Practical Caravan

TRAVEL LOCAL AUTHORITY ‘Sunrise and sunset over the River Wyre are unmissable’ River Wyre Marsh Mill Rossall Point Stanah House Caravan Park www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 51

48 HOURS IN... YORK Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit ‘The River Ouse runs through the heart of York, offering scenic riverside walking’ IT’S NO SECRET that York is HOUR BY HOUR 1pm Lunch break Dog friendly just bursting with history and Day 1 If it’s a sunny day, head for the culture, but did you know it has 9am Start at the Minster Shambles Food Court, where The city of York recently the most attractions per square Dive into York’s fine historical the pop-up stalls are bound to topped tails.com’s survey mile of any city in the UK? offerings with one of the best have something for everyone. of the 10 safest areas to – the Minster. More than 1000 own a dog in the UK. Between Roman roots, Viking years old, this stunning Gothic Nearby restaurant Forest invasions and the city’s haunted cathedral took some 250 years serves great lunches, light bites YWOHUYRNDOOTGT?AKE reputation, history buffs will be to construct and has since been and a unique afternoon tea. Words: Joanna Davies spoiled for choice. beautifully maintained. galtreslodge.uk/food-and- The River Ouse runs through You can spend a good couple drink.html the very heart of York, offering of hours exploring, or take one scenic riverside walking, while of the guided tours. There are 3pm Idyllic gardens foodies might prefer to indulge tickets for the Minster only Amble up Davygate (passing the in a Chocolate Tour (the city is, or the Minster and the tower, iconic Bettys Tea Room) and of course, famous for its iconic which you can climb to enjoy head towards York Museum chocolate brands), or visiting panoramic views of the city Gardens. An idyllic oasis on the some of the plethora of highly (£12.50 or £18.50 respectively). edge of the river, these lovely regarded restaurants. gardens are also home to the yorkminster.org medieval ruins of St Mary’s The city centre is a charming Abbey and the city walls. jumble of cobbled streets, cafés 11am Head for Shambles and museums, along with art From the Minster, it’s a short York Observatory and the galleries, historic architecture, walk to the Shambles, York’s museum itself are well worth and the mighty Minster. famous street, reminiscent of a visit, charting this great city’s Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. ancient history and housing Being relatively small, York Perfect for taking photos and some truly amazing Roman is ideal for traversing on foot, moseying around the shops. and medieval artefacts. and there is no shortage of attractions to fill your time. yorkshiremuseum.org.uk 52 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

TRAVEL 48 HOURS IN… PLACES TO STAY Beechwood Caravan Park Set in eight acres of mature trees, this quiet park has modern facilities and is a 30-minute bus ride from the city centre. beechwoodcaravan parkyork.com CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT York is ideal for exploring on foot; walking the medieval walls; the new roof deck York Rowntree at Clifford’sTower offers splendid views; the world-famous Minster; shops and eateries line the Shambles CAMC Campsite This popular site is near the river, within Rowntree Park, and just a 15-minute walk from the city centre. caravanclub.co.uk PARKING It can be pricey to park in York, but there’s a Park and Ride near the centre. You’ll need to download the RingGo parking app before you go – that’s how you pay to park. Try Q-Park Shambles for a multistorey, St George’s Field near the river for big spaces, or Peel Street. FOOD Skosh Michelin-rated, serving contemporary British cuisine with a modern international twist skoshyork.co.uk 6pm Time to dine 1pm Pause to refuel 6pm Take to the water The Larder Club After all that exploring, you’re Take a stroll across Skeldergate Give your feet a rest and enjoy A deli with a difference, probably feeling a bit peckish Bridge and you’ll come to the a relaxed evening on the York offering amazing sweet by now, so why not head for hugely popular Bishopthorpe Sightseeing Cruise. and savoury antipasti Cresci Pizzeria? This simple, Road. This very stylish parade, boards, as well as a menu fashionable eatery specialises affectionately known as Bishy Head to Lendal Bridge for the of classic brunch dishes. in delicious Italian fare and Road, is a vibrant, quirky corner cruise pick-up point, where you great sourdough pizza. of the city centre and home to a can take a leisurely one-hour thelarderclub.com selection of independent shops, tour along the River Ouse. crescipizzeriayork.co.uk cafés and restaurants. Delrio’s The live commentary will Authentic Italian food Day 2 Head to The Pig and Pastry guide you through famous spots from an extensive menu 10am Off to the tower to enjoy delicious sandwiches, in the city, and the on-board bar in a cosy, intimate setting. Kick off the day at Clifford’s toasties and brunch plates. is stocked with local beers and Tower, which has stood at the wine (£13.50 for adults). delriosrestaurant.com heart of the city since Norman thepigandpastry.com times. Over its long, sometimes cityexperiences.com/ WHAT’S ON dark, history, this has been a 3pm Off the wall york/city-cruises royal mint, a stronghold and No visit to York is complete 10 July 2022 a garrison in the Civil Wars. without seeing the city walls, 7.30pm Dine by the river Dragon Boat Race In 1190, it was the site of one dating from the 13th century. The cruise drop-off point puts Watch from the bank of the worst anti-Semitic you in a perfect place for dinner as 32 teams race on the massacres of the Middle Ages. After lunch, walk back up at The Star Inn The City. river. Food stalls, music Bishy Road and turn left onto and competitions, too. Today, it offers serene city Skeldergate, to pick up the City Here, you can enjoy excellent views (£9 for adults). Nearby, Wall Trail. You’ll go through a craft cocktails and a varied menu yorkrotary.co.uk York Castle Museum is well Victorian tower to join the trail of British dishes – including worth a visit (£14 for adults). and come across two ‘bars’ – or Yorkshire puddings! – in a cosy 13-14 August 2022 gateways – along the way. and welcoming riverside setting York Walls Festival yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk with an outdoor terrace. Enjoy tours and trails in yorkwalls.org.uk this free celebration of starinnthecity.co.uk the city’s medieval walls. yorkwallsfestival.org www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 53

FROM 6 WHEELS TO 2 Grantown- on-Spey Dirdhu Loch Nethy Garten Bridge Abernethy Forest GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY LOOP You might be lucky enough to spot red Distance: 24.5 miles squirrels on the Grantown-on-Spey Loop This is a challenging route, particularly if you don’t have an ebike, but it’s well worth the effort, thanks to the stunning scenery along the way. You’ll start at Grantown-on-Spey, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, before following scenic B-roads that take in Nethy Bridge, Abernethy Forest and Loch Garten. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too – you might even spot red squirrels. Web visitscotland.com Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Park, Salcombe Cyclo Sportive Seafield Avenue PH26 3JQ 2 August 2022 Web caravanscotland.com This 48km (30-mile) event is a fun ride This glorious site in the heart of the that takes in a tour of the stunning Cairngorms is a frequent finalist in our Devonshire countryside – it’s suitable Top 100 Sites Guide, and has maintained for all ages and abilities, and ebikes are welcome. Entry costs £20 and you’ll get its reputation for excellent a certificate for finishing the course. facilities in a fantastic Web hammersport.co.uk location over the years. Visitors will find a Ride North Norfolk heated toilet block, 28 August 2022 high-speed fibre Everyone is welcome at Ride North broadband and Norfolk, which starts in Fakenham – manicured pitches, routes range from 15 to 100 miles, and including some riders get a medal and souvenir bag. super-pitches with Web activefakenham.org.uk a Freesat TV box. There are also two laundry facilities and a disabled shower. 54 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.raleigh.co.uk

Features sponsored content XLC Aluminium PV/SV Mini-pump, £24.99; www.raleigh.co.uk Stay prepared on the trail or road with this clever little pump, which is suitable for both Presta and Schrader valves. It’s just 22cm long, too, so should tuck neatly into your pocket or bag. You’ll need properly maintained and indexed gears to deliver crisp, clean gear shifting, which is essential for keeping your bike’s performance at peak levels. Here’s a quick guide to show you what to do 1 A multi-tool and a bike stand are 2 As you shift through the gears, if it looks 3 If it looks like your chain is jumping required for this task. Before starting, like your chain is struggling to move up down two gears at a time, you need check your gears for any breaks, kinks or onto the larger cogs, you need to tighten to loosen the cable. This can be done fraying cable. Place your bike in the stand, the cable. This can be done by turning the by turning the barrel adjuster on the rotating the pedals forward, and shift barrel adjuster on the derailleur clockwise. derailleur anticlockwise. through the gears to highlight any issues. 4 The B-screw adjusts the derailleur in 5 If your chain is running over the cassette 6 If you have no more cable tension by conjunction with the cassette, and also and being pushed into the wheel, turn the using the barrel adjusters, set the adjuster increases/reduces chain tension. low screw clockwise to pull the chain back to zero, loosen the hex bolt with an Allen onto the cassette. If it is running into the key and pull the gear cable through. Set bike frame, turn the high screw clockwise the cable by tightening the Allen key. to push the chain towards the cassette. Raleigh Motus Grand Tour Hub Stay relaxed and fresh I’ve had my Raleigh Motus I’ve also come to really Longer rides can be tiring, but relaxing Grand Tour Hub ebike for a appreciate the many other your shoulders and keeping your arms couple of months now, and practicalities of the Motus slightly bent should help your muscles the recent long weekend for Grand Tour Hub. For instance, over the miles. This way, you’ll be able the Platinum Jubilee allowed the kickstand means that to absorb bumps more easily, too. me to get out and about for it’s easy to park the bike a few substantial rides. to stop and take a snap I’m fortunate to live rurally, of all those gorgeous but that wonderful rolling vistas. In addition, the countryside does mean full mudguards are a encountering plenty of hills, huge bonus in our British something that I would weather. There’s even a previously have avoided when built-in wheel lock, for additional peace possible, choosing a flatter route. of mind when we’re out and about. I’m hoping to take the bike on a tour next Not so with the Motus – the super-silent month, and looking forward to being able Active Line Plus motor makes climbing an to explore the local cycle paths with ease. absolute breeze, allowing me to enjoy the Sarah Wakely, Editor views as the miles simply tick away. www.raleigh.co.uk | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 55

Tested REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES Brands focus on IN THE NEW-VAN SECTION… caravan manufacture Showroom news By this time of the year, we are usually ready 57 Latest from dealers and the industry to impart a vast amount of information Despite supply chain issues, manufacturers are beginning to reveal new-season models, including Adria and Hobby about models for the new season. It’s a sign of just how serious supply chain issues have 58 become – as well as the continuing fallout from the lockdowns – that this year, we can First look only give you a glimpse of the new-look 58 Adria Altea Dart Adria Altea and a bit about Hobby. It’s destined for the entry-level market, but design upgrades make this smart four-berth look anything but budget Other manufacturers say their new-season launches are still some months away. If you First look are thinking about trading in your current 60 Caretta Calypso 4 model for a new caravan, you might Innovative and stylish interiors give this lightweight four-berth be disappointed, but at the same time, plenty of appeal, especially for first-time caravan buyers this could also turn out to be a golden 60 opportunity for a canny seller. [email protected] Reviews editor PETER BABER is a hugely experienced caravanner who enjoys touring whenever he can HOW WE TEST VANS Our review types explained In-depth test report back to you in our In our most detailed test, regular review pages. This we spend at least one day is the place for the quick (usually more) in the van, low-down on a model! to bring you our verdict. The score is based on the Our vans, our month opinions of the PC team. Our long-term-test tourers are loaned to PC by the First look manufacturers, allowing Each month, we test new us to give you warts-and-all models of all sizes and reports over the months. 56 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

