Product tests in Practical Caravan

[nrdonnelly]

Dear All,

Sorry to come on and pick your brains, but before we commit to what we are going to be testing over the coming year, I like to know if any of your have any special requests with regard to product tests in Practical Caravan?

We have already worked out that a test of caravan covers is overdue. We are also going to look at levelling ramps, caravan steps, adhesive sealants and wing mirror extentions but I'd like to know of there are any caravan accessories that you think need assessing and testing properly?

We won't be testing things like walking boots or waterproof jackets unless you feel very strongly because I reckon most people don't pick up Practical Caravan to find out what boots to buy. But if that's wrong, please let me know.

I'd love to hear your thoughts

Thanks in anticipation

Nigel Donnelly

Editor

Practical Caravan

 

[RichardJ]

hiya

Don't know if you have already done this, but following a discussion I had with a gas fitter, i took out my smoke alarm, tossed it in the bin, replaced it with a multi function alarm, it seems to me that there are so many about, but I could not buyb the one recommended by the gas fitter at any caravan centre, got it from my electrical wholesaler, okay it cost

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Nigel,

Done to death on this forum but all the mags have been very quiet about jacks. With the new Al-Ko wheel locks you have to jack up a TA to fit both locks. I'd start with the OME and then lookl at the cheap 2 tonners hydraulics which do the job well, could do with more lift height.

Cheers

Alan

 

[JTQ]

I would like to see a "test" or at least an appraisal of the available LED replacement lights.

Effectiveness, beam pattern, price , source and power saving etc. Clearly some of this is subjective but a considered review is better that buying blind.

Thanks John

 

[Graham_374319662]

We won't be testing things like walking boots or waterproof jackets unless you feel very strongly because I reckon most people don't pick up Practical Caravan to find out what boots to buy. But if that's wrong, please let me know

Boots and Jackets or any other outdoor equipment advice is useful and may stop caravanner buying inappropriate equipment.

Most folk who need a new coat won't go and buy a specialist mag to find the best. So an artical in PC may help

 

[Rodone]

Hello Nigel, I would agree with JTQ on the LED lamps. I have replaced pretty well all of mine now, but like JTQ says, it was all a bit hit and miss. ( Still looking for two LED awning light bulbs to replace the two 10 watt halogens! )

 

[Graham_374377041]

Porch Awnings, probably already done to death but would be a useful topic.

 

[JTS]

Hi Nigel, I think that a comprehensive article on caravan tyres is "Long Overdue". Some time ago I posted an article about tyres, one member actually posted "what a load of rubbish" but I notice from his frequent posts that he is not the most experienced caravanner and by his habits is not the sort you want,safety wise, on the motorway with you. Its my opinion that tyres are the most neglected aspect of caravanning. I have known those who collect their caravan from winter storage and and drive off to a site even without checking their tyres.

By a comprhensive article I mean not just an opinion of a knowledgeable caravanner or PC staff,but advice from the experts of the tyre industry regarding replacement, age, storage advice etc etc. In other words an article that we could use as a standard for the future.Regards. JTS.

 

[AndyR1]

Hi Nigel,

How about solar panels and how to make best use of them?

We are just getting into non ehu caravanning so this is something I am investigating at present.

Cheers

Andy

 

[AlanJ]

Hi Nigel

Certainly agree with the LED lights, they are certainly not as bright, which probably suggests keeping your reading spotlights as halogen?

Tyres another excellent practical topic always big debates also on the effectiveness of Tyron Safety Bands and pre/post puncture sealants.

Have to say I am increasingly disappointed with all the Caravan Mags as they just go over & over the same sort of topics. Useful for first timers but after one or two they get boring.

I now buy more MotorHome Mags as they tend to have much more interesting articles on touring Europe/UK and many of the innovations in Motorhomes tend to find their way into Caravans i.e. EFOY Fuel Cell (I have had one of these for a year now and despair at the lack on in-depth assessmet of these), Solar Panels (again just how effective and how much they actually generate here in the UK not on an IDEAL day in S. Spain at the height of summer).

