🇨🇿 Czech Republic — OpenVan.camp

Czech company Obytnaq has presented a sleeping conversion for the Skoda Forman estate built after 1993. The package includes a folding mattress measuring 125 by 190 cm, thermal window covers and a storage space for two folding chairs, a folding table, a stove, water supplies and a portable battery. The mattress for modern Skoda models starts at 11,970 korunas, while the thermal covers cost between 6,300 and 7,900 korunas; the Forman conversion is estimated at around 20,000 korunas. The car is rented out at 800 korunas per day, with dates available from April to September next year.

The number of motorhomers and caravaners in Czechia is rising. According to the Czech Camping and Caravanning Association, 67,000 motorhomes and caravans are in operation, while up to 150,000 vehicles with various conversions are used for caravanning. This is double the figure for 2010. Around 1,800 new motorhomes and 500 caravans are expected to be sold in 2025. Annual sales across Europe reach about 220,000 units, half of them in the German market. Demand for overnight stays outside campsites is growing due to underdeveloped infrastructure, including via the Bez kempu service and on farms.

In the Czech Republic a caravan is registered as a separate vehicle with its own licence plate, so it needs its own compulsory third-party liability insurance. Compulsory cover typically costs CZK 600 to CZK 900 a year, while comprehensive insurance for a caravan worth CZK 400,000 to CZK 800,000 runs to roughly CZK 7,000 to CZK 12,000 a year. In a sample calculation for a 2020 Adria Aviva caravan valued at CZK 500,000, a Generali Direct policy with a CZK 50/50 million limit and a 5% excess (minimum CZK 5,000) costs CZK 10,702 a year, and an offer with a CZK 70/70 million limit and a CZK 7,000 excess costs CZK 13,386 a year. Comprehensive cover includes accident, theft, vandalism and natural disaster damage, and separate baggage insurance is recommended for equipment not permanently fixed in the caravan.

The Caravaning Brno trade fair opens on Thursday at the Brno exhibition centre and runs until Sunday. Organisers expect up to 35,000 visitors. The fair has expanded to four halls with 230 exhibitors. A new G1 hall hosts tents, awnings and outdoor equipment for the first time. Tickets cost 250 Kč online and 300 Kč on site.

An 11-year-old girl bought a used caravan with her own savings, accumulated from pocket money and holiday gifts. When she learned a neighbour was selling an old caravan, she negotiated the price and covered all costs herself. She also spent her savings on furniture and equipment for the renovation. Family and friends helped with the conversion, and the caravan now stands in the backyard and serves as living space.

The article lists measures for storing a motorhome or caravan over winter. All water must be drained from tanks, hoses, taps and the boiler, as freezing water can damage the system and stagnant water promotes bacteria and mould. The battery is removed and stored at a constant 5–15 °C, recharged every 2–3 months; a lithium battery can stay in the vehicle if kept above 50% charge. Tyres should be unloaded by raising the vehicle on stands, or inflated to the manufacturer's maximum pressure with shaped pads used to limit deformation. The gas cylinder is disconnected and stored in a workshop or garage, and the interior is cleaned and ventilated to prevent moisture and rodents.

The 23rd Caravaning Brno international exhibition will take place on 5–8 November 2026 at the Brno exhibition grounds. For the first time a fourth hall, G1, is added to the traditional three, dedicated to tents and outdoor equipment; Hall P remains the venue for motorhomes, caravans and conversions, Hall F for premium cars, and Hall V hosts the Adventure Hall and Travel Zone. The Travel Zone will feature eight Czech regions and the city of Brno, as well as campsites and tourist regions from Austria, Poland, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovakia. The 2025 edition drew almost 33,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors across 24,000 m².

The Czech Ministry of Transport has proposed extending the validity of new driving licences in categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and B+E from 10 to 15 years. For motorhomes with a maximum permissible weight between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, the motorway speed limit would rise from 80 km/h to 100 km/h. The number of traffic offences for which EU states exchange information would increase from eight to 18, and unpaid fines from other member states could be enforced by the Czech customs administration. The changes are proposed to take effect from 1 July 2027, but remain a draft.

After the summer season, some rental customers are considering buying their own motorhome or caravan. According to Leasing České spořitelny, the average price of a financed motorhome or caravan is 1.77 million korunas, with an average financing term of about five years. Since 2021, the company has financed an average of over 100 such vehicles annually; 120 contracts were signed in 2025, and 98 by mid-August 2026. Rental company Campers4U Olomouc reports that at least a third of its customers are complete novices, and dozens of customers have bought their own motorhome after renting.

Insurance for motorhomes and caravans must address specific risks such as theft, hail, and accidents abroad. Mandatory liability premiums depend on weight for caravans and engine size for motorhomes; for a motorhome up to 3500 kg, premiums are around 3,000–4,000 CZK, while caravans cost up to 1,000 CZK. Additional coverage for vandalism, natural events, animal damage, theft, and fire is recommended, and extra equipment like awnings, roof boxes, and bike racks should be included. For new vehicles, GAP insurance covers the difference between purchase and current value.

