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Vanlife, Motorhomes and Travel

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British woman moves into caravan, halves housing costs Lifestyle © Racing.nl
GB United Kingdom

British woman moves into caravan, halves housing costs

Katrina, 31, from southern England, gave up her €1,100 monthly apartment rent and bought a two-person caravan for €30,000. She signed a nine-year contract at a holiday park, bringing her annual base costs to €4,100, covering pitch, utilities, and amenities. She reports working less and feeling 'half retired.' Her story is part of a broader trend of young people in the UK, China, and Germany seeking affordable housing alternatives amid rising rents.

Source: Racing.nl NLD
Choosing a car for towing a caravan: what really matters Lifestyle © Autobahn

Choosing a car for towing a caravan: what really matters

When choosing a car for towing a caravan, many focus only on the maximum braked trailer weight stated in the documents. However, as ANWB notes, stability and safety depend on the ratio of the loaded caravan weight to the car's weight (recommended no more than 75%), wheelbase, nose weight, and drivetrain type. Using the Ford Kuga PHEV, Kia Sorento, and Volkswagen Touareg as examples, it is shown that actual towing capabilities depend on the specific trim and engine type, and for hybrids and electric vehicles, the range is significantly reduced.

Source: Autobahn NLD
Dutch caravan market: German brands dominate, Kip holds niche Industry © Autobahn
NL Netherlands

Dutch caravan market: German brands dominate, Kip holds niche

The Netherlands has over 422,000 caravans, but new sales through July 2024 are led by German brands Hobby, Fendt, Knaus, Dethleffs, and Eriba-Hymer. The only Dutch brand maintaining a presence is Kip, founded in 1934. The Drenthe-based company focuses on lightweight, compact models (Shelter, Compact, Vision) suitable for small cars, hybrids, and EVs. Kip does not compete with mass-market brands but occupies a niche for buyers seeking an alternative.

Source: Autobahn NLD
Traveling with a Caravan to Switzerland: Double Vignette Fee Lifestyle © Autobahn

Traveling with a Caravan to Switzerland: Double Vignette Fee

Many drivers heading south with a caravan overlook that Switzerland requires a separate vignette for the trailer. Missing the second sticker on the caravan results in a fine of 200 Swiss francs (about 200 euros), plus the immediate purchase of the missing vignette for 40 francs. Since 2024, Switzerland offers an e-vignette, allowing drivers to link both vehicle and trailer license plates to a single payment, simplifying compliance.

Source: Autobahn NLD
Brakel expands motorhome parking but introduces fees Law & Regulations © avs.be
BE Belgium

Brakel expands motorhome parking but introduces fees

The Belgian municipality of Brakel is reforming the popular motorhome parking area at the De Rijdtmeersen recreation site. The number of spaces will increase from four to twelve, but they will no longer be free. The change is driven by frequent occupation of regular visitor parking by motorhomes, which has drawn criticism. The new site will have a barrier, digital booking and payment via QR code, and free electricity will be discontinued. Construction is expected to start in spring 2027.

Source: avs.be NLD
Incidents NL Netherlands

Dog killed in attack at camper site in Oss

At the De Rusheuvel camper site in Oss, a Belgian Shepherd named Bar attacked a white Spitz named Kiki, belonging to a Ukrainian family. Kiki died from injuries sustained in the attack. The owner of the shepherd acknowledged responsibility, stating the dog had broken loose. The family is seeking justice, citing a lack of response from the municipality.

Source: Omroep Brabant: het laatste nieuws uit Brabant, sport en informatie uit jouw regio. NLD
Compact travel trailer gets pull-out bathroom Industry © Racing.nl
US United States

Compact travel trailer gets pull-out bathroom

US manufacturer Encore has introduced the ROG 12RK-FB travel trailer, measuring 4.6 meters in length. The interior living space is only 3.7 meters, making a fixed wet cell impractical. The solution is a pull-out unit mounted on the drawbar that resembles a storage box when closed. When opened, it forms a sealed bathroom with toilet and shower, with a floor isolated from the ground.

Source: Racing.nl NLD
Residents in Oss concerned about aggressive dogs near camper van Incidents © Ons Oss
NL Netherlands

Residents in Oss concerned about aggressive dogs near camper van

An incident occurred near the De Rusheuvel sports park in Oss, where a resident's dog was killed after an attack by one or more dogs belonging to a man staying long-term at a camper van site. Residents report the man has exceeded the maximum 72-hour stay limit and that authorities have not taken sufficient action. The DDO party has submitted written questions to the municipality regarding safety and enforcement.

Source: Ons Oss NLD
Wheelhome launches Dashaway ECT camper trailer based on Tesla project Industry © KampeerZaken.nl - Alles over kamperen: caravans, campers, vouwwagens, tenttrailers, tenten en kampeerartikelen - Nieuw & tweedehands
GB United Kingdom

Wheelhome launches Dashaway ECT camper trailer based on Tesla project

British company Wheelhome has introduced the Dashaway ECT, a compact camper trailer originally designed as a module for the Tesla Model 3. The trailer comes in two versions: ECTS for one person (400 kg, bed 196x80 cm) and ECT2 for two (370 kg, bed 196x127 cm). In travel mode, height is 1.10 m; on site, it rises to 1.83 m in five minutes. Equipment includes an induction hob, 200 W solar panel, lithium batteries, and a portable toilet. UK price starts at £15,500; deliveries to the Netherlands and Belgium are not yet confirmed.

Source: KampeerZaken.nl - Alles over kamperen: caravans, campers, vouwwagens, tenttrailers, tenten en kampeerartikelen - Nieuw & tweedehands NLD
Caravan insurance: common misconceptions Lifestyle © Autobahn
NL Netherlands

Caravan insurance: common misconceptions

Comparison website Autoverzekering.nl warns that many caravan owners are unaware of their policy terms. Car insurance does not cover all risks, and the rules change once the caravan is unhitched. While hitched, the caravan is covered only for third-party liability. Damage to the caravan itself, including hail, theft, or storage damage, is the owner's responsibility without a separate caravan policy.

Source: Autobahn NLD

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