Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 478
Are you taking charge?
One of the aspects of caravanning that we get asked about most is towing with an electric car. It really is the topic of the moment – with the ban on the sale of new fossil fuel-powered cars just 11 years away, it will affect all caravanners at some point.
So is now the time to make the move to electric? In my experience, the charging network has improved a lot over the past 12 months. Banks of charging points are springing up all over the place – although there are still very few that offer the space required for plugging in while towing. Our Tow Car Editor Motty gets to grips with the subject on p76 of this issue, but I’d love to know what you think. Have you made the change to electric yet?
Are you planning to? Let us know via letters@practicalcaravan.com!
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 Georgian elegance on Pulteney Bridge, Bath 8 Connect Latest caravanning news, views and photos 12 Friends reunited! Here’s how to organise a group getaway 19 New gear Essential kit to enhance your touring experience 20 Puzzle time Take a well-earned break with our brain-teasers 21 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help!
Travel 22 Travel A round-up of upcoming fun days out across the UK 24 Great escape: Channel Islands Janette Sykes sails to Jersey and Guernsey to discover the beauty and history of the islands 30 Getaway: Bath Susan Taylor revisits the beautiful city of Bath to explore its many elegant attractions, including the Roman Baths 36 Getaway: Lincolnshire Victor Charles takes a return trip to eastern England to enjoy gorgeous scenery and abundant wildlife 40 Getaway: Glorious Chatsworth Julie Thorpe finds the campsite set in the historic estate makes the perfect base for a short break 44 Getaway: Chalk figures Mysterious and imposing, and some very ancient, carved chalk figures can be found across the country 46 48 hours in… Ballycastle Make the most of your weekend with our hour-by-hour guide to the beautiful Causeway Coast
Newvans 48 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 50 First look: Coachman VIP 460 Thoughtful design means that this luxurious two-berth makes the most of generous living space 52 First look: Adria Adora 623DT Sava This stylish six-berth offers plenty of room to relax and luxurious facilities for families on tour 54 Product review: Camping tables Relaxing on your pitch really requires a quality camping table, and here are six of our favourites 56 Choosing an awning John Sootheran outlines key criteria to consider when you are selecting the right awning for your caravan
Used vans 63 Used vans Andrew Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 64 Used van buyer Bailey Pegasus 462 (2010) 66 Personal shopper Let us help you find the ideal used buy!
Towcars 69 Tow cars We take a first look at the Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI S Line S 70 Quick test Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD Homura 72 Budget luxury tow cars We round up five of the best competitively priced, yet still very upmarket, vehicles suitable for towing a caravan 74 Used tow car test Land Rover Defender (2020-present) 76 Electric vehicles Which is best for towing, hybrid, plug-in or EV?
Skills school 79 Skills school Why you need to understand reverse polarity 80 Tyre care Essential tyre maintenance tips from John Sootheran 84 Caravan brakes John Sootheran has all you need to know 88 The Penny Project Nigel Donnelly reports on the latest stages 92 Get connected Peter Rosenthal on how to go online in your van 96 Buyer’s guide Featuring the latest 2024-season caravans! 106 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | JUNE 2024 | 5
