Podcast: The State of the Motorhome Market

Tour operator Dertour is expanding its Cars & Camper division in response to growing demand for individual mobility on vacation. New car rental options have been added in Barbados, Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The partner network in southern Africa has been extended to include Sani Sixt, Tempest, and Avis Safari Rental. Camper offerings in North America, Australia, and New Zealand have also been increased.

German-French manufacturer Westfalia has announced the Columbus Liner model based on the long Fiat Ducato. The camper van features a luxury pop-up roof with a 2×2 m opening, creating a sleeping area with a sky view and a small roof terrace. A longitudinal double bed is installed at the rear, with a bike garage underneath. Full details, including terrace railing, are expected at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf.

Germany's Federal Court of Justice partially overturned the sentence of Daniel J., convicted of setting fire to a motorhome in which three people were sleeping. The incident occurred in May 2025 at the port of Dömitz (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). The court upheld the conviction for attempted murder and aggravated arson but found an error in the assessment of 'increased criminal energy' during sentencing. The case has been remanded to a different chamber of the Schwerin Regional Court for a new hearing; a date has not yet been set.

The 'Camping am Wasserfall' campsite in Lingen-Hanekenfähr (Lower Saxony) is situated between the Ems River, the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and the hotel at the waterfall. The site offers about 400 parcelled pitches for motorhomes, caravans, and tents, plus a day-use area. Facilities include an outdoor pool, children's playgrounds, bike and canoe rentals, and the 'Ems-Island' restaurant at the adjacent hotel. The campsite has been operating since the 1960s and attracts many visitors each year.

Starting July 1, 2026, the statute of limitations for traffic offenses in Germany will increase from three to six months. This affects typical violations for motorhome and caravan owners, such as speeding, running red lights, overloading, and illegal parking. The law has been published in the Bundesgesetzblatt. The change is due to overloaded fine enforcement agencies that could not process cases within the previous timeframe.

A flexible 100W solar panel is available on eBay for €44.99 with promo code POWEREBAY10. Suitable for motorhomes, boats, tents, and other curved surfaces, it measures 104.5×47.5 cm, weighs about 2 kg, and is 2.5 mm thick. Versions with 200W and 400W are also offered for €80.99 and €161.99 respectively.