Caravans

What should you consider when buying a trailer? Check their types and what permissions you should have.

What should you pay attention to before buying a caravan?

When we decide to buy the first camping trailer in our life, the question arises which one to buy and what to pay attention to so that it does not turn out that we are buying a bottomless well and that we will have to spend a lot of money on it to finally go on the long-awaited vacation. If you buy a new trailer, there are no major problems with the choice, but the problem occurs primarily when purchasing a second-hand trailer. Below are some of the most important things you should check before making the deal.

Trailer weight

The first thing you should pay attention to before looking for your mobile home is how heavy a trailer your car can tow. It's not just about the capacity and power of the engine, which is also important, but you should first focus on regulations and safety. Just check the Q1 and Q2 items in the registration certificate. After checking these data, you will know what weight of the trailer you cannot exceed - these are the weights in accordance with the vehicle's approval and we cannot exceed them so as not to damage the structure of the car.

However, to make things not too easy, in Poland there are still different regulations than in other European countries and if we want to tow a trailer with an overrun brake (i.e. one that works by gravity and not one additionally activated from the driver's seat, or a pneumatic or electronic one that distributes the braking force itself) then the GVM of the towing vehicle must be higher than the GVW of the trailer by 33%, so the entry in the Registration Certificate in position O1 is, in a sense, invalid in Poland.

Documents

No. 1 – PRIMO – check all documents! It often happens that trailers imported from abroad do not have full documentation and then problems will arise during registration. Regulations are regulations, but it is known that each Department of Communication has its own requirements regarding documents, before purchasing it is best to check exactly what documents will be needed, and please remember that a VAT-25 declaration from the Tax Office is not required to register a non- motor vehicle.

External inspection of the caravan before purchase

Sheathing

Check if there is any damage or signs of repairs in the home garage - incorrectly carried out repairs may have disastrous consequences
What is the condition of the sealing of the windows, roof, ventilation holes, antenna outlet - all joints should be carefully checked to see if the sealing compound is starting to crumble at any point (specialized camper service centers have devices that allow checking the tightness of the covering)
Are there any signs of rust - you should not delude yourself that the entire cover is made of e.g. aluminum and will not rust anywhere, you should bend down and also look under the trailer
It is also worth checking the roof, if it is very dirty, it may be a sign of poor winter protection and damage to the tightness

Chassis of a camping trailer

Check the overall condition of the chassis. If the trailer has been standing for a long time, e.g. on grass, the floor may be rotten and this will result in high repair costs.
The frame should be galvanized, but here and there it may have traces of repairs and in these places it may start to rust
Suspension and brakes - check whether there are no leaks from the shock absorbers and whether the brakes work properly and evenly
Tires - the tread will probably be fine, but check the age of the tire, 5 years is the maximum safe age of the tire, check whether the rubber is not cracking and whether the tire is the same type on both sides
Supports – check whether the supports work properly and are not bent or rusting
Drawbar - check the condition of the drawbar, it should be lubricated and attach to the hook easily, and after connecting to the car there should be no play

Caravan interior inspection

If after entering the trailer you notice any musty smell, you can be sure that there is a leak somewhere or the owner did not take proper care of the vehicle.
You should check all the nooks and crannies to see if mold is accumulating anywhere, especially in the lower parts, somewhere near the floor
General condition of upholstery, hinges, cabinet locks, doors and windows
The condition of ventilation openings, skylights, roof and wall windows, whether everything is working properly
Are there any visible stains on the walls, especially in the lower parts?
Is the floor dry and hard, if it bends when you walk, it means that the plywood may be rotten, which may result in high repair costs
It is worth making an appointment to view the trailer after heavy rainfall - then you can carefully check whether there are any leaks somewhere
Carefully check the area around windows, ventilation holes, skylights, TV antenna outlet - whether there are any traces of water stains or replaced plywood or laminate in their area, it is best to press the walls in this area and check whether it is stiff or not (the structure should be rigid)

Bathroom in the trailer

Check the shower tray for cracks, repair or replacement may be expensive
Check the quality of seals at the joints between the wall and the shower tray and washbasin
Check the condition of the walls, as previously described - checking the walls around the eye, if the structure is not rigid, it may be a sign of damage to the frame caused by leaks
Check the condition of the floor to see if it is swollen in any places due to leaks, replacing the bathroom floor is quite expensive and time-consuming because everything has to be dismantled, sealed and rebuilt.
Check the operation of the toilet, water taps and drains
Check the tightness of the water pipes and check the place where the drain pipe passes through the floor to see if it is well sealed

