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Welcome

I

t’s that hectic time again when motorhome
manufacturers unveil their new models for
the coming season.
I can already tell you that there are some
outstanding new models coming onto our
market and, of course, you will be able to read
about these in MMM’s news pages and also in
the special supplement, which will be
included with the November issue.
The timing of the supplement means you
will have all the information you need if you’re
planning to buy a new model prior to the
opening of the NEC show in October.
What has also been notable at the recent
launches is the arrival of new specification
lines by some manufacturers.
Some have opted to create all-inclusive
packs that give buyers almost all the options
they could desire in a pack that could prove to
save buyers a significant amount.

But what we’ve also noticed is the launch of
packages (or model lines) that have reduced
specification levels from the standard. These
effectively create entry-level lines that allow
buyers access to models that may previously
have been out of their budget.
In addition, we have also noticed that stock
levels at many dealers have returned to
near-normal levels and there may be even
some dealers who have more than usual levels
of stock.
This is all great news for the 13,000 or so of
you who are lucky enough to be buying a new
motorhome or campervan in the coming
2025 season.
Daniel Attwood
Managing Editor

We would love to hear from you

Share your motorhome adventures, your campsite reviews, your motorhoming DIY tips and advice
and even your gripes with MMM readers. Just email us at: mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk
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August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

5

Contents
TRAVEL

44 SCOTLAND Walk this way in
beautiful Argyll and Bute

52 COVER FRANCE Slow and
steady motorhome travels through
the beautiful Dordogne
64

COVER WEEKEND TRAVEL
The Northumberland 250 is a
coastal route that’s perfect for a
short break

36

COVER

SPAIN Going beyond the beaches to discover
the heart of Spain

TESTED
98
101

117 OUR MOTORHOME
Globetrotting in a compact-ish
Frankia A-class

COVER

LAUNCH NEWS Meet
the all-new compact Swift
Voyager 510
COVER

PROJECT YONDER This
relatively new converter has
turned its talented hand to a
4x4 Merc Sprinter campervan

TECHNICAL
124 TECH HELP MMM’s experts offer
readers their technical advice

130 MY PROJECT Swapping to
lithium battery power for weight
savings and more

133 MY PROJECT Patience is key
when it comes to replacing a
temperature sensor in a Ducato
wing mirror

70 GO WILD WALES From sand to
sky, come and encounter amazing
wildlife on the Welsh coast

81

134 TECH ADVICE Understanding
SITES FOR… Getting
off the beaten track to enjoy
adventures away from it all

87 YOUR CAMPSITE REVIEWS
Glorious campsites to inspire
your next adventure, from
Cornwall to Switzerland

6

motorhome fridges

COVER

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

109 GLOBE-TRAVELLER
An unusual layout hides within the
latest campervan to hail from this
award-winning Polish manufacturer

BUYING
138

COVER BUYING ADVICE Our
pick of some of the best new
motorhomes available to buy
right now at dealers

144 VINTAGE ’VANS Advice on
buying and running a classic

32 SHOW NEWS Seminars and
shopping at our outdoor events

61 CONFESSIONS… This newbie
encounters floods and
unsolvable mysteries on one of
his first trips

Included with
this issue

78 MY TRAVELS Off-gridding in
the Peak District over a bank
holiday weekend

162 MY VIEW Raising the issue of
height barriers, again…

The latest
gifts and gadgets for motorhomes

REGULARS

COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
123 PUZZLES Solve our
brainteasers to be in with a
chance of a cash prize

160 WIN A Cadac BBQ for your ’van

10 LETTERS Readers reminisce,
review, rant and more

20 FAVOURITE PHOTOS Sharing
your holiday snaps from
memorable trips

23 MOTOR MUSE A broken bike
rack needs fixing

GREAT
Subscrip tion
OFFERS
PAGE 132

24 OUR MONTH What the MMM
team has been up to

26 NEWS The latest happenings
in the motorhome world, from
awards voting to new dealers

161 NEXT MONTH
What’s in the September
issue of MMM

You may not want to spend your
hard-earned cash on it, but you have
to have it. Insurance for your ’van
is the topic of our unique annual
survey in which we reveal the bestvalue providers in the market.
PLUS This month’s reviews focus on
a varied selection of campervans
z Brown Bird & Co Sully − a VW
T6.1 unlike any other
z Go2 Campers Hobby − this
campervan is truly petite
z Orange Micro Camper − based
on a Fiat Scudo with a superkeen price tag
z Outlandish Explorer − a kit to put
the camper into your van
z Speeds Roma − extra space on
board this Ford Transit

TURN
TO PAGE
122

101
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Scan me

You r letters

Have your say by emailing or writing to us at: | mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk

Echoes of the past
The Motor Muse’s words of wisdom in the July issue brought
back lots of memories and echoed with the “So You Think
You Want a Revolution?” exhibition at the V&A Museum that
I visited a few years ago.
This covered the late 60s and early 70s, featuring a VW
camper outside to promote the event (see photo).
I came away quite depressed. How had we moved from a
time of when there seemed to be infinite opportunities to
where we are today? A very sobering thought and surely not
entirely due to us all investing in campervans?
Here are two quotes that I have saved relating to this
theme…
From Bill Bryson: “I really do think Britain had attained
something approaching perfection just around the time of
my arrival. It’s a funny thing because Britain was in a terrible
state in those days. It limped from crisis to crisis. It was
known as the Sick Man of Europe. It was in every way poorer
than now. Yet there were flower beds on roundabouts,
libraries and post offices in every village, cottage hospitals in
abundance, council housing for all who needed it. It was a
country so comfortable and enlightened that hospitals
maintained cricket pitches for their staff and mental patients
lived in Victorian palaces. If we could afford it then, why not
now? Someone needs to explain to me how it is that the
richer Britain gets the poorer it thinks itself.”
And from Andy Stothert himself in MMM: “1960s hippy
youngsters who became ‘respectable’, then old, then got
pensioned off from their respectable jobs, bought a
motorhome and reverted to being hippies – but with
redistributed hair and more wrinkles. Not that all
motorhomers have hippy tendencies, more’s the pity.”
That period of infinite possibilities saw me, in 1969, at
university, on a very modest grant with no spare money,
learning to drive a public service vehicle, completing my
degree and then driving a coach to India and back as part of
the Yorkshire contingent of the Third Commonwealth
Expedition (Comex 3) involving 500 participants. En route
we put on ‘cultural performances’ culminating in five
performances at a 10,000-seater outdoor arena in New Delhi

Urban motorhoming
In response to my original letter
(July, p12), you asked what
‘townies’ would like to see in
MMM magazine.
In general terms, and
speaking personally, I would like
to see more specific details, in
both major travel features and
site reviews, of how featured

10

attractions can be accessed both
on foot from site and by public
transport.
Frequency of the latter is
crucial. It can range from every
seven minutes (London) to once
a day (Lake District). The Your
Site Review section does have a
heading ‘nearest public
transport.’ Perhaps this could be

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Top
P i tch

(Rabindra Rangshala), the first of which was attended by the
President of India and broadcast live on India TV.
On returning we put on a similar performance at the
Royal Albert Hall. I was one third of The Yorkshire Folk Trio!
A time of possibilities that quickly became actualities –
driving a coach over the Khyber Pass as the sun set, performing
on TV, singing to a 10,000 audience each night. Wow!
The experience resulted in the desire to own a camper and
travel – ideally, a four-wheel drive and to continue to explore,
But first was the need to complete my preregistration
training as a pharmacist, then to get a job. As Joni Mitchell
put it, “Clouds got in my way”.
But the clouds lifted to a degree and so with my then
girlfriend and now wife (Ange), we acquired a Hilman Imp car,
moved to Jersey, then an Austin Champ Jeep followed by a
Land Rover Series II, then to Wales and another Champ before
buying a VW Dormobile for £185 when our daughter was born.
That was the real start of the motorhome addiction.
It was followed by a Ford Freedom, Bedford Debonair,
Bedford Landcruiser, Motorhome Mk3, GMC Travelcruiser,
Hymer S660, GMC Allegro, Hymer S694, Hymer E120, Hymer
S820, Hymer B544, Hymer S830 and our current Fiat
Carthago C-compactline i143.
So, it’s no wonder the country is in the state it is in –
blame the campervan-owning ex-hippies!
Martin Bennett

extended to show frequency and
destinations.
As MMM correspondent,
Rosey McGregor, wrote, “a
distance in miles...rather than
just a short drive” would be
helpful, together with car parking
options for motorhomes.
I much prefer to settle into my
pitch, connect the electricity and

levellers, etc, and know I am
there for a few days without
moving my vehicle.
Mr Turner’s letter about
parking at the Anderton Lift is a
perfect example of the everincreasing angst of parking a
motorhome either in a town or
city, supermarket or attraction.
These elements should be

LETTERS
Join the debate
x.com/MMM_Magazine
Join the community
facebook.com/motorhomemags

~ Your Letters, MMM, Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
Motorhomes tour of the Loire
Valley, the tram stop into the
centre, directly outside the site in
Nantes was perfect. Overlooking
the castle in Saumur was our
massive campsite and equally
large aire, both full and a sensible
stroll into the town.
Mont St-Michel has the
biggest and busiest aire I have
ever seen and shuttle buses to
the town. It was mega-touristy
and definitely not one for the
peaceful, adults-only,
wilderness lovers!
I’m impressed that MMM has
asked for suggestions to cater for
the ‘townies’.
I may well read the travel
features more closely in future!

Campervan SOS
After talking with a fellow camper on holiday, I was amazed
to be told that her beloved Volkswagen 1973 model, Type 2,
bay window, registered in 1974, had failed its MoT with a
significant amount of welding to be done on the chassis.
I find it very strange that £20,000 of welding appeared
within the 12-month period since the last MoT. This has left
her heartbroken due to her love of the VW and spending many
hours of hard work by herself carrying out the upgrading of the
interior with new cupboards and soft furnishings.
She has since purchased another VW camper, but would
very much like to have the 1974 VW back on the road as it
means so much to her.
I am hoping that fellow MMM readers may be able to
suggest a reputable welder within the Manchester area who
could look at the VW and give her an honest opinion of the
work needed to be carried out.
Thank you for a great magazine, love reading it.

Margaret Ratcliffe

Carol Robinson

First to say how much I love
MMM magazine – much more
informative than the club
editions. Second, well done to
Malcolm Foster on his combined
comments, something I’ve often
thought of doing as there is
always a collection of points that
need referencing.
Finally, the point of this
letter, regarding walking
distances from campsites to
town. Surely a simply ‘walking
person’ symbol would be an
easy option. One person for a
mile, two for two miles. I would
think that most campers would
walk these distances.
Yes, I know others would
walk further, but then no

symbols would suggest it’s a
long walk! Also a bus or train
symbol would show local
transport availability.
PS, as a lone traveller with a
doggie pal, could you add a dog
symbol to places of interest that
are dog-friendly as I like to know
where we are both welcome
when we’re out and about?

© Andrea Villiers/Unsplash

covered in detail in the major
features and site reviews. Top
Tips could perhaps focus more
on such detailed information.
Last year, before setting off for
a Lake District site (one bus a
day) we rang or emailed the
attractions we had in mind,
specifically asking if their parking
was motorhome-friendly. Two
were and one wasn’t – so we
didn’t go there. This is the sort of
detail I would like to see in major
travel features.
MMM mentioned sites in
York being close to the city
centre. No coincidence, I’m sure,
that these are booked up many
months in advance. Similarly, the
brilliant location of the Bownesson-Windermere site is reflected
in it being fully booked almost a
year in advance.
Let’s not forget big cities.
(London is fine). Perhaps we
could have a feature on sites with
good walking/bus access to, say,
Birmingham and Manchester.
And by ‘good access’ I don’t
mean over 20 miles away, which
the two large clubs seem to think
is ‘close’.
All this does, of course, also
apply to foreign sites, especially
close to towns and cities. My
husband spends hundreds of
hours researching our
continental routes and sites,
including bus timetables and
Google Maps, checking for height
barriers, etc.
Last year, on our GB

Margaret found the campsite and aire at Saumur very convenient

Lin Weiss

I would add to the debate
started by Mr McMahon (May,
p12) and continued by others
(July, p12) about MMM’s
articles and their content.
MMM asks in the July edition
if I would like to see a feature on
an area. My answer is yes but
omit such phrases as ‘a short
distance‘. Instead, tell me it is,
for example, ‘a mile along a
canal towpath’. This would be
much more useful, giving in
addition an idea of the gradient.
Suitability for cycles would
be a bonus. Perhaps include, if
not on a road, information
about stiles – not everyone can
manage these.
Poetic licence has been

taken too far by some
contributors, which could be
dealt with quite easily at the
editor’s desk. For example, a
recent writer described their
journey from North Yorkshire
to Scotland stopping off at Go
Outdoors Penrith.
They used peaceful idyllic
country roads. I live locally and
do not know of such a road. To
travel from North Yorkshire to
Penrith would normally involve
the A1 and A66, both of which
are heavily congested. Granted,
the views on the A66 can be
stunning if there is no cloud.
If the author of the article
used country roads for this
journey, then they were
competing with large
agricultural vehicles on narrow
roads and their journey would
take a very long time.
The point I make is
contributors should please give
more detail. Is it a busy route, a
bridleway, etc? Tell me which
route they took. If it’s a
continental route, perhaps any
toll charges.
David Ion

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

11

LETTERS

The battle of the ’vans
For starters, MMM magazine is
way ahead of any others. How
you all keep up the constant
page-filling interest month
after month amazes me.
With the greatest respect for
the team who review
motorhomes of all shapes and
sizes, to come up with a varied
and interesting view of a
particular vehicle must be
difficult to say the least.
I am just putting forward my
own take on the current mix of
base vehicles that has been on
offer since lockdown, mainly
because, I think, of problems
with the availability of some
parts, which, in turn, has
reduced manufacturing output.
There is no such thing as a
perfect vehicle but, based on the

number of Sevel vehicles used in
the industry for so many years,
it must have had an impressive
impact on the conversion
market for high-quality and very
expensive motorhomes to be
based on these vehicles.
More recently, we have seen
Ford Transits very much on the
scene.
However, I see friends and
other people investing huge
sums of savings in many cases
into the motorhome of their
dreams, based on the Transit,
only to experience engine
problems early in their
ownership.
Surely Ford has been in the
business long enough to sort
things like this out long before
the launch of a new model.
I feel sorry for these

Is the electric excessive?
We’ve just returned from a two-week holiday, ending up with
two nights on a site with metered electric supply. This was a
first for us and an interesting experiment as I’ve often
wondered how much we use.
Well, it was a bit of an eye opener! We deliberately didn’t
change our habits – so multiple kettle boils each day,
charging phones and tablets and, most importantly, cooking
in an electric pan. To my amazement, we used a grand total
of £1.25 over the two days!
How is it then, that sites can get away with charging £5 or
more per night? In the case of the clubs, the Caravan and
Motorhome Club is difficult to gauge because the vast
majority of sites don’t give you the option of non-electric. I
went to book a site at random on the Camping and
Caravanning Club website and the difference between a
grass pitch with or without electric was £6.55 a night.
I thought that it was illegal to ‘sell on’ things like electric
for a profit. Either way, we are all being thoroughly ripped
off for our electric supply on campsites in this country.
Chris Williams

12

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

customers as it is often not an
overnight fix when this happens.
Every motorhome customer
is venturing out into their
dream territory, a huge decision,
and to be let down like that
must be devastating.
R Cook

ED Fiat dominated the
motorhome market prior to the
Covid pandemic.
However, the supply of Sevel
base vehicles reduced
significantly when the
pandemic hit.
This left motorhome
manufacturers with a major
problem and, of course, they
looked elsewhere to source base
vehicles, including from Ford,
Renault, Peugeot, MercedesBenz and Volkswagen.
In relation to Ford, its share
of the motorhome market
increased as manufacturers
sourced the Transit to convert.
However, reports of problems
with Transit-based motorhomes
do not appear to be out of line
with this increase in sales.
We accept that a percentage
of every new vehicle will have
problems, including the Ducato
– remember the problems with
reverse gear judder when Fiat
launched a previous version of
its Ducato?
MMM’s reviewers have
constantly praised the Ford
Transit for its cab
environment, its driving
position and excellent driving
characteristics, but we are
waiting to drive the newgeneration Fiat which is about
to be launched.
Watch this space!

Insurance cost
clarification
In response to the letter in
MMM (July, p11) which
referred to insurance for
campervans older than 12 years
supplied by Motorhome Protect
“from £73”, we would like to
clarify why the letter’s author
received two quotes that were
more than £73.
We understand it can be
frustrating when receiving a
quote that is higher than
anticipated; however, there can
be a number of reasons for this.
When insurers calculate a
premium, they take many factors
into consideration which can
impact the price, such as age,
location and driving history, and
the age and type of vehicle. As a
broker, we have access to a panel
of insurers, meaning the price we
deliver provides great value for
the individual at the time.
Additionally, the “from £73”
caveat would not include
add-on products, such as EU
breakdown assistance, legal
expenses cover and protected
no claims, which the letter’s
author asked to be included in
the second quote. These
add-ons would be in addition
to the insurer’s premium.
The article referred to by the
letter’s author also stated that
cover was available “from £73”,
not that cover for any applicant
would be £73. We would invite
the letter’s author to get in
touch, so we can take a look
more closely at the quote
criteria and discuss any
concerns they may have.
Mark Sheppard,
Motorhome Protect

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Timberlanders head
south to Hayling Island
Hampshire’s Hayling Island is
known for many things, but one
invention that would perhaps
surprise many sits perfectly with
the saying, ‘not many people
know that’. Windsurfing! Not
that Timberland members are
taken to carrying surfboards on
their roofs these days, but it still
left us much to enjoy on our
recent spring rally.
The destination for this
start to our season was Fishery
Creek Touring Park, offering
members serviced shingle
pitches running the length of a
beautiful tidal creek boasting
‘wildlife highways and
wildflower verges’.
On hand to greet members
were organisers, Lynda and
John, offering a warm welcome
to the 17 campervans that had
arrived from all over the UK.
Once settled in, we all gathered
for the traditional ‘circle of
friendship’ where we could
catch up with friends old and
new, while enjoying a bevvy of
our choice.
The four days ahead offered
us many opportunities, with
Hayling Island offering the
combined attractions of a
traditional seaside resort along
with excellent sporting and
leisure facilities. For those
looking for a quieter idyll,
members looked forward to
exploring the miles of unspoilt
coastline and countryside, with
the history buffs amongst us
catered for by the WWII
Heritage Trail.

The regular bus service into
Havant with onward journey to
Portsmouth by train also proved
very popular for those seeking a
full day’s excursion.
However, if a quiet day of
R&R was called for enjoying the
surrounding views, Fishery
Creek Park offered its own
hospitality in the form of the
Galleon Bistro. With breakfast,
lunch and dinner offered, as well
as home-baked cakes and
pastries on a daily basis to go
with your coffee, needless to say
it proved more popular than the
site’s offer to take a swim in the
creek when the tide was in!
At all of the rallies organised
by the Timberland Owners
Club, a ‘dine-out’ evening has
been ‘on the menu’. On this
occasion, the Galleon Bistro
accommodated our needs, and
on day three of our stay
provided us with a muchenjoyed meal, with the benefit
of a very short walk home!
All too soon our visit to this
delightful part of Hampshire
came to an end, and on
departure day Lynda and John
were warmly thanked for hosting
this great start to our season
before members set off for home
or onward destinations.
Mike Simpson, Press Officer
timberlandownersclub.co.uk

14

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

ED You don’t have to be a
member of a rally group to
enjoy Fishery Creek Touring
Park as it is part of the Premier
Parks network of the 100 top
campsites. Go to
premierparks.co.uk to find out more
about this and the other 99
great campsites in the group.

Fawlty injectors!
We read with interest Victor
Cooke’s letter regarding
“Replacement Engines” for his
Fiat Ducato (June, p14) but
with more attention to Nick
Fisher’s response re Zander
Horn’s problems with faulty
injectors in January (p10)
– snap – but with a more
complex narrative.
Having avoided catching
Covid in 2020, 2021 and 2022,
we took a chance in March
2023 to go skiing. Arriving in
the mountains, we promptly
caught Covid and spent 14 days
parked in an aire isolating in
our 2006 Niesmann+Bischoff
on a Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD with
no skiing as we felt so weak.
So, in February this year, we
excitedly left Portsmouth to
Caen, Orleans and onwards.
Heading for Moulins, the ’van
went into ‘limp mode’. I spied
an SBVS Fiat Professional at

Yzeure, east of Moulins.
“Oui, vous avez un problème
avec votre injectors possible
injector quatre seulement.”
So, all four injectors were
removed and sent for testing.
Three days later, we got
confirmation that injectors one
and four would need replacing.
We waited two more days for
parts to be available.
We ended up camping for
five days, sandwiched between
enormous commercial MAN
trucks! The injectors were
fitted, test was done and,
€1,100 lighter, off we went
toward the Alps.
We manage to ‘fly over’
Grenoble when suddenly the
’van went into ‘limp mode’
again. We had travelled 350km
from SBVS, but quickly we left
the highway to enter a small
village and called for the AA
recovery, saying that a Fiat
Professional garage would be
needed.
As it was Saturday
afternoon, we were told that
pick-up would be on Monday,
which became Tuesday
afternoon. We were taken to a
crash compound on the far side
of Grenoble and offered a
central hotel.
Two days later, our ’van was
taken to a small village

LETTERS
mechanic back through
Grenoble some 50km above the
village we had spent five days
at. The mechanic spoke perfect
English and was so willing but
still the computer reported
that injector four was at fault!
But it was new!
With my husband, who has
some background knowledge,
they swapped the injectors, and
the computer still blamed
injector four!
They tested the resistance
on the cables and concluded
the problems must be the
computer or another part of
the wiring loom. So, we slowly
we returned 400km to SBVS
since no Fiat Professional in
and around Grenoble were
prepared to assist.
I had used Google Translate
to record our findings, hoping
this would help the SBVS
manager to understand the
possible problem. He explained
“Oui” and the mechanic
grabbed a pair of pliers, cut the
cable to injector four and
connected a longer cable with a
new connector. “Voilà,” he
explained. We handed over
another €90.
We headed for the Alps once
again, managing 250km before
the steering groaned. We found
a Fiat Professional at Morestel
who confirmed the power
steering pump would need
replacing! But it would be
unable to help us for a couple
of weeks!
So, again, we return 250km
to SBVS at Moulins. The staff

were horrified when I entered!
The mechanic confirmed the
power steering pump was
failing and we decided to
return to the UK.
We managed to get our ’van
mended on 21 May, due to the
parts not being available!
So, no skiing again, some
3,000km, €1,200 to SBVS, plus
fuel costs and a new steering
pump at £500 later, to add
insult to injury my husband
went onto the Fiat Ducato
forum to be told it’s a known
fault on the Ducato 2.8JTD that
the cable to injector four is too
short! And that it should be
replaced at a cost of just £30.
Anyone skiing next year? We
are – but at 75, how many more
years should we hurtle down a
mountain?
Gillian Greenslade

NICK FISHER I wish I could get
the message across that
everyone should always look for
the simple things before
spending time and resources on
complicated things. It is quite
shocking that a Fiat dealer did
not think to check something
that was a well-documented
issue with the 2.8JTD engine
before spending your money,
but times move on, and they
probably don’t see them much
these days. People move on,
too, and there may be a lack of
experienced technicians that
were there 10 to 15 years ago. It
still seems like you have not
been well enough cared for...
and I feel for you.

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August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

15

LETTERS
Super savers in Spain

Of mice and men
In relation to Mike Fletcher’s mice problem (July, p10), in the
past I had problems with mice getting into my ’van and
nibbling this and that.
Now I keep a boxed mousetrap baited with chocolate
spread next to each wheel – see photo – if the trap wasn’t
boxed there would be a risk of trapping small birds.
I also keep a trap inside the ’van as a backup, but this has
never caught anything since I started using the four traps
next to the wheels and I have seen no further evidence of
mice activity in the vehicle.
I do trap quite a few mice. I don’t like killing them, but it’s
up to them whether they eat the chocolate spread or not!
The mice don’t go to waste. I put the bodies on the patio
in front of my house and the magpies come and take them
away in no time.
Roger Haworth

Mice are not only a nuisance in the motorhome, they try to
share our living space as well.
The solution offered by Ian Gill is different to that offered
by the BBC programme. This programme is called Sliced
Bread Presents, where a bunch of BBC experts and some
outsiders examine whether some of these wonder products
are as good as sliced bread or not.
Mice are like humans (if many of their lab tests are
accurate); a little bit of extraneous noise might spoil their
enjoyment of a meal but it will not stop them eating.
I tried using the humane method. I would capture the
mice in a ‘humane trap’, then take them down to the woods
for a comfortable retirement. The expert opinion was that
this was like having your airplane to Costa Brava being
redirected one-way to a war zone. Taking a small creature out
of its home environment to the woods means that they are at
the mercy of unfriendly cousins and predators. Life
expectancy is short, running till caught.
Poisons mean that they bleed internally till they die, not
very nice. Then, when their body joins the food chain, the
next creature goes.
The conclusion of the BBC was that the snap traps will
dispatch the mouse with a high level of efficiency.
My solution was to place about 10 traps in a tray about 12
inches square and tidy up every day. This prevents them
settling down and breeding. One pair can create seven pups,
which will be ready to breed in about six weeks.
Stephen

As I mentioned in my last
grumble about the UK club
campsites and their lack of
hedges (Feb, p10), I was looking
forward to the 2024 ferry!
The Portsmouth to
Santander ferry in April was
wonderful apart from the
motion that I was fearing. It
was, however, quite acceptable
on the immaculate three-yearold Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca.
We had a TV in the cabin
with UK programmes and a
free film channel, 13A three-pin
and two-pin plugs, USB
sockets, an en suite, and even
an inside cabin illuminated
‘picture window’! Next time we
will forget the bag of chargers
and adaptors and bring up the
230V kettle!
We had planned an
anticlockwise Spain trip for the
first time and it lived up to
expectations, and even added a
bonus of RHD ’van views of the
ocean and coast for the driver.
Some of our earlier ’vans were
LHD by choice and cost, and you
don’t see so many ‘drops’ as the
passenger. Italy from France in
RHD anticlockwise also gives
these views for the driver, too!
Once off the boat, we drove
south via the city of Salamanca,
then across the border from
Cáceres to Portugal to stay near
old friends at a favourite site,
Camping Asseiceira. Then it was
back into Spain to avoid the
Portugal road tolls!
Tarifa was another wow place
for a few days looking over at
Africa and then there was a drive
along the awful coast road past
Estepona, etc.
La Azohía was next where we
stayed in an apartment behind
the Piscis restaurant. In the past,
we had stayed here for months
out of season when it cost the
same per month as a campsite,
but with no toilet emptying and
including a washing machine...
Then north to Torre de la
Mora – possibly the best
campsite in Spain with headland
views and a magnificent pool
and restaurant area.
There are new dual

carriageways in Spain up the east
coast and the old N340 is sadly
missed, together with the ladies
beside the road who invariably
would give us a wave!
Our return trip was over the
Pyrenees and up through the
centre of France via a campsite at
Pech de Caumont (ACSI €15 per
night with terrific views and a
great pool), to the Atlantic coast
at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and then
the Dieppe ferry.
We used not one mile of péage
the whole trip. All Route
Nationals where possible. The
sat-nav route (no tolls) from
Pech de Caumont to Palais-surMer is highly recommended.
Just back from the trip, I’ve
added up all the costs including
the ferries and three days in the
two-bedroom apartment with
washing machine. Apart from
food and diesel, I see that for the
45 days we spent just over £1,500.
That works out at £34 per day.
If I take off the big cost of
ferries and apartment, the sites
we stayed on totalled £622 for 33
days, that means just under £19
per day. If I include time stayed at
aires, that’s 41 days, making it
£15.18 per day.
If you add or subtract the
electricity, water and oil we save
by not being at home for these
days, isn’t ’van life wonderful! OK,
we have been travelling around
Europe for over 20 years in a
variety of ’vans and should know
where to go by now.
The latest Fiat motorhomes
have optimistic computers
recording your mpg, etc, and
over the last 11,000 miles, it
claims 37mpg. I record fuel and
miles and think it is nearer 35.
The speedometer overreads,
too, by the same amount and
that is the likely reason for this.
But, for having the loo and kettle
within arm’s length, not bad.
So my point is… can
someone explain to me how
the UK clubs (our clubs!) can
charge such an exorbitant and
confusing amount per night?
It seems a lot to pay for
toilet paper (all European sites
visited above had toilet paper).
Paul Sparks

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

17

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LETTERS
Webasto woes
Regarding Chris Colley’s letter
(June, p11), we have a 2016
motorhome with a Webasto
space and water heater system,
which leaked on our very first
trip and has been mended at
least four times.
The last time our mechanic
said the whole thing was so
rusted up that a further repair
would be impossible.
We also contacted Webasto
and some local vehicle repair
garages, and our local Marquis
dealer and repairer offered to
fit a Truma electric water
heater, but three months later
we are still waiting for it to say
it has the requisite part.
To heat the ’van we have
used a small electric oil-filled
radiator and kettles of hot
water to clean dishes and
ourselves during bad weather.
It meant we could still go away
to campsites but never off-grid.
Apart from the
inconvenience to us of a large
chunk of the equipment not
working, it also affects the
price we could get if we sold it.
Fortunately, our converter has
now taken pity on us and will
put in an electric/diesel Truma
heater (at a cost), though it has
never done this retrospective
fitting before. So, ‘fingers
crossed’.
Jo and Rod Romero

A lot stinky
Further to Roger Little’s letter
(January, p11) on the brown
marmorated shield bugs, I
would like to recount our
experience.
Last year, in early October,
we were in the Dordogne. On
site all the ’vans were being
bombarded by these large bugs
flying at them, trying to find a
place to hibernate.
When we arrived home, we
took everything out of our ’van,
very carefully, finding and
disposing of 30-40, and many
more in the vacuum cleaner.
When the cover came off in the
spring, again, we disposed of
another 10-15. Still, when we

went away for a short break,
others appeared inside on the
windows. Arriving home, we
bought and used a fumigator.
The next day, we collected
another 25 dead and dying. And
still we open up and there are
more inside, but these are dead
or dying.
These bugs are from Asia
and are proving a dreadful
nuisance in the USA, and have
spread across Europe since
2011. They attack agricultural
crops and orchards, and were
confirmed in the UK in 2021.
We believe we should be
vigilant about bringing
destructive alien species into
the UK, and hope others will
think the same. Using a simple
fumigator in the motorhome is
the answer, if you come into
contact with these bugs.

Double award
winning insurance!

Frances Walters

ED Yes, it is everyone’s duty to
ensure we do what we can to
avoid bringing back –
accidently or on purpose –
harmful and invasive species
when returning from abroad.
Also try to make sure to
correctly identify insects, as
many are harmless, but still do
all you can not bring them
back into the UK.

Running on air…
I hope I am not too late in
replying to Mike’s letter (April,
p10) about tyre pumps and
inflators. The Ring RAC900
pump powered from the
battery is suitable for
motorhome tyres: it will not
overheat or cut out.
Note that, for a coachbuilt
motorhome, you should not use
the chassis manufacturer’s
recommended pressures. Find
out what your axle loadings are
when your motorhome is fully
loaded and look up the TyreSafe
table of pressures for your
particular tyres, and inflate your
tyres accordingly. It is usually the
case that this will give a much
better ride and of course it will
improve the life of your tyres.

Get a quote today

Open
7 days

0800 612 3179
caravanguard.co.uk/mmm
Remember to mention your MMM
subscriber number to get a £20 discount*
*£20 subscriber discount is only available by calling. Not available in
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time. Terms & conditions and minimum premiums apply. Caravan Guard
Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Tony Napier

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

19

Your favourite photos

Readers share the photographs that trigger their happiest memories and
always make them smile. Here are some of the best from this month...

This is from our first trip to the Forest of Dean and we found a fabulous walk at Mallards Pike. Peter and Jackie Henley
We had a beautiful few nights at a
temporary campsite at Burton
Bradstock, Dorset. The sunset was
amazing. Robyn Maitland

We had a great time on Sanday, Orkney. The locals were in good form, the roads were
very quiet and the best wood-fired pizza was served at the aire, 59˚ North.

Garry and Lorna Field

20

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

LETTERS

Staying at the Wysdom Touring Park,
in Burford. David Cardus

My sidekick, Buddy, enjoying our walk around Derwentwater and taking in the
scenery on our walk up Cat Bells, Lake District. Christine Ellis

We recently stayed on a Camping and
Caravanning Club Temporary Holiday
Site run by its South Yorkshire DA, at
Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough. It was an
excellent location. Oliver’s Mount is
the only road racing circuit in England
and has to be seen to be believed.
Here’s looking at you! Gina Hayes

Dawn Furner

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS If you have a picture of a motorhome adventure that makes you
smile, please share it. Email it and a caption to mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

21

Motor muse monthly
MMM’s grumpy old geezer is in a sustainability mood.
Amongst other things...

A

s you will have realised by now, I’m a very relaxed kind of
Now if there is one thing that can annoy my inner goat more
guy, and very little of what is wrong with the world excites
than words like ‘Tech’ then it is actions like these. It’ll be the kind
or annoys me. Except the word ‘guy’, which irritates me
of swines, sorry, people (pigs are more honourable), who always
quite a lot. Obviously, I can’t use the exact words required. In the
throw open their car doors in car parks, regardless of how little
pecking order of minor verbal irritants, it lies just behind the
room there is. And thus damage some other beggar’s vehicle
word ‘mate’ when used in my direction by a complete stranger.
every time they go out.
The Scottish medication helps me to get over these things,
Now I realise this is yet another irrelevant not-so-nostalgic
but mostly my tranquillity is assured because we can always
wander down memory lane, but we were parked in a car park in
disappear in the wagon to beautiful deserted places where the
St Agnes in lovely north Cornwall a few moons since, in the ’van
simple things become sufficient for our needs. Well, it used to be,
having lunch, when we were the victims of this kind of
but we also have to consider our ‘footprint’ nowadays.
thoughtlessly casual criminal damage. So, I gently(ish) took the
This, the seemingly recent discovery of the hypocritical
wretch to task, pointing out that he’d dented the side our very
concept of ‘sustainability’ is one such matter. Everyone wants
small adventure wagon. That’s the wagon, not the adventures.
everyone else except themselves
The response? An apology? An
to be sustainable.
offer to have it repaired? No, a
Some reprobate had collided with the
Big companies advertise their
load of abuse from his
eco credentials, and tell us they
companion, Mrs Rottweiler, who
factory-fitted V W bike rack
make all this stuff we need to buy
threatened to ring the police
with complete lack of
because I’d upset a poor
environmental damage occurring
defenceless pensioner with a
in its production. Yeah, right. Only
heart condition, defective legs,
because it’s all made elsewhere,
and I should be locked up.
and leaves our ‘books’ looking
Anyway, enough of my
cleaner and greener.
personal affliction for bullying
You may be wondering why
pensioners, and back to the VW,
this new discovery has made its
and sustainability, and what it has
way through my calcified cranial
to do with the minor damage to a
connections. Well it was, as ever, a
VW factory-fitted bike rack on a
letter (email) from an MMM
reader’s campervan.
reader. Not that I’m casting any
The only damage to the rack
doubts on the eco credentials of
was to the plastic mounting
motorcaravanners. Definitely not.
brackets, which are a separate
I’m sure the readers of MMM
part riveted onto the aluminium
carefully consider all the
tubing. The owner, naturally,
environmental consequences
thought that VW (who has a
before setting forth on each and
Sustainability Officer) would be
every adventure.
able to supply the two small
I seem to have wandered off-piste again. Yes, the reader’s letter.
plastic brackets. Nope. A new rack would have to be purchased
It was addressed to the ‘Tech’ dept. Oh god, where are my pills? I’m
and, in the process, this meant binning the other one. That’s not
not sure which of those last two words irritates me most.
very sustainable to either the owner’s wallet (over £1,100) or the
Anyway, said reader has a 2019 VW Ocean camper, which sits
planetary resources. Fortunately for all, a few enquiries by
on the road outside his residence. He didn’t supply the full details
MMM’s Technical advisor revealed that whilst VW couldn’t (?)
of his status in the Great Aspirational Game by letting us know its
supply the bits, Thule, which makes the rack, could.
postcode, value and desirability, but he did tell us that some
The moral of the tale? There isn’t one, except maybe that
reprobate (no doubt driving one of those horrendously
‘sustainability’ is a load of bull. It’s still every man for himself. So, we
unsustainable four-wheel drive gas guzzlers) had collided with the
are off again to do a bit of exploring in our belching old bangerhome.
factory-fitted VW bike rack, which had previously been attached to
Some time soon I will probably bang on about whether using
the tailgate of the campervan. Then left the scene without fulfilling an old motorhome may be more eco-friendly than buying new
their moral and legal obligations. Done a runner in modern speak,
ones. Your views would be much appreciated. But please, don’t
as though it’s all just a bit of harmless fun.
send it to the ‘Tech dept’. Readers’ letters will do nicely.

“

”

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

23

Our month

MMM’s team share the ups and downs of their motorhoming month
GOING ALL FRANCONIAN

“It’s a riot of colour, carvings and more,
all in wood”
Rachel Scholes Deputy Editor
Launch season is always a surprise.
Off we go (via planes, trains or
automobiles) to various parts of the
UK and Europe for a preview of what
is to come. Yes, we have an indication
of what the manufacturer we are
visiting is introducing, but sometimes
it’s a complete surprise.
And, every so often, we manage to fit in some culture,
which is what happened at the very recent Frankia launch.
As well as the new models (Frankia Now décor options and a
new Merc campervan, as well as some specification changes
– read all about it in the supplement in your November
issue), there was a tour of the Bayreuth opera house.
It is a very unassuming building on the exterior that
doesn’t reveal much until you walk into the main room itself,
which is a riot of colour, carvings and more, all in wood.
The mechanisms deployed to transition between scenes
and backdrops when it was originally built in the 1700s is
amazing. And, if you visit, I challenge you to not enjoy trying
this out yourself on a smaller scale in the museum.
Then, a delicious al fresco dinner afterwards, saw a series
of local choirs serenading us from a stage at the end of the
pedestrian street.
If you’re in this part of Germany, I thoroughly recommend
taking a detour and visiting.

24

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

“If my flight lands on time and the hire car

has more than three wheels, I still love it all”
Peter Vaughan Road Test Editor
It all sounds very glamorous.
Jetsetting around Europe to see
the latest new motorhomes, while
being wined and dined in posh
hotels (sometimes!).
Like Rachel, I’ve been on the
2025 season trail, but, after 20
years of attending these dos, has
the novelty worn off ?
Well, when your budget flight is late and you fall into
bed at 1.30am after three exhausting days, maybe.
But I still love this industry and have near-schoolboyat-Christmas levels of excitement as the big brands
unwrap their latest novelties for the press to play with.
The venues chosen vary enormously but it’s very clear
that the French press like a château backdrop and
people in their pics. They spend far more time getting a
‘perfect’ shot than they seem to actually looking at the
product. Then there’s the bun fight to get the keys of the
most important new ’vans – pity any new journalist on
the scene who doesn’t know the ropes at this stage…
If my flight lands on time (ish) and the hire car has
more than three wheels, I still love it all. I can’t – yet –
reveal my highlights but driving the new Transit Custom
(at Dreamer) showed just how good this new base vehicle
is, while Fiat’s ugly revamp (again) of the Ducato left me
underwhelmed. And, at the end of the day, there’s often
(but by no means always) a lovely dinner to look forward
to. I’m already looking forward to the 2026 launch season!

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AWARDS

2025 Awards sponsor confirmed
as public voting opens
The 2025 Motorhome Awards as well as
the Campervan Awards and Caravan
Awards will again be sponsored by
Creation Consumer Finance.
Creation is a leading provider of
consumer finance to leisure vehicle
buyers and it said it is delighted to
again be sponsoring the 2025 awards.
“We have built a strong business on
providing financial solutions to our
partners and four million customers
and it is an exciting time as we push
further into the UK leisure market,”
said Andrew Brameld, Chief
Commercial Officer. “We are
committed to continuing to develop
and enhance our product offers to
ensure we meet the demands of this
growing market.”
The Awards recognise the very best
motorhomes and campervans in their
categories each year, as well as naming
an overall winner.
This year, readers are invited to vote

for the winners in the Best Motorhome
Dealer and the Best Campervan
Converter categories as soon as the
public voting opens on 22 July.
The winners of the awards, which are
brought to you by OutandAboutLive, the
online home of MMM, What Motorhome
and Campervan magazines, will be
announced in December. At the
ceremony, the winners of the public
voting categories will also be named.
So, whether it’s a dealer’s great
aftersales service, a dealer that has
gone above and beyond to help with a
problem, or maybe a dealer who helped
you find your dream motorhome, we’re
looking for your vote on Britain’s best
motorhome retailer.
We are also looking for your vote on
the best of Britain’s many campervan
conversion companies who not only
build great campervans but sell them
direct to their customers with
excellent service. There are some

superb campervan companies out
there, from larger-scale converters
with a proven track record and a fixed
model list, to smaller converters
making carefully crafted bespoke
campers and everything in between.
Great aftersales service is also
important in this category.
Simply nominate the campervan
converter you think deserves this
award and tell us why.
To vote in the motorhome category,
after 22 July, head to
motorhome.
ma/votemh and for campervans, it’s
motorhome.ma/votecpv

INDUSTRY
MAJOR BRITISH MANUFACTURERS REPORT MIXED RESULTS
Three of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturers – Swift,
Bailey and the Erwin Hymer Group UK (EHG) – have released their
latest profit and loss figures.
There are mixed results, with both Swift and Bailey reporting a
profitable year, while EHG made a loss last year.
However, EHG, which is based in Consett, Co Durham, said it is
looking forward to a stronger year after it reported its second
year of losses.
In its last financial year, which ended at the start of August
2023, it made a pre-tax loss of £6.6m, which is despite turnover
increasing for the year by over £11m. In the previous 12-month
period it made a £4.7m loss.
However, it says all the signs are positive for the year ahead
as it has a strong order book, which is underpinned by good
market demand for its products.
The company, which makes campervans, motorhomes and
caravans under famous names including Elddis, Buccaneer and
Xplore, said the year proved to be “challenging” as it managed
supply chain issues and recovery from a business restructuring. It
had also introduced a price freeze for all customers while it dealt
with the backlog of orders.
“The price freeze combined with slower than planned volume

26

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

output recovery and rising supply chain costs exceeding 20%
resulted in the financial loss,” said Managing Director, Chris Short,
in the company’s strategic report. “Despite this, demand for the
company’s product continues to be strong, reinforced by ongoing
product development and new model introductions.”
Meanwhile, British manufacturer, Bailey, saw its gross profits
increase by over £6m to £29.7m for the financial year ending 29
December 2023. This gave it a profit after tax of £4.3m off the
back of sales of some 1,100 motorhomes and 4,200 caravans.
This was Bailey’s highest profit level before tax in a decade
and came despite the chassis supply issues that so hampered
the industry. During the year, Bailey launched its all-new Fordbased Endeavour campervan range a narrow-bodied coachbuilt,
the Alora and two special edition caravans.
Swift also reported a very positive financial year, which ended
on 31 August 2023, during which it saw turnover increase from
£297.7m to £321.8m. This rise, it said, was derived principally
from the growth in motorhome sales, which it said was helped by
dual-sourcing base vehicles, which allowed it to avoid some of
the impact of the dramatic slowdown in the supply of chassis.
The growth in turnover resulted in an overall operating profit of
£5.5m for the year.

NEWS
NEW MODELS

CONVERTER

New Toscan from Giottiline

Vanlife Conversions
scoops industry award

Italian marque, Giottiline, has
launched an all-new layout on its
premium Toscan coachbuilt range.
It has also made significant
changes to its GiottiVan campervan
range and Siena entry-level
coachbuilt range.
But the main news is the launch of
the Giottiline Toscan 69XF, a
7m-long low-profile, which will be
available with Giottiline’s new
Premier Edition specification pack, a
new range-topping pack that adds
extras such as automatic gearbox
and alloy wheels to the current
Privilege upgrade pack.
It is expected that all UK models,
which will be sold here by
Brownhills, Yourstyle and
Wandahome in England, Motorhome
Escapes in Scotland and
Camperworld in Ireland, will come
equipped with the new Premier Pack
and, if not, with the Privilege Pack.
None will come here with only the
Basic Pack.
In addition to the automatic

gearbox and alloy wheels, the new
pack also gives buyers a dual-point
locking for the habitation door,
pleated blinds, Premier upholstery,
leather steering wheel with
controls, cab and lounge
carpets and an awning
(depending on model).
But back to the new
Toscan 69XF, which has a
layout that will be attractive
to many UK buyers. The
layout follows the same basic
floorplan – front drop-down bed
above the half-dinette lounge, a
central washroom and kitchen and
rear storage – as the shorter entrylevel Siena 350 (6.36m).
However, the new 69XF uses its
extra length to provide a larger
dinette, a larger kitchen, separate
shower and toilet, and very large
rear storage and wardrobes above
the rear garage.
Giottiline has also improved
quality but will retain its highly
competitive pricing.
Other changes include all Siena
low-profiles coming with new
upholstery, a new floor and furniture
design and interior improvements.
Also, the Siena’s internal walls are
now a lighter grey, while all the
interior lighting is new and includes
improved continuous LED strips (no
LED dots are visible) and there is
new dimmable recessed lighting.
On the exterior, all the Siena
models get a new rear panel with a
new LED lighting cluster, while all the
windows are flusher to the bodywork.
Giottiline has also adopted
higher-quality construction methods
from its Rapido parent company,
including increasing the exterior
aluminium profiling from 2.2cm to
6cm, which improves rigidity and
structural integrity, as well as
allowing for thicker insulation and
improving the aesthetics of the
exterior profile.
UK prices will be set in July or
August. The manufacturer also
confirmed that it is planning to
appoint at least one more UK dealer
during the season and plans to settle
with at least seven or eight dealers
within a number of years.

Campervan manufacturer, Vanlife
Conversions, has been presented with
the National Service Excellence Award
from the Federation of Small Business.
“This recognition is a testament to
the hard work and dedication of our
team, who consistently go above and
beyond to deliver outstanding service
and exceed our clients’ expectations,”
said Oliver Arnold, Founder of Vanlife
Conversions.

ACCESSORIES

Thule wins Red Dot
design award
Thule has been awarded the honorific
title “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year
2024”. Thule said the award highlights
its “unwavering commitment to
innovative design, functional excellence
and a deep understanding of its
consumers’ needs”. Since being founded
in 1942, Thule has gone on to become a
world leader in sports and cargo
carriers and offers a comprehensive
range of products for the great outdoors.

TOURING

Dover Truck Stop open
for leisure vehicles
Motorhome and campervan owners
who are planning to travel over the
Channel this year may welcome the
recent news from Dover.
Dover Truck Stop is now open for
motorhomes and campervans for a
stopover just outside of the port of
Dover.
Just 10 minutes from the port, the
Dover Truck Stop, which is open 24
hours, offers electric hook-up, hot
showers, free WiFi, laundry facilities,
home-cooked meals and a licensed bar
at The Loft restaurant, and more.
Parking charges cost from £20 per
night when pre-booked online.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

27

NEWS
CAMPSITE

CLUB

CLUB CELEBRATES NATIONAL CAMPING
AND CARAVANNING WEEK
New research, commissioned by the
Camping and Caravanning Club, has found
that one in four city-dwelling children have
never seen a deer or bird of prey.
The poll of 1,000 city-based parents
and their children aged six to 12 also
found 21% of youngsters have never
attempted to climb a tree, while 35% have
never slept in a tent.
Others have never been camping
(32%), eaten a meal that was cooked on a
camp stove (39%), or gone crabbing in
rock pools (41%). And 39% of city children
visit the countryside a maximum of three
times a year.
The findings come as the Camping and
Caravanning Club’s new President, Hamza
Yassin, celebrates National Camping and
Caravanning Week by launching a new
initiative to provide people with essential
wildlife and camping experiences.
Hamza, who took more than 40
first-time campers to the countryside to
teach them all about British wildlife, said,
“I love going camping, connecting with
nature and experiencing wildlife.
“It’s something I believe all children
should have the opportunity to do –
because, let’s face it – they are the future
when it comes to protecting our natural
world.
“It was great to be able to introduce

Meadow Falls

families to the joy of camping and show
how it really puts you on nature’s doorstep
– giving them the chance to learn about
the incredible outdoors and all the
benefits it can bring.”
The study also found 63% of parents
whose child has visited a rural area
believe their youngster would like to
experience it more.
Despite this, 55% of all parents claim
their child prefers being outdoors rather
than indoors – and 31% believe them to
be very interested in nature and wildlife.
Of those polled, 52% of parents said
they spent more time outside than their
children do now, with 63% concerned
about the availability of green space.
Hamza added, “Camping and sleeping
in the outdoors is one of the best ways to
experience this, as it puts nature front of
mind.”

SHOW

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome &
Holiday Home Show returns

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome
and Holiday Home Show 2025 will
return to Glasgow from 6 to 9
February, 2025, with early bird
discount tickets already on sale.
Taking over the SEC, Glasgow, the
show will have the latest
motorhomes, caravans, holiday
homes and boats, not to mention a
travel accessory superstore.
There will also be an artisan

28

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

farmers’ market, showcasing
hundreds of award-winning, locally
sourced products, to highlight the
best of Scotland’s produce.
Jillyanne Glen, Show Manager,
said, “Caravans, motorhomes and
holiday homes are the perfect
investment for anyone who enjoys
being able to pack up and shoot off
to wherever their heart desires at the
drop of a hat. The flexibility which
these kinds of holidays offer is
unmatched, and that’s what keeps
spiking interest from a wide range of
audiences every year – from young
professionals and families looking
forward to the next stage in life, to
retirees and everyone in between,
our attendees are as varied as our
product range.”

