BEAT THE BREAKDOWN

Top tips should the worst happen abroad

STRETCH OUT
YOUR SEASON!
Enjoy the glorious colours of autumn in Northumberland
PLUS Explore eastern Scotland, spend Christmas in
Canterbury, and live the high life in Switzerland

TESTED
Carthago that’s light
in weight but BIG
on luxury

Bamburgh Castle,
Northumberland

Expert advice
Revamp your lounge for £100!
Fire kit you must take on tour
Gorgeous sites near golf courses
Motorhome Matt busts 14 myths!
 TALK
6 Where in the world? Scotland’s spectacular Cairngorms
8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos
13 New gear The latest essential kit to enhance your tours
14 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers
16 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers
Sarah Wakely 17 Ask the experts Technical problem? We can help!
18 Talking point: Mythbusting Motorhome Matt separates fact
Editor-in-chief from fiction and clears up some common misunderstandings

Here at Practical Motorhome HQ, we’re always TOURING

25 This month All of the latest travel and touring news
trying to think of ways to help you get more 28 East Scotland Nick Harding explores Scotland’s beautiful
from your motorhoming money. One of those eastern region, perfect for a peaceful and tranquil tour
34 Canterbury at Christmas Susan Taylor combines gift
is, of course, choosing a ’van that’s reliable shopping with sightseeing in Kent’s historic cathedral city
40 UK museums We round up nine of the finest museums
and won’t let you down. to explore, with great campsites to stay at while you visit
That’s just one of the reasons why we run 42 Northumberland Susan Taylor returns to the north-east
to discover the ancient history surrounding Hadrian’s Wall
our annual Owner Satisfaction Survey, 48 Switzerland David Dowling explores the beautiful scenery
of the Swiss lakes, mountains and historic towns and cities
in conjunction with our friends at the 54 Golf courses Many motorhomers enjoy a round or two
Camping and Caravanning Club. This year’s of golf while touring, and here are some top courses
58 48 hours in… Morecambe Make the most of your weekend
survey is about to close – the deadline is break with our hour-by-hour guide to the great coastal resort
17 November 2024 – but if you’ve bought a
TESTED
new or used ’van since January 2021, please 62 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates
64 Big test: Elddis Autoquest 150 60th Anniversary Edition This
have your say – we’d love to hear from you! comfortable and well-equipped four-berth is easy to drive
Our online form – which you can find at 70 ’Van review: Carthago C2 Tourer I 145 RB LE Lightweight 3.5t
All the luxury you’d expect, and you won’t need a C1 licence
www.practicalmotorhome.com/oss – takes 72 NEC show round-up Didn’t make it to the show? Not to
worry – here are the highlights that caught our team’s eye
less than 10 minutes to fill in, and you could 74 Product review: firefighting equipment We round up some
be in with a chance of winning a fantastic stay of your options when selecting these essential safety devices

at a Camping and Caravanning Club site. PRE-OWNED

76 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports on the forecourts
You can read all of the survey results in 78 Used ’van buyer Gentleman Jack looks at the hugely popular
a couple of months’ time, right here in PM. Devon Firefly (2015-present), based on the Ford Transit Custom
80 Motorhome Hall of Fame Gentleman Jack’s survey of brands
Thank you for your help, and for helping considers Sweden’s Johannesson Husbilen (1963 and 1965)
others to buy better in future.
TECHNICAL
84 Diamond Dave The key role of torque in engine performance
86 Motorhome breakdown cover Speaking from experience,
[email protected]
Peter Rosenthal has key advice about breaking down abroad
92 Revamp your furniture Nigel Donnelly shows you how new

Scan to get
covers on your upholstery can add a fresh look to your ’van
94 LED lighting Sammy Faircloth considers types of LEDs on the

our newsletter market, and explains how they can enhance your motorhome
96 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information
106 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear
Stay up to date with the latest from
Practical Motorhome every week!

Use your phone or tablet camera! Cover image David Chapman / Alamy Stock Photo

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 5

6 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com
 Justin Paget/Getty Images
WHERE
IN THE
WORLD?

Glenshee,
Cairngorms,
Scotland

what3words
grub.sake.await (for Glenshee Ski Centre)

Why tour here?

Lying in the heart of Scotland’s Highlands,
the glorious Cairngorms form the backdrop
for the UK’s largest national park. The park
is home to five of the UK’s six highest peaks,
along with 43 Munros and nine nature
reserves. Here, you’ll find well-kept hiking
and cycling paths, lush forests and a range
of outdoor activities, including hill walking
and, of course, skiing.
Aviemore, in the north of the park, is the
best-known of Scotland’s ski resorts, but
Glenshee has the UK’s biggest ski area, an
impressive 25 lifts and 38 runs across four
mountains, with a large ski centre on site.

Don’t miss…
For those who prefer gentler pursuits, there’s
plenty more in and around the Cairngorms
to explore. How about a visit to Blair Atholl,
home to Blair Castle, which was besieged in
1746 during the last Jacobite rising? Or you
could head to Braemar for the world-famous
Highland Games. Read more about visiting
Scotland in Nick Harding’s feature on p28.

practicalmotorhomeuk

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 7

 Caravan Radio
hits the airwaves
Forget podcasts and flicking between
Following on from your article listing stations – your journeys have a new
83 Motorhoming Errors to Avoid (issue soundtrack! Caravan Radio is the UK’s
290), I wanted to share four of mine! pioneering station dedicated to the
motorhome and caravan community,
1 Unplug the mains hook-up before and is now broadcasting 24/7.
starting the engine to drive off your Available online and via
levelling ramps. Alexa, Caravan Radio provides
a brilliant mix of music,
2 Don’t leave rock/tent pegs in the entertainment and industry
ground for someone to trip over or catch insights tailored to the
their toe on. Mole grips are a great tool growing touring lifestyle.
for removing the most stubborn pegs. Founded by Mike Osborne,
a radio veteran with more than 40
3 Van fuses can be a different physical years in the field, the station merges his
size to those used in the conversion. passion for radio with a love of the open
They are very cheap, so carry both road. He is joined by the award-winning
if applicable. Spencer Cork, who has three decades
of commercial radio experience and
4 Don’t forget to take the step with a shared enthusiasm for touring.
Getty images

you if you use a separate one! Listeners can enjoy a blend of music
David Waters and content that enhances their journeys,
whether on the move or relaxing at a site.
The station also reports on the latest
products and travel destinations.
With a potential audience of 1.2 million
The writer of our Letter of the Month wins across the UK, Ireland and Europe, Caravan
a pair of Milenco Quattro Levelling Ramps Radio aims to be the soundtrack for all
worth £40. They’re twice as high as many adventures, whether it’s a weekend break
plastic levels, with a high-grip leading edge, or an extended tour. “We created Caravan
and can be mounted back-to-back for Radio because we love the community and
levelling tag-axles. Visit www.milenco.com the lifestyle,” says Mike Osborne. Find out
for details and retailers. more at www.caravanradio.co.uk.
Shutterstock/Michael Conrad

you also said…

Can any readers of Practical Motorhome offer advice on
how to stop electric cables becoming twisted, as shown
in the photo? I always try to unfurl the cable as fully as
possible without any kinks, but it seems to have a life
of its own and will curl up entirely by itself.
I even bought a new cable earlier this year, because
the previous one had become so twisted, but the new Point
one (shown here) is quickly going the same way.
I presume that I must be doing something wrong,
of view
Can you name this
but I’m at a loss to know what to do. Please help! famous landscape?
David Gosling It’s just for fun –
the answer is
below right…

8 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 Like us on Facebook at Follow us on X at Follow us on Instagram Email us your letters and Write to us at
www.facebook.com/ twitter.com/pmotorhome practicalmotorhomeuk photographs to talk@ 121-141 Westbourne
practicalmotorhome for the latest news for beautiful pics, videos practicalmotorhome.com Terrace, Paddington,
and events and inspiration London W2 6JR

Scarborough reconsiders overnight

parking ban for leisure vehicles
Following the council’s decision to ban
motorhomes from parking along the
Scarborough seafront, a petition signed
by locals and tourists has emerged, which
asks for the ruling to be overturned.
The document of over 1000 signatures
is urging North Yorkshire Council to
reconsider the experimental 18-month
ban on overnight stays for motorhomes
on the resort town’s Royal Albert Drive.
Although the ban affects numerous

Alamy Stock Photo

locations in the county, the petition
specifically addresses concerns in
Scarbrough and the impacts on local The harbour at Scarborough
business. The letter argues that “if you
push the campervans out of town then the parking accessible for decent-sized to combat residents’ concerns with
they will either avoid Scarborough campers and RVs.” excessive motorhome presence, the
altogether or spend less time and less In response to the petition, North council stressed they want to welcome
money in the town and on the seafront.” Yorkshire Council executive member visitors in a “managed, organised, safe
It also offers alternative solutions, for highways, Councillor Keane Duncan, way”. According to The Northern Echo,
including designating some of the area assured people that the intention is not they have suggested a six-month trial,
for an aire site, along with “a ban on “waging war against campervans and after which the ban could be amended,
tents, fires, barbecues… and making motorhomes”. As the initial ban aimed made permanent or abandoned.

Fancy owning a holiday park? Take a look

at what’s on the market at the moment…
Wheyrigg Hall Hotel, Lake District Bodrydd Farm, Pwllheli
Lake District holiday spot, Wheyrigg Hall Within easy reach of Pwllheli and Abersock,
Hotel, is on the market for £825,000 Bodrydd Farm is a six-bedroom holiday
through Christie and Co. Owner Helen let on the Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales,
Benson, who purchased it in 1988, listed with Watling Real Estate for over
Go Outdoors names its developed it into a popular 18-bedroom £1.75m. Spanning 32 acres, it includes
best family touring park hotel with a bar and restaurant, plus a
five-pitch site. The family-run hotel and
a 21-pitch campsite, modern agricultural
buildings, renewable energy installations,
Bucklegrove Holiday Park, lying between site became popular for its location in the and fishing lakes.
Cheddar and Wells in Somerset, has been north Lakes and near the Solway Coast. watling.com/wp-content/uploads/
awarded the title of Best Family Campsite christie.com/6445179 2024/07/Watling-Bodrydd.pdf
in England by Go Outdoors.
The family-friendly park (pictured above) Haywood Farm, Wye Valley
is home to a shop, two pools, a games The owners of Haywood Farm, located
room and an on-site bar/restaurant. between the Wye Valley and Malvern Hills,
Go Outdoors highlighted the park’s are retiring after 28 years. The property
clean facilities and stunning views of the – listed with Christie and Co at £2.15m
Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll, noting – features a farmhouse, barn conversion,
its impressive user rating of 4.44 out of annexe, holiday let and site with diverse
five stars. The park is pet-friendly, too. pitches, a games barn, and a shop.
Owned by Wookey Hole Ltd, it’s close christie.com/5890030
to the famous Wookey Hole Caves.

ANSWER: Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 9

CONNECT HOTSHOTS

The best of your touring photos

1 On holiday in Valras-Plage, near

1
Star picture Béziers, in the south of France,
at the end of August. After a day
of temperatures in the mid-30s,
a passing rainstorm came over
in the early evening, creating
this perfect rainbow.
Alison Mumby

2 The perfect pitch. We were

staying at Quinta Chave Grande
campsite, near Sátão in Portugal.
A lovely rural site with a nice
pool and spacious pitches.
It was incredibly relaxing as all
you could hear was birdsong.
Sylvia Perry

3 A pitch with a view. Our Mavis

at Polmanter, St Ives, Cornwall
– a lovely site with tiered rows
of pitches to take advantage of
the beautiful scenery.
Pe
framrfiect
Peter and Karen Thomas
ng!

2 3

Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts)
to [email protected]. The best photo will win these guides:
Road Trip Europe – Best of Belgium; All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the
Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Sea View Camping Scotland;
Sea View Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; and
Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. Note, that list of prize books may change depending on
stock. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.com, 0131 208 3333.

10 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 CONNECT NEW GEAR

NEW GEAR
Our selection of brilliant kit that’s sure to enhance your tours!

PICK OF THE MONTH

Montane Anti-Freeze Slipper Flashing Lead Attachment

Stay snug on site in these cosy slippers, cleverly Perfect for a leisurely evening walk with your
designed with a stretch fleece ankle cuff, dog, this 30cm lead attachment offers two
non-slip sole with removable foam unit different light settings and up to four hours
and 750 fill power down. of runtime via the rechargeable battery.
Price £54.99 basecampgear.co.uk Price £9.50 primaleisure.com

Avtex Hard-Shell carry case

We’d always recommend that you
remove valuables from your motorhome
Yeti Lowlands Blanket when you’re not using it, including your TV,
Perfect for a winter walk on the beach but it isn’t always easy to work out how Liberty Melamine Dinner Set
(or muddy paws), this warm, waterproof best to store your set. This elegant 12-piece dinnerware set includes
blanket is made with trademarked technology If you have an Avtex TV, though, this could bowls, dinner plates and side plates, all made
to repel pet hair and dirt. It also comes with be the ideal solution: a choice of hard-shell from lightweight, heat-resistant, hardwearing
its own smart carrying case. cases that are designed to fit various sets melamine, and comes in a choice of designs.
Price £200 uk.yeti.com in the range, and allow you to keep them Price £49.99 justcaravanparts.co.uk
safe, away from the vehicle.
A separate compartment can house
the remote control and relevant leads.
Cases are available for Avtex TVs
sized from 16-24 inches.
Price £42.99-£49.74
leisureshopdirect.com

Falcon 10W Portable Solar Motorhome Fabric Storage Baskets

Panel Battery Maintainer The best touring accessories are both fun and
This 10W solar charger for 12V batteries practical, just like these cheerful, handmade
attaches to your windscreen, to be hooked fabric storage baskets, available in several
up to your starter or leisure battery. sizes or as a set of three.
Price £35 falcontechnology.co.uk Price £6.50-£28 thehappycaravanner.co.uk
All prices correct at the time of writing

Omnia Camping Oven Set GoPresso coffee maker Telescopic Water Brush
This ingenious, space-saving, multi-layer This smart, handheld, battery-powered Designed with a water-bearing handle extendable
kitchen set includes an oven, baking rack, coffee machine promises to make you a velvety up to 4.6m and a soap tank with a dispensing
silicone baking dish, oven mitts and transport brew every time, at the touch of a button, using button, this adjustable-angle brush will make
bag, and can be used directly over a gas flame. either freshly ground beans or coffee pods. motorhome cleaning so much easier!
Price £66.99 berger-camping.co.uk Price £109.99 gopresso.co.uk Price £39.95 outspot.co.uk

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 13

CONNECT NIGHTSTOPS

The latest information on all our current destinations in the UK

NOTE
We strongly

T he Nightstop Scheme is run recommend doub

le
checking that
by us in conjunction with the Nightstops are
Motor Caravanners’ Club open before
(MCC), and the sites are certificated 29 travelling
locations (CLs); you don’t have to
join any club to use them. You’ll
need to ring the relevant site to
confirm whether there’s space for
you before you visit: you’ll find
information at www.practical 5 Railway Hotel
motorhome.com/nightstops. Station Road, Nantgaredig,
For further information about Carmarthen SA32 7LQ
the MCC, visit www.themotor Motorhomes welcome all year,
caravannersclub.co.uk. £5 per night. Access: Road 12m,
Gate 10m. Water and WC available.
1 Airman Hotel SG17 5JF
2 The Black Horse Pub HP16 9AX
3 The Seven Wives PE27 5RF
4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms SA44 6LN
5 Railway Hotel SA32 7LQ
25
6 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB
7 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS
7 32
8 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ
9 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW
10 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH
11 Elton Farm GL14 1JU 26
12 The Gloucester Old Spot GL51 9SY 21
9
13 The Flying Bull Inn GU33 7JB
14 Three Horseshoes GU34 3AE 28
15 Landsdowne PR4 6XP 15
16 The Hawthorne OL4 5LN 16
17 The Bluebell Inn PE12 6SN
18 The Riverside Hotel Surfleet Ltd PE11 4DG
19 Banham Community Centre NR16 2HB 24
20 Great Danes Country Inn PE37 8BG 17
21 South Moor Farm YO13 0LW 18
33 20
22 The Seaview Hotel SA65 9PL
19
23 The Tipple Inn SN8 3EQ
3 30
24 Carpenters Arms DE7 4PP 4 31 27
25 The Old Stables DG10 9QX 22
26 Black Horse Inn DL7 0SH 5 12
34 1
27 The Red Cow SG8 8RN 11
10 2
28 The Park Club Cleveleys FY5 2BJ
29 The Bannockburn Inn KW8 6JY 23
30 The Bennet Arms IP30 9LH 14
31 The Tarrington Arms HR1 4HX 8 13
32 Angel View Hotel NE9 7UB
33 The Mill Leisure Holiday
Cottage & Campsite SY21 8BJ
34 The Harrow Inn SN4 0AE
6

FIND FULL DETAILS ONLINE www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops

14 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com
CONNECT PUZZLE BREAK

Whether you’re on tour or at home, relax with a cup

of tea and some brain-teasing puzzles to ponder!

SUDOKU WORDWISE NOTES

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and 3x3 box

must contain the numbers 1 to 9. No single digit can
appear twice in any one row, column or 3x3 box H E S
S K E
P I N
You have 15 minutes to find as
many words as possible using the
letters in the grid. Each word must
contain four or more letters, one of
which must be the central square.
No proper nouns, plurals or foreign
words are allowed. There is one
nine-letter word in the grid, for
which the clue is: Fleece
15 = average
More than 25 = well done

ANSWER LIME

HALF
DOWN LORDS, TITLE, ROOMS
ACROSS LATER, RATIO, SEEDS

& HALF
HALF & HALF
SPIKES ANSWER SHEEPSKIN
SKINS, SKIP, SKIPS, SKIS, SPIKE,
Until 2005 St Lawrence SINKS, SKEIN, SKEP, SKIES, SKIN,
PINK, PINKS, SEEK, SEEKS, SINK,
Ground, home of Kent PEEK, PEEKS, PEKE, PIKE, PIKES,
Cricket Club, featured KIPS, KISS, KNEE, KNEES, KNISH,
a tree of what species KEENS, KEEP, KEEPS, KENS, KEPI,
EKES, HIKE, HIKES, INKS, KEEN,
within the playing area? WORDWISE

Cross out a letter in

each square to get a
grid filled with words.
The uncrossed-out letters
in the shaded squares
will complete the
puzzle answer!

SUDOKU
ANSWERS

16 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 CONNECT ASK THE EXPERTS

WHAT ARE THE CAMPSITE RULES

ABOUT USING A GROUNDSHEET?
We’ve just bought our first ’van
Q (secondhand) and as part of the
deal, we were given an awning to
go with it. The seller also passed on the
groundsheet, but it’s old-fashioned.
I’ve read that some sites have strict
rules about the use of groundsheets (2).
Could you please clarify the best type
of groundsheet for us, and what we need
to know about visiting sites with rules?
Kim Brown
Burning questions about motorcaravanning? Our expert
team can help! Simply email one of the addresses below 2
or contact [email protected], and
we’ll do our best to answer it in an upcoming issue

Shutterstock / Tony Skerl

CAN I REPAIR THE DAMAGED
BASIN IN MY MOTORHOME?
I have a 2008 coachbuilt ’van. Sarah Wakely replies…
Q While we were away on holiday A You’re correct about the use of
earlier in the season, I dropped a heavy groundsheets and the rules imposed on
glass into the plastic handbasin in the this by campsites. These days, many sites
washroom, and this has resulted in ban non-breathable groundsheets, while
a small chip and what appears to be a others go further and ban the use of all
hairline crack. It doesn’t seem to be groundsheets on grass.

Our expert panel leaking (yet), but I am concerned that

as time goes on, it might do so. Is there
You describe your groundsheet as
‘old-fashioned’, so I’d hazard a guess
anything we can do to fix this, short that it’s a non-breathable type.
Sarah of having the handbasin replaced? This will cause damage if left on grass
Wakely Clive Dickens for any length of time, so I’d suggest
Editor-in-chief changing it for a breathable type.
[email protected] Diamond Dave replies… No matter which groundsheet you
A Not that this is any consolation, choose, always check with the site
but you are not alone: many have gone before laying it on grass. Also, lift it up
Paul before you and plenty will follow. whenever you can, to allow the grass
Critcher There are a couple of options open to below to get some air.
Deputy editor you. First, if a basin of the same design
[email protected] is still available, you could replace it, IS THE WINTER A GOOD TIME TO
which might be a straightforward job BUY AND SELL A MOTORHOME?
or not, depending on the particular A question for you from a new
Q
Peter installation in your vehicle. motorhome owner – is winter
Baber The second option would be a repair a good time to buy? Or sell?
Reviews editor and the best repair would probably be Jason O’Brian
[email protected] Speedcoat. This coating is sprayed onto
the surface of the basin (1) to seal and Nick Harding replies…
reinforce it. It’s not a DIY job, so you’ll A In either case, it really depends
Gentleman need to search for ‘Speedcoat’ in your on suitability and price. If the used
Jack area to find someone to do it for you. motorhome of your dreams is there,
Contributor at the right price, it’s oh-so tempting.
[email protected] 1 Especially if you expect to start using
the vehicle straight away.
However, if you don’t intend to head
Nick out on your travels until the following
Harding spring, your money might be better
Contributor off staying in the bank until then.
[email protected] Basically, there’s nothing worse for
a motorhome than sitting around doing
nothing through the winter months.
Diamond As far as selling a ’van is concerned,
Dave any time’s the right time if you can get
Contributor the price you expect for it and simply
[email protected] want it off your hands.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 17

 TALKING POINT
mon th, re gu la r co lu m nist Motorhome Matt
This h ab out touring,
se ar ch of th e trut
Sims goes in d dispelling some
g fa ct from fic tio n an
separatin derstandings
on m ista ke s an d m isun
comm

MOTORHOME MY THS
A motorhome offers great freedom
and adventure, but is often also
surrounded by misconceptions.
From worries about costs to concerns
over maintenance and parking, many
MYTH 2 ALL MOTORHOMES
ARE GAS GUZZLERS
Although motorhomes can use more
fuel than regular cars, advances in
engine technology and the addition
and the sunsets are amazing! We once
spent a wonderful Boxing Day in the
’van, on the beach, making a fabulous
Christmas dinner. And why not?

myths can cloud the experience for of fuel additives have made modern
new and seasoned ’van owners. leisure vehicles far more economical MYTH 4
Here, I’ll debunk some of the most than their 20-year-old counterparts.
common motorhome myths, so you Most Ford- or Fiat-based ’vans
can confidently hit the road. deliver a good 30 miles per gallon
or more if you drive conservatively.
I often hear people obsessing about
MYTH 1 mpg. But consider the bigger picture
of your trip: how much of your budget
goes on fuel? Less than you think.
THEY ARE ONLY FOR RETIREES
THEY ARE ONLY
MYTH 3 FOR SUMMER USE
While motorhomes are indeed popular
with people who have retired, they are
Modern motorhomes are fitted with also increasingly embraced by families,
high-quality insulation, advanced young professionals, and those who
and efficient heating systems, and are seeking adventure.
winter-ready features that make The leisure vehicle community is
COACHBUILT MOTORHOMES year-round travel comfortable. truly diverse, with younger people
ARE DIFFICULT TO DRIVE Many accessories, too, can help to choosing them for flexible travel,
Many people tell me that they couldn’t enhance the pleasure of your winter remote working and outdoor activities.
drive a coachbuilt because of its size, adventures, for example, thermally The hashtag #Vanlife is now huge on
particularly its length. insulated windscreen covers. Instagram, with people of all ages and
I believe that the width is the bigger I have enjoyed many trips in winter, backgrounds engaging in the pastime.
consideration. After all, wherever you when campsites are generally quieter, Self-build campers are more popular
point it, the vehicle will keep travelling. than ever and, of course, cheaper.
Remember, as a driver, you are high up,
MAINTENANCE
with a great view of the road, you are
not in a rush – you are on holiday – and MYTH 5 IS COMPLICATED
you have all the mod cons of a car, such Motorhome maintenance isn’t much
as power steering, a reversing camera, more complex than that of any regular
and often, an automatic gearbox. vehicle. The owner can easily handle

18 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 CONNECT MOTORHOME MATT

many such tasks, like checking tyre low-season discounts or promotions caught early. Manufacturers now use
pressures, water levels and batteries. for loyalty club members. better sealing methods, and many
A basic service for the vehicle’s I can recommend searching club motorhomes come with warranties that
chassis and engine usually ranges sites for deals and using apps such cover water ingress for up to 10 years.
in price from around £300, while a as Park4Night or Searchforsites. Pub Check out the podcast (www.
habitation check carries an annual car parks are always an option via the motorhomematt.co.uk/episodes/avoid-
cost of anything from £150 to £400, Nightstops Scheme, run by Practical water-ingress-in-motorhome) for some
depending on where you take the Motorhome in conjunction with the ideas about prevention, or see Practical
motorhome for its servicing. Motor Caravanners’ Club (see p14). Motorhome’s article at www.practical
motorhome.com/advice/water-ingress-
INSURANCE COVER
MYTH 6 MYTH 8 WILL BE EXPENSIVE
everything-you-need-to-know.

