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
Phew, what a scorcher! There can’t be too many people who’ve avoided the hot temperatures and sunny days recently. If you’re out and about travelling, so much the better. Be careful out in the sun. I hope it’s yet another sign that things are getting back to normal.
In the news
Scotland, home of whiskey? I’ll nae drink to that…
Oh, Alan Rogers. How could you? The most recent mail-out from the highly-regarded sites inspection and leisure vehicle travel specialist, which published its first guide to campsites in the UK and across Europe back in 1968, takes a closer look at Scotland – “land of mountains and lochs. Home to bagpipes, haggis and whiskey” – that’s its take.
It then goes on to mention the Isle of Sky as a key place to visit. It’s Skye, not Sky, of course. More serious though – especially to us Scots – is that Scotland is the home of whisky, definitely not whiskey.
We all make mistakes, of course. And it’s true, it’s how we respond to such setbacks that is the making of us. In that spirit, I’m happy to raise a dram to another 50 years of campsite inspecting success for Alan Rogers
Bürstner to bring the roof up?
You can always rely on Bürstner to announce something a bit different. Among the early news for the 2022 season are a potentially emissions-free van conversion and the Gallery Roof, a concept that adds an elevated section to the overcab pod of a low-profile coachbuilt motorhome.
A touch of a button and compressed air literally raises the roof, making it viable for sleeping in. I don’t care much for the looks, but it could prove to be rather effective.
The German manufacturer is also debuting the Eliseo CNG, a van conversion based on Fiat’s Ducato with a hybrid engine that uses compressed natural gas as well as petrol and offers a range of nearly 250 miles.
Caravan crush
Swift Elegance 565 – a singular approach
Style, kit, single beds… Swift’s Elegance 565 has it all, but of course there’s a price to pay and vans like this are never going to be light. Those two factors aside, if you want all that’s best in a contemporary caravan, think Elegance.
Whilst accepting the general penchant for island beds, there’s always room in the portfolio for a single beds offering, especially when they’re accompanied by a general, full-width washroom like this.
I remember getting a very early view of the about-to-be-launched Elegance back in 2013 and was quick to praise Swift’s bold approach. Being a little bit arrogant, I couldn’t help suggesting such a futuristic-looking tourer needed a little bit extra – USB ports. Sure enough, all Elegances have them.
Three good: Aesthetically pleasing inside and out, with wood-free bodywork
Two bad: Nearside bed is a tad short and it’s hefty
Perfect for… Style seekers who prefer to sleep separately
Also consider: Adria Alpina Colorado or Coachman VIP 565
Gadget envy
Time to gear up? Kit you never knew you needed
You know what it’s like, you see something another caravanner or motorhomer has and think: I’d love one of those. Well, here’s three. Firstly, how about an off-line screw bit holder? It’s for getting at otherwise inaccessible screws, in corner steadies, perhaps?
Laser Tools has the whole problem solved here, with this oh-so useful attachment for an electric screwdriver or cordless drill. It’s dual-functionality allows it to be locked in a straight position for normal use, then releasing its ball joint means it can be used at any angle – including, of course, any otherwise inaccessible corner steadies. Not bad for just over £15.
I’ve also just discovered a new DIY headlamp cleaner. It’s the Quixx Headlight Restoration Kit, from Germany. And it helps restore headlight lenses to their original condition, so your lights are as bright as they were when new.
Thirdly, as we are in the middle of several massive events – I’m thinking mainly of football’s Euro 2020 here – if you don’t want to miss any of the action, why not invest in a Movie Screen, from Outwell? Perfect for setting up in an awning, you just need to supply your own projector…