Scottish Premier Park
wins two national awards
in six months
A Scottish Premier
Park is celebrating
after picking up two
national awards in
less than six months. Drummohr
Camping and Glamping Site near
Edinburgh was named the best in
Scotland by Pitchup.com, just months
after being voted the best campsite in the
UK in a poll by Camping magazine.
The site at Musselburgh scored full
marks from reviewers on the Pitchup site,
with visitors praising its strategic location
just eight miles from Edinburgh city and
stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
Voters in the Camping Awards 2024 were
also impressed by its ‘awesome location’
as well as its ‘super friendly staff ’.
Site Manager, Angie Purves, said, “We
always aim to go the extra mile for our
guests and I think the fact that both
awards came from either reviews or votes
from the public reflects the hard work,
passion and dedication of the entire team.
“We want to ensure that everyone who
visits Drummohr gets the best experience
possible, from the moment we receive
their booking to the moment they leave
our gates. We hope this encourages them
to come back and stay with us and
recommend us to family and friends.
“Ultimately, our job is to help our
guests make wonderful memories which
will last a lifetime.”
Set in the grounds of a former
monastery, Drummohr, which is open all
year, is a five-star rated VisitScotland site
offering self-catering luxury lodges with
hot tubs, glamping pods and en suite
bothies, and both grass and hardstanding
pitches for touring and tents, all with
electric.
Its newly refurbished amenity blocks
boast underfloor heating, free hot
showers, family-friendly accessible
bathrooms with baths, and indoor
campers’ kitchen and laundry.

ALMOST 21 ACRES

UNDER 1 ROOF!

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PARKING INCLUDED. TICKETS ARE LIMITED. KIDS GO FREE*.
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NEWS

NEW MODEL
TANGERINE DREAM
Yorkshire-based Orange Campers has launched a new version
of its Trouvaille Classique campervan.
The model is built on the latest Fiat Ducato and features a
new layout including a rear kitchen, two single seats/beds and
a toilet cubicle with a privacy screen and an electric flush loo.
Orange Campers owner, Richard Tomlin, said the Trouvaille
Classique had been a year in the planning, with production
versions based on the new Fiat Ducato Series 9. There are two
versions – one with a more conventional side kitchen and the
brand-new rear kitchen option, with a starting price of £78,999.
Available with the rear-facing pop-top or as a high-top roof,
this new MWB ’van is comparable in length to a long-wheelbase
VW T5 or T6, but enjoys the extra width and spec of the Ducato.
The galley kitchen has a 90-litre slimline fridge/freezer, a
gloss black three-burner hob, separate sink and wide worktop.
The lounge is made up of two single travel seats and the
cab seats, both of which swivel to face the living area. At night
the lounge converts into a sleeping area, with two single beds,
or push these together to create a 6ft by 4ft double. Plus,
there’s a roof bed to sleep two adults.
Storage includes numerous cupboards, drawers and
overhead lockers and two wardrobes. Rear storage is available
for camping chairs, etc, and the toilet cubicle even doubles up
as a storage space when you’re driving.

DEALER

New motorhome dealer for Hull
Jordans Leisure, a new division of the Rix Group, has been
created to sell new motorhomes from Auto-Trail, Hobby and
Globe-Traveller from the Jordans showroom in Hull.
Director, Ben Hakes, said Jordans Leisure would enable the
Rix Group to further capitalise on the growing demand for
staycations and will complement the Group’s lodge and holiday
home manufacturing business, Victory Leisure Homes.
“Jordans has a long association with the motorhome
industry as our trained technicians carry out work for a
number of top brands in the country,” he said.
“The launch of Jordans Leisure significantly builds on this,
enabling us to extend our vast experience in vehicle sales and
aftercare to the motorhome sector for the first time. Our aim
is to become the go-to name in luxury motorhomes in East
Yorkshire and beyond, helping customers achieve their
dreams of freedom and the open road.”
Jordans Leisure’s technicians will also provide a full suite
of aftersales service, including habitation checks.
The company has also expanded its commercial vehicles
operation under the name Jordans Commercial, which will
offer commercial vehicle sales, service and maintenance.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

31

SHOW NEWS

Expert advice at the South
West Motorhome & Campervan Show

The South West Motorhome & Campervan Show is set to be
an exciting event, running from 6 – 8 September 2024. This
show is a fantastic opportunity for motorhome and
campervan enthusiasts to gain valuable insights and
practical advice from industry experts.
Whether you’re new to the campervan lifestyle or a
seasoned motorhome owner, the OutandAboutLive Advice
Centre offers a series of informative, entertaining and
interactive sessions that are all included in the ticket price.
Here is the schedule for the sessions:
FRIDAY
10.30am: Buying a motorhome or campervan – Peter Vaughan &
Iain Duff
Gain valuable insights into purchasing your ideal motorhome or
campervan. Learn about the key factors to consider, how to spot a
good deal, and what to avoid
11.30am: Touring Europe with a motorhome – Wandering Bird
Discover essential tips and tricks from MMM contributor, Kat, for a
successful motorhome tour across Europe, including preparation,
route planning, and managing paperwork and insurance.
12.30pm: Accessories: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t
waste your money – Motorhome Matt & Peter Vaughan
Find out which motorhome accessories are essential, which are
beneficial, and which you can skip from MMM Road Test Editor,
Peter, and our guest speaker, Matt.
1.30pm: Living life full-time in a ’van – The Urban Motorhome &
Tash (Life Beyond Bricks)
Learn from experienced full-time ’van dwellers about the realities
of vanlife, including daily routines, challenges and rewards.
2.30pm: Travelling with dogs – Wandering Bird
Get practical advice on how to travel comfortably and safely with
your dogs, including tips on preparation, care and dealing with

32

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

different environments.
3.30pm: Self-sufficient electrical systems – BlueFix Energy
Solutions
Explore how to make your motorhome or campervan self-sufficient
with efficient electrical systems, focusing on solar power, battery
storage, and energy management.
SATURDAY
10.30am: Buying a motorhome or campervan – Peter Vaughan &
Iain Duff
A repeat session providing essential guidance on purchasing the
right motorhome or campervan for your needs.
11.30am: Which gadgets are must-have and which to avoid –
The Urban Motorhome & Jon (Life Beyond Bricks)
Learn about the latest gadgets for motorhomes, identifying which
ones are worth investing in and which are unnecessary.
12.30pm: Solo female travelling – Tash (Life Beyond Bricks) &
Wandering Bird

NEWS
Hear from solo female travellers about their experiences, offering
advice on safety, planning, and making the most of solo adventures.
1.30pm: Live podcast recording – Motorhome Matt & Keith
Gooden
Join a live podcast recording where experts discuss current trends,
tips, and insights into the motorhome lifestyle.
2.30pm: Becoming a digital nomad – Tash (Life Beyond Bricks)
& Urban Motorhome
Discover how to work remotely while living on the road, including
tips on staying connected, managing work-life balance, and finding
remote work opportunities.
3.30pm: Essential Information for taking your motorhome to
Europe – Motorhome Matt
Learn the crucial information needed for a successful European
trip, covering paperwork, insurance and regulations.
SUNDAY
10am: Buying a motorhome or campervan – Peter Vaughan &
Iain Duff
Another opportunity to attend this essential session on purchasing
a motorhome or campervan.
11am: Travelling to Europe for the first time – The Urban
Motorhome
Hear about The Urban Motorhome’s first European motorhome
adventure, including stories from the trip, lessons learned, what
he’d do differently next time, and whether any of his initial worries
came true.
12pm: Inside the motorhome industry: Future trends, market
insights, and price predictions – Motorhome Matt & Peter
Vaughan plus special guests
Get an inside look at the motorhome industry, discussing future
trends, market insights, and price predictions.
1pm: How to get good WiFi on the road – Motorhome Matt
Learn strategies and tips for securing reliable WiFi while travelling,
ensuring you stay connected on the go.
2pm: Touring Europe with a motorhome – Wandering Bird
Another chance to learn essential tips and tricks for a successful
European motorhome tour.
3pm: Van Maintenance – Jon (Life Beyond Bricks)
Understand the basics of ’van maintenance to keep your vehicle in
top condition, covering routine checks and essential upkeep.

COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS
Mark is a passionate vanlife cook who has built a community
around cooking in a campervan. His website, Vanlife Eats,
showcases a variety of recipes and tips for cooking in a ’van.
Mark will be conducting cooking demos, sharing his favourite
recipes, the best equipment to use, and insights gained from his
years of experience. He will be hosting demos from his van twice
daily at 11am and 2.30pm, so make sure to add this to your
itinerary for the day.

TICKETS AND CAMPING INFORMATION
Pre-booking for camping is available until 2pm on Wednesday, 21
August. Prices are:
Thursday to Monday pitch price: £82 (saving £18)
Friday to Monday pitch price: £77
Non-booked pitch price: £100
Day tickets cost £7 per adult if booked in advance and £10 on the
gate, while children aged under 16 go free.
Mark your calendars for 6 to 8 September and join us at the South
West Motorhome & Campervan Show for a weekend full of
learning, fun, and adventure!

50 DEALERS CONFIRMED FOR
MALVERN SHOW
The Western Motorhome & Campervan
Show is just around the corner, and
anticipation is high as the exhibition
area continues to fill up. With 50
dealers already confirmed to exhibit and
more joining each week, this event
promises to be a premier destination for
motorhome and campervan enthusiasts.
Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, looking
to compare brands, layouts, base vehicles or budgets, this show
has something for everyone.
As with all Warners Shows, visitors will find a diverse selection
of motorhomes and campervans available for purchase. Many
dealers will be offering exclusive show deals, making it the perfect
opportunity to secure a great offer on your next leisure vehicle.
Make sure to check
outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows for the full
list of confirmed dealers and suppliers.
With such a wide variety of exhibitors, attendees will have
ample opportunities to explore different models and find the
perfect vehicle to suit their needs.

TICKETS AND CAMPING INFORMATION
Pre-booking for camping is available until 2pm on Wednesday, 31
July. Prices start at £77 for a Friday arrival or £82 for a Thursday
arrival if booked in advance. The on-the-gate weekend camping
price is £100.
You can also visit the show for the day, with adult tickets costing
£7 in advance or £10 on the gate; children aged under 16 are free.

FOR THE LATEST SHOW INFORMATION, ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULES
AND TO BOOK TICKETS, HEAD TO outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

33

All Electric, NO GAS
Perfect for off grid adventures

Altair Range

Altair RS

Altair RL

The Altair range is built on the superior
quality MAN TGE van. The Altair is a very
high specification 2 berth model offered
in 2 layouts. The Altair RS has twin rear
single beds that also offer a double bed
layout with front lounge whilst the Altair
RL offers a rear U-shaped lounge with a
front dinette and 2 extra passenger seats.
The RL also can be configured with two
single or a large double bed layout.

The Altair is an all electric designed
motorhome which provides a flexible use
anywhere habitation system based on
lithium batteries, large solar panels and
an inverter which powers all electrical
appliances when used in the wild. This
motorhome uses no gas. The vehicles drive
train is still a diesel engine.

Unit G9, Lock View, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9HD | T: 01422 372111

Highland
Campervans

Huge Dealer Network

Motorhome
Escapes

Visit our website to see full details

ES Hartley
Motorhomes
Cumbria

Specification
Motorhome
2 berth

Thompson
Leisure
Dromore

2 belts

WildAX
Factory
Elland

Kitchen with twin induction hob

Maple
Garage
Hornsea

Geoff Cox
Leisure
Derby

LED Lighting
100 litre winterised freshwater tank

ES Hartley
Ellesmere

80 litre winterised waste water tank
3kW inverter
400 Watt solar panels

Continental
Leisure
Vehicles
Llanelli

Truma combi 4D diesel electric
2 x 100 Ahr lithium leisure batteries

Nick Whale
Evesham

DG
Southern Motorhomes
Wiltshire Bracknell
Caravans
Specialist

Vehicles

Highbridge
Newton
Abbot

Base Vehicle
•
Pass Air Bag
•
Cruise Control
•
Air Conditioning
•
Front & Rear parking sensors
•
Alloy Wheels
•
Metallic Paint
•
Bluetooth
•
DAB touch screen stereo
•
Leather steering wheel/gear knob
•
LED DRL’s
•
Rear View Camera
Dimensions
Length – 6.84m
Width – 2.04m (without mirrors)
Height – 2.75m (approx)
GVW - 3500kg
WildAx Motorhomes are based in West Yorkshire
where we manufacture a range of motorhomes and
campers. As part of the Rapido Group of motorhome
manufacturers we are one of the largest groups in
Europe with over 40 years of motorhome manufacturing
experience. Our main priority is to build a high quality,
high specification motorhome which we sell through
a specially selected network of dealers around the UK.

Camper
Love
Surrey

WildAx Motorhomes
01422 372111

Head Office and Factory Elland HX5 9HD, UK
wildaxmotorhomes.com

E S Hartley Cumbria
01539 822450

Ings, Kendal LA8 9PY
eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

E S Hartley Ellesmere
0151 350 6870

Ellesmere Port CH65 3DD
eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

Maple Garage
01964 534144

Main Road, Mappleton. Hornsea. HU18 1XT
maplegarage.co.uk

Nick Whale Motorhomes
01386 870852

Evesham WR11 8SN, UK
nickwhalemotorhomes.co.uk

Southern Bracknell
0800 028 3417

Brickfields Industrial Estate, Kiln Ln, Bracknell RG12 1NA
southernmotorhomes.co.uk

Wiltshire Caravans
01373 752100

36 Headquarters Rd, West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury, BA13 4JR
wiltshirecaravans.co.uk

Highbridge Caravan Centre
01626 832792

Higher Brooks Plantation, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot TQ12 6QZ
highbridgecaravans.co.uk

Geoff Cox Leisure
01332 781562

Derby Road, Marehay, Ripley DE5 8JN
geoffcox.co.uk/leisure

Thompson Leisure
028 9269 3999

21 Rowantree Road, Dromore, Northern Ireland BT25 1NN
thompsonleisure.com

Specialist Vehicles GB
07377 577376

Rye Wharf, Rye Harbour Road, Rye, E.Sussex TN31 7TE

Motorhome Escapes
07464 290575

Royston Lodge, Bathgate, EH48 1JX
motorhomeescapes.co.uk

Highland Campervans
01667 457304

Kerrowaird Steading, Dalcross, Inverness, IV2 7JQ
highlandcampervans.com

Continental Leisure Vehicles
01269 831151

Crosshands Business Park, Cross Hands Road, Gorslas, SA14 6RE
continentalcaravans.co.uk

Camper Love Surrey
020 8335 0050

133 Stonecot Hill, Sutton SM3 9HS
camperlove.co.uk

D G Motorhomes
01354 692344

Delve Farm, New Rd, Chatteris PE16 6XP
dgmotorhomes.co.uk

Full European
Type Approval

wildaxmotorhomes.com

36

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Spain TRAVEL

The philistine Stotherts are searching for history,
art and culture in central Spain…
WORDS AND PHOTOS: Andy Stothert
Alarcón

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

37

Santander
Aguilar de Campoo
Herrera de Pisuerga
Astudillo
Montejo de la Vega
Cantalojas
Sigüenza
Trillo

S PA I N

Buendía
Garcinarro

i
Alarcón

US AND OUR ’VAN

Andy & Marion Stothert...
have been travelling light
with hope in their hearts and
nothing in their heads for
many years. They haven’t yet
been to Sweden in the ‘van

Our 2007 Nu Venture Campers
front lounge van conversion
has been with us from new
and, after several attempts
to find a newer one recently,
we’ve given up. Which will
expire first – the ’van or us?

ABOVE Iron Age dwellings
with a view
LEFT INSET Walk until
you drop

38

J

ust in case this is the first copy of MMM
you have ever cast your glad eye upon, or
you missed the previous thrilling(ish)
instalments (January and April 2024), we
had already been bumbling about in Spain
for 73 days, and you join the trail at the
ancient city of Alarcón. This is situated
about 50 miles south east of Madrid, and we
were on our reluctant way northwards to
board the ferry back to Britain.
We had around a fortnight to reach
Santander before becoming illegal
immigrants and our progress was becoming
ever more glacial. What we perhaps should
have done, at that moment, was ring Ursula
Van Lederhosen, or whoever is presently in
charge at the EU, and obtain a new personal
exit agreement. There should be a ‘switching
service’ to simplify this process.
Anyway, back to Alarcón, former royal
residence and historic fortified city. It has been
on our unwritten list of must-visit places for
many years. However, when we finally arrived
it wasn’t quite what we imagined.
In our mind’s eye we’d been seeing
something quite grand, elegant and full of
cultural ‘stuff ’. The truth is that we don’t
really do culture, but feel socially bound to
make the effort occasionally.
We had recently started playing the ‘guess
the population’ game wherever we descended
upon after being completely baffled by one
particular town, and Alarcón has just 153
residents. Medieval city, or rural village?
Well, both, as quite a lot of folk have
moved out in the last few centuries, leaving
behind almost as many old churches as there
are people. One of them has been de-fused
and a ‘modernista’ artist has been let loose

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

inside to paint the walls. It is said to be
groundbreaking. Whatever that means.
This was a Tuesday and, as usual,
wherever and whenever we arrive anywhere,
it will be closed, and it was. The only other
cultural option delaying our departure was
the castle, which is now a very swish
Parador hotel and, unexpectedly, we were
allowed in. Though only for coffee.
So, were we a bit disappointed with
Alarcón? Definitely not. It was stunning.
The permitted car park for us visiting
vagrants is perched on a cliff edge with a
mesmerising view of the whole scene, and
it’s breathtaking. After a few hours of poking
around in the village, strolling over the
surrounding hills, then sitting outside the
’van soaking up the view, we were
completely besotted with Alarcón.
It’s just so good on the eyes. Best wild
camping spot ever? Certainly one of the best.
From Alarcón, we had nothing in mind. It
was just a matter of finding a rural route
northward and let fate carry us along.
Sometimes the things and places you just
happen upon, with absolutely no warning,
are the most memorable, and one of these
fell in our path after leaving Alarcón, bound
for Buendía. We were looking for a
lunchtime stop, and came across a car park
just north of the village of Garcinarro.
There was a path from the car park
heading up the hill so, after a quick butty,
we followed it to look for the signposted
Iron Age settlement. And what a fantastic
couple of hours it proved to be.
The dwellings, which are carved out of the
rock formations, have a huge view out over
the raw deserted landscape, and it all feels

Spain TRAVEL

TOP TIPS
Driving in Spain is generally
much more pleasant than
Britain. The roads are less
crowded, better maintained,
and the motorists less
aggressive. So, take some
time to meander along on the
minor roads
Most campsites offer long-stay
discounts in winter, from as
little as three days duration,
and can offer good value
Don’t forget the low-season
ACSI scheme
campingcard.co.uk

ABOVE LEFT The typical
Spanish road
ABOVE RIGHT Scenes in
Sigüenza

hauntingly evocative of something tangible,
but just out of reach. We saw not a soul, and
that always helps when y’r in one of those
instinctual and mysterious moods. Sniffing
the wind, if you’ll pardon the expression.
Buendía (population 414), its site and its
scenery, were lovely. I’d guessed 1,500, and
Marion 2,000. It deserved another day, really,
but lines have to be drawn, so it was ever
onwards, bound for anywhere or anything
that took our fancy.
We knew it would be scenic, as there is
nothing but scenic around here, but fate
stepped in when were were diverted by a
road closure. The diversion led to the small
town of Trillo, on the banks of the infant Rio
Tajo, which is the longest river in Spain and
Portugal, 626 miles of it.
The isolation, along with the water, is
probably why it proved to be the perfect
place to build a nuclear power station, and
in days gone by, a leper colony, which is now

THE JOURNEY
We drove from home in Leyland to Portsmouth, sailed
on the Galicia to Santander, from where we went
directly to the Mediterranean. We got as far south as
Sopalmo, then headed inland, gradually bumping
northwards back to Santander. This, the last part,
accounted for 16 of the 87 days in total

THE COSTS
Fuel Average 40.5mpg ........................................................... £477
Site and aires fees ................................................................... £727
Ferry Outward, Portsmouth-Santander
£364. Return, Santander-Plymouth £534 .............. £898
Total costs........................................................................... £2,102

2,326

miles

in ruins. There is also a palatial campsite
called El Colvillo Complejo Turístico, which
sounds awful but isn’t, and we were all
alone. Though it could be very different in
summer, when half the population of
Madrid may well be cooling off in the river.
Trillo (population 1,319) was about a mile
from our pitch, with half the distance being
within the site grounds, and what a lovely
place. The mighty (but not yet) Rio Tajo flows
gently past the town, but the standout
feature here is a series of beautiful little
waterfalls tumbling right through the centre.
There are also the usual quaint and hilly
streets to aimlessly wander through, with
those tantalising glimpses of green hills
peeping through the gaps as you go. Another
day would’ve been good, but such is life.
When we arrived at Alarcón we’d been
gearing ourselves up for a session of art and
culture, just as a bit of a change, but it didn’t
happen. The next stop was to be Sigüenza,
which is touted to be the genuine article,
with a cathedral, museums, and an
absolutely humongous castle dominating
the old city. Handily, the ‘aire’ is within easy
walking distance of all this cultural veneer.
We didn’t get to Googling Sigüenza’s
population until we’d returned to the ’van after
a hectic afternoon of rooting around in the
city’s stony old streets, slurping coffee, scoffing
cakes and marching about looking for a
perfect view of the castle. The number given is
a paltry 4,356 personas. How can there be so
much going on in a place so thin on folk?
Like Alarcón, the castle here is also now a
(state-run) Parador hotel, with very limited
access, but we gained illicit entry,
(unknowingly) through an entrance ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

39

presumably left open by mistake. It has been
beautifully restored, but you get to a time in
life when you start to appreciate a
magnificent ruin, and I think I’m there.
Meanwhile, my magnificent good lady
was starting to dream about a touring
holiday in a sports car visiting all these
Parador hotels. Fortunately, what followed,
as we wandered north, flushed away that
expensive-sounding thought completely.
Those of you who read the last dose can
look away now if you wish, but one of the
batteries went duff on our bikes earlier, so, in
effect, this put them both out of action, and I
whinged quite a bit about the lost
opportunities. Well, the following day we
ended up at a small campsite high in the hills
in the very back-est of the back of beyond,
and oh-how-useful it would have been for a
wider look at this huge sprawling landscape.
The site is Camping Los Bonales, near the
village of Cantalojas (population 3½, but with
a village shop) in the Sierra de Pela. The
temperatures, because of the altitude, and our
now northerly disposition, had plummeted.
The roads, in places, were wrecked by the
winters, and that a campsite exists up here
came as a surprise. And what a surprisingly
well-equipped little campsite, with both bar
and restaurant. Bearing in mind our (my)

40

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

TOP TIPS
In Spain the network of áreas
de autocaravanas
(camperstops and aires) are
expanding. Many are quite
well equipped for less than
€12. Some are free. Whilst
wild camping is generally
tolerated in Spain, the
authorities are now removing
wild campers from many
beach areas and issuing fines
park4night is an app
downloadable onto most
devices. It lists all sorts of
opportunities, from
campsites, camperstops, car
parks and country parks to
cemeteries. Do not assume
that everything listed is safe,
suitable or legal
park4night.com
There are other apps, which do
the same job as park4night,
including Campercontact and
searchforsites. The differences
are small, but park4night lists
places which are a bit more
‘on the edge’ than the others

previous difficulties in squeezing edible
vegetarian food from the rural restaurants
of Spain, the variety of veggie grub on the
menu was also quite surprising. That night
we, Lancastrian malingerers, dined in the
restaurant with a Dutch brewery-owning
couple, and an adventurous pair originating
from Iran and New Zealand.
What were the odds against this unlikely
combination of people and places coming
together in this upland wilderness? Quite
good when you think about it: we were all
seeking the same thing at perhaps the most
remote campsite in Spain. So here we all
were, at Camping Surprising, hoping to find
no one, but being pleasantly disappointed.
Once across these vast empty hills, we
descended into the Duero valley, where we
had serious business to do. Before that,
though, we were bound for the Parque
Natural Hoces del Río Riaza, and where
there is supposedly the largest colony of
griffon vultures on the planet. Now we aren’t
the kind of fanatical wildlife watchers who
are prepared to almost die to see a rare tit or
two in breeding plumage, but, c’mon, the
largest colony of vultures in the world?
You’ve just got to do it, and the place to see
them is from a path leading into the gorge
from the village of Montejo de la Vega.

Spain TRAVEL

It’s only a couple of miles to where the
birds live and breed, and it’s worth the effort
for the scenery alone. However, getting so
close to seemingly hundreds of these
remarkable animals, in such startling
surroundings, made this one of life’s most
memorable experiences. Amazing is a great
word, and we all use it too often, but in this
instance it’s a bit of an understatement. We
then spent a quiet (but still amazed) night
on a piece of spare ground next to the Río
Riaza on the edge of the village.
Somewhere near to the Spanish exit door,
we always try to be in either La Rioja or the
Duero Valley to do a bit of shopping.
Obviously for wine, and there are countless
small cooperativa bodegas in both regions
making good stuff for little money. There is
always some uncertainty about what y’r
getting (it varies year to year) but that’s part
of the joy and, by the time we’d left the Duero
Valley a couple of days later, we had just
short of 50 bottles of red stashed in the ’van.
Space is getting a bit tight now, so to
Astudillo, which, after our usual afternoon
exploration, seemed to be quite a
substantial country town, but has only 1,004
folk residing there. What a charming and
elegant old place.
The road out was straight as a die for

ABOVE CLOCKWISE Quite a
paint job in Herrera de
Pisuerga; Astudillo; An
impressive display in Herrera
de Pisuerga; Orchids
everywhere at Camping
Monte Royal

mile upon mile, with the view through the
screen gradually changing as our progress
towards the mountains along the north
coast of Spain gradually filled the horizon.
Horror of horrors, but coming as a bit of a
relief, we were slightly in front of the
schedule. We still had four nights remaining
before the Pont Aven left Santander for
Plymouth. One of these was consumed on
an aire at Herrera de Pisuerga, and where
we finally got art, culture and a bit more.
The art was contained in the cemetery
chapel, which had been completely muraled to death (like the Cistern Chapel) and the
culture lay inside a pungent piece of blue
goat’s cheese from the artesenal shop just
off the town square. The last destination
was Camping Monte Royal, lost in the forest
near Aguilar de Campoo, and what a
fabulous spot to while away a few days
strolling about in the countryside as a
fitting finale.
As I thump the keyboard, some two
months later, we had a bit of a discussion
about the whole trip, and agreed that this
could very well have been the most
enjoyable journey we’ve had in over 40 years
of travelling in our many and varied
adventure wagons. As an individual single
event, Marion voted for the Easter
Celebrations in Cehegín as being the
highlight, whilst mine was the vultures.
That said, we both felt that the
overwhelming memory was of the joy of
travelling through the vast scenic emptiness
of inland Spain. And of the relaxed and
sociable nature of the people. Amazing.
Truly amazing.

WE STAYED AT
Camping Buendía, Camino de La
Veguilla, s/n, 16512 Buendía
campingbuendia.es
ˆ All year
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From
€24.50 (£21.74)
El Colvillo Complejo Turistico, Instituto
Leprológico, 19450 Trillo, Guadalajara
elcolvillo.es
ˆ All year
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From
€26 (£23.06)
Camping Los Bonales, Lugar Paraje los
Bonales, 0 S/N, 19275 Cantalojas,
Guadalajara
campinglosbonales.es
ˆ Easter – November
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From
€27.50 (£24.39)

Sigüenza aire (41.074914 -2.635891)
£ Free
Camping Riberduero, Av Polideportivo,
51, 47300 Peñafiel, Valladolid
campingriberduero.com
ˆ 22 March – 6 October
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From
€29 (£25.73)
Astudillo aire (42.191129 -4.287957)
£ Free
Herrera de Pisuerga aire (42.590199
-4.33331)
£ Free
Camping Monte Royal, Carretera Virgen del
Llano 34800 Aguilar de Campoo, Palencia
campingmonteroyal.com ˆ All year
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From
€17.70 (£15.70)

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

41

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Walking back to happiness on the west coast of Scotland
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Kath McMahon Stone

Scotland TRAVEL

W

e had thought that our Munrobagging days were over, in spite of
only ever having managed to bag a
dozen of the 282 total in more than 30 years
of hillwalking. However, our son had bought
me a guide to climbing them all – with the
intention, I suspect, of borrowing it himself
– for my birthday, so, when the weather
promised to be fine up north the following
week, we were inspired to pack up the
motorhome and head off.
After a first night on the shores of Loch
Lomond, we awoke to gloom and drizzle,
which banished our hopes of attempting to
climb nearby Beinn Narnain. We are
fair-weather hikers and would never dream
of climbing a mountain when there was no
hope of seeing the view from the top after
all the effort!
Instead, we set off across the newly
reopened Rest and Be Thankful pass into
Argyll heading for Kilmartin Glen. I had
always wanted to visit its famous Neolithic
and Bronze Age cairns, stones and circles
that were constructed so that they form a
processional line along the glen all the way
to the village on its high outcrop.
Starting at Temple Wood stone circle, we
walked along the glen to visit all the cairns.
The museum in Kilmartin was
disappointingly closed for major
refurbishment, but we were able to visit the
churchyard with its important collection of
intricately carved medieval grave slabs
belonging to chiefs of the local warrior clans.
Further evidence of the historical
importance of this area is to be found in
Dunadd Fort on a hilltop at the other end of
the glen. Here, a fibreglass copy covers the
original stone slab bearing a footprint, which
is thought to have played a part in anointing
the Dalriada kings here some 1,500 years ago. I
couldn’t resist trying the footprint for size, and
was pleased to find it fitted pretty well, so
those kings of old must have had small feet!

From Dunadd we headed off across the
spectacular Moine Mhor raised bog, to visit
the Crinan Canal and its many locks busy
with sailing boats heading off into the
Sound of Jura.
That night was spent at Achnabreac Forest
car park – one of the places included in the
Forestry and Land Scotland Stay the Night
initiative allowing motorhomes with their
own self-contained facilities to stay for a night
on some of its car parks. This meant we were
able to see the 5,000-year-old cup and ring
marks on the Achnabreac’s rocky outcrops at
optimum time just as the sun was going down.
The next day we drove to the Kintyre
Peninsula and parked in the picturesque
village of Clachan. There we saw more
medieval grave slabs in the churchyard and
walked on part of the Kintyre Way footpath
to Loch Ciaran, before spending the
afternoon swimming in the clear turquoise
waters of Ronachan (bay of seals in Gaelic)
overlooked, sure enough, by a group of seals
on the nearby rocks.
Deciding that the weather was too hot for
climbing mountains and that the white sand
beaches of Kintyre were too tempting, we
opted to head south rather than north and
aimed to head over to the small island of
Gigha the next day. We spent the night at
the Brit Stop in a field provided by the café
next to the Tayinloan ferry terminal.
From there we were privileged to see the
most stunning sunset over the islands of
Gigha, Islay and Jura. We were also lucky,
the next day, to see porpoises accompanying
the packed ferry across to Gigha.
The island of Gigha is only some five
square miles and has no campsites or
facilities, but the island is owned by the
community and they kindly provide a field
for free overnight parking within a short walk
of Twin Beaches at the far northwest end of
the island. Nearer to the ferry terminal, there
is also a small shop for groceries and ³

THE JOURNEY
We travelled from our home in Shropshire to Scotland and
this article covers the nine days we spent in Argyll and
Bute in late August/early September as part of a 14-day
trip to Scotland

US AND OUR ’VAN

Kath McMahon Stone...
and husband, Adrian, bought
a secondhand motorhome in
2016 and gave up full-time
work to spend at least three
months every year touring
Europe and the UK in their ’van

2014 Roller Team Auto-Roller
200 boasts its own washroom,
fridge and cooking facilities yet
weighs less than 3.5 tonnes
fully laden. It’s a good size for
driving in big towns or staying
off-grid in remote areas

LEFT Ellenabeich and Seil
from High Hill, Easdale*
BELOW INSET Sunset over
the islands from Tayinloan

536

miles

THE COSTS
Fuel Average 30.5mpg .............................................................. £106.64
Site fees Two nights overnight parking (rest free) .............. £20
Ferries To Gigha two people plus motorhome £27
return, ferry to Luing £2.40 return each ......................... £31.80
Attractions Seafari Corryvreckan tour (£48 each)
and visit to Achamore Gardens (£7 each)........................... £110
Total costs................................................................................... £268.44

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

45

TRAVEL Scotland
locally produced milk and cheese, as well as a
pub which serves wonderful fish meals,
making use of the local halibut and seafood.
We spent a glorious afternoon on the
beach watching the ferry to Islay pass by in
the distance and swimming in the clear sea.
After supper we climbed the small hill
nearby for a view of yet another gorgeous
sunset over the Paps of Jura.
A herd of cows joined us and one other
’van in the field that night. The cows were
not at all perturbed by our presence and
found our bike rack on the back of the
motorhome to be a very convenient
scratching post during the night!
The mist was slow to clear the next day,
but we enjoyed a walk around the southern
end of the island nonetheless, visiting a
small ruined church, the community-owned
Achamore Gardens, the ruins of an Iron Age
dun and an old port, not forgetting the
‘Dancing Ladies’ – wind turbines that
provide renewable energy for the entire
island and an income for community
projects that help to keep the island viable
and attractive to resident families.
After another night on Gigha, we
returned to the mainland the next day and
this time headed north, stopping at Tarbert
to buy freshly caught langoustines and
mussels at the quayside. We crossed the
little humpbacked ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’
onto the island of Seil and proceeded to the
small slate-built village of Ellenabeich and
its flooded former slate quarry.
We decided to splash out on a Seafari trip
the next day around the nearby islands on a

TOP TIPS
If you want to eat at the pub
on Gigha, it’s best to book in
advance as it is a favourite
with the ‘yachties’ who use
the marina
Seafari tours are bookable
online or at the shop in
Ellenabeich. We took the
two-hour tour but other
options are available
Hopefully, Scottish Forestry
will offer its Stay the Night
scheme again in future years,
but check beforehand for
participating sites as
otherwise overnight parking is
forbidden. Only ’vans with
their own self-contained
cooking and toilet facilities
are allowed and wardens do
visit the sites to check

BELOW Loch Awe and
Cruachan Reservoir from
summit

Fearnoch Forest car park
Oban

Falls of Cruachan/
Ben Cruachan

i
Tarbert
Clachan
Gigha

46

Tayinloan

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

i

i

Ellenabeich
Fladda
Luing
Scarba
Tarbet Pier lochside car park
Kilmartin Glen
Corryvreckan
Crinan Canal Achnabreac Forestry and
Land Scotland car park

rigid inflatable boat. Meanwhile, we enjoyed
our mussels and langoustines in the
motorhome park and another lovely sunset,
this time over the island of Mull opposite.
We had been forewarned to make sure to
dress up warm for the boat trip as the speed
at which the boat travels over the water
means you get cold whatever the weather.
Waterproof jackets and trousers are
provided for the trip, but even so, those
turning up in shorts and t-shirts were
warned to don jumpers and trousers before
boarding. We quickly left Ellenabeich
behind as we sped over to the lighthouse at
Fladda and then on to Scarba where we saw
seals on the rocks, fallow deer grazing on
the beach and red deer up on the hillside.
The white-tailed eagles were not at home,
but we saw their huge nest high up in a pine
tree on the island. Between Lunga and
Scarba we saw the Grey Dogs channel with
its racing current caused by the fact that the
sea level of the Atlantic is a metre higher
than that of the Firth of Lorn.
Sea passages have to be timed to avoid the
turnings of the tide in these parts for this
reason, a fact which was even more apparent
as we travelled through the Corryvreckan
whirlpool area. Thankfully the weather was
calm and the tides not high, but even so we
saw many small whirlpools in the water and
a school of porpoises surrounded the boat,
chasing after fish disturbed by the currents.
We returned via a visit to Belnahua,
abandoned after WWI, and its ruined cottages
and flooded former slate quarry. An
exhilarating two-hour trip, but we were glad ³

New & Used Sales

Service & Repairs

Bodyshop

Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire
01636 670 760

www.smcmotorhomes.co.uk

1971 - 2021

TRAVEL Scotland

“Our reward was the clouds clearing
to offer a truly spectacular view over the

dramatic Highlands”

ABOVE Adrian and the
‘Bridge over the Atlantic’
BELOW LEFT The author with
view of Mull and the Slate
Isles from Luing
BELOW RIGHT Rock art
spirals dating from 3000 BC,
Achnabreac Forest

48

to warm up again in the sunshine on dry land.
Later, we drove down to Cuan to make the
five-minute ferry journey across the narrow,
but treacherous Cuan Sound to the Isle of
Luing, this time leaving our ’van behind on the
quayside. We took a seven-mile walk along
quiet roads, passing a few farms and grazing
red Luing cattle and enjoyed views of nearby
Torsa island as well as the Garvellach islands
and Ben More on Mull on the other side, and
Ben Cruachan on the mainland to the north.
Walking as far as the ruins of the old
Kilchattan church (and practically tripping
over pheasants scurrying from the
undergrowth on the way!), we were pleased
to discover the medieval engravings of
birlinns – traditional West Highland galleys
– on the walls of the ruined church. There is
a theory that they depict the vessels carrying
the King of Scotland past here in 1249.
We returned on the last ferry and were
accompanied by herons and cormorants
fishing for their supper in the sound. Our
own supper was enjoyed in the friendly
environment of the pub in Ellenabeich.
Continuing north the next day, we
stopped in Oban to do some shopping and

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

then, as the sun had now returned, we
parked at Ganavan Sands opposite the
island of Kerrera and spent another
afternoon watching ferries, this time to and
from Mull, and swimming in the sea.
By this time the mountains were getting
nearer and beckoning us, so the next
morning, after spending the night at
Fearnoch Forest, another Forestry
Commission car park in the Stay the Night
scheme, we parked near the Falls of
Cruachan and set off on the long climb to
the summit of Ben Cruachan.
Once again, the sun was slow to come out
and we were very glad of this as we toiled up
the steep path through woodland to the
dam and Loch Cruachan in the corrie below
the summit. Hydroelectric power is
generated deep within the hollowed-out
core of the mountain and the machine hall
can be visited on guided tours.
However, for us it was onwards and
upwards, up the staircase to the dam wall and
then along the loch shore to begin the trudge
across bog and moorland and then the ascent
up to the rocky crag that forms the actual
summit. Feeling pretty tired by this point, I
was cheered by a walker on his way down who
announced it was “not far to go, now” and by
the sight of his long-haired German shepherd
dog carrying her own water supply and
sausages in a small rucksack on her back!
More clambering up over granite boulders
and we were finally at the summit of 1,126m.
We felt very pleased with ourselves, having
climbed up from only 49m down at our ³

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TRAVEL Scotland

ABOVE Loch Etive and Mull
from Ben Cruachan

parking spot.
Our reward was the clouds clearing to
offer a truly spectacular view over the
dramatic Highlands. Ben Cruachan
occupies a central position in the Highlands
and there are no other high mountains close
by, so from the top you look down over an
unrivalled panorama.
Mull, Jura and Islay are visible across the
sea, along with all the islands in between.
Silvery Loch Awe is seen far away at the foot,
and beautiful Loch Etive on the other side
with the high mountains around Glen Coe
at its northern end and the bulk of Ben
Nevis to be seen just beyond.
We were blessed with very light winds,
but still had to don jumpers and trousers
because no wind means clouds of midges –
even at the summit of a Munro!

Afterwards, we continued along the ridge
as instructed by our guidebook, pausing at
the summit of Stob Daimh (at 999m this was
another Munro for our ‘bag’) as well as a
couple of others classed merely as ‘tops’.
By the time we descended from the ridge
to the loch and then back down to our ’van,
evening was fast approaching.
We had walked and climbed over 10 miles
and it had taken us nine hours in total. Still,
we were exhilarated as well as exhausted
and felt very proud that we could still
manage to achieve such an experience as
two only moderately fit pensioners.
We felt we had earned a few days of rest
and recuperation, setting off for the
Ardnamurchan peninsula the next day,
where we determined our only exercise
would be swimming and ( flat!) walks.

WE STAYED AT
Tarbet Pier lochside car park, A82, Tarbet
G83 7DE
ˆ All year
£ Free, including water and dumping
facilities. Toilets and café, daytime only
Easdale Motorhome Overnight Stopover,
Tramway Cottages, Ellenabeich PA34 4RQ
ˆ April – October
£ £10 per night. No facilities but public
conveniences nearby

50

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Achnabreac Forestry and Land Scotland car
park, off A816, Lochgilphead PA31 8RE
forestryandland.gov.scot/stay-the-night
ˆ Check online at for dates when overnight
parking is permitted
£ £10
Brit Stop, Tayinloan
ˆ Seasonal – enquire at Big Jessie’s Café.
£ Free, but use the café. Water available
and toilets at ferry terminal

Twin Beaches parking, Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA
ˆ All year
£ Free. No facilities
Fearnoch Forest car park, off A85 between
Connel and Taynuilt PA35 1HZ
forestryandland.gov.scot/stay-the-night
ˆ Check for dates when overnight parking is
permitted
£ £7. No facilities

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Exploring the French Périgord Vert at less than a tortoise’s pace
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Kubicki

France TRAVEL
US AND OUR ’VAN

Carol Kubicki...
and her husband, Anthony,
explore beautiful places
in their Blue Bus whatever
the season. Carol is a keen
walker, fair-weather cyclist and
improving birdwatcher

A 2021 Devon Firefly on a
Ford Custom Transit SWB
2.0-litre. This is our third Devon
Conversions campervan and we
love the layout that packs so
much into a sub-five-metre van

LEFT An avenue of trees
leads to the château
at Jumilhac

W

e’ve never been ‘on-trend’, so
adopting slow travel isn’t a fashion
statement, but it does give us chance
to connect with the countryside, stumble on
little-known towns and immerse ourselves in
the heritage, landscape and food. In France’s
Périgord Vert or green Périgord we became
so mellow, tortoises were travelling faster!
Driving less than an hour between budget
campsites and walking and cycling from our
campervan were good for our finances and
also our wellbeing.
The Périgord is a historical region in the
Dordogne department and the sparsely
populated Périgord Vert in the north is
named for its abundant woodlands and
meadows. Characterised by steep-sided
river valleys, farming and quality fresh
produce, the Périgord Vert deserves to be
explored, unhurriedly.
You are never far away from a château in
the Périgord and our first campsite was in
the grounds of one. The towers of Château
Le Verdoyer peaked over the trees across a
lake as we drove through the lush
countryside. With views across meadows
from our pitch, a walking map and a daily
baguette, we were happy to stay a while.
On our first morning we sauntered into
nearby Saint-Saud-Lacoussière and joined
neighbouring British motorhomers for
coffee in the village café before picking up
the River Dronne circular walk.
Thanks to waymarkers, the route finding
was easy along tree-lined tracks and minor
roads between sleepy hamlets and pools
hopping with frogs.
This countryside undulates like
corrugated cardboard and we enjoyed
having the flower-rich meadows with cattle
and blossom trees buzzing with insects to
ourselves. Reaching the River Dronne, we
climbed out of the valley on a stony path
gushing with water and into dark conifers,
just as a pair of deer bounced away.
Back in Saint-Saud-Lacoussière, the
vibrant colours of stained glass in the church
windows caught my eye. While I was lost in
the abstract images of the early twentieth
century windows, Anthony pressed a button
and the silence was broken by a recorded
history in English of the church. ³

“We enjoyed having the flower-rich
meadows with cattle and blossom trees

buzzing with insects to ourselves”
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

53

TRAVEL France

ABOVE Attractive
Bourdeilles
BELOW INSET The bas-reliefs
in the abbey caves in
Brantôme

Perhaps the only downside of this
flourishing landscape is ticks. Part of our
evening routine was checking for these tiny
parasites and, like monkeys, we helped each
other reach those difficult-to-see places! Not
all ticks carry disease, but they itch and we
remove them with our trusty tick lasso. Day
one’s tick score was two all!
Every small town and village we visited
had at least one well-maintained
waymarked walk. From Le Verdoyer we
tackled challenging hikes and short strolls,
each one uncovering something different;
an old mill, a disused railway line or the
communal bread oven.
In Champs-Romain, we descended to the
Dronne where the river gurgled and tumbled
over boulders along a wooded V-shaped
valley. We navigated an overgrown riverside

THE JOURNEY
We travelled from home in Morecambe to the Périgord
Vert area via St-Malo and back. This part of the tour
represents 155 miles of a total trip of 1,549 miles. We
spent 15 days touring around the Périgord Vert, with 13
nights on sites in May. This was part of a 46-night tour

THE COSTS
Fuel Average 34mpg (€29)....................................................... £25.73
Ferry costs Return ferry Portsmouth to St Malo
with cabin .................................................................................................. £680
Site fees (€221) ........................................................................... £196.04
Attractions Two adults; Brantôme Abbey Caves,
Les Jardins Tranquilles & Jumilhac Château
(€49) ....................................................................................................... £43.47
Total costs................................................................................... £945.24

54

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

path, returning on lanes dotted with roadside
orchids. In this rural area there was always
wildlife and we watched woodpeckers and
sandpipers and heard an unusual and
mystifying flute-sounding bird call.
Le Verdoyer Château has a restaurant with
a fixed-price evening menu du jour in the
French style, which focuses on local seasonal
produce. As one of the three main meals was
vegetarian, we eagerly booked a table to
experience eating French cuisine in a
château. From the local pineau aperitif to the
dessert, our meals both looked appealing and
tasted mouth-wateringly delicious.
I prefer cheese to pudding and always
choose the cheese board to finish. Tasting
one rich cheese with nutty depths, I asked
what it was and learnt about Brun de Noix,
a Périgord cheese that is brushed regularly
with a walnut liqueur as it matures.
There was one last thing to do before we
left Le Verdoyer. Noticing Saint-SaudLacoussière has a free public weighbridge,
we rolled our campervan onto the scales to
calculate how much French food we could
bring home!
Just half an hour’s driving took us to
Brantôme en Périgord. The Périgord Vert’s
tourist hub, this enchanting town is the
opposite of peaceful Le Verdoyer.
The hefty guidebook the campsite
receptionist handed over made the usual
French tourist tax more than worthwhile.
We had maps for four walking routes and
inspiring cycling circuits, as well as
information on attractions to make the
most of our stay.
Crossing the River Dronne to the town,
we joined the throng window shopping and
photographing every picturesque corner.
Having visited Brantôme Abbey previously,
this time we paid to see the adjacent grottes
de l’abbaye (abbey caves). ³

155

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i

Rochechouart

FRANCE
Saint-Saud-Lacoussière
Champs-Romain
Jumilhac-le-Grand
Vaux

i

Brantôme
Bourdeilles

Sheltered under the limestone
escarpment, this network of caves reveals the
eighth century origins of this religious site.
Nesting boxes for pigeons are carved into the
rock and a healing spring flows from a rock
face, but the highlight is the monumental
and intricate bas-reliefs around the back wall
of an excavated cave. The largest depicts the
last judgement with the Grim Reaper holding
a scythe taking centre stage.
Les Jardins Tranquilles, 12 acres of
riverside arboretum and gardens, is just two
miles from Brantôme. We cycled and, leaving
our bikes by the entrance, had to shout over
the growl of a hedge trimmer as we paid our
entrance fee to the English owners!
We all saw the funny side of the clamour in
a place that claimed tranquillity and,
apologising, they offered a compensatory free
drink. The owners encourage garden picnics
and we took ours to a bench by the shallow
River Dronne, where rafts of white-flowering
water-crowfoot rippled in the current.
Tranquillity restored, we explored the
water features, specimen trees and flower
beds before taking up the drink offer. The
friendly couple joined us and we discussed
expat life and the unique British sense of
humour. We made them laugh, so hopefully
did our bit to stave off homesickness!
Cycling further along the valley, we found
Bourdeilles, where a château rises over the
River Dronne and sought-after cottages
with blue shutters lined the riverbank, their
flourishing gardens tumbling down to the
river. We peered through the gates of the
château’s fortifications, but opted to have a
beer in the café under the walls and soak up
the relaxed vibe.
France was heating up and, awake early, I
crept out of the ’van with our laundry bag.
Reaching the only washing machine, I was
frustrated to find someone had got up even
earlier! The culprit was another British
woman and I forgave her as we chatted until
her wash finished and campers began to stir.

