Used Saab 9-5 Aero as a caravan tow car: is there enough pulling power and does fuel consumption scare?

The Pirkanmaa District Court on August 12 found a 70-year-old man guilty of embezzlement of a motorhome purchased on an installment plan. The court determined that the man failed to make payments and did not return the vehicle, claiming it was stolen. He was sentenced to three months and 15 days of conditional imprisonment and ordered to pay an 80-euro victim surcharge.

On Tuesday, August 25, at about 11:25 a.m., a motorhome caught fire after a drive in Perunkajärvi, Rovaniemi, on Mustikkamaantie. Firefighters arriving at the scene found the vehicle completely destroyed by the fire. The fire did not spread, and no injuries were reported. Six units from the Lapland rescue service were dispatched to the scene.

The purchase of a new Hymer BML I 790 motorhome for 224,680 euros in May 2024 led to a consumer dispute. The buyer claimed the vehicle had numerous defects from the start, including faulty interior lighting and non-working USB ports, as well as a delivery delay of nearly three weeks. The seller maintained that warranty repairs were carried out properly. The first foreign trip was interrupted, and the case was referred to the Consumer Disputes Board.

German manufacturer Sealander has introduced a lightweight trailer that can be used as a camper and as a boat. The trailer weighs 750 kg, allowing it to be towed by almost any small car without additional license requirements. It measures 4.69 m in length, 1.66 m in width, and 1.93 m in height. Inside, there is a sleeping area of 205×151 cm, a table, seats, and options such as a stove, sink, shower, toilet, and solar panels. Water propulsion is provided by an outboard motor of 4–7 kW, sold separately. The manufacturer advises against going to sea in winds above 4 Beaufort or waves over 30 cm. Price in Germany is 39,750 euros.

A caravan caught fire on a highway in Oulu. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. between the Linnanmaa and Ritaharju exits. Despite heavy rain, the fire spread quickly, producing a tall column of smoke. Traffic heading south was affected. The fire department confirmed the incident.

In Finland, unofficial camping spots are called 'puskaparkki'. A journalist visited one in Imatra near the Imatrankoski sports field and found a motorhome there, whose owners were out on a trip.