Tips for motor homes
Living better on the move
You don't need a train or plane ticket or a hotel room: You just get in and go where you want to go. Your mobile living room makes you independent and flexible. We want you to feel free, but also safe and relaxed.
When is a mobile home a mobile home?
Mobile homes aren't what they used to be: The earliest models were converted lorries, and the most important accessories was the owner's wanderlust. Today, there's almost no limit to the luxury. But when is a mobile home a mobile home? The minimum requirements can be found in a VdTÜV specification:
- Please sit down!
The mobile home should make a liveable impression. This requires, among other things, a place to sit at a table. This can be removed, or folded or turned away. - Good night
It doesn't have to be a four-poster bed. A folding-out sofa is good enough. The law requires a 1.8 x 0.7-metre even surface for sleeping. - Enjoy your meal
The kitchen facilities with sink and water drainage as well as a stove
It must be suitable for performing kitchen work and stowing kitchen utensils. If the stove is not fixed, a safe and ergonomic area must be provided to use it, and it must be approved for use indoors. - Keeping everything tidy
There's room! The usual car storage spaces, glove compartment, and boot are not enough. The cupboard or storage space must offer ample space for clothes and food. - All tied down
During the trip the equipment should have a permanent place so that in the event of an accident the risk or extent of injuries will be minimised.
Sitting in the living area while moving
Passengers can make themselves comfortable in the living area while the vehicle is moving, if the requirements are met.
- There must be sufficient windows and escape options.
- Driver and passengers must be able to communicate acoustically.
- The requirements for the seats, seat belts, and their anchors are are dependent on the initial date of registration of the vehicle.
Tax and insurance
The motor vehicle tax for motor homes is calculated based on the pollutant output and the total weight of the vehicle. Your mobile home is taxed as a camper, if
- the floor area of the residential part takes up the vast majority of vehicle useable space,
- in the stove and sink area, the headroom is at least 170 cm,
- the stove is built-in.
If a camper meets only the registration requirements for campers, it is considered a car and is taxed according to engine size and emissions.
More information about the rates can be found on the homepage of the Federal Finance Ministry at http://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/ or at the local tax office.
In terms of insurance, there are significant differences in rates and no-claim bonus schemes. Accurate information on this is available from your insurance company.
Keep an eye on your weight
For an increase in weight or trailer load, you generally need a release from the vehicle manufacturer or a recognised technical service.
If you pull a trailer behind you, pay attention to the support and rear axle load. The trailer will be more stable at close to maximum load. Heavy objects should be stowed close to the ground in the area of the axles so that the centre of gravity is as low as possible.
If you have a roof rack, you must also observe the allowable roof load. In a trailer, the axle load should also be observed. The values are often given direct on the vehicle or provided by the manufacturer. Note that roof luggage with your vehicle raises the centre of gravity and can lead to instability, which you will not just notice on bridges with side wind or when overtaking a lorry. You should also drive more slowly in curves
Build and be amazed
Customisation seems to grab the imagination of many mobile home fans similarly as much as their desire for freedom. But you should bear in mind that the modifications must be certified by a recognised expert. The vehicle registration will also be changed.
For vehicles without adequate minimum facilities for campers or with removable residential facilities, nothing changes; they will continue to be classified as a car or lorry.
If you plan a modification, it is best to speak in advance with a TÜV Nord expert. He will tell you what you should be aware of, gives tips, and knows the appropriate addresses. Your nearest TÜV Station is just a click away: TÜV STATIONS. Or call us: 0800 80 70 600.
