Nick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.
My week
What a find Louth was last week. Our choice of certificated location (CL) was the wonderful Nutty Cottage, which is just over a mile’s walk into the town centre and we were there for a bustling market day. They fall on a Wednesday each week.
It was lovely to see so many independent shops too. If you’re not a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, I’d seriously recommend joining simply for access to its CL network of small, minimal facilities sites. Alternatively, the Camping and Caravanning Club runs a similar scheme, but calls them certificated sites (CSs). They really are the ultimate getaway sites.
In the news
Bath – a brush with the Clean Air Zone
Oh dear, it seems I’m out of favour with Bath, falling foul of its Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Rather unwittingly, I went into the zone in my T5 California SE campervan and have ended up with a £69 fine, because it’s classed as a motor caravan and not a private car. My appeal has been rejected too.
Bath’s record on pollution isn’t great, so I’m happy to help in any way if it means cleaner air for all. I’m just a bit annoyed with myself for not reading the small print. My ignorance is no defence.
I’d suggest any owners of motorhomes with engines classed as meeting Euro V legislation (like mine) or less either use the park-and-ride schemes or take their custom elsewhere.
Meanwhile, I certainly can’t afford to upgrade to a T6 California, so maybe I should swap in for a Range Rover or similar? They’re exempt…
Swift goes Live for 2022
Want to find out more about Swift’s new caravan and motorhome offerings for the season ahead? It’s just announced it will be hosting its new Swift Live online showcase event. September 1st is the start date, running through to the 23rd.
For a sneak preview, and following on from last week’s Swift caravan news, I can now tell you what to expect on the motorhomes front. The total line-up is some 26 models, with a complete makeover for its flagship Kon-Tiki range. I’m looking forward to seeing the new interiors, designed along “business jet aesthetics” lines, according to Swift.
Along with general updates to the Escape and Edge ranges, the Selects – until now all van conversions – are to be extended to include four Compact coachbuilts.
All Swift’s 2022 season motorhomes are Fiat Ducato-based. I can’t wait to see them in the flesh…
Time to get down to speed?
I’m with the majority in that I think motorway speeds should be cut when there’s bad weather. A survey by the RAC concludes some 72 per cent of drivers would like to see the 70mph maximum dropped down to encourage better driving behaviour and all-round safety when it’s raining hard. In such scenarios, 60mph or less is deemed to be a respectable limit.
It’s not just about safety, though. If we were all to drive some 10mph slower than normal, we’d use less fuel and push out less pollution, also saving on wear and tear. Just a thought!
Motorhome for me?
Auto-Trail Grande Frontier GF-70
I’m very impressed with what’s coming out of the Auto-Trail factory these days. Van conversions, coachbuilts and now a trio of A-classes under the Grande Frontier name.
At a smidge under 7m long, the smallest of the three is the GF-70, which boasts what would have once been considered a classic end washroom floorplan, but it’s not a layout that features in other A-class manufacturers’ portfolios.
Essentially a two-berth (OK, it sleeps four and two extra travel seats are available as an option), it’s got that king of the road and campsite feel to it. The huge expanse of windscreen, the pull-down double bed, the spacious lounge and, as we’ve come to expect from Auto-Trail, a particularly good kitchen, all count in the GF-70’s favour. Even though the washroom isn’t full width, it does boast a larger-than-average shower cubicle.
I must admit that after a week’s use, I was able to suggest some possible detail improvements, including reading lamps and direct rooflight ventilation for that bed.
Three good: An impressive newcomer, spacious floorplan, the usual A-class space, vision and insulation benefits
Two bad: It needs a few details sorting and it’s not cheap
Perfect for… Grand touring
Also consider: Pilote Galaxy G690D
