New EU rules for motorhomes from July 2026: mandatory safety systems

German brand NIESMANN+BISCHOFF unveiled the full-conversion camper iSmove 6.9 E on a Fiat Ducato chassis. Length 6.99 m, weight 3.5 t, price over 35 million yen.

Westfalia has introduced the Columbus Liner, a camper based on the Fiat Ducato that measures under 21 feet. The vehicle features three levels: a living room, a bedroom with a king-size bed, and a pop-top Sky Lounge. Standard equipment includes a wet bathroom, a 90-liter compressor fridge, an induction hob, up to 540 Ah lithium batteries, and a 3,000-watt inverter. The world premiere will take place at CARAVAN SALON 2026 in Düsseldorf (August 28 – September 6). Pricing starts at €83,900.

On July 17, at the start of the summer holidays, Duisburg police, together with the NRW initiative “#sicherimStraßenverkehr” and DEKRA, set up heavy-duty scales at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena. A total of 81 motorhomes and caravans were weighed between 2 pm and 6 pm; the heaviest motorhome weighed 14,300 kg. The event also offered advice on security, gas safety, tyre checks, bicycle inspections and a driving simulator.

Rescuers used a helicopter on Thursday morning to evacuate a 20-year-old man who had been illegally camping in the Langfigtal nature reserve in Altenahr. He fell ill and was too weak to walk the 1.5 km to an ambulance due to the terrain, which had been heavily damaged by the 2021 flood. A rescue helicopter with a winch arrived 45 minutes later, lowered a doctor, and then flew the man to a hospital. The local administration warned that wild camping in protected areas is prohibited and carries significant risks.

The nomadiQ Gas BBQ 3.0, tested by IMTEST, features a folding mechanism and two separately adjustable grilling zones. Grill surface 50×27 cm, one burner with 3.2 kW, weight 6.4 kg, price €319. It runs on gas cartridges or bottles, has piezo ignition and enamel-coated grates. Folded, it can be carried by handle or shoulder strap, suitable for car, motorhome or bicycle trips.

Airstream has introduced a special edition of its 534 caravan to mark 20 years of official presence in Europe. The 20 Jahre Europa Edition is based on the standard 6800 mm Airstream 534 and includes options such as an awning, maneuvering system, air conditioning, and a lithium iron phosphate battery. The price in Germany is €112,850, which is €13,375 less than a similarly configured individual unit.