THE INDUSTRY
Although insurance can be perceived
as costly, owing to the vehicle’s value,
MYTH 10 IS IN DECLINE
there are ways to reduce premiums. On the contrary, the motorhome
Motorhome insurance is, in fact, industry is thriving, especially after the
comparable to insuring any standard pandemic, which spurred huge demand
car, especially when the vehicle is for self-contained travel options.
well maintained, securely stored and The industry has also adapted to
carefully driven. changing consumer preferences, with
Factors like where the motorhome a developing market for innovative
is stored, the driver’s experience, and designs, eco-friendly options and more.
YOU CAN PARK AND SLEEP whether it has security features (such Motorhome sales and rentals have
ANYWHERE IN YOUR ’VAN as a tracking device and alarm) can boomed in recent years, with brands
Many people believe motorhomes have significantly lower insurance costs. struggling to meet demand. There’s
free rein to park overnight anywhere, Many providers offer specialised been a resurgence in younger buyers
but there are rules and regulations policies, including seasonal coverage, and families entering the market, while
about where you can stop, particularly accessory cover, stuck-in-mud cover, trends such as remote working and ‘van
in urban or protected areas. or mileage-based options. I’d suggest life’ have injected new energy. This shift
The term ‘wild camping’ has come choosing a specialist insurer offering has led to a wider variety of ’vans,
into widespread use. But its definition a policy designed for a leisure vehicle. including more eco-conscious designs.
is to arrive on foot or horseback at As I write, the industry is suffering
sunset, pitch your tent and leave at an oversupply of 2024 models, seeing
sunrise, leaving no trace of your stay. some dealers struggle with cash flow
Hardly arriving in a ’van with heating, and a number go into administration.
hot water and a leather interior! Consumers are reported to be taking
All land in the UK is owned, and I’d longer to make a purchase decision.
always advise you to seek permission And who can blame them?
from the landowner if you are on private But does this mean a decline in the
land.Off-grid, park up with caution and industry? Personally, I think not,
respect. Always leave no trace. but rather, a slowdown ahead of
another boom and yet more growth.
CAMPSITES ARE
MYTH 7 TOO EXPENSIVE
While some premium campsites can be
costly, there is a wide range of options
catering to all budgets, from basic,
no-frills sites to fully serviced luxury
parks with swimming pools, a choice
of restaurants and entertainment.
Motorhome owners can choose
ALL ’VANS SUFFER
according to their taste, based on their
preferences and budget. Additionally, MYTH 9 WATER INGRESS
many campsites offer discounts during Water ingress is a known problem
off-peak seasons, for midweek stays, in many older or poorly maintained
or for longer bookings. motorhomes, but it’s not an inevitable
Budget-friendly sites, including problem for all leisure vehicles.
Certificated Locations (CLs, operated Advances in construction materials
by the Caravan and Motorhome Club) and sealing techniques, and the latest
or Certificated Sites (CSs, run by the water-resistant technologies, have
Camping and Caravanning Club) and significantly reduced the risk of water
permissible off-grid spots can be very ingress in modern motorhomes.
affordable or even free, with some With regular maintenance, thorough
priced as low as £10-£20 per night. habitation inspections and proper care,
Some campsites also offer special water ingress can be prevented or

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 19

CONNECT MOTORHOME MATT

MYTH 11 THE PRICE BUBBLE to the vehicle, and even legal penalties
WILL BURST SOON or points on your licence.
Some people believe that the surge in Exceeding your payload can cause
motorhome prices, especially in the mechanical strain on the ’van, reduce
aftermath of the pandemic, is temporary braking efficiency and increase tyre
and prices will soon drop. However, wear. My advice is to weigh your
the reality is a bit more complicated. motorhome empty. The difference
Demand for leisure vehicles remains between this number and your V5
high, owing to increased interest in gross weight is your payload.
flexible, self-contained travel options, Now consider loading up your
and the supply chain issues faced by motorhome and weighing it again.
manufacturers have only added to the Your local animal feed centre or farm
pressure on prices. might have a weighbridge, or you could
In my opinion, rather than being a search gov.uk/find-weighbridge for a
bubble that will burst, the motorhome public weighbridge near you.
market has stabilised at a higher price In my own experience, the cost for
point, because of sustained demand In the UK, seatbelts are required a weigh-in is around the £10 mark.
and ongoing supply shortages. for all passengers in designated travel
VAN WITH WINDOWS
At the moment, we are seeing great
offers and discounts on new models,
seats, and they must be installed in
compliance with safety regulations.
MYTH 14 LOWERS THE VALUE
funded by manufacturers to help clear Retrofitted seatbelts require professional ‘Van with windows’ status on your
the current oversupply of stock. installation, to ensure that they are V5 registration document (logbook)
Although the rate of price increases anchored to suitable points that can does not necessarily mean that your
might slow, it’s unlikely prices will withstand the forces of an accident. campervan will be worth less or will
drop significantly any time soon. Improper fitting can compromise cost you more to insure.
Prices for used ’vans are undergoing safety, leading to severe repercussions. Although getting your campervan
a slight downward correction, but I You must also have sufficient payload reclassified as a ‘motor caravan’ with
believe that these will remain strong to accommodate the additional belted the DVLA can sometimes be rather
for the next few years. travel seats, and inform the DVLA of complicated, it’s not essential for
The rising popularity of motorhome any change to travel seat numbers. insurance purposes or valuation.
travel, combined with the continuing Many insurers know the nuances
DON’T WORRY
material and manufacturing costs,
means that prices are likely to remain MYTH 13 ABOUT PAYLOAD
around V5 classifications and will insure
a campervan appropriately, even if it’s
strong and even increase again in 2025. In fact, motorhome payload limits still registered as a ‘van with windows’.
are absolutely crucial, for both safety What matters most to the insurers
and legal reasons. is how the vehicle is used, the level
The payload refers to the weight of conversion and the safety features,
that your motorhome can safely and rather than the official V5 status.
legally carry, including passengers,
water, fuel, food, equipment and You can find out more about
personal belongings. Motorhome Matt and listen to his
Overloading your ’van can lead to podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk
dangerous driving conditions, damage

YOU CAN FIT YOUR

MYTH 12 OWN SEATBELTS
Installing seatbelts to additional seats
in a motorhome is not a DIY project.
Seatbelts must be professionally
fitted to meet safety standards and
legal requirements. In the event of an
accident, improperly fitted seatbelts
can cause severe injury or death, and
having non-compliant seatbelts can
invalidate your insurance and lead
to legal consequences.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The material contained in this article should be
used for informational purposes only and in no way should be relied upon as a substitute for independent insurance or breakdown cover advice. 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 and skill level. 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. You should check that any warranty is not affected before proceeding with technical work

20 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 Inspirational travel stories, plus
expert advice, hints and tips, to help
you get the most out of your motorhome

IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

26 This month
Dates for your diary
PAUL CRITCHER Fabulous Christmas markets and festive family activities!

28 Your Tour
Eastern Scotland
Did you get to the NEC show? I’ve just come Nick Harding and Lin Oakley explore the many attractions to be
back from a few days there and I have to say, discovered in the historic landscapes of Scotland’s eastern region

it really makes sense to visit if you’re in the 34 Your Tour

Christmas in Canterbury
market for a new ’van. Even if you’re looking Susan Taylor combines sightseeing with gift shopping on a visit to
for a pre-owned model, exploring the show the ancient city that has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries

will inform your research about the type of 34

vehicles that will best suit your needs. There’s
nothing as good as getting up close and
personal with a motorhome to see if it suits
you. Especially when you can immediately
compare it with other models.
Obviously, all of the ’vans on show were built
with travel in mind, but I particularly liked the 40 Special report
The UK’s top museums
elevating beds on the Mega Mobil range, which We round up nine of the finest museums to explore across
the country, with great campsites to stay at while you visit
allow you to adapt your space throughout the
day. And the Malibu genius performance 4x4 42 Your Tour
Northumberland
641 LE, with its Carthago-built extension, is an Susan Taylor returns to magnificent Northumberland, to discover
more about the ancient history surrounding Hadrian’s Wall
absolute cracker. We’d love to hear more about
the bits of the show you enjoyed (or didn’t), 42

particularly from a travel perspective. Email

us at [email protected].
Once you’ve bought your new ’van, you’ll
need somewhere to go – and we’ve picked out
some great destinations for you to explore.
Nick Harding discovers the best of eastern
48 Your Tour
Scotland (p28), while Susan Taylor stays on the Switzerland
English side of the border in Northumberland David Dowling explores Swiss lakes, mountains and towns

(p42). Plus, Canterbury for Christmas shopping 54 Special report

Golf courses
(p34), Morecambe Bay (p58), Swiss peaks Fancy a round or two of golf while you are away on tour?
(p48), and how about a round of golf (p54)?
58 48 hours in…
Morecambe Bay
[email protected] Make the most of your weekend with our hour-by-hour guide

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 25

 touring

News and events to put in your diary

Festive shopping across the UK

1 Bath Christmas Market Stay at Kingsbury Water Park 6
28 November - 15 December 2024 Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Bath is a magical place at any time www.campingand
of year, but this World Heritage caravanningclub.co.uk
City really amps things up for the
festive season, with more than 3 Belfast Christmas Market
200 chalets decorated with 16 November - 22 December 2024
twinkling lights dotted around The splendid neo-Baroque building
the elegant Georgian streets. of City Hall makes a beautifully
Stall holders in the chalets sell lit background to this annual
everything from unique porcelain Christmas market, which takes
to artisan gin, with an emphasis place in the Hall’s grounds.
on quality gifts and gourmet food. This year, the market’s 20th
Singers will perform in the anniversary is being celebrated
streets, and the open-air ice rink with a Victorian theme, and on
with alpine bar returns to Royal the first and third weekends of
Victoria Park. Skating tickets cost the event, performers will dress 4 Blenheim Palace with the
£15 for adults. Book yours online as Dickensian characters to Christmas Market particular
at bathonice.co.uk. entertain visitors. 15 November - 22 December 2024 emphasis being on arts and crafts.
bathchristmasmarket.co.uk You can also expect a vintage There’s a marvellous programme The market was set up 30 years
Stay at Bath Chew Valley helter-skelter, storytellers and of festive events taking place at ago to help local artisans promote
Caravan Park performers, and more than 100 Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, and sell their work, and you’ll find
bathchewvalley.co.uk stalls selling a superb choice of until the new year, including an everything here, from enamelled
handmade gifts and festive treats. atmospheric light trail and the jewellery and original watercolours
2 Birmingham’s Frankfurt While you’re there, don’t forget Neverland in the Palace themed to stained glass and personalised
Christmas Market to visit Santa’s grotto! adventure, perfect for the kids. storybooks for children.
1 November - 24 December 2024 discovernorthernireland.com/ The Christmas market runs until When you’re feeling peckish,
This behemoth of an event is whats-on/belfast-christmas- 22 December and sees the Great try the Japanese street food,
thought to be the largest German market-p767411 Court transformed into a seasonal or Raclette, a Swiss speciality
Christmas market held outside Stay at Dundonald village of wooden chalets stocked of cheese and potatoes.
Germany or Austria. Touring Caravan Park with unique gifts, and street food For a sweet treat, don’t miss
It’s a huge attraction, with the dundonaldcaravanpark.com stalls providing delicious treats. the superb handmade fudge!
focus for visitors being the stalls Entry is included in a Palace cardiffchristmasmarket.com
on Victoria Square and New Street, and Trail ticket. The palace’s Great Stay at Cardiff Caravan
and the live music events on Court is also home to a covered ice and Camping Park
Victoria Square. rink, with adult tickets from £15. cardiffcaravanpark.co.uk
The traders go the extra mile Book your slot in advance.
and the square is decorated blenheimpalace.com/ 6 Edinburgh’s Christmas
with nativity scenes, whats-on/events/christmas 15 November 2024 - 4 January 2025
snowmen and Santa Stay at Diamond Caravan Park Christmas (and perhaps more
Claus figures. Expect diamondpark.co.uk importantly for the Scots,
traditional German food Hogmanay) is something of a
and drink, carousels 5 Cardiff Christmas Market speciality in Edinburgh, where
and brilliant music. 14 Nov - 23 Dec 2024 the city centre is transformed
Glühwein, anyone? You’ll find wonderful gifts at by markets at Castle Street and
thebfcm.co.uk/ this city centre event around East Princes Street Gardens.
birminghams-frankfurt- St John Street, Working Street, Enjoy lights and entertainment
christmas-market Trinity Street and Hills Street, on every corner, including ice
 6
7

12

10
8

Emma Solley/Exeter Cathedral

2

5 9
1 11

7
Elsewhere in London, from of Christmas events, including a
21 November, Hyde Park Winter Viennese Christmas Spectacular
Wonderland (hydeparkwinter by Candlelight (from £22.25),
skating at George Street (adult Plateau, outside the splendidly wonderland.com) promises all and many Christmas services.
tickets cost £14.50), fairground neoclassical St George’s Hall sorts of Christmas attractions. The Christmas market is very
rides, The Big Wheel (£11) and near Lime Street Station. The Winter Market at the atmospheric, with illuminated
the Christmas Tree Trail. Expect to enjoy the usual swathe Southbank Centre (1 November wooden chalets selling festive gifts
Be sure to visit the many stalls of traditional craft, gift and food - 26 December, southbankcentre. and mulled wine. Expect plenty
selling sweet treats, gifts and stalls, alongside a huge Ferris co.uk/whats-on/winter-market) of carols and Christmas cheer!
personalised Christmas baubles. wheel and a beautiful carousel. will see traders in alpine-style www.winchester-cathedral.
edinburgh-christmas.com Be sure to take the children to chalets serving mulled wine, org.uk/christmas
Stay at Edinburgh CAMC Site visit Santa Land, too! hot chocolate and other treats. Stay at Folly Farm
caravanclub.co.uk liverpoolchristmasmarket.co.uk coventgarden.london Caravan & Camping
Stay at Flukers Brook Farm CL Stay at Abbey Wood CAMC Site follyfarmcaravanpark.com
7 Exeter Cathedral caravanclub.co.uk caravanclub.co.uk
Christmas Market 12 York Christmas Festival
15 November - 15 December 2024 9 London’s Covent Garden 10 Manchester Christmas Market 14 November - 22 December 2024
If you enjoy a more traditional Christmas Market 8 November - 22 December 2024 Centred on Parliament Street
Christmas, you’ll delight in this 12 November 2024 - 5 January 2025 Manchester’s famous Christmas and St Sampson’s Square, York
atmospheric pop-up market in There will be all sorts of seasonal celebrations seem to grow ever Christmas Market plays host to
and around the cloisters at Exeter entertainment taking place across larger, and this year, the city will 75 chalets selling local crafts,
Cathedral, where more than 100 the capital, but when it comes to welcome several markets located artisan products and foodie treats.
festive chalets will be selling local markets, the piazza at Covent around the centre, with activities York’s Christmas Festival sees
gifts and produce. Garden takes some beating. focused mainly on Market Street, restaurants, shops and historic
This is the county’s largest The beautiful Market Building Deansgate and Exchange Square. buildings, including the Minster,
Christmas market and the choral will be ornately decorated with The markets will be packed with decorated for the season.
singers and candlelit cathedral giant beribboned bells, baubles craft and gift stalls, while beautiful Christmas trees abound,
make it very special. and mirror balls. lights around the city combine in while King’s Square welcomes
While you’re visiting, you can Santa’s sleigh and a splendid the Manchester Christmas Lights a wonderful vintage carousel.
enjoy superb global street food 60ft Christmas tree will adorn Trail 2024, with the Manchester visityork.org/christmas
and seasonal entertainment. the piazza, alongside street Bee and Santa Claus to be spotted Stay at York Rowntree
Then take advantage of Exeter entertainers and market stalls. above St Peter’s Square. Park CAMC Campsite
Cathedral’s Entry By Donation offer Skate Manchester will be at caravanclub.co.uk
to explore its fascinating history. Cathedral Gardens until 1 January.
exeter-cathedral.org.uk/ Adult tickets, £17.15 to £19.15;
events/exeter-cathedral- children, £14.15 to £15.65.
christmas-market (skatemanchester.com).
Stay at Cofton Holiday Park visitmanchester.com
coftonholidays.co.uk Stay at Burrs Country
Park CAMC Campsite
8 Liverpool caravanclub.co.uk
Christmas Market
16 November 11 Winchester Cathedral
- 24 December 2024 Christmas Market
Liverpool’s annual 22 November 5 December New issue of
Christmas market is - 22 December 2024 Practical Motorhome on sale!
right in the centre of Winchester Cathedral Subscribe to have your copy
town, at St George’s has a large programme delivered – see p82 for details
Joe Dailly / Alamy Stock Photo

Explore Scotland? Yes, but you’ll avoid the

hordes if you head east, says Nick Harding

28 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL EASTERN SCOTLAND

‘A recent addition is Dundee’s

very own V&A – this sister
museum to London’s Victoria
and Albert has a spectacular
home on Riverside Esplanade’ Duration
Nine days

When
July 2024

Why?
We take a tour in
Scotland every year.
This time, it was
the East’s turn!

1 The stunning V&A

Dundee building is
designed to highlight
historic connections
between the city and
1 the River Tay

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 29

 I t’s not often you come back from a touring
holiday and say that you spent some time in
prison, but hear me out. Peterhead Prison
Museum was the final attraction we visited on
a summer tour of Scotland this year and quite
3

frankly, it’s an absolute eye-opener.

It is now a former prison, having been arguably
the UK’s harshest such regime. Luckily, we were
out in five… hours, that is. And that was towards
the end of this particular trip to a part of Scotland
that’s considerably less mainstream.
Coming up from England, rather than keep left,
we set sail to the right, zooming in on Dundee and
much more, further along a coast that seemingly
prefers to keep relatively quiet.
It’s certainly not short of a castle or two around
there, or indeed plenty of pretty fishing villages.
Plus distilleries and golf courses. Like the rest of
Scotland, it also does a nice line in curry houses.
And the east side is great for growing soft fruit,
so it’s no surprise to hear a jam and marmalade
industry developed in the region. You’ll find that
some of the by-products also find their way into
many well-known brands of gin.
My partner, Lin, was on this trip, too, taking
the photographs you see here. We are usually
accompanied by our dog, Bonnie, but this time,
she had opted to stay down south with friends.
Shame, because she missed a great tour.

So far to reach Forfar

It’s a long drive from our home in Somerset right
up to Forfar, which would be our first Scottish
stop. So we broke it up with a one-night stay
at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Durham
Grange Site – not only is it handy for the city of
Durham itself, but its location, just off the A1(M), However, we did make it to the UK’s first-ever
makes it ideal for a brief stopover when you are UNESCO City of Design (Dundee), the home of
long-hauling up and down the mainland. golf (St Andrews) and much more; enough to
We had decided to keep our distance from confirm that it’s hardly an area you’d call lacking.
2 Parked up at Scotland’s busy capital, merely skirting around Our desire to get to Dundee explains our first
Glamis to visit the Edinburgh’s bypasses. Ditto for Kirkcaldy (which choice of site in Scotland – Forfar Lochside enjoys
castle, before driving hosts the UK’s longest street fair). Or indeed the the best of both worlds, thanks to a location right
to the next stopover North East 250 (an alternative to the somewhat by the town centre as well as its Country Park.
crowded NC500). Not even the Speyside Malt Perfect for a walk (or cycle ride) after a long drive.
3 Desperate Dan, Whisky, Moray Coast and Aberdeenshire Castle Arriving in the late afternoon gave us time for
Dawg, Minnie the Trails could tempt us off-course. an early evening wander, ending up in Forfar
Minx and Nick on the We also didn’t get to visit the new motorhome town, looking for a place for a meal.
city’s High Street aire at Glenbuchty, overlooking the Moray Firth. As you do, we’d already asked the campsite
staff for recommendations, and they suggested
2 Jeet, a popular Indian restaurant on Castle Street.
However, we ended up in what looked like
Forfar’s only Turkish restaurant, Sultan, on
the same street. The food there was lovely.
Forfar is also perfectly placed for Glamis, where
we toured the castle, and for getting into Dundee
– under your own steam or by bus. But we were
heading on from Dundee to our next stopover,
hence the decision to take the half-hour drive in.

Dundee, done and dusted

‘Jute, Jam and Journalism’ summed up Dundee’s
claims to fame in the Victorian era. Now Forfar
may be renowned for its ‘bridies’ (you might
just get away with thinking of them as Scottish
pasties), but Dundee is also famous for its pies.
And culture. The ‘three Js’ were what Dundee

30 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL EASTERN SCOTLAND

Dundee Heritage Trust

5 6
Dundee Heritage Trust

Dundee Heritage Trust

was best known for, although local folk will also that, in the mid-19th century, was a key element 4 Verdant Works
tip the wink to the town’s ‘peh’ (as they prefer in everything from sacks to ships’ rigging to Museum showcases
to call it) – made, ideally, with Angus beef. carpet backings, boot linings and much more. the city’s historic
But culture-wise, Scotland’s fourth largest Jute grown in India was imported to Dundee, jute industry…
city certainly punches above its weight. A recent where it was transformed into the multipurpose
addition is its very own V&A – this sister museum product once known as the ‘servant of industry’. 5 … where some 500
to London’s Victoria and Albert has a spectacular Dundee was already a busy port for the whaling employees tended
purpose-built home on Riverside Esplanade. and flax trades, and it was quickly realised that machinery to spin
There’s more to come, too, with the treating jute with whale oil made it soft and weave the jute…
news that Dundee will be getting enough to work with, also ensuring
its own Eden Project, which will 7 that it became a viable alternative 6 … and today,
be based at the town’s former to the declining fortunes of flax, visitors can relax
gasworks on East Dock Street. which was being imported from in the courtyard
We spent the whole day an increasingly hostile Russia.
in Dundee. Early morning Jute certainly put Dundee 7 Dundee’s ‘peh’
parking was easy enough, on the map, but there was is a local delicacy,
putting us within walking a price to pay. The Verdant usually made with
distance of our first port Works Museum, located in what Angus beef
of call – breakfast at The Bach. was one of the town’s 50-plus
A couple of filling brunches from textile mills, doesn’t hold back in
their extensive menu, plus some describing the slum conditions the
superb coffee, set us up for the day. workers endured. It also explains that
We later noticed a motorhome-friendly the bulk of the jute-producing workforce
car park right beside the Discovery Point area, was female (women were cheaper to employ than
which took up most of our day. But The Bach was men), and that disease, alcoholism and more were
a real find en route to our first attraction. rife – although the many merchant houses and
In a previous heyday, Dundee was also known grand municipal buildings you can still see today
as ‘Juteopolis’. That was one thing we learned as show that some folk profited by it all.
we walked around the Verdant Works Museum, However, like many of the major Victorian
a no-holds-barred social history lesson in how industries, jute has had its day – its modern
Dundee became the world’s capital for a product equivalent is something like polypropylene.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 31

 8 9

Dundee Heritage Trust

10

Dundee Heritage Trust

8 Captain Scott’s Discovery Point Run independently, Dundee Transport Museum

famous ship lies at Then it was only a 15-minute walk from the world includes a Bedford Romany motorhome in its
Discovery Point, by of jute production to the Tay waterfront, where permanent collection, and is particularly keen
The Dome Gallery… the RRS Discovery stands resplendent. to attract motorcaravanning visitors – offering
Conceived and built in Dundee – and a project space for leisure vehicles to stay for the night
9 … where a superb that, amazingly, took less than a year – this is a in the museum’s grounds from April to October,
exhibition tells the superb reminder that shipbuilding was another provided you book a museum visit.
story of Antarctic string to historic Dundee’s bow. Museum staff member Nick (no relation)
exploration RRS Discovery (RRS stands for Royal Research also proudly pointed out the Daihatsu-based
Ship) was captained by Robert Falcon Scott, who Romahome (demountable) in the main car park,
10 Grampian Transport – along with Ernest Shackleton – headed a small which he’d bought for himself less than a month
Museum’s collection team of specialists who went on expeditions to ago and was yet to go camping in!
includes the Outspan Antarctica. Captain Scott had another role around
Mini conversion this time, too – he was president of the Camping Doing time at Peterhead
Club (now the Camping and Caravanning Club). Peterhead Prison was built in 1888 and closed at
11 Inmate protests Despite the toughest of weather conditions the the end of 2013, opening as a museum just three
were common at ship had to endure, its restored condition today years later, with rooms set up to depict the living
Peterhead Prison… is testament to times when maritime build quality conditions in the cells, the hospital, the laundry,
was rated an absolute essential. the recreation areas, and the punishment room
12 … and prison staff The ship is moored at Discovery Point, by (where an A-frame supported prisoners while
wore protective gear the Dome Gallery, where you can go up to the the cat o’ nine tails was administered).
to deal with them top floor and view a brief history with images What also remains here is a sense of eeriness,
projected onto screens. At the end of the show, perhaps unsurprisingly for a place once called the
13 The Tartan Heart the screens roll up to reveal Dundee as it is today. Alcatraz of Scotland and the Hate Factory, widely
Festival makes a It makes for a dramatic introduction to the city. recognised as the toughest jail in the country.
peaceful contrast Just as spectacular is the Dundee V&A, where We had it easy. Easier than other visitors, even,
the free main exhibitions and all manner of other as we were fortunate enough to bump into Alex
14 RRS Discovery was side events are simply inspirational. Geddes, now in charge of the whole project,
built in Dundee’s Dundee also has its own Museum of Transport, whose father used to work here.
shipyards in 1900 but it is on the move (sorry) – to new premises Alex filled us in on the regular disruptions
at the former Maryfield Tram Depot. to orderly life in the prison, the many attacks
We didn’t have time to visit the museum, on inmates by other inmates, and the terrible
but later in the week, we did catch up with the story of Jackie Stuart, a prison officer who was
cars, bikes and more at the Grampian Transport taken hostage for five days by inmates during
Museum, just half an hour south of our final Peterhead’s notorious riot of 1987. They beat
campsite, Huntly Castle Caravan Park. him and paraded him on the roof, threatening

32 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL EASTERN SCOTLAND

11
TOUR ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO GO
Even in July, the peak season for touring in Scotland,
we found things pretty calm on the eastern side.

WAY TO GO
A day and a half’s driving (shared), with a stopover
at Durham Grange on our northbound opening
journey, set us up perfectly for the break.

WHERE WE STAYED
Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
caravanclub.co.uk
Open 15 March - 4 November (2024)
Pitches 77 Price £35.80 (one night)

Forfar Lochside Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

caravanclub.co.uk
Open 1 March – 4 November (2024)
Pitches 68 Price £76.20 (two nights)

Huntly Castle Caravan Park

huntlycastle.co.uk
Open 25 March – 27 October (2024)
Pitches 98 Price £37.90 (one night)

FIND OUT MORE

to set fire to him if he tried anything. Jackie was VisitScotland
eventually rescued by the SAS, not only surviving visitscotland.com
the ordeal but actually going back to work just six V&A Dundee
weeks later, then continuing to work there until vam.ac.uk/dundee
his retirement. He went on to be instrumental in 12 The Bach
setting up the museum, even hosting tours, right the-bach.com
up to the age of 93, before passing away in 2023. Discovery Point and
An amazing human being, for sure. Verdant Works Museum
But they were all dealing with the most dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk
hardened criminals. Daily life for the inmates Grampian Transport Museum
included hard labour at nearby Stirlinghill gtm.org.uk
Quarry, as well as helping to build Peterhead’s Peterhead Prison Museum
Harbour Refuge breakwater, a 70-year project peterheadprisonmuseum.com
that, ironically, also helped to protect the Tartan Heart Festival
prison from the ravages of the North Sea. tartanheartfestival.com
Our eastern tour of relative peace, tranquility
and adventure ended on a 14
musical high, because we’d 13
booked to go to a three-day
festival. They call it ‘Bella’
(because it takes place on
the Belladrum Estate at
Beauly, near Inverness),
but officially, it’s the Tartan
Heart Festival – three days of
rip-roaring music, mayhem
and more, deeply infused
with the Celtic spirit.
A story for another time,
perhaps, but it all went
to prove, not only does
Scotland do castles, golf
courses, museums and
more pretty well – it also
knows how to organise
a fabulous party!

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 33

 1
Bax Walker / Alamy Stock Photo

Kent’s historic cathedral city makes the perfect place of

pilgrimage for Susan Taylor on a quest for Christmas gifts

A CANTERBURY
2 3

34 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL CANTERBURY

M urder, mystery and mayhem aren’t words

you’d expect to find paired with mulled
wine, mince pies and merry-making.
Unless you happen to be in Canterbury during
December, as we found out.
We fancied mixing Christmas shopping with
some sightseeing, and will take any excuse for a
weekend away, so booked a stay at the Camping
& Caravanning Club Canterbury Site last winter.
Lying just outside the city, the site has plenty Duration
of trees and green space, giving it a relaxed feel, Four nights
welcome after a day in the bustling city centre.
There is also a small ‘nature reserve’ next door When
to the site, perfect for dog walking. December 2023
With Canterbury just a 30-minute stroll or a
short bus ride away, access was simple, and this Why?
small, interesting city, with plenty of history to To explore both city
explore, is easy to navigate on foot. and cathedral, and
A flourishing Roman town, it was abandoned shop for gifts at the
when the Romans left Britain. Then, in 597 AD, Christmas market!
the Pope dispatched St Augustine to re-establish
Christianity in southern England. He settled at
Canterbury, where he founded England’s first
cathedral – but more of that shortly.

History at every turn

The first full day of our stay began with a visit to
St Augustine’s Abbey, just outside the medieval
city walls. Like the cathedral and St Martin’s
church, the abbey has World Heritage status.
While sometimes overlooked as visitors head
to the cathedral, it is definitely worth a visit.
As well as the grounds and ruins of what was
once one of the grandest abbeys in Europe, it
houses St Augustine’s burial site and those of
several Saxon kings, along with remnants of the
palace built by Henry VIII following the abbey’s
dissolution in the 16th century. There’s a museum
and a gift shop here, too.
Later we headed onto the cobbled streets of the
city itself. There is history at every turn, from the
Tower – all that remains of St Mary Magdalen’s
Church – to the medieval Hospital of St Mary of

TALE
the Poor Priests, now home to The Marlowe Kit,
a project run by the Marlowe Theatre Company.
And of course, its most famous piece of history
– the great cathedral.

Becket and the Black Prince

The building we can see today isn’t the original
cathedral founded by St Augustine – that was
4 burned down shortly after the Norman invasion
of 1066 – but it is fantastically gothic. I found it 1 Canterbury makes
both beautiful and strangely haunting. a magical destination
The most enduring event in the long history of at Christmas time
England’s oldest cathedral has to be the murder
in 1170 of Archbishop Thomas Becket by four 2 Pitched up at the
knights, who thought they were acting on the Canterbury C&CC Site
orders of Henry II.
Following Becket’s martyrdom, people began 3 The campsite has
reporting miracles occurring around his tomb, plenty of space for
and it wasn’t long before pilgrims from all over dog walking
the world began to descend on Canterbury’s
cathedral. The site of his murder can be seen, 4 St Augustine’s
marked by a candle, but Becket’s shrine is long Abbey is a World
gone, having been destroyed on the orders of Heritage Site

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 35

 6

5 Canterbury Henry VIII. But there is plenty more to see around Stour Way, which follows the river for three
Cathedral, with the the cathedral, including the tombs of Edward the miles, emerging in Chartham. There are riverboat
War Horse sculpture Black Prince and his nephew Henry IV, and some tours on offer, most with guides, but we were
in the grounds fabulous medieval stained-glass windows. content to walk – although only part of the way,
In the cathedral grounds is a striking artwork, because there was still plenty of sightseeing to
6 The cathedral’s the War Horse, marking the centenary of the be done… and a mystery to ponder.
soaring interior and World War I Armistice and honouring the many
fan-vaulted ceiling horses that died during the conflict. An ancient murder mystery
More permanent features include the cloisters, Back in the city centre, we popped into the
7 The Old Weavers’ a medieval walkway with a vaulted ceiling and Roman Museum (dogs aren’t allowed, so we
House has an decorative carvings, and a medicinal herb garden. performed our usual tag team act) for a peek at
idyllic setting on In search of a scenic lunch spot, we headed for the Roman pavement (a Scheduled Monument),
the River Stour the river, passing The Old Weavers’ House on the its mosaics and the remains of a Roman house.
water’s edge (now a restaurant), and came across And found ourselves puzzling over a mystery.
8 The Mooring Café The Mooring Café & Bar, which backs onto During the 1970s, a dig inside the city walls
& Bar was the ideal the River Stour. After a thoroughly unearthed a grave containing two Roman
spot for lunch enjoyable lunch, we walked off 8 soldiers and their swords. Normally,
some of the homemade cake we burials were individual, outside the
had indulged in for dessert, with walls, and without weapons (which
a stroll along part of the Great were returned to be reused).
The conclusion being that this
7 was probably the site of murder
most foul – but without further
evidence, a mystery it remains.
Something else of a mystery
– to me at least – is how the city’s
famous Crooked House still stands.
Also known as Sir John Boys House, it was
aptly described by Charles Dickens, in his novel
David Copperfield, as “leaning forward, trying to
see who was passing”. Built in the 17th century,
it now houses the bookshop run by Catching
Lives, a charity supporting people in the area
who are homeless or insecurely housed. Most of
its visitors simply stop to wonder at its precarious
angle (caused, incidentally, by an internal
chimney slipping out of place many years ago).

