What Motorhome September 2020

ANNUAL MOTORHOME INSURANCE GUIDE
2 4 VW T6
RS &
CAMPE ES
CAMPERS
HOM COMPARED
MOTORIEWED
REV
HELPING YOU BUY YOUR PERFECT MOTORHOME SEPTEMBER 2020 £4.50

whatmotorhome.co.uk
THE ULTIMATE
MERCEDES CAMPERVAN?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAYOUT WITH OUR 21-PAGE GUIDE
GROUP PUBLICATIONS PLC

Contents
46
41
Contents
38
34
13
30 20 7
46
News and views 18 Transverse fixed bed

Carado V132, Swift Select 174
Reviews
5 Welcome The market is booming, so 34 RP Explorer 2
20 French bed
our advice is more vital than ever! The ultimate rear lounge van conversion?
Bailey Autograph 79-2F, Rapido V62
7 This month The ultimate A-class 38 Elddis Encore 250
22 Island bed
Morelo Grand Empire launched Chausson 768 XLB, Roller Team T-Line 743 The island bed now faces the other way!
10 Next month 2021 is here!
24 Fixed single beds
Our guide to all the new models
Adria Compact Supreme DL, WildAx Elara Buying
26 Front lounge 41 VW T6 comparison
Layout guide Auto-Trail Tribute F60, Murvi Pimento SB CMC HemBil Urban v Hillside Birchover
13 Intro 28 Rear lounge Why we bought them!
Why getting the right layout is key Bailey Autograph 69-2, Elddis CV20 46 Insurance survey
14 Side kitchen campervan 30 Twin lounges Our unique in-depth guide – with a first-
CMC Hembil Escape, VW California Coast Auto-Trail Tribute F72, Dreamer Living Van time winner this year
16 End kitchen campervan 32 Bunk beds 62 Classified advertising Buy and sell
Bilbo’s Nexa+, Devon Firefly Chausson 720, Dreamer Camper Five Motorhomes and accessories
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For the very best new and used deals!
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Adria Sport
Welcome
571 SP
In this issue of
There’s no doubt that campervans and motorhomes are flying out of the showrooms right now as we all adjust to the
‘new normal.’ Dealers are reporting 80% of their sales to first-time buyers, so this magazine – in both both paper and
digital versions – and its monthly buying advice is more important than ever before.
Having decided on a ’van, the first big expense will be insuring it. Don’t just go to your car insurer for cover, though,
as a specialist vehicle needs specialist insurance. Uniquely, we examine – in great depth – the cover available and the
premiums you’ll have to pay. Our 10-page guide starts on page 46 and there’s a new winner this year...
There’s no victor in our comparison of two VW T6 campervans on page 41, as these are the personal
vehicles of yours truly and the Editor of our sister magazine, Campervan. They were bought to fulfil
different briefs and, like the layout guide in this issue, they show how varied the leisure vehicle market is.
Of course, getting the right layout is key to choosing the right ’van and our guide (starting on page
13) is our most comprehensive yet.
If you need more help in the buying process, don’t forget that we also produce an annual
publication – Buying Your First Motorhome – which is available at motorhome.ma/yfm20
PETER VAUGHAN EDITOR
Find us on WhatMotorhome facebook.com/motorhomemags
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2020
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The new HemBil ‘Urban’ camper has been designed to be the ultimate
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winding down the country lanes. The Urban’s extra wide rear multi-position,
Variotech 3000 seat with 3 x 3-point rear seat belts, allows five people to
travel in comfort.
The front cooking module can be easily removed for outside use or when
not required to maximise the internal space.
“So good that the Editor bought one...” What Motorhome.
Ingenious Function & Flexibility

Our HemBil ‘Drift’ camper has been designed to meet the demands of the
modern day nomad, the weekend walker and the adventure seeking family.
The ingenious kitchen unit effortlessly swings from inside the vehicle to
Drift
outside, enabling alfresco cooking and to maximise the space inside the
vehicle.
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Test Review - Practical Motorhome.
Escape The Crowds

When it’s time to ‘get away’ from everyday life the ‘Escape’ has everything
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Escape
Our most adaptable conversion can be tailored to your requirements. With

the options of a top loading or front loading ‘fridge, mini grill/oven or
more storage, the choice is yours.
The Escape is also available on a choice of either the Volkswagen
Transporter, Ford Transit Custom or Renualt Trafic chassis.
Type Approved New Campers Full and Part Conversions Reimo’s Original UK Manufacturer
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Unit 1, Pennypot Ind Est, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6PE
This month
Morelo to launch the ultimate motorhome
-class liner manufacturer, Morelo, is to
A launch its all-new Grand Empire luxury
flagship motorhome in Germany in September.
The Grand Empire will be Morelo’s largest and
most luxurious model to date.
According to Managing Director, Reinhard
Löhner, Morelo set itself the objective to
produce the most beautiful motorhome of all
time. It says there has been a lot of movement
in the market in recent years and the needs of
customers have changed. The requirements for
space, comfort, performance, safety and design
have all increased. In response, Morelo has
created this new model.
At the start of the design process, the incorporated into the new model, including Among other things inside, there are
question of selecting the right chassis was replacing the conventional mirrors with ergonomic chairs in the lounge that can be
raised. Due to its size, aspects such as travel Mercedes’ MirrorCam system, which Morelo adjusted individually at the push of a button.
comfort, safety and, of course, ease of handling says will make manoeuvring, cornering and It also has a garage large enough for a Mini
had to be ensured. Therefore, it has opted to changing lanes safer. Cooper and a slide-out to expand the lounge
build the Grand Empire on the Actros 1853 truck Inside, all the kitchen appliances are of and kitchen areas.
chassis from Mercedes-Benz, which is powered domestic quality and operate at 230V. In addition The price of the Grand Empire is predicted
by a 12.7-litre, 531bhp engine, which produces to the solar technology and generously sized to be between €600,000 and €650,000.
a massive 2,400Nm of torque. battery system, an autonomous and powerful The sole UK dealer for Morelo is
There are some interesting ideas power supply is ensured via a diesel generator. Premium Motorhomes, near Doncaster.
BUYING YOUR FIRST VW announces compact campervan

olkswagen has revealed the first details of unsuccessful career on the UK market.
MOTORHOME SALE
EXTENDED
V the successor to the Caddy Beach camper.
The new compact campervan is based on the
The new campervan has an almost 2m-long
bed with disc springs, as well as cleverly
With the just-released, fifth-generation Caddy and stowed camping chairs and table, while the
unprecedented comes with a host of new features. One latest Caddy features 19 driving assistance
growth in example is a new bed concept that has been systems including Travel Assist, which, for
campervanning redeveloped to offer greater versatility, while the first time, enables assisted driving in a
and motorhoming, there is now a panoramic glass roof offering Volkswagen commercial vehicle over the entire
especially from a night under the stars. range of speeds, and Trailer Assist, which
newcomers to Since 2005, Volkswagen Commercial makes reverse manoeuvring with a trailer
the hobby, the Vehicles has been selling a compact camper significantly easier. There are two turbo-diesel
publisher of based on the Caddy as a standard production engine options – 74bhp and 120bhp – plus a
What Motorhome model, but the previous model had a short and turbocharged petrol engine delivering 115bhp.
magazine has
extended the on sale period of its
definitive guide to buying a new ’van.
The 2020 version of Buying Your First
Motorhome magazine contains all the
information buyers need to make sure
they are making the right choice when
selecting their first campervan or
motorhome.
To get a copy, just go to
pocketmags.com/buying-your-first-
motorhome-magazine
❯❯
This month
Hobby unveils its 2021 models
erman manufacturer, Hobby, has launched its
G 2021-season models. It has focused on two
of its best-selling lines – the OnTour and the
OnTour Edition – which sit within the Optima
range of coachbuilts.
Hobby says sales of these two entry-level
line-ups far exceeded expectations in the
2020 season and, therefore, it has added more
layouts. As a result, buyers now get a choice
of six layouts in the Optima OnTour range, and
three layouts each in the Optima OnTour Edition
and Optima De Luxe ranges.
There are two new additions to the Optima
OnTour range, both of which sit on a 3,500kg
chassis and are 6.99m long. First is the T70 E,
which features an across-the-rear washroom
and two single beds. It also has a central
L-shaped kitchen and half-dinette front lounge.
The other new addition to the range is the
T70 F, which has an across-the-rear washroom gas cylinders, an insulated and heated waste with a pullman dinette and side settee.
and a French bed. This layout was made water tank, and a heated rear garage with The Optima OnTour Edition will continue to
available in last season’s Optima De Luxe range toughened floor covering. be available without any modifications for the
and proved to be popular with customers. Meanwhile, the overcab Optima OnTour upcoming season. However, in addition to the
Both new models are based on the Citroën gets three different layouts for 2021, also based T65 GE and T70 GE models, the more premium
Relay chassis-cab and come with a on Citroën. The A60 GF has a rear transverse Optima De Luxe (on Fiat Ducato chassis) will
comprehensive equipment package as standard. double bed and a half-dinette lounge. The feature the T75 HE layout, which has a front
This includes a 133-litre fridge/freezer with family-friendly A65 KM features a rear bunk bed half-dinette lounge with side-facing sofa and
automatic energy selection and a double-hinged layout. Finally, there is the A70 GFM, which has a drop-down bed above. At the rear are fixed
door, a pull-out shelf for easy replacement of a rear transverse double bed and a front lounge single beds.
VW introduces high-spec MAJOR SUPPLIER ENTERS

Grand California deal ADMINISTRATION
olkswagen has introduced an offer priced from £72,745, features a Stylex Auto Products Limited, which manufactures
V on its flagship Grand California
motorhome, which sees it now available
permanent rear bedroom, a side kitchen
with drawer-style fridge adjacent to the
a range of seat coverings, scatter cushions, carpets,
bedding, curtains and wall trims for several leisure
with free factory options worth up to sliding door, panoramic skylights and vehicle manufacturers, including Swift and Auto-
£2,000. The deal, which runs until the a separate moulded washroom with Trail, has entered administration. Stylex was placed
end of 2020, also includes four free cassette toilet, washbasin and shower. into administration on 12 June and the business is
services, a four-year extended warranty Two versions are available, the 600 now in the hands of FRP Advisory Trading Ltd.
and roadside assistance cover for the which comes with the option of a roof Swift says it was saddened by the news that Stylex
first four years. bed to make it a four-berth, or the longer has entered administration as the two companies have
The Crafter-based camper, which is 680 with a larger, lengthways rear worked closely together for many years. However, it
bedroom. The Grand California 600 was confirms that production of its motorhomes will not be
reviewed in the December 2019/January impacted by the news. “Swift Group continues to work
2020 issue of What Motorhome. with a number of alternative suppliers to Stylex and
VW says interest in the Grand they are able to meet our requirements for the new
California doubled during lockdown and, season,” Swift told What Motorhome.
to help turn that interest into sales, the Auto-Trail advises that, while the news about
Grand California can be bought on a Stylex was unfortunate, due to it having more than
Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP) one supplier, the move into administration is not
offer with nothing to pay for the first going to significantly affect it.
three months. It also says that other Stylex, based in Lincolnshire, was established in
finance offers are available, including 1978. It is part of Rubicon Partners Industries.
hire purchase and a 10-year HP plan. ❯❯
8| | SEPTEMBER 2020
Bilbo’s is now open for business * Talk to us about
converting your van.
Phone: 01342 892499
There isn’t a better time to holiday in the UK,
to learn more.
so why not take advantage of our amazing
‘Campervan Summer Bargains’.
Many unbelievable offers are waiting
for you, so book your viewing today.
Due to the current

situation we are limiting
visits to our site in order
to safeguard us all.
Please phone
01342 892499 to make
*Appropriate measures are in place to safeguard you an appointment.
when you visit so please phone to make an appointment.
Space Komba Celex Nexa Lezan

To find out more about Bilbo’s & book a test drive, contact:
Bilbo’s, Eastbourne Road, South Godstone, Surrey RH9 8JQ. www.bilbos.com
Tel: +44
Tel: +44 (0) 1342 (0) 1342
892499 892499
· Email: (Monday to Saturday)
sales@bilbos.com (Monday to Saturday)
• We buy well looked after Bilbo campers
• Competitive finance available subject to status
Volkswagen
• Excellent range of fully prepared pre-owned vehicles Motorhome

Specialist
• Vehicles in good condition considered for part exchange www.smmt.co.uk

• Largest stock of New and Pre-owned VW campervans in UK
All Bilbo’s campervans are Euro 6 compatible, NSSTA Type-Approved, NCC approved and are built by our skilled British craftsman in our purpose built
factory with build quality guaranteed through our ISO 9001 accreditation. Bilbo’s retain the right to alter specification and prices without prior notice.
This month
WESTFALIA REVEALS 2021 INNOVATIONS Successful first outdoor
German campervan manufacturer, Westfalia, which is owned by the French
Rapido Group, has revealed its new innovations for the 2021 season. It has show of the season
focused on enhancing its current range and therefore there are no completely arners Shows has successfully and safely put on its
new models, just enhancements to existing ’vans.
The company’s popular Fiat Ducato-based campervan, the Columbus, sees
W first motorhome and campervan event of the year.
The Outdoor Motorhome & Campervan Sale, which took
the most innovations for the new season. The five models that make up the place in Peterborough from 31 July to 2 August, adopted
Columbus range are Westfalia’s best-sellers and account for 55% of its total a new format to show that, even in these unusual times,
sales. Of these, it is the medium-wheelbase 540 D with a rear transverse double it is still possible to safely deliver an extensive exhibition
bed that is the most popular single model. area with over 20 motorhome dealers showcasing more
For 2021, the Columbus now has an optional Skyview panoramic rooflight over than 175 new and used vehicles, along with a plethora of
the cab. In addition, several layouts – the 540 D, 600 D and 601 D – are now also accessory stands selling thousands of outdoor leisure
available with an electric pop-top roof which contains a double bed. For this products to enhance the lifestyle.
year, it has also adapted the design so that the insulation canvas can stay in This new style of event proved to be very popular and
place when closing the roof. saw 1,000 campers ‘wild camp’ for the weekend and over
The pop-top roof is also available with a new large (2.4m²) integrated solar 5,500 people visit for the day, providing more evidence of
panel which is frameless and completely flat, so the roof rails are still useable. the rising popularity of the motorhome lifestyle.
Working closely with the East of England Showground
and Public Health England, Warners implemented
numerous new initiatives to keep both its customers
and exhibitors safe. Warners Shows has received great
praise on social media from people who visited, stating
they enjoyed their time at the event and felt very safe.
Sally Dodds, Head of Events, said, ‘’On many levels the
show was a great success, if not without its challenges.
It’s great to be back, welcoming people to the hobby.
I envisage this to be the model for our events, certainly
for the foreseeable future.’’
Warners Shows have three more events left this
season in Malvern, Shepton Mallet and Lincoln. For the
latest information and to see what format the shows are
running in, visit showgoer.co.uk
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latest launches from all the major manufacturers
10 | | SEPTEMBER 2020
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2018 Carthago C-Tourer 143 Twin 4 Berth Rear Beds £79,995
2019 Dethleffs Advantage Edition 7051 Automatic 4 Berth, Twin Single Beds £59,995
2017 Pilote P740 GJ 3 Berth Twin Rear Beds, Front Lounge £52,995
2016 AutoTrail Apache 700 6 Berth Rear Lounge, Double Dinette £51,995
2015 Auto-Sleepers Malvern 4 Berth French Bed, Twin Bench Lounge £51,995
2017 Auto Sleepers Nuevo EK 2 Berth Front Lounge £49,995
2018 Adria Compact SP Plus 2 Berth Rear Bed, Large Garage £45,995
2017 Autocruise Select 184 4 Berth Rear Lounge, Front Dinette £41,995
2015 Auto Sleepers Broadway EK TB LP 2 Berth, Front Lounge, End Kitchen £41,995
2011 Auto Trail Mohawk 4 Berth, Front Lounge, Rear Bed £35,995 NEW Pilote G650
2009 Autocruise Gleneagles 2 Berth, Large Front Lounge £34,995
2010 Autosleeper Amethst 2 Berth Rear Kitchen, Large Front Bench Seats £25,995
£68,995
www.smcmotorhomes.co.uk
Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET 01636 670 760
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Layout guide
THE SIDE KITCHEN
ULTIMATE
CAMPERVANS
LAYOUT END KITCHEN

CAMPERVANS
GUIDE
From campervans to A-classes, choosing the
TRANSVERSE
FIXED BED
right layout is crucial. Our comprehensive

guide could save you from a costly mistake! FRENCH BED
T
HE layout – or floorplan – is the barbecue, wellies, etc. And, if you have
key feature of any campervan or a fixed bed, or even a drop-down bed,
motorhome and, probably, the you’ll usually store your duvet there,
main reason you’ll want to buy it, or not ready for use – if your seats become
– although it’s all too easy to get sucked beds then you’ll need to consider where
in by a big discount or stylish décor. to keep bulky bedding in the daytime.
ISLAND BED
The layout is also the easiest aspect There will be pros and cons to any
to get wrong if you’re new to the world layout, so it’s important to work out
of motorhomes, so tread carefully. what will work for you. Consider how
Ever wondered why you see almost- many travel seats you need. Side
new ’vans traded in with a handful of settees might look comfy for on-site
SINGLE BEDS
miles? Those buyers probably bought lounging but will you ever need extra
the wrong layout for their needs – and seatbelts for friends or grandchildren
paid dearly when part-exchanging for to join you on your travels?
something more suitable. What’s the maximum number of
Unless you’re looking at the smallest sleeping berths you’ll require?
of ’vans, the first question you must ask Remember, if it’s just occasionally more
yourself is: fixed bed or not? This may than two of you an awning or tent or FRONT LOUNGE
depend on how large a motorhome Cabbunk system might be a better
you’re considering, as you probably solution than extra beds on board, as
won’t want the bedroom to dominate. long as you have sufficient seatbelts for
However, there are practical and well- travel. Decide, too, whether you need a
designed six-metre coachbuilts with double bed or separate sleeping – or
REAR LOUNGE
fixed beds, and permanent bed layouts even the option of both, depending on
dominate in van conversions from the who’s travelling, or the time of year.
Continent – even down to medium- Be wary of buying a bigger ’van than
wheelbase Fiats of just 5.41m in length. you need as it’ll be harder to manoeuvre
The alternative to a permanent bed (and perhaps have less payload, too,
is a drop-down bed (in coachbuilts) or unless you go for a heavy chassis). Six TWIN
converting lounge seats into beds each metres is compact in coachbuilt terms LOUNGES
night – giving more space during the but anything under 7m will be more
day, but requiring a nightly ritual and manageable, more of the time.
often resulting in a less flat, less Here, we cover the two main types of
comfortable bed. layout for small campervans first, while
A fixed bed will also result in a large larger van conversions (usually based
BUNK BEDS
storage area underneath – without that on Fiat Ducato or Peugeot Boxer) are
consider where you’re going to keep grouped with coachbuilts of all types
bulky gear like outdoor furniture, (low-profile, overcab and A-class).
Special feature
Side kitchen campervans
TOP CHOICES
There’s a huge amount of choice in
this sector, including the best-selling
California (now in Coast and Ocean
spec) built in-house by VW. Its closest
rival is, perhaps, the Mercedes Marco
Polo, which is also marketed as an OEM
product. But there are also many well-
respected converters, such as Bilbo’s,
Concept Multi-Car, Hillside, Rolling
Homes, Wellhouse and many more.
TOP TIP
Try the bed for size – some are
considerably narrower than a standard
domestic double.
Bed widths vary, so always try for size with your partner
In the pop-top campervan sector, this layout better solution for carrying extra passengers likely to be narrower and the rear seat will be
probably accounts for at least 90% of the market than a double cab seat. Check for crash-testing for two just people.
and you’ll find various side kitchen designs in accreditations and approved installations of any Always look carefully at storage space in the
base vehicles like the VW Transporter, Ford rear seat system and, especially if you’re very rear boot area (above and below the mattress)
Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito, Toyota Proace tall, make sure that the kitchen unit doesn’t as this will be key to the practicality of the
and Renault Trafic. restrict rearward movement or reclining of the camper for anything more than just the odd
The cab seats usually swivel (but not always driver’s seat. night away.
the driver’s seat) to face a bench seat in the rear. The rear seat will flatten in a variety of ways Some converters also offer a ‘weekender’
However, some models use a double passenger to form the main bed, and its width depends on type of conversion with a very compact kitchen
front bench, which (if it swivels at all) will be the width of the base vehicle (the Ford is a little behind the driver’s seat, rather than all down
much more awkward to rotate and a lot less wider than the VW) and, especially, how deep the side. Long-wheelbase versions are also
comfortable for travelling and on-site relaxing. the kitchen units alongside are. Narrow widely available, offering a little extra living
Then, the rear bench seat can be fixed or on furniture units (or cabinets that are slimmer space and more storage, but going over 5m in
rails, so it can slide fore and aft, allowing the towards the rear) can mean a domestic double- length makes them less practical for town
seat to be closer to the cab when driving (ideal sized bed and often three belted seats on the centre parking.
with young kids), or when dining, and bench. Wider side kitchens will have more You’ll buy a camper like this to use as an
increasing boot space in the rear. storage, more often a traditional front-loading everyday car as well as a leisure vehicle, and be
You’ll find most campers have a two-person fridge (rather than a top-loader), and a grill prepared to live without facilities like a toilet/
rear bench, but a wider three-belted bench is a might now be available; however, the bed is shower compartment.
Check for Type Approval and other This Rolling Homes VW shows
assurances that seat installations are safe off the classic campervan layout
Layout guide
VW California Coast
The best-seller from Volkswagen itself
The California has long been a market leader

