...
what some of the magazines said!
The Caravan Club Magazine:
For a comprehensive overview of motor caravanning, 'The Motorcaravan Handbook'
by David Berry, published in 1995 is an excellent starting point. Now
he has released 'RV in UK', which translates as an equally comprehensive
guide to all aspects of acquiring, owning and using an American motorhome
in the UK. It really ought to be considered essential reading by anyone
considering upsizing to one of these monsters as David did after owning
European motorhomes. He therefore speaks with great authority and experience
and has a mine of knowledge to pass on. A Club member himself, David gives
reassuring endorsements of the value of both Club sites (which are, in
the main, very accommodating of such large vehicles) and of Club services,
such as insurance cover. Particular RV topics include coping with the
size, adapting American gas, electricity and road lighting systems, legality,
security and RVing in the vehicle's home country. Useful tips include
stuffing vents with plastic foam during lay-up to keep insects out, and
getting a special outdoor storage cover from the States. A personal view
is also offered on the sometimes contentious subject of towing a car.
It's not a huge book, and does not attempt to cover vehicle maintenance
('best left to experts'), with just 83 sub-A4 size pages of real 'meat',
but the accompanying glossaries and conversion tables are valuable additions.
Attractively laid out with crisp black and white illustrations, 'RV in
UK' is published by David's own Keyham Books.
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Amongst
the trees at The
Caravan Club Site at Chirk, Wrexham.
|
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Motor Caravan Magazine:
The
large American motorhomes are often a daunting prospect for British drivers.
I've often heard people commenting, 'How do you manoeuvre such a large
vehicle down one of our tiny country lanes, or on to a cramped camp site?
Surely they're hard to control? Do I need an HGV licence to drive one?'
At one of the motor caravan shows, I found myself talking to a member
of one of the American RV owners' clubs. A more enthusiastic motor caravanner
would be hard to find. He had an answer for all the hypothetical problems
I threw at him, and swore by the luxury and sophistication of these transatlantic
giants. If you've ever considered owning one of them, then the 'RV in
UK' book by David Berry is essential reading. It guides you through the
different types available, and gives tips on driving style and any legal
requirements regarding special licences etc. There are also sections about
the vehicle's facilities, such as the water and gas systems. Appliances,
fittings and accessories are also discussed, as these are often different
from those found in European motorhomes. So, you've no excuse for putting
off the decision. Have a read and see if RVing is really for you. If you
decide not, than the book could have saved you £250,000 the price of a
top-of-the-range RV. In the light of this, its £12.99 price tag looks
like a bargain!
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An American motorhome fits comfortably on to a pitch at one of The Caravan Club sites. This one is at Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire. |
Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly:
The author of this book, David Berry, is an experienced RVer (and regular contributor to MMM) and his intention was to address an 'increasing interest in American motorhomes'. He feels that the steadily rising prices of British and continental top-of-the-range motorhomes makes RVs serious contenders in the market particularly when one considers the level of equipment which is the RV 'norm'. Potential customers may be put off purchasing an RV by the perceived problems of using such a vehicle in the UK. This guide should help to settle the misgivings of the undecided. A personal introduction explains David's own motorcaravanning philosophy ... appendices contain a glossary of RV terms, useful addresses, the index, and conversion tables. The whole book is written in a relaxed 'chatty' style which makes it easy read and understand. It approaches the subject of RV ownership in a prosaic manner and David's obvious enthusiasm for his subject has not led him to gloss over possible problems. In all, an excellent investment for anybody contemplating the purchase of a big 'Yank'. Having said that, any novice motorcaravanner could find genuine advice between these covers.