36 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL CANTERBURY

Our wanderings also took us past the Marlowe 9 The Buttermarket

Theatre, a more modern structure. The exterior
10 is the perfect place
hosts a huge mask, known as Bulkhead, sculpted to start shopping
out of scrap metal from ships on the nearby coast.
But that, we decided, was enough exploration 10 Refreshments
for one day, so we caught the bus back to the provided by the
campsite to save our weary feet. A casserole Reindeer Bar at the
brought from home and a game of Uno preceded Christmas market
an early night – after all, there was plenty more
sightseeing to be done tomorrow. 11 Geoffrey Chaucer,
of Canterbury Tales
Marlowe and the markets fame, is honoured
The following morning, after the murder and by a statue depicting
mystery, we found the mayhem – in the form have The Canterbury Tales, in honour of which, him dressed to make
of the bustling Christmas market. Geoffrey Chaucer has a statue near the river. a pilgrimage
But first, we wanted to discover a bit more Rather incongruously among these literary
about the city itself, so we followed Marlowe’s giants, a childhood favourite of mine, Rupert
Canterbury Walk, a short trail commemorating Bear, also has Canterbury connections, we found
playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born out. Mary Caldwell, who created the lovable little
here, and revealing some local history. character for the Daily Express in 1920, came from
The route starts at St George’s Tower, all that a family who worked on the restoration of the
remains of the church where Marlowe’s parents stained-glass windows in the cathedral.
were married and he was baptised, in 1564. But now, the gift shopping could wait no
The church itself, and the house in which longer, so we returned to the Buttermarket
he was born, were destroyed in bombing to make a start. The streets surrounding
raids during World War II. the Christmas market were thronged with
It then takes you to the Buttermarket, shoppers, despite the cold. Food stalls
which includes the cathedral entrance were emitting a heady mixture of odours
and plenty of independent shops and – barbecue, spices and mulled wine – while
eateries along its cobbled streets. we worked our way around craft, local
Completing the trail, we discovered brewery and other stalls. Add to that the
that Marlowe wasn’t the only writer background music, which changed in tone
to have connections with Canterbury and volume from rock to Rudolph as we
– Charles Dickens spent time here, wandered! A bit of an onslaught to the senses,
and as mentioned earlier, used but in the most evocative, seasonal way.
the city as a setting in some of Later, having secured a couple of quirky
his novels. Of course, we also gifts, mulled wine was in order – purely
11
www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 37
12 13

12 Ro and Willow to warm us up, you understand. We chose to stop 14

taking in the view at a covered stall, where a singer was performing
along the Stour – excellent entertainment as we sipped.
But the aroma of all that food could no longer
13 Whitstable is much be ignored. Not my usual choice, but Ro was keen
less crowded during on a stall selling hotdogs (and more mulled wine!)
the winter… and I had to admit they did smell good, although
maybe it was the frying onions. Either way, even
14 … but it provides a Willow appreciated a few bites of sausage.
charming contrast We went in search of some respite from the
to the busy streets mayhem to enjoy our bounty, and soon found
of Canterbury ourselves beside the river once more. Here the air
felt fresher and the atmosphere more peaceful.
15 The Lady Luck
in Canterbury has A cheese shop, then a pub
a colourful rock Back into the fray after refuelling, we did a little
and roll interior more gift shopping and treated ourselves to a box
of luxury mince pies. We then wandered around
the independent shops on The King’s Mile, and
couldn’t resist popping into Paxton & Whitfield
cheesemonger’s for some supper supplies.
Then it was a question of where to stop for a
pint – well, we had begun our Christmas, after all
– a toss-up between The Three Tuns, built on the
site of a Roman theatre, the Parrot, reputedly the
oldest pub in Canterbury, or The Lady Luck. The
latter won out, thanks partly to its location, but
mostly to its colourful rock and roll décor.
Back at the campsite later on, we thoroughly
enjoyed our cheese and cracker supper, followed
by those luxury mince pies. No, I’m not too sure
that is usually such a great combination of dishes,
but it certainly worked for us!

38 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL CANTERBURY

‘Whitstable, just half TOUR ESSENTIALS

an hour away, was WHERE WE STAYED
perfect for blowing Canterbury Camping & Caravanning Club Site
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

away the cobwebs’ what3words diary.others.watch

Non-members are welcome, although the fee is
slightly higher than for members. It has a number
of hardstanding and grass pitches, a children’s play
area, dog-walking routes and a stone-baked pizza
van (check this will be on site during your visit as it
is not always present). There is a bus stop outside the
entrance, giving easy access to Canterbury’s centre.

WAY TO GO
From home in Buckinghamshire, we took the M40,
M25 and M20 to Kent, then the M2 and the A2 to
Canterbury and finally the A257 to the campsite,
a total journey time of just over two hours.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Mooring Café & Bar
www.canterburypunting.co.uk/
pages/the-mooring-cafe-bar
The Lady Luck
theladyluck.co.uk
Paxton & Whitfield
paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk
The Old Neptune
thepubonthebeach.co.uk
15
The following day, we fancied doing something FIND OUT MORE
different, away from the bustle of the city, so we Visit Kent
drove out to the coast. visitkent.co.uk
Whitstable, just half an hour away, was perfect Visit Canterbury
for blowing away the cobwebs. It was certainly canterbury.co.uk
blowy and blustery on the seafront and around St Augustine’s Abbey
the harbour. The fresh, salty smell of the sea english-heritage.org.uk
replaced that of burgers and candles. Free entry to members of
There is a small Christmas market here, but English Heritage; non-members’
it had taken place a week or so before our visit, entry fee includes informative audio
and the town was wonderfully peaceful. tour. Car park opposite if you are driving.
Canterbury Cathedral
Fish and chips in Whitstable canterbury-cathedral.org
Most of the oyster stalls and bars for which Entry tickets are valid for 12 months from the date
Whitstable is famous were closed for the winter, of purchase, so visitors can return as many times
but we were happy to take a stroll along the beach as they wish during the year.
to visit an old favourite for fish and chips. The Great Stour Way
The Old Neptune stands right on the beach, kentishstour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/
a short walk from town. It’s very bracing on a 2016/01/Great-Stour-Way-Guide-KSCP.pdf
cold winter day, but the views are well worth Leaflet includes points of interest and information
it, inevitably changing with the seasons, and about wildlife that can be spotted along the route.
I could happily sit there in any weather. Canterbury Roman Museum
After our meal, feeling reluctant to leave the canterburymuseums.co.uk/
sea just yet, we continued our blustery walk a bit canterbury-roman-museum
further, to Whitstable’s West Beach. However, Marlowe’s Canterbury Walk
it wasn’t long before our fingers and toes began explorekent.org/activities/christopher-
to succumb to the cold and we retreated, driving marlowe-canterbury-walk
back to our pitch for one final night. This 1.6-mile trail takes you around the city centre
So our trip mixing mulled wine and mince pies Canterbury Christmas Market
with murder and mystery was over. We returned canterburychristmasmarket.co.uk
home the next morning with gifts, mementos, Visit Whitstable
and most of all, lovely memories of a few days whitstable.co.uk
spent in a wonderful little city.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 39

 9 OF THE UK’S…

TOP MUSEUMS
The UK is home to a brilliant selection of vibrant, engaging museums!
Here’s our pick, plus great sites to stay at

O ne of many things the UK does

very well is museums, offering
everything from vast venues
packed with global treasures, to
outdoor living museums that offer
a taste of daily life in the past.
London is packed with options and
you can spend days walking around
all the best museums. But it’s worth
seeing what you can find in smaller
towns and cities, too.
Reading Museum, for example, is
home to Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry,
painstakingly stitched by Victorian
embroiderers, while Derby’s Museum
of Making is housed in what was the
world’s first modern factory.
Here are nine of the UK’s finest
museums, with a great open-all-year

Marcin Rogozinski/Alamy Stock Photo

campsite to stay at when you visit.

Natural History Museum

London, England
Arguably the best-known museum in the UK and open since 1881, the Natural History
Museum is well worth a trip to South Kensington to discover the history of life on Earth.
It’s a good idea to plan your ‘must-sees’ among the more than 80 million items in
the collection. There are four zones to help you navigate, depending on your interests,
from dinosaurs and mammals, to Earth’s geography and fossils.
Take time to marvel at the building itself; the terracotta facade (chosen to be resistant
to the Victorian smog) is covered with sculptures of creatures great and small. Before you
visit, check the special exhibitions and events, because these vary throughout the year.
Stay at… visitleevalley.org.uk/lee-valley-camping-and-caravan
Getty

Portsmouth Merseyside
Historic Dockyard Maritime Museum
Hampshire, England Liverpool, England
Located within Portsmouth Naval Base, this If you’re interested in the story of life at sea,
museum is home to some truly iconic ships, then don’t miss this museum’s interactive,
which you can explore inside and out. expansive look at maritime history from
Learn the story of Henry VIII’s ill-fated the perspective of the seafaring people of
Mary Rose, or step aboard HMS Warrior, the Liverpool and the ships that set sail from
steam-powered jewel of the Victorian Navy, the dockyard. There are plenty of exhibitions
and HMS Victory, which served as Nelson’s and interesting insights to explore here,
flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar. spread over four fascinating floors.
Alamy

Stay at… conciergecamping.co.uk Stay at… ladyheyespark.com

40 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 Black Country National
Living Museum Railway Museum
West Midlands, England North Yorkshire, England
This open-air museum might seem quite The National Railway Museum in York
familiar to fans of Peaky Blinders – some is currently undergoing a huge six-year
of the popular show was filmed here. transformation project, to turn it into an
The shops and streets have all been unrivalled global engineering attraction.
carefully reconstructed for an accurate The highlight of the museum has to be
insight into life in the Black Country from the Flying Scotsman, the world-famous
the 1850s to the 1960s. locomotive that was the first to achieve
Immerse yourself in the sights, smells 100mph and the first to haul a non-stop
and sounds of reimagined industrial London to Edinburgh service.
town life, including heritage vehicles, live However, there are also plenty of other
demonstrations, and a traditional pub. historic locomotives, memorabilia and
Stay at… hillandale.co.uk/our-parks/ interactive exhibitions to discover.
lickhill-manor-caravan-park Stay at… cherrytreecottagecs.co.uk

Titanic Belfast
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Although there are many cities with links
to the doomed liner, along with dedicated
exhibits, Titanic Belfast is right at the heart
Alamy

Getty

of the story, located where the ship was

designed, built and launched.
The building itself is striking, styled after

The British Museum the vessel’s design, and thoughtfully devised

exhibitions explore everything from the ship’s
London, England conception and construction, to its maiden
The British Museum is famous for being voyage and tragic end. From above, it forms
the first national public museum in the a star in reference to the White Star Line.
world, with displays covering all areas Stay at… antrimandnewtownabbey.
of human knowledge. campmanager.com/Jordanstown-
Alamy

The museum’s great collections include Loughshore-Park-18841/

Egyptian sculptures and African cultural
artefacts, items from the Roman Empire, National Museum
and objects embedded in the legends of
Greek mythology. There is an audio app of Scotland FIND OUT MORE
available, too, through which you can Lothian, Scotland
purchase a full or a themed tour. This important National Museum is the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Stay at… caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/ premier place to find out all about the historicdockyard.co.uk
england/south-east-england/london/ long history of Scotland.
abbey-wood-club-campsite In addition, it offers carefully curated Natural History Museum
exhibitions looking at other nations, nhm.ac.uk
cultures and the natural world.
There are more than 12 million items Merseyside Maritime Museum
in the collections, so it’s worth planning liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/
your visit in advance, especially around maritime-museum
the special exhibitions and events that
are held throughout the year. Black Country Living Museum
Stay at… meadowhead.co.uk/ bclm.com
Alamy

parks/mortonhall
The British Museum
britishmuseum.org
St Fagans National
Museum of History
National Railway Museum
railwaymuseum.org.uk
South Glamorgan, Wales
National Museum of Scotland
Wales is home to many great museums, but if you only have nms.ac.uk
time to visit one, make sure it’s St Fagans, based at St Fagans
Castle and Gardens, which you can also explore, near Cardiff. St Fagans National Museum
There are more than 40 original buildings to see, including museum.wales/stfagans
houses, a school, farms and a chapel. You can view galleries
dedicated to the history of Wales, and the working museum, Titanic Belfast
where you can enjoy demonstrations of traditional skills. titanicbelfast.com
Alamy

Stay at… llandowcaravanpark.com

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 41

 TRAVELLING
Duration
Seven nights
THROUGH TIME
Susan Taylor steps into the past on a trip to Hadrian’s Wall,
When unexpectedly encountering a Time Lord along the way…
September

Why?
A return visit to
Northumberland so
we could explore
L ook, there’s the Tardis,” exclaimed Ro,
“and a Dalek!” The pitch of his voice rose
at this discovery. Turning to look in the
direction of his gaze, fearing we had unwittingly
wandered into some sort of alternative universe,
of Classic Sci-Fi. The museum began life in the
cellar of a Georgian townhouse and today, boasts
a collection of more than 200 props and costumes
from the world of sci-fi film and television.
Allendale is also home to two friendly pubs,
Hadrian’s Wall, I must admit I was as surprised as him. in the shape of The Lion House and The Kings
which we missed A police box and a five-foot cyborg alien were Head. As we were visiting on a Sunday, we
out on last time! not the sort of thing I had expected to see on a couldn’t resist calling into The Kings Head
quiet street corner, but there they were. for a roast dinner after our wander
Mind you, I have become rather around the small town, and a short
accustomed to coming across the but pretty walk along the River East
unusual and the unexpected as we Allen. You can hike all the way to
wander around Britain’s towns the next village, Catton, a round
and villages – it’s just one of trip of about six miles, if you’re
the many fun things about feeling a bit more energetic.
any touring holiday. Allendale is also the start of Isaac’s
The town in question today Tea Trail, a 36-mile circular walk to
was Allendale, in the heart Alston (England’s highest market
of Northumberland, and the town) and back, named for tea seller
Dr Who characters were the Isaac Holden, who became a famous
responsibility of The Museum 2 local figure in the early 19th century.

42 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL NORTHUMBERLAND

3 4 1 Sections of the Wall

remain in dramatic
countryside, seen
here at Housesteads
Roman Fort

2 Exterminate! The
Dr Who props are
part of the huge
collection housed
by The Museum
of Classic Sci-Fi
Here was yet another example of the quirky 5
finds I seem to happen upon in my meanderings! 3 A good choice
Allendale is around a 30-minute drive from of refreshments
Hadrian’s Wall Campsite, which was to be our in Allendale, at
base for the week. Last summer, we visited the The Kings Head
Northumbrian coast and inexplicably managed or The Lion House
to miss seeing Hadrian’s Wall, an omission that
we were keen to put right on this tour. 4 Pitched up at
The campsite is a 20-minute walk from the Hadrian’s Wall
Wall and a 10-minute drive from Haltwhistle, Campsite
where there is a train station and a bus stop,
as well as shops, pubs and restaurants. 5 Sue at Birdoswald
them owned and managed by English Heritage, Roman Fort, admiring
Exploring along the Wall so entry is free to members), and we started our the skills of Emperor
After spending our first evening on site relaxing own explorations at Birdoswald Roman Fort. Hadrian’s builders
with a home-cooked meal and enjoying the We drove there, as a three-hour walk each way
magnificent starry skies from the comfort of is a tad too far for us these days. Birdoswald has
our pitch (this is a designated Dark Sky location, an interesting Visitor Centre Museum, discussing
perfect for stargazing), we were keen to explore. the history of the region, along with hands-on
We decided not to bother with a cooked activities, including the opportunity to build your
breakfast, so we set out bright and early. own miniature stretch of Wall, and peer through
There are several places where visitors can a periscope to glimpse the view Roman look-outs
begin to discover the historic Wall (most of would have had from the top of the Wall.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 43

 6

On the way back to the campsite, we stopped at

Haltwhistle, an interesting little town with a long
Hadrian’s Wall was 73 miles long, extending history – not surprising, given its proximity to the
from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Wall – which claims to be the geographical centre
Bowness-on-Solway in the west. It took about of Britain. If you’re looking for something slightly
six years to build, and was manned by a garrison unusual, there is a small museum here dedicated
of around 10,000 men. This represented the to clocks and watches. It goes by the charming
northernmost limit of the Roman Empire. name of Mr George’s Museum of Time.
After wandering around and stocking up on
6 Ro and Willow Following in ancient footsteps provisions, we treated ourselves to a quick drink
keeping watch After learning more about the Wall, and Emperor at Haltwhistle’s oldest hostelry, The Black Bull
at Birdoswald Hadrian himself, we strolled around the remains (non-alcoholic for Ro, the designated driver).
Roman Fort of the fort – it was amazing to think that I was Talking of the unusual, such is the age of the
standing on ground once patrolled by a legion of building that the pub’s ale lines run through the
7 There’s a warm Roman soldiers, at a fort dating back to 122 AD. local graveyard – hopefully only carrying ale and
welcome at The As we had skipped breakfast that morning, we not bringing any wayward spirits indoors!
Allenheads Inn, but stopped for a sandwich at the café before walking Then it was time to head for home, cook up
check the opening to the milecastle. One of these small guardposts a chicken stir fry and salad (courtesy of Billy
hours before you go or fortlets was built to mark every Roman mile Bell’s in Haltwhistle), and enjoy another relaxing
along the length of the Wall, guarding gates and evening in. Sadly, though, we had cloudy skies,
8 Hadrian’s Wall controlling the passage of people and goods. so not much opportunity for stargazing.
at Housesteads We followed the Wall for a while, imagining Next day we took that drive out to Allendale.
Roman Fort those Roman soldiers watching for marauders. Wanting to walk off some of our Sunday roast

‘We, though, were

RƈRQDZDONDORQJ
WKH:DOOIROORZLQJ
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DFURVVWKHODQGVFDSH
to Sycamore Gap’

44 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL NORTHUMBERLAND

9 10

and give our dog, Willow, the opportunity for

some walking and sniffing, we moved on to
Allenheads, just 15 minutes away, after our meal.
Here there is an excellent pub, the Allenheads
Inn (check its opening times if you fancy calling
in), The Hemmel Café and arts and craft centre,
a preserved Armstrong Hydraulic Engine, and
a couple of good walking routes. The area is rich
in industrial history, mostly lead-mining, and
we found ourselves following old quarry paths
down to the River Allen. toilet I have ever seen (what was I saying about 9 Milecastle 37 is
Roast walked off and wildlife sniffed out, it was the quirky and unusual?). The museum houses just one of many
time for home and a supper of cheese and biscuits a collection of Roman artefacts discovered at the examples of the
before an early night after all that fresh air. site, including jewellery and weapons, and there Romans’ superb
is plenty of fun to be had for youngsters, who can skills in building
More Roman history dress up and play at being Romans or run off some and engineering
Keen to explore further afield next day, we drove energy on the grass outside.
out in the opposite direction from Birdoswald, to We, though, were off on a walk along the Wall, 10 Sycamore Gap,
Housesteads Roman Fort, with the visitor centre following the undulating terrain up and down now sadly only a
just five minutes away by vehicle. across the landscape to Sycamore Gap. stump remains of
Our first stop was a look at the most complete Despite the absence of the famous sycamore the iconic tree
Roman fort in Britain, the Commander’s House, tree itself, this is still a popular two-mile walk
the barracks and probably the oldest communal each way, along a partly grass, partly stone path
trail, which is a little steep in places.

Minding the gap

I have to say the new, starker gap in the landscape
felt rather soulful and melancholy. But the views
remain superb. There are places to sit and enjoy
a picnic, or as we did, simply take in the glorious
countryside, perhaps contemplating the huge
engineering feat that is Hadrian’s Wall.
How those ingenious Romans got all the stones
here, the manpower and sheer physicality that
must have been involved, not to mention how
others removed many of those stones when the
Romans left, is simply mind-boggling.
If you don’t fancy the walk, Sycamore Gap can
also be reached via a shorter trail, from Steel Rigg
car park or The Sill: National Landscape Discovery
Centre (where you can buy a one-day pass that
will get you into other car parks along the Wall).
I’m told it’s around a 30-minute walk from The
Sill to where the tree once stood, although it does
involve crossing the B6318. We didn’t visit The Sill
this time, but it looks like a great place to spend a
couple of hours, especially if you have children.
Returning to our ’van, we still had plenty of
time, so we decided to venture a little further
afield to Carrawburgh Roman Fort and Temple
of Mithras, one of the lesser-known sites along
the Wall. As the cult of Mithras placed emphasis
on valour, honour and military prowess, it is

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 45

 11 Carrawburgh 11
Temple of Mithras
offered spiritual
guidance for the
Roman soldiers…

12 … and for Willow, it

was a perfect spot to
view the countryside

13 Stretching for
84 miles, the
Hadrian’s Wall Path
is well signposted

14 Dating all the way

back to 674 AD,
Hexham Abbey is
another major
religious centre

15 The tombstone
of Flavinus is one of
the Abbey’s many
historic artefacts

16 Behave yourself
in Hexham, or you
might find yourself
in gaol (left)!

17 The visitor centre at

Birdoswald Roman
Fort explains how perhaps no surprise to find that a Roman standard-bearer, which
the Romans lived the three temples here were built dates back to the first century.
entirely by Roman soldiers. A short, narrow staircase leads
The site itself, with its replica down to the crypt, a fascinating
altar and statues, is free to wander 12 piece of history well worth seeing
around, although there is a small charge if you can manage the steps.
for the car park (again, the ticket can also
be used at other car parks along the Wall). Off to the gaolhouse
A short walk takes you to the site of the For yet more fascinating local history, Hexham
Carrawburgh Fort, known to the Romans as Old Gaol also warrants a visit. England’s oldest
Brocolitia, where nothing much remains today purpose-built prison, it was constructed in 1333,
other than the outlines of the earthworks. using stone taken from the nearby Corbridge
Roman-era settlement.
Hexham Abbey’s long history There is plenty here to occupy youngsters, too
Back at the ’van later on, we didn’t fancy having – perhaps they’ll brave a spell in the stocks? You
to cook dinner, so we took another walk – the can get an idea of the cold, damp conditions the
incentive this time being a meal at the Milecastle prisoners endured in medieval times, when many
Inn, just up the road from the campsite. of them starved as they couldn’t afford to pay for
13 The largest town in the area is Hexham, and we their food – nothing was free in this gaol.
decided that this fine old market town definitely Looking for our own meal later on, we were
deserved a visit; so on our last full day, we spent spoilt for choice for dog-friendly eateries, opting
a couple of hours wandering its streets and shops, for The Heart of Northumberland, an excellent
as well as exploring the Abbey and the Old Gaol. pub where we sampled tomato soup with stottie
Originally built in 674 AD, the (a local delicacy, rather like sourdough), followed
Abbey reached its heyday by that other local delicacy, Northumberland
from the 12th century. sausage with bubble and squeak – all washed
Today, it is staffed by down with ale from the Allendale Brewery.
friendly individuals who Our visit to Hadrian’s Wall was almost over, and
are happy to have a chat we were happy to have finally righted the wrong
and answer any questions. of missing the Wall last year. Mind you, there is
The Big Story, a highly entertaining interactive plenty more of it to explore and I foresee another
display, also has the full run-down of its history, trip to the area in the near future – who knows
including the 9ft-high memorial to Flavinus, what other quirky and unusual finds await us?

46 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL NORTHUMBERLAND

TOUR ESSENTIALS
WHERE WE STAYED
Hadrian’s Wall Campsite
hadrianswallcampsite.co.uk
what3words chills.tracking.daunted
A friendly site with great views of the surrounding
countryside. It is in the heart of Dark Sky country, the
perfect spot for stargazing from your pitch on a clear
night. The Hadrian’s Wall bus service (AD122 ) stops
at the end of the lane, a short stroll from the site.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Lion House
what3words disposal.runners.extremely
The Kings Head
kingsheadpuballendale.co.uk
The Black Bull
theblackbullhaltwhistle.co.uk
The Allenheads Inn
allenheadsinn.co.uk
Milecastle Inn
milecastle-inn.co.uk
The Heart of Northumberland
thehearthexham.com

FIND OUT MORE

Visit Northumberland
visitnorthumberland.com
Hadrian’s Wall
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall
14 15 The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi
museumofclassicsci-fi.com
Isaac’s Tea Trail
isaacs-tea-trail.co.uk

17

Birdoswald Roman Fort

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/
birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall
Visit Haltwhistle
visithaltwhistle.com
16 Housesteads Roman Fort
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/
housesteads-roman-fort-hadrians-wall
Sycamore Gap
northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
Carrawburgh Roman Fort and Temple of Mithras
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/temple-
of-mithras-carrawburgh-hadrians-wall
Visit Hexham
visithexham.net
Hexham Abbey
hexhamabbey.org.uk
Hexham Old Gaol
museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 47

 Duration
11 days

When
Summer 2024

Why?
Exploring fabulous
Continuing his
scenery among the European tour,
mountains and lakes
David Dowling’s
interest is piqued
by the high life
in Switzerland

A fter leaving Germany and

traversing western Austria
(Practical Motorhome issue
291), we crossed the border
into Liechtenstein, which
Landlocked between Austria and
Switzerland, at only around four
miles wide by 15 miles long, this is
Europe’s fourth smallest country.
Also of note is that their national
serves as the customs control anthem has the same tune as ours,
for Switzerland. The main and in 1984 it was the last European
function of which appears to be
2 country to give women the vote.
to collect the motorway toll fees. Liechtenstein has a population of 40,000
The currency, of course, is the Swiss and yet is one of the richest countries in the
franc (CHF), and for ease of arithmetic, world per capita – and is also debt-free!
we treated it like spending euros, although Outside the national football stadium in the
it’s actually worth marginally more. capital, Vaduz, the car park allows overnight
You take all your documentation into the office parking at a cost of CHF 15.00 (£13.34). There’s
and pay the appropriate amount, which in our case no hook-up, but there are toilets. The following
was CHF 32.50 (£29) for a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes morning, we explored the small city centre,
1 Paragliding is to cover the 10 days we planned to spend there. overlooked by the beautiful 12th-century Vaduz
a popular sport It is possible to complete this process online Castle, built into the hillside 120m above.
at Interlaken to save time, but we hadn’t been sure of our
dates, so we chose to deal with it at the border. Klosters and Davos
2 Vaduz Castle looms We hadn’t visited Liechtenstein before, so And then it was on to magnificent Switzerland.
over Liechtenstein’s we took the opportunity to spend a night there, It’s a country that has long been on our bucket
historic capital city to see the country and learn a little about it. list, and we were very keen to enjoy its natural

48 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL SWITZERLAND

Today, Davos is one of the most important

Swiss resorts, but it is perhaps best known for
hosting the movers and shakers at the annual
World Economic Forum.
For our visit, Davos Dorf Stellplatz, on the
southern outskirts of the town, proved a suitable
stop. It has 25 pitches, about half of which are
6m long, so only suitable for campervans.
The rest are larger, though, and despite it being
only mid-afternoon, we were lucky to get the last 3 Archetypal Swiss
3 available pitch for our Carthago-liner-for-two. architecture can
It was very much first come, first served. But it be seen everywhere
beauty, Alpine ski resorts, medieval villages and had toilets and showers, and a snack van, where in elegant Klosters
cosmopolitan cities. By early afternoon, we were we went to pay our fee of CHF 43.80 (£39).
on our way to visit the chic ski resort of Klosters, 4 Views from the
where we were able to park. Views across the lake mountain road
We thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the The view from our pitch was gorgeous, looking between Davos
town, which although small, has many beautiful across Lake Davos, where we could watch people and Klosters
buildings in traditional Swiss style, many of them taking part in various watersports.
now used as hotels. However, with no campsite We spotted a large café on the other side of the 5 The Stellplatz
or Stellplatz in the vicinity, we moved on towards lake – a pleasant half-hour walk by the water – at Davos offered
the larger town of Davos. Together, the two towns where I enjoyed a local beer, while Sharon chose a stunning view
share a ski pass region totalling some 199 miles. the cocktail of the day, a Davos Thunder! over the lake

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 49

 6 Lucerne’s Chapel We would happily have stayed a few days in
Bridge is the oldest this beautiful location, but there was so much
wooden bridge more of the country we wanted to experience,
in Europe so next morning, we were up and on the move.
We wanted to spend the weekend in Lucerne
7 Restaurant Fritschi and had found a campsite that looked ideal,
is one of the most on the outskirts of the town. We tried booking
ornate buildings online, but the minimum reservation was seven
in Lucerne’s nights. We decided to go anyway and see if they
Central Square would accept a two-night booking in person,
which proved to be the case.
8 Sharon and Although the direct route is around 110 miles,
the dogs cross the we made a slightly longer, four-hour journey,
footbridge to Bern… taking in some stunning scenery.