FACT FILE
and, with the arrival of the latest version, one of
BASE VEHICLE VW T6.1
the few criticisms aimed at it – cost – has been
PRICE FROM £55,281
addressed. The new California Coast has all the
BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4
best bits from the Ocean model, but at a much LENGTH 4.90m
keener price. WIDTH 1.90m
It starts at just over £55k, including the HEIGHT 1.99m
desirable 150PS engine and automatic gearbox, GROSS WEIGHT 3,000kg
which are usually expensive extras. It also gets PAYLOAD 515kg
adaptive cruise control, a multifunction
steering wheel, Premium Display for the radio,
etc, twin leisure batteries, Crosswind Assist and
16in alloy wheels.
Inside, the Coast gets the same kitchen as the
Ocean, just in a different finish. There’s a two-
burner hob with spark ignition, sink with
washing-up bowl and a top-loading 42-litre
compressor fridge, while sliding doors give easy
access to the lockers below. Another practical outdoor free-standing table as well as two great loss, especially as there’s a new fully sprung
feature is the table, which slides along a rail on camping chairs (which are retrieved from a roof bed up top.
the front of the galley and stores vertically pouch mounted on the tailgate). The elevating There are plenty of great VW campervans on
alongside the rear seat. roof eschews the electric motors of the California the market but the California still sets the
That’s not the only table, as the Coast gets an Ocean for simpler gas struts, although that’s no standard by which others are judged.
CMC HemBil Escape

The Ford Transit Custom makes a great alternative to the VW T6
The data and images here are for a HemBil Transporter T6.1 (from £46,950 on a T30 Kombi value, with the Ford taking the middle ground,
Escape based on the Ford Transit Custom, the Startline with 110PS engine) or a Renault Trafic especially in higher spec versions. Ford versions
newest derivative offered by Concept Multi-Car, (starting at £44,950 on a Trafic Sport SL28 with come in Trendline trim with automatic lights
based in Kent. However, you can also have 120dCi engine). and wipers, alloy wheels, heated cab seats,
basically the same conversion on a VW Spec for spec, the Renault offers the best metallic paint, air-conditioning, heated
windscreen and cruise control.
FACT FILE Whichever base vehicle you choose you’ll be
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit Custom getting a camper designed in the UK but using
PRICE FROM £49,950 top-quality components from German firm,
BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 5/6 Reimo, including its elevating roof and fully
LENGTH 4.97m
crash-tested sliding seat system with four
WIDTH 1.99m
different locking positions for travel. Additional
HEIGHT 2.07m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,400kg
removable passenger seats are also available to
PAYLOAD 900kg make three rows of seating, and the rear seat/
bed unit is also fully removable for carrying
large loads.
The side kitchen can be specified with
either a top-loading fridge or a more
traditional front-loading unit; both are
compressor types. A cupboard in the galley
also caters for storing a Porta Potti and
popular options include an Eberspächer
diesel-fired blown-air heater.
Special feature
End kitchen campervans
Single beds usually use the cab seat A fitted cassette toilet is a plus of
squabs and leave the centre aisle free campers like this Hillside Cromford
We’re still talking small, VW-sized campers here, with most of the main VW camper converters but check mattress length (especially on the
not larger Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer-based van offering their version of the design, although driver’s side) and how flat these beds are.
conversions. And, if the side kitchen layout is not they sell in much smaller numbers than side Sometimes (with extra cushions or further
for you, then an end kitchen floorplan is the kitchen models. Also worth noting is that long- mechanisms) the singles can be adapted into
alternative in Volkswagen T6s, Ford Transit wheelbase VWs are more common than SWB a double bed but this is likely to be quite a
Customs and the like. models here as it’s challenging (although not compromised and complicated arrangement.
There are two reasons to choose this type of impossible) to get this layout effectively into a Do look carefully at storage space (especially
campervan. Firstly, and probably the main sub-5m camper. for bedding and outdoor stuff) in these layouts
reason, is to have single beds rather than a More often than not, there are two forward- as it tends to be much less plentiful than in side
double. But, secondly, you have a little more facing seats just behind the cab seats (both of kitchen models.
independence from site facilities as there’s which should swivel). Behind these seats, at the You’ll also find some more unusual variations
usually a built-in cassette toilet, rather than just back of the camper, there are normally kitchen/ on this theme based on the Ford Transit Custom.
a Porta Potti kept in a kitchen cupboard or under storage units on either side. Often a fixed cassette Ford’s own Nugget campervan is being launched
the back seat. As the loo is at the back, there’s a toilet is hidden away and, with the use of sliding here and is well worth a look, while also Ford-
bit more privacy for its use, too – so it’s more doors or curtains, this can create a semi-private based are the Dreamer Cap Land and WildAx
than just an emergency fitting. toilet cubicle. Triton (both of which have a rear loo/shower
There’s still plenty of choice of these layouts, The seats should make into twin single beds, area). All three offer double beds at night.
TOP CHOICES
Pick any VW camper specialist (but not
VW itself) and you’ll probably find a
rear kitchen model in the range. Bilbo’s
Nexa+ (see opposite), CMC’s Multi-Style
and Rolling Homes’ Livingstone are
amongst the best in this class.
TOP TIP
Look under the seats to ensure you’ve
got useful storage capacity there.
Some layouts have a central table but a

wall-mounted table on the offside often works better
Layout guide
Bilbo’s Nexa+
The result of over 40 years’ experience in VW campers
The Nexa+ is the latest campervan from VW

FACT FILE
specialists, Bilbo’s. It has been developed from
BASE VEHICLE VW Transporter T6.1
the well-established Nexa, but with a fitted
PRICE FROM £51,900
cassette toilet replacing the previous Porta Potti
kept in a cupboard. LENGTH 4.90m
Based on a Highline-spec Transporter Kombi, WIDTH 1.90m
which comes with factory-fitted windows and HEIGHT 2.03m
seatbelt mounting points, the Nexa+ is available GROSS WEIGHT 3,000kg
in short or long-wheelbase form. The SWB is PAYLOAD 760kg
shown here, while the longer model gains plenty
of extra cupboard space. Both come well-
equipped, with features such as alloy wheels,
automatic headlights and front and rear parking
sensors as standard. The 110PS TDI engine and
five-speed manual gearbox are standard, with
upgrades available at extra cost.
The side-hinged Low-Lie elevating roof – Bilbo’s
own design – suits this type of layout especially
well as it offers a uniform amount of headroom These combine at night to form twin single beds, because the hob has three gas rings rather than
(2.14m) through the seating and kitchen areas. It is leaving easy access through the centre of the two, but also because there’s more worktop for
also extremely easy to raise and lower. camper to the loo and galley. Storage under preparation than you’d expect in a small ’van.
The seating area comprises twin swivel cab the rear seats is usefully generous. Storage is excellent, too, with good locker space
seats and two individual RIB seats in the rear. The Nexa+ kitchen impresses, too, not only and a 47-litre fridge on the offside.
Devon Firefly
Value for money is the watchword here
Here’s a model that you’ll struggle to pay more Devon’s Firefly is the best-seller in the range translates into extra storage (including a
than £50k for, even if you go for the long- and comes in three versions – short-wheelbase generous wardrobe) and more kitchen worktop
wheelbase version and tick every options box – pop-top, SWB with Ford factory high roof, or as the layout is much the same. The all-steel high
automatic gearbox, oven and grill, Webasto diesel the long one seen here (available solely with the roof looks nicely integrated but only offers
heater, three-way fridge, electric step and awning. fixed roof). The extra 367mm of length mostly 1.76m headroom inside.
The base vehicle comes in Trend spec, so is
FACT FILE not short of goodies – air-conditioning, two
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit Custom airbags, cruise control, heated front seats and a
PRICE FROM £41,059 reversing camera are all standard.
BERTHS 2 TRAVEL SEATS 4 The floorplan has four individual seats up
LENGTH 4.97m/5.34m
front and a kitchen and toilet area to the rear.
WIDTH 1.98m
With the cab chairs rotated there’s a four-seater
HEIGHT 2.43m
lounge with a small dining table against the
PAYLOAD 690kg (SWB), 528kg (LWB) offside wall. Then, at night, the seats all flatten to
make a pair of 1.85m by 0.62m single beds.
The kitchen is quite expansive (especially in
the long-wheelbase model shown). The furniture
style is very traditional, though.
Importantly, the Firefly has a swivel cassette
toilet in the rear offside corner and the loo door
unfolds to create a private toilet/changing area
that’s a good size and also includes the kitchen
sink for washing.
Special feature
Transverse fixed bed
TOP CHOICES
The selection of transverse fixed bed
van conversions is immense, but Adria
was the founding father of this layout
and its Twin 600 SPB is still the standard
by which others are judged. Also worth
a close look is the Rapido V55 with its
clever Modul’Space washroom.
In compact coachbuilts, Carado and
sister brand, Sunlight, are hard to beat
on the quality/value scale. If you’re
looking for something a little roomier,
then McLouis’ Fusion 360 is one of our
2020 award winners.
TOP TIP
If you have a specific need regarding
garage space, say for bikes, check out
locker dimensions carefully, as well as
The McLouis Fusion 360 is one the weight of what you’ll be carrying in
of our top motorhomes of 2020 relation to payload and axle limits.
The oldest of all fixed bed layouts, but today layouts but they will boast some of the most your holiday gear in their under-bed load areas.
perhaps one of the least popular in coachbuilts. spacious garage storage. Check weight limits in Beds usually split and fold, too (or sometimes
However, in larger van conversions (Fiat Ducato the garage, though (dictated by chassis rise all of a piece electrically), thus allowing the
and similar), this design has become a best seller extensions and rear axle limits), if you want to loading of taller items, such as bikes. If this
on the Continent, with a strong following here, carry lots of stuff, or something really heavy, like aspect is important then check out how each
too. You’ll find this format in van conversions a small motorbike. It’s not unusual for coachbuilt manufacturer has developed the storage area, as
from almost all of the major European brands garages to be limited to a maximum of 150kg. they differ in practicality. Note that some models
(Adria, Hobby, Hymer, Knaus, Rapido, etc), as Bed length, too, is a factor: where lengthways on Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter have
well as specialist campervan makers like beds can sometimes be short, these widthways external pods or bed extension mechanisms on
Dreamer, Globecar and Westfalia. berths – occupying the full breadth of the vehicle the sides to create a longer bed in these narrower
Transverse beds are also seen in a number of – are habitually more than two metres long in panel vans.
continental compact low-profiles, where this coachbuilts. But don’t forget that the person If you’re in the market for something that’s
design lends itself to the shorter body lengths sleeping against the end wall will have to clamber compact but offers maximum stowage for
involved. Often these models are narrower than over their partner for a night-time loo visit. bicycles or sports gear, or if you want a van
the coachbuilt norm, at around 2.10m, as well as Beds in high-top van conversions are shorter, conversion with the comfort of a fixed bed, this
being only six metres in length. because the vehicles themselves are narrower, could be the layout for you. If you want a family
The layout is as much about the storage below but still usually achieve lengths of at least six ’van with masses of storage, you’ll also find some
the bed as the bed itself. These models will often feet. Van conversions, however, have the overcab coachbuilts that offer truly maximum
be shorter than fixed single bed or island bed advantage of rear doors that open wide to receive load-carrying potential.
Adria’s Twin 600 SPB is still one of A lack of tall furniture on the offside in this
the best fixed bed van conversions Westfalia makes for a more spacious interior
Layout guide
Carado V132
Look for ‘Van’ in the name if you want something like this
Bürstner Travel Van, Hymer Van, Hobby Van,

FACT FILE
Knaus Van TI… see a pattern emerging here?
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato
German brands with models that have ‘Van’ in
PRICE FROM £36,699 ex-works
the name! Confusingly, though, these are not van
BERTHS 2/3 TRAVEL SEATS 4
conversions, or in any way van-based. They are, LENGTH 5.95m
however, van-sized (almost). Typically, in WIDTH 2.14m
transverse bed form, they are six metres (or HEIGHT 2.71m
5.99m) long, as well as being usefully narrower GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
than most larger coachbuilts (and only a PAYLOAD 950kg
smidgeon broader than a panel van).
Adding to that recipe, here’s a high-quality
German coachbuilt with a price tag beginning
with a three! That’s no mistake but, in truth, just
about every Carado destined for our shores will
have the Basic Pack (£859 and including cab
chairs with armrests, the overcab sunroof, etc),
the Chassis Pack (£1,719 for cab air-conditioning,
cruise control, passenger airbag, etc) and the
Chassis Comfort Pack (£1,199, featuring alloy transverse fixed double bed at the back over its approach to design that will appeal to experienced
wheels, leather steering wheel and other bling reasonably commodious garage. motorhomers. And, if there’s no Carado dealer
that you might not expect on a budget ’van). As with any Carado, you’ll be certain to find close to you, look out for a near identical model
The V132 is a classic continental design that’s the sort of build quality you’d associate with its from Sunlight (another Erwin Hymer Group
compact, at under 6m long, but still has a parent company, Hymer, along with a practical brand), which differs only in décor.
Swift Select 174

A British version of the classic continental van conversion
Ever since the X2/50-generation Fiat Ducato it possible (allowing a double bed to fit (rather than one created from lounge seats, or
van arrived on the scene in 2007, this layout comfortably across the vehicle) and the six- even cab chairs) in a van conversion, but,
has been a dominant force amongst metre overall length keeps things compact on more than that, this layout is about storage.
continental van conversions. Of course, the the road, especially when parking. Under the bed is a generous loading area
generous internal width of the Fiat van makes So, you get the comfort of a proper bed (760mm wide and 730mm tall here) for bulky
gear and, if you need more, then the mattress
FACT FILE sections can be stowed to one side (as shown)
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato and the central bed base raised to vertical.
PRICE FROM £47,465 Now you can get full-sized bikes on board.
BERTHS 3 TRAVEL SEATS 4 At night, the bed measures 1.86m by 1.37m
LENGTH 6.00m
and a Duvalay Apollo Luxe mattress ensures
WIDTH 2.26m
you’ll sleep well, perhaps lulled into slumber
HEIGHT 2.72m
by the radio speakers above.
PAYLOAD 593kg This is a new addition to Swift’s Select range
for 2020 and, like its sister models, it gets a big
overcab sunroof. That means an easy, stoop-
free walk-through into the cab and a light,
bright half-dinette lounge. And a key plus over
its imported rivals is that this Brit has its
sliding door on our nearside.
You’ll just need to add the Drivers Pack
(£1,995) and Lux Pack (£1,595) to complete
the spec.
Special feature
French bed
Bürstner has faith in the French bed’s A typically British French bed
revival, having launched this Lyseo M T 660 layout from Elddis in this Autoquest 155
A French bed layout is a good place to start if French bed slides back to form a large sofa. washroom arranged behind the bed and across
you’re looking for a fixed bed coachbuilt, There are some important factors to consider the rear, so then there’s more space for both the
especially if it’s a secondhand motorhome that when choosing; because most French beds share bed and the reasonably palatial ablutions.
you’re seeking. French beds predate island beds space in the rear with the washroom alongside, Overall length of the ’van will be greater, though
(so there should be a good choice of used the ratio of bed to washroom width is crucial. A – probably 7.50m or more – so then why would
examples) and they still find favour because the decent bed (such as the domestic standard 4ft you buy this and not an island bed model?
motorhomes tend to be shorter. They are still a 6in wide) leaves only around 2ft 6in for the Generally speaking, you might expect more
popular part of many British coachbuilt ranges, washroom. However good the bed, the sleeper open-plan twin-sofa lounges (without rear travel
although they seem to have fallen out of favour next to the wall will have to climb over their seats) in many British ’vans and half-dinettes
in many imported line-ups. partner to reach the loo. (with rear belted seats) in continental models.
A French bed refers to a fixed double bed Then there’s the washroom door. Sliding or Some makers (like Auto-Trail) offer you the
arranged lengthways against a sidewall of the tambour doors often work best but you still need choice, depending on your needs.
motorhome, either offside or nearside. The room to access the ablutions, so the bed usually Although French beds have disappeared from
design is most commonly seen installed inside narrows towards the foot to make space. This many imported ranges, Bürstner has reintroduced
low-profile motorhomes, although it is very ‘chopped off ’ corner can see the sleeper on that the format in its Mercedes Lyseo M and Rapido’s
occasionally seen in van conversions (such as side with a leg dangling; some are far worse in new-for-2021 C Series compact range will also
Rapido’s new V62). Also introduced for the 2020 this area than others. feature a French bed model. Perhaps, the French
season is Elddis’ CV60 van conversion where the Another, less common, variation sees the bed is finding favour once again?
TOP CHOICES
There’s no shortage of British-built
coachbuilts to consider here, from Auto-
Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Bailey and Elddis.
Swift has to be the king of the French
bed, though, with this layout in its
Select campervan and entry-level Edge
coachbuilt, as well as the Escape and
Kon-Tiki Sport.
If you fancy a Mercedes badge on the
front of your ’van, Bürstner’s Lyseo M T
660 is one of the best new French bed
designs of recent years.
TOP TIP
Always try out the bed for size with your
partner and make sure that whoever is
sleeping on the outside is happy with
Check out bed width and bathroom size in any the cut-off corner.
French bed layout as the two usually sit side by side
Layout guide
Bailey Autograph 79-2F

Long, wide and spacious, with an end washroom
This is the third-gen Autograph, launched in

