Inhoudsopgave van July 2021 - Practical Caravan

Whether you’re a newbie to our pastime or an old hand, there’s always something more to learn about caravanning. And that’s where our new series of Practical Caravan Know-how guides come in: each issue for the next year, we’re going to bring you a very special cut-out-and-keep supplement on a variety of topics that matter to you. Over the next 12 months, you’ll be able to collect each one to build into a comprehensive library of advice, tips and inspiration. What’s more, each is available as a free digital download, too! Just visit www.practicalcaravan.com/know-how/. We kick off the series looking at The Basics: whether it’s locating a top campsite or the caravan of your dreams, we hope you find our supplement – brought to you in association with myAutomate –…

› M6 junction 10 Until 2022/2023. Lane closure, 60mph limit › M6 junctions 13-15 Until 2021/2022. Smart motorway upgrade › M6 junction 19 Until September 2021. Work on junction improvement › M621 J7 Stourton Widening of junction › A1(M) junctions 6-8 Until 2021/2022. Smart motorway upgrade › M54 to M6 link road Until spring 2021. Survey work between junction 11 of M6 and junction 1 of M54 Sources: Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales…

Who are you? We’re the Lyon family – we love touring, which is a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors. How do you know the area? We have lived here for 30 years, originally choosing the town for its proximity to our work in Colchester (5km), London and Stansted Airport, and its access to public transport. Why do you love it? Wivenhoe, a tranquil riverside town of Saxon origin, was recorded as Wiivnhou in the Domesday Book of 1086. It has a long history of fishing and boat-building. The area offers a great choice of countryside walking trails, National Cycle Network routes (sustrans.org.uk) and scenic coastal footpaths. Nearby Essex University gives the town a buzz, with a mix of students, commuters and a thriving artistic community. Its High Street…

1 BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS in Cardigan Bay ■ Star attraction The 230-strong population of bottlenose dolphins can usually be spotted from Newquay Headland, Llangrannog and Mwnt, on the west coast of Wales. Otherwise (Covid restrictions allowing), why not join researchers on a Dolphin Survey boat trip (dolphinsurveyboattrips.co.uk)? ■ Why go? The five-mile stretch of coastline from Newquay to Tresaith was named the UK’s first Marine Heritage Coast “because of its unspoiled natural beauty and the variety of wildlife”, says Steve Hartley, founder of the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (www.welshwildlife.org). ■ What else will I see? Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoise swim by the shore. And if you’re exceptionally lucky, you could see leatherback turtles in summer. ■ Where to stay Blaenwaun Caravan Park, Mwnt, Cardigan SA43 1QF, www.blaenwaunfarm.com. 2…

Rookie makes a welcome return It’s great to report the return of a vehicle I had a feeling might have left these shores for good. A couple of years ago, I saw the latest version of the Wingamm Rookie on display at the NEC. I was instantly impressed, particularly with how quiet it was when I was inside, thanks to the monocoque structure, and by the chic Italian design. When I heard the UK importer had ceased trading, I feared that would be the last we’d see of them. So it is great to learn that BC Motorhomes has taken them up. And with Broad Lane Leisure taking on a new teardrop (from Iceland), this is shaping up to be a great year for novelties. peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER BABER…

Technology needed for smart motorways Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed new stretches of smart motorway will need technology in place for detecting broken-down vehicles quickly, before they are allowed to open. He has also brought the deadline for fitting such technology to existing smart motorways forward by six months. The move comes a Highways England released a report suggesting drivers on a conventional motorway are 33% more likely to be involved in an accident than those on a smart motorway. Kimberley’s third store Kimberley Caravans is now seeking planning permission to build a third store at a disused industrial site in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. It is thought the site will house offices, workshops and space for up to 150 vehicles. The dealership also has stores operating in Nottingham and Darlington.…

Should the driving test include towing? A small industry has grown up around training drivers for the B+E towing test. Most drivers under 40 have a B licence, restricting what they can tow compared with those who passed before 2007. There’s always been something arbitrary about the 1 January 1997 cut-off date. Just because I passed my test in 1992, it doesn’t mean I have knowledge that was withheld from learners five years later. Relatively few drivers are likely to tow soon after passing. But with so many new caravanners hitting the roads, perhaps basic knowledge of the principles would be a worthy addition to what new drivers learn before earning their full licence. motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, and has towed with more…