9 … where the Lovely Lucerne

famous Warrior Bear We checked into Camping Lido in Lucerne,
stands guard at the paying CHF 132.40 for our weekend stay (almost
Zähringer Fountain… £60 per night). The pitches were smaller than
we are used to in the UK, but that’s fine –
10 … and visitors can so long as you remember it’s 10A electric.
stroll around the The toilets and showers were clean and you 7
beautiful city centre could pre-order bread for the following day at
the small on-site shop. Our site fee also included of goods, including handicrafts, locally produced
free local bus travel, but next morning, we chose food and vintage gems. The squares of Weinmarkt
to make the half-hour walk to the market along and Kapellplatz are two of the hotspots. Near one
the edge of the lake, which was simply beautiful. of these, we visited a chocolate shop.
We loved all of Switzerland, but if we had to pick I went inside, while Sharon waited outside
a favourite, it would definitely be Lucerne. with our dogs. The woman serving in the shop
This is central Switzerland’s largest city, spotted her, and realising Sharon was our head of
on the western shores of Lake Lucerne. purchasing, took a tray of samples outside for her
The symbol of the city is the Chapel to try. This clever sales tactic worked – we ended
Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge up spending much more than we intended!
in Europe. Dating back to the 14th Next day, we were on the move again, planning
century, this covered footbridge to visit Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Zurich
spanning the River Reuss at an
angle formed part of the city’s
earliest fortifications.
Beyond this is the Old ‘The symbol of the city
Town, where cobbled
streets house shops, is the Chapel Bridge,
restaurants and cafés.
The Saturday market the oldest wooden
had a dazzling array
bridge in Europe’

50 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL SWITZERLAND

8 10
is best known as a centre for banking and finance, time in Zurich, we loved Bern. First, we found
but it also has many fine museums and galleries. Camping Eichholz, on the outskirts of the south
We would have liked to visit the Old Town, but side of the city, where we stayed for the night
parking our large vehicle proved problematic. before exploring the area the following day.
Our pitch cost us CHF 48.00 (£42.71) and we were
Switzerland’s capital shoehorned between two other motorhomes. The
We managed to park in one of the commercial site was fine, though, bordering a riverside park
areas, but it was more chainstores than local with a restaurant serving food all day.
shops – another clue was the advert promoting A 30-minute walk beside the scenic River
Bitcoin! We knew it was definitely upmarket Aare brings you into the city centre. According
when we spotted a secondhand clothes shop to legend, the city was named in 1191 by Duke
called Vintage Couture. Zurich is perhaps better Berthold V of Zähringen, who decided to name
for a city break than a day trip in a motorhome. the new settlement after the first animal killed
So it was onwards to Switzerland’s capital city, on his next hunt – which was a bear. The place
Bern. If we were a touch underwhelmed by our was duly named Bern. There are several bear

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 51

 11 12

13

11 The Reichenbach statues in the city, which became the country’s We were offered an upgrade to a larger pitch,
Falls are famous capital in 1848. Buildings in the centre have fine there was an on-site restaurant, and bread
for their Sherlock arcades, within which are the shopping areas. could be ordered for the following day. It was
Holmes connection Inscribed in stone on the Federal Palace is expensive, though, especially compared with
the Latin title Curia Confoederationis Helveticae what we are used to in the UK, at CHF 250.40,
12 David shares some (Parliament Building of Switzerland). Hence the which equates to about £75 per night.
theories with the letters ‘CH’ denoting the origin of Swiss vehicles. Interlaken is a traditional resort in the central
famous detective! mountainous region, built on a narrow stretch
Elementary, my dear… of valley between the emerald waters of Lakes
13 A spacious pitch at Leaving Bern, we travelled south-east along the Thun and Brienz, where you can find numerous
Camping Alpenblick shores of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, a stunning scenic hiking trails and ski runs.
drive. We were heading for Meiringen, which Our time in Switzerland was nearing its end,
14 Piz Gloria, the has become a place of pilgrimage for fans of the but before departing we planned a grand finale.
rotating restaurant famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Top of our bucket list was to have lunch at the
featured in a 1969 This is because it is close to the Reichenbach 360-degree revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, at
James Bond film Falls, chosen by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the the summit of the Schilthorn. Four separate cable
scene of Holmes’ death struggle with arch-enemy cars were required to take us up 2970m to the
15 Lunch at Piz Gloria Professor Moriarty on 4 May 1891. mountaintop. The tickets aren’t cheap, but the
was on David and Before visiting the Falls, we went into the town price includes an excellent lunch.
Sharon’s bucket list to see the museum, which has a replica of the The Schilthorn became famous after much of
drawing room at 221B Baker Street. Just outside the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
16 It takes four cable is a statue of Holmes in suitably contemplative was filmed there. The restaurant served as the
cars to get to the top mood, where you can sit for a selfie! mountain lair of the villain Blofeld, played by
of the Schilthorn… Afterwards, we took the funicular to the top Telly Savalas. The viewing deck was the helipad.
of the Reichenbach Falls. We had tremendous One level below, there is a Bond exhibition,
17 … where the views views of the cascading water and the town. displaying many original items from the film.
are spectacular We’d been travelling through Switzerland at All too soon, our Swiss trip was over and the
quite a pace and wanted a break with a slightly following day, we travelled west towards Geneva.
18 By the riverside longer stopover. We found Camping Alpenblick Then unfortunately, we had a vehicle breakdown
at Camping Eichholz in beautiful Interlaken, at the other end of Lake before crossing the French border.
Brienz. The site was in a great spot, near the town, The AdBlue injectors failed and after several
and provided free bus travel with the pitch fee. warning lights appeared, we found a Fiat garage

52 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL SWITZERLAND

14

15 16

near the town of Sion. Although it was a Friday

afternoon, they managed to get the part couriered
in overnight. At 7am next morning, a mechanic
TOUR ESSENTIALS
appeared to fit the replacement part. Amazing
service and not for the first time, we were glad WHERE WE STAYED
to have taken out our breakdown cover, which Davos Dorf Stellplatz Bahnhofstrasse 7260, Davos
paid out promptly on our return. wohnmobilland-schweiz.ch Price CHF 43.80
One final postscript is that thanks to Sharon Camping Lido Luzern Lidostrasse 19, CH-6006, Lucerne
being on the ball, she remembered we had paid camping-international.ch/luzern/en Price CHF 66.20
the motorway toll for 10 days, but because of the Camping Eichholz Strandweg 45, 3084 Koeniz, Bern
breakdown that needed to be extended to 11. campingeichholz.ch Price CHF 48.00
She paid for the extra day online, thus avoiding Camping Alpenblick Seestrasse 130, 3800 Unterseen
the fine we would otherwise have been hit with. camping-alpenblick.ch Price CHF 83.50 (Jumbo Pitch)
We carried on west and crossed the border into
France at Geneva, with many happy memories ATTRACTIONS
of Switzerland to take home with us. Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
luzern.com/en/the-city/sights/top-sights
17 Sherlock Holmes Museum
Kreuzgasse 4, 3860 Meiringen
sherlockholmes.ch 18
Price CHF 8.00 per person
Reichenbach Falls Funicular
grimselwelt.ch/en/railways
Price CHF 12.00 per person
(return) plus CHF 8.00 per dog
Schilthorn Cable Car
schilthorn.ch
Price CHF 131.00 per person (inc
lunch). Dogs go free and restaurant
is dog-friendly. We also paid an
additional CHF 11.60 for parking

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 53

 TOP GOLF COURSES

A FAIRWAY TO GO
Fancy going clubbing? Here’s our round-up of world-class golf courses
(with a few budget-conscious options), and a top site to stay at. Fore!

1 2

Getty
Getty

3
Alamy

1 Royal Portrush (Dunluce) 2 St Andrews Old Course 3 Freshwater Bay

Co Antrim, Northern Ireland Fife, Scotland Isle of Wight
Dunluce Road, Portrush BT56 8JQ West Sands, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9XL Afton Down, Freshwater Bay,
royalportrushgolfclub.com standrews.com Isle of Wight PO40 9TZ
Green fees £340 Green fees £160 (November to March), freshwaterbaygolfclub.co.uk
£340 (April to October) Green fees £48
Scene of the 2019 Open Championship
and set to host the event again in 2025, The Old Course is the spiritual home of golf, While the bunkerless first at Freshwater
Dunluce is undoubtedly one of the best the place where the game was first played Bay on the Isle of Wight is not the most
golf courses you’ll find anywhere. some 600 years ago. memorable hole on this beautifully sited
It’s a pricey treat, but it was designed This is the most famous course in the course, it still has plenty going for it.
by the legendary Harry Colt, among the world and right at the top of most golfers’ The views from the green are delightful,
greatest golf course architects of all time, bucket lists. With bunkers hiding away in setting the scene for a round blessed with
and offers visitors the chance to play one unexpected places and greens to confound fabulous panoramas all the way.
of the most challenging links courses in the the first-time visitor, there are two short The chalk downland helps with drainage,
world. The fifth is a spectacular par four, holes and two par fives. keeping the course in super condition, and
where you drive from an elevated tee down Beware of the bunkers on the 12th, the as the land is on a Site of Special Scientific
to the fairway before turning right towards Coffins bunkers on the 13th, and the Valley Interest, it’s home to rare species of flora
the cliff edge and the ocean. The final par of Sin on the 18th. You’ll have to enter a and fauna. The seventh hole is somewhat
three is a classic, the super-tough 16th, ballot to play the Old Course, but there unusual, with the fairway running near
known as Calamity Corner. are six other links courses on site. two Bronze Age burial mounds.

Stay at Ballymacrea Touring Caravan Park Stay at St Andrews Holiday Park Stay at Stoats Farm
Open April to September Open March to October Open March to October
ballymacreacaravanpark.com abbeyford.com stoatsfarm.com

54 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TRAVEL SPECIAL TOP GOLF COURSES

4 5 6

Paul Critcher
Alamy
4 Chapel-en-le-Frith 5 Royal Birkdale 6 Seaford Head
Peak District Southport East Sussex
The Cockyard, Manchester Road, Waterloo Road, Southport PR8 2LX Southdown Road, Seaford,
Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 9UH royalbirkdale.com East Sussex BN25 4JS
chapelgolf.co.uk Green fees £370 seafordheadgolfcourse.co.uk
Green fees £25 (winter), £30 (summer) Green fees £33
Originally designed in the late 1890s by
Visitors to the Peak District looking for George Lowe, this pre-eminent links was Golfers looking for a budget-friendlier
an enjoyable round between their hikes further developed by Hawtree and Taylor round than you’ll find at some of the more
in the hills would do well to check out into a magnificent test in the 1920s. celebrated venues listed here could do
this 18-hole par 72 course, which is kept Since 1954, the course has hosted worse than visiting the dramatic course
in beautiful condition. no fewer than 10 Open Championships, at Seaford Head, which traverses the
The course was originally nine holes, with a stellar roll call of victors. rolling downland.
but in the 1970s, celebrated golf architects The design ethos is for holes to run Laid out in 1887, the course is superbly
Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas added another between the dunes rather than over them, positioned on the Sussex Downs near the
nine. The resulting course is an excellent resulting in an honest test that receives cliffs at Seaford. The 13th, 14th and 15th
challenge, with four par fives, the most universal praise. The four par threes are holes have wonderful views towards the
difficult being the 531-yard first. all strong and engaging, with perhaps the Seven Sisters. The course is short, but
Other notable holes include the 12th, standout being the 12th, which plays to a challenging, and is well maintained.
where a 90-degree dogleg requires careful steep-fronted green set in an amphitheatre Teeing off at the 18th hole is a special
club selection and there’s a somewhat tricky of dunes. It’s another pricey round of golf, treat, with the fairway some 150ft below.
approach to the green over a stream. but it’s a sublime and endlessly varied There’s a good restaurant on site, too,
links, one of the best courses in England. which is appropriately named The View.
Stay at Hayfield Camping
and Caravanning Club Site Stay at Southport CAMC Campsite Stay at Buckle Holiday Park
Open April to October Open All year Open March to October
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk caravanclub.co.uk buckleholidaypark.co.uk

7 7 Nairn Golf Club

Highlands, Scotland
Seabank Road, Nairn IV12 4HB
nairngolfclub.co.uk
Green fees £50 (December to February),
£230 (May to September)

This beautiful links course, lying right on

the Moray Firth, is always kept in excellent
condition. It’s an out-and-back layout
with the sea visible at every hole.
Recent improvements to the course
by architect Tom Mackenzie have greatly
enhanced the offering. The front nine forges
out along the Moray Firth, an exacting start
when playing into the wind.
The course then turns at the eighth and
heads slightly inland for the back nine.
It delivers some interesting holes and
an unexpected change in elevation up to
the 13th green. In summer, the fairways
are fast-running and covered in humps
and hollows. The greens are famously
true and can become perplexingly pacy.

Stay at Nairn Camping and

Caravanning Club Site
Open May to September
Alamy

campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 55

 TRAVEL SPECIAL TOP GOLF COURSES

8 9 10

Crown Copyright
Getty

Getty
8 Saunton (West) 9/LƔOHKDPSWRQ 10 Milford Haven
Devon West Sussex Pembrokeshire, Wales
Braunton, Devon EX33 1LG 170 Rope Walk, Riverside West, Woodbine House, Clay Lane, Hubberston,
sauntongolf.co.uk Littlehampton BN17 5DL Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3RX
Green fees £100 (November to March), littlehamptongolf.co.uk mhgc.co.uk
£150 (May to September) Green fees £60-£70 Green fees £20 (November to March),
£35 (April to October)
There are two championship-quality links There aren’t that many golf links along
courses available at this beautiful seaside England’s south coast, but one exception Wales is perhaps not as celebrated a golf
club in the heart of North Devon – the is this easy-walking course. JH Taylor’s destination as other parts of the UK, but
West and the East courses. collaboration with FG Hawtree saw the layout it still has its fair share of good courses,
For many golfers, the West is the more expanded and upgraded into today’s full 18, including this lovely and reasonably priced
forgiving, as well as the more varied and creating a haven of free-draining golf with par 70 parkland course with fine views over
more entertaining of the two. a snaking stream that comes into play on the Cleddau Estuary (pictured above).
We like the exacting par three at the a number of holes. At 350 yards long, the 18th, known as
fourth, where accuracy is key. The back nine We like the fourth, the longest hole on the Fountain View hole, is a difficult par
is particularly full of variety, as it features the course, with several bunkers to avoid on four with a large pond to negotiate. The
three of each par. The par five on the 10th the right. The club is next to the West Beach short sixth, or Badgers hole, is a devious
hole is fun, but with all those bunkers can Local Nature Reserve on the west side of the par three, designed to test club selection.
be a little tricky – just keep out of the sand! mouth of the River Arun, and parts of it are You tee off from an elevated position and
That’s advice you would also do well to within the Climping Beach Site of Special then have to avoid a deep valley in front of
follow when you make your approach to Scientific Interest. the green, as well as bunkers and areas of
the demanding 15th. rough – good luck!
Stay at Littlehampton Caravan
Stay at Lobb Fields and Motorhome Club Site Stay at Sandy Haven Campsite
Open March to November Open March to January Open April to September
lobbfields.com caravanclub.co.uk sandyhavencampingpark.co.uk

11 11 Silvermere Golf Club 12 Seahouses Golf Club

Surrey Northumberland
Redhill Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1EF Beadnell Road, Seahouses NE68 7XT
silvermere-golf.co.uk seahousesgolf.co.uk
Green fees From £42 (May to September) Green fees From £20 (November to March)

There’s plenty of golf club choice in leafy This splendid course is superbly positioned
Surrey, but the courses tend to be on the on the east coast of Northumberland, with
expensive side, with many clubs limiting stunning views out to sea.
access to private members. The village of Seahouses is just to the north
The complex at Silvermere, however, and Bamburgh Castle (where there’s another
welcomes visiting golfers and has much great course, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club)
to enjoy, including a lakeside restaurant, is only a short drive away.
a golf store and a two-tier driving range. The Seahouses course was originally
12 It’s within easy reach of the M25 and laid out as a nine-hole course in 1913
RHS Wisley and is good value. and upgraded to 18 holes in 1976.
Designed by Neil Coles and Brian Huggett, It’s especially well known for its perilous
the course opened in 1976 and is known for par threes, of which there are six. But a
its tight fairways and great views. The lake pair of short par fives provide some birdie
dominates, with the par four 18th offering opportunities. This is the east coast, so you
a spectacular end to the round as players will need to take the ever-present wind into
shoot across the water while spectators account, pack plenty of clubs and shoot as
watch from the terrace. straight as an arrow.

Stay at Horsley Camping Stay at Beadnell Bay Camping

and Caravanning Club Site and Caravanning Club Site (pictured left)
Open April to December Open April to October
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

56 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

WHO WILL COME
OUT ON TOP?
Don’t miss the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025

I
t’s time for our fantastic Practical Motorhome Awards once
again – each year, we identify the very best motorhomes,
campervans and accessories available on the market.
Our aim is to help you make the absolute most of your money,
no matter what you’re planning to purchase, whether that’s a £3

AWARDS
bottle of specialist cleaning products or a £120,000 motorhome.
All of our shortlisted motorhomes and campervans are new or
have been substantially revised for the 2025 season.
Our expert team – who also form our panel of awards judges –

2025
have decades of motorhome experience under their collective
belts: from the biggest A-class motorhome to the most compact
campervan, from the smallest, cheapest gadget to the most
innovative awning, we have tested them all over the years.
You can join our expert team online at www.practicalmotorhome.
com/awards from 2-8 December 2024 to find out who’s won this
year’s accolades; you’ll also be able to read our full round-up in
an upcoming issue of Practical Motorhome.

CATEGORIES INCLUDE…
Best 2-Berth Motorhome Best Budget Motorhome Accessories
Best 4-Berth Motorhome Best Luxury Motorhome Best Motorhome Gadget
Best Motorhome under 6m Best Small Campervan Best Motorhome Accessory
Best Motorhome under 7m Best Budget Campervan
Best Low-profile Motorhome Best Luxury Campervan Special Award
Best A-class Motorhome Best Campervan Best Green Initiative
Best Motorhome for Everyday Use in Motorhoming
for Full-Time Living Best VW Campervan
Best Motorhome for Couples
Best Motorhome for Families
Best Motorhome
HOW OUR AWARDS ARE JUDGED
When deciding on our awards categories, we’ve focused on the
for Innovation things that matter to every motorhomer – that’s why we include everyda
y
touring items such as accessories and gadgets, as well as the best new
motorhomes and campervans for the upcoming season.
Final categories subject to change
For our Best New Motorhome & Campervan categories, models must
be new or substantially revised for the upcoming season to be in with
a chance of winning one of our prestigious awards.
Once the shortlists are drawn up, our expert judges score every entry
and compare notes, until our worthy winners are decided.

www.practicalmotorhome.com/awards
2-8 December 2024
www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 57
 Morecambe Bay covers
120 square miles of
sand and mudflats

MORECAMBE BAY
I t’s easy to see why half of the
comedy duo Morecambe and Wise
adopted his hometown as his stage
name. Famous for its stunning bay views
and architectural heritage, Morecambe –
11am Festival Market
Browse the Festival Market, which hosts
more than 80 stalls featuring antiques,
bric-a-brac and souvenirs, and is open
every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and
much like Eric – deserves its status as a Sunday, all year round. the history of this major venue and how
national treasure. The traditional covered market also has its legacy as an event space continues.
Striking salt marshes and mudflats incredible views of the Lakeland hills, so morecambewintergardens.co.uk
dominate the horizon – too dangerous it’s worth popping into one of the cafés
to cross without a guide, but they can if you’re not a shopper. Next door, check 3.30pm Birds over the bay
be admired from a safe distance. out events at The Platform, a beautifully A 10-mile drive away is the breathtaking
The town has its origins restored Edwardian railway station RSPB Leighton Moss reserve, where you
as a Roman settlement, now repurposed as a fabulous can explore the wetlands and keep an eye
but was firmly established live entertainment venue. out for wildlife. Inhabitants include otters,
in the 19th century. lancaster.gov.uk/sites/ bearded tits, red deer and wildfowl.
Graced with a Victorian markets/festival-market Further afield within Arnside & Silverdale
pavilion, Art Deco hotels lancaster.gov.uk/sites/ National Landscape, there are stunning
and a famous lido, there the-platform reserves with views over the bay.
is plenty of architectural rspb.org.uk
splendour to enjoy. Be sure 1pm Chow on chowder
to try the local potted shrimp! Indulge in a hearty meal made
from fresh catch of the day by
DAY 1 Morecambe Bay Chowder Company,
9.30am Pacing the prom located at The Bath Tap, and on the prom
Start your day with a stroll along the in summer. A pandemic passion project
promenade, picking up a heritage trail that started out as a solar-powered
leaflet from the Visitor Centre, the tricycle, it is popular with the locals
old Morecambe train station. because of its delicious simplicity.
Learn about the architecture baychowder.com Spectacular aerial
of iconic buildings as you walk thebathmorecambe.co.uk displays at the
Philip Smith

along the seafront. The prom is RSPB reserves

also dotted with award-winning 2pm Tea for two?
sculptures, celebrating local Book a guided tour and a
wildlife, until the end of 2024. splendid afternoon tea at the 7pm Trendy taverna
Words: Hana Williams

And you’d be wise not to miss enchanting Morecambe Winter Return to the prom for traditional Greek
a photo-op with the larger-than- Gardens, a glorious Grade II listed cuisine at The Brasserie. This family-run
life Eric Morecambe statue! Victorian pavilion. The building restaurant is popular, so you’ll need to
exploremorecambebay.org.uk/ has been partially reopened while make a booking. Expect hearty homemade
Getty images

wp-content/files_mf/1548421275 undergoing restoration, dishes, meze-style plates and herby dips.

HeritageTrail.pdf so you can learn about thebrasseriemorecambe.com

58 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 48 HOURS IN MORECAMBE BAY
WHAT’S ON
Upcoming 2025 dates
Guide Over Sands Walk
This historic 5.5- to nine-mile walk dates
back to the 16th century, and requires an
official King’s Guide to ensure safety from
the tides – the only way to experience
this wonderful and unique trek. Check
the website for dates, which are subject
to the prevailing weather conditions.
guideoversands.co.uk

To 1 December 2024
The Bay International Film Festival
This multi-venue film festival connects
voices of north-west England with the
rest of the world. The programme includes
international and experimental films and
documentaries. Showings are hosted at
various spaces, including The Platform,
West End Playhouse and REEL Cinema.
thebayfilmfestival.com

21–22 February 2025

Baylight Morecambe ’25
Experience a magical Morecambe on
the promenade, when the seafront is
illuminated by incredible light artworks
devised by a team of local, national and
Getty images

international designers. The festival is

free and has a great community spirit.
baylightmorecambe.co.uk
DAY 2 3pm Heysham Coast
10am Lancaster Castle Time to walk off some PLACES TO STAY
Take a 10-minute train of that meal and enjoy Sunnyside Camping
ride to Lancaster and visit a bracing two-mile walk & Caravan Site
the North-West’s historic along the seafront, and a This friendly, family-run campsite is
Potted
jewel, Lancaster Castle. visit to historic St Patrick’s ideally located, just a 30-minute stroll
shrimps
Guided tours offer an insight Chapel and St Peter’s Church away from Morecambe promenade.
into the dark history of the in Heysham. The ruined chapel The site makes a great base for local
medieval castle. Famous legal towers dramatically over Morecambe exploration, because it is equidistant
proceedings, including the notorious Bay. It dates all the way back to the year between Morecambe and Lancaster. It’s
Pendle Witch Trials in 1612, were held 750, although local burial sites and also dog-friendly, and they allow BBQs.
in the courtrooms here. You can easily evidence of Neotholic settlement, on sunnysidecamping.com
while away a couple of hours touring display in Lancaster City Museum, reveal
the castle, and don’t miss the gruesome an even more impressive history. Morecambe Lodge Caravan Park
execution chambers and prison cells. Gazing out over the magnificent Irish With views across Morecambe Bay and
lancastercastle.com Sea, it is awe-inspiring to imagine the direct access to the beach, this site
characters from ancient times who enjoys a superb seaside location.
12pm Cruising the canal might once have stood just here. This is a rural campsite, a 10-minute
Soak up the views on a leisurely canal nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool- drive away from the bustle of the busy
cruise passing the city’s sights, and catch lancashire/heysham-coast town, so you can relax and unwind in
a glimpse of the famous cathedral spire. visitlancaster.org.uk/museums/ nature after a long day of exploring.
The tour takes you past the majestic city-museum morecambe-lodge.co.uk
Grade I listed Lune Aqueduct, offering an
opportunity to reflect on its magnificence 7pm Final fish dish HIDDEN HISTORY
and enjoy its panoramic views. Return to the promenade by the 2X The Super Swimming Stadium
kingfishercruise.co.uk bus – or you could walk if you are still As Blackpool’s rival for best seaside town
feeling energetic. On Albert Road, at the of the North, Morecambe opened the
2pm Snack on shrimp seafront, finish your weekend break in Super Swimming Stadium, the largest
Back on the prom, swing by Edmonson’s true seaside style – with fish and chips! open-air lido in Europe, in 1936.
Fresh Fish and sample their Morecambe A local favourite (for good reason), The huge structure accommodated
delicacy - potted shrimps! Featured in Atkinson’s Fish and Chips serves fresh 1200 bathers. Today, what’s left of the
Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide, this fish classics and provides indoor dining 4000 sq m site has been adorned with
traditional shop offers a warm welcome for those colder days. Remember to top colourful murals by Bespoke Atelier.
and delicious locally sourced seafood. up with plenty of salt and vinegar! visitlancaster.org.uk
edmondsonspottedshrimps.co.uk atkinsonsfishandchips.co.uk bespokeatelier.co.uk

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 59

 The latest news and products
from across the motorhome
and campervan world

IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

63 New ’vans
News from the industry
PETER BABER The NEC show garners positive feedback, while Fleurette moves
Reviews editor into van conversions and Chausson unveils its first hybrid vehicle

64 Big Test
It might have been a tad quieter than we’ve Elddis Autoquest 150 60th Anniversary Edition
This spacious, comfortable and well-equipped four-berth from the
seen in previous years, but it was still great Co Durham manufacturer is easy to drive and reasonably priced
to be back at the NEC show last month, not
64
just to take a good look around at all of
the new vehicles on the market, but also
to see exactly who is interested in them.
I spent a very informative few days
in Birmingham and during my stay, I was
fairly sure the family sitting at the next table
at my hotel had also been to the show.
I have rarely seen so enthusiastic a potential
customer as their early-teen son, who was 70 ’Van review
Carthago C2 Tourer I 145 RB LE Lightweight 3.5t
busy lapping up the brochures while finishing This hugely impressive new range offers all the luxury that you’d
his ice cream. Could he be a motorcaravanner expect from the upmarket brand, and you won’t need a C1 licence

of the future? Very likely, I think. 70

After all, my parents took my sisters and me
half-way around Australia in a campervan
when I was younger than him, and from then
on, I was hooked on the touring lifestyle.

Email Peter via [email protected]

Our tests explained

Here’s what you can expect from our reviews 72 October show review
Big tests you in our regular ’van reviews Highlights from the NEC
These are our most detailed pages. This is the place to look for Didn’t make it to the show last month? Not to worry – our team
tests – we spend at least one the quick low-down on a model! was there and we’ve rounded up the ’vans that caught their eye
full day (usually more) inside
each motorhome, to bring you Our ’vans, our month 74 Product review
our comprehensive verdict. Practical Motorhome has Firefighting equipment
The overall score is based on the numerous long-term-test Fire safety devices are an essential
views of multiple team members. vehicles – we’re loaned these part of your touring kit, and there’s
by manufacturers. We treat these plenty to choose from. Here are
’Van reviews as if they’re our own, allowing us our experts’ top picks
Each issue we test new models of to give you a full, warts-and-all
all sizes – we then report back to report over the months.

