Automatic gearboxes are available on the market practically from the very beginning of motorization, they guarantee travel comfort that is unavailable for manual counterparts. Unfortunately - especially in the eyes of Polish drivers - the machine only means a lot of problems, i.e. expensive breakdowns . So much for the stereotypical approach of many of us, the reality is different. Automatic transmissions have been offered for years in practically every segment, and show their advantages especially during typical city driving, as well as when towing heavy trailers . The users of cars with traditional transmissions know perfectly well the troublesome starting with a heavy load ( it is easy to burn the clutch ) and many other difficulties that we will not experience with the automatic transmission. Using a car with an automatic gearbox is very simple - just press the brake pedal when stationary, move the selector lever to the "D" position , then press the gas and move freely. after all, the transmission controller - in the standard setting , it ensures the lowest possible fuel consumption , switching to the highest gear as quickly as possible.

Automatic gearboxes

Older caravanning enthusiasts perfectly remember the realities of that time. For towing a caravan, the good-natured Fiat 125p, Polonez and even the sickly Maluch were enough. Today, drivers focus on versatile SUVs that combine the advantages of several different segments . Among the most interesting and popular market offers we can mention the Mazda CX5 . The Japanese SUV hit the market by storm, attracting customers with its innovative design and loudly advertised innovative technology . For many years, Mazda has been famous for producing boring, practical cars for everyone, with a few exceptions in the form of the crazy MX5 and RX8 . In 2012, a compact SUV debuted in the Japanese manufacturer's price lists - the CX5 model - announcing the upcoming radical changes. There is no trace of the old design, this time the stylists focused on dynamic embossing and aggressive lines . In addition to the standard daytime running lights made in LED technology , we can also count on xenon lights ( optional ). Already the shape of the front and rear bumpers clearly confirms the road disposition of the model - a typical bulbs (when approaching curbs we still have to be careful, this time with the low profile of the tires).

Mazda CX5 - an SUV straight from Japan

Each of us is well aware of the fact that all devices wear out naturally. Starting with the equipment of the living quarters of a caravan or motorhome, ending with mechanics. The service life of the engine, gearbox and other moving components depends on many factors. Of course, quality and regular, professional service using brand-name spare parts are of great importance. Nevertheless, even new equipment will quickly deteriorate (wear out) if the user makes certain mistakes. Contrary to appearances, you do not need to use the camper outside of paved trails to quickly destroy the suspension - and more. As reported by mechanics, users know many other "effective" ways. Let's start with the most common sin of drivers - aggressive driving on potholed roads . While dynamically passing each corner on our way, we only accelerate tire wear, similar behavior on a devastated artery means strenuous work of shock absorbers, springs, swingarms and all metal-rubber elements. What's more, the entire vehicle frame and the load-bearing structure of the bodywork also work in such conditions - plastic panels will start to crack after some time. Similar results also generate violent shocks - they can violate the tightness of the building. Another important issue that we often forget is the placement of the cargo inside the camper. Many drivers do not pay much attention to this, packing their luggage wherever possible. Instead, place the heaviest packages between the axles - keeping the weight evenly distributed and the load on each axle.

What are the effects of improper use?

Sprite is a trailer brand belonging to the Swift group. However, while Swift and Sterling trailers are a strong middle class, Sprite models are intended for less affluent customers. But Sprite Cruzer SR is completely out of place in the group of low-budget caravans ... Sprite offers two basic models. Alpine Sport is the cheapest model offered by the Swift Group, which does not mean that it can be purchased for the buck. Its prices in Germany start from around 17,000. euro. For a better equipped Sprite Cruzer trailer you need to spend at least 20.5 thousand. euro. However, we are talking about the 460 version, the length of which - without the drawbar - is 440 cm. Apart from it, four other variants are available, and the top version of the 495 SR (560 cm long) costs 22.5 thousand as standard. euro .

Sprite Cruzer SR - wealth for the thrifty

For an avid enthusiast of caravanning, mid-range and compact class wagons often turn out to be too small. Relatively low ground clearance and too small luggage capacity do not make them our favorites. Passenger buses are definitely the best choice for towing a trailer or for the pursuit of travel passions. In addition to the very popular Volkswagen Transporter in various versions (Multivan, Caravele), we also have a choice of Renault Trafica. Last year, the third version of the French special-purpose car went on sale, of course, we are most interested in the passenger variants.

Renault Trafic - an almost perfect solution

There are many specialized companies operating on the European caravanning market. Thanks to that, as customers, we have a huge choice: in terms of design, price, quality and many others. In addition to extremely popular brands such as Hobby and Knaus, we also find less known manufacturers. Their offer is also worth getting interested in. In the shadow of market leaders, Forster has been creating its vehicles for many years - the German company does not have a wide range of models. Nevertheless, the Teilintegriete model can easily appeal to the tastes of sensible customers who focus on functionality and mobility . Like other similar designs, it was based on the chassis of Fiat Ducato , the undisputed leader of camping bodies. In terms of appearance, the German camper does not differ from competitors of a similar size. The windows, slightly protruding beyond the outline of the building development, were additionally darkened , as well as the skylight. The individual stickers for the manufacturer should also be mentioned.

