The second episode of our new series on Practical Caravan TV kicks off with a look at the three-berth Eriba Touring GT Troll 542 and our Group Editor Alastair Clements can’t help but fall for this characterful van. Despite being 6’ 3” tall, once the easy-to-use pop-up roof has been deployed, even he enjoys decent headroom, before taking in the plethora of thoughtful design features, not to mention the efficient use of space within the Eriba. The sole seating area is in the front dinette, which can be turned into a single bed at night time. The main sleeping area is at the rear, with windows on all sides, and it’s a cross between a double and fixed twin beds – tune in to see what we mean!

Moving on to the Eriba’s washroom and there’s no getting away from the fact that it is compact, but with a Thetford toilet, a sink and good storage, it ticks most boxes. And much the same can be said for the kitchen. With its two-burner hob, good-sized sink, fridge and worktop extension flap, a lot is packed into a small space, and there are neat details such as touch-sensitive task lights. It’s a true case of style and substance – but at a price. Watch our show for the full review.

You’ll find Practical Caravan TV on Showcase, which is on Sky 212 and Freeview 254 (for the latter you’ll need a smart TV), plus it’s being streamed live online. And this is when to watch:

  • 8pm on Monday 11 April 2016;
  • 5pm on Wednesday 13 April;
  • 7pm on Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April.

Next we review a rather more conventional caravan, the Bailey Pegasus Rimini, which costs a touch over £18,000. It has a fixed twin bed layout and features Truma Combi 6 heating. There’s a large, slimline tower fridge in the kitchen, opposite which is a microwave over the oven and grill. This is alongside the island worktop unit, which gives you plenty of space for food prep plus a good amount of storage. Those fixed singles are comfy with proper mattresses, and the nearside one is long enough for six-footers. Each bed also has a window, a reading light, a shelf and a load of storage. And beyond these is an impressive, full-width end washroom, with a generous wardrobe and large shower lit by LED spotlights. Watch our Bailey Pegasus Rimini review only on Practical Caravan TV.

Then, tune in on Sky 212, Freeview 254 or online and join Practical Caravan’s Tow Car Editor David Motton as he tests the seven-seat, 2.0-litre, 170PS Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. The ‘whisper diesel’ has 295lb ft torque, meaning the Zafira has bags of pulling power but it also lives up to its name, being quiet and refined. Motty finds it to be a comfortable, stable, confidence-inspiring tow car – it should be a great companion on long drives during your caravan holidays. The cabin is spacious and practical, too, while if you fold away seats six and seven, you’ve got plenty of space for your luggage.

In part two we visit Dorset and discover more about the open-all-year Bagwell Farm Touring Park. Pitch here to enjoy breathtaking sea views and let kids enjoy the boat-themed children’s play area, or take them to meet the animals. There’s also a laundrette, shower and toilet facilities, a shop, an off-licence, an on-site bar, grill and takeaway, and a large area for exercising your dogs. Find out more on Practical Caravan TV, on Sky 212, Freeview 254 and live online.

Finally, our Group Editor Alastair returns with his Adria Adora Isonzo 613DT Silver Collection review. Step inside this special edition caravan and its width immediately impresses, giving the lounge a great feeling of space – and meaning it can be transformed into an enormous double bed. The kitchen is clean, bright, modern and well-equipped, and the bedroom, with its large, transverse island bed and domestic-style wardrobe and bedside cabinets, makes this tourer stand out from the crowd. There’s also a stylish washroom – watch our latest episode and see it for yourself.

So to see these three caravan reviews, our Vauxhall Zafira Tourer tow test and our campsite review, don’t miss Practical Caravan TV on Sky 212, on Freeview 254 (if you have a smart TV) and live online. Watch on Monday 11 April at 8pm, two days later at 5pm, then on 15-17 April at 7pm – we hope you enjoy the show.