Maciej Kinal

Semi-integrated campers occupy an important place in our guide to choosing the right motorhome . They account for a large part of the sale of new cars in Poland. As it turns out, they can meet different needs, despite the very similar external appearance. We decided to use the example of two cars of the French manufacturer Pilote to compare motorhomes of this brand, almost identical from the outside - one for couples and small families ( P690GJ for 2-4 people) and one for a typical family (6-seater model P696S ).

Pilote half-integrated games - a comparison

The Fiat Ducato has been the leader in the motorhome market for many years. Why is it like that? How does the competition look like against it? Today we will take a closer look at the vehicles on the market. We will also describe the most important differences between them. It is hard to imagine that over a dozen or so years any vehicle undergoes only minor "lifting" changes. And yet the Fiat Ducato is a perfect example of this. The king of the motorhome market (as I think we can talk about it) has, on average, seized over 70% of this cake in recent years. However, apart from changing the shape of the headlamps and subtle modifications to the layout of the dashboard , engine replacement required by the EURO6d standard and a new gearbox, not much has happened here. The entire range of propulsion engines are units with a capacity of 2.3 liters, additionally subject to high excise duty.

Motorhome chassis - a comparison

Caravanning in Poland is experiencing a real boom, and a camping or motorhome-friendly place may turn out to be a profitable business. In many places, the lack of infrastructure is huge, and a large crowd of fans of this form of recreation is ready to pay for the necessary amenities. Is the investment in Camper Park or camping profitable and is it an easy idea to implement? What should you remember about? What challenges should you be prepared for? Of course, it is difficult to present a ready-made recipe and consider the success of each place as repeatable. However, it is worth getting acquainted with the guide, co-created with an expert, who will help us highlight the topic.

How to build a Camper Park?

If you are interested in motorhome tourism , and you cannot find yourself in the maze of different types of vehicles - this article is just for you!. We will try to present briefly and substantively the basic parameters and our subjective view of the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. In this new, tutorial series of articles, we will also try to present each type of motorhome construction in detail and suggest what to pay attention to at the very beginning of this adventure. We will start our journey with agile compact discs , we will discuss popular tin boxes and alcoves , spacious half- integrateds , luxurious integrateds and expedition capsule structures .

Types of motorhomes - a practical guide

The camper market is experiencing a real explosion. Prices on the secondary market have skyrocketed, and factories can't keep up with orders for new vehicles. The product is therefore very scarce. In addition, when something interesting appears on the horizon, potential buyers literally "fight" to get the car they want. However, when looking for opportunities, it often happens that our vigilance is reduced. Since we are talking about camping vehicles related to our hobby and associated with pleasure, family and travel, we may not keep a sober mind in the purchasing process. Act impulsively, in a frenzy, often looking through rose-colored glasses. However, we must realize that this purchasing process is no different from purchasing a family car for everyday driving. In addition, we are talking about considerable amounts in these transactions.

Check VIN before you buy a motorhome!

After the T6.1 California and Grand California, VW introduced a new version of the compact camper van to mass production - the Caddy California . The car is now available and will surely be a strong competitor in this segment. Prices start from less than PLN 120,000 gross, and customers can choose from several variants of drive units and 2 body lengths. The available 2.0 TDI units with 75 or 122 HP are equipped with a double SCR filter and double AdBlue injection . The 1.5 TSI version, in turn, provides 114 HP of power. The car has a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the options include a 7-speed automatic transmission and a 4-MOTION drive .

Volkswagen Caddy California - a compact motorhome straight from Poland

On January 16, 2021, the historic merger of Fiat-Chrysler ( FCA ) and Peugeot-Citroen ( PSA ) took place. As a result of this merger, the fourth largest automotive concern will be created, which is to be called Stellantis . The merger will have a clear impact on the camper van base vehicle market. Although FCA and PSA have a joint production, they have so far competed in terms of distribution. Stellantis will achieve a market share of 75% after the merger of Fiat with Citroen and Peugeot. As expected, this state of affairs, despite fluctuations, should not translate into data for 2020.

Stellantis - a combination of FCA and PSA

Presented during a press conference last week, the Chausson X550 follows a completely new path. It also becomes a symbol of the newly emerging segment. The combination of a semi-integrated frame and a sheet metal frame is intended to provide the greatest possible comfort and space typical of traditional campers with the agility and mobility of small delivery vehicles . From the outside, the vehicle is 599 cm long, 275 cm high and only 210 cm wide. In terms of the sense of space inside, it is not inferior to traditional campers - but more on that in a moment.

The new Chausson COMBO X550 - a perfect fusion?

From now on, in Lower Saxony, overnight stays in motorhomes and other vehicles in public spaces for tourism purposes are prohibited. Campsites and parking spaces subject to a long-term rental agreement are excluded from the ban. German internet users and caravanning enthusiasts, embraced in their everyday life by a wave of far-reaching restrictions, do not mince words before Christmas. Returning to "normality" is a spontaneously articulated desire, just like in our case. However, there will also be words of support for the legislator and criticism for those who disregard the restrictions. The prevailing comments try to emphasize the seriousness of the situation, the new strains of the virus and the important aspect of showing social solidarity. Giving up the luxury of using a motorhome would be one of the manifestations of such solidarity.

Lockdown in Germany - new information

Apart from the legal obligation applicable in many countries and possible liability for damages, let us first and foremost ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones while driving . Let's not let the onslaught of winter, snow and low temperatures take away the joy of caravanning . Due to the pandemic , a year-round camper is now the norm and must cope with even the most difficult conditions. However, let us bear in mind the fact that the weight of our vehicles in practice is usually at least 3.5 tons. In percentage terms, the largest part of this mass falls on the rear of the vehicle, i.e. the body. Most often, front-wheel drive, heavy cars have difficulty coping on surfaces with reduced traction properties. This makes it all the more important to choose the right tires adapted to the weather conditions and the specific nature of the vehicle.

Winter tires for motorhomes

The new concept of Adria is groundbreaking in many respects - especially in terms of design. The Slovenian manufacturer set itself the task of creating a mobile home with the functionality of a caravan . The result of work on this project are three systems introduced to the market with the markings 704HP, 754DP and 904HP. The marketing message shows that the manufacturer himself would not like to attach a specific patch to his designs. On the one hand, it emphasizes space, comfort and benefits for customers looking for a holiday home on wheels. We can take this house out of the season without any problems from the parking place. On the other hand, Adria Astella will be an excellent and comfortable partner in holiday travels to the farthest corners. The designers also focused on the aerodynamics of the structure and proven AL-KO solutions that increase the safety and comfort of travel.

Adria Astella - caravan or already a cottage?

The Matrix series is the Slovenian manufacturer's bestseller. In the new version of the PLUS series , campers surprise with many important changes. This confirms the brand's aspirations to the premium segment. The design is characteristic of the Adria brand and you may like it. Despite using the proven Fiat Ducato as the power unit, the vehicle's silhouette is elegant and modern. Attention is drawn to the muscular canopy with integrated lighting and the large panoramic window above the cab, as well as the modern, multi-function LED rear lamps built into the new bumper, already described in other models. The rear wall also has an integrated diffuser improving the aerodynamics of the structure. Adria Matrix Plus has a total of 5 different models/systems - 670 SC, 670 SL, 670 DL, 670 DC and 600 DT. The height is 2905 mm, and the lengths, depending on the version, range from 6985 to 7485 mm. In terms of GVM, what is important, we can choose from variants from 3.5t to 4.4t. The curb weight of the vehicles is at a level typical for the segment of cars of similar dimensions - approximately 2,930-3,100 kg.