Vanlife in Germany: roadsurfer anniversary, DIY camper, and new marketplace

A motorhome driver drove onto a grassy area, got stuck in mud, and was pulled out by a tractor. During the maneuver, the motorhome collided with the tractor because the brakes failed. The insurer denied the comprehensive claim. The Munich Higher Regional Court (case 10 U 1638/25e) ruled that under the standard motor vehicle insurance terms (AKB, July 2023), damage between a towing and a towed vehicle is not covered unless an external force intervenes.

Italian manufacturer Wingamm will present a new generation of compact premium motorhomes at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2026 (Hall 11, Stand C65). The models feature a one-piece fiberglass monocoque, redesigned bathrooms, and an enlarged garage. The company also announced a 2026–2030 strategic plan to double production capacity.

The Tiny House Association has published the revised industry standard 'Small Building' (June 2026 edition). The guideline, known as the 'Tiny House Standard', describes the current state of the art for planning, manufacturing and evaluating small buildings. The main innovation is the division into two parts: Part 1 covers requirements for construction, technical building equipment, product ecology and conformity assessment; Part 2 covers living quality, indoor air hygiene and building biology requirements. Manufacturers can check product compliance during the planning phase, reducing later adjustments and costs. New definitions for modular houses and series construction have been added; for series products, conformity assessment can be based on a representative sample. The standard includes differentiated requirements for the energy assessment of transportable small buildings. It is available in print and PDF for EUR 69.

Monic Burde, a former professional handball player from Halle, won the TV show Exatlon on Sport1. After ending her career due to a shoulder injury, she converted her camper van 'Big Foot' and traveled through Europe for a year. Upon return, she competed and, despite shoulder issues, finished first.

In Plößberg (Tirschenreuth district), on July 22, 2026, an unknown vandal scratched a parked Nissan camper and broke its side windows, also damaging a garden lamp. The damage is estimated at at least 10,000 euros.

The city of Borken plans to set up ten motorhome parking spaces on the Kalverkamp in Gemen. Funding of nearly €100,000 has been secured from the European LEADER programme. The spaces will not be available during shooting festivals held on the site.