Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i Practical Caravan

You can spread out and relax in an awning! Here are some of the great ways you’ve been setting up your home from home TAG US #PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@PRACTICALCARAVAN.COM…

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS. Whenever I enthuse about yet another upcoming outdoor event, friends who are not caravan or motorhome owners always ask, “But doesn’t the mud get everywhere? Aren’t the toilets smelly? And isn’t the food greasy and overpriced?” No, no, and no, I reply. Not since I have my very own home-on-wheels, where I can change my dirty clothes, prepare a meal, collapse at the end of the day into my own comfortable bed and use my own (clean!) facilities. Not to mention the ability to bring along all of the creature comforts that I might need – even the kitchen sink! Besides, festivals aren’t just about watching the top music acts of the day perform at a huge venue in the middle of a sweaty, noisy crowd. Pandemic rules…

Price £15,295 Berths 2-3 MiRO 490kg MTPLM 750kg CARAVANNING IS TRULY multinational. We can buy vans from Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Turkey – and now Iceland. Broad Lane Leisure is importing the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper, a teardrop van designed by an Icelandic firm and made in Latvia. We went to view this distinctive mini-caravan at Broad Lane’s Kenilworth branch. Pitch and set-up With its bright yellow trim, smart alloy wheels and large circular doors, the Mink is certain to turn heads on the road. It should be a fairly stable tow, not just because of its MTPLM of 750kg, but also because it sits on a conventional Al-Ko chassis. The monocoque shell is solidly built, not at all like the fragile-looking tin boxes some mini-caravans can resemble. The grab handles…

‘Our specialist knowledge of outdoor leisure is second to none’ ›Tell us about your current role – what do you do? I’m Head of Leisure for Kingfisher Insurance. ‘Leisure’ includes caravans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes, tents, trailer tents, trailers – if you use it for outdoor leisure, it’s within our remit. Kingfisher is the parent company and readers will know us better under two brands: Club Care Insurance, which we administer in partnership with The Camping and Caravanning Club (C&CC), and Shield Total Insurance. Shield provides specialised insurance products and knowledge for caravan and motorhome users, and we offer Defaqto five-star-rated touring caravan insurance. ›How long have you been with the company and how did you get into the industry? I’ve been with the firm for 12 years – starting…

1 A true Olympian 2010 Bailey Olympus 464 This Bailey, a rare 464 fixed-bed four-berth Olympus, had just arrived on the forecourt. It hadn’t been prepared for sale or priced when we saw it, but was in good order. It has a rear-corner washroom, but that is very unlikely to deter potential buyers. › www.ribblevalleycaravans.co.uk 2 Going exploring 2018 Elddis Xplore 586 The Xplore is a firm favourite among those buying new, and pre-owned models are also in high demand. This 586 offers a growing family a lightweight tourer with side fixed bunks and a good rear-corner washroom. A great buy at £14,995 – complete with mover! › www.ribblevalleycaravans.co.uk 3 Looks like new 2021 Coachman Acadia 575 A pre-owned, brand new tourer! This looked as though it had just left…

What’s new? Last year, Suzuki updated the Vitara small SUV with mild-hybrid technology to improve performance and cut emissions. It reckons fuel economy has improved by 15%. Two-and four-wheel-drive versions are available, as before. We towed with the range-topping four-wheel-drive model. What are we looking for? The Vitara has long since proven itself a capable small tow car. Does hybrid technology make it even better? Towing ability The Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip must be one of the lightest 4x4s you can buy. The car has a kerbweight of 1350kg, once you include 75kg for the driver (which Suzuki does not include in its published weights). That gives an 85% match figure of 1148kg, within the 1200kg towing limit. Such low weight, and the modest towing limit, restricts the range of…

AUDI A5 Sportback The Audi A5 Sportback shares engines and gearboxes with the VW Arteon, but adds a touch of class with the Audi badge on the front. However, the Sportback cannot match the Arteon for rear-seat space. It hits back with a 40/20/40 split rear seat. The interior is superb, filled with great kit. Sat-nav comes as standard, and everything is controlled via Audi’s MMI system. BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe This car aims to blend the practicality of a 3-Series saloon with the style of a 4-Series coupe. There’s good legroom front and rear, and headroom in the back isn’t too compromised. The boot is huge, and an electrically operated tailgate is standard. BMW has also always offered a vast range of petrol and diesel engines, so you’ll easily…

CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE! PACK FOR SUCCESS when planning a hike, which means dressing appropriately for the type of walking you are doing and conditions you might encounter. Be sure to have warm and waterproof clothing – think base layers, mid-layers, waterproof trousers and jackets, hats and gloves. Walking poles and even a lightweight tent are also worth considering. In more extreme environments, such as mountainous regions, you might need specialist equipment, for example, crampons. A first aid kit, torch (don’t forget spare batteries) and a whistle are useful. In addition, pay attention to your backpack – is it a suitable size? Can you carry it comfortably? Keep well hydrated and fed – make sure you’ve eaten properly before heading out and carry refreshments for your journey, particularly water.…

ALTHOUGH THE CHANCES your caravan will be stolen or broken into are small, the number of these unwelcome incidents has been growing; so there’s never been a better time to audit your security provisions, and check they are as good as they can be. Caravan thieves are unbelievably brazen – if you’re thinking, “My van’s parked six feet from my house – nobody will touch it”, you really need to think again. Any security is better than none, but an experienced thief can remove a budget lock in seconds, so it pays to buy wisely. Follow our guide to the top 10 security measures for your caravan, and you’ll be making life as difficult as possible for them. 1 Wheel locks How many times nave you heard the old adage,…

Featuring all the latest 2021 models! 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. Please check model details with the manufacturer or dealer before travelling to view or buy Choose your favourite…

‘Overlooking the crashing North Atlantic Ocean, the spectacular Causeway Coast is a land of myth and legend’ (p86) Where are we? Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland Coordinates 55.2395° N, 6.3325° W Why tour here? The Causeway Coast offers some of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, with stunning views over the North Atlantic. Highlights include the magnificent basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway. For ore top coastal walks, see p84. Don’t miss… The atmospheric rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede was first constructed by fishermen more than 250 years ago. Photographer Getty Images…

With no boundaries other than those their little legs might enforce, Harrison and Dorothy ran free with wild abandon. Gone were the restraints of our garden fence, replaced by the glorious green pastures of Wales stretching as far as the eye could see, curtailed only by the peaks rising into sharp ridges and cutting through the clear blue skies overhead. Before we knew it, they were ant-sized dots racing through the grasses, wheeling around and heading off towards who knows what, their joyous laughter carried back to us on the warm afternoon breeze. This was the freedom we had all been craving for so long. That the heart of the Brecon Beacons is only an hour from our front door had been a source of frustration during lockdown; close enough…

LATITUDE As one of the biggest festivals in eastern England, Latitude promises a great line-up and plenty to do throughout the weekend. The organisers are confident it will go ahead, although the line-up is still being finalised. You can pitch on the event site, but ensure you buy a separate live-in vehicle ticket when you purchase your festival tickets. When 22-25 July › latitudefestival.com DEER SHED BASE CAMP PLUS Although the main festival has been postponed, this smaller event in North Yorkshire has loads of activities to look forward to, including live music and comedy, food, drink, partying, campfires, workshops and theatre. You can camp at the site, but don’t forget to buy a live-in vehicle ticket when you book your tickets for the event. When 30 July – 1…

3A’s doubles down Dealership takes on two new lightweight line-ups WELSH CARAVAN AND motorhome dealer 3A’s Leisure is embracing the growing trend for smaller, lightweight caravans by taking on not one, but two new ranges. The Carmarthen-based company has become the UK distributor and first dealer for the TakeOff range of pop-up trailers, made by Dutch company Easy Caravanning. Earlier this year, the dealership also started stocking the Carabinata range of lightweight conventional caravans, produced by Turkish manufacturer Saly. Aled Evans at 3A’s Leisure said the company had taken on both ranges with a view to attracting new, possibly younger customers. “A lot of people are looking for lighter vans, particularly those with towing restrictions because they got their licence after 1997. We’re aiming for the younger generation, too, as…

Price £21,995 Berths 4 MiRO 1214kg MTPLM 1350kg KNOWN ORIGINALLY FOR motorhomes, Weinsberg is part of the German Knaus Tabbert group, which also makes T@B teardrop caravans and Knaus tourers. Weinsberg vans have been positioned in the portfolio as a range of value-for-money, sturdily built, lightweight tourers, in a style that differs from the iconic Knaus models. The manufacturer has been testing the UK market of late and sales have been steady. The 390 PUH, however, which launched last year, is something quite different again – a four-berth with an electrically operated drop-down bed and a front kitchen. Will it be a hit? At almost £22,000 this is not a budget buy, especially as the spec doesn’t include a TV aerial or microwave. We went along to Preston Caravans &…

