Rent a Hymer C 542 CL

THERE’S nothing radical about the outside of the C-Class, but it does exude an aura of quality.

The way the sides curve gently into the roof or the rear, the skirts of aluminium rather than GRP, the wavy shape of the rear lights, and the chromed logo on the back all hint at the prestige of Hymer’s more expensive vans.

Then there are the practicalities – the folding flyscreen attached to the sturdy door which shuts with a re-assuring thunk, the long and large bore hose for dumping waste water and the excellent access to the gas locker.

Then there’s the full-width underfloor storage for slim items like folding chairs and tables, windbreaks etc. And even the wheeltrims that do a passable imitation of alloys. Only a horribly inaccessible spare wheel spoils the score card on the outside.