Caravan Salon: Unabhängiger campen: Autarkie im Trend bei Wohnmobilen
Rauf auf den Campingplatz? Lieber nicht, sagt sich manch Caravaner und möchte lieber beim Weingut oder Bauernhof stehen. Da aber ist es manchmal schwierig mit dem Nachladen. Die Branche reagiert.
More and more caravan enthusiasts are opting to travel longer distances without constantly recharging batteries or refilling water supplies. Daniel Onggowinarso of the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) notes a rapidly growing clientele that prefers to camp on farms, with winemakers or in forests, rather than at a campground.
However, without sufficient battery capacity and access to electricity, such trips can quickly become uncomfortable, according to the industry expert. Car manufacturers have responded to this changing demand by expanding their offerings, as evidenced at the Caravan Salon trade show in Düsseldorf this week.
The trend towards "autarky" - the ability to self-sustain during travels - is primarily aimed at couples or friends who enjoy short trips and want to camp after work instead of staying at campsites. Larger batteries, water reservoirs, and photovoltaic systems are becoming more common, especially in off-road vehicles and mass-market models. These improvements increase independence but also make the vehicles more expensive.
Examples of long-lasting travel vehicles include Hymer's B-ML model, priced at least €178,000. This caravan features an extended gas tank and a solar panel system with an optimized toilet system, reducing water consumption. A four-person family would only need to change the toilet water every six to seven days, compared to every two days with average usage. The onboard fresh water tank holds 200 liters, 20 liters more than before.
Offerings are adjusted to balance the need for more power, water, and gas, without taking up too much storage space for other essentials. Precise knowledge about energy and water consumption is crucial, with displays and apps helping users monitor consumption and save resources. Manufacturers like Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk offer an "Autark package" that extends capacities, but the added features are not just larger batteries or tanks.
Connectivity through the HobbyConnect system allows users to monitor battery levels and control functions via a dashboard and smartphone app.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