FACT FILE
2019. It comes extremely well appointed, with
BASE VEHICLE Peugeot Boxer Al-Ko
no options list to speak of, and is built on a
PRICE FROM £59,399
Peugeot Boxer cab with low-line Al-Ko chassis.
An awning and solar panel are just the start of a LENGTH 7.93m
kit list that also includes Alde’s radiator-based WIDTH 2.42m
heating system, while it’s also worth noting that HEIGHT 2.71m
the 79-2F is both wider and considerably longer GROSS WEIGHT 3,850kg
than most other French bed motorhomes. PAYLOAD 780kg
That extra space has allowed the Bristol
manufacturer to create a layout that features a
spacious end washroom running behind the
bed and incorporating a separate shower. This
is the two-berth version, with a side settee front
lounge, but there’s also a 79-4F model with a
half-dinette for those needing the additional
travel seats.
With no fixed table and the extra internal
width, the Bailey certainly feels spacious. The fridge/freezer, while, opposite, the galley has a mattress, reading lights, speakers, padded
bedroom feels part of the living space, too, full domestic-style cooker and a microwave, headboard and plenty of room to sit up with a
rather than a separate room, although there is a although the drawers are disappointingly small. good book. As with many French bed designs,
concertina screen to shut off the bed area when The appeal of this model is mostly about the however, the bed narrows considerably at the
required. At the foot of the bed is a 153-litre bedroom, though, with its comfortable foot, so do try it for size.
Rapido V62
The van conversion that thinks it’s a low-profile
The winner of our Best Fixed Bed Van Conversion coachbuilt motorhome owners to downsize sunroof that makes the living area so light and
award in 2020, this Rapido packs a lot into the without compromising on comfort or features. spacious was, until recently, the sole preserve of
standard body of an extra-long Fiat Ducato panel Its French bed layout with L-shaped galley coachbuilts. Even the size of the fridge/freezer
van. It reflects the rapidly growing campervan and half-dinette lounge could have come straight (135 litres) and fresh water tank (100 litres) are
sector, but also addresses the desire of many out of a low-profile, while the big overcab more in line with what we used to associate with
bigger ’vans.
FACT FILE On the road, though, you’ll immediately feel
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato the benefit of the standard Ducato van’s slimmer
PRICE FROM £52,375 bodywork, while the twin rear doors open onto a
BERTHS 2/3 TRAVEL SEATS 4 large under-bed load area that’s lined out with
LENGTH 6.36m
practicality in mind.
WIDTH 2.05m
The bed is mounted relatively high to
HEIGHT 2.59m
maximise this space but it has a slide-out step
PAYLOAD 419kg to aid access. It also features a reclining head
section, so the bed becomes a comfortable place
to relax in the daytime.
Even the washroom has respectable
dimensions, while the seating area features a
side-facing bench by the entrance as well as the
usual swivel cab seats and forward-facing rear
travel seats. With belted seats for four and berths
for up to three, this stylish new Rapido is truly a
quart in a pint pot!
Special feature
Island bed
TOP CHOICES
If there is one brand that comes to mind
when considering island beds it’s Rapido.
Of the 25 coachbuilts in its range, 13
have island beds. For 2021, it also has
an island bed in its new compact C
Series, which will go head-to-head with
Hobby’s Optima OnTour Edition and
Adria’s Compact SC.
If you want the maximum living space
on board, take a look at Auto-Trail’s tag-
axle Comanche, while those seeking the
latest design should wait for the 2021
version of Adria’s Coral Supreme 670 SC.
TOP TIP
Lay a thick duvet on the bed and see if
you still have room to get around the
foot of the mattress comfortably. Then
try the en suite for space and access,
New from Adria, this Coral Plus 670 SC is a typical especially leg and shoulder room sat on
continental island bed layout executed in great style the loo and headroom in the shower.
So, you want a permanent double bed, but you swallowing garage if the bed is set high enough the toilet/washroom on the other, with a door
can’t live with the access issues posed by a (mostly in big A-classes). A number of models that closes across the aisle to create a generous
French bed or transverse double? This is the have bed raising/lowering mechanisms (manual full-width en suite. Here, again, it’s space that
answer. An island bed is like your double at or electric) to change the locker-size-to-bed- separates the good from the not so good. Also,
home, with access to the mattress on either side. height ratio, but remember that you’ll almost look for a second door that gives privacy between
It can be found in coachbuilts of all types (but certainly want to remove your bikes outside and the bedroom and the bathroom, especially if
never van conversions, which are too narrow). lower the bed to a more comfortable height for you’re intending to use your ’van as a four-berth.
Typical overall lengths are around 7.5m but your kip. Several manufacturers also offer a central
more compact designs (down to 6.5m and, The size of the bed and the access around it washbasin design, where the basin is mounted
increasingly, around 7m) do exist. French brands are two issues that need checking – brochure on the reverse side of a wall at the foot of the bed.
especially favour island bed layouts (whereas figures cannot always be trusted. Beds can be This wall is perfect for mounting a bedroom TV,
German makers tend to focus more on single short and/or with a radiused foot, while space but now bed length is even more important as
bed floorplans). for undressing can be lacking, too. Some have a your feet can’t overhang. Also, shutting off the
At the front, you can choose between half- mechanism that sees the head of the bed rise as toilet and/or shower for privacy can be more
dinette lounges and side settees. The latter are the mattress moves back – thus creating more convoluted with this design.
increasingly common in 2020, with most space for getting dressed, while making sitting There are also layouts with island beds
continental manufacturers now offering settees up in bed easy and comfortable. But, if this is the running across the vehicle (mainly now from UK
that can be converted into a pair of forward- case, do look carefully at how much room there manufacturers), though bathroom facilities are
facing travel seats – some doing this is around the foot of the bed when it’s fully then rarely as good. Itineo has come up with one
transformation rather better than others! extended for sleeping. of the best transverse island bed designs yet
As with all fixed bed layouts, under-bed The best island bed floorplans feature an en seen, which also incorporates a large garage
storage is a key feature. This can be a bike- suite washroom with the shower on one side and beyond the bedroom.
And another variation is the semi-island or
Auto-Trail’s Delaware has the standard This entry-level Swift Edge goes for a
lengthways island bed format with
offset island bed, where there is more limited
transverse island bed (see the kitchen
wardrobes on either side alongside, on right of photo) access to one side of the bed – this is a space-
saving compromise between a true island bed
and a French bed.
Finally, if you don’t want your bed taking up
this much room, you could go for one of
Bürstner’s drop-down island beds. And if you
want a unique take on an island bed, look at
Roller Team’s T-Line 743 with a high transverse
island bed over a garage (see opposite).
Layout guide
Chausson 768 XLB

A choice of chassis and spec
Reflecting the French market’s love of island bed

FACT FILE
motorhomes, Chausson offers low-profiles with
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit
this layout in three different lengths. The 708 is
PRICE FROM £52,470
the compact model at under 7m overall, the 758
is a typical 7.20m motorhome with split en suite LENGTH 7.46m/7.49m
washroom facilities and a continental-style WIDTH 2.35m
L-settee lounge, and the 768 XLB is the daddy. HEIGHT 2.89m
At circa seven-and-a-half metres long (slightly GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
less if it’s on a Fiat), this Chausson has the PAYLOAD 473kg
company’s popular Smart Lounge with side
settees that can convert into a pair of travel seats.
At the opposite end of the vehicle, the island bed
is over 2m long!
In usual Chausson style, you can choose a 768
XLB on either Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit
chassis, the latter offering a much more modern
driving environment and better ergonomics.
Either can now be ordered with an excellent
automatic gearbox. Then you can have VIP or windscreen, automatic headlights and more. discover Chausson’s Easy Bed system with a
Premium spec, or go the whole hog with a You can use this spacious motorhome as a full manual winding handle to raise the bed and
Titanium (on Ford automatic as standard) with four-berth, too, thanks to the electric drop-down create up to 1.12m headroom in the garage
grey sides, 170PS engine, reversing camera, bed over the front lounge, while the rear bed has below (up from 0.78m with the mattress in its
habitation door with central locking, heated a generous 1.61m width. Here, you’ll also lowest setting).
Roller Team T-Line 743

One-of-a-kind island bed model with a garage
Bored with motorhome layouts that all seem to traditional island bed designs but it’s genuinely a much, much further across the ’van than you’d
copy each other? Then take a good look at this one-off, so seek one out and you might be very expect. It’s almost one-and-a-half metres from
Italian low-profile which even has a UK-handed pleasantly surprised. the offside wall to the end of the worktop, while
layout with the habitation door on our nearside. For a start, as soon as you open that door, you a trapdoor in that countertop also hides a 12V
We don’t guarantee that you’ll prefer it to more see a kitchen that’s L-shaped but which stretches 41-litre compressor cooler that you can use as a
fridge or freezer. Another, more conventional,
FACT FILE front-loading, three-way, 96-litre fridge is fitted,
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato too, under the hob.
PRICE FROM £55,810 Backing onto that long, long galley is an extra-
BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 long sofa – a super-sized place to put your feet
LENGTH 7.47m
up. There are swivel cab seats, too, and behind
WIDTH 2.35m
the small nearside seat is a pop-up televsion
HEIGHT 2.95m
GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg (3,650kg option)
bracket. Four can dine easily once the fold-in-
PAYLOAD 362kg half table is extended and there’s an electric
drop-down bed above.
The main bed, however, runs across the
vehicle at the back, extending out from its
nearside wall. It’s rare to find a transverse island
bed in an imported motorhome (several makers
tried them and dropped the idea) and, even
more unusually, the bed is mounted high up over
a full-sized garage. That extra storage space gives
the T-Line a real USP.
Special feature
Fixed single beds
TOP CHOICES
Dethleffs’ Globeline T 6613 EB was one
of our award winners for 2020, so, if you
fancy a rear-wheel drive Merc, it’s one to
see. On a rather lower budget, we were
also quite taken with Swift’s Escape
Compact C502, especially as it starts at
under £50k and is less than 6.50m long.
There’s a huge choice in van
conversions with fixed single beds
but, having used one in severe winter
conditions, we’re fans of Hobby’s
Vantana OnTour K65 ET.
TOP TIP
Single bed layouts often make great
family motorhomes with older children
using the rear bedroom and parents
taking the drop-down bed up front (even
A typical single bed design from Hymer with the shower at better if it’s an A-class).
the foot of the nearside bed and steps up to high-level sleeping
Maybe you have twin beds at home, or perhaps from the Continent, and, again, especially bed format and often requires the use of a ladder.
you prefer to sleep apart in the Mediterranean German manufacturers, but there are more than Wardrobes are typically placed under the foot
summer heat, or you just want flexibility for use a few now built in Britain. of the beds in high bed versions, while ablutions
of your ’van by different family members or There are two basic types of single bed layout. sit forward of the beds with the same opportunity
friends. If any of this sounds like you then fixed Most common are models with their beds for en suite facilities as in island bed models.
single beds are the way forward. mounted at the very rear of the motorhome. Secondly, there are layouts with across-the-
Bedroom specifics aside, these layouts are Usually, these have a big, full-width garage rear bathroom facilities, with low beds placed
typically fitted to motorhomes around 7m to beneath, although some manufacturers offer the immediately forward of the ablutions. These
7.5m. However, there are also van conversions choice of high or low beds. In ‘low bed’ form, work best for couples, as bathroom access is
with fixed single beds, some even as short as 6m night-time access is easier but the garage/storage through the bedroom. The facilities will feature
overall (though many more are around 6.4 space below is considerably reduced. a separate shower and a wardrobe, too, so it
metres) and single bed layouts feature in a number Most of the layouts with beds right at the rear of should also act as a full dressing room.
of narrow-bodied low-profile coachbuilts, the motorhome offer the possibility to convert the Again, the bed sizes are often an issue as feet
especially from German manufacturers. singles into a giant double with a centre infill, cannot usually overhang – although, when
Although very popular today, this layout is a giving you the possibility of cosy double bed converted to double bed format, some of the
relatively recent development, so it’s scarcer in sleeping in winter and separate beds in summer. largest motorhome beds in the market can be
older used ’vans. Many single bed models hail But access is rarely anything like as easy in double found. Brochure figures are not always accurate,
so check carefully with a tape measure before
buying, as we’ve seen single beds of less than 6ft.
Remember, too, that many have unequal-length
mattresses, typically dictating ‘his and hers’
sleeping, but this is unhelpful if you’re both tall.
Look out, also, for cupboards that will be
uncomfortably low above your pillow, while
some of the best designs allow the head of the
bed to rise on a ratchet system.
High bed versions are mostly approached by
easy stair-style steps but not all suit those with
shorter legs and some leave inadequate
headroom to comfortably sit on the bed.
A particularly clever variation on the single bed
theme is the Chausson 630 with electric single
Folding the twin beds to the sides in this Rapido Filling in the gap between twin beds that lower individually over its spacious side
V68 campervan creates a generous loadspace beds can make a huge double
settee front lounge.
Layout guide
Adria Compact Supreme DL

Slimline bodywork with a face-to-face lounge
Slimline low-profile motorhomes often come

FACT FILE
with single bed layouts and are ideal for those
seeking a relatively compact ’van with generous
PRICE FROM £57,000
garage space for bikes, etc. With an overall width
of 2.12m, this Adria is a useful 23cm narrower LENGTH 6.99m
than many ‘full-sized’ coachbuilts – great for WIDTH 2.12m
country lanes and town centres alike and worth HEIGHT 2.85m
considering if you’ve never driven a coachbuilt GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg (3,650kg option)
motorhome before. PAYLOAD 697kg
What’s unusual about this DL layout is that it
has the fashionable side settee lounge
(convertible to travel seats when required). That
makes for a more spacious feel compared with
the half-dinette designs usually seen in this class
of ’van. With a huge overcab Sky-roof and light-
coloured woodwork, plus lots of white (worktops,
top lockers, etc), this Compact feels anything but
small on the inside.
It looks good on the outside, too, as in transverse double. Plus there’s a third berth tie-downs and heavy-duty flooring with drain
common with other Supreme-spec Adrias, it has created from the lounge seats. Just as important, holes, as well as 12V, 230V and USB sockets.
all-silver bodywork (cab and habitation). perhaps, is the garage which was a focus of A kitchen with an eye-level fridge, an oven/
The single beds here are of equal length, at improvement across Adria’s 2020 motorhome grill, useful worktop provision and large drawers
1.93m, or you can create a 1.96m by 1.55m range, so it comes with good lighting, adjustable completes a highly appealing package.
WildAx Elara
In a sector dominated by Fiat Ducatos, this Mercedes stands out
The double bed version of the Elara was a What van conversions) dominated by imported As well as having all the safety tech from
Motorhome award winner in 2019 and the single conversions based on the Fiat Ducato. Here, Mercedes-Benz and the latest MBUX multimedia
bed model – identical forward of the bedroom though, is a British-built motorhome based on a dashboard display, this ’van sets out to serve all
– is arguably even more attractive. rear-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter, which is year round and off-grid, too. So, it has Truma
This is a sector of the market (fixed single bed over half-a-metre longer. Combi 4 gas/electric heating, an inboard fresh
water tank, twin 100Ah leisure batteries and a
FACT FILE 40-litre underslung gas tank.
BASE VEHICLE Mercedes Sprinter The unusual aspect – base vehicle aside – is
PRICE FROM £69,995 the bedroom. The single beds (2.02m long on the
BERTHS 2 TRAVEL SEATS 2 nearside, 1.85m on the offside) are mounted
LENGTH 6.97m
high, more like you’d expect in a coachbuilt. That
WIDTH 2.02m
has allowed WildAx to incorporate four large
HEIGHT 2.75m
drawers and two wardrobes under the beds,
PAYLOAD 330kg while opening the rear doors reveals a generous
garage area – 1.66m wide, 0.65m deep and
0.88m high – that’s perfect for all your outdoor
furniture, barbecue, etc.
Like the double bed Elara, this is a pure two-
berth ’van with swivel cab seats and a small,
curved backrest sofa making up the lounge. Its
kitchen is very well equipped (even including a
microwave) and the washroom is a good size for
a van conversion.
Special feature
Front lounge
Adria’s Matrix 600 DT fits a garage and end The Auto-Trail Tracker EKS has a classic
washroom into under 7m but has a huge front lounge British two-berth end kitchen layout
All the types we’ve described so far have a lounge at Of course, if you’re looking to buy used, there the front in these UK designs, it is the kitchen that
the front. But here we are referring to layouts are long-established A-class models with remains the constant, arranged part way across
without a fixed bed, so you’ll need to convert seats generous front lounges (especially past models the rear wall. But it’s the unit located forward
to beds at night, unless the main bed simply lowers from Hymer and Rapido). of the door on the nearside that makes the whole
from the ceiling. Much more traditional are British designs thing work. This often houses the fridge, while its
Drop-down beds have transformed this sector, with an end kitchen, corner washroom and top surface provides an area for the cook to
especially when the mattress lowers electrically, parallel settees up front. Usually found in smaller prepare meals. If a corner washroom looks too
right down to seat height. Many drop-down bed low-profiles, this layout is a design classic that small to work for you, though, consider longer
models are just six metres long but all of the best still works for couples seeking a compact ’van motorhomes with full-width end washrooms.
are continental designs (Adria, Bürstner and (Auto-Sleepers’ Nuevo and Auto-Trail’s Tracker Models like the Auto-Trail Mohican were once
Chausson lead the way). Even newer – and proving EKS are both long-established examples). big business before these spacious two-berths
extremely popular – are longer versions (still under Families could look for overcab coachbuilts with (usually with huge front lounges) fell out of
7m) that have XXL-sized rear washrooms and a pullman dinette and a lengthways side sofa up fashion. Now, however, those looking for a
garages. Chausson also offers drop-down twin front. This once top-selling design is almost extinct spacious end washroom can find it once again in
beds, so you can go to bed at a different time to your nowadays (Auto-Sleepers is one of the few to the drop-down bed models highlighted earlier
partner. In fact, the French firm is such a dominant persevere with it in the Broadway EK model). from Adria, Bürstner, Chausson and Itineo
force in this part of the market that it offers front There’s plenty of choice on the used market, though, (A-class), as well as more traditional British
lounge/drop-down bed layouts in three different if you’re looking at older, budget-priced coachbuilts. designs (without a drop-down bed) from Auto-
lengths, from six to seven metres. Whether it’s a pullman dinette or side settees at Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Bailey and Elddis.
TOP CHOICES
If you’re buying a used ’van, you’ll find
plenty of examples of the Auto-Sleeper
Nuevo for sale at all price levels.
However, if you’re buying new it’s hard
to argue against the value offered by the
Tribute F60 (see opposite). If you want a
garage, then we’d choose Adria’s Matrix
Plus 600 DT or, perhaps, the keenly-
priced Itineo FC650 A-class.
TOP TIP
Front lounges become so much more
appealing when the bed is a drop-down,
rather than a lumpy rearrangement
of seats. There are some really wide
(1.60m) drop-down beds now, and the
Chausson’s 650 is a new mid-sized front lounge best ones don’t need a ladder for access
design with drop-down double bed and a rear garage as they come down to seat height.
Layout guide
Auto-Trail Tribute F60

The leading light in entry-level compact two-berths
Our favourite in its class – and at this keen,

FACT FILE
under £50k price – is this little Auto-Trail, part
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit
of an all-new Tribute range which was launched
PRICE FROM £45,845
for the 2020 season. This is a contemporary line-
BERTHS 2/4 TRAVEL SEATS 2/4
up of low-profiles based on the latest Ford LENGTH 5.99m
Transit. With a choice of cab colour – like the WIDTH 2.35m
metallic red shown here (or blue, grey, silver or HEIGHT 2.88m
black) – they look quite striking, too. GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg (3,650kg option)
That colour comes as part of the Drivers Pack, PAYLOAD 640kg
which, along with the Lux Pack, is an essential
add-on. That still leaves change from 50 grand,
though, and the spec then includes everything
from automatic headlights and cornering lights
to a 9.5in touchscreen with motorhome-specific
sat-nav and reversing camera.
This little Tribute – neat and compact at
under 6m long – doesn’t feel like a basic, entry-
level vehicle. With the Ford’s excellent road
manners, a tiny rear overhang and wide track option adds rear travel seats for those who need Another star feature is the rear washroom
rear axle, it drives way better than most of its them. Whichever version suits, you’ll want to with separate shower, which belies both the price
rivals, too. find the extra £800 for the electric drop-down and size of this motorhome. And the kitchen
In standard form, the F60 has a nice, open feel bed which measures 1.93m by 1.20m and comes comes with a three-burner hob and an oven/
with a side settee lounge, although a half-dinette right down to sofa height. grill, as well as a 142-litre fridge.
Murvi Pimento SB
Still one of the best brands when it comes to front lounge van conversions
If you’re looking for a front lounge layout in a convert into double or single beds, and medium- shortened Morello) offers single beds – hence SB
van conversion, there’s no better place to start wheelbase, long and extra-long derivatives. – and is super-compact at just over five-and-a-
your search than with Devon-based Murvi. This What they all share is practical Murvi design, half metres long. You wouldn’t think it was so
multi-award-winning company offers Fiat, Ford honed over three decades. small inside, though, as like its sister models it
and Mercedes-based conversions, layouts that This latest version of the Pimento (basically a has a really comfortable side settee that’s just
made for idly staring out of the open sliding door
FACT FILE at a great view on a summer’s day.
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit Bed make-up is easy and bed sizes are
PRICE FROM £57,217 impressive – the offside bed is 1.90m long
BERTHS 2 TRAVEL SEATS 2 without bringing the driver’s seat into play (use
LENGTH 5.53m
that and you’ve got a bed of basketball player
WIDTH 2.05m
proportions). And despite the SB tag, a double
HEIGHT 2.58m
bed is possible, too.
PAYLOAD 600kg At the rear, the L-shaped kitchen is another
Murvi staple, with plenty of worktop and plenty
of options when it comes to the kit installed –
choose from a variety of cookers, fridges, ovens
and microwaves to suit your camping needs.
Finally, there’s a washroom that can be entered
through the rear doors (as well as via the kitchen
area) – perfect if you come back from the beach
covered in sand! But then Murvis have always
put practicality first.
Special feature
Rear lounge
TOP CHOICES
Most rear lounge van conversions are
based on Fiat/Peugeot, but it’s worth
looking out for models based on the
VW Crafter (from Hillside and IH) and
Mercedes Sprinter (RP). At the opposite
end of the price range, Elddis’ Autoquest
CV20 (see opposite) is hard to beat and
you’ll find it in dealer special forms, too.
The ultimate rear lounge motorhome
has to be the Carthago Liner-for-two
A-class, while used buyers might seek
out a Hymer DuoMobil 534 or 634.
TOP TIP
These layouts work best as comfy two-
berths, using the rear lounge as single
beds. As always, though, do check that
the beds are long enough and don’t
take brochure dimensions as gospel!
And, if you and your partner get up at
different times, is there somewhere else
Auto-Trail’s Apache 634 shows the attraction of that comfortable to sit for breakfast?
spacious U-shaped seating area with windows on three sides
If you’re a former caravanner, this format may under the rear window, while more common is washroom, the wardrobe and, sometimes, the
look appealingly familiar. But remember, these wrap-around U-shaped seating. The newest type of fridge – the first offering everything from basic
are (with very rare exceptions) pure two-berth rear lounge is the C-shape, where the sofa curves ablutions to bathrooms with separate showers.
designs that can never be used to carry more around to face in all four directions, but this has The cab often plays little part in on-site living,
than a single passenger (in the cab). only been seen – so far – in top end A-classes. but advantages of the rear lounge design include
The majority of rear lounge layouts are found Moving forwards, kitchens in coachbuilts plenty of relaxation space and great views out
in British models, including larger campervans, tend to be quite well equipped, while those in through big windows on three sides.
but some older continental ’vans offered rear van conversions (as they span part of the side Disadvantages include a rather enclosed
lounge layouts, too (even in A-classes – a sliding door’s opening) are smaller, with less feeling up front (between washroom and galley
combination that is making a minor comeback, storage and work surface, as a result. Today, it is – check out the aisle width here) and, beware, as
especially in larger, super-luxury models). van conversions that dominate this type of layout some (older models) are billed as four-berths
Lounge settee lengths vary, with larger lounges and a particular appeal is to be able to open the with overcab double beds, but include no rear
converting into either single or double beds back doors and enjoy indoor/outdoor living. travel seats.
(lengthways); shorter sofas making just a transverse However, some prefer a cosier layout with the Also, with the washroom or wardrobe directly
double. Larger lounges that make single beds will back doors blocked off and several firms offer behind the driver, check that the seat moves far
also have plenty of room to put your feet up in the this format, which was initially an IH innovation. enough back to achieve a comfortable driving
day. A few have a caravan-style chest of drawers Opposite the kitchen is where you’ll find the position, especially if you’re tall.
The compact Elddis Accordo 120 has a The C-shaped lounge in this luxury
central chest of drawers between the rear sofas Carthago has seats facing all four ways
Layout guide
Bailey Autograph 69-2

