Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Practical Caravan

EN ROUTE // ON SITE // AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN…

THE ISLE OF Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and popular with those who love the great outdoors. Mountains, waterfalls, ‘fairy’ glens and pools, and some truly stunning wildlife attract visitors to the island from all over the world. The landscape is dominated by the Black Cuillins, said to be Britain’s most challenging mountain range, and the Red Cuillins – both offer fantastic walking and lots of opportunities for fabulous landscape photography. To the north is Trotternish Ridge, for yet more rugged, spectacular landscapes. For further information about walking on Skye, check out www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks. As well as some great hiking, there is superb wildlife watching, and you can do much of this by taking a boat trip (www.isleofskye.com/activities/boat-trips), the ideal way to spot whales, dolphins, seals and sea…

EATING AND TRAVEL are very closely intertwined. It is impossible to set out on a journey without food playing a major part in the experience, from the meals we eat on the road, to the people and stories associated with the delicious produce we might encounter. The ability to sample foods and regional delicacies that are not available to us in everyday life is one of the greatest pleasures of caravanning. I have lost count of the number of times we have been driving through a village or past a roadside market, and pulled over on seeing purveyors of local produce that we would otherwise have little opportunity to cook with. Sampling their goods and hearing their stories adds to the experience, not just of our trip, but also of…

KAMPA, STILL ONLY 14 years old, was already the UK market leader in air awnings when it was acquired by Dometic at the end of 2018. Apart from the name change to Kampa Dometic, the only other difference you might notice is that these awnings no longer come with the characteristic blue square logo. This, then, is the latest new addition to the Kampa range, the first all-season awning for the company’s range of polycotton awnings, known as Club. Made from Kampa’s own Weathershield All-Season fabric, the awning features the same Airframe single-point inflation technology that was initially Kampa’s USP. And like many other Kampa awnings, it has a dual-pitch roof, to improve the overall shape and provide better headroom. Our test model was the 330, and so, in effect,…

I asked my local fire brigade for some advice before fitting fire equipment in my caravan, and they said, “Don’t fight the fire, just get everyone out.” No-one would disagree with this, but I think most cooks would be prepared to throw a fire blanket over a flaming pan once everyone else had left. After that, most people would also be prepared to operate an accessible fire extinguisher from outside the van, in the hope of limiting the flames until help arrived. While such an action must be without risk to life and limb, anything that improves the chances of turning off and removing the gas bottles helps to reduce the likelihood of quite a serious explosion. The Caravan and Motorhome Club recommends a fire blanket to BS EN 1869;…

CARAVANS FOR SALE 2009 Bailey Senator California, four berth, fixed double bed, end washroom, mover, ATC, television, microwave, no smokers, all equipment included, gas bottles etc, superb condition, £7900 ovno. Bucks (07889 684949) AWNINGS PORCH SunnCamp Icon Air, size 17, 1050cm to 1075cm, used once, condition like new, all pegs and pump included, selling due to no longer touring. Buyer to collect, £950. Bury (077900 25189) Kampa Rally Air Pro, 330 x 250cm, used twice, to include electric and manual pumps, £450 ono. Eastbourne (01323 461212) Eurovent veranda porch, aluminium frame, steel corners, 3.50 x 2.50m, brand new, never used, £300 ono. Eastbourne (01323 461212) SunnCamp Swift Air 260, 2018, side doors, roll-up front, curtains all windows, rear poles, groundsheet, £100. Warwickshire (02476 384759) SunnCamp Swift Gold, used only three…

YOUR VAN BUYING QUESTIONS ANSWERED How do I match my car and caravan? The most commonly asked question in caravanning is whether a certain car is appropriate for pulling a certain caravan. To answer this, you must know the kerbweight of your tow car (X), the legal towing limit of your tow car (Y) and the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of your caravan (Z). Car details are often found in the handbook, but if not, you can contact the car manufacturer. The weight of the caravan can usually be found on a chassis plate, by asking the seller or, if it is a new model, by checking the brochure. Choose your favourite layout – the letters above each are referenced in our guide FIXED BEDS What can I…

‘On the NC500, you’ll spot the biggest surprise: white sandy beaches and turquoise waters’ Coordinates 58.3518° N, 5.1521° W Why tour here? The beautiful Scourie Caravan and Camping Site is located in Sutherland, on the north-west coast of Scotland. It’s one of many campsites to choose from on Scotland’s stunning North Coast 500 route (see p18). Don’t miss… The puffins on nearby Handa Island. If you’re lucky, you might also get a sighting of otters, dolphins, minke whales, pilot whales, porpoises, basking sharks and orcas. Photographer Christine Lyle…

GADGETS // KITCHEN KIT // OUTDOOR FURNITURE Solve the puzzle Put yourself in the picture! Use a favourite caravan photo to create your very own jigsaw. Puzzles of up to 1000 pieces are available. Price From £14.99 Web www.photobox.co.uk Wake-up call The Sleep and Wake-Up Light’s sunset simulation prepares you for sleep; then, in the morning, it slowly brightens to wake you. Price £189.99 Web www.philips.co.uk High security Help keep your caravan safe with the Bulldog wheel clamp, which fits in seconds without the use of a key. Price Around £155 Web bulldogsecure.com Cushion comfort We love the message on this cheerful cushion from Bailey’s accessories arm, Prima! The cover can be machine-washed for added practicality. Price £4.99 Web www.primaleisure.com Film night Set up a home cinema with the Kodak…

