Guide: Waiting for the camper
Campers must not be in a hurry. Anyone who has opted for this type of holiday is better off making their own way to their destination and does not want to get to the holiday resort as quickly as possible. But new customers also need patience, because the lack of basic vehicles and supplier parts is still a real hurdle, waiting times of a year for the new semi-integrated or panel van are not uncommon. But they can be put to good use in terms of equipment and security.
Because right now, at the beginning of the season, the accessories trade is tempting with cheap offers. Whether gas grill, awning or bike rack, many pieces of equipment are cheaper than in the high season. Camping chairs, for example, are offered with a price advantage of up to 40 percent, with a roof air conditioner you can save almost 1000 euros. The list of bargains goes all the way to camping crockery. However, you should not lose sight of the weight. After all, many campers shy away from exceeding the weight limit of 3.5 tons when buying a new one, so as not to fall under the speed limit or the increased toll charges.
Take crockery, for example: serving dishes on porcelain is very stylish even on holiday, but light plates and cups made of plastic such as melamine weigh less than half their earthen counterparts. Even a camping chair can only weigh two kilograms, others bring it to a whopping six. Gas cylinders made of aluminum instead of steel are more expensive, but almost ten kilograms lighter. If you add one to the other, you can save a good hundredweight on equipment alone and use it instead for supplies or souvenirs from the summer resort. The waiting time for the new motorhome always makes bargain hunting more entertaining.
Booking driver training is also very useful and profitable. Because a mobile home has a completely different driving behavior than a passenger car. The weight is significantly higher, the braking distances are longer and cornering or maneuvering requires practice. Automobile clubs or manufacturers offer these training units on a closed area. The practical training modules not only include driving through a slalom course or braking and avoiding obstacles, but also instruction in safe and even loading as well as lots of information on driving physics and vehicle technology or helpful tips for securing loads.
The one-day courses last around eight hours and cost around 200 euros. Many providers allow not only the driver but also a second person in the vehicle, sometimes without extra charge. Which is useful for the theoretical part. And those who are not willing to learn themselves or believe that they have sufficient experience can certainly think of others. The next birthday in the relatives or circle of acquaintances will definitely come. (aum/Michael Kirchberger)
