When looking for the right motorhome, newcomers are spoiled for choice. But there are also a few other points to consider.
The corona pandemic has further intensified the run on motorhomes. The caravanning association CIVD registers a high number of mainly younger newcomers, regardless of whether the desire for camping has been rediscovered or perhaps for the first time thinking about a motorhome holiday. But how do I approach the subject? What should I put attention on? A guide not only for motorhome novices.
What are the first steps?
Of course there are plenty of internet portals where you can get familiar with the topic. However, especially for beginners, it is important to take a look at such vehicles yourself in order to get a feel for the space available. This can be done at trade fairs, which hardly take place in Corona times, or at a caravan dealer nearby.
How do I find the right vehicle for me?
This is anything but easy, because the range of motorhomes on offer is wide. This starts with the camper in the VW bus format and ranges from the compact panel vans, predominantly based on the Fiat Ducato, to the built-up vehicles as partially and fully integrated models as well as the alcove types. The following applies: Every motorhome is a compromise between mobility and living comfort.
The camper vans with a length of five meters and just over are of course very compact, with car-like driving comfort and even fit in almost all underground garages, but usually have no wash and toilet room on board and are spatially cramped. The panel vans or camper vans, between 5,60 and 6,40 meters long, are mostly equipped with fixed beds as well as a shower and toilet, but their suitability for everyday use is also significantly limited. The built-up motorhomes between 6,50 and 9,00 meters in length offer increasingly better living comfort and more freedom of movement with increasing size, but are less enjoyable when exploring narrow mountain roads, for example. And with the alcove models, which are particularly suitable for families with up to six beds, the stately height of well over three meters makes handling difficult. However, no one can make the decision as to which vehicle class can best meet your own needs.
Which motorhomes can I drive at all?
Since the introduction of the EU driving license in 3,5, the 1999-tonne limit divides those entitled into a two-tier society. If you can still show your old class 3 driving license, you can even drive thick ships with a gross vehicle weight of up to 7,5 tons due to the protection of existing rights. Holders of the B driving license, on the other hand, are only allowed to sit behind the wheel of campers and mobile homes up to 3,5 tons - unless they have the additional driving license C1. For over 7,5 tonnes, only the "correct" truck driver's license will help anyway.
Buy or Rent?
That is of course a question of one's own pecuniary possibilities. For absolute newcomers, however, a “trial vacation” is always recommended before making a purchase. And that can be done via renting, sharing portals or, more recently, as a subscription model. The advantages of the large rental companies such as ADAC, McRent, Rent and Travel, Deutsche Reisemobilvermietung or the camper and panel van specialist Roadsurfer are large fleets that enable quick replacement solutions in the event of unforeseen failures, as well as new vehicles no older than one to two years. Price orientation: camper vans are available out of season from around 65 euros per day, semi-integrated ones with four seats and beds in the main season from at least 130 euros.
With the sharing portals - the largest are Paulcamper, Yescapa and Campanda - cheaper daily rates can be achieved, but mainly because they also offer much older vehicles. Many also appreciate the personal contacts in the community. With both rental options, you should always pay attention to an insurance package with fully comprehensive insurance and the amount of the deductible, as well as a possible deposit with smaller damages.
The subscription model, which until now has only been offered by Roadsurfer, is still relatively new territory for mobile homes. The all-round carefree package, which, with the exception of fuel costs, includes all ancillary costs including fully comprehensive insurance and maintenance work, can be put together for three, six or twelve months - from 850 euros per month for a VW California.
Can dogs be taken in a rental vehicle?
In fact, taking dogs with you in the motorhome is problematic and often prohibited. The reason: If the next tenant is allergic, dog hair could become a problem. But there are landlords such as "Hannes Camper" who provide extra vehicles for such customers (box van "Dogs Hannes"), or like the special providers "4Pfoten-Mobile" and "Waumobil" even offer semi-integrated vehicles with a rear garage converted into a dog house.
What do you have to pay attention to during the handover?
Let everything be explained to you in detail when you hand over the vehicle. Take enough time to do this! Test any necessary conversion measures on board yourself, such as the rotating front seats, a possibly existing pop-up roof, a seating area that can be converted into a bed or a convertible shower / toilet. The gas bottles should be full and there should be power cables. Ideally, a cable reel with the two connection cables for the charging station and vehicle. Drive-up wedges for level adjustment are helpful. Very important: Have all the drain taps and valves shown (for waste water, fresh water and boiler), the fuse box and how the cassette toilet is to be disposed of. It goes without saying that this should only be done at the corresponding stations on parking lots and camping sites. The function of heating, ventilation and refrigerator, which can usually be operated with 230 volts, 12 volts or gas, should also be demonstrated to let. Camping furniture, on the other hand, is not necessarily part of the rental scope.
What should be considered when packing?
In general, heavy items are best placed near the floor or - if available - in the false floor. Loose objects should not be lying around while driving, as they can become projectiles when braking sharply. Particular attention is paid to the total weight. Awning, TV with satellite system, air conditioning, additional body batteries, maybe the e-bikes in the rear garage - all of this makes a huge difference. And if a family of four rents an alcove model for the first trip in a motorhome, the scope for the payload is quickly exhausted.
Overloading is a safety-relevant risk because braking distances are longer and evasive maneuvers are more insidious, and it also leads to hefty fines, especially abroad - in Austria, for example, up to 5.000 euros. Therefore, if in doubt, before going on vacation, it can make sense to use public scales.
What tips are there for on the go?
Before every departure, a small checklist should be worked through: Unplug and stow all power cables, do the same with the drive-up wedges, close all windows and all skylights, retract the steps. When maneuvering, it is helpful if an attendant assists, especially if there is no reversing camera on board. For vehicles with a total weight of up to 7,5 tonnes, remember that the traffic signs for trucks must be observed, i.e. overtaking bans must also be observed. A speed limit of 100 km / h applies to these motorhomes.
Where can I stay overnight?
Even if caravanning advertisements like to pretend unlimited freedom and show mobile homes alone in a picturesque natural setting, free camping is in principle prohibited in Germany. However, an overnight stay in a regular parking lot is allowed to "restore your driving ability", as it is officially called. However, neither an awning may be extended, nor may camping tables and chairs be used.
Pitches are an inexpensive option to stay overnight, even for several days - as an alternative to camping sites. 5 to 15 euros per night on pitches, 20 to 35 euros on campsites in the main season for a motorhome with two people. In the vicinity of capital cities, of course, 50 to 60 euros or even more. Basically, it is advisable to reserve the campsites that are intended for a trip. Due to the camping boom, many places are quickly booked up.
What if I do want to buy?
A lot of people want that at the moment. That is why delivery times are currently often over a year. To make matters worse, in times of pandemics, supplier problems lead to further delays for caravanning manufacturers. The variety of models, especially among the entry-level brands, is very large and rather confusing. At best, the manufacturer's price information can be used as a guide, as the standard equipment often only contains the bare essentials. Even with the box vans (from around 36.000 euros), 5.000 to 10.000 euros or even more are quickly packed on top. For example, a well-equipped, but by no means extensively equipped, premium van from Eura Mobil costs 60.000 euros. Used motorhomes are also traded at high prices due to the great demand. But even there, the market is pretty bogged down.
