Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 466
Even better touring! All of us strive to be better caravanners – after all, there’s always something new to learn – so we’ve had a lot of fun putting together our ‘27 ways...’ feature (p19). From the serious to the not-so-serious, we’ve all you need to know to improve your caravanning life. Did we miss any? Let us know via letters@practicalcaravan.com! Also this issue, we’ve got the opportunity for you to win one of two £100 Amazon vouchers – all you need to do is fill in our new Van Life survey (p66). We want to know all about where you go caravanning, who you travel with, what accessories you carry and more – it only take a few minutes,
and you’ll be entered into our fantastic prize draw. We’ll be revealing the results in a later issue of Practical Caravan
– thank you for your help!
sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chiefSARAHisakeencaravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels
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Chat 6 The big picture The Rif Mountains and Chefchaouen, Morocco 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 13 New gear A selection of the latest essential touring kit 14 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers! 16 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help! 19 Be a better caravanner Our special report has everything you need to know to improve your touring experiences
Travel 30 Travel A round-up of all the latest touring news 32 Getaway: Cornwall Elaine and Joe Ormerod take a spring tour to enjoy the many attractions of the South-West in peace and quiet 38 Getaway: Worcestershire Sue Greenwood finds plenty to admire on a weekend break in the Severn Valley, despite the damp weather 42 Stargazing in Kielder Forest Keen astronomer Stuart Atkinson observes the glorious night skies on a Star Camp in Northumberland 48 African adventure: Sahara Challenge Take 2 After a pause for the pandemic, Bailey’s desert trip resumed, joined by Nigel Hutson 54 48 hours in… Lincoln Make the most of your weekend visit to this splendid city combining ancient history and contemporary style
Newvans 56 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 58 First look: Bailey Discovery D4-2 The second-generation version of this smart two-berth remains an attractive proposition 60 First look: Weinsberg CaraCito 450 FU This entry-level tourer from the German manufacturer comes in all-electric and gas versions 62 Financing your caravan purchase John Sootheran outlines the various financial options available to customers buying a tourer
Used vans 67 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 68 Used van buyer Sterling Europa 545 (2011)
Towcars 71 Tow cars We take a first look at the new Kia EV9 72 Tow car test Nissan X-Trail e-4orce Tekna 74 Tow car advice Our selection of top seven-seaters 76 Used tow car test Ford Ranger (2011-present)
Skills school 81 Skills school Testing your caravan’s electrical systems 82 Power banks Peter Rosenthal examines the pros and cons of purchasing a portable power station for your caravan 86 Fitting a radio It’s a simple procedure to install a new radio in your van, and if you hardwire it, the unit can retain its memory 89 Toilet chemicals Available products and how to use them 90 Adhesives Sam Coles considers the various types of glue, their appropriate uses and their strengths and weaknesses 92 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive model listings and information 106 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | JULY 2023 | 5
