The ‘camper’ has become the best ally for a weekend getaway. Goodbye stress, crowds, schedules… you just need to know where to go. Although first of all, understand that the ‘camper’ is a van to which all the necessary elements have been included inside and outside to be able to use it as a home, normally approved for 2, or 4 at most.
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, which are much greater in vehicles of these dimensions. Therefore, if it is the first time driving this type of vehicle or if you are inexperienced, you should practice some maneuvers before starting a trip, such as parking, reversing and turning sharply, as which are more complicated.
Camper
And the rules on the road are the same as in a conventional vehicle. Passengers must travel with a seat belt, children with a height of less than 1.35 meters in a child restraint system (seat or booster), and pets in a carrier (immobilized) or with a suitable harness. Even that food and hygiene products, as well as clothing and toys, among other items with which you travel, must safely transported in cabinets and compartmentsto prevent all these objects from being thrown in the event of an impact or sudden maneuver.
Camper
Destiny
Trips in ‘camper’ are usually very intense since they can be many hours driving, making many stops and miscalculating the times of arrival at the final destination, adding the problem that it is done at night, not knowing very well where to sleep and find yourself a little lost at some point. The recommendation of the Roadsurfer experts is that «you plan the route you are going to take day by day, investigate the areas you are going to visit and the place where you are going to be able to spend the night with your ‘campervan’. It is important to have a mapped out route, but also to have some optional plans, in case there is a problem or an unforeseen event».
If it is the first time traveling in a ‘camper’, you must take into account a number of factors. Do not camp the camper on slopes or slightly inclined areas as it can cause problems when sleeping. When looking for the ideal place to spend the night, you should try to find it under a tree, for example, as it will help avoid the cold, especially on autumn nights. You should also avoid parking near lakes or rivers as it will be colder next to humid areas, and there are mosquitoes.
At this point, it is vital to know the difference between camping and staying overnight. Free camping is prohibited in Spain, since the camping areas are reserved for it. It is considered that you are camping when some of the elements of the camper protrude from the vehicle, such as the awning and tilt-and-turn windows; 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.
Organize the space
In a ‘camper’ space is limited, so organization when choosing the clothes and accessories that are going to be needed during the trip is essential. According to Roadsurfer, “the ideal is not to carry extra things so that they do not take up more space. Little by little you will know what you are going to need and what you do not need, it is normal for this to happen on the first getaway with your camper.”
Of course, it is essential to always carry universal chargers, in case you need to charge the devices outside the campervan, an external battery and personal hygiene items, as well as a small first aid kit.
equipment
In a ‘camper’ like the Volkswagen California it is as if you were in an apartment. It has a kitchen with a gas hob with two rings, a stable top that can be used as a worktop, a 42-litre fridge cooled by the built-in compressor, plus a module with three storage compartments.
Camper
Not all hotels have two large beds and sea views available, for example. In this camper you can fold down the rear seats and turn them into a spacious bed, or use the ‘bedroom’ that remains after raising the roof. There, the front part of the lifting roof can be opened to create a panoramic window. With its large space, of course. Inside, there is a folding storage box – above the back of the seat bench – and a two-piece built-in cabinet. Although you should not sin as a rookie. Only the necessary clothing should be worn. Campsites usually have laundries where you can wash your clothes and that will help save space in the camper.
Camper
Finally, the California has everything you need to sit back and enjoy breakfast by the sea or dinner under the stars. ‘Hide’ two chairs in the tailgate and a table in the opening side door panel. Very easy to install and store without taking up living space.
Camper
campervan rules
The campers have two batteries, one for the ‘housing’ 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.
Camping outside the areas set up for it, such as campsites, can lead to a serious penalty – on the beach, for example, it amounts to 1,500 euros. However, more and more rural houses are aware of the camper public and set up spaces on their farms, with power outlets and access to bathrooms.
The authorities have little tolerance for waste, both solid and liquid, and can only dispose of it in certain areas: at a campsite or in some motorway service areas. The fine for deliberately dumping them can amount to up to 3,000 euros.
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.
Camper
The necessary document to travel outside of Spain is the European Health Card. The contact number from abroad of the insurance must also be saved. In addition, it is important to find out about the toll rates/obligation of the badge of the country to travel, as well as emission zones.
You do not need a special driving license to travel. Most campers and motorhomes weigh less than 3,500 kilos, so they can be driven with a B license, for tourism. If they exceed this category, you do need the B96 or the B+E -depending on the weight-, or the C1.