The latest developments from caravan manufacturers and dealers neuwnAA-vldloetreoiliaaks ADRIA HAS REVEALED a little of what the Inside, the walls and ceiling are finished newly redesigned Altea will look like when in Symalite, a composite made from recycled it is fully launched later this year. materials which Adria says saves weight. The Slovenian manufacturer updates one In the lounge, the settees are upholstered to of its three mainstream caravan ranges every the floor for a more homely look. You can easily year, and this year, it is the turn of the brand’s make up the double bed from slats that pull out entry-level Altea. from the front panel and rest on struts, which are positioned at the top of the settee support. The new look for Altea models sold in the UK includes a distinctive all-silver exterior The Altea will be available on three existing with a considerably upgraded rear panel, layouts: Tyne (£26,585), Avon (£26,930) and a wide gas bottle storage locker at the Dart (£27,175). For an even closer look, see front and smart alloy wheels as standard. our review on p58. Classic style, and come with bunk beds. They include the Duvalay mourns all mod cons 650KMFe, featuring a separate children’s Hilary Devey room with a table and seating at the rear. Hobby is expanding its Scandinavian-inspired Duvalay is Maxia and the Excellent Edition range for The Excellent gets an anthracite-coloured mourning the 2023. But the innovative Beachy still won’t wood finish, while in the Prestige range, loss of former make it to these shores. elegant pale grey upholstery combines with Dragon’s Den sleek grey curtains. star Hilary Devey. In 2011, The budget Beachy was launched last year, she invested £80,000 in but its distinctive design, with no washroom All 2023 Hobby models are also fitted with the Yorkshire mattress and a versatile interior, has apparently been a new kitchen, with glass tops for both the manufacturer – the only unable to meet certain UK regulations. sink and the hob. In addition, most now investment she made during come with a two-way opening fridge. her time on the show – and The new addition to the Maxia range is the she was a shareholder until 585UL, with a U-shaped lounge and rear single her death in June. Elizabeth beds. At 7.69m, it is significantly longer than Colleran, sales and marketing its cousin the 495UL, leaving enough room director, said, “Hilary’s for a large wardrobe and cabinets. It comes investment in Duvalay with an MTPLM of 1700kg. transformed the company.” The Excellent Edition is being expanded to 10 models. Four are designed for families Caravan Salon is back ever been, with some 600 for the 26 August preview the road. Despite relaxing to pre-pandemic levels exhibitors presenting over day for the first time. the rules concerning who is The organiser of this year’s 250,000 square metres. allowed to tow towards the Caravan Salon says its DVSA launches end of last year, the DVSA expansion into three extra The world’s largest new towing syllabus is currently in the process halls this year means the caravan and motorhome The Driver and Vehicle of recognising specialist show is as large as it has show will be running from Standards Agency is urging training organisations, and 26 August to 4 September people who are new to has brought out a syllabus in Düsseldorf, Germany. towing to take an accredited on the subject areas such training course before hitting courses should cover. This year, members of the public are being invited in www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 57

FIRST LOOK Pastel colours and light Slats roll out from the Lounge settees are Pull-out extension wood finish make this central chest to make up fully upholstered for a flap adds to the work a welcoming interior surface in the kitchen the front double bed more homely look ADRIA ALTEA DART ADRIA REFRESHES its three conventional caravan ranges on a rotating basis, and this Price £27,175 Berths 4 MiRO TBC MTPLM TBC year, it is the turn of the Alteas. The full Upgrades both inside and out make this smart line-up, with three family layouts (the Aire four-berth 2023 model look anything but entry-level has been dropped) will be on display at this Words and photos Peter Baber October’s NEC, and you’re unlikely to see new models on forecourts before then. Altea models for the UK market have a distinctive all-silver exterior 58 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com But we managed a sneak preview of the new four-berth Dart, kitted out for the UK market, at a recent Adria press event. Pitch and set-up Unlike the largely white Continental vans, UK Alteas have an all-silver exterior. This certainly frees Adria’s entry-level range from any budget look, particularly as those GRP sides are matched by alloy wheels. Even more impressive is the rear panel, with its elegant shape, minimal branding and slimline Hella LED light cluster. The Altea also copies the front panel on Adoras and Alpinas, with vertical grab handles, and you get a larger front gas bottle locker. Built on Al-Ko’s lightweight Vario X chassis, this new model should be within the capabilities of smaller, cheaper tow cars, although weights are still to be confirmed. Lounge People familiar with the Dart’s layout of U-shaped lounge, central washroom and rear island bed will recognise this interior: it hasn’t changed. What has changed is the

AB SHOWROOM FIRST LOOK CD Price £27,175 Berths 4 MiRO TBC Payload TBC MTPLM TBC Spec list Silver GRP side panels • Hella LED rear lights • Symalite interior walls • Duplex oven • Microwave • Cassette toilet • TV sockets • USB ports A D B C A Kitchen has plenty of worktop and good storage in drawers and movable baskets Measurements Interior length TBC B The bed base opens vertically to access space below, and there are two wardrobes C Foldaway table is stowed in its own slot, but that’s all the way back in the bedroom Shipping length TBC Overall width TBC D Well-lit washroom is fitted with a large mirror, a towel rail and an opaque window Contact adria.co.uk/caravans look. The settees are now upholstered all for sponges, brushes and so on. These are panel, to support the slats that roll out the way to the floor. Adria says this is to a favourite of Erna Povh, product manager from the central chest. These stow away make the van feel more homely, and with for Adria caravans, who showed us around inside the settees when they are not in use, the pastel fabrics, it certainly does. the new Altea. You also get a Duplex oven, but you do need to position them very a slimline fridge and a microwave. carefully for them to work effectively. You might notice something different about the interior walls, too. They are of Washroom Storage Symalite, a thermoplastic composite made from recycled materials, which Adria says is The nearside cubicle includes Thumbs up Both underseat areas in the lighter weight and offers better insulation. a rather basic shower, with lounge are relatively clear only one plughole and of clutter, although you do The same material is used on the ceiling, Warm interior, useful coated with polyurethane. On the walls in its raw state, it resembles felt. That gives much of the tray taken up lighting, flexible storage have to remove one-piece the interior a warm feel, backed up by light flooding through the sunroof. At night, by the wheel arch. It does Thumbs down cushions to reach them. spotlights further brighten the lounge. come with a good light, a The additional upholstery roof vent and a rail for Front double bed assembly, means there are no access The felt effect of the walls is matched by drying clothes, however. flaps. The overhead lockers real felt pockets for handy storage, which access to underseat can be hung wherever you want. storage areas The fold-out shelf in the middle of the ‘U’ will be useful, and compensates for the The main offside washroom are a good size, however. one snag here: the foldaway table is stored is better, with a well-lit mirror, The bedroom is furnished all the way back in the bedroom. opaque window and a towel rail. with two narrow wardrobes, with plenty of shelving below. Unusually, the This caravan also includes a set of hooks Beds bed base opens vertically for access. that hang over doors. Like the felt pockets, you can move them wherever you like. The rear bedroom continues the warm The microwave takes up one overhead theme, with plenty of pale woodwork. locker, but the other one is a good size, and Kitchen There is more space for those movable felt below the worktop are three large drawers. Apart from the new, very loud worktop, the pockets on the headboard, so that should kitchen is fairly standard Adria fare, with provide you with somewhere to store your Verdict a pull-out extension and a three-burner hob phone at night. A large Heki and windows The new exterior removes any hint of the at the back. It is well lit by the window and let in lots of light during the day. There is a Altea being an entry-level van – although a striplight, although the sink is slightly second set of TV sockets on the nearside, the £27,000-plus price tag is hardly budget. small. Its tap comes with versatile baskets and a noticeboard on the opposite panel. The warm interior with those felt-like walls is If you were wondering how you make up welcoming, even if the extra upholstery the front double when the settees are fully makes assembling the front double a little upholstered, Adria provides two metal rails trickier, and storage is good. All in all, this is a that fit along the top of the settees’ front good upgrade, with only a few small niggles. PC www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 59

FIRST LOOK Lounge seating makes Table is sturdy and Side windows have You only get a limited up into a reasonably ample for four, but curtains, while front amount of worktop and sizeable double bed it’s not freestanding window has a blind a small sink in kitchen CARETTA WHEN THE UK caravan market is doing so well, home-grown manufacturers can CALYPSO 4 tend to fall short on supply. That creates an ideal opportunity for a new imported Price £19,258 Berths 4 MiRO 680kg MTPLM 750kg brand to establish itself. If you’re moving up from tent camping to a tourer, this lightweight entry-level model might be the one One such firm is Caretta, a Turkish Words and photos Andrew Jenkinson van producer specialising in lightweight teardrop tourers. The UK market can be Drawbar has a locker, although this houses the mains RCB unit and charger a pretty tough nut to crack, so new models 60 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com need to have lots of appeal. Does this one? Pitch and set-up The Calypso 4 is fairly simple in design, which helps to keep costs down. Its stucco side finish is typical of Continental tourers. The exterior build seems solid, but the front window is the only one that is plastic – the tinted side windows are toughened glass. Based on an Al-Ko chassis with AKS hitch stabiliser, the van also has a built-in folding entrance step. Alloys are fitted and there is an on-board water tank, as well as a side gas locker (which only holds one bottle). The front drawbar does have a locker, but this houses the mains RCB unit and Black & Decker charger. The battery is also here, with some extra space for chocks and so on. The door is on the Continental side, with an awning light offset from it. If you are manoeuvring the Calypso by hand, grab handles are only fitted at the front. Overall, the finish seems very good.

