November 2022

Practical Caravan

Britains best-selling caravan magazine

Practical Caravan1 min read
It’s Show Time!
I can still remember visiting my first NEC caravan show as if it were yesterday – I couldn’t believe how many fantastic vehicles there were to see, and thoroughly enjoyed clambering in and out of as many different types as possible. That was 16 years
Practical Caravan1 min read
The Big Shot
‘We had a one-week family gathering in Cornwall, then grabbed our camping kit and headed straight to France (p32)’ Where are we? Cote des Basques, Biarritz, France Why tour here? This marvellous spot on the Atlantic coast was the birthplace of French
Practical Caravan4 min read
Connect
As Go-Pod owners, we tend to feel cold-shouldered by your magazine. I love our pod: it has an oven, grill, hob, sink with running water, heating, fridge-freezer, TV, double bed and a very easy means of storage when not in use – it simply goes in the
Practical Caravan1 min read
Your Photos!
EN ROUTE // ON SITE // AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN TAG US # PRACTICAL CARAVAN OR EMAIL LETTERS@ PRACTICAL CARAVAN.COM The O’Donnell, Bates-Archer, Collins and Brown families ■
Practical Caravan2 min read
This Month We Love…
This neat hand-held spice rack has three dual chamber sections with waterproof screwtops, so you can take up to six of your favourite seasonings wherever you go. Price £13.95 Web wildbounds.com Forget bulky fold-out chairs and upgrade to a comfortabl
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
Making Travel Plans
THIS ISSUE WE VISIT… CAMBRIDGESHIRE // EAST MIDLANDS // SOMERSET // FRANCE While it’s great fun to tour without too much of a plan, there’s also a lot to be said for travel with a purpose, which is why I particularly enjoyed John Rawlings’ article on
Practical Caravan2 min read
Events
1-31 October 2022 With horror haunts and other attractions, Shocktober Fest, at Tulleys Farm, West Sussex, is just the place to get the blood curdling. From the Circus of Horrors to the Haunted Hayride, and new this year, the Electrick Circus, scares
Practical Caravan7 min read
Making Space
A WHILE AGO, Kay and I met up with a former work colleague and his wife, who live in the charming Nottinghamshire village of Cropwell Bishop. Our reminiscing about work reminded me of what an interesting part of England this is, something that we too
Practical Caravan6 min read
A Cambridgeshire ODYSSEY
SNOW AT EASTER, downpours in summer, brilliant sunshine in the depths of winter. No wonder we have a reputation for being obsessed with the weather – especially those of us who love to spend as much time as possible touring and adventuring in the gre
Practical Caravan7 min read
Touring By The Book
THE QUANTOCKS, an area measuring about 12 miles by three and covering some 38 square miles, run from the coast through the Somerset hills to Taunton. Offering plenty of walking opportunities and pretty villages to explore, the region abounds with anc
Practical Caravan6 min read
Our Tour To The Shore
We got hooked on surfing, or should I say trying to surf, during many years of holidays in Polzeath, on Cornwall’s lovely north coast. But as we hadn’t taken a touring holiday abroad for what seemed like ages, this year we fancied searching for some
Practical Caravan2 min read
How To… Tour Abroad For Less
… or at least be careful if you are using your regular debit or credit card abroad. Depending on the provider, you might find you are charged an additional fee for making payments – which could add up to a lot of money, even on a shorter tour – or fo
Practical Caravan2 min read
Your Trip Planner South-west France
We took the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-Caen crossing both ways, and from there it was roughly 480 miles to our site at Messanges. The route was easy: head south from Caen on the A88 to Le Mans, then the A28 to Tours and A10 to Poitiers, and on to Bo
