🇨🇭 Switzerland — OpenVan.camp

A motorhome with a German driver stopped in a tunnel due to a lack of diesel fuel. The incident led to the closure of the A4 Fäsenstaub tunnel for 40 minutes in both directions on Saturday afternoon. The 65-year-old driver will have to face the public prosecutor's office.

Startup Ebicos has introduced a modular system for converting everyday vehicles into campers. The system allows furniture to be installed and removed as needed, maintaining the vehicle's functionality for daily use. The concept was presented on the investor show "2 Minuten 2 Millionen".

Spain introduced new road sign S-128 and banned camper vans from parking near beaches. Germany responded with a 3.82-metre electric camper van — fits anywhere, furniture not included. JAL now rents out motorhomes from Narita with miles earned per rental. Storm Ali blowing a traveller's caravan off an Irish cliff, and the Outbound demo for PS5 — all in this issue.

On the "Motorhomes & Caravans" forum, users share photos of ongoing maintenance and improvement work on their vehicles. The topic was created on April 13, 2026, and contains two images showing examples of such activities.

An owner has ordered a Volkswagen Tiguan 3 with a 1.5 eHybrid powertrain producing 272 hp to tow a 1.5-ton caravan. On an online platform, he is seeking advice on the optimal driving mode and battery capacity settings for use with a trailer.

Spaniard Pablo lives in a motorhome in Switzerland while working 42.5 hours per week as a waiter. He cites two days off as a benefit of this lifestyle. According to Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 142,745 Spanish citizens reside in Switzerland.

The Crosscamp Life 2026 has been introduced, a compact motorhome combining everyday practicality with travel capabilities. The model, standing under 2 meters tall, fits into standard parking garages, is based on the Stellantis EMP2 platform, and features a new 2.2 BlueHDi engine with up to 180 hp, compliant with Euro 6e-bis standards. The interior is transformable, offering up to seven seats or a sleeping berth in the panoramic pop-up roof, and a fully electric version is also available.

A couple purchased a used camper van for retirement travel but quickly became disillusioned. The 1990s vehicle proved too cramped for individuals 5'0" and 6'0" tall, had hidden defects, and incurred high maintenance costs. They sold it after a few months, realizing they could travel using their regular car while saving on accommodation and meals.

Spaniard Pablo lives in a motorhome in Switzerland, working as a waiter for 42.5 hours a week. He chose this lifestyle due to high rental prices. He spends his two days off traveling around the country.

The municipality of Eschlikon plans to build a closed shelter for motorhome parking. The project, costing 206,000 francs, includes 12 rental spaces for the public at 130–140 francs per month and is scheduled for completion in autumn 2026, pending objections. As the amount exceeds the municipal council's financial authority, the loan approval is subject to an optional referendum.

Amid rising diesel prices, a method of saving fuel for motorhomes by driving in the slipstream of trucks is being discussed. Studies indicate potential savings of 5% to 20%, but at a dangerous distance of less than 50 meters, it violates traffic laws and sharply increases the risk of accidents. Experts do not recommend this method, suggesting instead maintaining a steady speed and keeping windows closed.

Approximately 15 buyers in Ticino and Graubünden paid hundreds of thousands of francs to a 55-year-old seller for motorhomes they never received. The man, who lived in Semione and operated between Cresciano and Grono, has been unreachable since January, and his company is closed. One victim transferred 35,000 francs for a vehicle that turned out to belong to another person and was not actually for sale.

Out of over 300 caravan models for the 2026 model year, only five simultaneously offer a ceiling height and bed length of at least 200 cm. Beds of this length are common, but a ceiling height of two meters or more is typically lacking.

Caravan sales in Switzerland boomed during the pandemic, with overnight stays increasing by 60%. Although new motorhome registrations fell by a third in 2025, demand for camping remains high. Mobile Freizeit specializes in Scandinavian caravans insulated for temperatures down to -30°C, equipped with the ALDE heating system.