62 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 The latest from the forecourts and the factories

Positive feedback for NEC show 1

Exhibitors at this year’s Motorhome
& Caravan Show in Birmingham have
praised the event, despite a drop in
the number of people who visited the Chausson
NEC over the previous year. unveils its
The total number of visitors who first hybrid
came through the doors of the NEC UK electric engine
during the six days of the show came specialist Bedeo
to 95,253. That compares with a total has teamed up with
of 106,131 for the October 2023 show. the Trigano Group
Karen Dodd, marketing director at for Chausson’s first
NCC Events, which runs the show, said hybrids (for now,
feedback had been “overwhelmingly 1 Exhibitors praised Fleurette launches van conversions sold only in France).
positive” – something that had been the success of last French leisure vehicle manufacturer ElectriX versions
reflected in the number of rebookings month’s NEC show Fleurette has made the move into of Chausson’s X550
already made for the 2025 show. “It’s van conversions for the first time, and X650 crossover
clear that despite economic challenges, 2 Fleurette’s luxury with the launch of a new two-model vehicles made their
our efforts to deliver serious leisure brand, Florium, has Black Pearl range being marketed debut during the
vehicle enthusiasts and first-time launched a new van under its Florium brand. Villepinte Leisure
buyers was a success,” she added. conversion range, Based on a Fiat Ducato, the Florium Show in France,
Among those praising the show’s Black Pearl, based Black Pearl models will come with in late September.
success was Miles Storey, UK and on a Fiat Ducato alloy wheels fitted as standard, as Both ’vans run
Ireland sales manager for Pilote. well as a SkyView sunroof and Truma on Bedeo’s Range
He said, “The calibre of visitors has 3 Chausson’s new 4D diesel heating. Extender system,
been exceptional and we’re excited hybrid, the ElectriX, The two layouts available are the which teams a
for what’s to come for 2025.” promises 100km 5.99m-long 59LT, which provides 37kWh battery with
Ian Rawlings, chief operations officer of electric power a transverse bed at the back, and the a 115kW motor.
at Bailey, said, “We’ve had fantastic 6.36m-long 63LJ, with fixed single This should give
feedback on our new caravans and beds. Both models feature washrooms the vehicles 100km
motorhomes, and sales have been with partitions that swing back to of electric power.
ahead of last year on all products.” reveal the shower. Then the internal
Bailey used the show to launch two 2 Production on the vehicles is due combustion engine
new models in its Ford Transit-based to start in January 2025, with delivery kicks in, helping
Endeavour van conversion range, to the UK expected in early spring. extend the range by
taking the model tally up to four. a further 900km.
The two-berth B63 has a side-facing Weymouth thieves sought Based in Surrey
settee up front, with a third travel seat Dorset police are still hunting for the since 2009, Bedeo
and an end kitchen, while the B65 has thieves who stole a motorhome from has developed
a pop-up roof and a transverse bed an address in Weymouth late in the hybrid engines for
down below at the back. evening of Monday 5 August. various commercial
Also unveiled at the show was the The Ford-based motorhome, which vehicle brands,
first in what is promised to be a new was stolen from Littlemoor Road, was including Citroën,
compact range from Roller Team. recovered following enquiries in Fiat, Peugeot
The Kronos Compact 590 is 2.15m Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. and Vauxhall.
wide and features a front lounge with However the culprits are yet to
parallel settees and an end washroom. be found, the police have said.
The interior boasts a colour you don’t Any member of the public who 3
often see inside motorhomes – red. might have information regarding
Tickets are on sale for the Caravan, the incident can contact Dorset
Camping & Motorhome Show, which Police at www.dorset.police.uk
runs at the NEC from 18 to 23 February or by calling 101 and quoting
2025. More details at ccmshow.co.uk. occurrence number 55240119931.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 63

 BIG TEST E lddis launched its Autoquest 150
back in 2021, to compete with
the ever-increasing numbers
of rear-island-bed models that were
being imported. But whereas most of
those imports have compartmentalised

ELDDIS
layouts, the Elddis is far more open.
The downside to this – if you could
call it that – is that the bed is always on
display, unlike other floorplans, where

AUTOQUEST 150
60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
a door closes off the bedroom area.
Next year, Elddis (now part of the
Erwin Hymer Group, of course) will
be celebrating its 60th anniversary,
This spacious four-berth is well equipped, so as you’d expect, the company is
reasonably priced and a pleasure to drive marking this special occasion with
the Autoquest 60th Anniversary range,
which includes the 150 model.
At the time of writing, final pricing
had yet to be confirmed, but there is
likely to be a modest increase over the
£69,989 OTR price of the 2024 version.
Although there aren’t any massive
changes in the 60th Anniversary ’vans,
they’ll all come with exclusive graphics
to mark the occasion, along with a few
other tempting extras.
Inside, the woodwork is ‘Tibero with
Platino and Linum Haithabu’, in other
words, light-coloured panelling with
cream and grey/brown trim. Our test
vehicle was a pre-production version
with slightly different hues, but we
have seen the aforementioned colour
scheme, which we give a thumbs-up.
The upholstery is ‘Mara’, a very light
beige colour with contrasting piping
and ends to the seat cushions. You also
get special 60th Anniversary branded
scatter cushions and cab seats.
To find out what the Autoquest 150
60th Anniversary Edition is like to live
with, we took it to Northumberland for
a one-week tour.
jPrice £69,989 (TBC) jSleeps 4 jBelts 4
jBase vehicle Peugeot Boxer jEngine 2.2-litre 140bhp turbodiesel
jLength/width/height 7.34/2.69/2.82m (24’1”/8’10”/9’3”)
Exterior and cab
The Autoquest is based on the Peugeot
jMTPLM 3500kg jPayload 591kg jWater (fresh/waste) 100/70 litres
Boxer 2.2 140bhp HDi turbodiesel
jLeisure battery 95Ah jGas 2 x 6kg
low-line chassis, mated to a six-speed
manual gearbox. The cab is in the same
white as the GRP Sunsation High Gloss
body, which is Grade III certified for
all-year touring.
Smart but discreet red/maroon/grey
graphics break up the expanse of white
on the sides and the rear, while more
60th Anniversary logos identify these
’vans as special edition models.
Included in the 60th Anniversary
specification are alloy wheels, a leather
steering wheel and chrome surrounds
to the air vents.
Words: Nigel Hutson

Our test vehicle (1) came fitted with

Contact Elddis Address Erwin Hymer Group UK, Delves Lane, Consett, some options, including the Dometic
Co Durham DH8 7PE Tel 0371 964 2113 Web elddis.co.uk wind-out awning (£622) and gas BBQ
point (£113), a touchscreen (2) with

64 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 BIG TEST ANNIVERSARY EDITION FOUR-BERTH

1 2

Options include a Dometic … and a touchscreen with

wind-out awning… Apple Carplay/Android Auto

sat nav and Apple CarPlay/Android factory to our site was only around 60 In terms of rattles and squeaks, the
Auto (£826), a rear-view system (£424) miles (on all kinds of roads, from dual Autoquest 150 was very good indeed.
– which we found very useful as it acts carriageways to narrow country roads), Before leaving the factory, we checked
as a rear-view mirror when you are we’d have been happy to travel for locker doors and drawers were secure,
driving – and cab blinds (£516). longer, such was the ease and comfort but everything inside them (and the
At 7.34m long, 2.69m wide (which of driving, aided by the standard-fit oven/grill) was left as the staff at Elddis
includes the door mirrors) and 2.82m cab air conditioning and cruise control. had packed them.
high, the 150 60th Anniversary Edition Of course, with a vehicle of this size After arriving at our site, we filled
is a sizeable beast, but that’s not to say you do have to be sensible about where up the onboard 100-litre water tank
it’s difficult to drive. you go, and perhaps plan your route (we were advised by Elddis not to
On the contrary: with good all-round in a little more detail than you would travel with a full tank) and soon
visibility (assisted by that rear-view in a smaller ’van, but we had no issues had the kettle on.
system), it was easy to place on the doing a bit of touring the area during So our first impressions were very
road and also to reverse precisely. our break. We did do some research good, and our driving experiences
Although the trip from the Elddis about parking beforehand, though. were equally positive.

Lounging and dining

In the Autoquest 150, the lounge (3) 3
features a pair of facing sofas and
is located completely forward of the
entrance door, so plenty of space can
be dedicated to it.
There is a small step up to the lounge,
which was actually more of an issue
for us when stepping down into the
kitchen with the table up, because we
forgot about it a couple of times.
The nearside sofa is slightly shorter
than the offside, but would still seat
two, albeit cosily. Add to the sofas the
two swivelling cab seats and six people
could socialise here quite comfortably.
Each of the sofas houses a foldable,
forward-facing and seatbelted
Aguti travel seat.
Thanks to a large rooflight above
and a window on each wall, the lounge
is flooded with light and feels spacious
and airy, and this is certainly enhanced
by the light woodwork.
For ventilation, if opening the
rooflight and windows isn’t enough, Nearside sofa is slightly
the lounge is also directly forward shorter but still roomy
of the entrance door (which has a
flyscreen and a fitted waste bin).

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 65

 Lounging and dining (continued)
A minor gripe here is that the door 4
is held open with a magnetic catch,
which in our experience didn’t feel
quite strong enough to keep it open
when there was a strong gust of wind.
When it’s dark outside, there are
four reading lights to aid the roof-level
lighting, so nowhere in the lounge feels
gloomy. Our test vehicle was fitted
with cab blinds, but curtains around
the cab area are standard.
When it comes to mealtimes (4),
there’s no alternative but to put up the
folding table, which is stored handily
in a dedicated cupboard at the end of
the kitchen unit. It’s not the largest
of tables, but should just about work Swivel the cab seats
for four diners. and the lounge would
Without the table set up, we did find seat six in comfort
that there was a lack of anywhere to
put a cup or glass, other than on the
pull-out extension in the kitchen. as well as a 12V socket, but no USBs. All in all, we found the lounge a
A TV point is fitted on the bulkhead You would need to bring an adaptor very comfortable, relaxing place to
between the cab and the offside sofa. with you if you’re likely to need USB spend time, whether we were eating
There’s also a single 230V socket here, charging while you’re away. dinner or reading later on.

Kitchen
The kitchen (5) in the Autoquest 150 is
excellent, with a Thetford three-burner
5
Three-burner hob
gas hob and a separate oven and grill, comes as standard,
but the microwave is a £255 option. but a microwave
Although there isn’t a huge amount is a £255 option
of work surface, a narrow area (wide
enough for a kettle) with a pair of 230V
sockets is at the right-hand end of the
kitchen unit, next to the door, with a
handy fold-up extension that hugely
increases the worktop.
At the opposite end of the unit is the
sink (with glass cover) and more work
surface, albeit chamfered (through
necessity – more about that later).
The removable drainer just about fits
here, although with the cooker cover
closed, it could be used on that side.
There’s a tall Dometic 98-litre 6
absorption fridge to the rear of the
washroom on the offside (6).
As with other parts of the Autoquest
150’s interior, the lighting provided in
the kitchen is really good. During the
day, there’s an opening window and
a rooflight above, both of which help
with ventilation, too. At night, there’s Dometic 98-litre fridge
bright artificial lighting at roof level is located on the offside
and underneath the overhead locker.
Beneath the chamfered worktop,
there’s a thoughtfully placed shelf.

66 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 BIG TEST ANNIVERSARY EDITION FOUR-BERTH

Washroom
7 The washroom is perhaps the biggest Two points are worthy of mention
compromise in the Autoquest 150. here. First, the vertically mounted
It’s an unlined all-in-one unit (7), toilet roll holder. How many times do
meaning there’s no separate shower you arrive on-site and find the roll has
cubicle, so things are kept dry(ish) unwound? With the holder mounted
by a shower curtain. The shower tray this way, we didn’t experience that.
forms the floor and has a single drain. Second, there are two wall-mounted
There is some intrusion from the wheel hooks, useful for hanging up towels (or
arch, but this is beneath the handbasin, coats). There’s also a vent for the Whale
so it isn’t really an issue. Elddis CompleteHeat system.
The basin – a diminutive but adequate
salad-bowl-style design with a pop-up 8
plug – is mounted on a small shelf. It’s
likely to come in handy, because there’s
not a huge amount of storage elsewhere.
Above the basin is a large mirror.
There’s a fairly sizeable, but slim,
wall-mounted cupboard (8), which
we found spacious enough to store
most of our washroom items.
Although there’s no window in the
washroom, there is a pop-up rooflight Wall-mounted
Wheel arch intrusion for ventilation and once again, good cupboard is on
is below the handbasin artificial lighting keeps things bright the slim side
in here when it’s dark outside.

Sleeping
The Autoquest 150 is marketed as a
four-berth motorhome, which it is, 9
but we suspect most of these vehicles
will be owned by touring couples.
For them, one of the ’van’s main
attractions is likely to be the rear island
bed. The lack of a garage underneath
the bed (9) means there are no steps
to climb to get into it, and it feels very
spacious as a result. Fully extended,
the bed measures 6’4” x 4’6”.
The bed itself is superbly comfortable
and we had no problems getting an
excellent night’s sleep.
The bed retracts for daytime use,
which is a good thing, because when
it’s extended, there’s very little room
at the end on either side (and hence
Island bed retracts to give
that chamfered worktop in the more space during the day
kitchen). This means night-time trips
to the toilet can be quite tricky.
However, with the bed retracted,
there’s plenty of floor space around
it for accessing the wardrobes and
the vanity unit area.
Each person gets a reading light and
a small shelf for the morning cuppa. main light switch, which is located (6’10” x 3’2”), or at a pinch, two small
The Elddis designers have made a by the offside occupant’s head. singles for children, and is separated
smart feature of the window surrounds Moving to the front of the vehicle, from the kitchen by a concertina-type
and the bedhead, although we did also the lounge seating converts into a blind. In all cases, each occupant will
notice that it’s quite easy to catch the large single or narrow double bed have their own reading light.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 67

 Storage
Starting on the outside, while there’s drawers and a drop-down flap at floor At the foot of the bed on the offside
no garage, there is underbed access level. You also get small lockers above is a triangular cupboard and vanity
and storage (10) on the rear wall. and below the fridge. unit, the latter matching the shape of
Moving inside, at the front, a narrow On the rear wall in the bedroom, the chamfered worktop in the kitchen.
shelf runs around the entire cab area there’s a narrow, but again adequate, The lower cupboard has a bifold door
at roof level (11). Back in the lounge, wardrobe on each side of the bed. (15) and a couple of useful shelves.
there are a pair of overhead lockers Beneath the wardrobe on the offside, There’s a TV point here, too. Opening
on each side (12) and limited storage there’s a set of three small but useful the mirrored door to the upper
(because of the belted travel seats) drawers. There’s none on the nearside cupboard reveals three more shelves.
underneath the settees. because the area under the wardrobe
The kitchen has excellent storage, is taken up by the gas locker (which 10
with a couple of large overhead lockers, is accessible from the outside).
each having a pair of doors. The one There is good storage under the bed,
above the hob is kitted out to hold the mattress raising up on gas struts.
crockery, while the other is divided Between the wardrobes and above the
into two – one side is full height (for bedhead are a pair of overhead lockers
cereal boxes), the other, shelved (13). (14), although some of the space in the
Beneath the sink are three good-sized offside one is taken up by the TV aerial. External underbed
access on rear panel

11 12

13 14 15

Equipment
Our test vehicle came with a number of couldn’t actually think of much that
options, although in our opinion, most the Autoquest 150 would have lacked
16
of these were touring luxuries, rather without them. Perhaps the cab blinds
than essentials (although they were and the rear-view system (16) would
admittedly very nice to have). be boxes to tick, and – because we’re
The base vehicle comes well specified; so used to them these days – the
for example, there’s that full cooker in microwave; but in truth, we didn’t
the kitchen. You also get Whale’s Elddis notice the lack of the latter in the time
CompleteHeat water and blown-air that we spent in the vehicle.
heating, which we’ve always found If you are planning to spend time
very efficient and user friendly. off-grid, we think that the optional
Putting aside the fact that this vehicle solar panel would probably be a
did come with those options fitted, we worthwhile addition.

68 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 BIG TEST ANNIVERSARY EDITION FOUR-BERTH

The last word

TECHNICAL DATA (AS TESTED)
BASE VEHICLE
Chassis Peugeot Boxer 335 L3 Tempo Libero 6.4
motorhome chassis Engine 2.2-litre 140bhp turbodiesel
Power 140bhp @ 3750rpm Torque 340Nm @ 1750rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual Features include Cruise
control, auto wipers and lights, manual air conditioning,
touchscreen and sat nav with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
and DAB radio (£826), rear-view system (£424), electric
windows, electric door mirrors, adjustable leather steering
wheel, ABS braking, remote central locking and alarm,
steering wheel mounted controls, headlamp height
adjustment, 12V DIN socket, USB

CONVERSION
Coachbuilt SoLiD construction with GRP sides
and rear and GRP underside protection

LOUNGING AND DINING

Swivelling cab seats, parallel lounge settees with folding
freestanding table, blinds, flyscreens to all windows
(cab blinds £516), habitation door blind and flyscreen,
12V/230V/TV point, Whale Elddis CompleteHeat
blown-air heating

KITCHEN
Thetford three-burner gas hob, separate oven and grill,
Dometic 10 series fridge/freezer, two 230V sockets

SLEEPING
Retractable rear island bed, lounge seating converts
into a double bed, reading lights for all occupants
Highs
• Spacious lounge EQUIPMENT INCLUDES
• Excellent kitchen Shower, Thetford electric-flush toilet, CompleteHeat
• Superb lighting throughout water and space heating with easy-to-use controls

Lows
• All-in-one shower/toilet
• Lack of space at foot of bed when extended
Buy if… OR YOU COULD TRY…
You are looking for a spacious, comfortable and
BAILEY ADAMO 75-4I
well-equipped vehicle that doesn’t cost a fortune.
£78,999
This is 10cm longer than
the Autoquest and almost
Verdict £10,000 more expensive,
We enjoyed our time with the Autoquest 150 but includes cab blinds,
60th Anniversary Edition. At just under 7.5m, it’s a sizeable a rear-view camera, a
vehicle, which does present some issues depending on dual-fuel hob and more.
where you’re touring, but with a bit of forward planning,
that wouldn’t deter us.
Some of the options available aren’t necessities, but spend
CHAUSSON 788 FIRST LINE
wisely and you can have a very well-equipped motorhome
£69,290
for a comparatively reasonable outlay. Slightly shorter than the
Despite its size, we found it easy to drive (even on narrower Autoquest, but virtually
roads), and on-site, it was spacious, practical and comfortable, the same price, only with
and should give many years of happy touring. a much more Continental
style, and, like the Adamo,
it’s based on a Ford.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 69

 ’van review

CARTHAGO
C2 TOURER I 145 RB LE LIGHTWEIGHT 3.5t
The upmarket brand’s new range offers all the luxury you’d expect,
and you won’t need a C1 licence to drive them, says Peter Baber
2.95m (9’7”)

T here is clever thinking behind the

launch of this line-up, currently
comprising five A-classes, all on
a Mercedes Sprinter with an Al-Ko
low-frame chassis.
Price £108,640
Sleeps 4 Belts 4
Base vehicle Mercedes
Sprinter with Al-Ko
low-frame chassis
Carthago is, of course, famous for Engine 2.0-litre,
manufacturing luxurious (and quite 150bhp turbodiesel
expensive) low-profiles and A-classes. Length/width/height
All that luxury comes not just at a 7.21/2.17/2.95m
price, but with extra weight as well; (23’7”/7’1”/9’7”)
which is why hitherto, so many of its MTPLM 3500kg
’vans have only been available to those MiRO 2987kg
with a C1 licence, or who are able to Payload 513kg
afford the training course to get one. Water (fresh/waste)
That target market is getting smaller, 150/140 litres
so lighter-weight models were needed, Leisure battery 80Ah 7.21m (23’7”)
2.17m (7’1”)
without compromising build quality.
In the new C2 Tourer, there are some
weight-saving innovations (such as a
polypropylene gas bottle locker), but
the main weight reduction comes in
the width of the vehicle. The I 145 RB
LE is only 2.17m wide. That means it
can afford to be 7.21m long without
breaking any weight thresholds. It is
available with an MTPLM of 4200kg, Contact Carthago Address Carthago Ring 1, 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
but is designed to have an MTPLM Web carthago.com/en Tel (+49) (0)7525-9200 0
of 3500kg, so anyone can drive it.
Carthago’s designers have taken
advantage of the new C2 to tweak the quite see it ourselves, but it lost from having a cab bed, the huge
front end, too. The hexagonal grille is certainly provides excellent vision. windscreen and large windows almost
certainly striking, with a central ‘C’ Inside, you get all the style you’d make up for the loss, with ambient and
that lets you know this is a Carthago. expect from the brand. You can go for directional lighting for night-time.
And see how that grille seamlessly Casablanca 2, shown here, with Fine The diminutive kitchen includes
integrates with the LED daytime Cherry furniture and high-gloss ivory innovations such as a split cover over
running lights and headlights, which contrasts. Or there’s Nuovo, with more the three-burner gas-only hob and
then lead onto two slender A-pillars muted furniture, and high-gloss ivory, a sink cover that doubles up as a shelf,
running up to the roof. They frame the handle-free locker doors. so workspace should be fine.
huge windscreen and are, in effect, the The captain’s seats in the cab swivel The larger shelf immediately behind
only thing blocking the view all the around to join the two travel seats and the travel seat headrests works as a
way back to the habitation area. side seating, forming a lounge with a useful serving bar – with two sockets
Carthago says the design is meant to pedestal table that should easily seat nearby. And the area is well lit, with
resemble a biker’s helmet. We couldn’t six. While perhaps some daylight is a large window and LED lights.

LEFT New grille RIGHT As you’d

blends in with expect, the
up close

the LED daytime C2’s storage

running lights options are
plentiful…
RIGHT The slender
A-pillars frame the
huge windscreen Single beds at the rear are long,
comfortable and stylishly well lit

70 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 ’VAN REVIEW LIGHTWEIGHT A-CLASS

1 Front lounge has

1 opulent upholstery and
a large pedestal table

2 Innovative kitchen
design provides a split
hob cover and a sink
cover that doubles up
as a handy little shelf

3 Well-lit washroom
houses a salad-bowl-
style basin and mirror

4 The shower cubicle

opposite has a big roof
vent and a hanging rail

2 3 4

The washroom, which straddles the The cab bed, which you barely notice washroom. One improvement this year
aisle, is not as spacious as those in other when raised, comes down to provide is the swivel-out shoe cabinet under
Carthago ’vans. The wheel arch intrudes two sleeping places with reading lights the travel seats. Perfect for when you
into the shower cubicle, although you and a small shelf for books. There is arrive back after a day of exploring.
do get a roof vent and a clothes rail. The also an optional fifth bed, which you
main washroom on the door side (so the make up out of the lounge seating. PRACTICAL MOTORHOME SAYS...
cassette hatch intrudes into an awning) But while Carthago has narrowed This is an intelligent way to bring Carthago
houses a salad-bowl-style basin, a this ’van, it has not reduced storage luxury to people who might not have the
mirror, a roof vent and good lighting. options. You still get a double floor licence for larger vehicles - or who just want
The rear single beds are long (2.0m with plenty of access, a good selection the versatility of having a narrower ’van
and 1.9m), comfortable (85cm wide), of lockers, two hanging wardrobes without losing out on space inside. Storage
and furnished with stylish lighting. below the beds, six large drawers in options are well designed, as ever, but we
USB ports could be an issue – there the kitchen along with useful open would like to see more digital capacity.
is only one in the whole motorhome. shelving, and cupboards galore in the

… including Washroom
the cleverly has ample
designed cupboards,
drawers in with useful
the kitchen shelving

Unobtrusive cab bed comes down Capacious overhead lockers in the

to provide sleeping places for two bedroom in high-gloss ivory finish

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 71

THE SHOW TO SEE OCTOBER NEC SHOW REVIEW
The Practical Motorhome team spent three days trawling the halls at this October’s
Motorhome and Caravan Show. Here we present what was new and exciting, plus a
personal pick from each team member that they took away as a treasured memory

WildAx is Meteor-ic Hillside brings out new

Conversion Castleton and more
specialist Hillside Leisure’s new three-strong
WildAx Hopton range was on display on its
launched stand. The transverse-bed 600RB, the
its brand 604RS with two single beds, and the
new Meteor three-seater 603RS are all available
model, a on either a VW Crafter or a MAN TGE.
two-berth The Derby company has also revamped
which is its first leisure vehicle based its Castleton model, based on a Ford
on a standard Ford Transit. Transit Custom with an end kitchen.
The West Yorkshire company has Content editor Pete’s pick
also revamped its entire range, so It’s always great to see new brands at
all models now come with lithium the NEC, but it’s also a welcome sight
batteries as standard, as well as new to find older faces reappearing, as is
interiors that feature wooden locker the case with Elnagh Baron, last seen
doors rather than tambour doors, here in the UK in 2009.
among other upgrades. There were four ’vans on display at
the Marquis Leisure stand: the 530,
Mobilvetta launches with front dinette and rear lounge;
a van conversion the 560, featuring a rear transverse
Best known for its A-classes and bed; the 573, with fixed single beds;
low-profiles, Mobilvetta moved into and the 579, with an island bed.
the van conversion market with the Each model is NCC approved
launch of the Admiral. and comes based on a Peugeot Boxer.
The Fiat Ducato-based two-berth
boasts underfloor heating and a very
unusual space-saving worktop that Another Xplore Redline launches VW-
slides out to reveal the sink. It also has Xplore added another campervan to or Ford-based vehicle
Mobilvetta’s signature nautical style. stand alongside the existing rear-lounge Redline’s new GT model, unveiled
CV X8 model. The new CV X5 includes at the show, is the first in what the
a side kitchen and a rear bed that folds Daventry-based converter hopes
up to reveal a space for storing bikes will be a new line of campervans to
in the centre. There are more storage take advantage of the closer working
compartments on the side, too. relationship between VW and Ford,
Production models of the CV X5, allowing it to be based on either the
which are likely to go on sale next new Transit Custom or the emerging
February, are due to have a higher VW T7. The new model, which starts
rear bed to allow any bicycle (with front at £58,995, has an exclusive pop-top
wheel removed) to be stored beneath. roof, a two-burner gas hob, a 12V
fridge and a 45-litre onboard water
tank. Redline has also relaunched its
Deputy editor Paul’s pick Classic model, based on a VW T6.1
Out of many wonderful ’vans on view, and starting at £34,995.
the Malibu genius performance 4x4
641 LE caught my eye. The base vehicle
is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and it’s
a real beauty, packing a lot into its
compact length of 6.41m. Straddling
the sweet spot between being a camper
and a motorhome, it benefits from its
Carthago-built chassis extension. created by swivelling a dividing door.
Highlights include a spacious lounge If you’re like me, you’ll love its robust
with seating for four, a well-equipped macho looks and smart interior styling.
kitchen, and a neat changing room area Basic price is a hefty £133,770.

72 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 REVIEW OCTOBER NEC SHOW

Coachman’s super
LQVXODWHGRĈURDGHU
Coachman’s latest entry into the van
conversion market, the Duro, is an
off-road vehicle that should be able
to weather the coldest climates.
It comes with a double floor that
houses an underfloor heating system,
and benefits from cavity wall-type
insulation on the walls.
It also has a rear bed that folds down
electronically. It’s based on a Mercedes
Sprinter with a 190bhp engine, and
comes with 18-inch tyres.
Tempting features inside the ’van
include a television set that is raised
into position electronically.

Vantage adds more

Ford-based models Editor Sarah’s pick
Yorkshire van converters Vantage Hymer brought a touch of Düsseldorf
Motorhomes exhibited two new Ford Caravan Salon-style glamour to the
Transit-based versions of its most halls of the Birmingham NEC, with
popular models, the end-kitchen its glitzy stand taking up a large
Ora and the rear-lounge Sol. corner of Hall 20.
Known as new F-line models, the It was heavily focused on off-grid
Ora vehicle on display at the show (and off-road) touring, with a number
had been enhanced with a number of rugged vehicles for showgoers
of optional extras to make it gas-free, to step inside. Highlights of the
including a two-burner induction hob, stand included the UK launch of the
two 200Ah lithium batteries, a 30W ML-T 570 and the Grand Canyon S
inverter and a 30A lithium mains CrossOver vehicles, both of which
$XWR7UDLORĈHUVRSWLRQDO charger. Other thoughtful design attracted the crowds.
SRSWRSVRQORZSURĉOHV touches include the option of an
A pop–top roof might be a rare sight elegant six-bottle wine cooler.
on a low-profile, but Auto-Trail is now
offering them on all of the models in
its compact Excel range.
The pop-ups, costing £5450, are
similar to the roofs already fitted on
the firm’s Adventure and Expedition
van conversion ranges, and fasten
down with metal clasps.
The roof bed is 2m long, and you get
swan-neck reading lights and a handy
cubbyhole for books and so on. Three new and one
Auto-Trail also launched a new ’van revised for Benimar
in the Excel range. The 6.2m-long 620S Benimar had three new models on the
is the first two-berth in the line-up, Marquis Leisure stand. The Primero
and comes with an end kitchen and 202 is a four-berth with a cab bed and
a corner washroom. a drop-down bed over the lounge,
while two new Ford-based Tessoro
models include the 840, with a
Reviews editor Peter’s pick transverse bed at the rear, and the
Can you sleep four people in a 6m-long 861, with single beds. The layout of
van conversion and leave one lounge the Mileo 294 has been changed, so
untouched? You can with Autohaus’s the Fiat-based low-profile now has
new Camelot C600 model, based on a lounge with face-to-face settees.
the VW Crafter.
It has a roof bed, and a clever double
that folds down over the rear lounge
without involving the pedestal table.
Another table folds out from the outer
edge of the side kitchen for al fresco
dining. It looks very stylish, too, with
marine-style cork flooring. The possible
downside? Prices start at £91,000.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 73

 5281'ƒ83

FIREFIGHTING
DEVICES Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but firefighting
equipment is essential for safety in your motorhome

Motorhome fires are mercifully rare, but a terrifying prospect.

