🇵🇪 Peru — OpenVan.camp
Anto and Nano left their structured life in Santo Tomé to travel the Americas in 'El Moncho', a motorhome they built themselves. Their first stop was Puerto Gaboto. They sustain themselves through social media, advertising, video editing, and odd jobs. They emphasize that the key is to dare, not to fear failure.
Confusing the water filler with the fuel filler is a common error among first-time renters of motorhomes and camper vans. If diesel is poured into the fresh water tank, do not turn on the water pump or open taps to avoid system damage. In the opposite case, do not start the engine. Repair costs can exceed €1,500, and insurance typically does not cover this negligence.
The issue of caravans used as housing has escalated in Ciutat Jardí (Palma). Residents complain, politicians propose bans and fines, but the article points to the root cause — a lack of affordable housing. Instead of repression, it suggests setting up a legal parking area with basic hygiene services for a reasonable monthly fee.
Roadsurfer has introduced the Couple Cottage camper van based on the Weinsberg CaraTour with a fixed roof. The vehicle is nearly 6 meters long with an interior height of 1.9 m. It features a kitchen with two gas burners, a 69-liter refrigerator, heating system, and a bathroom with shower and toilet. The rear double bed is always set up, with storage underneath.
The article explains that living together in a camper van or motorhome requires strict organization due to limited space (about 2 sq m of free area). The key is the 'turn rule': two people should not occupy the same space at the same time, e.g., while one cooks, the other stays in the lounge area. This prevents collisions, discomfort, and injuries.
Short videos featuring AI-generated objects with faces and voices are trending on social media, warning motorhome owners about common oversights. The clip highlights consequences of leaving skylights, windows, fridge, drawers, retractable step, or awning open. For instance, an open skylight can tear off at speed, causing an accident and a fine up to 200 euros, with repairs potentially reaching 1000 euros.
TikToker Marina Luca (@marinaaluca) in a viral video listed apps she says are essential for saving money on camper van trips. She recommends Park4night for finding overnight spots, Google Maps for navigation and nearby services, Wikiloc for route planning, and GasAll for fuel price comparison. According to the article, converting a van into a camper costs between €800 and €30,000 depending on complexity and size.
The author shares their experience of living in a camper van after retirement, traveling through the mountains with their dog. The focus is on a lifestyle shift from office routine to freedom and simplicity. Details include camper van setup: a coffee corner, a compact bed, and a wall map marking visited places. The article describes daily rituals like cooking on a propane stove and stargazing away from city lights.
When winterizing a camper, residual water in pipes can freeze and damage the system. Using an inflated balloon to blow out the pipes removes water remnants without risk of overpressure. This method is cheaper than buying a compressor for 40-80 euros or using non-toxic antifreeze for 15-20 euros.
German company VANME has unveiled the Niffler 2026 camper van based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L3H2, designed specifically for cyclists. The model features a vertical garage for four mountain bikes, a mobile repair system, two 230 Ah lithium batteries, and solar panels. The interior includes a kitchen with induction hob, a bed nearly 2 meters long, a pop-up roof, and a bathroom with shower.
IKEA offers several practical and compact accessories for outfitting camper vans. The list includes stackable tableware, organizers, a compact broom and dustpan set, and a hanging storage system, with each item priced under 10 euros.
Kia unveiled the PV5 electric van with a modular kit from VanLab that transforms it into a camper in five minutes without tools. The kit costs about $2000 and includes a bed and kitchen.
Carryboy and Farizon have unveiled an electric campervan based on the Farizon Super Van. The 6-meter model features a 94 hp electric motor, an 82 kWh LFP battery, and a range of up to 372 km. Price: 74,665 euros.
Vanlife specialist Vanovia presented five practical tests to evaluate a camper before purchase. The tests include cooking a full dinner, repeatedly setting up the bed, spending a rainy day inside, working with a laptop, and checking real storage space. Renting a similar model for several days is recommended to identify limitations not noticeable at the dealership.
A couple transformed a compact Chevrolet Onix LS hatchback into an improvised motorhome for sleeping on the road. They folded the rear seats to create a sleeping area and used custom-cut thermal insulation on the windows. The project gained viral attention on social media by showcasing travel without a specialized RV.
Bruder has launched the ADX-21, its largest caravan model to date, designed for off-grid travel in extreme conditions. The 6.7-meter-long trailer features a 30 cm air suspension, 1200W of solar panels, 265L freshwater capacity, and a starting price of nearly €164,000. It offers various interior layouts with a fixed double bed, a U-shaped lounge, a full kitchen, and a separate bathroom.
F1 drivers use custom motorhomes as mobile homes and operational bases during European Grand Prix weekends. Max Verstappen's 2024 unit includes a high-end simulator for training, while Nico Hülkenberg used a Mercedes-Benz Actros-based Krismar motorhome with a hybrid system at the 2025 Silverstone GP. Lewis Hamilton employs a private motorhome for testing with Ferrari, continuing a trend of personalized driver facilities that Nico Rosberg helped popularize.
Peru