May 2022

Practical Caravan

Britains best-selling caravan magazine

Practical Caravan1 min read
Contents
I write this having not long returned from the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC and, while I always enjoy my visit, this one was particularly special. The first such event for two years, it was fantastic to see so many of you there, filli
Practical Caravan1 min read
The Big Shot
Where are we? The Isle of Wight Why tour here? A 40-minute ferry journey from Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight is just a short trip across the Solent, a stretch of water famous for its sailing. Indeed, a whole week of events, known as Cowes Week, takes
Practical Caravan2 min read
Expert Q&A
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 practi
Practical Caravan1 min read
Time Traveller
WE ARE VETERAN music festival attendees, but appreciate even more those music festivals with added exhibits and other activities. After all, there is only so much phone-torch waving one can achieve before both battery and operator are exhausted! Last
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Connect
We’re reaching a watershed moment, coinciding with a waters-break moment. To cut a long story short, we’ll be cutting an umbilical cord, following the (hopefully low-stress) delivery of our third baby. Enough pregnancy puns, although caravanning can
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Your Photos!
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This Month We Love...
This stylish and practical bamboo trivet is designed specifically to fit the Omnia portable oven (although not the stainless-steel base) and accessories. Price £23 Web buyomniaeu.com If you’re not too keen on the taste of the water at your campsite,
Practical Caravan3 min read
Behind Our Guide
WE’RE DELIGHTED to announce which campsites have made it into our Top 100 Sites Guide for 2022. It’s fascinating to see how many thousands of you had your say, and where your vote went; particularly this year, when so many sites have been upgrading t
Practical Caravan1 min read
Travel
Let’s hope that the recent storms are done with and we can all look forward to the arrival of calmer days and warmer weather. I’m sure everyone welcomes the change of season, but this is a particularly special time for caravanners, who can shake off
Practical Caravan2 min read
Events
SCOTLAND REMAINS at the top of many a caravanner’s list of places to visit, and there’s more than enough going on north of the border to entertain visitors in 2022. Here’s our pick of some of the best events taking place over the next few months. The
Practical Caravan1 min read
Trip Planner
■ Wightlink Ferries › wightlink.co.uk ■ Isle of Wight Tourism › visitisleofwight.co.uk ■ The Old Smithy › theoldsmithy.com ■ Osborne › english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne ■ Carisbrooke Castle › english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrook
Practical Caravan6 min read
Eastern Promise
IN JULY 2020, we felt incredibly lucky to have been able to enjoy a planned summer holiday in Cornwall, during which we met up with some relatives and were blessed with mostly glorious weather. Unfortunately, our luck didn’t last. A four-week lockdow
Practical Caravan7 min read
All features GREAT AND SMALL
KAY AND I love touring in North Yorkshire. This beautiful part of the world seems to have everything, including two national parks, with North York Moors to the east and Yorkshire Dales to the west. We’re not infrequent visitors to the latter, and ta
Practical Caravan1 min read
Trip Planner
North Norfolk can be enjoyed at any time of year, although it’s more pleasant without a cold north wind blowing! We followed the A47 from Peterborough to King’s Lynn, and continued on the A148, which passes close to the campsite entrance. We mostly a
Practical Caravan8 min read
A Tale Of Two Islands
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took just four hours to travel from Buckingham Palace to their much-loved family retreat at Osborne, on the Isle of Wight, in the 1850s. That shows how rapidly Industrial Revolution Britain was modernising. In the 21s
Practical Caravan6 min read
SPRING Into The Great Outdoors
SPRING – WARMER WEATHER, longer days, blossoming flowers, buzzing wildlife... and yes, probably some April showers. But don’t let that deter you. After a cold, dark winter, we could all do with a little fresh air to put the fizz back into our weekend
Practical Caravan3 min read
The Wirral
Who are you? Susan Taylor, wanderer and keen camper for many years with my husband, Ro. Where are you a local authority on? The Wirral, a peninsula in north-west England, bordered by the Mersey, the Dee and the Irish Sea. Why are you a local authorit
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A1101
ALL YOU ROAD geeks out there: this should interest you! Our route this month is the UK’s longest four-digit A-road, stretching for some 53 miles. If you haven’t heard of it, that is not surprising, because it passes through some pretty remote country
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Trip Planner
