As the Motorhome and Caravan Show (17-22 October) at the NEC edges ever closer, we’re starting to hear news about the ‘vans we can expect to see on display.
The show presents a great opportunity to see the best motorhomes from the biggest names in the industry and allows visitors to see a wide array of must-have accessories too. The leading campervan converters will also have their ‘vans on show.
The event is a great chance to browse the latest releases, whether you’re thinking of buying a motorhome, simply want to walk the halls and see the displays, or are on the hunt for some accessories.
With the show being held next week, brands are releasing information about what we can expect to see at the October NEC Motorhome Show. Here, we talk you through what you can expect to see, as well as answer some common questions and share the show map, so you can plan out your trip in advance.
To help you navigate our guide, you can jump to a particular section below too.
What you can expect to see at the October Motorhome and Caravan Show
What time is the NEC Motorhome Show?
How much are tickets to the NEC Motorhome Show?
Is parking free at the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
Can I camp at the NEC Motorhome Show?
A map of the October NEC Show
What you can expect to see at the October Motorhome and Caravan Show
Here is our guide to just some of the brilliant things you can expect to see at the October 2023 NEC Show when you get down to browsing the new models and the latest accessories!
Adria – Stands 7.30, 7.35 and 7.36
There should be a good spread of vehicles for your delectation at the Adria stands.
There is a new Supersonic, for example – the 7.8m-long 780DL, with fixed single beds in the back – taking the model tally in this Mercedes-based range to five.
Then there is the new range of Twin Max van conversions, based on a MAN chassis. The three layouts include some innovative space-saving ideas, dealing with such things as how to get a drop-down bed out of the way when you don’t need it.
The Active Duo, Adria’s first campervan based on a Renault Trafic, which was recently on display at Harrogate, will finally be making its proper NEC debut this October. You should also be able to see the new Matrix and Coral models, which are based on a Mercedes chassis.
Autohaus – Stand 12.150a
With continuing problems in the supply of base vehicles, Autohaus has turned to new suppliers and at this October’s show, will be displaying its first-ever conversion based on the new Renault Trafic.
The Creston, on a top-of-the-range Trafic, is named, like all of Autohaus’s models, for a variety of apple – as you would expect from a Somerset company.
Auto-Sleepers – Stand 8.25
Chief among the ’vans on display at the Auto-Sleepers stand will be the new Auto-Sleeper M-Star – a two-berth campervan based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter. You can expect a high spec, plus loads of driver assistance technology.
There will also be an extensive line-up of continuing Auto-Sleeper van conversions and coachbuilt models, built on both Mercedes and Peugeot vehicles.
Auto-Trail – Stand 8.30
Auto-Trail is promising to launch a new range at this October’s show, although precise details were still under wraps as this magazine was going to press.
The Grimsby firm will also be showcasing all its other ranges of van conversions, low-profiles and overcabs, as well as the luxurious Grande Frontier A-class motorhomes.
Bailey of Bristol – Stand 19.25
The big news on the Bailey stand is the launch of the Endeavour, the company’s first-ever van conversion.
Coming 12 years after Bailey branched out into motorhomes, the new model is based on a Ford Transit and has been built in partnership with Ford Pro. It is launching just as Bailey celebrates its 75th birthday.
In addition, you should be able to see a good selection of the Bristol company’s coachbuilt motorhomes, including the two most recent models in its more Continentally inspired Adamo range, the 75-4T and the 60-4.
Benimar – Stand 8.25
Head to the Marquis Leisure stand to see the full range of Spanish-built Benimar motorhomes, which the dealership sells exclusively. This season, the Mileo range has been given a totally new look.
Models from the other two line-ups, the more budget-priced Primero and the Ford-based Tessoro, will also be shown.
Bürstner – Stand 20.60
Bürstner will be offering its Playa campervan at the show as a special Limited Edition model. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a cooled glovebox, a diesel parking heater, blackout blinds, a 41-litre compressor refrigerator, and Isofix anchor points on each of the rear travel seats that also come with cushions you can stow away easily. The 50-litre onboard water tank is a notably generous size for a campervan.
Carthago – Stand 9.26
The luxury German manufacturer will be launching only one new model this year, and it will be on its stand for show visitors to view. Whether in low-profile or A-class mode, whether you go for a Fiat or a Mercedes base vehicle, or whether it’s a standard model or with Superior spec, the 145 RB LE is just over 7m long, and comes with single beds at the back.
Chausson – Stand 8.20
This season, Chausson has introduced a second model – the X650 – to its X crossover range, which includes an end dressing room. There’s also a special edition Etape range, based on a 140bhp Peugeot Boxer, while its van conversions now come as a special edition with a 170bhp engine, automatic transmission and a pop-up roof. Much of this should
be on the stand for visitors to discover.
Dethleffs – Stand 20.50
Dethleffs is getting in on the trend for compact coachbuilts, with the launch in the UK of the new Globebus Go range. The smaller of the two models in the line-up, the T15, has a transverse bed at the rear, while its sibling, the T45, has fixed single beds and is 6.69m long. Both vehicles are only 2.2m wide, so they should be easier to manoeuvre down narrow city streets and twisting country lanes.
