Couple lives in a 5 m² caravan for almost four years

An analysis shows that buying a camper van to save on vacation is often not justified. The average cost of a camper van is around €40,000, with annual maintenance expenses reaching up to €2,000. For a couple traveling 15 days a year, these funds could finance over 16 years of traditional vacations. Economic viability only emerges with intensive use of the vehicle for more than 60 days per year.

A Spanish couple has been living in a 5 m² motorhome for four years, spending about 100 euros per week. Their initial investment was 8000 euros for the van and 3000 euros for conversion. Energy needs are met by a 200 Ah lithium battery and a 400 W solar panel, and heating requires only two butane gas bottles per year.

Spain's General Directorate of Traffic has updated the regulations for vehicle technical inspections. Category M motorhomes are exempt from inspection for the first four years, then require it every two years until ten years, and annually thereafter. Category N camper vans based on vans must undergo inspection annually until ten years and twice a year after eleven years.

Retired owners of motorhomes and camper vans are increasingly using practical accessories to enhance comfort and safety. A folding step (€50–80) facilitates entry, an LED night light with motion sensor (€15–30) prevents falls, and a viscoelastic mattress topper (€70–180) improves sleep quality. Anti-slip bathroom mats, foldable shower stools, and shopping trolleys are also popular.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of holding his girlfriend captive in a motorhome parked in a lemon grove in Murcia. Police were alerted after the victim, while calling her bank to cancel a card, briefly informed an employee of her situation. The woman was found inside the vehicle with visible injuries, and it was also discovered that she herself had an outstanding arrest warrant.

The Civil Guard arrested a woman at the El Tarajal border on Monday. A routine inspection of her motorhome revealed a hidden compartment containing approximately 800 kilograms of hashish.