Avoid fines: regular gas system checks for motorhomes

Sunlight has unveiled the IBEX off-road camper, built on the Volkswagen Crafter. It features reinforced suspension, a snorkel, a front bull bar, and mud tires. Inside, there is a 2×1.4 m bed, kitchen, shower, and toilet. Power comes from a 2.0L TDI diesel engine with 163 hp and an 8-speed automatic. Sales in Europe start in August 2025; pricing will be announced later.

German manufacturer Dethleffs unveiled the c.fold concept caravan at the CMT trade fair in Stuttgart. Its telescopic body lowers to 1.65 m while driving, reducing aerodynamic drag. According to the company, this can preserve up to 100 km of range for an electric car compared to a conventional caravan. The prototype weighs 775 kg, lacks a shower, and features a half-height toilet module with fabric walls. Production timeline and pricing have not been announced.

In 2026, travelers are increasingly choosing camping in the DACH region and neighboring countries over long-distance trips. The roadsurfer spots platform offers over 10,000 handpicked motorhome sites, bookable in real time. The service covers 15 countries and includes destinations such as Palatinate, Allgäu, Chiemsee, and Walchensee.

The Camping.info app has introduced a live availability system for campsites across Europe. The database includes over 23,000 campsites and 18,000 parking spots, with nearly 2,200 in Germany. Users can filter by criteria such as dog-friendliness or distance to the sea, and book directly through the app. The system is being rolled out gradually to more campsites.

A driver returned from Southern France to the Rhineland with a BMW X3 20xdrive towing a 1550 kg caravan at 30°C. The engine ran stably and oil temperature remained normal. However, the owner's manual warns that during long trips with high load and high ambient temperature, the fuel system may overheat if the tank is less than 1/4 full, reducing engine power and risking damage. The driver notes that following this recommendation reduces range by 25%.

Sunlight has turned the IBEX Concept into a production camper van built on the Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion. Orders open in August 2026. It features a 2.0L TDI diesel engine with 163 hp, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes an off-road package with an LED light bar, 18-inch tires, an electric side step, and roof rails. The van is about 6 meters long with an interior height of 1.98 m. The rear transverse bed measures 2.00×1.36 m, and there is a pull-out refrigerator accessible from both inside and outside. Exterior colors: Desert Sand, Lava Black, Stormy Grey, and Glacier Blue.