From the east, turn right off the A684 Leyburn-to-Hawes road as you enter Hawes, onto the road signposted Muker and Hardraw. The site is on the right in 0.25 miles. From the south-west, leave the M6 at Junction 36 onto the A65. In Ingleton, turn left
Practical Caravan1 min readDiet & Nutrition
Foodie Fests
Ludlow Spring Festival (14-15 May), in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, proclaims itself the UK’s original food festival, and promises a barrel of fun and feasting. › ludlowspringfestival.co.uk Pub in the Park returns to Marlow, Buckinghamshire, on 12-1
Practical Caravan9 min read
How To Go Euro
I CANNOT RECOMMEND Euro-touring highly enough. The towing is easy, the weather is better and there are so many new places to discover and delicious foods to devour! Given that many of Britain’s tourist hotspots seem oversubscribed following Brexit an
Practical Caravan1 min read
How We Test Vans
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. Each month, we test new models of all sizes and report back to you in our regular review page
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Post-Brexit Changes
■ Check out www.gov.uk/brexit. ■ It’s recommended to have six months’ validity left on your passport. ■ You cannot stay in the EU for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. ■ You need to affix a UK sticker to your car and caravan (not a GB one). ■
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Tested
It was really great to be back at the NEC show this February, at last being able to stroll around and view all of the new models which have been brought out to tempt UK buyers, and many of which we are planning to review in depth in future issues of
Practical Caravan2 min read
Showroom News
Manufacturers report surge in customer interest SOME 101,606 VISITORS came through the NEC’s doors to enjoy February’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, organiser NCC Events has revealed. The show, which was running for the first time in two years
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In Brief
The Camping & Caravanning Club says bookings at its sites for the Easter weekend are 33% up on Easter 2019, the last time sites could open for what is widely seen as the start of the season. Bookings are particularly strong at sites in Wales (up 180%
Practical Caravan4 min read
Nec Show Highlights
Freedom Caravans launched its new Freedom Carpento range of small vans at the show. The Staffordshire-based company exhibited three models in the line-up: the two-berth 310, the four-berth 360, and the five-berth 410 (reviewed on p64). Managing direc
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News In Brief
The first indoor caravan show for two years was a perfect opportunity for Bailey to show off its second-generation Alicanto Grande caravans Owing to supply chain issues, there are currently two models in the range, including the Porto (reviewed on p6
Practical Caravan1 min read
Talking Heads
There was a great set of speakers at the show, including EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt (aka Ian Beale), who chatted about living in a motorhome while he tours the Peter James play Looking Good Dead. He was joined on stage by surprise guest and fello
Practical Caravan1 min read
Dometic
This single-point inflation ‘activity shelter’ from Dometic promises to be the “centre of your outdoor adventure”, and we reckon it makes a brilliant standalone alternative to a regular awning. Optional zip panels are available, as are a sleeping ann
Practical Caravan4 min read
Xplore 585
Price £19,599 Berths 5 MiRO 1225kg MTPLM 1400kg THE 585 LAYOUT, featuring an L-shaped rear lounge that turns into a double bed with a bunk on top, was new for 2022 in three Erwin Hymer UK ranges – Elddis’s Avanté, the Compass Casita, and Xplore. But
Practical Caravan4 min read
Freedom Carpento 410
Price From £21,595 Berths 5 MTPLM 1000kg IT’S ALWAYS INTERESTING to see what grabs the visiting public’s gaze as they wander around the halls at the NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show. We visited this year’s event in February and when it came to
Practical Caravan4 min read
Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto
Price £36,999 Berths 4 MiRO 1687kg MTPLM 1847kg LAST MONTH we kicked off our coverage of Bailey’s new second-generation Alicanto Grande range with the single-axle Lisbon. This was the new model in a range that so far includes only two, both with in-l
Practical Caravan3 min read
Coachman VIP 545 (2017)
COACHMAN HAS BUILT a reputation for solid, well put together tourers, mainly by listening to customers and adapting its models accordingly. These days, that strategy has paid off, as evidenced by the longevity of its older models. The company started
Practical Caravan1 min read
Andy’s Picks Of The Month
This Challenger, on for just £17,250, sleeps up to four and has a superb end washroom. It comes with ATC and Alde heating, plus upgraded soft furnishings. The condition inside and out is excellent and the sleek profile still feels very contemporary.
