Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 483
Never stop learning Between us, the team at Practical Caravan have decades of caravanning experience under our collective belt – but that’s not to say we don’t get things wrong every now and again. You learn from your mistakes, they say – which is why this issue, we’ve had fun rounding up 83 errors that we’ve made over the years, so that you don’t have to! Whether it’s forgetting your can opener,
driving off with the hook-up lead still attached or walking over someone else’s pitch, you can find our list of faux pas never to make on p18. And let us know if you think we’ve missed any – we’d love to hear from you! You can email us via letters@practicalcaravan.com. Also this issue, and to help avoid mistakes on the road, we take a look at sat navs suitable for caravanning. There are some great options – turn to p72 to find out more.
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 Spectacular sunrise over the Grand Union Canal 8 Connect Latest caravanning news, views and photographs 13 New gear Top kit to enhance your touring experience! 14 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help! 16 Puzzle time Take a well-earned break with our brain-teasers 18 Caravanning mistakes to avoid Follow our 83 expert tips to save yourself from making basic errors, on the road or on your pitch!
Travel 32 Travel A round-up of upcoming fun days for all the family 34 Great escape: Lake District Peter Baber discovers that Penrith makes the ideal base for exploring the fabulous scenery of Ullswater 40 Getaway: Derbyshire peaks Susan Taylor braves the rain to enjoy excellent walking and splendid landscapes in Hope Valley 44 Lakes, rivers and canals The UK offers a huge number of great tour destinations near waterways, and here are some of our favourites 50 Getaway: Hampshire Victor Charles finds an entertaining choice of historic attractions to explore in Southampton and Winchester 54 Getaway: Anglesey Medieval castles, panoramic views and a glorious coastline make for a perfect tour location, says Peter Baber 60 48 hours in… Windsor Make the most of your weekend break with our hour-by-hour guide to exploring the historic town and estate
Newvans 62 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 64 First look: Swift Sprite Exclusive Quattro MB The latest model in the twin-axle Quattro range has an innovative bedroom design 66 First look: Coachman Acadia 460 The upmarket brand extends its Acadia range with the addition of this comfortable two-berth 68 New season round-up Latest launches from the major brands! 70 Product review: caravan kettles For the perfect brew when you pitch up, take a look at these brilliant campsite kettles 72 Guide to sat navs We select top sat navs ideal for tourers 75 Guide to dash cams These clever little devices can really help to make all the difference to your towing experience
Used vans 81 Used vans Andrew Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 82 Used van buyer Coachman Pastiche 470/2 (2009) 84 Personal shopper Let us help you find the ideal used buy!
Towcars 87 Tow cars We take a first look at the new KiaSorento2.2CRDi 88 Tow car review Cupra Ateca 1.5 Eco TSI 150PS V2 DSG 90 Japanese tow cars We round up some of our favourite models 92 Used tow car test Ford Puma (2019-present) 94 Top 10 towing tips Essential advice for trouble-free towing
Skills school 97 Skills school The importance of checking on stored caravans 98 The Penny Project Nigel Donnelly continues refurbishment work 101 Battery booster packs The easy way to top up your battery 102 Industry insight: Fiamma Nigel Hutson visits the Italian brand 104 Buyer’s guide Featuring every 2024-season caravan on UK sale 114 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | OCTOBER 2024 | 5