AB SHOWROOM FIRST LOOK Price £19,258 (as tested) Berths 4 MiRO 680kg Payload 70kg MTPLM 750kg Spec list Built-in step • Front locker with battery/mains unit • Hot water • Alloys • Awning light • AKS hitch • Choice of colours for ambient lighting • Thetford electric-flush toilet • Three mains sockets • Three exterior colour choices • Heating optional CD C D B A Each rear bunk has a window, but the unglazed, one-piece door is not on the UK side A B Fixed bunks at the back are a good size, so children should sleep there in comfort C Kitchen is compact, but provides a surprising amount of cupboard and drawer space Measurements Interior length 3.88m D Washroom is impressive, and you can choose from a range of ambient lighting colours Shipping length 4.81m Overall width 2.05m Front double bed 1.93m x 2.00m Rear bunk beds 1.93m x 0.76m Seen at northwesterncaravans.co.uk Web caretta-caravans.co.uk Lounge Beds As a workaround, you could hang a few As you might expect, the lounge is quite compact, but it should be fine for a young The Calpyso 4 comes with two fixed bunk things in the washroom, which thankfully family. The sturdy table is a good size, beds. They are generous in size and offer does have a sizeable cupboard underneath although it is not a freestanding unit. excellent headroom. The mattresses also the handbasin. There’s more storage below look high quality. You make up the double the bottom bunk bed, and the kitchen The front window is quite small, but at bed in the front lounge by folding the comes with a surprising amount least it is there: usually this is a £900 extra, table down and fitting it between of drawer and cupboard space but the UK importer has rightly included it the settees, so that the flat (with lipped shelves), as standard. It opens, too, so allows some seat cushions then slide Thumbs up although the overhead ventilation. The side windows only have easily into place. It’s not locker here isn’t massive. curtains, but the front window does get Lightweight, easy to tow a blind. The seating is comfortable. a massive bed by any and store, good build The lounge has small side Kitchen It’s fairly obvious that in a tourer of this means, but should be Thumbs down overhead lockers and size, space in the kitchen is not going to fine for most people. more storage space under be particularly generous. Washroom No wardrobe, door not on the front settees. Overall, it’s pretty good, but the The first thing you’ll notice about this UK side, restricted worktop, one is that the worktop is limited. But you might only be using it to prepare light no rear grab handles meals anyway, because you only have one gas burner, and there’s no grill or oven. This is a pleasant surprise in lack of a wardrobe might a van of this size – it’s not bad deter some buyers, as might The sink is small, too, although there at all. There’s not much floor area, the relatively meagre payload. is a window and a small shelf just above. but it’s perfectly functional. The swivel But on the plus side, the entrance door Thetford cassette toilet has an electric is fitted with some handy shelves. The kitchen is fitted with a mains socket, flush. The corner handbasin is a good size one of the three supplied in this caravan. and you’ll find a handy cupboard below for Verdict storage, and a mirror above to one side. The lightweight Caretta Calypso 4 would There is also a mini-Heki to provide A roof vent is fitted here, but there’s no be an ideal choice if you have a small car natural light and ventilation, and there’s side window. The tap on the handbasin also and a compact driveway. It feels well put a mains-only fridge fitted opposite. The does duty as the showerhead. You even get together and the finish is hard to fault. fridge is a Regal – a manufacturer based a colour choice for ambient lighting. The lack of a wardrobe could be a bit in India and not a brand we have seen of a disadvantage – we’d prefer a smaller before. It’s a good size, but it does take Storage three-way fridge, too. And the single gas up what would have been the wardrobe. There’s no wardrobe fitted in this caravan, burner could restrict meal preparation. which might be a bit of a deal-breaker for This van is really designed for former some customers. There is a large cupboard tent campers and touring newbies, and below the fridge, but it has no hanging rail. it should serve that market very well. PC www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 61



Used vans THIS MONTH WE FEATURE… USED VAN PICKS // KNAUS S CLASS Dealers weigh up Dealers are reporting used stock levels that demand continues It’s been a strange couple of years, yet to be strong these days, caravan sales are still going off the scale. As we know, all good things ANDY’S PICKS OF THE MONTH must come to an end. But will that be 1 Sheer elegance the case for the used van market? 2021 Swift Elegance 560 To test the water, I visited a This luxurious, hardly used, Swift Elegance 560 was up for £31,995. An island bed, great spec local dealership and had a chat and plenty of room for two on a long tour with the salespeople. In their made this a great choice. A mover added to the opinion, were things slowing down? appeal. It had only been there for a few days No, was their very clear reply: demand and folk were already showing a lot of interest. remained strong. But stock had become costly, with sellers asking for top prices. kendalcaravans.co.uk They were also trying not to overstock – dealers don’t want to be left with 2 Supreme luxury forecourts full of pricey pre-owned 2018 Elddis Supreme 860 vans if a slow-down suddenly happens. This 8ft-wide Elddis Supreme 860 was priced at £21,894. Based on the Avanté range, its extra [email protected] kit brings it up to a more luxurious level. This big twin-axle needs a hefty tow car, but would ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan expert and historian make a great seasonal pitch. Rear transverse – he loves pre-owned and classic tourers! bed and a huge lounge add to the comfort. IN THE USED VANS SECTION… kendalcaravans.co.uk Used van buyer 3 To the moon 2015 Sterling Eccles Moonstone SE 64 Knaus S Class 480 (2017) Smart décor is just part of the appeal in this Pre-owned models from the German manufacturer family-friendly tourer. It has a spacious rear are a rare sight on forecourts, but well worth a look washroom, an excellent spec and a recently fitted motor mover. Reasonably priced at just £16,495, this four-berth had also clearly been very well cared for. westfieldcaravans.co.uk 4 Compass points 2017 Compass Camino 644 Based on the Elddis Crusader, this upmarket Compass, going for £23,995, also had a mover fitted by the previous owner. With distinctive blue sides adding to the appeal, the Camino was definitely drawing lots of attention on the forecourt. The condition was excellent, too. westfieldcaravans.co.uk www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 63

USED VANS BPW chassis with Profile is sturdy, rather Excellent storage Alloy wheels were hitch stabiliser than sleek, but the 480 includes external fitted as standard, but and ID stability access side locker check for any grazing is very solidly built KNAUS S CLASS 480 (2017) When you spot a pre-owned Knaus tourer, it’s well worth a look, says Andrew Jenkinson GERMAN CARAVANS HAVE Knaus and Tabbert were later Fading on side panels Model history been available in the UK since acquired by a Dutch group and by Scratched sink enamel The S Class 480, a two-berth with the first Tabberts were imported 2015, the brand was reintroduced Evidence of wear and an excellent end washroom, was back in 1968. By 1973, Tabbert was in the UK, with the S Class. tear in lounge seating available from 2017. established as a niche brand. Good support in In the UK, Knaus S Class mattresses on fixed beds It was solidly built, with a good In 1960, Knaus caravans were tourers rapidly found their place Flush still functioning as spec, which included an awning launched but it wasn’t until 1974 in a niche market. The brand it should on Dometic toilet warmer, battery locker, spare that the first models appeared only offered a few layouts, but wheel and jack, heavy-duty corner here in the UK. Few were sold by 2017, there were six in the steadies, barbecue point, exterior and imports later stopped. line-up, including a new 480 mains socket, sunroof, blown-air model that had been designed heating, underfloor heating and By the mid-1980s Knaus vans specifically for couples. BPW chassis with ID stability. were once more being imported. The StarClass was designed to You don’t see that many used Inside, the large front lounge appeal to UK tastes, but by 2008, Knaus vans about, so do they had U-shaped seating, unless the it was no longer available. make a good pre-owned buy? customer ordered the optional ABC 64 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

SHOWROOM USED VAN BUYER Tech specs Price (used model shown) £19,950 Berths 2 MiRO 1295kg Payload 205kg MTPLM 1500kg Internal length 4.92m Width 2.32m Seen at Kendal Caravans, Shap Road, Selside, Kendal LA8 9LF Tel 01539 823 659 Web kendalcaravans.co.uk Range layouts 480 550 560 2-berth 4-berth 4-berth 565 690 695 4-berth 4-berth 4-berth U-shaped lounge seating, Leather upholstery was KEY Seats/beds Kitchen Washroom but some models had just one of the options Fixed bed Bunk bed Table/cupboard central chest of drawers buyers could choose central chest of drawers instead. 565 £22,595-£23,195 A The S Class provides Verdict Storage was good, particularly 690 £23,995-£24,295 plenty of floor space Knaus tourers have a reputation in the kitchen, with plenty of 695 £24,495-£25,295 and excellent storage for being really well made and overhead lockers. in overhead lockers, this S Class from 2017 is a very Alternatives drawers and cupboards good example of that. Other models in the range Elsewhere in this price band, try a B Well-specified kitchen included the twin-axle 695 and 2017 Elddis Affinity 482, a classic includes microwave and Five years on, it makes a great the family-friendly 550. end-washroom tourer for couples dual-fuel oven, but check choice for couples looking for with a superb spec, including an the black enamel sink for a solid, well-specified caravan. Price checker Alde heating system, an alarm, any signs of scratching The S Class 480 won’t be easy to and much more besides. The 482 C Rear washroom is a good Some buyers might find the find on the used forecourts, but can be found at prices ranging size, but make sure that the black worktops a little dated, and the prices stay firm. We found from £16,000 to £16,995, so Dometic toilet is working, the interiors are quite plain, but one similar to ours, but without cheaper than the Knaus. because there were some everything is sturdy and reliable. the optional leather upholstery problems with the flush Storage is excellent, too. or air-con, for £20,995. Or you could take a look at the D BBQ point on nearside cracking Coachman Pastiche 460, E Check for damage on the You’ll find a sizeable shower That made ours look a bargain also from the 2017 season. This moulded light trims, which in the spacious end washroom, at just £19,950 and with plenty is another end-washroom tourer might be difficult to replace and a capacious wardrobe. of extras, too. For the rest of the with an excellent spec. Prices for range, you can expect to pay: these superb caravans range from There aren’t many Knaus vans £17,595 to £18,995, so they are also around on the pre-owned market 550 £19,495-£21,895 a bit cheaper than the S Class. – owners like to hang on to them! 560 £23,895-£23,995 Shop around, and do the usual checks if you spot one, and you could bag yourself a bargain. PC DE OR YOU COULD TRY… 2017 Coachman Pastiche 460 (above) or 2017 Elddis Affinity 482 www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 65



KNOW-HOW SERIES In association with Guide to... FAMILY FUN Caravans are ideal for fantastic family holidays – here’s everything you need to know to enjoy exciting adventures that will entertain all ages Great family sites 76 CUT OUT 79 AND KEEP 69 We round up 10 of the top GUIDE! child-friendly campsites Choose your floorplan 72 When you’re selecting a van to suit the family, layout is key Family attractions 73 Discover fabulous places that will entertain young and old Touring with children 76 Top tips from veteran caravanners to make family touring stress-free Essential accessories 78 Rain or shine, keep the children happy with our selection of kit Family adventures 79 A caravan holiday is the perfect time to try out a new activity Also available as a FREE ebook – see www.practicalcaravan.com/know-how/ to download yours! In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 67



KNOW-HOW // FAMILY FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAMPSITES One of the keys to happy family touring is selecting the right site, and here are 10 of our favourites! 1 Stowford Village, 2 Blakemere Touring and 3 Sandford North Devon Holiday Park, Cheshire Park, Dorset Set in 500 acres of beautiful North Devon This fabulous holiday park is home to more Just a short drive from countryside, this family-friendly park really than 30 independent shops and a variety of the gorgeous Dorset coast, does have something for everyone. excellent places to eat and drink. this bustling park is perfect for active families. They have an indoor and For starters, there’s an indoor swimming Touring families can choose from a range an outdoor swimming pool, a high ropes pool, games room, crazy golf, ebike hire and of exciting activities that are available at course, a dog agility field, an arts and an extensive recreation area, including a the site, including Segway hire, bushcraft crafts centre and a sports dome. football pitch, tennis court and play zone. and archery sessions. When it’s time to slow the pace, there The site is well equipped for food and There’s also an outdoor adventure play is an outdoor canopy area for evening drink, with a farm shop and a good choice park, a miniature railway and an enclosed entertainment and various places for of places to eat. There’s even a stables and dog-exercise area. The park accommodates food and drink, including a Costa Coffee a farm, where kids can feed and play with all kinds of caravans and leisure vehicles, and a takeaway. Sandford also offers a a variety of animals. Exmoor National Park and provides a large amenities block, a good selection of pitches and facilities. and Lynmouth are nearby. licensed shop and a games/chill-out zone. parkdeanresorts.co.uk royaleresorts.co.uk stayatblakemere.co.uk ‘Touring families can choose from a range of exciting activities, including Segway hire, bushcraft and archery sessions’ 12 3 In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 69

