Recreational vehicle

A mobile home, in Switzerland officially residential motor vehicle is a motor vehicle with a suitable for residential interiors. This often resembles that of a caravan. The base vehicle is a van in the rule. Mostly mobile homes are used as recreational vehicles for camping and for vacations with changing state and adventure locations. Campers will also gladly used at different work places of business travelers and sales representatives, assembly workers or showmen to stay or as a mobile office.

Originally ( preparing food, sleeping) with motorhome a habitable vehicle referred to, which focuses, however, on traveling, so driving lay. These were usually developed by small buses and vans, which is why these vehicles are then as now, often referred to as a camper. Today, in Germany, the terms motorhome and camper but are used interchangeably, but is usually predominantly spoken in manufacturers' catalogs and journals from motorhomes, colloquially by RV. Motorhomes in the original sense are dealt with under van.

2.1 series frame
2.2 flat floor chassis
2.3 low frame

3.1 insurance
3.2 driver's license and driving license
3.3 Situation in Germany 3.3.1 Road Traffic Act
3.3.2 car tax
3.3.3 driver's license and driving license
3.3.4 Service / Maintenance

3.4.1 Road Traffic Act
3.4.2 car tax

4.1 autarky
4.2 home decorations
4.3 Where to sleep in the camper 4.3.1 Camping
4.3.2 Parking 4.3.2.1 Situation in Germany

RV types

Camper

As a camper, also Absetzkabine, a residential building is referred to by means of which a pickup or flatbed, rarely from a normal production car, a camper can be made. The advantage is that the owner transform itself is required, his car into a mobile home, and also the residential construction can leave like a caravan on a campsite. For everyday use, the structure can be dismantled. Disadvantage in comparison to other types RV quite tight housing.

Van

The first motorhomes emerged in the 1950s based on the VW bus, the prototype of the van. With the Westfalia camping box one of the first interior design was created for standard pickup truck. In contrast to later interiors, this could still be removed with little effort from the vehicle and remained fully functional. In the 1970s, then became a residential facility Equipped with vans who possessed additionally also sanitary facilities including toilet and shower, referred to as a motorhome. These vehicles are to this day - more is available on vans - into production. They offer more comfort and are usually more economical than larger RVs, but the living room is smaller and the comfort of living is lower because he is limited to the dimensions of the standard van. Increasingly, the term van as type ( actually type ) viewed the campers. Advantage is the high practicality of vehicles disadvantage is the high price through the elaborate expansion in relation to the size of the vehicle.

Modern vans have usually either a fixed high roof or through a pop-up roof (also referred to as pop-top ) to ensure in prior operating headroom. This serves not only the comfort, but is also required for the tax classification as a camper. On some models under this umbrella one to two beds can be set up.

Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel Motorhome 1983 with lifting roof. Interior with sofa bench, fridge, folding stove - rinsing combination. The stove - rinsing combination is also used as a step to get to the beds below the pop-top.

Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel Motorhome 1983 with lifting roof. Sleeps 2 located under the pop-top. It can be reached by climbing over the cabinets in the rear of the vehicle under the roof.

Alcove

Campers who are with an alcove, an alcove above the cab, equipped, than the RV type are par excellence. Due to its optimum use of space and its comparatively low price, the popularity of the alcove vehicles declared with families with children. Alcove with its typical stem bed above the cab are therefore used to like pictograms, traffic signs, and as a symbol for a mobile home in general and have found such as additional characters 1048-17 also input into the Road Traffic Regulations.

One benefit is in addition to the good use of space, the winter performance since the non- insulated cab can be separated from the insulated housing. Disadvantages are the low ceiling in the alcove, which often permits only one side Into roles of a ladder, the large overall height of the vehicle and the resulting high air resistance when driving.

