Micro-campers gain popularity: from VW Caddy to foldable Dashaway

As part of the CARAVANING long-term test, a Hobby De Luxe 460 UFe caravan was equipped with E-Trailer sensors for gas level, nose weight, and tyre pressure. The system also alerts via app if a roof window is left open. The Basic starter kit costs €250, gas sensor €130 (adapter €50), E-Load system €290, E-Pressure tyre sensors €130 per pair, and E-Switch window sensors €90 per pair. Accuracy of the nose weight measurement was questioned during testing.

Westfalia unveiled the Columbus Liner at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, based on a 6.36 m Fiat Ducato. Instead of extra sleeping berths, the focus is on the roof: a pop-up tent with mosquito net creates a 'Sky Lounge' accessible via the rear king-size bed. An optional SkyBar coffee machine is available. The model offers 4 seats and 2–4 berths, a kitchen with induction hob and 90-litre compressor fridge, plus a heated double floor. Prices start at €83,900 and go up to around €115,000.

On the A9 motorway in Thuringia, Germany, a camper van crashed into a line of cars stopped in a traffic jam. 34 people, including several children, were injured, all with minor to moderate injuries. Nine vehicles were damaged, including two minibuses carrying 11 children with special needs. Damage is estimated at €350,000. The motorway was closed for five and a half hours.

On the A9 in eastern Germany, 34 people were injured last night in a rear-end collision involving a motorhome. The accident occurred near Bad Lobenstein in Thuringia. The motorhome braked too late and crashed into the tail of a traffic jam caused by an earlier accident on the opposite carriageway. Police reported 34 injured, none in life-threatening condition. Nine vehicles were damaged, including two minibuses, one of which was carrying children with special needs and their carers. The motorway was closed in both directions for over five hours.

Tourists from the Netherlands and other countries increasingly travel to Lake Constance in campers, preferring it to Spanish and Italian resorts due to shorter distance and less heat. Eric and Anita Vlot from near Rotterdam praised local hospitality and said they would return.

A multi-vehicle collision on the A9 motorway in the German state of Thuringia on Saturday evening left 34 people injured, including several children. Police said the driver of a motorhome, who was carrying two children, failed to notice a traffic jam and collided with several vehicles. Nine vehicles were damaged in the chain-reaction crash, including two minibuses carrying 11 children with special needs and eight caregivers. All injuries were minor to moderate, with no life-threatening conditions reported. The motorway towards Berlin was closed for about five and a half hours.