4 5 4 Vauxhall Holiday Park, 6 Highlands End Holiday 7 Ladram Bay Holiday Lincolnshire Park, Dorset Park, Devon Just a mile from the many attractions Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Another Jurassic Coast gem, this five-star of Great Yarmouth, including sandy dramatic Jurassic coast, Highlands End site offers stunning views of the Devon beaches and nostalgic arcades, Vauxhall offers plenty of family amenities. coastline and has a private pebble beach. Holiday Park is well equipped to keep families entertained. Onsite is an indoor heated pool and Tempting as the beach may be, the sauna, nine-hole pitch and putt course, park itself will keep everyone busy, with Children will love the treehouse tennis court and outdoor play park. adventure golf, an indoor climbing wall, adventure playground and outdoor splash a soft play area, watersports hire and a zone with inflatables, as well as the indoor Four-legged friends are not forgotten, pool complex with outdoor splash zone. and outdoor swimming pools. Especially with a dog-exercise field and doggy shower, for the younger ones, there is an under-12s and gorgeous Eype Beach is a 10-minute Along with a good choice of food outlets, den and a soft play area. walk away. There’s also live entertainment, the complex runs a full entertainment and a restaurant, bar and bakery. activities programme that is bound to keep Families can enjoy snooker, jungle golf the whole family entertained. and the multi-sports area before finishing wdlh.co.uk/holiday-parks/ off the day in the Reedcutters Restaurant. ladrambay.co.uk highlands-end parkdeanresorts.co.uk 5 Trevornick Holiday Park, Cornwall This pristine site is located within walking distance of the fabulous beach at Holywell Bay, made famous by BBC’s Poldark. Along with an excellent choice of pitches, visitors will enjoy the site’s outdoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool bath and spa. For younger children, there is a toddler pool and an indoor soft play area. Older childen will love the daytime and evening entertainment and outdoor play area, while for the grown-ups, there are onsite fishing ponds and a neighbouring golf course. trevornick.co.uk 67 70 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

FAMILY FUN KNOW-HOW SERIES ‘Family activities include bowling and arcade games, a pitch and putt golf course and a soft play area’ 8 Presthaven Holiday 9 Silverdale Caravan 10 Cotswold Farm Park, Park, North Wales Park, Lancashire Gloucester Tucked away behind beautiful Gronant Set against the stunning scenery of the Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Beach, this family-friendly holiday park Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Adam Henson’s famous farm and holiday is absolutely packed with exciting things Natural Beauty, this pretty holiday park park is a perfect destination for animal to do, whatever your preference. has something for everyone. lovers. There’s a fascinating Rare Breed trail and a woodland walk, as well as The kids can blow off some steam in the The indoor swimming complex houses various barns where visitors can meet outdoor play areas, indoor soft play, aerial two pools, a spa bath, sauna and steam and learn about the farm’s residents. adventure course or the SportsDrome. room, plus a gym. For the little ones, Everybody can cool down in the outdoor there’s a separate toddler pool. To keep everybody entertained, the pool or the indoor swimming complex. Adventure Barn is home to an indoor An excellent choice of food is served at sandpit, mini climbing wall, soft play and For families, there’s archery, adventure the site’s popular café/bar and restaurant, a café, while outside is a play area, pedal golf, go kart hire and access to Gronant and family activities include bowling and tractors, log assault course, bouncing Dunes. The park also offers a choice of arcade games, pitch and putt golf and soft pillows and more. Farm entry is included food outlets and onsite entertainment. play. The campsite is also perfectly located with your pitch booking. for exploring the Lake District. haven.com/parks/ cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk north-wales/presthaven holgates.co.uk/our-parks/silverdale 8 9 10 In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 71

KNOW-HOW // FAMILY FUN FAMILY FLOORPLANS Choose the right caravan and you’ll keep everybody happy! THE SITE CAFE doesn’t open you will be packing up and Separate lounge Solid partitions for another two hours, but how going home, has never looked Two seating areas are going to Concertina partitions might you wish it was sooner! quite so appealing. give the kids privacy and allow be acceptable with smaller you all to spread out. Having children, but as they grow, It’s Sunday afternoon, it’s Does this scenario sound them at opposite ends of the if you can, it’s best to go been raining all weekend, and all too sadly familiar? It might van will please teens, especially for layouts where there is you’ve lost count of the number well do. A surprisingly large if the second lounge has USBs, a good solid wall between of games of Exploding Kittens number of non-touring people’s a table and TV sockets. In some you and the marauders! you have had to play to keep memories of family caravan models, you can get a second the grandchildren amused. holidays tend to be something lounge opposite the kitchen, Flexible beds along these lines. where it also doubles up as It’s growing kids you need to Poor lambs, they’ve nowhere an eating area for the kids. think about when choosing else to go in this end-kitchen Which is a real pity, because your caravan. Those little beds two-berth. And you thought a in the recent past, caravans Large washroom might seem cute now, but they long weekend with them would have become so much more To accommodate the beds, won’t impress a gawky teenager. be the perfect break… family-friendly that you could family caravans tend to have Make sure there is a good range spend a long weekend inside corner or side washrooms. But of bed lengths. And try to avoid You’re tired, too: you thought some of them and never trip these should still be big enough too many situations where the they’d be happy sleeping in the over each other’s toes at all. for two children to get washed children would be obliged to awning, but with rain lashing at the same time. A separate share a double bed. down, they got scared so you Here are our expert tips on shower cubicle helps here. let them crash out in the aisle, what to look out for in a layout Lots of sockets much to the disgust of Fido, to make sure your new caravan Whatever you think about it, who was sent outside into the keeps the whole family happy. kids expect to be online all the awning, where he sat up and time. Ensure there are enough whined all night. ‘Those little beds might seem USB ports and mains sockets cute now, but they aren’t going in your caravan to go round. You sigh yet again as you to impress a gawky teenager’ struggle past the kids to the kitchen, to fill the kettle once more. Monday morning, when Our top family caravans USED Bailey Phoenix 760 Available as a used model, this NEW Bailey Pegasus 2019 twin-axle 760 includes Grande SE Ancona a rear lounge that doubles up This 2022 van won the family as a bedroom for four. It can category at the Tourer of the also be shut away behind the Year awards, thanks to its rear large central washroom that lounge for the kids. It’s cosy straddles the caravan. up front for the adults, and the Price Around £19,999 washroom is an excellent size. Price £27,999 USED Sprite Major 6 TD Sprites have long been popular NEW Elddis Avanté 840 as budget family models. This This 8ft-wide model remains 2019 example has a spacious a contender thanks to its large dinette at the back for the second lounge, which is big children, which converts easily enough to seat four children into double bunk beds. And it for a family dinner next to doesn’t look budget, either. the kitchen, while still leave Price Around £18,100 relaxing space for stray adults. Price £26,499 72 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

KNOW-HOW // FAMILY FUN FAMILY ATTRACTIONS Pitched up and ready to explore the local area? Our round-up of fantastic family venues has something to please all ages! 1 Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire Explore Puzzlewood’s winding pathways through the mystical woodland and climb the bridges over rocky ravines. You can visit the mini-farm to meet a selection of animals, too, including Highland cattle, donkeys, goats and ducks. Keep an eye out for bats, deer and birds of prey, all in their natural woodland habitat. Make sure to pick up a free Wizard’s Guide when you get there and complete the tick list of 20 places and objects to be found along the way, to make your adventures even more fun. puzzlewood.net Stay at Greenacres Campsite greenacrescampsite.co.uk 2Magna Science ‘Outside is Adventure Centre, an adventure Rotherham playground Perfect for a rainy day, this and a splash exciting interactive science park, one centre in South Yorkshire will of the UK’s captivate the whole family. largest water play zones’ Based indoors and outside, this “coats on experience” turns every visitor into a scientist for the day. Four pavilions, for Air, Earth, Fire and Water, host experiments, demonstrations, activities and much more. Outside is a large adventure playground and a splash park, one of the UK’s biggest outdoor water play zones. www.visitmagna.co.uk Stay at Waleswood Caravan & Camping Park waleswood.co.uk In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 73

3 Hobbledown Farm, Surrey 4 Hawkstone Park Follies, Shropshire Hobbledown is a lively menagerie of attractions set in 50 Located in 100 acres of rugged parkland, Hawkstone Park acres of lovely Surrey countryside. Home to lemurs, camels, Follies are perfect for a day of exploring in natural sandstone meerkats, prairie dogs, alpacas and more, the park is bursting hills. Rich in history, the park is home to bridges, caves and with exciting sights and educational experiences. arches, as well as a grotto and a rock cleft. Visitors can enjoy storytelling and animal demonstrations, There’s a 100ft monument to climb that gives panoramic as well as outdoor activities including a castle adventure park views across Shropshire, and a picturesque picnic area. You and ropes course. There is also an indoor play barn and Reptile can spend two or three hours meandering through the park, House, complete with water play and an interactive jungle. depending on which twists and turns you choose to take. hobbledown.com/epsom hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk Stay at Walton-on-Thames C&CC Site Stay at Green Lane Caravan Park campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk greenlanecaravanpark.co.uk 5 Hever Castle, Kent 6 Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Dating all the way back to 1270, this enchanting castle This working dairy farm, set in 70 acres of beautiful was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. countryside, is located just a few miles from Bolton. The magnificent house is full of fine furniture, tapestries The farm runs an ice creamery, as well as keeping 25 types and portraits. Then there are 125 acres of gorgeous gardens of animals. In Pets Corner, visitors can get to know the farm’s to explore, where you’ll find grottoes, fountains, statues, residents by feeding the lambs and goats or cuddling the baby a giant topiary chess set and two mazes, one of which is rabbits and guinea pigs. With indoor and outdoor play areas, set in a pond – don’t forget to bring a towel! Rowing boats tractor rides and demonstrations, there’s no shortage of fun and pedalos are also available to hire on the 38-acre lake. and interesting activities at Smithills. www.hevercastle.co.uk smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Stay at Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park Stay at Wilcocks Farm Caravan Site longacrescamping.co.uk wilcocksfarm.co.uk 74 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

