What do you want Practical Caravan to test?

[NigelDonnelly]

Dear All

Sat around in the Practical Caravan office this week, we started drawing up lists of which accessories we should test next year. I mean comparison tests - testing things against one another. I dug out an old forum post from about two years ago on a similar subject but I thought things might have moved on.

So I ask again, which accessories would you like us to test? Look forward to the answers and I'll keep popping back to quiz you all about your answers and get more detail.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Heethers]

Nigel a lot has been made about the nose weight gauges, l know you have tested them in the past but their has been alot of discussions on this forum about the validity of some, l myself changed from the tow ball type has l thought it was nowhere near accurate enough to the new Mellenco type which l feel is more far better, may be you could trial a few and give PC's opinion, l know some will say stick to the bathroom scale's but on site l find the Melleco a better choice.
Also l read somewhere their is a system that weighs your van by rolling it on some kind of plastic sheet that has sensors attached to it, are you aware of this system or any other, if so trial on this product would beneficial.
Regards
Nigel H

 

[Oldsalt49]

Hi Nigel,
Considering the number of members, new and old who enquire about which is the best motor mover etc. Why not conduct a comparison test of all makes of caravan mounted motor movers. The test could include incline climbing ability, current drain, cost, repair support, included warranty length and cost of extension. The more technical minded could probably think up a comprehensive test to cover every aspect of the movers abilities.
Nigel, I note the time of you posted you're request, you need to put your pen down now and again you know!!!

OS

 

[Philspadders]

instead of tests , why not reviews of towing vehicles that average Joe in the street can afford. One thing in common all the publications have is that they only ever test new vehicles and a i can remember that last time they reviewed a vehicle that cost less than £20k.

How many people actually tow with a brand new car let alone are actually able to buy a bend new £20k towing vehicle.

Reviews of good second user vehicles may be in order, such as Mondeos, Rover's, ex fleet vehicles that oftn your first time camper already has or can actuallty afford.

 

[Surfer]

Previously I have also questioned a reviews about motor movers as this is the most expensive item that you are fitting toa caravan. A good point has been raised about second hand towing vehilces as I would say the majority of us cannot afford new vehicles or vehicles costing in excess of £20000.
By the way don't forget to do a review on the most suitable corkscrew for a caravan.

 

[Steve L]

I for one would like to see a test of noseweight guages coupled with just how good and acurate review of instructions for use.

Thanks to a cheap and cheerfull TS pogo stick guage slipping off the A frame where their 1980's instructions said it was ok to use there, I have a permanent dead lower lip and was very lucky indeed to survive a near 100Kg smack in the mouth.

There has been good debate on the forum about these guages and the potential accuracey or not as the case may be. I highlighted the fact that unless the guages hold an ISO 9002 calibration certificate and a regular re-calibration proceedure, the guages are merely comparitors and not to be relied upon as accurate devices. ie, to contest a VOSA vehicle inspection findings report.

So there we have it Nigel. Two differing aspects to investigate what is arguably only two pieces of tube and a spring. But they hold the ability to injure people or bring legal procecution if the guage isn't upto the job.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Apologies if you've already done it but the easy erect awnings like the Sunncamp, Kampa, Outdoor Revolution, Pyramid etc.
Any size would do, either the 260 or 390. If you do test them please don't say the Kampa is rubbish because we've just bought one although not used it yet.

What is interesting is the difference in buying online. We checked out a place we were staying in Norwich and they were £40 below RRP, going for £239 but online I bought one £49 cheaper still making it £89 cheaper than RRP.

 

[ValA.]

I have a bee in my bonnet about the quality of water in carvan water systems - and would like to see a serious test of water quality, delivered to the tap, in a variety of settings and from a variety of caravans. I know this is a more technical 'test' than you would normally conduct, but it would be of serious interest to me and perhaps reveal some quite astonishing information. I'm not aware of any tests which have been done officially - or if there are they are very hard to find. I'd be quite happy to volunteer our water system amongst those to be tested!

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Nigel
Sadly SWMBO likes her tv whilst away.

I use a Maxview 66cm satellite dish and the home sky + box.
I'd like to see some comparisons on the freeview , free sat boxes and different types of dish.
Also some of the sat finders including compasses which work for me.

 

[colinw1]

I'm with Philspadderson this. we are in the market for possible replacements for our aging tow car - I've been up n down the what tow car matching site - I've come up with a list as long as yer arm.. very confusing dot com

It would be nice to have a review of second hand cars - by weight of van that they will tow legally (sub 1000kg, 1000 - 1300 etc.)
And a bit from "real" people who use these cars on a day to day basis - how they behave towing, RFT, economy, service bills etc.

 

[NigelDonnelly]

I knew I could rely on you all for some considered responses!