Practical Caravan4 min read
48 Hours In… Ilfracombe
THERE’S A CERTAIN quality to the North Devon coast that makes it special – a blend of clear light, unique topography and glistening water. So it’s no surprise that Ilfracombe attracts many visitors in search of sun, sea and sand, all in an idyllic se
Practical Caravan3 min read
Gretna
Who are you? We are Laura and Ian Wilkinson, experienced caravanners who have toured all over the UK and across Europe, including France, Spain and Portugal, since 2002. Why are you a local authority here? We left Lancashire in 2002 and after six mon
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
Practical Caravan1 min read
Tested
The Ukrainian teardrop caravan I came across at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf this August isn’t the first time I have seen such a thing at the show. On one visit I made there, just before the pandemic, there was a firm promoting something very simi
Practical Caravan4 min read
10 FILM AND TV LOCATIONS For Your Next Tour
❱ visitbelfast.com Game of Thrones takes place in mythical Westeros, actually a jigsaw puzzle of stunning locations across Europe. You can see why Northern Ireland is among them, with its spectacular coast, mountains and glens. In County Antrim, Ball
Practical Caravan2 min read
Showroom News
SWIFT IS OFFERING additional layouts in its Basecamp and Challenger ranges for the 2023 season, and has refreshed all of its models. Last season’s oranges and browns have given way to a choice of subtle blues and greys. The new model in the Basecamp
Practical Caravan1 min read
Caravan Bodies Make Joint Plea For Support
The two major caravanning clubs, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association and the National Caravan Council have written a joint letter to Liz Truss, urging her to help the industry by, among other things, reducing VAT to 10%. NCC director general
Practical Caravan1 min read
In Brief
Manchester’s Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show is to return in January after a three-year absence caused by the pandemic. It will run from 12-15 January 2023 at Manchester Central. More at caravanshows.com. Aberdeen’s Love Touring Expo, at P&J Live
Practical Caravan4 min read
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Price £38,499 Berths 4 MiRO 1694kg MTPLM 1855kg WITH SUPPLY CHAIN issues only just about sorted out, Bailey has taken the decision not to make too many changes this season. This new model in the 8ft-wide Alicanto Grande range is the only new caravan
Practical Caravan4 min read
Swift Challenger Grande 560l
Price £32,995 Berths 4 MiRO 1509kg MTPLM 1665kg IT’S BEEN A tough year for all caravan manufacturers, but Swift has managed to get at least some stock out to dealers. For 2023, many brands will likely be keeping updates to a minimum, although Swift t
Practical Caravan9 min read
Style & substance
TOURING CARAVANS come in all shapes and sizes, which can make selecting the right one for your needs a bit daunting. You have to balance the pros and cons of each option against what you and your family require. Compromises have to be made – space an
Practical Caravan4 min read
Bailey Discovery D4-4
Tested by Nigel Donnelly Price £21,499 Berths 4 MiRO 1059kg MTPLM 1206kg Awning size 1156cm MUSIC FESTIVALS CONJURE images of happy hippies hanging out in cool campers. Beautiful! But experience has taught me such toys are best enjoyed on Instagram.
Practical Caravan8 min read
What To See At The Nec
Yes, after a three-year enforced break, this October we are finally going to see an autumnal caravan show at the NEC in Birmingham again. Of course, the continuing fall-out from two years of pandemic and lockdowns has meant new launches are perhaps t
Practical Caravan2 min read
Our Awards Are On The Way!
