Living permanently in a caravan: rules, registration and insurance

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.

Perfect Van has launched the Fox motorhome based on the Ford Transit 4x4. The model features a hybrid water system (65-litre tank and two 5-litre canisters), a removable ReSi sink for showering, a dry separating toilet, and sheep wool insulation. The motorhome sleeps four, includes a pop-up bed and a hidden workspace. Hand-built in Baden-Württemberg. Price not disclosed.

On July 8, 2026, the Euskirchen police will offer free weighing for motorhomes, caravans, and other vehicles. The event runs from 2 PM to 5 PM at the THW premises. The aim is to raise awareness about overloading risks and safe travel. Violations found will not be penalized.

According to SÜDWEST24, two rolls of aluminum foil are essential in a motorhome. The foil solves several everyday problems: it helps with cooking, replaces missing lids, and simplifies leftover storage. However, most motorhome owners make a critical mistake when using it, as consumer protection experts point out.