Our brand new Summer Special on The Motorhome Channel is essential viewing for those who love lightweight touring as we’re reviewing four, British-built panel van conversions – be sure to tune in.
Starring in this episode is the new-for-2016, Peugeot Boxer-based Autocruise Accent, reviewed by Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton. Inside, you’ll find a half dinette up front where the cab seats, once swivelled, face two belted travel seats. In terms of kit, the kitchen has two gas burners, a sink, a grill, a 90-litre fridge with a removable freezer compartment, storage and, as part of this ‘van’s Comfort Pack, a microwave. This 6m-long panel van conversion also packs in a compact yet usable washroom, plus there’s an airy end lounge with parallel bench seating that can be converted into a double bed – and open the barn doors to bring the outside inside. Watch our show to check it out for yourself.
You can watch The Motorhome Channel on Freesat 402 or Sky 261 (look for Showcase TV), or live online on Information TV’s website. if you have a Smart TV, TalkTalk YouView box or a Freeview HD box you can now watch the Motorhome Channel on Freeview at last! Simply tune in to channel 254.
As each episode is shown 10 times over a two-week period (please scroll down for the full broadcast schedule), you’ve a wide choice of viewing times.
Next, it’s time to revisit our Auto-Sleeper Kemerton XL review. Again, Niall’s on hand to guide us round this two-berth ‘van that has three belted travel seats and a flexible lounge area, which translates into a flexible sleeping area. This 6.4m-long Auto-Sleeper motorhome also features a full-width washroom across the rear of the ‘van, plus Niall’s impressed by the kitchen. Tune in to The Motorhome Channel and find out more.
Then Practical Motorhome’s Gentleman Jack Bancroft presents a review of the Vantage Ora. It has a great front lounge which can easily be used as two singles or a huge double bed at night time. But, of course, this luxurious lounge in a 6m-long ‘van means there’s a compromise somewhere and it’s in the kitchen. It’s got the kit you need, but there’s not much space – although the fold-down worktop at least means there’s room for vital veg preparation. And if you watch our TV show, you’ll also see the washroom that spans the rear of the motorhome. All this and the Vantage Ora has a handy 3500kg MTPLM!
After the break, we review a fourth panel van conversion – but this ‘van rides on a Ford Transit base. It’s the Murvi Pimento, Niall Hampton returning to take us round. The Transit is a great drive and the Pimento is a great conversion. There’s a rear washroom that can be accessed from inside and outside, plus a compact kitchen and a lovely lounge. Watch our TV show on Freesat 402, Sky 261 or live online at the times listed below, to get the full story on this marvellous Murvi.
Then, we’re ready to hit the road. As the diminutive dimensions of panel van conversions make them great for exploring the UK, watch our show and join us on a foodie tour of the Peak District, in Central England. Maybe it will inspire your next tour.
Finally, we’re talking chassis with Practical Motorhome’s very own technical expert John Wickersham who’s visiting Al-Ko. Learn more about the parts of your ‘van you don’t usually see, and the careful, unseen work that goes into today’s motorhomes.
With so much to see, make sure you don’t miss our latest Summer Special TV show. Remember, The Motorhome Channel is on Showcase TV, which is on Freesat 402 and Sky 261, or you could watch live online.
if you have a Smart TV, TalkTalk YouView box or a Freeview HD box you can now watch The Motorhome Channel on Freeview. Simply tune in to channel 254.
This episode will be shown from Monday 31 August until Sunday 13 September 2015 at these times, on these days:
- Mondays at 8.30pm
- Wednesdays at 5.30pm
- Thursdays at 6am
- Saturdays at 11am
- Sundays at 11am
And if you want to watch more, head to Practical Motorhome’s YouTube channel – and if you subscribe, you’ll never miss a thing.
Autocruise's 6m-long panel van conversion also packs in a compact yet usable washroom