March 2012 issue
In the March 2012 issue of Practical Motorhome, we tell you how to get out and about in your motorhome for less. Whether it's exploring the Netherlands with an ACSI card and a ferry crossing paid for by Tesco vouchers, an epic European tour to Prague via the best low-cost stellplatze in Germany, or clever cost-cutting to visit Norway for less, we've got it covered.
Elsewhere in the touring section, we focus on Essex with our cut-out-and keep series of Good Sites Guides, and show you how to follow the Olympic flame's progress as it travels across the UK.
In our tested section, you'll find a live-in test of the Bentley Artisan Cerise, as well as first drives of the Chausson Suite Relax and the Concorde Credo Emotion 783L.
In our technical section, our team of mechanical experts answer your queries , including advice on how to eliminate wind noise, getting your ’van serviced, locating Hymer Springs, and more. Plus, Ed Evans tells you how to maintain your ’van's oil levels.
For those considering buying a pre-owned motorhome soon should take a look at our twin test of a couple of cracking VW campervans and tips on buying a pre-owned Niesmann + Bischoff Arto A-class.
Finally, for those planning a trip to the Motorhome, Caravan and Camping show – the home for mid-season launches – at ExCel London from February 14-19, we've rounded up our pick of the season's best new ’vans in our 2012 Buyer's Guide, which is bundle with the issue, listing all of 2012's new ’vans and their layouts.
Enjoy the issue and remember: you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news between issues of the magazine, as well as exclusive images and videos.
TALK
Your letters and more
Your shout, on winter touring, a first trip away, and a water solution
Ask Jack
Our sage advises on buying a British A-class, and touring with dogs
TOURING
Tour smarter
Sarah Wakely’s travel digest: a great photo competition, and a way to tour across America
Grand Tour: Norway
Jeremiah Mahadevan ventures up the beautiful Norweigan west coast
Your Tours: Prague
Simon Peters planned an extensive tour to reach an international rally
Your Tours: Holland
Margaret Hart on a fantastic trip to the Netherlands that proved to be a real eye-opener
Follow the olympic relay
Haven't managed to get hold of Olympic tickets? You can follow the flame's progress, with our guide
Good sites guide to: Essex
Ten great campsites reviewed and rated by our expert team
Tours that change lives
Irene Sergent on how a skiing accident altered her sister's life
TESTED
Tested column
Jeremiah Mahadevan on ’van of the future snd a new heating system
Technical test checklist
We round-up what to look out for when you buy your next ’van
Live-in test: Bentley Artisan Cerise
The sub-six metre, rear-door coachbuilt undergoes our test
Gear: fleeces
Stay warm this winter with our guide to the best fleeces out there
First drive: Chausson Suite Relax
Read our verdict on this smart and innovative four berth French ’van
First drive: Concorde Credo Emotion 783L
Our take on the latest A-class from the luxury German manufacturer
TECHNICAL
Workshop
Our team answers your questions. This month, eliminating wind noise, getting your motorhome serviced, locating Hymer springs, and wonky water aguges
Check your ’van’s oil levels
Follow our guide to ensuring that your vehicle’s oil levels remain constant to help ensure reliablilty
Project Pollensa
Gentleman Jack reveals how he replaced the aging and split shower tray in his own motorhome, an Auto-Sleeper Pollensa coachbuilt
BUY & OWN
Marketplace news
Nick Harding on manufacturers' quest for value for money, a pair of vehicles from Bentley, and an addition to Pilote's dealer network
Which heating system?
We run through the options available to you, to heat your ’van
Secondhand challange
Nick Harding hunts down a pair of VW-based campervans; a 2006 Auto-Sleeper Trident and a 2009 Three Counties Camper
Used-’van buyer
Follow our guide to buying a Niesmann + Bischoff Arto A-class, from 1998-2006