Three cheers for the awning! Awnings – they’re a brilliant bit of kit to help increase your caravan’s living space, but it’s tricky to know which is the best type to buy, which size you need, and then how to put one up… Thankfully, that’s where our comprehensive six-page guide (p118) comes in: we’ve everything you need to know about selecting the right awning for your needs, and a handy step-by-step tutorial on how to build yours, whether it’s a pole or an air variety. In addition, elsewhere in the issue we also bring you expert tips on where to keep your caravan (p125), and lots more. practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson HOW TO… MAINTAIN A FRESH-WATER TANK Some luxury…

In-line island beds, which stretch from the back forwards, rather than to the side, have tended to be reserved for motorhomes, as these vehicles are usually narrower than caravans and so cannot house a transverse bed. In-line beds tend to make caravans much longer, too. But sometimes that can be a good thing, particularly if you are mainly looking to use your van as a seasonal pitch. Such beds can be better than transverse beds, because access to both sides of the bed is easy. Pros A bedroom with an in-line island bed will feel much more like home Cons The caravan can be quite a length to tow, so you’ll need to make sure you’re happy with that A Front lounge should not feel squeezed because of what else…

SUMMER 2016 Here comes the sun This seasonal special promised to get summer sorted, and was packed full of advice and tips on what to do and where to go. A smart Swift Expression made the perfect cover model Grand designs Caravan interiors are often more functional than stylish, but interior designer Jane Ashton revealed how she created a “tropical bohemian chic” interior for her 1974 Abbey, bought for just £250 on eBay Staff day out Practical Caravan staff were let loose for a day at Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Outdoor activities were the order of the day for our team! Life’s a beach We all love a Top 10, particularly when the seaside is involved; and this round-up of the best sites for beaches offered…

Pitching up again at last! Here are some of the best photos from your first post-lockdown trips TAG US #PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@PRACTICALCARAVAN.COM…

Sarah Wakely Editor sarah@practicalcaravan.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com Claudia Dowell Features/Travel editor claudia.dowell@futurenet.com David Motton Tow car editor motty@practicalcaravan.com John Sootheran Consulting editor practical.caravan@futurenet.com Andy Jenkinson Used-van contributor practical.caravan@futurenet.com WHICH SITES ARE BEST FOR CYCLISTS? Q My partner and I are keen cyclists. Could you please recommend campsites or areas that would be suitable for two-wheel enthusiasts Angela Dyson Paul Critcher replies… What excellent timing! Our Top 100 Sites Guide 2021 has recently been published and features a special award for Best Site for Cycling, in association with Raleigh. Cote Ghyll Caravan Park, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, took the title in its inaugural year. This is a great place for cyclists of all abilities, with some 150 miles of cycling routes to explore through the…

Sponsored by THE A34 IS a road of two halves. It started life in 1922 as the route from Winchester to Oxford, then in 1935, was extended north to Salford, via Birmingham, Stoke and Manchester. The southern section, linking Winchester to Oxford, is a fast intercity highway, upgraded over the years. The final upgrades were the Newbury Bypass in the 1990s and the M4 interchange, which allows the A34 to pass through as a free-flowing dual carriageway from the M3 to the M40. Heading north The present A34 gives way to motorways at the Bicester roundabout and is not seen again until it emerges at the Dorridge roundabout with the M42. From here, it heads north from Birmingham to Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme, then through Cheshire, going around Alderley Edge and on…

Wild animals have an instinctive fear of humans, and even the best camera and super-telephoto lens will be insufficient if the species you are trying to photograph feels threatened. Here are some of the best ways to stay out of sight: 1 Stay low Try to stay low, so you don’t stand out against the skyline. This reduces the chances of you being seen, because animals regularly scan the horizon for signs of danger. 2 Blend in Use camouflage, such as lens covers and scrim nets, to help you blend into the surroundings. Covering your face and hands is advisable for wary subjects. 3 Be quiet Animals such as hares, rabbits and deer have superb hearing. Be quiet, tread carefully and use birdsong, running water or vehicles to mask your…

› Go wild with your camera… in the garden Make the most of your backyard. The majority of us can encourage wild birds into our gardens with feeders and baths, or you could get really creative by building an infinity pool. Whichever you choose, shooting birds just outside your back door provides great practice and can be incredibly rewarding; plus, it will keep your skills tip-top until you take your next trip. Nikon D300S Nikon 105mm, ISO200, 1/125, F9 › Know your kit It sounds boring, but do read the manual! It’s really important to know how to change settings with your eyes shut. This photo of a frog was taken at night, by torchlight, and being able to change settings without looking was a necessity. However, at any time,…

COMMA The beautiful scalloped edges of the Comma’s wings are unmistakable, as is the white comma-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwing. Together with its orange-brown colouring, this butterfly is brilliantly designed to conceal itself among dead leaves, while the larvae are flecked with brown and white to resemble bird droppings! This species can adapt its lifecycle according to the weather and is seeing a fantastic comeback across Britain. The caterpillars love to feed on nettles. GREEN-VEINED WHITE The best way to identify this is to wait until the wings close and you can see the green veins underneath. This is how you can tell the difference between it and the very similar Small White. The upper wings have one or more spots. They commonly prefer areas of lush…