Forster Teilintegrierte - vacation midfielder

Clever Vans is a German company that offers nine camper-van models. In each case, the customer can choose whether he wants a body based on a Fiat Ducato or a Citroen Jumper. Fiat Ducato and Citroen Jumper are twin models that leave the same factory in Italy. So it may seem that choosing between these two cars does not make much sense. And yet! The differences are and apply primarily to engines - both Fiat and Citroen use their own power units. The result of this is, among others higher torque and lower fuel consumption in the Ducato . In addition, you can order more optional extras for Fiat, including the Comfort-Matic automatic transmission . The jumper, however, costs less and is equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain . That's why Clever gives you a choice.

Clever means clever

The vast majority of Polish drivers value cars made by German and Japanese manufacturers above all else, considering the rest to be underdeveloped and problematic. For decades , Korean cars were considered the epitome of trash and lack of panache. Nevertheless, recently Hyundai and Kia are catching up very quickly for many years, a perfect example of which is the current offer of each brand. For us, the most interesting in the Hyundai model range is the compact SUV - the IX35 model . The Korean competitor of the Toyota RAV4 has been taking global markets by storm since 2010, finding a huge number of customers. The sophisticated lines of the body are diversified by prominent xenon headlamps as well as daytime and taillights made in LED technology . Designers also tried to incorporate the embossments running along the entire length of the car - the whole drawn in this way, contrary to appearances, looks extremely European.

Hyundai IX35 2.0 CDRi - Korean on vacation

The most famous caravan brands in Poland come from Germany, but the world does not end with our western neighbors. For example, in the Netherlands, Kip Caravan has been producing trailers for 80 years, which gives unlimited possibilities of personalizing its models. The Kip company was founded in 1934 and, as is often the case in this industry, it all started with one person - in this case Jan Kip - and a caravan built for private use. Later, there were orders for the purchase of trailers, followed by others, and in 1949 it was possible to speak of mass production . However, what is particularly interesting, according to the manufacturer, as much as 70% of the trailers produced so far are still in use!.

Caravaning in Dutch

There is no need to remind you about the advantages of caravanning. Independence, mobility - almost no restrictions . Nevertheless, this form of spending free time also has serious disadvantages. It is enough to mention the accompanying costs . Even a few days' rental of a motorhome will cost you a considerable amount of money. The purchase of used or new equipment is even more expensive - and this is just the beginning of the investment. Faced with the high service and maintenance costs that are required to keep a motorhome in good condition, many people are looking for savings . The problem, however, is the way we try to save. We very often decide to buy cheap spare parts of unknown origin and low quality . Equally miserable, even unfavorable results will be obtained if you delay in carrying out maintenance repairs or replacing worn components. Another serious sin for camper owners is carelessness . Instead of systematically taking care of the cleanliness and hygiene of the interior , as well as all systems that require it, they limit themselves to only superficial cleaning . Of course, buying high-quality chemicals intended for this purpose means a large expense - which is better to avoid.

What is not worth saving on when servicing a camper?

The offer of producers of tourist equipment changes with each subsequent season. Companies introduce more and more interesting models, configurations and equipment options to their price lists. This does not mean, however, that the proposals that have been known for years go by the wayside. When browsing the catalog of one of the most popular German manufacturers - Hobby - the Siesta Alkoven model attracts attention, which is quite a reasonable proposition on the market. Not every caravanner has the same needs and expectations for a motorhome. Some of us are fine with a budget, fully integrated motorhome. Others need something more spacious. From the outside, Hobby Siesta Alkoven looks like any other motorhome of its class - the bodywork based on the Fiat Ducato chassis is enriched with interesting stickers . Powerful rear-view mirrors turn out to be very useful while driving, and the reversing sensors have also found a significant use. When choosing a motorhome with an extensive alcove, we must take into account the huge air resistance it generates, because they translate into diesel fuel consumption . Therefore, it is worth considering ordering one of the more powerful engines from the offer, because it will make driving much more pleasant.

Hobby Siesta Alkoven - functionality for holidays

When the family has more people than the parents and two children, trips can be problematic. How to organize such a vacation? Where to store your luggage? How to watch over three or four children? Wait a minute ... What if you decide to have a trailer with six berths?. Most popular caravans provide four sleeping places. There are also many options for couples without children - two sleeping places in the caravan allow you to relax without giving up free space. However, no matter how we advertise the advantages of caravans with a small number of beds, we will not convince families with children. A family of five or six is able to forgo many amenities in exchange for additional sleeping places .

View all motorhomes

Motorhome & Caravan news

Automatic gearboxes