Reviews
From time-to-time, we get the chance to review a motorhome-related product. Sometimes this is something we have bought for ourselves to use and sometimes it is a product we have been given by a supplier or manufacturer to review.
All our reviews are genuine reviews of a product we have tried. We will always say whether we purchased an item or were given it to review.
- MOTORHOME LIGHTS & ELECTRICAL
- WINDOWS & VENTILATION
- KITCHEN & BATHROOM
- LEVELLING
- BASE VEHICLE ACCESSORIES
- MOTORHOME CARE PRODUCTS
- MOTORHOME CONVERSION BOOKS
- MOTORHOME TRAVEL BOOKS
- MAPS
- MOTORHOME TRAVEL STORIES & COOKBOOKS
- ELECTRONICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
- OUTDOOR CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
- CAMPSITES
- CAMPERVANS & MOTORHOMES
MOTORHOME LIGHTS & ELECTRICAL REVIEWS
- Amperor ADP-90DC-12 12V Voltage Stabiliser
The Amperor ADP-90DC-12 Voltage Stabiliser is designed to protect sensitive electrical equipment like TVs from fluctuations in your motorhome’s 12V power supply. - Amperor Power Integrator
The Amperor Power Integrator is an impressive new product that combines a battery to battery charger, solar charge controller and starter battery maintenance charger. - Sterling Battery-to-Battery Charger, 12V 50A
The Sterling Battery-to-Battery Charger is a powerful piece of equipment – does it suit your requirements? - Victron Cyrix-i 12/24V 100A Battery Combiner
Victron’s Cyrix-i battery combiner is a clever improvement on the traditional split-charge relay that has worked well in our campervan. - 12v LED Lights
LED lighting is becoming increasingly popular in motorhomes and caravans – but there are still some pitfalls to watch out for.
WINDOWS & VENTILATION REVIEWS
- Seitz
Good quality windows are as important in a motorhome as they are in a house. Seitz S4 windows are the pick of the pack for self-builders – we explain why.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM REVIEWS
- GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cook Set
The GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist is a good quality, compact camping cookware kit. Does it make the grade for campervan use? - Vango Stainless Steel & Non-Stick Cook Kits
We test out two of Vango’s newest cook kits – one stainless steel kit and one non-stick kit. - Thetford Aqua Kem Green vs. Elsan Organic Toilet Fluids
We test the two leading green toilet fluids, Thetford Aqua Kem Green and Elsan Organic Toilet Fluid – and find a surprising difference.
LEVELLING REVIEWS
- Kampa Large Levelling Ramps
We test Kampa’s large levelling ramps and find that they are just right for most situations. - Milenco Quattro Levelling Ramps
The Milenco Quattro levelling ramps are probably the longest and highest ever made – how are they in use?
BASE VEHICLE ACCESSORY REVIEWS
- Ring Xenon Max Headlight Bulbs
Upgrading the headlight bulbs on older vans can provide a big improvement – how well do Ring’s Xenon Max bulbs work in our Transit? - Folding Shovel
A folding shovel is a basic necessity to help you stay mobile and self-sufficient in your motorhome, especially in winter conditions. We review The AA’s offering. - Foot Pumps and 12V Air Compressors
A brief look at some foot pumps and tyre compressors that are suitable for motorhome use.
MOTORHOME CARE PRODUCT REVIEWS
- Airglide Ultimate paint protection
Does the Airglide paint protection system maintain a deep shine and reduce cleaning time as promised? - Muc-Off Caravan & Motorhome Cleaner
We put eco-friendly cleaning specialist Muc-Off’s first motorhome-specific product to the test, with pleasing results. - Spautopia SP Wonderspray & PureX LSP
Spautopia’s SP Wonderspray cleaner and PureX LSP spray polish were new to us, but performed impressively. Find out more in our review. - Mantis Instant Shine
A waterless wash car cleaning product that should be ideal for travel use – how well did it work for us? - Onedrywash Waterless Motorhome Cleaning Kit
A waterless wash solution is ideal for cleaning your motorhome when water’s not convenient – we review Onedrywash and are impressed.
