Advice

Oyster's transparent dome shows how a satellite TV aerial works

Technical

New gadgets for motorhomes

Tom Bedworth's visits the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon to find out what innovative new high-tech gadgets will be on sale for motorhome owners for 2016

A motorhome’s appearance is important but check the bodywork structure before you buy it

Technical

Motorhome construction guide

Appearances are important, but some motorhome structures are better than others, explains Practical Motorhome's expert John Wickersham

After looking at different motorhome hire options, the Lewis family opted for this 25ft motorhome

Travel and Touring

Discovering New England

An epic 1089-mile, 10-night motorhome hire adventure across America has left one family wanting more – be inspired as Alastair Lewis shares his story

After buying this VW campervan for sale, it was time to check out the state of her rubber

Project Vans

All tyred out

Checking the tyres on any newly-purchased motorhome is critical, writes Nigel Donnelly, a few weeks into ownership of his T25 VW campervan

Here she is, a 1980 VW 'T25' Transporter which was called Wilma by her previous owner

Project Vans

Meeting Wilma

See a VW campervan for sale and many may be tempted, but taking the plunge and taking on a project is another matter –...

The Black Horse Pub Nightstop is in Great Missenden

Travel and Touring

The Black Horse in Bucks welcomed us

Buy delicious meals, real ales and good wine, then park overnight for free – that's the amazing deal with our Black Horse Nightstop in...

Despite not being a compact 'van our Bailey Approach Advance 665 had plenty of space at Roundhill Campsite in the New Forest

Travel and Touring

Luxury in the forest

Two-up in a six-berth means a weekend of luxury for Rory White as he heads to the New Forest in Practical Motorhome's long-term Bailey...

This generation of Auto-Sleeper Duetto was built on the long-wheelbase Transit with its own GRP roof – alloy wheels were standard

Buying Guides

Used ‘van buyer – Auto-Sleeper Duetto (1994-2000)

Used motorhomes can be great, value-for-money entries into motorcaravanning and the Auto-Sleeper Duetto is one such 'van – read our expert buying guide

Propane, in red containers, is the most reliable camping gas to use in cold climates

Habitation Matters

Life’s a gas – but which one’s best?

Propane, butane, Calor or LPG – Practical Motorhome's workshop expert Diamond Dave explains the types of gas and debates the best camping gas to...

Diamond Dave has a lot of dismantling to do for this Iveco's cambelt change

Base Vehicle Matters

Cambelt neglect could cost you dear

Don't skip your engine cambelt service – if it breaks, you'll need a new engine, warns Practical Motorhome's workshop guru Diamond Dave

Read on to discover how our new long-term test 'van proved to be excellent wedding accommodation

Travel and Touring

Green with envy

Find out how our new long-term Benimar Mileo 243 fared when Practical Motorhome's Group Editor Alastair Clements took it for its first weekend away

The under-bonnet battery powers the base vehicle’s systems – read on for expert advice from our technical guru

Electrics

Take charge of your batteries

Find out about the different batteries in your 'van and how to keep them in top condition, with Practical Motorhome's technical expert Diamond Dave

Get expert advice on chassis from John Wickersham – since the moulded body on his self-built model was designed to match the cab of a Fiat Ducato with a light commercial chassis, that decided the structure needed to support its GRP shell

Base Vehicle Matters

Firm foundations?

If you're looking at coachbuilt motorhomes for sale, you should compare the different models’ chassis foundations before buying, explains John Wickersham

Air-assist suspension in the Auto-Sleeper Kemerton was very welcome on our tour of Ireland

Base Vehicle Matters

Air-assist suspension explained

Practical Motorhome's expert Diamond Dave explains how workshops add air-assist suspension, new coil springs and wheel-bearings to improve your motorhome

If you've ever wondered what it's like to buy used motorhomes at auction, read on!

Buying & Selling

How to buy a motorhome at auction

Used motorhomes for sale at auctions can be great-value buys, but it can be a daunting environment – get the knowledge with our top...