Supply Integrated RV

This camper type (also called semi-integrated ) used the cab of the vehicle series for residential purposes with, without departing from the standard cab. It has a small alcove above the cab, which serves as a rule, can also be reached in the cab headroom. Turning the driver's seats in the living room these can then be combined into a sitting area with a arranged behind table with bench seat ( half dinette ).

A semi-integrated motorhome offers at comparatively lower cost approximately the same value as a fully integrated residential mobile home. The cost advantage is achieved due to the use of the standard driver cabin during the assembly of the motor home. Disadvantage is the insufficient insulation of the cab, over the at low ambient temperatures due to lack of insulation, the most interior heat is dissipated to the outside.

Van

A Van is a small semi-integrated vehicle in which the short dimensions and small width of the special structure was respected. This creates a more uniform impression of the cab and residential construction. The vehicles are not built on large truck chassis, but also on light truck chassis.

Fully integrated motorhome

The Totally Integrated, also called king class are built on chassis with no cab, called the cowl chassis. In these, the outer skin of the cab is missing. Only the bulkhead with the dash and the wheel arches form a unit for recording produced all for driving the necessary equipment such as engine, transmission, steering, driver 's seat, etc. From the RV manufacturer must thus in small series a complete insulated front mask with windshield, headlights, wheel blower, wipers, etc. be. For the full integrated offer a full living room " of a piece". Similar to the semi-integrated slices through the front blinds or mats must also be insulated, as these can not be made from the slightly scratching insulation plastic glasses as the rest of motorhome windows for safety reasons.

Advantage of Totally Integrated is therefore the maximum value of living adversely are the significantly higher costs, which also result from the maintenance of the engine (poorer accessibility) and the cab components ( small series ) is more expensive than the conventional vehicles. Even today include Arnold motorhomes, beside Orion and perhaps the first Hymer vehicles up to the first S-Class became the epitome of integrated motorhomes. Arnold motorhomes were built in the period 1973-1985 and were the luxury Mobile 80s.

Campers on truck base

Here, the housing unit is mounted on a standard truck chassis. It is possible to realize this very large motorhomes, so the type predominantly in the luxury segment is used. This construction is more likely in the U.S. trailer for European space and camping needs the models offered are usually too big. Moreover, the maximum authorized mass of most of these vehicles is in excess of 7.5 tonnes, which is why they (B, C1 class) may not be driven by EU law with a car driving license.

Residential buses

Residential buses are mostly for residential purposes developed by hobbyists or one-off items former Coach or truck, thus significantly larger than most motorhomes built on Transporter chassis. In North America, increasingly commercially converted, or equal designed as such residential buses (Bus Conversion or motor coach ) are popular. As is the custom these are also often equipped with trailers for a car and thus represent probably one of the most luxurious ways of traveling dar.

Based vehicles and chassis of motor homes

RVs are usually built on so-called mini vans or minibuses. The history of RVs therefore begins in the 1950s with the archetype of the van, the VW Transporter T1. Later on, the Ford Transit, the Mitsubishi L300 as well as Mercedes - duty vehicles were added. Current common base vehicles are the types of the European market, such as the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper identical, or the Mercedes -Benz Sprinter, identical to the VW Crafter. Other models are the Ford Transit, VW Transporter, the Renault Master, which is identical to the Opel Movano, the Iveco Daily or also identical Renault Trafic and Opel Vivaro. Larger motorhomes are built on truck or bus-based vehicles.

Series framework

The series frame ( also called ladder frame ) is for all vehicles, whether refrigerated body, rescue van, pickup camper or just suitable. It is produced in series as a " chassis " and is ideal for front or rear wheel drive. Advantage is the high universal stability and low price due to mass production. Disadvantages are the higher weight and the higher design, which is relativized by the higher ground clearance. The expense in the RV manufacturing in relation to the size of the vehicle is at its lowest in the lead frame.

