Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IN ISSUE 484
Tell us about your van! One of my favourite parts of editing this magazine is being able to read all about your fantastic caravans – we test some of the hottest tourers around, but it’s always great to see the caravans of readers. That’s why I’ve really been enjoying former editor Nigel Donnelly’s updates on his £1000, 1998 project caravan, Penny, as he tackles all of the ups and downs that come with owning an older model. This month he suffers an issue we’ve all encountered: that of a dead leisure battery – you can read all about how he dealt with the problem on p100. We’d love to feature more reader caravans in the magazine – tell us all about your own van projects, whether they’re major or minor, by dropping us a line via letters@ practicalcaravan.com. Don’t forget that we pay for articles we run in the magazine, too!
sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chief SARAH is a keen caravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels
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Chat 6 The big picture Stunning Mousterlin, on the Brittany coast 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
Travel 20 Travel A round-up of upcoming fun days for all the family 22 Great escape: Northumberland Nigel and Kay Hutson find the charming coastal town of Beadnell the perfect base for exploring 28 Getaway: Newbury Victor Charles finds excellent walking, stately homes and ancient history in the glorious landscapes of Berkshire 34 Top museums The UK has a huge choice of superb museums! 36 Getaway: Ile d’Oléron Peter Baber discovers gorgeous scenery and fascinating history among the islands of France’s west coast 42 48 hours in… St Malo Make the most of your weekend break 44 Top campsites in France There are so many great places to stay at when you tour in France, and here are some of our favourites
New vans 46 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 48 First look: Coachman Laser 845 Xtra Spacious and extremely comfortable, this four-berth would make an ideal seasonal pitch 50 First look: Elddis Avanté 520 A sleek new profile and a superb rear washroom make this a very appealing choice for two on tour 52 Product review: leisure batteries Whatever your power supply needs, there’s a battery to suit you, and here are six of the best 54 NEC Show preview It’s showtime! Here’s our selection of what you can expect to see at the UK’s largest leisure vehicle event 59 Düsseldorf Show round-up Highlights of the Caravan Salon 60 Harrogate Show round-up Stars from the Yorkshire show 62 Product review: toilet chemicals All you need to know about these caravanning essentials, and a round-up of top products
Used vans 67 Used vans Andrew Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 68 Buying secondhand Expert tips on bagging a used bargain 72 Used van buyer Bailey Pegasus Modena (2016) 74 Personal shopper Let us help you find the ideal used buy! 76 Swift at 60 The East Yorkshire brand marks its diamond jubilee
Tow cars 81 Tow cars We take a first look at the Vauxhall Grandland 82 Tow car review Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV 183PS ST-Line X AWD 84 Korean tow cars We round up some of our favourite models 86 Used tow car test Subaru Forester (2013-2018) 88 Considerate towing When even greater care is needed
Skills school 91 Skills school The importance of maintaining your toilet cassette 92 Winter touring Discover the many delights of off-season tours 96 Caravan lighting Upgrade your van interior with some LEDs 100 The Penny Project Nigel Donnelly solves a puzzling problem 104 Buyer’s guide Featuring every 2024-season caravan on UK sale 114 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by b ro c h u re ift 1973
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Cover images www.practicalcaravan.com | NOVEMBER 2024 | 5
