Since 2025, millions face additional mandatory TÜV inspection

The author recounts a summer motorhome trip from Nordenham (Germany) to the Danish island of Funen and back. The journey started with excitement up to Bederkesa, followed by relaxed days with sunshine, water views, and plenty of ice cream.

A serious accident occurred on Thursday afternoon on the A23 motorway near Wacken (Steinburg district). A white-silver SUV driver, while overtaking a motorhome, apparently overlooked a vehicle coming from behind, which then collided with the motorhome of a woman traveling with her children. The 49-year-old driver and her two daughters sustained only minor injuries, but the motorhome was completely destroyed. The suspected cause of the accident fled the scene. Police are searching for the vehicle. The A23 remained closed until late Thursday afternoon.

Following a dangerous near-miss on a road in Uckermark, the columnist calls for mandatory driving aptitude tests for motorhome and caravan owners, especially seniors. She argues that handling such vehicles requires special skills that may decline with age.

Bürstner has placed a 138-liter compressor refrigerator (with a 12-liter freezer compartment) in the lower part of the kitchen unit of its Signature SMT 7.4 model based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This layout frees up space but requires bending to access items. The optional Premium kitchen includes an electrically adjustable shelf, a pull-out cutting board, and a mineral worktop. The German starting price is €93,999 including VAT for the base version; the cost of a fully equipped vehicle has not been announced. With a full 200-liter water tank, the curb weight increases by 180 kg, potentially exceeding the 3.5-tonne limit for a standard B driving license.

Carthago has unveiled the new C2-Tourer I 146 FF-RB-LE, an integrated motorhome based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, featuring the brand's first face-to-face seating arrangement. The 7.30-meter model is available with a gross weight of 3.5 tons (lightweight) or 4.2 tons (comfort). The opposing longitudinal benches, made possible by a foldable and sliding table and the omission of an L-shaped sofa, provide ample walk-through space; they can be converted into four forward-facing seats with seatbelts. The L-shaped kitchen includes an additional work surface and a 133-liter refrigerator. For model year 2027, Carthago introduces the new "Imperia" interior style with ash Casino surfaces, matte white overhead cabinets, and a floating countertop, along with a digital on-board management system featuring a 7-inch touch panel and smartphone app.

Manufacturers offer compact motorhomes from 5.99 to 6.60 meters long, which are easier to park and maneuver in urban areas. In Spain, the number of motorhomes and campervans has tripled in 10 years. Models include the Bürstner B66 594 (from €79,380), Carado V132 (from €53,790), Pilote P600P (from €69,500), and Knaus Van TI 550 MF (from €70,690).