ADAC searches for Camper of the Year

Thomas "Acky" Lengsfeld, 55, from Blumberg, Germany, has become a content creator whose videos about traveling in a camper have accumulated 11 million views. He also reported losing 45 kilograms for his travel style. Lengsfeld runs a business based on his camping passion and plans to attend the upcoming camper fair in Freiburg.

Banner has introduced five LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries in its Traction Bull Bloc Lithium series for motorhomes. The 12 V batteries have capacities of 50, 75, 80, 100 and 150 Ah, corresponding to energy capacities from 640 to 1,920 Wh. They are rated for over 3,000 charge and discharge cycles. The 100 Ah model weighs approximately 11 kg. The batteries are compatible with DIN and BCI standard formats and include an electronic management system with Bluetooth for real-time monitoring via a mobile app. The base price starts at €329.

A new toilet system for camping has been presented that uses microwave technology to process waste into ash, eliminating the need to empty and clean a holding tank. The device is positioned as a solution for motorhomes, caravans and campers, where traditional cassette toilets require regular maintenance. Technical details and the working principle are not disclosed.

The CampSecure Android app uses an existing smartphone as an additional monitoring system for motorhomes, caravans and camper vans. The phone is placed in the vehicle and responds to motion and sound, takes photos and records GPS location; when triggered, the owner receives an email alert with a photo and the vehicle's position. Android 10 or later is required, with no special hardware needed. The app is positioned as a supplementary tool and does not replace mechanical security or guarantee protection against break-in or theft.

The municipality of Spirkelbach is establishing 15 permanent motorhome pitches at the sports ground. The new pitches will be located along the road opposite the hard court, directly to the right of the sports house and behind the gate. The existing site at the barbecue area will be removed. According to local mayor Michael Burgard, the decision follows problems caused by numerous motorhomes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dutch manufacturer Kip has updated its Kip Kompakt caravan with a flexible kitchen featuring a three-burner gas hob that can be used both inside and outside. The caravan measures 5.70 m long and 1.83 m wide, has a maximum total weight of 1,000 kg, and a pop-up roof that increases headroom to 255 cm. The kitchen is available in two layouts: Adventure with a large rear kitchen and Travel with a smaller central kitchen. The removable hob mounts on an external gas connection, and an additional worktop is stored in the exterior compartment. Inside, there is an 85-litre compressor fridge.