For couples that want space to unwind
This is the smallest motorhome in Bailey’s

FACT FILE
flagship Autograph range (the only one under
BASE VEHICLE Peugeot Boxer Al-Ko
7m in length) and one of the few that can be
PRICE FROM £56,899
driven on a standard car licence. However, like
the other models in the line-up (see also page LENGTH 6.96m
21), it is considerably wider than most of its WIDTH 2.42m
rivals, at 2.42m. HEIGHT 2.71m
That makes for an especially spacious rear GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
lounge, as well as a wide aisle between the PAYLOAD 507kg
washroom and galley. Of course, the downside of
that on-site space is on-road bulk and it depends
where you plan to tour whether that’s a trade-off
worth making.
Another appealing aspect of this Autograph is
the generous bathroom with its Granite Stone
finish and separate shower. Alongside the
ablutions area is a tall fridge/freezer, while
opposite is a well-equipped kitchen with eye-
level microwave and a cooker with mains electric for the cook. furnishings. The sprung upholstery adds comfort
hotplate as well as three gas rings and a separate The rear lounge is a full U-shape with the and, come night-time, the area converts into a
grill and oven. A flip-up worktop extension and addition not just of scatter cushions but also neat huge 2.04m by 1.88m double bed, so you can
a solid cover over the hob when it’s not in use corner headrests. There are rear speakers, too, sleep lengthways or across the ’van, or just use
ensure that there’s plenty of preparation space and a choice of Farringdon or Portobello soft the sofas as single beds.
Elddis Autoquest CV20

The bargain buy amongst rear lounge campers
Auto-Sleepers and Swift (formerly as Autocruise) Then, in 2018, along came Elddis with a pair of This is the two-berth model with a larger rear
have been in the rear lounge van conversion van conversions that looked utterly competitive lounge than the CV40 (which has rear travel
market for yonks. Auto-Trail was the relative in design and incredibly well priced. It’s no secret seats) and it starts at just over £40k. You’ll need
newcomer in the sector with its Tributes and that they’d learned from being part of the huge to add the Lux Pack (cab air-conditioning, cruise
V-Lines but these, too, are now well-established. Erwin Hymer stable. control and passenger airbag) for £1,218, but
everything else from the alloy wheels (£650) and
FACT FILE metallic paint (£500) to the cab blinds (£450) is
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato unnecessary if you’re on a tight budget. Why not
PRICE FROM £40,234 just keep things simple and spend any leftover
BERTHS 2 TRAVEL SEATS 2 funds on diesel and campsite fees?
LENGTH 5.99m
It’s not as if the CV20 is wanting for anything.
WIDTH 2.05m
It comes with the 140bhp engine as standard
HEIGHT 2.67m
(not the entry-level 120bhp unit) and it has a
PAYLOAD 665kg DAB radio with steering wheel-mounted
controls. There’s a 4kW Whale heating system
that runs off gas and mains, as well as a large
rooflight over the rear lounge and pleated blinds
for the double-glazed windows. The kitchen has
a three-burner hob and a combined oven/grill,
as well as a generous 90-litre compressor fridge,
while gas is supplied by a 25-litre underslung
tank. Even a TV aerial and electric step are fitted
as standard.
Special feature
Twin lounges
This Auto-Trail Adventure van conversion has Auto-Trail’s Apache 700 has a pullman dinette
a half-dinette up front and parallel sofas in the rear behind the cab and U-shaped seating in the stern
If you’ve been tempted by a rear lounge, but need dinette bench up front to provide two extra and Chausson models have lowering beds over
more than two travel seats, here’s a solution. It’s travel seats, with cab seats swivelling to face the their front and rear lounges, as do a couple of
been around for decades, so there’s plenty of rear as part of the front lounge. Benimar models and Rimor’s new Evo 77 Plus.
choice in both campervans and coachbuilts. Most coachbuilt models are over seven metres Meanwhile Bailey, Elddis and Swift include
Arguably, this is the most popular van conversion long and made in Britain. Continental firms drop-down beds above their front lounges.
layout in the UK. have dabbled in the sector, but (more recently) Many place kitchens up front, opposite the
Whether you are a family looking for two mostly with A-classes. If your funds will stretch, dinette. These are often equipped with full-sized
separate seating areas or a couple wanting more models like Rapido’s 8094dF have the big cookers well suited to preparing family meals,
room to sprawl, this layout can deliver. advantage of a drop-down A-class cab bed. but, owing to a lack of space, they can come up
Remember, though, that with no fixed bed, You’ll see several models with a rear L-shaped short in the areas relating to storage. Fridges,
storage space for holiday clobber can be tight for seating area, rather than the traditional ‘U’ too, can be modestly sized under-counter units.
family touring – especially if there are six of you. (check out the Bürstner range), while the new Bathing departments can cater well for
The layout consists of a front dining area and Chausson 711 has four captain’s seats up front families if there’s a separate shower (as in every
a rear lounge, with the travel seats fitted in the that double as a dining area – it makes a great Auto-Trail). But some models (including Swift’s
front – the best offering four three-point belts in choice for a family of four. Edge and Escape) are much more compromised
a crash-tested pullman dinette, although Another innovation in this sector is drop- in this area with all-in-one bathrooms that are
campervans are more likely to have only a half- down beds. Both the aforementioned Bürstner too confined for family use.
TOP CHOICES
For maximum space take a look at
Bailey’s Autograph 81-6, or, on a tighter
budget, maybe the Rimor Evo 77 Plus.
Auto-Trail has several models in this
sector at different price points, but the
Chausson 711 is just one of those ’vans
you have to see before you buy anything
else. In van conversions, it’s the Dreamer
Living Van (opposite) that is easily our
favourite.
TOP TIP
In van conversions try making up both
beds at once and looking at what space
is left, how long beds take to make
and where you’d keep your bedding. In
coachbuilts, consider storage for outdoor
Another variation is seen in this Swift Edge, where gear and anything bulky, especially for
there’s a pullman dinette and a side settee at the front family trips.
Layout guide
Auto-Trail Tribute F72

The family-friendly model in the new Ford-based range
Like its little brother on page 27, this is part of

FACT FILE
Auto-Trail’s new Ford-based entry-level range.
BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit
This is one of the longest models in the line-up,
PRICE FROM £47,345
though, at 7.34m. It has two lounge areas and the
BERTHS 4/6 TRAVEL SEATS 2/4
option of a drop-down bed over the front seating LENGTH 7.34m
area, which is a must for family motorhoming, as WIDTH 2.35m
is the travel seat option for the forward lounge. HEIGHT 2.88m
You’ll want to add the £1,499 Drivers Pack, GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
too, to bring the cab up to spec, but the drive of PAYLOAD 500kg
the Ford is a big plus with good ergonomics for
its pilot and a comfortable ride for passengers.
Standard is a 130PS engine but both a 170PS
upgrade and a smooth six-speed automatic
gearbox are available.
The HD front lounge option (£825) has an
L-settee with twin seatbelts on the offside and a
side-facing sofa on the nearside. You could sit five
here easily (up to seven if some are kids) and the
lack of a permanent table makes it feel very open. lengths, being much longer on the offside. That’s Thanks to underfloor water tanks and an
A free-standing table is provided, which can be the spot to bag if you want to really put your feet underslung Whale heating system, the Tribute
used here or in the rear lounge. up, but the inequality of the benches is more of has more storage than you might expect and it’s
Unusually, the side settees that form part of an issue when the table is in situ as it’s hard then great that the rear underseat lockers can be
the rear U-shape lounge are of very different for some diners to get out of their seats. reached from outside.
Dreamer Living Van

The drop-down bed gives this campervan a big advantage
Here’s a French campervan (from the Rapido gives it a BIG advantage over its rivals. Its pull- Basis of the Living Van is the longest, tallest
Group) that seems to have been aimed directly at down bed is easy to use, comfortable for adults, Ducato van available, with the 140bhp engine as
the UK. It’s one of two such Rapido vehicles with and precisely a billion times better than a half- standard. But it’s the surprisingly generous rear
a rear lounge (the other being an A-class) and, dinette bed that looks like a relief map of lounge that’s more important here. It has a large
like an A-class, it has a drop-down bed. That somewhere a lot more hilly than Lincolnshire. Remis rooflight, rear speakers, USBs, touch-
operated reading lights and even remote controls
FACT FILE for the radio. You can arrange the seats as a
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato U-shape or as separate benches to retain access
PRICE FROM £52,150 through the rear doors, while equally important
BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 is the raised floor aft with storage underneath.
LENGTH 6.36m
Another advantage of the Dreamer over its
WIDTH 2.05m
rivals is the patented Modul’Space washroom, in
HEIGHT 2.88m
which the wardrobe shares space with the
PAYLOAD 371kg separate shower cubicle when the latter’s not
being used and simply hinges out of the way
when necessary. You can also close off the back
of the camper as an en suite bedroom.
You can add an oven/grill to the stylish galley
and the Living Van is well suited to winter
camping thanks to thorough insulation and an
on board water tank, but it’s the way the Dreamer
genuinely caters for four campers – and not just
on paper – that really marks it out.
Special feature
Bunk beds
TOP CHOICES
For space and family-friendly design,
nothing beats Itineo’s bunk bed models
and its SLB700 and SB740 with their
kiddy zone (not just bunks but separate
seating, too) are great. That same
design philosophy has now gone into
the Dreamer Camper Five (see opposite).
Hobby’s Optima OnTour T65 HKM low-
profile is also worth checking out.
TOP TIP
You’ve counted the berths, measured
all the beds and made sure there are
enough seatbelts? Get everyone aboard
and see if it feels claustrophobic – no?
Nearly there, just be sure you have
enough storage and, crucially, payload.
A chassis upgrade is likely to be needed
If there are six of you, you’ll need a good-sized lounge and this for six berths.
Roller Team Auto-Roller 707 solves that problem in a unique fashion
If you’re looking for a family motorhome, bunk Lounge areas are usually formulated around a the kids (with bunks and seating).
bed layouts are streets ahead of any other layout. pullman dinette, but bigger models may actually There are also van conversions with double
Historically, they were mostly found in entry- have a four-seater dinette on one side and a two- bunks at the back – one double bed atop another.
level overcab coachbuilt models, but the advent seat arrangement alongside. Belted seats are These are usually an adaptation of transverse
of the drop-down bed has seen an increase in crucial, so check that the number of belts bed models with a second (sometimes
low-profile models (see Benimar, Chausson, matches the number of berths (some may only removable) bed added above, but pay careful
Rimor and Roller Team – plus a new model from be lap belts). Up to seven berths are possible. attention to the headroom between bunks,
Hobby for 2020). There are bunk bed van The bunk beds themselves are most commonly which is likely to be very tight indeed unless the
conversions, too, from Dreamer and WildAx. arranged transversely across the rear, while base vehicle is the taller (H3) Ducato van.
This is also the domain of the entry-level ’van some have them lengthways at one side; both Important things for families to check on any
as value is high on the list of priorities for types also offer large storage, thanks to the fact bunk bed ’van are the adequacy of kitchen
parents. Hire companies, too, rent these for that the bottom bunk usually folds up, creating worktop and the fridge size, and you’ll almost
similar reasons, so why not try before you buy? garage-like locker space. The best bunks will certainly want a separate shower. If you’re
If you’re tempted to purchase one, remember have a window and a reading lamp each. restricted to 3,500kg by your driving licence,
that an ex-rental model might be a good-value The clever new Chausson 720 has a hideaway look carefully at payload, too. The more people
buy, but has most likely had a harder life than a bunk that stows in the roof during the day, while you plan to carry, the more payload you’ll need
privately owned ’van. a couple of Itineo models have a separate area for – and then there are toys, scooters, bikes…
You’ll usually find a good-sized storage area under the Kids love bunk beds in motorhomes
lower bunk and even be able to convert it into a garage – there’s no better layout for families
Layout guide
Chausson 720
One bunk or two, another versatile and innovative design from Chausson
You could be fooled into thinking that this

FACT FILE
motorhome is in the wrong section. It looks like
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit
another one of Chausson’s front lounge models,
PRICE FROM £52,580
with a drop-down bed, Smart Lounge featuring
side settees, and a large washroom to the rear. LENGTH 7.16m/7.19m
However, here there’s an all-important added WIDTH 2.35m
ingredient – a pair of rear transverse bunk beds. HEIGHT 2.92m
These beds are 1.90m by 0.72m max (top) and GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg
1.99m by 0.79m max (below) but they aren’t just PAYLOAD 468kg/485kg
fixed bunks. The top one rises and falls
electrically and can be stored at ceiling level or
lowered to give 530mm headroom. The lower
bed hides EasyBox storage under its mattress –
three compartments, each 145mm deep – and it,
too, is height-adjustable as there’s a manual
winding handle to lift the EasyBox and mattress,
thus increasing headroom in the garage from
0.77m up to a maximum of 1.10m.
Not only is this rear area a bedroom, but it’s Up front, not only is there a large lounge area, settees convert into three rear travel seats (two
a very spacious changing/dressing room with a but a good-sized (1.90m by 1.60m) drop-down forward-facing with Isofix and one rear-facing).
separate shower and toilet compartment. The bed that can come right down to seat level – or The kitchen has a 139-litre fridge/freezer and
toilet area is completely private and the bunks you can keep it a little higher and make another a Triplex cooker with oven/grill. Then, of course,
can be secluded via a curtain. bed from the seats below. Then, for travel, the there’s the choice of Fiat or Ford base vehicle.
Dreamer Camper Five