Kitchen in a caravan

Check the quality of the walls as in the case of the bathroom
Check the operation of water taps and inlets
Check the tightness of the water pipes and check the place where the drain pipe passes through the floor to see if it is well sealed
Check the operation of the refrigerator (in each power system)
Check the operation of the gas stove and whether the owner has any documents confirming tightness
Check the condition of the floor to see if it is swollen in any places due to leaks, replacing the floor in the kitchen is quite expensive and time-consuming because everything has to be dismantled, sealed and rebuilt.

Additionally

Check the boiler's operating condition
Water pumps
Are all electrical devices working properly (interior and exterior lights, contacts, fans)
Check the heating to see if all the vents are working
Check the operation of the air conditioning
Check the operation and quality of the awning or vestibule; in the case of the vestibule, check whether all assembly elements are complete
Ask for demonstrations on how to fill water tanks, drain gray water, and operate a chemical toilet

Equipment and layout of the caravan

Beds in the trailer

How many people will use the beds during trips
Fixed beds are the most comfortable and functional
You should check whether changing the seats to lying positions will not be too labor-intensive (in newer trailers, manufacturers have used quick systems, and in older trailers, they are a bit more complicated).
When it comes to bunk beds, they have limited space and require some exercise from the users, children prefer them

Kitchen in the trailer

How often will the kitchen be used during the trip?
Is there an adequate number of storage spaces for dishes and food?
Will you need an oven?
If you often have the opportunity to connect to 230V electricity, a microwave oven will be a practical solution
Is the capacity of the refrigerator and freezer adequate?
Kitchen layout - is it possible to walk through or access other important places while cooking?

The colors of the trailer interior

Bright colors brighten up small surfaces nicely, but they may seem cold during winter trips
Dark colors will make the interior smaller but will be "warmer" in winter
Which colors will be easier to maintain

Furniture arrangement in a caravan

Is there enough space to stand comfortably without tiring bending?
Is it possible to get to the toilet when one of the beds is unfolded?
Can two people pass each other in the aisle without any problems?
There are no sharp corners that could harm children
Are there enough storage spaces and cabinets?
Is there enough space in the living area for all passengers to sit at the table together?

Bathroom

Is there enough space in the storage compartments for towels and other necessary cosmetic items
Is there enough space to easily use the sink, shower or toilet
How is ventilation solved?
A convenient solution is an integrated toilet, i.e. one that can be operated from the outside

Trailer size

How many people are you planning on caravanning trips?
Larger size = greater weight (you need a stronger and heavier car, and when the GVM of the vehicle combination exceeds 3.5t, we need driving license category B+E and Viatoll)
A longer trailer means higher costs for ferry crossings
A good solution in a trailer is access to the storage compartments from the outside

Future

Are you planning to expand your family in the near future and the caravan will be too small, or the children will not start individual trips next year and it will soon turn out to be too big?
Maybe soon the desire will come and it will be time for longer trips and the trailer equipment should be more extensive
If you plan to travel and spend the night outside the campsites, it is worth considering other equipment - more adapted to an independent stay (solar batteries, generator).

Accessories

Heating – a very important issue
Boiler – hot water in the shower is rather pleasant
Vestibule – very useful during longer camping stays, but if we plan to change the place frequently, an awning will be a better solution
Solar batteries – useful if we plan frequent stays away from civilization

Types of trailers

Caravanning is an ideal form of tourism for those who value independence and like to go their own way. Your own car and a trailer suitable for relaxation are basic equipment for every traveler for whom camping is the best form of relaxation. Caravanning means freedom and independence, as well as considerable savings. You don't have to worry about a place in the hotel, because you take your "apartment" with you. All you need to do is find a field where a place has been designated for travelers traveling in this way.

The best camping trailers

You just need to visit the first campsite you come across to see what is most important in this form of tourism. You can only ensure good fun and successful relaxation if you have previously chosen the right trailer. At campsites, you can hear heated discussions about which trailers are the best.

Dutch trailers are in the lead. This should not surprise anyone, since caravanning has become most popular in this country. Among other European countries that willingly take advantage of the trailer trend, noteworthy are Germany and France.

Among the companies producing camping trailers, Adria, Hymer, Hobby, Knaus and LMC are currently very popular.

