The NEC Show October 2022 is soon to be upon us (18th-23rd October), presenting visitors with a chance to see the latest releases on the market for the upcoming season from some of the best motorhome manufacturers out there.
In this guide, we run through what you can expect to see at the upcoming show, as well as detailing some of the accessories and dealers that will be at the NEC Show.
Adria – Stand 6.36, Hall 6, Stand 7.30/7.35, Hall 7
The main attraction on the Adria stand will be the new Supersonic A-classes.
Based on the Mercedes Sprinter, there are currently four models available in this luxurious range, including the Adria Supersonic 780DC, a van that was the winner of our best 4 berth motorhome category at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023.
But look out, too, for the new Adria Twin Supreme 600 SBX, which made its debut at the Caravan Salon. This 6m-long van conversion with an electrical bed and flexible living space is aimed very much at outdoor sports fans.
Auto Campers – Stand 11.110, Hall 11
The Berkshire-based van converter returns this year with three models from its Ford-based range: the Hi-Line Leisure Van, with a sliding bed, the Hi-Line Day Van, with up to seven travel seats, and the pop-top MRV, with a suspended bed.
Auto-Sleepers – Stand 8.25, Hall 8
Auto-Sleepers has no new models on its stand for this year, but the Trigano Group brand has hugely upgraded the entertainment spec on all of its current models.
They now come with a 19.5in Full HD Avtex Smart TV, with apps and built-in FreeSat decoder.
You also get two 10W soundbars, to attach to the TV or use separately. The Avtex motorhome Wi-Fi system is now fitted, too. All coachbuilts have Truma’s latest iNet X control panel, with Bluetooth.
Apart from tech upgrades, a new Pamplona upholstery trim, due to be introduced in January, will be on display.
Auto-Trail – Stand 8.30, Hall 8
Continuing supply chain issues with its base vehicle manufacturer, Fiat, mean that Auto-Trail has made no major changes for 2023.
It has in fact abandoned the idea of a season change in September. But there will still be 30 of its vehicles on display at the show.
These will include three Expedition and six V-Line van conversions, one Adventure campervan, three Expedition coachbuilts, six Ford-based F-Lines, three Imalas, five Trackers, two Frontiers, and – taking pride of place – one Grande Frontier, which is still the only British-built A-class range.
Bailey – Stand 19.25, Hall 19
Bailey will be unveiling two new Ford-based Adamo models at this year’s show. The 60-4, with a drop-down bed, is the shortest model yet in its Continental-inspired range, coming in at just under 6m. There’s also the longer 75-4, which is fitted with fixed single beds at the rear and four travel seats, including two fold-out seats in the front lounge.
Benimar – Stand 8.25, Hall 8
There are minimal changes on the coachbuilt models in Benimar’s line-up.
All Mileos and Tessoros have habitation remote central locking, while the Mileos now run on Fiat’s 2.2-litre 180bhp engine. The Mileo 201 and 231 have been discontinued.
Benivan van conversions get the 180bhp engine with automatic transmission as standard, and a new Whale heating system, Dometic pleated cab blinds and Apple Carplay or Android Auto via the Xzent F475 system.
Carthago – Stand 9.26, Hall 9
The c-compactline and the liner for two are the two ranges that the German manufacturer has upgraded for the 2023 season.
The former now consists of three models, one with a transverse bed and two with single beds.
The liner for two range, meanwhile, now has darker exterior colours and a lighter finish to the interior.
Look out, too, for the chic c-line T 4.9 LE, the first Carthago low-profile motorhome to be built on a Mercedes Sprinter.
Chausson – Stand 8.20, Hall 8
For the 2023 season, the French brand is offering all of its conventional-width low-profiles on a Ford base vehicle only. The line-up also remains much smaller than it has been during previous seasons, with just seven models available.
The only major changes are on the compact Sport Line models, the S514 and S697GA. These both now come with striking all-grey exteriors, black alloy wheels and black edging to external locker doors.
Coachman – Stand 19.20, Hall 19
Yes, that’s right. A brand name which for many years has been associated solely with caravans is exhibiting commercially available ’vans for the first time at an NEC October show.
Since its acquisition by Kabe, the Hull company has been working with the Swedish manufacturer to produce a line-up on the Mercedes Sprinter, and the result is the Travelmaster.
