Sommaire pour March 2022 de Practical Caravan

Where are you hoping to go in your caravan this year? My plan – as it was last year – is to visit France’s stunning Alsace region if I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity. Sadly, Covid-19 put paid to that in 2021, but I’m ever hopeful that this year, it will be doable. No matter where you’re planning to go, this is a great time to get your caravan clean, check all your kit and work out a touring schedule. That’s what we at Practical Caravan HQ are doing, so with that in mind, this issue we’ve brought you a comprehensive, 16-page guide to making the most of these precious couple of months before the season starts. From fitting air conditioning to must-buy gadgets, it’s all available from p51.…

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 WHERE CAN WE TOUR THAT’S DIFFERENT? Q We are keen long-term caravanners and in spite of the repeated lockdowns, have managed to get out with the caravan quite a bit over the past couple of years, including Scotland, the Lakes and Devon, along with great weekends in our native Wales. But now we’re looking for somewhere different to explore – any thoughts, please? Clare Miller Paul Critcher replies… Plenty! There’s perhaps something of a tribal instinct among caravanners in the UK to simply head north and south, but for a change, why not try heading east? Norfolk and Suffolk are…

THE A361 LAYS claim to being the longest three-digit A-road in the UK, stretching 196 miles from Devon to Warwickshire. So we’ve decided to tackle it in two halves. This month, we’ll be covering the section from Devon to Swindon. The initial stretch, from Ilfracombe, passes Stowford Farm, site of many a Practical Caravan readers’ rally in years gone by. It is pretty, but also windy and with few spaces to overtake. So if you’re towing, you might build up a tail of traffic behind you that you’ll want to let pass. Barnstaple is one of those towns that seems to have more roundabouts than its size would warrant, so again, you will need to take care here. Exmoor views Once you are past Barnstaple, the road widens, traffic speeds…

What will it tow? Kerbweight 1565kg Towing limit 1800kg Noseweight limit 72kg 85% match 1330kg Running costs 2.0 BlueHDI Allure Insurance group 22 Annual VED £155 Average economy 58.9mpg Interim/full service £96/£136 (Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk) Trouble spots Peugeot has seen fit to recall the 5008 on a few occasions. One of these involved engines overheating, leading to potential failure. Then 3025 vehicles were recalled because the spare wheel supports weren’t tightened sufficiently. The diesel particulate filter on 959 cars was found to be out of spec, prompting a recall. A faulty urea injector caused another return to the dealer for 5125 examples. A full list of recalls can be found at www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.…

All you need to know about awnings Do you own an awning? Plenty of caravanners do, but there’s no denying it’s a complicated topic. From poled to air awnings, full size to porch, there are many different types available, making it tricky to determine which is the absolute best for your needs. But fear not – that’s where our comprehensive guide to everything awning comes in (p90). We asked consulting editor John Sootheran to write an in-depth article on the subject, and he did just that: it’s your one-stop shop to finding the very best awning out there! practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson *Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith…

1 Parts are bought in, then the motor movers are assembled in the firm’s Derby premises 2 Assembling the movers. Apart from some steel, all components are sourced in the UK 3 The Powrtouch production lines are a real hive of activity throughout the day 4 Mover kits completed and packaged, now awaiting shipment to a range of countries 5 The Powrtouch demonstration unit will be a familiar sight if you have visited any shows 6 Powrtouch Marketing Co-ordinator Holly Hawley and MD Phil Clark…

> 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…

All things bright and beautiful With overseas tours being somewhat restricted, we have kept the focus of our travel features over the past few months firmly on the UK. Let’s hope the situation improves, as there are some wonderful touring opportunities overseas and we can’t wait to revisit them. That said, we’re fortunate in the UK to have so many beautiful and varied destinations – a fact well illustrated by this month’s crop of travel features, covering everywhere from the Lincolnshire Wolds (p22) to Cornwall (p34). We’ve also included a local’s guide to Nottingham (p40), a return to some of the delightful locations featured in TV favourite Midsomer Murders (p30) and a round-up of some of the best adults-only campsites (p26). In addition, we’re putting our trust in two great…

Shorter, colder days don’t mean you can’t enjoy being out on your bike, especially not when you have the right clothing – something Marcus knows all about. He tried Velocio’s winter range in Cornwall: here’s what he had to say about it… “Experience has taught me that when it comes to winter kit, there can be no sacrifice on quality, not if you want to continue riding in comfort. “I’m no stranger to long winter miles on the road, and Velocio’s thermal bib tights and long-sleeve jersey are a great combination, no matter what length of ride you’re on, even if it’s just a jaunt with a coffee stop. The bib tights are lightweight yet warm, thanks to being fleece backed, while the thermal top is ideal for changeable weather,…