The only five-berth in its class
Here’s a unique take on family motorhoming. It Dreamer has long offered a bunk bed layout in joined by a small transverse dinette that also
has five belted travel seats and five berths, plus its campervan portfolio but this is the first time makes into the fifth berth. Opening windows in
full facilities (with shower and loo), all inside a that the kids have had their own seating area as the rear barn doors provide ventilation, each
standard Fiat Ducato panel van. No wonder we well as their own bedroom. The bunks (1.74m by bunk has a reading light, and there are USB ports
voted it Best Family Van Conversion 2020. 0.69m above and 1.85m by 1.16m below) are under the dinette table.
The front lounge has an L-shaped settee and a
FACT FILE backless side-facing bench by the door, while
BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato both cab chairs swivel. There’s room to get all the
PRICE FROM £48,325 family around the main dining table here, and a
BERTHS 5 TRAVEL SEATS 5 slot-in high-backed rear-facing seat replaces the
LENGTH 6.36m
side bench for travel, but you don’t have to
WIDTH 2.05m
convert the seats into a bed at night. No, parents
HEIGHT 2.88m
can enjoy A-class-style comfort when they
PAYLOAD 436kg simply pull down their 1.83m by 1.27m double
berth from the ceiling. You can even leave your
duvet in situ when you stow the comfortable
Bultex mattress next morning.
The kitchen includes a 135-litre fridge/
freezer and there’s the option to add an oven.
There’s a large boot area for storage under the
lower bunk bed, too, so this well-priced camper
has everything a family will need for their
many adventures.
New ’vans
RP Explorer 2
Could this be the ultimate rear lounge van conversion?
P
ULL firmly on the handle and the big vibe – no shouty graphics, just flush-fit double- suspension at £1,495 and the seven-speed
sliding door powers back. Press a button glazed windows mounted in carbon-fibre-style automatic gearbox at £1,824.
just inside the opening (or another on the panels, Mercedes alloy wheels and that big chromed In all, there are £26,035-worth of extra features
centre of the dash) and it’ll glide closed. There’s three-pointed star on the nose. You’ll justifiably be on the Merc side of things alone, from the mundane
a full flyscreen across the entrance, with a flap to proud of this ’van, because it aims for the very (£132 for mudfaps and another £132 for two
ensure no gaps for those pesky mozzies to sneak pinnacle of the van conversion market, with prices additional keys) to luxuries like that electric sliding
around, while the electric step pokes out from starting at £80k and heading up to around £125k door at £822. There’s plenty of safety kit, too,
the bespoke bodykit that gives this motorhome a for a spec’d-to-the-hilt example as seen here. including Active Lane Keeping Assist, foglamps
ground-hugging stance. Above, the Omnistor The options on this example of RP’s latest with cornering light function, High Beam Assist,
awning is electric, too, as well as being mounted Explorer 2 start with the base vehicle. The most Traffic Sign Assist and a Parking Package that not
on special brackets that incorporate drainage expensive item is the 190bhp V6 diesel engine, only includes a reversing camera and the usual
channels at either end. You just press a button an upgrade over the standard 163bhp four- front and rear sensors but also flashes up warnings
inside the passenger cab door to operate it and it cylinder unit that costs £4,812. That seems like a on the MBUX screen if you’re in danger of clouting
whirs out to provide shade and shelter. bargain compared with the £3,444 that Merc those long flanks. It’s one hell of a package.
Maybe you’ll sit there and admire the way this charges for colour-coded bumpers, while the It’s just as impressive on the road, too. That six-
L3 H3 (that’s long-wheelbase, extra-high) Mercedes 10.25in MBUX multimedia touchscreen is a cylinder engine beats any other light commercial
Sprinter panel van has been transformed into a further £2,172 and the LED high-performance vehicle diesel motor for buttery smoothness, as
luxury home from home with a subtle, restrained headlamps cost £1,764. Then, there’s VB air well as its seemingly limitless supply of torque.
RP Explorer 2
FACT FILE
BASE VEHICLE Mercedes Sprinter
L3 H3 rear-wheel drive
PRICE FROM £79,995,
as tested £124,980
BERTHS 2
TRAVEL SEATS 2
LENGTH 6.97m
WIDTH 2.02m
HEIGHT 2.98m (excluding roof air-con)
GROSS WEIGHT 3,850kg (also
available at 3,500kg or 4,100kg,
depending on spec)
PAYLOAD Around 350kg as tested
Driving on some hilly, twisty Yorkshire Dales This is a beautifully appointed rear lounge van inverter system to give you mains power wherever
roads, this big van conversion behaved as if the conversion based on the seven-metre Sprinter, you are. At six grand, though, this isn’t a cheap
countryside was as flat as the Fens, while the air but it’s also so much more than that… add-on. But then this is very much the ultimate
suspension ensured a comfortable ride without van conversion, aimed at customers who have had
any of the crashiness often associated with vans. TECH-FEST Concorde, Morelo or Niesmann A-classes and
For a start, this motorhome is loaded with the want that same standard, just in a smaller package.
BUILT IN THE DALES latest tech to make your motorhoming life better, The Explorer might be long for a van conversion,
The fact that we were testing this motorhome in easier, and more independent of site facilities. RP’s but it’s still van width and that counts for a lot on
the Dales, perhaps gives a hint at its maker – RP MD, Steve Young, believes in using only the best the little lanes of this green and pleasant land.
Motorhomes, whch must not only have Britain’s components, even if they cost considerably more, RP says the Explorer will give you between
most picturesque motorhome factory location, and that starts with specifying lithium batteries three days and a week of off-grid independence
but is also immensely proud of its Yorkshire from Victron Energy to ensure a reliable power and its discreet design will be a lot less obvious
background, even though we didn’t spot a flat supply. Standard equipment is a 100Ah lithium when wild camping than a big (probably white)
cap or whippet anywhere. battery but this example was upgraded to 200Ah A-class. Of course, wherever you are, you can also
What we did see was lines of expensively- at an additional £1,995. control and monitor the habitation functions
equipped Sprinter vans waiting to become RP But with Truma habitation air-conditioning on from your phone, while inside the vehicle the
motorhomes – the order books are full well into the roof and a brief that shouts ‘off-grid brand-new Victron touchscreen control panel
next year – and this latest model, the Explorer 2. motorhoming’, this Explorer also boasts a 5kW allows you to examine all the levels at a glance.
❯❯
New ’vans
WHO IS RP MOTORHOMES?
RP Motorhomes is
based at Darley, near
Harrogate, from where
it sells its own unique
style of top-end van
conversions, all based on the Mercedes
Sprinter. It converts both six and seven-
metre versions of the big Benz van and
has been especially successful with four-
wheel drive versions, which now outsell
the company’s two-wheel drive Sprinters.
Almost all of its vehicles sell at prices
over £100,000 by the time options have
been totted up.
Its latest Explorer is just part of a range
that includes slide-outs and a layout
with a huge up-and-over rear door and
garage. One-offs are not undertaken,
only standard layouts, but a vast range
of extras (both RP and Mercedes-Benz)
allows plenty of personalisation and more
models are in development.
ON A DIET can also be plated up to 4,100kg if required). And interior headroom is still very generous
Equip your Explorer as extensively as this one and Even the fresh water capacity is exceptional because RP uses the extra-high Sprinter van.
you’ll need a 3,850kg gross weight, but a more for a van conversion. There are twin 70-litre In fact, the living area of this luxury two-berth
modest model (on the lower L3 H2 van) could be tanks, supplying the kitchen and washroom in feels remarkably spacious. But, before we discuss
built as a licence-friendly 3.5-tonne motorhome. parallel, sited over the rear wheelarches, so the layout, there’s another important USP from
That’s a surprise because the Merc has a reputation weight distribution is never impaired by their RP. You’ll not see any old-fashioned carpet trim
for being heavy and this isn’t a small ’van, but it’s a levels. You can upgrade to 200 litres in total, too, on the walls (the only carpet is on the floor) and
direct result of the hybrid construction of the while their inboard location is perfect for winter no bare painted Mercedes metal is on show,
furniture. Wood is used only where it is required camping. Only the waste tank (115 litres) and either. Throughout the vehicle, the walls and
for strength or fixings, while a lightweight plastic the gas tank (30 litres) are underneath the ’van. doors are trimmed with plastic moulded panels
honeycomb ‘wood’ is used for large panels, such Heating comes from the excellent Truma – very automotive and more the sort of touch
as the sides of the washroom. This construction Combi 6D, the all-too-rarely seen diesel version you’d expect from a manufacturer the size of
saves a massive 100kg of weight in the Explorer. which reduces your reliance on gas and which Hymer, not a niche player.
Of course, when you have a list of options as we thoroughly recommend. Where, perhaps, RP has played it safe, however,
long as this – including £18,950-worth of kit, is with the layout – a classic rear lounge design –
such as the TV, carpets, side door flyscreen, half- FLAT FLOOR but even here there’s outstanding attention to detail.
leather upholstery, RP’s own bodykit, external RP’s attention to winterisation continues with
gas barbecue point, habitation air-conditioning, 3in of insulation in the floor. Not only does this READY STEADY COOK
electric step, electric awning, solar panel and the have obvious benefits for off-season touring, but If you love cooking, you’ll be right at home in the
inverter and battery upgrade, you need to gain it levels up the floor inside, so there’s no step Explorer. The worktop – in Corian with an
some payload elsewhere (and the base vehicle from the cab into the main body of the vehicle. integrated draining board – is more than two
RP Explorer 2
metres long. Yes, two metres. And then there’s a are fitted, there are two drains in the shower tray, could sit around the large dining table. Most of the
flip-up extension – in Corian – in case that’s not and towel hooks and a drying rail are provided, but time, however, the small, square table will be
enough. Note to self: if they like cooking this my favourite feature is the shower mounting that sufficient and it gets top marks for its sturdy design
much, I must invite myself for dinner! operates on a suction cup, so it can be positioned and height adjustment, too. Then, open the back
The cooker has a separate oven and grill, three anywhere on the washroom walls. Such attention doors and you can really enjoy the views – or
gas rings and a mains hotplate. Storage is very to detail continues with an opening window and a unload your outdoor chairs from the storage below
generous in a range of different-sized drawers and vent over the bathroom door to prevent steaming the rear sofa. Or, if it’s Yorkshire weather, there’s a
then, opposite, is a tall, slim 152-litre fridge. It’s a up, and even an extra blind to protect the regular 27in smart TV working through the Maxview
compressor fridge because they’re better and more pleated window blind when showering! Roam WiFi booster to give a super-sharp picture.
efficient, says Steve. And with all that battery
power you won’t need to worry about draining ROOM FOR U REET PROPER
your 12V. Nor do you need to concern yourself with While the cab seats swivel (and have their own Steve Young jokingly tells me that RP stands for
gas consumption as the underslung tank serves triangular table), the main lounging, dining and ‘reet proper’ in Yorkshire style. The name actually
only the cooker, so unless you do a roast every relaxing zone is in a generous U-shaped seating dates back to the company’s origins building
single day of the year you might be buying a new area, which also converts easily into a 1.98m by motor sport vehicles under the Race Pro tag, but,
’van before the 30 litres of LPG run out… 1.42m bed. RP is proud of its new bed make-up now focused on the very top end of the leisure
Opposite the galley is the washroom. A sliding and we can see why. Pull out a slatted support to market, the brand seems to have found its niche.
door provides easy access here without disturbing fill the area between the settees and the cushions This Explorer is, possibly, the most expensive
the chef, while inside is RP’s own one-piece simply slot in to make a big, flat bed. It’s a doddle. van-based motorhome ever to appear in these
bathroom pod, as well as more Corian for the In the day, this is a space in which a couple can pages, but it’s not the price that we’ll remember,
worktop alongside the basin. Twin soap dispensers easily put their feet up, even take a nap, while six it’s the way RP has striven to be the best.
New ’vans
Elddis
Encore 250
The latest island bed layout in Elddis’ well-equipped flagship range
L
AST year’s Encore 254 has disappeared, replaced discerning chef. There’s reasonable work surface and a
by this new 250; the key difference being the Thetford cooker with three burners and an electric
lengthways location of the (previously transverse) hotplate, separate grill and oven. Above is a microwave.
island bed. Overall length remains the same, at 7.41m. Opposite is a slimline, 134-litre, Dometic AES fridge.
Encores are Elddis’ flagship models but they’re very If you have a large lounge and a well-equipped
competitively priced – all starting at £54,949. Using kitchen, you’re going to have to compromise somewhere,
the company’s established SoLiD bonded construction otherwise you’ll be driving an 8m behemoth! Here, it’s
system, with a GRP underskin to the floor, they come the washroom that suffers. The Encore lacks the
with a 10-year water ingress warranty. They’re well- separate shower that features in many rivals.
equipped as standard, too, with Alde ‘wet’ radiator At the rear, the bedroom now has its island bed
heating (gas and electric) being the standout feature. centrally, framed by two wardrobes with drawers
Interestingly, this year the base vehicle has changed (offside), and a cupboard (nearside) below, and
from Peugeot Boxer to Fiat Ducato. Both are built on overhead cupboards between. The bed can be
the same Italian production lines but the Fiat has a retracted during the day, giving extra room around
new nine-speed automatic gearbox option. the foot, but, even when fully extended, there’s
The Encore has new graphics and Champagne- adequate space to squeeze past. This double measures
coloured sidewalls. The rear overhang is large, so the a reasonable 1.87m by 1.33m and the Hypnos mattress
addition of corner steadies and a rear camera (£365 – a £200 option – promises slumber fit for a queen as
extra) would be welcome. the brand is ‘By Appointment’!
Courtesy of the low chassis, no external step is needed Overall, storage for two is quite reasonable, but four
to enter, and the layout is a classic British theme with two travellers would have to pack carefully – and the
inward-facing settees and a free-standing table. As well as 430kg payload is similarly geared more to couples.
looking inviting, this lounge is comfortable and you could There are mounting rails on the back panel for a bike
still happily seat five here. Then, remove the cushions rack and, hidden behind sliding covers, an external
(into the rear bedroom, probably), raise the settee mains socket, plus aerial, satellite and 12V sockets for al
bases against the wall, and you’ll find two Aguti fresco TV watching. A Winter Pack is included as
chairs. Very cleverly, they unfurl to form a pair of slim standard, with tank heaters, waste pipe insulation and
but supportive seats with three-point belts and Isofix. fridge vent covers, so the underslung tanks (100 litres
The kitchen provides nearly everything (bar an for fresh water and a small 60 litres for waste) should be
integral draining board and an extractor) for any capable of withstanding most UK winter conditions.
BUY AN ELDDIS FROM…

Elddis has 45 dealers
for its motorhomes
around the UK,
including one in
Northern Ireland,
as well as a
representative
in Eire. Many
of its larger
retailers rebrand
the motorhomes Dealer
s
under their own 45

na
io n wid
e
special edition t
model names –
including Evolution
(Brownhills),
Majestic (Marquis),
Platinum Edition (Perthshire), Vogue
(Spinney) and Supreme (Preston).
Elddis also has a substantial network of
approved service centres around the UK.
Elddis Encore 250
FACT FILE
PRICE FROM £55,134
BERTHS 4
TRAVEL SEATS 4
LENGTH 7.41m
WIDTH 2.35m
HEIGHT 2.82m
PAYLOAD 430kg
ALSO CONSIDER
Bailey Autograph 79-4I
Chausson 768XLB
WHO IS ELDDIS?
Purchased by the Germans in early

2017, the parent company of Elddis
(formerly the Explorer Group) is now
Erwin Hymer Group UK. Based in
Consett, County Durham, the company
has been building mostly budget-
priced coachbuilt motorhomes since
Photos Andrew Bromley the mid 1980s, and along the way
has swallowed up the Autohomes,
Buccaneer and Compass marques
– with the last of those being
reintroduced in 2019. The Elddis back
catalogue includes van conversions and
even A-classes, but much of its output
today is sold as dealer special editions.
The standard Elddis range comprises
three van conversions based on the
Fiat Ducato, while the rest of the
line-up is all low-profile coachbuilts –
Accordo and Autoquest on Peugeot and
upmarket Encore on Fiat.
B ON
IF
O F
C
W WI ENT TIM
YO E A
O ID
E LL D E
U V T
HA R E O
K E
VE EC TA F
W NC
TO EIV ILS PR
CA E A C INT
IT E
NC FU OR IN
H
EL LL RE G
TH RE CT
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Event details correct at time of printing
VW T6 comparison
Time for T
Two editors, both with new VW T6 campervans – what have they bought and why?
DIDN’T YOU WANT TO WAIT FOR A T6.1?
B
oth the Editor of What Motorhome, Peter good production run, so it made sense to buy one of
Vaughan, and Campervan’s Editor, Geneve ● PV That might have been nice, and I did get the very last examples to roll out of the factory.
Brand, were already VW camper owners CMC (Concept Multi-Car) to give me a quote for a
(and fans), but no one would have predicted them brand-new T6.1 HemBil Urban, but the cost was DID YOU CONSIDER OTHER MAKES OF BASE
both buying new ’vans in 2020, nor that they would simply too high. The ex-demo model we went for VEHICLE, OR JUST VOLKSWAGENS?
each have shiny new T6s on their drives. had loads of spec on it, too, some of which we ● PV Yes and no. My wife, Katy, has had a series of
Peter hadn’t originally planned to upgrade his would definitely have had to forgo if buying new VW cars (Polo, Golf) and likes their feeling of
10-year-old T5 California, which still only had (such as the fancy wheels and leather upholstery). Germanic solidity. We’d been very pleased with the
30k miles on the clock, but family circumstances When I first drove a T6.1, I really hoped I T5, too, and especially its retained value. We might
dictated that a five-seatbelt vehicle was needed. wouldn’t be disappointed with the decision, and have looked at a Ford Transit Custom which, being
Geneve’s change was a much bigger one, though, I wasn’t, especially as our T6 has the Comfort a tad wider, can more easily accommodate a three-
from an ageing Subaru-engined VW T3 with a dashboard, which I prefer to the new T6.1 fascia. person rear bench seat but the cost saving that you’d
sliding door that occasionally fell off… But it ● GB Call me a cynic but I’m not the sort of person expect just wasn’t there and residual values are
would also be a bigger wrench as she’d had the who likes to rush out and be the first to buy the unlikely to be as strong.
’van for 13 years (compared with three years for latest model of anything! My thinking is that there ● GB Yes, in fact we considered both larger and
Peter’s Cali) and, in that time, it had become part are often issues with brand-new things, leading to smaller vehicles, and looked at everything from
of the family. recalls, etc – think smartphones with exploding bespoke conversions on used vehicles through to
While both editors have gone for VWs once batteries and washing machines that catch fire, for secondhand models and brand-new top-notch
again, their campers are quite different, showing example – and I certainly didn’t want my new NCC-approved campers.
some of the difficult decisions involved in choosing campervan to go up in a puff of smoke! I’m lucky with my job that I get to review all the
a new campervan. Here are some of the thought Maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I knew latest models and base vehicles so, after testing a load
processes involved… that the T6 was a great vehicle that had enjoyed a of campers, we’d soon ruled out anything smaller or
❯❯
Buying advice
larger than a T6 on the grounds that it wouldn’t suit

us, both in terms of living space and driveability.
My husband is 6ft tall, so things like bed lengths
and how far the cab seats go back are really important
factors. He can’t squeeze behind the steering wheel
in some smaller ’vans and has to sit with his knees
wedged in the glovebox while I drive! Larger ’vans
(like the VW Crafter) are too big – we only have a
small driveway – and we also do a lot of remote
camping that involves squeezing down narrow lanes.
In the end, we narrowed it down to the T6 and
Transit Custom – I don’t think there’s much to
choose between the two.
POP-TOP OR HIGH-TOP?
● PV I know this is where Geneve and I differ, but
our priorities are different. The camper is Katy’s Sliding three-seater Reimo bench is the Urban’s defining feature...
daily driver, so we like the car-like looks with a
pop-top. More importantly, we need the roof bed Before the coronavirus outbreak, we’d also booked speed gearbox is the best manual option, and it’s
for the kids (upper beds are either non-existent or to go to France in it, five-up, so fully loaded it will worth splashing the extra cash (around £2,200) to
lacking in headroom in most VWs), so that’s be pretty heavy! upgrade from the 110PS version. They are about the
decision made for us. Our T5 California was the 180PS Bi-turbo, so we same on fuel, too, averaging 32-38mpg.
Also, we use our ’van for camping mostly in the wouldn’t have considered anything less than a
summer and the pop-top offers more ventilation, as 150PS T6. Also, we wanted an automatic (DSG) and WHAT WERE YOUR ‘MUST HAVE’ FEATURES?
well as extra headroom. I like that it feels a bit like that’s only offered on the 150 and 199PS versions. ● PV Apart from the 150PS engine and automatic
(posh) camping, too. Ideally, perhaps, we’d have had the 199 motor but gearbox, we wanted a heavier version of the
● GB High-top – no question about it! I know that’s an extra three grand, which seems very steep. Transporter, for a decent payload. Ours is based on
plenty of people will tut and roll their eyes, as pop- ● GB To my mind, it’s the best T6 engine option. a T32 (3,200kg gross weight) van, so we won’t be
tops are all the rage these days, but high-tops are so I’ve driven a lot of VWs – my old camper was a overloaded even when we go abroad with the
much more practical, apart from the not going 1986 VW T3 and I also own a Mark 7 Golf – so I camper loaded to the gunwhales and five of us on
under car park height barriers bit… suppose I have a few expectations. board. It’s a really important factor, as a vehicle
I like to camp all year round and the insulation With the T6, the two lower-powered options exceeding its maximum gross weight is illegal and
offered by a high-top is in another league to the tent- don’t really have enough grunt. The 84PS (now insurance would be invalidated – and some
like experience you get with a canvas pop-top in 90PS on the T6.1) is OK for short journeys, perhaps, campers are on 2,600kg VWs with a payload that
winter. The same is true of sound deadening, which but not well-suited to a high-top campervan. The might suit a couple but definitely not a family.
is a blessing when camping in the height of school next one up, the 102PS (now 110PS), still only has Having seen the benefits of a sliding seat system
summer holiday season, I can tell you! Of course, a five-speed gearbox, so it’s a bit revvy at the top in the California, we also wanted the flexibility of a
you get so much more storage with a high roof, too. end, which I don’t like on motorway journeys. movable rear bench. Pushing the back seat forward
The 150PS engine with a six- can greatly increase rear load space, which is a real
SHORT-WHEELBASE OR LONG?
● PV When I tested the Mercedes Marco
Polo, I was amazed how inconvenient the CMC HEMBIL
URBAN COMFORT
small amount of extra length was when
PRICE FROM £54,950
parking in towns. As our camper is a daily
cmccampers.co.uk
driver, keeping under 5m (about the same 01303 261062
as a large estate car) makes all the difference.
I love the fact that our VW takes up no more
room than a BMW 5-series.
● GB The Birchover is available in both guises, so
we could have had either. The only difference is
40cm in length so, inside, that means you get an
oven and an extra cupboard in the XL version. Of
course, it’s more expensive and we didn’t think we
needed an oven or another cupboard, so we opted
for the SWB.
YOU’VE BOTH GOT 150PS –

IS THAT THE IDEAL ENGINE?
● PV Our camper is a car first and leisure vehicle
second, so it needs to have decent performance.
VW T6 comparison
AND ANY DEAL-BREAKERS?

● PV Katy didn’t want anything that was so blinged-
up it looked like a boy (or girl!) racer’s camper and I
didn’t want something that looked like a builder’s
van. I think CMC has done a great job with the looks
of our camper, striking just the right balance. That
said, the Chestnut Brown paint was nearly a deal-
breaker, although we quite like it now. And having
no choice on this demo model saved a lot of
arguments – I’d have wanted yellow, orange or red,
Katy would have gone for grey or silver.
We were slightly concerned about storage space,
but CMC added a huge drawer under the rear seat
and shelves in the wardrobe, which, combined,
make quite a difference.
● GB In the end, it was the high-top. We’d narrowed
...while the Birchover has an unusual swing-out shelving unit that hides the fridge our base vehicle choices down to the T6 and Transit
Custom, which are both available with factory-fitted
boon. Apart from VW’s own seat (in the California), about rear passengers – otherwise, I would have high-tops. However, the Ford roof is too low for my
only Reimo’s Variotech 3000 seemed to meet all our wanted the three-seatbelt Reimo Variotech 3000 6ft husband to stand up in and no one seems to fit an
needs – especially a bench genuinely wide enough sliding seat system that Peter has in his, rather than aftermarket roof on the Transit Custom.
for three people. the two-person fixed RIB bench/bed the Birchover It was at this point that we knew we’d be getting a
Other than that, we needed swivels on both front has. But, like the Reimo bed, the RIB one is very VW. Roofs, such as the SCA one on our Birchover,
seats, so we’d have sufficient seating on site. And I easy to put up and down and is super-comfy. It’s are a common option on VW conversions, so we
wanted to buy from a company that I knew had a just long enough for my husband and, best of all, knew we’d have a good choice of models to consider.
long pedigree in building top-quality VW campers. the back is adjustable, so you can set it up like a
Finally, an issue was rear seat headroom, which chaise longue for lolling around on lazy days! WHAT SEALED THE DEAL?
is tight on some models. Part of the reason for upgrading was so that we ● PV The fact that it was a barely-used 19-plate
● GB Only the basics were non-negotiables, actually. wouldn’t need to lug so much kit around. A working vehicle with less than 2k miles on the clock but
Having owned a classic camper, we were just excited fridge meant we wouldn’t need a coolbox, for offered a good saving against a new one. And we
about having something with working cab heating! example. As we camp all year, we also wanted diesel could have it straight away, rather than waiting
Our old camper had the classic side kitchen blown-air heating, meaning we could ditch our gas months for it to be built. Well, we were planning to
layout with a gas hob, a grill, a fridge/freezer (which stove, electric fan heater and huge extension lead. go to Orkney at Easter…
didn’t work!), and a sink with cold tap, and we’d Our Birchover has an Eberspächer diesel heater, ● GB The intention is that our new Birchover will
added a swivel base to the passenger seat. This which is the best (we’ve got one, too, and it’s even suit us for the next 10 to 15 years. It’s going to get a
layout has certainly stood the test of time and for more essential in a pop-top! PV). It also has a small lot of use and cover a lot of miles, so that’s why we
good reason – it just works. So, we knew we wanted water heater and an external ‘activity’ shower, as decided to buy brand-new. We wanted something
the same in our new ’van. well as a Porta Potti. Not things we needed but that will stand the test of time and hold its value.
It’s just the two of us, so we weren’t bothered they’re nice to have. That’s why we opted for a VW and also decided to
go the whole hog, going with a converter that is
Volkswagen-approved and has Whole Vehicle
HILLSIDE Type Approval and NCC Approval on its
BIRCHOVER CLASSIC
campers (as is the case with both Hillside
PRICE FROM £49,495
hillsideleisure.co.uk
and CMC).
01332 207976 One day, I was at Hillside Leisure in
Derby on Campervan business and spotted
a high-top Birchover Classic on the forecourt.
I couldn’t resist a nosey and, the minute I
stepped inside, I knew I’d found our next camper
– it was perfect: just like our old ’van but new. I
went back that Saturday with my husband for a
proper look and the rest is history.
ANY EXTRAS YOU’VE ADDED, OR PLAN TO ADD?

