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Costly mistakes when loading a motorhome and taking a ferry

14.06.2026 04:11 1 min 2 sources
chip.de DEU + 1 more
Costly mistakes when loading a motorhome and taking a ferry
© PROMOBIL

In Brief

Overloading a motorhome can lead to fines and safety issues, while a first ferry trip requires careful planning. ADAC and TÜV Nord warn about weight limits, and experts advise booking in advance and turning off gas.

Motorhome Overloading: Fines and Risks

According to ADAC and TÜV Nord, many motorhome owners exceed the permissible load, not accounting for the weight of water, gas, bicycles, and equipment. In Germany, fines start when the weight exceeds the limit by 5%, and penalty points are added for overloading over 20%. It is crucial to check the total vehicle weight before departure.

First Ferry Trip: How to Avoid Mistakes

A first ferry crossing with a motorhome or caravan requires preparation. Key aspects include comparing total costs including fuel and fees, choosing the right time and day for booking, and following safety rules on board, such as turning off gas. Also, check insurance conditions and the possibility of connecting to the electrical grid in advance.

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Story sources

Correctly Loading a Motorhome: When It Can Quickly Become Expensive

20.04.2026 chip.de DEU Original source

First ferry trip with a motorhome: how to avoid costly mistakes

26.02.2026 PROMOBIL DEU Original source

🇩🇪 Germany — fuel prices

Updated: 13.06.2026

Diesel

$2.14 /l

€1.84 · £1.59/l

112 of 132

pricier than 84% of countries

Petrol

$2.22 /l

€1.91 · £1.65/l

120 of 134

pricier than 89% of countries

LPG

$1.34 /l

€1.15 · £0.99/l

46 of 48

pricier than 94% of countries

Popular route

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Fuel cost

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Best regions in the coming days

Bavaria +24°·27 km/h
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87
Saxony +23°·50 km/h
87
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern +20°·45 km/h
87
Thuringia +25°·55 km/h
86
Avoid now
Saarland +30°·33 km/h
78
Rhineland-Palatinate +27°·50 km/h
80

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