The Difference is Auto-Sleepers

A L L - N E W W I N D R U S H O f t e n i m i t a t e d , n e v e r b e t t e r e d . The Auto-Sleepers Peugeot van range offers you a specification second to none. New for 2012 is the introduction of a new family orientated van conversion model to join the Peugeot range an entirely new direction for Auto-Sleepers. Features as standard include: • 4 designated travel seats • Swivelling cab seats • 4 berth • New bathroom with revolutionary sliding sink • LED lights throughout • 85ltr fridge • 3 burner hob, with oven/grill • New improved digital control panel • Removable mocha carpets • 4KW Truma combi boiler • Rearview Camera • Electric slide out step • 25ltr LPG gas tank • 69ltr fresh/ 40ltr waste water tank • External BBQ point • Styling bars • Spare wheel & tyre • Scratch resistant flooring • Choice of hand-picked Belgium fabrics

01386 853 338 www.auto-sleepers.co.uk 20

GRAND TOUR: SPAIN Our Dan Wright migrates south for the winter sun in a Volkswagen California

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TOURS OF THE YEAR: PART II More big adventures in the Dales,

Switzerland, Brittany and Kent

TOP TOURING TECH:

New gear to get you online on tour

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86 WEEKEND WORKSHOP

How to maintain your

’van’s cooling system

LIVE IN TEST We deliver our full live-in test verdict on the Bessacarr E

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Contents

TALK Your letters and more Your shout, on owning a Vantage, repairing cracked fibreglass and London’s tougher LEZ regulations Ask Jack Our sage advises on key fobs, old Bambi motorhomes and more Subscribe to Practical Motorhome and save Plus, get a copy of the excellent Haynes Motorcaravan Manual

TOURING Tour smarter Sarah Wakely’s travel digest: a free gift from Forest Holidays, classy air fresheners, and a campsite for sale Grand Tour Our Dan Wright discovers great food, wonderful wine and friendly locals on his tour of northern Spain Tours of the year Continuing our round-up of your best tours of . Featuring: Switzerland Norman and Julia Baker tour and walk in the lovely Bernese Oberland Yorkshire Dales Geoff and Chrissie Crowther embark on an icy winter tour Brittany Our Capable Clive takes in a fantastic maritime festival Sussex and Kent Peter and Sylvie White on a historic trip through England’s south-east Tours that change lives A rental VW in New Zealand inspired Richard and Stella Dunston to start motorcaravanning

TECHNICAL Workshop Our team answers your questions. This month, shower pressures, fitting a flatscreen TV, fixing a flyscreen and much more Check your cooling system Follow our guide to identifying and fixing any problems with your ’van’s cooling system Project Sherpa: part IX Our Gentleman Jack on ‘wiring up’ our Peanuts project ’van, and preparing it for the winter

BUY & OWN Marketplace news Our buying and owning expert on sad news from Discover Leisure, plus NCC approval NEC Show round-up All the news from the Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham, including our pick of the best ’vans that were on display things for winter… The first in a two-part series of tips to help keep your ’van in great condition during the colder months

TESTED Tested column Jeremiah Mahadevan on the motorhome market, and the ins and outs of ten-year warranties Tested: Adria Matrix M SF The Slovenian manufacturer’s low-profile with drop-down bed Live-in test: Bessacarr E It’s got twin single beds and a rear washroom, but what do our testers think of the latest British Bessie? Tested: Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK This compact little end-kitchen ’van comes under our scrutiny Gear: Get online on tour The latest gear and gadgets to help you get connected onsite

Me and my ’van How one couple discovered the joys of downsizing from an A-class Personal shopper We help Practical Motorhome readers to find the perfect motorhome for their needs Secondhand challenge Nick Harding hunts down a pair of , L-shaped lounge coachbuilts:an Auto-Sleeper Ravenna and a Bessacarr E Used-’van buyer Follow our guide to buying an Auto-Sleeper Symphony or Symbol, from all-new www.practicalmotorhome.com | January 2012 | 7