Most of the companies present on the modern caravan market are German and English. There are few trailer manufacturers on the Polish market, and most companies import new and used trailers from other countries.

What do camping trailers look like?

Camping trailers are vehicles adapted for living without their own engine, which are attached to the car using a special hook. While driving, they are towed by the car and can be detached from it when parked. This has several advantages. Those who stay at the campsite for longer can freely use the car without having to pull a trailer. Users of campers in which the living area is permanently connected to the driver's cabin can no longer afford such a solution. The disadvantage of caravans, however, is the need to have a suitable car that will be able to pull such a tourist "apartment" and the ban on staying in the caravan while driving. The latter ban was introduced out of concern for the safety of caravanning enthusiasts.

Caravans may vary in size and standard. A particularly important element of every trailer is its chassis, the durability of which determines the safety of passengers. The second thing that is very important for comfort and safety is solid shock absorbers.

For people who go camping, a trailer is also very important as a place to relax. A solid, tight body and the necessary equipment for such a trailer are essential for summer travelers. Every caravan, even the smallest and simplest, must have a place to sleep and relax, a bathroom, a kitchenette and simple furniture that allows its users to safely store the necessary equipment and clothing. Thanks to this, the trailer creates what its inhabitants often call a "small, mobile apartment".

Camping trailers and their types

A wide range of caravans and their numerous types give lovers of this form of tourism the opportunity to tailor the caravan to their needs. To make a good choice, however, you should learn basic information about the trailers available on the market.

Single-axle trailers

Hobby Excellent 2013

Hobby Premium 2013

Hobby Prestige 2013

Caravans based on the number of axles can be divided into single-axle and two-axle. Two-axle trailers are considered more solid, but a lot depends on the manufacturer. They certainly have one advantage over single-axle trailers, namely they provide better traction. The advantage of single-axle trailers is lower fuel consumption while driving. If, considering the ease of maneuvering and manual positioning of the trailer at the campsite, it will certainly be easier to do this with a single-axle trailer.

Two-axle trailers

Hobby Prestige 2012

Hymer Nova S

Permanent caravans are the most common in campsites around the world. They are made of rigid elements and most closely resemble a "house on wheels". The dimensions of such a trailer are fixed, so when choosing it, you should know how many people it will serve. Permanent caravans can be small and serve a traveling couple. There are also trailers available that can accommodate the whole family. These largest structures can provide up to 20 square meters of living space, and their length usually exceeds 5 meters. There are a few problems with these largest permanent trailers. First of all, the engine of the towing vehicle should have adequate power, and in the case of the largest trailers, it may be necessary to have a B+E driving license. This is the price you sometimes have to pay for convenience. Although a smaller permanent trailer is not as demanding, you must take into account limited sleeping space for people traveling in larger groups.

Folding trailers

Ecotourer

Fleetwood Evolution

A convenient alternative are foldable caravans, which are becoming more and more popular among caravanning enthusiasts. Their advantage is easier driving on roads and lower air resistance, which affects fuel consumption. This foldable structure resembles an ordinary luggage trailer while driving, and only when unfolded it turns into a comfortable holiday home. Such trailers can provide shelter for a maximum of 5 people, and their usable space is also smaller. For those who prefer comfort, unfolding them when arriving at the campsite becomes an unpleasant chore. Among folding trailers, we can also find trailer-tents, which are much lighter and neater than standard folding trailers with rigid walls.

Trailer-tents

Camp-let

YSIN - Opera

Which caravans are the most popular?

Camping trailers are popular all over the world. In individual countries, certain user tendencies can be observed, which guide them when choosing the best solution for themselves. In the United States, where whole families usually go camping and the slogan "the bigger the better" is still in fashion, the most popular are large, two- or three-axle trailers attached to cars like a semi-trailer and not a trailer, which provide everyone with adequate amount of space and are easy to use. Just arrive at the campsite and park in the chosen place.

It is also worth mentioning the "gems" - classic trailers that initiated the wonderful adventure of caravanning. We are talking about the beautiful and shiny Airstreamer trailers known on the American market, which Wally Byam started producing in 1932. and the small compact ERIBA trailers, which were designed by Eric Bachem in 1950. These trailers are produced in an unchanged but constantly improved form to this day.

Airstream - some time ago...