FAMILY FUN KNOW-HOW SERIES 7 Bewilderwood, Norfolk 8 Camera Obscura, Edinburgh This unique adventure park is nestled in woodland not far With five floors of mesmerising exhibits and from the Norfolk Broads. It’s home to treetop mazes, zip wires interactive attractions, Camera Obscura is a great activity and marsh walks, where visitors can immerse themselves in for visitors of all ages. Each floor offers something different, the imaginative world of Tom Blofeld’s books for children. from light and sound tricks to immersive optical illusions. There are storytelling performances and a magical boat ride There are amazing collections of mind-bending things to through a lagoon, as well as plenty of room for just running see, as well as a fascinating interactive 3D cityscape showing around. It’s well laid out for exploring and adventures – and Edinburgh in the Victorian era and in modern times. Not far there’s always something exciting around the corner! from Edinburgh Castle, this is a great all-weather activity. norfolk.bewilderwood.co.uk camera-obscura.co.uk Stay at Norfolk Broads CAMC Site Stay at Edinburgh CAMC Site caravanclub.co.uk caravanclub.co.uk 9 Greenwood Family Park, North Wales 10 Zip World, Llechwedd This family-friendly venue near Snowdonia National Park In the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, you’ll find Zip World, is simply bursting with excitement. For thrill-seekers, there’s an adventure park that is home to six exhilarating activities. a rollercoaster, a huge water slide and a woodland adventure course based on Welsh folklore. There’s a 1km, four-person zip line over the historic slate quarry, with a two-person line for younger riders. Go below Visitors can take things more slowly, too, on a paddleboat ground to explore the adventure park, which hosts golf and trip down the canal or a barefoot sensory walking trail through tours of the mines and caverns. One of the most popular the woods. Youngsters will love the mini-diggers and tractors, attractions is Bounce Below, where six trampoline-style and the indoor soft play area has a café for parents to refuel. nets span an area twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral. greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk zipworld.co.uk Stay at Rhyd y Galen Caravan Site & Camping Park Stay at Coed-Y-Llwyn CAMC Site wales-camping.co.uk caravanclub.co.uk In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 75

KNOW-HOW //  FAMILY FUN HOW TO TOUR WITH CHILDREN A caravan is perfect for family holidays! Marcus Leach reveals some essential tips for stress-free travelling Be prepared potential places to eat, longer that way! When you are Pick the right pitch It might sound obvious, but be activities, points of interest on holiday, what adults might For us, finding the perfect pitch prepared. One of the many joys and any additional driving see as chores that need doing means selecting one that is of a caravan holiday is that you that we might need to do. on a regular basis can actually away from the busy entrance have far more space than you be fun activities for children. to the campsite, but fairly close would if you were going on a That’s not to say we are not to all of the amenities. more traditional break, which flexible – on any trip, some of Pack properly means that everybody can pack the best times are impromptu With so much storage space We usually stay at Club sites, for all eventualities. – but it helps to have an idea of in the car, there is always because almost all of these are what is going to be happening. the temptation to chuck in great parks for children, so we The key for us as a family And even though we are on absolutely everything and just always aim to tour as close to on tour is having everything holiday, the children still like go, but time spent organising them as we possibly can. we might need to ensure the to have a routine. before you set off makes life children are always entertained, easier when you are onsite. Particularly for families with even on rainy days. Keep them involved young children, pitching up Children want to help and feel We try to follow a basic near the washblock can also Go slowly a part of things, which is why packing list, with the aim of be quite an important thing to All parents will quickly adapt it is good to give them some catering for all eventualities, consider, making everybody’s to the fact that doing anything responsibilities of their own. but not taking loads of stuff access to showers and toilets with children takes a lot longer, that ends up being unused a great deal easier. and that goes for travelling, too. In our family, Harrison loves for the whole trip. drying the dishes when we go Change your perspective Don’t be in a rush and don’t to wash up, and Dorothy likes That also makes it easier to If travelling with our children try to fit in too much on each to help put everything away put things away in the caravan on family tours has taught us day of your trip. We try to keep – even if it takes us a little bit when we arrive at the campsite. anything at all, it is to see the holiday driving to a minimum, world through their eyes, which and we aim to enjoy one main offers a very different view to activity every day. the one that we have. Any more than that and in In doing so, we rediscover our experience, everybody gets the magic that can be found stressed, thinking that we have in the simplest of things. to be on the move to get to our next activity or destination. Make the drive fun We always try to make the Keep it simple ‘The simplest things are often the journey fun. This means having We all tend to spend loads of most rewarding – be that a breezy a playlist that we all love and time thinking up activities and stroll along the beach, a bike ride, can sing along to, knowing planning various experiences or leisurely hours spent crabbing’ some interesting facts about to entertain our children, when places we pass through, giving in fact, the simplest things are Harrison a map to find where often the most rewarding – be we are going, and having little that a breezy stroll along the competitions with rewards – for beach, a bike ride on family example, the first one to spot trails, or leisurely hours spent 10 red cars gets an ice cream! crabbing off the harbour wall. Family adventures For our children, staying in Preparing for your first caravan a caravan is an adventure in trip with small children can feel itself, and they love playing a bit daunting, but with the together in the van. right planning and a little bit of preparation beforehand, Plan ahead it will be one of the greatest Before departure, we establish adventures you could go on! a day-by-day plan that includes 76 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

 FAMILY FUN KNOW-HOW SERIES CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Marcus, Kim, Harrison and www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 77 Dorothy love to go exploring; caravanning is ideal for grandparents, too; simple activities such as a stroll on the beach can be a great adventure; getting together with extended family is easy when you’re on site; Marcus and Harrison brave the cold for a quick dip! In association with

KNOW-HOW // FAMILY FUN ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES Our selection of brilliant kit will make touring with youngsters even more fun! Nappy bags Marshmallow toasting kit Play the game Naty Eco biodegradable nappy bags Who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows? Games such as the classic Whot! Travel aren’t just for the obvious – keep a stash Card Game are perfect for caravanning: in your van for storing dirty shoes and If your site allows it, you can’t beat this smaller than their full-size counterparts, clothes, or take them out and about evening activity. This great kit from they’ll help save storage space in your Toast’d has all you need, including a for holding leaky water bottles. gel burner - no campfire necessary! lockers, while providing hours of fun. Price £2.20 Web sainsburys.co.uk Price £17 Web toast-d.co.uk Price £4.95 Web amazon.co.uk Picnic blanket Colourful crayons Fun footwear Not just for picnics – this Waterproof XL Little ones can express their creativity These brightly coloured Olaian Flip-Flops Tartan Picnic Blanket is ideal for kids to in an upholstery-safe way with these Crayola crayons – don’t forget to pack 120 are brilliant for tours with children play on outside the van, helping keep – keep a pair by the caravan door or clothes clean. Stow one in the car for a good supply of paper, for great in the awning for quick, fuss-free trips impromptu lunches on the run, too. entertainment, whatever the weather. to the washblocks or swimming pool. Price £12 Web halfords.com Price £3.99 Web amazon.co.uk Price £3.49 Web decathlon.co.uk Handy wet wipes Stay in the shade Take a seat Clean faces, hands, tabletops and more Travelling in the car with the sun shining Kids love to have their own special seat, and the Giraffe Chair from Eurohike is with this economical pack of 60 wet down is no fun for anybody, least of wipes. WaterWipes are also plastic-free all fidgety, fractious youngsters, but sure to please. It’s just one of a range and biodegradable, making them much you can easily help them stay cool of sensibly priced, brightly coloured, with these cheerful window shades. child-friendly chairs now available. better for the environment, too. Price £2.95 Web sainsburys.co.uk Price £10.80 Web halfords.com Price £10 Web millets.co.uk 78 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

KNOW-HOW // FAMILY FUN ADVENTURES START HERE! A family holiday is the perfect time to try something new, says Marcus Leach, and there are plenty of activities to choose from Summer is here at last, and with it long days, (hopefully) outdoor adventure holiday. Ullswater Paddleboarding balmy evenings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy time offers boards for hire, expert tuition and guided tours. together as a family. With so much on offer here in the UK, there’s no need to be left wondering what you’re ullswaterpaddle boarding.co.uk going to do on your caravan trip, but just in case, we have some brilliant suggestions for you. 2 Coasteering What’s not to love about a shot of adrenaline from 1 Stand-up paddleboarding swimming, throwing yourself off a cliff and scrambling With its origins in Hawaii and its roots in surfing, around coastline that is otherwise inaccessible? SUP, as it is better known, is a watersport that all of the family can enjoy – even the dog! As such, it should This exhilarating experience is best suited for the definitely be on your radar for the summer. more adventurous among us, but the thrill of being in the sea, exploring coves and freefalling (safely) In the past, the cost of boards has been prohibitive, from cliffs and rocks is a great way to encounter our but with a huge number of places now offering rentals, stunning coastline as you’ve never seen it before. it is a lot more accessible. If you’re new to the sport, Location There are some great places to try your hand it’s recommended that you begin with a few lessons, at coasteering across the UK, but arguably the best or at the very least, start off in calmer waters. is the wild and rugged coastline of western Cornwall, Location A great place to begin your SUP experience where the superb Kernow Coasteering is the go-to is in the Lake District, combining it with an all-round provider for your ultimate day out in the sea. kernow-coasteering.co.uk/coasteering-cornwall 1 In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 79