● PV We’ve already got a superb Outwell inflatable
free-standing awning that we used with the Cali
and we got CMC to fit a Thule Omnistor roll-out
canopy awning before we took delivery. The only
thing we might want to add – when the bank
balance has recovered – is a built-in media unit
Buying advice
Peter went auto’ and loves his (expensive) Comfort dashboard... ...while Geneve’s manual T6 has the standard Highline dash
Family camping necessitates a roof bed for the Vaughans... ...while the Brands went high-top for maximum storage
with sat-nav and reversing camera. After all, our WHAT SIZE ARE YOUR WHEELS? They look very cool and I feel like a gangster
camper is a Highline T6, equipped to CMC’s higher DID YOU GO FOR BLING OR PRACTICALITY? when I’m driving around.
Comfort spec and then it has at least six grand’s ● PV I didn’t actually choose them but I love the
worth of options on top (including the wheels, full 18in wheels that CMC spec’d for our camper. MONEY NO OBJECT, WOULD YOU
leather trim, solar panel, Open Sky roof, etc). It They’re genuine Volkswagen items, called HAVE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY?
really has got all the toys! Toluca, so they are properly weight-rated for the ● PV Well, a 199PS 4Motion would be nice… Of
● GB Not many – the Birchover Classic conversion ’van and should be higher quality than some course, it would have been good to spec the colours
and the T6 Highline both already come with a good aftermarket alloys. and options ourselves but, realistically, it wouldn’t
spec. We added a solar panel and a towbar. We also As for size, 18s seem to be the perfect balance have come out much different.
wanted a multi-rail so that we could attach any kind between looks and ride comfort – the standard 16s ● GB If money were no object and I hadn’t had to
of awning, but it turns out these only fit pop-top look tiny and lost in the wheelarches and 20s mean sell my classic camper to fund my new one, I would
’vans because of the shape – the alternative was an really low-profile tyres and a rock hard ride, as well have kept it. I would have bought a big barn to keep
ugly C-rail strip (like you see on caravans), which as a lack of grip on campsite grass. it in and then bought lots more T3s to keep it
Hillside was reluctant to fit, so we opted for a ● GB I’d love to give you a wise and expert answer company! I love campervans of all kinds so, in an
Fiamma wind-out awning. This has a C-rail built as to why 18in is the way forward, but the simple ideal world, I would collect them. I especially love
in, so it’s multipurpose. truth is that I’ve never grown out of my teenage classics but they’re just not very practical.
I think the T6 is well-suited to a bit of aftermarket girl-racer phase and am a magpie at heart!
bling so, apart from those irresistible alloys, I also So, when I was at the NEC show, back in ANYTHING YOU MISS FROM
ordered some stuff from Vanstyle – a red grille and February, chatting to Hillside boss, Adrian Cross, I YOUR OLD CAMPER?
side mirror kit, and both front and rear silver VW spotted some fancy-looking graphite 18in Calibre ● PV We deliberately went for a camper with a
badges have been replaced with black ones. People Tourers on one of his show models. I pointed and really wide rear bench that could comfortably seat
think the sporty makeover was my husband’s doing, said, “Adrian, I want those on my camper.” He said, three – that was our top priority. We love the wider
but it’s not, it’s all mine! “No problem, duck.” bed, too, but obviously the kitchen unit is narrower
and the sink and (top-loading) fridge are smaller –
Volkswagen Toluca wheels... that’s the compromise and one we’re happy with.
Other than that, we liked the California’s heated
cab seats and Katy hasn’t quite got used to the fact
that the sliding door needs a bit more effort to close
as it hasn’t got the Cali’s power latching.
● GB The retro vibe. When you own a classic VW,
you get membership to a club where the rules
include waving at other owners. People always
...or aftermarket Calibre alloys (both are 18in)
come over for a chat and to poke their heads inside!
2014 SWIFT KONTIKI 625 BLACK EDITION. FIAT 3.0 JTD 4 berth, 4 seat belts, 14,000 mls. Rear island bed, front lounge with
swivel Capt seats. Big bathroom, Fabulous spec. ALDE heating, solar panel, SAT TV. Spoil yourself! .........................£50,000
2012 RAPIDO AUTOMATIC 646. FIAT 2.3 JTD (150 BHP). 3 berth low profile, 4 seat belts. 19,000 mls. Smiley front, French
bed, solar panel, rev. camera, awning, Air Con, Cruise etc ............................................................................................£37,500
2008 HORIZONS UNLIMITED CAVARNO 2. FORD 2.2 TDi (130BHP) 2 berth SWB hitop, 39,000 mls. Full FORD history.
Swivel front seats, 4 seat belts, shower, cass toilet, microwave, recessed awning, air con metallic light blue ...........£24,500
2007 AUTOSLEEPER MEZAN PEUGEOT PARTNER 2.0 HDI 2 berth mini GRP coachbuilt, 45,000mls, 2 singles or double, H&C
water, blown air, 3 way fridge, toilet, awning. Perfect dual purpose vehicle and 50mpg to boot. ..................................£19,500
2003 AUTOTRAIL TRACKER EKS FIAT 2.0 JTD SE MODEL. 2 berth low profile, 44,000 mls, front lounge making two singles
or double, pass swivel, end kitchen, sep shower & toilet, recessed awning, terrific spec............................................£19,995
2004 AUTOSLEEPER TOPAZ VW 2.5 TDI 2 berth LWB hi-top 61,000 mls with history. Swivel front seats, 3 seat belts, 2
singles or double bed, end bathroom, blown air, alloy wheels, stunning silver metallic, a little gem!..........................£22,000
2003 AUTOSLEEPER RAVENNA PEUGEOT 2.8HDI. 1 owner. 54,000 mls. Full history. 4 berth. Lovely L shaped rear lounge,
pass.swivel, shower, removable carpets, blown air, roll out awning. Easy peasy parking at under 20’ long ...............£20,000
2000 HYMER SWING 544 FIAT 2.8 JTD. 5 berth coachbuilt, 59,000 mls. 6 seat belts, Pullman dinette opp. long sofa, pass
swivel, large bathroom, end kitchen. Cavernous rear storage. Perfect family layout ...................................................£15,995
Don’t miss out on all of this... 2000 AUTOSLEEPER SYMBOL PEUGEOT 1.9 TURBO DIESEL. Rare 4 berth MWB hitop 86,000mls, shower, cass toilet, pass.
swivel, double or 2 singles, blown air, oven, awning, bike rack. The ever popular .......................................................£16,000
The latest motorhome 1998 AUTOSLEEPER DUETTO FORD LWB 2.5 Diesel. 2 berth, 2 singles or double, shower, cass toilet, blown air, oven, pass,
news, exclusive features, swivel, awning, bike rack, Perfect FTB ..........................................................................................................................£11,250
competitions and special 1998 COMPASS NAVIGATOR 360E. VW 2.5 Turbo Diesel LWB. 4 berth. 53,000 mls. Two long sofas, end kitchen with oven,
corner bathroom, overcab double, pass. swivel, roll out awning...................................................................................£13,500
offers. Plus much more!
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Buying advice
Cover up!
Only What Motorhome brings you an annual in-depth guide
to motorhome insurance. Every motorhome and campervan
owner needs to read this – especially as, this year, there’s a
new winner!
H
ave you noticed how none of the biggest- the vehicle is being driven on the road is just one of
selling fictional books or blockbuster movies many risks a motorhome can face. Having said that,
have a plot that focuses on insurance? Just we've still been getting claims because of accidental
think of the possibilities, of which there must be, damage when manoeuvring in storage, while bad
err, none, probably. However, while insurance may weather can hit at any time – as can theft."
not be an exciting topic (OK, it definitely isn't…), it According to Craig, motorhome theft has
is one that concerns you as a campervan or continued to rise over the past year, which is why
motorhome owner because you must have it if you Caravan Guard has issued a leaflet to its customers,
want to use your vehicle – or even keep it on a advising them of the best ways to protect
public road. themselves; it's also published advice online at
Each year this magazine publishes the definitive caravanguard.co.uk/mhsecurity. The company
UK motorhome insurance survey. We contact every saw an 18% increase in theft claims between 2018
provider to ask about their rates and policies and and 2019, that figure covering vehicles being stolen
we talk to three key people at the sharp end of the as well as broken into. It's worth investing in some
industry to get their take on what's going on – and kind of mechanical security device to supplement
what might be on the horizon. Our panel this year any electronic protection such as an alarm, tracker
consisted of Comfort's Ben Cue, Craig Thompson of or immobiliser – anything that might slow down a
Caravan Guard (which is celebrating its 25th thief has to be a good thing, which is why steering
anniversary this year), plus Julie Constable of the wheel locks have been making a comeback.
Caravan and Motorhome Club, so many thanks to Says Craig, "Factory-fit security is getting better
them all for offering an insider's view on the all the time, with some motorhomes coming with a
motorhome insurance industry, and allowing us to Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm system or
have a peek into their crystal balls. tracker. Even if the base vehicle isn't all that secure
As this magazine lands on your doormat, the as standard, a lot of converters are fitting additional
chances are you're venturing out in your motorhome security, so there's not always a need to spend extra Report by Richard Dredge
for the first time in months – maybe even for your on further electronic protection when you buy a
initial trip of 2020. Or perhaps you've decided to new motorhome. But it's always worth investing in something really good should talk to their insurer
just give up on this season and start afresh in 2021. as much security as you can, so the thieves will go to see if they can retain cover, but in most cases they
Whatever your situation, your motorhome should and look for an easier target. For now, though, we wouldn't be able to. Having said this, some
be insured – but incredibly, a surprising number of insist on a Category 1 alarm and immobiliser being motorhomes are stolen with the keys as a result of
owners have let their cover lapse on the assumption fitted to any vehicle insured with us if it's worth breaking into the owner's home and, in these
that no use means no risk. more than £45,000, and, if it's worth £60,000 or instances, the claim should be honoured as there
Sadly, laying up your ’van means it's still at risk more, we ask for a Thatcham-approved tracker to will be a police crime number to show that entry
from theft and vandalism, and potentially even be installed in lieu of the Category 1 system." into the house has been forced.
from collision damage. Says Craig Thompson, "We Ben Cue adds, "Comfort definitely endorses the "Some motorhome manufacturers are improving
have about 100,000 live motorhome and caravan idea of adding an extra layer of security, if possible, the standard of their factory-fit systems, but we
policies and around 1,000 of these didn't renew but sometimes the simplest methods are the most generally recommend investing in high-quality
because of lockdown. Our main worry for these effective – such as not leaving your keys in or with Thatcham-approved electronic security, whether
customers was the possibility of motorhome theft, the vehicle. That might sound obvious but it's that's a really good alarm or a tracking system. The
which has risen dramatically in the last five years, amazing how many people do just that, and the first latter are not infallible as they can be removed by
and we didn’t see as much of a drop in theft claims thing that an insurer will ask, in the event of a thieves, but by fitting such technology you're more
as you might expect during the lockdown period. claim, is for the motorhome's keys. If they can't be likely to get your motorhome back. Anyone who
"For Caravan Guard, a large proportion of claim produced there might be no payout because the claims with us for a stolen motorhome has to have
costs relate to incidents that occur when a owner has breached the terms of the policy. Some a tracker fitted to its replacement if they want to
motorhome is not in use. So far this year, 39% of owners think that keeping spare keys inside the stay with Comfort."
payouts have been for storm-related damage. In vehicle is OK but it isn't, even if they're in a safe of The steady rise in theft claims is a trend borne
2019, 27% of claims payouts were theft-related and some sort. Obviously, some safes are more secure out by NFU Mutual, whose Kay Henderson got in
11% were fire-related. So, accidental damage while than others and anyone who has invested in touch to say, "The average cost of motorhome thefts
Insurance
DMR Motorhome Body Repair Specialists

Large motorhomes can be expensive to repair
and windscreen replacement can be costly
Accidental damage can occur even if you're not

actually using your 'van
If you break down abroad, will your vehicle

repatriation cover be adequate?
is increasing year on year. This rise is driven not wise, and this glass is rarely held in stock by holiday – or while you're away – it's going to wreck
only by the increased demand for motorhomes, but standard glass repairers, who keep costs down by that break and massively inconvenience you."
also the demand for parts to repair vehicles. dealing in volume. Most motorhome glass has to be
Generally, motorhomes are low-mileage vehicles, so imported, so the strength of the pound and THINK ABOUT THE ADD-ONS
when they get broken up the parts that they provide exchange rates do have an impact." Something that has been raised in these pages
are sought after. Some people take no care at all and see before, but which is still causing a problem, is
"It’s also worth keeping in mind that the bigger motorhome insurance as their safety net. Says Ben, motorhome owners failing to pay attention to the
the vehicle, the more specialist any repairs may "Some people think that because they've paid their claim limits on their policy, then being left out of
become. While a local repairer may be able to repair premium they can just fall back on their policy, pocket by hundreds – even thousands – of pounds.
front damage to a standard LCV-derived expecting their insurer to just cough up regardless. Ben comments, "Some motorhome policies have
motorhome, larger models equipped with advanced Thankfully, this isn't a common mindset but there a £2,500 limit on European repatriation, but it
driver assistance technologies will need specialist are people who won't worry about where they store typically costs about £5,000 to get a 3.5-tonne
repairs from a repairer with the required yard space their vehicle because if it's stolen they'll just claim vehicle from Europe back to the UK. Comfort has a
and skills. The more specialist a repair, the more it for a new one. £5,000 limit on all of its policies but someone
is going to cost in repair times, labour rates and "We had a customer recently whose motorhome without that level of cover might end up regretting
parts costs. was a write-off because the storage site where he not reading the small print. Having said that, most
"On the subject of repair costs, claims volumes kept it was flooded. We were happy to replace it policies will assume that an attempt will be made to
for glass damage are increasing year on year. This because he was properly covered, but he expected repair a vehicle (at the owner's expense), rather
may cause some challenges, as glass replacements us to cover the new motorhome on the same storage than repatriate it. If the motorhome has broken
for motorhomes can be more difficult to obtain due site, which was clearly liable to flooding. Some down, rather than been crashed, it might be
to their bespoke nature. Larger motorhomes people don't worry about their motorhome being possible to fix the vehicle within a day or two but, if
[A-classes], particularly, are akin to coaches size- pinched but if it's just before you're about to go on that's not the case, the owner(s) might have to
❯❯
Buying advice
continue with a replacement vehicle – which

probably won't be a motorhome – and their own ’van
will be returned to the UK within a week or two.
"As we've mentioned before, inadequate glass
cover is still a problem with many policies restricted
to paying out no more than £1,000 – or even as little
as £600 – whereas others are unlimited. Modern
motorhomes can have an array of sensors fitted to
the windscreen, which can also be heated. We
recently had to repair a very costly Mercedes-based
motorhome with a damaged windscreen which Comfort's new Discover policy
incorporated an integral electric blind. By the time allows younger drivers access to
motorhomes (but maybe not this young!)
we'd paid for the parts and labour to dismantle and
refit everything the bill came to £4,500. If the
policyholder had been covered elsewhere they
could have ended up seriously out of pocket."
Craig Thompson adds, “In terms of frequency,
windscreen claims are by far the most common for
motorhomes. It’s correct some bigger motorhome

windscreen replacements can be very costly, so it’s
very much worth making sure your policy offers
enough cover. Caravan Guard doesn’t have a limit
on windscreen claims, either, and any such claims
won’t affect your no claims bonus."
If your motorhome is fairly new, it's important to keep its
WELCOME TO PAY-AS-YOU-GO COVER value up to date as replacement costs are increasing
The insurance market is constantly evolving and,
this year, the biggest change is the introduction of more commercial basis. But doing so is fraught take out the Discover product for the duration that
pay-as-you-go cover, which Comfort announced in with problems when it comes to insurance cover they’re borrowing the vehicle. Should the worst
early spring. Says Ben, "It's taken us three years to because, while motorhome owners can add drivers happen, the motorhome is comprehensively insured
put everything together, and it's taken a lot of effort to their conventional insurance policy to lend their under a specialist policy. It's eminently affordable,
to get all of the legal bits right, but we're confident vehicle to friends and family, that throws up two too, as the typical premium is just £20 per day for
that Discover, which is our pay-as-you-go offering, issues. Firstly, if the person borrowing the two drivers with breakdown included; cover has to
will prove popular. At Comfort, we think that the motorhome has an accident it will affect the be taken out for a minimum of three days."
only way of getting younger buyers into the market motorhome owner’s no claims bonus and push up Naturally, there are terms and conditions
is to help them as much as possible by giving them their premiums. Secondly, use for hire and reward attached to the Discover policy, such as the
access to vehicles that they might not be able to is typically excluded from personal insurance minimum age of the driver (24 years old), some
afford to buy, or even rent. With Discover a driver policies, which means the vehicle owner can’t professions, and those with a poor driving record.
can borrow or rent a campervan or motorhome technically receive any financial benefit for hiring But, with Comfort having won our survey more
from a friend or family member and take out out their motorhome. times than anybody else, you can bet that it's likely
comprehensive insurance, complete with "Discover is available only to Comfort customers to suit the needs of most.
breakdown cover. who insure their motorhome with us. If they want
"We surveyed our customers and found that to loan their vehicle to somebody and don’t want to CRYSTAL BALL GAZING
around one in five of them would consider hiring risk their NCB and/or want an income from their You're no doubt sick of hearing this season as being
out their motorhome to friends, family, or on a motorhome, the person borrowing the vehicle can labelled 'unprecedented' or 'exceptional', and while
Caravan and Motorhome Club

driving courses are a good
idea for first-time buyers
A campervan kept on your drive may not

be as safe as one kept in a storage compound
Insurance
Brexit will have an impact on cover for taking your motorhome