56

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

ABOVE Les Jardins
Tranquilles near Brantôme
BELOW Jumilhac’s château
and its rose garden

Les Jardins Tranquilles

The guidebook led us along well-trodden
woodland paths and deserted lanes that
teemed with butterflies. Near La Claperie
we quietly contemplated the horror of war
at the Monument des Fusillés, which
commemorated resistance fighters, Jews
and a child all executed by the Nazis on 26
March, 1944.
The Chambon circuit was longer and
took us on shadowy paths lined with
crumbling limestone walls. From a disused
watermill we climbed up a sunny lane where
orchids jostled with other flowers for
attention and we loitered, identifying the
different species.
Having breakfast outdoors on Friday
morning, we greeted neighbours setting off
with shopping bags. “Are you off to the
market?” I asked. “Yes, no doubt we’ll return

France TRAVEL

INFORMATION
A useful guide to the
Périgord area
guide-du-perigord.com
The Parc Naturel Régional
Périgord-Limousin information
pnr-perigord-limousin.fr
Tourist information for the
area north of the Dordogne
northofthedordogne.com
Les Jardins Tranquilles near
Brantôme en Périgord
lesjardinstranquilles.com
Information and history about
Château de Jumilhac
chateaudejumilhac.com

ABOVE Monumental
buildings in Brantôme

with more tat,” they replied, grinning.
If you think Brantôme is busy on Saturday
to Thursday then visit on a Friday and you’ll
meet a wall of shuffling shoppers negotiating
the market stalls. We grabbed a coffee before
tackling the stalls and avoided buying stuff,
but couldn’t resist the local strawberries.
Sitting in the sunshine by the ’van, we were
entertained firstly by chasing red squirrels in
the trees and later by a cluster of French men
attempting to fill up a motorhome by lashing a
belt around the push-button tap so it would
flow continuously.
Lazily getting up in search of something
stashed in a high cupboard, I encountered a
mob of ants! While Anthony checked for
organised ant lines marching into the Blue
Bus, I cleared every cupboard in turn,
sweeping out smatterings of ants and
wiping vinegar inside to deter further
infestations. With no obvious ant train,
Anthony began picking through the piles of
paraphernalia around the ’van. Before long
he was checking eBay to see if any of the kit
we hardly use was sellable!
The smell of vinegar fading, we left
Brantôme for nearby Jumilhac-le-Grand,
which turned out to be our favourite place
in the Périgord Vert. On a steep-sided river
valley, Jumilhac is surrounded by high

plateaus of orchards and green pastures
where Limousin cows languidly chew.
The small town is exquisite, with a turreted
château perched above the river and a couple
of shops and cafés. Combine this with an
idyllic campsite and a pitch overlooking the
River Isle, where deer paused for a drink, and
you have happy slow travellers.
The family-run campsite sold us a
photocopied leaflet that had been through
the copier a few too many times! However,
we were hopeful that with waymarkers on
the ground and phone mapping apps we
couldn’t go wrong!
We began with the 12km (eight miles)
Plateau du Guet circular hike. On the first of
our regular coffees in the village café, we tried
to understand the fast French of the locals and
slowly translated the instructions for the
route’s starting point. Giddy with that
achievement, we dropped down into the River
Isle gorge and didn’t notice we were following
the red, rather than orange, waymarkers!
As we climbed uphill through woodland
we heard the strange flute-like birdsong we
had encountered at Le Verdoyer. Standing in
a grassy copse, we hopelessly searched the
branches for a glimpse. Frustrated, I
recorded its song and sent it to a
birdwatching friend who easily identified ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

57

TRAVEL France
WE STAYED AT
Camping Château Le Verdoyer, 24470
Champs-Romain, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
 0033 553 569464 verdoyer.fr
ˆ 27 April – 27 September
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €19
with ACSI (£16.85)
Camping Brantôme Peyrelevade, 46 Avenue
André Maurois, 24310 Brantôme en Périgord,
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
 0033 553 057524
camping-dordogne.net

ˆ 30 April – 21 September
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €17
with ACSI (£15.08)
Camping La Chatonnière, 285 Allée de la
Chatonnière, 24630 Jumilhac-le-Grand,
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
 0033 553 525736
chatonniere.com
ˆ 25 March – 23 September
£ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €15
with ACSI (£13.30)

the elusive golden oriole.
Reaching Vaux, I was coveting each of the
hamlet’s red-roofed stone cottages, when
Anthony realised we had been following the
wrong colour waymarkers!
We had to lose all the height we had
gained, descending to the river before
tackling an almost vertical lane on the other
side to the high plateau where rows of apple
trees unfolded into the distance. Eating our
picnic, we were horrified to see dozens of
ticks on our bare legs.
After a tiring day, feasting on campsite
takeaway pizza in the evening was a treat.
Our delicious sundown pizza, liberally piled
with vegetables, was accompanied by a
French red, a welcome breeze rustling
through the trees and the comforting sound
of crickets.
Our route finding improved now we were
keeping tabs on the waymarkers’ colours. In
the heat, we were grateful for cool woodland
on Le Tour du bourg walk which wound
through copses of chestnut trees. We returned
to Jumilhac on lanes joining pretty farmhouses
and down the avenue of trees that gives a
stunning vista of Jumilhac’s château.
The longest walk was 16km (10 miles)
and named for the fields of corn we
meandered around. From pretty hamlets to
wide-open views across upland meadows, it

58

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

TOP TIPS
Expect to pay a tourist tax of
€1 or €2 a night on top of the
campsite overnight fee
We found Locus Map (Android
only) and Komoot (Android
and Apple) very useful on this
trip. These are free, but use
data. With the paid version
you can download maps to
use offline
Les Jardins Tranquilles has a
car park, but it might not be
suitable for larger
motorhomes

ABOVE LEFT Boat trips are
available in Brantôme
ABOVE RIGHT Joan of Arc in
stained glass

was superb and we kept moving so the ticks
didn’t have time to hook on!
On our last day we stepped into the past,
paying to visit Jumilhac’s château. An
English leaflet was invaluable in describing
the transformation this fairytale château
had undergone, from a defensive castle to
an elegant Versailles-style pleasure palace.
The rooms reflected this remodelling as
we wandered from modest medieval
chambers up an elegant stone staircase to a
luxurious wood-panelled seventeenth
century salon adorned with paintings and
an elaborate fireplace. The kitchen glowed
with rows of polished copper pans and
moulds. We finished on a walkway above
the courtyard where we could appreciate
the château’s extravagance of turrets.
We left the Périgord Vert with local
honey, cheeses, apple juice, beer, vegetables
and sweet ripe strawberries, having spent
two weeks slowly exploring an area smaller
than our home county of Lancashire. You
could spend years in the Périgord Vert and
never walk every country lane or path, but
slow travel was the perfect way to scrape
below the surface.
It had been paradise for an active holiday
and we drove away with a profound
affection for the area and its wildlife, history
and gastronomy.

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2024 Knaus Boxlife Pro 600 60 years Street ............£72,575
2024 Weinsberg Tourer 500 LT Auto ..........................£68,995
2024 Weinsberg Tourer 500 MQ Auto ........................£68,995
2024 Weinsberg Carabus 600 MQ 6 speed ..............£66,775
2024 KNAUS VAN TI PLUS 650 MEG
Platinum Selection- VW Crafter 170bhp Auto .........£81,000
2024 VW T6.1 Camper Auto ...........................................£69,995
2024 VW T6.1 6 speed .....................................................£65,750
2022 Benimar Mileo 282 Auto ........................................£67,500
5HQDXOW7UDƱF&DPSHU...........................................£35,995
2015 Bailey Approach 540 Autograph .............................£POA

01506 880411

Scotland’s main dealer for
Knaus, Weinsberg,
Hobby, Globecar,
Globetraveller and of course
our own Calder conversions.

www.caldercampers.co.uk

Camps Industrial Estate, East Calder, By Livingston, EH27 8DF Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun closed

Con fession s of a newbie
Lee Buchanan encounters floodwaters, storms and an
unsolvable mystery on one of his first trips out

“

© Pixabay

Flood ahead? Really!
collecting gadgets…
There just can’t be. I
It simply wasn’t possible
know how physics
to cook outside and the
works, you can’t have a
meals meticulously
flood up a hill.”
planned, bagged up and
This was the sentence
labelled would have to
uttered by my partner and
remain in the fridge for the
copilot whilst we
time being. Very luckily,
navigated through the
our campsite was within
Quantocks, a hilly range in
walking distance of a pub
Somerset, in a ferocious
with a super menu, so
autumn storm. We had
someone else catered.
just driven past a
The storm raged for two
temporary sign that
days, beating the coastline,
warned of flood ahead.
and pounding our
As we rounded a bend,
motorhome.
the climbing road
On our few forays into
suddenly levelled off and
the outside world, we were
right there, in front of us,
impressed with the size
The storm raged for two days, beating the
was a one-foot deep, fast
and range of the sea spray
coastline, and pounding our motorhome
flowing, brown river right
and, all in all, the storm did
across the road.
make the surroundings feel
With little option other than to drive
that lashed the country with high winds
more dramatic. In fact the wind was strong
straight through it, I steeled myself and
and so, so much rain.
enough to sway MoHo, causing a slight
tried to remember the rules of fording
So, back to the Quantocks, and the
seasick feeling on day two, but otherwise
water: high revs, create a bow wave and
temporary relocation of a river to the road.
we had a pleasant stay.
‘push’ the water in front of you.
So far, the journey had taken four hours
We had come prepared with a collection
So far, our journey had not gone to plan.
and 30 minutes, we’d managed a not-soof things to do when the weather outside
We had tried to set a distance/time value
impressive 75 miles.
makes you want to stay inside. One of
for a weekend escape; 100 miles or two
I looked nervously across at my partner,
which was a murder mystery puzzle,
hours of driving.
took a deep breath, and confidently drove
consisting of several mock newspaper
Our chosen destination just near
into the river. Although my fording skills
cuttings, police reports and photographs,
Minehead was 104 miles away and should
were without question, they were not
and a scenario in which to solve. Basically,
have taken two hours and 20 minutes –
needed. The water was deep, but we were
lots of clues that should lead to the
which was already not quite within our
in a motorhome, higher off the ground
eventual solution.
self-imposed limits.
than a standard car.
Whilst moving these papers around, I
In our planning of this trip, the
Nerves jangled, but through the river
placed a couple on the sofa next to me.
romantic notion of a coastal campsite
without incident we continued, arriving at
These pages promptly slipped in between
within sight and sound of the sea had
our campsite some three hours after we
the wardrobe and the sofa base. Two pieces
blinded us to the more obvious Friday
had intended.
of wood screwed together with a miniscule
late-afternoon traffic.
It was dark; wind and rain were still
gap, so narrow and small that there was
There were roadworks at J19 of the M4,
lashing down and, because I like a
just room for two pieces of A4.
through the Almondsbury Interchange,
challenge, we had determined early on that
The two pieces of A4 contained the
past Avonmouth and Cribbs Causeway
we would not cook inside MoHo (our newly principle clues needed to reach the final
shopping area and onwards south.
acquired motorhome, purchased on an
solution. They are still there and, if and
All this was happening in a storm, a big
impulse – see last month). I’ll confess that
when we trade up MoHo, we may include
storm. It was one of those with a name,
this feeds into my love of cooking and
the other clues as a bonus…

TELL YOUR STORY Are you a motorhome newbie? Do you have tales of woe from your
early days? Share your story and you could earn £80 mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

61

Auto-Trail Scout
£82,995
6 Bed | End Lounge

Burstner Lyseo Harmony T744
£73,995
2 Bed | End Lounge

Auto-Sleepers Fairford
£71,995
4 Bed | End Lounge

Mobilvetta K-Yacht 80 Tekno Line
£69,995
4 Bed | End Lounge

Swift Kon-Tiki 625
£67,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Auto-Sleepers Nuevo EK
£67,995
2 Bed | End Kitchen

Mobilvetta P65 Kea
£67,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Benimar Mileo 294
£63,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Auto-Sleepers Symbol Plus
£63,995
3 Bed | End Kitchen

Swift Champagne 184
£62,995
3 Bed | End Lounge

Carthago Malibu GT 600 DB
£61,995
3 Bed | End Bedroom

Swift Champagne 604
£59,995
4 Bed | End Washroom

Rapido Dreamer D42
£59,995
3 Bed | End Bedroom

Auto-Sleepers Warwick Duo
£58,995
2 Bed | End Lounge

Roller Team Auto-Roller 747
£58,995
6 Bed | End Lounge

Swift Champagne 122
£57,995
2 Bed | End Lounge

Bailey Autograph 69-2
£57,995
2 Bed | End Lounge

Elddis Majestic 254
£57,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Auto-Sleepers Kemerton XL
£56,995
2 Bed | End Washroom

Elddis Majestic 254
£54,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Swift Bolero 684FB
£54,995
2 Bed | End Bedroom/Washroom

Swift Bessacarr 562
£54,995
2 Bed | End Lounge

Swift Escape 674
£54,995
4 Bed | End Lounge

Swift Freestyle SE 674
£54,995
5 Bed | End Lounge

Auto-Sleepers Kingham
£53,995
2 Bed | End Bedroom

Elddis Evolution 185
£52,995
4 Bed | End Washroom

Elddis Majestic 175
£52,995
2 Bed | End Washroom

Auto-Sleepers Kingham
£52,995
3 Bed | End Bedroom/Washroom

Roller Team Auto-Roller 746
£51,995
6 Bed | End Lounge

Elddis Autoquest 155
£51,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Swift Escape 664
£51,995
4 Bed | End Bedroom

Elddis Chatsworth 175
£50,995
2 Bed | End Washroom

Get away for...

THE WEEKEND!
Fancy a quieter road trip? Drive the
Northumberland 250 route…
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Alice Lomas

F

ew can deny that campsites and popular
routes are getting busier. In recent years,
there has been a fantastic increase in
the number of motorhomes and
campervans on the road. Whilst it is great to
see more people enjoying our beloved
hobby, sometimes you do just fancy
something a little quieter.
If you are tired of fighting traffic,
struggling to park and edging down busy
narrow roads, you’ll find the
Northumberland 250 a hidden gem. This
lesser-known route takes in the Scottish
Borders and a stunningly beautiful stretch of
coastline. Right on the English-Scottish
border, Northumberland is a rugged county
dotted with castles, wild beaches and pretty
villages. It lends itself to the perfect
campervan road trip.
We started our trip at Kielder Forest, the

64

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

largest forest in England. This huge area
encompasses a large lake, two campsites,
Kielder Castle and a rugged forest road for
those who fancy delving deeply into the
woods during the summer months.
Arriving late on a Friday night, all was
dark, except for a few scattered lights in the
houses we passed – it felt like a fairytale.
Surrounded by trees, Kielder Castle car park
allows motorhomes and campervans to stay
overnight for £12. It’s a beautiful and quiet
spot, with ample space for many ’vans; we
were in good company with about 10 other
campervans parked up when we got there. I
paid at the machine with a contactless card,
and was quickly down for the night.
Waking up, we were all excited to get
cracking on our new adventure. My two
young children (aged four and six) were
perhaps a little too excited. They love ³

Why?... For a quieter alternative to other

popular UK road trips, the Northumberland 250
offers a peaceful weekend getaway

MAIN So much to see on
the Holy Island of Lindisfarne*
FAR LEFT Bamburgh Lighthouse
BELOW LEFT National Railway
Museum, York
BELOW RIGHT Kielder Castle

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

65

ME AND MY ’VAN

Alice Lomas...
and family have been enjoying
UK getaways for five years

2009 Renault Master LWB
self-conversion, nicknamed
The Holiday Bus. It has a rear
dinette that converts to a
king-size bed, overhead folding
bunk beds, compact washroom
and kitchen

going away in our Holiday Bus; so named
because we converted a Renault Master
minibus. Everything from their fold-down
bunk beds to the little travel-size boxes of
cereal excites them. After a hasty breakfast,
we were ready to set off and explore.
Kielder Water and Forest Park is home to
England’s largest forest and the biggest
man-made lake in northern Europe. The
area is a playground for cyclists, walkers,
campers and families on adventure
holidays. A haven for wildlife, the best dark
skies in England has ensured Kielder also
boasts a special dark sky area, where
astronomy enthusiasts can enjoy stargazing
on clear nights.
Ten minutes down the road, we reached
the large waterside car park and, although a
little drizzly, the weather seemed to be
holding up. The girls spotted a huge play
area, complete with a castle to climb on,
and soon happy shrieks filled the air. The
area is well appointed and boasts a café,
shop, and toilet facilities. A variety of
activities are available, from water sports to
peaceful lakeside walks.
Continuing along the Northumberland
250 route, we reached Jedburgh with the
abbey peering imposingly down on us. As I
educated my daughters about the abbey and
told them about nuns, they misheard me

Must do... Breathe in the sea air on one
of the many beautiful beaches

66

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

and started chatting about ‘gnomes’ – that’s
a conversation I won’t forget easily; gnomes
living in Jedburgh Abbey!
We soon reached one of the finest
coastlines you’ll find anywhere in England.
Featured in Lonely Planet’s Epic Drives of the
World, the Northumberland 250 coastal
section takes you on a 36-mile journey along
the world-renowned heritage coastline. As
we headed south, we saw white-sand
beaches, medieval castles, wild sand dunes
and pretty fishing villages.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne has been
on my bucket list for many years. After
missing out on a student day trip due to
taking my final exam, I have always wanted
to go. There is only one road to Holy Island
and it is covered by the sea at high tide. We’d
checked the tide times in advance and
arrived at the earliest possible time for a
safe crossing. We drove past warning signs
showing submerged vehicles and onto a wet,
sand-covered road heading out to sea
towards a mist-covered island.
We walked into the village and marvelled
at the pretty houses and quaint harbour
with its upturned fishing boats turned into
sheds. On the edge of the village, Lindisfarne
Priory is one of the important centres of
early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England
and still a pilgrimage for some today.

Weekend Break TRAVEL
Heading out of the village, the bird hide
was a lovely place to stop for a while, and
the girls (who had brought their binoculars
along) enjoyed looking out of the large glass
windows at the birds.
Lindisfarne Castle is perched on the
highest point of the island – a steep rock
known as Beblowe – and has tremendous
views of the bay. My eldest daughter is
currently discovering Enid Blyton’s Famous
Five books, and claimed the castle was the
one in her favourite book, Five Go to
Smuggler’s Top.
She had a point – the castle had an
ethereal quality to it; add in the fact you
drive across a tidal causeway to get to the
island and it really does feel like something
from out of a fictional adventure story.
Bamburgh is only a short drive down the
coast, with a large car park complete with
dedicated motorhome bays. This makes
exploring the village super easy in a ’van.
Bamburgh Castle has dominated the skyline
for over 1,400 years and is well worth a visit.
Cute cottages, a large bowling green,
lighthouse and a spectacular sandy beach
make Bamburgh an extremely pleasant
place to spend a few hours.
We wound our way down the beautiful
coastal road through Seahouses and Craster.
These pretty fishing villages were touristy

stops, and it was a little difficult to find
parking for our campervan. We found a
layby alongside the sand dunes, and parked
up for a couple of hours rest and relaxation.
I took a short stroll over the dunes and
along the beach; it was wild and windy, but
completely wonderful. The fresh air took my
breath away and the photos simply don’t do
the views justice.
We enjoyed a lazy afternoon watching the
world go by. With a coffee in hand, I read my
book and watched the birds whilst the girls
enjoyed their sticker books and tablets.
We tore ourselves away from this restful
spot for a delicious meal at The Hog’s Head
Inn near Alnwick.
Our last night of the trip was a
motorhome stopover rather than a
campsite. The Lakes at Linden, near
Alnwick, is a working farm and has set aside
a large landscaped area for motorhomes to
stay overnight.
Set around a beautiful lake in open fields,
there are level, gravelled overnight parking
areas with picnic benches by the water.
Fresh water is available, plus waste disposal,
but you’ll need your own washroom
facilities in your ’van.
The cheerful owner lives on site and
provides the padlock code in advance. After
a peaceful night’s sleep, only interrupted ³

ESSENTIALS
HOW LONG
Two nights,
three days

WHEN
We went in May,
and would recommend a
raincoat, outdoor chairs to
enjoy the beautiful views
and sturdy shoes

HOW MUCH
Fuel Average 35mpg
617 miles from
Staffordshire to Kielder,
along the Northumberland
250, then back home to
Staffordshire ...................... £120
Site fees .................................... £20
Parking....................................... £14
Entrance fees................ £49.50

TOTAL ............................ £203.50

BELOW FAR LEFT Beadnell
Bay, Bamburgh*
BELOW Alnwick Castle

TOP TIPS
If you prefer campsites to the
stopovers we used, book
early, There aren’t that many
along the route, and they get
booked up early
Be prepared for mixed
weather, and pack footwear
and coat options
Check the tide times for
Holy Island before planning
your visit
holyislandcrossingtimes.
northumberland.gov.uk

INFORMATION
The Northumberland 250 is a
hidden gem of a UK road trip.
Offering a quieter, lesstravelled vibe, this route
winds its way across the
Scottish-English border and
then down a stunning stretch
of coastline. Taking in pretty
villages and ancient castles,
this route is perfect for a
weekend short break
northumberland250.com

© Pixabay

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

67

© Pixabay

TRAVEL Weekend Break

Must see... Quaint Bamburgh village
and its impressive castle

by the odd moo from the nearby cows, we
paid and said goodbye – we’ll be back.
Back in Alnwick for the morning, the
castle is an imposing presence in the town.
Home to the Duke of Northumberland’s
family, the Percys, for over 700 years, this
castle has an incredible history and we were
keen to see it.
Many people view Alnwick Castle as
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry, as the infamous Harry Potter
series was filmed here. My six-year-old
daughter was hopping from one foot to the
other as we got our first glimpse of the
castle. “I can see Hermione and Harry
waving out of a window,” she shouted.
The castle is simply enormous and you
could spend the day there. The streets
surrounding it are quaint and cobbled, and
full of small independent shops, cafés and
antique dealers.
We had a quick stop at the famous Barter
Books, one of the largest secondhand
bookshops in England, and headed south
along the final miles of the Northumberland
250 route through Rothbury, Otterburn and
Corbridge. We made our way onto the
A1(M) and began the long journey home
with a quick stopover at the Angel of the
North which is less than a minute's drive off
the motorway.

68

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Despite having a long way to go, we
decided to round off the holiday with a
quick trip to York. Arriving mid-afternoon,
we were too late to do it properly, but it
would be a great end to the trip for someone
who allowed more time.
Using York’s park and ride makes it easy
in a ’van, but beware which sites allow
motorhome parking – some have height
barriers. We explored the National Railway
Museum; it is free and provides the
opportunity to see a variety of engines up
close. The kids were amazed how big the
locomotives were and made up names for
them based on the characters from Thomas
the Tank Engine.
We quickly saw the Shambles and its
historic shops, but had to leave because it
was getting late and we still had a long way to
go. We didn’t see even a fraction of what York
had to offer, but our brief taste has got us
planning to go back properly later this year.
With its fantastic scenery and historic
attractions, the Northumberland 250 is
definitely one of the top road trips in the
UK. A lesser-visited area of the country, with
great campervan provision, this is an easy
and stress-free trip. It really has something
for everyone with lots of popular outdoor
activities, historic towns and breathtaking
views. I’d recommend it to anyone.

ABOVE Bamburgh Castle
BELOW The Lakes at Linden
motorhome stopover,
Alnwick

THE CAMPSITE
Kielder Castle Car Park,
Kielder Forest, Hexham
NE48 1ER
 01434 250209
forestryengland.uk/
kielder-forest
ˆ All year
£ Two adults and pitch: £12
The Lakes at Linden,
Longhorsley, Alnwick NE65 8TB
 07855 296422
thelakesatlinden@outlook.
com
ˆ All year
£ Two adults and pitch: £10

      
      



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ME AND MY ’VAN

David Chapman...
is a writer and photographer
specialising in UK wildlife

2017 Pilote P600P on a
Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre. We like
its fixed bed layout with plenty
of storage space. It’s really
well designed

Harlech Castle was once on the
coast but dunes have built up

Six-spot burnet moths on rosebay
willowherb at Morfa Harlech

70

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Wales TRAVEL

Go wild on the...

WELSH COAST
Exploring the Welsh coast between Aberystwyth and Harlech to
discover its plentiful wild wonders

M

any’s the time this corner of Wales has been
featured in the pages of MMM, but not many of our
contributors are quite as nutty about wildlife as I
am, so I hope that within these pages I might be able to
give those of you heading to Wales for a walking,

sightseeing or beach holiday a few ideas for diversifying
into nature.
There’s a lot to see so I am going to keep my intro short and
cunningly squeeze four locations in hoping the Editor doesn’t
notice (Ed – bad news! We spotted it, but forgive you…)

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

71

TRAVEL Wales
THE JOURNEY
Having arrived in
Aberystwyth from
Cannock Chase, we
travelled up the coast of
Wales for nine nights
and then on to stay with
family in Blackpool in
June 2023

210

miles

THE COSTS
Fuel Average 31mpg............................................. £60
Site fees ....................................................................£209
Parking Nant yr Arian ........................................... £12
Attractions Admission for two to Dyfi
Wildlife Centre .......................................................... £17
Total costs........................................................... £298

High as a kite

Having now bagged Nant yr Arian, I
think we’ve been to all the red kite
feeding stations in Britain, but did we
save the best until last?
I didn’t visit with high expectations
because summer is not the best
season to see large numbers of kites.
We arrived mid-morning on a sunny
day in June; I wanted to get to know
the place before the kite feeding at
3pm (2pm in the winter).
From the visitor centre, with its bird
feeder inundated by siskins, goldfinches,
chaffinches and house sparrows, we
wandered around the short lakeside
trail, where we saw little grebes and
stacks of damselflies. Here there is a kite
hide, very close to the feeding location,
and a kite viewing area.
I quickly decided against the hide.
Angled against the afternoon light and
with a limited field of view, this was

Hundreds of red kites, and quite a few people, are
attracted to the feeding area at Nant yr Arian

not for me. The viewing area looked
more promising, with a lovely aspect
across the lake to the kites.
With time on our hands, we followed
the red walking trail. I was impressed
by the views from this walk and saw a
good variety of wildlife, including
redstarts, cuckoos, garden warblers
and a few red kites getting ready for
their free handout later in the day.
Back at the ’van we had lunch and,
though I had intended to follow
another trail before the big event, when
we stepped outside at about 1.30pm
the kites were already starting to build
in large numbers, so we headed up the
main track from the car park.
From here we had a terrific vista of
the whole area, looking down on the
lake, viewing area and feeding area
and the kites were at eye-level,

sometimes below us, so here we stayed
until gone 3.30pm. The actual moment
of feeding was frenetic, with kites
coming from every angle and
swarming around the feeding area like
honeybees at a hive.
Photographically, I was less happy.
The blazing, high summer sun is not
ideal for this type of photography and
the wind was from the northeast,
resulting in the kites drifting away from
the sun, which lit up their posteriors as
they did so. A southwest wind would be
best and winter, when the sun is lower,
would have been better.
Having finished making excuses for
my mediocre photographs, I still rate
this as the best red kite feeding
experience I have ever had, not just for
numbers but for the whole arena and
experience.

Aberystwyth with thrift in flower

TOP TIPS

A red kite soars overhead

72

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

If eating out in Aberystwyth, try Medina, which
does good-quality, healthy food for all dietary
requirements
Nant yr Arian is fine for motorhome parking.
There is a charge for parking, but the kite
feeding is free

Visit glossopcaravans.co.uk for further details

CV20

FREE
KELA PRO AIR
MID AWNING
– RRP

CV40

CV80

£850

2024

115

150

155

185

194

196

SPECIFICATION

RRP

PACKAGE PRICE

TOTAL

OUR PRICE

YOU SAVE

CHATSWORTH CV20

£62,189

£9,911

£72,100

£66,490

£5,610

CHATSWORTH CV40

£63,689

£9,911

£73,600

£67,990

£6,610

CHATSWORTH CV80

£68,989

£9,911

£78,900

£71,490

£7,410

RRP

PACKAGE PRICE

TOTAL

OUR PRICE

YOU SAVE

CHATSWORTH 115

£62,889

£8,323

£71,212

£66,490

£4,722

CHATSWORTH 150

£69,989

£8,902

£78,891

£72,780

£6,1111

CHATSWORTH 155

£69,989

£8,902

£78,891

£73,390

£5,501

CHATSWORTH 185

£69,989

£8,902

£78,891

£73,490

£5,401

CHATSWORTH 194

£69,989

£9,043

£79,032

£73,490

£5,542

CHATSWORTH 196

£70,989

£8,464

£79,453

£74,290

£5,163

All prices are effective from 1st February 2024, include delivery and VAT at 20%

Glossop Caravans Ltd, Brookfield, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6JF Telephone: 01457 868011
info@glossopcaravans.co.uk www.glossopcaravans.co.uk

TRAVEL Wales

Out of the Furnace
Furnace is a village on the south side
of the Dyfi Estuary, named after a
furnace, which still stands in the
village. Furnace Farm is a generously
proportioned, well-organised
five-’van site in easy reach of two
great nature reserves: Ynys-hir
(RSPB) and Dyfi Wildlife Centre
(Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust).
Ynys-hir is a short enough walk
from the site (15 minutes) for me to
return five times during our fournight stay. You might guess from the
frequency of my visits that I enjoyed
myself !
My first visit was towards the end
of a hot summer’s day. An electric
reeling sound carried across the
rushy pasture, like a grasshopper
with no pause button.
This was a grasshopper warbler.
Able to throw its voice in any
direction, it was a difficult bird to
pin down with binoculars.
Easier to spot, a brown hare
bumbled along the path in front of
me and, beside a shallow pool, a pair
of Canada geese led their goslings on
a trip to nowhere in particular. A
lapwing lolloped overhead and
behind me in the deciduous
woodland there was the squeaky
chattering of a pied flycatcher.
The species I have just mentioned
allude to the variety of habitats at
Ynys-hir, all of which are surrounded
by the estuary of the Dyfi to one side
and fells skirted in deciduous trees,

Pied flycatchers nest at Ynys-hir, this is a male

topped with moorland, all around. It is
a place of great beauty and
tranquillity. It is also a place rich in
wildlife, not just birds but insects such
as the small red damselfly, hairy
dragonfly and black-tailed skimmers.
From Furnace, it’s a short drive, bus
journey, or slightly longer walk to the
Dyfi Wildlife Centre. This comprises a
plush visitor centre, a bog (Cors Dyfi)
with 600m of boardwalk and an
observation tower for watching an
osprey nest (many people refer to this
place as the Dyfi Osprey Project, but it
is more than that).
When we arrived, the 4K live cams
showed two osprey chicks on the nest,
these were two weeks old. Mum had
gone AWOL, probably seeing off a

stray two-year-old male osprey from
the River Tweed in Scotland who
had been scouting around.
Evidently, ospreys don’t usually
start breeding until at least the age
of three, and many don’t even bother
to return from Africa until that
point, so this rogue male was just
messing around, probably on his
way up to Scotland to prospect for a
future nest site. The information
gleaned from wing tags and leg rings
makes osprey-watching a
fascinating pastime when in the
company of an expert.
There’s plenty more to see at this
attractive reserve; we spotted Cetti’s
warblers, reed buntings, many
dragonflies and a common lizard,
there are also beavers in an enclosure.
One great asset of this place is the
accessibility for all; even the
observation tower, which is half a
mile from nowhere, has a lift.
Whatever your fitness, ability or
disability, this is half a day well spent.

TOP TIPS
Morning is best (particularly on sunny
days) for Dyfi Wildlife Centre, because of
the angle of light on the osprey’s nest.
Ynys-hir is open from 10am to 4pm on
weekdays, 9am to 5pm at weekends, but
access to the trails and hides can be had
at any time (there is a charge for
non-members of the RSPB)
Both sites have motorhome-accessible
parking
Ynys-hir has hides, lakes and much more

74

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

TRAVEL Wales

We saw marsh helleborines
at Morfa Harlech

Morfa Harlech National Nature
Reserve has a large area of dunes

Dune to perfection

On site at Furnace Farm C&MC CL

WE STAYED AT
Penygraig Farm C&MC CL, Rhydyfelin,
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 4QA
 01970 612955
camc.com
ˆ 1 May – 1 October
£ Two adults, pitch: £15 (shower and
toilet but no EHU)
Furnace Farm C&MC CL, Furnace,
Machynlleth, Ceredigion SY20 8ND
 01654 781311
camc.com
ˆ 1 April – 31 October
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: £20

 01766 780286

Min Y Don Holiday
Park, Beach Road,
Harlech, Gwynedd
LL46 2UG

minydonholidayhomepark.co.uk
ˆ 1 March – 31 October
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £35
(all facilities including WiFi and
serviced pitch)

76

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

The site we chose at Harlech couldn’t
have been a greater contrast to
Furnace Farm, but like Furnace it is
close to a great nature reserve, in this
case the sand dunes of Morfa Harlech.
The one thing I knew about Harlech
was that it had a castle. I also knew
the story that in the medieval period,
when the castle was in its heyday,
there was direct access from the castle
to the sea. The castle still has a water
gate, a kind of quay through which
food was shipped from Ireland when
the castle was under siege, but the
water gate now stands nearly a mile
from the sea, cut off by sand dunes.
At Harlech there is a tidal current,
known as longshore drift, which
carries sand particles from the south.
In the 1300s, this sand began to form a
spit, which now reaches out across the
mouth of the Dwyryd Estuary.
Much of this is now the Morfa
Harlech National Nature Reserve,
regarded as one of the most important
actively growing sand dune systems in
Britain, with a rich flora and fauna.
Having done the legwork, I now feel
a little disingenuous about distances,
so let me come clean. It is true that
the campsite is close to the dunes, but
the best part of the dunes is the
furthest away, at the end of the spit.
The positive aspect of the longer
distance is that, if you make the effort
to walk three miles along the beach,
you will have the place to yourself !
Is it worth it? You bet it is.
The lowest lying, most recently

formed (embryonic, to use the correct
terminology) dunes have a wonderful
feel to them. The soundscape is of
skylarks and the ground flora
dominated by bird’s-foot trefoil, but
start to look a bit closer and a whole
host of interest unfolds.
The slacks (dips in the dunes that
can sometimes reach down to the
water table and hold water) are a good
place to look for flowers. When we
visited, we found northern, southern
and early marsh-orchids and just
coming through were the first of the
marsh helleborines.
The tiny, light pink flowers of bog
pimpernel carpeted the edge of the
slacks whilst on the drier ground we
saw hundreds of pyramidal orchids
and some delightful little threecoloured dune pansies.
It was hot when we visited so we saw
plenty of insect life, including six-spot
burnet moths and dark green
fritillaries; there were plenty of obscure
solitary wasps. However, we failed, and
I did try, to spot sand lizards but in the
heat of summer these reptiles bask
early in the morning and don’t take
long to warm up.

TOP TIPS
I found one good spot for marsh orchids,
close to Beach Road, in a big hollow about
100 yards south of the interpretation board
where you first enter the dunes
There is a motorhome-friendly car park near the
dunes at the end of Beach Road in Harlech

CAP LAND

W

www.dreamer-van.fr

My travels...

Victoria Ilott parks up in the Peaks
for an impromptu off-grid trip

With no clear plan of where we
were going, we agreed at least to
set off in the opposite direction to that
of the bank holiday traffic.
Neil had looked on Google Maps and
identified all the roads that were red
and that we would not be going on. So,
Wales and the Lake District were out,
but the roads to the Peak District looked clear enough, so we
aimed in that direction.
Listening to Classic FM (John Williams’ Jaws theme) I got on
my favourite app, park4night, and looked for a suitable off-grid
location where we could be completely on our own in nature
and moon-gaze in the summer breeze. I settled on a layby near
Holme Moss Summit.
This decision was based on some fair to middling reviews left by
others on park4night and I was not disappointed as we pulled up.
The layby was deserted, the views were spectacular and I predicted
that the stars would be numerous after dark (we planned to watch
the stars with the telescope Neil’s mum had bought him for
Christmas — but we realised we forgot it around Stalybridge).
After lunch, Buster, our cat, got settled for the afternoon on
the sofa and we got out of the motorhome to take photos of it
from every angle in this lovely location, before hopping over a
stile directly in front of us. I hoped this would lead us to a
waterfall that I had spotted out of the corner of my eye as we
were coming over the hill on our approach earlier.

It was a lovely walk to the stream — until I fell down a hole. I
got out of it… and then I fell down another. This was beginning
to feel a bit like exercise.
It looked like solid ground, smelt like solid ground and in fact
a lot of it was but there were pockets of soft mossy tufty stuff
that were in thin layers masking holes underneath like a booby
trap from Indiana Jones. Nature loves a laugh.
Unharmed, I ambled on (letting Neil go first) alongside the
stream until we came to the waterfall. What a treat. There was
nobody around, no sounds other than the water and the birds; I
couldn’t remember a more peaceful moment.
Sometime later back in the ’van, Neil snoozed, Buster
snoozed, and I decided to prepare a lovely meal (risotto) for
dinner with the mediocre supplies we had brought with us from
the fridge at home. Luckily, I had no other plans and it turned
out alright eventually. I am the queen of the one-pan meal.
However, at 10.30pm the boy racers arrived. They weren’t
particularly threatening — in fact they were the most boring,
unintimidating bunch of youths I’d encountered for a long time.
For about four hours all they seemed to do was open and close
their car doors.
There was no music, no laughter — just doors slamming
repeatedly. Now, I know I’ll sound like your grandma when I say
this — but kids of today; seriously. They are a dull bunch. At
least in my day there would have been sex, drugs and rock ‘n’
roll, too.
The next day, it promised to be another beautiful day in the
Peak District, so a short walk up to the Holmes Moss Summit
was called for before we set off back home.
Not apparent immediately, as my eyes were looking at the
view, it didn’t take too long to notice the rubbish all around me
at my feet, continuing as we walked. It was heartbreaking to see.
Being at one with nature these days means being at one with
litter, too.
I saw one little lizard darting in the grass — this was the only
wildlife I saw in over 24 hours. I think I understand why.
Buster was very disgruntled when we returned to the ’van
and I physically removed him from the overcab bed so we could
set off home. He begrudgingly settled on the sofa but gave me a
look that said he’d seen the Sheba advert and the Felix
advert, and he knew what life should be like.

HOLIDAY DISASTER OR HOLIDAY DREAM? Tell other readers about your motorhome
adventures, good or bad, in 700 words motorhome.ma/myviews
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TRAVEL

Sites for...

ESCAPING THE CROWDS

© InspiredImages\Pixabay

Rural retreats – the perfect recipe for a tranquil motorhome getaway

Barmouth Beach

1

11

8

3

6

2

5
12
7
9
10

4

THE CAMPSITES
1
2
3
4

Salen Bay Campsite
Cobbleacre Park
Brooklyn Grange Farm
Setthorns Campsite

5
6
7
8

Graig Wen
Long Acres Touring Park
Fen Farm Caravan Site
Moss Howe Farm Campsite

9
10
11
12

Home Farm Holiday Centre
Ten Acres Vineyard
Walkmill Campsite
Rockbridge Country Holiday Park

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

81

11
Salen Bay Campsite, Isle of Mull

For a campsite that’s well off the
beaten track, how about Salen Bay on
the Isle of Mull in the west of
Scotland? You need to hop on a ferry,
from either Oban, Lochaline or
Kilchoan to get to the island, which
adds to that ‘far from anywhere’ feel.
The site is set on the coast, with
shore access and stunning mountain
and sea views. Pitches for
motorhomes are serviced
hardstandings with water and electric.
Modern Portakabins house the
toilet, shower and washing-up
facilities in a courtyard area. There is
also a bothy with charging points, a
washing machine, dryer and a freezer.
Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired
and you can take shoreline walks or

12

 01680 300250

salenbaycampsite.co.uk ˆ 28 March – 31 October

climb Mull’s only Munro, Ben More.
It’s half a mile from the site to the
local village with a shop, hotel, pub
and bakery/café, and Tobermory is 10

Tobermory

13

Cobbleacre Park, Norfolk


Brick Kiln Road, Hevingham, Norfolk NR10 5NL
cobbleacre.co.uk ˆ 8 January – 31 October

While many people choose a
campsite on the edge of the bustling
city of Norwich, or within the
Norfolk Broads National Park,
Cobbleacre Park is within a short
driving distance of both those tourist
hotspots yet in a rural village
location and feeling miles from
anywhere. This is amplified thanks
to the site’s five fishing lakes and
surrounding woodland – there’s
plenty of room here for everyone. It’s
about a 20-minute walk to the bus

82

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

miles away where there is a larger
selection of shops and restaurants,
plus a distillery, and brightly painted
houses lining the waterfront.

© hendersona980/Pixabay

Ardmor Road, Salen, Isle of Mull PA72 6JL

 01603 754305

stop that serves Aylsham (council
car parks do not seem to allow
motorhomes) with a selection of
shops and places to eat.
Cobbleacre Park has grass and
hardstanding pitches with electric
hook-up, drinking water supply and
grey waste drains. There are toilet,
shower and washing-up facilities on
site, too. An ideal site for anglers of
all ages and levels, the five lakes
include a beginner’s lake, a match
lake and a specimen lake.

Brooklyn Grange Farm,
Staffordshire



Thorncliffe Lane, Thorncliffe, Leek,
Staffordshire ST13 8TP
 07975 752515
brooklynfarmshopandcamping.co.uk
ˆ 1 January – 31 October
© Adam Mills/Unsplash



View of Tittesworth Reservoir

Set just outside the southern edge of
the Peak District National Park, and
only 10 minutes’ drive from Leek,
Brooklyn Grange Farm has 50 grass
pitches on its working dairy farm.
Classed as wild camping (on-site
facilities do include toilets and one
shower), this is a great opportunity to
enjoy nature and explore the wild
beauty of the Peak District.
Pitches have views towards The
Roaches, a rocky ridge above Leek and
Tittesworth Reservoir – the reservoir is
just a five-minute drive, offering scenic
walks and a café. Nearby Leek has a
range of shops, restaurants and cafés.
The site hires firepits, there are two
well-stocked fishing pools, and there’s
a farm shop – you can even pre-order
a meat, barbecue, or vegetable box for
your arrival!

Cader Idris scenery

15

Graig Wen, Gwynedd
 Arthog, Near Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL39 1YP
ˆ 1 March – 5 January

Graig Wen is set in the southern
part of the Snowdonia National
Park, overlooking the Mawddach
Estuary with access to the nine-mile
Mawddach Trail, which follows a
disused railway line between
Dolgellau and Barmouth. The site is
20 minutes’ drive from the coastal
town of Barmouth.
A local mountain, Cader Idris,
can be walked to directly from the
site and makes for a great day out if

 01341 250482

graigwen.co.uk

wanting to ascend to the summit.
There is a bus available from the
site entrance to local shops and the
beach. Shops are within three miles
and places to eat within five.
Spread over 40 acres of woodland
and meadows, the upper part of the
site has six hardstanding pitches for
motorhomes with electric. There are
toilets, showers, dishwashing, a
microwave, fridge and freezer, plus a
shop in high season.

14
Setthorns Campsite,
Hampshire


Wootton, New Milton, Hampshire
BH25 5WA
 01590 681020
campinginthenewforest.com
ˆ All year

To really feel miles from anywhere,
lose yourself amid the tranquil
woodland of the New Forest. This
secluded campsite offers
hardstanding electric pitches
nestled among trees and bushes.
It is a haven for wildlife, with
wild birds, small mammals, and
free-roaming ponies being regular
visitors. The site is full of winding
paths that can be explored on foot
or by bike.
There are extra-large pitches on
site, so all units are catered for, but
there are no toilet or shower
facilities here. Dogs are welcome
and walks are in abundance!
Two miles away from site is the
village of Sway with shops, pubs
and a train station.
© PaulHampshire\Pixabay

© Jacob Capener/Unsplash

Sites TRAVEL

New Forest pony

16
Long Acres Touring Park, Lincolnshire


Station Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincolnshire PE22 9RF

© dvlcom/stock.adobe.com

If you’re looking to really get away
from it all, then Long Acres, an
adult-only site in the Lincolnshire
countryside, is just the place. Your

RSPB Frampton Marsh

 01205 871555

long-acres.co.uk ˆ 1 March – 1 December

only neighbours are the abundant
wildlife and views from site stretch
over field upon field, giving a great
opportunity to see some impressive

sunsets in the vast Fenland skies.
The market town of Boston is just
eight miles and nearby attractions
include the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park,
the RSPB Freiston Shore and
Frampton Marsh, and the Lincolnshire
Aviation Heritage Centre.
The site has 40 pitches, all
hardstanding with electric. Facilitieswise, there is a toilet block with
showers, a separate wheelchairfriendly wash/shower room, plus a
dishwashing area and a driveover
motorhome waste point. A separate
laundry and small dog exercise area
add to the facilities. Although there is
no on-site shop, there is a local shop
and pubs just a short drive away.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

83

17

Fen Farm Caravan Site, Essex


Moore Lane, East Mersea, Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8FE

Fen Farm is set on the east of Mersea
Island, a tidal island to the south of
Colchester – twice every 24 hours,
there is a high tide that sometimes
covers the access road (tide times
can be found online). This is a rural
location with a path leading down to
a dog-friendly beach and close to
Cudmore Grove Country Park. The
vibe here is laid-back and quiet, with
no clubhouse and in a quieter coastal
area than the main Essex resorts.
At low tide, you can walk along the
beach from the site to the country
park where there is loads of wildlife
and walking to be enjoyed.
Fen Farm has a dog walk on site,
plus a wildflower and conservation
area. There are pitches with electric

 01206 383275

fenfarm.co.uk ˆ 15 March – 3 November

hook-up, along with toilets and
showers, a washing-up area, a

Fen Farm beach

18

19

Moss Howe Farm Campsite, Cumbria
 Witherslack, Cumbria LA11 6SA
ˆ 1 March – 1 November

 01539 267030

mosshowefarm.co.uk

St Audries Bay, Williton, Somerset
TA4 4DP
 01984 632487
homefarmholidaycentre.co.uk
ˆ All year

showers, a laundry room, a washingup area and farm shop. The site is dog
friendly and bike hire is available to
make the most of the local routes.
In the local area there is a
multitude of activities, including
bushcraft experiences, abseiling,
guided walks, canoeing and rock
climbing – all of which can be booked
through the campsite’s website.
For refreshments, the Derby Arms
pub is about a two-mile walk (ask at
campsite shop for directions).

Windermere

84

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Home Farm Holiday Centre,
Somerset


© Jacqueline-O Gara/Unsplash

Set in the southern part of the Lake
District, just 25 minutes from Bowness,
and 15 minutes from Windermere, this
site is nestled in a quieter area at the
foot of the Winster Valley. Moss Howe
Farm has just 25 grass pitches, with
trees bordering the site and nothing
but green fields to be seen, yet the M6
is just a 15-minute drive.
There is electric hook-up to some of
the pitches, with premium pitches
including a picnic bench and fire
bowl. Facilities include toilets,

laundry room, a family shower room,
plus an accessible toilet and shower.

Home Farm offers a picturesque
retreat amid the serene landscapes
of the Somerset countryside.
Nestled between the coast and the
Quantock Hills, this is rural
escapism at its best.
You can walk from site to the
secluded pebble beach of St Audries
Bay – the path is steep, but you’ll be
rewarded with being able to see the
70-foot-high clifftop waterfall
crashing down onto the beach. It
can only be reached at low tide so
be sure to check the tide times.
Home Farm guests can indulge
in a range of activities, including
nature walks, fishing by the lakes,
and enjoying the on-site leisure
facilities – these include an indoor
pool, a bar, table tennis, plus
entertainment in high season. The
pitches are grass or hardstanding,
with or without electric, serviced by
toilets, showers, a family room, a
small laundry, dishwashing sinks
and a shop.

110

© Nick/Pixabay

Sites TRAVEL
Ten Acres Vineyard, Devon



Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8EY
 01837 83892
tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk
ˆ 1 May – 30 September

Accepting small VW-sized
campervans (and tents) only, Ten
Acres Vineyard is a rural site with just
nine grass pitches set close to the
vineyard vines – the owners produce
their own wine and cider here, which
can be bought in the on-site shop –
The Devon Wine Shack. Vineyard
tours and wine sampling are available.
With views of rolling Devon hills and
to the peaks of Dartmoor, the nearest
town is Winkleigh (one mile) with a
pub and shop, and Meeth Quarry
Nature Reserve is a 30-minute drive.
There is no electric hook-up on site,
but facilities for charging phones, etc,
are available, along with a freezer and
ice blocks. Other facilities include a
communal firepit, a play field for
children, a dog exercise area, two toilets
and a shower, plus a washing-up area.
There is also a chemical disposal point.
Pigs, chickens and ducks are resident
here, and there is a shaded woodland
area complete with hammocks!

112

Warkworth Castle

111

Walkmill Campsite, Northumberland


Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 9AJ  01665 710155
walkmillcampsite.co.uk ˆ 22 March – 30 September

Located on a bend of the River
Coquet, this peaceful setting includes
woodland and wildflowers on a
smallholding of eight acres. The
riverbank surrounding the site is a
Site of Special Scientific Interest,
meaning you may see salmon, otters
and kingfishers during your stay.
Pitches are on grass with electric
hook-up available or you can book a
non-electric pitch on the crook of
the river. Facilities include four
toilets, a shower and a bath, and

guests with their own facilities are
asked to be considerate of other
users during peak times. There’s also
a small shop selling local produce
and firepits for hire.
It’s a 40-minute walk from site to
Warkworth Castle and from there
you can cross the river and reach the
vast beach. A three-mile walk, or
cycle, from Warkworth and you can
be at the coastal town of Amble with
a harbour, a marina and bookable
bird-spotting boat trips.

Rockbridge Country Holiday Park, Powys


Discoyd, Presteigne, Powys LD8 2NF

 01547 560300

Accessed off a B-road, just under two
miles from Presteigne and just over
the border into Wales, Rockbridge
Park is a hidden gem. On arriving at
the site, you are met with lovely views
of the surrounding Welsh hills. The
touring and camping area is
beautifully tucked away down a long
driveway below the privately owned
lodges. The site has been cleverly
terraced so that the touring guests’
views are not obstructed by the
lodges and you pitch up beside the
beautiful River Lugg. A bridge over

rockbridgepark.co.uk ˆ 1 March – 30 November

the river leads to footpaths through the
surrounding countryside.
Motorhomes can choose from fully
serviced or electric hook-up pitches
on grass or hardstanding. There is a
toilet and shower block, a laundry
room and a washing-up area. There is
also a dog wash, which will come in
handy after exploring the local walks.
Rockbridge’s sister park, Pearl Lake,
is a 15-minute drive away and guests
are welcome to use the facilities there,
which include a golf course, fishing
lake and restaurant.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

85

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Cornish countryside. The holiday park
is the ideal place for either a couples
retreat or a quiet family holiday with
easy access to nearby Newquay and
Padstow. BRAND NEW for Summer
2024, renowned chef Adam Handling
and his new restaurant The Tartan
Fox takes residence at Carvynick
providing pub classics using the best
Cornish produce.

Book Online by telephone 01872 510716 or email: info@carvynick.co.uk

DEVON

DEVON

Caravans, Pods, Tents, Motorhomes,
En-suite pitches, Lodges.

Countryside holidays by the sea
Paignton, South Devon
Pets are welcome at Smytham. A rural retreat ideal as a base to enjoy all that
North Devon has to offer. Walks and dog friendly beaches are nearby.
Direct access to Tarka Trail. Dog exercise field.
www.smytham.co.uk | info@smytham.co.uk
Little Torrington, EX38 8PU | 01805622110

86

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Holiday Caravans
Lodges
Touring
Camping
Pods
Dogs Welcome

Call us 01803 782338 Visit & book online whitehill-park.co.uk

You r campsite reviews

Readers share their honest opinion to help you choose the perfect campsite
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Wild Atlantic Camp, County Donegal

Wild Atla ntic Camp

Lough Beagh and
Glenveagh National Park

Lough Salt
Every once in a while, when I decide to my number one place to explore every
head northwest to County Donegal,
time I visit is Glenveagh National Park,
my campsite of choice will always be
which is just 20 minutes’ drive away
Wild Atlantic Camp. Located in the
and always merits setting aside a full
village of Creeslough, you’d be forgiven
day. The Rosguill Peninsula,
for thinking you were entering the
Dunfanaghy and Horn Head are also
wild bounds of Ireland as you pass
highly recommended, and lovely (often
through ‘The Gap’, and that it would
empty) beaches, like Marble Hill Strand
be the last place you might expect to
and Tramore Beach, are a must.
find such a well-presented camping
On a recent visit, I spent an idyllic
and glamping site.
morning in the
For the motorhomer
wonderful coastal
I spent an idyll ic
you will find 20
Ards Forest Park. From
well-spaced
morning in the wonderful here you can
hardstandings, each
incorporate a visit to
with a hook-up point,
coastal Ards Forest Park the adjacent Ards
water tap and waste
Friary, where you will
disposal point. The central facilities
experience an extraordinary air of
block houses the reception area, a
tranquillity. The Coffee Tree here is
chemical waste disposal, kitchen and
also a good stop for refreshments after
laundry, and toilets and showers. Next
a long walk.
to reception is a small shop and café.
Then on departure day I stopped
Additional facilities include an
off at Lough Salt where it’s possible to
excellent play park, tennis courts and
do a bit of hill walking
an Astroturf pitch, while bikes can
from the viewpoint
also be hired. Conveniently located by
and picnic area.
the campsite entrance is The Coffee
My advice, if you’re
Pod and a fast food takeaway.
planning a trip to this
When I stay at Wild Atlantic Camp, I
part of the Wild
always have the feeling of being far
Atlantic Way, is
away from everything, but this is not
definitely do not
Sharon Whi tcro ft
so. Doe Castle is just a short drive, and
miss this site!