3 Gravel cycling 8 Go on safari 3 The emergence of gravel cycling has revolutionised You might not think of the UK as an obvious the bicycle industry, with a huge variety of bikes now location for a safari, but it’s not all about big game catering for those looking to explore off-road. This has – although there are specialist parks where you can also opened up a new world to riders of all levels and see more traditional safari animals. abilities. Once you start planning routes away from paved roads, you soon realise there are dozens of There’s a surprising variety of safaris available in the options for a dash of adventure with your cycling. UK, everything from basking sharks and minke whales Location The Cambrian Mountains in mid-Wales are off the Isle of Mull to deer in the New Forest. a magnet for gravel cyclists, with the ultimate route Location The New Forest is a hugely popular family being the Trans-Cambrian Way, a 160km trail. For destination; add in the possibility of a safari, and it something a bit more family-sized, try Komoot. becomes even more attractive. Book an excursion with New Forest Deer Safari and head out to see komoot.com red deer and the more elusive fallow deer. 4 Hiking newforestsafari.co.uk There are few activities as simple as taking a hike, but pick the right one and there are also few things 9 Boating on the Thames quite so rewarding. Walks can lead us to all manner Away from the hustle and bustle of central London, of wonderful locations, all at our own pace. there’s an abundance of parks, wildlife and waterways to enjoy. Take to the water in and around London and Plan your route as a family to get everyone involved, you’ll discover a different side to the city, be that on a find places to visit along the way and pack a picnic. scenic canal trip through Paddington, heading out past Walking with children? Make it a treasure hunt and Hampton Court Palace, or a high-speed jaunt in a RIB. keep them engaged along the trail. Location The Thames traverses London, so there are Location The possibilities are endless. Our wonderful plenty of options, and lots of operators offer trips. national parks are an obvious starting point, or you could take a look at the UK’s numerous national trails. Try GoBoat for a more sedate voyage, or Thames Rib Experience for adrenaline-fuelled excursions. nationalparks.uk; nationaltrail.co.uk goboat.co.uk 5 Wild swimming thamesribexperience.com Most people enjoy a dip, and there are so many outdoor places where we can swim. There’s something 10 Horse riding special about swimming in a lake in the early evening, For most of us, the cost of owning and caring for or starting the day with a swift splash in a river. a horse is pretty much prohibitive (unless we sell our beloved caravan!), but that doesn’t mean we can’t Keeping safety in mind, you should always check enjoy a family horseback adventure this summer. your surroundings if you plan to go wild swimming. If in any doubt, it’s best to stay out of the water. Much like exploring on foot, riding allows us to slow Location There are countless places where you can down and immerse ourselves in the world around us, swim outdoors. For further information and guidance, without the worry of little legs getting tired halfway. check out the Outdoor Swimming Society. Location The Wild Atlantic Way, in Kerry, Ireland, is home to Dingle Horseriding, where you can sign up for outdoorswimmingsociety.com lessons or book a variety of treks and riding holidays. 6 Stargazing dinglehorseriding.com The night skies are full of fascination. If you’re willing to take a little time to look up at night, new 11 Archery worlds await you! In Dark Sky locations it’s possible Are your kids fans of The Hunger Games? Perhaps to spot more than 2500 stars with the naked eye, and they just love the idea of shooting arrows into the sky even more using visual aids. Make this the summer that like Robin Hood. Then there’s no better activity to you search out the Milky Way or watch a meteor shower. book this summer than a day of archery, an ancient Location The best places to stargaze are our national skill that is great fun for children and adults alike. parks, many of which have Dark Sky status. Perhaps the Location There are hundreds of places to try your best of these is Northumberland National Park, one of hand; find out more at the National Archery website. Europe’s largest International Dark Sky Parks. nationalarchery.co.uk/en/kids-archery northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/ things-to-do/discover-dark-skies 12 Rock climbing Fancy yourself as the next Alex Honnold? 7 Sea fishing Perhaps you just want to enjoy the freedom to be There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching found when (safely) dangling from a cliff face looking your own dinner, or simply reeling in a fish that you are out over some spectacular scenery. happy to put back. And what better way to do this than from a boat off the coast of the UK? With various licences Either way, climbing, in its many forms, is a great needed to fish in rivers, lessen the hassle by booking a physical and mental challenge. Once you’ve mastered fishing trip through an operator, with the bonus of the basic movements, a whole new world of thrilling admiring the coastline from the water. adventures will be waiting for you. Location Pembrokeshire in West Wales is home to Location The UK is blessed with magnificent climbing some wonderful sea fishing. Saundersfoot Sea Fishing locations, as well as boasting a great array of indoor runs trips for anglers of all abilities, and its boats are walls that are ideal for learners. The expert team at wheelchair accessible, too. Lost Earth Adventures offers a variety of training courses and experiences, across a range of locations. saundersfootseafishing.co.uk lostearthadventures.co.uk/rock- climbing-courses-experience-days-uk 80 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

FAMILY FUN KNOW-HOW SERIES ‘Once you start planning routes away from roads, you soon realise there are dozens of options for a dash of adventure’ 6 10 5 In association with www.compass.co.uk SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 81



WHO WILL COME OUT ON TOP? Don’t miss the Practical Caravan Awards 2023, held in association with Auto Finance In association with www.practicalcaravan.com/awards 26 September - 2 October 2022



Tow cars THIS MONTH WE’RE TALKING ABOUT… VAUXHALL GRANDLAND // SAVING CASH // JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Our focus is on LFOIROSKT fuel economy LAND ROVER DEFENDER 130 You don’t need me to tell you how eye-wateringly expensive petrol and Price From £73,895 LAND ROVER HAS revealed an diesel have become. It’s hitting everyone extra-large version of the Defender hard, and making all of our journeys – Kerbweight From 2582kg 4x4. The new 130 sits alongside the including holiday trips – far more costly. 85% match From 2195kg three-door 90 and the five-door The official combined figures you’ll find in car adverts and brochures are a lot Max towing weight 3000kg 110, offering more interior space more realistic than they used to be, and up to eight seats. Measuring and now give a reasonable guide to the an enormous 5.36m in length, the 130 has three rows of seats in efficiency you can expect in daily driving. a 2+3+3 arrangement for customers opting for eight seats. But they don’t show how economical Even with all three rows upright, you get 389 litres of luggage space. That increases to 1232 litres with the third row folded. a vehicle might be while towing. Choose the five-seat model and you’ll have 1329 litres for bags In our full tests, we cover an economy with the seats in place. Either way, the 130 answers criticism of route on country roads, A-roads and the modest luggage space offered by other Defender models. motorways, to give you a good indication As you’d expect, the 130 is the heaviest of the Defender family, of how fuel efficient a tow car will be. weighing at least 2582kg. The maximum towing limit drops from 3500kg to 3000kg for the 130, but that’s still more than enough [email protected] for hitching up to a big twin-axle caravan. The Defender 130 is available with two 3.0-litre petrol engines Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a former PC editor, with 300hp or 400hp. The diesel option has 300hp. All three engines and has towed with more than 500 cars over the years employ mild-hybrid technology to reduce emissions and importantly, improve the vehicle’s fuel economy. Prices start from £73,895 for the entry-level 300hp petrol, rising to £100,645 for the highest-spec 400hp petrol model. TOW CAR DIRECTORY IN THE TOW CAR SECTION… Here is a list of the latest 452 Land Rover Full tow car test in-depth Tow Car Tests Defender 90 P300 that we have published X-Dynamic SE 86 Vauxhall Grandland 1.5 Turbo D 130PS Ultimate Auto in the magazine: 451 VW Tiguan Allspace This competent SUV is well equipped and economical on fuel 2.0 TDI 150 4Motion Issue 454 Kia Sorento 1.6 Elegance DSG Towing advice T-GDi Plug-In Hybrid 4 450 BMW iX xDrive40 453 VW Arteon Shooting To obtain back issues of 90 Save fuel, save cash Brake eHybrid 1.4 TSI Our expert tips on getting the most from your fuel tank 218PS R-Line Practical Caravan, simply visit magazinesdirect.com Used tow car test 92 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2013-present) A good choice if you have a heavy caravan to tow www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 85

TTCOEAWSRT VAUXHALL GRANDLAND A 1.5 Turbo D 130PS Ultimate Auto What’s new? Vauxhall has updated the Grandland with Price £35,130 Kerbweight 1523kg Towing limit 1300kg new looks, matrix LED headlights and a dual-screen dashboard. More driver aids Stable and competent, this new, improved SUV have been fitted, too. is also well equipped and economical on fuel The Grandland offers a choice of engines. B Unlike some rivals, it is still available with a diesel engine, and that’s the model we’ve Photography: Leah and David Motton 448cm been driving. With 130hp, it’s not the most powerful diesel, but it promises excellent 210cm* fuel economy, with an official combined figure of 53.3-54.3mpg. It’s matched to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. What are we looking for? The Grandland is a contender in a very competitive class. The Ford Kuga, Seat Ateca and Škoda Karoq all set a high bar. The Vauxhall is well equipped, especially in Ultimate specification, and the diesel is fuel-efficient. But is that enough? Towing ability The Grandland comes in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid flavours. A good turbodiesel still makes a lot of sense for towing – 130hp is a modest power output, but the 221lb ft of torque should be enough to cope, so long as you don’t demand rapid acceleration. The Vauxhall has a towing limit of just 1300kg, only 5kg higher than the 85% match figure of 1295kg. We matched it to our Bailey Discovery D4-4 with a MiRO of 1059kg. *includes wing mirrors 86 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

SHOWROOM TOW CAR TEST CD E 84cm 169cm 105cm 76cm See our online reviews www.youtube.com/ practicalcaravan A Vauxhall has updated the Grandland with new looks, including matrix LED headlights B The car is well equipped, especially in Ultimate specification, and the diesel is fuel-efficient C The dashboard is solidly put together and the cabin appears built to last, but there’s a lot of hard plastics on show D The electrical socket is so far under the back bumper that plugging in the 13-pin plug is unnecessarily difficult E Spacious boot has a capacity of 514 litres with the seats up, which increases to a competitive 1652 litres when they are lowered The Grandland comfortably towed the such as the Seat Ateca and the Škoda Solo driving Bailey up to speed, although with a caravan Karoq, are available as 4x4s for those It’s not the sportiest of SUVs, or the most weighing closer to the 1300kg towing limit, who want or need the extra traction. comfortable, either. The Grandland drives you can expect quite steady acceleration. reasonably well, but there’s clear daylight Four-wheel drive or not, the Grandland between the Vauxhall and the best vehicles Even pulling the lightweight Bailey, the makes a stable tow car. It felt very secure in this competitive class. Grandland is not quick as such, but the at 60mph on the motorway, although vague engine’s low-down pull and flexibility are steering doesn’t help if you do need to make The ride is lumpy and unsettled, but it well suited to towing. It held 60mph on a steering correction. It’s not immune to does improve at motorway speeds. The big motorway inclines with no sign of strain. buffeting by crosswinds or the bow wave 19-inch alloys fitted to Ultimate spec cars of an HGV, but in most circumstances, do the suspension no favours – colleagues Hill starts are easy enough, certainly in the Vauxhall feels secure and surefooted. who have driven less pricey models with the dry. The electronic parking brake held smaller wheels report that they do a better car and van steady, and released smoothly. Arrive at your site and you’ll find the job of isolating you from lumps and bumps There were some vibrations when pulling Grandland’s automatic gearbox makes it in the road. Among the Vauxhall’s rivals, away, but no wheelspin on the 1-in-10 slope. easy to manoeuvre at low speeds. However, the Škoda Karoq is more forgiving. the high boot line and thick rear pillars do Wet weather might not have shown the compromise the view over your shoulder. On country roads, the Grandland corners Vauxhall in such a positive light, because It’s just as well there’s a reversing camera. neatly enough, but numb steering means this engine and gearbox combination is there’s not a lot of fun to be had. It takes only available with front-wheel drive. In We’d be surprised if whoever decided a while to get used to steering which is fact, when the Grandland X was facelifted on the location of the electrical socket has unresponsive either side of straight-ahead to become the Grandland, the powerful done much caravanning. It’s so far under but then sharpens up quite quickly. four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid model the back bumper that for a moment or two, was discontinued in favour of a more we wondered if Vauxhall had actually fitted A Mazda CX-5 or Seat Ateca steer more efficient two-wheel-drive car. the towbar but no electrics. consistently and handle with more verve. That’s understandable from an emissions The Grandland is a good tow car, but the The Grandland is most at home on dual standpoint, but disappointing if you wish towing limit is low for a turbodiesel, and carriageways and motorways, but even to tow in all weathers. Plenty of rivals, there are rivals with more pulling power. then, there’s a lot of road noise in the cabin. On the plus side, the eight-speed ‘Arrive at your site and you’ll find the auto is generally very smooth, and engine Grandland’s automatic gearbox makes noise stays in the background unless you it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds’ are accelerating hard. Forward visibility is fine around town, but just as when reversing a caravan, the thick rear pillars are a pain when parking. www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 87

