Sommaire pour Summer 2022 de Practical Caravan

I know many of you are long-time readers of Practical Caravan – as I mention on p24, I grew up in a caravanning family and my parents were keen readers of this magazine. The reason I write about this is because we’re celebrating a very special birthday, as Practical Caravan turns 55 years old. From our launch in 1967, we’ve brought you the very best of caravanning. You can find our anniversary round-up starting on p17 – you’re sure to spot plenty of “I remember that!” moments. Then on p26, we take an expert look at the future of caravanning. From 3D-printed bodyshells to the rise of the electric tow car, it’s all here. But what do you think will happen over the next 55 years? We’d love to find…

CARRY ON TOURING Caravans have changed dramatically since this magazine was born, and Practical Caravan continues to chart that fantastic journey. Andy Jenkinson reports IN 1967, MANCHESTER-BASED caravanning magazine Caravan Life took a move in a new direction. It was bought by specialist publisher Haymarket Group, which set out to make it a title with a national readership. To emphasise its focus on useful advice, expert tips and product testing, it was renamed Practical Caravan and soon became the UK’s best-selling caravan publication, appealing to new and experienced caravanners alike. Now looking back over those 55 years, what has changed in touring caravans? Well, quite a lot. In the 1960s, independent suspension became a standard feature and made towing far easier. Insulation was improved, although glass windows were still in…

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.…

Nappy bags Naty Eco biodegradable nappy bags aren’t just for the obvious – keep a stash in your van for storing dirty shoes and clothes, or take them out and about for holding leaky water bottles. Price £2.20 Web sainsburys.co.uk Picnic blanket Not just for picnics – this Waterproof XL Tartan Picnic Blanket is ideal for kids to play on outside the van, helping keep clothes clean. Stow one in the car for impromptu lunches on the run, too. Price £12 Web halfords.com Handy wet wipes Clean faces, hands, tabletops and more with this economical pack of 60 wet wipes. WaterWipes are also plastic-free and biodegradable, making them much better for the environment, too. Price £2.95 Web sainsburys.co.uk Marshmallow toasting kit Who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows? If your site allows…

Pack your caravan just like a pro Summer is here and the weather is great – time to tackle a couple of clever DIY projects! This issue we’ve brought you details on how to make a bumper protection plate (right), and a natty side table that you can stick right next to you when you’re out on tour – handy for keeping all of those drinks and snacks organised (p108). Elsewhere, we’re taking a look at three important subjects: loading, ABS brakes, and power to your tourer. We kick things off with our expert guide to packing your caravan like a pro – simply turn the page now to get started. practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson PC’S TOP TIPS *Future…

AS THE RUINED tower came into view, perched on the hilltop above the footpath that husband Ro and I were following, my thoughts turned to one of my favourite childhood books. Enid Blyton’s Five on a Treasure Island, the first in the delightful Famous Five series, describes a ruined castle of white stone with “broken archways, tumbledown towers, ruined walls”, in which jackdaws made nests. I could easily imagine Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog running around the hilltop preparing for adventures – and picnics. Enid Blyton holidayed in Dorset several times a year for much of her life, and based George’s family home at Kirrin Island on the ruined structure of Corfe Castle. The castle is a pleasant stroll of about a mile – with scenic views…

SPONSORED DY PRODUCT OF THE MONTH ■ XLC Aluminium PV/SV Mini-pump, £24.99; www.raleigh.co.uk Stay prepared on the trail or road with this clever little pump, which is suitable for both Presta and Schrader valves. It’s just 22cm long, too, so should tuck neatly into your pocket or bag. ROUTE OF THE MONTH GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY LOOP Distance: 24.5 miles This is a challenging route, particularly if you don’t have an ebike, but it’s well worth the effort, thanks to the stunning scenery along the way. You’ll start at Grantown-on-Spey, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, before following scenic B-roads that take in Nethy Bridge, Abernethy Forest and Loch Garten. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too – you might even spot red squirrels. Web visitscotland.com STAY HERE Grantown-on-Spey Caravan…

CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE! Summer is here at last, and with it long days, (hopefully) balmy evenings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy time together as a family. With so much on offer here in the UK, there’s no need to be left wondering what you’re going to do on your caravan trip, but just in case, we have some brilliant suggestions for you. 1 Stand-up paddleboarding With its origins in Hawaii and its roots in surfing, SUP, as it is better known, is a watersport that all of the family can enjoy – even the dog! As such, it should definitely be on your radar for the summer. In the past, the cost of boards has been prohibitive, but with a huge number of places now offering rentals,…