This range comprises two 8.06m-long models. Along with a luxurious interior, they boast a high level of spec, including a 140W solar panel and a 170bhp engine.
Dreamer – Stand 11.145, Hall 11
Unfortunately, because of continuing problems with base vehicle supply, most of the French van converter’s new models will not be available in the UK this season, because they have been produced for left-hand drive only. Dreamer’s Fun models,which do come with right-hand drive, are now based on a 140bhp Peugeot.
Erwin Hymer UK Stand 20.19/20.35/20.38/20.41/20.56/20.70/20.72, Hall 20
The only revised model in the Elddis/Compass line-up is the Autoquest/Avantgarde 115, now resting on a slightly longer base vehicle.
The designers have used the extra 45cm of length this creates to extend the lounge’s parallel settees, and provide two seats that remain as seats, even when the double bed is made up.
Itineo – Stand 6.38, Hall 6
Rapido’s budget sibling has been reduced to a 10-model line-up of seven A-classes and three low-profiles.
You’ll also notice a much darker look to both ranges, with dark wood lockers and charcoal grey mouldings and kitchen worktops.
Joa Camp – Stand 10.50/10.60, Hall 10
Pilote’s new budget line-up, launched last season, has already been expanded this year with the 54G, the first van conversion in the range on the short-wheelbase Citroën Relay.
Knaus – Stand 17.32, Hall 17
Knaus Tabbert, comprising Knaus and Weinsberg ’vans, is taking the largest stand it has ever had at the NEC for this October’s show.
Within Knaus itself, check out the new Tourer Van Vansation 500 MQ, one of two models in a range based on a VW Transporter 6.1. The stand also includes five MAN-based models, including the Van Ti Plus, and the Fiat-based BoxLife 630 ME and two Sky Ti Platinum models.
McLouis Fusion – Stand 8.25, Hall 8
There’s only one change this year at McLouis Fusion, the low-profile brand created by Italian manufacturer McLouis and British firm Auto-Sleepers.
The 331, the brand’s shorter (6m-long) transverse bed model, has been dropped for the 2023 season. All other models will be on display.
Mobilvetta – Stand 8.25, Hall 8
It’s the same line-up as last year for Mobilvetta. The only changes are that all come with an electronic parking brake, the waste-water tank is now 110 litres, and the
interior is graced with the Truma iNet X control panel.
Niesmann+Bischoff – Stand 20.19/20.35/20.38/20.41/20.56/20.70/20.72, Hall 20
The Erwin Hymer Group’s most upmarket brand has revamped its flagship Flair range for 2023.
Head to the Niesmann stand to see the new design, which includes an expanded central washroom with a walk-in, concrete-effect shower, and a habitation door that partially closes
to provide you with easier access to the external locker located just behind it.
Pilote – Stand 10.50/10.60, Hall 10
The French brand gave us a glimpse of its still to be finalised new Atlas van conversion at the recent Caravan Salon in Germany.
As we went to press, it didn’t look as though this would be at the NEC. But you can still see a selection from its Evidence line-up, which are available more or less off the peg, and the Expression range, which you can customise.
Rapido – Stand 6.38, Hall 6
All Van, Compact and Series 6F models now come on a Peugeot Boxer this season. There are only two minor layout changes in the C50 and 854F, but look out for the new Ultimate Line, with a host of extras including a built-in vacuum cleaner.
Roller Team – Stand 7.20, Hall 7
As with Trigano stablemate Auto-Trail, Roller Team has made few changes in the 2023 line-up, except for its family-focused range of Auto Roller motorhomes. These now all rest on a Ford Transit base.
RP Motorhomes – Stand 12.145, Hall 12
The Leeds-based specialist van conversion brand will be bringing its all-new Rebellion 2 model to the NEC show this year.
Based on a 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter, the Rebellion 2 relies entirely on electricity for all of its habitation services, and even includes a composting toilet, which can function unchanged for up to seven days.
Swift – Stand 6.33/6.39, Hall 6
Swift will be launching the Voyager, a new range and the company’s first-ever ’van built on a Ford vehicle, at the NEC show this year, a ‘van that won our best low-profile motorhome category at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023.
As we went to press, it was also planning to unveil two more line ups the compact coachbuilt Ascari, aimed at first-timers, and the Carrera, a van conversion with a high level of exterior kit.