PLAN YOUR STAY

“

”

© 2011 Freytag-Berndt u. Artaria KG, 1230 Vienna



Main Street, Creeslough,
Co Donegal F92 T2RF
 00353 749 138400
info@wildatlanticcamp.ie
wildatlanticcamp.ie
ˆ All year
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From €35
(£31.05)
Nearest public transport: Two minutes’
walk
Nearest pub/restaurant: Three minutes’
walk
Directions: From Omagh take A5 to
Strabane, then Lifford. Next take N14 to
Letterkenny, then N56 to Creeslough. Site
situated on right shortly after entering village
what3words: baked.enjoys.gongs

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

87

TRAVEL Parks
DEVON

DORSET
www.bagwellfarm.co.uk
01305 782575

Chickerell, Weymouth,
Dorset DT3 4EA

Discover the Landscape - Treasure the Memories
Camping in Every Season

FIVE STAR HOLIDAY PARK IN DEVON
Independently owned - Well-stocked shop open daily - Bus stop half a mile

Nestled between sandy golden shores and
rolling green hills, discover the best of Devon

DORSET

St Leonards Farm

Caravan and Camping Park

OPEN ALL YEAR
FULLY SERVICED PITCHES
POOLS, SPA & RESTAURANTS
DOG FRIENDLY
FISHING LAKES
COAST & COUNTRY WALKS

STORAGE PLOTS NOW AVAILABLE AT £875 PER YEAR

Ringwood Rd, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 0AQ
Peaceful, level well drained site near Bournemouth. Electric hook-ups, shower
and toilet block, hard standing pitches available. New storage spaces available
for Motorhomes & Caravans available now!
Permanent Holiday Static Caravans for Sale fully sited. Storage spaces & seasonal pitches.

01202 872637 • enquiries_stleonards@yahoo.co.uk
www.stleonardsfarmpark.com
DORSET

Starcross, Devon EX6 8RP | 01626 890111 | coftonholidays.co.uk

Open 1st March until 31st October

CAMPERVAN, MOTORHOMES AND TENTS
Electric and Non Electric Pitches
Woodyhyde Campsite, Valley road, Corfe Castle BH20 5HT

W W W.WO O DY H Y D E .C O. U K

88

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

© David D/Pixabay

Sites TRAVEL

Site entrance

Bridgnorth

The site’s pretty lake

ENGLAND
Stanmore Hall Touring Park, Shropshire
The Severn Valley, as we approached
was quite enchanting for the youngest.
the Stanmore Hall Touring Park,
Pitches on the site are hardstanding
looked beautiful in the autumn
or grass, and there are adult-only areas,
sunshine. We were due to meet family,
as well as super pitches available with
to visit Ironbridge’s Blists Hill
electric hook-up, fresh water
Victorian Town that is nearby, and
connection and grey waste disposal.
were surprised that the site was only
The pitches are all set around a lake,
an hour’s drive from the centre of
which one can walk around the
Birmingham, as well as being close to
perimeter of to access the amenities
the Black Country and its nearest
block and shop. There are toilets and
town, Bridgnorth. The site is affiliated
showers, accessible facilities, a fully
to the Caravan and
equipped laundry
Motorhome Club and
There are so many room, and a
the standard of care
motorhome service
and attention we
att raction s to visit within point. A small
found during our stay
playground is available
was second to none.
for children.
a 30-minute drive
Set in the
Although there is a
landscaped grounds of a Grade II listed
very nice dog walk on the site, there is
building, the resplendent trees,
a country park a short stroll away
currently showing their autumn
offering lots of walking opportunities.
colours, and wildlife-filled two-acre
There are so many
lake, still with flowering water lilies,
attractions to visit
made for a wonderful setting for our
within a 30-minute
family get-together. The peacocks and
drive from the site
waterfowl were an attraction for our
that one really does
young grandchildren who delighted in
have great choice.
buying a bag of food from the wellThere is
stocked shop, from which to feed them.
something here
Sharon Brown
Finding a white-spotted red toadstool
for everyone.

“

”

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2024 Ordnance Survey. Media 002/24.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2024



Stourbridge Road, Bridgnorth,
Shropshire WV15 6DT
 01746 761761
stanmore@morris-leisure.co.uk
morris-leisure.co.uk
ˆ All year
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From
£41.20
Nearest public transport: 15-minute
walk
Nearest pub/restaurant: Two miles
Directions: From A442 heading south
(Telford – Kidderminster), turn left at
Bridgnorth roundabout onto A458 (signed
Stourbridge). Site signed from here
what3words: thus.backfired.shaver

FIND THE PERFECT TOURING PARK with over 3,500 campsites in the
UK and Europe. Visit outandaboutlive.co.uk/campsites
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

89

TRAVEL Parks
ESSEX

ISLE OF WIGHT
SPECIAL OFFERS
& PACKAGES
AVAILABLE - SEE
OUR WEBSITE

Heathfield Camping is a
family run Isle of Wight
campsite located in the rural
West Wight on the outskirts
of Freshwater village, an
ideal choice for your holiday
on the Isle of Wight.
• Level marked pitches • Excellent facilities • Wheelchair accessible shower and toilet room
• Camping, touring and motorhomes • Close to beach and shops • Refurbished amenity buildings

Heathfield Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9SH • Tel: 01983 407822 • www.heathfieldcamping.co.uk
Located in the peaceful West Wight with easy access to spectacular coastal & downland walks.

KENT

THE FINCHES CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITE
SALES දHIRE දSTORAGE දPARK
CHARTWAY STREET, KINGSWOOD, MAIDSTONE, ME17 3NU

01622 844388 / 01622 842096

ůůĂŵĞŶŝƟĞƐŝŶĂŶŝĚĞĂů<ĞŶƚůŽĐĂƟŽŶ- ũƵƐƚϮŵŝůĞƐĨƌŽŵ:ϴŽĨƚŚĞDϮϬ͘,ĂƌĚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐĨŽƌĂůůĐĂƌĂǀĂŶƐĂƐǁĞůůĂƐĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJƚŽĂůůƉŝƚĐŚĞƐ͕ƐŚŽǁĞƌƐ͕ƚŽŝůĞƚƐ͕ǁĂƐŚŝŶŐ
ƵƉƌŽŽŵ͕ůĂƵŶĚƌLJƌŽŽŵ͕ŐĂŵĞƐƌŽŽŵĂŶĚǁŚĞĞůĐŚĂŝƌĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJǁĞƚƌŽŽŵ͘

͗ƚŚĞĮŶĐŚĞƐĐĂƌĂǀĂŶĂŶĚĐĂŵƉŝŶŐƐŝƚĞΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

tĞď͗ǁǁǁ͘ŬŝŶŐƐǁŽŽĚ-ĐĂƌĂǀĂŶƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

KENT

Campsite and
Touring Park in Kent
CALL US 01622 870838

Start your search now, visit outandaboutlive.co.uk

www.thehopfarm.co.uk/stay

Have a super stay-cation at The Hop Farm
Clippesby Hall, Norfolk

brought to you by

• Over 3,500 campsites in the UK and Europe
• 100 Premier Parks independently selected by the out&aboutlive team
• Advanced search functionality allows you to easily find your perfect pitch
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The Hop farm is a superb award winning touring and campsite set in over 500 acres
of beautiful open fields and woodland at one of Kent’s most popular family visitor
attractions. It is one of the best Kent campsites and has a spectacular Oast village,
the largest Oast house collection in the world - it’s the ultimate backdrop and a
fantastic base for exploring Kent’s Garden of England.
You can enjoy the best in camping in a glorious setting with all the creature comforts
you need. We have showers, toilets and washing facilities, a camping shop and on-site
popular pub/restaurant. Ideal for families and great local amenities nearby.

Camping at the Hop Farm campsite in the
heart of Kent doesn’t get better than this.
90

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• Plan your ideal campervan holidays • Club and independent sites included
Flaxton Meadows, Yorkshire

Sites TRAVEL
ENGLAND
Beacon Cottage Farm, Cornwall
If you tuned into the BBC’s remake of
Poldark a few years back and swooned
over the rugged good looks of
Cornwall’s landscapes, this is the
campsite for you.
The former tin mine at Wheal
Coates is one of the most recognisable
locations in Cornwall, and it’s not far
from this wonderful campsite – a
stunning place to pitch up.
The site is peaceful, spotlessly clean
and utterly tranquil. The camping area
is divided into six small landscaped
paddocks, two of which have
spectacular coastal views, while others

Pitches on site

are sheltered by trees and shrubs.
It’s set on a traditional working farm
in an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty and there’s a real feeling that
you are miles away from the crowds
who flock to Cornwall all summer.
The immaculate facilities are
located in converted barns and
include toilets and showers, a family
shower room, laundry room and
dishwashing area. Also on site is a play
area, a dog exercise field and a small
shop. There are also visits from a local
fish and chip van, butcher, coffee van
and you can even order fresh pizzas
cooked in a wood-fired oven.
The National Trust’s Chapel Porth
beach is a 10-minute walk
away and you can access
the South West Coast
Path from the site. Walk
this path just once
and you’ll never
forget its steep
heathery slopes
Iain Duff
over the sea.

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2024 Ordnance Survey. Media 002/24.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2024



Beacon Drive, St Agnes TR5 0NU

 01872 552347
jane@beaconcottagefarmholidays.
co.uk
beaconcottagefarmholidays.co.uk
ˆ 28 March – 30 September
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £28
Nearest public transport: 30-minute walk
Nearest pub/restaurant: St Agnes
Directions: Exit A30 onto B3277 signed
St Agnes. At mini roundabout in St Agnes
take first exit. Site signed from here
what3words: bogus.enacted.taxed

ENGLAND
Postern Hill Campsite, Wiltshire
Postern Hill Campsite sits encircled by
mature trees within 4,500 acres of
ancient Savernake Forest.
Ninety units can be accommodated
on grass, with or without electric.
There are no marked pitches, giving
visitors scope to pitch wherever best
suits. We chose a location under tree
cover on the periphery, from where we
were lucky enough to spot deer in the
woodland and hear some very
talkative owls after dark.
In reception, you’ll find local
information, maps of the forest and, in
high season, drinks and confectionery
are for sale. Simple facilities on offer

View of the site

consist of toilets and an outdoor pot
wash. The site hosts regular foraging
workshops, bookable from the website.
Obviously, the major draw here is
Savernake Forest, and there’s a vast
network of footpaths and trails
waiting to be explored. We walked for
hours to look at some of the forest’s
ancient oak trees, culminating in the
magnificent Big Belly Oak. At over
1,000 years old, he’s one of the UK’s
oldest living oak trees.
The picturesque town of
Marlborough is a 25-minute walk away.
There, you’ll find a bustling High Street
lined with characterful buildings and
replete with eateries, a wide variety of
retailers, and a twice-weekly market.
Avebury is 15
minutes’ drive away,
and it’s 40 minutes to
Stonehenge, making
Postern Hill a good
choice if you
want to sample
some of the wider
Sarah Warburton
Wiltshire area.

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2024 Ordnance Survey. Media 002/24.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2024



Savernake Forest, Marlborough,
Wiltshire SN8 4ND
 01672 515195
info@posternhillcamping.co.uk
posternhillcamping.co.uk
ˆ April – October
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From
£26.70
Nearest public transport: Site entrance
Nearest pub/restaurant: ½ mile
Directions: Leave M4 J15 onto A346 to
Marlborough. Site located directly off
A346 one mile south of Marlborough.
what3words: lazy.beads.bossy

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

91

TRAVEL Parks
NORTH YORKSHIRE

SHROPSHIRE

BEACONSFIELD
EXCLUSIVELY FOR ADULTS

Castle Howard Lakeside
Holiday Park
In beautiful North Yorkshire

PICTURESQUE, SELECT, FAMILY-RUN PARK JUST NORTH OF SHREWSBURY
Beautiful park with peaceful fishing lakes shaded by trees and shrubs and immaculately maintained.
The perfect environment in which to own your bespoke Luxury Holiday Home.

Holiday homes and lodges for sale and hire. Indoor swimming pool and steam room.
Coarse fishing available. Featuring The Croft Bar & Restaurant.

Telephone: 01939 210370
Battlefield, Shrewsbury, SY4 4BE

Email: mail@beaconsfieldholidaypark.co.uk

Book online: www.beaconsfieldholidaypark.co.uk

BOOK NOW
• Hardstanding and grass pitches
• Electric hook up
• NEW SHOP – opening July 2024
• Pet friendly
• Lakeside location, across
The Great Lake from Castle Howard
• 2 for 1 entry to Castle Howard Gardens

To check availability and book;

castlehowardholidayhomes.co.uk 01653 648316
SOMERSET

The 100 finest UK campsites, independently assessed

premier-parks.co.uk
SUFFOLK

Bath Chew Valley
Caravan Park

Exclusively for adults - Open all year - Pets welcome
Ideal for exploring Chew Valley Lake Country Park, Bath,
Brivtol, Cheddar, the endipv ŝ "olervet a‚ra1ࢼonvĸ
ully verˆi1ed ŝ hardvtanding pit1hevĸ "olo 0athrool vuitevĸ
Lo1al vhop and pu0ňrevtaurant in the ˆillageĸ ire 1ar aˆaila0leĸ

Book online now at bathchewvalley.co.uk

A.A 5 pennant, gold award, premier park
Secluded, serviced, tourer and motorhome sites with
some hardstandings. Good choice of caravan holiday
homes for sale; owner occupiers only. Superb, tranquil,
landscaped 85 acres parkland & 100 acres of woodland.
9 hole compact golf course, 3 hard tennis courts,
volleyball, basketball. Sandy beach, woods. Dog walks,
cycle trails. Attractive lounge, bar, restaurant and shop.
Located unspoilt Coastal Suffolk. Close to Woodbridge
& River Deben.

www.moonandsixpence.co.uk
Tel: 01473 736650
e-mail: info@moonandsixpence.co.uk
92

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Sites TRAVEL
ENGLAND
PLAN YOUR STAY

Meadow Falls, North Yorkshire
Dry stone walls weaving their way
through the countryside, backed by a
landscape dotted with grazing sheep
– these were my surroundings as I
made my way to Meadow Falls –
iconic Yorkshire scenery at its best!
This small site is located less than a
mile from the village of Ingleton,
famous for its waterfalls trail. Upon
entering the site there is a row of five
fully serviced hardstanding pitches to
the left, accepting units of up to six
metres. These pitches overlook the
main site, which consists mainly of
grass pitches with a further four

Main site pitches with
views of Ingleborough Hill

hardstandings with electric and some
glamping pods. Many pitches have
great views of the countryside.
On site you will find toilets and
showers. There is also a covered
dishwashing area, accessible facilities,
a small shop and a dog walk.
The nearest pub is less than 200
yards from the site, and the Country
Harvest (a farm shop, food hall, coffee
shop and gift shop) is half a mile away.
Nearby Ingleton has a selection of
shops, cafés and takeaways, and a
large free car park for accessing the
waterfalls trail (chargeable). The
route, which takes in Thornton Force
and woodland, is 4½ miles long.
Other local attractions
include White Scar Caves,
Ingleborough Cave and
Gaping Gill. You can also
walk from the campsite
to the summit of
Ingleborough Hill
in around two
Claire Tupholme
hours.

©Crown copyright 2024 Ordnance Survey. Media 002/24.
The licence is valid until 31 December 2024



Ingleton LA6 3PD

 07894 596523
info@meadowfalls.co.uk
meadowfalls.co.uk
ˆ 1 March – 30 September
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £32
Nearest public transport: One mile
Nearest pub/restaurant: 200 yards
Directions: Leave M6 J34 onto A683. In
10 miles turn right onto A687. In five
miles continue onto New Road. Turn left in
0.4 miles. Site on left in 175 yards
what3words: haggis.dishes.users

BELGIUM
PLAN YOUR STAY

City Camping, Antwerp
This is a quirky little site with a lot
going for it. No arrivals before 4pm not
being one of them, and how close
together the units were! There were, in
fact, two sizes of plot. We had pre-paid
for a larger one but the electricity
points were mysteriously all full so we
opted for a smaller pitch, which was
fine. Most were under large shady trees.
Bike hire at €5 (£4.22) per day was
available. A large authentic windmill
overlooked the site and pretty planters
softened the aspect.
The major bonus, however, was the
water bus, close to a small beach,
which ran a very regular local service

Rubens’ triptych in the cathedraal

from just outside the camp, across the
River Scheldt to the city entre of the
city – no more than five minutes away.
We visited Museum Mager van den
Bergh with its world-famous Bruegel
painting, Mad Meg. After a light lunch
in one of the main squares, we visited
the cathedral. Four of Rubens’ altar
triptychs feature in this impressive
building. At night, you could see the
floodlit cathedral from the campsite.
There were restaurants no more
than a short stroll away from site but
at no time did we see any shops on the
camp-side bank of the river. A
reminder to be prepared!
Unusually, you could stay on site
until 4pm on departure day. This
enabled a relaxed walk
along the left bank of
the Scheldt atop the
dyke, and the late
departure would suit
if you were making
for a 9pm sailing
from Rotterdam
Margare t Ratcliffe
to Hull.

© 2011 Freytag-Berndt u. Artaria KG, 1230 Vienna



Jachthavenweg 6, Antwerp, Belgium

 0032 032 198179
welcome@citycampingantwerp.be
citycampingantwerp.be
ˆ 1 April – 4 November
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: From €34
(£30.16)
Nearest public transport: ¼ mile
Nearest pub/restaurant: ¼ mile
Directions: From south on E17, take exit
16 onto N419 towards Kruibeke/Melsele.
Turn left onto Kruibeeksesteenweg. Head
north until right turn onto Jachthavenweg
what3words: fuzzy.cobras.sobered

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93

Barmouth, Gwynedd
Image courtesy of
Islawrffordd Caravan
& Camping Site

The 100 finest UK campsites, independently assessed

Book your 2024 summer
break with Premier Parks

Adults-only campsites

Family campsites

Dog-friendly campsites

Coastal campsites

Open-all-year campsites

Campsites for fishing

premier-parks.co.uk

Sites TRAVEL
The river by the site

St Gallen centre

Pitches on the site

SWITZERLAND
Campingplatz St Gallen-Wittenbach, St Gallen
The fast-flowing, crystal-clear waters of
the River Sitter burble past this
campsite, some 20 yards (and one row
of statics) from my hardstanding pitch.
Reception was excellent, very
friendly and welcoming. You are
allocated a pitch, either hardstanding
or grass. They are all flat and welltended, though not large. At busy
times you’re parked closer to your
neighbour than you’d expect in the UK.
The washing and toilet facilities are
clean, fairly modern and adequate in
number in low to mid-season. Filling
with fresh water is easy, but grey water
disposal is very awkward.
There is a laundry room, a small
shop and bar, which serves very
well-priced and enjoyable bar-type
meals. This eating area is lively and
friendly in the evenings.
The site is in a wide ravine and
sheltered from higher winds. There is
a steep pull up from the site and the
River Sitter to the plateau above. Once
there, however, it’s easy to cycle into St
Gallen and the medieval city. You pass
several filling stations only a mile
away on the road to the site, together
with some smallish supermarkets.

St Gallen houses the World
Heritage Site associated with the
cathedral and the abbey library. The
cathedral is eighteenth century
Baroque rather than our more familiar
Gothic. The painted circular ceilings
and the columns with pale green
highlights were especially striking.
Close by, across the courtyard, is the
library. It’s very similar in its interior
decoration to the cathedral. You are
given slippers to put over footwear to
preserve the wooden floor. The library
is proud of the many medieval books
and manuscripts it possesses, together
with an enormous globe which
dominates the library entrance.
Around the World Heritage Site area
are attractive traffic-free squares lined
with restaurants, cafés and shops. St
Gallen has a railway station with
services to Zurich and
elsewhere, too.
This is a friendly and
very useful campsite for
visiting an unusual
World Heritage
Site that is
steeped in plenty
Paul Knight
of history.

PLAN YOUR STAY

© 2011 Freytag-Berndt u. Artaria KG, 1230 Vienna



Lee 1286, 9304 Bernhardzell,
St Gallen-Wittenbach
 0041 712 984969
campingplatz.stgallen@ccc-stgallen.
ch
ccc-stgallen.ch
ˆ 29 March – 30 September
£ Two adults, pitch, electric: 40CHF
(£36.67)
Nearest public transport: ½ mile
Nearest pub/restaurant: On site
Directions: From A1/E60 exit (signed St
Fiden) towards Wittenbach. In Wittenbach
turn left by campsite signpost. Head
downhill, crossing river. Road to site on
right. Well signposted
what3words: weaved.data.bitters

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Children:
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NEW MODEL EXCLUSIVE

Short ‘n’ sweet
MMM gets a first look at Swift’s new more
compact layout in its Voyager range

W

hen customers specifically ask for it, you’d
be mad not build it. So, following numerous
requests for a motorhome of around six
metres in length at last October’s NEC show, Swift
has added a new layout to its best-selling range, the
Voyager. The result is the 510 model, which inherits
much of the design and all of the spec of its bigger
brothers, but in a more compact package – just
6.19m long. Here, then, is an exclusive first look at
the prototype, with the first production vehicles
arriving with dealers by the time you read this.
The first thing that strikes you about this
Peter Vaughan
newcomer is its tiny rear overhang, which should
make this the most agile, best handling of the
Voyager breed. Of course, up front it’s still a Ford Transit with the 155hp motor
and six-speed manual gearbox (or automatic for an extra £1,795). The cab is in
Magnetic Grey and spec includes a 9in Zenec infotainment system with
reversing camera, stop/start, front fog lights and 16in alloy wheels. A new
addition in the cab is the electric parking brake.
Like the rest of the Voyager range, there’s Swift’s SMART construction with a
fully GRP bodyshell and large overcab sunroof. Externally, there are shower and
barbecue points, a 100W solar panel and a nice low entrance for access without
an external step. Both water tanks are underslung (110 litres fresh, 85 litres
waste), and the standard Winter Pack includes en route heating to keep them
defrosted – pity the waste drain pipe looks so low and vulnerable to damage.
There are fixings on the rear for a cycle rack but no spare wheel is provided, just
a Fix & Go puncture repair kit.
A garage is the casualty of guillotining so much length compared with other
Voyagers but the 510 isn’t completely devoid of external storage. A slim, fullheight locker at the rear nearside has a couple of shelves and a hanging rail and
can also be accessed from inside the ’van (toilet servicing is here, too).

98

outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

There’s no garage because there’s no
fixed bed, the main double lowering
electrically from the ceiling
(headroom beneath it when stowed is
1.90m). The comfy Duvalay mattress
here measures 1.89m by 1.52m, with
extra wiggle room at the head and
foot. It lowers down to just above the
sofas (once the backrests have been
removed and the table lowered).
Alternatively, you can park the
drop-down bed at mid-height and
create a second double bed from the
settees below, but, in reality, the 510
works best for two people. That said, it
does have four travel seats, thanks to
forward-facing Aguti backrests that
hinge up from under the sofas. The
travel seats have a decent amount of
legroom for adults as well as Isofix for
child seats. There are even folding cup
holders for rear passengers! As always,
under-seat storage is compromised by
this arrangement (here, the leisure
battery is under the nearside settee
and the Truma Combi 4 E boiler is
below the offside one).
Not having a permanent bedroom
in the 510 means there’s lots of space
left for the lounge. The offside sofa is
1.65m long and its opposite number is
hardly mean, at 1.15m – each has a

Swift Voyager 510 TESTED
FACTS AND FIGURES
PRICE

From: £69,120

BASICS
Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4

DIMENSIONS
Length: 6.19m (20ft 4in)
Width: 2.37m (7ft 9½in)
Height: 2.86m (9ft 4½in)
Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 650kg (estimated)

BASE VEHICLE
Type: Ford Transit chassis-cab
Engine: 2-litre, 155hp, front-wheel drive,
six-speed manual gearbox

ESSENTIALS

WATCH

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Fresh water: 110 litres (underfloor,
heated)
Waste water: 85 litres (underfloor, heated)
Space/water heating: Truma Combi 4 E
gas/230V blown-air

OPTIONS
Six-speed automatic transmission
(£1,795), microwave (£185*), two-cycle
rack (£315*), towbar (£695)
*plus dealer fitting charge

comfortably raked backrest. Both cab
seats can swivel for feet-up lounging
and the table folds in half, so as not to
be cumbersome.
Then, aft of the lounge, the galley is
on the offside, with the 139-litre fridge
opposite. Comprehensive cooking
facilities are catered for with three gas
rings, a mains hotplate and a
combined oven and grill. A microwave
can be added in an overhead cupboard
as a dealer-fit option, while there’s

plenty of worktop thanks to a loose
cover for the sink and a large flap that
oversails the offside sofa.
If the lounge is impressive for such
a compact model, the washroom is
even better. You step up into this
space, but there’s still good headroom.
There are also two wardrobes (the
smaller one reachable from outside), a
fixed basin with plenty of countertop
adjacent, and a swivel cassette toilet
that has unrivalled leg and headroom.

The separate shower in the offside
corner isn’t quite so generous but it’ll
be big enough for most customers and
has twin drains and a duckboard.
Washroom storage is good, too – make
that excellent as elasticated straps
keep the contents in place.
If you can live without a garage, or
you simply want a shorter motorhome
(that doesn’t feel small inside), we can
see this latest Voyager being a very
popular addition to the range.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk

99

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01487 812901 | 01487 815511
* UP TO 100 VEHICLES IN STOCK *
Ramsey Forty Foot, Ramsey, Huntingdon PE26 2XJ
info@wellsbridgemotorhomes.com
Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sun & Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm
Specialising in quality used motorhomes since 1985
COACHBUILTS
2019 (69) Fiat Ducato Swift Escape extreme 664 2.3TD.........................£55,995
4 berth,awning,tow bar,air-con,sw/seats,half dinette,side kitchen,rear bed
2021 (21) Ford Transit Autotrail F-Line F-74 Auto 2.0TD .......................£52,995
4 berth,Auto,awning,tow bar,alloys,sw/seats,drop down bed,island bed
2017 (67) Fiat Ducato Rapido Le-Randonneur 696F 2.3TD....................£51,995
4 berth,alloys,sw/seats,air-con,drop-down bed,island bed over garage
2017 (67) Fiat Ducato Bessacarr 494 2.3TD............................................£51,995
4 berth,awning,tow bar,c/rack,sw/seats,half dinette,transverse island bed
2015 (65) Fiat Ducato Adria Matrix Axess M 670SC 2.3TD .....................£51,995
5 berth,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,drop down bed,rear island bed over garage
2019 (69) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Autoquest Evolution 196 2.0TD..........£52,995
6 berth, awning,tow bar,c/rack,aerial,sw/seats,drop-down bed,rear lounge
2020 (70) Peugeot Boxer Compass Kensington 185 2.2TD....................£51,995
2+2 berth,awning,tow bar,c/rack,alloys,aerial,sw/seats,end washroom
2020 (69) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Imala 625 GT 2.3TD..............................£51,995
2 berth,awning,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,240/12V,side kitchen,rear U lounge
2015 (65) Fiat Ducato Bessacarr Hi-Style 2.3TD.....................................£51,995
6 berth,awning,tow bar,air-con,drop down double bed,rear lounge
2022 (71) Fiat Ducato Dethleffs Sunlight V60 2.2TD..............................£49,995
2+1 berth,awning,c/rack,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,fixed bed over garage
2014 (14) Fiat Ducato Rapido Le-Randonneur 9048DF 2.3TD ...............£46,995
4 berth,A-Class,awning,tow bar,sw/seats,lounge/diner,rear washroom
2019 (19) Fiat Ducato Rollerteam Autoroller Zefiro 259 2.3TD .............£46,995
6 berth,Auto,awning,c/rack,aerial,air-con,o/h dbl bed,side kitchen,rear bed
2016 (16) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Imala 730 2.3TD...................................£46,995
3-4 berth,awning,aerial,solar panel,motorbike rack,sw/seats,island bed
2016 (66) Fiat Ducato Bessacarr 484 2.3TD............................................£45,995
4 berth,awning,tow bar,c/rack,aerial,sw/seats,half dinette,rear bed,garage
2016 (66) Fiat Ducato Swift Escape Lifestyle 686 2.3TD ........................£45,995
6 berth,awning,aerial,air-con,radio/CD,side kitchen,rear U lounge
2018 (68) Fiat Ducato Carado T135 Emotion 2.3TD ...............................£45,995
2 berth,awning,c/rack,alloys,solar panel,air-con,sw/seats,fixed bed
2015 (15) Fiat Ducato Swift Rio 340 2.3TD .............................................£44,995
4 berth,awning,aerial,sw/seats,half dinette,rear lounge,drop-down bed
2011 (11) Fiat Ducato Bessacarr E799 3.0TD..........................................£44,995
4 berth,tag axle,awning,air-con,sw/seats,lounge/diner,rear lounge
2015 (15) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Tracker EKS 2.3TD ................................£44,995
2 berth,awning,c/rack,air-con,sw/seats,rear washroom,rear kitchen
2017 (17) Peugeot Boxer Bailey Approach Advance 635 2.0TD.............£44,995
2 berth,air-con,heating,sw/seats,240/12V,side kitchen,end washroom
2016 (16) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Autoquest Signature 195 2.2TD .........£43,995
4 berth,PAS,awning,c/rack,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,side kitchen,rear lounge
2015 (15) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Signature 175 2.2TD ...........................£42,995
2 berth,awning,c/rack,solar panel,air-con,sw/seats,240/12V,end washroom

WELLSBRIDGE
MOTORHOMES

2015 (15) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Majestic 140 2.2TD..............................£42,995
2 berth,awning,aerial,solar panel,sw/seats,side kitchen,rear lounge
2013 (13) Peugeot Boxer AutoSleeper Broadway FB 2.2TD...................£41,995
4 berth,awning,c/rack,alloys,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,240/12V,rear bed
2017 (66) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Autoquest Evolution 115 2.0TD..........£41,995
2 berth,PAS,awning,solar panel,aerial,sw/seats,rear kitchen & washroom
2015 (15) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Majestic 125 2.2TD..............................£39,995
2 berth,awning,tow bar,sw/seats,half dinette,side kitchen,rear bed
2012 (62) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Dakota 2.3TD ......................................£38,995
4 berth,awning,ladder,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,fixed bed,end washroom
2010 (10) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Navajo 2.3TD........................................£34,995
2 berth,awning,ladder,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,rear washroom,rear kitchen
2009 (59) Peugeot Boxer Autosleeper Broadway 2.2TD........................£33,995
2 berth,awning,c/rack,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,side kitchen,rear U lounge
2008 (08) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Cheyenne 696G SE 2.3TD.....................£32,995
4 berth,awning,aerial,sw/seats,side kitchen,fixed bed over garage
2008 (58) Fiat Ducato Autotrail Cheyenne 696SE 2.3TD........................£32,995
4 berth,awning,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,half dinette,side kitchen,fixed bed
2008 (58) Ford Transit Hobby Siesta 600 2.2TD .....................................£31,995
4 berth,ladder,c/rack,aerial,sw/seats,half dinette,fixed bed over garage
2009 (09) Fiat Ducato Bessacarr E410 2.2TD..........................................£29,995
2 berth,awning,solar panel,aerial,sw/seats,rear kitchen & washroom
2009 (59) Peugeot Boxer Elddis Autoquest Sunquest 145 2.2TD ..........£29,995
4 berth,PAS,aerial,heating,sw/seats,240/12V,half dinette,rear U lounge
2002 (52) Mercedes Benz Frankia 6000 DL Compact Class 2.9TD..........£25,995
3 berth,PAS,awning,c/rack,aerial,sw/seats,rear washroom,rear kitchen
2007 (07) Fiat Ducato Swift Sprite Firebrand 590 2.3TD........................£24,995
4 berth,awning,c/rack,alloys,aerial,washroom,side kitchen,rear U lounge
2004 (04) Peugeot Boxer Autocruise Vista 2.2TD...................................£22,995
2 berth,aerial,sw/seats,side kitchen,rear washroom,rear door + e/step
HI-TOPS
2021 (71) Ford RS Custom by Campervan Warehouse LTD 2.0TD ..........£48,995
2+2 berth,Auto,Euro 6,alloys,lift-up roof,l/batt,kitchen,rock & roll bed
2014 (64) Peugeot Boxer Autosleeper Kemerton 2.2TD........................£44,995
2 berth,awning,roof bars,c/rack,aerial,air-con,sw/seats,end washroom
2014 (14) Fiat Ducato Autotrail V-Line 610 2.3TD..................................£42,995
2 berth,awning,tow bar,aerial,air-con,swivel seats,kitchen,rear lounge
2009 (09) Peugeot Boxer Autocruise Rhythm 2.2TD..............................£31,995
2 berth,awning,aerial,air-con,heating,sw/seats,240/12V,l/batt,rear lounge
2009 (09) Fiat Ducato Adria Twin 600 SPB 2.3TD ...................................£29,995
2+1 berth,awning,air-con,sw/seats,half dinette,side kitchen,rear bed
2009 (58) Peugeot Boxer Autosleeper Symbol 2.2TD ............................£29,995
2 berth,awning,bull-bar,aerial,heating,sw/seats,rear kitchen & washroom

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This list was correct at time of going to press, more vehicles are available. Please visit our website for the
latest and up-to-date list of vehicles. Have a chat with one of our sales team regarding your requirements
or to ask for further details about any of our vehicles, mileages etc. We also Buy Motorhomes for cash or
Part Exchange against almost any vehicle.

Telephone Sales Lines: 01487 812901 and 01487 815511

www.wellsbridgemotorhomes.com

TESTED

WATCH

th
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motorho
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review312

Above and beYonder
Looking to travel off-road and off-grid? This new 4x4
campervan seems to have all the answers…
PROJECT YONDER FREEDOM 4X

Peter Vaughan

Price from: £168,722
Berths: 2/4 Travel seats: 2/4
Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter 4x4
Length: From 6.97m
Gross weight: 4,430kg

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 101

This lounge is the optional version with automotive-style rear travel seats; a side settee is standard

P

roject Yonder had already tickled
my campervanning taste buds via
social media when it made its
debut at the NEC in February and this
test ’van is the same one that made
such an impression under the show
lights. Here is a young company, set up
three years ago by Charlie Hughes and
Grace Robertson, that aims to build
the best in off-road, off-grid ’vans
based on the couple’s own experience
of travelling in their self-built ’van.
It already seems to have come a
long way from converting on Grace’s
mum’s drive and, while the factory
unit in Hastings is small, the ambition
behind this £200k beast is anything
but. Initially, the Freedom 4X is
available only on the seven-metre
Mercedes Sprinter (customer interest
dictates that a shorter model will
follow), but the emphasis is on fully
independent travel. If you have food,
diesel and access to a water supply

102 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

(not necessarily drinking water), the
intention is that you can be off-grid
for as long as you like, Charlie tells us.
The Merc van might be familiar,
even in this jacked up 4x4 guise, but
Project Yonder has put its own stamp
on it – everywhere you look you’ll find
the company logo. Despite this vehicle
being described as prototype version
two, it eschews bought-in components
where they were not deemed good
enough, so those side pods (to give
extra width in the bedroom) are
Project Yonder’s own. Reassuringly,
the vehicle is already type approved
and backed by a three-year habitation
warranty, while the company is
working towards becoming an
Associate Van Partner with Mercedes.

DUTCH COURAGE
The Moss Grey colour here suits the
Freedom 4X well but any Mercedes

shade can be ordered, while the
contour lines on the sills (a £900 wrap)
reflect those of Hastings and can be
bespoke to your ’van. There are over
£30k-worth of options on this vehicle,
nicknamed the Chairman’s Edition,
including almost £8k spent on
Dutchvanparts accessories alone (roof
rack, side ladder, rear cargo ladder,
cargo box and frame). In fact, most of
the Project Yonder options boxes have
been ticked, including a 5.2m Thule
electric awning (£1,635), VB rear air
suspension (£4,380) and Truma roof
air-conditioning (£2,475).
Judging by the reaction of
onlookers, the appearance is spot on
but this isn’t a take-it-or-leave-it
design – details can be tweaked and,
inside, the furniture is available in a
wide range of finishes (here an
unusual mix of pale wood and light
green). It comes with the Black Rhino
wheels and BFGoodrich off-road tyres

Project Yonder Freedom 4X TESTED

An external table glides out from
the back of the galley unit

The Victron electrical system includes two 200Ah 24V lithium batteries in the garage

SECOND OPINION

“£200k is a LOT of money, but this is a LOT of campervan and
the desire to use only the best fittings inside is clearly evident.”
RACHEL SCHOLES DEPUTY EDITOR

External extras include rear
floodlights and a storage box

as standard but the Rigid floodlights
front and rear and the Strands LED
light bar above the cab are extras
(£1,425 in total).
Where Project Yonder certainly
hasn’t skimped is on the base vehicle.
The list price includes the 190hp
motor, nine-speed automatic
transmission and four-wheel drive, as
well as the 10.25in MBUX multimedia
display, an upgraded alternator,
Tempmatic digital air-conditioning,
heated cab seats, a 360-degree camera
system for manoeuvring, electric
sliding door (which you can even
operate from the central locking fob),
wireless phone charging and a
removable towbar. The only cab extra
is the electrically adjustable seats
(£2,376), with memory function – here
set so that position two is the one in
which the chairs swivel easily.
On the road, those seats deserve all
the superlatives, with adjustable

lumbar support and extendable
squabs in addition to all the usual
variation but it’s access to the
Freedom 4X that you’ll notice first.
These all-wheel drive Sprinters stand
high off the ground but the AMP
Research steps that automatically
swing out under the doors on either
side make climbing aboard as easy as
in a 2WD model – they’re a £1,775
option that should be included.
That height also gives the driver an
entirely different outlook, sitting at
close to HGV level, but it doesn’t result
in the lean and wobble you might
anticipate. This is a very stable vehicle
and one that’s extremely relaxing, with
great visibility, plenty of performance
and the smooth automatic
transmission. We didn’t get to take
this one off-road, sadly, but experience
shows that the only real limitations
when the Tarmac stops are driver
bravery and the size of the vehicle.

INDEPENDENCE DAY
So the off-road aspects are covered (a
rear-wheel drive version will save you
£11,850 if you don’t need 4x4), but
what about going off-grid? We stayed
on a Caravan and Motorhome Club
site for convenience (my expenses
request for a tour of the NC500 were
declined!), but deliberately didn’t hook
up. We pitched up with the batteries
showing 95% and two days later they
were down to 58%, and that’s without
any input from the sun – the 300W
solar panels that are standard had yet
to be fitted.
Open the rear doors and, as well as
the garage space, you’ll find the 24V
Victron Energy electrical system with
two 200Ah lithium batteries (one each
side for weight distribution), so that’s a
whopping 800Ah at 12V. But you’re not
restricted to 12V appliances as there’s
also a Victron 5000W inverter,
supplying the fitted mains appliances ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 103

TESTED Project Yonder Freedom 4X

LIKED

Simple touchscreen/app for all
habitation functions
Superb off-grid capability

DISLIKED

Narrow access to bedroom
Metal ladder for the bed (being changed)

WANTED
Blinds and flyscreens swapped over
(being changed)
Larger waste water tank
Cooking is all-electric, with an induction hob and microwave. An air fryer is optional

and the 230V sockets. Should even that
be insufficient then an optional
(£2,795) Safiery Scotty 3kW DC/DC
charger can recharge one of the leisure
batteries from zero to 100% in an hour
and a half with the Merc’s diesel engine
just running at tickover. Of course, you
can still hook up to the mains if you
wish.
Inside the back of the Freedom 4X
there’s also plenty of storage for your
outdoor gear, with lockers on either
side for the small stuff and a well-lit
central void (also reachable from the
living area) measuring 1.40m deep,
85cm high and 82cm wide. Adjustable
lashing points, a three-pin socket and
a hot/cold outside shower are all
standard, while a heavy-duty pull-out
cargo tray and an air compressor are
options. Payload is 750kg in standard
spec but only 400kg as tested.
Another option (stowed in the rear
cargo box) is the Guzzle H2O Stream

104 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

system that claims to filter any fresh
water source (river, lake, etc) and
make it drinkable. That’s a £1,300
extra but standard are underslung
fresh and waste tanks with electric
heat blankets that operate
automatically when the outside
temperature drops sufficiently. The
tanks are protected by skid plates
when off-roading and £595 adds
electric dump valves for both tanks.

IT’S A CORKER
When the side door whirrs open and
the step pops out automatically, you’re
greeted with a familiar layout but a
fresh approach to the design. There
are only so many ways to fit a
bedroom, washroom, kitchen and
lounge into a 7m panel van but Project
Yonder’s décor and top-quality finish
give it a different feel. Not least, there’s
the marine cork flooring (as used on

boat decking) which is nice to walk on
as well as being durable and offering
acoustic and thermal insulation.
The lounge incorporates the swivel
cab seats and here includes a
Mobiframe rear travel seat (£2,440)
with two ergonomic automotive seats
that recline and slide apart for extra
shoulder room. As standard, the
Freedom 4X comes as a two-person
’van, with a bench or L-settee in the
rear designed to customer preference.
As tested, there are just two berths but
Project Yonder will supply a Cabbunk
or pop-top to give a four-berth option.
The table is removable and can be
stowed on the overcab shelf. Plus, the
lighting is excellent (including reading
lights over the cab seats) and there’s
enough space for four.
Adjacent, the kitchen is gas-free, so
the standard cooking appliance is a
Thetford two-ring induction hob. That
can be supplemented by the Dometic

The layout breaks no new ground but the attention to detail and use of top-quality materials stands out

microwave (£295) fitted here or an air
fryer oven ( from £220). It’s a very
contemporary-looking galley with
solid surface (Corian-style) worktop,
including a flip-up extension and an
outside table on the back of the unit
when the door is open. Storage is
plentiful, with five drawers, a pull-out
rack for tins, etc, and another slideout containing two waste bins.
The sink is served by a chrome
mixer tap plus a separate tap offering
filtered drinking water from the tank
and there’s plenty of room alongside
for food prep. Behind are shelves with
elasticated straps for odds ‘n’ ends but
it’s above that the really interesting
feature is found – Project Yonder’s own
control panel using a Garmin screen.
Claimed to be a first in the UK, this
system is also mirrored on an app,
although that refused to rotate on my
Android phone, making the icons
rather small. Either way, you can

operate everything from here – the
awning, heating and hot water,
air-con, lights (interior, including
dimming and a restful evening setting,
and exterior, such as the front light
bar), and empty the water tanks, as
well as monitoring battery levels, solar
input and electrical usage.
Towards the rear, the full-height
furniture includes a smallish wardrobe
and, above that, a shelf for the
optional Nespresso CitiZ&Milk coffee
machine (£245), which even includes a
milk frother. Then there’s the 84-litre
compressor fridge, mounted at waist
height for easy access. Not quite so
convenient is the microwave
underneath, simply because the aisle
here is just 55cm wide.

WHEN YOU NEED TO OGO
The washroom also feels quite narrow
despite the full-height mirror on its

door. Like every aspect, however, it’s
well finished and breaks away from
convention. Here, it’s the OGO
composting toilet that’s a change from
the usual cassette, with long-term
off-grid living again being the reason.
This toilet (which requires sitting,
boys) uses no water or chemicals and
separates solids and liquids, while
coconut coir or peat moss and an
electric agitator enable the composting
process. The wee container holds
almost 11 litres, which OGO suggests
can be emptied down a drain or under
a mature tree. The solids bin,
meanwhile, has a capacity for 25 to 30
uses before being emptied via a bag.
The unit is vented to the exterior.
The rest of the washroom is more as
you’d expect, although you’ll probably
need to sit on the loo to comfortably
use the small basin, which is an integral
part of the solid surface counter. The
best feature is the superb separate ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 105

TESTED Project Yonder Freedom 4X
FACTS AND FIGURES
PRICE
From: £168,722
As tested: £200,608

BASICS
Berths: 2/4 (with optional Cabbunk
or pop-top)
Travel seats: 2/4
Warranty: Three years on base vehicle
and conversion
Type Approval: Individual Vehicle (IVA)

DIMENSIONS
Length: 7.72m (25ft 4in) including
optional bike rack
Width: 2.20m (7ft 2½in)
Height: 3.05m (10ft 0in)
Gross vehicle weight: 4,430kg
Payload: 400kg as tested
(750kg in standard spec)

BASE VEHICLE
Type: Mercedes Sprinter 419 AWD
L3 H2 panel van
Engine: 2-litre, 190hp, four-wheel drive,
nine-speed automatic gearbox
The composting toilet allows
longer periods of living off-grid

THE

The generous separate shower has good
water pressure and will gain twin drains

VERDICT

For Project Yonder to have launched onto the market with such an impressive vehicle
first time out is a truly remarkable achievement. There is real attention to detail
throughout the Freedom 4X and its off-grid capabilities have been comprehensively
dealt with by batteries, solar, inverter, DC/DC charger, composting loo, etc. It’s
expensive but fully justifies its price with the spec and build quality.

shower, which has a powerful jet – only
poor drainage when you’ve finished lets
it down a fraction and that is to be
addressed in future with twin outlets in
the tray.
Finally, there’s the bedroom with a
1.95m-long transverse bed made
possible by those side pods (length
without these is only 1.69m). The
ComfiCel Cool memory foam mattress
is exceptionally comfortable, there are
reading lights (with USBs) and a roof
vent and opening window for
ventilation. Cupboards at just one end
of the bed mean that you can sit up to
read and your magazines can stow on
shelves on the back doors. The very
tall will need to check that they are
comfortable having their head in the

32cm-high recess and I wasn’t sure
about the heater outlet at pillow
height but the bedroom highlighted
the only Freedom 4X feature I really
didn’t like – the steep metal ladder for
access to the bed. Unsurprisingly,
Project Yonder is already looking for a
better solution…

MOTORHOME SUPPLIED BY
Project Yonder
 01424 271121
projectyonder.co.uk

INSURANCE



0800 975 1307
shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk

NA

KITCHEN
Cooker: Thetford two-ring induction
hob, optional Dometic microwave
Fridge: Thetford 84-litre compressor

BEDS
Rear double: 1.95m x 1.38m
(6ft 4½in x 4ft 6in)

ESSENTIALS
Fresh water: 120 litres (underslung,
heated), Guzzle H2O water filtration system
Waste water: 72 litres (underslung
and heated)
Space/water heating: Truma Combi D 6 E
diesel/230V blown-air
Gas: No gas
Leisure battery: 2 x 200Ah lithium

OPTIONS
Fitted new: Many, including electric cab
seats (£2,376), Mobiframe rear seat
(£2,440), Oyster WiFi (£945), electric
steps (£1,775), Dutchvanparts accessories
(£7,820), electric awning (£1,635), vehicle
wrap (£900), VB rear air suspension
(£4,380), DC/DC charger (£2,795), roof
air-con (£2,475), additional exterior
lighting (£1,425)

THE ALTERNATIVES
Eura Mobil Xtura 686 EF
RP Rebellion
Yucon K-Peak 7.0 GD

For quote details: motorhome.ma/QuoteInfo

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CAMPERVAN? Our buyers’ guide has
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106 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

£169,995
£225,000
£119,686

E
V
SI

U
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C

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is Adria’s standard
Luxury pack up to the
value of £5,000 included

LIMITED TIME OFFER FROM 1st JULY - 1st AUGUST 2024
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open road with our range of motorhomes from
top brands like Hobby, Auto-Trail, and GlobeTraveller. Fuel your wanderlust, make lasting
memories, mile by mile.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

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HU9 1BS

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TESTED

Millennium Falcon
Globe-Traveller strikes back as the star of its range
goes to war with rival Crafter-based campervans

WATCH

th
e v ideo!
motorho
me.ma/
review313

GLOBE-TRAVELLER FALCON 2XS

Peter Vaughan

Price from: £119,595
Berths: 2 Travel seats: 2
Base vehicle: VW Crafter
Length: 5.99m
Gross weight: 3,500kg

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 109

The layout, with UK handing and no fixed bed, feels more British than continental in style

G

lobe-Traveller was a surprise
arrival in the UK at the 2022
October NEC show but even
more of a shock was that this
premium campervan manufacturer
from Poland immediately snatched
the Campervan of the Year title (with
its Voyager Z) from under the noses of
well-known marques. Now, 15 years
after the company began, it has added
a new Volkswagen Crafter-based
flagship to its portfolio to sit above the
existing Fiat or Peugeot-based
Explorer, Pathfinder and Voyager.
The new Falcon comes in two
flavours: the long-wheelbase (6.84m)
2Z with a classic rear single bed layout
and this rather more unusual 2XS
version in the medium-wheelbase van.
The appeal of the Crafter (or its
MAN-badged sister) has not been lost
on converters throughout Europe –
and Volkswagen has its own Grand
California – but most have played it

110 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

safe with trusted rear bedroom
floorplans (or a rear lounge in the UK).
The big VW also gives manufacturers
additional challenges as it can’t match
the internal dimensions of a Fiat
Ducato, so it’s perhaps no surprise
that real innovation has been lacking.
However, that hasn’t stopped the firm
from Krakow coming up with
something different – and seemingly
perfect for the British market. They’ve
even built the right-hand drive version
with UK handing, so the sliding door is
on our nearside.