Noseweight guages - on the list. As far as I know, the Milenco guage is the only one which can be recalibrated and has any reference to ISO certification. The Reich digital one is very interesting though and the rollover one is interesting, although it records the weight of the jockey wheel, rather than the hitch. The BPW and Al-KO Jockey wheels with integrated guages are great for at a glance measurement, but I've no idea how accurate they claim to be. Anyway - on the list, as I said

Motor movers - Inherently very difficult as unless you fit them, it's tough to say what the points of difference are. Maybe if we compared weight and price, combined with the owner surveys to explain how well they've worked and any problems encountered?

Used tow cars - in terms of doing comparative testing, this is very tricky. We do guides to buying used towcars in the mag but testing used stuff is difficult. We take the view that today's new cars are tomorrows used ones. For example, a new Mondeo has a list price of nearly £30k depending on the spec, but if you buy the same car two years later, it has more than halved in price. But the testing data from when they were new is still relevant. We run a list of 25 best used buys and 25 best new picks in the mag each month - the Vectra is our current star as it is a little bit unfashionable, but so capable as a towcar. It was a car we tested new in 2008. The other thing of course is that used cars are so variable. We'll keep thinking about it though and improve things where we can. And all suggestions are welcome.

Keep em' coming

 

[NigelDonnelly]

I knew I could rely on you all for some considered responses!

Noseweight guages - on the list. As far as I know, the Milenco guage is the only one which can be recalibrated and has any reference to ISO certification. The Reich digital one is very interesting though and the rollover one is interesting, although it records the weight of the jockey wheel, rather than the hitch. The BPW and Al-KO Jockey wheels with integrated guages are great for at a glance measurement, but I've no idea how accurate they claim to be. Anyway - on the list, as I said

Motor movers - Inherently very difficult as unless you fit them, it's tough to say what the points of difference are. Maybe if we compared weight and price, combined with the owner surveys to explain how well they've worked and any problems encountered?

Used tow cars - in terms of doing comparative testing, this is very tricky. We do guides to buying used towcars in the mag but testing used stuff is difficult. We take the view that today's new cars are tomorrows used ones. For example, a new Mondeo has a list price of nearly £30k depending on the spec, but if you buy the same car two years later, it has more than halved in price. But the testing data from when they were new is still relevant. We run a list of 25 best used buys and 25 best new picks in the mag each month - the Vectra is our current star as it is a little bit unfashionable, but so capable as a towcar. It was a car we tested new in 2008. The other thing of course is that used cars are so variable. We'll keep thinking about it though and improve things where we can. And all suggestions are welcome.

Keep em' coming

 

[NigelDonnelly]

Oh. And corkscrews and lightweight awnings are also up for consideration!

 

[Mel]

How about memory foam mattress toppers. You could go for a number of parameters including comfort, stowability, overheating of occupant (you would of course need to factor in age and gender of occupant; "said with feeling" emoticon here), cost, thickness etc. You could also include the all in one mattress and duvet things.
......and corkscrews, definitly corkscrews.
mel

 

[Steve L]

Here's an odd one to try:- Toilet chemicals.

When you go full time like me it soon becomes apparent some work a lot better than others and some are just overpriced watered down (Gerald Ratner). I guess most of us know the famous gaff he said that caused overnight colapse of his empire. To coin a fraze, it went down the pan!!
I regularly see caravanners obviously not acustomed to desposing of their waste and having to use chemicals. You know the ones, Latex gloves, plastic aprons, safety glasses and I've even seen face masks in use. Trust me a cctv camera by the disposal piont could make me a fortune on u been framed.

Then there is the more dangerous side of this taboo, but very emotional subject.

Some folks think "the more the merryer" when it comes to dilution rates. Infact if you are silly enough to use Blue famaldahyde based chemical and use household toilet cleaner products you can cause a nasty concoction that could be a health hazard.

Also economics play's a vital part if you have long vacations. I found that the cheap dealer own brand chemicals actually didn't represent value for money in the long run.

I won't give the game away yet on which products I found to be both most effective and good value for your cash.

 

[NigelDonnelly]

Mel

Can imagine a lot of volunteers for the mattress topper test.
'Just nipping out to the van for a couple of hours to see how comfy the mattress topper is...'
On the list though.

Cheers

 

[Wendy-Norfolk]

I regularly see caravanners obviously not acustomed to desposing of their waste and having to use chemicals. You know the ones, Latex gloves, plastic aprons, safety glasses and I've even seen face masks in use. Trust me a cctv camera by the disposal piont could make me a fortune on u been framed.

LOL, this just reminded me of a chap we saw a few years ago, he went to the CEP dressed in a pair of overalls, rubber boots and black rubber gauntlets. We witnessed some sights over the years, but this was by far the best!!!

 

[forestgump]

larger kebbabs pork scratchings.i can be a judge.