Airstream - currently

Eriba - once... Photo. Jacek Grabowski - owner and enthusiast of Eriba trailers

Eriba - currently

Required permissions

We have presented the licenses you must have to drive various types of campers. The matter becomes more complicated when we are towing a trailer, we will try to present it in a simple way below, but first a little theory.

Category B authorizes us to tow trailers with a vehicle whose GVM does not exceed 3,500 kg including the trailer (the GVW of the car + GVW of the trailer cannot exceed 3,500 kg). Please remember that the trailer's GVM cannot exceed the curb weight of the towing vehicle and the value marked in position O1 in the car registration certificate.

Pursuant to the Vienna Convention, the sum of the GVM of the towing vehicle and the trailer may exceed 3,500 kg and reach a maximum of 4,250 kg, but the condition is that the trailer must be towed by a light trailer, i.e. one with a maximum GVM of 750 kg.

If we would like to tow a trailer with a GVW of 751 kg with such a vehicle, we must have a category B+E driving license. This category authorizes us to tow a trailer whose GVM does not exceed the vehicle's curb weight, but with a vehicle with a GVM up to 3,500 kg, i.e. the maximum weight of the vehicle combination in this case cannot exceed 7,000 kg.

Of course, licenses are licenses, but you should always check in the registration certificate how heavy trailers a given vehicle can tow, taking into account the above.

Definitions

GVM (Permissible Gross Weight of the vehicle) - i.e. the maximum weight of the vehicle with cargo and passengers allowed by the designer

MW (Unladen Weight of the vehicle) – i.e. the weight of the vehicle without cargo and passengers

Light trailer – GVW does not exceed 750kg

Examples

Vehicle with a GVW of 1600 kg (MW 1000 kg) + light trailer GVW of 600 kg

Category B is sufficient to drive such a combination of vehicles, because the sum of the GVM does not exceed 3,500 kg and the GVW of the trailer does not exceed the MW of the towing vehicle.

Vehicle with a GVW of 1,800 kg (MW 1,200 kg) + trailer with a GVW of 1,200 kg

To drive such a set of vehicles, category B is enough, because the total GVW does not exceed 3,500 kg, but the trailer must be equipped with an overrun brake.

Vehicle with a GVM of 1,800 kg (MW 1,000 kg) + trailer with a GVW of 1,200 kg

Such a combination of vehicles cannot be driven because the trailer's GVW is greater than the MW of the towing vehicle.

Vehicle with a GVM of 3,500 kg (MW 3,000 kg) + trailer with a GVW of 750 kg

When driving such a combination, we can have a category B driving license because we are towing a light trailer and the GVW of the vehicle combination in such a case can be a maximum of 4,250 kg. Please note that the entire set exceeds 3,500kg and additional road toll charges apply. In Poland, you must have the Viatoll system for automatic toll collection, and abroad, appropriate other systems or vignettes.

Vehicle with a GVW of 3000kg (MW 2000kg) + trailer with a GVW of 1200kg

To drive such a combination, a driving license of category B-96 is required, which authorizes us to tow trailers with a GVM higher than 750 kg, but not more than 3500 kg, maintaining the ratio of the vehicle's GVW to the trailer's GVWR of 1.33:1, i.e. the vehicle's GVWR must be 33% greater than the trailer's GVM, and the GVW of the entire set cannot exceed 4,250 kg.

Please also remember that the entire set exceeds 3,500 kg and additional road tolls apply. In Poland, you must have the Viatoll system for automatic toll collection, and abroad, appropriate other systems or vouchers.

Summary:
GVM of the car ≤ 3500kg + GVW of the trailer >750kg = not more than 4250kg

Vehicle with a GVW of 3000kg (MW 2000kg) + trailer with a GVW of 2000kg

To drive such a combination, you need a driving license of category B+E, which authorizes you to tow trailers whose GVW is higher than 750 kg and the GVW of the entire set may be higher than 4,250 kg.
The vehicle's GVM cannot be higher than 3,500 kg and the MW must be 33% greater than the trailer's GVM.

Summary:
GVM of the car ≤ 3500kg + GVW of the trailer >750kg = more than 4250kg

Vehicle with a GVM of 4000 kg + trailer with a GVW of 5600 kg

To drive such a combination, a driving license of category C+E is required, which authorizes us to tow trailers with a vehicle with a GVM higher than 3.5t, and the GVW of the trailer may be higher than the GVW of the towing vehicle by 40%.

Summary:
GVM of the car > 3500 kg
The trailer's GVM may be 40% higher than the vehicle's GVM