THIS YEAR MARKS the 90th birthday of one of the UK’s oldest and largest dealerships, Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry. The company was founded by Percy Smith, who ran a successful car dealership in nearby Sheffield. He was approached by caravan manufacturer Eccles and asked if he would try to sell three caravans on a sale or return basis. No sooner had the caravans arrived than they were sold. Seeing that there was a market for them, Percy set up Yorkshire Caravans at its current premises in 1931. During World War II, an Indian Regiment was based at Rossington Hall, near Doncaster (now a luxury hotel and wedding venue), and their horses were stabled in what is now the awning department of Yorkshire Caravans (formerly the caravan showroom). At the same…

FIRST LOOK Price From £33,595 Kerbweight 1701kg Towing limit 1600kg 85% match 1446kg The plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Kuga is a fine car, lumbered with a hopeless 1200kg towing limit. The diesels can tow much heavier caravans, but the engines are rather gruff. Is the full hybrid the sweet spot between the two? Well, it has a decent 1701kg kerbweight and a usefully high legal maximum of 1600kg, so many family-sized tourers will be fair game for it. The engine should be able to handle a sensibly matched caravan, thanks to a healthy 190hp power output. On our solo test drive, the car felt lively, the 2.5-litre petrol backed up by electric power, with the ability to run on electricity alone when driven gently. For the most part,…

TALK ABOUT MAKING life tough for the Volkswagen Passat. There it is, steadily earning a comfortable living as the posh family car of choice, with success as our Tow Car of the Year along the way in 2015, then along comes a younger, sleeker, more efficient sibling, in the shape of the VW Arteon four-door coupe. And to rub salt into the wounds, the Arteon was named Tow Car of the Year in 2019. Ouch! But the Arteon is far more than just a Passat that’s been trimmed up a bit, because it’s roomier than you might expect, and very classy inside, and most importantly, it makes a superb tow car. What’s it like inside? The Arteon may be based on the Passat’s underpinnings, but it’s longer, lower and wider,…

1 Scottish splendour Take on the splendid Cairngorms from Glenmore Campsite, which has direct access to the shores of Loch Morlich and plenty of scenic trails. Walkers should also keep an eye out for deer, otters and golden eagles. › www.campingintheforest.co.uk 2 Dawdle around Dartmoor The adults-only Woodland Springs Touring Park is totally surrounded by farmland in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, where you can stroll the moors accompanied by sheep, ponies and other wandering animals. The site shop can also provide excellent local cider for a refreshing evening tipple after a long walk! › www.woodlandsprings.co.uk 3 Sights of Snowdonia From your pitch at the charming Graig Wen campsite, there is direct access to the Mawddach Trail, which is perfect for those wanting to explore this beautiful estuary on…

★ Star letter ★ Here is a photo of the birthday cake that my wife had made for my 70th birthday, in May this year. The cake is a replica of our Swift Challenger 645. I was so impressed with the attention to detail that I had to share it with others. I would also like to highlight the efforts of our family friend, Sarah Powell, from Swansea, who worked so hard making this fantastic cake! Ian Godbeer 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 PEAK CONDITION Work is under way to repair footpaths…

‘You’re close to lots of hiking routes through ancient woods, past tumbling waterfalls and across open fields’ Long-time caravanner Janette Sykes is a regular contributor MY LOVE AFFAIR with the Lake District began back in the long, hot summer of 1976. I had just started work as a cub reporter and money was tight, but I managed to escape for a long weekend at Waterhead, on the northern tip of Lake Windermere. The area’s legendary lushness had been crisped to a cinder by months of blazing sunshine and the total lack of rain, but even so, I was bewitched by its beauty and the liberating feeling of being far removed from the cares of everyday life. Over the years, I’ve been back to the Lakes more times than I can…

Farewell after 34 years East Devon Caravan Storage has bade farewell to its longest-serving customers – after 34 years of caravanning. Martin and Mary Clook from Exmouth (pictured right) first started using the facility in Woodbury Salterton, run by the Stokes family, in 1987. They have stored all of the five caravans that they’ve owned in the meantime at the site, in between tours to destinations as far afield as Croatia. They only decided to retire from caravanning this year. “We’ve had some great adventures in our caravan over the years,” said Martin.…