GLAZED OVER
A Crafter campervan is never going to
be a budget option, so Globe-Traveller
has gone all out with the spec to
justify its £119k-plus price tag. Pretty
much everything you see is included,
although the chunky Tomahawk
wheels and Yokohama Geolandar

off-road tyres here were added by
dealer, E S Hartley (silver 17in VW
alloys are standard).
You do get the metallic paint,
electric folding mirrors, full LED
headlights, front fog lamps, parking
sensors all round ( front, rear and
sides) and a reversing camera. There
are also flush-fitting habitation
windows, an electric step (no buzzer
or automatic retraction, though) and a
Fiamma roll-out awning (with remotecontrolled dimmable LED strip light).
And, although the Falcon 2XS is nicely
compact, at only 5.99m long, it is tall
– Globe-Traveller adds an extra-high
roof, taking the height to 2.93m.
Externally, it is neatly styled with
modest bronze graphics and matt black
panels to mimic a larger glazed area.
That’s most obvious at the rear, where
the lack of windows hints that you
don’t enter the camper this way.
Instead, you access a generous amount

Globe-Traveller Falcon 2XS TESTED

The rear doors reveal an array of storage
with a selection of pockets and shelves

The table can be positioned like this or used to serve both cab chairs

SECOND OPINION

“A great mix of British and European campervan design,
combined with the best base vehicle on the market.”
DANIEL ATTWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

External access to the kitchen
is useful when cooking al fresco

of storage, despite this not being a fixed
bed model. There are shelves and fabric
pockets, plus a tall corner
compartment (above the cupboard for
the habitation electrics) that looks as if
it would benefit from a hanging rail.
The awning winding handle is neatly
clipped in place in a corner and there’s
an external shower fitting, too.
At the opposite end of the ’van, you
sit in high-backed, part-leather
captain’s chairs with tiltable squabs,
height adjustment, electrically
operated lumbar support and twin
armrests. They’re heated, too, as is the
steering wheel.
The cab interior is generic VW, with
a sturdy quality to the fittings and a
premium feel. And, again, the spec
impresses with the 8in Discover Media
touchscreen including sat-nav, Android
Auto, Apple CarPlay and the reversing
camera’s display. The Climatronic
air-conditioning allows you to set the

desired temperature, while you also
benefit from stop/start and an array of
modern safety systems – Dynamic
Road Sign Display, Forward Collision
Warning, Front Assist, adaptive cruise
control, Light Assist, Lane Assist, Side
Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.
Fortunately, the electronic
nannying is not too intrusive and the
VW remains a highly enjoyable drive,
far ahead of the cheaper Fiat/Peugeot
vans. Here, you also have the frontwheel drive Crafter in its ultimate
form, with 177hp motor and eightspeed automatic transmission. Suffice
to say that it’s a smooth and effortless
performer – and one almost totally
devoid of rattles.

AT THE DOUBLE
Inside, it’s the layout that you’ll notice
first. Open the big sliding door and it’s
no surprise to be faced by the back of

part of the galley (here, there’s some
external access into kitchen storage)
but where you might anticipate seeing
a half-dinette there’s a long side sofa
that looks far better suited to relaxing.
You’ll spot the flat floor throughout the
living area – achieved by incorporating
a double floor – and the generous
headroom of up to 2.03m ( feel the
soft-touch headlining, too). Instantly,
this pure two-berth feels more open
and spacious than many of its rivals.
Of course, the cab chairs both
rotate (easily and without opening the
doors) and a cabinet between here and
the sofa looks like it should be
equipped with drinks and glasses
(sadly, not included). What it does
feature is a 230V socket, two USBs and
a wireless charging pad, while buried
in the double floor is the table (in its
own rattle-preventing bag).
What a table this is! It can serve
opposing diners (one in the reversed ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 111

TESTED Globe-Traveller Falcon 2XS

LIKED

Chemical-free toilet, ideal for off-grid
Spacious, comfortable lounge

DISLIKED

TV location (too high)
Backless washbasin wastes water

WANTED
More storage in washroom
Some wardrobe/hanging space
There are two of these pop-out worktops in the gas-free galley

driver’s seat, one on the end of the
settee), side-by-side dining in the cab
seats, or as extra cheffing space above
the sofa. It’s also unusually steady for a
single-leg design, while I only felt the
need to stow it away at bedtime or
when driving.
Lighting is plentiful, with LED
strips under the top cupboards and
ambient lighting above, plus a
dimmable floor-level light along the
base of the kitchen. There are no
directional reading lights but I didn’t
seem to miss them too much.
Daylight, meanwhile, comes from a
good array of top-hinged side windows
and a push-up Heki rooflight.
The front seats are as inviting on
site as they are on the road but the
settee – at over 6ft long with an
inclined backrest – is, perhaps, better
still. In fact, my only gripe with this
lounge is the height of the telly, the
18.5in Vision Plus screen being

112 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

mounted above the sliding door. Well,
it makes a change from moaning
about the height of an oven…
Down at floor level, the double
floor needs further mention because
it’s one aspect of this campervan being
fully winterised, with inboard fresh
and waste tanks and even the grey
water dump valve being inside.
Heating is by the powerful 6kW Truma
Combi, using diesel or 230V power.

ELECTRIC SHOCK
You don’t need LPG for cooking,
either. The Falcon 2XS comes in
standard form (with a conventional
gas hob) or the gas-free version tested
here. That comes at a substantial
(£6,400) price premium, but that cost
is also accounted for by the extra
electrical spec – two 200Ah lithium
batteries instead of one, a second
160W solar panel on the roof, a

Dometic 1,800W inverter and a
Büttner charger and charging booster.
So, the cooker here is a two-ring
induction hob, which works just like
one at home and can be used off-grid
with the inverter. Alongside is a sink
that’s small but very deep and served
by a bendy tap that almost feels like
it’s made of Plasticine!
Worktop might seem limited at first
glance but there’s a very neat (and
sturdy) surface that pops out from
under the hob – ideal for serving up.
Then another slide-out surface lower
down makes a great drinks table for
the settee’s occupant in the evening.
Storage includes two drawers, a
large pull-out with two waste bins and
a chest-height 50-litre compressor
fridge (a bit small but probably just
enough for two people). Alongside that
is a pull-out pantry unit for packet
foods, while there are top lockers, too.
More eye-level storage is provided

The table stows away in the double floor, which also provides a flat floor and proper winterisation

along the full length of the offside, over
the sofa, but these cupboards (two with
and two without shelves) are shallower
than you might expect due to the VW’s
roof shape. Further space is found in an
open shelf high above the cab, but it’s
worth noting that there is no wardrobe
in this Falcon.
We’ve already mentioned one 230V
socket but there’s another above the
galley, while the set of three-pin power,
USBs and wireless charging pad is
repeated at the aft end of the sofa,
adjacent to that oh-so-stylish wooden
slatted wall.

WEE-LY DIFFERENT
Slide back its door (which securely
locks for travel) and you’ll find little
storage in the washroom (perhaps
that corner cupboard in the rear
garage should be accessible here), but
the interesting aspect is the loo.

In place of the ubiquitous cassette,
the Falcon comes with a Clesana C1
toilet, said to be the world’s first
mobile, water-free toilet with sanitary
bag welding. It looks little different to
a cassette until you open the lid and
see the bag inside – preparing the loo
for use you simply fit a set of foil liners
under the seat, readying the Clesana
for up to 36 uses.
When you’ve done your business,
you close the lid and press the small
flush button for liquids only or the
bigger button for number twos; the
toilet then hygienically seals
everything in the bag (so there are no
odours), which can simply be disposed
of with your household rubbish. This
bags drop into a compartment in the
base of the toilet and the control panel
tells you when this needs emptying, as
well as how many uses you have left
before replenishing the bags (which
takes just a few seconds).

So, the Clesana doesn’t waste
precious water or use any chemicals,
and its maker says its CO2 footprint is
10% less than with chemical toilets.
The biggest advantage I see is greater
independence from site facilities,
staying off-grid for longer, plus never
having to face the worst job of
campervanning – the trip to the
campsite’s chemical disposal point.
If the toilet saves water, it’s a pity
that the backless design of the
fold-down washbasin wastes it as H2O
flows away while you wash. However,
it’s a sturdy design assisted by gas
struts and the circular, backlit mirror
above is a stylish addition.
Better still is the shower. With no
curtain, there’s plenty of room to hose
yourself down and the jet is powerful.
When finished, the two-way fan in
the roof vent quickly dries things out
and shower tray’s single drain didn’t
struggle as much as I feared. An ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 113

TESTED Globe-Traveller Falcon 2XS
FACTS AND FIGURES
PRICE
From: £119,595
As tested: £126,990

BASICS
Berths: 2
Travel seats: 2
Warranty: Two years on both base vehicle
and conversion
Type Approval: European Whole Vehicle

DIMENSIONS
Length: 5.99m (19ft 8in)
Width: 2.04m (6ft 8½in)
Height: 2.93m (9ft 7½in)
Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 520kg

BASE VEHICLE
Type: Volkswagen Crafter MWB panel
van with extra-high roof
Engine: 2-litre, 177hp, front-wheel drive,
eight-speed automatic gearbox

KITCHEN
A backless basin wastes water
but the shower is excellent

THE

Bed-making is simple but access
to some cupboards is blocked

Cooker: Two-ring induction hob
Fridge: Vitrifrigo 50-litre compressor

BEDS
Lounge double: 1.89m x 1.24m
(6ft 2½in x 4ft 1in)

VERDICT

The more I used the Falcon 2XS, the more I liked it. The quality is top-notch, while
the unusual design has a strong focus on off-grid camping, all-season use and space
to relax – all in a vehicle that’s only 6m long. The storage inside the rear doors adds
versatility, the Clesana loo is a real USP and the spec is very comprehensive. One of
my favourite test ’vans of recent years!

ESSENTIALS
Fresh water: 85 litres (inboard)
Waste water: 85 litres (inboard)
Space/water heating: Truma Combi D 6 E
230V/diesel blown-air
Gas: No gas in this version
Leisure battery: 2 x 200Ah lithium

OPTIONS
Attwood Sahara bilge pump is also
fitted to suck water into the grey tank.

READY FOR BED
Obviously, with no fixed bed on offer,
the settee becomes your sleeping space
at night and the way it operates in this
unusual camper is slightly out of the
ordinary. Simply pull on a strap on the
front of the sofa and the whole unit
rises and then falls again to fill the aisle
next to the kitchen. A vented panel
drops down behind and the backrest
and a slim infill cushion (stowed out of
sight) fill out the mattress to complete
a 1.89m by 1.24m flat double bed with
no noticeable joins.
It’s a very comfy bed but, of course, it

does obstruct several of the kitchen
cupboards. You can still access the hob
and the fridge but make sure you leave
out cups for that morning brew! And, if
it’s a lonesome cuppa while your partner
snores on, then the cab seats are still
usable, there’s plenty of floor space for
getting dressed and the side door is still
fully accessible. Even more importantly,
perhaps, you can shuffle off the other
end of the bed to get into the washroom.
Under the settee are the fresh water
tank and the Truma boiler but there’s
still a deep void between the two that’s
more than sufficient to store bedding
for two people.
All the side windows have flyscreens
and pleated blinds and Remis blinds
are fitted around the cab.

Fitted to test vehicle: Gas-free version
(£6,400), off-road wheels and tyres (£995)

THE ALTERNATIVES
IH 680 CFL
Rolling Homes Darwin

MOTORHOME SUPPLIED BY
E S Hartley Ltd
 01513 506870
eshartleygroup.co.uk

INSURANCE

†
£ 853.60

 0800 975 1307
shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk
For quote details: motorhome.ma/QuoteInfo

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CAMPERVAN? Our buyers’ guide has
over 6,000 makes and models motorhome.ma/cpvbuyer
114 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

£87,395
£99,995

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TRUSTED GEAR FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

TESTED

Our motorhome
Lisa and Nick Huson introduce Fred, a Frankia
that is really being put through its paces…

2020 FRANKIA I 680 SG

W

e have always travelled,
cramming as much into our twoweek holidays from work as we
could and returning to work shattered
but fulfilled. It was on one of those trips,
though, with the stresses of work
continuing to dominate our thoughts,
that we had our light bulb moment.
At a stunning spot in Norway, we
were looking at the view but not
seeing it. It was at that instant that we
knew we needed to make a change,
and thus, the planning began.
We rented a motorhome three
times and visited the NEC show
several times. Renting really helped us
understand what we thought we

needed but didn’t, plus what we hadn’t
realised was necessary.
One key factor was Nick being able
to stand up inside; at 6ft 5in that
narrowed down the options. In
addition, we needed a bed that was
also suitable for two tall people. That
narrowed it down further. Budget was
also another factor, as always!
We thought long and hard, too,
about what we wanted to use it for.
We’re not the type of people who
spend a week or so at a campsite, as
we love exploring and moving around
a lot. We also knew we needed good
storage for our bikes, but also, given
our plans, for activities in all seasons.

We knew we’d be full-timing in it, with
our cat in tow. We just didn’t
anticipate it being four years… to date.
When it came to it, we fell for the
Frankia I 680 SG; affectionately called
Fred, after my dad! We bought it from
SMC Motorhomes in Newark.
We haven’t once regretted it and
now, after four years of travelling in it
full time, we wouldn’t have made any
other decision.
Knowing we’d move around a lot,
we opted for an E&P levelling system
and full air suspension, which was an
investment we feel was well worth it.
The Frankia suits us perfectly. It’s
spacious inside, we don’t have to ³

Price from: £130,000 before extras Berths: 2 Travel seats: 4
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre diesel, 160hp
Length: 6.98m Gross weight: 4.5 tonnes

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 117

Why we bought it
High build quality fixtures and fittings,
plus lots of storage, great living space
and compact enough to get around

What we love
The freedom to explore and how solid it
feels. The bed is a great size and the
living space is perfect

How we would change it
We’d change the retractable electric
reel and we’d opt for a different electric
off-grid set-up, which is now available

When we buy our next ’van
We will be looking for a 4WD so that
we can explore Canada’s Northern
Territories and USA’s Alaska

A good lounge was vital for us

shove each other out of the way to
move around in it and it has lots of
storage: a large garage, plus lockers
outside and in. It’s well built and
insulated, plus, at 6.98m, it is easy to
drive and park.
We took delivery in September 2020
and we managed to explore Europe,
respecting each country’s Covid rules,
from the most southerly tip of Spain
(an Andalucía lockdown wasn’t too
bad) to the Arctic Circle and the
stunning Lofoten Islands.
Eventually, we made it to Canada
for the adventure we’d planned before
the pandemic struck.

GETTING AROUND
At an average length for a European
vehicle and being A-class, the visibility
and ease of driving make exploring
fun. Sometimes, we wish we had an
even bigger windscreen to take in
some of the views.
Naturally, parking can be a
challenge but courtesy and thought is
key. The majority of our driving has
been ‘on the wrong side of the road’
but it’s been fine and it’s astonishing
how quickly the brain adjusts.
Of course, we’ve found ourselves
squidged between a hedgerow and
truck on narrow country lanes in
Devon, but it’s all learning. The great

118 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

point about our Fred is that the
mirrors don’t protrude out that far
compared to others!
At the time we bought, there were
four engine powers available (now it’s
just the 180hp) We opted for 160hp
auto and it’s done the job, even in the
Rocky Mountains of Colorado. There’s
been a few times (not in Europe),
where we’d have liked the extra 20, but
it’s been fine.

LOUNGING ABOUT
The Frankia has defined spaces, or
rooms as we call them. Yes, we still go
upstairs to bed!
We opted out the fixed table as we
didn’t think we’d need it and it
cramped the space. This was the right
decision. We have a fold-out if we ever
want a candlelight dinner (rare!), but
mainly we’re outside so don’t miss it.
The cab seats swivel and there are
two sofas so it feels plenty spacious
and the sofas have storage space
underneath.
Part of our buying decision was the
contemporary styling internally and
quality of finish. The robust feel was
evident when researching options. The
one thing we did in the lounge was run
extension leads under the floor as
there’s only one socket in the zone. In a
time of electronics, that’s a surprise

and being full-time we needed more.
We love the front window blind that
can be top or bottom opened for
privacy, but still with daylight.

CULINARY DELIGHTS
We love to cook and the kitchen set-up
is superb. In the centre, it is the heart
of vanlife, if we’re not cooking outside
using the external LPG set-up.
The hob has one electric ring that
we’ve never used, and three gas burners
(LPG) plus an oven and a grill. An
accident resulted in the fold-down glass
hob cover smashing (a glass fell onto it
from above!), so we created a new
hinged one with black chopping board
and, actually, we’ll keep it that way.
There’s also loads of space for food,
pots and pans, crockery, etc;
everything has been thought about in
terms of storage, nesting and antirattle solutions! The Dometic fridge/
freezer is adequate and we have a
low-power microwave that we can use
off-grid. We eat healthily and have
dispelled the myth that living in a ’van
means you lose weight because it’s so
difficult to cook!

THE VANITY ZONE
Again, the Frankia design team has
designed the washroom area to within

2020 Frankia I 680 SG TESTED

This is at the very rear above the garage…

The kitchen is brilliant, but we
do like to cook outside a lot

an inch of its life, in terms of storage,
with an under-sink cupboard, three
mirrored cupboards and a load of
space and shelves to the side, towel
rails and a sizeable shower, even for
tall people.
There’s a clever hinged door set-up
that enables the whole area to be
closed off for privacy.
At the rear, there is also a hanging
clothes wardrobe, a pull-out slider,
handy for vacuums, hair dryer, hats
scarfs, cat food, etc. In the opposite
rear corner is another clothes storage
area, shelved and ample for both of us.

NIGHT-TIME PURSUITS
The standard for this model is a
transverse drop-down bed, but we
opted for the ‘Duo Bed’ which creates a
super-king-sized bed. It’s an electronic
drop-down from above the cab seats
with a pull-out extension.
Knowing how we planned to travel,
having a decent bed was important.
Also, we didn’t fancy the ‘roll across the
other person’ in the middle of the night
escapade for the loo!
It was renting that helped us realise
we didn’t want a fixed bed that would
take up such a lot of the living space,
but we only ever slept in. We preferred
the idea of more living space and
haven’t regretted the decision.

…which has handy pull-out units

Neither of us has been so poorly as
to have to take to the bed during the
day but, when it’s down without the
extension, it doesn’t encroach into the
lounge. Equally, the bed can be stowed
with the bedding still on it!

THE GOOD OFF-GRID LIFE
There are different off-grid options if
we were buying today and we’re more
experienced, but our extra lithium
battery electrics system that we
installed ourselves has worked a treat.
It gives us a system of sockets, with
the habitation battery operating as
normal for everything else.
Having a double floor, we were able
to run cables underneath the upper
floor and set up, in effect, a second
electrics system for off-grid.
A literal flick of a switch and we have
230V battery power for sockets
throughout the ’van, equivalent to being
hooked up.
We have three solar panels on the
roof charging the vehicle battery and the
habitation batteries, plus an extra
fold-out panel that we hardly use unless
we’ve been off hook-up for quite a while
and need to recharge the lithium.
The water tanks on the Frankia are
such (150 litres fresh, 130 litres grey)
that we haven’t ever had a crisis and
we carry a spare toilet cassette.

FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL HOTEL
The Frankia I 680 SG has a Truma
heating and hot water system. For us
it’s worked a treat as it can be on
electric or gas or a mix of both. It’s
never struggled as the ’van is well
insulated. It was -17˚C in Texas late
last year and we were toasty!
We choose the best heating option
at the time; if it’s not too cold and we
just need to boost it, we use a small
electric heater rather than waste LPG.
We had the Gaslow system fitted,
firstly for ease of use (once you
understand all the different EU
connectors) and also volume of LPG,
given how we expected to be
travelling. Two tanks has served us
really well, we’ve never run out.
We opted for air-conditioning,
which has also been invaluable at
times; surprisingly, the first time used
it was in the UK! When not hooked up,
if it’s hot, we have portable fans that
are USB rechargeable.

FRED’S PERSONALITY
Internally, liking the styling from the
get go, we haven’t needed to do
anything much. We travel with our cat,
so we have throws over our sofas,
which has kept them clean. We added a
couple of small shelves and a magnet
board but that’s kind of it. ³

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 119

TESTED 2020 Frankia I 680 SG
FACTS AND FIGURES
PRICE
Price new today: £130,000 before
extras
Price of similar aged ’van today: Not one
or a similar model currently for sale for
comparison – £115,000 is our estimate as
there’s a 2018 i640 SD end washroom
model for £79,995
The Duo Bed option means
we can sleep lengthways

BASICS
Berths: 2
Travel seats: 4
Length of ownership: 4 years
Annual mileage: 13,000 (based on
average as we’ll do 27,000 in Canada and
USA)

DIMENSIONS
Length: 6.98m (22ft 11 in)
Width: 2.30m (7ft 7in)
Height: 3.40m (11ft 2in) incl air-con unit
Gross vehicle weight: 4.5 tonnes
Payload: 1,110kg (before extras fitted)
The washroom is palatial

Gaslow refillable LPG

BASE VEHICLE
Type: Fiat Ducato
Engine: 2.3-litre diesel, 160hp
Fuel economy: 24mpg

Where we became DIY Dave,
though, was in the garage. Frankia
includes the two side entry doors, but
also a rear garage door.
We built in a rack with tote boxes,
which house all kinds. As we are away
for long trips at a time we have totes
with tools, fixings, cable ties, etc.
Another is all laundry, another for pet
food, one with waterproofs, one with
bike bits, a first aid kit one, one full of
collectables and so on.
It has helped us stay organised in
four years of full-timing. Having our
bikes on a Thule slide-out has been
really efficient, too, and one of the
aspects a lot of people ask about.

FRED’S FOIBLES
Holding a piece of wood in my hand as I
type, we have been perhaps lucky, or
maybe we just opted for a reliable brand
in Frankia, with excellent build quality…
who knows, it’s an individual thing. We
consciously don’t meddle with things
like the electrics or plumbing, we don’t
see the point in distrusting the
professionals who put it in.
Our biggest gripe has been the

retractable hook-up cable reel. We are
on our third one and, on our return to
the UK, will change it. It’s not fit for
purpose and seems a common issue.
Some of the decals are just starting
to shrink and discolour, especially at
the rear.
When we first started, we had a
problem with the way the E&P levelling
handshakes with the VB air suspension.
It was a learning curve for us and SMC,
as we now drop the suspension and then
level and do the same in reverse when
moving on.
We find, if we are in a humid
climate, the bed judders and makes a
noise when lowering but that’s the
humidity affecting the plastic
bearings.
Not especially a Frankia matter, our
E&P remote failed but SMC were great
in advising the override, so we weren’t
stranded and E&P shipped a new
battery to us!

BEDS
Drop-down double bed: 1.95m x
1.93m (6ft 5in x 6ft 4in)

RUNNING COSTS
Base vehicle service cost: £195
Insurance: £850
Habitation service: From £295
Road tax: £165

OPTIONS
E&P levelling system, VB air suspension,
air-con, SOG toilet fan, Duo Bed, solar
panels, spare wheel, alarm/tracker, extra
vents, safe, extra habitation battery, Media
Pack, awning; Thule VeloSlide for bikes

WHAT WENT WRONG
Retractable hook-up cable failed three
times. Kitchen sink replaced under warranty
for a crack. Some decals have shrunk and
discoloured so need replacing. We smashed
our glass cooker lid after a glass fell onto
it, our fault, but we prefer our black plastic
DIY solution

FURTHER READING
THE FINAL TAKE
We’ve never regretted our Frankia, nor
the change of lifestyle. This Frankia
suits us down to the ground.

We reviewed a 2019 version. Watch at
motorhome.ma/review198 or read at
outandaboutlive.co.uk/reviews/
motorhomes/frankia-f-line-i-680-sgmotorhome-1

REVIEW YOUR MOTORHOME Tell other readers what you love about your ’van and what
you would like to change motorhome.ma/ownersreport
120 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

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Welcome

In this issue of

Insurance is a topic that’s not going to get your heart racing, but it might have your wallet twitching nervously. That’s
why this magazine has brought you the market’s only in-depth guide, year in, year out. After all, this is far too niche a
topic to be dealt with by the usual comparison websites, so someone has to do the hard work for you! The bad news
this year is that premiums are still rising (as are thefts), but I won’t spoil Richard Dredge’s thunder, or reveal this year’s
winner here. Suffice to say that his report shows you how to get the best cover, with the best companies, without
selling any vital organs...
After all, you might need that cash for one of the new ’vans in this issue, which includes one of the most varied
line-ups of campervans we’ve ever mustered. From the smallest of the small (Go2
Campers) to the best value (Orange Campers), via fully electric (Outlandish Campers) to
mainstream European designs with all the kit (Dreamer and Pilote). Then we’ve unearthed
truly unusual designs that place unexpected layouts in some of the most popular panel
vans − VW T6.1 (Brown Bird & Co) and Ford Transit (Speeds). Perhaps the campervan
of your dreams will jump at you from the following pages.

PETER VAUGHAN EDITOR

EDITORIAL
Published by Warners Group Publications
plc, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
Publisher
John Greenwood
01778 391116
Managing Editor
Daniel Attwood
01778 391154

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ADVERTISING
Head of Advertising
Fleur Chivers 01778 392071
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Ad Design Viv Lane, Kate Goulding

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Brand Manager
Lucie Cox 01778 395016
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whatmotorhome.co.uk | 3

Contents

31

Contents
8

19

22
11

14

16

28

4|

| AUGUST 2024

News and views

25

16

Go2 Campers Hobby
Campervans come no smaller than this!

3

Welcome
Insurance − important if not exciting!

19

6

This month
A new VW camper and the latest liners

Orange Campers Micro Camper
Super value Fiat pop-top

22

7

Next month
All the new 2025-season models

Outlandish Campers Explorer
Modular units turn a van into a campervan

25

Pilote V600G X-Edition
The ‘X’ means xtra kit as standard

28

Speeds Roma
Big Transit with the layout from a Custom

Reviews
8

Axon Voyager
Nissan-based pop-top at only £27k

11

Brown Bird & Co Sully
Not like other VW Transporters

14

Dreamer D55+ Select
Proven design with added spec

Buying
31

Cover story − Insurance survey 2024
No one else delves into motorhome and
campervan insurance every year to find out
who offers the best cover and the best price



  





   

   


  
 
  
  
  



This month
The latest Liners from Morelo

G

erman liner-class motorhome manufacturer, Morelo, is amongst the
first European brands to announce its plans for the 2025 season.
For a start, there are new developments on the exterior, including
the new Bridge Light brake light and a curved windscreen shaped around
the A-pillars up to the side walls. This results in improved aerodynamics,
an enlarged field of vision and reduced weight. Furthermore, all model
ranges now benefit from LED headlights.
The Home range takes a break in the coming season, so the Loft –
from 7.99m long and €219,900 – is now the entry-level Morelo. In addition
to its new exterior, the Loft has a redesigned interior featuring revised
furniture construction with modern lightweight panels and a honeycomb
structure to ensure weight savings across the entire body. There are
also new high-quality household appliances such as a refrigerator from
BSH (Bosch and Siemens) with 172 litres of cooling and 15 litres of

freezing capacity, plus a fully fledged oven with microwave function.
Further up the range (from €429,900), Morelo is the first motorhome
manufacturer to use the Iveco S-Way base vehicle. The new Palace
Liner S-Way has a payload of up to 7,000kg and features a digital
cockpit plus a full range of modern assistance systems, offering
comfort and safety as standard. Its walls of an aluminium-RTMaluminium sandwich and ceiling in GRP-RTM-aluminium construction
have a thickness of 52mm, which the company claims is market leading
with excellent insulation and damping values as well as outstanding
torsional rigidity.
The Palace Liner S-Way also features a new, powerful 24V system from
Victron Energy and the kitchen comes with Bosch/Siemens household
appliances. The entire motorhome is controlled via the new digital
habitation and energy management system, called Morelo Connect.

BODANS LAUNCHES GAS-FREE VW
Shrewsbury-based VW campervan converter, Bodans, has added a new
gas-free model to its range. Based on the outgoing VW Transporter T6.1,
the new Pentire Explorer is priced from £62,995 (on a 110hp Highline van).
The new model adopts the classic side kitchen layout but, in line with
its off-grid ethos, it comes with a diesel hob and diesel heating. Then, on
the electrical side, it has a lithium leisure battery, 200W solar panel and
EcoFlow Delta 2 Max 230V off-grid mains power.
The rest of the specification includes full insulation, Altro flooring,
privacy windows with Vanshades blinds, a Reimo elevating roof,
RIB Altair two-seater bed system with Isofix, swivelling driver and
passenger seats, overhead cupboards above the kitchen and bed, a
touchscreen control panel, microwave, 50-litre fridge and a portable
toilet. A roof bed, flush cabinet doors and leather upholstery are among
the optional extras, along with a range of VW options.

6|

| AUGUST 2024

ORDER BOOKS NOW OPEN FOR
NEW VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER
VW has now started taking orders for the latest version of the Crafter, which offers
new driver assistance systems both as standard and options. All models benefit
from Front Assist, Lane Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, a speed limiter and Park
Distance Control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist are optional for the first time.
Connectivity is enhanced via a 10.4in infotainment screen with App-Connect, an
integrated eSIM and mobile online service. Wireless smartphone charging and
USB-C sockets are fitted, while the optional sat-nav features a larger, 12.9in screen.
The new Crafter also gets a refreshed dashboard design with a Digital Cockpit
instrument cluster, while some of the controls (including for the electronic parking
brake and automatic gearbox) have been redesigned and relocated.
Commerce and Commerce Plus specs are available, the latter adding an alarm,
Climatic manual air-con, Comfort driver’s seat, cruise control and electric mirrors.
The Crafter Commerce Plus is priced from £52,704.

NEXT MONTH
Contents may be subject to change

SEPTEMBER ISSUE ON SALE 15 AUGUST

2025 IS HERE!

See all the latest models for next season from the top brands

Mixed results from
the big UK brands

hree of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle
manufacturers – Swift, Bailey and the Erwin
Hymer Group UK (EHG) – have released their
latest profit and loss figures. These reveal mixed
results, with both Swift and Bailey reporting
a profitable year, while EHG made a loss.
However, EHG, which is based in Consett, Co
Durham, said it is looking forward to a stronger
year after its second year of losses.
In its last financial year, which ended at
the start of August 2023, EHG made a pre-tax
loss of £6.6 million, which is despite turnover
increasing for the year by over £11 million. In
the previous 12-month period it made a £4.7m
loss. However, it says all the signs are positive
for the year ahead as it has a strong order
book, which is underpinned by good market
demand for its products.
The company, which makes campervans,
motorhomes and caravans under brand names
including Elddis, Xplore and Buccaneer said
the year proved to be “challenging” as it coped
with supply chain issues and recovery from
a business restructuring situation.
Meanwhile, Bailey saw its gross profit
increase by over £6 million to £29.7 million for
the financial year ending 29 December, 2023.
This gave it a profit after tax of £4.3 million
off the back of sales of 1,100 motorhomes and
4,200 caravans. This was Bailey’s highest profit
before tax in a decade. During the year, Bailey
launched its first-ever campervan range and
its narrow-bodied Alora motorhomes.
Swift also reported a very positive financial
year (ending on 31 August 2023), during
which it saw turnover increase from
£297.7m to £321.8m. This rise, it said, was
derived principally from the growth in
motorhome sales, which it said was helped
by its decision to dual-source base vehicles.
The growth in turnover saw its operating profit
before amortisation and exceptional costs hit
£16.4m, which resulted in an overall operating
profit of £5.5m for the year.

T

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 7

New ’vans

Axon Voyager
Petrol power and ULEZ compliance on a budget campervan

WHO IS AXON MOTORHOMES?
Axon Motorhomes
was founded by
Chris Axon in
2017 after 12
years’ previous
involvement with
a larger campervan concern. Initially, its
campers were based on the little Nissan
NV200 and Sevel (Citroën/Peugeot/
Fiat) vans, usually new conversions on
secondhand vans. The company also
converts grey import people-carriers,
such as the Nissan Serena and Elgrand
and its next project will be a budgetpriced, fixed bed Fiat Ducato (to be
priced around £60k).

W

ITH many new campervans costing
£70k or more and older used diesel
’vans now falling foul of low
emission zones, the idea of a petrol-powered,
low-cost alternative is more attractive than
ever. But, with most European base vehicles
having been 99.9% diesel for decades, it’s to
Japanese chassis that converters have long been
turning. And not vans but people-carriers that
offer more spec, if a little less space.
There are a number of specialists in this
sector, some of them long-established converters
of Japanese vehicles. Axon Motorhomes itself

8|

| AUGUST 2024

has been building Nissan Elgrand conversions
for the past seven years, with the completed
campers being retailed by Quality Campervans
of Lostock Hall, near Preston, which usually has
examples in stock and ready to go.
Axon also builds campers on the smaller
Nissan Serena (more of a day van with a rear
kitchen) and can convert customer-supplied
examples of either of these vehicles.
The Elgrand is a popular choice amongst
Japanese base vehicles, being a similar size
externally to a T5/T6 Volkswagen (although
offering less room inside). The second generation

‘E51’ model was current in its homeland from
2002 to 2010, with a facelifted version appearing
in 2004. This 2007 example with just 60k miles
on the clock has the 2.5-litre 186hp engine
driving the rear wheels through a five-speed
automatic gearbox.
As with other grey imports, these Elgrands are
at least 10 years old when they dock here to
circumvent Type Approval regulations and Axon
typically converts cars that are 10 to 12 years old,
with the resulting camper usually priced from
£23k to £27k, depending on the spec and
condition of the base vehicle. A 3.5-litre V6

Axon Voyager

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Nissan Elgrand
PRICE FROM £26,995
(as shown, 2007 base vehicle)
BERTHS 2
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 4.84m
WIDTH 1.80m
HEIGHT 1.90m
GROSS WEIGHT Around 2,400kg
PAYLOAD Estimated 250kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Wellhouse Toyota Alphard

BUY AN AXON MOTORHOMES
FROM…
Axon Motorhomes can
convert your vehicle
into a campervan at
its premises in Bacup
(between Blackburn
and Rochdale). It also
converts Japanese base
vehicles for sale through
Quality Campervans
at Lostock Hall, near
Preston.

version with 240hp and even four-wheel drive
variants can be sourced, if required, and a
conversion to run on LPG as well as petrol is
a possibility for those worried about MPG.
As well as petrol power (and considerably
more horsepower) than traditional European
light commercial vehicle bases for campervans,
these Nissans come with ‘electric everything’ and
even have separate air-conditioning for rear
passengers (which still operates after the poptop roof has been fitted).
Much like many VW campers, that pop-top
hinges from the rear but, here, any roof bed

would purely be for kids. Likewise, there’s a
conventional side kitchen layout and rear bench
seat – it’s just all a bit more compact than in a T6.
Despite size constraints, though, Axon has
managed to equip the galley with a mini grill as
well as the usual two-ring gas hob. Those are
served by a single Campingaz cylinder, while the
sink is supplied by a 10-litre water carrier. A
couple of tambour door cupboards provide
homes for crockery, pans, etc, and there’s a
cutlery drawer, plus a 50-litre Vitrifrigo
compressor fridge for your grub. As the Elgrand
comes with a second sliding door on the offside,

there’s some additional access here for refilling
the fresh water or servicing the fridge.
The lack of shape to the rear bench seat makes it
more suited to on-site use than passenger-carrying
but this is a four-seater for travel and one cab seat
swivels for use on site. At night, the flatness of the
back seat pays dividends with an equally flat bed.
The mattress is 1.80m long but, because these
Japanese vehicles are slim, it’s only 1.00m wide. It’s
a simple mechanism (made by a local engineering
firm for Axon) that just slides the seat into bed
mode and, in this latest version of the Voyager, the
fridge can still be opened with the bed down.

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 9

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AND EBERSPACHER DIESEL HEATERS
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Brown Bird & Co Sully

Brown Bird & Co Sully
A rather different take on a VW camper…

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE VW Transporter T6.1
PRICE FROM Conversion-only including
pop-top £26,000
BERTHS 4
TRAVEL SEATS 3
LENGTH 5.30m
WIDTH 1.90m
HEIGHT 2.05m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,000kg
PAYLOAD 600kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Knights Custom Conversions

S

EE a VW camper conversion at a show
and it’s almost automatic to assume that
it’ll have the usual side kitchen layout
but, from the number of people peering into
Brown Bird & Co’s Sully at the Yorkshire
Motorhome & Campervan Show, you could
tell that this was something special. It’s the
latest design from a three-year old company
that developed its conversions from experience
of full-time vanlife. Previous models have
been based on larger panel vans such as the
Mercedes Sprinter and the design here owes
its inspiration to those bigger vehicles, not the
traditional Transporter format.

Like its larger campervans, Brown Bird &
Co’s VW is also designed for long-term offgrid living, so there’s a full Victron electrical
system with anything from 150W up to 360W
of solar panels on the roof, while lithium
batteries can be from 100Ah to 460Ah. Gas
comes from a Campingaz cylinder as standard
but an underslung gas tank is also available, or
the Sully can also be supplied as a gas-free
’van with induction cooking.
Externally, there’s little to differentiate the
Sully from any other T6.1. Metallic grey paint,
alloy wheels and an Austops pop-top are
present and correct, with a sliding window on

the offside, fixed glazing in the sliding door
and blank panels at the rear three-quarters on
either side. The main thing to note is that this
conversion is only possible on long-wheelbase
Transporters, although the company will
assist in sourcing a suitable base vehicle to suit
your budget.
Here, there are barn doors at the back that
open to reveal a slot for your outdoor chairs,
as well as the Sully’s signature feature – an
L-shaped sofa for comfortable on-site relaxing,
just as you’ll find in all Brown Bird & Co’s
’vans. The company particularly wanted to
avoid fitting a rock ‘n’ rock bed system as

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 11

❯❯

New ’vans

BUY A BROWN BIRD & CO FROM…
Brown Bird & Co is
based in Thirsk,
North Yorkshire,
where you can
visit the factory
by appointment,
although we
spotted its campers
at the Yorkshire
Motorhome &
Campervan Show,
Harrogate.

WHO IS BROWN BIRD & CO?

Brown Bird & Co was formed in 2021
to create custom-built campervans,
following its founders (Jacqui and Laura
Fiddes-Brown) having lived full-time in
their own design of Mercedes Sprinter
campervan. The company started off
converting large panel vans, before
adding VWs to the line-up a year ago.
Its whole range is said to be designed
for off-grid use and includes the Scafell
(no shower), Nevis (with wood-burning
stove!), Snowdon (four-berth) and
Tryfan (with large sofa). The company
has a team of six building around 18 to
20 campervans per year and, at time of
writing, it is offering build slots from
March 2026.
Brown Bird also offers its medium
and long-wheelbase Sprinters for hire
before you buy.

improved comfort at night was a priority. The
sofa simply slides out to make the bed, which
measures 1.86m by 1.24m. A Porta Potti stores
under the end of the settee and remains
accessible at night and you can reach the
controls for the Eberspächer diesel heating
from under the duvet, too.
Obviously, there are no rear travel seats
here but the T6.1 can accommodate three in
the cab, while a bed in the pop-top offers
additional sleeping space. The fact that all the
chrome or silver fittings in the roof are
swapped for powder-coated items and the
underside of the bed has a plank-style design

12 |

| AUGUST 2024

is just the first sign that this is not a typical
VW interior.
Each conversion is bespoke, but Brown Bird
& Co furniture features a live edge oak
worktop and cabinets made from locally
sourced English oak. The main kitchen unit is
L-shaped and runs across the ’van behind the
cab (preventing any cab to habitation access),
and along part of the offside wall. The twoburner gas-on-glass hob is conventional; not
so the copper tap that feeds the black
rectangular sink. In fact, the handmade
copper fittings, extending to unique interior
lighting, is another trademark touch.

The galley also includes a stack of four
drawers, three 10-litre water carriers and a
portable 12V fridge concealed in a drawer.
Then, there’s more furniture in the same style
facing you as you recline on the long sofa. The
sideboard here includes an oak iPad stand and
a table that simply hinges up from the front of
the unit for dining or working.
The Sully comes with extensive insulation
of the body and a wide range of options is
available to make it even more of a one-off,
from exterior wraps and all-terrain wheels
and tyres to security upgrades and even
mobile WiFi.




  
  
   
 



 



  













 
 
  




 




65/67 Pontefract Road, Barnsley S71 1HA T: 01226 293300 W: oakwellmotorhomes.com Open: Mon-Fri: 9-5pm Sat: 10-4pm Sunday closed

New ’vans

Dreamer D55+ Select
Latest version adds more kit to a proven design

WHO IS DREAMER?
For the origins
of Dreamer
(a brand
launched in 2014) you have to look
to the Campérêve marque, which
was acquired by Rapido. This longestablished van conversion specialist’s
name is a French play on words, joining
‘camper’ and ‘rêve’ (meaning dream).
Campérêve models (basically the same
as Dreamer’s Select range) are still sold
in France but the brand was considered
a bit of a mouthful for non-French
speakers like us!
Dreamer’s range is split into Fun models
and more upmarket Select campers.
Base vehicles are Ford Transit Custom,
Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer.
Parent company, Rapido, is a major
player in the van conversion sector,
with Dreamer, Campérêve, the Rapido
Van range and Stylevan, plus Westfalia
in Germany and WildAx in the UK.

T

HIS layout has clearly been a real success for
the Rapido Group. It debuted in 2015 and it’s
still going strong, both as a V55 in the parent
company’s range and as a Dreamer. In fact, this
campervan specialist marque offers three flavours
of the same basic recipe – D55 and D55 Up (with a
pop-top) in the entry-level Fun range, plus the
new-for-2024 D55+ in the premium Select range.
It has evolved in nearly a decade on sale but the
Modul’Space washroom that makes such clever
use of space remains key to its popularity.
New this season is the Plus spec (also available
on the longer, single bed layout D68). Inside, this

14 |

| AUGUST 2024

top-of-the-range campervan comes with the
Natural furniture and Dakota TEP (leather-look)
upholstery, as well as interior accessories in
on-trend matt black. Externally, the colour is Iron
Grey metallic, complemented by black alloy wheels.
The habitation glazing is flush with the bodywork
and there’s an overcab Skyview as standard.
The Plus model also gets the Comfort + Pack
as standard. That includes ESC with ASR, Roll
Over Mitigation and Hill Holder, heightadjustable cab seats with twin armrests, a colourcoded front bumper, a crash-safe regulator to
allow use of the gas heating while driving, a

flyscreen on the side door, rear speakers (lounge
and bedroom), a Pioneer 6.8in multimedia
system with reversing camera, and remote radio
controls in the living area.
All the extra kit is nice to have but let’s cut to
the chase because the D55+’s USP is not bling
but design and, more specifically, the way the
wardrobe uses space in the shower that would
otherwise be redundant for much of the time
and then swings out of the way when you want
your morning wash.
Not only that but here’s a six-metre campervan
that offers a separate shower. OK, it won’t match

Dreamer D55+ Select

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Peugeot Boxer
PRICE FROM £65,000
BERTHS 3
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 5.99m
WIDTH 2.05m
HEIGHT 2.63m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
PAYLOAD 460kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Malibu Diversity 600 DB K
Pilote V600G Premium
Rapido V55

BUY A DREAMER FROM…
Dreamer is represented
by Thompson Leisure
in Northern Ireland
as well as four
dealers on the UK
mainland, including
Dicksons of Perth for
Scotland.

na

an A-class for space in there and you might need
to try it for size if you wear XL clothes or above,
but it’s still a shower that doesn’t need a curtain
or require you to dry the loo and cupboards
when you’ve used it. It even has a shelf on the
wall for your shampoo, etc, and a bowed front to
create a few vital inches of extra elbow room.
Opposite, the toilet area has a cassette loo and
a smart fixed basin, as well as good countertop
space and storage with elasticated straps to
secure your potions. Open the loo door around
and it even creates a full-width washroom,
emulating much bigger motorhomes – and it’s all

en suite to the end bedroom.
At the back of the camper, the bed has a usable
length of 1.92m (extending into the side walls of
the Ducato) and width of 1.32m, while another
neat bit of design is the extra-deep clothing
cupboard at the foot of the mattress on the
offside. It’s a shame that Dreamer didn’t then
delete the nearside cupboards because these still
stop you sitting up in bed.
Under the bed is another novel idea – a
removable false floor, so you can separate large
and small items, or even clean and grubby ones.
The gas locker is here, too, as well as the inboard

e

s

In England, Dreamer
dealers are Oakwell
Dealer
7
Motorhomes in
ti o n w i d
Barnsley, Wokingham
Motorhomes (the
original Rapido dealer
in Britain) in Berkshire,
Highbridge Caravan Centre in both
Somerset and Devon, and Harbour Creek
Motorhomes on Hayling Island.

110-litre fresh water tank.
In the kitchen, it’s the fridge that impresses
with its 154-litre capacity – that’s pretty
remarkable for a ’van of this size. The rest of the
galley is pretty compact but it does have a twoburner hob (a stylish gas-on-glass number) and
a worktop flap to create vital extra preparation
space. Dreamer has even found room for an oven
to please UK buyers.
Other features of note are the superb array
of artificial lighting and the well-shaped rear
passenger seat, which gains Isofix on this
latest model.

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 15

New ’vans

Go2 Campers Hobby
Campervans come no smaller than this…

WHO IS GO2 CAMPERS?
Go2 Campers
developed its
Berlingo/Partner-based
conversions four years
ago but made its
show debut in March at the Yorkshire
Motorhome & Campervan Show. As well
as the Hobby, it offers a broadly similar
Lounge version, which has U-shaped
seating, a shorter nearside galley and a
second cupboard unit on the offside.

E

XPERIENCED motorhomers might view a
Volkswagen Transporter as tiny, while, to
those more used to driving a Polo or Fiesta,
a T6 could seem huge. For those buyers, there
has always been a selection of really small
campervans on the market – ones that truly can
be described as ‘car sized’ – and, in this genre,
the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner (same
vehicle, different badge) have always been a
popular starting point.
That’s the case here, too, with Go2 Campers
choosing the 2008 to 2018 generation of these
Gallic cars – yes, it uses the car derivatives of the

16 |

| AUGUST 2024

Berlingo/Partner, not the panel vans. So, the
black 16-plate example seen here is a Berlingo
Multispace VTR with a 1.6-litre 90hp diesel
motor and manual gearbox. Petrol and automatic
versions of the cars were also offered when new.
And, as a car, the Berlingo comes fully glazed,
with a rear tailgate and twin sliding side doors,
although aesthetically the alloy wheels, roof rails
and colour-coded bumpers can’t disguise the van
origins of the design.
What’s interesting here is that Go2 Campers
sources its pre-owned cars for conversion from
the Motability scheme. That means that they are

low-mileage, well-maintained vehicles (the one
shown here had just 5,000 miles on the clock,
despite being eight years old). Even more
importantly, they have a lowered floor in the rear
and a fold-down section that includes the back
bumper, providing easier access. Once inside, a
strap allows you to pull the tailgate closed.
Typically, once converted, Go2 Campers
prices its vehicles in the £20k to £27k range, with
the 2016 model here offered at £24,995 and a
one-year-older Peugeot Partner Outdoor with
more miles (28,000) at £19,995. Both featured
the company’s Hobby conversion.

Go2 Campers Hobby

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Citroën Berlingo/
Peugeot Partner
PRICE FROM £24,995
(as shown, 2016 base vehicle)
BERTHS 2
TRAVEL SEATS 2
LENGTH 4.38m
WIDTH 1.81m
HEIGHT 1.85m
GROSS WEIGHT 2,040kg
PAYLOAD 410kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Amdro Alternative Campervans
Chapel Motorhomes
Middlesex Motorcaravans Mira

BUY A GO2 CAMPER FROM…
Go2 Campers offers
nationwide delivery
from its base in
Kidderminster
(Worcestershire),
while we saw its
campervans at the
Yorkshire Motorhome
& Campervan Show in
Harrogate.

While other campervans of this size sometimes
feature a pop-top for standing room, Go2 keeps
things simple with the original roofline, so it’s
sitting room only on board. For more space,
however, it does provide an OffTrek roll-out
awning on the nearside, which comes complete
with a safari room measuring 2m by 1.40m. As
the access to the camper on site is from the back,
though, we can’t help feeling that a free-standing
rear awning would be more practical.
Inside, you can’t expect too much of a vehicle
that’s barely longer than a Volkswagen Golf
hatchback but the Hobby conversion has been

designed so that you can carry a bicycle inside
with the front wheel removed. And with your
bike moved outside, there’s actually a surprising
amount of lounging space on the L-shaped settee
with a comfortably raked high back on the rearfacing section behind the cab. There’s even room
to store a Porta Potti under here, while a small
table clips to the front of the kitchen.
It’s easy to convert the rear seats into a large flat
bed, using a couple of boards and the side backrest
cushion. It’s a good size at up to 2.12m long on the
offside but that reduces to 1.56m in the middle.
Width between the sliding doors is 1.50m.

At the rear nearside is the galley unit (offered
in driftwood or an off-white finish), but note
that there’s no gas system on board this camper,
so you’ll need to carry some form of portable
cooker – or go to the pub! What it does have is a
12-litre container offering pumped water at the
small stainless-steel sink. There’s mains hook-up
for your appliances, as well as the 230V ceramic
heater that’s provided. Two 12V reading lights
and two mains sockets are also fitted.
For a single person looking for a vehicle to use
every day, the Hobby is a simple, compact
alternative to more mainstream campervans.

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 17

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Orange Campers Micro Camper

Orange Campers
Micro Camper
A low overall height and equally low price make for extra appeal

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Scudo
PRICE FROM £44,999
BERTHS 3/4
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 4.96m
WIDTH 1.90m
HEIGHT 1.93m
GROSS WEIGHT 2,900kg
PAYLOAD 500kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Autohaus Creston
Citroën Holidays

O

RANGE Campers made its name with the
Trouvaille Classique, a side kitchen layout
in a short-wheelbase Fiat Ducato – thus
offering considerably more living space than a
VW Transporter. But when Fiat discontinued the
5m panel van, this Rotherham company had to
look to alternative base vehicles, resulting in a
more varied range that includes the Ford Transit
Custom and medium-wheelbase Ducato as well
as this, the Micro Camper.
As the Volkswagen T6.1 is in its twilight days
and new-generation Transit Customs seem to
only just be starting to arrive on the UK
campervan market, a number of converters have

turned their attention to the Renault Trafic as a
well-priced alternative. But Orange Campers had
another idea and one that seems to have worked
out rather well.
This is the Fiat Scudo, a van that you may
know better as the Peugeot Expert, or even the
Citroën Dispatch. Revealed in 2016, it was
instantly acclaimed as having a nice, car-like
drive but it has made few inroads into the leisure
market. Maybe that will change as, with the
Stellantis merger of Fiat and Peugeot groups, it
now comes as a Fiat and Vauxhall, too. And
Citroën has recently announced its own in-house
camper conversion, called Holidays.

