🇩🇪 Germany — OpenVan.camp

A Munich court has ordered a rental company to refund 3,400 euros to customers who cut short their trip due to defective sockets in a motorhome. The couple rented the vehicle for 3,600 euros in summer 2023 for a four-week journey but had to return it after the first night as the 12-volt sockets were not working, preventing the charging of a medical device.

A group of Sinti and Roma has left the training ground in Hümme after a three-week stay. The ground is damaged by heavy caravans and littered with trash and feces. Authorities are to decide on the restoration of the site.

The Carwow platform is offering a discount on the VW Caddy California camper van. The top Maxi version with a diesel engine and automatic transmission has a discount of 5,756 euros, reducing the price to approximately 40,946 euros. The base model starts from 33,314 euros.

The German company Dethleffs has introduced the Globebus Performance 4×4 T16 motorhome. With a weight under 3500 kg, it can be driven with a standard category B driver's license, while its four-wheel drive and compact width of approximately 2200 mm provide enhanced off-road capability. The model's starting price is 94,999 euros.

The German company Weiro manufactures caravans based on construction trailers. Models ranging from 3.5 to 7 meters in length are offered either for self-conversion or as ready-to-use units, with options for materials and insulation. Prices start at 4,500 euros for basic versions intended for self-conversion, while fully equipped, winter-ready models can cost over 25,000 euros.

On Monday evening in Lichtenstein-Unterhausen, an 85-year-old driver crashed his motorhome into a parked Volkswagen. The total property damage is estimated at around 25,000 euros, with no injuries reported. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

The publication promobil.de tested dishwashing accessories for the limited space in motorhomes and campers. The review included the universal sink plug Bo-trail Sink Plug, the flexible soaking bowl Soft Soak for grill grates, the solid detergent Klar-Seifen, the multifunctional drying mats Metaltex Gravity-Duo/Slim, and the custom sink insert Perfect Van.

A motorhome was completely destroyed by fire in Bremen on Tuesday night. The blaze on Hamburger Straße started around 2:20 a.m., causing damage estimated in the tens of thousands of euros, with another car, windows of two houses, and trash bins also damaged.

Demand for camping at Pentecost is growing faster than in summer, and many popular regions are already fully booked. Available spots can still be found in the Black Forest, North Sea, Mecklenburg Lake District, Switzerland, southern Sweden, and Provence. Before the trip, a thorough technical check of the motorhome or caravan is required, including tires, brakes, fluids, water system, and gas equipment.

The Dethleffs Trend I 7057 EBL motorhome, one of the brand's most popular models, has been tested. The 7.4-meter-long vehicle has a base price under €100,000, accommodates up to four people, and has a gross weight of 3.5 tons, allowing it to be driven with a standard category B license. The test vehicle featured a 180 hp diesel engine instead of the standard 140 hp unit.

Bad Oldesloe offers free parking spaces for motorhomes, but they are limited in number and the infrastructure needs improvement. The administration recognizes the tourism potential of this segment, yet political discussions are preventing the realization of opportunities.

German company VanMe has unveiled the Niffler camper based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The motorhome features a purple paint job, a garage for four bicycles, a glamping-style interior, and a professional espresso machine. The model is positioned as an option for people experiencing a midlife crisis.

German manufacturer LMC has introduced the Innovan Pure 600 campervan based on the Citroën Jumper. The vehicle is 5.99 m long with a gross weight of 3.5 tons, drivable with a category B license, starting at 1.21 million Czech crowns. The interior includes a kitchen, a compact bathroom, and sleeping space for two to three people.

Research firm Global Market Vision has released a caravan market forecast for 2026–2033. The report analyzes growth factors, including the impact of trade tariffs and regional market specifics in North America, Europe, and Asia.

During Easter weekend in Bönen, Germany, approximately thirty converted buses gathered. All vehicles featured solar panels for complete off-grid capability, though high diesel prices reduced participant numbers compared to previous editions.

A group has occupied a training ground in Hümme with 30 caravans and tents. City authorities issued a temporary permit for stay until April 19, despite complaints from residents about generator noise and potential pollution of the area.

Unknown perpetrators attempted to steal a gas cylinder from a motorhome in Renningen. The break-in attempt occurred between April 7 and 11, with the vandals fleeing but causing 2500 euros in damage. In recent months, thefts of gas cylinders from motorhomes and caravans have increased in the region.

A new motorhome pitch with 20 spaces and digital booking has opened in Arnsberg. It is located in the Ruhr Valley within walking distance of the historic city center. According to authorities, there are 1.9 million motorhomes registered in Germany, with 72,000 new permits issued last year.

The fire occurred at a fenced parking lot in the Heinsberg district on April 13, 2026. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, with some vehicles reported as completely burned out. The incident is not connected to a motorhome dealership located five kilometers away.

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.

German company ARI has introduced an ultra-compact electric motorhome for short trips. It measures 3.82 meters in length and 1.49 meters in width, with a range of 120 to 230 kilometers depending on the battery. The model is positioned as an affordable base platform for self-conversion, but its top speed is limited to 71 km/h and it lacks fast charging capability.

Many motorhome owners have insufficient insurance coverage. Experts point to typical errors, such as incomplete accounting for conversions, valuable equipment, or changes in usage patterns, which can lead to serious financial problems in the event of damage.

A forum user posted photos of caravan damage. The images show a hole in the trailer's wall, photographed from the inside on April 13, 2026.

A new motorhome parking area at Horneburg harbour is currently under construction. The article describes what the finished facility might look like, although no specific opening dates or technical specifications are provided.

Minden resident Nicole Gieseking converted an old VW T4 into a camper van over eight years. The project was initiated for a special trip to the sea that took an emotional turn.

The Waldshut camping site on the Rhine has opened for the 2026 season. During Easter, with sunny weather, 50 pitches for motorhomes and caravans were occupied, nearing full capacity. Spots in the front row by the river required booking eight weeks in advance, and the site is already fully booked for Pentecost.

The article features vehicles with over 600 horsepower and a permissible trailer mass exceeding 2 tonnes. The list includes both internal combustion engine models and electric vehicles, featuring surprising offerings from brands like Lotus.

The Scharbeutz police will conduct a free weighing campaign for motorhomes and caravans on April 19, 2026. The event aims to inform owners about the dangers of overloading and improper weight distribution. Experts will also provide advice on driver's license requirements, permissible loads, and gas cylinder safety.

A new rental contract at the Hooksiel campsite in Germany introduces a 40% price increase and new restrictions for campers. Many long-term guests are losing their spots, while rules now ban windbreaks and limit the number of people per pitch. Criticism also targets the reduction of child-friendly facilities and an early 8 PM closing time.

A 1994 caravan was completely destroyed by fire on a campsite in the town of Jade. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading, but two neighboring caravans were damaged by the heat. The presence of gas cylinders complicated the extinguishing work, and the damage is estimated at around 12,000 euros.