Welcome to the first episode in a brand-new series of TV shows on The Motorhome Channel, brought to you by Practical Motorhome and Information TV. And you won’t want to miss our opening show, because it’s an NEC special.

As ever, you can watch on Sky 261, Freesat 402 or Freeview 254, plus you can watch live online. This show will be broadcast 10 times between Monday 9 November and Sunday 22 November 2015 – please scroll down for the full broadcast schedule.

Filmed at last month’s Motorhome and Caravan Show, we kick off with a look at a coachbuilt ‘van by Wingamm based on the new T6 Volkswagen campervan. However, it’s the Italian design flair and style inside that really sets this model apart, with white locker facings, distressed woodwork and leather upholstery, not to mention the chic and good-sized kitchen and the drop-down bed.

If you needed proof that coachbuilt motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton next takes a quick look at the island-bed Auto-Trail Imala 730 from the firm’s entry-level range, followed by a new and rather impressive overcab coachbuilt model from Pilote. This C700 Essentiel features twin bunks at the rear, a double dinette up front that can be converted to form a double bed, plus the overcab double.

Next, in our whistle-stop tour of new-for-2016 coachbuilt motorhomes at the NEC Birmingham, is the Elddis Encore 285 – and it’s a whopper! See its great-sized front lounge, twin single beds and enormous end washroom, all wrapped up in a well-finished package. And if you thought that was a great ‘van for couples who love to tour in comfort, check out another from the same manufacturer, the Elddis Autoquest 195, yet another new season coachbuilt, which has two lounges.

After that dash round, our Niall heads to the Hymer stand to have a proper look at one of the German brand’s new 2016 models. In his Hymer Van 314 review, he reveals how this 5.45m-long ‘van squeezes in swivelling cab seats, a kitchen, a dinette, a washroom with a shower, plus a transverse bed over a large rear garage. You won’t want to miss that, so be sure to tune in to The Motorhome Channel on Freeview 254, Freesat 402 or Sky 261, or watch live online.

Then it’s Andy Harris’ turn to pound the NEC halls as he scours the stands to find some of the show’s best accessories. First, he looks at a clever solution for carrying bikes on panel van conversions, that allows you to access the rear doors. Then he investigates a neat tool called the Lock M Out that will secure your motorhome’s windows easily and cheaply, and finds handy, collapsible water containers.

After that Niall is back, celebrating the return of Fleurette and Florium to the UK motorhome market. These ‘vans are exciting new options for British buyers and will be sold exclusively through Webbs Motor Caravans. And with 32 models to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Following the break, watch our Dethleffs 4-travel review. Its stand-out feature is a longitudinal, drop-down double bed, mounted centrally above the lounge, and it is fully integrated into the roof of the vehicle. But there’s much more to this impressive new motorhome which is packed with UK-friendly features. Tune in to The Motorhome Channel on Freesat 402, Sky 261 or Freeview 254, or watch live online, to find out why Niall’s going potty for pasta.

We’ve also got more from Andy’s NEC show accessories round-up. He’s talking PMR walkie-talkies, great if you love touring in groups, as well as Snuggle Sacs.

Then, we’re speaking to Truma about the firm’s new iNet System, a digital product which allows users to control their motorhome’s heating and water systems from their smartphone or tablet, using the Truma app.

In the next segment, Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall is back with one of the biggest NEC show stars – that’s right, it’s time to look at the new T6-based VW campervans. On the Bilbo’s stand, he checks out the company’s new Nexa and Celex models, while over at Hillside Leisure, the new Birchover range falls into the spotlight, plus we look at the Westfalia Club Joker City. In fact, there are so many T6 conversions at the show, we’ve not got time to look at them all, but if you’re in the market for one, rest assured there are plenty of options.

Finally, Andy catches up with fellow motorcaravanners Karen and Miles who, following an inspiring motorhome hire adventure in New Zealand, have just bought a new Pilote. They talk about why they chose the ‘van and share their touring plans – we wish them all the best!

We’re sure you’ll agree we’ve stuffed a lot into the first show of our brand-new series – so make sure you tune in! Every show is on TV and online 10 times across a two-week period, at these times, on these days:

  • Monday at 8.30pm
  • Wednesday at 5.30pm
  • Friday at 7.30pm
  • Saturday at 7.30pm
  • Sunday at 7.30pm
      

You can catch this episode between Monday 9 November and Sunday 22 November 2015 on The Motorhome Channel on Sky 261, Freesat 402 or Freeview 254, or watch live online. We hope you enjoy it.