F Legroom 110cm Legroom 72cm G Headroom 94cm Headroom 94cm F Up front, the driver sits high and there’s a good range of adjustment for both seat and wheel G In the back of the car, the floor is almost flat, handy if you need to fit three across the rear bench In detail Front and rear parking sensors The dashboard is solidly put Buying and owning and a rear-view camera make together, but although the cabin As the name suggests, Ultimate Price £35,130 this foible less of an annoyance appears made to last, there’s is the most expensive version What Car? Target Price than it might be, however. a lot of hard plastics on show. of the Grandland. The diesel £33,679 This interior rather lacks the auto model will set you back Retained value after Space and practicality wow factor of cabins in rivals £35,130 if you pay the full price, three years 49% Vauxhall also spruced up the such as the Kia Sportage. although research by What Car? Kerbweight 1523kg cabin when it facelifted the suggests that you should be 85% of kerbweight 1295kg Grandland’s exterior. Open the In the back of the car, there’s able to pay around £33,679 Gross vehicle weight door and climb into the driver’s enough legroom for adults, but after a bit of haggling. 2000kg seat, and you’re greeted by two not exactly room to stretch out. Max towing limit 1300kg large screens. On the plus side, the floor is The price drops to £29,220 Gross train weight 3300kg almost completely flat, handy if you choose the entry-level Towball limit 70kg Directly in front of you is if you need to fit three across Design model instead, or Price of towball the 12-inch digital instrument the rear bench. £31,480 for a GS Line car. and electrics £722 cluster, which can be configured Boot size min/max to prioritise different types of There are air vents between If your budget stretches to 514/1652 litres information. To the left, the the front seats to keep rear-seat the top-spec Ultimate, then Payload 477kg 10-inch touchscreen takes care passengers comfortable, and a dual-zone climate control, Test conditions Dry of satellite navigation, music USB port and a 230V socket for Alcantara upholstery, 19-inch Engine size 1499cc streaming and so on. charging phones and devices. alloy wheels, Advanced Park Official combined Assist (a self-parking feature), economy 53.3-54.3mpg The graphics are reasonably With a capacity of 514 litres, satellite navigation and wireless Towing economy 31.3mpg crisp and clear, and shortcut the boot is spacious, broadly charging for compatible phones Power (hp)/rpm 128/3750 buttons make navigation easier. in line with what you’d expect are included in the price. Torque (lb ft)/rpm 221/1750 We’re pleased to see separate from an SUV of this size. The CO2 emissions 136-138g/km physical controls for the air boot has a false floor, which Safety equipment is also First year car tax £230 conditioning, which are a lot can be moved to create one generous, and the Grandland Second year car tax £165 easier to use on the move. large space or left in the higher has a five-star rating from the Insurance group 16E position for hidden storage. experts at Euro NCAP. Euro NCAP overall You sit high, even with the But even with the floor on the protection rating seat on its lowest setting, and higher setting, there’s still a According to the Grandland’s standard-fit lumbar adjustment slight lip to load items over. official combined figure, you will be welcomed by back-pain can expect around 53.3-54.3mpg. sufferers. There’s a good range Levers on either side of the We found 50mpg or better to be of adjustment for both seat and tailgate lower the back seats, achievable on a long motorway wheel, although we found the which split and fold 60/40. run, and the Vauxhall returned seat cushion rather unyielding. With the seats lowered, there’s an impressive 31.3mpg while a competitive 1652 litres. towing the Bailey Discovery. How much will it cost on finance? pPaerrtfneecrt... Perry Leasing offers the Grandland Ultimate for £365.43 With the per month. It’s a three-year deal with an initial payment of Grandland’s 85% £3288.87. There are £234 in fees to be paid, giving a total match figure at cost of £16,312.92. The mileage limit is 10,000 per year, 1295kg, you can after which penalty charges would apply. Maintenance safely tow a Swift is not included in the contract. Sprite Alpine 4 88 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

SHOWROOM TOW CAR TEST Towing // Driving // Space & practicality // Buying & owning Verdict The Grandland is by no means a bad car, but it’s hard and front-seat passenger have plenty of room, and those to see what it does to nose ahead of its competition. people sitting in the back should be comfortable, unless they are very tall. However, it is a bit of a shame that the As a tow car, it’s stable and competent. The diesel has Grandland’s cabin isn’t better finished, given that the car enough pulling power to handle a sensibly matched van, costs more than £35,000. so long as you’re not in too much of a hurry. Fuel economy is one the Grandland diesel’s strongest The Grandland’s 1300kg maximum is low for a car points. In our experience, it gets close to the official of this size and weight. That doesn’t stop you towing combined figure in everyday driving, and 31.3mpg while a van weighing 85% of the car’s kerbweight, but if you towing the Bailey is very frugal. are an experienced driver looking to tow something a little heavier, the limit is a frustration. Go for a car in Ultimate spec and you get a long list of kit included in the price. If you like the look of the In everyday driving, the Grandland is beaten for fun by Grandland, and feel the same way after a test drive, the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and for comfort by the Škoda we wouldn’t put you off. But for our money, there are Karoq. The 19-inch alloys don’t help. Inside the Vauxhall, better, more powerful SUVs for a similar outlay. PC there’s reasonable enough space for a family. The driver Rivals Or you could try… NEW NEW USED USED Škoda Karoq 2.0 TDI Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost 150PS Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI (150PS) Price From £29,850 Price From £28,755 68-plate, 54,000 miles SE Navigation DSG Price £18,599 The Karoq is roomier and The Kuga drives and tows well, 18-plate, 70,000 miles Price £16,985 more comfortable than the A used Kia Sportage makes a very Roomy, practical and stable, the Grandland, and tows very well. but you can no longer buy a capable tow car at a sensible price. Tiguan makes a fine used tow car. new one with a diesel engine. www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 89

TOWTIPCSAR HSFOUAWVETELO Follow our top tips and you can cut the cost of your next caravanning journey 90 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

TOW CARS TOP TIPS Y ou don’t need us to tell you that fuel prices are it off when you arrive at your campsite. Ideally, remove the astronomically high. Fill up a typical family car roof rack as well. Even driving with the windows open can and you could easily spend £100; if you own a 4x4 increase drag, so leave them closed unless you are stationary with a large fuel tank, it could be a whole lot more. or travelling in slow-moving traffic. In addition, towing a caravan means hauling around a lot of extra weight and punching a much bigger Change gear early hole in the air than when you drive solo. Fuel-saving apps Engines work hard while towing, there’s As a rule of thumb, you’ll manage around no getting away from it. But by changing two-thirds of the distance a tankful would up early, rather than revving the engine The cost of fuel might be take you in regular driving. Now with fuel so high wherever you go, but close to the redline, you will save fuel. pricey, it makes sense to take all reasonable it’s not identical everywhere. You need to find a balance between steps to improve fuel economy and keep the In fact, it can vary within a changing up late and using too many revs, cost of towing in check. fairly small area. Smartphone and changing too early and letting the engine Our tips won’t solve the fuel price crisis, bog down. Check when your engine achieves apps can help you to track but they will help you go as far as possible down the cheapest fuel, peak torque. Changing up once peak torque on each precious gallon. wherever you are. has been achieved is a good rule of thumb Turn off the air-con to maintain performance without using too much fuel. Once up to speed, use the highest PetrolPrices.com On a sweltering summer day, turning off the Available for Apple and gear the engine will pull without labouring. air conditioning might be the last thing you Google phones, this app lets want to do. But if you can stand the heat, Anticipate you compare fuel prices at turning off your air-con will stretch every nearby filling stations, as Another tip worth heeding, not just for the litre of fuel that bit further. Leave it running well as leaving reviews. The fuel economy benefits, is that it pays to look and economy can worsen by up to 10%. well ahead and anticipate. For example, as developers claim it covers To make it easier to leave the air-con off, 98% of UK petrol stations. you approach a roundabout, look carefully park in the shade or use blinds when you’re Price Free for other traffic and if you can see the road parked. If you do use air-con, set a modest is clear, join the roundabout at a safe and fan speed and a middling temperature. sensible speed rather than coming to a halt. Petrol Handy if you are touring Having to accelerate from a standing start Pump up the tyres abroad, this app lets you drinks fuel, so if you can keep moving and This is good practice anyway. Keep the tyres check nearby fuel prices maintain your momentum, you will use less. on car and caravan at the correct pressure. in France, Spain, Italy, Underinflated tyres can be dangerous, as Germany and Morocco. Drive smoothly well as increasing your fuel bill. Price Free (in-app purchases) This goes hand in hand with anticipation. Accelerate and brake gently. Keep a healthy Travel light distance between your car and the vehicle myAutomate Are you an ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ This app lets you search for in front, so you’ll have space to adapt your caravanner? Then think about what you take EV charging points and car speed by lifting off the throttle, rather than with you. Are there items you routinely pack parks, as well as comparing always needing to use the brakes. but never use? Perhaps leave them behind. fuel prices. You can also set If you take lots of groceries from home, MoT and tax reminders, so Don’t go too fast consider shopping locally when you arrive. there’s more to it than most The faster you go, the more fuel you use, Maybe you could manage with a porch fuel price comparison apps. so drive at a sensible speed. If it’s wet or awning rather than a full-size awning? Price Free visibility is poor, drive below, rather than at, Whatever you can do to reduce the weight the speed limit. You’ll be safer and use less fuel. you carry will also cut your fuel bill. Switch off the engine Avoid unnecessary drag Modern cars usually have a stop-start function that turns off Roof racks, roof boxes and bike carriers increase aerodynamic the engine and starts it again when the car is in neutral and drag, which worsens your fuel consumption. If you can’t carry not moving. If you don’t have this, switch off the engine everything you need without a roof box, make sure you take when you stop in a jam for longer than a minute or so. Which is cheaper to fuel – petrol, diesel or hybrid cars? If you can recharge regularly For example, we’ve towed difference between the to cost the same in fuel, and mostly drive on short with the Volkswagen Arteon cost of petrol and diesel. or better than 8% to work journeys, a plug-in hybrid is in both diesel and plug-in out cheaper. very cheap to run (although hybrid guises. According to the AA, the usually expensive to buy). average price of unleaded is In the case of the Arteons, The hybrid returned 166.9p per litre, while diesel towing 100 miles in the hybrid However, a plug-in won’t 28.3mpg, while the diesel costs 180.4p. would cost £26.82. The same necessarily be the most achieved 32.6mpg. distance in the diesel would economical choice while That’s a difference of 13.5p. set you back £25.15. So the towing, because the battery On the other hand, as So a diesel vehicle would diesel would cost less to fuel, will run low on a long journey. fuel prices have increased need to achieve 8% better as well as being more efficient. in recent months, so has the fuel economy than a petrol www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 91

