Your letters
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Cruising along
I read with interest the very informative article, How to Save and Still Enjoy your Motorhome (July, p132) and was surprised to find no mention of the use of cruise control.
We have a 2009 Swift Escape and a four-hour, 200-mile trip up the A1 from Derby to Bamburgh two years ago on the A1, culminating in a sore right ankle from trying to keep to a steady speed on the ups and downs, convinced me to try and get it fitted.
I found a company, I believe in Sheffield, which provided a mobile service. An excellent and knowledgeable chap came out and fitted it on my drive.
It cost £490 and will obviously take a long time to pay itself back, but that was not the main reason for the purchase. I have tested it as best I can against not using it on various journeys (sad, I know!) and certainly save an mpg or two.
On longer journeys to a particular destination (rather than touring), we prefer a direct motorway route. When diesel prices sky-rocketed recently, we happened to do a 50-mile trip up the M1 and I set the cruise control at 50mph rather than my normal 55mph. Instead of my usual 33mpg, I achieved 37mpg. This was a saving of approximately £1.40 over that 50 miles. It all helps! And, of course, it only took an extra five minutes.
I have tried it again in different weather conditions and achieved a similar result.
I believe many, if not all, motorhomes have cruise fitted as standard these days. I now wouldn’t be without it on mine.
Nigel Barker
Charging for children
This letter is likely to generate some discussion, but it highlights a situation that I feel needs addressing by both the main clubs.
Since the easing of Covid restrictions, there has been a proliferation of dogs on campsites. I am not against dogs, but I do feel that families with children are being discriminated against and it is the children who are the future of both clubs.
At the moment pets are not charged and there is no limit as to how many pets you take with you.
However, children are charged, this to me appears to be the wrong way round as I am sure both of the main clubs want to encourage children as many of those will continue camping, caravanning or using their motorhome as they become adults.
I have seen one couple have seven, yes seven, dogs with them and many take two or three. Both clubs spend money providing children’s playgrounds, dog walks and dog cleaning stations.
My suggestion would be to halve the cost of children and then charge the same cost for a dog other than an assistance dog, which would go free. The way the general cost of living is going, I am sure this would help families have a holiday and enjoy the great outdoors whilst at the