Practical Caravan6 min read
10 For Less Than £5k
A COUPLE OF years ago, if you were a buyer in the market for a used caravan in the ‘up to £5000’ price bracket, you would have found this sector really well catered for. These days, however, with demand being high for tourers in general and this pric
Practical Caravan1 min read
Used Vans
Spring is just around the corner, and at last we can look forward to a great new season of touring. Things are also looking up on the forecourts, I’m told. One dealer I visited recently said demand for used vans had been very healthy from the off, an
Practical Caravan1 min read
Tow Car Directory
Here is a list of the latest full Tow Car Tests we’ve run in the magazine: Issue 450 BMW iX xDrive40 Sport 449 Cupra Formentor eHybrid 1.4 TSI 245PS VZ1 448 Škoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L DSG 447 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4Motion 200PS
Practical Caravan1 min read
Mazda Cx-5
Price From £28,145 Kerbweight 1560-1835kg Towing limit 1800-2100kg 85% match 1326-1560kg MAZDA HAS UPDATED the CX-5 SUV with subtle styling changes, revised suspension and new specs. Unlike some of its rivals, the brand has kept faith with diesel pow
Practical Caravan1 min read
Tow Cars
There’s a real buzz about caravanning at the moment. From sold-out days at the NEC show in February, to healthy bookings at campsites, 2022 is set to be a big year in the world of touring. International travel restrictions during the pandemic have in
Practical Caravan3 min read
Toyota C-hr (2016-present)
WORTHY. DEPENDABLE. HONEST. Respectable. All adjectives that could be used to describe most of the Toyota range in the early-to-mid 2010s. But then, in a transformation akin to grandad donning a shell suit, Toyota ditched dull and allowed its designe
Practical Caravan4 min read
Ssangyong Musso
Model tested Saracen Auto Price £30,495 (ex VAT) Kerbweight 2155kg *includes wing mirrors SsangYong has upgraded the Musso with a bold new grille and four updated trim levels. As before, it’s good value compared with the likes of the Ford Ranger and
Practical Caravan7 min read
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 Tdi 150 4motion Elegance Dsg
Price £41,995 Kerbweight 1834kg Swift Fairway Platinum 860 courtesy of www.broadlane.co.uk *includes wing mirrors Volkswagen has given the Tiguan Allspace something of a mid-life make-over. There are styling tweaks so subtle you’ll need to have the o
Practical Caravan1 min read
Or You Could Try…
If we view the Toyota C-HR as an SUV with funky looks as its USP, we should skip BMW’s practical X1 and go straight to the stylish X2. This offers a great driving experience and frugal powertrains, along with a beautifully built interior that will ma
Practical Caravan1 min read
Guide to... SAVVY SPENDING
In association with Also available as a FREE ebook – see www.practicalcaravan.com/know-how/ to download yours! ■
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Money-saving Tips
A CARAVAN TOUR is always an enjoyable experience, but if you’re not careful, costs can add up surprisingly quickly. However, following a few simple steps could help you keep your spending to a minimum. To set you on your way, here are some top money-
Practical Caravan2 min read
Our Advice
Campsite stays can be expensive, particularly during the high season, so make sure you’re not paying for facilities that you won’t use. A swimming pool on site is a nice idea, but will you actually spend enough time in it to make it worth the extra t
Practical Caravan4 min read
Pitch For Less
CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE! An attractive if basic site, Andrew’s Field has a fantastic location on the Avon, in the delightful village of Eckington, and offers direct access to the river. Facilities are limited, with no electricity on the site, but ther
Practical Caravan4 min read
Buying A Used Van
A CARAVAN is a substantial purchase, and even a secondhand tourer is likely to cost you several thousand pounds – hardly small change – so it’s well worth taking your time, researching your purchase carefully and only handing over your hard-earned ca
Practical Caravan5 min read
Know-how // Savvy Spending Used Van Must-checks
THERE ARE SOME crucial choices and checks to make when picking your next preowned caravan, which will help you come to the right decision, particularly if you’re buying from a private seller. Always take detailed notes while you are assessing the car
Practical Caravan2 min read
Know-how // Savvy Spending Where To Buy Your Next Van
WHAT’S THE BEST way to save money when you are looking to buy a caravan? However big (or small) your budget is, it’s likely to be a significant outlay. But we do love caravans, and many of us particularly love owning them. If you are among that huge