Nomivans, part of the Nomiverse holding, announced a rebranding and the launch of a new website that consolidates its service, sales, and rental operations. Originally a service base for the Campiri rental company, it now runs a dealership and manages a shared fleet of 40 motorhomes, handling over 1,200 orders annually, including about 700 insurance cases. The company is developing a unified digital ecosystem for motorhome lifecycle management and a multibrand vehicle configurator.

The Ford Transit Custom Nugget in extended L2 version with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel (125 kW/170 hp), 8-speed automatic and AWD was tested in Italy. The living area is by Westfalia: kitchen with a 33-litre fridge, two beds (upper 1270×2050 mm, lower 1200×1900 mm), pop-up roof with three ventilation openings. Fuel consumption over the trip was around 8 l/100 km against the manufacturer's combined 9.2 l/100 km. L2 dimensions: length 5450 mm, wheelbase 3500 mm, height with awning 2090 mm. The lack of independent air conditioning in the living area and interior heat build-up when parked in the sun were noted.

A REXlink Easy 4G GPS tracker installed in a motorhome allows remote monitoring of location, door opening and battery voltage. The device has a shock sensor and its own SIM card; when the security mode is triggered, the owner receives a notification. During long storage the tracker consumes minimal power, but it is recommended to recharge the battery when voltage drops to 12.4–12.5 V. This can be done with a smart charger or by removing the battery, though the latter cuts power to the tracker.

A historical expedition vehicle has been listed on the Czech classified site Ráj veteránů: a Tatra 148 NTt 4x4 tractor in Czechoslovak military colours towing an Orličan N10 S box trailer. The trailer has been fully converted into living space while retaining its military character, with a large bedroom, dining area and kitchen. The tractor is powered by an air-cooled V8 of 12,667 cm³ producing around 157 kW (212 hp). The combination, originally built in the 1970s, is offered only as a set for 799,000 korunas; the Tatra has veteran registration plates.

Autumn caravanning involves less predictable weather, shorter days and deteriorating road conditions. Drivers of motorhomes and caravans should be aware of morning frost, aquaplaning, strong crosswinds and fallen leaves. Moisture on roads in forests and valleys persists even in clear weather, increasing braking distances. When towing a caravan, sway can make the combination nearly uncontrollable, so reducing speed and avoiding sudden manoeuvres is advised. Due to shorter daylight, plan routes to arrive before dark to avoid damage when parking.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, more motorhomes became available for rent online, but private renters do not always maintain vehicles well or provide adequate insurance. For international travel, a category B driving licence (for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes), vehicle registration, insurance certificate and rental contract are required. Most motorhomes sleep 4–6 people, fuel consumption is 10–12 litres per 100 kilometres, and batteries charged by solar panels last 2–3 days. Wild camping is permitted in France and parts of Austria, but prohibited in Slovenia, Montenegro, Belgium and Italy. Popular destinations include the Dolomites, a route through Germany–France–Spain–Portugal, and the Croatian islands. Up-to-date toll rates for motorhomes are available on tolls.eu.

Renting a caravan for a trip abroad requires a well-maintained vehicle from a specialised rental company, the correct documents (category B driving licence for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, registration certificate, insurance and possibly a rental contract) and knowledge of local parking and camping rules. Most caravans sleep 4–6 people, fuel consumption is 10–12 litres per 100 kilometres, and fully charged batteries with solar panels last 2–3 days. Wild camping is permitted in France and parts of Austria, but prohibited in Slovenia, Montenegro, Belgium and Italy outside designated areas. Popular destinations include the Dolomites, the Germany–France–Spain–Portugal route and the Croatian islands, which can be reached by ferry. Current road tolls for motorhomes are available on tolls.eu.

A group of enthusiasts from the Czech Republic converted a UAZ-452 into a motorhome, equipping it with a sleeping area, refrigerator, air conditioning and a drinking water tank. Sliding drawers for dishes and other items are located under the bed, while additional lighting, a large expedition roof rack with boxes and a folding awning are installed outside. The project drew online attention; some owners have added solar panels, gas equipment and even a shower to similar models.

The Czech Ministry of Transport proposes extending the validity of AM, A1, A2, A, B and B+E driving licences from 10 to 15 years and raising the speed limit for motorhomes weighing 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes from 80 to 100 km/h.

SvětKaravanů.cz has opened a specialised store for caravanning and camping equipment in Bavoryně, which it calls the largest showroom of its kind in Central Europe. The showroom displays a caravan, a motorhome and a camper van, along with tents, awnings and camping furniture. The opening follows the relocation of the central warehouse from Bavoryně to Příbram; the warehouse holds over 15,000 products and can dispatch about 65% of orders on the day they are received. In 2025 the company reported turnover of 300 million Czech korunas and handled approximately 80,000 orders; abroad it operates under the Padabo brand in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Austria.