Camper boom in Europe: preparation tips and compact van test

Starting August 6, Fritz Berger will operate the 1,000 sqm retail space at the Albrecht leisure center on Porschestraße in Winsen. The product range will nearly double: around 3,000 items will be available in-store, with an additional 30,000 online products accessible via Click & Collect with free delivery to the shop. Customers can test equipment such as solar panels, TVs, and air conditioners at demonstration stands and get installation advice from the adjacent Albrecht workshop. Services include gas bottle exchange and fill-level checks. A grand opening with an autumn festival is set for September 25–27.

Schwarzbach plans to expand the 'Waldcampingplatz Lausitzer Seenland' campsite on Wiesenstrasse. The project includes increasing pitches from 20 to 49 and adding three weekend houses. Documents are available for public inspection from July 27 to August 28, 2026, at the Ruhland office and online.

The Augsburg district in Germany plans to expand its motorhome parking facilities. Currently, the only dedicated motorhome site in the district is in Königsbrunn, with 13 pitches. The district administration commissioned a feasibility study that identified potential for new pitches in several locations, including Klosterlechfeld. Additional pitches are expected to attract tourists and increase revenue for local businesses.

A Volkswagen T5 owner reported the key jamming in the ignition lock after parking with the steering wheel turned. The issue resolved after about 50 attempts and applying engine oil to the key. Forum users suggest a faulty steering lock or lock cylinder. The Erwin Volkswagen service for part number lookup by VIN has been discontinued for private customers.

The portal familie.de has compiled a list of 12 products for motorhomes and camping designed to make hot-weather trips more bearable. The selection includes portable fans, cooling mattress pads, thermal window covers, and other gear to keep the interior temperature comfortable.

Germany's KBA has ordered a recall of 46 motorhome models from Laika, Hymer, Ertrusco, Bürstner, Dethleffs, Corigon and LMC, built in Germany and Italy between 2018 and 2026. The fault is a defective weld in the ISOFIX bracket, which can fail in a crash, raising the risk of serious injury to a child in a car seat. Affected models include Kreos, Kosmo, Ayers Rock, BMC, BML, EXSIS, Free, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Lineo T, Nexxo Van T, Travel Van T, Globetrotter XXLA, Autoquest, Expedition, Globebus, Glücksmobil, A70, T70, T75L, Roadsurfer H634, Tourer and others.