An analytical report on the motorhome dishwasher market through 2026 has been published. The document outlines key players, including RecPro and Furrion, segmentation by device types and sales channels, and an analysis of the impact of trade policies and tariffs on supply chains.

German company AST has introduced a system for quietly closing sliding doors in campers. The electric door assist can be installed on popular base vehicles, including the Fiat Ducato and Mercedes Sprinter, and allows for DIY installation or through a partner network.

In Germany, a caravan or motorhome can be considered a primary residence subject to registration if used permanently and not moved. Registration is required if the vehicle is stationary and constitutes the center of life connections. Permanent campers require specialized insurance coverage beyond standard motor vehicle insurance.

ARI Motors released a camper van the size of a regular van — and it's now Germany's smallest production electric camper at €30,000. JAL decided its passengers hadn't traveled enough and offered a sequel: a motorhome pickup straight from Narita. The lawsuit against Stellantis over "cheat" diesel software, a yellow DHL van in the hands of a retiree, and 413 million campsite overnight stays across Europe — all in this issue.

Analytics firm Global Market Vision has released a forecast for the global motorhome water heater market through 2032. The report provides market segmentation by product type (gas and electric heaters), sales channels, and regions, along with an analysis of how trade policies and tariffs impact supply chains.

Before the first trips of the season, motorhome owners are advised to conduct a comprehensive vehicle inspection. Key steps include checking the base vehicle, cleaning, and inspecting onboard systems. The checklists cover the engine, tires, brakes, lighting, cleaning, as well as gas and electrical equipment.

Police have solved a break-in into a motorhome on Talstraße in late November 2025. The suspect, a 46-year-old man, was identified through a DNA trace. A small amount of cash was stolen from the vehicle, which sustained property damage of around 500 euros.

A motorhome crashed into the end of a traffic jam on the A861 motorway near Rheinfelden, injuring three people. The accident occurred on April 2, 2026, around 5:30 PM towards Switzerland, approximately one kilometer from the border; property damage is estimated at a high five-figure amount.

Standard car insurance is usually insufficient for a motorhome during vacation. Finanztip recommends a two-stage plan: first obtain a quote from WGV, then compare rates on portals SAW-Assekuranz, Transparent-Beraten, or Gut. Günstig. Versichert. Separate consideration should be given to insuring interior equipment, which is often not covered.

Swiss company HelveDrive Solutions has unveiled the OmniPresence 1.0 prototype, an autonomous motorhome that travels without passengers. The vehicle, based on a modified 7.5-ton chassis, generates social media content and automatically purchases souvenirs while the owner remains at work. Sales officially began on April 1st.

Spain set a motorhome registration record — and immediately tightened the rules. On Mallorca, 150 caravans took over a sports complex car park because renting a flat costs more. Solar Butterfly returned from a solar-powered trip around the world, and Bryansk promises a camper for 3.9 million roubles — in this issue.

Chinese manufacturer JAC has launched sales in Switzerland of a camper based on the T8Pro pickup with standard four-wheel drive. The starting price is 39,989 francs, below the market average of 49,000 francs. The vehicle offers a modular layout with options for a kitchen, shower, and solar panels, and has a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.

A couple spent three years in a camper van, covering 111,000 kilometers across 33 countries. Their journey involved breakdowns, including a failed clutch in Kazakhstan, and ended in Switzerland where the vehicle finally broke down.

Composting toilets are marketed as a comfortable camping alternative, but odor issues often arise from common mistakes. Key factors include correct sitting posture, sufficient bedding material, and using thin toilet paper. Regular emptying of containers and cleaning with diluted acids prevent deposits and odors.

A motorhome parking area has opened in Wolfgruben, Germany, after nearly three years of preparation. The site behind 'Wesse Hoob' offers 11 spaces equipped with self-service power columns and a disposal station for grey water.

A couple purchased a used camper van for retirement travel but sold it after a few months. The 1990s van proved too cramped for individuals measuring 1.52m and 1.83m tall and had undisclosed issues, including a broken generator. High maintenance costs and infrequent use made ownership impractical.