Having a good fire extinguisher to hand is crucial, providing
the peace of mind that you’re safe when you’re pitched up. Fire Safety Stick
If a fire breaks out, you should immediately ensure everyone Price £88 (amazon.co.uk)
gets out of the vehicle as safely and quickly as they can.
And when it comes to choosing the right fire extinguisher, If storage space is relatively limited in
Aqueous Film Forming Foam devices, tested to BS EN 3, are your vehicle, we think the compact Fire
recommended by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Safety Stick is a great option to go for.
Also known as AFFF fire extinguishers, these are rated for This chemical fire extinguisher is capable of
use on Class A and Class B fires, meaning they can be used dealing with most types of fire, because it can
on materials such as plywood furniture and textiles, as well be used on Class A, B, C, Electrical and F fires.
as on petrol, diesel and other flammable liquids. It also has a very impressive discharge time
However, they’re not suitable for use on electrical fires or of at least 50 seconds.
flammable gases. You also couldn’t use one on a frying pan Its compact dimensions of 30 x 30 x 270mm
or chip pan fire, for instance - in the case of a cooking oil and weight of only 210g also mean that the Fire
or fat fire, a fire blanket is an effective option. Safety Stick will be incredibly portable and easy
It’s worth noting that dry-powder extinguishers are not to store in a location that can be quickly and
recommended in ’vans, as they can lead to choking fumes easily reached, an important safety factor.
in small spaces. They also have a shorter discharge time. It’s environmentally friendly and according
In this guide, we’re sharing some of the options you can use to the manufacturer, has an expiry date of at
to stay safe on tour, and answering some common questions least 15 years, giving it excellent longevity.
you might have when choosing the right fire extinguisher.

FireShield 1-litre Firexo All-in-One

AFFF Foam Fire Fire Extinguisher
Extinguisher Price £45 (amazon.co.uk)

Price £28.99 (amazon.co.uk) We think this Firexo device is a

versatile option for ’van owners
All prices correct at time of press, but may vary – check the relevant website for details

Providing motorcaravanners with to consider. It’s suitable for use

a one-litre capacity, this extinguisher on a wide range of fire types,
has been manufactured to BS EN 3 including Class A, B, C, D,
and is produced in the UK. Electrical, F and Lithium-ion
Handily, this CE-approved device battery fires, offering you
comes with a mounting bracket, which excellent peace of mind.
will ensure that it’s straightforward to Providing a two-litre capacity,
install in your motorhome. it’s fairly lightweight, weighing
Its dimensions are fairly compact, in at only 3.79kg.
at 337 x 115 x 100mm, making this an Another plus point is that
ideal option for campervan owners this is an eco-friendly option,
who have less storage space available using biodegradable natural
in their leisure vehicle. ingredients, ensuring it’s a
Coming with a five-year guarantee, non-toxic product. It is EN 3
the AFFF extinguisher can be used on and CE certified, and comes
both Class A and Class B fires. with a five-year warranty.

74 January 2024 || www.practicalmotorhome.com

October 2025 www.practicalmotorhome.com
 ROUND-UP FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

FireShield AFFF 3-litre NEED TO KNOW

Foam Fire Extinguisher Although you will buy it hoping that
Price £39.00 (argos.co.uk) you never need to use it, a leisure
vehicle fire extinguisher is a purchase
Providing a decent three-litre capacity for ’van you’re going to want to get right.
owners, this larger fire extinguisher is an AFFF Some simple considerations will
device, making it suitable for tackling Class A and ensure you get the right one for you.
Class B fires. Owing to its greater capacity, it’s bigger For starters, make sure you have the
in size, at 450 x 153 x 115mm, so you’ll need to make necessary room to store it.
sure you have room to store it. If space is tight, a more compact
Like its smaller counterpart, it is CE approved and device, such as the Fire Safety Stick,
manufactured to BS EN 3. A five-year guarantee and could be well worth considering.
handy wall brackets are also included. Dry-powder fire extinguishers are
not recommended for use in ’vans,
because discharging them in the
confined space of our motorhomes
could result in choking fumes.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club
recommends AFFF extinguishers,
Kampa 15-litre which work on Class A and B fires. Our
Plastic Fire Bucket expert Peter Rosenthal recommends
“going for the biggest you can – to
Price £10.70 (amazon.co.uk) give you an idea, a one-litre device
typically gives 10 seconds, a two-litre
Offering an excellent 15-litre capacity, this model, 15 seconds, and a three-litre,
fire bucket comes in an eye-catching red, around 20 seconds”. The different
so you won’t struggle to locate it should fire classes are explained below.
you ever need it. Made from plastic, it is
fitted with a sturdy handle, making it easy Class A
to carry the bucket around. We also think Ordinary combustibles, such as
that the lid is another very useful feature, plywood furniture, textiles, paper
because it will help prevent any spillages Class B
when the bucket is full of water or sand. Petrol, diesel, solvents and
Unfilled, it weighs in at a light 480g. other flammable liquids
Class C
Butane, propane, LPG and
other flammable gases
Class D
Flammable metals
Electrical
FireShield Fire Blanket Electronic devices, wiring and so on
Class F
Price From £7.79 (fireprotectionshop.co.uk) Cooking oils and fats

As well as a fire extinguisher, don’t forget As for where you should store your
to pack a fire blanket in your leisure vehicle, firefighting devices, Peter suggests
such as this one from FireShield. that the best position for a fire
It can cut off the oxygen supply to a fire, extinguisher will be by the door.
subsequently smothering it. This blanket This means everyone can exit the
also meets BS EN 1869:2019 standards. vehicle before you decide whether
It’s made from 200g of cloth, while its soft or not you will be able to tackle the
carry pouch should not only ensure that it is fire safely, and the extinguisher will
easy to store, but can also help to preserve be to hand if you then do so.
the blanket’s lifespan. AFFF extinguishers are not suitable
for use on cooking oil pan fires, so
a fire blanket is another essential.
Peter advises storing this by the
hob or in a nearby cupboard, so it
will be easily accessible if needed.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation
Again, make sure that everyone is
! 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
out of the vehicle before you consider
dealing with the fire. Finally, ensure
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. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding. Practical Motorhome has not tested these your blanket conforms to BS EN 1869.
products. Ensure you follow the advice from the manufacturer to choose the products most suited to your vehicle.

www.practicalmotorhome.com
www.practicalmotorhome.com || October
January 2024
2025 75
 pre-owned
The place to
come for used-
’van news, buying
advice and more
each issue

IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

77 On the forecourt
Latest news from the dealers
NICK HARDING McLouis extends its representation in the UK, while Leisure World
is combining three outlets into one at its Catterick premises
Prices are settling… that’s dealerspeak for
78 Used ’van buyer
saying they’re dropping. Just a bit. Following Devon Firefly (2015-present)
Gentleman Jack steps inside the well-designed, British-built
the turmoil of the pandemic, when demand campervan based on Ford’s best-selling Transit Custom
outstripped supply and prices went bananas
78
– mainly because new vehicles were being
produced in lesser numbers, in turn pushing up
secondhand prices – things have calmed down.
That said, don’t expect to see the dealers’
forecourts brimming with pre-owned
’vans throughout the winter months.
Typically, most businesses will be looking
to keep their overheads low in quieter times.
78
And let’s face it, winter is not the ideal time
to be shopping around – although you’ll
be surprised how very attractive a heated
showroom is at this time of year!
There’s no harm in putting down markers
with dealers as to the type of ’van you’re
after and your budget. Stay cosy and keep
doing the research – that’s my advice.
Email Nick via [email protected]
80 Hall of Fame
Johannesson Husbilen (1963 and 1965)
Our series celebrating great leisure vehicle brands of the past
considers a uniquely styled classic from a Swedish engineer

Pre-owned know-how 80
A monthly round-up of shows, news and advice

Last chance to have it for at least three months, we’d

your say in the OSS! love to hear from you. Everyone
The Owner Satisfaction Awards who completes our survey is
2025 will be organised by Practical in with a chance of winning a
Motorhome with the Camping and seven-night stay at a Camping
Caravanning Club for the eighth and Caravanning Club site of their
year in a row – and you’ve not choice; there are two additional
got long left to have your say! prizes of a three-night stay at
If you’ve bought a new or a C&CC site of their choosing.
pre-owned motorhome since Have your say by 17 November; 82 Subscribe and save
1 January 2021, and have owned see practicalmotorhome.com/vote. Take out a subscription to your favourite motorhome magazine
today and have every issue delivered straight to your door!

76 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 FORECOURT The latest from dealers around the UK

McLouis strengthens in the UK 1

Italian marque McLouis is once more beginning
to flex its muscles throughout the UK, with more
dealership appointments than ever as we head
further into the 2025 season.
The latest addition to its UK representation
is United British Caravans, in Newcastle. UBC
joins two other relatively recent appointments:
Grantham’s, with branches in Lincolnshire
and Nottinghamshire, and Newport Caravans
& Motorhomes, in South Wales.
That takes the brand to a 16-outlet UK dealer
network as the season progresses.
McLouis UK sales director Spencer Davies said
there’s no stopping there: “Dealer development
is an important part of raising the brand profile
on a national level, providing customers with
increased access to our range and aftersales. upgraded, the recently introduced Terrace Café 1 Leisure World will
We are continually looking for opportunities Bar and Eatery, a full aftercare centre and more. be establishing a
that will complement our current network.” Announcing the move, the company said: ‘super-site’ at its
More information at mclouisfusion.co.uk. “Our teams, products and services from our Catterick premises
York and Tyneside branches will be moving to
Leisure World goes three into one join forces with our team at Catterick. This will
Leisure World, which operated three branches create a single super-site, transforming Catterick
across North Yorkshire, has consolidated all of into a first-of-its-kind ‘destination dealership’
its activities into its original outlet, previously for all of your leisure needs.”
and often still known as Catterick Caravans. Leisure World is an agent for new motorhomes
Referred to by the firm as its “super-site”, from Adria, Auto-Trail, Bürstner, Coachman,
the Catterick base includes indoor and outdoor Swift, Elddis and Roller Team, as well as handling
vehicle displays, an extensive accessories shop pre-owned models and running a hire service.
(including online sales) that has been fully Find out more at leisureworldgroup.com.

PROFILE Auto-Trail V-Line 636 Sport

Auto-Trail’s V-Lines have firmly Ever-popular, the V-Line 636
established themselves as one of Sport has never been short of style,
the stalwarts of the van conversion which is just one of the reasons
market since first being introduced why it makes a top pre-owned buy.
back in 2007. And the really good news is, there
The Sport variants are easy to are quite a few out there.
distinguish from the rest – they Brownhills of Newark currently
have a generous boot where has a 2020 model (pictured, right)
you usually get twin rear doors. at £56,995, complete with its usual
This allows for the inclusion of three-year warranty for any used
a U-shaped lounge at the back. vehicle. With one owner and under
The 636 Sport has always used 5000 miles, expect immaculate.
Fiat’s longest Ducato as its base Don Amott Leisure Kingdom 2019 version, with the automatic Watch for Good service records,
vehicle. A full four-berth, it also has an example of the same age transmission upgrade, at £59,995. which should seal any deal
provides a forward lounge that at its Derbyshire premises. Plus points Well-regarded Find out more practicalmotor
incorporates safe travel for two At Go European, in Cannock, conversion that successfully home.com/advice/used-auto-trail
rear-seat passengers. Staffordshire, there’s a tempting mixes style and spec -v-line-2018-present-van-buyer

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 77

 used ’van buyer

2015-present

Each month we focus on a great secondhand mainstream motorhome. We then tell

you which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for

D evon Conversions began life

back in 1956 in Sidmouth, under
the name of JP White. A change
to the current ownership in the early
1990s saw the factory relocating to
ESSENTIALS
jFirefly by Devon Conversions on SWB
and LWB Ford Transit Custom jBuilt 2015
– present (see left) in Ferryhill, County
Interiors in Devon motorcaravans
are always practical and easy to live in.
User-focused, built in-house furniture
feels solid… because it is! Well-chosen,
durable furnishing fabrics add interest
County Durham, where they also offer Durham, UK jElevating-roof and without looking vacuously overstyled.
direct-to-customer sales and support. high-top five-door panel van conversion Ford launched the Custom in 2012
Ford’s Transit has (in common with jOverall length: SWB 4.97m (16’ 4”); and despite a few ‘nips and tucks’,
most cars and vans) grown steadily LWB 5.4m (17’ 8.5”) has maintained its easily recognised
since its inception in 1965. This ‘range exterior appearance.
drift’ left a hole in its light commercial stainless-steel two-burner hob, plus Mechanically, the story has been one
line-up between the diminutive Transit a sink with pumped cold water. of incremental improvements, with
Connect and the full-size Transit. Original buyers were offered a choice more safety and infotainment systems
It was subsequently (admirably) of coolth providers, either a gas/12V/ included as standard with the passing
filled by the Transit Custom range. 230V absorption fridge or a 12V/230V years. The most significant change took
This has become not only Britain’s compressor fridge. A diesel-fired place for the 2018 model year, when
consistently best-selling van, but also space/water heater was a cost option. Ford replaced its highly regarded but
on occasions, Britain’s best-selling Standard specification included ageing 2.2-litre DCI engine with the
vehicle, stealing the crown from Ford metallic paint, colour-coordinated new 2.0-litre EcoBlue unit, and also
and Vauxhall cars. bumper/spoiler, alloy wheels, cab offered its latest automatic gearbox
Few – if any – UK converters have air-con, driver and passenger airbag, across the range.
used a wider range of base vehicles, leisure battery and hook-up, spare Devon wants to continue producing
so it was unsurprising when Devon wheel, and a fire extinguisher. the Firefly, but is finding it trickier
turned its attention to the Custom. The dedicated LPG locker will house to source high-top variants of the base
Both short- and long-wheelbase two 3.9kg Calor cylinders. Underfloor vehicle. As a result, it is currently
Firefly models share a similar layout, fresh and waste-water tanks complete offering a new conversion on a barely
featuring a forward lounge consisting the impressive inventory. used, pre-registered base vehicle at a
of swivelling cab seats plus additional Most Firefly conversions sported considerable saving on standard RRP.
forward-facing seats, one either side Ford’s own high-top with full-height
of the central aisle. rear doors. However, some purchasers WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Moving towards the rear, the kitchen of the short-wheelbase Firefly chose Base vehicle
base unit is on the nearside, opposite the optional front-hinged canvas-sided Well, this is a Ford, thus spares and
which is the fridge, the half-height elevating-roof. This makes the Firefly mechanical expertise will be easy
wardrobe and the toilet compartment. multistorey car park and domestic to find, and should remain so for
The latter has a bifold door, which carport ‘friendly’, as well as boosting decades to come. The only faults
extends across the ’van as a room the fuel economy. reported with any frequency concern
divider to make a private ablutions the turbocharger actuator, the EGR
area which includes the sink. R LIKES valve, and blocked injectors.
Long-wheelbase variants add an A ‘proper’ multipurpose vehicle For all three potential problems, the
additional full-height wardrobe and Practical conversion tell-tale signs to look for are uneven
more kitchen storage/work surface Choice of SWB and LWB idling and/or hesitant acceleration.
immediately behind the lounge. Individual rear travel seats add Note too that servicing should have
Devon’s kitchens are usually a great usable floor space been carried out to time intervals, not
place for culinary creating. This one British built and well built! on mileage covered.
is no exception. It is well laid-out and
contains useful design features, such Q DISLIKES Conversion
as crockery storage within the wall Scarcity of early examples The chosen layout had already been
trim behind the worktop. Standard with automatic transmission a huge success in the similar-sized
equipment in the galley includes a Renault Trafic, so it is well proven.

78 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 PRE-OWNED USED ’VAN BUYER

1 2

3 4 5

1, 2 Devon’s Firefly is a British conversion 4 View through rear doors showing kitchen
6
of the short-wheelbase (pictured) and on the left and toilet compartment on right.
long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom. This example has the cost-option grill/oven
Purchasers of new SWB derivatives were
offered the choice of a high-top or an 5 Door to toilet compartment folds across
elevating-roof (pop-top). All LWB variants central aisle for privacy. Standard wardrobe
arrived with a high-top. Note different is located behind Thetford cassette unit
‘faces’ on the base vehicle
6 Driving environment of facelifted Custom.
3 View through side sliding door aperture Pictured is a commercial van with a double
of an elevating-roof SWB model. Individual passenger seat. Latest models are available
rear seats facilitate much easier movement with steering wheel shaped like a ‘squircle’,
around the interior than competitors’ wide which tilts to form a surface on which to
rock-n-roll settee/bed rest a laptop… presumably not while driving!

Devon’s furniture has shown itself WHAT TO PAY

to be extremely durable. Walk away
from any that aren’t in absolutely
Pre-owned Transit Custom ’vans
are extremely sought after, so prices
NEXT issue
A1 condition. remain buoyant, but still approachable. We run the rule over…
If you are considering going for a
pop-top, make sure the elevating-roof
At the time of writing, we spotted
two desirable SWB high-tops for Auto-Trail
raises and lowers smoothly, also that
there aren’t any mould stains on the
sensible money, both with automatic
transmission. AEG Motorhomes has a Scout and
canvas… a result of it being stored wet.
Be aware that some ‘pretend’ Devon
2018 model priced at £44,999 and Don
Amott is offering a powerful 170bhp Delaware
conversions have been offered for sale, 2021 example for £46,995. 2007–present
where unscrupulous types have just
copied its exterior graphics. OR YOU COULD TRY…
Devon produced the SWB Discovery
OUR PICK on the (previous) SWB high-top Transit
Short-wheelbase elevating-roof variant for years. Examples for sale with full
as an ‘only vehicle’. Long-wheelbase MOT and ready to roll from £7000.
high-top for extended touring. Alternative conversions of the Transit
Standard 128/130bhp engine is very Custom offered for sale pre-owned:
flexible and simply eats up the miles Wellhouse Leisure (various models),
on long journeys. Auto-Sleeper Air, Swift Monza.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 79

 27

Practical Motorhome Hall of Fame

Gentleman Jack’s monthly round-up of game-changing
motorhomes and campervans of the past

JOHANNESSON HUSBILEN
1963 and 1965

Talented Swedish engineer Torsten Johannesson was an experienced trailer

caravanner. On holiday one year, the outfit got stuck, precipitating a ‘light bulb
moment’. His vision was to combine the two units and create a motorhome.
Torsten was proprietor of the AB service garage in Ramsele, Angermanland,
Sweden, and it was there in the early 1960s that he crafted an integral
motorhome body and mounted it on a cut-down salvaged Saab 92.
The motorhome was finished and completely fitted out, but never used
on the road. The reason for this anomaly was that it failed its compulsory
roadworthiness examination – it was very overweight on the front axle.
In any case, progress would have been ponderous, with only a 28bhp
two-stroke twin-cylinder engine to ‘power’ the heavy vehicle.
Not somebody who was easily defeated, Torsten had another go,
this time building on the stronger Saab 95 base. It was a success, with
the Expressen newspaper calling it ‘Sweden’s first motorhome’.
Initially, Saab was very interested in commencing production of the
motorhome. However, talks stalled, possibly because it would have
competed with Saab’s own Husvagn,an ultra-lightweight GRP
trailer caravan. Husbilen 95 has been restored by Klassiker magazine.

Left Johannesson Husbilen 92 was rescued from a forest, where it had been used
as a hunting lodge for the previous 40+ years. It was rebuilt and modified by Lars
‘Julle’ Olofsson of the Saab 92 register and is now road legal Right Husbilen 95,
regarded as the first successful Swedish motorhome. Originally equipped with
a three-cylinder two-stroke 40bhp engine, later upgraded to a V4 four-stroke
65bhp engine. Front-wheel drive. Overall length: 4.5m/14’ 9.25”

80 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 ONGRE A C
W
E O AT &CC
AT

IN
F T STA SI
!
HR YS TE
EE
L AS T
CHANCVEE
TO HAR
YOU 2025
SAY!

Tell us about your motorhome, and you could be in

with a chance of winning a fantastic C&CC stay!

The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025 will be organised by Practical Motorhome with the
Camping and Caravanning Club for the eighth year in a row – but we can’t do it without you.
If you’ve bought a new or pre-owned motorhome since 1 January 2021,
and have owned it for at least three months, then we’d love to hear from you
– and we’ve now extended our survey, to give you more time to have your say!
Everyone who completes our survey is in with a chance of winning
a top prize of a seven-night stay at a Camping and Caravanning Club site
of their choice; there are two additional prizes of a three-night stay
at a Camping and Caravanning Club site of their choosing.

Have your say by 17 November 2024 at

www.practicalmotorhome.com/vote
 THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT!

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82 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com
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www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 83

 Everything you
need to know to
keep your motorhome
in great working order

IN THIS MONTH’S SECTION

85 Workshop
Powering up your vehicle
Your motorhome’s engine power is important, but the key

DIAMOND DAVE to performance in any leisure vehicle is actually the torque

86 In depth
There seems to be a growing trend to ignore Banish breakdown blues
Speaking from personal experience, Peter Rosenthal offers some
warning lights, which I find worrying. essential advice about dealing with a breakdown while abroad

Warning lights fall into three categories: 86

Green or blue Inform you of a condition;

for example, indicators, main beam
on cruise control active.
Amber A fault condition has occurred,
which may worsen but at present is not
critical. Examples include an engine warning
light, traction control activated and so on. 92 In depth
Upholstery update
Red A serious fault has occurred, such as Former Practical Motorhome deputy editor Nigel Donnelly reveals
low oil pressure, supplementary restraint how he updated his 1998 ’van’s lounge upholstery for less cash

system (SRS) fault, alternator not charging. 92

So is it safe to ignore warning lights

on your instrument panel? Not really.
The green or blue lights are simply telling
you something is active. Amber means there
is potentially a problem, and red means
there is a problem that is unsafe or will
cause damage if ignored.
For example, if your SRS light comes on, 94 In depth
Lighting your ’van
it means that in an accident, your airbags Tired of the lighting systems in your motorhome? Our technical
and seatbelt pretensioners won’t function. expert Sammy Faircloth explains your illumination options

If you see an amber warning light, you 94

need to get it checked as soon as possible.

If a red light comes on, you should stop
and call your breakdown service. Ignoring
a glowing oil light, for example, could mean
you have low oil pressure, resulting in engine
damage that will be very expensive to fix.
96 Buyer’s Guide
Low-profiles
Email Dave via [email protected]
Comprehensive model listings and technical information

84 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 What’s keeping Diamond Dave busy this month?

The power of torque

I often see people asking on forums, “Will 130bhp a physical load applied to the engine on an engine 1 One of the oldest
be enough to comfortably power a 4000kg ’van dynamometer or via the wheels and transmission sayings in the motor
around Europe?” The answer to this, of course, on a chassis dynamometer or rolling road. industry is “torque
is “Maybe”. Would more power be better? Consider this example. The Suzuki Hayabusa turns wheels”!
Well, probably yes, but it all depends on how 1300cc motorbike produces 180bhp at 9500rpm,
it’s delivered. Looking at Fiat’s torque and power but only manages a maximum 145Nm of torque
output curves for the 2.3 engine, max power – and it needs 7500rpm to do so.
occurs at around 3500rpm, while max torque That bike engine can churn out 180bhp (the same
occurs from around 1400rpm all the way up to as the highest factory output Ducato), but would
2500 or even 3000rpm for the 180bhp motor, be useless in the engine bay of a motorhome, as
and that flat torque ‘curve’ is what makes for it doesn’t provide anywhere near enough torque
a driveable motor. and is revving like crazy to make what it does.
Towards the other end of the scale would be
Power and performance something like the US Duramax V8 engine, all
A lot of importance is put on the power output 6.6 litres of it, which can produce 1234Nm of
of engines, usually expressed as bhp (although torque at just 1600rpm and 445bhp at 2800rpm
PS and kW are also used), but what exactly is – but weighs in at a hefty 280kg and would more
power when we think of engine output? than fill a Ducato engine bay.
Well, bhp (brake horsepower)
is actually a mathematical 1
figure, obtained by multiplying
the maximum torque of an
engine by the engine speed
(in rpm) that it is generated
at, and divided by a constant.
In other words, bhp figures
are less important; what really
counts is the torque figure and
how it’s delivered.
Torque is simply turning
force, expressed as a load
figure at a set radius from
the centreline of rotation.
For example, 1lb ft is a load
of 1lb at a radius of 1ft, while
1Nm is a load of 1N (Newton)
at 1m radius. One of the oldest
sayings in the motor industry
is “torque turns wheels”!
It’s also worth bearing in Ŧ7KHEKSƉJXUHRIDQHQJLQH
mind that an engine running
with no load on it makes very LVOHVVLPSRUWDQWZKDWUHDOO\
little torque (and therefore
bhp). Only running against a FRXQWVLVWKHWRUTXHƉJXUH
load does it generate significant
torque. That load is the ‘brake’ DQGKRZLWŧVGHOLYHUHGŧ
Getty

part of ‘brake horsepower’,

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 85

 in depth

BANISH BREAKDOWN

Without comprehensive cover on a European trip, you can very rapidly find
yourself spending vast sums of money should you break down. It happened
to Peter Rosenthal recently in France, so here are his top tips…

on a quiet rural road and popped the

bonnet. The issue was pretty obvious
– there was no coolant in it. You could
also smell coolant. Had I forgotten to
check it, or was it just a bit low?
We poured some water from the
fresh-water tank into the reservoir
and were disappointed to see it all
dumped onto the road. The leak
seemed to be from the rear of the
engine. Not good.
Our friends joined us in their camper
and out came the tools, followed by
various plastic covers, the battery,
We stopped overnight at The Golden Lion in Southwick, handily close to Portsmouth the battery box and the ECU (which is
ferry port and serving great food and drink. There were no leaks from the ’van then! bolted to the battery box on a Renault),
so we could access the source of the
leak. Part of a coolant pipe – a plastic

A s a journalist specialising in the

technical side of motorhomes
and campervans, it is fair to say
that I’m not shy with a spanner and
regularly maintain all my vehicles.
convoying with friends on an autoroute
heading towards the Dordogne, when
a warning flashed up on the computer
screen, with a red light saying ‘Stop’.
It also showed a message I’d never
elbow to the rear of the engine,
surrounded by all manner of plumbing
and wiring – had split and was oozing
fluid. Because it was all part of a
one-piece moulded pipe system with
My campervan isn’t that old, either seen before: ‘Engine Failure Hazard’. about eight outlets, this wasn’t just a
– a 2016 Renault Trafic, bought new, This looked bad, but first, I pulled safely case of replacing or patching a coolant
regularly serviced at the main dealer into a layby and tried the good old hose, and access was a nightmare. We
and with an unblemished reliability ‘switch it off and on again’ technique. tried using a bicycle puncture repair kit,
record. So when a warning light popped The engine sounded fine, there were but to no avail. Water kept gushing out.
up on the dash on day two of our French no nasty noises and nothing felt or At this point I knew we couldn’t do
holiday, it was something of a shock. smelt hot. But the message remained. a roadside fix and would need recovery.
Fortunately, just before leaving the Time to investigate. We headed off at Driving any distance without coolant
UK, we had topped up our European the next exit, found a safe place to stop would simply cause the engine to
breakdown cover to a single-trip RAC
policy – this £130 outlay proved one
of the wisest moves we ever made.
The whole episode made me realise
how challenging it can be in a foreign
country when things go wrong.
Repairs, alternative transport and
accommodation costs rapidly mount
– and if you think your ’van will be
repaired quite as rapidly, think again.
Our experience makes a useful case
study. This is how it all started… Even on the ferry, where a coolant leak The Renault wasn’t lying about ‘Engine
After our first night in France, on a would be very easy to spot on the painted Failure Hazard’ and had lost all coolant.
delightful Saturday morning we woke floor, there were still no signs of any There are worse places to break down
up fresh, and breakfasted well at our impending problems with the vehicle than rural France in high summer…
Normandy campsite. We were merrily