MOTORHOME CONVERSION BOOK REVIEWS
- VW Camper – The Inside Story, by David Eccles (3rd edition, 2020)
David Eccles’ VW Camper – The Inside Story is nothing short of a bible for anyone looking to research old VW camper conversions. - Haynes Volkswagen Bay Transporter Restoration Manual, by Fletcher Gillett
A great guide to the complete restoration of a classic VW ‘Bay’ campervan — have you got what it takes? - One Girl’s Guide To Campervan Conversion, by Anna Pearce
An interesting and different take on how to convert a VW van, well worth a look, especially for shorter people! - Bedford Camper Vans and Motorhomes by Martin Watts
Bedford Camper Vans and Motorhomes: The Inside Story, is another great reference book from classic camper expert Martin Watts. - Classic Dormobile Camper Vans by Martin Watts
We review Classic Dormobile Camper Vans: A Guide to the Camper Vans of Martin Walter and Dormobile, by Martin Watts. This is probably the definitive guide to Dormobile campers throughout the factory’s history. - My Cool Campervan by Jane Field-Lewis & Chris Haddon
My Cool Campervan unearths an amazing selection of vintage campervans that are all still on the road today. - My Cool Caravan by Jane Field-Lewis & Chris Haddon
My Cool Caravan is packed with photos and dedicated to retro caravans – although there are a few retro campers, too. - Travel Vans
A superb book that provides the reader with a detailed understanding of motorhome design and construction. - Motorhomes – A Complete Guide
This is a novel-sized hardback that provides a very readable and comprehensive introduction to motorhomes and motorhome travel. - VW Camper Inspriational Interiors, by David Eccles
This book takes a look at custom and bespoke interiors in VW Campers. It will provide inspiration for aspiring converters and pure viewing pleasure for VW enthusiasts! - Haynes Motorcaravanning Handbook (For an updated review covering the 2012 2nd edition, click here)
Motorcaravanning Handbook is a less technical but equally good alternative to The Motorcaravanning Manual – which one’s for you? - Haynes The Motorcaravan Manual & Build Your Own Motorcaravan
These two Haynes manuals provide a massive amount of information about motorhomes – we review them both. - Camper Van Conversion by Colin Grace
Camper Van Conversion details a flexible, family-friendly conversion of a Ford Transit minibus and is available in paperback, CDROM and downloadable formats. - Convert A Van To A Motorcaravan Ebook
This ebook explains the design choices and construction methods used by the authors to build their motorhome, a Fiat Ducato van conversion. - How To Convert Volkswagen Bus or Van To Camper
Lindsay Porter has published two illustrated guides to converting VW vans – one for T25s and T4s and a more recent book on converting T5s. We’ve taken a look at both of them.
MOTORHOME TRAVEL BOOK REVIEWS
- Brit Stops 2019
This UK stopover guide contains more than 970 locations. Recommended. - All the Aires France (2019 edition)
The latest edition of this unique motorhome stopover guide is bigger, better and includes more than 500 new locations. We still love it. - Camperstop Europe 2018
We review the 12th edition of this popular motorhome stopover guide. This latest edition contains 10,500 camperstops in 27 European countries. - All the Aires Spain and Portugal, 5th edition 2017
The latest version of this excellent guide has 200 new aires in Spain and Portugal, taking the total listed to 636. - Marco Polo USA & Canada maps, plus “Vancouver & The Canadian Rockies” guide.
