🇦🇹 Austria — OpenVan.camp

During the 2025/2026 winter season, Tyrolean authorities redirected over 411,000 vehicles back to main highways from secondary roads used to bypass traffic. Motorhome and caravan owners require a confirmed booking at a Tyrolean campsite to pass through transit-restricted areas. The fine for violation starts at 90 euros, with most offenders simply being turned back.

Spain introduced new road sign S-128 and banned camper vans from parking near beaches. Germany responded with a 3.82-metre electric camper van — fits anywhere, furniture not included. JAL now rents out motorhomes from Narita with miles earned per rental. Storm Ali blowing a traveller's caravan off an Irish cliff, and the Outbound demo for PS5 — all in this issue.

A serious accident involving a car and a motorhome with a trailer occurred on the B14 federal highway in Zeiselmauer (Tulln district). Both vehicles sustained significant damage and blocked one lane of traffic. Clearing the roadway and dealing with the aftermath, including spilled fluids, required approximately one hour of work by firefighters.

German company VANME has unveiled a custom camper van based on the Mercedes Sprinter L3H2, designed for mountain bikers. The rear features a garage system for four bikes with a pull-out platform and a mounting arm. The interior uses purple accents, walnut wood elements, and is equipped with a smart control system, two 230 Ah lithium batteries, and a solar panel.

The LIDL chain has introduced a kit for self-sufficient campers under its CRIVIT brand, priced at around 125 euros. The set includes a dry separation toilet system for 59.99 euros and a mobile sink with a hand pump for 64.99 euros, both in the standard Eurobox format.

With the start of the spring season, owners of motorhomes and caravans are advised to conduct a technical inspection before the first trip. It is necessary to check fluid levels (engine oil, coolant), the condition of the brake system and battery, tire pressure, as well as the functionality of electrical equipment and the gas system. The date of the next mandatory vehicle inspection should also be verified.

ARI Motors released a camper van the size of a regular van — and it's now Germany's smallest production electric camper at €30,000. JAL decided its passengers hadn't traveled enough and offered a sequel: a motorhome pickup straight from Narita. The lawsuit against Stellantis over "cheat" diesel software, a yellow DHL van in the hands of a retiree, and 413 million campsite overnight stays across Europe — all in this issue.

A collision between two motorhomes in Calw resulted in several injuries. Police reported that a 59-year-old driver likely crossed into oncoming traffic due to a medical issue and collided with an 82-year-old's motorhome. The estimated damage is 200,000 euros, and the 59-year-old driver had to be extricated by firefighters.

EUROREPAR has launched a battery range specifically designed for motorhomes and caravans. The product line consists of two models based on gel and AGM technologies, intended for powering onboard systems. The batteries are manufactured in Europe and are compatible with common chassis, including Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer.

Recovering a motorhome from off-road conditions requires specialized equipment, as standard tow ropes may fail under load. Essential gear includes a compressor for tire inflation, traction boards, a shovel, a jack, recovery straps, and a tire repair kit.

Spain set a motorhome registration record — and immediately tightened the rules. On Mallorca, 150 caravans took over a sports complex car park because renting a flat costs more. Solar Butterfly returned from a solar-powered trip around the world, and Bryansk promises a camper for 3.9 million roubles — in this issue.

Boho Camper Vans has introduced the Buttercup camper based on a Ram ProMaster chassis, designed for self-sufficient living. The vehicle features a 500-watt solar array, a Starlink antenna, an energy storage system, and a 125-liter water tank. The project reflects growing demand for mobile living solutions as an alternative to conventional housing.

The Austrian Camping Club recommends that motorhome and caravan owners conduct a spring check before the start of the season. Key actions include inspecting the gas system, tires, electrical equipment, and water system, as well as arranging a timely technical inspection for trips abroad. When renting a camper, it is essential to thoroughly document any existing damage upon taking possession of the vehicle.

A comparison of maneuvering aids for travel trailers (caravans) has been conducted to facilitate their movement on-site. In the March 2026 test, the top model is the Caravan Rangierhilfe EM203 by Enduro, priced at approximately 789 euros. The devices are described as space-saving and useful for travel, according to reviews.