86 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 IN DEPTH BREAKDOWN ABROAD

and then to a nearby garage on the

Monday. We decided to stay near the
compound so we could be on hand at the
garage, to make sure they knew what
the issue was and could order the parts
rapidly and fix it as soon as possible.
While all this was happening, our
friends had gone off in their camper to
scout for a campsite. They found one
offering basic pods about 10 miles away
Having our friends Mark and Catherine
We had to remove all these components and collected us and all our belongings
with us proved really helpful for both
in the way – including the ECU – to be from the storage compound. If we had
lifts and helping us with rearranging
able to get near the source of the leak needed to wait for a hire car, it would
accommodation. They had to change
have been even later still when we
their holiday plans to help, meaning
finally made it to the campsite.
the breakdown didn’t just affect us
On the Sunday, we had to rely on our
friends’ campervan to be mobile and
for cooking – all the local restaurants a vast amount of storage space. The key
seemed to be shut on Sundays. In June! point is that you’re not going to get a
By the time Monday rolled around, replacement hire leisure vehicle. You
we’d missed two of our pre-booked are likely to get a much smaller car.
sites and were way behind schedule, You probably won’t have any bags
with no way of knowing when our with you (all your clothing is in the
vehicle would be fixed. lockers), so you’ll rely on shopping
bags and anything else you can find.
’VAN-SPECIFIC ISSUES Any bulky kit – ebikes or kayaks, say
Way down in the engine bay, at arm’s Break down with a car in the UK and – will have to be left behind.
length to the rear of the block, was the Europe and it’s not that big a deal. Yes, Some of the gear you rely on – the
place where the coolant was exiting your main vehicle will be out of action, vehicle battery and charging systems
but the breakdown firm will get you – is built into the vehicle, so you have
a hire car. It might not be as spacious to do without that. With no battery
as your own, it might cost you a few bank, your phone might run flat.
hours and you’ll have to take it back This is your lifeline to the breakdown
to the hire car centre, but you’ll cope. firm and Google Translate, so don’t
With a leisure vehicle, it’s different; underestimate its importance.
you’ve lost your accommodation and Trying to figure out what to take
with you is challenging, especially
if you have to squeeze it all into a taxi
or the recovery truck cab.
This plastic knuckle, which is moulded Having lost your transportation and
into a complex multi-outlet coolant accommodation, you’ll need to use
hose, had split, resulting in a significant hotels and guest houses, or spend time
coolant leak. The vehicle couldn’t be finding sites that offer pods, glamping
driven with this problem, because it tents or chalets. Again, this research
would overheat and destroy the engine Several hours later, the recovery lorry means using up your phone battery.
arrived to take the ’van away and give All your food storage and cooking
us a lift. As with all the repair people we facilities will be left behind, so you’ll
overheat and destroy it, resulting in a dealt with, the driver spoke no English need to empty the fridge (I didn’t, but
much bigger bill. We had a Renault, we (but he was very friendly) trust me on this one…) and budget for
were in France and it just needed a new more eating out or barbecues.
coolant pipe. How hard could it be? These costs escalate rapidly, so your
bank cards will take a battering. Keep
THE WEEKEND IN FRANCE all receipts and make sure you ask for
In the UK, we’re spoiled with 24-hour one for everything you buy.
petrol stations and supermarkets, and
it’s easy to assume other countries are PREPARE TO CHANGE PLANS
the same. I can assure you they’re not. If you’ve pre-booked campsites, you’ll
Few garages in France open at the need to see if you can get refunds or
weekend and on a Saturday afternoon, alter the bookings, to allow for a later
you have very little chance of a arrival, or perhaps transfer the pitch
breakdown even being assessed until to a camping pod if you can. In reality,
Monday morning at the earliest. Rather than our own campervan, without your ’van, you need to accept
When we broke down it was about for two nights we had to stay in this that you’ll have to adapt your holiday.
4pm, so RAC European breakdown camping pod,with all our belongings In our case, the two-day delay while
arranged for a tow truck to take our ’van crammed in beside us. Not ideal! the garage assessed the repair meant
to a secure compound for the weekend we had to abandon our journey south

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 87

to the pre-booked lakeside pitch in the THE BREAKDOWN FIRM Translate to explain the problem and
Dordogne – there wasn’t time to get RAC European Breakdown worked well showing photos of the new part needed
down there and back in a hire vehicle. and their helpful staff all spoke English. (nobody spoke English at the garage),
Instead, we headed to a much nearer They listened to us, didn’t waste time we were confident they understood the
lake near Royan and had to ring around sending a roadside repair van (which problem. We explained we had a ferry
trying to find campsites with glamping would have been pointless) and had a booked in a week’s time and the garage
tents. Happily, France has lots of these, tow truck out to us within four hours. staff said they’d do their best.
no matter the season. Apart from a bit of confusion over Then there was nothing more we
At first, it was quite exciting having our location (caused by two parallel could do but grab as many belongings
to adapt our plans, and we found a gem roads named La Lande du Feu – only in as possible – with our watersports gear,
of a site (Camping Les Ourmes Hourtin, France!) there wasn’t much of an issue. a paddleboard, a kayak and a battery
near the beautiful Lac d’Hourtin), but However, one potential issue with bank – and head to the hire car firm
constant calls to the breakdown firm any breakdown firm is that of internal arranged by the RAC.
and the evolving repair story added communication. Call handlers work However, it was now lunchtime
an unwelcome layer of stress. If you’re shifts, so you rely on them reading the and Europcar was shut for an hour.
not patient (I’m not), it gets wearing. notes of the previous handler, and the We had piles of bags of belongings and
notes being accurate. We were dealing bulky kit, so when Europcar initially
with a French call centre, increasing offered us a Renault Megane, it didn’t
the chance of miscommunications. go down well. After a lot of haggling
The call handlers also don’t always and some extra fees, they eventually
have extensive technical knowledge let us have an Opel van.
of vehicles, so you can’t necessarily rely The hire vehicle gave us a real boost
on them accurately telling the repair and it was great to have independent
garage about the issues. This is why I transport again. But we relied heavily
decided to head straight to the repair on the RAC to approve the costs of
garage (once the RAC had texted the accommodation and keep us informed
After spending the weekend in a secure address), to ensure they knew the fault of the repair progress. Again, it was
compound, our camper was picked up and wouldn’t waste time diagnosing the absolutely vital to have good reception
and taken to the garage for assessment. leak. I even went armed with the part and a fully charged phone battery.
We met it there, to tell them the precise number of the new hose coolant unit! Over the next few days, the repair
fault and avoid any misunderstandings The ’van arrived at the helpful Garage news went from “It might be ready for
about the repair timescale Motier in Châteaubriant by 11am on the your ferry home in a week” to “We’re
Monday morning. After using Google not sure when it will be ready.”

It’s really important to keep receipts for

This coolant hose needed to be replaced. absolutely everything – ask for a receipt
It is very similar to the type used on most for taxis and campsites – because you’ll
Having a powerbank proved essential and
modern vans and rather amazingly, is a need them to claim money back later
the Ecoflow did a great job, keeping all of
one-piece moulded unit!
our devices powered up during the trip

We also purchased a large 2000mAh

Don’t forget to remove any fresh items portable battery bank to use when we Make sure you have the vehicle logbook
from your motorhome fridge when you were remote from power sockets, just with you and that the ’van has road tax
leave the vehicle. Happily, our Crusty Nuts to keep in touch with the breakdown and an MOT, or you won’t get recovered.
had a pretty long sell-by date… firm. This now lives in the campervan You might also need your driving licence

88 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 IN DEPTH BREAKDOWN ABROAD

Lac d’Hourtin provided welcome relief

from all of our breakdown headaches,
Travel light after a breakdown and make but we only used the kayak for one day.
sure that you pack cash, passports, travel We stayed in a glamping tent at Camping With hindsight, it would have been far
documents and most importantly, your Les Ourmes Hourtin, near Lac d’Hourtin, easier to leave it in the campervan
credit card. Many hotels won’t allow you which was a real find. Best of all, the site
to check in without a credit card had a wonderful restaurant and bar…

As we had pre-booked Bordeaux Wine

After some haggling, we managed to get Festival tickets (and clearly didn’t want
a hire van, so we could still take our to miss this essential event), we needed
watersports kit with us. Always take The glamping tent wasn’t fancy, but it to find a hotel in Bordeaux, as well as
photos of the condition of a hire vehicle provided all we needed. Obviously the somewhere to park the van. There were
when you pick it up, to prove that any cost was more than a basic campervan no nearby campsites with tents or pods.
dents/scratches were not caused by you pitch would have been – so keep receipts! As you can imagine, this wasn’t cheap

We were now staying at a hotel in The logistics became challenging and Europe and the UK. A simple repair may
Bordeaux, enjoying the delights of a wasted four days of our holiday. One be done quickly, but for anything more
wine festival we’d pre-booked, when point is that while the breakdown firm involved – like a complex coolant hose
the RAC finally called to say, “It’s not can book hotels for you, it’s easier to – you should be prepared for a wait.
going to be ready in time for the return book them yourself (making sure to Even when your vehicle has been
ferry.” They couldn’t tell us when the stay under the daily limits and totals fixed, don’t assume the breakdown
’van would be fixed because the garage specified in your breakdown cover) firm will be poised outside the garage
was incredibly busy. and tell them where you’re staying. with a low-loader on standby to
While we could use our return ferry Breakdown firm staff are not on the whisk your ’van home. Vehicles
tickets to hitch a ride with our friends ground, so don’t always appreciate are often loaded in batches and
in their campervan without extra cost, things like parking or proximity to the logistics can take some time.
the issue we had was our belongings suitable restaurants. You’re better off In the case of my Renault, the RAC
– there wasn’t the payload or space to doing it yourself, so a credit card is vital. couldn’t return it to the UK for around
carry everything back to the UK in one In the end, we had just over a week three months, so I decided instead to
vehicle. With hindsight, we should have in France, while the ’van enjoyed an self-repatriate it. This involved two taxi
ditched the watersports kit and only extra month there! rides, two train journeys, a flight from
focused on the essentials: passports Gatwick to Rennes, an overnight stay
and travel paperwork, our clothing, REPATRIATION in a hotel and an autoroute dash to get
toiletries and phone chargers. So you’ve managed to make your way the ferry home. It was not cheap and
This meant we had to do a 5am dash home without your vehicle, by ferry, took two days of my time. And this was
from Bordeaux to Rennes (where our train or plane. You just need to get your just from northern France!
’van was stored) to decant as much kit ’van sent back to your home as soon as
as possible into our broken vehicle and it’s fixed. Shouldn’t take more than a TOP TIPS
avoid overloading our friends’ camper. couple of weeks, right? Your most important resource is your
Europcar also wanted the Opel taken Repairs in the peak of summer can phone, so pack a large-capacity battery
back to the branch we collected it from, take an age, as parts are not always in bank, a charging cable and a number
so we had to return that and swap it for stock, demand for labour time is high of adaptors, to suit all mains adaptor
a Nissan Qashqai, which could be and other clients are often prioritised types in the country you’re visiting.
dropped off on a one-way trip at the over a leisure vehicle. This isn’t just an Although the breakdown cover call
St Malo depot, near the ferry port. issue for France, it’s similar throughout handlers all speak English, the rural

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 89

IN DEPTH BREAKDOWN ABROAD

to date, the ’van has a valid MOT and is

insured, and that you have the logbook
with it (we take a colour copy of this),
because the breakdown firm may need
to see the paperwork. Breakdown firms
will not recover a vehicle without road
tax or an MOT.
Receipts are vital – keep them safe
and make sure you get receipts for taxis,
hotels, hire car firms, breakdown firms
Bordeaux, on the scenic River Garonne, and garages. Without them, you may
not be able to claim that money back. This elegant château in a quiet district
is a very pleasant city to visit. We stayed of St Malo, mainly frequented by locals,
at a hotel in the Bacalan district, which I’d recommend picking the highest
level of breakdown cover your firm was another delightful find that came
meant that we could also explore the about as a result of having to change
superb Les Halles de Bacalan food hall offers. The difference between basic
and top-level cover is usually under our holiday plans – so it wasn’t all bad!
£50 for a single vehicle trip, but this
can have a massive effect on the daily
budget for alternative accommodation,
hire car costs and onward travel bills.
Our RAC cover allowed up to €200 a
day for accommodation, which proved
vital in Bordeaux, where there were no
campsites with glamping tents and we
had to pay city centre hotel costs.
It even covered the cost of labour for
The Europcar Opel van had to be taken the repair (over £300), although we You’ve probably bypassed the old walled
back to the branch near Rennes where had to pay the £170 for new parts. The city of St Malo on the way to the ferry,
we hired it, so we had to swap to a car higher cover we had included all of our but it’s well worth visiting. It was largely
for the one-way trip to St Malo and the self-repatriation costs, except for the levelled in World War II, but painstakingly
return ferry – this involved a 5am dash loss of earnings for the time away. rebuilt, and it now offers plenty of great
north from Bordeaux. The logistics soon shops and restaurants. It’s also within
become complicated in breakdowns! PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE walking distance of the ferry
Some vehicle failures can be predicted.
garage staff almost certainly won’t and For example, if you skimp on servicing rubber and plastic hoses are the norm.
Google Translate will become your best or don’t act on a minor problem, such It is not something unique to Renault.
friend. If your phone battery dies, you as grinding brakes, you can expect it Even an experienced DIYer can’t fit
will be in a world of pain… to develop into a larger one. these hoses at the roadside and it’s
Without your camper, be prepared Regular servicing, checking tyre quite a job for a repair garage.
to pack light and only take essentials pressures and making sure the oil The takeaway here is that this failure
with you. You won’t get a hire camper and coolant are topped up is vital. couldn’t have been predicted and there
and breakdown firms will often only But could we have done anything were no real tell-tale signs beforehand.
provide you with a small car. differently, to prevent the coolant hose With no way of knowing it would
Pack a bag or rucksack, so you can failure on the Renault? It’s not the sort happen, in my opinion, good breakdown
easily transport clothing and essentials of thing that is normally replaced as cover is vital for overseas trips.
– otherwise you’ll be lugging lots of part of regular servicing work and it’s
shopping bags around with you. Forget not an item that is even visible unless VERDICT
your original plans and pack light. several components are removed. After your travel insurance, vehicle
You’ll invariably miss ferries/site Even with the vehicle up in the air, breakdown cover is one of the most
booking dates and pre-booked trips, it’s hard to see the rear section of the important items to purchase.
so you’ll need to be on your phone to pipe. It was eight years old and the It is especially important if you have
juggle things around. That battery bank vehicle has covered 65,000 miles. an older or low-value ’van, where the
will become vital – we had to buy one. Perhaps all the coolant hoses could cost of repairs and repatriation might
Pack a credit card with a limit of at have been renewed as a preventative exceed its value.
least £5000. Not all costs are instantly measure, but this isn’t usual. Had we not spent £130 on our cover,
covered by the breakdown firm and On an older ’van, replacing a failed we would have been over £2000
many have to be reclaimed at a later section of hose is as simple as removing poorer and would have struggled to
date. This could take time – it took a couple of clips and slipping on a new continue with our trip. Hopefully,
us three months to get all the approved hose, but with the complex emissions you’ll never need to use it, but top-
costs back from the RAC. control systems of modern vehicles, level breakdown cover could just
Make sure your vehicle road tax is up these all-in-one moulded multi-outlet save your holiday.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or
! accuracy. The material contained in this article should be used for informational purposes only and in no way should be relied upon as a substitute for independent insurance
or breakdown cover advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided in this feature and should consult with your own advisor regarding any
questions you may have in relation to the matters discussed in this article. 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. You should check that any warranty is not affected before proceeding with technical work.

90 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 how to…

YOUR UPHOLSTERY
Swap dated fabrics for easy-fit, contemporary covers and your
motorhome furniture will be instantly upgraded, says Nigel Donnelly

T he basic outline of a motorhome

hasn’t changed much over the
years. Inside, however, a great
deal is different these days, reflecting
the current taste for plainer interiors.
Less pattern and colour, less fuss.
New vehicles also tend to have larger
overhead lockers with flat doors, but
most noticeably, they no longer feature
heavy floral patterns on the upholstery.
That means the interiors really date
an old motorhome, and we were keen
to cheer up our 1990s-era model.
I’ve had a ’van reupholstered in the
past, and the results were stunning
– but they were also expensive.
If our ’van was a much newer model,
it might have been worth dropping a
couple of thousand or so on an interior
revamp, but we don’t have the money;
instead, our thoughts turned to more
cost-effective solutions.

Cover stories
My partner, Jen, mentioned that a lot
of motorhomers she’s seen online have
cleverly updated their vehicle interior, 1
simply using stretch covers.
These are essentially a ‘bag’ of fabric, the price. With online retailers selling Visit the site and search for ‘sofa
with a hoop of elastic sewn into the covers at less than £5 per cushion, you covers’ and you will pretty soon be
back. To fit them, you grab the cushion can feasibly liven up a large motorhome overwhelmed by the variety of stuff
you want to wrap and just pull the interior and still get change from £100. on offer! There are plenty of options
cover over the top. We decided to give it a go. for simple throw-style covers, as well
The elastic ensures the cover is pulled Our first task was to measure the as the more fitted type, which was
taut across the cushion, to give a smart ’van’s interior. This process simply what we were looking for.
effect of a freshly covered seat. involved picking up each cushion in Once you’ve found a pattern or
You don’t need to be any good at turn, measuring the width and length, colour that you like, the next thing
upholstery, or even have a lot of time and then writing it down. you need to check is that Shein has
at your disposal, to update things. There were 12 cushions in total to be everything you want in stock.
The fabric covers themselves are covered, so we knew that we needed There is a very good reason for this.
actually designed for use on domestic to find a cover design we liked, and to A lot of its stock comes from China and
sofas and armchairs, but given that work out which of the ready-made is stored in the UK for quick delivery.
customers buy one cover for each sizes would match the best. If what you need is not in stock, you
cushion, rather than a set per chair could be waiting for a very long time
or sofa, it is a relatively simple matter Stretching the budget for missing items to be shipped from
of measuring up and seeing what you Jen found a finish she liked on Shein the other side of the world.
can find that most closely matches (shein.co.uk), an online supplier of Or you could find it never comes
your motorhome’s configuration. clothes, furnishings and all manner back into stock and you then have the
The final point that makes loose of other things, all typically sold at hassle of dealing with returns. Either
covers such an attractive option is very competitive prices. way, it’s best to favour patterns and

92 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 HOW TO… REVAMP YOUR FURNITURE

2 3 4

5 6 7

11
8 9 10

1 Package arrived, and they don’t look too impressive – yet! 2 Time to get the covers on – fingers crossed they all fit 3 Pulling them tight on
the seat side so it looks neat, and tucking in excess fabric 4 On the smaller cushions where the covers were too large, we used elasticated
cinch clips to keep them in place 5 Tiny elastic hair bands came in handy 6 Lifting the button was a bit tricky, but we soon got the hang of it
7 Then a few twists of the band and voilà, the new-look button 8 Neutral fabrics meant we could add fun scatter cushions 9 The bands may
break after a while, but they are easily replaced 10 The rear lounge also gets a fresh new look… 11 … and now it’s no more chintzy cushions!

sizes that are immediately available, folding in excess fabric and generally over the button and give the cushions
to minimise any possible problems. improving the fit of the new covers. a smart ‘factory finish’ appearance.
You won’t find the exact sizes that Just covering up the cushions would The bands will periodically pull away
you want, so select the smallest cover definitely have improved the look of and need replacing, but with packs of
you can see that will be big enough to the interior, but it’s really the finishing 1000 bands giving you change from a
cover the target cushion. touches that make things look sharper. fiver, it’s not a huge concern. It is a bit
With the best sizes all decided, we fiddly, but the effect is stunning.
placed our order for 12 new covers. Completing the new look Unfortunately, we found a button
Delivery times from Shein can be a bit Our cushions are a button-back design, missing from one of our cushions, but
fluid, but we were delighted to have and simply covering these would look we are now keeping our eyes peeled
our order turn up within a week. fine. But an even better bet is to pick for ways to fix this.
We first checked that everything we up some clear elastic hair bands, which The finishing touch was to add some
ordered had arrived, and the covers all are easily found online. The smallest scatter cushions. Given that the new
matched. Once we were happy we had bands are the ones you want. covers were rather plain, we opted for
all we needed, we set about fitting. Once you have the bands, find one fun ones that we found at Sainsbury’s,
Each cushion took about 10 minutes of the buttons, pinch the cover over it along with a couple of cushions that
to fit roughly, but at least twice that and simply slip on the band. The elastic we don’t use indoors. With these in
time was spent pulling the covers taut, band will pull the cushion fabric tight place, the makeover was complete.

Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, 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. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 93

 know-how…

LIGHT FANTASTIC
Upgrading to LEDs can make a world of difference to your motorhome’s
interior. Sammy Faircloth has tips on what to watch out for when you buy
1 2 4

3 5

H ave you ever visited one of the

national shows and been wowed
by the array of LED lights now
on the market? I find myself – rather
like a moth – drawn to them (1)!
hours), does not produce heat, is very
robust and is cost-effective in the long
run, because you don’t have to change
them so often (4).
They switch on rapidly, even when
most common are G4 LEDs, which
come in two types – discs or towers.
Discs can have either a side-pin or
a back-pin option, and provide light
in one direction. Towers provide light
Companies such as Leisure Lines/ cold, and are environmentally friendly in all directions and are ideal for wall
CAK Tanks (leisurelines.net) make because they contain no mercury; some lights and lamps (6).
it a lot easier for customers to get are lead-free. Most importantly, they The MR11 and MR16 are similar to
more of a feel for LEDs, by having consume much less power – useful if those found in our homes (7). They are
a display board of products that can you are camping off-grid. often fitted in spotlights and reading
assist potential buyers in choosing lights. These tend to come in a conical
colour, style and function (2). Warm or cool? casing, with two short pins at the back.
In some of the older motorhomes, Traditional LEDs have a ‘cool’ blue/ Check the diameter of the old bulb
the lighting can seem rather dim, white hue, which doesn’t appeal to to identify the right size when you
and some still use halogen light bulbs. some customers. Now, manufacturers replace it, because the MR16 is larger
By contrast, many modern ’vans are lit have developed a ‘warmer’ white/ in diameter than the MR11.
up like the Starship Enterprise (3)! orange LED. These tend to make a ’van The bayonet LED is often used in
Improving the lighting in your ’van seem more homely and cosy – albeit awning lights, spotlights and reading
is not difficult and sometimes, it can with a slight loss of light intensity (5). lights. Before replacing this, check the
be as simple as changing a light bulb. Neither one is ‘right’, this is simply a diameter of the end cap and count the
personal preference, partly depending number of metal ‘spots’ located on the
Halogen or LED? on use. If you like the yellowish colour base (8). You can also get screw caps.
Halogen bulbs (which are being phased of a conventional lamp, warm white Festoon LEDs are found in marker
out) are light and low-cost, and offer would be the ideal choice. If you prefer lights, cabin lights and rooflights. They
instant brightness, but they can get a modern, clean look, the cool white come in two lengths, 37mm or 42mm
hot enough to burn, and even explode. colour might be more to your taste. (9), housing three to nine LEDs.
In addition, the bulb is sensitive to Flexible LED strip lighting is highly
the oils in your skin; touch it with your LED lights versatile, for downlighters underneath
bare hands and it could rupture. There are many categories of LED, so cupboards or uplighters on lockers and
By contrast, the light-emitting diode I will keep this simple and focus on the bedheads (10). It can be cut to size and
or LED has a long life (up to 100,000 main ones on the market. First, the has a handy self-adhesive backing (11).

94 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 TECHNICAL INTERIOR LED LIGHTING

7 8 9

10 11 12

13 14 15

16 17 18

Look out for waterproof strips, which By replacing the spotlight, not only Many manufacturers are now fitting
are excellent for awning lights. do you improve the style, you also low-level nightlights and these could
If you are unsure which bulb to buy, improve the light’s brightness (13). again be found in this Swift Kon-Tiki
use the old one to identify the shape There are some excellent spotlights 649 (17). They won’t distract you from
and size for your light fitting, or seek on the market and some are fitted as sleeping, but are useful if you need to
advice from specialists, such as: standard in certain motorhomes. Look get up during the night.
for dimmable spots and directional If you are thinking about adding
Aten Lighting spotlights with a USB socket (14). extra lighting, particularly in areas
Web atenlighting.co.uk where light levels are not great, this
Tel 01664 569 457 Nightlights might necessitate running additional
Leisure Lines/CAK Tanks My children have never been fans of cables, which need to be installed by
Web leisurelines.net sleeping in the dark, so nightlights a competent person. Only thin-gauge
Tel 01926 854 271 were the solution. The bicolour LED flexible automotive cable is needed
strip lighting by the overcab bed in the to run 12V LED products (18).
It is important to note that some Swift Kon-Tiki 649 was a winner (15)!
older motorhomes might have 230V Look out for multifunctional lights Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical

!
Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good
mains lights, so be sure to check you made up of three blue LEDs, which faith and makes no representation as to its completeness
are replacing the correct voltage bulb. at the push of a button can become or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do
so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in
a reading light of 24 white LEDs. determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances.
Light fittings There is a wide range on the market Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the

Some spotlights have an integrated to choose from (16), so it is well worth risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall
LED that cannot be removed and with shopping around for the one that best have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Double
only one LED, emits poor lighting (12). suits your family’s needs. check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 95

 buyer’s guide
About the guide
Featuring We’ve organised our listings by layout,

new 2025 which is generally the most crucial

aspect for buyers. Simply locate the
models! floorplan you like in the guide; then,
on the left of it, you’ll find details of
every UK model with that layout, of
which we had confirmed details as
we went to press. All information was
correct at the time of going to print.