1 Transverse island bed, rear washroom Island beds are a surprisingly recent addition to caravans, an introduction from the world of motorhomes. Tourers are a bit wider than motorhomes, so it is far more common to see them with a transverse island bed, which takes up less overall length. Good for Couples who will be mainly travelling on their own Less good for Parties with small kids who might need the toilet at night 2 Transverse island bed, central washroom Transverse island-bed layouts with central washrooms are slightly less common than those provided with end washrooms. With that washroom usually spread right across the caravan, they do offer more privacy for whoever sleeps in the island bed. Good for Family parties where the adults want some privacy Less good for…

When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay, there’s a great deal to assimilate. But it’s a really important decision – being unhappy with your site choice can ruin a trip. There are thousands of campsites to choose from, so here’s how you can narrow things down. Who do you think you are? Start by considering your needs. A family with two teens will require quite a different set-up to one with under-10s to keep happy, or one that comprises just adults. Interests are important, too. Will it be coast, rivers, lakes, countryside, moorland, mountains or towns? Your idea of a break might be one with few decisions to make because activities are laid on and meals are available within a holiday park environment. Alternatively, you might prefer a campsite…

Our review types explained In-depth test In our most detailed test, we spend at least one day (usually more) in the van, to bring you our verdict. The score is based on the opinions of the PC team. First look Each month, we test new models of all sizes and report back to you in our regular review pages. This is the place for the quick low-down on a model! Our vans, our month Our long-term-test tourers are loaned to PC by the manufacturers, allowing us to give you warts-and-all reports over the months.…

People’s needs differ, and your layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your caravan. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows, where manufacturers and dealers will be showing their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but can be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though, could raise issues or offer ideas you hadn’t considered. Think about your needs: will you want to carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture? Perhaps creature comforts are a bit higher on your list; you might want a separate sleeping area, a lounge with parallel sofas and TV points, and an oven. If you plan to tour in Europe,…

It seems that the general trend with fixed single beds is to site the van’s washroom right at the back behind them. But there are still a couple of models out there with fixed single beds where the washroom remains central. The advantage of this set-up is that the washroom acts as a kind of partition, sealing you off from the hubbub that might be going on elsewhere in the caravan. It also allows easy washroom access for all participants overnight. Pros Bedroom is shut off from the rest of the caravan, so ideal for seasonal touring Cons The centre of the caravan can feel dark and cramped A Front lounge might not be large enough for single beds, but it should be roomy B Large windows in the middle…

Zoflora disinfectant Stay safe on tour with a concentrated disinfectant that will keep your van sparkling. In a choice of fragrances, it tackles 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including Covid-19. Price £1.59-£5.99 Web www.zoflora.co.uk Lightweight trekking gear Ideal for summer hikes, Fjällräven’s new Abisko Lite Trekking jacket and trousers have hybrid layers for the unpredictable UK weather. Price £245 (jacket) Web www.fjallraven.com H is for Hawk This breathtaking, award-winning book charts how the author deals with bereavement by fulfilling a childhood wish to train a hawk. Price £6.99 Web amazon.co.uk Bamboo cutlery Try bamboo cutlery for your tours; it can be used many times and is biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. Not dishwasher safe. Price £1.39 per piece Web plasticphobia.com Children’s swim ponchos Get the kids ready for…

At last, summer is on the way! Spring has been playing its tricks, with sunny days followed by snow and biting winds, but the fresh greens unfurling in the trees and the bright yellows and pinks of spring flowers promise a future full of possibilities. With the speedy vaccine roll-out, we can begin to plan ahead. Although some early summer events have been cancelled (Glastonbury, again) or postponed (Chelsea Flower Show will now be in September), there are still some to inject joy into the rest of the year. Choose from agricultural shows, live music events and garden festivals. Book your pitches, remain vigilant and let the summer begin! claudia.dowell@futurenet.com Features editor CLAUDIA DOWELL is our touring expert – she’s been caravanning for years, and loves to explore both far…

Simple safety checks MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover here with some advice before you head out with your caravan, trailer, motorhome or campervan! “Try not to feel deflated and keep a level head – by which we mean check your tyres are pumped up and make sure all your fluids are at the right level. With vehicles sat idle for a long-time during lockdown, these are must-do checks before your first journey. For peace of mind, make sure you’re covered at home, on the road and on-site with MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, available exclusively for Caravan and Motorhome Club members.”…