Practical Caravan3 min read
Save On Servicing
HAVING YOUR CARAVAN professionally serviced on a regular basis is essential, but it’s not cheap – so how can you save money while you’re doing so? The answer is to carry out some basic maintenance and checks before your tourer goes to the workshop, w
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Servicing And Repairs
Getting a reasonable price for servicing and repairs should be a little easier than it has been, thanks in part to the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS), run by the National Caravan Council in partnership with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camp
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Spotlight On… training To Tow
A VOLUNTARY ACCREDITATION scheme for trailer training courses is currently being developed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The aim is to provide motorists with the necessary competency, skills and knowledge to ensure that they are
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Skills School
THIS MONTH WE DISCUSS… DIY TASKS // MARQUIS LEISURE // ALDE FLOW Here at Practical Caravan we love a good DIY project, and we know you do too – so this month, we’ve five tasks for you to get your teeth into, prior to the start of the main touring sea
Practical Caravan8 min read
Spotlight On… DIY Projects To Do Right Now
When was the last time that you had a close look at the breakaway cable fitted to your caravan? Its condition is something that is often overlooked, but this is a vital piece of safety equipment. If the worst should happen and your van becomes detach
Practical Caravan3 min read
Towing Legislation Know-how
CARAVANS ARE covered by the same legislation as any other type of trailer. There are two categories to consider. ■ Category 01 trailers: up to 750kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), unbraked, are camping trailers. ■ Category 02 trailers: 750-3500kg MAM
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Behind The Scenes At Marquis Leisure
CHANCES ARE THAT you either have a Marquis Leisure dealership near you, or you will have come across one on your travels, because it’s the UK’s largest network of leisure vehicle dealers. Although predominantly a motorhome retailer, of the 13 branche
Practical Caravan4 min read
Buyer’s Guide
Featuring the latest 2022 models! Please check model details with the manufacturer or dealer before travelling to view or buy WILL YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR CAR? Q First and foremost – and especially if you are new to towing a caravan – you should foll
Practical Caravan4 min read
INDUSTRY INSIGHT Installing Alde Flow
THE PAST COUPLE of years have seen more people using their own facilities while away in their caravan. For us, that’s nothing new, because we often stay at CL/CS campsites, and even when we visit full-facility sites, we might not use their amenities.
Practical Caravan2 min read
Technical Terms Explained
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 (Gross
Practical Caravan1 min read
How To Buy New
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
Practical Caravan1 min read
Layout Finder Uu
This kind of layout is clearly one for large families. You might think having four bunks at the back is a waste of space, but it does have its advantages. The kids get a room of their own, particularly if the nearside bunks fold to become a dinette.
Practical Caravan1 min read
Useful Info
› 01342 326 944 › caravanclub.co.uk › 024 7647 5448 › thefriendlyclub.co.uk › 020 3282 1000 › www.cris.co.uk › www.approvedworkshops.co.uk › www.thencc.org.uk › 0843 216 5802 › www.cassoa.co.uk › www.towsafe.co.uk › 0300 790 6801 › www.dft.gov.uk/dvl
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Look-back Page
SEPTEMBER 1983 Step into our time machine with a cover featuring a topless dad, a huge mallet and a brown awning that takes us back to the ’80s... ah, memories! We also took a look at the new Land Rover Our Outfit Test saw us pairing a Toyota Tercel
Practical Caravan1 min read
Layout Finder K
There are some advantages to not having a fixed bed, and they often become apparent in caravans with this layout. The washroom itself tends to be huge, with enough space for you to get dressed. There is also often a large sideboard unit opposite the
Practical Caravan1 min read
Practical Caravan
Editor-in-chief Sarah Wakely sarah@practicalcaravan.com Deputy Editor Paul Critcher Art Editors Jenny Owen, Simon Mortimer Production Editor Gillian Gould Reviews Editor Peter Baber Content Editor Peter Byrne Consulting Editor John Sootheran Tow Car

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