This is the second year running that we’ve held our new-look Practical Caravan Awards – they’re all about helping you discover the very best products, as well as celebrating the latest industry innovations. Our awards encompass a range of categories,
Practical Caravan1 min read
Meet The Judges
Sarah Wakely Editor-in-chief Jo Davies Staff writer Paul Critcher Deputy editor Andrew Jenkinson Contributor Peter Baber Reviews editor Nigel Hutson Contributor Peter Byrne Content editor David Motton Tow car editor From Monday 26 September 2022 ■
Practical Caravan1 min read
Used Vans
THIS MONTH WE FEATURE… ANDY’S PICKS // LUNAR QUASAR 546 I recently spent a very interesting afternoon on a dealership’s forecourt, chatting to customers looking for their first tourer. Many said that they had caravanned when young and were now return
Practical Caravan1 min read
Andy’s Picks Of The Month
2001 ABI Manhattan 510/4 If your budget is limited, this model, priced at just £2495, would be fine for a first try-out at touring. It was dry, but the floor had been fixed and some cupboards were a tad loose. The seating was in good order and it cam
Practical Caravan3 min read
Lunar Quasar 546 (2014)
BY 1980, LUNAR had become known for lightweight tourers that were both practical and extremely comfortable. The Quasar was one of the most popular for caravanners seeking value for money in a lightweight caravan. In 2014 the line-up gained a smart ne
Practical Caravan1 min read
Tow Cars
THIS MONTH WE’RE TALKING… ŠKODA KAROQ // ALL-YEAR TOWING // VAUXHALL INSIGNIA Touring at this time of year is a real pleasure. Yes, you might have to put up with the odd gale. And it’s probably going to rain more often than it did over the school hol
Practical Caravan1 min read
Tow Car Directory
Here is a list of the latest in-depth Tow Car Tests that we have published in Practical Caravan: Issue 457 VW Multivan 2.0 TSI 204PS Style DSG 456 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI HEV AWD GT-Line S Auto 455 Vauxhall Grandland 1.5 Turbo D 130PS Ultimate Auto 45
Practical Caravan1 min read
Range Rover Tops Unreliability Index
The previous generation of Range Rover is the ‘least reliable’ used car you can buy, according to extended warranty provider Warrantywise. Comparing reliability rates across its 131,000 policies and focusing on cars less than 10 years old, the Land R
Practical Caravan7 min read
Škoda Karoq 2.0 Tdi 150ps Sportline 4x4 Dsg
Price £38,515 Kerbweight 1656kg Towing limit 2100kg Swift Challenger 530 courtesy of www.broadlane.co.uk *includes wing mirrors Škoda has given the Karoq family SUV some midlife updates. As well as tweaks to the styling front and rear, the refreshed
Practical Caravan5 min read
Safe Four-season Towing
WHILE SOME CARAVANS will be tucked under their storage covers for a few months of hibernation, others are used whatever the weather. Modern construction and heating make tourers as warm and comfortable as any home, even when it’s chilly outside. Four
Practical Caravan1 min read
Or You Could Try…
The Ford Mondeo Estate has pretty much every base covered. Its 2.0-litre turbodiesel is punchy and refined, with a distaste for the sight of filling stations. The cabin is roomy and well built, but the days when the Mondeo had the biggest boot in its
Practical Caravan3 min read
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer (2017-)
THE LAW of unintended consequences is usually considered a pretty bad thing (think of a cull of cows to stop them emitting that nasty methane, but suddenly realising you’ll never again have cheese – appalling), but not for the Vauxhall Insignia Sport
Practical Caravan1 min read
Need To Know // Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
Kerbweight 1633kg Towing limit 1950kg Noseweight limit 90kg 85% match 1388kg 2.0 Turbo D Tech Line Nav Insurance group 21 Annual VED £165 Average economy 53.3mpg Interim/full service £81/£112 Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262
Practical Caravan1 min read
Visiting A Show
Also available as a FREE ebook – see www.practicalcaravan.com/know-how/ to download yours!
Practical Caravan6 min read
Essential Questions
IF YOU ARE visiting a show to buy a new (or used) caravan, you might be tempted to simply wander around and see what takes your fancy. But your time at the event is likely to be limited to a day or two, and there’s a lot to pack into that – otherwise
Practical Caravan2 min read
Visiting The Nec Show
IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO VISIT THE NEC show later this month – something that thousands of caravanners do every year – it pays to do a bit of research before you go, to help you make the most of your day. Here, we’ve included a map of the venue, which c
Practical Caravan3 min read
Expert Tips On Visiting A Show
Look out for dealer specials over the standard model range. For not much more than the standard price, you can get your hands on some great extras. This means things such as upgraded soft furnishings, solar panels and awnings. Andrew Jenkinson, Contr
Practical Caravan2 min read
Finance And Warranties
Arranging finance for your purchase is often easier than paying in one lump sum, but you need to be careful not to spend more than you meant to. First, you’ll need to think about your monthly income and outgoings. How much is left to pay for the van?