My impression is that journalists tend to repeat the manufacturers hype where magazines like PC should be getting under the bonnet at the useful practicalities.

 

[RogerP]

As a Parent I'd like to see some product tests for

1) In car entertainment whilst traveling to site (and not specifically DVD players but anything to keep little one amused)

2) Similar to above , rainy day entertainment.

Preferably tests around low cost and low tech alternatives.

Another area to look at is weight saving alternatives , looking at traditional kit and fixtures that could be replaced with a lighter alternatives.

I like the solar power theme as well , maybe taking at look at your average use whilst on EHU and if this can be met by greener alternatives.

 

[ValA.]

Nigel - I know not strictly 'product testing' but would it be possible to run some tests on the water systems in caravans? I ask because there's always a debate about 'Do you drink the water from your aquaroll?'. We don't, because when we stripped our pump and the connecting pipes they were absolutely full of black slime and jelly which I can't imagine would be good for you (but would it be harmful...... that's the question).

I'd like to know whether the water is actually fit to drink - but can't think of anyone but a caravan magazine editor who might consider such testing worthwhile. I'm sure many others would also like to know.

It would obviously have to be properly 'field-tested' because a new caravan wouldn't have had the same possible 'bacteriological' and 'fungal' contacts. Our system is used mainly in France - and therefore the water heats up and cools down daily - which in itself I can't imagine is good for drinking water, particularly open to the elements as it is in an aquaroll where the top is only loosely 'fitted'.

Just a thought!

 

[ValA.]

We'd be happy to supply some 'field samples' perhaps, and I'm sure there would be other people who would also be more than willing to help.

 

[bigbilly]

I would definitely like an article on converting to LED bulbs but it would have to be detailed and practical rather than an overview because I think most people appreciate the principle.

Bill

 

[JTS]

Nigel.

Further to my earlier post regarding tyres.I can understand the requests for articles regarding the luxury/convenient aspect of caravanning and support the ideas, however, when I think of my ealier post on tyres and then the post by Val A on water, I would like to suggest that a permanent monthly article on the "Health and Safety" aspects of caravanning could be a feature in future.

JTS.

 

[Parksy]

Hi Nigel

With the rise in popularity of fixed bed caravans how about a test on bedding, sheets duvets and pillows etc?

Some use normal duvets and sheets available from supermarkets, others buy from specialist manufacturers.Which is warmest and which one is less likely to 'bobble'after one or two washes?

A question often asked on forums is what exterior cleaning products we use. Shampoo, polish wax etc and what's best for removing winter grime?

There are also different toilet chemicals, powder sachets or liquid? What toilet roll do most caravanners use, the expensive Thetford stuff or Tesco / Asda like us?

Not too sure how you'd go about testing the toilet rolls though ;0)

 

[Dexter1]

hiya

Don't know if you have already done this, but following a discussion I had with a gas fitter, i took out my smoke alarm, tossed it in the bin, replaced it with a multi function alarm, it seems to me that there are so many about, but I could not buyb the one recommended by the gas fitter at any caravan centre, got it from my electrical wholesaler, okay it cost

 

[Guest]

I know I am digressing from the original Post, and I apologise for that. However, seeing as Nigel is looking for advice I would like to suggest to his magazine that apart from testing 'bits and bobs' could they actually complete some real live-in tests? I see little advantage in reading a so-called 'live-in test' where the cooker is not used, the bedding is usually a couple of sleeping bags and of course, an awning is never erected. There are usually comments that 'there is ample stirage'. However, never any actual pictures of showing the van containing the full complement of equipment. Then is usually when one finds out that you cannot store saucepans with handles or crockery for a family, the electric socket is usually above the gas burners. I regret looking at a picture of someone with a laptop on a table and maybe one mug, does nothing to impress me. Load the damm thing with all the clobber that the berth count indicates, and see if it actually will take it, or NOT. Empty lockers that cannot be filled are misleading.

