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Dave Newell

Articles From This Author

Gas cylinders

Technical

Diamond Dave on refillable gas cylinders and their tanks

By DiamondDave
Published: August 23, 2024

A motorhome fridge

Technical

Diamond Dave on motorhome fridge malfunctions

By DiamondDave
Published: July 22, 2024 ⋅ Updated: July 23, 2024

A snapped shock absorber

Habitation Matters

Diamond Dave on the early season issues that commonly occur at the workshop

By DiamondDave
Published: June 26, 2024 ⋅ Updated: July 24, 2024

May carrying out motorhome DIY

Project Vans

Diamond Dave on the importance of knowing your limits when carrying out motorhome DIY

By DiamondDave
Published: June 4, 2024 ⋅ Updated: July 24, 2024

A tyre

Advice

Diamond Dave on choosing and fitting tyres

By DiamondDave
Published: May 1, 2024 ⋅ Updated: May 17, 2024

Vehicle exhaust

Advice

Diamond Dave on vehicle emission devices

By DiamondDave
Published: March 5, 2024

Lithium battery

Advice

Diamond Dave on the pros and cons of lithium-based batteries

By DiamondDave
Published: February 20, 2024

Motorhome at an Aire

Advice

Diamond Dave on protecting your motorhome

By DiamondDave
Published: January 17, 2024

Two fault code readers

Advice

Diamond Dave on investing in a fault code reader

By DiamondDave
Published: June 19, 2023 ⋅ Updated: June 23, 2023

Motorhome gearbox

Advice

A look at the Fiat Comfortmatic gearbox

By DiamondDave
Published: May 2, 2023

Side on view of motorhome

Advice

Levelling a motorhome

By DiamondDave
Published: April 17, 2023 ⋅ Updated: January 17, 2024

A Truma Combi

Technical

3 common motorhome myths debunked

By DiamondDave
Published: March 22, 2023 ⋅ Updated: April 3, 2023

Alde heating control panel

Advice

Heating a motorhome: choosing the system for you

By DiamondDave
Published: March 13, 2023 ⋅ Updated: February 28, 2024

Photo of an inverter

Advice

Diamond Dave on investing in an inverter

By DiamondDave
Published: February 24, 2023

Habitation Matters

How minor adjustments can make a big difference to a motorhome

By DiamondDave
Published: February 9, 2023 ⋅ Updated: July 24, 2024

A red warning light on a motorhome dashboard

Technical

Know your dashboard warning lights

By DiamondDave
Published: August 11, 2022

An Adria motorhome with a 'new' sticker on it

Advice

Buying a motorhome: the technical considerations

By DiamondDave
Published: February 28, 2022 ⋅ Updated: January 26, 2023

A close up of a tyre

Advice

Motorhome tyres and brakes

By DiamondDave
Published: February 28, 2022 ⋅ Updated: May 18, 2023

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 ⋅ Updated: December 1, 2023

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

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

Technical

Avoid winter woes

By DiamondDave
Published: January 11, 2016