FIRST AID KITS Be sure to replace your first aid Kit’s contents before it goes out of date First aid kit for cars, vans and trucks in Evolution box This HSE-compliant basic first aid kit comprises equipment for minor injuries, including an eyewash pod, moist wipes, waste bags, dressings, tape and bandages. Price £7.80 Web www.zafety.co.uk St John Ambulance large motor vehicle first aid kit Designed for use in larger vehicles, this kit contains a first aid guide for information and advice on dealing with everything from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Includes foil blankets, dressings, bandages, scissors, gloves and plasters. Price £30.60 Web www.sja.org.uk Caravan and motorhome first aid kit This first aid kit, designed especially for use in caravans and motorhomes, includes assorted plasters, sterile dressings, bandage, eyewash…

FAMILY TOURERS ARE much in demand, so models such as the Swift Challenger 590 will shoot off the sales grounds. Back in 1985, the Challenger put Swift firmly on the map for modern, well-equipped tourers. Today, with its range run of 36 years, Challenger is a name that caravanners recognise instantly as a mark of quality and style. Updated and developed over the decades, by 2017 the line-up had acquired a new bodyshell, enhancing its already stylish good looks. The manufacturer’s SMART construction system was also updated for 2017, and LED road lights added to the high-quality spec. Model history The 590 had been available mainly with a double dinette, but was dropped for 2015. It was brought back in 2017, with the popular layout for six (front lounge, side…

Price £40,665 Kerbweight 2180kg What’s new? SsangYong has thoroughly updated its largest car, the Rexton 4x4. There’s a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and an upgraded 2.2-litre diesel engine. The suspension has also been revised, and Trailer Sway Control is now standard, to combat snaking while towing. In addition, the 2021 Rexton’s styling has been refreshed, with a prominent new front grille and LED headlights, along with LED lights at the rear. Some things haven’t changed, though. The Rexton still has space for seven, and a kerbweight of almost 2.2 tonnes. And the big SsangYong still undercuts most other SUVs of similar size. What are we looking for? The Rexton is priced to undercut most rivals, but have corners been cut to make the SsangYong affordable? Is bigger always better when…

Jurassic Coast, Dorset The Jurassic Coast is up there with the Great Barrier Reef as one of the world’s natural wonders. Stretching from Exmouth in east Devon to Studland Bay, Dorset, it’s one of Earth’s richest sites for prehistoric remains and fossils, with an unparalleled range of dramatic natural features. Where to walk Stroll from Lulworth Cove, where you can explore the folded limestone rocks of Stair Hole, then over the cliffs to see Durdle Door. From here, wander the sands of Man O’War Beach (around one mile in), or head higher over the crags of Bat’s Head (two miles). ■ Find out more › walkingbritain.co.uk ■ Stay at Durdle Door Holiday Park › durdledoor.co.uk North Norfolk Wild, peaceful and expansive, North Norfolk’s beautiful coast stretches between the resort of…

NOT SO LONG ago, before the dawn of the internet, tablets and smartphones, paper maps were a part of everyday life. Every vehicle glove box would have a well-worn road atlas (and a tin of travel sweets!), every walker’s backpack held at least one dog-eared OS map, and many a child’s bedroom displayed a map of the world on the wall. Maps have always held a special place in my heart. From as young as I can remember, to me, they have been synonymous with adventure, with exploring little pockets of the world, from weekends spent in the hills to far greater undertakings. They have always, as travel writer and explorer Rosita Forbes once memorably said, “represented the other side of the horizon where everything is possible”. I remember with…

AS THE NAME implies, three-way caravan fridges are powered by a trio of sources: 12V DC when the engine is running, 230V AC when on electric hook-up, or gas when not on hook-up, or the caravan is unhitched from the tow car, or the car engine is turned off. Domestic fridges in the home use a compressor to pressurise a gas that is forced through small pipes – when allowed to expand, this then absorbs heat from the surroundings. This heat is carried to the outer section of the cooling circuit, where it dissipates. Three-way fridges, by contrast, use heat to create a ‘thermo syphon’ motion in the cooling circuit. As heat is absorbed into that circuit, the gas inside rises and creates the flow through it. Look out for…

IT TAKES A great deal of serious thought to research your next caravan before you buy, so you can ensure that it meets your needs. One important factor is the storage space. This can involve compromises, but there are ways to maximise the amount of kit you can carry – within your payload and loaded sensibly, of course. The key point here is to choose your kit carefully, then load your caravan and tow car thoughtfully, both on the road and when pitched. If you are moving on from a previous van, you will probably have most of your gear, ready to fit into the new unit. If you’re upsizing, you should have no problems, because you will have plenty of spare space; but if you are downsizing, as many…