Practical Caravan6 min read
Make The Most Of Your Visit
SEARCHING FOR THAT PERFECT new caravan can be a headache. You could trawl through brochures, magazines and websites advertising vans for sale, but there’s nothing quite like stepping inside the real thing and having a really good look and a poke arou
Practical Caravan4 min read
Know Your Brands
IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO BUY a new tourer at one of the specialist shows, it’s important to know your brands – there are lots of manufacturers out there, and it’s good to choose one you can trust. It was with that in mind that we created our Owner Satis
Practical Caravan1 min readCrime & Violence
Skills School
We’ve got a packed technical section for you this issue – starting with some very important advice on saving fuel. With diesel prices at an all-time high, it’s important to make as many adjustments as you can, which can help save a few pounds here an
Practical Caravan2 min read
Having A Towbar Fitted
THE PRICE OF TOWBARS can vary considerably. You can order them from the manufacturer when you buy a new car, although these can cost £1000 or more. However, it might be even more expensive to have them fitted by an automotive main dealer later on. Bu
Practical Caravan9 min read
Economy Eleven
ALTHOUGH THE UK NOW looks set for a future of electric and hydrogen vehicles, the reality is that many tow cars run on fossil fuel (at least in part), and are likely to continue to do so for some years – diesel and petrol are going to be with us unti
Practical Caravan3 min read
Heart Of The Machine
NEW TO CARAVANNING, you probably chose your first van to suit your existing car – but we’ll bet that, once bitten by the bug, you’ll choose your next car to suit the next caravan. Here we will assume that you are familiar with the aspects of vehicle
Practical Caravan4 min read
Repairing A Whale Watermaster Pump
ONE OF THE most common fresh-water supply pumping systems utilised by caravans is the Whale Watermaster. The Watermaster assembly itself consists of a water/12V interface connector that mates with its socket counterpart on the side of the van, and a
Practical Caravan4 min read
Fitting An Al-Ko Side-lift Jack
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE having the proper tools for the job. For years, like many other caravanners I suspect, I used to carry different types of jack (bottle/scissor/trolley) for the van, “just in case”. As it happens, I was very fortunate and never ne
Practical Caravan4 min read
How Caravan Windows Are Made
THE CHANCES are that if you own a recently manufactured British caravan, the windows are likely to have been made by Dutch company Polyplastic. There will, of course, be some exceptions, but the majority will have come from the Rotterdam factory. A s
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 There are a wide range of caravan layouts to choose from (pictured below), all with their own pros and cons. When you’re try
Practical Caravan1 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
Useful Info
› 01342 326 944 › caravan club.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/dv
Practical Caravan1 min readArchitecture
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
Layout Finder J
A large kitchen is not quite as common in van layouts as it used to be, but there are still some manufacturers who will provide such a floorplan for keen caravan chefs to enjoy. End kitchens usually leave you with more space to cook, especially if th
Practical Caravan1 min read
Practical Caravan
Editor-in-chief Sarah Wakely sarah@practicalcaravan.com Deputy Editor Paul Critcher Art Editors Jason Keens, Simon Mortimer Production Editor Gillian Gould Reviews Editor Peter Baber Content Editor Peter Byrne Staff Writer Jo Davies Consulting Editor
Practical Caravan1 min read
Look Back Page
JUNE 1970 This retro cover is a joy to behold, with its dubious fashion and officious father ticking off his checklist: “Be sure to pack Mum too, kids!”. The issue also featured a tour of the South of France and a multi-prize competition A peaceful r

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