Vanlife enthusiast Laura Berghofer took a trip through Carinthia in her self-converted camper van based on a Mercedes Sprinter. Her motorhome, which won the Van Builder Award 2025, will be featured at the 'Gates of Summer' festival from May 7th to 10th at Lake Faak, where camper owners will gather to kick off the season.

A family took their first trip in a Sun Living A75DP motorhome based on a Citroën. The motorhome accommodates six people, features a rear garage and an overcab sleeping area with a fall protection barrier. Fuel consumption is 9–14 liters of diesel, and a standard category B driver's license is sufficient to operate it.

Spain tightened inspections for camper vans — meanwhile in Torrox, 50 motorhomes occupied a riverbed. Italians 3D-printed a motorhome from plastic in four days, Hyundai unveiled an 800-volt electric camper, and 34 million Americans are hitting the road. Demolitions in Turkey, bans in Scotland, and a woman who drove along the Baltic in an electric Smart — all in this issue.

Insurance for motorhomes and caravans has specificities due to their distinct usage. Only motor third-party liability insurance is mandatory, but additional coverage such as comprehensive/collision and contents insurance is often advisable. The policy cost depends on the vehicle type and can range from 150 to over 1500 euros per year.

Austrian company Action Mobil has introduced the all-wheel-drive Globecruiser 7500 Family motorhome for global expeditions. The three-axle MAN TGS 6x6 chassis with 540 hp, 22-ton total weight, and self-sufficient systems enable off-road travel. The model's price is approximately 1 million euros.

An 89-year-old motorhome driver veered off the road at a roundabout in Lambach and crashed into a drainage ditch. He had to be extricated from the deformed vehicle and was then airlifted to a hospital. Due to a fuel leak, the removal of contaminated soil was ordered.

A motorhome left the road at a roundabout in Lambach and overturned into a ditch, trapping the driver in the deformed vehicle. Firefighters needed nearly two hours to extract the injured man and two trapped gas cylinders, with gasoline also leaking. The driver was transported to the hospital by rescue helicopter.

In Neukirchen bei Lambach, a caravan of older construction left the road at a roundabout and ended up in a ditch. The driver was trapped by his feet and was freed by emergency services before being airlifted to hospital. The B1 Wiener Straße road was closed for about 45 minutes.

A motorhome driver was seriously injured in an accident at a roundabout on the B1 federal highway. The vehicle left the road and landed in a ditch, trapping the driver who was later airlifted to hospital. The road was closed for approximately 45 minutes.

A motorhome driver was seriously injured in an accident at a roundabout on the B1 Wiener Straße near Lambach. The incident occurred on Friday morning in the Wels-Land district.

The article focuses on the specifics of choosing caravans for people of retirement age. It highlights the need for a specific accessory that enhances comfort and safety, contrasting with the priorities of younger campers, such as minimalism.

A planned increase in the tourism levy in Carinthia has sparked protests from camping site operators. The camping association demands a cap of three euros per person per night, arguing that the proposed four euros would lead to a 10% drop in overnight stays and a loss of 23 million euros in regional value added, compared to additional revenue of only about 1.5 million euros.

The Austrian Camping Club (ÖCC) recommends a comprehensive vehicle check before the start of the 2026 season. Key points include a mandatory gas system inspection every two years, timely technical inspection, and a thorough check when renting a camper. Particular attention should be paid to documentation when traveling to Italy, Croatia, Hungary, or Slovenia.

Modular conversion systems for camper vans are gaining popularity due to their flexibility. Austrian company Essential Vans GmbH develops removable modules for quick transformation of a van from work to living mode, using lightweight materials and Mercedes-Benz standards. This approach simplifies maintenance and repair and allows the vehicle to be used for both work and leisure.

The compact off-road motorhome Camppass CR555 has been introduced, designed for off-road travel. The 5.75-meter-long model features a pop-up roof, offers an interior volume of about 20 cubic meters, and is configured to sleep four people. The standard equipment includes a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and thermal insulation, with a starting price of 38,900 euros.

Warendorf introduced paid motorhome parking — and lost its tourists. Japan quietly reached 607 RV parks while Nagoya showed a camper on a rocket launcher chassis. The Turkish coastal ban, a Polish trailer with a side shower, and Korean rentals straight from the train — in this issue.