Converting an estate car or compact car into a mini-camper: what to consider

A caravan caught fire on Tuesday afternoon on the edge of a forest in Contwig. Firefighters contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the woodland; property damage is estimated at a four-figure sum in euros.

A couple from Moers converted an old 1973 Nagetusch motorhome into a mobile crêperie with a coffee bar. They bought the trailer on eBay Kleinanzeigen, spent two years renovating it while preserving the original exterior, but increased its weight to 1300 kg and added brakes. Since 2021, they have been serving crêpes and coffee at regional events.

The 2026 camping season in Schleswig-Holstein has begun with a moderate price increase. According to an ADAC analysis, the average price for a family with one child in the high season is about 39 euros per night, which is below the German average of 41 euros. Prices in the region have risen by about 3% compared to the previous year, while the national average increase is 7%. Many sites are reducing the number of permanent pitches in favor of tourist camping and are expanding their offerings with motorhome rentals and improved infrastructure.

A comparative study of travel costs between motorhome trips and hotel stays in Northern Europe. In Sweden and Norway, a motorhome trip in high season is 13-14% cheaper than a combination of hotel and rental car, while in Iceland the difference is about 10%. The analysis considered average prices for rentals, fuel, and accommodation during peak and off-peak seasons.

The Kirchzarten campsite is experiencing increased popularity of motorhomes alongside a decline in demand for caravans. This trend aligns with national statistics confirmed by the ADAC.

Comparative tests revealed that aerodynamics are more important than weight for electric cars towing trailers. Tests with a Tesla Model Y and a Škoda Karoq at the Boxberg proving ground showed that the larger Fendt Bianco 495 SG trailer was more efficient than the smaller Next 380 due to better aerodynamics. At 100 km/h, the Tesla's consumption with the smaller trailer was 3.3 kWh/100 km higher.