Contents

EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IN ISSUE 461

And the winner is…

We’ve been running our annual Owner Satisfaction Awards for a few years now, and each time the results come in, they make really fascinating reading. I think what’s most compelling about them is that they represent the voice of you, the caravan owner: they reflect the true experience of buying and owning a caravan – both good and bad. For this year’s awards – held once again in conjunction with The Camping and Caravanning Club – thousands of you had your say. We reckon that makes this year’s awards the most comprehensive ever: you can trust our results to tell you what you need to know when it comes to buying your next van, whether that’s what to look out for, which dealer to visit, or which brand to choose. Turn to p41 to find out more!

sarah@practicalcaravan.com

Editor-in-chief SARAH is a keen caravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels

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Chat

  • The big picture Stunning scenery in Barmouth, North Wales
  • Connect Readers share their news, views and photos
  • Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help
  • WIN a smart battery charger! A selection of essential kit, plus your chance to win a Yuasa YCXL12 worth £139.99!

Travel

  • Travel A round-up of all the very latest touring news
  • Getaway: Llyn Peninsula Susan Taylor enjoys sandy beaches, fabulous sunsets and moonlit nights in beautiful west Wales
  • Getaway: Nottingham Andria Massey discovers the many attractions and historic landscapes of the great Midlands city
  • Getaway: Malmesbury Historic Wiltshire proves to be the ideal destination for a memorable birthday, Susan Taylor finds
  • Getaway: Torquay Andria Massey enjoys scenic coastal walking and fascinating history on the gorgeous English Riviera
  • Local authority: Conwy Inside information on a coastal gem
  • 48 hours in… Loch Lomond Make the most of your weekend

New vans

  • Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 41 Owner Satisfaction Survey 2023 You’ve had your say, now we can reveal the brands and dealers who’ve won your votes! 50 First look: Knaus Azur 500 FU Distinctive new four-berth

Used vans

  • Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts
  • Used van buyer Bailey Pursuit 540-5 Series 1 (2014)

Tow cars

  • Tow cars First look at the eye-catching VW ID.Buzz
  • Tow car test Volvo V90 Cross Country B5 (P) AWD Plus
  • Hottest tow cars for 2023 We round up the ones to watch
  • Used tow car test Dacia Logan MCV (2013-2020)

Special supplement

  • Get active on tour Time to enjoy the great outdoors!
  • Cycling routes Set out from a campsite on two wheels
  • Save money Expert tips to cut costs while you get active
  • Six great walking routes Grab your boots and backpack
  • Get fit for hiking Prepare properly and you can walk further
  • All-year campsites Ten top parks for all-season activities
  • Top tips Whatever your activity, here’s how to get going

Skills school

  • Skills school How to select and maintain a towbar 84 Breakdown/recovery services John Sootheran looks at your options for insurance and assistance when things go wrong
  • Towing advice Why automatics make ideal tow cars 90 Alde control panel If the bright screen on your Alde control panel keeps you awake at night, Nigel Hutson has a simple fix 92 Jockey wheel overhaul Sam Coles shows you how to revamp the all-important jockey wheel for improved caravan manoeuvring 96 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive model listings and information 106 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by