Flat floor chassis

A flat floor chassis is only possible with front-wheel drive vehicles. It is the chassis of a serial box car, wherein the roof and side walls are missing from the B-pillar. The chassis consists of longitudinal and transverse beams and the deep-drawn profiled bottom plates. Due to the lack of support structure as in the conventional chassis (eg flatbed ), the side walls of the mobile home structure as in the series ( plate ) vans have to play a stabilizing role. Therefore, the dimensioning and the connection of the mobile home structure to the cab must be done with great care. Further stabilization can (usually a 40 - mm sandwich base ) can be achieved with the sheet metal floor of the flat bottom chassis by the glue-down of the body floor. This results in a lower step-in height and lower ground clearance. In partially integrated vehicles (ie without alcove ), a lower air resistance due to the lower overall height is achieved. In alcove vehicles, this advantage does not come into play, since the vehicle height is determined by the cab ( cab height alcove ). This design is recommended for light cars without a long rear overhang in the lower price segment.

Low frame

To a so-called tractor head ( here cut off the chassis behind the cab ) is a special chassis, the so-called " low frame " flanged. The standard rear axle is replaced by an independent suspension. The most high-quality built from galvanized sheet metal parts and bolted deep frames are flanged as low as possible in order to realize a low entry-level and overall height and a raised floor ( insulation of plumbing for winter performance ) can. The overall height is reduced, however, in the alcove vehicles also by a low frame not. Low frame are predominantly available in front drives - first time in 2006, a low-frame rear-wheel drive for the Mercedes Sprinter has been realized. By compared with the standard frame changed Hinterachskonzept a change of driving habits and other maintenance requirements arise. Further rises through the low ground clearance of the risk of building on uneven places.

Driving

Insurance

Campers must be covered by liability insurance, like all other motor vehicles. Due to the very low average annual mileage and low loss ratios for private use mostly special motorhome tariffs apply.

Driver's license and driving license

Since the EU-wide harmonization of license categories, which entered into force in 1999, should be driven with the driving license of category B vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Most smaller Wohmobile meet this criterion.

Situation in Germany

Road traffic act

Compared with a caravan trailer applies to motorhomes up to 3.5 t permissible total mass in Germany as for cars no general speed limit. For campers over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 t apply with the exception of Regulation 12 Road Traffic Regulations higher speeds than trucks for the same weight class, namely 100 km / h on motorways and motor roads. This exemption regulation was originally limited until December 31, 2009, the time limit was annulled on 26 October 2009. However, all other prohibitions for motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (entry, transit and no-passing ) remain.

Vehicle tax

In Germany campers with more than 2.8 tonnes maximum permissible weight since 1984 as "other vehicles " such as trucks under § 8 No. 2 KraftStG were subjected by the technically permissible maximum mass of the vehicle tax. Since January 1, 2006 (No. 8 § § 1a iV § 9 para 1 No. 2a KraftStG ) is according to its own emission-based RV tax rate assessed, the lower in height than the car, but higher than the truck tax lies. Since the concept of the car tax camper ( § 2 para 2b KraftStG ) does not always coincide with the traffic law definition of the regulatory authorities, it happens that the tax authorities to tax these vehicles like a car.

Driver's license and driving license

Since the EU-wide harmonization of license categories, which entered into force in 1999, are allowed with the "normal car driving license " Class B only vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes are down, while older German driving licenses of class 3 up to a total mass of 7.5 t apply. So many larger existing RVs holders may no longer be driven as of 1999 licenses issued.

Therefore, and also because at the same time steadily increasing comfort requirements are 3.5 -ton vehicles built with ever lower payload reserves and - often unconsciously - operate above the permissible total weight, which brings an increasing risk of accidents ( blowouts, extended stopping distance ) with itself. Many RV manufacturers are trying for the German market, to overcome this problem by different strategies:

Weight savings through increased use of lightweight materials or reduction of aircraft stores ( smaller water tanks or batteries)
Also reduce the number while driving seats
Construction of smaller vehicles, particularly vans and semi-integrated.