We review these excellent maps and book after our recent to the north-west states and to Vancouver. - The Rough Guides to Canada and the USA
We review these popular guides after a trip to the north-western USA and Canada’s Vancouver Island. - OurTour Guide to Motorhome Morocco (2nd edition)
We take a look at the much-expanded 2017 edition of Julie and Jason Buckleys’ excellent guide to motorhoming in Morocco. - Marco Polo USA Southwest (pocket guide)
Our newest guide from faves Marco Polo covers Las Vegas, Colorad, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah in one handy format. - Go Dutch, a Road Trip Europe guide from Vicarious Books
We check out the latest driving tour guide from Vicarious Books. - The Rough Guide to New York City & the Marco Polo Travel Handbook New York
We review these excellent but very different guides after a few days in New York. - The Rough Guide to New England
We review the sixth edition of this useful guide after our 2016 trip to New England. - All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (3rd edition/2016)
The latest edition of this Vicarious Books guide includes a significant number of new locations and details of closures since the previous edition was published. - Sea View Camping The West Country
The latest coastal camping guide from Vicarious Books covers Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. - Rough Guide California / Rough Guide vs Marco Polo Las Vegas & San Francisco
Reviews of the guide books used on our USA 2015 trip. - Aree di Sosta 2015/16 (Italian aires)
We review the latest edition of Camperlife’s guide to Italian motorhome aires, parking, service points and farm/vineyard-type sites. Available from Vicarious Books in the UK. - Road Trip Europe: The Great War and More, from Vicarious Books
This new driving tour guide from Vicarious Books takes in parts of France, Germany, Belgium and Holland and would make a great introduction to continental touring — or a convenient ‘instant’ holiday plan. - Sea View Camping – Wales
Another book from the Sea View Camping range from Vicarious Books – perfect for exploring the Welsh coastline. - Sea View Camping – Scotland, Highlands and Islands
The latest campsite guide from Vicarious Books is a true ‘Ronseal’ publication, and very good value! - The Rough Guide To France
We review the new 13th edition of Rough Guides 1,000-page guide to France. - The Rough Guide to The Lake District
We review Rough Guides companion to the Lake District and like it. - UPDATED 2013 review: All the Aires France plus Go Motorhoming and Caravanning & All The Aires Mountains
We review the latest edition of All the Aires France, probably Vicarious Books’ most popular and widely-used guide. - The Rough Guide to Norway vs. Lonely Planet Norway
We used The Rough Guide to Norway alongside Lonely Planet Norway for a month and decided that we like the Rough Guide best – find out why in our review. - Reisemobil Bordatlas (German Stellplatz guide)
The Reisemobil Bordatlas is the definitive guide to motorhome stopover locations in Germany. - Michelin Escapades En Camping-Car Europe 2011
We review Michelin’s Escapades En Camping-Car Europe 2011. This French guide contains 70 suggested European motorhome tours in 24 countries. - Camping Cheque
An introduction to Camping Cheques, which are accepted at more than 600 campsites in Europe.
MAP REVIEWS
- Marco Polo USA West and California, plus Michelin California Nevada
Reviews of the Marco Polo and Michelin maps we used for our USA 2015 tour of California and neighbouring states. - Scotland Campsites and Caravan Parks (3rd edition)
A simple an effective solution to finding campsites in rural parts of Scotland. - Michelin Norway (752) and Michelin Scandinavia & Finland (711) Road Maps
These large scale folding maps proved useful for route planning and general navigation but are not a complete solution for touring. - Freytag & Berndt Norway Supertouring 1:400,000 Road Atlas
We used this road atlas extensively for a month but were somewhat disappointed with its lack of detail. - AA Close-Up Trucker’s Atlas Britain
The AA Close-Up Trucker’s Atlas Britain includes 1.5 miles to 1 inch mapping and details of thousands of low bridges, width and weight restrictions on Britain’s roads.
