Camping is booming.
But there are seven common mistakes beginners make when camping that can get really expensive.
An expert explains how to avoid them.
Through the
Corona crisis, many people do not fly
on vacation
- they choose as an alternative:
camping
.
There are
seven common mistakes that (almost) everyone
makes when
camping
.
An expert explains where these pitfalls lie and what is
essential
when
camping
with a
caravan
or
motor home
should pay attention to.
Frankfurt -
Camping has been
booming for years and
Corona is also
intensifying the trend.
After all, 9,600 motorhomes were registered in Germany in June 2020 alone.
Many
campsites
were completely booked out.
But more and more amateurs can also be seen on the streets and parking spaces - who make typical beginner mistakes.
Sascha Kirschner from the Reimo RV Center in Egelsbach explains how this can be avoided.
1. Mistake when camping: Choose a vehicle that is too big
Inexperienced
campers in
particular
often
think to themselves when choosing a
motorhome
: “If so, then yes!”.
But with a vehicle that is too big, hardly anyone is doing themselves a favor.
"The stress factor can quickly become very high, especially on narrow and winding roads," warns Sascha Kirschner.
The braking distance is longer due to the weight and you have to go further when cornering.
In addition, there is the more complex parking.
This also applies to
caravans
, which are a bit more complicated to use.
Compared to the tent variant, however, the caravan and motorhome - despite the higher price - are much more comfortable.
“You have your hotel room with you almost at all times, mostly with a completely self-sufficient sanitary facility,” says Kirschner.
He recommends renting one before buying a vehicle so that you can test your personal needs.
“You must also note that you are not allowed to drive every caravan or motorhome with the normal Class B driving license.
Find out what is allowed and, if necessary, take the time to get a trailer driver's license. "
+
Many campsites were fully booked this summer.
Newcomers should do without the XXL motorhome, and not just with tight spaces.
© Dmitry Naumov / dpa
2. Mistake in camping: packing too much
For those new to camping, it may be tempting to pack as much as possible: "But don't overload your vehicle and pack so that you can get to important things quickly!" Explains the Reimo employee.
You should only take things with you that you cannot or do not want to buy on site.
In addition, Kirschner advises avoiding heavy luggage - preferably
plastic
- instead of ceramic dishes, rather functional clothing rather than too heavy.
“Make sure that your
camping equipment is
properly loaded and secured
in the vehicle.
The weight should be evenly distributed, heavy things belong close to the floor. "
3. Mistake when camping: Driving with a full waste water tank
The sink and toilet on board are practical, but also require the unpleasant task of
camping
.
"Empty your waste water and the toilet regularly at suitable disposal points," says the expert.
"Because there is nothing worse than overflowing a wastewater tank that is too full while driving." Under no circumstances should the contents of the toilet, with or without chemicals, simply be dumped into the landscape!
The disposal points are always marked accordingly.
4. Mistakes in camping: don't care about the environment
It goes without saying that when you spend the night in nature it should not be polluted - but not everyone takes it into account.
Leaving a garbage-free parking space also means that the landscape is not destroyed by unsecured campfires and that no chemicals are emptied.
Kirschner advises: “When caring for your body in nature, look for sustainable and degradable products such as toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo.
Whether with a tent, caravan or mobile home: holidays at the campsite are booming.
Where can you enjoy nature to the fullest?
The # turntable has visited campsites across Germany.
#Camping 😎🏕https: //t.co/2LHfQTB6rA
- ZDF (@ZDF) June 27, 2019
5th mistake: Wild camping - this is prohibited in Germany
“
Wild camping
is
generally prohibited
in
Germany
.
However, you have the option of staying overnight on private property with prior approval, ”says the Reimo employee.
Spending the night at a service station or a public parking lot is also allowed in order to restore your driving ability.
In this case, however, you may not set up a camping table or grill in front of the vehicle.
Abroad you should find out beforehand whether and with which regulations wild camping is allowed.
6. Mistakes when camping: Leave skylights and windows open when leaving
To secure the load before departure, all skylights, windows and pop-up roofs are checked.
Hardly anything is forgotten more often than closing the roof window before leaving.
"That can lead to expensive damage and also harbors great danger for other road users," warns Kirschner.
Because the drafts of air at high speeds can tear off the hatches.
The same applies to stormy gusts on the open spaces of ferries.
7. Mistake when camping: Underestimating the cold at night
Especially when
camping
, it can cool down enormously overnight, despite high temperatures during the day.
“It is advisable to invest in good sleeping mats and sleeping bags,” says Kirschner.
A lot of condensation also forms on the inside of the tent, especially on cold nights.
Therefore, you should not put pillows or luggage directly against the tent wall.
(By Rebekka Farnbacher)
List of rubric lists: © Dmitry Naumov / dpa