DID YOU KNOW THAT… Weighing in at just 35-45g, the kingfisher dives at speeds of up to 25mph THE UK IS brilliant for birdwatching, offering a huge range of different habitats. There are numerous bird reserves and plenty to see when you’re out walking, in town or country. Your caravan is the ideal way to start birding, where and when you want. And once we can all travel abroad again, you will find loads of opportunities to see even more birds. Before you travel, search the internet for birding options, en route and at your destination. Wherever you tour, it is well worth taking your binoculars and bird identification book with you. The latter needs to be pocket-sized and durable. Mine is a battered copy of The Birdwatcher’s Pocket Guide,…

GOOD HYDRATION! Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle Price £29 Web uk.hydroflask.com We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially on longer walks. But the downside of carrying adequate water supplies is the weight they can add to your pack. Problem solved – the lightweight Hydro Flask is small enough to carry without feeling like too much of a burden. Brita Portable Water Filter Bottle Price £10.86 Web amazon.co.uk Brita’s main selling-point is its high-quality filtration system, and this robust flask is no exception. This clever bottle can help reduce impurities with its neat filter microdisc, which needs to be replaced after 60 litres. Replacement filters cost around £10 for a pack of three. ACTIVE EQUIPMENT Sherpa XTG Antishock Trekking Poles Price £124.95 Web www.leki.com Serious wildlife-spotters…

How to… Obtain fresh water These days, most caravanners use a portable water-carrier to bring fresh water to their van. The term ‘Aquaroll’ is to caravanning what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners: a catch-all term to describe the brilliantly simple, but quite indispensable, rolling water-barrel. Few people would be able to carry 50 litres of water (that’s 50kg!) from tap to tourer, so rolling carriers are ideal in their simplicity, usability and storability. Simply fill up the barrel, wheel it back to the caravan and drop in the Truma or Whale submersible pump (depending on your caravan’s spec). The impeller inside the pump is lubricated by the water, so don’t let it run for extended periods when the barrel is empty. New pumps are easy to find, but cost in…

The forecourts are buzzing! As soon as the dealerships reopened, I was off to check out the lay of the land. What I found was a full car park and a crowd of keen new caravanners! My local dealership was buzzing and I spoke to many folk while I was there. Most were new to touring and some were returning after owning a van 30 years ago. I also offered some tips to one couple on tourers they were viewing, helping them decide what was best for them. Another dealer I spoke to asked me if I knew where he could get some used tourers – his stock was down to eight. I also love to suggest that newbies buy Practical Caravan, to find out more! practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is…

AS I WRITE, we are all looking forward to getting out and about again with our caravans, some of which won’t have turned a wheel for a while. The last trip our van took was to the dealership for some warranty work and its annual service, so at least when we collect it, we know it should be safe to tow and use. But after any period out of action, caravans need checking over, to ensure that right from the start, those longed-for trips all run smoothly. Basic maintenance There are a number of simple checks that you can do before you go. If the caravan has been standing for a long time, jack up each side in turn (with the opposite wheel and jockey wheel safely chocked and the…

› Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/EC, the car or other vehicle’s weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and 7kg of luggage. This is the figure that is used to calculate a tow car match › GTW (Gross train weight) The maximum allowable combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan, as specified by the maker of the towing vehicle › Hook-up Cable connection to the mains electrical supply at a campsite. Provides power to mains sockets and appliances › Maximum towing limit The greatest weight that a car can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle › MiRO (Mass in running order) The caravan’s weight, with all factory-fitted equipment, when it leaves the factory. MiRO…

Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › thecaravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club › 024 7647 5448 › thefriendlyclub.co.uk CRiS › 020 3282 1000 › www.cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme › www.approvedworkshops.co.uk NCC (National Caravan Council) › www.thencc.org.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) › 0843 216 5802 › www.cassoa.co.uk Towsafe › www.towsafe.co.uk DVLA › 0300 790 6801 › www.dft.gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) › 01249 651 036 › www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk › For the very latest reviews and brilliant buying guides, visit the Practical Caravan website – you’ll find us at www.practicalcaravan.com…

A caravan layout with a lounge at either end and no fixed bed was a very regular thing until about a decade ago. Although it has died off since, as more and more people opted for a fixed bed, you can see it present in a few models. It does have its advantages, particularly in rainy Britain. There’s enough room for all of you to spread out, without the adults and children treading on each other’s toes, if the weather means staying in is the only option. Pros There’s plenty of room for everyone, and adults and kids can do their own thing Cons You usually have to put together at least one bed every night A You should be able to leave the front settees as single beds if…