We’re back with an all-new series of Practical Motorhome TV! Watch and you’ll be first to get inside some of 2017’s hottest new ’vans, plus we’re bringing you more technical insight and campsite reviews – but we’re kicking off our second series with something special.
Filmed at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the largest motorhome show in Europe, Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton looks at some of the show’s snazziest ’vans – grab a cuppa and get comfy, this is one jam-packed TV show.
First in our second series is Chausson’s brand new 630, which features electrically-operated drop-down longitudinal single beds over the lounge – and so you really don’t have to lift a finger, there’s also a powered table in the lounge. The kitchen is well-appointed and attractively lit, if compact, while when you step into the end washroom you’ll find a large shower cubicle and a generous wardrobe, over a great rear garage with three access points. This Chausson 630 review is one you don’t want to miss!
So tune in to Practical Motorhome TV on Sky 212, Freesat 161 or Freeview 254 (you will need a smart TV for the latter) – look for Showcase TV in your planner. Not got those channels? Every episode will be streamed live online, so just click to watch. Our show times are as follows:
- Mondays at 8.30pm;
- Wednesdays at 6.30pm;
- Fridays at 4.30pm;
- Saturdays at 8.30pm;
- Sundays at 6.30pm.
Catch this show and you’ll also be able to check out this striking-looking new Adria Sonic Supreme. This tag-axle A-class model is the 810, it’s over 8m long and it features a rear island bed. Step aboard and it’s not just its length but also its width that impresses, clever design increasing this sense of space yet further. The lounge features sofas with luxuriously padded seatbacks, while the kitchen design is all-new for 2017 and there’s even a seat in the shower! But the rear bedroom is this motorhome’s star feature, with a huge island bed that can be lowered and raised at the touch of a button, flanked by wardrobes with more storage above – this ’van really is a show-stopper.
Also in our Caravan Salon Düsseldorf special, Niall reviews the new-for-2017 Dethleffs Magic Edition T 2 EB. A low-profile with fixed twin single beds, there’s a sharp-looking, inviting lounge, and the kitchen and washroom, too, have a smart, contemporary design. Watch the opening show from our new series to see it for yourself – it’s packed the sparkle as well as a touch of magic.
Staying with German ’vans, next to fall under the spotlight in this week’s Practical Motorhome TV show is the Bürstner Ixeo IT 640 – and it’s rather clever. Fold down the travel seats in the sociable lounge, drop the table and when the double bed drops down from the roof you can access it at both ends, meaning both occupants can get in and out without disturbing the other. And check out the sideways kitchen! That’s a very unusual feature, but one that helps make use of the available space, plus there’s also an L-shaped end washroom. You won’t want to miss our Bürstner Ixeo IT 640 review.
In this show you can also check out another motorhome from the same brand. The new-for-2017 Bürstner Lyseo T 744 has a front lounge and a rear lounge, both of which have electrically-operated drop-down beds above them – and that triple-aspect, L-shaped rear lounge is particularly impressive. In addition, the central washroom and side kitchen are both loaded with substance to back up their not inconsiderable style.
And there’s more! Niall also spotted the innovative Rapido 604ff. From the externally accessed storage to the L-shaped end kitchen with centrally-locked drawers, this is a very distinctive 5.94m-long ’van. It’s great to see a French model with a kitchen equipped with British motorcaravanners in mind, plus a generously-proportioned lounge. Tune in to Practical Motorhome TV to see the other neat touches you’ll discover on board.
We also review the Malibu Van 600 LE, a top-quality van conversion and one of two new models for the 2017 touring season. Its USP is its fixed twin single beds at the rear that can be joined to form a great-sized double, and they’re low-set for easy access. There’s also a high-end compact kitchen, a four-seat dinette and an all-in-one washroom.
Hymer’s Van S is another new-for-2017 motorhome. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it is lovely to drive and although compact – including a campervan-style kitchen and diminutive washroom – this 520 model is extremely well finished. But the real luxury and space is reserved for the rear, where the twin fixed single beds, with wardrobes beneath and lockers above, will let you relax in style.
Finally, Niall speaks to Ulrich from Peugeot Germany about the new Euro 6-compliant engine which powers the latest Boxer vans. Learn about the benefits of AdBlue technology.
Phew! We’ve squeezed a lot into this week’s 30-minute show – and this is just episode one. Don’t miss it. Tune in to Practical Motorhome TV on Sky 212, Freeview 254, Freesat 161 or live online from Monday 19 September at 8.30pm. Enjoy!
The Adria's kitchen design is all-new for 2017 and there’s even a seat in the shower!