UTCSOAEWRD A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (2013-) This could be a good choice if you have a heavy caravan to tow, says Euan Doig NO QUESTION ABOUT IT, the Jeep What’s it like inside? a self-dimming rear-view mirror, electric Grand Cherokee is the Clint Eastwood This generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee lumbar adjustment on the front seats, of the tow car world. went on sale in 2011, but was upgraded dual-zone climate control, cruise control with a hefty facelift in 2013. and automatic wipers. It’s a lantern-jawed, mean-looking, strong hero that looks as though it will brush off For a start, the quality (traditionally However, it’s better to seek out a model pretty much anything your towing life can a Jeep weak spot) was greatly improved, with at least Limited trim, because this throw at it, with merely a snarl of contempt. so the cabin was fitted with much better adds electrically adjustable front seats, materials. The central touchscreen was heated front and rear seats, a powered But do those mean-and-moody looks tweaked, so that it responds reasonably tailgate and a reversing camera. actually translate into real-world usability briskly to your touch. as a tow car? Well, we think it would be The interior does have its bad points, fair to say that some bits are good, some Jeep didn’t skimp on standard kit, either, in the form of a general lack of space in are bad, and some are downright ugly. with even the entry-level models having the rear seats. Those up front get a fair NEED TO KNOW // JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HIGH What will it tow? Trouble spots Price £42,000 Model 2020 Kerbweight 2328kg It’s fair to say that owners of the 3.0 V6 MultiJet Overland Towing limit 3500kg Jeep Grand Cherokee are likely to Miles 14,000 Noseweight limit 140kg be on first-name terms with their 85% match 1979kg local dealer, because the car has WHAT SWEET SPOT visited them regularly for recalls. TO Running costs PAY Price £22,000 These include a risk of fire from Model 2016 3.0 CRD Overland faulty wiring for the passenger 3.0 CRD Overland Insurance group 40 vanity mirror, and a brake servo that Miles 47,000 Annual VED £165 can corrode, requiring you to press Average economy 35.8mpg the brake harder. The electrics and LOW Interim/full service £93/£129 electronics are responsible for the (Servicing prices supplied by majority of other recalls. A full list Price £16,000 Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, of recalls can be found at check- Model 2015 www.servicingstop.co.uk) vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk. 3.0 CRD Overland Miles 100,000 92 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

SHOWROOM USED TOW CAR B Or you could try… BMW X5 Mk3 The third-generation BMW X5 makes a very good alternative to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has loads of space in the plush cabin, and is a strong and stable towing machine. Engine choices start with a 215bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which still has enough muscle for towing duties, but the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel is stronger still. The X5 is enjoyable driven solo, but the Jeep is more capable on slippery stuff. C LAND ROVER Discovery 4 The previous-generation Land A The 2328kg Grand Cherokee tows fairly confidently in a straight line Rover Discovery is a great B Improvements in the cab included an upgrade for the central touchscreen towing option, its 3.0-litre V6 C Boot is rather shallow, with not much room between floor and luggage cover diesel delivering ample pulling power for the heaviest trailer. amount of room, but passengers in the lane changes. The foot-operated parking back will feel decidedly hard done by. brake made hill starts awkward, too. Yes, this iteration looks as aerodynamic as a three-bed The boot also seems quite shallow, Numb steering and its size make the semi, but that translates into with not much room between the boot Grand Cherokee feel a bit intimidating on huge cabin space. It also seats floor and the luggage cover. twisty roads, so the best bet is to stick to seven. However, Land Rovers motorways. It’s even better if you can find are known for suffering more How does it drive? a high-spec Overland or Summit model, than the occasional problem, For tow car drivers, there is one engine because these have air suspension. so make sure that you inspect choice – the 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Yes, the it thoroughly before buying. Jeep was available with a high-performance The Jeep is quite at home when things petrol V8 offering a biblical soundtrack turn slippery, because the four-wheel-drive VOLKSWAGEN and the ability to annoy Porsches, but you system helps it out of low-grip scenarios. Touareg Mk2 know: cost-of-living crisis and all that. The second-generation VW Verdict Touareg shares underpinnings The 3.0 diesel comes with 188bhp or The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the ability with the Porsche Cayenne, 247bhp. The 2328kg Grand Cherokee tows to tow a heavy trailer and has plenty of but is in no way sporty. This fairly confidently in a straight line, but standard equipment. But it also has the comfortable all-rounder also when it was tested for the Tow Car Awards odd combination of feeling awkwardly excels when pulling a trailer. in 2014, we found the tail rather wagged large to manoeuvre, while you’re sitting It’s a five-seater, but provides the dog during higher-speed emergency in a cabin that is decidedly cramped. PC plenty of space for everyone, and the boot can take loads ‘The Jeep is quite at home when things of their luggage. The 3.0-litre turn slippery, as the four-wheel-drive V6 diesel makes light work of system helps it out of low-grip scenarios’ towing and also likes to keep itself to itself, which makes longer journeys very easy. www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 93





WIN!ONGEARTOEFAATTCHS&RTCAECYESSITE VOONTPOIEWNNG! Tell us about your caravan and you could be in with a chance of winning a fantastic C&CC stay! The Owner Satisfaction Awards 2023 will be organised by Practical Caravan with The Camping and Caravanning Club for the sixth year in a row – but we can’t do it without you. If you’ve bought a new or pre-owned caravan since 1 January 2019, and have owned it for at least three months, then we’d love to hear from you. Tell us how you were treated when you bought the caravan, how it’s behaved, and whether or not you’d buy from the same dealership again! Launched in 2004, our Owner Satisfaction Awards is the only industry scheme that’s completely based on owner feedback, including both the practicality and reliability of the caravan itself. What’s more, 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. For competition T&Cs, see www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/tc. Have your say by 23 October 2022, at www.practicalcaravan.com/vote

Skills School THIS MONTH WE DISCUSS… LOADING YOUR VAN // ANTI-LOCK BRAKING // POWER SOURCES Pack your caravan 1 2 just like a pro Summer is here and the weather is great PTTICOP’PSS 1 Make a plan of your plate, – time to tackle a couple of clever DIY using the standard ball projects! This issue we’ve brought you 3 and plates, to ensure that measurements are correct details on how to make a bumper 2 Have your plate cut, with protection plate (right), and a natty slots to allow easier fitting side table that you can stick right of your pre-wired sockets next to you when you’re out on tour 3 The finished project, with – handy for keeping all of those drinks a blanking plate where the previous seven-pin socket and snacks organised (p108). was installed Elsewhere, we’re taking a look at three important subjects: loading, ABS brakes, HOW TO… MAKE A BUMPER and power to your tourer. We kick things PROTECTION PLATE off with our expert guide to packing your caravan like a pro – simply turn the page now to get started. [email protected] Why are bumper plates necessary? points has been blanked off, using In theory, if we always stick to the a small offcut of black Perspex. OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) rules when hitching and unhitching, John Sootheran, Sammy Faircloth and Nigel Hutson there should be no contact between To be able to fit pre-wired sockets, the hitch and the back of the car. be sure to have slots wide enough to AT SKILLS SCHOOL THIS ISSUE… accommodate the 13-core cable cut However, even after many years into the socket centre hole. Caravan genius of experience, I find it difficult to guarantee that I will not cause small A 3mm metal thickness provides 98 Packing and storage scratches on the vehicle over a period a very robust plate that should last John Sootheran has expert advice on safe loading of time, and this could eventually forever and if you follow my advice, 103 Towing with confidence affect its trade-in value. insist on stainless-steel nuts and bolts Ian Shaw discusses how ABS helps you keep moving for socket mounting, which makes 104 Power sources Bespoke plate access to the socket so much easier. Peter Rosenthal on ensuring a constant power supply I decided that I wanted a plate made of thicker metal. I began by drawing The only problem is whether the Weekend workshop out a plan for a plate which would be plate interferes with reversing sensors. cut from 3mm stainless steel by my It’s a good plan to cut a similar-sized 108 DIY drinks stand local fabricators. example from aluminium, mount it Sam Coles builds a handy outdoor drinks table in place, then safely wave something Measuring 380 x 200mm, this plate backwards and forwards behind the was designed to carry two seven-pin car, listening to see if the reversing sockets at the corners. sensors trigger as normal. I have since cut down the height, A well-constructed bumper plate to avoid covering a central fog lamp should give you peace of mind that on a previous car, and with the advent hitching and unhitching will not risk of 13-pin sockets, one of the mounting damaging the bodywork of your car. Tony Brown *Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, 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. Check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects. www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 97

PACKING AND STORAGE GUIDE PSATOCRKAINGGE 98 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com

SKILLS SCHOOL STORAGE ‘Modern caravans are packed with brilliant storage options. Using your tow car also allows you to distribute the weight more safely’ When it comes to packing your caravan, it’s not just a case of fitting it all in… you have to do it safely, too. Here, John Sootheran offers expert tips on maximising your caravanning &GUIDE‘cargo’ without putting yourselves at risk www.practicalcaravan.com | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | 99

PACKING 1 AND STORAGE GUIDE ONE OF THE many joys of caravanning leisure battery). The difference between To raise the stakes further, it has been is that you can take a lot more of your the two figures is your allowable payload: known for the police to set up temporary clothes, belongings and accessories with the weight of clothes, food, pots and pans weigh-station checks at motorway services you on your travels. and so on that you can carry in the van (particularly on the M5 and around the Having just got back from a four-stop when you are towing. west country in summer), to carry out US road trip – without a caravan – I can A typical family four-berth might have a random checks on caravanners. vouch for the fact that trying to fit even MiRO of 1400kg and an MTPLM of 1550kg. Those found to have transgressed the basic family requirements in suitcases into This gives you a payload of 150kg. While weight rules are obliged to reduce the mass the boot of a car is an almighty challenge, that sounds like a lot, it is soon eaten up. of their tourer by removing items before and inevitably, some essentials had to be For example, if you transport an awning they travel any further. Not the best way left behind at home. at, say, 35kg, and you have a motor mover to start your holiday! So we have to be Modern caravans, by contrast, are simply fitted, weighing about the same, that’s smart about our packing, and that’s where packed with brilliant storage our handy advice comes in. options: there are overhead lockers, external hatches, ‘A typical family four-berth might have a Shifting some weight and underseat and underbed MiRO of 1400kg and an MTPLM of 1550kg. For starters, we can alleviate part of spaces. In addition, if you’re This gives you a payload of 150kg. While the kilogram conundrum by moving canny with your tow car a portion of the weight out of the choice, you can use that to caravan and into the tow car. I always start with the awning, that sounds like a lot, it is soon eaten up’carry extra kit and distribute the weight more safely. which I put in the boot right behind almost half your allowance gone already. the back seats, so that the weight is over Weighty matters Add your leisure battery at 12kg and a bag the axle. It fits neatly and frees up a big The starting point is to determine your of clothes for each person at 15kg, and you chunk of useful payload. van’s MTPLM (the maximum weight it are almost at your limit – and that’s before I also transport our barbecue and patio can be towed at) and MiRO (its empty you add food, drinks, a TV and crockery. gas cylinder in the car. That still leaves weight, which includes a gas bottle and This illustrates the challenges we face, plenty of room for my camera bag and fluid allowance – but, strangely, not the especially heading off for longer breaks. other valuables in the security of the car. 100 | SUMMER SPECIAL 2022 | www.practicalcaravan.com