Life in a camper
Fernando and Ana, retirees from Spain, have lived in a Fiat Ducatoⓘ Maxi camper for 27 years with 127,000 km on the odometer, which they call "La Vaca". The motorhome measures 7 m². They gave up their house, car and fixed commitments more than three years ago and travel around Spain. According to them, their pension used to run out by the middle of the month, but now two pensions cover all expenses, including fuel and repairs, with money left at the end of the month.
Expenses and conversion
Weekly expenses are about €70, covering insurance, mobile phone, gas and diesel. The camper conversion took five months and cost €1,631 including the exterior paint job, while a workshop quoted more than €3,000 for similar work. The couple installed solar panels and save on electricity, water, municipal fees, garage and internet. They note that fuel and groceries are more expensive in France, and the more they travel, the higher the costs.
Weight problem
According to Fernando, modern campers are overloaded with gadgets, forcing manufacturers to reduce weight through thinner materials and lower strength. At enthusiast rallies, more than €7,000 is spent over a weekend to the benefit of local traders; the couple mentions leaving €7,000 in one village.
Legal status in Germany
In Germany, permanent living in a motorhome is in a legal grey area: the Bundesmeldegesetz requires a fixed address, and registering a motorhome as a primary residence is excluded. Overnight stays on public parking lots are allowed for no more than ten hours to restore the ability to drive, while permanent living at campsites depends on municipal statutes.