If coachbuilt motorhomes are your cup of tea, don’t miss our latest Summer Special TV show, which is dedicated to these ‘vans.
But, first, you need to know that The Motorhome Channel has moved. You will still be able to see it on Showcase TV, which you can find on Freesat 402, and every show will continue to be broadcast live online via the Information TV website at the times listed below. But it will now be available on a different Sky channel, so please tune to 261 – remember to look out for Showcase TV. And don’t worry if you’ve previously set up a series link, this won’t be affected. So, what have we got in store for you?
First, Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton’s talking downsizing, with two brand-new-for-2016 coachbuilt ‘vans, the Swift Rio 310 and Swift Rio 325. Both based on the Fiat Ducato, standing six metres long and with MTPLMs of 3500kg, for the new season they’ve ditched the rear-opening tailgate that so defined them at launch. Instead, both have flat backs, great for mounting bike racks. Inside, the Rio 325 has an electrically operated transverse rear bed which allows you to moderate the height of the rear garage. Or choose the Rio 310 with a more traditional layout, featuring a parallel lounge at the front, a compact but well-equipped central kitchen and a good-sized end washroom.
Then we revisit our review of another coachbuilt, the Auto-Sleeper Broadway EK. This Peugeot Boxer based ‘van has an airy and sociable lounge, while one of its star attractions is its end kitchen – hence ‘EK’ in the model name. Our Editor is on hand again to guide you round this kitchen, as well as the corner washroom and the sleeping areas. To see his full review, remember to watch our show on The Motorhome Channel, either live online or on Freesat 402 or Sky 261.
Next, we’ve a coachbuilt with a difference – meet the Moto-Trek Euro-Treka 1, featuring motorised slide-outs. We’re looking back at this distinctive ‘van as a reminder of the range of options out there if you’re looking at coachbuilt motorhomes for sale. The extra interior space the slide-out provides creates a quite exceptional space, with the lounge and the master bedroom, with its island bed, benefiting most from this. There’s also a very smart kitchen, as well as a split bathroom that puts the shower on one side and the rest of the washroom on the other.
After the break, following those four very different coachbuilt options, we’re going upmarket. We are giving you another chance to watch our Editor’s review of the RS Endeavour. At £138,000 it’s a significant investment, but for that you get an awful lot of ‘van. Space and headroom inside are generous, and you’ll find luxury fittings and touches throughout. Niall’s impressed with the kitchen and the rear bedroom which has an island bed and even a 22-inch flat screen TV! Watch our Summer Special TV show and see all this and more for yourself.
Niall’s pick of these coachbuilts is the new and compact Swift Rios. And if that’s the kind of ‘van you own, it’s a great and well-sized motorhome for touring the UK, as Practical Motorhome’s Claudia Dowell found out. She decided to visit Wales and discover its famous castles – and more.
Finally, tune in to our latest TV show on The Motorhome Channel to learn about the coachbuilt ‘van that our expert John Wickersham built himself! Find out why he undertook such an ambitious project and the personal touches he’s added – maybe you’ll be inspired?
With so much crammed into our coachbuilt ‘vans Summer Special, be sure to tune in! Remember, The Motorhome Channel is on Freesat 402 and Sky 261, or you can watch live online. This episode will be shown from Monday 17 August until Sunday 30 August 2015 at these times, on these days:
- Mondays at 8.30pm
- Wednesdays at 5.30pm
- Thursdays at 6am
- Saturdays at 11am
- Sundays at 11am
We hope you’re able to tune in and you enjoy the show!
The Rio 325 has an electrically operated transverse rear bed which allows you to moderate the height of the rear garage