abroad, possibly requiring you to have a green card
those terms are bandied around far too much, "As we see an increasing number of younger "When the 2019 insurance survey was put together
they're both undoubtedly applicable. Some people buyers who lack driving experience, we may see an there were lots of predictions put forward based on
will just want things to return to how they were increase in claims and that could have a knock-on various scenarios of how things might play out.
before as quickly as possible, while others will effect for everyone when it comes to premiums. Nothing has changed since then, so suffice to say
change their habits in the short term – and maybe We offer training courses to our members to help that following your insurer's website for the latest
for longer. What doesn't help when it comes to improve their driving skills. A six-hour one-on-one advice is key. Many insurers are publishing regular
trying to predict future trends is any fallout from course costs £185 and we offer them in 13 locations blogs on what might happen and as soon as there
Covid-19, the execution of Brexit, plus changes in across England and the Scottish borders. are any developments all policyholders should be
legislation, technology and buying habits. Completion of the course gives a 5% discount on a notified of any changes to the terms and conditions
Julie Constable of the Caravan and Motorhome motorhome insurance policy taken out through of their policy. The most likely at this stage is that
Club offers some insights into what we might be the Club. an insurance green card will have to be carried and
able to expect. She told us, "Post-Covid, a lot of "The margins in vehicle insurance are small and there might be a 90-day limit on foreign trips but,
people will want to return to normal as quickly as the underwriters that cover motorhomes are often at this stage, nothing is known for sure".
possible, but what passed before as normal is the same ones that insure events, property and
unlikely to fully return this season. Even in the much more, so they've had a rough time this year ON LOCATION
longer term, air travel might become significantly thanks to extreme weather and Covid-19. To get An observation that all of our contributors made is
more expensive, and therefore less attractive business, motorhome insurers have to be very around storage location – something that can make
to holidaymakers, and cruises lose their appeal to competitive with their pricing but it may be that a difference to the likelihood of a claim because of
some due to safety concerns, encouraging them higher premiums are something that we'll have to theft, vandalism, or flooding/weather-related
to enjoy their free time in a different way. As a accept in the future. damage. Craig Thompson remarks, "Smaller ’vans
result, it's likely that people may travel more within "In the shorter term, having been unable to use get stolen more often and they're the ones most
the UK. We're already hearing that there is an their motorhomes for the first few months of likely to be kept at home. Admittedly, our security
increasing number of younger enthusiasts buying the season, there's likely to be an explosion in the requirements skew things, so the bigger, more
small motorhomes, whereas previously it tended to amount of motorhome miles clocked up across valuable motorhomes are less likely to be pinched,
be those aged 55+ who were driving new the UK in the second half of this year, and it's quite but we know that owners of more expensive vehicles
motorhome sales. We think this trend is likely to possible that over the next few years that trend will tend to have more security devices installed.
continue and, generally, these younger couples and continue, especially in light of Brexit." "Of the motorhomes we insure, three-quarters
families tend to use their ’vans slightly differently, There are too many unknowns with Brexit to are stored at home, with the remaining quarter
such as for taking shorter weekend trips, going to make any confident predictions about what might most commonly kept in storage sites; we find the
events, or to enjoy hobbies such as surfing. What we change for motorhomers from 1 January 2021. We likelihood of theft is slightly higher at home.
find is that newcomers to motorhoming will often covered this quite a bit in last year's insurance Many owners believe it’s safer to keep their
stick with UK travel initially, before moving to survey, and here we are a year on, still in the motorhomes at home as they can keep a watchful
foreign holidays. transition period of leaving the EU. Ben comments, eye on them, but we find many are now stolen
❯❯
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Insurance
without keys, so the owner doesn’t hear anything years we've had plenty of correspondence from these owners.”
when the thieves strike. readers who have written in to say that their insurer Ben adds, "An increasing number of our
"Whether at home or in storage, we always has voided their cover – or threatened to – if they policyholders are using their motorhomes as their
recommend ensuring there is some security in leave their vehicle on the road. sole transport, which is fine as long as there's no
place; at home a locked barrier such as gates or a We asked Craig Thompsion why this might be business use. Many insurers quote on the basis that
drive post are worth considering, or when in and he responded, “We get few enquiries where an a motorhome won't be used on a regular basis in
storage, perimeter fencing, CCTV and controlled owner intends to store on the road, and due to rush-hour traffic, which is why you must be
access in and out of the facility are features of the increased risk of damage we do have a number of completely honest when taking out your policy.
most secure sites." conditions. We will only insure campervans or Mislead the insurer and you could find that your
Ben adds, "We can see more and more people derived vans that are stored on the road because of policy is voided in the event of a claim. A big part of
having to use storage for their motorhomes as an their smaller size, and will only insure vehicles up the way that our premiums are calculated is the
increasing number of people live in urban locations to a value of £35,000, and even then several other annual mileage nominated, but how the vehicle is
where there won't be adequate parking, or there factors are considered such as the location and used and where it's kept will clearly also have a big
might even be a covenant that prevents people from previous claims. Many motorhome owners don’t effect on the premium you pay, as well as the
parking a motorhome at their property. But, of have room to store their vehicles at home, so they likelihood of making a claim.
course, not all storage sites are equal and it's use a storage site, but before and after trips will "On the subject of nominated mileages, it's
important to check that security is good while the have to park their motorhomes at home for important that you don't go way over your annual
risk of flooding is low. We favour CaSSOA sites – loading and unloading, or for maintenance limit. A small amount probably won't be a problem,
cassoa.co.uk – but our customers don't have to use purposes. In these scenarios we give owners two but go way over and you could find that your policy
them if there's a more suitable alternative." nights to do this and it is acceptable for the is cancelled, or that your excess dramatically
Julie comments, "We already see long waiting motorhome to be stored on the roadside increases, maybe to as much as £1,000. We find that
lists for some storage sites. While new sites are immediately outside the policyholder's home if it our customers rarely exceed their nominated
opening all the time, some of them aren't always in cannot be kept on their property.” annual mileage but it does happen. Another thing
ideal locations, such as by waterways, so they're Not all insurers are so understanding, though, so to be aware of is your motorhome's value. We offer
more likely to flood, or they're very rural but by before leaving your motorhome parked on the road new-for-old cover on vehicles up to three years old,
motorways, enabling a quick getaway by thieves, outside your house, check whether or not you're but that ’van you bought for £60,000 could easily
and many of them aren't as secure as they could be. covered in the event of a theft. now cost £70,000 to replace – so you'll need to keep
We’re seeing increasing numbers of secure storage Another situation that can lead to problems your policy up to date to reflect that."
sites being targeted, too, as thieves presumably getting affordable cover is having a campervan or
realise these are more likely to be home to more motorhome as your sole means of transport. When THIS YEAR'S SURVEY
expensive ’vans. So, before you put your motorhome we quizzed Craig about this he told us, "Owners Over the following pages you'll find a quote for 22
into storage, check the location and security of the who use motorhomes as everyday vehicles often motorhome insurers currently trading in the UK.
site and also maximise the security of your need to set their policy mileage much higher than We contacted each of them to find out how much
motorhome to make sure it’s less likely to be stolen." the average motorhome owner. A higher annual they would charge our fictional couple to insure
What can be more problematic than a poorly mileage means a greater risk of being involved in an their 2020 VW T6.1 Hillside Birchover S, valued at
chosen storage site is parking your motorhome on accident and therefore premiums are slightly more £39,995. Featuring four berths, the right-hand
the road outside your house – something that will expensive. We have an upper limit of 11,000 miles drive VW comes with a reversing camera, an
give many insurance companies the jitters. Over the per annum, so that can rule out insuring some of immobiliser, plus a Category 1 alarm. The vehicle
This year's survey quotes were for a couple living near

Peterborough and owning a VW Hillside Birchover S
❯❯
Buying advice

Company Phone Website
2gether 01945 465508 2getherinsurance.co.uk
A Plan by region aplan.co.uk
Academy Insurance 08000 839883 academyinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance.aspx
Adrian Flux 08003 698590 adrianflux.co.uk/motorhomes
AIB Insurance 02380 268351 aib-insurance.co.uk/products/car-insurance/motorhome-insurance
BG Insurance 01892 501501 bginsurance.co.uk/insurance/motorhome
Camping and Caravan Club 08001 244633 clubcareinsurance.com/motorhome-insurance
Campton 01883 742460 campton.co.uk
Caravan Club 03455 040334 caravanclub.co.uk/insurance/motorhome-insurance
WINNER Caravan Guard 08001 488400 caravanguard.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
Caravanwise 08003 282084 caravanwise.co.uk
Carole Nash 03330 052295 carolenash.com/specialist-vehicle/motorhome-insurance
COMMENDED Comfort 08000 304206 comfort-insurance.co.uk
Its Motorhome Insurance 08009 978333 itsmotorhomeinsurance.co.uk
Lancaster 01480 484826 lancasterinsurance.co.uk
How you use your 'van can affect the likelihood of COMMENDED Lifesure 01480 402460 lifesure.co.uk/insurance/motorhome-insurance
making a claim
Milestone House 01133 858070 milestonehouse.com/motor-quotes/motorhome-and-caravan
Auto Sleepers
Motor Direct (A Plan) 01993 894700 aplan.co.uk/motor-direct

Motorhome Protect 01865 818341 motorhomeprotect.co.uk
NFU Mutual 08083 025075 nfumutual.co.uk/insurance/motor-insurance
One Insurance Solution 03334 141872 brightsideinsurance.co.uk/motor/other-vehicles/motorhome
Premium Choice 03301 274520 premiumchoice.co.uk/motorhomes-campervans
COMMENDED Safeguard 03330 606892 safeguarduk.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
Saga 08000 964553 saga.co.uk/insurance/motorhome-insurance
Scenic 08009 544724 scenicinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
Shield Total Insurance 08003 93966 shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
Staveley Head 08000 237208 staveleyhead.co.uk/personal-vehicle/motorhome-insure
Your motorhome might have been in lockdown, but
it still needs to be insured Whittlesey 01733 208117 whittleseyinsurance.com/motor-caravan-insurance
will be stored on a driveway in sight of passing policy's features and benefits. For example, many of AND THE WINNER IS…
traffic and there's no barrier for added security. the excess details were omitted and it's this kind of And so to the big news this year, the winner of the
George and Mildred Roper were our couple this info that can be key to making a decision on the survey: Caravan Guard, which has never won
year, based in Alwalton, near Peterborough, which best policy for you. Having said that, most of before. Not only does Caravan Guard come in with
puts their postcode bang in the middle of the risk the companies in the market offer broadly similar the second-lowest premium (behind Lifesure), but
spectrum. George is a 50-year-old bank manager policies, with prices generally varying by less than it's one of the few companies to offer breakdown
while Mildred is a 48-year-old teacher. Their plan is you might expect. As always, though, the devil is in cover as standard, albeit in the UK only, although
to use their Volkswagen for social, domestic and the detail, so you must scrutinise the paperwork this can be upgraded to Europe-wide cover. The rest
pleasure only, notching up around 6,000 miles each and ask questions before taking out cover to make of the features and benefits are impressive, too,
year. They have five years' experience of sure you've got the policy that's right for you. including a £1,000 limit for replacement locks,
motorhoming and expect to travel into Europe When you come to insure your motorhome it's generous child seat cover, high injury benefits
using their Camping and Caravanning Club worth trying several insurers direct, as well as a (£15,000), and legal cover is included, while there's
membership. They have five years' no claims broker or two; the latter should in theory have a unlimited glass cover, too.
discount from their previous motorhome and wider range of policies available to suit your needs. After Caravan Guard, we think there are three
maximum NCD on their cars; they're opting for an Julie comments, "An increasing number of our companies particularly worth highlighting. Lifesure
excess of £350 and neither of them has any claims members have motorhomes, rather than caravans, came up with the cheapest quote, which includes
or convictions within the past five years. although that's probably partly down to the group unlimited glass cover as standard. It's a no-frills
We emailed each insurer at the start of March, rebranding itself as the Caravan and Motorhome policy but you can add things on to suit your needs
then despatched follow-up emails at the end of Club a few years ago. and the costs aren't unreasonable. Safeguard should
April, to chase where necessary. Further emails "Our membership is skewed towards slightly also be commended for its very competitive quote,
were despatched and phone calls made at the end of older owners of motorhomes, especially those who which also includes unlimited glass cover. And,
June to fill in any remaining gaps where possible. are retired, and, by having at least four insurers on naturally, Comfort is also commended – how could
The country going into lockdown and people our panel, we can offer more of our members a it not be, bearing in mind it has won this survey
being furloughed en masse didn't help things. Most really competitive quote; as a member organisation more times than anybody else? This year Comfort
companies sent a set of policy documents, usually it's key that we're as inclusive as possible. While the came up with a great-value quote, with good
via email, but, as you can see from the tables, they insurers decide how much to charge, the Club puts benefits and we know that it has an excellent
often didn't include a comprehensive list of their the policies together based on our members' needs." customer service track record.
❯❯
MOTOR CARAVAN “Quick and efficient service,
INSURANCE COVER
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INSURANCE
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motorhome.ma/whipocketmags
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Whether your motorhome
is parked up or on the
road, Adrian Flux can
tailor an insurance
policy to suit you.
Policy benefits can include:

Agreed value, limited mileage
discounts, contents cover
and much more.
Call us today for a free personalised quote

Authorised and regulated by the 0800 085 5000 or visit adrianflux.co.uk
Financial Conduct Authority
Motorhome
You will always feel Insurance
at home with us
Includes FREE DNA+ kit worth £45 Peace of mind when you travel in the
EU. You’re covered for up to 365 days
UK & European breakdown cover as Unlimited windscreen repair and
standard provided by The AA* replacement
Call for your insurance quote 0333 035 9088

or visit safeguard.co.uk
*For motorhomes less than 20 years old. Other features, benefits and limitations exist, please contact us for details. Safeguard is a division of Swinton Group Limited,
registered in England and Wales, registered number 756681 whose registered office is at: Embankment West Tower, 101 Cathedral Approach, Salford, M3 7FB.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
*must be a member to have its insurance, cost £54 per year
Hotel /
Quote w/o Quote with Legal Replacement Medical Mis- Injury
Company alternative Liability Personal belongings Glass Excess
breakdown breakdown cover locks cover fuelling benefits
transport
£3,500 personal effects and camping
max £150 or injury - unlimited £5,000 21 to
A Plan £371.91 Extra Max £750 equipment / £1,500 generators,awning £75 excess £350
per person Not covered Deathproperty - £20m 75 yrs and gas bottles
Max Max £250 Max £250, Death or injury - unlimited Death - Max £3,500 (max £500 for one item /
Adrian Flux £303.66 Max £1,000 Max £250
£100,000 per person £75 xcess property - £20m £15,000 combined electrical items, £25 excess
£100, camping equipment £200 for one
Max £150 or injury - unlimited £5,000 21 to
BG Insurance £330.00 Max £750 item except gas and awnings - max £600
per person Not covered Deathproperty - £20m 75 yrs £1,500
Not greater than the
Caravan and Max £500 £75 per night Death or injury - unlimited £5,000, £500 max for one item, market value / insurance
£384.09 Up to £10,000 Max £500 £15,000 £350
Motorhome Club* per person up to 15 nights property - £20m £25 excess value of the motorhome at
the time of the claim
£271.50 £75 daily for Death or injury - unlimited
Caravan Guard Max £100,000 Max £1,000 Max £250 £15,000 £5,000 Unlimited £350
UK cover max of 15 days property - £20m
Death or injury - unlimited
Caravanwise £310.24 £365.24 £15 extra £750 Max £300 £5,000 £3,500, £200 max for a single item £600 £350
property - £20m
Max £500,
Max £200 £2,000, £300 for one item contents.
Carole Nash £327.78 Max £500 £100 per Not covered £5,000 Up to £1,000
per person £1,000 for equipment
person
Max £400 £2,000 awnings, gas, generators,
Max Max £100 Death or injury - unlimited £2,500 21 to
Club Care £354.34 Up to £250 (£100 per £5,000 personal belongings, £2,000 Up to £1,500, £100 excess £250
£100,000 per person person) property - £20m 70 yrs max per one item
Club Care (unlimited Max £100 Death or injury - unlimited £5,000 - £1,500 awnings, gas, generators,
£582.28 Max £35,000 No Max £150 £30 Not covered Unlimited, £125 excess £250
windscreen cover) per person per person property - £20m under 80 yrs £3,500 personal belongings
Covered Max £2,500 if vehicle value less than Unlimited if replaced by
Max £150
Max Max £100 under Death or injury - unlimited Death - £15,000, over £15,000 max £5,000 max Autoglass, £3,000 limit if
Comfort Insurance £276.00 £341.00 Yes hotel, £150
£100,000 per person accidental property - £20m £15,000 max £400 for one item, but portable another provider is used,
onward travel
damage generators £500, £200 excess £75 excess
Inc with
Max Max £150 Death or injury - unlimited £5,000 21 to
Its Motorhome £388.88 UK only Max £750 breakdown £100 personal belongings £600, £75 excess £350
£100,000 per person property - £20m 75 yrs
cover
Lancaster £320.00 £34.95 extra £15,000 £5,000 £3,000 windscreen cover
£75 extra for Max £250 Death or injury - unlimited
Lifesure £216.48 £28 extra Max £1,000 Max £3,500 Unlimited, £60 excess
UK, £99 for EU per person property - £20m
Max £150 Death or injury - unlimited £5,000 21 to
Milestone House £378.59 Max £750 Not covered £100 personal belongings £600
per person property - £20m 75 yrs
Motorhome Protect £320.00 £34.95 extra £15,000 £5,000 £3,000 windscreen cover
NFU Mutual £746.91 Max £100,000 £60 excess £0
Max Max £300 or injury - unlimited Max £3,000 (max £500 for one item /
Safeguard £331.40 Max £250 £5,000 Unlimited
£100,000 per person Not covered Deathproperty - £20m combined electrical items
Max £300 per Death or injury - unlimited £1,500 personal effects, £500 camping
Saga £417.35 Covered up to £500 Covered £5,000 £150
£100,000 person property - £20m equipment, £1,500 awnings
Max £300 per Death or injury - unlimited £1,500 personal effects, £500 camping
Saga 3yrs fixed £486.42 Covered up to £500 Covered £5,000
£100,000 person property - £20m equipment, £1,500 awnings
Max £250 Death or injury - unlimited death - Max £3,500 (max £500 for one item /
Scenic £278.49 Max £1,000 max £250 Max £250 Unlimited
per person property - £20m £15,000 combined electrical items
Max £100 Death or injury - unlimited Personal belongings £2,000 / awnings,
Shield Insurance £354.34 Max £250 £2,500
per person property - £20m gas cylinders, generators £1,000
£500 personal, £1,000 awning and £1,500 windscreen, £75
Staveley Head £256.62 £353.87 £34.50 extra £500 camping equip, £500 audio/visual equip excess
Whittlesey £345.00
Insurance
❯❯
56 |
ADRIAN FLUX CAMPT0N CARAVAN CLUB CARAVAN GUARD WINNER
Third party ✔ ✔ ✔ £20 million ✘
Third party, fire & theft ✔ ✔ ✔ £20 million ✘
Comprehensive ✔ ✔ ✔ £20 million ✔
Buying advice
Maximum NCD Any 60%. We also offer a flat rate policy 9 years 9+
NCD protection ✔ 2 claims in a 5-year period without loss of NCD ✔ For 4+ years
Free EU green card/duration 270 days (Free) Full EU cover provided (subject to min 2-year UK residency) 365 days ✘ Option up to 270-day EU cover
| SEPTEMBER 2020
Personal effects contents limit £3,500 £3,000. Can vary between underwriters £5,000 ✔ £5,000 (inc automatically with no need to add to sum insured)
Option to increase contents limit ✔ Campton has 4 different schemes ✘ ✘
Maximum value of vehicle Any £75,000, Refer values over £75,000 £100,000 Higher on referral to insurers ✘ No limit
Compulsory excess
Accidental damage Variable but minimum of £100 Starts from £100 excess £100 to £1,000 Depending on value Voluntary excess - minimum £150
Theft Variable but minimum of £100 £100 £100 to £1,000 Voluntary excess - minimum £150
Windscreen £60 £100. Max limit £1,500 for replacement (£25 excess for repairs) £100 replacement. No excess if repair carried out in situ £100
Higher excess discount ✔ ✔ Varies by insurer Maximum excess discount 15.5% @ £650
Optional, cost £80 for EU trips up to 90 days. £150 for trips
Breakdown cover ✔ UK Breakdown assistance included automatically
up to 180 days
Home start ✔ ✔ Via cross-sell to Mayday UK Breakdown Cover Cover starts one mile from home - can be on a pay by use basis
Recovery ✔ ✔ Via cross-sell to Mayday UK Breakdown Cover ✔
Maximum vehicle size (breakdown) No limit Under 20 yrs, weight 5,500kg, L 9.14m, W 2.44m, H 3.05m No limit No weight/length restrictions
Maximum vehicle age (new for old) 1 year, can have agreed value though 12 months 2 years Must be bought from new, under 2yrs old, mileage under 24,000
Max age of vehicle insured Any None 50 years + (no agreed value) 30 years for new business, 34 years for renewal
Minimum age of main driver 17 25 25 25
Minimum age of additional driver 17 if spouse/common law 25 25 25
Maximum age of main driver Any 79. Renewals are offered if over 79 80 80. Existing customers 80+ can be insured on referral for add checks
Maximum age of additional driver Any 79. Renewals are offered if over 79 80 80. Existing customers 80+ can be insured on referral for addchecks
Any driver cover available ✔ Over the age of 25 Over 25 ✘
Increased premium for LHD All depends if client has got experience ✔ If less than 12 months' experience Varies by insurer ✔
Cover available for DIY ’vans ✔ ✔ Cover whilst being converted available ✔ ✘
Cover for NI residents ✔ ✘ ✔ But very restricted panel and criteria ✔
Discount for limited mileage ✔ Discount varies ✔ Varies by insurer Mileage brackets up to 17,500. Discounts apply up to 5,000.
Mileage limits Yes if discounted ✔ 3,000, 5,000, 8,000, 10,000 & 15,000 ✘ 17,501+ on referral to RSA
Percentage discount ✔ Discount varies ✔ Varies by insurer
Optional extension for Accident Management & legal Expenses
Uninsured loss recovery ✔ Optional extra to be paid for ✔ Uninsured driver cover
£20
Available if approved repairer used, but usually repairs are
Free replacement vehicle ✔ ✔ ✘ Choose to take emergency accommodation cover
specialised
Business cover available ✔ Refer - depends on type of business use and occupation ✘ ✘
Payment by instalments ✔ Minimum premium £300 for instalment over 10 months ✔ ✔
Penalty for paying in instalments ✔ Direct debit charge 10% 12.90% 10% transaction fee, 19.5% apr through Premium Credit
Personal injury cover limit ✔ £2,000 up to age 75 £15,000 £15k personal accident benefit
Thatcham Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser and/or tracker with central Immobiliser 15%, Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm 19%.
Alarm/immobiliser discount ✔ Thatcham Cat 1/2 and trackers Up to 10%, varies by insurer
monitoring approved tracker 25%
Introductory bonus ✔ Upt to 60% NCB available Up to 4 years Up to 65% - claims, convictions and experience dependent
Independent insurance broker - can handle ALL types of Premium Savings Guarantee, if existing insurance renewal £10 off for readers. Discounts: reversing cameras/sensors
Other points
insurance is cheaper we'll beat it by at least £25 (terms apply) (2.5%), tyre safety device (5%). Discounts for secure storage
Discount for booking through website ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘
Telephone service open at weekends Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 3pm We are open Sat mornings. Claims Line is 24-hour ✔ 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Cover provided for full-timers ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘
Proud to be the
insurance provider
of the year
Find out why thousands of