The argument is given that the manufacturer would like their van back in pristine condition. My comment is if the van is so weak, that the slightest wear and tear will show it up, then surely that is the whole point of having tests. Bluntly, if it is a family van put a family in it for 2 weeks and then show the pictures. Not 2 20 - 30 year olds with no attachments. Maybe then we would not feel so disappointed when looking at our own vans that can often look very shoddy after just a single season of average wear, and thinking 'did I just get conned'?

OK, my rant is over and I will admit that a lot of the above is one reason why I cancelled my subscription to the magazine. The previous occupants of the editor's chair were less than impressive as well. However, in mitigation, I do purchase other magazines produced by Haymarket so do give them some revenues.

 

[nrdonnelly]

Dear All,

Some really great ideas here, so thanks very much for your input. I'll have a rethink about doing some outdoor stuff - Practical Caravan may not be the place you'd go for jacket reviews and so on, but I appreciate the point that casual walkers may appreciate some relevant advice.

With regard to the caravan tests, I appreciate and accept some of the points made Scotch Lad, and thanks for putting them across in such detail. Practical Caravan does a very thorough job of giving new product the once over. The comparative tests are in-depth and our towcar stuff is peerless in my opinion (forgive my modesty). But we are always looking to improve things. Based on specific feedback we have introduced a regular used towcar buying feature, added an in-depth used caravan buying guide and tried to focus content on the core concerns of caravanners.

Live-in caravan tests present different problems. We try and match families to suitable caravans so the everyday niggles which inevitably crop up (plug socket locations, silly design and lack of storage / workspace) can be assessed. Putting one of our writers in a six-berth and expecting them to know what problems crop up for a family is not much use to anybody. That is why we avoid it where possible.

I am not claiming this is perfect, We cannot hope to provide detailed info on the potential longevity of a caravan as typically we have only a few days to assess each model. Caravans which we have on long-term test get a much harder time and we report problems we encounter over the course of the time we have with them.

One thing that I am proud of is that everybody who writes for Practical Caravan tows to their destination, using and enjoying the caravans they have access to. All the writers, freelance or staff, tow hundreds, maybe thousands of miles each a year, write travel features based from a caravan site, based on experience and not from a B&B with a guidebook and by cribbing copy from a website.

I welcome feedback and criticism of what we are doing in magazine and rely on that feedback to find what works and what does not. I also hope that by asking directly what you want to see in the magazine on this forum, you appreciate that we are striving to make Practical Caravan as complete, relevant and enjoyable as possible.

Cheers and thanks for the feedback so far

Nigel Donnelly

Editor

Practical Caravan

 

[Duggie_374362603]

Nigel how about tests on caravan dealer servicing/warenty,s

looking on this forum there never seems to be two dealers that have the same price for doing exactly the same job and some will give damp/gas /elecrtic check certificates and some will not unless pushed hard to supply them if at all just a thought that the mag might do .

thanks

Duggie

 

[Stephen_374341239]

OK You asked Nigel

Try the following:

Diy Sat dish Run again, Small Trolly Jacks, Wheel Clamps,

Ex wing mirrors, Tv Aerial Digital, Caravan over Wintering, Better locks, Levelling Ramps, Cooking Aids, Awning Peg,s, Al-ko Product IE How to change hitch Pads, Water carrier,

Motor movers, Mattress Toppers, More from Hilay Harris cooking Ideas, If you need any more Nigel give me a E Mail I got a list as long as your arm.

Kind regards best wishes Janet & Steve Young

 

[Surfer]

Perhaps re-runs on products already reviewed that have been updated, i.e. motor movers, heating systems wheel clamps etc.

 

[Parksy]

How about caravan forums? ;0)

 

[Stephen_374341239]

How about caravan forums? ;0)

NICE ONE Parksy I bet they cop a deffen.

 

[keithp]

How about caravan forums? ;0)

How about looking into sercurity of different anti-theft devices? How easy are they to open? How long do they take to open etc?

I have bought a few products that were sold secure tested as i own a couple of motorbikes and was horrified to see a link posted on the internet where a guy unlocked a couple of sold secure locks with an everyday item that costs pence.