Everything you need to know to travel by motorhome and camper

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These summer holidays, a motorhome or camper van will be your best ally. Goodbye stress, crowds, schedules… you just need to know where you are going. Although first of all, you have to choose the vehicle that best suits the type of trip to be made and with whom. Specifically, the motorhome is a vehicle derived from a chassis-cab type van with bodywork as a home, and the camper is a van that has included all the necessary elements inside and out to be able to use it as a home. The first option allows between 4 and 7 passengers to travel, depending on the model; while a camper is normally approved for 2, or 4 at most.

As in any other vehicle, before starting a trip you have to check the status and tire pressure, as well as oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid levels, and once on the road, avoid acceleration, sudden changes in speed, sudden braking and overtaking more than one vehicle.

But you also have to take into account its special characteristics to travel safely, avoid fines and other types of mishaps. It is essential to be aware of the existence of blind spots, much larger in vehicles of these dimensions, a key aspect that can help avoid accidents with cyclists and motorcyclists, especially on the road, as well as with pedestrians and users of electric scooters, especially in the city. .

Also that motorhomes are especially sensitive to side wind, so special attention should be paid to this circumstance, especially when exiting tunnels, when crossing a viaduct and at the end of overtaking trucks.

In addition, if this is the first time you have driven this type of vehicle or you are inexperienced, you should practice some maneuvers before starting a trip, such as parking, reversing and turning sharply, as they are more complicated than in a car.

Current regulations warn that it is forbidden for passengers to occupy the passenger compartment of a motorhome (area intended for housing), unless said vehicle has approved seats, that is, with its corresponding seat belt. The belt, as in a car, must be used in all seats and all journeys. Children with a height of less than 1.35 m are obliged by traffic regulations to use a child restraint system (seat or booster), although experts recommend that minors do so until they are 1.50 m tall, in the same way as they do in a tourism. Pets must always travel in a carrier (immobilized) or with a suitable harness.

Food and hygiene products, as well as clothing, toys and beach chairs and tables, among other belongings with which you travel, must be transported safely in the available cabinets and compartments, which must be locked to prevent everyone These objects can be thrown in the event of an impact or sudden maneuver and cause injuries.

Parking, camping and speed limits

Motorhomes and camper vans can be parked anywhere where parking is allowed, unless there is a municipal ordinance that prevents it or its dimensions make it difficult for other vehicles to circulate normally. It is advisable to wear chocks, especially if you park on a slope, and as in any private vehicle, you can eat and sleep inside, as long as it is parked.

Free camping is prohibited in Spain, since the camping areas are reserved for it. The motorhome is considered to be camping when some of its elements protrude from the vehicle, such as the awning and tilt-and-turn windows, among other elements, or if we use tables and chairs outside. Also, when actions are carried out that can cause discomfort, such as cooking. Likewise, it is not recommended to spend the night in highway or motorway service areas to avoid noise and theft.

As in tourism, motorhome drivers must not exceed 120 km/h on highways and expressways, and cannot drive below 60 km/h. If the maximum authorized mass (MMA) is greater than 3,500 kg, the maximum speed on this type of road is 90 km/h. On secondary roads, the maximum speed at which they can drive is 90 km/h (80 km/h if they exceed 3,500 kg) and on urban roads with only one lane in each direction of traffic, the maximum speed allowed will be 30 km/h. 50 km/h when there is more than one lane in each direction. In the case of streets with a single platform, those in which the sidewalk is at the same level as the road, the maximum speed of circulation will be 20 km/h. If you plan to travel abroad, it is advisable to consult in advance the specific regulations of each country.

Frequently asked questions

We have also compiled the most frequent doubts when traveling by camper. By keeping them in mind, your trip will be much more comfortable:

-How is electricity managed? The campers have two batteries, one for the house and one for the motor. The power outlets are 12 volts – enough to charge the phone with USB outlets – but if a conventional plug is required, it is necessary to connect it to the network or start the engine.

-Where can I spend the night in a camper? Camping outside the areas enabled for it, such as campsites, can lead to a serious penalty – on the beach, for example, it amounts to 1,500 euros. However, to fit the legal definition of camping the van has to be immobilized, have the awning extended or tables outside. Without these items, you can spend the night in parking lots. More and more rural houses are aware of the camper public and set up spaces on their farms for camping, with power outlets and access to bathrooms. You have to contact them, since it is a recommended option.

-What should I do with the waste? The authorities have little tolerance for waste, both solid and liquid, and can only be disposed of in designated areas. The fine for deliberately dumping them can amount to up to 3,000 euros.

-What other sanctions should I keep in mind? Although it is always necessary to proceed with common sense, it should be known that removing chairs or awnings in non-permitted areas can lead to a light penalty (up to 750 euros), while damaging urban furniture or obstructing traffic can reach 3,000.

-What should I know to travel abroad? The necessary document to travel outside of Spain is the European Health Card, which is obtained through Social Security. In addition, you will need to have the Covid Passport. Some countries like Italy require that the last vaccination be less than six months ago, so it is advisable to find out before leaving. Also keep the contact number from abroad of your insurance.

-Do I need a special card to travel? No. Most campers and motorhomes weigh less than 3,500 kilos, so they can be driven with the B license, for tourism. If they exceed this category, you will need the C1.

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