motorhome owners
choose to insure with us
0800 14 88 411 Open

Free from landlines and mobiles
Please mention ‘What Motorhome’ 7 days
Rated Excellent
www.caravanguard.co.uk/what by customers
4.8/5 TrustScore based on 1,009 reviews on Trustpilot.com. Details correct at the time of print (July 2020) but may be subject to change.
Caravan Guard Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
58 |
CAROL NASH COMFORT COMMEN
DED
LIFESURE C O MME N
D ED
Third party ✘ ✘
Third party, fire & theft ✔ ✔
Comprehensive ✔ ✔ ✔
Buying advice
Campervan product offers 9 years max NCD. Motorhome product is net rated and therefore
Maximum NCD 5 9 years
automatically applies the max discount for NCD
NCD protection ✔ Only on campervan ✔
Free EU green card/duration ✔ ✔ 365 days ✔ 270 days. Can vary depending on scheme
| SEPTEMBER 2020
£5,000, £400 single item limit (if vehicle less than £15,000 a £2,500 personal effects limit applies.
Personal effects contents limit Varies £3,500. Some of our schemes are lower than £3,500
For campervan policy maximum is £1,000
Option to increase contents limit ✘ ✘ ✘
Maximum value of vehicle £75k Referal over £150,000 £75,000 Up to £100,000 with Outsmart The Thief anti-theft system in place
Compulsory excess Our standard excess is £200 per claim
Accidental damage See above £100. Can vary depending on scheme
Theft See above £100. Can vary depending on scheme
Windscreen Unlimited Glass cover if replacement undertaken by Autoglass. If windscreen is repaired, £0 excess applies. £60 depending on scheme. Lower/no excess for windscreen repair
Higher excess discount ✘ Not for windscreen
Breakdown cover Available as an optional extra, UK only or UK & EU
Home start ✔ ✔ ✔
Recovery ✔ ✔ ✔
Maximum vehicle size (breakdown) 8m, Homestart cover on vehicles up to 5.5m long ✘ No vehicle size, age or weight restrictions ✘
Maximum vehicle age (new for old) 1 year 3 years or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first 12 months
Max age of vehicle insured No maximum ✘ 30
Minimum age of main driver 27 21 on campervan product, 25 on the motorhome product 25
Minimum age of additional driver 27 21 on campervan product, 25 on the motorhome product 25
Maximum age of main driver 74 85 for new policyholders. For existing policyholder no age limit 85
Maximum age of additional driver 74 85 85
Any driver cover available ✘ ✘ ✘
Increased premium for LHD ✔ ✘ ✔
If registered as a motor caravan or van with side windows (due to changes by DVLA, we will accept
Cover available for DIY ’vans ✔ ✔
the vehicle as long as the photos/gas certs meet the criteria as previous)
Cover for NI residents ✔ ✔ ✘
Discount for limited mileage ✔ ✔ ✔
Mileage limits ✘ Most schemes have no mileage limit
Percentage discount ✔ Varies
Uninsured loss recovery ✔ ✔ ✔ Optional extra
Free replacement vehicle ✘ Not guaranteed, dependent on garage's availability there will be free 7-day cover on replacement vehicle ✔
Business cover available ✘ Subject to occupation Class 1 business use applies ✔ Depending on scheme available
Payment by instalments ✔ ✔ On renewal not new business ✔
Penalty for paying in instalments Interest is charged There is an APR on the finance not a penalty ✔ Interest payable only on balance after deposit
Personal injury cover limit Up to £5k. This is in addditon to any Third Party cover £15,000 ✔ Varies
Alarm/immobiliser discount Varies ✔ ✔
Introductory bonus ✔ Unique to how we do a bonus system, so we do not discriminate newcomers to motorhoming ✔
Substitute motorhome following a claim (optional extra). Japanese
Other points
import vehicles also acceptable
Discount for booking through website ✘ ✘ ✘
Telephone service open at weekends ✔ Saturday 9.30-3.30 office hours. Claims and breakdown 365 24 hours a day Saturday mornings. Claims 24/7
Cover provided for full-timers ✘ ✔ We do not offer cover for motorhomes that are also their residence
Tried &
Trusted
Specialist cover for your home from home.
Based on over 1800 reviews
Why choose Comfort? Take us with you

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Optional breakdown cover
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Victor Millwell Insurance Agency Ltd trading as Comfort Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Insurance Policy terms and conditions apply.
Call us today on
020 3757 8592

60 |
SAFEGUARD COMMEN
DED SCENIC SHIELD WHITTLESEY INSURANCE
Third party ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘
Third party, fire & theft ✘ ✔ ✔ £20 million ✔
Comprehensive ✔ ✔ ✔ £20 million ✔ Various excess levels available
Maximum NCD 9 9 10+ years ✔
Buying advice
Dependent on insurers, we can protect 2 claims within 5 years

NCD protection ✔ ✔ ✔
& 2 claims within 3 years
Free green cards available, duration dependent on needs (less
Free EU green card/duration No limits on European travel Up to 240 days, Varies by insurer ✔ Minimum 90 days, unlimited available
| SEPTEMBER 2020
than 30 days min & 365 max)
Personal effects contents limit £3,000 Single item £500 £100 - £3,500 Dependent on different insurers Up to £5,000, Varies by insurer Varies, depending on insurer
Option to increase contents limit ✘ ✘ ✘ See previous question
£150,000 upn referrral Vehicles over £125k must
Maximum value of vehicle £250,000 £100,000 Higher on referral to insurers. Online £80,000 ✘
be referred to insurers
Compulsory excess Excess starts at £100 but depends on value
Accidental damage Depends on grouping of vehicle from £150 - £400 Minimum £100. Varies dependent on insurer £100 to £1,000 depending on value/varies by insurer Excess starts at £100 but depends on value
Theft Depends on grouping of vehicle from £150 - £400 Minimum £100. Varies dependent on insurer £100 to £1,000 depending on value/varies by insurer As above
Windscreen £100 - £300 depending on grouping £60 - £100. Dependent on insurer £75 when approved repairer used Normally £70
Higher excess discount Depends on level of vol excess chosen Depends on level of voluntary excess chosen Varies by insurer/ability to purchase execss protection ✔
2 options (both optional covers) - UK-only cover for vehicles under
Breakdown cover
25 years old, UK & EU cover for vehicles aged under 20 years
Home start ✔ Included in optional breakdown cover Included ✔
Recovery ✔ Included in optional breakdown cover Included ✔ EU cover available subject to underwriting
No limits on size. Vehicle age must not exceed
Maximum vehicle size (breakdown) No size limits Max, 3,000cc and 20 years of age ✘ Subject to underwriting detail
20 years.
Maximum vehicle age (new for old) 2 years or 15,000 miles from new 1 year only 1 year ✔
Max age of vehicle insured 50 50 No age limit No limit
Minimum age of main driver 25 25 25 Normally 25
Minimum age of additional driver 21 Depending on group of vehicle 25 25 25
Maximum age of main driver 79 80 85
Maximum age of additional driver 79 80 85
Any driver cover available ✘ For drivers over the age of 25 years Max 5 named drivers
Increased premium for LHD ✘ ✔ Varies by insurer
Cover available for DIY ’vans ✘ Conversion must be fully completed to DVLA standards Varies by insurer
Cover for NI residents ✘ ✔ Yes but very restricted panel and criteria
Discount for limited mileage ✔ ✔ Varies by insurer
Mileage limits ✘ Dependent on insurer ✔
Percentage discount 0 - 65% Up to 65% Varies by insurer
Uninsured loss recovery ✔ ✔ Optional extra to be paid for
Free replacement vehicle Only if non-fault claim through legal expenses Only cover under opt legal cover if a non-fault claim Only when available
Business cover available Upon referral to insurers Dependent on insurers and upon referral On referral
Payment by instalments 17.5% interest charge Direct debit ✘
Penalty for paying in instalments N/A D/D 17.5% Finance charge 8% (15.4% APR)
Personal injury cover limit Unlimited as claimed through uninsured losses £2,500 - £10,000 dependent on insurer Varies by insurer
Alarm/immobiliser discount Dependent on security fitted Depends on insurers and devices fitted Up to 10%, varies by insurer
Introductory bonus Up to 60% Up to 65% Up to 30% discount
Other points
Discount for booking through website No service charge online No website available yet but plans for future ✘
Telephone service open at weekends Sat 9am - 1pm Open Saturday 9am - 1pm ✘
Cover provided for full-timers ✘ Unable to cover anyone living in the vehicle ✘
Display Classifieds
ACCESSORIES INSURANCE
Ferry Good Specialist insurance for your
for Al-ko
★★★★★ motorhome or campervan
The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step ahead for
motorhome owners. Covering all requirements expected from a
levelling system. it is simply and quickly operated using the on-board
Call 01422 396 754
Or visit
touch-screen controls. Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension caravanguard.co.uk/what
system, all your suspension and levelling needs are catered for. At
AS Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve and stay
ahead of our competitors. Using innovative materials to reduce the Now with a further
weight of the systems, without any compromise to quality. ONE MONTH FREE
AS Air Suspension UK Ltd. 131 Chester Road, discount*
Warrington, Cheshire WA4 6ET *Introductory offer for new policies only. Minimum premiums apply. We reserve the right to
info@as-airsuspension.co.uk www.as-airsuspension.co.uk withdraw offers at any time. See caravanguard.co.uk/what for more details. Caravan Guard
T 01925 740666 • M 07874 046643 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
THINKING OF BUYING A MOTORHOME?

Buying Your First Motorhome has all the
information you need to help you buy the right
motorhome or campervan, first time
Get your copy now! motorhome.ma/byfm20
or call 01778 392010
Also available digitally - motorhome.ma/byfm20digi
MMM 201501 Wanted - Half Page (18.11.2014)_Layout 1 19/11/2014 21:06 Page 1
WANTED
A r e Yo u L o o k i n g
To S e l l Yo u r
motorhomes Motorhome?
Avoid the S H A R K S and give D O L P H I N a call!!
We a r e a f a m i l y r u n b u s i n e s s w i t h o v e r 4 0 y e a r s i n d u s t r y e x p e r i e n c e a n d
guarantee to offer a fast, friendly and honest service.
u top prices paid We currently require the following

motorhomes:
u finance settled • Ace • Adria
u cash waiting • Autotrail • Autosleeper
• Autocruise • Bailey
u distance no object • Bessacarr • CI
u option of outright • C o m pa s s • Devon
cash purchase • Elddis • Hymer
• Romahome • S w i ft
or sale or return • Tr i g a n o Tr i b u t e • Vo l k s w a g e n
PHONE JOSH WILLIS ON ( 01202 479444 / ( 07810 503301

www.dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk u sales@dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk
Classified motorhomes for sale
Simply log onto our website and follow the instructions

outandaboutlive.co.uk/sell-my-motorhome
ACCESSORIES
We stock new and reconditioned seats, seat boxes and frames for most vans, and
lower seat boxes for Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot. We can also lower the passenger
seat on Fiats etc. 2001-2006 by 2 inches from only £79.00.Seat swivels for most
makes in stock Arm rests fitted to most Motorhomes. Arm rests fitted for Fiat etc.
2001-2015 whilst you wait. Seat repairs & upholstery; including leather.
Motorhome alterations, modifications and repairs For details ring Tony on 07973
759593 or e-mail vmsugg@
aol.com Trade -
07973759593 Auto-Sleepers Duetto Ford Benimar Mileo 202 Fiat Ducato Bessacarr 496 2015 1700mls
Transit 2004 28800mls £17995 2015 17900mls £37000 Excellent £47995 Very low mileage, little use,
Recently serviced, MOTd and condition, 4 berth, cruise control, 6 berth motorhome. The inside of
habitation serviced. Extras include fridge freezer, shower,wc, gas/ this van is like new and has only
TV aerial and Fiamma awning. electric hob, oven, microwave, tow been used for a few nights away by
Immaculate interior. Private - hitch, reversing camera, central 2 persons. Private - Greater
Herefordshire - 01684 541903 heating, satnav, 4 seat belted seats, Manchester - 07791 658566
(1019251) air con Private - Cardiff, Swansea Anytime (1018013)
and The Valleys - 07921 010142
Anytime (1019245)
FIT OR RE-FIT
ACCESSORIES NEW CMF of Ross FIT OR RE-FIT, NEW Now we offer ACCESSORIES NEW Drive Away
Chausson Flash 625 Fiat Ducato Awnings For Coach-built or Van Elddis Autoquest Peugeot Boxer
on Wye, Manufacturers of fully the all New Lightweight 16kg 155 2016 9886mls £35000 Special
galvanised Racks and Trailers for Towing A-Frame, supplied 2015 11900mls £42995 6 speed Based Conversions. We stock
manual gearbox with cruise control, drive-away awnings from all top edition RIVA GOLD very good
Scooters, Mobility Scooters, and fitted from only £950 Fully condition 4 berth 4 travelling seats
Motorcycles and much more. All Road Legal. Air Suspension from cab aircon, 4 forward facing seats, manufacturers including KHYAM &
separate fridge freezer, 3 burner OUTDOOR REVOLUTION For helpful CAT2.1 alarm twin lens reversing
Trailers comply with EEC Type £450 fitted. 160w Solar Panel camera twin gaslow bottles auto
approval regulations. Check out fitted from £370. gas hob and grill. Wind out awning. advice on fitting & choosing the
our website http://WWW.CMF Private - Somerset - 07732 right awning for your Motorhome changeover Fiamma 360box many
Trade Cheshire extras Private - Worcestershire -
TRAILERS.CO.UK email info@cmf (Warrington) 07503171601 / 904656 01823 974026 Daytime www.driveaway-awnings.co.uk or
trailers.co.uk Trade - Herefords - (1017785) phone OBI Camping & Leisure 01299 823849 07443 859429
01925838900 Anytime before 9pm (1019544)
01989 769191 Trade - 01446 772958
* GENERAL TRANSPORTER TRAILERS * SIDE LOADING/LOW LOADING MOTORBIKE TRAILERS * HABITATION CHECKS *
*BOX VAN TRAILERS* CAR TRANSPORTERS*

PROED FITTERS
* MOBILITY RACK / TRAILERS *
APPROED FITTERS
West Yorkshire, WF11 8NA Tel: 01977 607155 / 7 www.armitagetrailers.com

-FRAMES* MOTORHOME
* HY4 SELF TOW BARS
LEVELLING SYSTEM BESPOKE AND
* A-FRAMES EC APPROVED*
* REVERSING HY4 SELF
CAMERAS LEVELING
* BESPOKE ANDSYSTEM* REVERSING
EC APPROVED CAMERAS*
TOWBARS *
Motorhomes
Smart car 2010, 15000 miles,
£3500. o.n.o fitted with electric A
Swift Voyager 680FB Fiat Ducato
2009 17000mls £21500 Fixed
FOR SALE
frame, by Towbars 2 Towcars. . See our website www.tyresave.co.uk French Bed Over Storage, Single
Suffolk 01440 713288 (1019551) from £440 for 4, plus tyres if Dinette with Settee Opposite, Full www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale
wanted. New 15in and 16in Alloy Oven and Grill, 3 Burner Gas and 1
Wheels for Motorhomes: Fiat, Ford,
Citroen, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall,
Mercedes, V.W. etc. Mail Order.
Plate Mains Hob, Truma Gas and
Mains Heating, Electric Flush
Cassette Toilet. Private -
Over 4500 motorhomes
Credit/Debit cards. TYRESAVE,
Deeside, CH5 4DS. Trade -
Flintshire - 07831 365412
Lancashire - 07538 624813
(1018864) on-line to choose from
Classified motorhomes for sale
An advert
costs as little as
Murvi Morello Fiat Ducato

27000mls 1£42750 LWB. Full
£45 Poplar Motors Toyota Granvia
Hardwick 1997 104000mls
£10950 4WD Air Awning 4 belted
Towbar Fitting Centre,
Trailers and Leisure Products
• Motorhome Towbars • Air suspension
• Solar Panels • Small Car Trailers
• Aframes • Hydraulic leveling systems
Service History. Slate Grey Metallic.
Maxi Chassis. 150 Multi jet Engine. forward seats Sleeps 4 Rock and • Dealers for Gaslow Systems
Air Con. Cruise Control. Excellent To place your roll bed gas hob Sink blown air • Fitting agent for Scorpion tracker
Condition. MOT April 2021 Private advert visit heater fitted PortaPotti fridge TV/
- North Yorkshire - 01609 770751 DVD player Cab window insulation 275 Penarth Road, Cardiff. CF11 8TT
07543 912183 anytime North Engine immobilizer. Private- Tel: 02920 371379/236121
Yorkshire (1019343) www.outandaboutlive.co.uk Nottinghamshire 07890 992169 Email: sgmtowing@btconnect.com
or call 01778 391187 (1017985)
Web: www.sgmtowing.co.uk
OUR MOTORHOME TRAILERS ARE

MADE RIGHT HERE IN THE UK
They come complete with manufacturers warranty, a full EC
Certificate of Conformity and are available in a variety of sizes
and weights to suit your needs.
For further information please visit our website or give us a call.
01455 641367
WWW.MOTORHOMETRAILERS.CO.UK
Towbars 2 Towcars Electronic Braked A-Frames

Your one stop solution to Motorhome freedom! PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED
PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED BY
BY
• A-frames supplied as a package complete with car or
THE MANUFACTURER
THE MANUFACTURER
Professionally fitted to your own vehicle
• Unique Electronic proportional braked A-Frame
• Strong, lightweight, easy to fit
• Vehicle is left very tidy when the system is removed
• Safety features built in
• Folds for storage into the car boot 2019 FIAT 500
• Fits most vehicles LOUNGE
BRITISH DESIGNED AND BUILT A-FRAMES • EU approved motorhome towbars fitted £10995
www.tow-bars2tow-cars.com ) 01469 560402 • Grimsby DN41 8TP
THINKING OF BUYING
A MOTORHOME?
NOTICE TO
Buying Your First Motorhome
ADVERTISERS
The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977
has all the information you Swift Voyager 680FB Fiat Ducato Advertisements are accepted on the understanding
2011 26000mls £30950 4 berth /
need to help you buy the right belts, cruise control, cab aircon, TV that they comply with the Business Advertisements
ariel, towbar, rear camera, awning,
motorhome, first time large fridge, freezer, oven, separate (Disclosure) 1977 which requires all advertisements
grill, 3 electric 1 gas hob,
microwave. Excellent condition. placed by persons who seek to sell goods,
Private - East Sussex - 01323
833143 07903 258331 anytime in the course of a Business, to make that fact clear
(1017724)
in the wording of their advertisements
Motorhomes
FOR SALE Bürstner Elegance I 650 G 2007
£40000 Purchased new in Germany
from dealer near Burstner Workshop
www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale in 2007 Sole owner low mileage,
serviced regularly, 2dbl beds, good
Get your copy now! Over 4500 motorhomes shower/ bathroom, lge 2-door
garage, Oyster 98cm sat dish, Over
20 good extras-good typical
www.motorhome.ma/byfm20
or call 01778 392010
on-line to choose from Burstner condition-esp interior
contact Tony 01619 805677.
(1020368)

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ANNUAL MOTORHOME INSURANCE GUIDE

HELPING YOU BUY YOUR PERFECT MOTORHOME SEPTEMBER 2020 £4.50

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAYOUT WITH OUR 21-PAGE GUIDE

GROUP PUBLICATIONS PLC

News and views 18 Transverse fixed bed

SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT MOTORHOME 5 ISSUES FOR £5 – SEE PAGE 50

Exc lus ive ly A u to-S leeper

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Call on 01332 360222, visit our website derbymotorhomes.com

PETER VAUGHAN EDITOR

Find us on WhatMotorhome facebook.com/motorhomemags

The Ultimate Family Utility Vehicle

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BUYING YOUR FIRST VW announces compact campervan

VW introduces high-spec MAJOR SUPPLIER ENTERS

Due to the current

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• Excellent range of fully prepared pre-owned vehicles Motorhome

• Vehicles in good condition considered for part exchange www.smmt.co.uk

EDITORIAL BACK ISSUES 01778 391180

From the publishers of

PRE-REGISTER ONLINE FOR FREE ENTRY

Great value break in Somerset

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right layout is crucial. Our comprehensive

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The California has long been a market leader

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Some layouts have a central table but a

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This is the third-gen Autograph, launched in

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Reflecting the French market’s love of island bed

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Slimline low-profile motorhomes often come

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Our favourite in its class – and at this keen,

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