We doubt that Citroën will be able to match
the super-low starting price of Orange Campers’
Micro Camper – from just £44,999. Even this
show model (built on a delivery-mileage van)
with high-spec features such as a 360-degree
parking camera, 7in DAB radio/Apple CarPlay/
Android Auto screen, 17in wheels (fitted with
wheeltrims that look quite a lot like alloys), front
fog lights and metallic paint was only £53,999
when we spotted it at the Yorkshire Motorhome
& Campervan Show, Harrogate. That’s a
considerable saving compared with Ford or
VW-based rivals.
But maybe the name Micro Camper is slightly

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 19

❯❯

New ’vans

BUY AN ORANGE CAMPER FROM…
Orange Campers is
based in Rotherham
but you can also
see its vehicles
at many of the
Warners outdoor
motorhome
shows. If you want
to try before you
buy, it also offers
campervan hire
from £145 per night
(minimum three
nights).

WHO IS ORANGE CAMPERS?

Orange Campers’ Director, Richard
Tomlin, claims over 20 years’
experience of designing and building
campervans and this is a family
business, with wife, Sonya, and their
kids regularly using the ’vans.
Its best-known model is the Trouvaille
Classique, which has just been
relaunched as a medium-wheelbase
model. Then there’s the Actif on Ford
Transit Custom and the Fiat Scudobased Micro Camper, as well as
bespoke builds, while the Ducato and
Ford-based models can be ordered
with either a pop-top or high-top.

disingenuous. This is small campervan but it’s no
Nissan NV200 or VW Caddy. In fact, it’s a
smidgen longer than a short-wheelbase T6.1.
Where it really scores, apart from the price,
though, is in having a super-low overall height.
Roof down, it’s just 1.93m high, making it
much more car park friendly than a Transit
Custom, or even most VWs. It might just squeeze
into your domestic garage, too.
Inside, it’s compact but offers more than the
‘Micro’ tag might lead you to expect. In fact, it’s a
typical side kitchen layout with the ubiquitous
RIB rear seat. Better than that, the RIB seat here
is a lower one than usually fitted in VWs, so it’s

20 |

| AUGUST 2024

much more comfortable (especially if you have
short legs). It still has useful storage underneath
(two drawers) and it has two Isofix positions as
well as converting into a bed via the usual,
simple RIB method. The mattress measures
1.81m by 1.04m (wall to wall width is 1.14m), so
the bed size competes with many VWs, too, and
it has a chaise longue position.
It’s a pity to find the more commercial-looking
barn doors at the rear (instead of a tailgate), but
the storage space in the boot is quite generous.
The wardrobe adjacent is a reasonable size, too,
and there’s a steel box for a Campingaz cylinder
in its base.

The kitchen, which is slightly L-shaped
(deeper behind the driver’s seat) holds few
surprises. The Dometic two-burner hob and sink
combination and 50-litre CamperCool fridge are
exactly what you’d expect and there’s even a
floor-level cupboard for a Porta Potti. USBs and
a mains socket are provided adjacent to the
worktop at the rear of the galley.
With a swivel passenger seat, reading light by
the rear bench, table for inside or outside use,
and a three-year conversion warranty, this
camper continues Orange Campers’ reputation
for good-quality conversions. But here you can
add that the price is right, too!

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New ’vans

Outlandish Campers Ex
Turn your work van into a leisure vehicle with these modular units…

WHO IS OUTLANDISH CAMPERS?
Founded a little over
a year ago by a pair
of best mates and
adventure buddies,
Outlandish Campers
sells a range of fully
removable kits to
turn your panel van into a campervan.
It doesn’t fit windows or pop-tops,
but offers low-cost, fully removable
conversions for a wide range of vehicles.

T

HIS isn’t your typical campervan. It caught
my eye at the Yorkshire Motorhome &
Campervan Show because of its base
vehicle, the ID Buzz Cargo, but its conversion is,
perhaps, more interesting than the all-electric
Volkswagen – and, in any case, it fits numerous
other panel vans, too.
It’s the brainchild of friends, Max and Carwyn,
who have been designing small spaces – not just
campervans – for years. The pair have worked
for the George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces TV
programme and clearly did not set out to be just
another camper conversion company.

22 |

| AUGUST 2024

Part of the brief here was to create a camper
that was “accessible and affordable for all.”
Lightweight, durable, aluminium floor rails are
the backbone, providing fixings not only for the
campervan kits but also bike racks, toolboxes
or surfboards. What goes in for your weekend
trip or longer adventure can simply be removed
in just a couple of minutes, returning the
vehicle to van mode for work during the week.
And the kits can be supplied fully assembled to
simply slide into your vehicle or flat packed for
self-assembly.
The Explorer Kit shown here is priced at

£3,750 and you don’t have to fork out £48,541 (or
more) for a brand-new ID Buzz as the starting
point. There are already pre-owned examples of
VW’s electric retro van for under £30k on a
certain popular used car website, or you could
spend a fraction of that on a secondhand small/
medium van such as a Citroën Berlingo or
Dispatch, Ford Transit Connect or Custom,
Peugeot Expert or Partner, Vauxhall Combo or
Vivaro, or a VW Caddy. The key dimensions for
suitability are a load length of over 2m and width
between the wheelarches of 1.2m.
The kit is built in the UK and everything is

Outlandish Campers Explorer

plorer
FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE VW ID Buzz Cargo
PRICE FROM Explorer Kit from £3,450
(base vehicle not included)
BERTHS 2
TRAVEL SEATS 3
LENGTH 4.71m
WIDTH 1.99m
HEIGHT 1.95m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,000kg
PAYLOAD Around 500kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Love Campers ID Buzz
QUQUQ camping module

BUY AN OUTLANDISH CAMPER
FROM…
You can buy
everything from a
complete kit to fit
out your van to a
pegboard hook (for a
fiver), or an Outlandish
Campers branded
T-shirt (£24) from the
company’s website –
outlandishcampers.
com

made from carbon fibre, aluminium (in a choice
of black or clear anodised finish) and oak veneer
for a strong, durable finish. The units are then
locked into the van with carbon fibre clips and
weigh, in total, around 150kg. So, even in a small
van like the ID Buzz, which has a notoriously
slimline payload, you still have around 500kg
carrying capacity left for your gear.
The nearside kitchen unit has a raised section
that slides out for dining, food preparation or for
working, say, on a laptop. There’s also a copper
tap, basin, pump and water container, but no
cooker – just decide what you need and add your

own. The units can, however, be reconfigured for
al fresco dining and, at night, a set of cushions
sits on top of all the units to create a large double
bed. Of course, then there’s no floor space to
speak of, so you might want to think about
adding a free-standing awning.
If you already have a van, don’t worry if it’s not
in the list above. Outlandish Campers also offers
the Adventure Kit (£3,450) for smaller vans and
its Expedition Kit (£4,450) for larger ones.
The company will also sell individual furniture
units and a variety of accessories at refreshingly
sensible prices. Its peg boards on the side walls

were attracting huge attention at the show and
only cost £50. Then add the homeware pack with
three jars (tea, coffee and sugar), two wine glass
holders, six elastic cords, three hooks and a
storage caddy for another £50. Even a 3D-printed
carbon fibre bike mount is just £15.
More costly is the PPT Powerpack Pro 1000
(£1,363), but this is said to provide power for
laptops, phones and even induction cooking for
days from its 48V lithium battery. Then there’s a
35-litre fridge for £429 and a 150W folding solar
panel for £234. And it’s all designed to be
portable and removable.

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 23

UK’S LONGEST RUNNING MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN SHOWS

NEW AND USED VEHICLES FOR SALE
THOUSANDS OF ACCESSORIES TO CHOOSE FROM
AND EXPERT ADVICE FROM CAMPING PERSONALITIES
AN EXTENSIVE EXHIBITION AREA FOR ALL YOUR CAMPING NEEDS

In advance
Adult: £7.00

On arrival
Adult: £10.00

Children:
FREE

Friday - Saturday
9:30am - 4:30pm

Sunday
9:30am - 4:00pm

PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AND SAVE

WWW.WARNERS-SHOWS.CO.UK

Pilote V600G X-Edition

Pilote V600G X-Edition
X is for xtra spec on this stylish French campervan with a clever washroom

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato
PRICE FROM £71,220
BERTHS 2/3
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 5.99m
WIDTH 2.05m
HEIGHT 2.67m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
PAYLOAD 650kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Adria Twin 600 SPB
Globecar Summit Prime 600

P

ILOTE is well established in the
campervan world with its range of Fiatbased high-tops but new this year is the
X-Edition, which aims to cut out the hassle of
wading through options lists by giving you all
the essentials as standard. Four models are
available, two with transverse beds (V540G
and the longer V600G), a single bed layout in
the V630J and, most unusually, the V633M
with an electric rising rear bed over a huge
garage. Here, it’s the V600G that’s under
scrutiny as not only does it have the extra spec
but also a new kitchen design and wider bed
for 2024. It’s also the most popular of all

continental-style campervan layouts.
Based on the six-metre Ducato with the 140hp
engine and manual gearbox, it comes with 16in
alloy wheels, Eco Pack (with start/stop), front
fog lights and Lanzarote Grey paint with
a colour-coded bumper (our images show a
French spec model). Fiat’s automatic gearbox is
a £2,640 option. In the cab, it features an electric
parking brake, leather steering wheel and airconditioning but there’s no overcab sunroof;
instead, there’s full-height walk-through with
open storage pockets on either side and reading
lights for the swivelling seats. No pop-up roof
option is offered on the X-Edition, although it is

available on other Pilote campervans.
The half-dinette offers a comfortable
seating area with a wall-mounted table that
features an extension leaf so that four can
dine. A push-up Heki rooflight ensures that
there’s plenty of daylight here, while a false
floor beneath the table stops any legs from
dangling. Above, the top locker merges
seamlessly into the cab ceiling for an integrated
look. The creamy-coloured upholstery is
described as ‘synthetic leather’.
It’s the kitchen that’s new in this model,
featuring a design that Pilote describes as more
angular and more modern. It comes with a

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 25

❯❯

New ’vans

BUY A PILOTE FROM…
Pilote is represented by
Dicksons of Perth in
Scotland and Camper NI
in Northern Ireland.

na

e

s

In England, the
dealers include
Alan Kerr (Paignton),
AMC Motorcaravans
(Hailsham), Clwyd
Dealer
Caravans (Wrexham),
15
Cosford Caravans
ti o n w i d
(Wolverhampton), Davan
Caravans (Westonsuper-Mare), Durham
Caravans, Hills Automotive
(Kidderminster), Pullingers Leisure
(Halstead), River Motorhomes (Sutton
Coldfield), Signature Motorhomes
(Preston), SMC Motorhomes (Newark),
Tenby Tourers (Pembrokeshire), and
Tamar Caravan Centre (Plymouth).
Worldwide, the company has 176
dealers stretching as far afield as New
Zealand and South Korea.

WHO IS PILOTE?

Pilote has been represented in the
UK longer than any other continental
motorhome brand, from as long ago as
the mid-1980s. It was probably the very
first manufacturer to offer low-profile
coachbuilts here (as well as being an
early adopter of A-classes).
The brand actually goes back even further
– to a first caravan in 1962 and a Pilote
motorhome in 1978, followed by A-class
models from 1985. In 1990, the company
acquired the German firm, Frankia, while
in 2004 it opened a new factory close to
Angers in the Loire Valley as an additional
production site, while still maintaining its
premises near Nantes.
Today, Pilote offers a wide range of lowprofile Évidence and Expression models,
A-classes and Pilote Van campervans.

Dometic two-burner hob and sink combination
unit under split glass lids, but the star feature is
the selection of pull-out storage. At the top, just
below counter level, is an XXL cutlery/utensil
drawer and under that are two more drawers,
plus a deeper pull-out to the left. Not so generous
is the galley’s worktop space, but a flap at the
forward end provides some serving space
adjacent to the hob.
While rivals increasingly seem to be opting
for a more open-plan through-view along the
offside and into the bedroom, Pilote is sticking
with a tall fridge alongside the sink. A 137-litre
cooler is shown here but UK spec includes a

26 |

| AUGUST 2024

90-litre compressor fridge at waist height with
the option of a gas oven (priced at £610)
immediately below.
The galley might be new but it’s the washroom
that will still be key in choosing this French
campervan over its many, many alternatives.
One aspect that we really like is the way the
bench cassette toilet slides away to give you more
room for showering – you can even do it with
your knee and it makes for an excellent-sized
shower for a panel van.
The washroom also has an opening window
and a roof vent but it’s slightly disappointing to
see the foldaway basin following the fad for

backless designs that waste water. Much more
practical is the storage for toiletries, all held in
place with elasticated straps.
Across the rear, the V600G gets a wider bed
this season. We measured it at 1.48m (Pilote’s
figure of 1.50m is wall to wall, rather than the
size of the mattress). The bed’s length is 1.79m
but usable space is much more generous, at
1.96m, thanks to mouldings that curve into the
side walls. Cupboards on either side prevent
sitting up but reading lights on long flexible
stalks are fitted on the offside and opening
windows in the rear doors provide ventilation
(there are no side windows here).

our new premises is now open!
we would love to show you around!
VIEW OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE SPECIAL OFFERS!

PILOTE VAN PREMIUM
V630J
£88,990

PILOTE VAN PREMIUM
V633M
£95,790

PILOTE VAN PREMIUM
V630J
£88,990

Automatic
3 berth

Automatic
2 berth

Automatic
3 berth

PILOTE EVIDENCE
G740FGJ
£90,700

PILOTE EVIDENCE
P740FC

PILOTE EXPRESSION
G690D
£102,110

Automatic
4 berth

Automatic
4 berth

£81,200

Automatic
4 berth

Prices correct at time of going to print

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Pullingers Leisure Vehicles Limited
Sudbury Road, Little Maplestead, Halstead, Essex. CO9 2SE

Tel: 01787 47 27 47 www.pullingers.co.uk

New ’vans

Speeds Roma
Ford base, side kitchen layout – but not as you’d expect that combination to be…

WHO IS SPEEDS?
Speeds can trace
its history back
to 1997 but it
started by dealing in prestige cars, not
campervans, and there are still a few
Porsches on its website alongside the
Transits. It moved into the leisure sector
during the Covid lockdowns and has
since specialised in Transit Custombased pop-tops, often with bold colour
schemes. Now, it is expanding its range
with conversions on the larger Transit,
Fiat Ducato and MAN TGE. It also offers
campervan hire.

C

LICK on Speeds’ website and it declares
‘Ford Custom camper specialists’ before
scrolling through some images of brightly
liveried pop-top conversions. But there’s no
doubt that this sector has slowed, due to the
arrival of an all-new Transit Custom base vehicle
(with its VW relation waiting in the wings),
alongside an overabundance of competition. So,
here is something slightly different that, maybe,
will appeal to a slightly different buyer.
It’s still a Ford – just the full-sized ‘no suffix’
Transit, rather than the smaller Transit Custom.
And it still has the eternally popular, campervan

28 |

| AUGUST 2024

classic formula of a rear bench/bed and a side
kitchen. But the Roma, based on an L2 H2
Transit van, doesn’t need a pop-top to have
standing room inside and it’s wider and a shade
longer than even a long-wheelbase Custom.
Externally, Speeds likes a bit of bling – you’d
expect nothing less with that name – and this
newcomer is no exception. So, the Diffused Silver
metallic paint is mated to some bold gold graphics,
while matt black 18in all-terrain wheels are fitted
with General Grabber tyres and there’s a gloss
black ‘bonnet bra’ (who names these things?)
above the FORD-emblazoned grille. Windows are

flush-fitting privacy glass, not the double-glazed
units you might anticipate on a larger campervan.
This is also a Trend-spec van, although not a
brand-spanking-new one. Rather it’s a new
conversion on a 2020 (70-plate) vehicle with 24k
miles recorded. It has the 130hp motor and
manual gearbox, along with Bluetooth, Apple
CarPlay, Android Auto, alarm, automatic
headlights, multifunction steering wheel and a
reversing camera. But it’s not an over-the-top list
considering the 70-grand price tag.
On the conversion side, the Roma also has a
200W solar panel, an inverter, external barbecue

Speeds Roma

FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit
PRICE FROM £69,995
(2020 base vehicle with 24k miles)
BERTHS 2
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 5.53m
WIDTH 2.11m
HEIGHT 2.55m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,140kg
PAYLOAD 535kg

ALSO CONSIDER
Orange Campers Classique MWB
Swift Trekker S

BUY A SPEEDS FROM…
Speeds is based
at Loudwater in
Buckinghamshire,
although it is also a
regular exhibitor at
all of the Warners
outdoor motorhome
and campervan shows.
See outandaboutlive.
co.uk/shows
At time of writing, it
had 10 campervans in
stock and for sale on
its website, with prices
starting at £49,950.

point, Thule awning, 15-litre underslung gas
tank and an electric step. But it’s when you slide
back the big side door that confusion arises. This
is like a Transit Custom conversion that’s grown
in size – copied at 110%, perhaps.
The grey cabinets (with contrasting Natural
Oak worktops) still stretch along the offside,
concluding in a large tambour-doored wardrobe
in the rear corner. The cab seats still swivel and
the rear seat is the expected two-seater bench –
here, a Smart Beds Evolution R unit that slides
fore/aft on rails. But, with 1.83m headroom all
the time (no roof to raise, no canvas sides to

dissipate heat), it feels like a bigger vehicle.
The side kitchen is quite expansive and
includes a microwave and two-ring Sterling
Power induction hob, as well as the more typical
front-loading compressor fridge. There’s a deep
sink with flush-fitting cover and an induction
phone charging pad, plus USBs at the end of the
unit and extra storage in top lockers above.
What you don’t get, despite the size of the base
vehicle, is any form of washroom. There’s just a
portable loo in a kitchen cupboard and you’ll
have to hoick that out over a lip, which isn’t ideal.
You do get a feeling of space, while Antique

Cognac leather upholstery, weathered teak and
ebony yacht-style flooring and a wood panelled
ceiling give a hint of premium to the proceedings.
Propex gas heating and an on-board 25-litre
water supply cater for cooler camping conditions
but note the single-glazed windows throughout.
At night there are curtains (not blinds) at the
main windows, while the rear seat simply slides
forward and flattens to create a 1.91m by 1.15m
double bed that, oddly, leaves a large gap between
it and the rear barn doors. Fold back the bed to a
seat and the rear boot area is disappointingly
small for such a big ’van.

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 29

SHOP
TRUSTED GEAR FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

outandaboutshop.co.uk

scan
me

Insurance survey 2024

Cover story

Richard Dredge looks at the subject that no campervan or
motorhome owner can avoid – insurance – and reveals the
2024 winner of the only in-depth survey of the market…

A

while ago, we turned this annual survey
from a generic guide into a state-of-thenation article that gave you an insight into
the motorhome insurance industry, courtesy of some
of the most senior and experienced people who run
some of the biggest firms in the market. We made
this move not long before Covid, leaving a roller
coaster ride in its wake. The result was a series of
features that offered something new each year but,
during the pandemic, there was talk of a 'new
normal' and that now seems to be where we are. So,
much of what was highlighted last year is still
current, although this year's interviewees still offered
plenty of food for thought. Those experts are Craig
Thompson (Caravan Guard), Ben Cue (Comfort) and
Stuart Craig (Howdens, previously A-Plan), which
operates under the Club Care banner for the Camping
and Caravanning Club.
We'll start with some good news, which is that,
according to the National Caravan Council, sales of
new motorhomes in the first four months of this year
were up by 29% compared with the same period in
2023. It’s campervans and the top and bottom price
points in the market where the most action is, with the
’vans in the middle being squeezed. That's possibly
because of restricted chassis supply, although the

situation has improved considerably this year.
There's no shortage of people wanting to get into
motorhoming, with Ben noting that the whole
customer demographic has changed since Covid and,
according to Stuart, 80% of the Camping and
Caravanning Club's membership has joined within
the last five years, which is either fabulous or
shocking news, depending on how you look at it.
Caravan Guard has also seen changes, as Craig
explains, "Compared to 2018, we've seen a 400%
increase in the number of first-time motorhomers on
our books. In part that's down to us working with a
lot of motorhome dealers, because we offer a policy
with 14 days of free cover as a new vehicle is driven
away from the dealership. Although those buyers
don't have to stick with us, many choose to, and that,
combined with really high levels of customers
renewing with us, means we’re now insuring more
motorhomes than ever."
Without wanting to sound like an advert for
Caravan Guard (which won this survey last year),
Craig puts its success down, at least in part, to the
fact it can mirror a policyholder's no claims bonus
from their car and, if they tick all the right boxes,
they can claim a discount of as much as 64%.
Caravan Guard is not unique in these respects but

Words Richard Dredge
when you're shopping around they're things that
you need to be looking out for.
Ben adds, "Premiums are still rising, for a whole
raft of reasons [most of which we've covered before],
but when you consider how little you pay to protect
such a high-value asset, motorhome insurance is
still a bargain." Stuart concurs, "It's not unusual to
pay less than 1% of your motorhome's value for your
annual cover, which, compared to car insurance, is
tremendous value. Motorhome insurance used to be
even cheaper, but I can't see things dropping back to
how they used to be, because we're stuck with an
array of problems that I can't see going away."
Stuart puts the recent premium rises into
context, "We have a large panel of insurers at Club
Care and across this we've seen an average rate
increase of 60% over the last two years. That isn't
sustainable, because if that trend was to continue,
people would either be priced out of the market or
they'd say enough is enough. As a result, I think the
rate at which premiums are rising will slow down
appreciably in the next 12 to 18 months.
"Last year I predicted that we'd have seen noticeable
improvements in many things by now, such as parts
and vehicle availability, as well as the cost of insurance
cover, all of which are linked. That didn't happen,

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 31

❯❯

Buying advice
largely because the Ukraine war has gone on much
longer than we expected, and this has had a much
greater impact on parts availability than Brexit. I
hoped that the parts situation would improve thanks
to extra suppliers coming on stream, but this hasn't
happened. The motorhome insurance industry tends
to go through 10-year cycles of peaks and troughs, and
we're definitely in a trough at the moment, but we're
not climbing out of it as quickly as many of us hoped."
One thing that is improving, says Ben, is the
supply of used motorhomes. He asserts, "During
the pandemic and soon after, a lot of people decided
to get into motorhoming instead of going on
package tours, cruises and other types of holiday.
But some of those people have come to realise that
they have a lot of money tied up in an asset, or
they're forking out for a monthly payment, for
something that they don't necessarily use all that
much, either because they never did use it much, or
maybe their circumstances have changed. They
might have decided that motorhome holidays are
not for them. The result is quite a few motorhomes
coming onto the secondhand market, which in
some cases have seen very little use."

IT'S A STEAL
Over the past few years, thefts have become a growing
problem; that's theft of vehicles as well as theft from
them. Ben puts things into perspective, "We saw a big
spike at the start of this year, with 75% of our normal
annual theft claims filed in just six weeks. It's vehicles
made between 2014 and 2020 that are the most likely
to be stolen, and most are not recovered, so they're
either being stripped for parts, exported or ringed,
which means they're sold on under a false identity.
"The vehicles that are stolen are typically worth
between £45k and £65k and they don't have trackers
because they're not valuable enough for insurance
companies to insist on such technology being fitted.
Most motorhomes that are fitted with a tracker will be
recovered if they're stolen, but if owners aren't
compelled to spend that extra money, they generally
won't do so. Most motorhomes that are stolen are
taken from driveways, where owners think they're
safe. But thieves will bide their time, waiting for the

Some insurers favour physical security
in addition to alarms and tracking systems

32 |

| AUGUST 2024

owners to go out for the day, or they'll strike during
the night. Then, just like that the vehicle is gone,
probably never to be seen again. Even if it does have a
tracker it might disappear, but such technology does
massively increase the chances of it being recovered."
Craig notes that the average value of a 'van stolen
in 2019 was £34,000, but that has now mushroomed
to £50,000 as motorhome values have risen. And,
given the growth in popularity in campervans, he
was quick to add that these appear to be just as likely
to be stolen as motorhomes. But it's not just theft of
vehicles that's an increasing problem; they're also
increasingly likely to be broken into and the contents
stolen. Craig adds, "Thefts of equipment and parts
doubled in 2023 compared with 2022. Our average
claim for theft of equipment is £3,500, which would
be above the equipment cover limit of some insurers,
but our policy allows up to £5,000, which just goes to
show how important it is that you check your policy’s
claims limits. The most common items that are
stolen include clothing, televisions and awnings, but
poor spares availability means that vehicle parts are
often stolen, too. These include catalytic converters,
wheels, headlights, windows, and door mirrors, the
replacement cost for which can easily run into
thousands of pounds very quickly. There's a big black
market for these parts because, obviously, the same
vans that motorhomes are based on are more
commonly used as commercial vehicles and, with
motorhomes usually covering only a low mileage
each year, the parts tend to be in good condition."
Ben adds, "It's easy to see why vehicles are being
stolen then stripped for parts; motorhomes are
designed to last much longer than the parts supply.
Manufacturers are supposed to ensure a decent
supply of new parts for seven years after the vehicle
has gone out of production, but sometimes we can't
get crucial bits within five years of a motorhome
coming off the production line. It's possible for us to
repair using used parts, if they're as good as new, but
often those are not available, the result being that
vehicles are being written off more readily, or parts
have to be made on a one-off basis. I can see 3D
printing becoming much more common, to keep
motorhomes on the road once they've been damaged."

On a more positive note, Stuart points out that
accident claims have been low across the industry so
far this year, largely because the weather has been
so terrible, and as a result many motorhomes have
remained laid up. At Caravan Guard it's windscreens
that lead the charge, followed by accidents (often
low-speed when manoeuvring), then in third place
it's storm damage. Don't underestimate the potential
for financial misery where the latter is concerned;
Caravan Guard had to fork out £22,000 for repairs to
one motorhome last year, when it was damaged in a
hailstorm in Italy. The bonnet and skylights were

Motorhomes are often stolen from private driveways, especially at night

Marquis Leisure

Insurance survey 2024

Even a minor bump can be costly
and spares are not always easy to obtain
In the future, a tracker may be the only way of
properly protecting your ’van from being nicked

There’s greater availability of secondhand ’vans now as some
that bought immediately post-Covid have changed their plans
wrecked, and there was bodywork damage, too.
As Craig points out, storms have a habit of coming
and going very quickly, so it's easy to be caught out.
Therefore, it's worth checking that your awnings and
canopies are covered for storm damage, because they
won't be under some policies. Also, if your motorhome
is stored outside, it's worth fitting it with a cover,
which should provide some protection.

SAFE AND SECURE
Motorhomes have become such hot property, and
thefts are such a problem, that Ben reckons it's only
a matter of time before trackers will become essential
to obtain any kind of cover. He says, "Thieves are now
so brazen that they're not fazed by CCTV or wailing
alarms. That's why I think even Category 1 alarms
have had their day; the only security worth fitting to
your motorhome is a tracking system. Having said
this, I still think that mechanical hurdles are worth
investing in, such as a Disklok for the steering wheel,
a wheel clamp, or similar."
Craig echoes Ben's view, noting, "We like multiple
layers of security, which is why we still encourage
mechanical locks, for instance we offer a 5% discount
for fitting a steering wheel lock, such as a Disklok.
But we still offer a 25% saving for the fitment of an
approved tracking device, which shows how highly

we regard this technology. The thing is, you no
longer have to invest in a costly, professionally fitted
tracker to claim that discount, because there are
Thatcham approved DIY-fit systems available for as
little as £300; although, for top-end motorhomes,
owners still need to have a professionally fitted wired
system to comply with our terms and conditions.
"The quality of standard-fit security varies widely
across the different manufacturers, which is why it can
be so worthwhile investing in an aftermarket system,
which many owners are happy to do to protect their
investment. Most insurers insist on a tracker being
fitted once the vehicle is worth over a certain amount.
However, to reflect the fact that the cost of new
motorhomes is going up all the time, we're increasing
the threshold at which we ask for one to be installed.
Few new motorhomes are available for less than
£50,000 and we currently insist on an approved tracker
being fitted if the vehicle is worth £65,000 or more, but
we're now raising this to £75,000."

ADDED VALUE
All three of our interviewees brought up the spectre
of motorhome owners failing to keep pace with
their vehicle's value, because it's still an issue. Stuart
says, "A lot of vehicles are underinsured, although
we obviously do our best to ensure that our

customers keep their values up to date. Whereas
standard motorhomes are easy enough to value,
niche models, or those that have been modified,
converted or are home-built, can be much harder to
value. If you have a total loss you'll need to be able
to replace your motorhome, but that won't be
possible if you're underinsured.
"We never pay out more than the sum insured
and, in the event of a claim, our underwriter applies
something called proportional settlement, which
means that, if you're underinsured by 20%, we'll
pay your sum insured less 20%. Having said this, a
lot of owners think their older vehicles are in better
condition than they really are, so they unknowingly
insure them for more than they're really worth.
Agreed value policies are available and these pay
out a guaranteed sum in the event of a total loss, but
they typically cost 10-15% more than a standard
policy. With most owners wanting to pay as little as
possible for their cover, few will consider an agreed
value policy, but, however you look at it, motorhome
policies are among the most cost-effective
insurances out there."
It's not just values that you need to keep on top of;
you also need to ensure that you check the terms of
your policy so that you don't come unstuck if it all goes
horribly wrong. Says Ben, "Some motorhome owners

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 33

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Insurance survey 2024
don't worry about their MoT expiring while they're in
Europe, or they might put the vehicle on SORN while
they're away, to save a few quid on road tax. That isn't
a problem until they break down and have to be
repatriated to the UK; in most cases, if the vehicle isn't
road legal in the UK, the breakdown provider will
refuse to help. So, if your MoT is due to expire while
you're away, make sure you get a new one before
crossing the Channel. On the subject of legalities,
check the rules for driving in whichever countries
you're driving through, because the changes are
sometimes so regular that it's hard to keep up."
If you use social media, you may have come
across a video of a particularly unlucky couple who
found out the hard (and expensive) way that they
weren't insured when they managed to tip their
motorhome on its side in Spain in February this
year. They had believed that they were fully insured
to drive in Europe, but it was only when things went
badly wrong that they discovered their cover didn’t
extend beyond the UK, for recovery or for vehicle
damage, so they had to sort out their own recovery
and repair their vehicle out of their own pocket.
Thankfully, their motorhome wasn't too badly
damaged, but the experience will have left them
many thousands of pounds out of pocket. Look out
for m.xplores on Instagram for the whole story.
On this note, Ben warns, "We launched a new
breakdown cover programme in April because the
costs of recovery from Europe have spiralled. There
used to be a £5,000 limit on UK repatriation because
five years ago the cost of doing this was typically
£2,500 to £3,000, but we've had to take our limit up
to £10,000, because it's not unusual for the cost of
bringing a motorhome from Europe to the UK to be
close to this."
Craig adds, "AXA Assistance, our breakdown
provider, has no upper limit for UK repatriation.

It will always find the best solution for the customer,
in terms of finding an overseas repairer or arranging
for the vehicle and passengers to be transported
back to the UK."
A final note on policy benefits is that it might be
worth opting for legal cover if that's an extra-cost
option. That's because an interesting – if rather
depressing – development is a significant increase
in the number of motorhome owners who aren't
happy with work undertaken on their vehicles. Ben
notes, "We've seen a noticeable jump in the number
of people complaining about substandard work. In
most cases we're talking about routine maintenance
rather than repairs for damage and it seems to be
because of a skills shortage. We get involved only
when things turn legal, because our customers are
coming to us to make use of their legal cover, which
is why it's so important to have this in place."

MIND THE GAP
One significant development since last year is that
the sale of GAP (guaranteed asset protection)
insurance was paused. In the bad old days before
Covid, you'd buy a 'van, use it a bit and its value
would drop. If it had been bought on finance there
was every chance that, in the event of a total loss
claim, you would owe more than the insurer would
cough up, leaving you on a sticky wicket. That's
where GAP insurance came in; it would pay out this
difference, so that you weren't left out of pocket.
Things have changed in a post-Covid world, with
vehicles refusing to depreciate significantly, and
sometimes even going up in value. The Financial
Conduct Authority (FCA) got wise to this and started
to take a closer look last September, discovering in
the process that, in 2022, of the cash paid in by
customers in GAP insurance premiums, only 6% was
paid out in claims. As a result, in April 2024 it asked

providers to stop selling GAP insurance, although
some (but not all) have now been allowed to restart.
The FCA's move was because of the
implementation of the Consumer Duty Act, which
states that consumers must get fair value.
Ben comments, "Comfort's policies include new for
old cover as standard for the first three years, so there's
no need to take out separate GAP insurance, which is
why we've never offered it. Our cover means that until
your motorhome reaches its third birthday, we'll
automatically replace it with an equivalent brand-new
model in the event of a total loss, as long as you've
owned it from new. Until now, there's been a 15,000mile limit on the policy, but we're about to remove this,
making it even more attractive." Of course, Comfort
isn't the only company to offer new for old cover (Club
Care also offers three years as standard), but it is one
of the most generous with its terms.
Craig notes, "If you’re buying a used motorhome
on finance, you may still want to investigate GAP
cover, or maybe return to invoice cover policies,
which make up the difference between your
insurer’s settlement and your dealer’s invoiced price
when you bought the vehicle. You could be glad you
took out this cover if your motorhome is stolen and
not recovered, or written off."

HONEST, GUV
These insurance guides have been running in this
magazine for more than 20 years and every time we
publish one we remind you how important it is to
be totally honest when taking out your insurance
cover. And yet people still try to pull the wool over
the eyes of their insurer by telling porkies in the
hope of paying a lower premium. Things are not
helped by people online actively encouraging their
fellow motorhome owners to lie.
Insurers keep an eye on social media groups and

Don’t be tempted to let your MoT expire while you’re touring Europe and ensure your ’van remains taxed, too

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 35

❯❯

Buying advice

Club Care’s dedicated campervan policy
caters for younger drivers but maybe not this young!

TVs can be a target when
motorhomes are broken into
they're seeing an increasing number of threads
where motorhome owners are being encouraged to
lie, the most common being where a motorhome is
kept when not in use. The people posting in these
groups think the forums are private but, of course,
they're actually very public and there have been
quite a few instances of insurers having to complain
to forum admins to try to rein in some of those
using the forum who are telling people to do things
that could lead to them getting a criminal record.
Ben comments, "Comfort is seeing an increase in
instances of declining to quote, because of
dishonesty when trying to take out cover. For
example, despite a significant increase in the
number of people full-timing, this isn't reflected in
the quotes that we're providing, because people are
not being honest. People see such things as being a
little white lie, but it's fraud pure and simple.
Insurance is a contract between two parties and
both sides have to be fair and honest, but a small
minority of people don't appreciate this."
Dishonesty can work both ways, and while you
have nothing to fear from the legitimate companies
featured in this guide, ghost brokers haven't gone
away. These are scammers who target vehicle owners
via social media, claiming that they can provide cutprice insurance. They either send fake documents or
policies are bought from legitimate insurance
companies using false information and then either
cancelled or doctored before being sold on.

36 |

| AUGUST 2024

Niche models can be hard to value but, whatever
the ’van, it’s important to avoid underinsurance

Ben says, "Ghost broking is less of a problem than it
was, but it's still happening. The usual maxim applies:
if it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
What's becoming more of a problem is scammers
trying to sell motorhomes online. We've seen a big
increase in the number of people taking out insurance
on a vehicle that they've put down a deposit to buy,
only to find that the vehicle doesn't exist, or that it's not
being sold by the person they've paid money to.
Scammers are increasingly stealing images from
online classifieds to set up their own fake adverts.
They ask for a deposit on the vehicle, then once that's
been paid, they disappear, never to be seen again."
So, welcome to the new normal. One where
purchase costs are high and so are insurance
premiums, while parts supply is poor, which means
repair costs are also high. Meanwhile, everyone is
trying to either scam you or steal from you. Sigh.
Then, by the time you read this, the UK will have a
new Government and there's every chance that it
won't be the Conservatives who have been in power
for the past 14 years. So, the new normal that we've
started to get used to be may well be the old normal.
Whatever happens, it's likely to lead to some lively
discussions in the 2025 insurance guide…

THIS YEAR'S SURVEY
The post-Covid world has fewer insurers of
motorhomes (something we highlighted last year),
and there's more of the same in 2024. A lack of

profitability has led to companies pulling down the
shutters and there's nothing to suggest that trend
will be reversed. Ben also notes, "Another reason
why the market is shrinking is because of regulatory
requirements; that's for all types of insurance, not
just motorhomes. Companies are having to invest a
lot of money to comply with new regulations and
it's not worth their while, so those businesses then
get sold on to companies that have the infrastructure
in place to do the paperwork."
Consolidation means there are just 20 companies'
contact details listed this year, backed by just half a
dozen underwriters: Aegeas, Aviva, AXA, Equity Red
Star, KGM and RSA (Royal & Sun Alliance). As Stuart
notes, the result of so few players in the market is a
lack of difference between the various products, with
features and benefits much the same for all of them.
Even though there are 20 companies in our
contacts list, just a quarter of these provided us with
detailed tables about their products. At this point
we were all set to get a bit grumpy because of the
number of companies that weren't helping us in our
quest to get a full set of quotes and in this respect
things have become ever more difficult over the
years. Peter McIlveny from Scenic sheds some light,
"Not all our insurers will quote on risks that are not
real enquiries due to what we call enrichment
checks. They check claim records match with what
has been disclosed before providing a quote, which
is difficult in these situations."

❯❯

Double
award winning
Motorhome &
Campervan Insurance
9H[LK,_JLSSLU[VU

Get a quote with us today:
Call 0800

14 88 411

Please mention ‘What Motorhome’

or visit caravanguard.co.uk/what

Open
7 days
8am-8pm weekdays,
9am-4pm weekends

4.9/5 TrustScore based on 7,001 reviews on Trustpilot.com. Details correct at the time of print (June 2024) but may be subject to change.
Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Buying advice
This year, instead of obtaining just one quote from
each insurer, we've included two. This is to reflect the
fact that the motorhome insurance market now has a
definite split in it: campervans and traditional
(coachbuilt) motorhomes, with the former becoming
ever more popular, especially with those who use
theirs on an everyday basis. Some insurers are set up
to serve one of these markets better than the other
and, to give them an equal chance to shine, we've
asked them for separate quotes. However, as you can
see from the results table, the features and benefits
are the same across the various insurers; it's the
limitations that vary, such as annual mileage and
driver age. So, the insurers that are best for a
motorhome are also the best for campervan cover.
Recognising the rising popularity of campervans,
Club Care set up a dedicated scheme for them last year.
Stuart says, "The way people are using their
campervans is changing, and to recognise this we can
provide cover for drivers as young as 21, and also for
business use. Premiums are a bit higher than for more
experienced drivers, of course, but we're offering
something that was previously not easy to find."
Our vehicle custodians are Frank and Pat Butcher,
aged 58 and 57, respectively. They live in rural
Worcestershire and, while Frank is a retired teacher,
Pat is still working as an office administrator. They
both have a clean licence and neither has had any
claims within the last five years; they're aiming to
insure each vehicle on a social, domestic and pleasure
basis. They both have three years' experience of
motorhoming under their belt and they have three
years' no claims discount from their previous 'van, plus
they have full no claims discount on their car. Frank
and Pat are members of the Caravan and Motorhome
Club, as well as the Camping and Caravanning Club,
and their intention is to explore Europe in the coming
year in both vehicles.
The motorhome is a 2023 Bailey Alora 69-4S,
based on a Ford Transit with 130hp engine and
manual gearbox. Kept at home on their driveway,
the vehicle has a tracker fitted, along with a
reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring.
Valued at £75,499, their Bailey is 6.99m long; the

Bailey Alora 69-4S

38 |

| AUGUST 2024

Company

Phone

Website

Adrian Flux

08003 698590
new customers
03443 816502
existing customer

adrianflux.co.uk/motorhomes

BG Insurance

01892 501501

bginsurance.co.uk/insurance/motorhome

Brightside

03334 141872

brightsideinsurance.co.uk

Camping and Caravanning Club

08001 244633

clubcareinsurance.com/motorhome-insurance

Campton

01883 742460

campton.co.uk

Caravan and Motorhome Club

03455 040334

caravanclub.co.uk/insurance/motorhome-insurance

Caravan Guard

08001 488400

caravanguard.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

Caravanwise

08003 282084

caravanwise.co.uk

Comfort

02089 840666

comfort-insurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

It's Motorhome Insurance

08009 978333

itsmotorhomeinsurance.co.uk

Lancaster

01480 484826

lancasterinsurance.co.uk

Lifesure

01480 402460

lifesure.co.uk/insurance/motorhome

Motorhome Protect

01865 818341

motorhomeprotect.co.uk

NFU Mutual

local office

nfumutual.co.uk

Radius Insurance Solutions

01142 612020

radiusinsurancesolutions.com/en-gb/vehicle/motorhome-caravan

Safeguard

03330 359762

safeguarduk.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

Saga

saga.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

Scenic

03330 359837

scenicinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

Shield Total Insurance

08003 93966

shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance

Whittlesey

01733 208117

whittleseyinsurance.com

intention is to do 4,000 miles in the coming year.
The Butchers have a big driveway because next to
it is their 2019 Volkswagen California Ocean, which
is valued at £54,990. Also fitted with a tracking
system and tyre pressure monitoring, the VW has a
2-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission, and
is 4.90m long. The Butchers aim to cover 8,000 miles
in this vehicle over the coming year.

AND THE WINNER IS…
There's a sense of déjà vu with this year's survey
because, just as in 2023, we reckon Caravan Guard
provides the best policy for the Butchers, for their
campervan as well as their motorhome. Adrian Flux is
usefully cheaper if you don't want breakdown cover,
but unless your vehicle is new and has breakdown

cover provided by the chassis manufacturer (Ford,
Fiat, etc), you're going to need this. By the time you've
added it onto the premium you'll be paying slightly
more than for Caravan Guard's cover, which also
comes with some slightly higher claims limits. We're
looking especially at the personal belongings limit,
which isn't very generous for Adrian Flux, although
the rest of the limits are pretty good.
It's a similar story with It's Motorhome, which is
worth a mention here as it seems temptingly cheap,
not least because breakdown cover is included as
standard. However, some of its claims limits are
relatively low, such as just £100 for personal equipment
and £600 for windscreen replacement (that won’t get
close to being enough for an A-class), while the £650
excess is high compared with some of its rivals.

VW California Ocean

❯❯

DON’T JUST INSURE YOUR
MOTORHOME....SHIELD IT!
Where Else Can You Get?*
• Cover for motorhomes up to 25 years old.
• European cover up to 270 days.
• Cover for self-build motorhomes.
• New for old cover up to 36 months from new.**
• No claims bonus protection available.
• Personal belongings cover up to £5,000.
• UK and European breakdown cover available.
• Unlimited windscreen cover available.

Get A Quote Online

shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk
or call us on 0330 124 9520
*Subject to acceptable underwriting criteria
ƐƐyĬ¶ìÄ·ĦĦă¶ÄÝúÓĦÙÄŌĖĝĦĖÄÓÝĝĦÄĖĽăĻúÄĖ§ú½ù§ŀăÒŕŔïùÝòÄĝēÄĖ§úúĬù
yÙÝÄò½ăĦ§ò;úĝĬĖ§ú·ÄyÄĖĺÝ·ÄĝÝĝ§ĦĖ§½ÝúÓĝĦŁòÄăÒƪoò§ú7ăò½ÝúÓĝ§ĬĦÙăĖÝĝĽ§ú½ĖÄÓĬò§ĦĽ¶ŁĦÙÄ0Ýú§ú·Ý§òăú½Ĭ·ĦĬĦÙăĖÝĦŁrÄÓÝĝĦÄĖĽ_ÒŌ·ÄƟ
2 Des Roches Square, Witney OX28 4LE
• Registered in England • Registration Number 750484). This can be checked on the FCA’s register by checking the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk/register.

