco Daily 6700 8.6 5 4 185980
Frankia Titan I 890 GD-B Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 8.9 4 4 185623
Frankia Titan I 790 GD Next Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 7.86 4 4 179050
Frankia Titan I 840 GD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 8.46 4 4 177960
Frankia Titan I 790 GD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 7.86 4 4 175750
Adria Supersonic 890LL TA Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.9 4 4 172135
Carthago chic e-line I 61 XL LE TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.59 5 4 170290
Carthago chic e-line I 61 XL LE TA Mercedes Sprinter 5000 8.75 5 4 168340
Carthago chic s-plus I 50 LE Iveco Daily 5600 7.91 5 4 166980
Carthago chic e-line I 50 LE DA TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 7.89 5 4 162500
Carthago chic e-line I 50 LE DA TA Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.05 3 4 160540
Frankia M-Line I 7400 GD Mercedes Sprinter 5500 7.76 4 4 158295
Knaus Sun I 900 LEG TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.82 4 5 158020
Carthago chic e-line I 50 LE Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.89 5 4 157310
Carthago chic e-line I 50 LE Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.05 3 4 154370
Frankia F-Line I 840 GD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 8.46 4 4 152530
Dethleffs Globetrotter XLI 7850-2 EB TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.61 5 4 151090
Frankia F-Line I 790 GD Fiat/Al-Ko 5500 7.86 4 4 149260

SINGLE BEDS (CONTINUED) great for…
MODEL BASE VEHICLE
MAX
WEIGHT LENGTH
(KG) (M)
TRAVEL
BERTHS SEATS (INC PRICE
DRIVER) OTR (£)
style and storage
Hymer B-Class Master Line I 880 Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.99 4 4 144910 MOBILVETTA TEKNO
Knaus Sun I 700 LEG
Le Voyageur Classic LV8.5GJL TA
Frankia F-Line I 740 GD
Fiat/Al-Ko
Fiat/Al-Ko
Fiat/Al-Ko
4500
5000
4500
7.65
8.55
7.54
4
4
4
4
4
4
143130
139000
136500
LINE K.YACHT 59 (p131)
Carthago chic c-line I5.9 XL LE Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.4 5 4 135620
Carthago chic c-line I5.9 XL LE Mercedes Sprinter 5000 8.53 5 4 132950
Hymer B-Class Master Line I 780 Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.89 4 4 132670
Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 EB Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.81 5 4 129090
Le Voyageur Classic LV7.8GJL Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.85 4 4 128000
Carthago chic c-line I 4.9 LE L superior Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.39 5 4 127510
Carthago chic c-line I 4.9 LE superior Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.39 5 4 125690
Carthago chic c-lline I4.9 LE L superior Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.9 5 4 124300
Carthago chic c-line I 4.9 LE L Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.39 5 4 123220
Carthago chic c-line I4.9 LE superior Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.52 5 4 122480
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 600 Wt Line Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.19 4 4 122060
Carthago chic c-line I 4.9 LE Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.39 5 4 121400
Carthago chic c-lline I4.9 LE L Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.9 5 4 120010
Adria Sonic Supreme 700SL Fiat Ducato 4400 7.48 4 4 118390
Carthago chic c-line I4.9 LE Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.52 5 4 118190
Carthago c-tourer I149LE Comfort Fiat Ducato 3500 7.52 5 4 111590
Carthago c-tourer I148LE Comfort Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 5 4 113320
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 680 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 4 4 112070
Carthago c-tourer I149LE Comfort Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.65 5 4 111590
Bürstner Lyseo I 726 G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3850 7.36 4 4 111195 Price From £103,995 Sleeps 3 Belts 4
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 600 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.19 4 4 110110 Base vehicle Fiat Ducato Engine 2.3-litre
Carthago c-tourer I148LE Comfort Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.52 5 4 109950
Carthago c-tourer I143LE Lightweight Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 4 4 109450 160bhp Euro 6D Final Length/width/height
Knaus L!VE I 900 LEG Fiat Ducato 5000 8.59 6 4 109610
Carthago c-tourer I141LE Lightweight Fiat Ducato 3500 6.67 4 4 108630
5.99/2.35/2.95m (21’5”/7’9”/9’8”)
