Ideas for articles in Practical Caravan magazine

[mealsonwheels]

Nigel recently asked forum members for ideas on product tests we would like to see covered in future issues of the magazine.

How about suggestions for future magazine articles too?

I for one would be interested to see an article on what 'Quality Assurance' methods are used by various manufacturers before a caravan leaves the factory.

 

[Surfer]

More site reviews and less reviews on fancy high priced cars which most of us cannot afford. Perhaps also more reviews on second hand caravans. More practical tips.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Agree with Ian and also more shorter UK and overseas reader experiences instead of long ones. Unless they are visiting somewhere you have either been or intend to vist, they are of limited interest.

 

[Stephen_374341239]

Yes I agree less reviews on fancy high priced cars which most of us cannot afford what about second hand tow cars would be better. Perhaps also more reviews on second hand caravans. More practical tips. More DIY Tips,DiY servicing,Up grading basic caravans like Doug "Fix-It King he has done some very good project jobs.

I can only speak for myself by saying that I managed to work up to purchase a Bailey Ranger 460/4 new in 2007 which made our day. But it will be the last new caravan I will purchase because there just getting to expensive for my pocket.

 

[Hugh_374319267]

I enjoy P C magazine but get bored with lengthy readers holidays, places to visit, expensive car tests etc.

Being a practical type person I enjoy readers questions, practical projects, second hand caravan reviews. Keep it as the name says on the front.

Hugh

 

[trucker]

I too get fed up with all the expesive cars on test, David Morton does not realise we mear motals buy second hand normal cars as well as some which buy the large expensive ones. Come on pc get david to balance the reviews. What about son 5k and under good tow cars, and 4x4s with the good points and pitfalls of the models.

I do like the practical stuff.

Whats happened to the wren, a great project and very interesting as well.

Kevin

 

[Guest]

Nuturist sites with plenty of pics please.

 

[nrdonnelly]

Dear All,

As with the thread in the technical section, there is some great feedback on here. Thanks for that.

With regard to the towcar tests, it is very tricky to balance. We cannot meaningfully test used towcars - certainly not in the way we test new ones. How a used car performs is affected to a large extent by the amount of miles covered and how it has been maintained. That is why the main tow car tests are carried out on new models. We also gather our test cars from the press fleets of manufacturers and they tend to put top end cars on the fleets, but much of the data is equally applicable to lower specification models.

Based on previous feedback, we have increased the amount of used tow car buying information featured over the last year, with buying guides for Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Volvo V70 amongst others. We also had features on whether it is cheaper to run two cars than one big tow car and another in the January issue on the best

 

[Surfer]

Okay we volunteer our 1997 Toyota Hi Lux Surf 3.0 litre`auto for a test. It has only done 79000 miles which is very little for a diesel engine. I am sure that there will be others willing to offer old Landcruisers, Shoguns, Patrols etc under 20 years of age for testing.

Many of us have old 4 x 4s as they are only used for towing and are relatively easy and cheap to fix and we need them because we are pulling an older heavier caravan, single or twin axle.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Hi Nigel

When we were going to France for the first time 18 months ago, we had many 'questions' as to what exactly to expect and an article detailing such a trip would have been very helpful.

We obviously muddled through but only by chance and learned many things. Some are small but still important - e.g. not to approach a Page booth with a lap full of maps, sunglasses etc., as sometimes you have to get out to reach the attendant!! Also a picture of the overhead signing on these toll booths and their meanings as once again we ended up in the 'lorry' lane and I could not even reach the attendant!! Fortunately my husband is very good at reversing, but neverthless it was a stressful situation, especially if a lorry had pulled in behing us. OK we laugh about it now, but at the time it was worrying.

We are going to France again in May with many less worries, but an article through inexperienced eyes would have been helpful.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Hi Nigel

When we were going to France for the first time 18 months ago, we had many 'questions' as to what exactly to expect and an article detailing such a trip would have been very helpful.

We obviously muddled through but only by chance and learned many things. Some are small but still important - e.g. not to approach a Page booth with a lap full of maps, sunglasses etc., as sometimes you have to get out to reach the attendant!! Also a picture of the overhead signing on these toll booths and their meanings as once again we ended up in the 'lorry' lane and I could not even reach the attendant!! Fortunately my husband is very good at reversing, but neverthless it was a stressful situation, especially if a lorry had pulled in behing us. OK we laugh about it now, but at the time it was worrying.

We are going to France again in May with many less worries, but an article through inexperienced eyes would have been helpful.

Sorry - should read Peage.

 

[Northwood]

What an excellent idea, having our magazine assiting us with gerneral day to day issues of owning a caravan,

such as.

1. The need for a Moisture meter within the van

2. Should our vans be fitted with Moisture indicators

3. Should our new vans need to use Dehumifiers during the winter.

4. Ventilation. Can ventilation cause damp in the winter.

5. Update on wintering a caravan.

6. What is meant by a CCS aproval.

7. A faults page to indicate to purchasers of new and second hand caravans what to look out for.

8. A name and shame section to report dealers and manufactures

9. Your rights under law when faults are discovered.

 

[Northwood]

Example of interest shown by one of the major manufactures begining with "B" phone your dealer the issues will have to be resolved by them. Bloody Great. I think a lot of the readers would be very interested.

 

[Del_374232870]

The old Cheap as chips with basic old vans from dealer forecourts and the reports on bringing them up to good condition.

General travel logs of tours in the Uk and sites, not just family sites but CL's , adult only etc.

Accesory tests, but not just reviews, how about long term tests for everday items , such as TV's, even Plates etc , we all use them, so would be good to know how they last.

 

[mealsonwheels]

Agree with you about having more articles on CL's Del.