Most motorhomes sold in the UK are coachbuilts: a prefabricated body mounted on a base vehicle.
‘Low profiles’, which we’ve featured this month, have a sleek front with no overcab section. They’re
by far the most popular type of coachbuilt out there, so there’s a good selection to choose from

BUNK BEDS
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

TRANSVERSE BUNKS
Hobby On Tour T 700 KMH Auto Fiat Ducato 4250 6.98 6 6 82995
Bürstner Campeo TD 676G Fiat Ducato 3500 6.71 4 4 81090
Benimar Tessoro T413 Ford Transit 3500 6.41 4 4 76495
Chausson 720 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 6 5 75990
Chausson 724 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 7.29 4 5 74990
Pilote P690S Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 6 6 74700
Roller Team Auto-Roller 707 Ford Transit 3500 7.12 6 6 69705
Chausson 720 First Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 6 5 69290
Chausson 724 First Line Ford Transit 3500 7.29 4 5 68290
Giottiline Siena 386 Ford Transit 3500 6.99 5 5 67995
Etrusco Base T 6.9 BB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 59800
Itineo Cozi PS700 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.99 6 5 59400

FRENCH (CORNER) BED

MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

WITH FULL DINETTE

Eura Mobil Profila T 675 SB Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 100995
Eura Mobil Profila RS 675 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 100995
Hobby On Tour T 700 F Auto 180bhp Fiat Ducato 3500 7.01 2 2 87495
Hobby On Tour T 700 FH Auto 180bhp Fiat Ducato 4400 7.01 4 4 85995
Knaus Sky Ti 650 MF Fiat Ducato 3500 6.96 4 4 84750
Hobby On Tour T 700 F Auto Fiat Ducato 3500 7.01 2 2 82995
Hobby On Tour T 700 F Fiat Ducato 3500 7.01 2 2 79495
Pilote P720P Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.15 4 5 75700
Weinsberg CaraSuite 650 MF Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 6 4 73470
Dethleffs Just Go T6905 EB Ford Transit 3500 6.98 5 4 72690
Fleurette Migrateur 60 LG Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 3 4 67200
Florium Baxter 60 LG Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 3 4 67200
Rimor 12 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 6.42 2 6 65995
Chausson S695 Sport Line Ford Transit 3500 5.99 4 4 64490
Chausson S695 First Line Ford Transit 3500 5.99 4 4 57790

WITH HALF DINETTE

Knaus Van Ti 550 MF Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 2 4 72865
Pilote P600P Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 5.96 4 4 70700
Weinsberg CaraCompact EDITION [PEPPER] 600 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.75 2 4 67635
Sunlight T 58 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 5.94 2 4 66790
Sunlight T 58 Citroën Relay 3500 5.94 2 4 63390
Etrusco T 5900 FB Fiat Ducato 3500 5.95 2 4 62400
Carado T135 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.94 2 4 61590
Itineo Cozi PF600 Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 2 4 58200

WITH TWIN FACING SOFAS

Auto-Sleeper Malvern Mercedes Sprinter 4100 7.33 4 2 108450
Auto-Sleeper Broadway FB Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.21 4 2 83850
Elddis Encore 255 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 80089
Swift Voyager 564 Ford Transit 3500 7.22 4 4 72290
Fleurette Migrateur 64 LDF Fiat Ducato 3500 6.47 3 4 69400
Florium Baxter 64 LDF Fiat Ducato 3500 6.47 3 4 69400
Elddis Autoquest 155 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.34 4 4 68299

WITH END WASHROOM

Auto-Sleeper Burford Mercedes Sprinter 4100 7.92 4 2 112050
Auto-Sleeper Corinium FB Fiat/Al-Ko 4000 7.76 4 2 96690
Hobby Maxia T 740 WF Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.41 2 4 88995

96 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

ISLAND BED how to buy…
MAX TRAVEL Choosing a layout
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(KG) (M) DRIVER) (£) Before you get close to buying your dream ’van,
you need to have a good think about how you
WITH FULL DINETTE are likely to use the vehicle: is it just for touring,
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 690 BlackLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.39 2 4 122620
Carthago Chic C-Line T 5.0 QB Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.43 3 4 111790 or for day-to-day use as well? If the latter,
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 690 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 2 4 107640 you might need a shorter vehicle with more
Carthago C1-Tourer T 150 RB-QB comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.43 4 4 106240
Swift Kon-Tiki 794 Fiat Ducato 4500 8.22 4 4 102395 travel seats in the back.
Malibu T 500 RB-QB comfort 4.2t Fiat Ducato 4200 7.43 2 4 96770 And you need to think about who is likely
Adria Matrix 670SC Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 4 4 93950
Benimar Mileo 286 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 6.95 4 4 89495 to use it. If children are coming with you, for
Swift Escape 694 Fiat Ducato 3700 7.84 4 4 87995
Dethleffs Trend T 7057 DBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 85490
example, are they still growing? Then you had
Benimar Mileo 294 Manual Fiat Ducato 3650 7.35 4 4 79995 better make sure the beds are going to be big
McLouis Fusion 379 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 4 5 77495
Carado T449 Edition 25 Ford Transit 3500 7.36 2 4 77190 enough. And teenagers may not be keen on the
Roller Team T-Line 740 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.43 4 4 76600 idea of sharing a double with younger siblings.
Dethleffs Just Go T7055 DBL Ford Transit 3500 7.35 4 4 75490
PIlote P740C Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 4 74700 Motorhome layouts can also be subject to the
Dethleffs Just Camp T7052 DBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 5 4 74590 whims of fashion. This year, for example, you
Dethleffs Just Camp T6752 DBL Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 5 4 74290
Dethleffs Just Camp T7052 DBM Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 5 4 73590 may have noticed that more manufacturers
Elnagh Baron 579 Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.45 4 4 69995 are offering floorplans with a washroom spread
Rimor Super Brig 69 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.37 4 4 69995
Rimor 68 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 6.97 4 5 67495 across the back, and a large lounge with parallel
Rimor 69 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.15 4 5 67495
Roller Team Zefiro 696 Ford Transit 3500 7.45 4 4 64995 Continued on p101 >
Rimor Kilig 69 Plus Ford Transit 3500 7.3 5 5 59995

WITH HALF DINETTE

Hobby On Tour C 700 GQ Auto Citroën Relay 3500 6.98 2 2 82495
Adria Compact SC Supreme Fiat Ducato 3500 TBC 2 4 78640
Hobby On Tour C 700 GQ Citroën Relay 3500 6.98 2 2 78495
Rapido C50 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 3 4 76000
Pilote P650C Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.49 4 4 71700
Sunlight V69 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 6.85 2 4 61690
Sunlight V69 Citroën Relay 3500 6.85 2 4 57890

WITH TWIN FACING SOFAS

Coachman Travel Master 545 Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.39 4 4 130350
Swift Kon-Tiki 894 TA Fiat Ducato 5000 8.96 4 4 116595
Auto-Trail Frontier Comanche TA Fiat/Al-Ko 5000 8.79 6 2 115184
Adria Matrix 670DC Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 4 4 115180
Adria Coral 670DC Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 3 4 114550
Eura Mobil Profila RS 720QF Fiat Ducato 3500 7.57 4 4 102995
Eura Mobil Profila T 720QF Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.41 2 4 100995
Auto-Trail Frontier Delaware Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 8.07 6 2 100454
Mobilvetta Kea 90 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.45 4 4 99995
Fleurette Elister 73 LMF Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.3 3 4 98390
Adria Matrix 670DC Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 4 4 93950
Adria Coral 670DC Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 3 4 92790
Bürstner Lyseo TD 736 Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 7.36 2 4 90390
Mobilvetta Kea 90/2 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 2 89995
Laika Ecovip L 4012 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 89500
Hymer T-Class S695 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 2 4 89050
Bürstner Campeo TD 736 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.38 2 4 82890
Pilote P740FC Evidence Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 4 81200
Laika Kosmo L 412 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 80100
Elddis Encore 250 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 80089
Rapido 696F Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 3 4 79700
Bailey Adamo 75-4I Ford Transit 3500 7.48 4 4 78999
Rapido 686F Fiat Ducato 3500 7.2 3 4 78200
Fleurette Magister 74 LMF Fiat Ducato 3500 7.38 3 4 76900
Florium Mayflower 74 LMF Millennium Fiat Ducato 3500 7.38 3 4 76900
Chausson 788 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 3 4 75990

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 97

 ISLAND BED (CONTINUED)
MODEL BASE VEHICLE
MAX
WEIGHT LENGTH
(M)
TRAVEL PRICE
BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR (£)
great for…
(KG) DRIVER)
Letting the daylight in
Fleurette Magister 70 LMF Fiat Ducato 3500 6.97 3 4 75600
Florium Mayflower 70 LMF Millennium
Bailey Alora 69-4I
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
3500
3500
6.97
6.99
3
3
4
4
75600
75499 LAIKA
Auto-Trail Imala 730
PIlote P740FC Expression
Fiat Ducato
Fiat Ducato
3500
3500
7.25
7.45
2
2
2
4
75278
74700 KOSMO L105 (p100)
Pilote P720FC Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.2 2 4 73700
Giottiline Siena 397 Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.4 4 4 73673
Swift Voyager 594 Ford Transit 3500 7.85 4 4 73340
Sunlight T 68C Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 71990
Chausson 788 First Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 3 4 69290
Rimor 66 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.44 4 4 68995
Sunlight T 69LC Citroën Relay 3500 7.39 2 4 68790
Etrusco T7.3 QCF Ford Transit 3500 7.34 2 4 68400
Etrusco T 7400 QBC Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 68300
Elddis Autoquest 150 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.39 4 4 68299
Auto-Trail F-Line F74 Ford Transit 3500 7.32 4 2 65642
Itineo Cozi PM740 Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.4 6 4 62400
Rimor Kilig 66 Plus Ford Transit 3500 7.33 4 4 59995

SINGLE BEDS Price £80,200 Sleeps 4 Belts 4

Base vehicle Fiat Ducato
MAX TRAVEL Engine 2.2-litre, 140bhp Length 5.99m
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER) MTPLM 3500kg Payload 574kg
Water (fresh/waste) 110/90 litres
FULL LOUNGE Leisure battery 95Ah Gas 2 x 11kg
Laika Kreos L 5009 Fiat Ducato 4400 7.89 2 4 141200
Eura Mobil T Contura T 766 EB Mercedes Sprinter 4500 7.84 4 4 129995
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 680 BlackLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.39 2 4 122620 The problem with drop-down beds is that they
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 600 BlackLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.19 2 4 120230
Hymer B-Class MasterLine T 780 Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.89 2 4 119930
can make the area underneath particularly
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 600 WhiteLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 7.19 2 4 116410 gloomy. Not with Laika’s latest addition to
Adria Matrix 670SL Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 4 4 115180
Adria Coral 670SL Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 3 4 114550
the Kosmo range, the L105. It has two single
Coachman Travel Master Sportivo 565 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.46 2 4 112050 drop-down beds above its rear lounge, so
Carthago Chic C-Line T 4.9 LE Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.34 3 4 110570
Carthago Chic C-Line T 4.9 LE Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.5 3 4 108130 the light can still get in between them.
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 680 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 2 4 107640 If you prefer, once the bed is down,
Carthago C1-Tourer T 149 RB-LE comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.35 4 4 105450
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 600 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.19 2 4 105250 you can also pull out a panel to make it
Carthago C1-Tourer T 145 RB-LE comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 6.99 4 4 105050 into a proper double.
Carthago C1-Tourer T 148 KB-LE comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.34 4 4 103800
Carthago C1-Tourer T 148 KB-LE H comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 7.46 4 4 101900 The vehicle is only 5.99m long, but up front,
Eura Mobil Profila RS 720EB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 101995 along with the washroom and kitchen, there
Eura Mobil Profila T 720EB Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.41 2 4 100995
Eura Mobil Profila T 695EB Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 100995 is a clever flap that comes down to create a
Eura Mobil Profila T 660 EB Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 100995
Eura Mobil Profila RS 695 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 100995
desk with the swivelled driver’s seat. With a
Carthago C1-Tourer T 143 KB-LE comfort Fiat/Al-Ko 4250 6.9 3 4 99870 USB port and socket close by, this is the perfect
Carthago C1-Tourer T 145 RB-LE lightweight Fiat/Al-Ko 3500 6.99 4 4 97410
Malibu T 450 RB-LE comfort 4.2t Fiat Ducato 4200 7 2 4 97350 arrangement for digital nomads!
Malibu T 490 RB-LE comfort 4.2t Fiat Ducato 4200 7.35 2 4 96490
Malibu T 460 KB-LE comfort 4.2t Fiat Ducato 4200 7.2 2 4 94070
Adria Matrix 670SL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 4 4 93950
Adria Compact Max SL VW Crafter 3500 6.95 2 4 93695
Adria Coral 670SL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 3 4 92790
Carthago C1-Tourer T 143 KB-LE lightweight Fiat/Al-Ko 3500 6.9 3 4 92230
Malibu T 430 KB-LE comfort 4.2t Fiat Ducato 4200 6.9 2 4 91880
Knaus Sky Ti 700 MEG Fiat Ducato 3650 7.5 3 4 90300
Malibu T 490 RB-LE comfort 4.2t Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.5 2 4 90170
Malibu T 450 RB-LE comfort 4.2t Mercedes Sprinter 4200 7.16 2 4 89740
Laika Ecovip L 4009 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 89500
Laika Ecovip L 4009 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 89500
Hymer T-Class S680 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 2 4 89050
Hymer T-Class S585 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.09 2 4 89050
Bürstner Lyseo TD 690G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 87190
Hobby Maxia T 710 GE Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.15 2 4 86495
Malibu T 450 RB-LE lightweight 3.5t Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.16 2 4 83940
Laika Ecovip L 3009 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 86200
Laika Ecovip L 3019 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 86200
Dethleffs Trend T 7057 EBL Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 85490
Laika Ecovip L 2009 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 2 4 85200
Knaus Sky Ti 650 MEG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.96 2 4 84890
Malibu T 450 RB-LE lightweight 3.5t Fiat Ducato 3500 7 2 4 83940
Dethleffs Trend T 7057 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 83490
Hobby On Tour T 710 GE Auto Fiat Ducato 3500 7.01 2 2 82995
Benimar Tessoro T463 Ford Transit 3500 7.38 4 4 81995
Laika Kosmo L 409 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 80100
Bürstner Campeo TD 690G Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 79690
Bürstner Campeo TD 691G Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 79690
Hobby On Tour T 710 GE Fiat Ducato 3500 7.01 2 2 79495
Malibu T 430 KB-LE Fiat Ducato 3500 6.9 2 4 79140
Adria Compact SL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3500 TBC 3 4 78640
Laika Kosmo L 319 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 2 4 78200
McLouis Fusion 373 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 4 5 77495
Carado T447 Edition 25 Ford Transit 3500 7.36 2 4 77190
Swift Ascari 384 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 3 4 76995
Dethleffs Trend T 6817 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 5 4 76900
Weinsberg CaraSuite 700 ME Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 5 4 76020
Dethleffs Just Go T7055 EBL Ford Transit 3500 7.35 5 4 75490
Carado T338 Edition 25 Ford Transit 3500 6.99 2 4 75290

98 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 BUYER’S GUIDE LOW PROFILES

SINGLE BEDS (CONTINUED)

MODEL BASE VEHICLE
MAX
WEIGHT LENGTH
(M)
TRAVEL PRICE
BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR (£)
great for…
(KG) DRIVER)

Knaus Van Ti 650 MEG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.96 3 4 74955

Digitally connected
PIlote P740GJ Expression
Dethleffs Just Go T7055 EB
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
3500
3500
7.45
7.35
2
5
4
4
74700
74590
experience
Dethleffs Just Camp T7052 EBL
Dethleffs Just Camp T7052 EB
Pilote P690GJ Expression
Fiat Ducato
Fiat Ducato
Fiat Ducato
3500
3500
3500
7.4
7.4
6.99
5
5
4
4
4
4
74590
73590
72700
ETRUSCO V 6.8 SCF
(p100)
Dethleffs Just Camp T6812 EB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 5 4 72190
Sunlight T 67 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 7.29 2 4 71590
Sunlight T 68 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 71590
Giottline Siena 395 Premier Edition Ford Transit 3500 7.4 4 4 71092
Elnagh Baron 573 Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.45 4 4 69995
Rimor Super Brig 95 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.37 4 4 69995
Sunlight T 67S Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 2 4 69790
Etrusco T7.3 SF Ford Transit 3500 7.34 2 4 68400
Sunlight T 67 Citroën Relay 3500 7.29 2 4 68390
Sunlight T 68 Citroën Relay 3500 7.39 2 4 68390
Etrusco T 7400 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 68300
Etrusco T 7300 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 7.3 2 4 68300
Giottline Siena 395 Ford Transit 3500 7.4 4 4 67995
Rimor 95 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.29 4 4 67495
Rimor 98 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 6.87 2 5 67495
Etrusco T6.9 SF Ford Transit 3500 6.98 2 4 67100
Etrusco T 6900 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 2 4 67100
Sunlight T 67S Citroën Relay 3500 6.95 2 4 66890
Carado T447 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 65790
Carado T448 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.29 2 4 65790
Roller Team Zefiro 685 Ford Transit 3500 7.45 4 4 65495
Carado T338 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 2 4 64290
Etrusco V6.6 SF Ford Transit 3500 6.71 2 4 61700
Itineo Cozi PJ700 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.99 3 4 60500
Rimor Kilig 95 Plus Ford Transit 3500 7.3 5 5 59995
Etrusco Base T 6.9 SB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 58900 Price £61,700 Sleeps 2 (option for 3)
Belts 4 Base vehicle Ford Transit
WITH HALF DINETTE
Hymer ML-T 570 CrossOver Mercedes Sprinter 4100 6.89 2 4 142170 Engine 2.0-litre 130bhp Length 6.83m
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 580 BlackLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 6.99 2 4 117480 MTPLM 3500kg Payload 462kg
Frankia MT 7 GDK Neo Blackline Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.82 2 4 114700
Hymer ML-T 580 Xperience Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.98 2 4 111830 Water (fresh/waste) 110/100 litres
Hymer ML-T 570 Xperience Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.74 3 4 110860 Leisure battery TBC Gas 2 x 11kg
Hymer ML-T 570 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.74 2 4 102690
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 580 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 102500
Frankia MT 7 GDK Neo Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 101700
Hymer Exsis-t 580 Pure Fiat Ducato 3500 6.94 2 4 92440
Everyone seems to be making compact ’vans
Hymer Exsis-t 474 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 2 4 92370 these days, aiming to attract those who don’t
Bürstner Lyseo Time 690G Skyline Fiat Ducato 3500 6.98 2 4 81690
Hobby On Tour C 680 GE Auto Citroën Relay 3500 6.76 2 2 81495 fancy driving around narrow country lanes and
Weinsberg CaraCompact Suite MB 640 MEG EDITION Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.98 4 4 78910 city streets in some behemoth.
Hobby On Tour C 680 GE Citroën Relay 3500 6.76 2 2 77995
Weinsberg CaraCompact MB 640 MEG EDITION Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.92 2 4 76490 With some of these models, you do have
Rapido C55 Night Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 6.72 3 4 75900 to sacrifice a bit of comfort, but not with
Dethleffs Globebus Camp T4 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 3 4 71990
Dethleffs Just Go T6815 EB Ford Transit 3500 6.98 5 4 71790 Etrusco’s new V6.8 SCF. In less than 7m, it
Pilote P650GJ Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.49 4 4 71700 manages to include two single beds that are
Dethleffs Just Go T6615 EB Ford Transit 3500 6.68 3 4 70890
Fleurette Migrateur 65 LJG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 3 4 70800 nearly 2m long, as well as a washroom with
Florium Baxter 65 LJG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 3 4 70800
Dethleffs Globebus Go T45 Ford Transit 3500 5.98 3 4 69190
a swinging partition to reveal a good shower,
Weinsberg CaraCompact MEG EDITION [PEPPER] 600 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.75 2 4 67845 a side kitchen and a front lounge with parallel
Chausson S697 Sport Line Ford Transit 3500 6.59 2 4 65490
Auto-Trail Excel 690T Ford Transit 3500 6.9 3 4 64478
settees. And all for a relatively cheap £61,700.
Sunlight V66 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 6.64 2 4 61690
Chausson S697 First Line Ford Transit 3500 6.59 2 4 58790
Sunlight V66 Citroën Relay 3500 6.64 2 4 57890

WITH TWIN FACING SOFAS

Coachman Travel Master 565 Mercedes Sprinter 4500 8.39 4 4 130350
Swift Kon-Tiki 884 TA Fiat Ducato 5000 8.96 4 4 115695
Adria Matrix 670DL Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 4 4 115180
Adria Coral 670DL Supreme MB Mercedes Sprinter 3880 7.69 3 4 114550
Eura Mobil Profila RS 720EF Fiat Ducato 3500 7.57 4 4 102995
Swift Kon-Tiki 784 Fiat Ducato 4500 7.84 4 4 101295
Eura Mobil Profila T 720EF Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.41 2 4 100995
Mobilvetta Kea 86 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.45 4 4 99995
Fleurette Elister 73 LJF Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.3 3 4 98890
Adria Compact Max DL VW Crafter 4000 7.39 2 4 94695
Adria Matrix 670DL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 4 4 93950
Adria Coral 670DL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3650 7.49 3 4 92790
Bürstner Lyseo TD 727G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 7.36 2 4 90390
Mobilvetta Kea 86/2 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 2 89995
Laika Ecovip L 4009 DS Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 89500
Hymer T-Class S685 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 7.39 2 4 89050
Swift Escape 684 Fiat Ducato 3700 7.84 4 4 87195
Pilote P740FGJ Evidence Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 4 81200
Bailey Adamo 75-4T Ford Transit 3500 7.48 4 4 78999
Rapido 666F Fiat Ducato 3500 7.49 3 4 78800
Adria Compact DL Supreme Fiat Ducato 3500 TBC 3 4 78640
Rapido C86 Night Edition Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 3 4 76700
Chausson 777 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 3 4 75990
Bailey Alora 69-4T Ford Transit 3500 6.99 3 4 75499
Swift Voyager 574 Ford Transit 3500 7.73 6 4 75495
PIlote P740FGJ Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.45 2 4 74700
Roller Team T-Line 750 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.43 4 4 74400
Pilote P720FGJ Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.2 4 4 73700
Sunlight T 68C Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 71990
Chausson 777 First Line Ford Transit 3500 7.19 3 4 69290

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 99

 SINGLE BEDS (CONTINUED)
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

Sunlight T 68C Citroën Relay 3500 7.39 2 4 68790

Rimor 99 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.44 4 4 68495
Etrusco T7.3 SCF Ford Transit 3500 7.34 2 4 68400
Etrusco T 7400 SBC Fiat Ducato 3500 7.4 2 4 68300
Elddis Autoquest 194 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.34 4 4 68299
Carado T457 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 66090
Carado T459 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 2 4 66090
Etrusco V6.8 SCF Ford Transit 3500 6.83 2 4 61700

WITH END WASHROOM, TWIN SOFAS

Auto-Sleeper Burford Duo Mercedes Sprinter 4100 7.92 4 2 112050
Auto-Sleeper Corinium Duo Fiat/Al-Ko 4000 7.76 4 2 96690
Elddis Encore 285 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.41 4 4 80089
Elddis Autoquest 185 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.34 4 4 68299
Auto-Trail F-Line F70 Ford Transit 3500 7.32 4 2 65642

WITH END WASHROOM, DINETTE

Hobby Maxia T 740 WE Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.41 2 4 87995

TRANSVERSE BED
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

WITH FULL DINETTE

Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 550 BlackLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 6.99 2 4 117480
Frankia MT 7 BD Neo Blackline Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.82 2 4 114700
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 550 WhiteLine Mercedes Sprinter 4430 6.99 2 4 113660
Hymer B Class ModernComfort T 550 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.99 2 4 102500
Frankia MT 7 BD Neo Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.82 2 4 101700
Eura Mobil Profila RS 695HB Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 100995
Benimar Mileo 243 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 6.99 4 4 87495
Laika Ecovip L 3010 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 4 86200
Dethleffs Trend T 6877 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 5 4 81490
Benimar Mileo 243 Manual Fiat Ducato 3650 6.99 4 4 77995
McLouis Fusion 360 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 5 77495
Auto-Trail Imala 736G Fiat Ducato 3500 7.25 6 4 75278
Weinsberg CaraSuite 650 MG Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 5 4 73560
Rimor Super Brig 87 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 7.17 4 4 69995
Elnagh Baron 560 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.99 4 4 67995
Benimar Primero P201 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.95 2 4 66995
Roller Team Zefiro 665 Ford Transit 3500 6.41 4 4 63495

WITH HALF DINETTE

Adria Compact Max SP VW Crafter 3500 6.46 2 4 93695
Weinsberg X-Cursion Van EDITION [PEPPER] WW T6.1 3200 5.88 4 4 74380
Rapido C03 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.19 3 4 73500
Dethleffs Globebus Camp T1 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 3 4 70290
Moto-Trek Xplora FDB Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 2 2 69495
Dethleffs Globebus Go T15 Ford Transit 3500 5.98 3 4 67590
Chausson S514 Sport Line Ford Transit 3500 5.99 4 4 62490
Auto-Trail Excel 620G Ford Transit 3500 6.2 3 4 61634
Giottiline Compact C60 Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 4 4 59893
Sunlight V60 Adventure Fiat Ducato 3500 5.94 2 4 59090
Etrusco V5.9 DF Ford Transit 3500 5.99 2 4 59000
Rimor Kilig 18 Plus Ford Transit 3500 5.95 4 4 58995
Chausson S514 First Line Ford Transit 3500 5.99 4 4 55790
Sunlight V60 Citroën Relay 3500 5.94 2 4 55090

TWIN FACING SOFAS

Bailey Alora 69-4S Ford Transit 3500 6.99 3 4 75499
Pilote A690G Atlas Ford Transit 3500 7 4 4 74700

REAR LOUNGE
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

REAR LOUNGE ONLY

Hymer Venture S Mercedes Sprinter 4100 6.45 4 2 215460
Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD 649G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3650 6.99 4 4 101990
Bürstner Lyseo TD 744 Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 7.36 2 4 98290
Bürstner Lyseo TD 644G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 87590
Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.63 2 2 83850
Laika Kosmo L 105 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 4 4 80200
Elddis Encore 295 Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.41 2 2 80089
Pilote P720U Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 7.15 4 4 75700
Elddis Accordo 120 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 2 2 63999
Auto-Trail F-Line F68 Ford Transit 3500 6.8 2 2 62996

WITH FULL DINETTE

Auto-Trail Frontier Scout Fiat/Al-Ko 4500 8.07 6 4 100454
Mobilvetta Kea 80 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 6.99 4 4 98995
Benimar Mileo 282 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 7.39 4 4 89495
Mobilvetta Kea 80/2 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 2 2 88995
Benimar Mileo 282 Manual Fiat Ducato 3650 7.39 4 4 79995
McLouis Fusion 330 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.59 4 4 77495
Auto-Trail Imala 736 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.25 4 4 75278

100 January 2025 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

 BUYER’S GUIDE LOW PROFILES

REAR LOUNGE (CONTINUED)

MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

Roller Team T-Line 700 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 74400

Benimar Primero P282 Fiat Ducato 3500 7.39 4 4 72995
Moto-Trek Xplora ELD Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 2 4 72995
Roller Team Auto-Roller 747 Ford Transit 3500 7.24 6 6 69705
Elddis Autoquest 196 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 7.34 6 6 69299
Elnagh Baron 530 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.59 4 4 67995
Rimor Kilig 77 Plus Ford Transit 3500 6.97 4 5 64995

WITH HALF DINETTE

Swift Ascari 344 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 4 4 76295
Swift Ascari 372 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.65 2 4 74395
Auto-Trail Excel 690L Ford Transit 3500 6.9 3 4 65582
Elddis Accordo 135 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 3 4 65399

WITH TWIN FACING SOFAS

Swift Kon-Tiki 874 TA Fiat Ducato 5000 8.96 6 5 117695
Swift Kon-Tiki 774 Fiat Ducato 4500 8.22 6 5 106795
Swift Escape 674 Fiat Ducato 4500 8.22 6 5 90495
Bailey Adamo 75-4DL Ford Transit 3500 7.48 4 4 79999
Auto-Trail F-Line F72 Ford Transit 3500 7.32 4 2 65642

END KITCHEN
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

TWIN FACING SOFAS

Auto-Sleeper Bourton Mercedes Sprinter 3500 6.45 2 2 102930
Auto-Sleeper Broadway EK TB LP Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.32 2 2 82890
Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK Plus Fiat/Al-Ko 3500 6 2 2 80730
Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.75 2 2 77730
Auto-Trail Imala 615 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.34 2 2 70364
Auto-Trail Excel 620S Ford Transit 3500 6.2 2 4 64102
Auto-Trail F-Line F62 Ford Transit 3500 5.99 2 2 62030
Elddis Autoquest 115 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.15 2 2 61199

END WASHROOM
MAX TRAVEL
WEIGHT LENGTH PRICE
MODEL BASE VEHICLE BERTHS SEATS (INC OTR
(M) (£)
(KG) DRIVER)

FRONT LOUNGE
Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD 689G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3650 6.9 3 4 110190
Benimar Mileo 286 Auto Fiat Ducato 4400 6.95 4 4 87495
Bürstner Lyseo TD 594 Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 2 4 84990
Benimar Mileo 286 Manual Fiat Ducato 3650 6.95 4 4 77995
Benimar Tessoro T481 Ford Transit 3500 5.98 4 4 76495
Chausson 660 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 73990
Benimar Primero P286 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 4 4 71995
Roller Team T-Line 590 Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 4 4 70890
Chausson 660 First Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 67290
Auto-Trail Excel 675B Ford Transit 3500 6.75 2 4 63380

TWIN FACING SOFAS

Auto-Sleeper Winchcombe Mercedes Sprinter 4100 7.33 2 2 108450
Bürstner Lyseo TD 684G Harmony Line Fiat Ducato 3500 6.89 2 4 88190
Swift Escape 640 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 85695
Auto-Sleeper Broadway EB Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.32 2 2 82890
Pilote P690D Evidence Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 81200
Benimar Tessoro T487 Ford Transit 3500 6.98 4 4 79995
Pilote P620D Evidence Fiat Ducato 3500 6.2 4 4 73700

how to buy…
Bailey Adamo 69-4 Ford Transit 3500 7 4 4 77999
Chausson X 650 Exclusive Line Fiat Ducato 3500 6.36 4 4 76990
Rapido 606F Fiat Ducato 3500 6.69 4 4 76500
Weinsberg X-Cursion Van EDITION [PEPPER] VW T6.1 3200 5.88 4 4 76400
Bailey Adamo 60-2 Ford Transit 3500 6.1 2 2 75999 < Continued from p97
Dethleffs Just Camp T6762 Fiat Ducato 3500 6.95 5 4 75390
Pilote P690D Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.99 4 4 74700
Pilote A650D Atlas Ford Transit 3500 6.6 4 4 74200 Choosing a layout
Chausson 630 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 73990
Chausson 640 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 73990
settees, and often also with a double bed that
Chausson X 550 Exclusive Line Fiat Ducato 3500 5.99 4 4 73990 drops down over the lounge from above.
Pilote P620D Expression Fiat Ducato 3500 6.2 4 4 73700
Fleurette Magister 67 LO Fiat Ducato 3500 6.77 3 4 73600 The attractions of such a layout are obvious:
Florium Mayflower 67 LO Fiat Ducato 3500 6.77 3 4 73600 lounge and washroom are usually both large,
Chausson 650 Etape Line Ford Transit 3500 6.39 4 4 73290
Swift Voyager 540 Ford Transit 3500 7.01 4 4 71870 and if there are just the two of you and you
Swift Voyager 510 Ford Transit 3500 6.19 4 4 71120 have that drop-down bed, you don’t need to
Giottiline Siena 350 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.36 4 4 70632
Swift Voyager 505 Ford Transit 3500 6.19 4 2 69745 make up the bed, either. Yet you still normally
Rimor 67 Plus Fiat Ducato 3500 6.45 2 4 67495 have a relatively short vehicle.
Chausson 630 First Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 67290
Chausson 640 First Line Ford Transit 3500 6.99 4 4 67290 But such layouts do have their downsides.
Chausson 650 First Line Ford Transit 3500 6.39 4 4 66590
Elddis Accordo 105 60th Anniversary Peugeot Boxer 3500 5.99 2 2 63999
There are often no travel seats in the back
Auto-Trail F-Line F60 Ford Transit 3500 5.99 2 2 62030 (or they are fiddly to set up and uncomfortable
Itineo Cozi PC640 Peugeot Boxer 3500 6.36 4 4 61100
Rimor Kilig 67 Plus Ford Transit 3500 6.44 4 4 59995 to sit in) and the drop-down bed can restrict
Roller Team Kronos Compact 590 Ford Transit 3500 5.99 2 4 57990 headroom. So this layout may not be for you.

www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2025 101

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