Buying advice

*Must be a member to have its insurance, cost £63 per year

MOTORHOME POLICIES
Quote without
breakdown cover

Company

Quote with
breakdown cover

Adrian Flux
HIGHLY COMMENDED

MOTORHOME

INSURANCE

£448.64

£547.64
(£99 extra)

£501.44

£80 Roadside &
Recovery.
£113 Premium UK.
£143 Premium UK +

PROVIDER

OF THE YEAR

2024
Caravan and
Motorhome Club*

Legal cover

Replacement
Medical cover
locks

Child car
seat

Misfuelling

Up to £200

Although no cover on the
policy, can be recovered
through the legal cover on
the policy if non-fault

Up to £150

£13.99,
which covers
removal of
fuel and
cleansing of
the tank

£1,000 limit

Up to £500 per
person

£1,500 total, or up to
£150 per night

£250 for any
one incident

Yes − damage
to engine,
cost to drain
fuel tank and
flush system

Under the policy will pay
up to £50 for each person
up to £200 in total.
Customers have the
option to add £75 per day,
up to 15 days or £100 per
day for up to 30 days

£500

£250 with
AXA
breakdown
cover
provided. Not
covered on
the actual
RSA policy

£500 included,
up to £1,500
£100,000 cover per year for an
extra £19
premium

£100,000 cover

£535

£100,000 cover

£1,000 limit

Medical
expenses
injured in an
accident
involving the
motorhome,
£500 per person

Caravan Guard
MOTORHOME

INSURANCE

PROVIDER

OF THE YEAR

2024
Caravanwise

£518.79

£573.79 (extra £55)

Extra £15
premium

£750 limit

£5,000 Personal
Accident cover

Up to £300 for
three nights

Club Care
(Camping and
Caravanning Club)

£582.05

+ £42 UK or
+ £81 UK/Europe

£100,000 cover

£500 limit

£100 per person

Up to £150

No

No

Comfort Insurance

£564

£646
(£82 extra)

£100,000 cover

Yes, full cost
to replace

£100 per person

Up to £150

Yes, full
cost to
replace

Yes

£433.22

£100,000 cover

£750 limit

Yes

No

Yes

No

£736.83 (for UK)
£760.83 (for UK & EU)

£30 additional
premium

£1,000 limit

Up to £250

Up to £250

Up to £300

Up to £250

It's Motorhome

Lifesure

£661.83

Motorhome
Protect

£577.28

Safeguard

Scenic

Available at
extra cost

N/a

£565.44

£888.19
(Highway Insurance)

UK breakdown £74,
UK & European
breakdown £105.50

£582.05

+ £42 UK or
+ £81 UK/Europe

Shield Insurance

40 |

Hotel / alternative
transport

| AUGUST 2024

Available at
extra cost

£750 limit

£150

£100,000 cover

Excludes key
cover

Up to £300 per
person

£100,000 cover
for £32.99 as Included up to
an optional
£750
extra

£100,000 cover

£500 limit

Not covered

Hotel (subject to claim
and vehicle not driveable).
Endorseemnt E369. If
vehicle undriveable
Yes Section
following a claim, client
3
can claim up to three
nights' accomodation.
Policy limit £300, UK Only

No

Alternative travel up to
£1,400, limited to £125
per day car hire, hotel
£60 per person per night,
up to £900 per party

Included
within
personal
belongings

Excluded

Up to £150
per person

£300

Full cost of
replacement
following
accident
damage

Excluded

£100 per person

Up to £150

No

No

Insurance survey 2024

In-car entertainment
and sat-nav

Liability

Injury benefits

Personal belongings /
equipment

Foreign travel

Glass

Excess

60 days per trip

£75 excess if an approved
repairer is used

£350

Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£7,000

£1,000 for awnings, gas
cylinders and generators,
or up to £2,000 for
personal belongings

Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£15,000 per
person

£5,000 − max £500 for
one item

365 days

Yes − replace or repair
windscreen

£650

Covered with no limit and
no impact on no claims
discount

£350, but variable
between £150
and £650

Up to £600

£650

Permanently fitted in-car entertainment
systems should be accounted for in the
motorhome's insured value. Items
designed to not to be permanently
installed, such as televisions, are
covered as part of £5,000 equipment
and personal possessions cover. Any
portable sat-nav devices need to be
stored out of site and in a locked
compartment when the motorhome is
left unattended

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000

Optional but
when selected
gives up to 270
days' travel per
annum.
Included on
sample quote

Up to £500 for entertainment
equipment. Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£5,000

£3,500

180 days

Up to £1,000

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000 − max £400 for one
Up to 270 days
item

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £3,000 limit

£300

Full cover if standard. If non-standard
but permanently fixed up to £500.
Sat-nav can be increased up to £3,000
at an additional cost

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000 − max £400 for one
item

180-day single
trip

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £3,000 limit

£300

£150

Yes

£5,000

£100

180 days

£600 limit

£500

Death or injury to any
Unlimited manufacturer's standard
person − unlimited cover.
audiovisual equipment cover and up to
Damage to other
£500 of cover for aftermarket
persons property − up to
audiovisual equipment
£25 million

£10,000

£3,500

270 days

Unlimited

£100 compulsory.
Driver excess
ranges from £100
to £500
depending on
experience

Unlimited cover for factory-fitted
equipment, £150 for portable items

£20 million

Up to £5,000

£3,500 personal belongings
cover with £400 single
item limit

180 days

£600 windscreen cover

£450

Up to market value or limited to £1,000
for non-manufacturer fitted

£20 million

£5,000

Up to £3,000, limited to
£500 for one item

Full cover for
full period of
policy (365
days)

Unlimited

N/a

Full cover for
up to 180 days
in the policy
period

£600 limit (Highway policy
changed to provide
unlimited cover from
01/07/24 onwards)

N/a

Up to 270 days

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £3,000 limit

£300

Unlimited for manufacturer fitted.
£500 limit if not fitted as standard

£20 million

£5,000

Up to £3,500, limited to
£200 for one item

Up to £1,000

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000 − max £400 for
one item

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 41

❯❯

Buying advice

*Must be a member to have its insurance, cost £63 per year

CAMPERVAN POLICIES
Quote without
breakdown cover

Company

Quote with
breakdown cover

Adrian Flux
HIGHLY COMMENDED

CAMPERVAN

INSURANCE

£364.25

£463.25
(extra £99)

£471.75

£80 Roadside &
Recovery.
£113 Premium UK.
£143 Premium UK +

PROVIDER

OF THE YEAR

2024
Caravan and
Motorhome Club*

Legal cover

Replacement
Medical cover
locks

£500 included,
up to £1,500
£100,000 cover per year for
extra £19
premium

£100,000 cover

up to £500 per
person

Medical
Under the policy we will
expenses
pay up to £50 for each
injured in an
person, up to £200 in
accident
total. Customers have the
involving the option to add £75 per day,
campervan
up to 15 days or £100 per
£500 per person
day for up to 30 days

£449

£100,000 cover

£1,000

INSURANCE

PROVIDER

OF THE YEAR

2024

£1,500 total or up to
£150 per night

Child car
seat

Misfuelling

Up to £150

£13.99, which
covers
removal of
fuel and
cleansing
of tank

Yes − damage
to engine,
£250 for any
cost to drain
one incident
fuel tank and
flush system

£500

£250 with
AXA
breakdown
cover
provided. Not
covered on
the actual
RSA policy

Caravan Wise

£530.76

£585.76
(extra £55)

Extra £15
premium

£750

£5,000 Personal
Accident cover

Up to £300 for 3 nights

Club Care
(Camping and
Caravanning Club)

£507.30

+ £42 UK or
+ £81 UK/Europe

£100,000 cover

£500

£100 per person

Up to £150

No

No

Comfort Insurance

£460.30

£82 extra

£100,000 cover

Yes, full cost
to replace

£100 per person

Up to £150

Yes, full
cost to
replace

Yes

£416.98

£100,000 cover

£750

Yes

No

Yes

No

£532.31 (for UK)
£556.31 (for UK & EU)

£30 additional
premium

Up to £1,000

Up to £250

Up to £250

Up to £300

Up to £250

£150

Hotel only. Endorseemnt
E369. If vehicle
undriveable following a
claim, client can claim up
to three nights'
accomodation. Policy limit
£300, UK only

Yes,
section 3

No

Excludes key
cover

Up to £300 per
person

Alternative travel up to
£1,400, limited to £125
per day car hire, hotel
£60 per person per night,
up to £900 per party

Included
within
personal
belongings

Excluded

£100,000 cover
Included up to
for £32.99 extra
£1,000
premium

Up to £250 per
person

£250

£300

£250

£100,000 cover

£100 per person

Up to £150

No

No

It's Motorhome

Lifesure

£457.31

Motorhome
Protect

£544.26

Safeguard

Scenic

Available at
extra cost

N/a

£554.96

£689.92 (AXA
Insurance)

UK breakdown £74
UK & European
breakdown £105.50

£507.30

+ £42 UK or
+ £81 UK/Europe

Shield Insurance

42 |

Although no cover on the
policy, can be recovered
through the legal cover on
the policy if non-fault

£1,000

Caravan Guard
CAMPERVAN

Up to £200

Hotel / alternative
transport

| AUGUST 2024

Available at
extra cost

£100,000 cover

£750

£500

Not covered

Insurance survey 2024

In-car entertainment
and sat-nav

Liability

Injury benefits

Personal belongings /
equipment

Foreign travel

Glass

Excess

60 days per trip

£75 excess if an approved
repairer is used

£350

Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£7,000

£1,000 for awnings, gas
cylinders and generators,
or up to £2,000 for
personal belongings

Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£15,000 per
person

£5,000 − max £500 for
one item

365 days

Yes − replace or repair
windscreen

£650

Covered with no limit and
no impact on no claims
discount

£350, but variable
between £150
and £650

Permanently fitted in-car entertainment
systems should be accounted for in the
campervan's insured value. Items
designed to not be permanently
installed, such as televisions, are
covered as part of £5,000 equipment
and personal possessions cover. Any
portable sat-nav devices need to be
stored out of sight and in a locked
compartment when the campervan is
left unattended

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000

Optional but
when selected
gives up to 270
days' travel per
annum.
Included on
sample quote

Up to £500 for entertainment
equipment. Unlimited if factory fitted

£20 million

£5,000

£3,500

180 days

Up to £600

£450

Up to £1,000

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000 − max £400 for
one item

Up to 270 days

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £3,000 limit

£300

90 days single
trip. Max 90
days per policy
year

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £1,000 limit

£300

180 days

£600 limit

£450

Full cover if standard. If non-standard
but permanently fixed up to £500

£20 million

£15,000

£1,000 − max £400 for
one item

£150

Yes

£5,000

£100

Death or injury to any
Unlimited manufactured standard
person − unlimited cover.
audiovisual equipment cover and up to
Damage to other
£500 of cover for aftermarket
person's property − up to
audiovisual equipment
£25 million

£10,000

£3,500

270 days

Unlimited

£100 compulsory.
Driver excess
ranges from £100
to £500
depending on
experience

Unlimited cover for factory-fitted
equipment, £150 for portable items

£20 million

Up to £5,000

£3,500 personal belongs
cover with
£400 single item limit

180 days

£600 windscreen cover

£450

Up to market value, or limited to £1,000
for non-manufacturer fitted

£20 million

£5,000

Up to £3,000, limited to
£500 for one item

Full cover for
full period of
policy (365
days)

Unlimited

N/a

Unlimited for manufacturer fitted.
£500 limit if not fitted as standard

£20 million

£10,000

Up to £3,500 limited to
£500 for one item

Full cover for
up to 270 days
in policy period

Unlimited

£75

Up to £1,000

£20 million

£15,000

£5,000 − max £400 for
one item

Up to 270 days

Unlimited cover if using
approved supplier,
otherwise £3,000 limit

£300

whatmotorhome.co.uk | 43

❯❯

44 |

| AUGUST 2024

Via cross-sell to Mayday UK breakdown cover
Via cross-sell to Mayday UK breakdown cover
No limit
2 years
50 years + (no agreed value)
25
25
83
83
Over 25
Varies by insurer
✔
✔ But very restricted panel and criteria
Varies by insurer
✘
Varies by insurer
Optional extra to be paid for
✔
✘
✔
12.90%
£15,000
Up to 10% (varies by insurer)
Up to 4 years
Premium Savings Guarantee − if your existing motorhome
insurance renewal is cheaper than ours we'll beat it by at least
£25 (terms apply)
✘
✔
✘

£100

✔
✔
✔
✔
No limit
1 year
Any
17
17 if spouse/common law
Any
Any
✔
Depends if the client has got experience
✔
✔
✔
✔ If discounted
✔
✔

✔

✔
✔
✔
✔ Also built into the policy as well

✔ Thatcham Category 1/2 and trackers

✔

Windscreen

Higher excess discount
Breakdown cover
Home start
Recovery
Maximum vehicle size (breakdown)
Maximum vehicle age (new for old)
Max age of vehicle insured
Minimum age of main driver
Minimum age of additional driver
Maximum age of main driver
Maximum age of additional driver
Any driver cover available
Increased premium for LHD
Cover available for DIY ’vans
Cover for NI residents
Discount for limited mileage
Mileage limits
Percentage discount
Uninsured loss recovery

Free replacement vehicle

Business cover available
Payment by instalments
Penalty for paying in instalments
Personal injury cover limit

Alarm/immobiliser discount

Introductory bonus

Discount for booking through website ✘
Telephone service open at weekends Saturday 9am to 3pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm
Cover provided for full-timers
✔ Can cover clients who live in their motorhome

Other points

Minimum excess £150
Minimum excess £150

£100 to £1,000, depending on value
£100 to £1,000
The most is £100 per incident, unless work is carried out by
recommended glass specialist. Variable excess for replacement,
but no excess if glass can be repaired not replaced
Varies by insurer

Maximum excess discount 17% @ £650
UK breakdown assistance included automatically
Cover starts one mile away from home or storage location. AXA can help find garage to help with home start
✔
No weight/length restrictions
Must be bought from new, under 2 years old and mileage on motorhome under 24,000
Standard is 25, can be increased up to 36 or more years dependent on type, value and/or circumstances
25
25
82
82
✘
✔
✘
✔
Mileage brackets up to 18,000. Discounts apply up to 5,000. Up to 9% saving for 3,000 miles and under
Mileage brackets up to 18,000
9% for 3,000 miles and under
Via the inclusive £100,000 motor legal expenses policy
Customers can choose to take emergency accommodation cover, which would pay up to £100 per day for up
to 30 days for hotels or motorhome hire to help them continue their holidays
We do offer for motorhome industry journalists
✔
10% transaction fee, 19.5% APR through Premium Credit
£15k personal accident benefit
Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm 19%. Also 25% for an approved tracking device such as Swift
Command. Note 25% is the max security device discount
Up to 64% − claims, convictions and experience dependent
Discounts for reversing cameras/sensors (now 5%), tyre safety device such as TyrePal or Tyron (5%). Discounts for
secure storage. Discounts for physical security: 5% approved steering wheel lock or 2.5% off for other devices inc
Clutch Claw, wheel clamp, security chain, extra door locks, removable steering wheel or handbrake lock
5% online discount for quotes / policies taken online
9am to 4pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays
✘

No excess for repairs. £100 excess for replacement. No value limit on windscreen replacement

✘
✘
✔
9+, up to 70%
For 4+ years. If no fault claims within the last 12 months
Owners can choose to add comprehensive European insurance cover for up to 270 days per annum
£5,000 (included automatically with no need to add to sum insured)
✘
No limit

✔
✔
✔
Any
Yes
365 days (free)
£3,000
Yes, only if less than £3,000 as standard on the policy
Any
Variable but minimum of £100
Variable but minimum of £100
Variable but minimum of £100

CARAVAN GUARD

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB
£20 million with £5 million per event
£20 million with £5 million per event
£20 million with £5 million per event
9 years
✔
365 days
✔ £5,000
✘
£100,000, up to £250k on referral to insurers

ADRIAN FLUX

Third party
Third party, fire & theft
Comprehensive
Maximum NCD
NCD protection
Free EU green card/duration
Personal effects contents limit
Option to increase contents limit
Maximum value of vehicle
Compulsory excess
Accidental damage
Theft

Buying advice

Ba
se
d
on
er
ov
30
,0
00

A motorhome is so much more than a vehicle.
It’s your little oasis of calm after a day exploring a new
city, a place to rest your feet after a long hike, a treasure
trove of supplies to occupy your kids.

That’s why at Adrian Flux, we don’t just treat
your motorhome like any other vehicle. We
find motorhome insurance that’s tailored to
you, whether you need cover for travelling
abroad, contents cover for your personal
belongings, or breakdown cover for your trip.
We can also find insurance for a wide range
of motorhomes, including imported,
self-converted and modified vehicles.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

INSURANCE

We can offer a range of other motorhome
policy benefits and add-ons, including:
 Agreed value cover
 Awnings and camping equipment cover
 Discounts for limited mileage policies
 Discounts for owners club members
 European Breakdown Cover

Call our UK team on 0800 081 0128

PROVIDER

OF THE YEAR

2024

adrianflux.co.uk
Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Trustpilot rating checked on 19th June 2024

s

ew
vi
re

Insurance for your
home away from home

46 |

| AUGUST 2024

✔

✔
Campervan product offers 9 years' maximum NCD. Motorhome product is net rated and therefore automatically applies the
maximum discount for NCD
Only on Campervan
365 days − free green card
£5,000, £400 Single item limit (if vehicle less than £15,000 would have £2,000 personal effects limit). Child seats included within
this section
✘
Referal over £150,000. Max sums insured £250,000
£300 excess on the policy, this is paid once per claim
£300 excess on the policy, this is paid once per claim
£300 excess on the policy, this is paid once per claim
£150 unlimited glass cover if repair is processed by Autoglass or National Windscreens
✘

Comprehensive

Cover provided for full-timers

✘

✔

Telephone service open at weekends

PCW and BOL journey includes a discount

Optional extra, £70 to £105
Optional extra, £54.95 to £74.95
Max 39 feet length (11.88m) − price dependant on UK or UK/EU combined
1 year new-for-old for first registered owner
No limit to age, scheme dependent
21 years, scheme dependent
21 years, scheme dependent
80 years, scheme dependent
80 years, scheme dependent
Unable to quote
Variable, scheme dependent
Scheme dependent
Scheme dependent
Scheme dependent
Scheme dependent
Variable, scheme dependent
Optional extra, £34.95
Courtesy car subject to availability
Scheme dependent
✔
16% Interest (on total amount less 20% deposit)
Scheme dependent
Scheme dependent and some schemes must have security depending on vehicle, value, etc
Scheme dependent

Variable, scheme dependent
Variable, scheme dependent
Variable, scheme dependent
Variable, scheme dependent

✘
£100,000, dependent on vehicle security & parking

Varies depending on insurer from £1,500 to £5,000

There is a variable cost to this dependent on insurer
All schemes minimum of 30 days, some are more or can be extended

Saturday 9:30am to 3:30pm office hours. Free customer callback service. All documents available online in secure document portal
Saturday − 8:30am to 4:00pm
− customers can buy and renew both in and out of hours. Claims and breakdown 365 days, 24 hours a day

Discount for booking through website ✘

Other points

Option to increase contents limit
Maximum value of vehicle
Compulsory excess
Accidental damage
Theft
Windscreen
Higher excess discount
Breakdown cover
Home start
Recovery
Maximum vehicle size (breakdown)
Maximum vehicle age (new for old)
Max age of vehicle insured
Minimum age of main driver
Minimum age of additional driver
Maximum age of main driver
Maximum age of additional driver
Any driver cover available
Increased premium for LHD
Cover available for DIY ’vans
Cover for NI residents
Discount for limited mileage
Mileage limits
Percentage discount
Uninsured loss recovery
Free replacement vehicle
Business cover available
Payment by instalments
Penalty for paying in instalments
Personal injury cover limit
Alarm/immobiliser discount
Introductory bonus

Personal effects contents limit

NCD protection
Free EU green card/duration

✔
✔
No size, age or weight restrictions
3 years new-for-old (mileage limit removed)
✘
21 on campervan product, 25 on motorhome product
21 on campervan product, 25 on motorhome product
85 for new policyholders, for exsisitng policyholder no age limit
85
✘
✘
If registered as a motor caravan or van with side windows
✔
✔
✘
✔
✔
✘
Subject to occupation, class 1 Business use applies
On renewal, not new business
There is an APR on the finance
£15,000
✔
✔
Policyholders can hire the insured vehicle out to friends, family, commercial basis. Person borrowing vehicle buys a Comfort shortterm hire product which dovetails with the annual policy. In the event of claim no impact on NCD under annual policy

✔

✔

Third party, fire & theft

9-20 years, NCD allowable along with mirror discounts from other vehicles

✘

✘

Third party

Maximum NCD

MOTORHOME PROTECT

COMFORT

Buying advice

Display classifieds
INSURANCE

ACCESSORIES

46;69*(9(=(5
05:<9(5*,*6=,9

Ferry Good
for Al-ko
★★★★★

The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step ahead for
motorhome owners. Covering all requirements expected from a
levelling system. it is simply and quickly operated using the on-board
touch-screen controls. Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension
system, all your suspension and levelling needs are catered for. At
AS Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve and stay
ahead of our competitors. Using innovative materials to reduce the
weight of the systems, without any compromise to quality.

• Cover for all types of vehicles including American Motorhomes available
• UK Breakdown/Recovery cover available from £50
• Limited mileage &/or club member discounts available
• Quotes for Travel Insurance Cover (including annual policies)

AS Air Suspension UK Ltd. 131 Chester Road,
Warrington, Cheshire WA4 6ET
info@as-airsuspension.co.uk www.as-airsuspension.co.uk
T 01925 740666 • M 07874 046643

REPAIRS & SERVICING
SERVICES LTD
Registered
Insurance Brokers

Your Midlands motor home service provider
including Peugeot warranty work & repairs.

12 Queen Street, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1AY
T: Peterborough 01733 208117 E: sales.wisl@gmail.com

MOTs carried out on site including class 4 & 7

Registered and Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Air conditioning servicing, Anti-Bacterial
neutralising for your mobile home.

TELEPHONE 01733 208117
FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

Leicester Road, Rugby,
Warwickshire CV21 1NZ
Tel: 01788 541140
TOWING

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PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED BY
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Your one stop solution to Motorhome freedom!

BRITISH DESIGNED AND BUILT A-FRAMES

• A-frames supplied as a package complete with car or
Professionally fitted to your own vehicle
• Unique Electronic proportional braked A-Frame
• Strong, lightweight, easy to fit
• Vehicle is left very tidy when the system is removed
• Safety features built in
• Folds for storage into the car boot
• Fits most vehicles

• EU approved motorhome towbars fitted

www.tow-bars2tow-cars.com

2023 TOYOTA
AYGO X
£16,795

01469 560402 • Grimsby DN41 8TP
TRAILERS

SIDE LOADING/LOW LOADING MOTORBIKE TRAILERS

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MOTORHOME TOW BARS BESPOKE AND EC APPROVED

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SELF LEVELING
CAR TRANSPORTER TRAILERS

BICYCLE / E-BIKE CARRIERS

AIR SUSPENSION

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PUZZLES

WIN

£50

There’s a £25 prize each for the crossword
and sudoku puzzles, so get your thinking
cap on and you could be a winner!

Crossword

When you have solved the crossword the coloured
squares highlight a motorhome-related anagram
ACROSS
1
5
8
9
10
11
12
14
17
19
22
23
24
25

Largest city in Sri Lanka (7)
Unit of measurement (5)
Token (7)
Descend like an eagle (5)
Cash and ___ (5)
Raincoat (7)
Deceive (6)
Newspaper bigwig (6)
Fashionable (7)
Opener (5)
Acquired relative (2-3)
Leave (7)
Dress material (5)
Offered resistance (7)

DOWN
1
2
3
4

Animated magazine (5)
Primate of Madagascar (5)
Well off (7)
Woodwind player (6)

5
6
7
12
13
15
16
18
20
21

Kenyan tribesman (5)
Mechanic’s set (4,3)
Kind of penguin (7)
File (7)
Allegiance (7)
What you do at closing time in a pub (5,2)
Presley hit, “In the ___” (6)
An inhabitant of the Hawkeye state in the US (5)
Moves quickly (5)
Rubbed out (5)

Sudoku

Just for fun

When you have solved the
sudoku you will have three
figures in the coloured
squares, reading from the
top to the bottom

Find the 16 UK lakes or bodies
of water

Enter the numbers for sudoku and
the anagram for the crossword on the
online form (see below).
The closing date for both the
crossword and sudoku is
25 July 2024. For T&Cs go to
warners.gr/compterms

Your scribbles

HOW TO ENTER Go online to enter the crossword & sudoku for free.
Good luck! outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/competitions
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 123

TECH HELP EDITOR

Our panel of motorhome-owning experts are here to help you
solve your motorhoming problems, however small

Q

What tyre pressure should I be using on
my Peugeot Boxer-based ’van?

When I retired in 2011, I bought a new
Autocruise Starburst motorhome built on
a Peugeot Boxer 335 LWB chassis. This
motorhome was fitted with Michelin Agilis
C/P tyres, 215/70 x 15, 109/107R.
I have always replaced these tyres with
the same make and type, but now my
dealer tells me that this tyre is no longer
available. I have written to Michelin and it
recommended using Michelin
CrossClimate Camping tyres.
On the Peugeot plate it shows the front
to have a tyre pressure of five bar, 72.3 psi

and the rear to have a pressure of 5.5 bar,
79.5 psi. However, the CrossClimate C/P has
a maximum pressure of 4.75 bar, 69 psi and I
understand this is the case in all C/P tyres.
I have enjoyed reading MMM for many
years and would be most grateful if you
could advise me if this new tyre would
meet all requirements, ie MoT,
insurance, etc. Any suggestions would be
very much appreciated.
Dougie Anderson

A

The subject of tyre pressures is
causing us a few headaches at the
moment! I have always believed that the
manufacturer of the base vehicle would
have had a pretty good idea regarding the
optimum tyre pressures for it and I have
stuck to these with only minor variations
over the years.
Base vehicle manufacturers do not
know exactly what will be built on that
base, how the weight will be distributed or
what the final running weight will be. I
think that they generally assume that it
will be close to the maximum allowed on
either or both axles.
On the other hand, the tyre
manufacturers see things differently and
both Michelin and Continental have
responded to vehicle owners over the
years who provided accurate weights of
the axles of their vehicles in running order
and given their recommended pressures.
These are normally a good deal lower than
the vehicle maker specified. Sometimes
they are higher. Sometimes they are
higher than the same manufacturer says
their own tyres can be inflated to!

Nick Fisher
Base vehicle expert

So, while I do not necessarily agree with
it, the tyres that you have been offered may
well be agreeably run at lower pressures,
but I would gather the information first.
A trip to a weighbridge would be in
order, and send these results to the tyre
supplier and ask for the recommended
pressures. The company will be able to say
whether the tyres are rated for the loads
that you will be putting them under, and
the correct pressures to inflate them to.
If you go ahead and have them fitted,
and inflated as directed, it would be a
good idea to keep the correspondence
with your vehicle.
As far as the legality goes, the MoT tester
testing a Class 4 motorhome will be looking
for tyres of the correct type and specification
and correct inflation. In reality, if they are
the correct size, not visibly underinflated
and the tread is within specifications, they
will look no further. Your insurer will only be
concerned if, after an incident, the tyres
were found to be unsuitable for the use or
not to MoT spec.
There are many reasons why I do not
agree with the low pressures that are
being recommended by the tyre makers. I
would not follow that advice. But at least
you will know what is allowed by the
makers and the maximum pressure that
the tyre will be happy with.
You can then experiment with
pressures somewhere in between these
limits. Underinflated tyres are less stable,
more prone to damage, and cause higher
fuel consumption and irregular wear.
Overinflated tyres provide less grip, a
bouncy ride and, due to the reduced
contact with the road, better fuel
consumption! They also are more prone to
loud, early expiration.
Nick Fisher

NEED AN ANSWER TO YOUR TECHNICAL QUESTION? Just email MMM’s team of experts
who are here waiting to help you mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk
124 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

Tech Help TECHNICAL
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Andy Stothert

Clive Mott

Mike Hill

Barry Norris

Ian Hill

Andy Harris

General advice

Electrical expert

Bodywork expert

Technical & legal advice

Cleaning & chemicals

TV & 12V expert

Q

What is causing the air in
my water system?

We had air in our water system on a
four-year-old Elddis CV60 campervan.
Each time a tap is operated, bursts of air
splash out from either hot or cold setting.
The ’van has a Whale water pump and
Whale 240V/gas water heater and hot air
system. After bleeding the system to remove
the air and waiting perhaps 30 minutes to an
hour, the water pump ‘burps’ a few times and
then comes on continuously.
Since new, we got the occasional ‘burp’
as the pressure dropped and the pump
regained system pressure.
From reading others’ Facebook entries
this seems normal – possibly the water
heater pressure relief valve.
Also, since new we have had to reset the
electric side of the hot water system. This
happens more frequently now.
With an electric flushing loo, this proves
infuriating at night. One must turn on the
cabin light, turn on the water pump (whose
button is not easy to see and, of course,
doesn’t tell you whether it is on or off like a
good old-fashioned switch!), bleed the system
with the kitchen tap, before abluting…
I can see no obvious water leaks around
the pipework that I can get at, or the water
pump and none from the water heater
under the ’van.
Where is the air entering the system
then? I am reluctant to order a
replacement Whale heater at £600 plus
fitting without a definite fault.
Could it be the pressure vessel or pump
that has on some occasions run
continuously for over an hour when we
were not in the ’van, or asleep?
We now try to remember to turn off the
main panel 12V on leaving the ’van and
also at night.
The fault is not stopping us enjoying
our current trip and will have to wait to be
fixed on our return to UK.
Paul Sparks

Hang tough

Top Tip

After a bumpy trip to Devon,
trying to avoid all the pot holes and
bumps in the road, we finally arrived
at our destination and found, with their hangers,
all our clothes had fallen off the rail and were in
a heap in the bottom of the wardrobe.
So, when we arrived home after a lovely week
away, I set about researching how we could stop
this happening again. With some curtain wire,
hooks and screws, I came up with this simple
modification, which has stopped this
happening again.
Pete Robinson

Nick says: Now that net curtains are going slowly into extinction, you might want
to get hold of some of this wire sooner rather than later. This is a clever and
inexpensive fix for an irritating problem.

WIN £150 OF LEISURE CHEMICALS
including standard p&p (UK mainland only)
Send us your top tip  MMM Motorhome Advice,
Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne,
Lincolnshire PE10 9PH
mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk

Sponsored by
Qualkem.com

A

The home of
40shot & PROshot
leisure products

We suffered a similar problem with
the pump periodically switching on
and then stopping. The problem was a
miniscule air leak in a surge damper. This is
an empty vessel with a connection at its
bottom to the output of the water pump so
that, when the pump ran, water was forced
into the vessel and the air above the water
was compressed. The pump then reached
switch-off pressure and stopped.
We did find the water leak – once all
the air had escaped, our wardrobe became
damp from the fine spray.
However, the pumps themselves can
leak back through the one-way valves and
this also causes them to pulse on
occasionally. I do not think it is likely to be

your heater unless you can see a damp
patch associated with it.
Also water pumps can suffer from
cavitation and this is where the pump
causes a disturbance to the water and
draws in air. Look closely to see if you have
a surge damper fitted and inspect this if
you do. If you don’t have one then fitting
one could well solve your problem.
Failing that, double-check all the water
system for leaks and, if none, replace the
water pump. But, as your pump runs
continuously, the pump’s built-in pressure
switch is not operating so needs replacing
anyway, or you have a major leak as yet
not found! New pump time, methinks.
Clive Mott

August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 125

Q

Where can I source a
replacement exhaust?

Living by the sea in West Sussex, I am well aware that high
winds and salt spray can cause more than average corrosion
on vehicles. I recently had to get my local garage to look at the
exhaust system on my 2015 Sunlight based on a Fiat Ducato.
It looks like the muffler is made up of laminations, and the
outer layer was coming away (and dragging on the ground).
The garage was able to get underneath and remove the loose
layer, but said that, as the exhaust wasn’t standard, we would
have trouble finding a replacement if more corrosion forced us
to get a new one.
I was surprised about it being a ‘speciality’ exhaust. I would
assume there must be lots of older motorhomes that require
replacement exhausts, so do you know of a motorhome
exhaust supplier? Presumably, I should check out my local Fiat
commercial vehicle garage.
Also, is there a type of bandage that I could fit around the
exhaust that would prolong its lifespan?
The second question relates to overall corrosion. Can you
recommend anti-corrosion sprays or pastes that I can apply
under my ’van that will eliminate, or minimise, any rust from

Q

Bob Dargan

A

Let’s deal with the underbody protection first.
Traditionally, the go-to product was Waxoyl, but I have
been reading that Dinitrol is easier to apply and is better. I
suspect these things are quite subjective.
I have always been concerned about sealing in things that
would last longer if they were left in free air, to dry out.
Corrosion is like an open wound and it will spread more
quickly and penetrate deeper if the (often) moist metalwork
is encased in something else.
On the whole, I would say that corrosion needs to be
repaired, cut out, sanded back to bare metal and prepared
and painted before covering the affected area with any other
kind of sealant. The chemical treatments are really only any
good at protecting and preventing. Not fixing.
If you have a body repairer nearby, I would recommend
getting advice from the very person that you might have to
ask to repair things later on!
The exhaust is a bit of a mystery. Your vehicle is converted

Why do I need to wait so
long for repairs?

We own a 2017 Bürstner Ixeo 726 G. Prior to a
trip in January, we noticed a slight bulge in
our floor near the kitchen area. Looking into
this I found it was a known problem with
floor delaminating. Having contacted
Bürstner, it directed me to its nearest dealer.
I sent photos and it replied that, as I am
out of warranty, it would do the repair at a
cost of £1,700 with a Bürstner contribution of
£800 and it would take three weeks. My
problem grew as we were going to downsize
to a panel van and I no longer need a
four-berth.
My ’van is booked in for November 2025
so now I feel trapped until then. Can you
advise me on your thoughts for the best
options available to me?
Malcolm Murray

A

building up?
While applying anything you suggest, I will also take the
opportunity of ensuring all loose wires are securely fixed as a
way of eliminating any fox damage!

Once the manufacturer’s warranty
period has expired you still have your
rights under consumer law. However, your
right to seek redress for manufacturing
defects is only valid for six years ( five years
in Scotland). Obviously, it isn’t always easy to
prove a manufacturing defect and of course
it appears you are now beyond the six years.
For older ’vans, floor delamination is not
an unknown problem and one that most
often occurs in the most trafficked areas of
the floor – like in the kitchen. The problem
is simply when the bonding between

different substrates of a composite floor
starts to fail and the area becomes ‘spongy’.
Repair is a fairly straightforward
procedure, but complicated by access to the
floor. Removal of any floor covering is
necessary whether carpet or vinyl. I
understand that some professional repairers
can undertake the work from below and,
whilst this can be practical on caravans, with
motorhomes there is often a lot of kit
mounted under the floor.
There are DIY delamination repair kits,
but you need to feel confident about the
task. For further information, have a look at
magnummotorhomes.co.uk under its
adhesives and glues section.
November 2025 seems a long way off for
what is a relatively simple repair for an
experienced team. I suggest you look to

126 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

other workshops, which should be equally
up to the task.
At first it may be worthwhile contacting
other Bürstner dealers as a Bürstner
contribution is on offer. A list of UK dealers
can be found on Bürstner’s UK website.
If this doesn’t help then try contacting
Bürstner and see if it will agree to other
workshops undertaking the work and still
benefit from the £800 contribution.
When proposing other workshops, I
suggest proposing the use of a member of
the Approved Workshop Scheme run by the
National Caravan Council (NCC), which is
approved for annual servicing by all major
UK manufacturers and a few continental
brands, but unfortunately not Bürstner.
Finally, it will be best if the work can be
done sooner rather than later as the
delamination may increase with greater use
of the floor.
Barry Norris

I would just suggest that you could trade in
your vehicle with the Bürstner dealer and
accept a reduction in value that is the
difference between the full cost of repair and
the Bürstner contribution. This might not be
the most financially beneficial deal for you,
but it would get you into the vehicle that you
now need sooner.
Have any other readers experienced
this problem? Please contact us at the
usual email address.
Nick Fisher

Tech Help TECHNICAL

from a van and there would be very little point in the converter
using any other exhaust system than standard, unless that is,
they have needed to reroute the system to provide underfloor
storage or tanks to be fitted.
The most common thing I saw when working on Fiat
motorhomes was that some of the continental conversions
(even those that were right-hand drive, had exhausts that
exited on the wrong side of the vehicle. Maybe that is what the
garage was thinking during the inspection?
Yours being a Euro 5 with a DPF, it should have the tailpipe
coming out of the driver’s side; about 12 to 18 inches in front of
the rear tyre. The tailpipe is clamped to the rear of the DPF.
The DPF is pretty large and is suspended right of centre up to
just under the driver’s door.
Replacing this with anything else other than standard will
have been far too costly and difficult for the converter. I doubt
very much that it did this. The next part is the downpipe from
the engine, which contains a catalytic converter. There are
only three parts to the system and there are pipes for sensors
and the sensors themselves.
I did have one or two Euro 3 vans that arrived with an
exhaust exiting from the passenger side. I never got to the
bottom of how or why this happened at the factory, but I
suspect the wrong parts turned up on the production line and

they were fitted anyway. Left-hand drive vehicles have the
exhaust exit this way, and I have seen European-built
motorhomes with this arrangement.
Prior to Euro 5, the exhaust system was fairly
straightforward and spare parts were available from a
number of suppliers. The option of having a custom system
made from stainless steel was also possible and would have
been much more durable. It is not a cheap option, but if you
are keeping motorhomes for a long time, it is worth it.
Where the outer skin has been removed from the exhaust,
presumably the DPF, there may be some merit in getting the
surface rubbed down and applying some very high
temperature paint to it, but the DPF can get very hot indeed,
sometimes 400˚C and not many paints can cope with that.
And your suggestion of ‘bandaging’ it? While the DPF is
carrying out a regeneration, it is desirable to have insulation
and the quicker it gets to the optimum temperature the
better but the rest of the time it is better to be cooler. I don’t
think that a jacket would be a good idea.
With all this in mind, I would suggest that you get in
touch with the converter and ask whether it used the
original exhaust system, or if it modified it. We would be far
happier to know for sure, I think you would agree?

Q

Whilst Cat 1 alarms and immobiliser systems are generally
standard fitment on cars, with motorhomes it all depends on the
commercial van manufacturer and the motorhome converter’s
specification. Some van manufacturers will fit just a Cat 2
immobiliser, others a full Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser. There are
third-party companies that will upgrade a Cat 2 system to a Cat 1
at a cost of around £500. For many prospective motorhome
purchasers this may well be rather galling to pay extra to obtain
insurance after forking out £150k.
My investigation shows that from 2006, the Cat 1 system was an
option on the Sprinter van. However, Colin has now informed me
that through the efforts of his dealer, Auto-Sleepers has confirmed
Sprinter vans with this alarm fitted meet Thatcham Cat 1 status
and his insurance company has accepted this. My insurance
company, Caravan Guard, has also confirmed Thatcham accepts
Mercedes Sprinters have a Cat 1 system fitted.
Clearly the moral of this story is that before committing yourself
to a significant motorhome purchase check out the insurance
requirements.

Is my motorhome alarm
approved by Thatcham?

I am in the process of buying a new Auto-Sleeper M-Star, as tested
recently by MMM.
I have an issue with insurance. The brochure states that a
tracking system is standard (I understand this is by Sargent and is
accepted by the insurance company).
The insurance company also insists on a Category 1 alarm (in
addition to the tracker).
The dealer (also well established) arranged for an alarm engineer
to attend, only to find that an alarm is already fitted by Mercedes. It
has interior motion sensors and operates on all doors and the bonnet.
In addition, it deadlocks the doors so they cannot be opened even if a
window is smashed. This system sounds very secure.
However, the insurance company (well known in the industry)
insists that it must have a Thatcham certificate in order for
insurance to be issued.
The dealer kindly made enquiries with Mercedes and sent me
copies of the security details.
The dilemma is that the alarm is fitted at Mercedes during
production, but does not appear to be issued with a British
Thatcham certificate. It is only a certificate that is the sticking point
for insurance to be issued.
I would appreciate any suggestions or advice as to how I could
proceed to get insurance cover based purely on this aspect.

Nick Fisher

Barry Norris

Colin Snow

A

Having spoken to two insurance companies about this
situation, both companies were clear that for such a highvalue ’van (around £125k) they would insist on a Thatchamapproved Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser, as well as a tracker system.
One company even went so far as to suggest it would prefer to see a
S5 or S5+ tracker system fitted rather than the S7 tracker fitted.

August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 127

Q

Why are we not able to switch off
the alarm system?

We have owned a 2005 Auto-Trail
Mohican SE on a Mercedes Sprinter 316
CDI for six years.
Several weeks ago, I found an oddlooking remote on the shelf. I pressed one
of the two pads and went about my day.
I went into the motorhome through
the habitation door. I then went outside
to open the cab door and a loud
prolonged alarm went off.
After several seconds it stopped. Then
the penny dropped. The habitation door
was not affected. On the cab dash, a small
light blinked continuously.
Going through my box file, I found a
booklet for Cobra Car Security. I followed
some instructions on how to put a code in
by pressing the flashing light button.
The light still flashed. I opened the cab
door and off went the alarm.
I had previously tried blindly pressing
one of the pads. I also replaced the
battery in the remote.
Now the cab doors could be opened
and no alarm. Great, I thought, it’s sorted.
No. When I put the ignition key into the

Q

Why will solar not top up
our AGM battery?

I read with interest recent letters about
diesel versus gas for heating. Recently, we
had our gas Truma 4 E replaced with a
diesel model, following the closure of our
nearest LPG sales site.
Installation was performed by Sunstore
at Goring in one day. The diesel heating
system is excellent and we are very pleased.
We had requested that the pump was
installed well away from where we sleep in
the rear. It’s a mystery why the silent pump
used with the marine Eberspächer is not
specified by Truma, as it uses similar
Eberspächer burner technology.
We did have problems with batteries,
however. The start-up current is some 8A for
a minute and this floored our existing battery.
Following advice and having checked that the
Sargent EC176 control unit in our Auto-Trail
V-Line supported AGM, we installed a new
110Ah AGM battery.
Having charged the AGM battery on
hook-up, we set off for a five-night rally. In
the early hours of the third morning, the
Truma was failing as the input voltage was
down to 10.5V.

ignition the alarm went off.
My wife tried contacting Cobra
without success but I can now put the key
into the ignition and start the engine.
I then opened the bonnet, off went the
alarm. I kept pointing the remote at the
’van hoping the flashing light would go off.
I do not know why, but now I could lift
the bonnet. Great, so I disconnected the
red battery terminal, off went the alarm.
There are about six small leads coming
from the positive lead.
The ’van is connected to hook-up to
keep the batteries topped up.
I am exhausted. The above history is
over many weeks.
I blame myself for my stupidity for
pressing the remote in the first place.
Richard Trigwell

A

This is a sorry tale about not getting a
proper handover. I am not an expert
on Cobra alarms and there are many
variants. I suspect that the Cobra alarm
is an aftermarket fitting and see you have
the operating instructions, maybe even
Part of the problem was a one-volt loss
through in the Sargent EC176. The big item,
however, was that the 100W solar panel was
not managing to charge the AGM battery.
Sargent tells me the EC176 has no integrated
solar regulator, so Auto-Trail must have one
hidden in the build structure somewhere.
We have just completed five nights
off-grid without problems, having replaced
the AGM battery with a standard lead acid
one. The solar panel is working again and
voltages are good. To eliminate the voltage
loss we bypassed the Sargent controller by
wiring the positive line direct to the Truma
from the battery.
An alternative to changing the battery
would have been to go back to Sunstore for
a new solar regulator to be fitted.
Robin Culverhouse

A

The start-up current for diesel heaters
is legendary as well as that required to
run the fuel pump. I am advised that the
start-up current is around 20A, not the 8A
you quoted. For this reason, diesel heater
manufacturers always instruct that the
diesel heaters are wired direct to the
battery supply and not via intermediate
devices such as the EC176.

128 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

the fitting instructions. It clearly has been
comprehensively fitted, covering doors,
the bonnet and the ignition.
I am not sure you have done the right
thing by getting into the programming or
emergency escape mode via the codes as
I would have expected you to be able to
toggle the alarm on and off simply by
pressing the appropriate button on that
fob. What state the set-up is in now I
cannot guess.
However, some advice I did find
associated with replacing the battery
was, “stand close to the vehicle or sit in
the driver’s seat and hold in both buttons
on the fob for about 10 seconds until the
little light stops blinking and stays on
permanently, release then long press the
big button once (about a second).”
After that, the buttons should operate
individually and normally to set or turn
off the alarm system.
Otherwise, get a Cobra expert to go
through the operating procedure with
you and set it up correctly, or get a Cobra
alarm expert to disconnect and remove
the alarm system and remake those
connections where the alarm system
interlocks the vehicle.
Clive Mott

Some motorhomes are fitted
with a separate solar regulator

I will make some enquiries regarding the
voltage drop through the EC716, although
this could simply be attributed to a wiring
resistance of 0.05 ohm for 1V lost at 20A.
Also, I will investigate why the AGM
battery should respond any differently in
your configuration.
There is no logical reason why an AGM
battery should perform any differently to a
wet cell battery in this respect.
Most conversions I am aware of with
diesel heating have at least two 110Ah
batteries as nearly all will also have a
compressor fridge, again more punitive on
the leisure battery.
The loss of LPG outlets is a challenge
but will no doubt drive the increased use of
LiFeP04 battery technology to better
support power-hungry systems.
Clive Mott

Tech Help TECHNICAL

Q

What A-frame braking system
should I go for?

I have had a Dethleffs motorhome on a Fiat Ducato (2014) for
several years, which has a type-approved towbar fitted. We have just
bought a Kia Picanto car, which we intend to tow using an A-frame.
My dilemma is that some A-frame manufacturers use a simple
overrun brake system via the overrun coupling and a cable
attached to the car’s brake pedal through the car’s bulkhead.
Others use a more elaborate system with electronic sensors in the
car that are effectively decelerometers connected via an airoperated cylinder to the brake pedal. The decelerometer measures
the rate of braking and controls the flow of air to the brake pedal
cylinder, thus giving proportional braking.
The overrun brake is, of course, the same principle as fitted to
most, if not all, caravans and small trailers. My dilemma is which
system to go for.
The overrun system is simple, widely used on caravans and
cheaper (about £1,000 ), than the electronic systems, which is
tempting. Also, one manufacturer that makes and sells both
systems is currently not selling the electronic system as it can’t get
all the parts. The boss of this company told me they prefer the
manual overrun system anyway.
Mick Holland

A

There is no doubt that an A-frame can be easier to live with than
using a separate trailer, but there are some disadvantages, too.
Such as the almost total inability to reverse, and the restrictions this
can impose when travelling with the car still attached.
If you are taking the ‘rig’ abroad there will also be nagging
worries about the actual legality of the practice in some countries.
Mostly in Spain it would seem, where interpretation of the laws by
individual police officers varies, and in several European countries
where they don’t seem to be absolutely sure if it is legal or not.
It is rumoured that there is an obscure European agreement
gathering dust somewhere, which is said to be still relevant, and
this allows holidaymakers’ vehicles, which are legal in their home
country, to be used in the rest of Europe on a temporary basis.
Fine, but just try telling that to the police officer writing the
ticket. He or she may not speak English and will only know it is not
legal in Spain, or wherever else the doubt arises.
Some suppliers of A-frames in the UK will provide customers
with a translation of the relevant obscure agreement, but don’t pin
your faith on it being read, or believed if it is.
Perceived wisdom seems to err on the side of caution and to use
a trailer in Spain.
However, as far as this query is concerned, all that angst and
uncertainty about the wisdom or legality of using an A-frame must
have been considered, as Mr Holland has decided to tug the little
Kia along on the great journey. What he wants to know is whether
he should buy an A-frame equipped with the traditional overrun
braking (as fitted to most caravans and trailers) or one of the more
recently developed electronic braking systems.
To be legal in the UK, both systems must be capable of achieving
a 50% braking efficiency.
When the traditional overrun system is used on a trailer or
caravan, the trailer’s brakes are operated by a cable from the
chassis frame directly to the brakes, which are usually drum
brakes, and not power assisted. The brakes on a trailer or caravan
will have to be designed to be not only efficient, but sufficiently so
to work by cable and usually with just two sets of brakes and

wheels doing the job. This is a simple procedure, though not nearly
as efficient as the power-assisted hydraulic all-wheel system used
in the towing vehicle.
When an A-frame is mounted to a car, the car then becomes the
trailer, with the cable from the removable A-frame being connected
to the brake pedal in the car and operating on all four wheels.
However, without the engine running, it has to compensate for the
fact that the system is designed to operate with power assistance, so
its efficiency is eroded. That said, if it meets or exceeds the 50% legal
requirement, it is deemed to be good enough to be legal.
The electronic braking system fitted to the A-frames works in a
completely different way. Most of them operate through an inertia
(or decelerometer) sensor and will be fitted with a compressor,
which maintains the vacuum in the car’s vacuum servo and
operates the brake pedal. This replicates the power assistance to
the brakes when the engine is running.
The compressor is powered by the car battery and, to prevent
the battery going flat, this must be wired into the towbar supply
from the towing vehicle. Apparently, some are sold without this
facility, and therefore carry a risk of the braking system failing on a
long non-stop journey.
A well-designed and manufactured electronic system will provide
a higher level of braking efficiency than the A-frame overrun system.
In theory, it should be smoother, too, without having to rely on the
travel of the overrun cylinder to activate the brakes.
The disadvantage of the electronic system is that, first, it will be
more expensive. Quite a lot more expensive in most cases.
However, with something such as the braking system, would you
risk buying a cheap one?
They are also more complex, and electronic failures are not as
fixable on the hoof as the simpler and more widely used overrun
system.
What I will say is that after a bit of research on American
forums, where they have been using the electronic ones for years,
the reliability of the upmarket models appear to be good.
So, which does Mr Holland buy? The simple, reliable, but less
efficient, manual overrun system, or the more efficient and
smoother electronic variety?
Before deciding anything, the weight of both the towing vehicle
and the towed vehicle, and the margins available, need to be
considered. The bigger the car, the more critical it becomes to have
efficient and smooth braking on it. If it’s a tiddler and the
motorhome is a monster, with a large margin for both towing and
payload, then the efficiency of the braking system on the towed
vehicle isn’t quite so critical.
For me, after considering what level of braking I would feel happy
to cope with the combination, and the margins available, it would
have to be either the very best of the electronic versions or, if that
was out of reach financially and you are happy with margins, an
overrun system from one of the long-established manufacturers.
Andy Stothert

There is a lot to digest here, as the subject is complex and
controversial. I would only like to add that the traditional
overrun system has been used on trailers and horseboxes for
decades and is pretty reliable. The latter involves sometimes very
unstable loads, too!
If the efficiency is acceptable and the rig is driven with care, I
would avoid any further complexity and stick with tried and tested
equipment that is easy to service and repair if necessary. I think
that life is complicated enough.
Nick Fisher

August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 129

Allen-headed bolts at
the rear of the seat

13mm nuts holding the
seat runners to the
swivel plate

shunt
32A circuit breaker and

New lithium battery monitor mounted

My project

Steve Bovey replaces his lead acid leisure
batteries with a single lithium battery

O

ur Ducato-based Chausson 610
Welcome was originally fitted
with a 100Ah Platinum lead acid
leisure battery. A second identical
battery was installed at time of
purchase to provide more off-grid
capacity and a greater energy reserve.
These batteries failed and needed
to be replaced. The twin leisure
batteries are located beneath the
passenger cab seat, which must be
removed to gain access.
As it is necessary to disconnect the
seatbelt pretensioner wiring, care
must be taken not to damage the
airbag control module. This is
achieved by disconnecting the starter
battery at least 30 minutes (it is said)
before starting work.
After informing the Tracker
monitoring company, I chose to
disconnect the starter battery the
evening before starting work to be on
the safe side. I also isolated the MPPT

solar controller in the method shown
in the Epever’s installation manual.
Although after some research it
appeared possible to remove the seat
with the swivel plate attached, access
to some of the fixings seemed difficult
and I therefore separated the seat
runners from the swivel plate first.
First, the ABS plastic covers around
the seat base were removed.
The seat runners are secured to the
swivel plate with two Torx-headed
bolts at the front and four 13mm nuts
with captive washers at the rear.
The plug and socket cable connector
for the seatbelt pretensioner wiring
then needed to be separated.
The final job before lifting the seat
off (it’s heavy, so best done with two
pairs of hands) is to remove the 13mm
nuts beneath the seat frame, which
secure the locator studs. While most
would be able to simply disconnect the
earth cable, I had to cut the earth cable

130 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

and reconnect it when reassembling.
One end disappeared into the seat pad
upholstery and the other end couldn’t
be accessed until the swivel plate had
been removed. It was rejoined with a
straight crimp protected with heat
shrink tubing.
The seat was then lifted off. The
swivel plate was also lifted off after
removing the two Torx-headed bolts
at the front and three Allen-headed
countersunk bolts and a ‘stop bolt’ at
the rear. In our case the Torx-headed
bolts came out easily, but the Allen
bolts had to be carefully drilled out –
not a pleasant job!
After lifting off the swivel plate,
access to the two (heavy!) lead acid
batteries is easy and they can be
disconnected and removed.
Take care with spanners when
disconnecting battery positives with
the seat frame nearby!
The void was carefully cleaned and

TECHNICAL

What I spent
KS Energy SB210 lithium battery at
£1,099. Nasa Clipper lithium battery
monitor at £110. Battery hold-down J
bolts from Amazon at £6.49, 32A Red
Wolf circuit breaker £15.99, Sundry
items including cables, lugs and fixings,
etc, £15. Total cost £1,246.48

How long it took
Approximately 16 hours

Project summary

New lithium battery in place

prepared to accept the new battery.
I decided to install a KS Energy
210Ah lithium iron phosphate battery
(LiFePO4) for the following reasons:
1. It is made to fit beneath the cab seat
of all X250 and X290 Sevel-based (Fiat
Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay/
Jumper) motorhomes.
2. It is less than half the weight of the
two lead acid batteries.
3. It has a high-power 200A BMS
(battery management system) and a
seven-year warranty, is high quality
and made in Ireland.
4. The M8 output terminals are at the
front of the battery and would always
be accessible.
The battery was next placed in
position with self-adhesive felt pads
positioned where the case could come
into contact with the seat base frame.
A perforated steel bar was used for
battery retention and secured with
long thread J bolts and locking nuts.
I also installed a Red Wolf 30A DC
car circuit breaker with resettable
manual switch from Amazon for
protection and isolation together with
a Nasa BM-1 lithium battery monitor
and shunt before making the final

Plug and socket connector
for seatbelt pretensioner

connections to the battery terminals.
Equipment manufacturers’
guidelines and installation instructions
were followed throughout.
Next the leisure battery system was
turned on and all circuits and
equipment were checked. The KS
Energy app was also installed to give
indication of the battery performance.
The Epever MPPT solar controller

THINGS TO NOTE
Clive Mott says: None of the new wiring is
protected against earth leakage by the
motorhome RCD and it’s not protected
against overcurrent by the motorhome’s
circuit breakers.
Also, I think the integrity of the
original motorhome’s incoming supply is
compromised by the addition of the spur
box. Mounting a fused spur between the
16A hook-up connector and the van’s
RCD must compromise the regulations as
it is additional wiring before the RCD.
RCDs mounted in the site bollard may
protect you on most UK campsites and
certainly all the Club sites, but not on
many European sites when your
motorhome’s 16A RCD is your first earth
leakage protection device.

The original lead acid batteries in our
2016 Chausson always gave a
disappointing performance and then
they failed, so I chose to replace them
with one lithium version. The new
battery is a game changer

was next reconnected and the
charging regime set to LiFePO4. The
mains charger (CBE CB-516) was then
set to ‘gel’ as recommended.
The seat swivel plate was then
refitted (I sourced new Allen-headed
bolts from a local supplier), followed
by the seat. The pretensioner wiring
plug and socket was reconnected
followed by the starter battery.
If you have a dual-voltage MPPT solar
controller, as they set their voltage by the
first connection of the leisure battery, it is
vital the solar panel connections are
made after the battery connection is
made. The 32A circuit breaker in the
battery supply can sometimes result in
the solar regulator recalibrating to the
24V setting on a sunny day as the panel
voltage leaks to the regulator input and if
the battery is disconnected.
Later, after the circuit breaker is then
closed, the batteries will be overcharged
by the regulator.
With any safety-critical aspect of
motorhomes, it’s always worth getting
work or plans checked by an expert or, if
in doubt, getting the expert to do the
work for you.