MOTORHOME TRAVEL STORIES & COOKBOOKS
- The Clever Camper Cookbook by Megan Winter-Barker and Simon Fielding
Hone your small-space cooking skills with these simple tasty meals for van life. - Some People Prefer Hotels – Motorhome Novices Tour Cornwall, by Nigel Rowland Hicks
I challenge any motorhomer to read this without remembering some early experiences of their own! - A Monkey Ate My Breakfast: Motorhome Adventures in Morocco
We review Julie & Jay Buckley’s entertaining account of their month-long motorhome tour of Morocco. - Campervan Crazy by David and Cee Eccles
Campervan Crazy is dedicated to capturing the passion that drives people to travel in campervans – and it makes an excellent read. - The Great Outdoors Cookbook by Phil Vickery
TV chef Phil Vickery shares his passion for outdoor cooking in this cookbook, which includes sections on barbecues, gas stoves and open fires. - 52 Weekends By The Sea by Brigid Benson & Craig Easton
52 Weekends By The Sea is the perfect way to inspire countless long weekends away in your motorhome and discover parts of the UK you have never imagined. - Uneasy Rider: Confessions of a Reluctant Traveller, by Allie Sommerville
Allie Sommerville’s “Uneasy Rider: Confessions of a Reluctant Traveller” is a hilarious guide to the ups and downs of motorhome travel. - Europe In A Motorhome By H.D. Jackson
Hazel and Simon Jackson decided to sell up and take their youngest son, Jack, on a year-long motorhome tour of Europe. Europe In A Motorhome tells the tale of that trip. - RV Vacations For Dummies & Frommer’s Exploring America By RV
Fancy touring America in an RV? Either of these books will inspire you and give you some useful suggestions for routes. - Caravan Cookbook by Monica Rivron
We review Monica Rivron’s Caravan Cookbook and put one recipe to the test – does it deliver? - The Camping Cookbook by Annie Bell
Annie Bell’s Camping Cookbook is packed full of delicious recipes that are ideal for a long weekend away in your motorhome. - The Camper Van Cookbook, Martin Dorey
The Camper Van Cookbook is packed full of recipes and classic campervan advice.
ELECTRONICS & PHOTOGRAPHY REVIEWS
- Long Range USB Wi-Fi Antenna – Faculty-X NET-WL-USB-CPE2512bg
A long range USB wireless antenna can be a good way to get affordable or free internet access while travelling abroad in a motorhome. We review our Faculty-X NET-WL-USB-CPE2512bg wi-fi antenna. - Digital Camera Comparison: Superzoom vs. DSLR
We compare a modern superzoom with a DSLR and see which comes out best for motorhome and travel use. - Navigon 70 Premium Caravan & Truck Sat Nav
The Navigon 70 Premium Caravan & Truck is Navigon’s top sat nav model and also has large vehicle routing. How does it measure up?
OUTDOOR CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR REVIEWS
- The North Face Jannu II GTX Walking Boots
Was it love at first sight with the North Face Jannu II walking boots? Find out here. - The North Face Women’s Resolve Waterproof Jacket
The North Face’s Resolve waterproof jacket is a flexible performer that can be used in several different ways. - The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR
The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR trainers are designed for fast off-road hiking but they are good for the urban jungle, too. - Merrell Micca Women’s Sandals
Merrell’s Micca sandals are the ideal compromise for a lady wanting comfort, style and a small amount of walkability! - Merrell Women’s Outbound Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots
Merrell’s Outbound walking boots offer a good combination of support, comfort and insulation. - Merrell Siren Sport & Siren Sport Gore-tex Trainers
You don’t buy two pairs of the same shoe without good reason – find out why in our review. - Berghaus Women’s Activity Interactive Fleece Jacket
This thick, comfortable fleece is ideal for winter use under a waterproof outer layer. - Berghaus Women’s Spectrum Half Zip Micro Fleece
These lightweight microfleeces are very flexible and comfortable – ideal for motorhome trips.
CAMPSITE REVIEWS
- Riverside Caravan Park, Pateley Bridge
The Yorkshire Dales is one of our favourite areas of the UK and this campsite ticked most of the boxes for us.
CAMPERVAN & MOTORHOME REVIEWS
- Our DIY Motorhome Conversion Reviewed
After 18 months, 13 weeks away and 25,000 miles, we review our own self-build motorhome conversion.
This Camperstop is ideal to see Bruges! But it is very expensive compared to the usual campsite. For €25 per day you only get electricity. Water is extra. Very poor value for money. But sadly there’s nothing closer. The man in the office was very helpful. So advise keep stay short.