 

[starlightdj]

Hi Nigel
Just an observation, i regularly read a motorcycle magazine called Ride. They regularly reveiw products and go to great lengths to describe the test criteria and then test to sometimes distruction the product in question so as to give an acurate assesment of the item.
I understand the need for product reviews however find the reveiws in this mag. not to be comprehensive enough or too flowery to be really objective aswell as quite limited in the quantity of items tested. ie reveiwing 4 comparisons in a market where at least 20 competitors exist is too limited

Perhaps when reviewing products they could also be season based ie coming into winter. Just some things that come to mind:
Thinking of storage - caravan covers, bags to store bedding (vacume bags), grip mats for placing under the car wheels on wet grass / tow ropes, thermal jackets for water barrels, storage bags to put the dirty barrels in before storing them back in the van, waterproof clothing / gloves - winter wheels axle stands to take the weight of the tyres etc.
Torches - Head torches, battery, solar powered, wind up. how bright? led or bulb etc
Solar panels for the rallying caravaners - different makes, power / wattage, ease of use, conection, mounting options, how to secure to stop theft etc

other items to test regularly, levelling ramps far too many to choose from.
Nose weight gauges, different types of jockey wheels.
Mirrors - flat / convex , stick on glass type, strap on type, screw on type etc

Reversing camers both wired and remote. different in car screen options.

Security - Wheel locks / Hitch locks - test to distruction or like the police do, bring in a thief / expert to break each lock to see which is the hardest to get off. Practical demonstrations mean more than a leaflet that comes with the product which you only discover was inacurate after your pride and joy has disapeared.
After market alarms.

If done right and enough products tested in each catagory you could build up a full rating system which could force other competitors to bring their products up to scratch.

Please be brave and dont be afraid of upsetting people, after all who are you testing / reveiwing the products for - the customer whom reads the magazine or the potential advertiser whom in the normal cource of business will come and go anyway.

Some people buy the bike magazine purely just for its product reveiws because they know they can trust the comments given, if done right or better this could really make a feature of this great magazine.

Hope this helps and not ment to sound negative but constructive.

Cheers
John

 

[Parksy]

I'd agree with Starlight who mentioned things that those of us who regularly camp away from ehu buy.
There is a growing market for solar panels from small panels which trickle charge leisure batteries whilst the caravan is in storage to large panels which will supply charge to the battery for weeks during the summer months.
Unlike trickle charge solar power larger panels also require 'controllers' ( sometimes called 'regulators'). Both panels and regulators vary considerably in price and quality, there are monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels and a comprehensive buyers guide would answer many of the questions posed by those considering solar power.
A definitive solar panel roof installation guide with the panel hard wired into the caravan via a weatherproof roof shroud wouldn't come amiss but that's me being selfish because it's a job that I've pencilled in over the cold months.
Similarly power inverters which are used to run appliances such as flat screen tv's off ehu would warrant investigation and comment, ours was a cheap and cheerful Argos model but we wondered why the price varied so much for basically the same thing.
Ralliiers are more often than not buyers of led light bulbs which use little power to preserve battery charge life but the quality of emitted light can be variable and at around £10 per bulb it helps to get things right first time.
Roll out porches which are permanently attatched to awning rails in warmer weather might be of interest. Does this semi permanent attatchment have any effect on the water ingress integrity of a caravan? I wonder if the weight would pull the awning rail away from the caravan or distort the joint between roof and side ?

 

[NigelDonnelly]

Parkesy,
Glad to have you back after your computer trouble!

We did a feature on installing a solar panel last year - got a lot of stick too for it being bonded to the roof rather than screwed, but that is what the workshop did! Don't shoot the messenger.

Do you all think there is enough interest in a feature on inverters and battery management? It's a subject that I find fascinating but I am acutely aware that I like to get my hands dirty, whereas plenty of other caravanners like to just get their feet up! The biggest limitation in modern caravans is the size of the battery compartment - space for extra battery provision is not really there in modern vans. We can cover all of it though, if that's what you want.

Great feedback though - keep it going!

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

How about lightweight easy chairs/recliners?
Looking at the construction, weight, comfort, how easy to replace strapping etc.
Again a bit late for me. During the summer I must have been suffering sun stroke because I bought two LaFuma reclining chairs, something I said I would never do because I couldn't justify paying that price

I keep telling myself that I only bought them because it was a good offer but it's not working. I must be mental

 

[Parksy]

Thanks Nigel, it's great to be back online.

I've always been led to believe that bonding the panel brackets with Sikaflex to the caravan roof and then bolting the panel frame to the brackets was the way to do it.

We are seeing more caravan newbies at rallies than ever, with site price increases local rallies and temporary holiday sites are becoming a seriously considered alternative for families. Our d.a. in the West Midlands had 53 units in the snow at their first rally of the year last February !
If the NCC ever manage to force through their ideas on regular electrical inspections for tourers after they have charged their approved service engineers two grand each there is sure to be many deeply sceptical tourer owners who would be very interested in renewable 12volt power.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I've just thought of another although I think you might have done this. Then again it might have been the CC mag I saw it. That's if I saw it at all ... heh! heh! heh!
Dog guards or cages for cars.

 

[Parksy]

A 'fun' test might be the lightweight flagpoles and windsocks or flags that we see more and more of on tourers. There are also different ways of fixing them from ground stakes to jockey wheel brackets.