“I’M NOT TIGHT, I just don’t like wasting money.” That’s what I tell my family as I dash around the house, switching off lights or turning down the thermostat, with the sort of exaggerated huffing that could win me an Oscar if overacting were a category. It’s similar in the van when we off-grid, but there it’s about preserving battery power and gas, as I try to make both resources last as long as possible. There’s a skill to off-gridding, which took me a while to develop. But the effort was worth it, as I’ve stayed on some sensational facility-free sites over the years. The camping X-factor By definition, off-grid caravanning means you have no electric hook-up, Wi-Fi or those other luxuries we’ve come to expect. Most often, a lack…

‘Caravans and motorhomes allow you to access parts of the world other holidays can’t reach’ › Tell us about your current role. I’m the marketing director at Bailey and head a team of eight. I’m also responsible for customer service, which has a team of 12 and a service centre where we handle repairs. We have rapid-response vehicles which attend to people’s vehicles in the field and I have 15 engineers who report to me. › How long have you been with the company? Pretty much since birth: my family has owned the business since 1973. My father and uncle originally ran it; now I run it with my brother Nick, who is managing director. › Tell us about Bailey’s history. We’ve been making caravans since 1948 and we’re the…

FOR LEATHER Gliptone Liquid Leather Gentle Cleaner GT15 Price From £8.25 (500ml) Buy if… you are looking for a gentle leather-cleaning product Gliptone removes dirt and leaves surfaces with a pleasing lustre. It can be used regularly, not only on leather upholstery, but also on Alcantara and most fabrics. Likes Can use on Alcantara as well as leather Dislikes Cannot use on aniline leather or suede CarPlan Leather Connoisseur Price £18 for cleaner and conditioner (both 500ml) Buy if… you are looking for a pleasantly scented product The cleaner has its own applicator. Rub the product into the leather, let it dry, then apply the conditioner and polish. Likes Effective cleaner, restores leather Dislikes A bit pricey, but a little goes a long way FOR CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY OzKleen Carpet…

BAILEY’S PAGEANT SERIES 7 was the last of the pre-Alu-Tech models from the Bristol-based manufacturer – well, officially, bearing in mind that the Series 6 GT60 Ranger was brought in as something of a stop-gap. The Series 7 was certainly the last of the Pageants, though: a range that had always offered buyers excellent value for money. The Series 7 models were given a new-look interior and exterior, benefiting from the van’s 7ft 6in width. There was a huge selection of layouts. One of these, the Ardennes, was a customer idea, based on a twin axle. This one didn’t sell in huge numbers, so there are few of them about these days. On the whole, the Series 7 didn’t prove massively popular with customers, and in time, the Ranger Series…

Model range Fourth-generation SUV Price £TBC Kerbweight 1819-1847kg IF YOU DON’T own a Kia Sorento yourself, there’s a good chance you know someone who does. Over nearly two decades, few cars have been so popular with caravanners. Now Kia has revealed the fourth generation of its flagship SUV. New look, new platform While its proportions remain similar to those of today’s Sorento, the new model’s exterior styling is sharper and looks far more assertive. The new interpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille enhances this, while LED daytime running lights are also a welcome addition. Underneath the new body sits an entirely new platform, designed from the start to include a hybrid drivetrain – the first time that a Sorento has been partly powered by an electric motor. The introduction of hybrid and…

Double check that any DIY work won’t invalidate any warranty before proceeding 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.…

Do you have problems trying to store stemmed glasses in your van? Wine glasses actually made of glass are more satisfying to use than plastic, so it’s worth finding a way to secure them. All you need for this simple project is a short off-cut of 20mm to 25mm aluminium or plastic angle, a small off-cut of vinyl flooring, some impact adhesive and three small screws. Set out the glasses upside down in a row, with about 5mm between each glass and 15mm to 20mm at each end. Slide the angle in behind the stems to check that it is a suitable width. Next, measure the length of holder that will be required at the height of the stems, and cut the angle to the correct length with a hacksaw.…

Star letter We hope that everyone is well and keeping safe in these difficult times. Just thought that we would send in some photographs of our dog Daisy’s brand new caravan-shaped bed. My husband and I made this while socially distancing because we are unable to go to work. We miss our caravan, but at least Daisy can safely get to hers right now! Simon and Bev Grange MILENCO The contributor of our Star letter wins a pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors, worth £50. 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 CARAVAN UPCYCLER STEPS UP A WILTSHIRE MAN who renovated a 1980s Sprite Major using recycled materials has seen his…