Practical Motorhome reader David McVittie explains how to reduce condensation behind seat cushions in your 'van

Habitation Matters

How to cut condensation in your ‘van

Practical Motorhome reader David McVittie explains how to reduce condensation behind the seat cushions in your motorhome with a simple DIY solution

Learn how to improve the interior lighting in your 'van with expert advice from our very own John Wickersham

Fixtures & Fittings

How to upgrade your motorhome’s lighting

If you're looking to upgrade the lighting in your motorhome, John Wickersham's expert advice will help you choose and fit lights correctly and safely

Pitched at the F1 Racing Fan Village in Whittlebury Park, this new Bessacarr 494 from Marquis was brilliant accommodation

Travel and Touring

The British Grand Prix in a Bessacarr

Doing Silverstone in style in a Bessacarr 494, convinced F1 fan and Practical Motorhome Group Editor Al Clements that 'vans and racing are a...

Follow Practical Motorhome's top tips and get out and enjoy motorcaravanning today!

Technical

39 steps to help you start touring today

If you want to get into motorcaravanning, read our top tips to make the most of your money and time, so you get the...

Practical Motorhome's Bailey Approach Advance 665 provided luxury accommodation at Glastonbury 2015

Travel and Touring

Glaston-Bailey, take two

With a party of seven and a weekend at Glastonbury Festival to survive, Practical Motorhome's Bailey Approach Advance 665 was called into service

Motorcaravanners haven't always taken to having awnings – will inflatable technology change that?

Travel and Touring

A new dawning for awnings

Inflatable drive-away awnings are gaining popularity amongst motorcaravanners – Practical Motorhome's Editor Niall Hampton finds out more

Read how our Benimar Mileo 231 fared at Glastonbury – surely a tough test for man and machine?

Travel and Touring

Our Benimar takes on Glastonbury

We try to test our long-term 'vans thoroughly, so last weekend our Benimar Mileo 231 hit the road to Glastonbury, with festival veteran Stuart...

The Bailey Approach Advance 665 proved to be a fantastic home-from-home for these first time motorcaravanners

Travel and Touring

A dry run in Dorset

Ahead of a fly-drive tour later this year, Alastair Lewis and family packed into Practical Motorhome's Bailey and hit the road – first Dorset,...

Make sure you know the weight of your 'van and its legal maximum weight

Technical

Weighty issues

Every motorcaravanner must know the weight of their 'van and its limits – read more with advice from Practical Motorhome's technical expert Diamond Dave

The Benimar Mileo 231 basks in the beautiful bank holiday sunshine in Yorkshire

Travel and Touring

Beginners in a Benimar

The freedom of the open road and a handy bed for a wedding in the middle of nowhere, motorhomes have seduced this first-timer, writes...

Technical

How to care for your fridge

Keep your cool this summer with advice from Practical Motorhome's expert Diamond Dave on keeping the fridge in your 'van in tip-top condition

Warning lights indicated that something was wrong when the owner brought it to Dave's workshop

Electrics

Remapping your ‘van is not a DIY job

Remapping your motorhome can improve the performance and mpg – but it's certainly not a DIY job, says Practical Motorhome's workshop guru Diamond Dave

Take John's advice on how to fix the scratches in your motorhome's acrylic side windows

Habitation Matters

How to repair motorhome window scratches

Motorhome DIY expert John Wickersham gives top tips for repairing severe window scratches and restoring amazing glazing in your 'van

Get expert insight from long-time motorcaravanners and enjoy city breaks across Europe in your 'van

Travel and Touring

The best European city breaks

If city breaks in your 'van sound like a terrifying mix of tight streets and parking trauma, think again, says long-time motorcaravanner Caroline Mills

Audio tours can help bring tourist attractions to life for teenagers and adults alike

Technical

Guide to touring with teenagers

Nicki Hatton passes on her tips for motorhome touring with teens, to help you make the most of family holidays before your children have...

Check the tyre pressures and tread depths before putting your motorhome in for its annual service

Base Vehicle Matters

How to save money on motorhome servicing

Take Practical Motorhome's workshop expert Diamond Dave's advice on how to maintain your motorhome engine and save money on vehicle and habitation services

The choice of new rear-wheel-drive motorhomes is limited, but this Renault Master-based Rimor is one option

On The Road

Is front-wheel drive best for ‘vans?

Practical Motorhome's expert Diamond Dave highlights five main reasons to choose front-wheel-drive motorhomes rather than rear-wheel drive 'vans!

If you're buying a motorhome privately, here's how to make a pre-purchase inspection, using our expert's checklist to make sure you buy the best motorhome you can afford!

Buying & Selling

How to check used motorhomes for sale

If you're buying a used motorhome privately, use Practical Motorhome's expert checklist for 'van buyers and do your own pre-purchase vehicle inspection