WELCOME
Sarah Wakely
Editor-in-chief
For all of us, our motorhomes are a home away from home – that special place where you can truly relax in comfort. And we know from your emails and messages that many of you love to make your ’van the very best that it can be – those upgrades really can make a big difference. This issue we’ve some great technical articles on whether you should carry a moped or motorbike (p82), and a handy Alde control panel trick (p90) – but we also have one reader’s amazing tale of how he rebuilt his ageing coachbuilt from scratch.
It’s not a project that many of us would be able (or willing) to tackle, but it makes for fascinating reading – see p78! Whether you’re planning to tour over the winter season or are laying up your ’van for a couple of months, everyone here at Practical Motorhome would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic, travel-packed 2023.
sarah.wakely@futurenet.com
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TALK 4 Where in the world Glorious landscapes of Co Kerry, Ireland 6 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 10 New gear Essential kit for keen motorcaravanners 11 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers 12 Ask the experts Pressing problem? We can help! 14 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers
TOURING 19 This month All of the latest travel and touring news 22 Winter activities Susan Taylor selects brilliant ways to enjoy the great outdoors during the colder months 26 Ireland Karen and Myles Davies enjoy an eight-week tour of Ireland to discover lush landscapes and fascinating history 34 Northumberland John Sootheran outlines some of the many highlights of touring in this spectacular region 42 Malmesbury Susan Taylor explores historic Wiltshire locations on a celebration break for her husband’s birthday 46 Local authority: Conwy Let the locals guide you around this historic town on the scenic North Wales coast 48 Happy Hogmanay! Scotland is the perfect place to mark the arrival of the New Year with these traditional festivities 52 European odyssey pt 10 Marcus Leach and family linger for a spell enjoying the scenic beauty of the Croatian coast 58 48 hours in… Liverpool Make the most of your weekend in the historic maritime city with our hour-by-hour guide
TESTED 60 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates 62 ’Van review: Swift Voyager 584 Based on a Ford Transit, this comfortable four-berth has plenty of appeal for couples 64 ’Van review: Joa Camp 75T New addition to Pilote’s budget range provides single beds and plenty of storage capacity
PRE-OWNED 66 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports from the forecourts 68 Used ’van buyer Murvi Pimento (Ford, 2015-present) 70 Practical Motorhome Hall of Fame This month, an icon of automotive design, the Airstream Excella 280 (1979-1989)
TECHNICAL 75 Diamond Dave Solving a mysterious lighting problem 78 Rimor Rebuild pt 1 Nigel Stevens could see his 2002 coachbuilt was now in need of a major refit. Here’s how he did it 82 Carrying a motorbike Towing a motorbike or moped is easier than carrying a car behind your ’van, and there are various types of trailer to choose from, says Peter Rosenthal 88 Leisure battery care Nigel Donnelly outlines essential steps that will keep your batteries at peak performance for longer 90 Alde control panel If you find your Alde control panel a bit too bright at night, you can customise it, says Nigel Hutson 92 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information 106 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear
Use your phone or tablet camera!
www.practicalmotorhome.com | February 2023 3