Get the show back on the road! As I write this, the NEC show in February is still going ahead, albeit without Swift, although there are all sorts of rumours flying around about other events due early in the new year. For example, CMT – Germany’s second leisure show after Caravan Salon, due in January – has been cancelled. But while I enjoy going around shows to look at caravans, I can’t help wondering if Swift hasn’t cottoned on to something. Are the cancelled shows merely hastening a trend towards online that was already evident before the pandemic? Are you longing to get back to real-life browsing, or is online more convenient? Do let me know – drop me a line at the email address below. peter.baber@futurenet.com Reviews editor PETER…

Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, 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 own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness 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 permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects. THINGS WITH WHEELS are, of course, designed to move, but low-season weather, high-season crowds, pandemics…

THERE’S A WHOLE host of brilliant caravan accessories available out there, so it can be difficult to know exactly what you should be looking for. But if you’re keen to upgrade or update your kit for the new season, we can help – here are just some of the great products that made it onto the shortlist for the Best Caravan Gadget category in our recent Awards (practicalcaravan.com/awards), and a number of other top picks from the Practical Caravan team. iTrack Mini GPS Tracker This nifty little device monitors the position of your caravan and sends Google Map reports via SMS or tracks live on the free app. Suitable for monitoring your vehicle, bike, or any other asset you might want to track. Price £45 Web www.amazon.co.uk Garmin eTrex 22X…

The skilled art of towing a caravan Few would rate towing as the most enjoyable part of touring. It’s harder than regular driving, and demands concentration. Of course, you should be paying full attention every time you get behind the wheel, but while towing, drivers really need to be on their mettle. Towing may not be fun, but it is satisfying. Driving smoothly, anticipating traffic, planning and executing a safe overtake – hardly the stuff of petrolhead dreams, but rewarding. To keep up the required level of alertness for mile after mile is something to be proud of. You earn that first cuppa by the time you’ve unhitched and the steadies are down. motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, and has towed with more than…

KIA Sorento The Kia Sorento is popular with tow car drivers for a number of reasons. For a start, it’s huge, and easily able to carry seven. There’s also a sizeable boot if you are only carrying five. It’s stable and assured at speed, while hill starts are no issue. Add in the fact that the Sorento came with Kia’s seven-year warranty when new, and you’ve got peace of mind for the next few years. NISSAN X-Trail The X-Trail might live in the shadow of the Qashqai, but to dismiss it would be to ignore a good tow car. It was offered with the option of seven seats when new, but the rear two are for occasional use only, by kids. Still, it’s large and comfortable for everyone else. The…

HAVE YOU EVER been in the annoying situation where you didn’t have the right screwdriver to hand in the middle of a DIY task? It was always happening to me when I was working on our van. Most vans have a selection of fasteners, which you’ll need to bear in mind when choosing a screwdriver. For example, these are the ones holding my Swift together: ■ Pozi Cupboard carcasses/hinges ■ Phillips Window catches/hinges/trim ■ Torx Drawer runners/window catches/ MPK roof vent and so on ■ Allen Various Here is a round-up of the common screw types to be found in most leisure vehicles: Crosshead (cruciform) ■ Pozidriv and Phillips These two types of crosshead screws are often confused – a primary reason for drive failures and chewed-up screwheads. The best…

A front lounge and a rear island bed separated by a central washroom spread across the width of the caravan is a layout that has been taken from motorhomes. It’s popular because it provides adults with some privacy thanks to the proper bedroom at the rear, and you get a decent size washroom, too. Just make sure that everything else hasn’t been squashed up front to make room. Pros The caravan feels more like a home, with separate rooms divided off Cons The central area can feel dark due to all the partitions A The front lounge should feel airy and spacious with plenty of room B The kitchen should still have plenty of room to work in, and be well lit C Some washrooms have central basins. This can…

Caravan and Motorhome Club > 01342 326 944 > caravanclub.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…

FEBRUARY 2014 Twilight zone The welcoming lights of an Adria Adora Seine graced this February cover, which promised top tours for 2014 and a security special. We also had tow cars, caravans and awnings on review! Take me to the river You can’t beat the sight of a beautiful bridge, and the UK is full of them. We picked out some of the best river crossings in Britain – from sizeable suspension bridges to traditional stone structures and impressive viaducts Pedal power Canals and funicular railways were just some of the many delights served up by the area around Folkestone in Kent to keen cyclists Trish and John Deeley, who enjoyed a bicycle break along the south-east coastline Top tours We picked out our favourite tours from the previous year,…

