Every year the Motorhome and Caravan Show offers an incredible choice of specialist camping gear. From driveaway awnings to camping plates and bespoke bedding, this is the place to find your dream touring kit. Gadget fans will also be in heaven as they get a chance to see and try the latest and coolest technology on so many stands. The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2015 will take place from 13-18 October in the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.
Here’s my personal selection of the best accessories and gadgets to see at the 2015 show.
Cadac Safari Chef 2
The South African manufacturer will be unveiling its new Safari Chef 2 at the NEC. Around 4kg lighter than its predecessor, this gas grill comes with its own fold-out legs and can offer a variety of ways of cooking. The Cadac Safari Chef 2 has a hotplate, non-stick flat and ribbed grills, barbecue grid and a lid that can be flipped for use as a wok. If you’re shopping for barbecues visit Cadac on Stand 1 in Hall 17.
Dometic’s new sat-nav
The leisure vehicle equipment titan Dometic is now offering the Blaupunkt Columbia 945 – a top-of-the-range double-DIN multi-media/sat-nav/reversing camera – which comes with a database of European campsites. With a 6.8in screen, it has mapping for 44 European countries. Also look out for the 21-litre Waeco CDF26 Coolbox. Whether you need a new coolbox or reversing camera, head over to see Dometic on Stand 41 in Hall 20.
Drift away with Duvalay
With this new product from Duvalay, the NEC could be a great place for a proper lie-down! Golden Eclipse is lightweight but provides superior comfort thanks to the company’s Duvalite memory-fibre and the use of cashmere, wool, silk and cotton materials. These mattresses are also pliable, pressure-relieving and use temperature harmonising technology. Check it out on Stand 27 in Hall 6.
Level best with E & P Hydraulics
If you’ve ever marvelled at the hydraulic levelling systems fitted to Niesmann + Bischoff, Concorde and Carthago ’vans, here’s the chance to have the same on your vehicle. The E & P Levelsystem can be fitted to nearly any motorhome and can level it within two minutes. Also new is the EP-019HYD/long hydraulic jack. Visit E & P Hydraulics on Stand 32 in Hall 20.
RoadPro predicts an EZA revolution
Could EZA represent the future of on-board power? Does it spell the end of the road for leisure batteries? This all-new lithium-ion power pack may prove a worthwhile investment. EZA is one of several new accessories being announced by RoadPro, which reckons that EZA could actually change the way people use their motorhomes. Visit RoadPro on Stand 70 in Hall 12.
Isabella’s sitting pretty
Best known for its awnings, Isabella is adding to its furniture range. Look out for two new chairs – Odin and Thor; both fold in a way that occupies little storage space – plus a new folding table. Also new is the Triplight, a cordless lamp that can be hand-held or attached to an awning pole for extra illumination. Visit Isabella on Stands 83 and 91 in Hall 17.
Win walkie-talkies with Motorola
One of a number of high-profile, high-tech brands exhibiting at the show, Motorola will be showing off its latest in-vehicle hi-fi systems and its range of walkie-talkies, including the new, top-of-the-range T81 Hunter, with a hands-free mode for voice-activated calls. Its agent, DCRS, will be giving away a pair of Motorola walkie-talkies each day of the show; watch out for special tweets from @dcrs_ltd for your chance to win. Visit Motorola on Stand 99 in Hall 12.
See OLPro’s new Husk crockery
Is it time for new crockery in your ’van? Olpro’s Husk tableware is made from rice husks, which otherwise go to waste, so it’s more environmentally friendly than melamine and biodegradable. Many items are sold individually, such as its £2.99 tumbler; full sets start at £59. The Olpro stand will also feature the new Breeze drive-away awnings. If you’re looking for new camping crockery, visit OLPro on Stand 109 in Hall 12.
Ticket discount code
If you buy tickets on the day they’ll cost you £12 for adults or £11 for seniors aged 60 or more. Accompanied children get in for free and there’s free parking. To save money, buy your tickets in advance online and quote our Practical Motorhome discount code ‘PMH3’ at the checkout.
The Cadac Safari Chef 2 has a hotplate, non-stick flat and ribbed grills, barbecue grid and a lid that can be flipped for use as a wok