Erwin Hymer UK – Stands 20.19 and 20.38
EHG UK’s Elddis Autoquest range of campervans have been unavailable for immediate purchase for all of the 2023 season, due to problems in the supply chain. But they could be just coming on line again as we head into the new season.
Here you will also find the coachbuilt Autoquests, the compact Accordo line-up and the more upmarket Encore range.
Frankia – Stands 10.45, 10.50 and 10.60
This upmarket German brand may still only have one dealership in the UK – SMC in Newark, Nottinghamshire – but it is no longer just concerned with A-classes and liners. At this show, you can see the new Mercedes-based 4×4 vehicle produced by Yucon, Frankia’s van conversion brand.
Raised higher for better road clearance, this vehicle includes an innovative way of folding the rear beds for a mini-garage. It looks the part, too, with plenty of smart monochrome in its colour scheme.
Hillside Leisure – Stand 12.15
Hillside, one of Britain’s best-known van converters, will be showing its wide range of largely VW-based campervans, including the T6.1-based Birchover, the Cromford, featuring an end kitchen, and the Hopton, which is based on the VW Crafter.
Jerba – Stand 11.55
Based at North Berwick in East Lothian, Jerba Campervans is famous for building its own pop-up roofs with mesh windows in the removable canvas that are resistant not just to mosquitoes, but also to the much smaller Scottish midge.
The employee-owned company will be displaying all five of its models, all named for famous places in Scotland – the Tiree, Cromarty, Taransay, Sanna and Jura.
Laika – Stand 20.55
The entry-level Kosmo range has been given an update for the 2024 season, while there is a new model to explore in the upmarket Kreos range, the H 5109, with fixed single beds. Both should be making an appearance at the show.
Le Voyageur – Stand 10.50
Head to the Pilote Group’s upmarket brand to see the new Eterna range, which has replaced the old Classic. This comes on Al-Ko’s STC chassis, which provides a flat floor inside and a lower centre of gravity when the vehicle is being driven.
Malibu – Stands 9.27 and 9.28
Carthago’s budget brand has been expanding its selection of van conversions for the past few years. This season sees the introduction of two new family-of-four models, the Malibu Comfort Van 600 DB and the 640 LE. Both come with a pop-up roof – unusually manufactured in-house by Carthago and produced at its new factory premises at Ormož, in Slovenia.
McLouis – Stand 8.25
Italian brand McLouis, in partnership with its fellow Trigano Group subsidiary Auto-Sleepers, produces the Fusion range of low-profiles exclusively for the UK market. You will be able to see three of these new models on display at the Marquis Leisure stand.
Mobilvetta – Stand 8.25
Head to the Marquis Leisure stand as well to see the latest models from Italian brand Mobilvetta, including the clearly nautically inspired K-Yacht Tekno Line range, the A-class range and the Kea low-profiles.
Morelo – Stand 9.50
A liner from Morelo (which you usually have to queue to see) is often one of the star attractions at the Motorhome and Caravan Show. This year, the new Morelo Empire Liner 98MB, built on a Mercedes Actros chassis and weighing 18 tonnes, will be the largest Morelo model Premium Motorhomes has ever brought to the NEC.
It has an island bed at the rear, a huge washroom/dressing room spread across the centre, and a spacious front lounge.
Other more conventional models on display should include the Palace 90M, also with an island bed, the Loft 79F, with a transverse bed, and the Home 82LS, which provides fixed single beds.
Moto-Trek – Stand 12.60
Moto-Trek will be focusing in particular on its Leisure-Treka van conversions at this year’s show.
You can check out the RL model, with a spacious rear lounge, the ELD, with extra travel seats and the option to add a rear double bunk or a child’s bed, and the EB, with an L-shaped front lounge and an end washroom.
Niesmann+Bischoff – Stand 20.70
The Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld stand will include a range of models from the German group’s most upmarket brand. There’s the Flair 920, based on an Iveco chassis (so with an MTPLM of 7.49 tonnes) and with a washroom that wouldn’t look out of place in a penthouse apartment.
Then there are two models from the low-profile iSmove range, the 7.3 and the 6.9E, which both have MTPLMs of less than 3500kg and so could be driven by a much wider range of buyers.
Pilote – Stand 10.60
There should be an opportunity to see both models from the new Atlas range of low-profiles on the Pilote stand. Based on the Ford Trail Transit chassis, with limited slip differential making the vehicles more suitable for off-road travel, the line-up includes the A696G, with a transverse bed, and the new Pilote Atlas A656D, which comes with an end dressing room.
Look out, too, for some smart new van conversions, including the new-look Pilote Vega V600G X Edition and the Joa Camp, from Pilote’s budget range of vehicles.
Rapido – Stands 6.38 and 11.145
Two models in particular should stand out among the many new vehicles on display at the Rapido stand. The latest model in the French company’s compact range, the C03, is a transverse-bed ’van, but at 6.19m, it has just enough length to give you that extra bit of comfort.
