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Dave Newell

Articles From This Author

An Adria motorhome with a 'new' sticker on it

Advice

Buying a motorhome: the technical considerations

By DiamondDave
Published: February 28, 2022 ⋅ Updated: March 9, 2022

A close up of a tyre

Advice

Motorhome tyres and brakes

By DiamondDave
Published: February 28, 2022 ⋅ Updated: March 9, 2022

The coolant pump might need to be replaced at the same time as the cambelt

Base Vehicle Matters

Cambelt Replacement: Technical Workshop

By DiamondDave
Published: June 5, 2021

Advice

Technical Tips: Fridges

By DiamondDave
Published: November 20, 2020

On The Road

Technical Tips: Fuel Consumption

By DiamondDave
Published: November 18, 2020 ⋅ Updated: March 23, 2021

Scanning and clearing stored fault codes might delay fixing the problem on your motorhome, says our expert

Technical

When is a fault not a fault?

By DiamondDave
Published: April 9, 2018

Prompt scanning and diagnostics will be required if the MIL on your motorhome lights up

Technical

The importance of fault finding

By DiamondDave
Published: March 2, 2018

Could a low-mile motorhome be a riskier buy than a high-miler? Our expert considers the facts

General

A high-mile myth?

By DiamondDave
Published: February 5, 2018

Don't ignore warning lights on your motorhome's dashboard, says our garage guru

Technical

Do you know your dashboard warning lights?

By DiamondDave
Published: December 13, 2017

Embrace technology to help get the best from your motorhome holidays, says Practical Motorhome's garage guru

Technical

For the love of tech!

By DiamondDave
Published: December 4, 2017

Find out more about how long your leisure battery should last and how to manage it

General

Stay in charge of your leisure battery’s life

By DiamondDave
Published: November 23, 2017

Engine access is one factor in determining what your service will cost – it's good on a SEVEL ’van like this Peugeot Boxer

Technical

How much will my motorhome’s service cost?

By DiamondDave
Published: October 31, 2017

Keep connected with loved ones and research your next site wherever you're pitched on tour!

Technical

We’ve got the whole world in our hands!

By DiamondDave
Published: September 20, 2017

CBE (pictured), CTEK and Schaudt all make specific charger units

Technical

How to keep your leisure battery charged

By DiamondDave
Published: May 23, 2017

Read on for expert touring safety advice from Practical Motorhome's technical guru Diamond Dave

Technical

How to prevent a gas or water leak in your motorhome

By DiamondDave
Published: April 26, 2017

Practical Motorhome's expert shares all you need to know about electric hook-ups, to keep you fully powered on tour!

Electrics

Worked up about hook-up?

By DiamondDave
Published: March 29, 2017

This shows a motorhome's Al-Ko Torsion beam suspension

Technical

What you need to know about motorhome suspension systems

By DiamondDave
Published: March 24, 2017

Check the condition of your motorhome, its lights, tyres, water and gas systems and more, before you hit the road

Technical

Essential checks before your first holiday of the year

By DiamondDave
Published: March 7, 2017

This tale of gearbox gremlins is a reminder of why you need to make sure you have breakdown cover for your motorhome

Technical

Do you have breakdown cover for your motorhome?

By DiamondDave
Published: January 26, 2017

You want your motorhome to pass its MoT first time, right? These quick checks could prove essential!

Technical

How to pass your MoT

By DiamondDave
Published: January 11, 2017

Make sure your motorhome's fridge doesn't let you down!

Technical

How to service your motorhome’s fridge

By DiamondDave
Published: December 20, 2016

Find out what to look for and how to check your tyres with our technical guru's top tips

Technical

Motorhome tyres: the facts

By DiamondDave
Published: November 7, 2016

Dave’s Fiat Ducato – aka 'The Duke' – recently suffered from a lack of engine power

Technical

Fiat Ducato troubleshooting tips

By DiamondDave
Published: June 10, 2016

Today's motorhome base vehicles, such as this Renault Master engine and chassis, are far superior to older vans

Technical

Be tough on your motorhome!

By DiamondDave
Published: April 13, 2016

Replace your 'van's tyres when they're six years old, or sooner if they look worn out!

Technical

Practical advice on motorhome tyres

By DiamondDave
Published: March 2, 2016

What will the MoT inspectors discover when they look underneath your motorhome?

Technical

How to help your ‘van pass an MoT

By DiamondDave
Published: January 13, 2016

Discover the joys of winter touring – but first, make sure your motorhome is ready

Technical

Avoid winter woes

By DiamondDave
Published: January 11, 2016

Diamond Dave offers advice for those who decide to take their motorhome off the road for the winter

Technical

Top tips for winter

By DiamondDave
Published: November 26, 2015

Leisure batteries are designed to deliver a lower current for a long period – a starter battery will suffice in some circumstances

Technical

Be battery aware

By DiamondDave
Published: October 26, 2015

Even adding a cutlery holder has the potential to go wrong

Technical

Motorhome DIY pros and cons

By DiamondDave
Published: September 28, 2015

Dashboard warning lights should never be ignored, but some are more important than others, says our technical guru

Technical

Know your dashboard warning lights

By DiamondDave
Published: September 15, 2015

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?

By DiamondDave
Published: August 6, 2015

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

Base Vehicle Matters

Cambelt neglect could cost you dear

By DiamondDave
Published: August 6, 2015

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

By DiamondDave
Published: August 4, 2015

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

Technical

Weighty issues

By DiamondDave
Published: June 22, 2015

Read on for expert motorhome fridge advice from our technical guru Diamond Dave

Technical

How to care for your fridge

By DiamondDave
Published: June 16, 2015

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

By DiamondDave
Published: June 15, 2015

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

By DiamondDave
Published: May 19, 2015

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?

By DiamondDave
Published: May 19, 2015

Expert advice on using space heaters in your 'van, from motorhome guru Diamond Dave

Technical

Space heaters demystified

By DiamondDave
Published: May 11, 2015

Read on to get expert leisure battery charging advice and to find out more about fitting solar panels to your 'van

Electrics

Keeping fully charged

By DiamondDave
Published: April 24, 2015

If your motorhome has stood idle for several months, follow our top tips to ensure happy touring

Technical

How to bring your ‘van out of hibernation

By DiamondDave
Published: March 27, 2015