Carthago c-compactline I143LE Super Ltwt Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 5 4 108580 MTPLM 4400kg Payload 1016kg
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 580 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 4 4 107800 Water (fresh/waste) 100/100 litres
Carthago c-compactline I141LE Super Ltwt Fiat Ducato 3500 6.67 4 4 107630 Leisure battery 100Ah Gas 2 x 15kg
Carthago c-tourer I143LE LIghtweight Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.08 5 4 106080
Laika Ecovip H4109 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 99340
Malibu I 490 LE Fiat Ducato 3500 7.5 4 4 95230 Mobilvetta’s K.Yacht range has always been
Laika Ecovip H3119 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 95140 known for showcasing great Italian style. For
Dethleffs Pulse I 7051 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 92990 the past few years, however, it has also been
Malibu I 460 LE Fiat Ducato 3500 7.25 4 4 92860
Malibu I 430 LE Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 4 4 90090 noted for having relatively low payloads.
Knaus L!VE I 700 MEG Fiat Ducato 3650 7.51 5 4 88090
Dethleffs Trend I 7057 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 5 4 87490
That all changes this season when all K.Yachts
Pilote Galaxy G740GJ Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 4 4 85400 sold through Mobilvetta’s sole UK dealership,
Knaus L!VE I 650 MEG Fiat Ducato 3650 6.97 5 4 85250
Pilote Galaxy G690GJ Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 84400 Marquis Leisure, will come with an MTPLM of
Weinsberg CaraCore 650MEG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 80240 4400kg. You will, of course, need a C1 licence
Sunlight I68 Adventure Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 78890
Laika Kosmo Emblema 909E Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 77540 to drive the vehicle, but if you have that, you
Sunlight I68 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 77190 can rest assured that with this end-washroom
Sunlight I67S Adventure Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 6.98 4 4 76590
Etrusco I 7400 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 76400 model, you will have more than enough payload
Sunlight I67S Fiat Ducato 3500 6.98 4 4 75190 for the three people who will be sleeping here.
Carado I447 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 73690
Laika Kosmo 909 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 73840 As a bonus, you get Alde heating, too.
Etrusco I 6900 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 4 4 71900
Carado I338 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.98 4 4 71590
HALF DINETTE
Frankia MI 7 GDK Neo Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.05 2 2 110350
Hymer Exsis-i 474 Fiat/Al-Ko 3500 6.64 4 4 97430
Dethleffs Globebus I6 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 4 4 80990
Itineo Famili Compact CJ660 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.61 4 4 72100
TWIN FACING SOFAS
Le Voyageur Heritage LVXH8.7GJF TA Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.75 4 4 153600
Bürstner Elegance I 910 G TA Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.99 4 4 152195
Le Voyageur Heritage LVXH7.9GJF Mercedes Sprinter 4500 7.91 4 4 143600
Le Voyageur Classic LV8.5GJF Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.55 4 4 139000
Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 EBL Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.81 4 4 130090
Adria Sonic Supreme 700DL Fiat Ducato 4400 7.48 4 4 118390
Fleurette Discover 74LJG 55th Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 3 4 99790
Florium Wincester 74LJG Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 3 4 99790
Pilote Galaxy G781FGJ Expression Fiat Ducato 4500 7.89 4 4 99400
Laika Ecovip H4109 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 99340
Dethleffs Pulse I 7051 EBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 93990
Dethleffs Trend I 7057 EBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 88490
Laika Kosmo Emblema 909LE Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 77540
Etrusco I 7400 SBC Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 4 4 76400
Itineo Famili JC740 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.42 4 4 76000
Laika Kosmo 909 L Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 73840
END WASHROOM, TWIN SOFAS
Le Voyageur Classic LV7.8JF Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.85 4 4 128000
Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF-70 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.93 4 2 98972
END WASHROOM, DINETTE