What will it tow? Kerbweight 2328kg Towing limit 3500kg Noseweight limit 140kg 85% match 1979kg Running costs 3.0 CRD Overland Insurance group 40 Annual VED £165 Average economy 35.8mpg Interim/full service £93/£129 (Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk) Trouble spots It’s fair to say that owners of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are likely to be on first-name terms with their local dealer, because the car has visited them regularly for recalls. These include a risk of fire from faulty wiring for the passenger vanity mirror, and a brake servo that can corrode, requiring you to press the brake harder. The electrics and electronics are responsible for the majority of other recalls. A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.…

Why are bumper plates necessary? In theory, if we always stick to the rules when hitching and unhitching, there should be no contact between the hitch and the back of the car. However, even after many years of experience, I find it difficult to guarantee that I will not cause small scratches on the vehicle over a period of time, and this could eventually affect its trade-in value. Bespoke plate I decided that I wanted a plate made of thicker metal. I began by drawing out a plan for a plate which would be cut from 3mm stainless steel by my local fabricators. Measuring 380 x 200mm, this plate was designed to carry two seven-pin sockets at the corners. I have since cut down the height, to avoid covering a…

★ Star photo ★ We were recently on our way to Swanage, in Dorset, along the M3 and spotted this very unusual caravan! Has anyone ever seen another like it? Nichola Beasley MILENCO The contributor of our Star letter wins a pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors. They’re designed to fit all wing mirrors and offer an outstanding view. For further details and a list of retailers of Milenco products, visit www.milenco.com EVENTS ROUND-UP Showcasing Scotland Next year’s Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, which will run from 2-5 February at the SEC in Glasgow, is returning for the first time since February 2020. The event will bring 200 major UK touring brands together under one roof, including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents, luxury lodges and camping accessories. There…

Sarah Wakely Editor sarah@practicalcaravan.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@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 Q HOW DO WE FIND A BIGGER CARAVAN? We have been looking at the possibility of upgrading our caravan to a larger model. Our grandchildren are getting older and we’d like to be able to take them away with us in the caravan on occasion. We’ve been browsing the various 8ft-wide models that are available, but we’re limited in terms of storage space (the caravan lives on our drive) and I’m also a bit nervous about towing on narrower roads. Do you have any suggestions as to the kind of models we might should consider? David Jackson Peter Baber replies……

Set to stay I think it’s fair to say the boom in interest in touring is set to continue. While it’s true that post-lockdown there has also been tremendous interest in overseas travel, you only have to look at the news headlines to see that structural issues in the airline industry have resulted in large numbers of flight cancellations and for many, the inevitable question presents itself – is flying worth the hassle? Of course, growing interest in caravanning is not just a response to airline woes, it’s also because many have rediscovered the joys of our favourite pastime, and the fact that in the UK (and over the Channel in France for that matter) there are wonderful campsites in a variety of locations to suit all. Talking of campsites,…

AS I WRITE, fuel and energy prices have sent the cost of living through the roof, and many of us are having to think carefully about touring. For years, most of our short breaks away in the caravan have been pretty local anyway, be that into the beautiful Peak District, or to a favourite CL of ours, in the lovely village of Norwell, just north of the bustling market town of Newark-on-Trent, in East Nottinghamshire. We are very lucky, in that both destinations can be reached from our home within 45 minutes, but wherever you live in the UK, there should be great touring spots right on your doorstep, which will hopefully help to keep costs to a minimum. Relaxing break We’ve been visiting Norwell for over 20 years now,…

Who are you? We are Laura and Ian Wilkinson, experienced caravanners and keen walkers who have owned caravans and enjoyed touring extensively since 2000. Why are you a local authority on this part of the world? We have lived in the area since 2017. We were both born in Lancashire and have visited this lovely region many times prior to moving here. What do you love about it? Thornton is a pretty, very friendly village about four miles away from the fabulous Fylde coastline and set on the banks of the River Wyre, with the beautiful Wyre Estuary Country Park running alongside. The paths in the country park are great for walking and watching the local wildlife. If you are not the best walker, you could hire a Tramper all-terrain…

Brands focus on caravan manufacture By this time of the year, we are usually ready to impart a vast amount of information about models for the new season. It’s a sign of just how serious supply chain issues have become – as well as the continuing fallout from the lockdowns – that this year, we can only give you a glimpse of the new-look Adria Altea and a bit about Hobby. Other manufacturers say their new-season launches are still some months away. If you are thinking about trading in your current model for a new caravan, you might be disappointed, but at the same time, this could also turn out to be a golden opportunity for a canny seller. peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER BABER is a hugely experienced caravanner who…