Vantage – Stand 11.160, Hall 11
Panel van converter Vantage has taken an extra stand at this year’s show to promote its new range of campervans with a rising roof. All models are four-berths, based on a Ford Transit Custom.
Weinsberg – Stand 17.32, Hall 17
Knaus’s budget brand will show off its new X-Cursion 500 MQ model, featuring a similar ‘collapsing’ shower to the Knaus Tourer Van, as well as two CaraCompact models, the Mercedes-based 640 MEG and the Fiat-based 600 MEG. All three ’vans will be Pepper Edition special editions.
WildAx – Stand 10.40, Hall 10
WildAx has the new Altair, its first van conversion on a MAN TGE. With all-electric habitation services, it comes with solar panels on the roof and a 3kW inverter.
Awnings
Awning manufacturers have been affected just as badly as motorhome companies by supply chain problems, but some will still manage to have new products at the show.
Look out for Isabella’s (Stand 17.34, Hall 17) new Buddy system, which instead of being a whole awning, consists of side and differently sized front panels that you attach to your roll-out awning to create either an enclosed space or a sun terrace.
New from Outwell is the Dunecrest, a drive-away rear-mounted model for smaller ’vans, the Shalecrest, a freestanding dome, and the Crossville 250SA, a compact, parallel-pitching drive-away with doors at both ends.
The company has also just patented its new Nightlight system, which provides lighting that’s bright enough for anyone sleeping in the awning to see in the dark if they have to get up, but not so harsh that it wakes up everyone else. This clever system also comes with its own rechargeable power source.
Quest Leisure’s (Stand 17.38, Hall 17) awnings sold under its own name include the Condor, a 150D drive-away with an optional front extension. New to its imported Westfield range is the Triton, a single-point inflation awning of four 150D ripstop panels.
Accessories at the NEC Show
Buying a motorhome is serious business, but it’s a lot of fun to pick up accessories – products you didn’t know you needed, but which will improve your touring life considerably!
You’ll find everything here, from barbecues and ebikes to sat navs and paddle boards. Here’s our pick of some of the many fantastic exhibitors.
Colapz (Stand 12.193, Hall 12) will be on hand with its many space-saving products, such as a collapsible 25-litre bucket and super flexi-waste pipes.
Or what about a bike rack? Fiamma (Stand 12.37, Hall 12) will show its Carry Bike range, plus awnings and privacy rooms.
For bedding, try Caravan Beds (Stand 17.19, Hall 17), Leisurebedding.com (Stand 11.41, Hall 11), or Duvalay (Stand 6.23, Hall 6).
If you like going off-grid in your motorhome and are keen on saving energy should see the solar panels at Solar Technology (Stand 20.95, Hall 20). And if you’re keen to stay green, check out Solbio, with its 100% natural toilet fluid (Stand 12.188, Hall 12).
Or how about a new cover for your vehicle? Both Protec (Stand 12.01, Hall 12) and Specialised Covers (Stand 18.11, Hall 18) will be exhibiting their products.
Dealers
Dealers are the lifeblood of the show and it’s worth visiting several to see which have the models and deals that will best suit you, and to find ones with whom you develop the best rapport. Among many others, you could try Broad Lane Leisure (Stand 20.45, Hall 20), selling Swift and Coachman. New at the show is Golden Castle Leisure Group (Stand 17.33, Hall 17), which offers a number of brands, including Auto-Sleepers, Swift and Coachman.
Or how about Marquis Leisure (Stand 8.25, Hall 8), which has the UK’s largest dealer network, with 13 branches nationwide? Marquis has Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Benimar, Elddis and Mobilvetta, among other brands.
Events
One of the great things about the NEC show is experiencing things first-hand – trying a new ebike, listening to speakers at the Live Theatre or taking part in a skills sessions run by the touring clubs.
Journalist and YouTuber Andrew Ditton will be at the Live Theatre to talk about his journey along Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, providing tips from his recent tour to help you plan your own road trip. And Kat Bird will be talking about her tour of the incredible Norwegian fjords.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has manoeuvring taster sessions for ’vans. Caravanning newbies can try The Camping and Caravanning Club’s free towing sessions.
And don’t forget to enter the Club competitions! You could win an £8000 trip to Australia at the Caravan and Motorhome Club stand (9.95, Hall 9), or a Swift Basecamp 6 and Vango awning worth over £26,000 at The Camping and Caravanning Club stand (8.10, Hall 8).
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