Service / Maintenance

For vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight main examination and AU intervals as prescribed in the car. For vehicles over 3.5 t 2 - yearly, followed by annual general inspections are due to the age of six years.

Situation in Austria

Road traffic act

According to the Austrian Road Traffic Act, the truck symbol does not refer generally to motor vehicles, but only to lorries over 3.5 tonnes. RVs with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 t, are not affected by the corresponding driving and overtaking.

Vehicle tax

In Austria, for campers up to a maximum mass of 3.5 tons as for cars to pay the motor -related insurance tax that is calculated on the basis of engine power. Moreover, when buying new ones or import a motorhome the consumption tax ( NoVA ) is payable.

Prior use of mobile homes

Self-sufficiency

RVs are compared to the majority of the caravans ( caravans) self-sufficient because they have at least one independent from the vehicle battery 12 V battery for water pumps and lighting for residential use and have larger sized fresh and waste water tanks. The water tank can be accommodated frost-proof (eg in a double bottom ). Recently, the living room batteries can not only while driving or be recharged with shore power, but also by photovoltaic panels on the roof or by fuel cells. The duration of the self-sufficiency of motorhomes depends of technical equipment needs of the occupants (water and energy), usage habits (eg, use of board or land toilets) and outdoor temperatures.

Home decorations

The equipment is similar to that of a normal apartment. There is usually a kitchenette, a living and a sleeping area, on-board toilet and shower. Household engineering is largely completely present, with the power supply is usually limited to 12 V DC power from the battery. Through the use of an inverter (usually retrofitted already partially assembled at the factory in higher-value vehicles ), but also conventional, powered with 230 V AC devices can be used. Frequently entertainment media such as satellite television, a stereo, VCR or DVD player and navigation systems are installed.

Along with adequate Zuladungsmöglichkeit the vehicle sufficiently sized beds, closet and storage space needed for the quality of living. Smaller RVs usually have a bike rack, more often contain a large storage space ( rear garage ) for bikes or a small motor scooter, very large even for a small car, which meet the need for mobility in the vicinity. In the market, an almost confusing variance of floor plans within the residential construction is available, subject to the fluctuations of the respective fashion trends not only in design.

Accommodation in mobile homes

In the state of use of mobile homes is to distinguish between:

Camping

In almost all countries in Europe Camping is permitted only at designated places separately. Camping includes the use of garden furniture, awning, BBQ, etc. in the open. Supply of energy (electricity and gas) and fresh water, and waste disposal ( garbage, sewage, feces ) is almost always guaranteed here.

Parking

It is often stayed in caravans parked in a public car park or roadside.

Situation in Germany

This one moves in Germany in a legal gray zone: Even though there are campers as other motor vehicles are also under the rules of the Highway Code parked (without limitation as opposed to trailers); this is permissible public use. The Stay in parked motor home, may, where it not only serves to restore the ability to drive, be considered as unauthorized special use public transport space.

Generally, in Germany the unique night tolerated as long as it is not the traffic is impeded, respected local parking regulations and any objects such as camping furniture, grills, or awnings erected outside the camper. However, the unique night to restore the ability to drive was seen as a special use, as the inability to drive was brought about deliberately by alcohol after parking the motorhome, at least in one case. To regulate the stay in mobile homes or in order to promote local tourism, establishing more and more communities are a special RV sites.

RV sites

RV parks are public or private parking for campers, on which, depending on local conditions, at least one-night, mostly, however, different forms of camping are allowed. Supply and disposal is guaranteed here in varying degrees.

Registrations in Germany

Since 2006, the Federal Motor Vehicle Office shall keep the segment RVs. For figures on annual new registrations of passenger cars in the segment RVs in Germany according to statistics from the Federal Motor Vehicle Office, see the list of registrations of new passenger cars in Germany by segment and model series # campers.

Travelling salesman Camper shell Panel van Firewall (engine) Volkswagen Crafter Supermini Family car Luxury vehicle Sports car

160767