BUYER’S GUIDE A-CLASS MOTORHOMES
TRANSVERSE BEDS
MAX TRAVEL
(M)
PRICE
(KG) DRIVER)
FULL DINETTE
Frankia F-Line I 740 BD Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.54 4 4 136500
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 550 WL Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 4 4 119750
Frankia MI 7 BD Neo Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.87 2 2 110350
Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort I 550 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 4 4 107800
Carthago C-Compactline I 138DB Super Ltwt Fiat Ducato 3500 6.41 5 4 106990
REAR LOUNGE
MAX TRAVEL PRICE
LENGTH SEATS
MODEL BASE VEHICLE WEIGHT (M) BERTHS (INC OTR
(KG) DRIVER) (£)
REAR LOUNGE ONLY

Frankia Platin I 8400 Plus Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.61 2 2 206705
Frankia Platin I 7900 Plus Mercedes Sprinter 5500 8.17 2 2 203140
Carthago liner-for-two I 53 L Iveco Daily 6700 8.55 4 4 190760
Carthago liner-for-two I 53 Iveco Daily 5600 7.85 4 4 175370
Carthago liner-for-two I 53 L Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.53 4 4 173160
Carthago liner-for-two I 53 Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.83 4 4 164410
Frankia M-Line I 7400 Plus Mercedes Sprinter 5500 7.76 2 2 158295
Dethleffs Alpa I 7820-2 TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5400 8.58 4 4 156590
Dethleffs Alpa I 6820-2 Fiat/Al-Ko 4800 7.48 4 4 146590
Frankia F-Line I 740 Plus Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.54 2 2 136500
Frankia F-Line I 680 Plus Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 6.98 2 4 130530
FULL DINETTE
Le Voyageur Classic LV7.8LU Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 7.85 2 4 128000
Bürstner Lyseo I 744 Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3850 7.36 4 4 112195
how to buy…
NICHE LAYOUTS Choosing a bike-friendly ’van
MAX TRAVEL Many ’van owners take bicycles on tour with
(M)
PRICE
(KG) DRIVER) them, particularly now that electric bikes are
becoming more affordable.
FRONT LOUNGE, END WASHROOM
Frankia F-Line I 680 SG Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 6.98 2 4 130530 Bikes will eat into your payload, however,
Frankia F-Line I 640 SD Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 6.45 2 4 123360 so make sure that you’ll still have enough left
Le Voyageur Classic LV6.8LF Fiat/Al-Ko 3500 6.8 2 2 119000
Mobilvetta Tekno Line K.Yacht 59 Fiat Ducato 4400 5.99 3 4 103995 over when they are included.
Pilote Galaxy G690D Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.04 2 4 84400
You also need to think about where you are
going to stow them. A bike rack on the back of
the motorhome is good, but it could interfere
with a reversing camera, and you’ll check to
buying & owning check your vehicle’s axle weight limits.
Stowing the bikes in the aisle inside is also an
DON’T MISS OUR OWNER option, but it is sometimes difficult to harness

them sufficiently to stop them moving about.
SATISFACTION AWARDS RESULTS! If your potential motorhome has a garage, make
sure that it has a height of at least 1m if you don’t
If you’re planning to buy a new motorhome, don’t make your purchase want to have to dismantle your bikes, and has
without reading the results of our latest Owner Satisfaction Survey, which we proper holding points to secure them on the
revealed in issue 268. Find out which brands and dealers readers just like you road. A bonus is that the garage means you have
trust! For Practical Motorhome back issues, call 0330 333 1113 somewhere safe to store bikes when on site.

Future PLC 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR
Editorial
Tel 020 7042 4000
Website www.practicalmotorhome.com
Editor in chief
Sarah Wakely sarah.wakely@futurenet.com
Deputy Editor Paul Critcher
Art Editors Simon Mortimer, Jenny Owen
Production Editor Gillian Gould
Join us as we take Reviews Editor Peter Baber
Content Editor Pete Byrne
Staff writer Jo Davies
a look back at Contributors
Jack Bancroft, Nick Harding, Dave Newell,
vintage issues of John Sootheran, Nigel Hutson
Advertising
Practical Motorhome Advertising Director – Caravans & Marine Amanda Burns
amanda.burns@futurenet.com 0330 390 6036
Commercial Partnerships Director Catherine Crockart
catherine.crockart@futurenet.com 07866 919 565
Commercial Advertising Executive Stefan Lothgren
stefan.lothgren@futurenet.com 0330 390 6600
SEPTEMBER 2011 International Licensing

Practical Motorhome is available for licensing.
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TALK

6 Where in the world? Cod Beck Reservoir, North Yorkshire

take on with just a few basic tools – give it PRE-OWNED

our newsletter of carrying out your own base-vehicle maintenance tasks

Use your phone or tablet camera!

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 5

Why tour here?

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 7

The writer of our Letter of the Month wins

Shrewsbury-based Salop Leisure has

you also said…

OUT Untethered: Living the digital

8 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

Lake Lungern, Obwalden, Switzerland

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 9

The best of your touring photos

1 1 My partner and I made a tour

2 We found this glorious CS on

3 A beautiful sunset at St Davids

10 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

Lancaster Solar Lamp Homikit Kitchen Set Dog Safety Light

PICK OF THE MONTH Laminated tabletop

motorhome’s garage, ready to pull out on site for al fresco dining.

12 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

The latest information on all our current destinations in the UK

T he Nightstop Scheme is run recommend doub

FIND FULL DETAILS ONLINE www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops

nc y co st um es an d a touch of glitter on the

16 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

As these pictures show, we recently enjoyed a weekend

Whether you’re on tour or at home, relax with a cup

SUDOKU WORDWISE NOTES

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box

HALF ANSWER LANE

Cross out a letter in

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 19

Type ‘Ford van repair garages near

20 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

22 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

The Glencoe Club Site

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 23

IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

Early autumn sees lots of great events and

(p56), said to be the point where east meets

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 25

News and events to put in your diary

Focus on… 1 Take three…

The Curious events

Midlands 22-24 September 2023

26 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

I t was a perfect piece of serendipity. I almost

28 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 29

5 in common with others around the country, fell

Goodrich Castle Birds of prey

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 31

WAY TO GO FOOD AND DRINK

WHERE WE STAYED FIND OUT MORE

34 November 2023 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 35

www.practicalmotorhome.com | November 2023 37

9 Explore the Pendle

10 … and then ﬁnd

Originally built by John Bannister, the house 10