Find out more www.northcoast500.com Visit www.northcoast500.com/top-tips-hitting-route/motorhomes-and-campervan-advice for guidance about towing a caravan on the route. Bear in mind, as the website advises, that: “Wild Camping under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 is only allowed when camping by foot, bike or other non-motorised transport.” WHEN TO TRAVEL Between May and July for the best weather KEY FACTS ■ Distance 516 miles ■ Start and finish Inverness ■ Navigation GPS and mobile signals are not guaranteed, so take notes of any major destinations and follow the relevant road signs ■ Pack Mosquito repellent to combat the midges! PLACES TO VISIT • Inverness Urquhart Castle • Loch Ness Boat tours • Bealach na Bà Not to be attempted with your caravan! • Gairloch Boat tours for spotting minke, killer and humpback whales…

THE LOCKDOWN COULD actually have the occasional plus point – it might cause you to sit down and do some research about the next caravan you want to buy. Let’s face it, there have probably been times when you bought one, only to regret your choice a little after a while. Perhaps you rushed to get an island bed, only to find the front of the van cramped. So did you then opt for a caravan with no fixed beds – only to be rapidly exhausted by all the rigmarole of putting the beds out every night, and back every morning? To make life easier, here is our run-down of the most popular layouts, who they are good for and who should avoid them. 1 Transverse island bed, rear washroom…

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/PRC/PRC427 Quote the promotional code PRC427 Every issue is packed with… Touring inspiration • In-depth reviews • Technical tips • Buying advice • Special offers and much more PLUS You’ll get our new and exclusive subscriber-only covers! PICK A PACKAGE PRINT-ONLY SUBSCRIPTION ACCESS ■ ONLY £20.50 every 6 months by Direct Debit, saving 32%* ■ NEVER miss an issue ■ FREE P&P every issue delivered to your door ■ EXCLUSIVE subscriber-only covers! *Terms and conditions This offer entitles new UK Direct Debit subscribers to pay just £20.50 (print) or £10.25 (digital) every 6 months, plus receive a book bundle. Gift is only available for new UK subscribers. Gift is subject to availability. Please allow up to 60 days for the delivery of your gift. In the event…

CARAVANS ARE ONE of life’s bigger buys. This means a carefully considered used purchase can save you a lot of money, but it also exposes you to the activities of unscrupulous sellers and scammers, especially if you buy from a private vendor. A few years ago, I spent a lot of time dreaming about car purchases, scanning the trade magazines for my perfect motor. I soon became adept at spotting the scams. It wasn’t rocket science – they were simply too good to be true: a bargain price, always a tale of woe, and often abroad. The vendor usually had a very English name, too: Amelia or Caroline, say, and a surprising number were doctors. All contact was by email: ‘Send the money,’ they’d write, ‘then we’ll deliver the car’.…

FOR MANY CARAVANNERS, a luxury 4x4 is the ultimate tow car. With their all-weather traction, high kerbweights and powerful engines, they tick all the boxes for heavy-duty towing. And as cars to live with every day, their performance, comfort and practicality are hard to beat. Here are our favourite upmarket heavyweights. Luxury on a budget Our list of favourite luxury SUVs is a little escapism during hard times, but upmarket tow cars don’t have to cost well over £50,000. Shop on the used market and you can own a prestige 4x4 for the price of a family estate car – or even less. To prove the point, we’ve been looking through the classifieds. How about a 100,000-mile 2015 Volvo XC90 D5 Momentum for £21,490? Or perhaps a 100,000-mile 2014 VW…

Caravan manufacturers often don’t seem to fit much in the way of coat hooks these days, but in a way this is a good thing, because you can then add your own choice of hooks, exactly where you want them. It is perhaps tempting to buy domestic coat hooks for your caravan at the local DIY shop, but these are likely to be quite bulky and not in keeping with the van’s fittings. My own preference is stainless steel fender eyes, which I buy from marine chandlers, such as Gael Force Marine Equipment (www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk). These cost only £1.53 each and they are a robust, well-finished stainless steel hook. You will need appropriate stainless countersunk screws of a suitable length for the thickness of your fixing places. Try the screws in…

Our van was supplied with a satellite dish and when the firmware was updated, this allowed connectivity. Currently, our prime source of TV viewing while touring is via the internet. We find that connectivity at campsites tends to be limited, slow and shared, however, which can make streaming content almost impossible. I also need to be able to work while we’re away – I provide seven-day IT support. This is done by connecting my laptop remotely to my office systems, to work from virtually any PC that is online. A couple of years ago, with the advent of 4G and faster data-streaming capabilities, I decided to set up an internal Wi-Fi network in our caravan, so I could work and stream online content using boosted 4G. Kit requirements I bought…

PEOPLE BECOME ATTACHED to their caravan; they’re almost part of the family. And as you would for any family member, you’ll want to protect your caravan and keep it safe. The threat of vehicle theft is very real. “We have seen a rise in caravan thefts in the past 12 months,” says Craig Thompson, marketing director of insurance specialist Caravan Guard (www.caravanguard.co.uk). “Motorhome theft is also on the rise.” Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to keep your home-from-home secure. Storage Most touring units spend more time in storage than on tour. When choosing where to store your caravan, security should be a priority. A friendly local farmer might rent out the corner of a disused barn, but if the closest thing to security is a geriatric sheepdog,…