Under the hammer Knock in your awning pegs in style with this rubber mallet – both lines can be personalised with the name or message of your choice. Price £22 Web www.hotdotlaser.com Table for two A lightweight outdoor coffee table is handy on tour – we love this foldable version from adventure specialist retailer Decathlon. Price £11.99 Web www.decathlon.co.uk Joules Red Dog Raincoat Make sure your canine companion stays dry with this eye-catching raincoat. Featuring Velcro fastening, it comes in a range of sizes. Price From £17.99 Web www.very.co.uk On the map The Great British Adventure Map celebrates eccentric events and wonderful locations, including wild places, waterways and more. Price £14.99 Web www.we-love-england.com W’air handheld cleaner This compact cleaning device, which uses steam, air and detergent to launder your clothing,…

Who are you? I’m Peter Byrne, Content Editor for Practical Caravan. Why are you a local authority on Nottingham? I had three brilliant years studying at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, I returned to visit friends who remained in the city and I still go there on a regular basis. What do you love about it? There’s just so much to do in Nottingham and I think it’s an ideal location for a city break. Whether you fancy visiting a historic pub, hitting the shops, touring the famous castle or going to the splendid Wollaton Hall – located in beautiful Wollaton Park – you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when you’re deciding how to spend your time here. There are also some really characterful areas to be explored 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.…

How to clean your van Follow our top tips to get your caravan clean and sparkling! ■ First, you need to gather up everything you’ll be using – this should include a hose, bucket, extendable brush, a (safe) ladder, specialist cleaners and polishes (see right), a soft cloth and some microfibre drying cloths. You should never use a pressure washer – this can damage caravan seals. ■ Carefully rinse your caravan over with water to help loosen any stubborn dirt. ■ Mix your specialist cleaning fluid to the required dosage and clean the caravan all over, starting at the top and then working down. Be careful when cleaning the roof – secure your ladder (with a product such as Slip Stop – www.mp-innovent.co.uk) and use a long-handled brush so you…

IF YOU’RE PLANNING to hit the road for a long drive in search of spectacular scenery, you could do worse than the UK. While we may not have the distances of the US, with its iconic Route 66, there’s plenty to enjoy – from Scotland’s North Coast 500 to England’s A272. Here are just a few classic routes to explore. North Coast 500 Scotland For many people, this is the UK’s ultimate road trip. Following the north coast of Scotland, it begins and ends at Inverness Castle, and brings together just over 500 miles of truly stunning scenery. The NC500 follows main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands of Scotland, taking in Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire. Visit Dunnet Head, the…

Trade-ins remain few and far between Dealers are telling me demand for used vans is slowing – but not in the way it would normally at this time of year. Customers are still strolling around the forecourts to look at what’s available for next season, but there’s very little in the way of new models as yet. The NEC show is again planned for February, although Swift won’t be there, and I think they might not be the only ones to pull out – time will tell. The show usually sees lots of trade-ins, but it looks as though more folk are selling privately these days. So will we see demand surging again in 2022? Again, only time will tell. practical.caravan@futurenet.com ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan expert and historian –…

IF A CONVERSATION among caravanners turns to the subject of motor movers – which are a popular piece of kit – it’s very likely that the name Powrtouch will be mentioned. Since launching its first dedicated caravan mover back in 2001, Powrtouch has developed the largest market share in the UK. There are several reasons for that: its products are powerful and lightweight, and there’s a five-year, no-quibble warranty and solid customer support if something should go wrong, too. Our experience I have personal experience of these products, but thankfully, in the nine years that we had the mover, we had no trouble with it, despite the caravan being used in the worst winter weather (so the mover was plastered in everything that could be thrown at it). We bought…

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 (once 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…

A caravan with a large number of bunk beds can feel a little like a dormitory. But with all of the bunks tucked away at the back, as in this layout, they are then partitioned off from the rest of the van by the central washroom, so the front lounge feels like any other front lounge. With this layout, the adults can also put the children to bed and still have some space to themselves. Pros Plenty of sleeping space, but it is nicely tucked away, and everyone has easy access to the toilet Cons The van can sometimes feel a little as though it has been split in half A The front lounge here is the only seating area, so it needs to be roomy B Given that this…