The conventional-width 606F, meanwhile, manages to include a large end washroom and a sizeable kitchen in its 6.69m of length. The 6 series as a whole has had a facelift this year.
Models from Rapido Group’s other two brands – Itineo and Dreamer – that are likely to be on display include the PS700, the first ever six-berth vehicle in Itineo’s Cozy range.
Swift – Stands 6.33 and 6.39
Proving that overcabs are far from fading away, Swift should have its Voyager 4 range of overcabs at the show that recently launched at the Great Holiday Home Show, featuring three models, to complement the Voyager 5 low-profiles it revealed last season.
The three models include the 475, a five berth with a rear lounge, the five-berth 485 with fixed single beds at the back, and the four-berth 494, with an island bed.
The new ’vans come with the same spec as the Voyager 5s, including external cold water showers and barbecue points, and concertina cab blinds. The 475 and 485 both provide three travel seats: two forward-facing and one rearward-facing.
Also on display on the Swift stand will be the Monza, the campervan based on the people-mover Ford Tourneo, the compact Ascari range, and the Carrera range of van conversions, including the new 144.
Vanworx – Stand 11.135
Van converter Vanworx will be showing its MaxTraxx 4×4 campervan, which is designed for off-road touring and can be based on either a VW Crafter or a MAN TGE. While you’re there, look out for the Slipper, based on a VW Highline Kombi vehicle and with a premium raising-roof.
Weinsberg – Stand 17.32
This year, the Weinsberg stand should be showing the X-Cursion CUV, the first Weinsberg vehicle based on a VW T6.1.
The model, which includes a raising-roof, will be shown in Pepper spec, with a pure grey driver’s cab, 17-inch VW alloy wheels and LED headlights, among other features.
WildAx – Stand 10-20
It doesn’t look as though there will be any absolutely new models on the WildAx stand. But you should see a good range of what the company has to offer, including the Altair, the Constellation XL, the Europa, the Pulsar, the Aurora Leisure XL, the Proteus and the Solaris XL with a Skyview.
Awnings at the Motorhome and Caravan Show
Isabella – Stand 17.34
Check out the Dove, a new porch awning from Ventura, Isabella’s air awning sister brand. Designed for both motorhomes and caravans, its height can be adjusted and it comes with double beading, so you should easily be able to move it on to another vehicle if you wish.
Quest Leisure – Stand 7.33a
Two new and updated models should be of particular interest to motorcaravanners on the Quest Leisure stand. The Orion driveaway awning has been updated with smart new colourways. It has single-point inflation and can take an Eris or Universal annex either side.
There’s also the Zodiac, a driveaway model made of ripstop fabric that has removable side panels and a full canopy. In addition, for more long-term stays, the Vega also comes in new colours.
Sunn Camp – Stand 17.45
New models from Sunn Camp include the Swift Motor Air, a parallel-running driveaway awning with an integral front porch, a sewn-in groundsheet and a two-berth inner tent.
The larger Touring Motor Air driveaway awning is made of highly waterproof 150D Ace Tech fabric. Also check out the Swift Van Air Sun Canopy 260 LOW – this one is non-driveaway, but it comes with Sunn Camp’s Air Volution technology, which makes putting it up a real doddle.
Telta – Stand 17.30 (Raymond James)
Head to the Raymond James stand to see the full range of awnings from this relatively new company, cofounded by Max Lawless, who previously worked at Kampa, the firm his father founded.
Among the many awnings the company offers made of nylon (which has better elasticity than polyethylene, and so can be pumped to a higher pressure) is the Pure 330 driveaway.
What time is the NEC Motorhome Show?
The show runs from 17-22 October 2023 and is open from 10am to 6pm each day.
How much are tickets to the Show?
Tickets for the show can be purchased online for £12.50 until 16 October, after which the price increases to £15.50. There’s also a £1.25 transaction fee applied.
Children up to the age of 15 get in for free when they accompany a paying ticket holder, but free tickets still need to be acquired online. Similarly, a carer is also allowed in for free when accompanying a Registered Disabled visitor with a valid show ticket – a free carer’s ticket will be required.
Tickets can only be used on the day they are purchased for, and buy before you set off – tickets are not sold at the door!
Is parking free at the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
Parking at the Motorhome and Caravan Show is included in the price of your ticket. Car parks are open from 7am to 11pm – once you reach the NEC, keep your eyes peeled for the car park signposted ‘Motorhome and Caravan Show’.
Disabled parking is also available, but you can’t pre-book it – the NEC asks you to bring your Blue Badge with you, too.
Can I camp at the NEC Motorhome Show?
Overnight parking is not allowed. However, there are a number of campsites in the surrounding area if you want to book a pitch for your ‘van, including the Caravan & Motorhome Club’s temporary site, Stanmore Hall Touring Park and Kingsbury Water Park.
A map of the October NEC Show
Access a larger copy of the map here.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.
