Whether you have an Apple or Android phone, don’t miss these 15 must-have phone apps for motorhome touring, to help you get the most from your ‘van and your next trip.
RECREATION
Peak Brain training
Keep your mind in trim with some entertaining but intense mental work-outs. These short games, developed in conjunction with leading scientific research, will help to test and improve your focus, memory, problem solving and mental agility.
Advanced programmes, challenging specific skills including memory and attentions, are also available. Free. Available for iOS and Android
SkyView Lite
Ever laid back on a clear, balmy night and wished you knew more about the stars and planets? This illuminating app can help! With it you can identify major stars, planets and constellations.
An augmented reality screen shows you what’s in the sky in the direction of the phone camera and there’s a search facility if you’re looking for particular heavenly bodies. Out of this world! Free. Available for iOS and Android
PictureThis
We get to see some wonderful natural habitat on our travels, but if your skills in plant identification are somewhat lacking, this ‘blooming’ marvellous app will pick out everything from buddleias and hydrangeas to oaks and elms, and let you know which bit of vegetation is which. Simply take a photo of the plant and let the app do the rest. Free. Available for iOS and Android
iMovie
Bring out your inner Spielberg with this fun app that will enable you to make glitzy Hollywood-style trailers – a brilliant way to record memories on your next trip.
What will your holiday adventure become? A teen movie, a fairytale or perhaps a romance? Hopefully not a horror! Free. Available for iOS
Practical Motorhome
Get Practical Motorhome delivered to your phone and have the full range of inspirational travel features, expert product reviews, tests of the latest new motorhomes and advice on buying, all at your fingertips. Download it and you can take a free trial, buy a single issue or subscribe. Back issues, specials and future issues are available to buy, as are links to our sister publications. Free. Available for iOS
Go Jauntly
Never have we appreciated the freedom to go for a walk more than in the past few months. This useful app helps you to find the best walks local to you and provides simple photo-guides to assist with navigation. It also details points of interest, places to eat and the nearest public toilets. And you can save your favourite walking routes to share with friends. Free. Available for iOS and Android
TECHNICAL MATTERS
Alde Smart Control
The ability to heat your ‘van remotely sounds great, and that’s exactly the idea behind this Alde heating system app.
It works by sending SMS messages to a GSM device. The device interprets and executes the instructions, and then transmits a response message with the heating system’s current status.
Read more about how to set up the system here. Free. Available for iOS and Android
Truma App
Heating and air conditioning specialist Truma has developed this app to allow users to control their Combi heaters and Truma air conditioners any time and anywhere.
Functions allow you to check your gas supply with the Truma LevelControl and give you access to operating instructions and how-to videos.
The sun alignment display helps you find the ideal location for your vehicle, while the levelling function ensures that your ‘van is perfectly horizontal. Free. Available for iOS and Android
Swift Command
Linking users’ phones to the Swift Command unit on Swift Group’s motorhomes, this app is split into four sections: control panel, remote features, information and settings.
Control panel is used when you are inside the ‘van, controlling a number of systems, including lighting, power, water tank, heating and air conditioning.
The remote section gives you access to features when away from your vehicle, while the information section links to user guides and handbooks. In settings, you can link to your Swift Command account. Free. Available for iOS and Android
PITCH PERFECT
SiteSeeker
Find a campsite while you are on the road – this useful tool from The Camping and Caravanning Club allows you to locate the perfect place to camp, and features a smart interactive map.
You can search by location, distance and on-site facilities, as well as finding prices and booking options. Only Club members are able to view the organisation’s CSs. Free. Available for iOS and Android
Level Assist
So what is the number one rule of motorcaravanning? Get level, of course! This acoustic sprit level is extremely accurate and sends out high-pitched beeps to let you know how much your position needs to be adjusted. Free. Available for iOS
DRIVING AND NAVIGATION
Smart Dash Cam
This nifty little app will turn your mobile into a fully functioning dash cam – perfect as a back-up or for those who don’t want to shell out on a pricier purpose-built model. The app’s manual and auto recording modes allow you to capture video at different resolutions, with or without audio, and videos can be held within the app or stored on the cloud. £3.99. Available for iOS and Android
What3words
With this clever bit of technology, you will only need three words to find or share an exact location. Use the ‘locate me’ icon to obtain your current location, or use a three-word address to navigate easily to precise destinations – an easy way to communicate exact locations, whether that’s spoken over the phone or typed into a website. Free. Available for iOS and Android
AA Breakdown Membership
This useful app enables you to report a breakdown, put your MoT date in your diary, and plan your journeys. It provides your AA membership in one easily accessible place, your phone. The app also stores your membership card, so that you can take advantage of excellent discounts and offers while you’re on the move. Free. Available for iOS and Android
PetrolPrices
Imagine being able to find the cheapest fuel in your area at the touch of a few buttons. Well, now you can – PetrolPrices does exactly that. You can search by price, distance, brands and fuel type, and access information about the stations. Users are encouraged to help keep the app up-to-date by reviewing stations, and can earn points and rewards for their contributions. Free. Available for iOS and Android
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Imagine being able to find the cheapest fuel in your area, at the touch of a few buttons. Well, now you can