HAVE YOUR PROJECT FEATURED Submit your DIY project to help other readers improve
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August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 131

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SCAN ME

TECHNICAL

What I spent
Under £7 as opposed to the cost of a
whole new mirror

How long it took
I spent about 30 minutes each on the
first three attempts, but when the
weather got warmer it took about two
hours in total

Project summary
The external temperature sensor on my
2016 Fiat Ducato-based motorhome
failed and was reading higher-thanpossible figures. After various attempts,
with a lot of care I effected a repair
with a new sensor sourced from eBay

The new sensor

Crimping the
new sensor on

Mirror removed

My project

Iain Maitland replaces the external
temperature sensor on a 2016 Fiat

I

have just successfully replaced the
outside temperature gauge on our
2016 Fiat Ducato on the fourth
attempt. This might be the most fiddly
job I’ve ever attempted.
For those wondering if it is possible
to replace a faulty mirror temperature
gauge on a Fiat without breaking
things, it is. My first three attempts
were when the temperature was
around 15˚C and under. These saw me
nervously achieving more separation
of the plastic faces of the mirror
surround each time, but I was very
aware that, if they cracked, a
replacement mirror (heated and
electric) would be over £200. So, do
choose a day when the temperature is
over 20˚C as the plastic will be rather

more malleable.
The actual mirror glass is easy to
gently prise off with one’s fingers.
There are then five hexagonal screws
to remove before removing the two
Phillips screws, which retain the
indicator lens.
I can’t stress this enough, but great,
great care is then required to part the
plastic U-shaped pieces to enable
access to the small temperature sensor.
I had bought a new gauge on eBay
for around £7. I searched for ‘Ducato
outside temperature sensor’.
The result gave prices from £6.71£10 for what looked like exactly the
same sensor, no doubt manufactured
in China.
Cut the old sensor’s wires as near to

the old sensor as possible. You then
need to remove a small length of plastic
to expose the bare wires. I used a
plastic crimp (after removing its plastic
cover) to enable a good solid joining of
the wires from the new sensor.
What joy and satisfaction to see
(before reassembly) the temperature
registering 20˚C rather than the 73˚C
it had been showing before the repair.
I had been nearly tempted to buy a
whole new mirror, but with patience I
have been able to replace the sensor
for under £7.

HAVE YOUR PROJECT FEATURED Submit your DIY project to help other readers improve
their ’van and earn some extra money motorhome.ma/diyproject
August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 133

© Bailey of Bristol

Barry Norris...
...was previously a civil engineer,
then Technical Officer at the
Camping and Caravanning
Club. He now enjoys the
motorhoming lifestyle

Cool drinks and fresh food with a Thetford fridge in Bailey’s Adamo motorhome

Keeping cool
Motorhomers like to be self-sufficient and no
home is complete without a fridge

W

hether your idea of heaven at
the end of the day is a cold
beer or fresh food for a
barbecue, there’s not much chance
unless your motorhome has an
efficient refrigerator.
In years past, the standard
motorhome fridge was a three-way
absorption fridge, which works on
alternative power sources, but, in
recent years, compressor fridges have
become increasingly common in
mainstream motorhomes.

liquid butane or propane vaporising off
within the cylinder to form gas and
taking in heat from its surroundings.
Absorption fridges are powered by
application of heat to provide gravity
circulation of a liquid known as
refrigerant through a series of pipes.
The cooling process is aided by the use
of different chemicals in the refrigerant.
Compression fridges use a single
refrigerant chemical, which changes
from a gaseous state to a liquid state
and back to a gas aided by the use of
an electrically powered compressor.

absorption system is how quiet it runs
as it has no moving parts.
One drawback, though, is the heat
produced, which necessitates good
external ventilation. Use of gas as a fuel
also requires good external ventilation
and for the fridge to be sealed from the
habitation area. Particularly at higher
ambient temperatures, performance is
strongly dependent on the airflow
along the rear of the fridge,
necessitating two vents with cold air
coming in at the bottom vent and hot
air venting at the top.
Although an absorption fridge
works well, it can take up to eight
hours to get down to temperature and
it performs best at medium and lower
ambient temperature (10 to 32˚C). At
the higher end of temperatures,
performance can be enhanced with a
fan to boost ventilation. Absorption
fridges are also sensitive to tilting and
need to be levelled so not more than
2.5 degrees out of level.

HOW FRIDGES WORK
Absorption and compressor fridges
work on broadly similar principles
utilising latent heat, which is taken
up when a liquid vaporises into a
gaseous state.
Many campers will have noticed this
principle when using gas cylinders and
find the top half of their cylinder cold,
often with condensation formed around
the outside. In this situation it’s the

ABSORPTION FRIDGES
Absorption fridge popularity comes
from the flexibility of utilising three
power sources, encompassing travel
mode (12V), on campsite with electric
hook-up and gas when off-grid. Many
modern absorption fridges use
automatic energy source technology
to switch between the three sources.
But the main advantage of an

134 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

COMPRESSOR FRIDGES
Two of the main reasons for the lack of
compressor fridges in motorhomes
until recently has been noise and
power consumption. Most domestic
refrigerators are compressor fridges,
which use an electrical compressor
with accompanying noise particularly
on start-up and stopping.

TECHNICAL

© RoadPro

© Thetford

© Thetford

© Thetford

In association with

Sophisticated controls ensure
maximum efficiency

© Outwell

Using a compressor
fridge without a
hook-up needs good
off-grid kit

Rear of a Thetford
absorption fridge showing
the burner box lower right

Rear of a Thetford
compressor fridge showing
the compressor lower left

In a domestic situation this noise is
lost among ambient daytime kitchen
noise and at night-time it’s usually
isolated from the sleeping areas,
which isn’t practical in a motorhome.
In recent years, compressor fridge
technology has moved on and noise
levels are much more minimal. Some
even have a night-time mode, which
reduces noise further at night and
conserves power.
A compressor fridge cools down
more quickly and performs better in
higher ambient temperatures (up to
40˚C) than an absorption fridge. Less
heat is created with compressor fridges,
which means internal ventilation can be
used, lowering the need to cut more
holes in the bodywork.
Despite the development of more
efficient compressor fridges using less
power than an absorption fridge
working on electricity, they still result
in a considerable drain on the battery.
However, with the advent of largecapacity lithium batteries, economical
solar panels and battery-to-battery
(B2B) chargers, the use of compressor
fridges has become more attractive.
In addition, modern technology is
such that compact compressors and
fans enable compressor fridges to be
lighter than their absorption
competitors and they can, size for size,
provide up to 10% more usable
internal space.

Compact compressor systems
are ideal for small fridges, such
as those fitted in campervans

THERMOELECTRIC FRIDGES
There’s also a thermoelectric system,
which doesn’t use any refrigerant or
have any moving parts, but works by
electricity flowing through two
different types of metal conductor.
This is also known as the Peltier effect.
Unfortunately, when this is scaled
up it becomes uneconomical.
Campers tend to find this system used
in some portable coolers where they
can only cool down to about 20˚C
below ambient temperatures.

WHAT’S THE BEST FRIDGE?
It depends on how you camp and the
power set-up in your motorhome. For
smaller units you are likely to find
there’s more choice of compact
compressor fridges available as it’s
easier to locate a space for a fridge
that doesn’t need external ventilation.
With a mainstream motorhome, if
you carry a good supply of gas and like
to spend time off-grid, then an
absorption fridge could be good for
you. An 81-litre fridge will empty a 6kg
gas cylinder approximately every three
weeks and a 150-litre fridge/freezer
will last about two weeks.
An absorption fridge of any size
working on gas will only consume
about 60mA or 1.44Ah per 24 hours of
electricity for the control system.
An 85-litre compressor fridge will

This Outwell
thermoelectric cooler
box operates
on either
a 230V or
12V supply

use around 25Ah per 24 hours at
ambient temperature of 20˚C to power
the controls and compressor. As the
ambient temperature increases so
does the compressor electricity
consumption increase. After three
days such a fridge would consume
75Ah, which is as much as you would
wish to take out of a 150Ah lead acid
battery and this is assuming there is
no other drain on the battery.
However, if you have good off-grid
kit and/or you tour a lot, then a
compressor fridge could be ideal.
Remember with a B2B charger
coupled to a lithium battery, an hour
or so of driving will give a substantial
boost to a battery.
Lithium batteries also allow you to
take them down to around 10% of full
capacity with minimal long-term
detrimental effect. If you spend a lot of
time in the south of France or Spain in
summer, you may prefer a compressor
fridge to cope with higher ambient
temperatures and there’s the bonus
that a solar panel could supply much
of the fridge’s power.
If you’re looking for the most
efficient fridge, check if the freezer
compartment temperature is
individually controlled. Freezers use
more energy than equivalent fridge
volume so the ability to turn down the
freezer temperature when not in use is
worthwhile. ³

August 2024 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 135

© Thetford

TECHNICAL In association with

Thetford’s ventilation kit will improve
absorption fridge performance in high
ambient temperatures

Absorption fridges need good external
ventilation to function

A compressor fridge only needs discreet
internal ventilation

Using a compressor fridge without a
hook-up needs good off-grid kit

GETTING THE BEST OUT OF
YOUR FRIDGE

towels down to catch any water.
Ensure the fridge is dry and the
door is left on a latch setting to let air
to circulate to prevent mould growth.
Clean the interior from time to time
with a mild cleaner, preferably sodium
bicarbonate, which will not harm the
plastic nor taint food.
Fridges must be serviced in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Absorption fridges
need an annual service to check for
soot build-up inside the chimney and
that the flame is burning correctly.
Note, a fridge service is not normally
included in the annual motorhome
service offered by most workshops.
Ventilation is important but, during
the winter, for optimum performance
(winter) vent covers are recommended
for absorption fridges.

benefitted from the use of brushless
motors, sophisticated control systems
and better insulation, which have all
improved performance.
Work is presently ongoing looking
at the practicality of introducing 48V
electrics, which has some benefits for
today’s power-hungry motorhomes
and could further improve compressor
fridge efficiency.

An absorption fridge needs to be
switched on up to eight hours before
you load it; it’s better if the food and
drink you’re packing is pre-cooled.
With either type of fridge, don’t pack
too tightly to allow some room for
cool air to circulate between items
and around the cooling fins.
If you are going on a ferry with an
absorption fridge where gas power
will not be permitted, ensure that the
fridge is fully cooled before embarking
and, if there’s empty space, fill with
bottles of chilled water.
Try not to open the fridge door too
often when in use.
If a thick layer of ice builds up on a
long trip, defrost for optimum
performance. Where possible,
ventilate your motorhome to keep the
inside temperature as low as possible.
Cleaning and maintenance is
important for all types of fridge and,
particularly at the end of a trip, defrost
the fridge, not forgetting to put dry

FOR THE FUTURE
Undoubtedly fridge design will evolve
to produce further efficiencies.
Already compressor fridges have

CONTACT
Thetford
thetford-europe.com/gb

PLEASE NOTE
Any advice given by consultants and contributors
within MMM is designed to be by way of
suggestion only and does not negate a reader’s
responsibility to obtain professional advice
before acting upon it. Any such advice is not a
recommendation on behalf of the Editor or
publishers and is followed entirely at the
reader’s own risk. Consequently, the Editor,
consultants and publishers shall not be
responsible for any loss or damage incurred by a
reader acting upon such advice.

LOOKING FOR MORE TECHNICAL ADVICE? You need an All-Access MMM Digital Subscription
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136 Need technical advice? | mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2024

Constantly cool,
wherever you go!

thetford.com

Buyingadvice
Manufacturers are currently launching their 2025 models but, if you’re after
a new motorhome now, have a look at this tempting selection we found
Here is a quick rundown of some great 2024 motorhomes and campervans that
caught our eye and can currently be found in stock at dealers across the UK, and
as seen on our Motorhomes For Sale and Campervans For Sale sections on
outandaboutlive.co.uk
Remember, the market is still strong in the UK and so, although some dealers
are offering end-of-season discounts, these are not widespread. It’s also worth
bearing in mind that we still don’t have a full picture of what models will and
won’t be changing for 2025, so there is a chance some of these models will
continue mainly unchanged into the next season. This means that if you need a
different specification to those in stock, you may still be able to order one from
the factory, but you may get a 2025 delivery slot, depending on the build schedule.
The beauty of buying from dealer stock is that the price you see is the price you
pay and you’ll be able to pick up the motorhome sooner (this will depend on how
busy the dealer is currently with handovers).

ITINEO COZI PS700

ADRIA ACTIVE DUO

FROM £54,995

FROM £65,950

FOUND AT Geoff Cox,
Chelston and Highbridge

FOUND AT Oakwell Motorhomes
Itineo has always offered good value. The company is renowned for its family-friendly
layouts, although this is both its first bunk bed floorplan in a low-profile body and the first
time it has used the Ford Transit as a base vehicle. Standard spec includes the 130hp
engine and manual gearbox, which this one has.
Where it excels is with the size of its lounge, with one straight sofa and a longer
L-shaped one. Above is a drop-down bed that can come right down to seat height if you
only need four berths. In that case, you’ll never to need to make up a bed as there are
bunks across the back (each over 2m long), which kids (of any age) will love.

GLOBECAR SUMMIT SHINE 540

Wa tch
the video!
mo

torhome.ma/
review294

Adria’s long-awaited pop-top campervan is an
interesting model that fills a niche between
models like the VW California Beach and those
with a comprehensive side kitchen. It has the
usual galley on the nearside but it’s a much more
compact unit than you might expect and its hob
has just a single gas ring.
By making the kitchen unit shorter, though,
Adria has allowed the Active Duo to have twin
sliding doors, so you get safe and convenient
access to the sliding rear seat (from Reimo, with
Isofix) wherever you’re parked. In a vehicle that’s
likely to be a daily driver that’s worth a lot.

FROM £68,784

FOUND AT SMC, Highbridge and Geoff
Cox (in either Shine or Prime versions)
Fixed bed campervans are available from
all continental brands, but few can match
Globecar’s reputation for build quality or
the interesting innovations found on
this Summit.
The half-dinette is typical but
the Easy Move table lifts and
motorhome.ma/
folds flat against the wall, greatly
but you lose out on storage space.
review289
increasing the feeling of space.
Globecar gives you the choice, with its
We’ve become accustomed to a fullMultiRoof – simply a shelf that can be
height walk-through in many Fiat high-tops
hinged out of the way or removed completely.

Wa tch
the video!

138 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale August 2024

If you’re looking for a more premium version,
then there is also a Prime model, but you get an
overcab sunroof rather than that flexible shelf…
the choice is yours.

BUYING
SWIFT VOYAGER 475

FROM £69,995

FOUND AT Dolphin Motorhomes
The only overcab coachbuilt in our list, this new
Swift Voyager at Dolphin Motorhomes is a great
option for families.
It sleeps five people and has five seatbelts,
and is keenly priced (with no need to raid the
options list). You can drive it on a standard car
licence, too.
The layout includes two seating areas
but what’s surprising is the feeling of space.
Partly, that’s due to the slightly wider body
(2.37m) but an even greater influence is the
design up front, where the typical side seat has
been replaced by a slim chest of drawers. It’s

RAPIDO 606F

important, too, that the overcab bed tips up out
of the way.
Families are also likely to appreciate the
outside shower and barbecue points, the large

FROM £87,730

133-litre fridge, the Isofix points for child seats,
and heating that can be used while you drive.
This is a tempting family coachbuilt from a
great British manufacturer at a keen price.

BAILEY ENDEAVOUR B62

FROM £69,995

FOUND AT Chipping Sodbury, Dolphin, Continental Leisure Vehicles
Bailey’s first campervan combines the perennially popular rear lounge layout with a Ford
Transit base vehicle and comes with a generous standard spec at a sensible price.
Using the tallest version of the Transit gives almost 2m of interior headroom, as well as a
raised floor with 70mm of Styrofoam insulation and a step-free walk-through from the cab to
the back doors.
The 150hp engine, automatic transmission and 12in touchscreen are all standard
equipment, too, and the Endeavour comes with alloy wheels and metallic paint.
Also included are the overcab sunroof, roll-out awning and 100W solar
panel. In fact, because of the tiny options list, prices do not at all vary from
one dealer to another and we instantly found three currently for sale.

Wa tch
the video!
mo

torhome.ma/
review291

FOUND AT Brownhills and
Thompson Leisure

Wa tch
the video!
mo

torhome.ma/
rapido2024

The Rapido 606F starts off with an instant
advantage of reduced length (6.69m) but, inside,
you don’t feel any loss of space – the settees are
well proportioned, and headroom is generous.
Importantly, the drop-down bed is large (1.91m
by 1.46m) and lowers down to just 79cm off the
floor, which makes getting into bed much easier and
is almost certainly a best-in-class figure.
The kitchen has a 167-litre fridge/freezer and, for
the UK, an oven that’s positioned low down.
Rapido’s designers have also given more thought
to the wardrobe space, making access to your
clothes easier than in most rivals.
We found two of these 606Fs at UK dealers, and
both come with a 140hp diesel engine coupled to an
automatic gearbox and with price tags that reveal a
fair few other options have been included, and this is
likely to be common across models already in stock
at dealers.

HILLSIDE HOPTON

FROM £83,825

FOUND AT Choose Leisure or Hillside
If you want a campervan based on a MAN
TGE (or its sister, the Volkswagen Crafter),
there are now plenty of pricey options on
the market.
So, for those who aren’t prepared to
compromise on driving dynamics and cab
ergonomics (with a cheaper chassis), but
who have a limited budget, the Hillside

Hopton looks like an excellent choice,
especially as it has just been updated.
The models we found all had higher list
prices than the standard model, but that
means some of the extensive options list
has been ticked on each, so
check spec carefully when
buying from stock.

Wa tch
the video!
mo

torhome.ma/
review293

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale 139



 





 

AVAILABLE UNTIL 1ST AUGUST 2024




 


 


 


 






INCLUDED ON ALL
ADRIA MODELS

ON ALL STOCK
WILDAX MODELS

 YEAR
MECHANICAL

8.9%

WARRANTY

Representative

USED MODELS

ACROSS NEW
AND USED


 




APR

INCLUDED ON ALL



 


  
01332 781562
www.geoffcox.co.uk
Derby Road | Marehay | Derbyshire | DE58JN

         ! " # $ %&     #  &  ' (   $

View all our stock

Advice BUYING
BAILEY ALORA 69-4S

FROM £74,995

CHAUSSON X650

FROM £75,995

FOUND AT Continental, Premier, Elite, Dolphin, Richard Baldwin,
Pearmann Briggs and Chipping Sodbury
The Alora is a new narrow-bodied (2.12m) range that responds to a growing interest in
slimline vehicles that offer the space, comfort and insulation of a motorhome in a size a little
closer to that of a campervan. This 69-4S has a transverse double that benefits from a much
greater feeling of interior space.
This is enhanced by the face-to-face lounge with a large overcab sunroof. It’s a great place
to relax and it can even be adapted to offer a pair of rear travel seats, thanks to the foldaway
Aguti chairs.
And the even better news is that this range, having just been launched, is
likely to continue unchanged for the time being. There’s also load of choice
at UK dealers, so you may be able to source one closer to home if you wish.
motorhome.ma/
review301

Wa tch
the video!

PILOTE ATLAS A656D

FROM £81,995

FOUND AT Davan and Cosford
If you find most motorhomes to be a bit too
similar, then consider the new Atlas, from
Pilote. From the dark metallic grey cab,
black alloys and distinctive Ford grille, to
its angular overcab and geometric graphics,
the A656D is eye-catching. It’s quite petite,
too, at only 6.60m long and 2.19m wide.
Pilote is clearly trying to appeal to those

seeking something compact to drive but
more spacious to live in than a campervan.
Inside, the layout is familiar but the
design is bolder than anything previously
from this French company. The most
unusual feature (which we love), however,
is the pigeonhole-style storage for folded
clothing and sundry other kit.

MALIBU T 490 LE

FOUND AT River Motorhomes,
Elite, Tyne Valley

Wa tch
the video!

Few coachbuilt motorhomes
have ever created as much of
motorhome.ma/
a stir as the Chausson X550,
moty24
and now it has a (slightly) larger
brother, the X650.
This extra space means buyers
get a bike-swallowing garage added into the mix.
The motorhome is still campervan-sized (6.36m
long, 2.10m wide) and, this being a Chausson, the
garage isn’t just a garage.
Above, there’s a supersized wardrobe, or you
can press a button and make the wardrobe deeper
and the garage shallower, right up until when the
latter disappears and a walk-in changing area is
created!
This model so impressed MMM’s testers that
it was named the overall Motorhome of the Year
for 2024.

FROM £124,000

FOUND AT Oakwell, Lowdhams,
Alan Kerr, Dixons
Like vehicles from its premium-brand parent
company, Carthago, the Malibu T 490 LE has a
generous double floor and a large garage, so
storage is something you should never
run out of.
With the optional 4,250kg chassis
upgrade, you’ll also have a payload to
motorhome.ma/
match, at over a tonne.
review283
We review a lot of motorhomes
and is one of the finest single bed/
every year and, while some disappoint,
garage layout motorhomes we’ve tested in
others seem to exceed the sum of their parts.
a long time.
This Malibu definitely falls into the latter camp
There is also an A-class version, which is

Wa tch
the video!

more expensive than the low-profile, with a few
dealers having this option in stock, plus we also
found a nearly new option at one dealer, so
search around on the secondhand market, too.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale 141

BUYING Advice
ADRIA CORAL SUPREME MB 670 DC

FROM £122,090

FOUND AT Premier Motorhomes,
Highbridge, Wandahome
Over one hundred thousand pounds – a lot of
money that would once have seen you driving
an A-class the size of a bus. That’s no longer
the case but the Coral Supreme still justifies
its price point, firstly with a Mercedes-Benz
chassis and then with its striking exterior design
featuring a metallic grey cab and all-silver
habitation bodywork.
Inside, clean lines emphasise the loft
apartment look, while a side sofa lounge with
folding table makes the most of the space.

Other layouts are available so if this island
bed doesn’t suit, look for the single bed version
and there are more traditional lounge options,

HYMER ML-T 580 4X4

FROM £129,700

too. Also, there are quite a few options and
packs to add on, so the starting price will likely
be higher for stock models.

LAIKA KREOS H 5109 FROM £159,999

FOUND AT Southdowns, Travelworld and 3 A’s
Hymer’s incredible Venture S jumped from concept vehicle to production model in three
years, then scooped the 2023 Motorhome of the Year title.
A year on and a number of features from that one-of-a-kind model have filtered down
to more Hymers, including the new ML-T.
It’s designed to offer greater self-sufficiency for those using the (optional) four-wheel
drive to get off the beaten track.
So, there’s now a compressor fridge and diesel heating, so that gas is only required
for the hob and optional oven. Other extra-cost options include additional lithium leisure
batteries (up to four 80Ah), two 95W solar panels and an 1,800W inverter. The reduced
gas compartment has allowed space for a second toilet cassette, too.

GLOBE-TRAVELLER FALCON 2XS

FROM £110,995

FOUND AT Blackdown, Jordans,
GMC Motorhomes, E S Hartley
One-of-a-kind layouts are all too few in the
campervan world, but the Falcon 2XS is
like nothing else currently on the market.
It comes from Polish converter, GlobeTraveller, which amazed us on its UK debut
by scooping the Campervan of the Year
title for 2023 with its more conventional
Fiat-based Voyager Z.
The Falcon not only adopts the more sophisticated Volkswagen base
vehicle but has a fresh design that eschews a fixed bed or beds for more
living space in the compact 6m van. Unusually for an imported campervan,
it also has a UK-handed layout with the sliding door on our nearside.
READ THE FULL REVIEW ON PAGE 109

Wa tch
the video!
mo

torhome.ma/
review313

FOUND AT 3 A’s (low-profiles for sale at
Camper UK and Emm-Bee)
How many motorhomes can claim that they were
conceived by design royalty? The Kreos can,
because Italian manufacturer, Laika, turned to
GFG Style, the design company of Giorgetto and
Fabrizio Giugiaro, which has a back catalogue of
creating cars wearing Lamborghini, Ferrari and
Maserati badges.
Externally, the simple black and white colour
scheme, minimalist LED headlamps, and grille
peppered with tiny slots, give the Kreos a unique
dose of flair.
Inside, though, Laika’s latest is an even greater
change from the cautious décor of rivals. The dark
blue walls contrast with a contemporary mix of
white, grey and wood accents and there are curves
and rounded corners everywhere. It is one of the
best-looking motorhomes on the market.

NEED ADVICE ON BUYING A MOTORHOME? Send your questions to MMM’s experts
and we will provide you with all the relevant information mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk
142 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale August 2024

Lillypad Leisure is BACK

Aldbrough Road, Flinton, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU11 4NA

The Motorhome & Leisure Experts!
We have happy customers who have purchased motorhomes from us
in every corner of our country, even one in New Zealand!

Full made to measure
safari rooms start at £249

We are proud to be franchised dealers for Wildax motorhomes, McLouis Fusion and most recently,
Autosleepers. We are best known for our outstanding customer service along with highly prepared
and carefully selected new and used motorhomes, we specialize in automatics and motorhomes
under 3 years old.
Being the largest dealer of Wildax motorhomes means we have multiple deliveries each month and
usually carry more physical stock than any other dealer, making your decision on which layout suits
you best a bit easier.
Our dealership offers ample parking for the largest of motorhomes, whether you are calling in to
view our stock, top up LPG and diesel at our fuel station or leaving your motorhome with us for
service work, parking is not a concern here.

Take a look at the website or give us a call

0845 2305260 07708770028

www.lillypadleisure.com
Made to Measure our Speciality

01964 670392 • sales@mapleleisure.co.uk • www.mapleleisure.co.uk

Vintage ’vans
Expert advice on buying and running an older motorhome
THIS MONTH Martin Watts gets topical about motorhome parking

Martin Watts...
... recently traded his VW
Westfalia campervan in for a
1997 Auto-Sleeper Excelsior
on the Ford Transit offering a
little more comfort and a
‘smiley face’

A

campervan, whether it’s a pop-top or
high-top, is a pretty unobtrusive vehicle,
often not much longer than an estate
car. These fit on most UK driveways and into
most parking bays at the shopping centre.
A motorhome, on the other hand, is
somewhat larger, and is no shrinking violet
when it comes to blending into the
background. Parking such a vehicle on your
drive in a rural or semi-rural location is not
likely to upset neighbours, if parked in a way
that it does not infringe on the enjoyment of
their property or block out light sources.
It is a different story when it comes to
parking large motorhomes in a built-up, more
densely populated neighbourhood. Indeed,
some modern homes do contain a restriction
about parking caravans and motorhomes on
the drive written into the deeds.
Motorhome parking is a subject that has

been in the press in recent years, due in part
to the increase of the #vanlife community
parking in public places. Several councils
(most notably coastal towns), have
introduced legislation to prevent overnight
parking on seafront roads.
One Worcester resident has recently hit
the headlines, not only locally, but also in the
national press, after the council served him
notice to remove his motorhome from his
driveway after several complaints from
residents. In this case, the motorhome is a
classic 1972 Ford Transit Ci Landliner, which
the 63-year-old owner has spent several
years restoring.
The owner was issued with an order to
remove the vehicle as it was ‘damaging the
amenity of the area’, and the council said it
contravened section 2015 of the Town and
Country planning act of 1990. Residents

Classic corner
Those glass-fibre monocoque motorhomes
produced by Auto-Sleepers are now hailed
as an iconic design. It took the industry by
storm in 1980 when the Bedford CF SV100
was launched, which later morphed into
the Bedford Clubman.
It was a huge success, as it meant no
more bodywork joints.
What followed was a
long line of monocoque
designs such as the

Talisman, Executive, Legend, Medallion,
Amethyst, Gatcombe and Excelsior.
In terms of classic design innovations,
the Auto-Sleeper monocoque is up there
with the best.
I owned one such Auto-Sleeper
monocoque model until recently, the
Clubman, based on the Bedford CF. I was
impressed by the overall design and quality,
and only sold it to downsize. So, when we
recently sold our VW Westfalia, our thoughts

turned again to a classic Auto-Sleeper. A Ford
Transit Excelsior became available with a low
mileage and full service record. So, after an
inspection and some haggling, we are now
the proud owners of a 1997 Excelsior.

SHOW OFF YOUR CLASSIC! Tell everyone about your vintage ’van: post to MMM
Vintage at the address on the Next Month page or email mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk
144 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

BUYING
ON THE MARKET
This month, Martin looks at a pair of moden
classic motorhomes, spotted on
outandaboutlive.co.uk

AUTO-TRAIL DAKOTA HI-LINE

appear to be divided in their opinions, with
some saying the ’van is regarded as a local
landmark at this end terrace property, whilst
others say it is simply an eyesore.
Due to be heard as a civil case, with the
owner representing himself, it seems that
sense has prevailed, an amical agreement
reached, and the case dropped.
The topic grabbed my attention not only
because of my interest in motorhomes, but
also because I have friends who have
suffered verbal abuse when parking a classic
motorhome, not only on their driveway, but
also when visiting friends or family.
I believe the gentleman in Worcester with
the 1972 Ford Landliner caused upset to
residents because he had concentrated his
restoration on the mechanical side of the
vehicle, leaving the exterior in a somewhat
sorry state. Not everyone has the luxury of
parking their motorhome out of sight on
their own property.
My advice is don’t block neighbours’ light
or views from their homes if possible, and
consider a cover for the vehicle if it’s a
long-term restoration project. There is
always the option of secure caravan/
motorhome storage, both indoor and
outdoor, with plenty of reputable (secure)
facilities around the UK.
Regarding secure motorhome storage, we
have now sold our beloved VW T25 Westfalia
and purchased something with a little more
room and comfort – a 1997 Ford Transit
Auto-Sleeper Excelsior, with diesel power,
low mileage, full service history and two
owners from new. Too big for our drive, it is
now in a secure storage yard!

THE ARCHIVES
I did mention the Ci
Autohomes Ford Transit
Landliner in my opening
diatribe, which had hit the
national news headlines
for all the wrong reasons.
So, let’s take a look at this
motorhome produced at
the Poole factory during
the 1970s. The same
company had produced the
Sprite motorhome on the
Transit chassis between
1966 and 1970, with less
than 100 being built. I was
informed by a former senior
Ci manager that the Sprite
was too costly to produce,
and it was replaced by the
Landliner in 1971.
The press photo depicts
a female in 70s attire in
the rear doorway of the
‘new’ Landliner.



£22,999
Year: 2002 Mileage: 59k
Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
Berths: 4

Martin says...
This beautiful, large, well-designed motorhome
for a family of four is from a UK manufacturer
with a proven pedigree. It is based on the
robust Sprinter platform with diesel power.
Showing less than 60,000 miles on the
clock, it has an attractive light wood effect
interior, which features a ready-made end
bedroom. This spacious model is perfect for
both UK and continental touring. And it comes
complete with side awning and rear cycle rack.

LUNAR CHAMP A670R

ON THE WEBSITES

For that classic VW
enthusiast who dreams of
owning an iconic splitty,
but does not have a spare
£20k-plus to spend, then how
about a restoration project?
I spotted two examples on
ebay.co.uk recently, one
being a 1963 USA import,
which required welding and
mechanical work for £8,400,
and a 1974 Brazilian-built
splitty for just £5,000.
For those requiring a
classic restoration on a British
example, then how about a
1977 Bedford CF Auto-Sleeper
pop-top campervan? This
‘barn find’ was complete but
required a full overhaul and a
spot of welding, with an asking
price of just £2,000.

£22,995
Year: 2003 Mileage: 43k
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Berths: 6

Martin says...
Another large motorhome, but this one is a
six-berth example having covered just over
40,000 miles from new and powered by the
2.8-litre diesel power plant. This coachbuilt
Lunar also features a light wood interior with
a central dining/seating area, in addition to
the rear lounge, which converts into a double
bed. Centrally situated are the washroom/
shower and toilet, with a fully equipped
kitchen opposite.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 145

www.mad-suspension.co.uk

JOIN THE MOTORHOME COMMUNITY

T: 01386 882997

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a FREE digital issue!

FIT MAD SUSPENSION
FOR A SMOOTHER,
SAFER LEVEL RIDE
MAD Helper Springs, Air Suspension, Front Lift Springs
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TaylorMade
Screen Covers Ltd
01484 661 918
www.taylormade-covers.co.uk
One of the foremost suppliers
of insulated screen covers
for motorhomes and all
campers in general.

IN DIVISION WITH PREMIER FURNISHINGS

BEFORE

AFTER

Please contact us for all your
enquiries and one of our dedicated
team will be more than happy to help.
www.premierfurnishings.co.uk
faith@premier-furnishings.co.uk
Tel 0115 931 6940

EMBROIDERY

Tel: 07971 654936
The Original Mirrorguard.
2nd Generation now with
Crash Helmet Technology!

SEWING

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO AUTO SLEEPERS

DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU BREAK YOUR MIRROR CASING!

UPHOLSTERY

FREE
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DOG BED WITH
EVERY BOOKING
MADE

Reluxe Furnishings by Premier Furnishings offer a personalised bespoke
service if your upholstery interior is looking tired and needs a new lease of life.
An in-house embroidery machine is available and a wide range of different
fabrics and leather options are on offer.
Hook up is available on site so you can stay over and also on offer is a courtesy
car while you stay. We pride ourselves on quality and customer service.

BIG ENOUGH TO COPE, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

www.mirrorguard.co.uk

BUYING

ACCESSORIES

A round-up of the latest gear and gadgets

FOOTWEAR
OLPRO REAR SINGLE SEAT STORAGE

GRUB’S QUEST WALKING BOOTS

Being organised is a bit of a skill and is pretty darn essential in the
confines of a motorhome or campervan.
Never has the phrase “a place for
everything and everything in its place”
been more apt.
You don’t want to set off on the
next leg of your motorhome
adventure only to find that campsite
guidebook flying off the table where
you left it and bonking Buster, your
dog, on his head.
And that’s where this handy
storage organiser from Olpro
comes in.
You can either build it into your
existing storage needs or use it as an
emergency function for forgotten items.
Plus, as it’s attached to the back of the
cab seats, then this could easily be
accessed by the passenger for en route essentials – think maps or
mints in those five pockets. There’s a 5kg weight limit and it has two
options on the edge trim colour – grey or orange.
Prices start from £34, while there’s a double cab seat version
for campervans for £32.

New walking boots have a lot to live up to – they need to
replace boots that have moulded themselves to be a perfect
fit. My previous boots were like reliable old friends so these
new vegan boots from Quest had better be good.
Grub’s claims were pretty convincing – 100% waterproof,
will keep feet warm in the coldest weather, are extremely
comfortable and will provide grip over a range of surfaces.
I tested them over a number of weekends over distances
ranging from less than a mile to over 10 miles and in
conditions ranging from torrential downpours (less than a mile)
to glorious sunshine (10+ miles).
The boots lived up to each of the claims, in fact they
excelled in some (waterproof and grip) and rated amongst the
highest non-leather boots I have ever tested.
The only downside was the claim about keeping my feet
warm – yes, they did that but they also struggled to let my feet
breathe. This is not uncommon in boots made of all man-made
materials and these new Grub’s were certainly not the worst in
this respect but it is something to be aware of.
Overall, these are a great set of walking boots and have
already become my go-to pair for short to mid-distance walks
and, as they mould better to my feet, so they will be the go-to
pair for all hikes.
The recommended price is £169.95 but we found them for
£101.97 and they’re available in sizes from four to 13 and,
currently, in just one colour – mahogany.

motorhome.ma/olproseatstorage

grubswarehouse.com/product-page/quest

BOOK
LIFE’S A PITCH!
It’s fiction, Jim, but not as
you know it. Meet Geoff, an
entirely fictional human
being who achieves his
dream of owning a
motorhome, but the
situations along the way
make you think this
character could be called
Lemony Snicket.
The chaos starts at the
motorhome show when
shopping for the desired
’van and continues into the
first adventure in ‘Woody’
and beyond.
Andrew Akal, the author,
owns a motorhome and has pulled from his experiences, but it
leaves us wondering exactly what is fiction and what might have
actually happened…
Buy direct from the publisher or from Amazon – the Kindle
Edition costs £4.99 or the paperback version is £8.99. You
can also buy it from Apple Books on the Google Play store.

troubador.co.uk/bookshop

FURNITURE
COLEMAN MAXIMUS CHAIR
Oh no, not another camping
chair, we hear your cry. Well,
pipe down as this is not just
another camping chair, it’s an
award-winning camping chair.
That’s for a whole host of
reasons, not least the lovely
array of storage pockets and
organisers to keep all your
essentials for relaxing or outdoor
dining close to hand.
One of the more unusual
features is a zippered armrest pocket,
but there’s also the side organiser, and
mesh cup holder.
Other than that, the design means it should be comfy for either
relaxing or dining, while wide feet will reduce sinking on soft
ground and it will fold up quickly and easily, if the rains come.
Each chair weighs 5.5kg and comes with a carry bag, while the
pack size is 20cm by 20cm by 98cm.
The price is currently £48 on our new online shop, plus postage.

motorhome.ma/maximus

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 147

ACCESSORIES

£15.95

MotorhomeEssentials.com
Style and enhance your
motorhome with high quality
products and accessories
sales@motorhomeessentials.com
59 Stoke Road, Blisworth NN7 3BZ

Tel: 01604 859912
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NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH
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FREE, fully illustrated catalogue please visit our website or call

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148 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

OVER
£73!

Roamer 4th generation batteries are designed for high power and
extended capacity and built to the highest quality standards. Upgrade
to Roamer and you can leave the hookup cable, gas bottle and battery
anxiety at home. Add in Roamers traceable grade A LiFePO4 cells, state of
the art 300A BMS, 10 year warranty and 5 star rated UK support, you can
see why Roamer is Europe’s number one lithium battery manufacturer.
CALL OR EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION
NEW Repairs, installation,
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CLASSIFIEDS
AIR SUSPENSION

BEDDING
Ferry Good
for Al-ko
★★★★★

The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step
ahead for motorhome owners. Covering all requirements
expected from a levelling system. it is simply and quickly
operated using the on-board touch-screen controls.
Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension system, all your
suspension and levelling needs are catered for. At AS
Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve
and stay ahead of our competitors. Using innovative
materials to reduce the weight of the systems, without any
compromise to quality.

“Exceedingly comfy and
worth every penny”
Jacqueline, Duvalay Customer

AS Air Suspension UK Ltd. 131 Chester Road,
Warrington, Cheshire WA4 6ET
info@as-airsuspension.co.uk www.as-airsuspension.co.uk
T 01925 740666 • M 07874 046643

ALLOY WHEELS

www.tyresave.co.uk
from £520 for 4, plus tyres if
wanted. New 15in and 16in
Alloy Wheels for Motorhomes:
Fiat, Ford, Citroen, Peugeot,
Renault, Vauxhall, Mercedes,
V.W. etc. Mail Order. Credit/
Debit cards. TYRESAVE,
Deeside, CH5 4DS.
07831 365412.

dragons’
den

DUVALAY LUXURY SLEEPING BAGS • TRAVEL TOPPERS • CUSTOM MATTRESSES • AND MORE

Order online or by phone

duvalay.co.uk
01924 600 757
INSURANCE

CONVERTERS

THE COMPLETE CONVERSION COMPANY
EMAIL US info@millgarageduns.co.uk
or CALL 01361 883744

millgarageduns
Est.
1974

MOTORHOME CONVERSIONS • SALES
• WORKSHOP - Full Service Facilities
• BODYSHOP - All Accident Repair &
Painting Service
• MOT Class 4 & 7
• All makes and models converted to
your specification

• Part Exchange on Motorhomes & Cars
• All types of roofs supplied & fitted
• Classic restorations also undertaken
• Updated stock on website
VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.millgaragecoachworks.co.uk

INSURANCE

Best for Motorhome
and Campervan
Insurance
Call 0800 612 3179

or visit caravanguard.co.uk/mmm
Remember to mention your MMM subscriber
number to get a £20 discount*
*£20 subscriber discount is only available by calling. Not available in conjunction with other offers. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.
Terms and conditions and minimum premiums apply. Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 149

INSURANCE

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Ba
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Insurance for your home
away from home

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25
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Policy benefits can include:

A motorhome is so much more than a vehicle.
That’s why at Adrian Flux, we don’t just treat your motorhome
like any other vehicle. We find motorhome insurance tailored
to you, whether you need cover for travelling abroad, your
personal belongings, or for breakdowns.

 Agreed value cover
 European breakdown cover
 Discounts for limited mileage policies
 Awnings and camping equipment cover
 Discounts for owners club members

Call our UK team on 0800 587 5482
adrianflux.co.uk
Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Trustpilot rating checked on 20th May 2024

REPAIRS & SERVICING

Insurance approved specialist motorhome repairers and
re-finishers since 1987
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE REPAIRS • INSURANCE CLAIMS • HABITATION SERVICING

All makes & models catered for

170 Stafford Road, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 4AH
Tel: 01543 572686 www.motorhomerepairs.co.uk

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FRPPHUFLDOYHKLFOHVLQFOXGLQJDOO'XFDWREDVHGPRWRUKRPHV
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150 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

CLASSIFIEDS
REPAIRS & SERVICING

SATELLITES

IS YOUR

Family run business
with over 50 years
experience.
Based in Wakefield



MOTORHOME

READY FOR THE SUMMER?

JLS

Start your holiday with peace of mind

Habitation checks
now available

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Tel: 01484 420935

JLS

Satellite supply & repairs on all systems
Oyster and SatSeeker main dealer
“A friendly service from a
dedicated local family
run business”

Visit our all new website:

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Excellent customer service
continuously awarded since 2007

SECURITY



£250
+ VAT
including FREE MOT!
motorhome specialists

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THE trusted name for over 35 years supplying and NATIONWIDE FITTING.
High quality system fittings that work Europe wide and also in
Spain and Portugal and back-up is second to none.
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SOLAR PANELS

NO. 1 MOTORHOME SECURITY DEVICE
www.nkgroup.co.uk dan@noisekillers.co.uk 01524 963 680

£132
POSTED
• QUICK LOCKING: Secures brake
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TOW BARS

Towbars 2 Towcars Electronic Braked A-Frames

PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED BY
THE MANUFACTURER

Your one stop solution to Motorhome freedom!

BRITISH DESIGNED AND BUILT A-FRAMES

• A-frames supplied as a package complete with car or
Professionally fitted to your own vehicle
• Unique Electronic proportional braked A-Frame
• Strong, lightweight, easy to fit
• Vehicle is left very tidy when the system is removed
• Safety features built in
• Folds for storage into the car boot
• Fits most vehicles

• EU approved motorhome towbars fitted

www.tow-bars2tow-cars.com

2023 TOYOTA
AYGO X
£16,795

01469 560402 • Grimsby DN41 8TP
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 151

TOWING
DOT approved OE spec
3/8’ rubber hose

[TOW GLIDE] AUTO ALIGN A-FRAME Only 9.5kgs
Quality AL-KO type approved
hitch unit with Soft Dock – rated
up to 1600 kg

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Conspicuity tape
for better visibility

TOWING

Electronic
emergency
breakaway unit

Diodes and
wiring
connectors
DOT approved
200 psi
brake pipe

[Smartbox-DUO]
vacuum pump

G force
motion sensor
(Unique Dual
Sensing design)

SmartBoxDUO BY

Pneumatic
brake actuator –
Fast and Powerful
actuation

• Quick and Powerful • Dual Signal Activation • Proportional Braking

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Towbar Fitting Centre,
Trailers and Leisure Products
• Motorhome Towbars • Air suspension
• Solar Panels • Small Car Trailers
• Aframes • Hydraulic leveling systems
• Dealers for Gaslow Systems
• Fitting agent for Scorpion tracker

275 Penarth Road, Cardiff. CF11 8TT
Tel: 02920 371379/236121
Email: sgmtowing@btconnect.com
Web: www.sgmtowing.co.uk

SIGN UP HERE

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TRAILERS

SIDE LOADING/LOW LOADING MOTORBIKE TRAILERS

MOBILITY TRAILERS/ RACKS

SELF LEVELING

West Yorkshire, WF11 8NA 01977 607155 www.armitages.uk

MOTORHOME TOW BARS BESPOKE AND EC APPROVED
WANTED

A-FRAMES

CAR TRANSPORTER TRAILERS

BICYCLE / E-BIKE CARRIERS

AIR SUSPENSION

CHASSIS MOUNTED MOTORBIKE CARRIERS

We will buy your motorhome

D Direct Bank Transfer
D Outstanding Finance Cleared

D Nationwide Collection
D Open 7 Days

OAKTREE MOTORHOMES

Please Call
01159 303 140
Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:30
Sat - Sun 10:00 - 16:00

@: webuy@omcmotorhomes.co.uk www: omcmotorhomes.co.uk
152 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Pixabay

10 YEARS OLD OR LESS GOOD CONDITION

CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED

st Motorhome Buyers
UK Coverage
Same day Collection/Payment
Finance settled with all major lenders

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

CONTACT US

ACCEPT OUR
OFFER

WE PAY AND
COLLECT

Over 30 years motor trade experience
Call us on FREEPHONE 0800 699 0302
- ask for John or Gary
...or visit us online at
www.1stmotorhomebuyers.co.uk
and fill out our online form

Part of the 4Front Motor Group

PLEASE NOTE: We do not buy any motorhome older than 2010
or any of the following: VW panel van conversions, Ford Transit panel van
conversions, or any other panel van conversion that is not a branded factory build from new.
August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 153

CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED

MOTORHOMES WANTED

PHONE US LAST FOR
THE BEST DEAL...

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Whether we buy it for cash
or sell it for you
Ask for Lewis on...

01295 711157 E: lewis@elitemotorhomes.co.uk

Thorpe Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury OX17 2QY

VOLKSWAGEN

CAMPERS
WANTED

• Bilbo’s models, California’s
• Other recognised
conversions considered

SPRINGFIELD
MOTORHOMES
Yorkshires top buyer
of motorhomes

WANTED
Distance no problem!
Pickup and payment usually
within 48hrs!
Top prices paid for quality
Motorhomes!

Call Bilbo’s Sales Team
01342 892499 or
Email: sales@bilbos.com

154 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

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WANTING TO SELL
YOUR MOTORHOME?

• Vehicles under 10 years old
and under 70k miles only
• Excellent prices offered
for good quality vehicles
• Immediate bank transfers
• Collection possible

Eastbourne Road,
South Godstone,
Surrey RH9 8JQ

SIGN UP HERE

CALL MARTIN OR ANDREW ON

01262 674748 / 07970 588465
Warehouse 8 Boundary Road,
Bessingby Industrial Estate, Bridlington YO16 4SD

www.bilbos.com

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et rid of the gas, cut out the
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The closing date for all entries is 22 August, 2024. All winners will be contacted within 14 days of the closing date.

HOW TO ENTER Go online now to enter, check rules and to see if you
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160 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

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August 2024 outandaboutlive.co.uk 161

Contents subject to change

MMM is published by: Stephen Warner

My view...
Sharon Whitcroft has
height issues

If I had my way, every height
barrier in the land would be
dismantled with immediate effect.
Quite frankly, there aren’t enough words
in the English language to describe my
loathing for these constructions.
In my own pre-campervan days I
was, like most, guilty of giving little thought to their presence,
but ever since the purchase of my first campervan these barriers
have become an object of hate. My obsession to find a way of
overcoming the problem they create even went as far as
dictating the type of campervan I bought. After owning a
high-top VW for three years, I downgraded to a VW pop-top for
a while, with the sole purpose of combatting height barriers.
This proved to be a disastrous move that ended up creating
more problems that it solved. I quickly learned that pop-tops
aren’t for everyone, eventually reverting to a high-top as soon as
reasonably possible.
I suppose the problem of height barriers depends on where
you live and where you like to tour. In Northern Ireland height
restrictions have become widespread, particularly in tourist
hotspots such as the Causeway Coastal Route, while, in the
southeast, they have gradually sprouted up in many coastal
areas, too.
In the popular seaside resort of Newcastle, height barriers
have become a recent addition to all the seafront car parks due

to a number of motorhome owners persistently using them for
night stops. It was obvious it would be only a matter of time
before the council would strike. All motorhomes are now
relegated to backstreet car parks, with provision of a few
motorhome spaces in Castle Park.
The Republic of Ireland is similarly blighted, where you will
even come across height barriers on church car parks and some
laybys. As a direct result of this I rarely tour within Ireland –
opting for mainland UK instead.
While the rest of the UK will have its problems, Scotland is
my place of choice. It’s usually much less problematic, unless
you are touring in and around the coastal areas of Edinburgh
and the Lothians.
In the Republic of Ireland, these barriers have become a
menace to those of us in the leisure sector. I’ve lost count of the
number of times I’ve been forced to change plans as there’s often
no alternative place to park near the start of a walk, for example.
Likewise, visiting certain towns can be a headache when it
becomes clear that time-limited street parking is the only option
that is available.
I remember an incident from several years ago when I was
touring in County Kerry. Glenbeigh is a small village located near
Rossbeigh Strand, a fabulous Blue Flag beach.
The beach is well-served by a large car park, but also sports a
bright yellow height barrier. Luckily, I was staying on the nearby
Caravan and Motorhome Club Affiliated Site, Glenross, so the
beach was within walking distance.
The story does not end there, though. At the time of my visit
it was a busy August bank holiday. I’d already explored Rossbeigh
Beach on the Saturday and, after spending Sunday driving along
the Ring of Kerry, I returned to find the entire beach car park
swamped with a variety of caravans and self-converted ‘vans. As
for the height barrier – well, it was lying wide open.
Height barriers will always remain a controversial topic.
While I can understand why local authorities see them as a last
resort, it’s a pity that it means causing other law-abiding users to
be discriminated against.
Life is never fair, though, and someone always ends up being
collateral damage. Perhaps we can only hope that someday there
will be a ‘one fits all’ solution.

TELL YOUR STORY Funny, poignant or annoyed – tell readers about your motorhoming
experiences and you could earn £80 motorhome.ma/myviews
162 outandaboutlive.co.uk August 2024

Gold Award

SUPPLYING DEALER - PRE-OWNED MOTORHOMES

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The Owner Satisfaction Awards are run
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The full Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024
report was published in issue
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