A knowledge base for campers.
Of course, there is already a lot of information available on the internet and in magazines, but it still seemed to me a good way to organize information and make it accessible to camper owners, interested parties, and people who would like to start camping in a camper.
I have just started with a first draft and will continue to add more over time.
And let's start with perhaps the most fun one: What is a camper?
A camper is a vehicle equipped with sleeping, cooking, and often bathroom facilities. This provides the freedom to travel and camp without the need for external accommodations.
There are different types of campers:
Campervan: Smaller, more compact vehicle, ideal for 1-2 persons. Is sometimes confused with its slightly larger brother, the buscamper.
Campervan is generally a term used for smaller campers that have been converted from a van. Campervans are compact and offer the essentials of camper life: sleeping space, cooking facilities and limited storage in a relatively small vehicle.
The term is often associated with models typically based on VW Transporter, Ford Transit, or Mercedes Vito vans.
Buscamper: Most of them are built on the basis of vans from well-known brands such as Mercedes-Benz (Sprinter), Volkswagen (Crafter), Fiat (Ducato), Renault (Master), and Peugeot (Boxer). This means that they often retain the appearance and dimensions of a larger van, but are equipped with additional facilities for camping.
Advantages: For both the Campervan and the Buscamper.
They are compact and agile. Their smaller size makes it easier to navigate narrow streets, take corners and park, which is especially useful in cities or at crowded campsites.
Simple and practical: The layout is often simpler than that of larger campers, with enough space for the essentials: sleeping, cooking and a bit of storage space. This makes Campervans and Buscampers popular with people who prefer minimalism.
Semi-integrated camper: A camper with a partly integrated interior, but a separate cabin. The difference between this camper and the models mentioned above is that it is considerably larger with lengths of approximately 6 to 8 meters or even longer. These campers offer much more space and comfort. In this camper, the cabin (the part where the driver sits) is separated from the chassis of the living area, but there is an integration of the cabin in the living area. The living area is therefore built onto the cabin, but the cabin itself remains visible.
Layout: A semi-integrated camper has a more extensive layout, often with a fixed seating area, a separate kitchen, a toilet and sometimes even a bathroom with a shower. These campers are designed for longer trips and for families or groups, with sleeping space for 4 to 6 people. The layout is therefore much more luxurious and suitable for longer stays.
Alcove camper: Characteristic of this camper is the overhang above the cabin, which results in an extra sleeping area that hangs above the driver and passenger seats. This provides extra sleeping space, especially ideal for families or people who travel with several travelers.
Layout: The alcove usually offers extra sleeping space for 2 people, which is located at the top of the camper, above the cabin. The living area is often more extensive, but the alcove itself often makes the camper somewhat larger and higher than a semi-integrated camper. Which is not good for fuel consumption.
Integrated camper: A luxury camper where the cabin and the living area are fully integrated.
Body: An integrated motorhome has a fully integrated design in which the cabin and living area merge seamlessly. The cabin is not visible as a separate part of the vehicle; the entire motorhome is one unit. This means that the cabin is integrated into the living area, without the cabin being visible as a separate unit.
Advantages: By integrating the cabin into the living area, the space inside the camper is often larger. This provides more living space and a more luxurious feeling of openness and comfort.
Layout: Integrated campers often offer more space and more luxury in their layout.
Liner: A liner camper is an even more luxurious version of the integral camper, is larger and offers a very high level of comfort and finishing standards. Liner campers are the ultimate luxury vehicles for those who do not want to compromise on comfort, space and technology. Some brands are Niesmann Bischoff, Maranello, Hymer and Concorde.
Legal Rules and Taxes
Camper rules in different countries
Speed limits, parking and campsites in specific countries.
Camper tax and import duties
Differences in RV tax rates between countries.
Driving license and registration
What you need to know about your driver's license and registering your camper.
Sustainability and Environment
Sustainable camping
The use of eco-friendly products (biodegradable soap, solar energy, etc.).
Waste management in the camper
How to deal with waste and water consumption in a responsible manner.
Green energy options
The use of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and other green technologies.
Pay attention to your power consumption at the campsite
It is important to keep a close eye on your power consumption at the campsite. Imagine that you are just a little too enthusiastic and turn on too many devices at the same time, the fuse of the campsite will blow. How can you prevent that? There are several options, namely:
Fuses and current capacity
Most campers have an internal fuse of 16 Ampère (A). However, at many campsites and camper sites the available power capacity is lower, for example 6 or 10 A.
How do you calculate power consumption?
To know what you can use at the same time, you need to calculate the power consumption of your devices. You can do this with a simple formula:
- Ampere × Volt = Watt (For example: 10 A × 230 V = 2300 Watt)
- Watt ÷ Volt = Ampere (For example: 2000 W ÷ 230 V ≈ 8.7 A)
In Europe we calculate with 230 Volts as standard. By knowing in advance how many Watts or Amps your devices use, you prevent accidentally blowing the fuse.
Would you like me to also make a simple table or diagram for commonly used devices?
Here is a handy table of commonly used appliances in the caravan/camper and their average power consumption, both in Watts and the required Ampere (at 230 Volts):