Caravan Salon is back to pre-pandemic levels The organiser of this year’s Caravan Salon says its expansion into three extra halls this year means the show is as large as it has ever been, with some 600 exhibitors presenting over 250,000 square metres. The world’s largest caravan and motorhome show will be running from 26 August to 4 September in Dusseldorf, Germany. This year, members of the public are being invited in for the 26 August preview day for the first time. DVSA launches new towing syllabus The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is urging people who are new to towing to take an accredited training course before hitting the road. Despite relaxing the rules concerning who is allowed to tow towards the end of last year, the DVSA is…

THIS MONTH WE FEATURE… USED VAN PICKS // KNAUS S CLASS Dealers weigh up used stock levels It’s been a strange couple of years, yet these days, caravan sales are still going off the scale. As we know, all good things must come to an end. But will that be the case for the used van market? To test the water, I visited a local dealership and had a chat with the salespeople. In their opinion, were things slowing down? No, was their very clear reply: demand remained strong. But stock had become costly, with sellers asking for top prices. They were also trying not to overstock – dealers don’t want to be left with forecourts full of pricey pre-owned vans if a slow-down suddenly happens. practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is…

1 Stowford Village, North Devon Set in 500 acres of beautiful North Devon countryside, this family-friendly park really does have something for everyone. For starters, there’s an indoor swimming pool, games room, crazy golf, ebike hire and an extensive recreation area, including a football pitch, tennis court and play zone. The site is well equipped for food and drink, with a farm shop and a good choice of places to eat. There’s even a stables and a farm, where kids can feed and play with a variety of animals. Exmoor National Park and Lynmouth are nearby. > royaleresorts.co.uk 2 Blakemere Touring and Holiday Park, Cheshire This fabulous holiday park is home to more than 30 independent shops and a variety of excellent places to eat and drink. Touring families can…

Our focus is on fuel economy You don’t need me to tell you how eye-wateringly expensive petrol and diesel have become. It’s hitting everyone hard, and making all of our journeys – including holiday trips – far more costly. The official combined figures you’ll find in car adverts and brochures are a lot more realistic than they used to be, and now give a reasonable guide to the efficiency you can expect in daily driving. But they don’t show how economical a vehicle might be while towing. In our full tests, we cover an economy route on country roads, A-roads and motorways, to give you a good indication of how fuel efficient a tow car will be. motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, and has…

You don’t need us to tell you that fuel prices are astronomically high. Fill up a typical family car and you could easily spend £100; if you own a 4x4 with a large fuel tank, it could be a whole lot more. In addition, towing a caravan means hauling around a lot of extra weight and punching a much bigger hole in the air than when you drive solo. As a rule of thumb, you’ll manage around two-thirds of the distance a tankful would take you in regular driving. Now with fuel so pricey, it makes sense to take all reasonable steps to improve fuel economy and keep the cost of towing in check. Our tips won’t solve the fuel price crisis, but they will help you go as far…

HOW MANY TIMES have you been relaxing on an idyllic site, looking out to sea as the sun sets and sampling a cheeky red, contemplating the meaning of life – only to find that putting down your glass proves a tad hazardous, because of the unevenness of the terrain? Now there’s a simple way to solve the problem of unstable tables! Follow the steps outlined in this article and you will have a safe repository for wine and beer glasses, and tea mugs, along with provision for holding a variety of savoury nibbles, or a plate of your favourite biscuits. Safe platforms The design of this stand centres on a stainless-steel threaded rod, which supports two bespoke platforms, one above the other. The upper level is designed to accommodate wine/beer/spirit…

› Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/ EC (which still applies), 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 towcar 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…

Choosing a layout 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 (now they are back on), where dealers and manufacturers show 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…

Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › caravan club.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club › 024 7647 5448 › thefriendlyclub.co.uk CRiS › 020 32821000 › 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…

DECEMBER 1984 Knowledge is power A splash of yellow on red and the bold claim that the contents held all you need to know about every new caravan set the scene for this issue, which also featured coastal sites from Sussex Mad men We love the look of these old 80s ads – all golden sunlight and sharp clothing, like a scene from Top Gun. Here, the latest Austin Rover got the treatment, with a couple of rather dapper gents about to board their private jet Southern comfort What could beat a lovely tour along Sussex by the sea? Bob Musker picked out some of the best bits on a journey to a ‘coastline of contrasts’, all the way from Chichester in the west to Rye in the east All…